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 45
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Jacob Raffauf, vice-president of the American Automobile Com- pany and for thirty-four years prior to 1907, an agent and collector for the Schlitz Brewing Company, was born in Coblenz. Germany, on Aug. 6, 1839. His father, Jacob Raffauf, was a merchant in Germany dur- ing his entire active life with the exception of one year when he served in the pioneer corps of the German army. Mr. Raffuaf received his educational advantages in the public schools of his native country, and when but twenty years of age came to the United States. He was en- gaged in various occupations in New York city until the outbreak of the Civil war, and then enlisted as a private in Company H of the Eighth New York infantry. This regiment was known as the First German Rifles and was mustered into service on April 23, 1861, its term of enlistment being two years. During the first battle of Bull Run the Eighth covered the retreat of the army ; later it participated in the pursuit of General Jackson in the Shenandoah and as a part of Blencker's division took part in the battle of Cross Keys and New Mar- ·ket. Later it was assigned as a part of the First brigade, First division, First corps, Army of Virginia and was heavily engaged at Sulphur Springs and the second Bull Run. On April 23, 1863, while a part of the Eleventh corps, it was mustered out of service. Before he had been in service very long Mr. Raffauf was made first lieutenant of his company and as such received his honorable discharge. After the ces- sation of hostilities he returned to his native land with his brother and the two of them enlisted in the German army, Mr. Raffauf in the relief corps and his brother in the artillery as officer of reserve, and both saw hard service in the Franco-Prussian war. When that struggle had ended he returned to the United States and on May 1, 1873, arrived in Milwaukee. He applied for work at the offices of the Schlitz Brewing
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Company and was tendered the position of agent and collector, and was the first employed in that capacity. For thirty-four years continuously he held the position in a manner that redounded quite as much to the wisdom of his suuperiors in selecting him for the office as to his own credit. Fraternally Mr. Raffauf is identified with Wolcott Post, of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Old Settlers Club and for twenty-five years has been a member of the Milwaukee Turnverein. Mr. Raffauf's wife was formerly Miss Mary Zeicher, and to them have been born two children, Alexander, secretary and treasurer of the American Automo- bile Company, and Meta, deceased.
Joseph Stolz, the genial superintendent of the Milwaukee Malting Company, was born in the Cream City, on Feb. 1, 1856, a son of Henry and Margaret (Topmeyer) Stolz. The father was born in Germany and came to the Cream City direct from that country in 1840. He en- gaged in the brewing business with a Mr. Back, on Broadway, under the firm name of Back & Stolz and was actively engaged up to the time of his death, which occurred on Dec. 22, 1867. The mother was born in Bavaria and came to the United States with her parents about 1840, and was reared on a farm just outside the city limits. She is still living and is one of the oldest and most respected residents of the city. Mr. Stolz received his early educational advantages in the First ward public school and St. Mary's parochial school. After the completion of his scholastic work he was variously engaged for many years, and for some time prior to 1901 was a dealer in grain. In that year the Mil- waukee Malting Company was organized and incorporated and Mr. Stolz was made superintendent, the position which he has since filled with great credit to himself and to the company as well. His thorough knowledge of the grain industry and his natural business acumen have made him a valuable officer. Since 1887 he has been one of the leading figures in the Chamber of Commerce. Fraternally Mr. Stolz is prom- inently identified with Pere Marquette Council and the National Union. On Aug. 16, 1892, Mr. Stolz was united in marriage to Miss Susan Salentine, of Milwaukee. A daughter, Anita, has been born to bless this union. She is now a student at the Milwaukee Downer College.
William Watkins is the genial vice-president and secretary of the Helmholz Mitten Company of Milwaukee. He was born in the Cream City in 1884, a son of George H. and Jessie E. Watkins. The father was a native of Pennsylvania who came to Milwaukee at an early date and engaged in brick making, an occupation which he followed until his death on Feb. 9, 1908. The mother, although well advanced in years, is still living and retains to a remarkable degree her mental faculties. William Watkins received his educational edvantages in the common schools of Milwaukee. Upon the completion of his scholastic labors he entered the service of the Milwaukee Harvester Company, and re- signed that position to accept a more lucrative one with the Marine National Bank. His connection with the Helmholz Mitten Company dates from 1905, when he was elected to his present position as vice- president and secretary. His friends predict for him a brilliant future in commercial life.
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Arthur J. Baum, secretary and treasurer of the Sickert & Baum Stationery Company, one of the foremost firms in that line of business in the city, was born in Oshkosh, Wis., on Jan. 25, 1874, a son of Joseph and Amelia (Scheel) Baum. Both parents were born in Ger- many and the father died in Milwaukee in 1896. His widow is still living, and is today one of the most highly esteemed residents of the Cream City. Arthur J. Baum, the subject of this review, attended the Oshkosh schools and finished his high school course in a Milwaukee in- stitution. Upon leaving school lie entered the employ of the H. H. West Company, stationery and book dealers, and was with that com- pany for a period of seventeen years. When he severed his connection with the West Company it was to embark in the same line of business in partnership with Ferdinand Siekert under the firm name of The Sie- kert & Baum Stationery Company. Mr. Baum's long experience in the industry and his inherent qualities of industry and thrift made the ven- ture a success from the start and today it is one of the most enterprising concerns of the kind in the city. Fraternally Mr. Baum is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, and of Kilbourn Lodge and Chapter of the Masonic order. He is also identified with the Camp of Span- ish War Veterans.
Henry Hamm, the popular secretary and treasurer of the Hamm Brothers Produce Company, was born in Germany, on May 14, 1856, and is a son of Philip J. and Catherine Hamm. Both parents were born in the Fatherland and came direct to Milwaukee in 1871. They made this city their home for a number of years, but subsequently removed to Washington county, Wis., where they both passed away. Henry Hamm's primary education was received in the public schools of Ger- many and after coming to this country he took studies to enable him to become thoroughly conversant with the English language and Amer- ican customs. While stilll a youth he removed to Washington county with his parents, and there when he had attained his majority he en- tered the general mercantile business which he successfully conducted for twenty years. The eight years immediately following he was en- gaged in the same line of industry at Mannville, Wis., and then came to Milwaukee again. For a time he was engaged in a clerical position with one of the large firms of the city and then in partnership with his brother, Jacob Hamm, he established the produce house of Hamm Brothers. With the exception of a few months when he was engaged in the general mercantile business in California he has been continuously and successfully conducting the business which now takes all his at- tention. Mr. Hamm's only fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen of America. On Nov. 26, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Louise Brissel, a daughter of Philip J. and Eva (Rudolph) Brissel. Two children have come to bless this union, Selma, born in 1882, and now the wife of H. J. Frost, and Victor, born July 5, 1885.
August C. Kurz, a dealer in leaf tobacco, with offices at 310 Broad- way, was born in Milwaukee on May 14, 1864, a son of Christopher and Mary (Jacobus) Kurz. Both parents were born in Germany, and the mother came to the United States with her parents in 1843. The father came in 1848 and established one of the first bakeries in the city,
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it being for many years located on Third near State street. His last years were spent at Kiel, Wis., where he was engaged in the live stock business. His death occurred in 1884 and his widow died in Milwaukee on Aug. 15, 1906. The father was a private in the German army for three years before coming to this country. August C. Kurz, the sub- ject of this review, received his educational advantages in the Ninth district school in Milwaukee and when he had completed his scholastic training he served an apprenticeship in the cigar makers trade. Then for ten years he was a traveling representative for George J. Schuster, a prominent wholesale tobacco dealer. By the end of that time he had become thoroughly conversant with every stage and department of the tobacco industry and determined to embark in the leaf tobacco business under his own name. His start was made in 1899 and the rapid growth of his patronage has been the marvel of his competitors. His success has been contributed to largely by his popularity and inherent traits of industry and thrift which have surmounted every obstacle. Mr. Kurz was reared in the Lutheran faith. He stands high in fraternal circles, being a Noble of the Mystic Shrine and a member of the Wisconsin Consistory of the Masonic order, and a member of the National Union. On May 16, 1885, Mr. Kurz was united in marriage to Miss Emma Schroeder, of Manitowoc, who died May 27, 1903. Two daughters were born to the union : Mrs. Lydia Paeschke and Mrs. Edna Campsie. Stephen S. Cramer, the popular and efficient superintendent of the Wadhams Oil Company, was born at Randolph, Cattaraugus county, N. Y., on June 4, 1860, a son of John and Catherine Cramer. Mr. Cramer received his educational advantages at the Chamberlain Insti- tute of Randolph, N. Y., and was reared amid the scenes of agricul- tural life. In 1884 he left his New York home for the west, and settled first in North Dakota. Two years later he came to Milwaukee and en- tered the employ of the Wadhams Oil Company. His industry and per- severance won him rapid promotion through the various departments and today he is in direct charge of the factory. The firm's renown for excellent quality and fair treatment is in large measure due to Mr. Cramer's scrupulous attention to details, his capacity for work and his inherent integrity. On May 2, 1888, Mr. Cramer was united in mar- riage to Miss Frankie Campbell, of Hartford, Wis.
George Eigner, the well-known superintendent of the city pipe vard of the city of Milwaukee, was born in Milwaukee in 1844, a son of John M. and Johanna Eigner. Both parents were born in Bavaria and came to the United States in 1835 and for three years lived in New York and Detroit. In 1838 they came to Milwaukee and here the father followed the tailor's vocation until his death some years ago. Mr. Eigner received his educational advantages in the public schools of his native city and at the age of seventeen left school to enlist in the Union army. He became a private in the First Wisconsin infantry and with it participated in the battle of Falling Waters, Md., and was then assigned to the quartermaster's department. Most of his time while in that department was spent in Nashville, Tenn. After he had received an honorable discharge from the army he returned to Milwaukee and engaged in the grocery business, which he successfully conducted for a
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period of ten years. He then was made superintendent of the water department and laid the first pipe ever laid in the city. For thirty-six years now he has rendered faithful, intelligent service to the community as the superintendent of the department and fills a most responsible position. In his fraternal and social relations Mr. Eigner is identified with the Old Settlers' Club, the Catholic Order of Foresters, the Wol- cott Post of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin. Mr. Eigner has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Mary Carten, to whom he was united in 1865, and by whom he was the father of two children, Belle and Catherine. In 1888 occurred his marriage to Miss Theresa McHugh, and they have been the parents of two children, George W. and Irene.
Robert W. Williams, the popular superintendent of the Insur- ance Building, was born in Wales on May 14, 1838, a son of William and Jane (Jones) Williams, who spent their entire lives in their native country. Mr. Williams came to the United States while still a youth after he had spent several years in study in the schools of Wales. For a time after his arrival he attended the schools of this country in an ef- fort to become acquainted with American institutions and business methods. He served an apprenticeship as a carpenter and when he had mastered the trade he served as a journeyman for many years. When the Insurance Building was erected Mr. Williams was in direct charge of the construction. For the past thirteen years he has been the super- intendent of the building, and his intimate knowledge of every part of it, combined with scrupulous care in the attention to his work, make him a most valued official. Mr. Williams is prominently identified with Masonic work in the city, being a member of the Wisconsin Consistory.
Lawrence A. Hansen, superintedent of the Siekert & Baum Sta- tionery Company, Milwaukee, is of Norwegian parentage. Early in life he sailed the seas. When he was a boy his parents, Andrew and Margaret Hansen, left their old home in Norway and came to Mil- waukee. This was in 1867. The father was a sailor, and once held the post of quartermaster in the Norwegian navy. The son, the subject of this sketch, was born in Norway, on Sept. 27, 1854. For a time he fol- lowed the original occupation of his father and was a sailor. Then he went into the book-binding business, which he has followed ever since. He received his education in Norway and in Milwaukee. A special aptitude for the book-binding trade has generated into an expertness which finally was to be rewarded by his elevation to his present re- sponsible post. Mr. Hansen is a Lutheran in his religious belief. He is unmarried. He resides at 2513 Vine street, Milwaukee.
Herman G. Schutt, residing at 2440 Prairie street, Milwaukee, was born in Prussia, on May 19, 1854. His parents, Joseph and Teresia (Kagelmacher) Schutt, conducted a farm in the old country, and upon their removal to America resumed the same occupation. They settled in Illinois. The father passed away in 1893. Before coming to Amer- ica he served his native country faithfully in her military branch, having been an officer in the Prussian army, filling a post which corresponds with that of captain in the United States army. On his mother's side, the subject of this sketch has distinguished connections. Her father
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was born in Ireland and her mother in England. The father was a Scotchman. Through her mother's line Mrs. Schutt is a relative of Queen Victoria. Mr. Schutt, our subject, was educated at his early home in Prussia. Until 1875 he helped his father on the farm, an ex- perience which nowadays is regarded as one of the most valuable as- sets for a successful career in almost any calling. Leaving the farm, he entered the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company and has been in the service of this great railway system ever since. He became an engineer in 1888, a capacity in which he has proved eminent- ly fitted and has demonstrated through many years his trustworthiness and general capability. Mr. Schutt is ever interested in the affairs of politics, believing it to be the duty of every good citizen, but he has not aspired to hold office. He is affiliated with the Republican party. Mr. Schutt's family has espoused the faith of the Episcopal chuch. Mr. Schutt's wife was Miss Elizabeth Smitt, who was married to him on Oct. 3, 1876. She is the daughter of William T. and Elizabeth (Symore) Smith. They have been blessed by a family of four children : Jan- cheon, born Oct. 23, 1877; Lylian, born March II, 1882; Harold, born March 28, 1884; and Walter, born Oct. 18, 1887. Mr. Schutt is a mem- ber of the Masonic order and of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engi- neers.
William S. Griswold, junior member of the law firm of Wildish & Griswold, rooms 5 and 6, German-American Bank Building, Milwau- kee, Wis., is one of the recent acquistions to the Milwaukee bar. He was born at Waukesha, Wis., on June 30, 1884, the son of Milton S. and Sarah A. (Weed) Griswold. His father is county judge of Wau- kesha county and has filled that position since 1894. The subject of this sketch received his early education in the public schools in Waukesha, passing through the grades in regular course and also the high school, in which he graduated in 1901. In the fall of that year he entered the University of Wisconsin where he attained prominence as a debater and orator. He graduated in the College of Letters and Science with the degree of A. B. in 1905. The following two years he spent in the study of law in the office of T. W. Parkinson, of Waukesha, and in July, 1907, he took the State Bar Examination, in which he received the highest mark. He was admitted to practice in the circuit court at Wau- kesha in August, 1907, and in October following opened an office. in Milwaukee in partnership with J. E. Wildish. Mr. Griswold is a Re- publican in politics and a member of the Congregational church in Wau- kesha. He is an alumnus of his college fraternity, Phi Kappa Sigma; belongs to Walker Council of National Union; and is a member of Waukesha Lodge F. & A. M., No. 37; Waukesha Chapter, R. A. M., No. 37 ; and Waukesha Council, R. & S. M., No. 16, of which he is now Thrice Illustrious Master.
John S. Kalczynski, assistant pastor of the church of St. Casi- mer (Catholic), Milwaukee, was born in that city on Jan. 6, 1881, and is the son of Adam and Catherine (Fas) Kalczynski, both natives of Polish Prussia, who came to the United States in 1863. The father, who was born on Dec. 22, 1837, participated in the Civil war as a priv- ate in Company I, Fifteenth New York heavy artillery ; was enrolled on
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July 29, 1863, to serve three years. He was discharged from the ser- vice on Aug. 28, 1865, at Davids Island, N. Y., by reason of surgeon's certificate of disability. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Re- public. John S. received his early education in the parochial schools of the city, and later, in preparation for his life-work, entered St. Fran- cis Seminary, in 1895. He was ordained on June 20, 1905, and officiated at his first mass on June 25, following, at the church of St. Stanislaus, Milwaukee, and was appointed assistant of the same church, where he remained for a year and a half. On Jan. 1, 1907, he was appointed to his present position.
Ignatius John Ullrich, pastor of St. Francis' church, on North Fourth street, Milwaukee, and guardian of the Capuchin monastery, is a native of Bavaria, born on Dec. 4, 1847. His parents, Francis and Barbara (Seider) Ullrich, both natives of Bavaria, came to this country in July, 1848, locating in New York, where the former carried on the business of a cigar manufacturer. Both are now deceased, the mother dying in 1884 and the father in 1892. One son, Louis, served in the Civil War, enlisting as a private in a New York infantry regiment. He took part with it in the battles of Bull Run (first and second), Fair Oaks, Antietam, Gettysburg, and many other important engagements, and was never wounded nor in the hospital, but was taken prisoner and was in Libby prison six months. After being released he re- enlisted and was promoted to the rank of captain. After the close of the war he was in the employ of the United States secret service in Maine. He died in 1905. Rev. I. J. Ullrich was educated at St. Vin- cent, Pa., four years, and in 1870 came to Wisconsin and entered St. Lawrence College, at Mount Calvary, where he studied, entering the Capuchin Order on Dec. 25, 1870. He was ordained on Sept. 21, 1877, and read his first mass on Sept. 23, 1887, at Notre Dame convent, Mil- waukee. He served as a missionary for a time, and then taught in the order for four years, later being appointed guardian of the monastery at Detroit, Mich., where he remained from 1884 until 1888. He was then transferred to the monastery at Milwaukee, from there to Appleton, in 1900 to Mount Calvary, and in 1903 returned to Milwaukee, where he has since been guardian of the monastery and pastor of the parish. The parish was organized in 1870, and includes 700 families ; the school, housed in two large buildings, accommodates 725 pupils, who are under the charge of thirteen teachers. The church is a large brick building with a seating capacity of 800. The Order of Capuchins, to which Rev. I. J. Ullrich belongs, is devoted largely to missionary work and to the assistance of the clergy, as occasion demands. There are eight brothers now stationed in the monastery at Milwaukee. Rev. I. J. Ullrich is a member of the Eucharistic League of Priests.
Theodore Rohner, assistant pastor of the Catholic church of St. Joseph, is a native of Wolfurt, Austria, born Jan. 19, 1877. His parents, Gebhard and Leupoldina (Geiger) Rohner, were natives of the same place. Both parents are deceased, passing away in their native land, the mother in 1880, and the father in 1892. Theodore was edu- cated in the parochial school-which in Austria is the national school- and attended the College of Mariasche in Bohemia. In 1897 he came
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to the United States and continued his studies at Mount Calvary, Wis., for two years, then entered St. Francis Seminary for his theological training. On June 21, 1903, he was ordaineed to the priesthood by Bishop Schwebach, of La Crosse, and read his first mass at St. Nich- olas church, in Chicago, on June 29, 1903, coming immediately after to the position in the parish of St. Joseph which he now holds. He is a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters.
Charles Zila, pastor of St. Venceslaus church, Milwaukee, was born at Strakonitz, Bohemia, Austria, July 30, 1875. His parents, Mathias and Mary (Smaz) Zila, natives of the same place, are now living in Austria. Another son, Thomas, is a priest and the pastor of a church in Sommerein, near Vienna. Charles was educated in the state schools, and the gymnasium-which in Germany and Austria correspond to the classical schools where students are prepared for the university-and then went to Rome, Italy, where he studied theology and philosophy with the Jesuit fathers in the "Universitas Cyagoriana." On June 4, 1898, he was ordained to the priesthood by the vicar-general of Rome, Cardinal M. Lucido Maria Parocchi. His first mass was held at Strakonitz, Austria, his birth-place, and he immediately came to the United States, being appointed to the Church of St. John, at Racine, Wis., where he ministered to the congregation for four years. In 1902 he was assigned to his present position in the metropolis of Wisconsin. The parish was organized in 1883 by Father Leo Luchy, and now numbers 250 families, all Bohemians. It has two large brick buildings, a church and schoolhouse combined, and a parish house, on the corner of Scott andd Nineteenth avenues, on the South side. The pupils in the school number 156 and three teachers-Sisters of the convent of St. Francis-are employed. The pastor belongs to the Bohemian Central Union of Wisconsin, a large and influential organization among the people of that nationality.
Francis E. Murphy, assistant pastor of St. John's Catholic church, Milwaukee, is *a native of Wisconsin, having been born in Racine, on April 23, 1881. His parents are Michael and Jane (McDonough), the former born in Canada and the latter in Oak Creek, Wis. Francis E. was educated in the parochial and public schools of Racine, and was graduated in the high school of that city, subsequently entering the Seminary of St. Francis, and was ordained by Archbishop Messmer, on June 18, 1905, reading his first mass on June 25, 1905, at St. Patrick's church, Racine. Archbishop Messmer then sent him abroad to take a post-graduate course at Innsbruck, Austria. While there he devoted his attention to the study of moral theology and sociology, remaining two years. Upon his return he was first sent to St. Patrick's church at Ripon, Wis., but remained there only three months, being then assigned to his present position, which he has occupied since September, 1907. He is a young man of more than usual intellectual ability, and gives promise of great usefulness in his chosen work. He belongs to the fraternal order Knights of Columbus.
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