USA > Wisconsin > Milwaukee County > Memoirs of Milwaukee County : from the earliest historical times down to the present, including a genealogical and biographical record of representative families in Milwaukee County, Volume II > Part 107
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Ernest Carstens, a skilled and well-known florist of Milwaukee, was born near Hamburg, Germany, on Dec. 25, 1857, a son of Henry and Magdelina Carstens. Both parents were born near Hamburg and passed their entire lives in their native land. The father was a carpenter by vocation, and his death occurred in 1900. His wife passed away in 1878. Of the five children born to the parents, all but the subject of this review are now living in Ger- many. Ernest Carstens received all the educational advantages afforded by the public schools of his native land. At the age of fifteen years he left school to learn the art of floristry, and after he had completed his apprenticeship he worked in various of the foremost establishments in the different large cities of Germany. In 1882 he came to the United States and settled in Huron, S. D.,
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where for twenty-one years he was continuously engaged as a gardener. In 1903 he removed to Milwaukee, and, purchasing five acres of land on the Howell road, erected a green-house and em- barked in the flower trade. He makes a specialty of raising carna- tions, not, however, to the exclusion of other hot-house plants, and he wholesales his products to Milwaukee firms. Throughout the city he has become recognized as a most skilled horticulturist, whose ability to cultivate carnations and other flowers borders on the marvelous. Mr. Carstens is independent of political affiliation and exercises his right of franchise as his conscience and judgment direct, rather than at the dictation of party leaders. He was reared in the Lutheran faith and is today a devout communicant of the church of that denomination. On April 18, 1887, Mr. Carstens was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Smith, a daughter of John and Anna Smith, of Mitchell, S. D. To this union have been born three children: Clara, William and Francis, all of whom are liv- ing at home.
Herman E. G. Schwan, a thrifty market-gardener, living on the Thompson road in the town of Lake, was born in the province of Brandenburg, Germany, on Sept. 9, 1867, a son of William and Wil- helmina (Faehnel) Schwan, both natives of the Fatherland. The father was engaged in gardening prior to his migration to America and Milwaukee, in 1882. On his arrival here he purchased ten acres of land and embarked in the market-gardening trade. Al- though he and his wife are each seventy-eight years of age, they still retain all their faculties to a remarkable degree and are active in the conduct of the farm. Of the eight children born to them, four-Herman, William, Jr., Emma and Mary-survive. Herman Schwan received all his educational training in the common schools of his native land. At the age of fifteen he stopped his studies to accept a clerical position with a grocery firm in his na- tive land, but did not remain with it for any great length of time. Upon coming to America and Milwaukee he accepted a position with Mr. Middlemas, a florist, and severed his connection there at the end of a year to remove to La Crosse, Wis. In the latter place he was employed by the John A. Salzer Company, florists, and thence removed to St. Paul, Minn., to engage in the same work. Upon returning to Milwaukee after his sojourn in St. Paul he was variously employed for two years. He then established himself in his present location on the Thompson road, and since 1894 has been doing a general farming business, selling produce to Milwau- kee commission houses. His success has been attained through his perseverance, his thrift, and his careful attention to details, and his carcer has always been one well worthy of emulation. In his political views Mr. Schwan is allied with the Republican party, but has never sought nor held offices of public trust. He is a Protestant in religious matters and one of the most devout of the communicants of St. Paul's Lutheran church, in Cudahy. On Dec. 7, 1893, Mr. Schwan was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Faeh- nal, a daughter of August and Wilhelmina (Heller) Faehnal, of
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Milwaukee. Two children have been the issue of this union, Hugo and Werner, both of whom are now attending school.
John Grobschmidt, deceased, for many years a prominent citi- zen of the town of Lake, Milwaukee county, was born in the pro- vince of Luxemburg, Belgium, Jan. 1, 1820, the son of John Grob- schmidt, who was a native of the same place. John Grobschmidt was a farmer, who also manufactured wine, as is a very common thing in Europe. He met with well-deserved success and reared a family of eight children, only two of whom left their native country and came to America, the subject of this sketch and Peter, his brother. Our subject received his scholastic training in the public schools of his native country. After leaving school he served an apprenticeship at the cooper's and wagon-maker's trade, which he followed until 1847. He was ambitious, opportunities did not pre- sent themselves as he desired in his native land, and he deter- mined to seek a broader field in that land of opportunities, America. Bidding adieu to friends, family and Fatherland, he sailed for the United States, and, after landing, went directly to Buffalo, N. Y. From there he moved into Ohio and to St. Louis, where he worked at his trade, and finally he came to Milwaukee. He worked at his trade for some time and subsequently went to work for Jordan Puetz, who had a farm in the town of Lake, but after four years he established a cooperage shop of his own on a small farm he bought. He gradually increased the output of his shop and at the same time bought more land until he had about two hundred acres of the finest farming land in Milwaukee county. Mr. Grobschmidt never gave up active life and managed both his farming and manu- facturing interests up to the time of his death, Feb. 9, 1908, and he was laid to rest in the cemetery at St. Francis, Wis., after a life of devotion to his family. He was a Democrat in politics, and though he never aspired to public office, always took an interest in local affairs. In 1850 Mr. Grobschmidt was united in marriage with Catherine, the daughter of Jordan and Elizabeth ( Hennis) Pietz, of Milwaukee county. Six children were born to this union -George, Christ, John, Charles, William and Mary-of whom only George, John and William are living. Mrs. Grobschmidt's parents were among the early settlers of Milwaukee county. Her father took up land in an early day and reared a family of eleven chil- dren, of whom Mrs. Grobschmidt was the oldest. She is a member of St. Ann's Society of the Catholic church of St. Francis, in which her husband was a member and willing worker. Mr. Grobschmidt made many friends in the town of Lake, and his death was a loss to the whole community.
August Mueller belongs to that sagacious and industrious class of German pioneers who have so materially helped in the de- velopment of Milwaukee county. He was born in West Prussia, Germany, June 7. 1839, the son of parents who were both born and reared in the Fatherland. The father was a farmer in Ger- many, but died when August was only three years old. The mother bravely shouldered the responsibilities of both parents and
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reared her little family. In 1870 she came to America with her family and located in Milwaukee. Three years later Mrs. Mueller moved to her son's home, at Spencer, Wis., and lived there the re- mainder of her days. She died in her eighty-third year, leaving three children: August, Charles and John. The last two still live on farms near Spencer. Wis., and August, the subject of this brief review. was given the benefit of scholastic training in Pomerania, Germany. until he was fourteen years of age, when he left school and began to work as a gardener on a large estate in his native country. In 1870, desiring a larger field for his activities, he came to the United States with his family. They came directly to Mil- waukee after landing, and August worked in the roller-mills for two years. At the end of that time he obtained a better position with the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company and remained in its employ five years. Mr. Mueller had always loved the coun- try and outdoor life, and during the years he worked in Milwaukee he was prudent and saved up sufficient money to leave the city and engage in farming. The first year he rented a farm, but was not satisfied with that and bought a small tract of land that he could call his own. By hard work he improved it and in time bought more land, until he had one of the finest farms in the county. Since Mr. Mueller bought his land the county has become more thickly settled, and in 1894 the town of Cudahy was formed and Mr. Mueller was able to dispose of his farm to the Cudahy brothers. He reserved his homestead, but his other property was so valuable that he was able to retire from active life and enjoy a well-earned respite from labor in the sunset years of his life. Mr. Mueller is a Republican in politics, and while he always takes an interest in local affairs, has never aspired to hold office, devoting his time to his farm and his family. On Jan. 5, 1868, Mr. Mueller was united in marriage with Augusta Rutz, the daughter of John and Iva Rutz, natives of Willenburg, Germany. Five children have been born to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mueller: Otto, deceased ; Rose, who is married and living in Racine, Wis .; John, Mary and Julia. John is engaged in work for the Cudahy Packing Company at Cudahy, Wis., and Mary and Julia are both married and living in Cudahy. Mr. Mueller is the proud grandparent of seventeen children, whom he is watching grow up, honored among the citizens of Milwaukee county. The family are members of the German Lutheran church, the faith in which they were reared.
Herman Nuelk, an honored and respected citizen of Milwau- kee county, and one of its most prosperous farmers, was born in Germany in 1862. Hisparents were John and Minna Nuelk, who were born in the "Vaterland" in 1814 and 1818, respectively. They immi- grated to the United States in 1869, and soon after reaching this coun- try located in Milwaukee county and took up land. Herman, the sub- ject of this sketch, was only seven years of age when his parents came to America and he received his educational discipline at the district school near his home in Milwaukee county, and subsequently attended the German school. After his studies were finished he engaged in
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farming, and soon bought a farm of his own on which he has con- tinued to reside for many years. Mr. Nuelk is a self-made man, and his success in life has been due to his capacity for management, work, and attention to every detail of the farm himself. He has prospered in accordance and is recognized as one of the substantial men of the coun- ty. On April 8, 1888, was solemnized the marriage of Herman Nuelk and Miss Minnie Differt, the daughter of Frederick and Lizzie (Wauke) Differt, residents of Milwaukee county. Six children have come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Nuelk: Edwin, Bernard, Herbie, Elsie, Eddie, and Lydia. Mr. Nuelk has ever given a loyal support to the Republican party, but has never been a seeker for official preferment. He is active in local affairs and is the school clerk for district No. 8, Milwaukee county.
Jacob Diderrich, of Granville, one of the prominent citizens and prosperous farmers of Milwaukee county, was born near Brown Deer, town of Granville, March 18, 1869, being the son of John N. and Margaretha (Gengler) Diederrich. Both parents, who are now deceased, were natives of Luxembourg, Germany, that beautiful, rugged country drained by the Moselle river. They immigrated to the United States and settled in Milwaukee county, where Jacob was born. He was educated at St. Kathrine's schools, at Granville Center, for more than eight years, and after his studies were completed began to run the farm. Mr. Diderrich has twice crossed the ocean to visit the country where his parents were born and reared. Fourteen years ago he bought a farm of his own in the town of Granville, where he has continued to live ever since. He has progressive ideas as to farm management and conducts one of the best-equipped and successfully- operated farms in the county. On June 5, 1897, he married Anna, the daughter of John M. and Katrine (Thomas) Diderrich, and though the two families have the same name they are not related. Mrs. Diderrich's parents were both natives of the valley of the Moselle, Luxembourg, Germany. She has six children, who are being reared and educated in the town of Granville: Marguerite, Susan, Joseph, Mary, Anna and Katie. Mr. Diederrich is a member of the Farm- ers' Equity Association. With his family he is a member of the German Catholic church and one of its substantial supporters. He is a Democrat in politics and one of the active members of his party.
Henry Graff .- On his attractive farm in the town of Granville, Milwaukee county, but a few miles from the city, resides this lion- est and sterling citizen of his native state. Mr. Graff was born on his father's homestead in the town of Granville, Feb. 28, 1855, the son of George and Mary (Pfiel) Graff, who were among the pioneer settlers of Milwaukee county. Both parents were natives of Germany, and the father served in the army of the Kaiser for three years. They immigrated to America to take advantage of the opportunities pre- sented in a new country, and soon after landing on the shores of the United States, came west to Milwaukee county and took up land, where they reared their family. Henry, the subject of this sketch, was reared in the town of Granville, and received his scholastic training at a dis- trict school which he attended ten or twelve years. After leaving
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school he worked on a farm for a number of years and accumulated sufficient capital to buy a place of his own. Twelve years ago he es- tablished himself on the fine farm where he has continued to reside. Mr. Graff's success has been due to his own efforts, his capacity for work, and excellent management, and to-day he is recognized as one of the substantial and prosperous farmers of Milwaukee county. On May 18, 1900, he married Emma, the daughter of George and Henrietta Stoandy, residents of Mequon, Wis. Mr. Graff has never aspired to political office, but has given his allegiance unreservedly to the Demo- cratic party. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church, to which their parents belonged.
William Sieger, a prominent citizen and well-to-do farmer of the town of Granville, Milwaukee county, was born at Berlin, the capital city of Germany, July 19, 1858, the son of John Sieger, born in Germany on Oct. 18, 1820, and Emile (Stuch) Sieger, also a native of Germany, born May 20, 1822. His parents always re- mained in the old country. When young the elder Sieger served for three years in the German army and was then mustered out of the service. William, the subject of this review, was given the advantages of the public schools of his native land, and also served the prescribed time in the army of the Kaiser. He came to the United States in 1883, and soon after landing on the shores of this country came to Milwaukee county and located in the town of Granville, where he was engaged in farming for eight years. In 1892 he came into Milwaukee and attended school for one term. Mr. Sieger secured a position with the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad, and his services proved so efficient that he remained with the road for ten years. During that time he accumulated suffi- cient capital to retire from the company and buy a farm in the town of Granville, where he has been engaged in farming for the past seven years. Today he is one of the substantial and success- ful farmers of the county. On Aug. 20, 1883. he married Ernestine, the daughter of Gottfried and Ernestine Wuhr, both natives of Germany. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sieger, and they have led happy lives on the farm: Amelia, Wilmut, Lena, Clara, William and Martha. Mr. Sieger does not belong to any secret societies, but is a stanch Republican in politics, and with his family is a member of the German Lutheran church.
Charles F. Ehlenfeldt, one of the sturdy German-Americans who has figured conspicuously in the development of Milwaukee county, is a native of Wisconsin, born in the town of Granville, July 7, 1875, the son of Charles and Minnie ( Fauchert) Ehlenfeldt, who were born in Germany in 1843 and 1844, respectively. They came to the new world to avail themselves of the many opportuni- ties it presented to the determined and ambitious young man and woman. A rich reward was theirs ; they took up land in the town of Granville, built their home and raised their family in plenty. Charles F., the subject of this sketch, was reared on this home- stead in Milwaukee county, received his early educational dicipline in the district schools near his home, and subsequently attended
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the German school at West Granville for three terms. He always assisted his father on the home place, and after his school days were over devoted his entire attention to farming. As his parents grew older he assumed more and more of the responsibilities, and to-day he is the owner of the farm where he first saw the light of day. Mr. Ehlenfeldt has paid strict attention to business and is recognized as one of the most substantial citizens of Gran- ville. He pays unswerving allegiance to the Republican party, though he has never aspired to public office. On Sept. 16, 1896, he was married to Minnie, the daughter of John and Freda Fielback, residents of North Milwaukee. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ehlenfeldt are communicants of the German Lutheran church.
Frederick William Knabel is one of the progressive and en- ergetic German-American farmers of Milwaukee county, whose ability and high personal character have contributed to its growth and development. He is a native of Wisconsin, born near North Milwaukee, July 24, 1847, the son of Casper and Hanna ( Leister) Knabel. The father was a native of Germany who immigrated to the United States at an early day. Before he left the Fatherland he had served in the army of the Kaiser for three years, and took part in several of the battles that occurred during the rise of several of the German states, front 1830 to 1837. When Casper Knabel first came to the new world he located in Pennsylvania, where he met and married Hanna Leister, a native of Bucks county, Pa. They heard of the wonderful opportunities in the new western states and territories, and came to Wisconsin which was covered with virgin forests. Nothing daunted by the wilderness, Frederick's father took up land in Milwaukee county, built his rude home of logs, lit his hearth fire, and was at home. He cleared his land and engaged in farming. Many were the hardships of those pioneer days. Flour of a course kind was made by grinding the grain by hand between stones ; salt had to be obtained from Chicago, and Indians were more frequent visitors than white men. Mr. and Mrs. Knabel had lived in their new home in the wilderness six years when Frederick was born. He received his educational training at the district schools of the town of Granville, and then assisted his father on the farm. As he grew to manhood's estate he assumed more of the burdens and responsibilities of the place, and as a reward for the care and loving devotion, received the old place as a present from his father. Mr. Knabel has always remained on the home place, which his parents hewed from the wilderness, and to-day he is one of the oldest residents and most substantial citizens of the county. His political affiliations are with the Democratic party ; he is always interested in the welfare of the community, and he takes an active part in local affairs. For fouteen years he has given a devoted service to the interests of education, being school clerk, and for nine years he has held the responsible position of school director. On June 6, 1872, he was united in marriage with Marguerite, the daugh- ter of Peter and Christine Hennes, who were among the early set- tlers of North Milwaukee. Six children have been born on the
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hospitable old homestead, where there has always been plenty to supply each child with greater advantages than his parents dreamed of having in their childhood. John, Clara, Julia, Anna, Frank, and Emma have all been reared to maturity on the farm where their father was born. Mr. Knabel and his family are devout members of the German Catholic church.
Henry L. Schletz, is a native of Wisconsin, born in Milwaukee on May 24, 1864, the son of Joseph Schletz, a native of Germany, and Caroline (Heuer) Schletz, who was born and reared at Hamil- ton, Wis. The grandfather served in the German army and took an active part in his country's wars, fighting against the valiant army of Napoleon. Joseph Schletz, our subject's father, sprang from that hardy, sturdy race which is noted for its indomitable will and perseverance, and he immigrated to the new world to carve out his own fortune. After landing on the shores of America he came to Wisconsin and located in Milwaukee, where he married and estab- lished his home. Henry L., the subject of this sketch. was reared in his native city and attended the public schools for two years be- fore he entered the German Lutheran Academy. In five years he completed a course of study with great credit to himself, and then engaged in commercial life, being employed by the Kirkland & Starkey Brick Company. Mr. Schletz became one of the trusted and confidential employes, and during his eighteen years of service with this firm won nothing but esteem and respect from his em- ployers and fellow-workmen. After severing his connection with this company he went to Montana for a year, but returned to Mil- waukee and became associated with the Blatz Brewing Company, with whom he remained three years. In 1902 Mr. Schletz bought his present fine farm in North Milwaukee, where he has since en- gaged in farming with marked success. He is progressive in his ideas and methods, and by excellent management has become one of the prosperous citizens of the county. He is a stanch supporter of the Republican party and is a member of the church in which he was raised, the German Catholic. He is also a member of St. Joseph's Society, and a willing worker in both it and the church.
Louis F. Tennessen .- The opportunities of the West have de- veloped many successful farmers who challenge admiration, and to the thoughtful man a valuable lesson is to be gained from the lives of these sons of the soil. Louis F. Tennessen, whose career is but briefly outlined in this sketch, is a self-made man, one who by personal merit, mental vigor, and integrity climbed to his present position in the county. He was born in the town of Granville, Milwaukee county, Dec. 14, 1865, the son of Mathias and Kath- rine Tennessen, who were born in Germany in 1832 and 1837, re- spectively. The father was in active service in the German army before he left his native land to establish a home in the new world. He landed in this country in 1856, and coming west located in Milwaukee county, where he purchased a farm and followed that vocation all his life. Mathias Tennessen was called away from this world in 1897, passing to the land from which no traveler re-
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turns. Louis, our subject, was reared on his father's farm in the town of Granville, and received the rudiments of a practical ed- ucation in the Granville public schools. At the age of seventeen years he went to work for his father on the farm and continued in partnership with him until he died, when Louis took charge of the farm and business, which he has successfully carried on ever since. In addition to the farm he runs a hotel and saloon in Gran- ville, which his father had established some years before his death. Mr. Tennessen is a Democrat and takes an active part in local poli- tics ; he has been justice of the peace and notary public since 1902, and is the present incumbent of the office of school clerk in district No. 9. He is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church, and is widely known for his prowess as a hunter and fisher- man. Mr. Tennessen conducts one of the finest hotels in Milwau- kee county, where he dispenses a gracious hospitality to all his patrons.
John Drefahl was born in Milwaukee on June 15, 1862, the son of John and Caroline (Borne) Drefahl, both of whom were born and reared in Germany. The parents determined to take advantage of the opportunities offered in the new world and bidding adieu to home and kindred, sailed for America. They landed in 1853, after thirteen weeks on the water, and came directly to Milwaukee. The father was a mason in the Fatherland and followed that vocation after he was established in his new home. With every prospect bright, a happy home and fine children, Mr. Drefahl was cut down in his prime and laid to rest in 1863. He was survived by his sor- rowing wife and children. Left to face the world alone, Caroline Drefahl shouldered the responsibilities and reared her family. She died on March II, 1908. Before Mr. Drefahl came to the United States he had served in the German army and was honorably dis- mised at he close of his term of enlistment. John, the subject of this sketch, received a practical education in the public schools of Milwaukee. He began life on his own account as a farmer, and though he had little means to begin with, fortune has dealt kindly with him. In 1887 he bought eighty-nine acres of land, and he now has a beautiful home in Milwaukee county. For many years hic has been in the dairy business, which he has conducted successfully and profitably. Mr. Drefahl is a Republican and takes an active part in local affairs. He is clerk of the school board. In 1883 was sol- emnized the marriage of Mr. Drefahl and Clara, the daughter of Christopher and Emily Ebert, of Milwaukee. They were among the early settlers of Milwaukee, and after locating in the city Mr. Ebert engaged in the cooperage business. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Drefahl : Clara, Della, Herman, John, Alma, William, Henry, Arthur and Minnic, who died in childhood.
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