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 68
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Joseph L. Pawlak, Ph. G., one of the rising young Polish mer- chants of the city of Milwaukee, whose place of business is located at 905 Mitchell street, was born in the Cream City on Jan. 22, 1883. He is a son of Lucas and Josephine (Kuspa) Pawlak, both natives of the province of Posen, German Poland. The father was born in
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1856 and came to maturity in his native country. In 1878 he emigrated to the United States and located in Milwaukee, where he has since resided. For the past twenty-five years he has been in the employ of the city water department, eighteen years of that time as hydrant inspector. He and his wife were the parents of eleven children, whose names follow in the order of their birth: John, deceased; Joseph L .; Mary, wife of Adolph Sytkowski; Frank ; Stanislaus, deceased ; Bernard, deceased ; Stanisława ; Aloy- sius; Leokadia; Edmund; and Salomea. Joseph L. Pawlak, the subject of this review, received his early educational advantages in St. Hyacinth's parochial school, after which he took a course at Marquette College. He began his apprenticeship in the druggist's business in 1898 and in 1901 was given his first certificate. His de- gree as graduate pharmacist came after he had passed successfully the examination submitted by the state board of pharmacy in 1905. About the middle of November, 1907, Mr. Pawlak embarked in the business under his own name. The venture met with success from the start, due in large measure to Mr. Pawlak's personal popularity, his thorough knowledge of the business and his sterling integrity. Reared in the Catholic church, Mr. Pawlak is today one of the de- vout communicants of St. Hyacinth's Polish Catholic church.
George H. Rowell, residing at 283 Lyon street, Milwaukee, has been a trusted employe of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company ever since he left school, with the exception of two years. Mr. Rowell comes of sturdy New England stock. Amid the hills of New Hampshire the parents, Enos S. and Mary (Pickett) Ro- well, lived and died, and the son has the traits of character which since pre-Revolutionary days have made the men of the White Mountain State renowned for their sterling manhood. The father of George Rowell, like the son himself, was a member of the Fed- eral army in the Civil war. Seldom, comparatively speaking, has the spectacle been witnessed of father and son enlisting in the same army and fighting the same battles, those of their country's cause. The patriotic impulse engendered by the old New England patriot- ism brought about this interesting event. Both served their coun- try on the Southern field, and the father died for the cause. Enos S. Rowell was also a soldier in the Mexican war. He enlisted at Norwich, Vt., under Colonel Ransome, and served through the Mexican conflict, and later served in the Fourth New Hampshire infantry in 1861. He was wounded at Fort Wagner and died at Fort Schuyler, New York City, in April, 1864. George H. Rowell was born at Manchester, N. H., in August, 1850. When the war broke out he was too young to be accepted as a soldier, but his enthusiastic desire to enlist in his country's cause was not to go for naught, and in 1862, when he was but twelve years old, he joined Company H of the Eleventh Illinois infantry as drummer- boy. He was mustered out in 1863. After leaving school, in Man- chester, young Rowell came West and made his home in Chicago. He started in as an apprentice in a machine-shop, leaving this posi- tion two years later to take a position as fireman with the North-
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western road. He became an engineer in 1871 and has continued in that capacity ever since. It is noteworthy in the life of Mr. Rowell that he has been employed by the same railroad company the entire time of his railway service, a period of over forty years. Mr. Rowell is a Republican in politics, and in religion the members of the family are Presbyterians. Mr. Rowell is a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and of the Knights of Pyth- ias. In 1872 he was married to Mrs. Minerva Muir. They have one daughter, Miss Lulu Rowell, who was born in 1876.
Joseph Davidson, the efficient superintendent of the Milwaukee Dry Dock Company, was born in Scotland on March 4, 1852. He is a son of Thomas and Helen M. (McFarlin) Davidson, both of whom were born in Scotland, the former in March, 1828, and the latter in 1825. The father came to Milwaukee with his family in 1855 and found employment in the Jones shipyards. Subsequently, in partnership with L. Ellsworth, he purchased the company and conducted it under the name of Ellsworth & Davidson until 1868. In that year Mr. Wold purchased Mr. Ellsworth's interest and the two conducted a large and flourishing business until a few years ago, when it was sold to the Milwaukee Dry Dock Company. The father died in 1895, but his widow is still living, a much esteemed resident of the Cream City. Joseph Davidson was but three years of age when he came to Milwaukee with his parents and obtained the education afforded by the Fifth and Eighth ward schools. Imme- diately after leaving school he began his apprenticeship in the ship building industry under the preceptorship of his father, and before he had attained his majority he had superintended the construction of the schooners Saland and Moonlight, at the time the largest ves- sels of their class afloat on the lakes. He has been in direct charge of what is now the property of the Milwaukee Dry Dock Company since 1871, although he has not had the title of superintendent all that time. His natural skill, his capacity for work, and his ability to handle men have been large factors in the success which he has attained. On Sept. 2, 1874, Mr. Davidson was united in marriage to Miss Euna Bridge, a daughter of Harry and Harriet Hard, formerly residents on Lake Erie, but subsequently of Milwaukee. To this union was born, in 1876, a son, Watt Bell, now with the O'Neil Paint & Oil Company. Watt Bell Davidson was married on June 24, 1908, to Miss Flora Sheriff, of Milwaukee.
Henry J. Stark is the secretary of the Pabst Brewing Company at Milwaukee, and in the discharge of the duties of that position he contributes measurably to the success of one of the Cream City's important manufacturing industries. Mr. Stark was born at Zim- merhausen, Germany, on July 12, 1854, the son of Carl and Minnie (Hafemann) Stark, both of whom were also natives of the Father- land. The parents migrated to America in the late '6os, and on May 12, 1868, established their residence in the city of Milwaukee, where the father secured employment in the hardware house of James Woods & Company, and he continued thus engaged until his death. His career in America was destined to be a short one, how-
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ever, and his death occurred in 1872, his faithful wife also passing away three days after his demise. Henry J. Stark, the son, received his preliminary education in the excellent public schools of his native land, and after the migration of the family to America he continued his studies at night schools until he had mastered the English language sufficiently to fit him for the duties of life. He be- gan his independent career by working on the farm of his uncle dur- ing the year 1871, and from 1872 to 1876 he was in the employ of the Pierce Whaling Hardware Co. In the year last named this institu- tion failed and was succeeded by the firm of Jones & Laughlin, with whom Mr. Stark remained one year. On Oct. 1, 1877, he entered the service of the Pabst Brewing Company, with whom he has ever since remained, his employment covering a period of nearly a third of a century, which is a no uncertain tribute to his efficiency and faithfulness in the performance of his duties. 'He first began work for this company in the capacity of assistant bookkeeper, in which position he remained for some time, and then became bookkeeper. Later he was promoted to the position of credit man, and on Jan. 26, 1906, he became the secretary of this mammoth corporation, which office he still continues to fill. He was married on Sept. 19, 1878, to Miss Minnie E. Stredy, daughter of Charles and Charlotte Stredy, natives of Germany, who settled in Milwaukee in 1848, and to this union there were born four children ; the eldest of whom, born in 1880, is now the wife of George W. Lyon, and the mother of two children: Washburn Stark Lyon, born in 1901, and Kath- erine Lyon, born in 1903. The other children of Mr. and Mrs. Stark are Henry W., Herbert C., and Clara J. Mr. Stark is a mem- ber of the Milwaukee Athletic Club, the Deutscher Club, the Blue Mound Golf Club, the Milwaukee Musical Society, and the Mil- waukee Male Chorus.
Charles F. Hase .- The career of Charles F. Hase illustrates most forcibly the possibilities that are open in this country to earnest, persevering young men, who have the courage of their convictions and the determination to be the architects of their own fortune. It proves that neither wealth nor social position are essen- tial to the attainment of eminent usefulness, honorable distinction, and true success. Charles F. Hase is a self-made man. He was born in Milwaukee on Sept. 19, 1870, his parents being Henry and Wilhelmine ( Bergerler) Hase. His early education was obtained in the public schools, and later he attended a commercial college. After leaving the college Mr. Hase secured a position with the Second Ward Savings Bank, where he was faithful and worked with that persistent spirit that invariably wins success. Beginning with the position of errand boy at the low round of the ladder, he was rapidly advanced from one position of trust to another, giving six- teen years of faithful service to the Second Ward Savings Bank. Fully appreciating the splendid opportunities offered in the auto- mobile parts manufacturing business, Mr. Hase in 1904 severed his connection with the bank and became secretary and treasurer of
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the A. O. Smith Company, where he now is. Mr. Hase is also in- terested in the lumber business, being vice-president of the M. Hilty Lumber Company. In all his varied business relations he has maintained a high character for upright and fair dealing, and withal is noted as a man of tact and shrewdness. As a citizen Mr. Hase has been an earnest worker in all movements tending towards the material welfare and prosperity of Milwaukee. He is courteous and affable in manner, with that consideration for others that is essential to the true gentleman. Mr. Hase is a member of the Deutscher Club, the Milwaukee Athletic Club, and the Pewaukee Yacht Club. On April 19, 1902, he was united in marriage to Clemmy Louise Hilty, daughter of the late Michael and Clementine Hiltv. Two children have been born to this union, Julia and Carl.
William H. Ellsworth, president of the Ellsworth & Thayer Manufacturing Company, one of the largest industries of its kind in the Cream City, was born at Windsor, Conn., Oct. 18, 1842, the son of William and Emily N. (Miller) Ellsworth, who resided in the east until the close of life. William, the subject of this sketch, attended the public schools of Windsor and completed his educa- tion at Windsor Academy. He came west and located in Milwau- kee in 1863, and his first business enterprise was in the Butler Salt Supply Company ; but in a short time he gave this up to associate himself with Sexton Brothers, dry goods dealers. He severed his connection with them to become a member of the M. & L. Stein Company, manufacturers of hats and caps. In 1877 Mr. Ellsworth was one of the founders of the firm of Straw, Ellsworth & Brandt, hatters, and continued to carry on business under that name for about four and a half years, when the senior members bought Mr. Brandt's interest and carried on the business under the name of Straw & Ellsworth. On Dec. 15, 1900, the firm name was again changed, when Mr. Thayer bought an interest, and since that time it has been known as Ellsworth & Thayer. Since its reorganization the firm deals exclusively in furs, manufacturing gloves, mittens, and fur coats. Today the house holds an enviable position in commercial circles, which is due to the untiring labors and energy of the members of the firm. On April 20, 1865, Mr. Ellsworth mar- ried Theresa M. Matthews, a native of Milwaukee. Two children have been born to them: Jane E., deceased ; and William H. Mr. Ellsworth's fraternal affiliations are with the Knights of Pythias. Joseph C. Skobis, secretary and treasurer of the Skobis Broth- ers Company, was born in Milwaukee, and is a son of Frank Skobis, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. He received the best educational advantages to be had in the public and parochial schools of the city, and when still quite young entered his father's employ in the structural iron business. His start was made at the bottom, but his capacity for work and his inherent ability in every branch soon won him promotion. When on April 13, 1906, the firm was incorporated, Mr. Skobis was made secretary and treas- urer, a position which he has since filled in a manner which re- dounds quite as much to the wisdom of the directors in selecting him for the place as to his own credit. Fraternally Mr. Skobis is
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identified with the Knights of Columbus and the Travelers' Pro- tective Association. Mr. Skobis was married on Oct. 8, 1908, to Miss Katherine Hall, a daughter of John and Frances Hall, of Chicago. Although comparatively young Mr. Skobis has a host of friends who predict for him a brilliant future in the commercial world.
Alfred Kittredge Hamilton, son of Irenus and Mary Esther (Kittredge) Hamilton, was born on Oct. 31, 1840, in Lyme, N. H., where his father owned and operated a grist-mill and saw-mill. He fitted for college at Kimball Union Academy, Meriden, N. H., and entered Dartmouth in 1859. In 1861 he left college and entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he re- mained for two years, ranking second in his class, but was obliged to resign and retire from the army by reason of ill-health, resulting from an accidental injury received in artillery drill. In 1864 he re- ceived his Dartmouth diploma "as of his class," 1863. Mr. Hamil- ton came west in the fall of 1863, locating in Fond du Lac, Wis., where he commenced business as a manufacturer of lumber. In 1883 he moved to Milwaukee and assumed management of the Mil- waukee Harvester Company, retiring in 1898. He organized the Hamilton Lime & Stone Company in 1883, with quarries and kilns at Hamilton, Wis., and conducted the business until 1899, when the properties were sold to the Western Lime & Cement Company. He is a trustee of the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Com- pany, and a member of its Executive, Finance, and Special Real Estate committees : director of the First National Bank of Mil- waukee; director of the Milwaukee Gas Light Company ; president of the Milwaukee Soldiers' Monument Association, 1897-1905 ; elected honorary member Phi Beta Kappa Society in 1895; presi- dent of the Dartmouth Alumni Association, 1897-8; and has served several terms as vestryman of St. Paul's Episcopal church, Mil- waukee. Although retired from active business Mr. Hamilton has financial interests in many enterprises, and these necessarily entail demands upon his attention. He also owns improved real estate in the business centre of Milwaukee, which he personally manages, so that his time, when at home, is largely engrossed with his busi- ness duties. He has traveled extensively in Europe, his first trip abroad being made in 1887. Although often solicited to become a candidate for public honors, including the offices of mayor of Mil- waukee, governor of Wisconsin, and representative in Congress, he has invariably declined to enter politics.
Urias J. Fry, the superintendent of the telegraph system of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, is a native of Ohio, born at Uhrichsville, April 28, 1848, being the son of Daniel and Mary Ann (Baugham) Fry. Both parents were natives of Ohio, descend- ed from Pennsylvania Dutch stock. Mrs. Fry died the year after Urias was born, and in 1849 the father moved to Indiana, where he remained until 1895, when he came to Milwaukee. Mr. Fry lived until 1905. He was a gunsmith by trade, but had various other lines of business in connection with it; at one time he owned and
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ran a cooperage shop, a match factory, and blacksmith shop, and also owned a farm. After the death of his first wife he married again, in 1854, a Mrs. Delia Rumsey, who died in 1893. They had two children, Alta L. and Ellsworth J. Urias, the subject of this sketch, received his educational advantages in the common schools. When only thirteen months old his father sent him to Valparaiso, Ind., to live with his grandmother, as his own mother was dead. When he was old enough to attend school he returned to his fa- ther's home at Lowell, Ind., and lived at home until March, 1874, when he began work as a telegraph operator at Washington Heights, Ill. Mr. Fry was faithful to his duty and an excellent operator and was promoted to Dalton and Aurora, Ill. In 1884 he came to Milwaukee as an operator, and in September of the same vear became chief operator and held that important position four years. On Oct. 1, 1888, he was made superintendent of all the telegraph system of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, a position which he still holds. Up to 1884 Mr. Fry was in the em- ploy of first the Pan Handle Railroad and then the Chicago, Bur- ·lington & Quincy Railroad, but changed to the Milwaukee when he came to the Cream City. He is a Republican in politics and is a member of Colfax Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Lowell, Ind .; is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the National Union of Mutual Insurance, Wisconsin Council, No. 197. On Nov. 9, 1869, Mr. Fry was united in marriage with Emile L. Chapman, born May 26, 1848, in Madison county, N. Y. She came to Indiana with her parents when a child, her father being one of the early settlers of that state. Two children have blessed this union : Rupert E., born June 10, 1871, who has been successfully engaged in the insurance business since 1902; and Justus W., now second assistant superintendent of the telegraph system of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fry are members of the Baptist church.
William H. Koehler, the superintendent of the Wollaegher Manufacturing Company, and one of the oldest residents and hon- ored citizens of the Cream City, was born there on Aug. 14, 1857, being the son of Louis and Johanna Koehler, who were born and reared in Germany. Both immigrated to the United States about the middle of the nineteenth century with that great tide of German emigrants who played such a conspicuous part in the building and development of this great commonwealth. They met, became engaged and were married in Milwaukee. Mr. Koeh- ler was a capable, bright young man, determined to succeed, and soon found a position with the Matthew Brothers' Manufacturing Company. His services proved so efficient that within a short time he was promoted to superintendent, and subsequently became a partner in the business, in which he continued until he retired from active life a few years ago. Mrs. Koehler was summoned by the angel of death in 1906, and since that time her husband has lived very quietly. Before leaving Germany Mr. Koehler served in the army of the Emperor and has many interesting
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things to recall concerning his life as a soldier. William, the subject of this sketch, received his scholastic training in Grace church school and the city high school. Subsequently he took a thorough course in the Spencerian Business College, in which he was graduated in 1872. After leaving school he learned the cabi- net-maker's trade under his father and worked at that vocation for some time. When his apprenticeship was served Mr. Koeh- ler went east for a year, but returned to Milwaukee to accept a position as foreman of the Matthew Brothers' Manufacturing Com- pany. In 1890 he became superintendent and held that position until he severed his connection with the firm in 1908, to accept a more lucrative position with the Wollaegher Manufacturing Company, of Milwaukee, which position he still retains. Mr. Koehler is a Republican, and while his busy life has never allowed time to seek public office he takes an active interest in politics. In 1881 Mr. Koehler was united in marriage with Annie, the daughter of Felix and Caroline Calgeer, who were among the early settlers of Milwaukee. Mr. Calgeer died some years ago, but his widow still lives in Milwaukee. One son has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Koehler: Felix M., who is engaged in the insur- ance business in Milwaukee. Mr. Koehler belongs to the Sons of Hermann, also the Deutscher Club.
Albert F. Stern, secertary of the wholesale dry goods firm of H. Stern, Jr., & Brothers Company, was born in Milwaukee, Wis., Sept. 9, 1857, the son of Herman and Caroline (Segnitz) Stern, both born in Germany. The father came to America in 1853 and engaged in the dry goods business with his brother Henry, who had preceded him to America. Henry, upon his arrival here, about 1850, entered into a partnership with Julius Goll in the dry goods business and remained so associated for one year. He then established a business of his own. Herman remained in America until 1856, when he returned to Germany and married. He returned at once to America and continued in the dry goods business with his brother Henry until the latter's death in 1903. The business was then incorporated under the firm name of H. Stern, Jr., & Brothers Company, with Herman Stern as president: Frank J. Stern, vice-president; Albert F. Stern, secretary ; and Carl G. Stern, treasurer. Herman Stern, though eighty-two years old, is still actively and personally engaged in the company's extensive business. He is the father of three chil- dren, all living: Mrs. Lily Brand, Mrs. Louis Schlesinger, and our subject. Albert F. Stern received his education at the Ger- man-American Academy and at the Milwaukee high school. After completing these he went to Germany and took a course in the Frankfort-on-the-Main College, graduating there in 1875. After graduating he returned to America and entered the business with his father and has been actively engaged in it since that time. The firm is one of the oldest wholesale dry goods houses in the state and has a reputation and business in full proportion to its age. Albert F. Stern married Miss Johanna E. Cramer, daughter
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of E. G. and Minna Cramer, old settlers of Milwaukee. To this union has been born one child, Ilma Cramer Stern, who is a graduate of Milwaukee-Downer College. In politics Mr. Stern is a strict adherent of the Republican party.
John J. Hennessey, master car builder of the Chicago, Mil- waukee & St. Paul Railway Company, was born in Waukesha county, Wis., March 5, 1847, the son of Richard and Eleanor (Kelley) Hennessey. His parents were both born in Ireland but came to America with their parents when very young, locat- ing first in New York. In May, 1839, they came to Wisconsin and settled in Waukesha county, where the father took up the occupation of farming. He followed this until his death, which occurred in 1856. The mother died in 1871. They were the parents of six children, two of whom are living. John J. Hen- nessey was educated in the common schools of Waukesha county. In 1867 he went to Nebraska and learned the carpenter trade. This he followed until 1871, when he entered the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company as a carpenter at Prairie du Chien, Wis. In 1873 he was made assistant foreman, locating in Chicago. In 1886 he was made general foreman. In 1888 he was advanced to the position of master car builder at Milwau- kee, whither he had moved in 1874. He has served in the last- named capacity since that time, being one of the oldest heads of departments. Since the time he was made assistant foreman, Mr. Hennessey has served in various capacities for the company. He has acted as traveling car inspector, inspecting new sleeping cars, passenger cars, and freight cars of various designs, which the company was having built at the various contract shops through- out the country, some of which were located at St. Charles, Mo .; Detroit, Mich .; Dayton, Ohio; Wells & French Car Works at Chicago, and the Pullman Car Works at Pullman, Ill. During these years Mr. Hennessey has seen great improvements in car- building, and the Milwaukee shops of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company have grown from a primitive condition to their present great proportions and are now building freight cars at the rate of thirty per day as well as repairing over two hundred freight cars daily. In the passenger car line all the mail and baggage cars are built at these shops, and all the sleeping cars, dining cars, parlor cars, and first class coaches are main- tained there also. Mr. Hennessey has invented and patented a great many devices for use on railroad cars, among which are various kinds of friction draft gear, gravity side bearings, metal underframing for freight cars, side doors for box cars, and cast- steel body bolsters for freight or passenger equipment cars. He is a member of the Master Car Builders' Association, of which organization he was president in 1902. He holds membership in nearly all the committees in the association. and has been chair- man of the wheel committee and chairman of the door committee. In 1902 he was elected a member of the arbitration committee and in 1904 was elected chairman of the same. The duties of this
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