History of Milwaukee, city and county, Volume III, Part 87

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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CARL LANDSEE,

Carl Landsee, who has passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey and is now living retired save for the supervision of his personal affairs, has made his home in Milwaukee through a period of fifty-five years and is well known as one of the ven- erable and esteemed residents of the city. His birth occurred in Rottenburg, Germany, on the 4th of April, 1847, his parents being William and Eleanore Landsee, who were also natives of that country. The father was connected with mercantile interests throughout his entire business career.

Carl Landsee obtained his education in the public and high schools of Germany and after putting aside his textbooks spent several years as a clerk in the employ of others, In June, 1867, when a young man of twenty years, he determined to try his fortune on this side of the Atlantic and accordingly made the voyage to the United States, making his way direct to Milwaukee. Here he secured employment as a clerk with the firm of Goll & Frank, with which he remained for three years, on the expiration of which period he became associated with G. Pfister, who operated a large tannery in the city. This enterprise was later conducted under the firm style of Pfister & Vogel and Mr. Landsee continued his connection with G. Pfister until his retirement from active business in 1916. His long continued service with this one concern, covering a period of forty-six years, stands in incontrovertible evidence of the value of his work and the ability and faithfulness with which he discharged his duties. Though now living practically retired, he still gives supervision to his personal interests as a director of the Hecla Mining Company of Idaho and as a stockholder in various other enterprises.

Politically Mr. Landsee has always maintained an independent attitude, supporting men and measures rather than party. Coming to the new world in early manhood, he here found the opportunities which he sought and through their wise utilization reached the goal of success, so that he is able to spend the evening of his life in well earned rest. He has an extensive circle of warm friends in Milwaukee, for his career has ever been an upright and honorable one, commending him to the confidence and high regard of all with whom he has come in contact.

CARL C. JOYS.

Carl C. Joys, president of the Vance & Joys Company, engaged in marine business as transportation and vessel agents, and also president of the David Vance Company, general insurance agents, is one of the native sons of Milwaukee whose intelligently directed business activity has brought him to the goal of success. His life record is as an open book to his fellow townsmen, for he has always resided in the fifth ward, his birth having occurred at Walkers Point on the 11th of February, 1860. Throughout the intervening years to the present he has resided in the same ward, obtaining his educa- tion at the public schools, entering business life here and steadily working his way upward until he is not only one of the successful business men of the city but also one of the most highly respected. His father, John Joys, was a native of Norway and when he had reached the age when it became necessary to choose a life vocation he turned to the sea. In 1846 he left the Land of the Midnight Sun and through the succeeding ten years sailed around the world. It was in 1855 that he became a mariner on the Great Lakes, settling in Milwaukee, where he continued to make his home until his demise. His birth occurred in Farsund, Norway. With his arrival in Milwaukee in 1855 he entered the merchant marine service on the Great Lakes and made rapid advancement in that connection to winning a captaincy. Subsequently he became associated with Frederick Layton and Edward Cole in building the schooner James Christy, which he commanded as captain for several years, and at different periods he was also captain of the schooners C. G. Breed, Waucoma and Alice B. Norris. In 1875 he ceased sailing, but Vol. 111-49

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his business activity was of a kindred nature, for he became a member of the firm of G. D. Norris & Company, ship chandlers, and later in connection with his brother, Andrew M. Joys, he purchased the business, which was then conducted under the name of Joys Brothers. It was in early manhood that Captain Joys wedded Christine Gabriel- son, a daughter of Samuel Gabrielson, one of the honored pioneer residents of Milwaukee, who passed away in 1907. The death of Mrs. Joys occurred in 1865. She was survived by two children: Carl C .; and Samuel, who passed away May S, 1900. For his second wife John Joys chose Emily Lund and they became the parents of three daughters and a son: Emma, deceased; John, who is now vice president of the Joys Brothers Company of Milwaukee; Alma, the deceased wife of Cyrus J. Williams of Los Angeles, California; and Elizabeth, who has also departed this life. The death of the husband and father occurred May 23, 1910, at the age of seventy-seven years, and his funeral was conducted under the anspices of Excelsior Lodge, A. F. & A. M., in which he held membership. He had also attained the Knights Templar degree in Wisconsin Commandery and was ever a worthy and loyal follower of the teachings of the craft. He had a wide acquaintance in marine and business circles and enjoyed the high respect of all with whom he came in contact.

In the public schools of the fifth ward Carl C. Joys pursued his education and made his initial step in the business world in 1875, when he became an employe of H. B. Kellogg, a grain commission merchant. He was thus engaged for ten years, or until 1885, when he became identified with the marine interests of the late Captain David Vance and two years later was admitted to a partnership, under the style of the Vance & Joys Company, engaged in marine business as transportation and vessel agents. Since that time Mr. Joys has largely devoted his energies to the conduct of this business, which is extensive and of an important character. He succeeded Mr. Vance in the presi- dency of the company and has since directed its affairs with splendid success. He is likewise the president of the David Vance Company, handling general insurance, and that department of his business has also become an extensive and profitable one. Hle is a thoroughgoing business man, alert, energetic, ready for any emergency, and his characteristic of making the best of a situation has carried him beyond the obstacles and difficulties which always arise in business and brought him to the point of success.

On the 2d of June, 1886, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Joys and Miss Josephine Saveland, daughter of Captain Zach Saveland, who cast in his lot with the early settlers of Milwaukee in the '40s and remained a resident of the city until his death. Mrs. Joys was born and educated in Milwaukee and here passed away February 9, 1903, sur- vived by two children: Carl C., who is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and now resides in New York; and Florence, who is a graduate of the Milwaukee-Downer College.

Mr. Joys, like his father, has become identified with Masonry, belonging to Ex- celsior Lodge, F. & A. M., of Milwaukee, and having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He is also a member of Tripoli Temple of the Mystic Shrine. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he stands at all times for progress and improvement in civic affairs, supporting all measures which he deems of value to the community, commonwealth and country. In 1900 he was made a member of the city service commission, which looked after the civil service part of the official force of Milwaukee, and in 1911 he was made a member of the harbor commission for the term extending to October, 1915. He belongs to the Lake Carriers' Association and for forty years he has been a member of the Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce, cooperat- ing in all the plans and projects of that organization for the city's upbuilding and improvement.

Mr. Joys is actuated by a most progressive spirit in all that he undertakes, whether in the upbuilding of his business fortunes or in the advancement of city welfare. Mil- waukee has no more loyal supporter than this native son, who has spent his entire life in one ward, and there practically every man, woman and child is his friend. He has an extensive acquaintance throughout the city and everywhere is spoken of in terms of the highest regard.

CHARLES EDWARD MUELLER.

Charles Edward Mueller arrived at a position of prominence in mercantile circles and throughout his career he merited the confidence and regard and enjoyed the friend- ship and goodwill of all with whom he was associated. Time served but to strengthen the ties of friendship which he formed and investigation into his career but heightened his fame, showing him to be the possessor of sterling qualities of manhood and citizen- ship. Mr. Mueller was born in Milwaukee on the 15th of March, 1858, his parents being Carl F. and Frederike ( Weinrich ) Mueller. He attended the public schools and the Spencerian Business College, thus qualifying for a commercial career. When a vonth of eighteen he secured employment with the firm of Snefflohn & Seefeld as ship-

CHARLES E. MUELLER

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ping clerk, and making good in that connection, he was soon sent out on the road as traveling representative of the firm. He proved his capability and efficiency and his experience thus gained laid the foundation for his advancement in business life. In the year 1883 Mr. Mueller was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth M. Gross, a daughter of Phillip Gross, founder of the Phillip Gross Hardware & Supply Company, and a year later Mr. Mueller became associated with this company and thereafter contributed to the development and growth of the business. Following the incorpo- ration in 1889 he served as secretary and treasurer of the company up to the time of his death on February 10, 1919. With the thoroughness that characterized every- thing that he did he closely studied every phase of the hardware business, knew the market and the demands of the trade and by close application and indefatigable energy contributed in a large measure to the continued development of the enterprise. He was one of Milwaukee's best known business men and it was characteristic of his nature that among his warmest friends were some who were his competitors in trade. Of him Frank R. Rost, vice president of the William Frankfurth Hardware Company, said: "He was one of the most faithful friends that I had. The only criticism that could be possibly made of Mr. Mueller was that he always worked and never played. He was certainly appreciated by those who knew him best. He was not the sort of man who is called a 'mixer' but a man whose lovable qualities were appreciated by those nearest to him and those who were thrown into business contact with him. He was a man who wore well."

Mr. Mueller is survived by three sons and three daughters: Clarence H., who is now vice president, Herbert A., assistant secretary, and Henry P., assistant treasurer of the Phillip Gross Hardware & Supply Company. Vera B., the wife of Dr. Louis Fuerstenau; Flora M., now Mrs. Cecil E. Ketchum; and Clara E. Mueller.

In his political views Mr. Mueller was always a stanch republican and gave stalwart support to the party at the polls, although never ambitious to hold office. He belonged to the Old Settlers Club and to the City Club and was a most earnest and active worker in the First Methodist Episcopal church, having been elected three times as delegate to the World's General Conference and for twenty-five years he was superintendent of the Sunday school.

In every relation of life Mr. Mueller measured up to high standards. He enjoyed the opportunity of attaining success in business but always regarded the acquirement of wealth merely as a means to an end. He never overlooked nor neglected his duties and obligations in other relations of life and sought to advance the public welfare through civic activity and through the work of the church, especially by instilling into the minds of the young those principles upon which character is based. His best traits were reserved for his own fireside and he counted no personal effort or sacrifice on his part too great if it would enhance the welfare and happiness of his wife and children.

MAJOR CHARLES HENRY ANSON.

For fifty-six years Major Charles Henry Anson has been a resident of Milwaukee. He is now nearing the eighty-first milestone on life's journey aud his career has been an eventful one, characterized by loyal and patriotic service to his country in days of war and by equal devotion to her best standards in times of peace. In business circles, too, he has made a most creditable record, having for more than four decades been at the head of one of the leading wholesale grocery houses of Milwaukee. In the evening of life he is living retired, enjoying in well earnest rest the fruits of his former labors and the honor and respect which have come to him as the result of the sterling traits of manhood and citizenship which he has displayed in every relation of life. He was born in Peru, Clinton county, New York, on the 22d of November, 1841, a son of Edward and Helen M. (Hayes) Anson, who were likewise natives of the Empire state. The mother was of Scotch lineage, while the father was of English descent and traced his ancestry back to Admiral George Lord Anson of the Royal English navy, who died in England in 1776. Edward Anson, the father, entered upon maritime experiences when fourteen years of age by becoming a sailor on Lake Champlain and. he remained in navigation service on that body of water until he retired several years prior to his demise. To him and his wife were born eight children, of whom Major Anson was the eldest son. Only three of the family, the major and two of the sisters, are living.

In his youthful days Charles Henry Anson pursued his education in the Keysville Academy in Essex county, New York, and in the public schools of his native state, after which he went to Montpelier, Vermont, where he took up the task of providing for his own support by clerking in a grocery store. He was thus employed at the time the Civil war broke out and continued his labors there until the 3Ist of August, 1862. Several months before he attained his majority he enlisted in defense of the Union, becoming a private of Company E, Eleventh Vermont Volunteers, his term of enlist-

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ment to cover three years. He was made regimental quartermaster sergeant on the 1st of September following, and on the 11th of August, 1863, was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant of Company E of that regiment. On the 28th of December of the same year he was advanced to the rank of first lieutenant of Battery E, First Artillery, and on the 21st of January, 1864, he became regimental adjutant. During the months of March, April and May, 1864, he was acting assistant adjutant general of the First Brigade, Haskins Division, Twenty-second Army Corps. On the 2d of April, 1865, he was made a brevet captain, United States Volunteers "for gallant and illustrious services before Petersburg, Virginia." On the same day, upon the recommendation of Gen. George W. Getty for bravery, he became aide-de-camp of the Second Division, Sixth Army Corps, Major General George W. Getty commanding. and on the 2d of April, 1865, he was made brevet major of the United States Volunteers, serving with that rank until mustered out of service on the 24th of June, 1865. His active field duty covered some of the most hotly contested engagements of the war. In the autumn of 1863 the Eleventh Vermont Volunteers was reorganized as a heavy artillery regiment and re- cruited to twelve batteries of one hundred and fifty men each, designated as the First Artillery, Eleventh Vermont Volunteers. From May 12, 1864, he served in the field as a member of an infantry regiment and was a member of the First Vermont Brigade from May 15, 1864, to June 24, 1865. The First Vermont Brigade was designated as the Second Brigade, Second Division, Sixth Army Corps of the Army of the Potomac and it is claimed that the Vermont Brigade sustained the greatest loss of any brigade in the Union service and was engaged in many of the hardest battles and campaigns of the war. He participated in the battle of Spottsylvania, Virginia, on May 18, 19 and 20, 1864; Cold Harbor, June 1 to 12; Petersburg, June 18 to 20; Welden Railroad, June 23; Fort Stevens, D. C., July 12; Charlestown, Virginia, August 21; Gilberts Ford, Virginia; September 13; Winchester, September 19; Fishers Hill, September 21 and 22; and Cedar Creek on the 19th of October, 1864, the last five engagements being in the Shenandoah valley, under Gen. Phil Sheridan. From the 25th to the 27th of March, 1865, he was in the engagement at Petersburg and again under fire there on the 2d of April. On the 6th of April he was at Sailors ,Creek and three days later was at Appomattox, where General Lee surrendered his sword to General Grant, practically putting an end to the war. Major Anson was a brave and loyal soldier, an intrepid officer and among all the Union forces there was no one who more faithfully followed the stars and stripes to victory on southern battle fields.

When hostilities had ceased Major Anson returned to his old home and in the spring of 1866 removed to Milwaukee, where he has since resided. For three years after his arrival he was employed as a traveling salesman, with Milwaukee as his headquarters and for an equal period he traveled in his own interests. He became most prominently and widely known through his connection with the wholesale grocery trade, in which he was engaged with his brother, Frank A. Anson, who had served in the same regi- ment with Major Anson during the Civil war. At 307 East Water street they opened a wholesale grocery house and when they closed out their business they were the oldest established concern of the kind in the city. Frank A. Anson passed away on the 13th of December, 1910, and Major Anson, approaching the seventieth milestone on life's jour- ney, decided to discontinue business, no longer feeling the urge of necessity in con- nection with the conduct of commercial interests. Through the succeeding period he has enjoyed a well earned rest. the successful labors of previous years enabling him to put aside all further care.

In Milwaukee, in 1868, Mr. Anson was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta H. Brett, who passed away in 1878. Their only son, William E. Anson, died at the age of twenty-seven years. On the 5th of October. 1880, Major Anson wedded Miss Harriet Frances Lyman, who was born in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, while later her family resided at Ripon, this state, for a number of years before coming to Milwaukee. Her father, George N. Lyman, died in Minneapolis in 1898. Her mother now resides in that city, at the age of ninety-four years. Major Anson and his wife have one son, Charles Lyman, who was born in Milwaukee and now lives in Wheaton, Illinois. He is a writer for System Magazine, a number of his articles being used by the Literary Digest. He married Miss Florence Smith of Oak Park, Illinois, and they have one child, Lyman. Charles Lyman Anson was graduated from the Milwaukee Academy and was for four years a student in the Massachusetts School of Technology at Boston, from which he was also graduated. Major Anson maintains his city residence at No. 450 Kenilworth place. He has long been interested in everything pertaining to his old army comrades and to military conditions in the country. On the 6th of February, 1884, he was elected a member of the E. P. Wolcott Post. G. A. R., became senior vice commander on the 12th of December following, and on the 11th of December, 1885, he was reelected to that office, while on the 3d of December, 1886, he was elected post commander. On the 2d of April, 1884, he was elected a member of the Loyal Legion, First Class, Insignia No. 3215; and on the 6th of May, 1885, he was chosen a member of the Council, to which position he was reelected on the 4th of May, 1887. On the same date he became senior vice commander and on the 7th of May, 1890, was elected commander of the Loyal

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Legion. He retained his membership in both of these military orders and has always been exceedingly popular among the Boys in Blue of Wisconsin. He has rendered much valuable service to the public in many ways, In 1890 he was chosen to represent his district in the Wisconsin legislature and served for the two years' term from the seventh ward of Milwaukee. In 1902 he was the republican candidate for mayor of the city and at all times he has been an unfaltering supporter of the principles of his party. For fourteen years he served as trustee and for six years as president of the board of trustees of the Immanuel Presbyterian church of Milwaukee and for about two decades has heen a trustee of the Milwaukee-Downer College. He likewise has membership in the State Historical Society of Wisconsin and he is interested in all that pertains to the annals of the commonwealth in which he has for fifty-six years made his home. He is a Mason, belonging to Wisconsin Lodge No. 13 and to the Old Settlers Club. His career reflects credit and honor upon the city and state which have honored him. He has come to the evening of life not only rich in years but rich in all those things which men covet -a liberal supply of worldly goods, the esteem, the confidence and the respect of their fellowmen.

ROBERT WILLIAM PIEPER.

One of the enterprising and progressive business men of Milwaukee is Robert William Pieper, president of the Merrill Agency, Incorporated, and the Milwaukee Auto- mobile Insurance Company, with offices on the second floor at 306 Wells street. He has been active along these lines of endeavor for some years and has acquired an expert knowledge of all phases of the business in which be specializes. He is a native son of Milwaukee, born on the 9th of June, ISS7, a son of Carl and Caroline ( Oldenburg) Pieper, both natives of Germany, where their marriage occurred. After that event they came to the United States and located in Milwaukee, where the father secured work as a watchman. He resided in that city from 1868 until 1919, in which latter year his death occurred.

In the acquirement of an education Robert William Pieper attended the public schools of Milwaukee until he was about fourteen years of age, when he put his text- books aside and entered the business world. After working at various jobs until he was seventeen he went into the insurance business as clerk for Roger L. Merrill and re- mained with him until the death of Mr. Merrill in November, 1916, when Mr. Pieper took over the business. It was then incorporated and Mr. Pieper has been president ever since. George E. Doncette is vice president of the company, G. E. Erdmann, treasurer, and William P. Doncette, secretary. The agency was established in 1892 by Mr. Merrill, making it one of the oldest enterprises of its kind in the state. In 1916 Mr. Pieper assisted in the organization of the Milwaukee Automobile Insurance Company, which is still in active operation, the company writing all forms of insurance along that line. The firm is now writing over one hundred thousand dollars in premiums and its business extends over the entire state of Wisconsin, of which it is the leading automoblie insurance agency. The company also does a general insurance business on a large scale, its premiums amounting to about four hundred thousand dollars yearly.

On the 29th of July, 1909, Mr. Pieper was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Albee, a daughter of Duane Albee of Milwaukee. Mrs. Pieper is not socially inclined, preferring to devote her entire attention to her home.

Since age conferred upon Mr. Pieper the right of franchise he has been a stanch supporter of the republican party but has never taken an active interest in political affairs. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church and fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias, belonging to Prospect Lodge, No. 135, and Milwaukee Lodge of the Elks. He is a man keenly interested in the development and improvement of the community and to that end holds membership in the Association of Commerce, while in connection with his business interests he is a member of the Board of Fire Underwriters, of the Insurance Federation of America and is secretary and treasurer of the Milwaukee Automobile Insurance Exchange. Mr. Pieper is a most pro- gressive and public-spirited young man of unusually high business attainments, who has won a notable measure of success for one of his years and Milwaukee is proud to claim him as one of her native sons.

EDMUND K. SWIGART.

Edmund K. Swigart, identified for thirty-one years with the Bucyrus Company and prompted by a laudable ambition to use his time and talents to the utmost, has steadily advanced to the vice presidency of the corporation. He was born in Bucyrus, Ohio, April 16, 1867, a son of Joseph R. and Augusta M. (Sweeny) Swigart. His father, a

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History of Milwaukee, city and county, Volume III, Part 87

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