History of Milwaukee, city and county, Volume III, Part 100

Author: Bruce, William George, 1856-1949; Currey, J. Seymour (Josiah Seymour), b. 1844
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 912

USA > Wisconsin > Milwaukee County > Milwaukee > History of Milwaukee, city and county, Volume III > Part 100

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Riggs, a native of Salem, Massachusetts, who survives her husband and is now living in Milwaukee.

Frank J. Edwards was born in Waterford, Racine county, September 22, 1877, and after attending the public and high schools of Milwaukee, to which city he came in 1892, took up the study of law and successfully passed the required examinations but never practiced. He turned his attention to the bicycle business, in which he continued for four years and later he took up the manufacture of gas engines. Subsequently he drifted into the automobile business as a dealer, in January, 1909, and made the first con- tract with the Kissel Car Company for Milwaukee, continuing as a representative of that company for about nine years, during which time he built up a very large business. Previous to this, however, or in 1907, he made his first contract and sold the first auto- mobile that the Kissel Car Company ever put on the market in Chicago. In the fall of 1914 Mr. Edwards organized his own company under the name of the Edwards Motor Company but continued to sell the Kissel car for several years afterward. Today he is at the head of one of the largest automobile companies of Milwaukee and retails more cars than any other dealer in the city, handling the Dodge Brothers car exclusively. His large plant is situated at Seventh and Chestnut streets, where he maintains not only his sales agency but also a large service station. He sells not only new cars but used cars, parts, etc. The company has a floor space in this plant of seventy thousand square feet, while at its building at 2713-15 Grand avenue, it has a floor space of sixteen thousand feet. Its business amounts to a million dollars annually, resulting altogether from sales to the retail trade. The company has the finest show rooms and offices of any automobile concern in the city and the business has long since reached a place of leadership among the automobile enterprises of Milwaukee. Mr. Edwards in former years has been interested in several outside companies from which, however, he is now retiring, that he may devote his entire time and attention to the business of the Edwards Motor Company, of which he is sole proprietor.

On the 17th of June, 1903, Mr. Edwards was married to Miss Martha Brandecker of Milwaukee, and they have two children: Catharine and Frank J., Jr. Mr. Edwards is prominently and popularly known in club circles, belonging to the Milwaukee Athletic, the Wisconsin, the Blue Mound Country and Tripoli Country Clubs. He is likewise a member of the Masonic fraternity, has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and belongs to Tripoli Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He possesses those qualities which attract friendship and which win high regard. In business he has planned and has achieved-his purposes are well defined and he never stops short of the successful accomplishment of his purpose.

EDWARD J. FELLMAN.

Edward J. Fellman, president of the Phenix Manufacturing Company and sole pro- prietor of this business, is one of the self-made men of Milwaukee, whose enterprise and force of character have not only constituted a potent element in .the attainment of in- dividual success but have also been forces in commercial growth and progress in the city. Mr. Fellman was born in Hanover, Ontario, Canada, December 27, 1866, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Schneider) Fellman, the former a native of Germany, while the latter was of Canadian birth. The father emigrated from Europe to Canada when a youth of about eighteen years and for some time devoted his attention to broom mann- facturing. Subsequently he became a minister of the German Baptist church and de- voted his life to that holy calling for a period of fifty-five years, becoming one of the best known Baptist ministers of the country. He filled the pulpit of many leading churches and was a man held in the highest esteem and honor not only by those of his own denomination but by all with whom he came into contact in every relation of life. His memory is enshrined in the hearts of many who knew him and his teachings serve as an inspiration in the lives of all who knew him. He died in January, 1918, and is still survived by his widow, who makes her home in Oak Park, one of Chicago's beautiful suburbs.

Edward J. Fellman was educated in the public schools of Ontario, Canada, and Rochester, New York, in an academy of that city and in the Rochester Theological Semi- nary, in which he pursued a preparatory course and graduated therefrom. He did not specially care to follow the profession of the ministry, however, having a preference for a commercial career, and took up additional preparation and studies for business life. In 1891 he came to Milwaukee without a cent but possessed of that energy and ambition which have constituted the foundation upon which many a fortune has been built. He obtained employment with the dry goods firm of Espenhain & Bartell in charge of the linen and drapery department and there remained for three years, during which time he patented the Phenix hanger and fastener for hanging and fastening screens and storm sash and windows, up to which time there had been nothing of the kind on the market. Mr. Fellman spent about seven years in putting this device on the market

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and had to practice the most rigid economy in order to gain a start but his labors, ex- perience and patience at length triumphed and he is now reaping the generous harvest of his efforts. The device was first brought to him to develop and patent and consisted of three small pieces of metal in crude form. Since then many improvements and changes have been made until the device is now one of the most useful things of the kind on the market and leads the world in this particular branch of hardware specialties for screen and sash hangers and fasteners. Their value is recognized and they are used extensively by the United States government on all government buildings and by the general building trade everywhere. The company makes its own tools and dies and has a large factory, purchasing steel in carloads. Their product is today sold from coast to coast and is advertised through an attractive catalog and also placed upon the market through traveling salesmen. Mr. Fellman also has patented various garage door bolts and holders, which are finding a ready sale on the market on account of the quick adjustment in holding and locking the doors. The company is improving its line of manufactured articles at all times and has built up a large business through honest dealings and as a result of the value of the products handled. Mr. Fellman's principal motto has been "not how cheap but how good" and developing his business upon that basis he has found his trade constantly growing, by reason of the fact that his patrons have been thoroughly satisfied with their purchases. There are now two branches to the factory, the metalworking and woodworking, the latter specializ- ing in wood frames, storm sash and doors and reversible window frames. The work of the metal department covers the hangers and fasteners for screens and storm sash bolts and holders and kindred items. These are made up and kept in stock while the goods of the woodworking department are all made to order, In connection with the screen business the company has gone beyond the old idea of a standard type of screen, placing upon the market a new screen altogether, having the full screen instead of a half screen and supplied with devices that work most easily. The device for doors, windows and sleeping porches is the most easily operated ever put on the market and year by year the business has developed and expanded. the trade growing steadily until the sales now amount to more than one hundred and fifty thousand dollars per year.

On the 22d of June, 1894, Mr. Fellman was married to Miss Sarah E. Helm of Indianapolis, Indiana, and they are parents of four children: Judson L., who is asso- ciated with his father in business; Esther Marie, a student of Denison University of Ohio; Harriet Eleanor and Edward Dean, attending the public schools. The elder son was in the service during the World war as a member of the Eighteenth Field Artillery of the Third Division and was sent overseas, where he participated in five important battles, including the engagement at Chateau Thierry, where the American forces turned the tide of German advance, and ending in the bloody battle of the Argonne forest. He was also with the Army of Occupation in Germany for eight months.

Mr. and Mrs. Fellman are members of the First Baptist church, in the work of which they are helpfully interested, Mr. Fellman now serving as chairman of the board of trustees. He is also first vice president of the Northern Baptist convention of foreign missionary societies and has held other offices in connection with the state conventions of his church. He belongs to the Milwaukee Athletic Club, the Milwaukee Rotary Club and finds his recreation in fishing and outdoor sports. His life has ever been actuated by high and honorable principles and dominated by a sense of justice and right. These qualities he has manifested in every relation and the sterling worth of his character as well as the success of his achievements in business is attested by all who know him.

HON. JOHN C. KLECZKA.

Hon. John C. Kleczka, member of congress from Milwaukee, has long been a prominent figure in the political circles of this city and recognized as one of the re- publican leaders of the state. His ability and qualities of leadership have brought him prominently to the front in many connections and he is leaving the impress of his individuality in large measure upon the annals of community and commonwealth. Milwaukee proudly numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred on the 6th of May, 1885, his parents being Michael and Agnes (Wiza) Kleczka, both of whom were natives of the province of Posen, Germany, and were among the pioneer Polish residents of Milwaukee. Their family numbered six children: John C., Edmund, Mary, Leonard, Helen and Casimir.

In the acquirement of his education John C. Kleczka attended St. Stanislaus' parochial school and Marquette College, from which he was graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree as a member of the class of 1905. He also received the degrees of Master of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from Marquette University and pursued postgraduate courses at the Catholic University of America at Washington, D. C., and the University of Wisconsin. Following his graduation he was appointed deputy clerk of the circuit conrts and made a most capable official in that position, his work receiving the high

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endorsement of bench and bar. Since 1909 he has been actively engaged in the practice of law. From early manhood he has been keenly interested in political problems and has become a prominent figure in republican circles. On the first of September, 1908, at the primary election, he was the choice of the republican voters of the eighth district as a candidate for state senator, to which he was elected in the following November, although the district was carried by Bryan and the democratic ticket generally. More- over, he had as his opponent a very prominent democrat of wide acquaintance, William H. Graebner, so that his victory was a notable one. In 1912 he was elected delegate from the fourth congressional district to the National Republican Convention. In 1914 he was appointed by the circuit judges as court commissioner of the circuit courts of Milwaukee. In 1918 he was elected to congress and reelected in 1920 and is now an active member of the national legislative organization which is solving many of the vital problems that are of the deepest concern to the country.

On October 18th, 1911, Mr. Kleczka married Wanda Helen Lukomski of Milwaukee and they have three children: Rosemary, Elenore and John C., Jr.

Mr. Kleczka has also manifested the kecnest interest in the welfare and upbuilding of his native city. He was one of the directors of the South Side Civic Association and a member of its legislative committee. He is likewise a consistent member of St. Vincent De Paul's Roman Catholic church and is identified with various fraternal and civic organizations. He is recognized as a leader among the people of Milwaukee in all that pertains to civic development and upbuilding, and his leadership is followed by · many. He is always approachable, genial and courteous, is a close and thorough student of the signs of the time, holds to high ideals, and judging by the past his future career will be well worth watching.

JULIUS WALTER KLEINBOEHL, M. D.

Among the worthy native sons of Milwaukee who have entered professional ranks is Dr. Julius Walter Kleinboehl, a well known physician, surgeon and urologist, who maintains his office at No. 221 Grand avenue. His birth occurred in this city on the 18th of January, 1881, his parents being Ferdinand and Caroline ( Wilk) Kleinboehl, who still make their home in Milwaukee, where they have an extensive circle of friends. The father, who was long successfully engaged in the wholesale grocery business, is now retired.

J. W. Kleinboehl was reared in Milwaukee and following his graduation from the East Side high school he entered upon preparation for a professional career as a student in the medical department of Marquette University, then known as the Wiscon- sin College of Physicians and Surgeons, which conferred upon him the degree of M. D. at his graduation with the class of 1902. Milwaukee has always remained the scene of his professional labors and from time to time he has augmented his knowledge by postgraduate study, visiting Chicago for that purpose and going abroad on two different occasions. He spent nearly two years in Vienna and has also done postgraduate work in New York city in order to qualify as a specialist in urology. He belongs to the Milwaukee Medical Society, the Milwaukee County Medical Society, the Wisconsin State Medical Society and the American Medical Association and through the proceedings of these bodies keeps thoroughly informed concerning the latest scientific researches and dis- coveries of the profession.

On the 14th of August, 1903, Dr. Kleinboehl was united in marriage to Miss Natalie Phelan, a native of Birmingham, Alabama. Outdoor sports have always made strong appeal to the Doctor, who was captain of a baseball team while at high school. He is fond of hunting and fishing and is also a lover of music.

WILLIAM H. VOGEL.

Nature seems to have intended that the man who rightly uses his powers and his opportunities should enjoy a period of rest and leisure in his later years. In youth one is imbued with great power, energy and ambition, which in later years becomes ripened through experience and judgment. Then comes the period when the energy of youth and of mature manhood is somewhat abated and there should be a period of leisure in which to enjoy the fruits of former toil. This has come to William H. Vogel of Milwau- kee, who for many years was a well known contractor and builder but is now living retired. He was born in Germany, in 1846, a son of Ludwig Vogel, who came to America in 1849, settling in Milwaukee, where he engaged in building operations, contracting and erecting a great many of the best buildings of the city.

William H. Vogel was reared and educated in Milwaukee and after reaching young manhood he became associated with his father in business and was admitted to a

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partnership, the firm being known as F. L. Vogel & Son. Later two other sons, brothers of William H. Vogel, came into the firm and the business was then carried on under the name of F. L. Vogel & Sons. Thus they operated until 1913 and erected many of the prominent buildings of the city. In fact many of the most substantial structures of Milwaukee stand as monuments to the skill and ability of the members of the firm. William H. Vogel also became president of the Wisconsin Machinery & Manufacturing Company and the business is still being carried on by his sons, Louis E. Vogel and J. W. Otto, who operate the plant located at Fifty-second and Burnham streets in West Allis, the firm being founded by the Vogels.

William H. Vogel was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Kieckhefer and they be- came the parents of a daughter, Clara. The wife and mother passed away and Mr. Vogel afterward wedded Elizabeth Boorse. They became parents of two children: Louis E .; and Flora, the wife of J. W. Otto. In his political views Mr. Vogel is a re- publican but has never been an office seeker. He belongs to the Old Settlers Club and is well known in Milwaukee, where he has resided since 1849, or for a period of seventy- two years. There are, indeed, few residents of the city who are more familiar with her history or have more continuously witnessed the growth and development that has been carried on here through seven decades. Through his business activity Mr. Vogel has contributed to the welfare and upbuilding of Milwaukee and his worth and value as a citizen are widely acknowledged by the many who are proud to name him as a friend.

GEORGE H. HOFFMANN. M. D.

Dr. George H. Hoffmann, a physician and surgeon with offices at No. 3929 Scott street in Milwaukee, qualified for his profession in the medical department of Marquette Uni- versity, from which he was graduated with the class of 1916. He is a native son of this state, his birth having occurred on a farm near Lyons, Wisconsin, February 22, 1889. His father, John Hoffmann, formerly devoted his life to the occupation of farming but is now a machinist. He married Elizabeth Bienenann, who, like her husband, was born in Wisconsin and both are still residents of this state.

George H. Hoffmann spent a portion of his youth on the old homestead farm with the usual experiences of the hoy that is reared in a rural environment. Later the family residence was established in Lake Geneva and there George H. Hoffmann continued his education until graduated from the Lake Geneva high school, with the class of 1908. He then faced the necessity of making his initial step in the business world and secured a clerkship in a grocery store at that place but was not content to devote his life to com- mercial interests, believing that he would find a professional career much more con- genial. Accordingly he entered Marquette College as a medical student in 1912 and on the completion of a four years' course was graduated in 1916, at which time the M. D. degree was conferred upon him. He served for nearly two years as interne in Mount Sinai Hospital in Milwaukee and gained that broad and valuable experience which is never as quickly secured in any other way as in hospital practice. Since 1918 he has followed his profession independently in Milwaukee and his practice has steadily grown in volume and in importance. He keeps in touch with the trend of modern thought and scientific investigation through his membership in the Milwaukee County Medical Society, the Wisconsin State Medical Association and the American Medical Association.

On the 30th of June, 1919, Dr. Hoffmann was married to Miss Luella Treymann, who was born in Bay City, Michigan, and they have one son, George Treymann, whose birth occurred November 15, 1920. The religious, faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and Dr. Hoffmann is connected with the Knights of Columbus. He is actuated in his professional career by a most laudable ambition that prompts broad study, re- sulting in the development of his powers and the attainment of a proficiency that is continually manifest in the excellent results that attend his practice.

JACOB LAUBENHEIMER.

Jacob Laubenheimer, inspector and assistant chief of police of the Milwaukee police department, with which he has been continuously connected during the past forty-two years, has spent practically his entire life in this city, having been brought here by his parents when in his first year. His birth occurred in Newark, New Jersey, on the 25th of November, 1849, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. Peter Laubenheimer, who crossed the Atlantic from Germany to the United States in 1846 in company with John Lauhen- heimer, brother of Peter Laubenheimer. The brothers lived in Newark for about three years, on the expiration of which period they came west and settled in Milwaukee in the spring of 1850, here following their trade as coopers for many years. In 1854 Peter

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and John Laubenheimer bought their homes on Walnut and Eighth streets on a portion of land which was part of the site then known as Quentin's Park, later as Schlitz Park and at the present time known as Lapham Park. During that time the two brothers served on the Milwaukee volunteer fire department for several years, being first mem- bers of Engine Company Oregon No. 3, located at Third and Poplar streets, while in 1859 they were appointed to the new Washington Company No. 8, located on Tenth street, just north of Walnut street. John Laubenheimer served as foreman and Peter Lauhen- heimer as steward of the company, while young Jacob Lauhenheimer acted as torch boy. Peter Laubenheimer, father of Jacob Laubenheimer of this review, conducted a cooperage business in Milwaukee for a number of years, or until 1875, when he re- tired. He passed away on the 17th of January, 1901, at the age of eighty-four years, honored and respected hy all who knew him by reason of his upright and useful life. The period of his residence in Milwaukee covered a half century and he had made sub- stantial contribution to the early development and upbuilding of the city.

John Laubenheimer, brother of Peter Laubenheimer, served as a member of the city council of Milwaukee in the years 1858 and 1859 and on the 6th of December, 1860, was appointed a patrolman on the Milwaukee police department. On the 22d of April, 1862, he resigned his position and enlisted for service in the Civil war, joining Company L, Fourth Wisconsin Cavalry, with which he remained until the cessation of hostilities, acting as an orderly sergeant under Lieutenant Peck (Ex-Governor). On the 7th of April, 1867, in company with several other citizens, John Laubenheimer founded the Freie Gemeinde, of which association he became a trustee. During his term as trustee the Freie Gemeinde hall was huilt at a cost of twenty-five thousand dollars and in this was later installed a library of four hundred volumes. The hall was also used for religious and musical entertainments and gained a national reputation.

Jacob Lauhenheimer, whose name introduces this review, attended the old public schools in the sixth ward-located at Fourth and Cherry streets and at Twelfth and Galena streets. Subsequently he became a student in the Lincoln College at the south- west corner of East Water and Wisconsin streets. After putting aside his textbooks he spent several years as a clerk in the employ of James B. Cross, importer and ex- mayor of Milwaukee, on Broadway, near Wisconsin street. On severing that connection he turned his attention to the cigar maker's trade, at which he worked until May 7, 1880, when he was appointed a patrolman on the Milwaukee police department by Mayor Thomas H. Brown. He soon gained recognition for his efficiency and integrity and on the 1st of April, 1883, was promoted to the rank of roundsman. A few months later, on the 15th of August, 1883, he was appointed a detective, while on the 9th of June, 1887, he hecame a lieutenant of police and on the 1st of June, 1889, was appointed a captain, serving in the last named capacity for twenty-three years, or until April 8, 1912, when he was made inspector. From October 3, 1920, until May 7, 1921, Inspector Jacob Lauben- heimer as acting chief of police was in fact the head of the Milwaukee police department until his son, Jacob Laubenheimer, was appointed chief of police on the latter date. He is now filling the dual position of inspector and assistant chief of police and the value of his service in this connection is widely recognized and appreciated.

On the 14th of June, 1873, Inspector Laubenheimer was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Romes of Milwaukee and they are widely and favorably known throughout the city, where the hospitality of the best homes is cordially extended them.

JACOB G. LAUBENHEIMER.

Jacob G. Laubenheimer, who has been identified with the Milwaukee police depart- ment for nearly three decades, was appointed chief of police on the 7th of May, 1921, and has since discharged the duties of that important and responsible position in a most creditable and satisfactory manner. He represents one of the old and prominent families of the city that was established here almost three-fourths of a century ago and was born in Milwaukee on the 19th of March, 1874, his parents being Jacob and Barbara (Romes) Laubenheimer. The birth of the father occurred in Newark, New Jersey, in 1849 and it was in the following year that he was brought by his parents to Milwaukee. Peter Laubenheimer, the paternal grandfather of Jacob G. Lanbenheimer of this review, was born in 1817 and departed this life in 1901. By trade he was a cooper, John Lauben- heimer, hrother of Peter Laubenheimer, was a member of the volunteer fire department of Milwaukee from about 1854 until 1859 and served in the city council in 1858 and 1859. In 1862 he enlisted for service in the Civil war. His demise occurred on the 15th of December, 1916. Mrs. Barbara ( Romes) Laubenheimer came to Milwaukee in 1859 with her parents, who took up their abode in a home of their own at the corner of Eleventh and Winnebago streets. Her father, Andrew Romes, died in 1861.

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History of Milwaukee, city and county, Volume III, Part 100

Author: Bruce, William George, 1856-1949; Currey, J. Seymour (Josiah Seymour), b. 1844 Publication date: 1922 Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 912

Author: Bruce, William George, 1856-1949; Currey, J. Seymour (Josiah Seymour), b. 1844
Publication date: 1922
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 912