USA > Wisconsin > Milwaukee County > Milwaukee > History of Milwaukee, city and county, Volume III > Part 22
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On the 10th of October, 1906, Mr. Krueck was united in marriage to Miss Florence Ziemer of Buffalo, New York, and they have become the parents of a daughter, Florence. Mr. Krueck belongs to the Masonic fraternity and is a loyal follower of the teachings
FRED W. KRUECK
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and purposes of the craft. He has built several of the best homes in South Milwaukee and his former home was one of the most beautiful residences in that city. Mr. Krueck now lives in Wauwatosa. He is today a representative of the family in the third gen- eration in this county and throughout all the years since his grandfather made pioneer settlement here the family name has stood as a synonym for progress and improvement in this section of the state.
EARL G. WENZEL.
Earl G. Wenzel, secretary and treasurer of the A. E. Pohlman Company and a life- long resident of Milwaukee, where he has made for himself a most enviable position not only in business circles but in the regard of his fellow townsmen, was here born July 7, 1900. His father, Michael Wenzel, who was born in Milwaukee and represented a family of German lineage, was a lithographer and died in this city March 2, 1913. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Radtke, was also born in Milwaukee, of German parentage, and her death occurred on the 2d of September, 1912.
Earl G. Wenzel was educated in the public schools of Milwaukee and was graduated from the East Side high school with the class of 1918. He afterward attended a technical high school in Milwaukee and was in the service in connection with the great war while a student there. He became a seaman of the second class and had about three months of naval service, while during the remainder of his connection with the army he was on duty with the intelligence department. Leaving school, he went with the American Appraisal Company as architectural draftsman, having made a specialty of the study of architecture while in the technical high school. He continued with that firm for about six months and later was associated with the Laabs-Pohlman Company as salesman and all-around man. In March, 1921, the name was changed to its present style and he became secretary and treasurer. They do an extensive business in commercial photography, having built up their trade until it is now one of large proportions. Their work is of the highest artistic merit and of superior workmanship in execution and Mr. Wenzel and the other officers of the company have always maintained the highest degree of efficiency and have recognized the fact that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement. While in school and after he had become an expert photographer, Mr. Wenzel was constantly reaching out toward better things and has ever been actuated by a laudable ambition that has found expression in his con- stant advancement.
On the 15th of October, 1921, Mr. Wenzel was united in marriage to Miss Ruby Pohlman, a sister of Arthur Earl Pohlman, his business associate, in connection with whose history on another page of this work is found more extensive reference to the family.
Mr. and Mrs. Wenzel attended the Lutheran church and he has membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of the Maccabees. He belongs to the Association of Commercial Photographers and also to the Association of Commerce. He is a lover of music and possesses highly artistic tendencies. He does most creditable sketching of landscapes and he is a lover of athletics and all outdoor sports. He has played professional baseball and was a letter man at high school in the football and baseball teams. He has also played basket ball professionally and he recognizes fully the value of recreation, especially as found in physical exercise, which constitutes an even balance to the demands of business life.
DR. RICHARD PAUL MOMSEN.
Dr. Richard Paul Momsen, distinguished attorney and author of various legal works, is now actively engaged in the practice of law in Rio de Janeiro but still has many important business connections in the United States and is prominently known in Milwaukee, where his birth occurred September 12, 1890. He is a son of William H. and Mary L. (Groth) Momsen and in the acquirement of his education was gradu- ated from Trinity school of this city with the class of 1904. He also attended the Fourteenth district school of Milwaukee, in which he completed his studies in 1905. and was graduated from the South Division high school of this city in 1909.
It was in February, 1909, that Dr. Momsen was appointed private secretary to Congressman William J. Cary, which position he filled until February, 1913. In the meantime he took up the study of law and was graduated from the George Wash- ington University with the LL. B. degree in 1912. In the same year he was appointed to the American consular service and in 1913 was made deputy consul general at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 1915 he was made vice consul at Rio de Janeiro. and in
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1916 he visited the principal commercial centers of the United States for the organ- ization of the American Chamber of Commerce for Brazil.
It was at this time that Dr. Momsen was admitted to the Wisconsin bar. He receive the degree of Bachelor of Juridical and Social Sciences at the Faculty of Law. Rio de Janeiro, and was the first American admitted to the Brazilian bar in 1917. In February, 1918, he assumed the duties of American consulate general in Brazil, which position he occupied until February, 1919, when he resigned in order to engage actively in the practice of law in Rio de Janeiro. White devoting the major part of his attention to the duties of his profession, in which he manifests a laudable ambition as well as marked capability, he likewise has other business interests, being now a director of the Fox Film Corporation in Brazil, a director of the Studebaker Corporation in Brazil, representative of the Western Union Telegraph Company, rep- resentative of the Corn Exchange National Bank of Philadelphia and counsel for the American Exporters and Importers Association. His authorship has made him widely known. He has studied many of the vital questions of national and inter- national importance from the standpoint of a lawyer and is today well known as the author of "Legal Requirements for the Operation of Foreign Corporations in Brazil," "Legal Procedure Governing Patents, Trade Marks and Copyrights in Brazil," "Brazilian Stamp Tax Law" and various other legal works of an important and valuable character. He has likewise been a frequent contributor to Brazilian and American law periodicals.
On the 27th of October, 1921, Dr. Momsen was united in marriage to Miss Dorothea Anne Harnecker of New York city. Dr. Momsen is a Mason and is a valued member of many scientific and social organizations. He is an honorary member of the Brazilian Geographical Society, an honorary member of the Commercial Association of Rio de Janeiro, a director and legal advisor of the American Chamber of Commerce for Brazil, a director of the Rio de Janeiro Country Club and a trustee of the Union church of Rio de Janeiro. He is likewise a trustee of the Young Women's Christian Association of Rio de Janeiro and a trustee of the Rio de Janeiro Chapter of the American Red Cross. He has membership in the Jockey Club of that city, in the Fluminense Athletic Club and in the Rio de Janeiro Athletic Club. He also belongs to the Automobile Club of Sao Paulo, Brazil, the Tennis Club of Petropolis, Brazil, the Sao Panto Country Club, the American Chamber of Commerce at Sao Paulo and along other than social lines he has connection with the Brazilian Press Association, the Brazilian Bar Association and the American Society of International law. He also belongs to the Kappa Sigma fraternity, is a member of the Brazilian Centennial Committee and a member of the Lawyers' Club of New York city. On the 11th of January, 1922, he was appointed by President Harding to the United States com- mission to the Brazilian exposition, to be held in September. While practicing his profession in Brazil and prominently connected with professional, social and public interests in that country, he also maintains close association with the interests of the North American continent and has an extremely wide acquaintance among people of prominence.
HOWARD W. RUSSELL.
Secret service and the name Russell have become synonymous in the middle west due to the success which has been achieved in the secret service business by Howard W. Russell, Inc. of Milwaukee, at the head of which stands Howard W. Russell as president, whose farsighted business policy, capable management and careful direction has built up a clientage that makes this enterprise the foremost of its character in this section of the country.
Howard W. Russell was born in Franklin, Warren county, Ohio, June 1, 1884, the son of William C. and Julia E. ( Boswell) Russell, both natives of Ohio and of Scotch descent. The father was engaged in the paper mill business for over thirty years and for seven years was associated with his son, Howard W., as vice president of Howard W. Russell, Inc. The family numbered four sons and a daughter: Howard W., Raymond B .. Walker C., Dwight E. and Marguerite E.
Howard W. Russell put aside his textbooks at the early age of twelve years and began attending the school of experience. Actual factory work at the usual meager wages paid inexperienced help was his lot until he reached the age of eighteen, when, an opportunity presenting itself, he began his apprenticeship as an operative in secret service work at Cleveland, Ohio. Like a duck to water he took to his work, and when still a young man he became general manager of one of the largest secret service agencies in the country. Ambition spurring him on, in 1909 be embarked in the secret service business for himself in the city of Milwaukee, becoming one of the first tenants in the Caswell block, and today, or thirteen years later, his company is one of the largest agencies of its kind in the country. The business is organized under the name of Howard W. Russell, Inc., with Mr. Russell as president and treasurer; W. Welling-
HOWARD W. RUSSELL
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ton Burgett, vice president; Walker C. Russell, secretary; and Arthur M. Evans, super- intendent. We are strong or weak according to the knowledge or information we possess, and the heads of some of the most representative firms in Milwaukee, and in fact throughout the country, have found the service of Howard W. Russell, Inc. a most valuable aid in securing information desired. This service briefly is to secure information for anybody, anywhere, any time. A very important part of their service is that of preventing and adjusting strikes and labor troubles.
Mr. Russell's life has not been one of ease. On the contrary he has worked hard from boyhood days, having been given limited educational opportunities, but diligence and industry have enabled him to overcome obstacles and difficulties in his path. He has continually hroadened his knowledge through study of human nature and through wide worldly experience, and is now enjoying the fruits of his endeavor. Although only thirty-seven years of age he is at the head of a mammoth business, owns a beautiful home at 530 Astor street, Milwaukee, and a farm at Grafton, Wiscousin.
Mr. Russell is well known in Masonic circles, being a thirty-second degree Mason and a member of Tripoli Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the Mil- waukee Lodge of Elks; Wisconsin Lodge, No. 1, K. P .; to ElWakodis, No. 165, D. O. K. K .; to the Milwaukee Eagles; and to the Milwaukee Moose, of which he is a life member. He has membership in the Milwaukee Athletic Club, the Westminster Civic Club and the Optimist Club. He is likewise a life member of the Holstein-Friesian Association of America, which is indicative of his deep interest in high grade live stock. He finds recreation and pleasure in his farm and at the same time conducts the important interests which are under his direction as head of Howard W. Russell, Inc., which firm is a member of the Milwaukee Association of Commerce.
WILLIAM A. McMILLAN.
William A. McMillan, vice president and treasurer of the Lindsay-McMillan Com- pany of Milwaukee, his native city, has manifested that thoroughness and diligence which is so essential to the attainment of success in this day of close competition. He was born January 20, 1885, and is a son of Thomas McMillan, whose birth occurred at Campbelltown, Scotland, on the 1st of April, 1847. He spent the first twenty-five years of his life in the land of hills and heather and then crossed the Atlantic to the United States, making his way to Milwaukee. Here he became associated with the E. P. Allis Company, at that time engaged in building the largest pumping engine of the present water system, and Mr. McMillan was placed in charge of that engine. He manifested such capability in that connection that the city council engaged him to supervise the pumping of city water and about 1910 he was appointed superintendent of the city power plant, a position which he continued to fill until his death on the 1st of May, 1920, and Milwaukee lost one of her representative men. More extended mention of Thomas McMillan is made in connection with the sketch of his son, John Walter McMillan, on another page of this work.
At the usual age William A. McMillan, whose name introduces this record, be- came a pupil in the public schools of Milwaukee, passing through consecutive grades to the East Division high school, and when his course there was completed he becanie a student in the University of Wisconsin, from which he was graduated in 1909 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. During his college days he became a member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity and he was also a member of the track team of the university and throughout the intervening years has been much interested in athletics.
With the completion of his university course Mr. McMillan entered the employ of the O'Neil Oil & Paint Company of Milwaukee in the sales department and con- tinued with that house until January 1, 1918, when he became associated with the Delaney Oil Company, forming a partnership with Walter S. Lindsay and becoming vice president and treasurer of the company. The business had been established in 1884 and has maintained a continuous existence throughout the intervening period to the present. They manufacture oil products of all kinds and distribute gasoline and lubricating oils to manufacturers and dealers. Their market covers the entire United States and the business is now one of very substantial and gratifying proportions.
On the 17th of February, 1914. Mr. McMillan was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Howe, a daughter of Andrew J. Howe of Meadville, Pennsylvania, and a sister of Frederic C. Howe, who was a member of the Garfield law firm of Cleveland and also United States immigration commissioner at New York. He is likewise well known as an author, having written largely along political economy lines. He was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania, and is a representative of one of the oldest and best known families of the United States. Mr. and Mrs. McMillan have hecome the parents of one child, Jane Howe.
Politically Mr. McMillan maintains an independent course nor has he ever been
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an active political worker. He belongs to the Westminster Presbyterian church and the nature of his interests is Further indicated in his membership in the University Club, the Town Club, the City Club, the Milwaukee Athletic Club, the Oconomowoc Golf Club and the Association of Commerce. He spends the summer months in an attractive home at Oconomowoc Lake and in the winter seasons maintains his resi- dence at No. 294 Farwell avenue. His record has been one of steady progress and successful achievement and through the development of his powers he has gained a place among the prominent and representative business men of his native city.
FRED. W. BRUNLIEB.
Fred W. Brunlieb, who is the vice president and treasurer of the Brunlieb & Schaefer Company of Milwaukee, handling summer and winter horse clothing, auto top and trimming materials, is building up a substantial business in this connection, notwithstanding the company has been organized for only a little more than a year. Mr. Brunlieb has a wide acquaintance in commercial circles of this city and his sterling worth, bis business enterprise and his determination are constituting important factors in the continued growth of the new business. Mr. Brunlieb is a native son of Wis- consin, his birth having occurred in Mazomanie on the 13th of December, 1877, his parents being Herman and Augusta Brunlieb, the latter also a native of Mazomanie. The father, who was born in Germany, came to Wisconsin when twenty-one years of age, arriving in this state about 1855, at which time he settled in Mazomanie, where he engaged in business.
Fred W. Brunlieb acquired bis early education in his home town and later con- tinued his studies in Milwaukee, his parents removing to this city when he was a lad of twelve years. He started out in the business world as a cash boy in the Chapman store and subsequently was employed by the Wallace & Smith Company, with which he remained for twenty-nine years as clerk and as a traveling salesman, remaining upon the road for a decade. His thorough reliability, capability and enterprise are indicated in his long connection with the house, with which he continued until Janu- ary 1, 1920, when that business was closed out.
On the 1st of January, 1921, Mr. Brunlieb became associated with Theodore Schaefer in organizing the Brunlieb & Schaefer Company for the purpose of selling summer and winter horse clothing, auto top trimming materials and also gloves and mittens. They are now represented upon the road by fifteen traveling salesmen and the business is incorporated for one hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Brunlieb is also identified with the Brunlieb & Wing Company, of which he is the treasurer. The Brunlieb & Schaefer Company was organized in 1920 and is the only company in Milwaukee manufacturing summer and winter horse clothing and selling to the retail trade.
In 1908 Mr. Brunlieb was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Louisa Bailey, a daughter of E. F. Bailey of Hillsdale, Michigan. Fraternally he is connected with Lafayette Lodge No. 265, A. F. & A. M., of Milwaukee, and he also belongs to Wisconsin Chapter, R. A. M .; Ivanhoe Commandery, K. T .; Wisconsin Consistory, A. A. S. R .; and Tripoli Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He has membership with the United Commercial Travelers, with the Milwaukee Association of Commerce and with the Milwaukee Athletic Club. His religious faith is indicated in his connection with the Perseverance Presbyterian church. His entire life has been characterized by high and honorable principles, so that he stands as a man among men, respected by all for what he has accomplished and for the straightforward methods which he has followed in directing his important and growing business interests.
CHRIESANT M. SCHMITT.
Chriesant M. Schmitt, the president of the Schmitt Brothers Tobacco Works of Milwaukee, was born June 17, 1875, on his father's farm at Fussville, Waukesha county, Wisconsin. He is a son of Conrad Schmitt, who was born in Germany and was nine years of age when brought to the new world by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Schmitt. The grandfather became a farmer at Lannon, Waukesha county, and there Conrad Schmitt was reared and educated. After reaching adult age he took a prominent part in public affairs of his community, serving as county clerk for several terms in Waukesha county and also filling the office of justice of the peace. He devoted his business activity to farming until about forty years of age, when he put aside the work of the fields and turned his attention to general merchandising in Fussville, where he was thus engaged until failing health caused him to seek a change of climate and he went to Seattle, Washington, with his entire family. Later he returned to Milwaukee, where he lived retired throughout his remaining days, passing away at
FRED W. BRUNLIEB
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the age of sixty-two. His wife, who hore the maiden name of Cecelia Hennes, was born in Germany, her father emigrating with his family to Waukesha county, at which time he settled on a farm near Menomonee Falls. His daughter Cecelia was then about nine years of age and in this state she was reared. Both Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Schmitt have now passed away.
In the parochial schools of Fussville, C. M. Schmitt pursued his studies to the age of thirteen years, spending the winter seasons in school, while the summer months were devoted to farm work. He was a lad of thirteen years when the family removed to Seattle, Washington, and in that city Mr. Schmitt hegan working at the plumbing trade, serving an apprenticeship and thus thoroughly acquainting himself with the various phases of the work. The secret of his success is found in the fact that when only a boy he formed the habit of constant saving and when but sixteen years of age he invested his savings in a lot. He continued to devote his attention to the plumbing business during the residence of the family in Seattle, and when the others of the family returned to Milwaukee he continued to reside in the metropolis of the Pacific northwest for another period of three years, during which time his attention was concentrated upon work as a plumber.
It was in 1898 that he again came to Milwaukee and here he took up the plumbing business, in which he continued for six months. He then bought a horse and wagon and with his brother Joe traveled over Milwaukee county, selling tobacco and cigars to dealers. For three years he continued in business in that way and then with his two brothers organized the present business on Broadway under the name of the Schmitt Brothers Tobacco Com- pany. The business has since heen continued under the style of the Schmitt Brothers Tobacco Works, with C. M. Schmitt as the president. They manufacture a brand of tobacco known as "Eight Brothers." This is their principal brand and was so called from the fact that C. M. Schmitt was one of a family of eight brothers. The market for the tobacco is principally local and yet extends in a degree to the neighboring states.
In September, 1901, Mr. Schmitt was united in marriage to Miss Marie Albrecht, a daughter of Sebastian Albrecht, a native of Germany, who in young manhood emigrated to the new world, settling in Milwaukee, where he was married. Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt have become the parents of six children. The three daughters, Cecelia, Lauretta and Frances, are pupils in the Holy Angels Academy. John, Theodore and Karl, the three sons. are attending the St. Francis school. The family is of the Catholic faith, being connected with St. Francis parish. Mr. Schmitt is a Knight of Columbus and belongs to Pere Marquette Council, also to Milwaukee Lodge, B. P. O. E., and the Association of Commerce.
FRED CHARLES SPENCER.
Fred Charles Spencer, treasurer of the Northwestern Extract Company, one of the important manufacturing enterprises of Milwaukee, is a young business man but one who has already reached a creditable position in commercial circles. He was here born January 31, 1894. His father, Charles T. Spencer, was born in Madison, Wis- consin, and is now connected with the Johns-Manville Company of Milwaukee. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Mueller, is a native of this city, in which she still resides.
Fred C. Spencer, having acquired his education in the public schools, afterward entered the employ of the Western Union Telegraph Company as a messenger and following a service of a year or more in that connection he secured the position of office hoy with the Charles L. Kiewert Company, engaged in the extract and brewers' supply business. There he remained for two years and when the Northwestern Extract Company was organized he secured a position with that firm. Later he went upon the road as a traveling salesman for the house and entered the company in 1918 as vice president, since which time he has been one of the officials of the concern. They manu- facture extracts and carry a general line of supplies for bottlers. They cover Wisconsin and their trade extends to some extent to the neighboring states. They use the trade name of "Norwesco" and their business is steadily growing. One of their products is a soft drink called Cherry Sparkle, which they advertise extensively and of which the John Graf Company acts as distributors in Milwaukee. Mr. Spencer is also the secre- tary and treasurer of the Northwestern Brewers' Supply Company, conducting business at No. 234 Broadway.
On the 2d of Way 1914, Mr. Spencer was married to Miss Helen Schultz, a daughter of Charles Schultz, who is with the Allis-Chalmers Company of Milwaukee and who is a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer have two children, Blanche M. and Robert Charles, the latter born May 18, 1918.
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