USA > Wisconsin > Milwaukee County > Milwaukee > History of Milwaukee, city and county, Volume III > Part 56
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John M. Clarke acquired his education in the district school and in the Oshkosh Normal School and then took up the profession of teaching, which he followed through four terms of six months each. In 1875 he took up the study of law in the office of Jared Thompson, who was then district attorney. Mr. Clarke was examined for the
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bar before the late Judge Dickson, also Judges D. H. Johnson and James Hickox and was admitted to practice in 1878, since which time he has followed liis profession in Milwaukee. His record stands in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, for in the city in which practically his entire life has been passed Mr. Clarke has won a place of professional prominence and distinction. In 1882 he was elected district attorney and filled the office for three years. Ten days after he was elected the ever memorable and disastrous Newhall fire occurred. Through the intervening years Mr. Clarke has been connected with many notable cases. While advancement at the bar is proverbially slow no dreary novitiate
awaited him. Almost immediately he won prominence in his chosen profession and steadily advanced until it is long since he has left the ranks of mediocrity and stands among the successful few.
In 1882 Mr. Clarke was united in marriage to Miss Anna Fitzgerald, a daughter of Michael Fitzgerald of Stockbridge, Wisconsin, and they became parents of two sons, one of whom. George, died at the age of fourteen years. The surviving son, Thomas C., was a captain in the Medical Corps of the United States army during the World war and was with the Fourteenth Evacuation Hospital, serving for two years at the front. lle married Miss Grace Mckinley of Chicago, whose father is an own cousin of Presi- dent Mckinley. They have become parents of three children: Grace, seven years of age; Eleanor, aged five; and Florence, three years old.
Mr. Clarke and his wife are communicants of St. Rose's Catholic church and he belongs to the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin. In politics he has always taken a keen interest and has long been a stalwart supporter of the democratic party, his opinions carrying weight in its councils. He has never sought office, however, outside of the strict path of his profession, preferring always to concentrate his energies and Attention upon the practice of law, in which he has made a notable name and place for himself.
OSCAR LOEWENBACH.
The history of a progressive city is not the record of a single individual nor usually of a single corporation but is the result of the upbuilding and concerted efforts of many men who in the field of legitimate trade have not only developed their own fortunes hut have contributed in large measure to the progress and pros- perity of the community. In this connection Oscar Loewenbach deserves mention, his position being that of secretary and treasurer of the B. Loewenbach & Sons Company, conducting business at Nos. 2005 to 2009 Clybourn street. He is a native son of the city where he makes his home, his birth having occurred May 29, 1874. His father, Bernhard Loewenbach, who departed this life December 3, 1884, was born in Germany and came to the United States alone in 1851, settling at once in Milwaukee. He was educated in the Gymnasium and also in one of the universities of his native land and spoke and wrote seven languages fluently, being a man of very liberal culture and education. He became prominently known both as an author and publisher. He published the Ilerman Sohn in Milwaukee in the decade covering part of the '70s and '80s in the nineteenth century. This prper was the organ of several lodges and in connection he published the United Workmen and the Unser Blatt. He likewise published the Wisconsin Advocate and the Erholungs Stunden, all these papers except the Wisconsin Advocate being published in the German language. He was a man of most studious nature and disposition, retiring in manner, and the sterling worth of his character and of his ability was recognized by all and won him the respect and high regard of those with whom he was brought into contact. One of his brothers, Karl Loewenbach, was an influential banker in Germany and another brother conducted a success- ful business as a lamp manufacturer. Indeed, the family was one of prominence in that country and Bernhard Loewenbach became a worthy representative of the family in the new world, contributing much to the intellectual progress of the German-speaking people through the columns of the papers with which he was connected. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Julia Erdmann, was also born in Germany and came to Milwaukee with her parents when sixteen years of age. She became the wife of Bernhard Loewenbach in the old Republican House in 1852 and she survived her husband for a period of thirteen years, departing this life in 1897.
Oscar Loewenbach pursued a public school education and later became a student in Rhuede's College at Milwaukee, where he pursued a business course. He after- ward worked for six months as a bookkeeper for the Detweiler interests, manufac- turers of Perfection Gas Stoves and on the expiration of that period became associated with the business of his father conducted under the style of B. Loewen- bach & Son, the junior partner heing Hugo Loewenbach. He entered the business in
OSCAR LOEWENBACH
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a minor capacity and thoroughly learned the trades of pressman, typesetting and bookbinding. Steadily through his own ability and efficiency he has worked his way upward and has continuously been with this concern. The business was incor- porated in 1910 under the style of the B. Loewenhach & Sons Company, with Hugo Loewenbach as the first president, while Oscar Loewenbach became secretary and treasurer. Each continues in the office to the present time. Their business in- cludes manifold forms, loose leaf forms and devices and their trade covers the United States, the house doing a mail order business. The father, Bernhard Loewenbach, took out the first patent on a combined letter sheet and envelope in 1883. Before being in the publishing business he had been proprietor of the Milwaukee Tobacco Works at 78 East Water street, but turned from this to the printing and bookbinding business. The original plant of the present company was at 612 Chestnut street, at which time the father was alone as proprietor of the enterprise. From that place he removed to 316 Chestnut street and afterward to No. 259 Third street. His next location was at No. 345 East Water street and later he occupied the entire building at Nos. 314 and 316 East Water street, where the business remained for twenty-six years. In 1915 Oscar Loewenbach erected the present fine business block of the company at Nos. 2005-9 Clybourn street. They have about ten thousand square feet of floor space and the building is one of the most modern steel and concrete structures of the city and one of the light- est, practically all work being done by daylight. The company occupies the entire building with press and composing-rooms in the basement, while the offices, bind- ery and experimental rooms are on the first floor. The firm has developed a plant of splendid proportions and one that is thoroughly equipped with the latest im- proved machinery to carry on work of this character. Its success has been assured from the beginning by reason of the thoroughness, the enterprise and the deter- mined purpose of father and sons who have controlled the undertaking since its establishment.
On the 25th of September, 1895, Mr. Loewenbach was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Schutz, a daughter of August Schutz, a professor of music in Mil- waukee, who was horn in Germany and still makes his home in this city, being yet active at the age of seventy-four years.
Mr. Loewenbach has never been a political candidate hut has worked untir- ingly for the success of his many friends in the republican party who have been candidates for office. In religious faith he is a Christian Scientist, having member- ship in the Second church of Milwaukee. Fraternally he is an Elk, belonging to Milwaukee Lodge and is also a member of the Independent Order of Foresters con- nected with Court Sycamore of this city. His name is likewise on the member- ship rolls of the Equitable Fraternal Union, the Milwaukee Accountant and Book- keepers Association and the Milwaukee Typothetae, of which he has been a direc- tor. He is likewise a loyal member of the Milwaukee Association of Commerce and is greatly interested in everything that pertains to the city's progress and improvement. He possesses natural mechanical ability and his talent in this direc- tion has contributed in large measure to the success of the enterprise, of which he is now one of the officials. He has taken out numerous patents along the lines of paper inventions and in 1909 he patented a mechanical manifold apparatus, while in 1910 his inventive genius brought forth a detachable cover and in 1915 a one-piece triplicating manifold hook. In 1918 he produced a one-piece combined window envelope and message sheet and he has recently secured a patent on a new detachable cover. The company manufactures under all of these various patents and markets the articles. The one-piece combined window envelope and message sheet is a most original design and is most ingenious as well as useful. Mr. Loewenbach's brother, Hugo, is also an inventor and brought out the first perforat- ing attachment for printing presses, which is now used in all the latest presses. He invented the first sheet straighteners that are now in universal use and he also invented a manifold book, a receipt and record hook, the first carbon paper holder, the tablet and the file holder. Thus the family has made marked contribution to lahor and business interests through the invention of many labor-saving devices and office conveniences and the value of their contributions is manifest in their universal use.
While Oscar Loewenbach is widely known as a most successful business man he also has a wide acquaintance in other connections, especially in musical circles. He plays the violin and has always been a lover of music and in former years appeared frequently in public as a violinist. He is also a lover of art and litera- ture and has ever been a student and reader. He possesses a fine library of his- tories of great men and other most interesting volumes with the contents of which he is largely familiar. His hobby is dogs and he owns some fine ones, including Tomahawk. a Cocker spaniel from the Black Hawk kennels, which was a blue rib- hon dog at six months. He is a motorist, enjoying long tours in his car and is a lover of outdoor life. He makes his home at No. 4606 Blue Mound road in the
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town of Wauwatosa and wherever he is known he is recognized as a forceful and resourceful man, ready for any emergency and any opportunity in the business world, ready for any call of duty in connection with citizenship or in his relations to his fellowmen.
REV. NICHOLAS DOMINIC JOSEPH BECKER.
Rev. Nicholas Dominic Joseph Becker, pastor of St. Mary's Catholic church, was born in Neosho, Dodge county, Wisconsin, September 30, 1856, a son of Antone and Angeline (Ketthosen) Becker, who were natives of Trier, Prussia. The father settled in Dodge county, Wisconsin, in 1843, and there spent his remaining days. He was a teacher of architecture and was very prominent along professional lines.
Rev. Father Becker of this review was tutored in the old home by his father and also attended the parochial schools during his early youth. He was but twelve years of age when graduated from the parochial school and he afterward assisted his father in teaching. Later he attended the Seminary of St. Francis at Milwaukee and before entering the school had studied Latin. He remained a student there for nine years and studied under Dr. Joseph Salzmann and Bishop Flasch. He was also a student under the Rev. C. Christopher Wapelhorst and received all of his orders while attending St. Francis Seminary, save that which advanced him to the priesthood, to which he was too young to be admitted during his student days at St. Francis. He was ordained August 3, 1879, in the Sisters' Chapel at La Crosse, Wisconsin, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Heis, the first pastor of St. Mary's of Milwaukee, the first rector of St. Francis Seminary and the first bishop of La Crosse. He said his first mass on the 10th of August of the same year, in St. Mathew's church at Neosho, Wisconsin, his home town. He was at once appointed pastor of St. Mary's church at Pewaukee, Wisconsin, where he remained for twenty-four years and two months. He was then transferred by Bishop A. F. Schinner to his present parish, becoming pastor of St. Mary's Catholic church at Milwaukee on the 1st of November, 1903. Here he has remained. When he took up his labors the church was carrying an indebtedness of sixty thousand dollars. This he had wiped out and has put new windows in the church and added other improvements costing eighteen thousand dollars. He has collected for all purposes over two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. During his priesthood the number of parishioners has increased to the extent of two thou- sand and he has also over one thousand converts, which is one of the best records of any priest in the state. It was Father Becker who established the negro mission of St. Benedict DeMoor and attended them for about four years, when he gave it over to the Capuciner Fathers. Father Stephen is now rector and there are one hundred and fifty children in the school. Rev. Father Becker also assisted in build- ing the Italian church, taking a very prominent part in the work at all times. At Pewaukee, Wisconsin, he also built the church and parish house and was a most influential factor in the town. He was looked up to as a leader hy all, regardless of creed, his advice and counsel being sought in business matters as well as in church work. He was instrumental in having the railroad moved so that the depot was brought closer to the church. It seems that he could secure anything for the asking and he possesses splendid powers of organization, which have been of great value to him in carrying on his chosen life work.
EDWIN F. KIECKHEFER.
Edwin F. Kieckheter is the vice president of the A. Kieckhefer Elevator Com- pany, builders of both passenger and freight elevators in Milwaukee. He is classed today with the most enterprising, progressive and successful business men of the city, but not all days in his career have been equally bright. In fact, he has seen storm clouds gather, but though disaster has at times threatened him, he has with resolute courage and determination persevered in the pursuit of a persistent pur- pose and has gained a most satisfactory reward. Milwaukee claims him as a native son, and his birth occurred May 4, 1883, his parents being August and Anna ( Bues- trin) Kieckhefer, both of whom were natives of Milwaukee. The father was born on Cherry street in this city, while the mother's birth occurred on River street, when Milwaukee was but a comparatively small place. The paternal grandfather, Carl Kieckhefer, arrived in Milwaukee in 1851 and located on a place north of the present site of the Auditorium. He was a dealer in horses and also engaged in the teaming business. He likewise became president of the Union Cemetery and occu- pied that position for a quarter of a century. On the 25th of April, 1896, he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, an event memorable to all
EDWIN F. KIECKIIEFER
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who participated therein. His widow died November 7, 1921, living to the remark- able old age of ninety-four years. Since pioneer times the family has been closely associated with Milwaukee's history and development and the name here has ever been a synonym for progress and improvement. Carl Kieckhefer was the father of four sons and two daughters: Ferdinand A. W., August C. F., William and Charles, all of whom have passed away.
August C. F. Kieckhefer, the father of Edwin F. Kieckhefer, is mentioned at length on another page of this work. Edwin F. Kieckhefer was educated in the public and high schools of Milwaukee and also in the Spencerian Business Col- lege, from which he was graduated. Throughout his active life he has been asso- ciated with elevator building, becoming an employe and later a partner of his father. He is now the vice president of the company and is thoroughly familiar with every phase of the business in every department of manufacturing and also with the sales end of the business. His father had had early experience in car- pentering and building and when but nineteen years of age had become a partner of Henry Bnestrin in the conduct of general cabinet work and house moving. In 1889 he organized the A. Kieckhefer Elevator Company, its plant being situated on Clybourn, between West Water street and Second street. In 1892 the firm built a factory where the plant of the Cutler-Hammer Company now stands and in the panic of 1896 Mr. Kieckhefer lost his property, but in 1898 he purchased the site occupied by the company today and here the business has since been carried on, at Nos. 1026 to 1104 St. Paul avenue. The company is engaged in the building of passenger and freight elevators, which are shipped to all parts of the world, even as far as China. In normal times the concern employs about one hundred and fifty people and the enterprise is one of the important productive industries of Mil- waukee. It was with this concern that Edwin F. Kieckhefer became associated after completing his education and since that time he has been an active con- tributor to the growth and expansion of the business, while following his father's retirement from the active management thereof he was elected to the vice presi- dency. His associate officers at this time are: Henry J. Kieckhefer, vice president, and Arthur C. Kieckhefer, secretary and treasurer. There is still another brother in the family, August Kieckhefer, Jr., who is the champion three cushion billiard player of the world and conducts a large place of business at 20 East Randolph street, Chicago, Illinois.
On the 30th of December, 1910, Mr. Kieckhefer was married to Miss Jennie Klinger, a native of Wisconsin, born on a farm in Waukesha county, not far from Oconomowoc. Mr. Kieckhefer belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Milwaukee Lodge, No. 46, and the Knights of Pythias. He was the presi- dent of the Milwaukee Aquarium Society and finds great pleasure in raising gold fish. He has fish from all parts of the world in his private aquarium and has given exhibits all over the United States. He is also a lover of dogs and has many of the finest bred parti-color Cocker spaniels. He is vice president of the Wisconsin Kennel Club. He represents one of the old and honored pioneer families of Mil- waukee, but it is not his line of descent that has won his enviable position in public regard. On the contrary it is his sterling worth, as manifested in business connections and in every relation of life, which has placed him before the public as one of the representative and valued residents of this state.
HENRY J. GRAMLING, M. D.
Dr. Henry J. Gramling, a well known representative of the medical profession and now vice president of the Layton Park State Bank, was born in Dousman, Waukesha county, Wisconsin, May 23, 1874, his parents being Anthony and Theresa (Schetzler) Gramling, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father came to America in 1846, while the mother crossed the Atlantic in the '60s and both families settled in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, where they became identified with farming interests. His father held several offices in his village, being a man of prominence in his com- munity and both he and his wife are deceased.
Henry J. Gramling was educated in the public schools and was reared on a farm. After leaving home at the age of twenty years he took up the study of medicine and matriculated in the Physicians and Surgeons Medical College at St. Louis, Missouri, from which he was graduated with the class of 1899. Immediately afterward, he located for practice at St. Martins, in Milwauke county, where he remained for four years and then, seeking the broader field of opportunity afforded in the larger city he came to Milwaukee in 1903 and during the intervening period of eighteen years has built up an extensive and substantial practice. In 1903 he went abroad and pursued a postgraduate course in Vienna, Austria, covering six months study of medicine and surgery. While in Europe he traveled through Germany, Bohemia and Holland and
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had the opportunity of seeing the Kaiser, King Edward of England and Franz Josef of Austria, as well as Czar Nicholas of Russia. He benefited greatly by his studies abroad and in 1912 be pursued a postgraduate course in the University of New York and took postgraduate work in the Polyclinic College at Chicago. He was mustered into the United States army as a member of the Medical Corps at Fort Riley on the 23d of August, 1918, being commissioned a first lieutenant. He was there stationed until honorably discharged on the 9th of December, following. He has served as one of the staff surgeons of Trinity Hospital and before entering the army taught in the medical department at Marquette University. In Angust, 1920, he established the Gramling Clinic. of which he is the senior representative. He is associated with his two brothers, Dr. Joseph J. and Ferdinand Gramling, in the ownership of the Fort Gramling Farms, consisting of about five hundred acres at Dousman, Wisconsin, whereon they breed pure Holstein-Fresian cattle, having about one hundred head. They keep these cattle both for breeding purposes and milk production and conduct the business under the name of the Fort Gramling Farms.
Another feature of the business activity of Dr. Henry J. Gramling, who is regarded as one of the most energetic and enterprising business men of this section. is the Layton Park State Bank, of which he became one of the organizers and of which he is now the vice president. He aided in the incorporation of the bank and his sound judgment is a valuable asset in its management. The building occupied was erected by the Layton Park Holding Company, of which Dr. Gramling is the president. In all business affairs he manifests keen sagacity and sound judgment, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, for when one avenue of opportunity seems closed he carves out other paths whereby to reach the desired goal.
On the 10th of July, 1900, Dr. Gramling was married to Miss Frances M. Link, of Burt, Iowa. They were reared together as school children and by their marriage they have became the parents of six children : Gregory, who is a senior in the arts and science department of the Marquette University; Henry J., who is a senior in the Mar- quette Academy; Robert, a freshman in Marquette Academy; William E., Frances K. and Anthony J., who are students in the parochial school of the Holy Ghost. As indicated the family is Catholic in religious faith and Dr. Gramling was active in the Catholic Federation of Wisconsin, of which he was serving as president of the county organization and for one term as secretary of the state federation. Along strictly pro- fessional lines he is connected with the Milwaukee Medical Society, the Milwaukee County Medical Society, the Wisconsin State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Broad reading and study and the proceedings of these bodies to which he belongs keep him in touch with the most advanced thought and research of the pro- fession and he has ever been a close student of the science of medicine and surgery, so that he has developed a high degree of efficiency and ability in his chosen calling.
JOSEPH J. GRAMLING, M. D.
No history of Milwaukee would be complete without reference to Dr. Joseph J. Gramling, now a most capable physician, standing in the front ranks among the representatives of the medical fraternity in the Cream city. He was born in Dousman, Waukesha county, Wisconsin, on the 26th of June, 1881, and is a brother of Dr. Henry J. Gramling, in connection with whose sketch extended reference is made to the parents and family. The public schools afforded to Dr. Joseph J. Gramling his early educational opportunities. His youth was spent on the home farm and he early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. In the winter months he attended school and thus his time was passed to the age of eighteen years. When desirous of gaining a broader education he became a student in the Valparaiso College at Valparaiso. Indiana, and thus completed his more specifically literary course. He next entered the Milwaukee Medical College, which is the medical department of Marquette University, and was graduated therefrom on the 15th of May, 1905.
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