History of Milwaukee, city and county, Volume III, Part 8

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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On the 22d of October, 1884, Mr. Herdegen was united in marriage to Miss Nettie C. Siemantel, a daughter of George Siemantel. Her father was born in Strassburg, Germany, and on coming to the United States with his parents established residence in Aurora, Indiana. There he engaged in the mercantile business and has won a gratifying amount of success. One daughter, Irma Louise, was born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Herdegen and her death occurred when a junior in the University of Colorado at Boulder. She was a brilliant student and popular among the younger set and her death caused a feeling of deep bereavement to sweep the community in which she resided.

Mr. Herdegen has always maintained an independent course in politics, voting for the man without regard for party principles. Both he and his wife are consistent

HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE

members of the Calvary Presbyterian church and he is prominent in club circles as a member of the Milwaukee Athletic Club and the Blue Mound Country Club. In the line of outdoor sports Mr. Herdegen is partial to golf and motoring and these, together with music, form his favorite recreations. Mrs. Herdegen is likewise a lover of music and is a woman of culture and refinement, with most artistic tastes. Starting out on his own account in early life Mr. Herdegen soon realized that industry wins and in- dustry, therefore, became the beacon light of his life. All that he has accomplished is the result of energy and determination intelligently directed, and he is now one of the prominent insurance men in Milwaukee and throughout the state.

HERMAN HENRY BLOEDEL.

Inheriting the keen discernment and broad vision of his father, Herman Henry Bloedel has made use of every opportunity offered him and is today numbered among the representative business men of Milwaukee, being vice president of Bloedel's Jewelry, Inc. He is a native son of Milwaukee, where his birth occurred on the 1st of February, 1872, his parents being Adam and Hannah (Strothenke) Bloedel. Adam Bloedel was born on the 18th of December, 1842, in Oppenheim, Germany, a son of Henry and Annie M. (Laubenstein ) Bloedel, both natives of that country. The family came direct to Milwaukee on landing in this country in 1854, and Henry Bloedel, who was a wagon maker and blacksmith by trade, won prominence along those lines, in which he was active until his death in 1880. His wife passed away in 1894. Seven children were born to them, of whom two survive. Adam Bloedel began his education in the public schools of his native country and upon coming to Milwaukee completed his education here. At an early age he learned the jeweler's trade in association with Henry Upmeyer and Coxwell & Gin. In 1868 he went into business on his account on a modest scale. His success in the venture seemed assured from the start, and he steadily enlarged his line until he became a manufacturer of fine jewelry. His first place of business was on the present site of the Iron block and it was conducted under the name of Bloedel & Mueller. When its growth necessitated removal to larger quarters, the firm located in the Caswell block, where for the next thirty years operation was suc- cessfully carried on. For fourteen years Mr. Mueller remained as junior member of the firm but in 1882 partnership was dissolved and business was continued under the name of A. Bloedel. In 1906, as the result of the tearing down of the Caswell block, the business was removed to the Plankinton House block but a year later the Plankin- ton was also torn down. For nine months Mr. Bloedel occupied quarters at 228 Grand avenue and then obtained possession of his present store at 215 Grand avenue. In 1918 he incorporated the business under the name of Bloedel's Jewelry. On the 13th of January, 1866, Adam Bloedel was united in marriage to Miss Annie Strothenke, a daughter of Herman Strothenke of the town of Lake, having located in Milwaukee in 1854. Her father came to this country at an early age from his native land of Germany. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bloedel, four of whom survive: Annie, Ida, Herman Henry and Amelia. Mr. Bloedel was always a stanch supporter of the repub- lican party, and both he and his wife were consistent members of the Grace Lutheran church. Thrown upon his own resources in early youth, he overcame the many obstacles in his path and became a business man of ability, his dominant characteristics being pluck, energy and perseverance. From nothing he built a comfortable fortune, and both he and his wife had the sincere respect and love of the community in which they had made their home for many years. Mr. Bloedel died on the 2d of June, 1921, and in his passing Milwaukee lost a representative pioneer citizen.

Herman Henry Bloedel, whose name initiates this review, is indebted to the public schools of Milwaukee for his education, and after completing a course in the Spencerian Business College he made his initial step into the business world. For three years he was in Chicago learning the jeweler's trade in connection with F. Lorenz and going to school a part of the time. In January, 1893, he returned to his home in Milwaukee and entered his father's business, in the conduct of which he has since been active. He is vice president of the corporation, and his executive ability has proven a dominant factor in its continued success.

On the 8th of April, 1896. Mr. Bloedel was united in marriage to Miss Adele Franck, a daughter of Mrs. Kate Franck of Milwaukee. The father of Mrs. Franck was Christian Hambech, one of the old settlers of the third ward who emigrated to this country at an early day. Mrs. Franck is a native of Milwaukee, and by her marriage has become the mother of five children: Walter Adam, Alice Lenore, Dorothy Franck, Henry Richard and Alice Katherine. The eldest son, Walter Adam, is now associated with his father's business. He received his education in the West Side high school and at the Spencerian Business College. After completing his studies he enrolled as student in the Bradley Corological Institute at Peoria, Illinois. Upon the outbreak of the World war he was quick to subordinate his personal interests and enlisted in the

ADAM BLOEDEL

HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE

aerial branch of the naval service, being for over nine months active in engagements in France. The second member of the Bloedel family, Alice Lenore, like her brother, is a graduate of the West Side high school and is now a student in the University of Chicago. Previous to her entrance there she was enrolled in the Milwaukee Normal College. Dorothy Franck is now attending Downer College, and the two youngest members of the family, Henry Richard and Alice Katherine, are students in the Milwaukee public schools.

Since attaining his majority Mr. Bloedel has been a stanch supporter of the republican party but has never taken an active interest in politics. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Lafayette Lodge, No. 265, of Milwaukee; Calumet Chapter, No. 73, R. A. M .; Wisconsin Council, No. 4; Ivanhoe Commandery, No. 24, K. T .; and Tripoli Temple of the Mystic Shrine. Mr. Bloedel is likewise a Scottish Rite Mason, having attained the thirty-second degree. The religious faith of the family is that of the Lutheran church, in which religion he was reared. Mrs. Bloedel and children are all musically inclined and are well known in the city along that line. For recreation Mr. Bloedel turns to outdoor sports but his particular hohby is his business. Although becoming interested in a business already established he bas succeeded, where many a man of even considerable resolute purpose, courage and industry would have failed, and he belongs to that class of American citizens who promote general prosperity while advancing individual interests.

WALTER FREDERICK DUNLAP.

An energetic business man whose success in life has been on a parity with his well directed endeavors is Walter Frederick Dunlap, vice president and general man- ager of Klau-Van Pietersom-Dunlap, Incorporated. A native of Wisconsin, his birth occurred at Princeton on the 27th of October, 1879, a son of Augustus E. and Jessie (Cooke) Dunlap, both natives of Wisconsin. The father was born on his father's farm in Auroraville and in later life became a lawyer of note. For many years he engaged in practice in Ripon and likewise held the offices of county clerk of Green Lake county and city judge for a number of terms. He was a veteran of the Civil war, hav- ing volunteered his services at the age of nineteen years. He served throughout the conflict with the Wisconsin troops. Mrs. Dunlap, who was born in Princeton, is now residing in Thomasville, Georgia. Her father, Frederick W. Cooke, was engaged in stock buying in Green Lake county, this state, and for four terms served as sheriff of the county.

Walter Frederick Dunlap is indebted to the schools of Dareford and Ripon for his carly education and after graduating from the high school in the latter place he entered Wayland University at Beaver Dam. While attending high school he worked for a real estate man, earning fifteen dollars a month, part of which he saved toward his university education. Upon putting his textbooks aside he became associated with an insurance company as office boy and after two years in that capacity received promotion to positions requiring more ability until at the time of his resignation he was state manager of the company. Subsequently he was associated with the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York for some time and then became state agent for the Fidelity Mutual for a period of two years. It was about that time that he determined to enter the business world on his own account and as a result was ad- mitted to membership in the firm of Klau & Van Pietersom. Soon after his association with the firm the business was incorporated as the Klau-Van Pietersom Company, which name was changed five years later to its present style of Klau-Van Pietersom-Dunlap, Incorporated. This business was founded in June, 1906, by Anthony Van Pietersom and Gustave W. Klau, further mention of whom is made on another page of this work. Mr. Klan is president of the corporation, Mr. Van Pietersom, secretary-treasurer and Mr. Dunlap vice president and general manager. In advertising circles the business has achieved a national reputation and no small measure of its success is attributable to Mr. Dunlap. As general manager of the corporation he has demonstrated his keen business ability and genius for devising the right thing at the right time and is recognized as a most potent factor in the continued success of the business. The corporation handles the advertising for some of the largest concerns in Milwaukee and outside of this city has the patronage of nationally known concerns.

On the 2d of May, 1900, occurred the marriage of Mr. Dunlap and Miss Edith Meyer, a daughter of August Meyer of Ripon. Her father is still residing there where for a number of years he has been successfully engaged in the manufacture of cigars. Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap have a daughter, Mildred Jessie, a student in Riverside high school.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Dunlap the right of franchise he has followed an independent course in politics, giving his support to the man he thinks best fitted for the office, without regard for party principles. Reared in the faith of the Baptist

HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE

church, he is now a consistent member of that body and fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, belonging to Garfield Lodge, No. 83, of Milwaukee and he is likewise a Mason, having membership in Kenwood Lodge. Socially Mr. Dunlap is a member of the Wisconsin Club, Athletic Club and Blue Mound Country Club and as a man ever interested in the improvement of the general welfare he is active in the affairs of the Rotary Club and the Association of Commerce. For recreation he turns to outdoor sports and is particularly fond of golf. His activity in business has not only contributed to his individual success but has also been an active factor in the develop- ment of the state and his more immediate community. He has ever discharged his duties with marked ability and fairness, for he is a most loyal, public-spirited citizen.

LOUIS F. SCHECKER.

Louis F. Schecker, who was well known in the business circles of Milwaukee for many years but departed this life on the 14th of May, 1921, was born in Leipzig, Ger- many. April 13, 1855, a son of Heinrich and Louisa Schecker. His education was acquired in his native country and there he received business training prior to the time when he bade adieu to friends and native land and came to the new world in 1876, being then a young man of twenty-one years. He made his way direct to Mil- waukee, where he became associated with the firm of Ramien Brothers, wholesale dealers in notions. Thus he made his initial step in the commercial circles of the city but utilized every opportunity for advancement subsequent to that time. Later, in company with Mr. Inbusch, he founded the Grafton Worsted Mills of Grafton, Wis- consin, and as the years passed his business affairs were wisely and carefully managed and controlled and brought to him a substantial measure of success. His steady ad- vancement was largely the result of his thoroughness, close application and inde- fatigable industry. He ever made his business his first interest and his life record illustrates what can be accomplished through individual merit and ability.

In 1876 Mr. Schecker was united in marriage to Miss Emma Inbusch, a daughter of John Gerhardt Inbusch. She passed away in July, 1892, and Mr. Schecker was married in June, 1894, to Miss Anna Breyman, a daughter of Otto and Sarah (Hodgson) Breyman, the latter a native of Yorkshire, England, while the father was born in Hildesheim, Germany. In early life he crossed the Atlantic, settling at Holland, Mich- igan. Mr. and Mrs. Schecker became parents of one son, Ralph, who is now the vice president of the Milwaukee Worsted Mills. He acquired his education in private schools, in the German-English Academy, from which he was graduated, and in Harvard University, which he attended for three years. He then entered the Milwaukee Worsted Mills, of which his father was the head, and he has now become one of the officials, bending his energies to administrative direction and executive control.

In the year 1912 Mr. Schecker went abroad with his family, touring Europe. He visited his old home and found much pleasure as well in going to other sections of the country. Ile was one of the founders of the Deutscher Club, now the Wisconsin Club, and he was also a member of the Cyclone Bowling Club. He enjoyed meeting with friends in these organizations, but he allowed nothing to interfere with his duties and responsibilities in a business way. In politics he usually voted with the republican party but was somewhat liberal in his views and was never bound by party ties. Death called him on the 14th of May, 1921, and in his passing Milwaukee mourned a sub- stantial citizen-one who had contributed to its material development and the ad- vancement of its business activity, for his efforts were ever of a character that made for public progress as well as for individual success.

GUSTAVE JOHNSON.

Active and energetic, Gustave Johnson closely watches every opportunity for the attainment of legitimate success and has made constant progress since starting out into the business world on his own account. He is now vice president, secretary and general manager of the Wisconsin Welding & Cutting Company, with headquarters at 413 Sixth street. He was born in Milwaukee on the 6th of January, 1893, a son of Olaf and Jennie ( Matthiesen) Johnson. Olaf Johnson was born in Norway and for years followed the sea, as captain. He brought his family to the United States in 1868 and located in Milwaukee. His demise occurred at sea. Mrs. Johnson, also a native of Norway, makes her home in Milwaukee.

In the acquirement of an education Gustave Johnson attended the Milwaukee public schools and after putting aside his textbooks worked in a chemistry laboratory for two years as an apprentice. He then went with the American Oxhydric Company and became thoroughly familiar with every phase of welding. He remained with that con-

LOUIS F. SCHECKER

HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE

cern for five years, receiving constant promotion until he reached the position of superintendent. He was active in that capacity at the time of his resignation. For some time he was associated with C. H. Hausen and in 1914 embarked in business on his own account under the name of the Western Welding Company. He conducted that business successfully for one year, at the end of which time he consolidated with the Wisconsin Welding & Cutting Company, becoming vice president, secretary and general manager. The Wisconsin Welding & Cutting Company was founded in 1913 and it has grown to be one of the largest enterprises of its kind in the northwest. The concern does general repair welding and manufactures welded articles such as pipe stands and trucks, and deals principally with garage supply houses, its business ex- tending throughout the United States. The splendid success of this business is attribut- able in large measure to the executive force, keen sagacity and discrimination of Mr. Johnson. E. M. Parmelee is president of the company and H. J. Mueller, treasurer.

On the 28th of June, 1916, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Johnson and Miss Olga C. Olson, the daughter of Stephen Olson of Milwaukee. He is a die and tool maker and one of the respected and representative citizens of the community. Al- though Mr. Johnson is interested in every movement for furthering the general welfare, he has never taken a particularly active interest in politics. His religious faith is in- dicated by his attendance at the Baptist church and fraternally he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, belonging to Lodge, No. 177, of Milwaukee and to Milwaukee Lodge, No. 46, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Johnson is also a member of the Association of Commerce. For recreation he turns to the great outdoors and is a great baseball fan, having played in a semi-professional capacity. He is also fond of motoring and frequently slips away from his business to make long tours. During the World war he was engaged in government work and did all in his power to aid the government in all of its undertakings. Mr. Johnson is one of the estimable citizens of Milwaukee who can always be depended upon to meet his obligations in both public and private life, as has been manifested during the period of his business activity.

HUGH WILSON GUTHRIE.

A prominent and representative citizen of Milwaukee is Hugh Wilson Gutbrie, junior partner in the firm of Leenhouts & Guthrie, architects. He was born in Ayr- shire, Scotland, a son of Hugh Guthrie, a manufacturer of agricultural implements in Scotland. His grandfather, also named Hugh, had founded the business in Scot- land, it being of modest proportions but had won a widespread reputation for the excellence of its products. The mother of Hugh Wilson Guthrie was Mary Ann Wilson, whose demise occurred on the 23d of July, 1920, at the age of eighty-four years. She was likewise a native of Scotland, born in Ayrshire, a daughter of David Wilson, whose father, James Wilson, was a close neighbor and chum of "Bobby" Burns.

Mr. Guthrie received a good education and in early life decided to become an architect. After the necessary amount of training and experience along that line he became a partner of Cornelius Leenhouts and together they established the firm of Leenhouts & Guthrie, architects. Further mention of the firm may be found in the sketch of Mr. Leenhouts appearing elsewhere in this work. Mr. Guthrie has proved himself to be a business man of ability, with keen insight and initiative. and his asso- ciation with the firm has been a dominant factor in its success.

On the 14th of June, 1900, occurred the marriage of Mr. Guthrie and Miss Hilda Nilson, a native of Sweden who came to the United States and located in Chicago when a young woman. Three sons have been born to their union: James Nilson, was born in 1902 and is now in the office with his father; Hugh, a student at the Riverside high school; and Robert Borland, attending the Milwaukee public schools, Mrs. Guthrie is prominent in the club and social circles of the city, where she is conceded a woman of magnetic personality and charm.

Since attaining his majority Mr. Guthrie has always maintained an independent course in politics but has never been particularly active. His religious faith is evi- denced by his membership in Immanuel Presbyterian church of Milwaukee. Fraternal- ly he is identified with the . Masons, belonging to Kenwood Lodge, No. 303, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a charter member; Wisconsin Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M .; Wisconsin Commandery, No. 1, Knights Templars; Wisconsin Council, No. 4, R. & S. M .; Tripoli Temple of the Mystic Shrine; and he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rife. He is likewise affiliated with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. As a man interested in the moral and civic development and improvement of the community Mr. Guthrie is an active member of the City Club and the Association of Commerce and in line with his business he has membership in Wisconsin chapter, A. 1. A. and is an associate member of the American Institute of Architects. Socially he is identified with the St. Andrew's Society and the Milwaukee Curling Club. Mr. Guthrie is a great lover of literature and outdoor sports and his home of three acres

HISTORY OF MILWAUKEE

on the shore of Lake Michigan, ten miles north of Milwaukee, contains everything of that nature that could be desired. Swimming is the favorite diversion of the family. In the conduct of his business interests Mr. Guthrie has ever followed progressive and constructive methods, he takes a keen and active interest in civic affairs and his co- operation can at all times be counted upon to further any plan or measure for the general good.

WILLIAM F. BORGES.

William F. Borges, secretary and treasurer of the W. R. Sherin Company, is a native son of Milwaukee, his birth having here occurred September 27, 1871. His parents, Henry and Mary ( Otting) Borges, were both born in Hanover, Germany. The mother came to Milwaukee about 1845 with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand Otting. Her father was a farmer who owned and cultivated land in the town of Granville. Henry Borges also came to Milwaukee with his father, Christopher Borges, his mother having died in Germany. Early in life he engaged in the sale of farm lands and became an authority upon acreage and also on the quality and value of the soil. He was one of the first to fill the position of commissioner of weights and measures and through his officiel duties and his business activities he became widely and favorably known, the sterling traits of his character winning him the high regard of many with whom he came in contact.

William F. Borges acquired his early education in the parochial and public schools of this city and also attended Spencerian Business College. He started out to earn his living by working as an office boy with the firm of Dey & Friend, attorneys, and later he became associated with the firm of G. W. Ogden & Company, carriage manufacturers, taking up this line of work in 1888. He remained with the house for twenty years before they closed out, after which he became manager with the Grant Marble Company and acted in that capacity for two years. He then became identified with the W. R. Sherin Company in association with his brother, Arthur F. Borges, the concern being engaged in the building of automobile bodies and also conducting an automobile paint- ing and repairing business. The officers of the company are as follows: Arthur F. Borges, president; William F. Nevermann, vice president; and William F. Borges, secretary and treasurer. These three are most wisely, carefully and profitably directing the operation of their plant, which is today one of the largest of the kind in Wisconsin. With the development of the automobile trade their industry has constantly grown and they have proven themselves competent to meet every demand made upon them. William F. Borges is also the president and treasurer of the Borges-Baker Company, manufacturers of hardware specialties and patentees of the B. B. shears.

In 1902 William F. Borges was married to Miss Emma Schroeder, a daughter of John Schroeder of the John Schroeder Lumber Company of Milwaukee. They became the parents of four sons, of whom two died in infancy, while those still living are John and Walter. The former is a student in the Culver Military Academy, while Walter is attending the Riverside high school.

Mr. Borges maintains a beautiful summer home in a fifty-acre tract of virgin tim- ber on the Eagle chain of lakes in Wisconsin in addition to his residence in Milwaukee. He belongs to the Vehicle Manufacturing Association of Wisconsin and he has member- ship in the Association of Commerce. He is also a director of the Washington Park Zoological Society and a member of the Milwaukee Athletic Club and the Rotary Club, of the National Travel Club of New York and the Travel Club of America in New York. These associations indicate much of the nature of his interests and the source of his recreation. He likewise belongs to St. John's German Lutheran church and is a man whose sterling traits of character and high principles have ever commanded for him the confidence and honor of his fellows. During the World war Mr. Borges worked on every drive for funds and bonds, receiving the one hundred per cent certificate from the government in recognition of his services. He is widely known in the city in which his entire life has been passed and his business activities and social qualities have placed him in a position of prominence.

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History of Milwaukee, city and county, Volume III, Part 8

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