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 21

Author: Watrous, Jerome Anthony, 1840- ed
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Madison : Western Historical Association
Number of Pages: 1072

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 21

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

167

BIOGRAPHICAL

Theodore Hausmann, a popular carpenter contractor and build- er, was born on a farm in Farmington, Washington county, Wis., on Oct. 10, 1867. His parents, Jacob and Charlotte Hausmann, were both natives of Germany, who came to the United States and located on a farm in Washington county. The son Theodore was given the best education that the public and parochial schools af- forded, and in 1884, when he had completed his scholastic training, he returned to the parental home and assisted his father in the con- duct of the farm for two years. Being naturally ambitious, he came to Milwaukee at the end of that time and became apprenticed to a carpenter. A little experience showed him that he was an adept at the work and it was not long before he was working as a journey- man at a journeyman's wages. In 1888, two years after he started his apprenticeship, he had so far mastered the vocation that he es- tablished a business of his own. The venture proved successful financially from the start, and from year to year has constantly in- creased until now it is one of the best known and best patronized in the city. In political matters he has always been a loyal adherent of the principles of the Democratic party and from 1892 to 1896 he served as one of the city appraisers. His religious relations are with the Roman Catholic church, and fraternally he is prominently identified with the Catholic Knights and St. Joseph's Society. On Aug. 6, 1890, Mr. Hausmann was united in marriage to Miss Annie Kastenholz, a daughter of John and Christina Kastenholz. Three children have been the issue of this union-Florence, Eugenia and Annie.

John Mueller, a well-known and popular coppersmith of the Cream City, was born in Germany on March 24, 1874, and is a son of Michael Mueller. The larger part of his scholastic training was received in the public schools of the Fatherland, although after com- ing to Milwaukee in 1894 he spent one year in the public schools of this city in order to gain a more thorough knowledge of the English language. Having accomplished this end, he found employment as a coppersmith, which vocation he had served an apprenticeship at in his native land with Otto Pietsch. After four years of faithful service with Mr. Pietsch he severed his connection with him to ac- cept a more lucrative position with the Gueder & Paeschke Com- pany, with whom he remained for two years. For the following four years he was connected with the Allis-Chalmers Company, but becoming convinced that he could gain a better livelihood by under- taking the establishment of a concern under his own name. he left the Allis works. His long experience as a coppersmith. his thor- ough knowledge of the vocation and his skillful workmanship im- mediately brought him many opportunities and since its inception the concern has done a constantly increasing business. Mr. Mueller is not allied with any of the existing political parties, believing that to exercise his right of franchise for the advancement and better- ment of the city, state and nation. a man must not be bound by party affiliations. In religious matters he is an adherent of the Lutheran faith, and a devout and zealous member of the church.

I68

MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY

His only fraternal relations are with the Knights of the Maccabees. On June 25, 1898, occurred Mr. Mueller's marriage to Miss Lizzie N. Verner, a daughter of John and Mary Verner, of Milwaukee. Three children have been born to bless this union, Constantine, Fred and Josephine, aged ten, seven and three, respectively.

William A. Bechstein, the well-known proprietor of the swim- ming school at 1043-1057 Cambridge avenue, is a native of Weimar, Germany, where he was born on Nov. 28, 1866. His father and mother, Carl and Paulina (Reps) Bechstein, were both born in Ger- many and the former served as a soldier in the German Revolution of 1848 and later in the government employ. William A. Bech- stein received the educational advantages afforded by the public and high schools of his native country, and in 1882 came to Milwaukee. His start in his present business was made in 1883, and his natural ability as a swimmer and his skill as an instructor at once attracted many pupils to his school, which has increased in size every year since. In the summer of 1908 Mr. Bechstein celebrated the twenty- fifth anniversary of his career as a swimming instructor and re- ceived congratulations from former pupils and friends all over the United States. During that period he has personally rescued from drowning more than a hundred people, certainly an enviable record. In politics Mr. Bechstein is not allied with any of the existing polit- ical parties, preferring to exercise his right of franchise as his judg- ment tells him is for the advancement of the community rather than be hampered by party ties. The German Lutheran church has a no more devout communicant nor a more loyal worker than is he. Fraternally he is identified with the Milwaukee Turnverein, the Milwaukee Club and the Knights of Pythias. On Feb. 14, 1893, oc- curred Mr. Bechstein's marriage to Miss Annie Wolf, a daughter of Charles W. and Kumgunda (Kern) Wolf, of Milwaukee. This union has been blessed with four children-Carl, Herbert, William and Gertrude, thirteen, twelve, seven and three years of age, re- spectively.

Evan D. Jones, the assistant secretary of the Northwestern Mu- tual Life Insurance Company, was born in Milwaukee on July 25, 1869. He is a son of John S. and Anne (Powell) Jones, both of whom were born in Wales, who came to Milwaukee early in their lives. The father was a prominent contractor in his day and lived a modest, retiring life, giving his whole attention to his business until the time of his death, which occurred in 1888. His widow still survives him. Evan D. Jones, the subject of this review, received his educational advantages in the public schools of the city of his birth. His first employment after leaving school was as an ac- countant in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail- way Company, a position which he occupied for a period of six years. He severed that connection to enter the employ of the North- western Mutual Life Insurance Company in a clerical capacity. After holding various important clerkships for different periods un- til 1906 he was chosen by the board of trustees of the corporation as assistant secretary. In his political relations Mr. Jones is a stanch

169

BIOGRAPHICAL

adherent of the principles of the Republican party. On April 6, 1907, Mr. Jones was married to Miss Mary L. Loflin, of Milwaukee. They have one son, Robert Loflin Jones.

Wilford M. Patton is well known in Milwaukee and through- out the United States as the president of the Northwestern National Insurance Company of Milwaukee. He was born in Deansville, Oneida county, N. Y., on June 16, 1847, and is a son of Henry F. and Eliza Jane Patton, of New York. The parents came to Apple- ton, Wis., in 1855, where the father died in 1884. His widow sur- vives and is a much respected resident of Appleton. Wilford M. Patton received the somewhat limited education afforded by the public schools of Appleton and at the age of fourteen years began his business career as a clerk for the American Express Company at Appleton. For a time after he severed that connection he was a messenger for the express company, and then for four years served as agent at Portage, Wis. The latter position he left to accept the assistant cashiership of the Columbia County Bank at Portage and in 1875 came to the Cream City. He at once became associated with the Northwestern National Insurance Company and has re- tained his connection in various capacities with that company ever since. His promotions have been rapid because of his ability and knowledge of the business. In 1881 he was elected assistant secre- tary ; in 1895 secretary ; in 1899 became second vice-president, and upon the resignation of Vice-President Mitchell in 1901 was elected vice-president ; and on Dec. 5, 1904, after the death of Mr. James, was the choice of the directors for president. Something of the his- tory of the company, which Mr. Patton has so materially aided in bringing up to its present high standard, will not be out of place here. It was organized and incorporated by special act of the legis- lature on June 30, 1869, and the first directors were Alexander Mitchell, P. D. Armour, Angus Smith, L. H. Kellogg, G. D. Norris, H. H. Button, John Dahlman, M. P. Medberry, George W. Allen, Guido Pfister, William Young, E. H. Brodhead, W. G. Fitch, Sam- uel Marshall and R. P. Ober. The first officers were Alexander Mitchell, president ; P. D. Armour, vice-president ; David Ferguson, treasurer, and James B. Kellogg, secretary. Some $50,000 worth of stock was sold and the business increased rapidly from the start. When the great Chicago fire occurred the company paid risks promptly amounting to $250.000 without injuring its credit. Many fire insurance companies failed following the fire, but the fact that the Northwestern withstood the drain on its resources increased largely its patronage, so that it did even a more flourishing business after than before the catastrophe. The company is justly proud of its splendid record, which now ranks it among the first in the state. The net surplus of the company has been increased until in 1908 it was $125,000 and over. Although the company started in to do a marine as well a fire insurance business, it is almost exclusively devoted to the latter at the present time. Beside his connection with this corporation Mr. Patton is one of the directors of the Ma- rine National Bank. In politics he is allied with the Republican

170

MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY

party, but although he takes a deep interest in the welfare of the party, the stress of business affairs has kept him from filling public office. In 1867 Mr. Patton was united in marriage to Miss Chris- tina S. Delamater. a native of Portage. Wis. They have one daugh- ter, Caroline E., now the wife of John E. Eldred, Jr.

Paul F. Wenzel is a fine type of the enthusiastic, energetic busi- ness man of the younger generation in Milwaukee. Born in this city on Dec. 9, 1882, a son of Ferdinand and Carolina (Luetke ) Wenzel, he received the educational training afforded by the public schools of the city. He is one of the seven survivors of the family of twelve children born to his parents, who came to this country from Germany in 1870. The father was a house mover by voca- tion, and was engaged in that profession when called to the other shore in 1908. The mother is still living. After completing his scholastic work Mr. Wenzel entered the employ of Mr. W. H. Graebner, a prominent dealer in insurance, loans and real estate, and soon became an influential member of the concern. In 1903 Mr. Wenzel was elected assistant secretary of the Badger Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which position he now occupies in a manner which redounds not only to his credit, but also to that of the com- pany. At the time of his election he had the unique distinction of being the youngest assistant secretary of any corporation doing business in Milwaukee. Politically Mr. Wenzel is not allied to any of the existing parties, preferring to exercise his right of suffrage for the men and measures which make for the betterment of the city, state and nation. He is a member of St. Stephen's Evangelical Lutheran church. Fraternally he is identified with the Equitable Fraternal Union and the Hanover Society. On Dec. 15, 1906, Mr. Wenzel was united in marriage to Miss Clara Walzer, a native of Milwaukee and a daughter of Otto and Matilda Walzer, pioneer residents of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Wenzel have no children.

Albert J. Read, the capable traffic manager of the Filer & Stow- ell Company of Milwaukee, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 23. 1859. He came to Milwaukee with his parents while still a youth and after he had completed the course of study afforded in the pub- lic schools of this city became an apprentice in the machinist's trade for the Filer & Stowell Company. When he had served for some years as a master machinist he returned to Cleveland to ac- cept a position as superintendent of the Bourne-Knowles Mfg. Com- pany of that city. He was there but a year, however, returning to Milwaukee in August. 1896, to re-enter the employ of the Filer & Stowell Company in the capacity of traffic manager and purchaser of supplies. This position he now fills with the highest degree of satisfaction to the firm by which he is employed and to the patrons of the concern. In politics he is allied with the Republican party, and finds time to devote to the public weal by service for his party ; at the present time he is ward chairman of the Seventeenth ward. His only fraternal and social relations are with the Royal Arcanum and the South Side Civic Association. On March 28. 1883, Mr. Read was united in marriage to Miss Rose A. Jones, whose parents,

171

BIOGRAPHICAL

now deceased, were pioneers of the Ohio city. They have no chil- dren.

Fred Steinmueller, a prominent flour, feed and grain merchant of the Cream City, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, on June 17, 1851, a son of Louis and Mary Steinmueller. Both parents were natives of Germany, who came to America in 1861 and located in the Eighth ward of Milwaukee. The mother died in 1876 and the father passed away thirteen years later. Of the nine children born to them six are living. Fred Steinmueller, the subject of this mem- oir, received his educational advantages in the Lutheran parochial schools and the public schools of this city. After he had started his business career he took a two years' course in an evening school in an endeavor to become as proficient as possible in any work which he chose. His first labors were in the brickyards of Burnham Brothers, and he remained with that firm for a period of two years. In 1867 he began his work in the business which now furnishes him a comfortable income, being employed by Stephen Sullentine at the corner of Grove street and National avenue. Within five years he had thoroughly learned all the details of the business and had secured a sufficient competence to enable him to buy Mr. Sullen- tine's establishment. Since 1872 he has been sole proprietor of the concern. which in that time has grown from small proportions to a firm with a large business all over the city and the state. In his po- litical beliefs Mr. Steinnitteller is a stanch adherent of the tenets of the Republican party, and as the successful candidate of that party served in the common council as the representative from the Eighth ward in 1896 and 1897, making a record that redounds quite as much to his own credit as to the wisdom of his neighbors in electing him. Both he and his wife are devout communicants of the German Lutheran church. On Oct. 29, 1872, Mr. Steinmueller was united in marriage to Miss Julia Linhopp, a native of Franklin, Wis., whose parents were early Wisconsin pioneers. To this union have been born six children. Anna, the eldest, is the wife of H. G. Winther ; Fred T., who married Louise Schroeder, is associated in business with his father; Walter L .; Margaret is a student at Red Wing, Minn. ; Charles H. is a graduate of the South Division high school, who entered the University of Wisconsin at Madison ; and Emerald is a high school student. Mr. Steinmueller is recognized as one of the most substantial business men of the city, and his courteous manner and keen sense of integrity make him friends everywhere.

Morris Miller, president of the Great Western Knitting Co., was born in Hungary, Austria, Jan. 25, 1847, the son of llerman and Rachael Miller, both natives of Hungary, where they lived and died. The father was a farmer and a wool buyer. They were the parents of six children, five of whom are living, and of these four reside in America. Morris received his education up to his twelfth year in the schools of the village where he resided, and from twelve to six- teen in Budapest. At the age of eighteen he came to America, lo- cating in Meadville, Pa. He established a fancy goods business here and remained for seven years, after which he removed to Kala-

172

MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY

mazoo, Mich., where he lived for eight years. In 1881 he removed to Milwaukee and entered the knit goods business under the name of the Great Western Knitting Co. The business has grown rapidly and he now has a very extensive trade. In 1880 Mr. Miller married Miss Annie Rich, daughter of Emanuel Rich, of Michigan. To this union have been born four children-Ray, Bertram, Edward and Harold. In politics Mr. Miller belongs to the Republican party. In religion he belongs to the Temple of Emanuel, of which he has been president and trustee for a great many years. He is also connected with the Hebrew Charities of Milwaukee, of which he has been president for some time. He is a director of the Mt. Sinai Hospital and a trustee of the Sir Moses Montifiore Home for the Aged in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a member of the Milwaukee Lodge, A. F. and A. M .; of the Athletic Club and several other fraternal organi- zations.

Walter Burleigh Potter, senior member of the firm of Potter & Crosby, and general manager of the Wisconsin Hollow Concrete Wall Co., was born at Lawrence, Mass., Nov. 24, 1866, the son of James Leroy and Jemininah (Morse) Potter, both natives of New Hampshire. The father was a photographer by trade and died in Massachusetts in 1867. The mother came to Milwaukee in 1883 and spent her remaining days in this city. The paternal great-grand- father, Anthony Potter, born in Ipswich, Mass., Feb. 1, 1756, was a private in Capt. Peter Kimball's company, Col. Thomas Stickney's regiment, General Stark's brigade, New Hampshire militia, which company joined the northern continental army at Bennington and Stillwater. He was discharged Sept. 25, 1777, after a short term of service of two months and six days. He died in Concord, N. H., March 13, 1856. The father was active in the home work and or- ganization of companies for the war of 1861, but did not go into the field himself. Walter Burleigh Potter received his education in the public schools of Lawrence, Mass., and at Mitchell's Military Acad- emy of Billerica, Mass. He came with his mother to Milwaukee in 1883 and entered the employ of W. W. Colvin in the brokerage business. In 1887 he entered the business independently and has continued in it successfully ever since. He is now general manager of the Wisconsin Hollow Concrete Wall Co. and of the Brick and Stone Co. On Aug. 17, 1895, Mr. Potter was married to Miss Laura, daughter of William and Katherine Hendy, of Dodgeville, Wis. Her parents were old settlers in Wisconsin, coming from Cornwall, England, years ago. To' their union have been born four children- Katherine, aged twelve ; James Leroy, aged ten ; John Hendy, aged four : and Margaret Hendy, aged eighteen months. In politics Mr. Potter votes the Republican ticket and in religion he is a member of the Congregational church. Socially and fraternally he is promi- nent in Masonic circles, being a member of the Wisconsin Consist- ory ; a member of the Sons of the American Revolution ; a member of the Wisconsin Sons of the Revolution, and he was at one time a member of the national guard, serving under Captain Oliver, First light battery.

173

BIOGRAPHICAL

Edward La Budde, a prominent grain dealer, connected with the Franke Grain Co., was born in Greenbush, Sheboygan county, Wis., the son of Louis and Bertha Schissler Le Budde, the former born in Germany and the latter in Plymouth, Sheboygan county, Wis. Louis La Budde came to America in 1858 with his father and located in Greenbush. His father, F. La Budde, was the oldest set- tler in that town and he died there in 1907, at the age of ninety-one years. Louis was a farmer until about thirty-five years of age and since that time has followed the vocation of a carpenter. He and his wife are now living at Elkhart Lake, Sheboygan county, Wis. They are both members of the Evangelical Reformed church. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom are living. Edward La Budde was educated in the schools of Plymouth, graduating from the high school there. He then spent one year at the Mil- waukee Medical College. In 1902 he entered the grain business in connection with a firm at Elkhart Lake and remained with them for three years. In 1905 he sold out his interest in this firm and came to Milwaukee to take charge of the feed department of the Franke Grain Co., which position he still holds. On April 11, 1906, he mar- ried Miss Minnie, daughter of George and Margaret Diefenthaeler, of Sheboygan county, old settlers there, and both of whom are now deceased. To this union have been born two children-George, Jan. 30, 1907, and Margaret, May 15, 1908. In politics Mr. La Budde is independent. In religion he and his wife both attend the People's Pulpit, but he still retains his membership in the home church at Elkhart Lake.

Ernst Mohr, general superintendent of the National Enameling and Stamp Works of Milwaukee, was born at Milwaukee, Wis., May 16, 1865, the son of Oswald and Elizabeth (Hetzel) Mohr, both natives of Germany. The father came to America in 1848 and located near Cedarburg, where his parents had preceded him. Soon after he came to Milwaukee and began work as a cooper, at times owning his own shop. Later he entered the employ of the Philip Best Brewing Co., now the Pabst Brewing Co., and with them he spent the last twenty-five years of his life. He was married to Elizabeth Hetzel in Milwaukee and they were the parents of eight children, five boys and three girls. He died in October, 1906, but the mother is still living. Ernst Mohr received his education in the common schools of Milwaukee and at the age of fourteen he en- tered the tin shop of the Kieckhefer Bros., who later became part of the National Enameling Co., and has remained with that firm since that time. He served in the capacity of foreman for a long time, then was assistant general superintendent for eight years, and in 1899 was promoted to general superintendent, which position he still holds. He is one of the oldest employes of the company, it hav- ing been but a tin shop when he began working for them. Mr. Mohr knows no other business, having made this the work of a life- time. On Dec. 26, 1886, he was married to Miss Henrietta Wollen- ziehn, daughter of Henry and Wilhelmina ( Hicker) Wollenziehn, of Milwaukee, both of whom are still living. The father was an old

174

MEMOIRS OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY

settler in Milwaukee and served as a soldier in the Civil war in Company I, Thirteenth Indiana volunteers. Mr. and Mrs. Mohr are the parents of six children, as follows: Oswald W., a graduate of the U. W. Agricultural Course in 1906, now a farmer in North Dakota : Henry C., an apprentice with Klau & Van Pieterson, ad- vertisers and designers; Ronald F. and Ernst J., in school; and Walter J. and Milton N., deceased.

Monroe A. Kleinsteuber, superintendent of the police alarm system of Milwaukee, was born in Milwaukee, Wis., April 2, 1867, the son of Charles F. and Carolina Kleinsteuber, the former born in Coburg. Gotha, Germany, Nov. 12, 1821, and the latter in Stetin, Pommern, Germany, June 26, 1839. The father came to America and direct to Milwaukee in 1852. Soon after his arrival here he established a foundry and engaged in the manufacture of machin- ery, stencils, brass castings, etc., and it soon became the largest in the city. During the war he was permitted by the government to coin pennies for the business men of Milwaukee. He was the first agent for sewing machines in Milwaukee. He also assisted Mr. Densmore in the invention and perfection of his first typewriter. He was a man well known for his honest and fair dealing in busi- ness as well as for his generosity and charitableness. He once bought a tract of land and gave it to his employes for them to build their houses on. He was the father of nine children, three of whom are living. Monroe A. received his education in the German-Eng- lish Academy. He then went to Chicago and was in the employ of the Chicago Telephone Co. from 1882 to 1885. He returned to Mil- waukee and became connected with the Police Alarm Telegraph Department, which his brother, Oscar K., had helped to install as an experiment in 1882, only eight boxes being put in at that time. At the present time the city owns over six hundred miles of under- ground wires. In 1903 Oscar was transferred to the fire department and Monroe A. was made superintendent of the police alarm sys- tem, in which capacity he is serving at the present time. He is not affiliated with any political party, but has received his promotions in the civil service because of his merit and efficiency. He has three brothers, all of whom are of a mechanical turn of mind. and have all followed the electrical business. On May 10, 1893, Mr. Klein- steuber was married to Miss Tillie Porth, daughter of William Porth, and this union has been blessed with one son. Erwin Klein- steuber.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 21

Author: Watrous, Jerome Anthony, 1840- ed Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Madison : Western Historical Association Number of Pages: 1072

Author: Watrous, Jerome Anthony, 1840- ed
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Madison : Western Historical Association
Number of Pages: 1072