USA > Wisconsin > Milwaukee County > Milwaukee > History of Milwaukee, city and county, Volume III > Part 68
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In 1892 Mr. Christensen came to the United States, feeling that he would have still broader business opportunities in this country and settling first in New York city, where he remained for eight years. In 1900 he came to Milwaukee, where he established business under the style of Anders J. Christensen, Inc., at No, 412 Mil- waukee street. He has remained at this location continuously since and in 1916 the business was incorporated under the present firm style. Mr. Christensen has since been the president and treasurer of the company, with Mrs. Elizabeth J. Christensen as vice president, and Clarence A. Christensen as the secretary. The company manu- factures and retails high grade furs of all kinds and also makes importations of fine
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furs. The business has steadily grown and developed under the consistent and pro- gressive policy of the founder and theirs is now one of the important mercantile in- terests of this city.
In May, 1892, Mr. Christensen was married in Copenhagen, Denmark, to Miss Emma Olsen, who passed away in 1900. Their children were: Maud G., who is now the wife of H. B. Leedom; Clarence A .; and Emma V., the wife of James B. Freud. On the 2d of August, 1902, Mr. Christensen was again married, his second union being with Miss Elizabeth J. Franke of New York city. They reside at No. 732 Shepherd avenue.
Mr. Christensen is very fond of golf, of music and of flowers. In the cultivation of his garden he finds rest and recreation, and there also comes to him great pleasure through the art of music, as well as when he spends an hour or so upon the golf links. He is a republican in his political views, and fraternally he is a Scottish Rite Mason and member of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a life member of the Milwaukee Athletic Club. He belongs as well to the Blue Mound Country Club and has at all times mani- fested an appreciation of the social amenities of life which make him popular with a large circie of friends. He is identified with the Retail Manufacturers Fur Associa- tion, belongs to the Milwaukee Association of Commerce and to the Milwaukee Art Institute. Any well devised plan for the city's upbuilding and benefit and for the ad- vancement of its intellectual and cultural progress receives his endorsement and support.
ALLIS-CHALMERS MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
Of the varions products associated with the name of Allis-Chalmers and upon which the reputation of that company has been built, several of the principal lines of machinery owe their early development to the companies which united to form that organization. In the year 1901 the Allis-Chalmers Company was organized through a consolidation of the following four large manufacturing concerns: the Edward P. Allis Company of Milwaukee, which was recognized as the leading manufacturer of Corliss engines and one of the pioneer builders of modern flour mill and sawmill machinery, as well as of mining machinery; the Fraser & Chal- mers Company of Chicago, a leading manufacturer of mining and metallurgical machinery, pumps and air compressors; the Gates Iron Works, Chicago, large manu- facturers of rock crushing, cement and mining machinery; and the Dickson Manu- facturing Company of Scranton, Pennsylvania, important manufacturers of Corliss engines and special machinery.
Recognizing the importance of electrical machinery, not only in relation to its other products but with a vision of the part which electricity would have in the future development of the country, the new company acquired in 1904 the Bullock Electric Manufacturing Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. This company had a long record of successful installations, not only of direct current machinery but of alter- nating current apparatus which was then finding an important place in electrical development. Thus began its electrical business which has brought the company to the forefront as one of the largest builders of this class of apparatus.
The development of other lines of power machinery has been one of the out- standing features of the company's growth until today it holds the unique position of being the only organization in the world building practically all types of prime movers, steam engines, steam turbines, hydraulic turbines, gas engines and oil engines, including complete electric power units in each of these types. Its ability to turn out complete power units of very large size together with its numerous lines of industrial machinery and electrical equipment has given the company an unusual advantage in handling complete installations of power and industrial machinery.
Only within the past year the most powerful complete hydro-electric unit ever built was placed in operation at Niagara Falls but the company now has under construction several units of even greater capacity. Within the past few years the company began the manufacture of farm tractors on a large scale. E:tensive addi- tions to the West Allis p'ant, including the most modern machinery, enable it to handle this new line in which it now ranks as one of the largest manufacturers.
The part taken by the Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company in assisting the United States Government in the prosecution of the World war is evidenced by the fact that during that period a large percentage of the company's plant capacity was devoted to direct and indirect government orders and contracts. Many of the company's regular products were of a character which readily fitted into the government's requirements so that the Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company was in a position to accept many large government orders in these lines without material changes in its equipment, facilities and personnel.
The name Allis-Chalmers, and that of one of its predecessors, the E. P. Allis
.
ALLIS CHALMERS
CHAIN,
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MANUFACTURING GO, U.S.A.
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HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE
Company, have been closely linked with the history of Milwaukee not only on ac- count of the location there of its principal plants but also in the solution of several municipal engineering problems. One of the most unique of these was where the genius of Edwin Reynolds, recognized as one of the great mechanical engineers of the country, who came with the E. P. Allis Company in 1877, originated the use of the screw pump for handling exceedingly large quantities of water against low heads. The first installation of this type was made in 1888 to force water through the Milwaukee river in order to accelerate the sluggish natural current and insure the removal of the large amount of waste matter entering this river before the same became objectionable. A similar installation was later made in the Kinnickinnic river.
The first vertical triple expansion pumping engine was designed and manufac- tured by the E. P. Allis Company and installed in the North avenue pumping sta- tion of the Milwaukee water works in 1886. The high economy of this pumping engine shown by the official test and which was maintained in actual service at- tracted the attention of water works engineers all over the world, and this type of machine has been generally adopted by the larger municipalities in the extension of their water works systems.
Shortly after the consolidation of the four companies in 1901 the construction of the West Allis Works was begun, the first three units being completed and manufacturing started in 1903. Two years later three additional units were com- menced and these were placed in operation in 1907. The unique arrangement of this plant attracted marked attention as it was one of the first plants constructed on the "unit" plan with definite provision for routing the work. As will be seen from the accompanying photograph, this arrangement permits all parts of a ma- chine in the process of manufacture to move in one direction until completed and shipped, thus avoiding delays incident to parts traveling in opposite directions. Specific products are made in each of the six machine shops extending east and west and at right angles to the three long buildings, each machine shop having its proportion of pattern shop, foundry and erecting shop. From the west end of the plant patterns travel in one direction to the Foundry and the finished castings through the machine shops in the direction of the erecting shop, where they are assembled, loaded and shipped out at the extreme opposite or east end of the plant.
An idea of the size of the West Allis plant is obtained from the following: Total floor area of plant, square feet, 2,452,000; total ground area, acres, 116; plant boiler horsepower, 10,700; miles of railway track, 17; reservoir for con- densing water for power plant-capacity, 4,650,000 gallons; number of traveling cranes, 155; foundry day capacity (tons), 350; and heaviest casting produced ( tons), 120.
Later there was added to this plant a large forge shop, nut and bolt shop, heavy plate shop, malleable iron foundry and farm tractor buildings. A large club house is maintained for the use of its employes. In addition to the plant at West Allis the company is operating the Reliance Works in the city of Milwaukee and the Bullock works at Cincinnati, Ohio, to which extensive additions have been made. The three plants have a total ground area of 146 acres and employ about 10,000 persons.
The Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company, as the company has been called since 1913, maintains offices in more than thirty American cities and through its foreign offices and representatives carries on an extensive export business. The important products now manufactured by the company include the following: Electrical machinery, steam turbines, steam engines, condensers, hydraulic turhines, pumping engines, centrifugal pumps, gas engines, oil engines, mining machinery, metallurgical machinery, crushing and cement machinery, flour mill machinery, sawmill machinery, air compressors, air brakes, steam and electric hoists, farm tractors, power transmission machinery, forgings, perforated metals, timber treat- ing and preserving machinery, etc.
BENN P. CHURCHILL, M. D.
This is preeminently an age of specialization. There are comparatively few who try to cover the entire scope of professional practice of any kind; on the contrary they concentrate along particular lines and develop an efficiency in that field that could not otherwise be attained. In keeping with this modern tendency Dr. Benn P. Churchill has concentrated upon discases of the eye, ear, nose and throat and as such is practic- ing successfully in Milwaukee He was born in Toronto, Canada, August 24, 1865, and is a son of the Rev. James Churchill and Catherine (Smith) Churchill, both of whom are now deceased. The father was a Christian minister. In their family were seven
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children, five of whom are yet living, and one son besides the Doctor is a resident of Milwaukee, this being William J. Churchill.
Dr. Churchill was reared in Toronto and was graduated with the M. D. degree from the medical department of Trinity College with the class of 1895. He afterward spent six months in a hospital at Toronto and subsequently entered upon the private practice of medicine and surgery in Neillsville, Wisconsin, spending several years in that place and at Algoma, Wisconsin. Since 1904 he has maintained his office in Milwaukee and here has concentrated his attention upon his specialty, for in 1903 he did post- graduate work on the eye, ear, nose and throat in Chicago. He belongs to the Mil- waukee County Medieal Society, the Wisconsin State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He is the author of various valuable articles which have appeared in the leading medical journals and he is also the inventor of a valuable instrument used in his practice. He is very conscientious in the performance of all professional duties and his wide reading and comprehensive understanding of the scientific prin- ciples which underlie his work have brought him splendid results.
On the 20th of June, 1899, Dr. Churchill was married to Miss Lillian Dangers of Neillsville, Wisconsin, who was a teacher prior to their marriage. They have become parents of three children: Dorothy, who is now a senior in the University of Wis- consin at Madison; Bernard, who is a high school graduate; and Betty, eleven years of age, still in school.
Dr. Churchill belongs to the Masonic fraternity, of which he is an exemplary representative, and also to the University Club, and is a Son of the American Revolu- tion. He enjoys bowling and motoring and finds recreation and pleasure in that way. Ile is a man of high ideals and of sterling qualities and his word is as good as his bond. He would make personal sacrifices rather than break a promise and men have learned to depend upon him, knowing that what he says he will do. Thus in the private walks of life as well as in the profession he has gained a most creditable standing and made for himself an enviable name.
WILLIAM E. OLSON.
William E. Olson, vice president, secretary and treasurer of the George L. Thomas Company of Milwaukee, was born in Fulton, Illinois, March 31, 1897, his parents being Elias and Martha May ( Jamison) Olson, who were likewise natives of Illinois. The father became a contractor and in 1915 removed to Milwaukee, where he retired from active business, having previously won a substantial competence through his intelli- gently directed labors and unceasing diligence. He died in the year 1919, while his wife survived until 1922. They were the parents of two daughters and a son, William E. being the youngest child.
Having acquired a good publie school education in Fulton, Illinois, William E. Olson afterward attended the Clinton Business College and was thus trained for life's practieal and responsible duties. After coming to Milwaukee he pursued an electric engineering course in a school of engineering and in November, 1917, he became con- nected with the George L. Thomas Company, with whom he learned undertaking and embalming. He studied the question from the scientific as well as the practical stand- point and in 1918 became a partner in the firm of which he is now the vice president, secretary and treasurer. He acts as general manager of the business and belongs to the Milwaukee Funeral Directors Association, also to the State and National Funeral Directors Association.
During the World war Mr. Olson was sanitation inspector at the Great Lakes Naval Camp and was attached to the hospital corps. His political endorsement is given to the republican party, which he has always supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He belongs to Wiseonsin Lodge, No. 13, A. F. & A. M., and is a member of the Westminster Presbyterian church. His entire life has been char- acterized by fidelity to the high principles of Masonry and the teachings of the church, and the sterling worth of his character is attested by all who know him. He is yet a young man but has already made for himself a creditable place in business circles, winning a measure of success that is the direct outcome of thoroughness, capability and reliability.
LOUIS REINHARD, M. D.
In a record of those men who have in any way contributed to the development, progress and upbuilding of Milwaukee it is imperative that mention be made of Dr. Louis Reinhard, who was long a distinguished physician of this city, having won a most prominent place in professional circles. He was born at Melsungen, Hessen-
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Nassau, Germany, in 1842 and after completing his preliminary education by a course of study in the gymnasium or high school at Hersfeld he entered upon preparation for the practice of medicine as a student at Marburg, Germany. He also studied for a time at Wuerzburg but was graduated at the former place in the year 1865. He spent the two years following his graduation in Berlin and Prague, where he engaged in practice, and then became physician and surgeon on one of the North German Lloyd steamers plying between Bremen and New York. At length he determined to become a permanent resident of America and in 1870 arrived in Milwaukee, where he took up his permanent abode, here continuing to engage in medical practice until his death. As the years passed his success brought him prominently to the front, his practice steadily growing in volume and importance. The recognition of his ability soon brought to him a business that was extensive, making heavy demands upon his time and energy, and in the performance of all of his professional duties he was most prompt and conscientious. He was thoroughly interested in the welfare of his fellow- men, though his unselfish concern was often cloaked in a brusque manner. In the sick- room, however, he carried sunshine and cheer and was always a most welcome visitor to those who needed his professional service and who recognized that almost immediate helpfulness would come through his efforts.
Dr. Reinhard was united in marriage in Milwaukee to Miss Thecla Greulich, a daughter of August Greulich, one of the early German settlers of Milwaukee. She still survives and makes her home at No. 363 National avenue, the residence having been erected in 1886. There she lives with her two children, a daughter and a son, the latter being Dr. Hans A. Reinhard, now a prominent physician of this city. She has many friends here, sharing in the high regard which was uniformly tendered her hus- band, who for so many years figured most conspicuously and honorably in connection with the medical profession and who as a citizen stood loyally for the best interests of Milwaukee and whose position in the esteem and friendship of his fellowmen was a most enviable one. He was called to his final rest on the 20th of November, 1893.
LOUIS EDWARD STROTHMAN.
Louis Edward Strothman, who won well merited renown as an engineer in the service of important industrial enterprises of Milwaukee and who during the last three years of his life was the vice president and general manager of the Richardson-Phenix Company, passed away May 7, 1922, at the age of forty-three years. His entire life was spent in Milwaukee, where his birth occurred on the 10th of January, 1879, his parents being Herman and Adeline ( Lemke) Strothman. The paternal grandfather, William Strothman, was the first German man to locate in this city. He came here from the fatherland in 1849 and became one of the dominant factors in uphuilding the city. Ilerman Strothman was born in Milwaukee and here resided until his death on the 3d of September, 1897. He was a pattern maker and achieved substantial success in that connection. Mrs. Strothman is still living in Milwaukee at the age of sixty- seven years. She is a native of this city and a daughter of Louis Lemke, who was born in Germany and came to the United States at an early day, locating in Milwau- kee. He was an expert cabinet maker and remained in the service of the E. P. Allis Company for many years.
In the acquirement of an education Louis Edward Strothman attended the public schools of Milwaukee and the South Side high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1896. He also attended St. John's Military Academy at Delafield, after which he made his initial step in the business world with the Filer & Stowell Company in 1893, working as a draftsman until the latter part of 1894. From 1896 to 1899 he was connected with the Vilter Manufacturing Company and from 1899 to 1902 with the Nordberg Manufacturing Company. All of this time was spent in their drafting rooms, his purpose being to acquire experience, and it was with this object in view that he entered the employ of the Allis-Chalmers Company in 1902 as a drafts- man in the pumping engine department. A few years later the company sent him out as an erecting engineer and after having acquired some experience in this line he was made engineer in charge of centrifugal and screw pumping engine design. In 1908
he was appointed assistant manager of the pumping engine and hydraulic turbine de- partments, in which position he was active until 1910, when a reorganization of these departments was made and he was appointed engineer in charge of the pumping machinery department, which at that time handled all types of pumps made by the company, namely: reciprocating, centrifugal and screw types. In 1911 Mr. Strothman was appointed manager and chief engineer of the pumping engine department and in December, 1915, he was appointed manager of the steam turbine department, in addition to his duties in the pumping engine department. On the 15th of August, 1919, he resigned his position to become vice president and general manager of the Richardson- Phenix Company and was so serving at the time of his demise. In his business life Vol. 111-39
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Mr. Strothman always evinced a stanch determination and tireless energy, and he established an enviable reputation for earnest, painstaking work and cooperation, all of which is of utmost importance to the success of any company. As an official of the Richardson-Phenix Company his work was of inestimable value to the enterprise.
Mr. Strothman had an extensive and varied engineering experience and in addition to being well known in the national engineering societies was personally known to the prominent engineers in all of the larger cities from coast to coast. In 1909 he was elected a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and he took an active interest in the affairs of this organization during the last decade of his life, serving in
various offices. In 1915 and 1916 he was chairman of the Milwaukee section. He was appointed a member of the board of directors of the organization for National Preparedness for the State of Wisconsin in 1916, and upon the recommendation of the president of the society was also appointed an associate member of the naval consult- ing board by Josephus Daniels, secretary of the navy. In 1918 Mr. Strothman was made a member of the main committee on power test codes and elected chairman of the sub-committee on displacement pump tests. In 1919 he was appointed by President M. E. Cooley to represent the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in company with the president on the national industrial conference board. He was elected vice president of that society December 7, 1921. He was likewisc a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Water Works Association and the Engineer- ing Society of Milwaukee, of which he was president in 1916 and 1917.
On the 11th of May, 1899, occurred the marriage of Mr. Strothman and Miss Galena Pennell, a daughter of William N. Pennell, a prominent citizen of Milwaukee. The latter is particularly well known in Masonic circles, having won the thirty-third degree. He was born in Chester, Pennsylvania, a son of Edmund Pennell, a well known banker and extensive agriculturist. The Pennell family settled in Pennsylvania with William Penn. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Strothman: Edmund Pennell, who was born on the 5th of August, 1900, and is a senior in the University of Wis- consin: Dorothy Louise, now attending Grafton Hall in Fond du Lac; Thomas Henry, whose birth occurred on the 2d of July, 1910; and Robert Louis, born on the 18th of June, 1913.
Mr. Strothman was an active and popular member of the Milwaukee Athletic Club, the Milwaukee Yacht Club, the Milwaukee Rotary Club, the Milwaukee Gun Club, the Blue Mound Country Club and the Milwaukee Engineering Society. Fraternally be was prominently identified with the Masons, belonging to Kilbourn Lodge, No. 3, A. F. & A. M .; Kilbonrn Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M .: Wisconsin Commandery, No. 1, K. T .; Wisconsin Consistory, in which he attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite; and Tripoli Temple of the Mystic Shrine. His funeral was held from the Con- sistory chapel, where Kilbourn Lodge conducted the services, and thus was laid to rest one of Milwaukee's honored and successful business men and highly esteemed citizens.
TRAPP BROTHERS DAIRY COMPANY.
One of the rapidly developing business enterprises of Milwaukee is that of the Trapp Brothers Dairy Company, owned and conducted by Robert Trapp, the presi- dent of the company, Paul Trapp, first vice president, Walter Trapp, second vice president, and Theodore Trapp, who is the secretary and treasurer, This company has established a dairy that in its equipment and in its product is second to none in the entire country. The business has been developed along the most modern and sanitary lines and the plant is today the last word in point of efficiency and service. It is such institutions that have won for Milwaukee the name of the Cream city. It was about sixteen years ago that Robert Trapp purchased a half interest in a small milk route that distributed about eight eight-gallon cans of milk a day. Thus he made his initial start and in view of what has been accomplished it seems that he must have progressed by leaps and bounds, for at the present time Trapp Brothers and their business associates control the second largest milk plant in Wis- consin, handling approximately eight thousand gallons daily. In his youth he
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