History of Milwaukee, city and county, Volume III, Part 6

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

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Before leaving for Europe, Dr. Muenzner was married in Milwaukee on the 10th of December, 1910, to Miss Alice Beck, a native of this city and a daughter of Charles Beck, a well known box manufacturer of Milwaukee, who is now living retired. Dr. Muenzner took his bride with him to Europe and for two years they remained abroad. Their eldest child, Richard Charles, was born in Vienna. Upon returning to the United States in March, 1913, Dr. Muenzner and his wife located in Milwaukee, where the former has since devoted his entire attention to practice along the line of his specialty. He has developed his skill and ability in this direction to a high point and his practice has long been an extensive one. Formerly he served for six years on the teaching staff of Marquette University and he is now serving on the staff of the Emergency Hospital.

To Dr. and Mrs. Muenzner have been born seven children, five sons and two daughters: Richard Charles, Carl Frederick, George J., Alice, Elaine, William and Robert. The parents are members of the Roman Catholic church and Dr. Muenzner belongs to the Knights of Columbus and is a past lecturer and past deputy grand

HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE

knight of the order. He also has membership in the Wisconsin Club and he finds his recreation in hunting and fishing. His connections along professional lines are with the Milwaukee Academy of Medicine, the Milwaukee County Medical Society, the Wisconsin State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.

HENRY UIHLEIN.

Henry Uihlein, a splendid organizer, an admirable executive, a man whose broad vision and thorough understanding of everything which he undertook led to success, became in the course of years one of the most prosperous citizens of Wisconsin. He belonged to that class of men who recognized and utilized the opportunities of the new world in the upbuilding of fortune and who gave their loyalty and allegiance to the land of their adoption, their interests becoming inseparably interwoven with the com- munities in which they lived and labored. For forty-two years Henry Uihlein was the president of the Schlitz Brewing Company, and while he laid the foundation of his fortune in this way, his sound business judgment prompted his extensive investments in real estate and his keen sagacity foresaw the rise in property values, so that his purchases were most wisely made and his prosperity thus greatly enhanced. Such was Henry Uihlein, the business man, but there was another side to his nature, his friends -and they were legion-finding in him a most congenial companion, courteous, kindly and at all times full of good cheer. He was born at Wertheim-on-the-Main, Germany, May 13, 1844, and was the second oldest of six sons, their father being the proprietor of the Gasthof zur Krone, a popular inn of Wertheim. The family tie between the six brothers was strengthened by their business association, for throughout many years all were interested in the Schlitz brewery of Milwaukee and in other business enter- prises. During the eighteen years which he spent in his native country Henry Uihlein acquired a good practical education and mastered the art of brewing and malting in Bavaria. He then determined to come to the new world, attracted by the limitless opportunities here offered, and crossing the Atlantic made his way to St. Louis, Mis- souri, where for a time he was employed at his trade and then went to Leavenworth, Kansas, where he was given charge of the practical end of the business for the Kunz Brewing Company, with which he was thus associated for five years.

It was during that period that Henry Uihlein was united in marriage to Miss Helene K. Reutzer, who passed away fifteen months prior to his death. They had a family of seven children: Laura, who is the wife of Dr. Charles E. Albright; Emma, the wife of Morse Rohnert of Detroit; Meta, the wife of W. S. J. Kopmeier; Adele, who died at the age of seventeen; and August E., George and Herman A., who are successors to their father in business.

It was in the year 1871 that Mr. Uihlein left Leavenworth, Kansas, at the invita- tion of his uncle, Joseph Schlitz, who wished him to come to Milwaukee to take charge of the practical end of the business of the Schlitz Brewing Company in this city. Fonr years later his uncle started for Mayence, Germany, to visit his brother and while en route was lost at sea. the vessel in which he sailed being shipwrecked. This was forty-seven years ago and by his death the six brothers came into possession of the brewery. They bent every energy toward the development and expansion of the busi- ness and all agree that it was Henry Uihlein's ability that constituted the greatest im- petus in its growth. He realized that upon him as brewmaster largely depended the success of the undertaking and therefore he bent every energy toward producing a beer that would be entirely acceptable to the purchasing public. That he succeeded was shown in the constant enlargement of the plant, which stands on the site where Mr. Uihlein took up his abcde on first coming to Milwaukee. Addition after addition was made until the plant covered many acres and the business had developed from a small beginning to the largest of its kind in the country. In this connection the Mil- waukee Journal wrote: "Fortune smiled on the Uihlein brothers in a lavish manner, pouring treasures upon them until they were credited with possessing the Midas touch, Like a magic gourd the small brewery began to grow, spreading out and demanding more space year after year until whole city blocks surrendered to this gigantic temple of Gambrinus; the product sold in increasing volume in Milwaukee, everywhere throughout the United States and then the wide-funneled steamers of the seven seas were requisitioned to carry to all the peoples of the whole world 'the beer that made Milwaukee famous!'" It is said that hundreds of thousands of dollars were expended in advertising in the use of this line, which was placed in conspicuous positions in every city, hamlet and town of the country and along the railroads, so that truly he who ran might read it. The great organization that was built up was the direct outcome of the executive power, the undaunted enterprise and the unfaltering diligence of the six brothers who became members of the company and they never hesitated nor faltered until they had reached the position of leadership in the point of beer manu- facturing in the United States.

HENRY UIHLEIN

HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE

The attainment of wealth was no attraction for them, however, to take up the sports the dissipation or the frivolity that attend upon the rapid acquirement of prosperity in the lives of many. On the contrary they husbanded their interests and resources and looked about them for a field of safe investment. This they found in real estate and they became owners of a large share of the most valuable property in the city. They were the builders of the Schlitz Hotel, occupying one of the choicest corners in the down-town district of the city, and a block further west they erected the Alhambra theatre, which was at the time the largest motion picture house in the world. They were also the builders of the Majestic building, just east of the Schlitz Hotel, and the promoters of the famous Palm Garden, while among their earlier investments was the Globe Hotel, overlooking Lake Michigan. They own all the real estate on the south side of Grand avenue, between Fifth and Seventh streets, including the Palace theatre. Throughout the different business sections of Milwaukee they increased their property holdings, nor did they confine their efforts entirely to this city but made large invest- ments in Chicago, New York and elsewhere in the country. One of the local papers said : "If desirable property was in the market the Uihleins wanted it, and, as they had the price, they generally got it. But they were shrewd buyers and were never known to bid the market up on themselves."

The death of Mrs. Uihlein occurred in January, 1921. They had lived to celebrate their golden wedding, which was made a most interesting occasion, at their summer home, Willow Edge, on the upper Milwaukee river, in the midst of the beautiful gardens, flowers and trees which Mr. Uihlein loved so much. He found his greatest happiness, outside of the companionship of his wife and children, in improving the grounds of his city and country residences, delighting in every growing thing and especially in those phases of nature which showed great beauty. He was entirely free from ostentation and display, and though he might have owned a palatial home in the most fashionable district of the city, he continued to occupy the old homestead at 431 Galena street, which was built more than thirty-five years before his demise. It was mest luxuriously furnished and was always regarded as one of the most hospitable homes of the city.

Mr. Uihlein always gave his political allegiance to the republican party but never sought nor desired office yet always exercised his right of franchise in support of the principles in which he believed. He was a regular attendant at the Wednesday evening performances of the German stock company at the Pabst theatre and was present at one of these only about two weeks prior to his death. He enjoyed travel and made twelve trips across the ocean. He had reached the age of seventy-eight years when he passed away on the 22d of April, 1922. He had long been a most valuable con- tributing factor to the material growth of Milwaukee. He had extended the trade relations of the city to every part of the world and through his real estate opera- tions he had added much to the city's improvement, beauty and substantial character. He was an extremely modest man, never taking any special credit to himself, but those who were witnesses of his career recognized what he accomplished and paid to him their tribute of admiration for what he did. While the attainment of his wealth was notable and he became one of the most prosperous men in all Wisconsin, he never lost the common touch and his judgment of his fellowmen was based upon personal worth. Geniality beamed from his eye, kindliness characterized all of his relations with his fellowmen and there were many who regarded as one of their most cherished possessions the friendship of Henry Uihlein.

BERT ADAM STENZ.

Milwaukee numbers among its progressive and representative business men, Bert Adam Stenz, president of the Stenz Electric Company, with headquarters at 455 East Water street. He is Milwaukee's son by adoption, his birth having occurred on his father's farm near Fond du Lac, this state, on the 26th of March, 1890. His grand- father, John Stenz, was born in Germany and came to this country as a boy with his parents. They located in Winnebago county and took up the land which is now being cultivated by August Stenz, who is one of the best known and most highly respected agriculturists of the community. The father of Bert Adam Stenz is August Stenz, who is now residing at Fond du Lac and is still active in his agricultural pursuits. He was born in Winnebago county in 1864 and has been a resident of Wisconsin since that time. He has taken a prominent part in public affairs and in addition to serving as road commissioner and a member of the school board, he was county clerk and has held various other offices of local interest. He is now financially independent, receiving a substantial income from his farms in Fond du Lac and Winnebago counties. Mrs. Stenz was, before her marriage, Miss Helen Braun. She is still living. She was a daughter of Peter Braun of Eden, Wisconsin, in which

HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE

place she was born. Her father was a native of Germany, from which country he came to the United States as a boy and located in the town of Eden, Fond du Lac county.

Bert Adam Stenz received his education in the public schools of Fond du Lac county until he was thirteen years of age, when he put his textbooks aside and entered the employ of the Eastern Wisconsin Railroad & Light Company. Although employed throughout the day he devoted his evenings to the study of electricity, taking a correspondence course, and after two years of association with the company resigned and removed to Milwaukee. His ability and energy had won him constant promotion and when he severed connections with the company he had charge of the meter reading and testing department. He arrived in Milwaukee in 1906 and immediately entered business with the Herman Andrae Electrical Company as electrician. He remained in that capacity for but a short time when he was put in charge of con- struction of different jobs and after three years with the company resigned to go on the road for the Heil & Patterson Engineering Company of Pittsburgh, Penn- sylvania, having charge of its electrical construction on coal rigging equipment. He was with this company for twenty-three months, when he returned to Milwaukee and for three years had charge of construction for the Milne Electric Company. In Febru- ary, 1913, he and his brother, Paul H., organized the Stenz Electric Company and on the 1st of January, 1920, the company was incorporated with a capital stock of forty thousand dollars. Mr. Stenz became president of the organization and a brother, Peter R., is treasurer. The corporation specializes in motors and power equipment, likewise motor repairing. They are distributors for the Western Electric, for whom they handle labor saving devices. They furnished the electric installations for the Ford Motor Plant in Milwaukee and the power plant for the John Obenberger Forge Company and their work is carried on extensively throughout the county, The cor- poration has just finished the installation of a power and lighting plant for the Belgium Shoe Company. When Mr. Stenz first launched into his business venture quarters were established at 68-70 Mason street, with a very limited capital. The business grew rapidly, however, due to his indefatigable energy and sound judgment and the business of the year 1920 totalled over a quarter of a million dollars, a more than substantial increase over the first year's volume, which amounted to thirteen thonsand. eight hundred dollars. Six hundred square feet of space was all that was required upon organization but now the corporation occupies three floors at 455 East Water street, with sixty-eight hundred square feet of space.

On the 16th of June, 1915, occurred the marriage of Mr. Stenz and Miss Katherine Kristan, a daughter of Bernard Kristan of Chicago, Illinois, a retired farmer of Lake county, that state. He was born in Germany and came to this country at an early day. He was prominent in the public affairs of the community in which he resided and was mayor of North Chicago, county clerk and held various other offices. He is still living. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Stenz two children have been born: Elizabeth Helen and Paul Peter. Mrs. Stenz is a woman of refinement and culture and highly educated. She attended a convent school at Waukegan and early began the study of the piano. She is likewise a painter in oil and water and has done some creditable portrait work. In the club and social circles of Milwaukee she is well known and belongs to many women's organizations for church work and charity.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Stenz has been a stanch supporter of the republican party, in the activities of which he has, however, never taken an active part. The family are communicants of St. Sebastian's parish and fraternally Mr. Stenz is identified with the Knights of Columbus, Pere Marquette Lodge of Milwaukee and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Along social lines he is a member of the Kiwanis Club and the Ozaukee Country Club and also the Electrical League and Jovians. For recreation he turns to hunting, fishing and golfing and he is likewise a great lover of music. Thoroughness is one of the marked char- acteristics of Mr. Stenz and he has mastered every detail of his own business. He has a very wide and favorable acquaintance and occupies a position of prominence by reason of his business ability and standing, his social qualities and his public spirit.

ED W. NEUMEISTER.

Ed W. Neumeister, secretary and treasurer of the Milwaukee Dairy Supply & Manufacturing Company, occupies an enviable position in the commercial and in- dustrial circles of the city, having worked his way steadily upward to success. He was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, October 15, 1875, and is a son of Julius and Louise (Weller) Neumeister. The father was a native of Germany, and the mother of Wiscon- sin. The former came to America with his parents when a lad of but nine years. He was a merchant, devoting his life to the conduct of a store from early manhood to the present time, and both he and his wife still make their home in Sheboygan.

Ed W. Neumeister was educated in the public schools of his native city and when

ED W. NEUMEISTER

HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE

his textbooks were put aside he, too, became connected with the retail dry goods trade and devoted nine years to a mercantile career. On the expiration of that period he went to Chicago, where he conducted a grocery and meat market on his own account, his store being situated on Armitage avenue, where he continued in the business for several years. He then came to Milwaukee and was associated with Hugo Bauch as buyer for the carpet and drapery department for nine years. Each change that he has made is indicative of progress and enterprise. In 1911 he became associated with the Milwaukee Dairy & Supply Company, which was incorporated in that year, Mr. Neumeister becoming the secretary and treasurer, which position he has since filled. This company specializes in the manufacture of automatic milk bottle fillers and cappers and also handles dairy supplies, the president of the company having been the inventor of the machines which it turns out. The firm occupies a one-story brick build- ing, one hundred and fifty-seven by one hundred and twenty feet and the building stands upon a tract of six vacant lots. Its fillers have become known all over the world and the output of the manufactory is sent into almost every section of the civilized globe, going as far as Hongkong, China. This company now has the bulk of the busi- ness of this character in the United States and the liberal patronage which it receives is well merited by reason of the thoroughly reliable business methods of the house, its undaunted enterprise and its continued activity to improve its output. Mr. Neumeister is the secretary, treasurer and one of the directors of the Stout Crate Company, Inc., an Illinois company doing business in Milwaukee. He is likewise the secretary of the Kester Manufacturing Company and his enterprise and sound business judgment make his cooperation a valuable asset in the conduct of the various interests with which he is associated.

In January, 1902, Mr. Neumeister was married to Miss Caroline Freidrich of Chicago. and they have two children: Loraine and Wilma. Mr. Neumeister is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and also of the Optimist Club. He likewise belongs to the Milwaukee Association of Commerce, which is indicative of his interest in all that pertains to public progress and improvement as relating to the city. His substantial worth has made him widely known and his life should serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to others, showing what can be accomplished through individual effort.

HENRY LAUENSTEIN.

Henry Lanenstein, a shoe manufacturer, whose business is a contributing factor to the commercial growth and progress of Milwaukee, was born in this city, October 15, 1884. His father, Gust Lanenstein, was born in Berlin, Germany, March 6, 1847, and came to the United States about 1874. He settled in Wisconsin, finally becoming a resident of Milwaukee and here he died in the year 1919. He was married in Ger- many in early manhood but his first wife died in that country. He afterward married again and brought his second wife and his children with him to the new world. In Milwaukee he established the business which is now in control of his son, Henry, founding the enterprise when fifty years of age. He never incorporated but con- ducted his interest under his own name. He always stood with the working man and was one of the early socialists of the city but not an active party worker. The mother of Henry Lauenstein bore the maiden name of Anna Mueller and came with her husband from Germany to the new world. She, too, has passed away.

Henry Lauenstein acquired his early education in the public schools of his native city and started out in the business world as an employe at the Rauschenberger cordage plant in Milwaukee. After a few months he entered his father's establish- ment and learned every phase of shoe manufacturing, continuing with his father to the time of the latter's death. For two years prior to his father's demise Henry Lauenstein conducted the business entirely and succeeded to the ownership thereof. He is engaged in the manufacture of leather and felt slippers and also a small line of ladies shoes, finding a market for his products in the central states. The output of the factory has reached five hundred pairs per day. The business, now one of the important manufacturing interests of Milwaukee, is the visible evidence of the enterprise, progressiveness and ambitious spirit of the father, Gustav Lauenstein, who worked from four o'clock in the morning until dark, displaying at all times an unfaltering industry and perseverance. He began by making shoes in his own home and selling them from house to house. llis persistency of purpose never faltered. He worked on steadily year by year until he had established a business of substantial proportions and when his son had reached a sufficient age he admitted him to an interest in the business and trained him to become his successor.

On the 22d of June, 1920, Mr. Lauenstein was married to Miss Regina Kowalik, a daughter of J. Kowalik, a native of German Poland. In politics Mr. Lauenstein holds himself free from entangling party alliances but always maintains a progres-

HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE

sive attitude on public questions. He takes an active interest in civic affairs and cooperates heartily in all plans for the benefit and improvement of the community. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church and his membership connections extend to the Association of Commerce, the Credit Men's Association and the Travelers' Protective Association. He is a lover of outdoor life and engages in many outdoor sports. He likewise finds great pleasure in motoring and in travel and indulges in these when opportunity permits. He has always endeavored to uphold the good name made by his father and to sustain the high position in business circles with which the name of Lauenstein has long been associated.

LEO G. SMITH.

From humble apprentice Leo G. Smith has worked his way steadily upward until as president of the Modern Steel Casting Company of Milwaukee he is classed with the captains of industry of the city. Thoroughness, enterprise and enthusiasm concerning his work have been dominant factors in his career. He possesses initiative as well as executive ability and the broad experience which he had acquired before entering upon his duties as chief officer of the Modern Steel Casting Company well qualified him for the responsibility which he assumed. He is today numbered with those men who are strong contributing factors to the commercial and industrial development of the city.

Mr. Smith comes to Milwaukee from Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred on the 22d of February, 1878, in Oil City. His father, Nicholas Smith, a native of Belgium, was brought to the United States when but nine years of age by his parents, who settled in the Empire state and afterward removed to Pennsylvania. Nicholas Smith was a carpenter and builder, which trade he followed until his death. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Haney, was born in Buffalo, New York. His death occurred in 1909, while his widow survived only until 1910.

Leo G. Smith was educated in the public schools of Oil City to the age of twelve years, at which time the family removed to Buffalo, New York, where he attended the Christian Brothers school. He started out in the business world as an office employe of the International Steam Pump Company and served in various capacities for seven years, working his way steadily upward until he became assistant cashier and assistant purchasing agent. He afterward went to Columbus, Ohio, where he entered the employ of the Buckeye Steel Casting Company and there learned the trade of molding, serving a four years' apprenticeship. He next became assistant foreman of the American Steel Foundries at Sharon, Pennsylvania, occupying that position for two years, or until the fall of 1909, when he was made superintendent of the Bucyrus Steel Casting Company of Bucyrus, Ohio. Each change in his business connections brought him broader oppor- tunities and wider experience and thus the steps in his orderly progression led him eventually to Milwaukee, but before coming to this city he was associated with the Canada Iron Corporation at Londonderry, Nova Scotia, as manager, occupying that position until 1912. In February of the latter year he came to Milwaukee and was manager of the Prime Steel Company until May, 1915, when he resigned his position. During the war period he conducted a brokerage business in steel castings and in February, 1919, he became connected with the Modern Steel Casting Company as gen- eral manager. In January, 1921, he was elected to the presidency and is now con- centrating upon constructive efforts, administrative direction and executive control. This company manufactures steel castings, which it markets throughout the entire United States, the business being one of substantial proportions. Mr. Smith is like- wise the president of the Milwaukee Advertising & Novelty Company and vice president of the Biggam Trailer Company of this city.

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History of Milwaukee, city and county, Volume III, Part 6

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