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 71

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

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garet Meunier, born in 1866, daughter of John and Anna (Grothenrath) Meunier, both of whom were born in Germany. Mrs. Traudt's parents came to Milwaukee in 1853. Her father was a gunsmith and established the business above referred to, and from which he retired several years ago. To our subject and wife three daughters have been born: Eleanor; Olive, wife of Wallace Millard, and Vera. Mr. and Mrs. Millard are blessed with two children, Oliver and Margaret. Mr. Traudt is a faithful member of the Roman Catholic church, of the Knights of Colum- bus, the United Commercial Travelers, and he is independent in his political predilections. Mr. Traudt is a self-made man in all that term implies. He has, by hard work and well directed energy, advanced himself from the ranks of labor to the presidency of one of the most prominent business firms of his native city, an accom- plishment of which both himself and his friends may well feel proud, for it is such men that make cities and nations great before the world.

Peter Barth, the popular wholesale liquor-dealer of Milwau- kee, was born in Germany on Dec. 13, 1839, being the son of John and Fredericka (Engelhart) Barth, both natives of Germany. The family came to the United States in 1848 and settled in the town of Lake, where for several years the father lead the life of a farmer, but later he moved his family to Milwaukee, where he died on Dec. 29, 1882, and where his wife died in 1893. He and his wife were the happy parents of twelve children, of whom eight are living. Our subject received most of his education in the public schools of Milwaukee, and after leaving the farm he learned the carpenter trade, which he followed until the shrill notes of the Civil war stirred his patriotic blood, when he offered his services and if need be his life, to the Federal cause by enlisting on March II, 1862, as a private in Company E, Fifth Minnesota infantry, and he re-enlisted on March 12, 1864, in the same company. He took part in several of the bloodiest battles of the war, such as Farming- ton, Corinth, Iuka, Jackson, the siege of Vicksburg, the Red River expedition, through Missouri after General Price, at Nashville, and in several dangerous skirmishes. For two years, which is a strik- ing evidence of his great bravery, he was color-bearer for his com- pany. This is a most hazardous position, as the flag is easily seen and an object of hatred to the enemy, and the man who carries it takes his life in his hand every engagement. For conspicuous courage on the field Mr. Barth was promoted to sergeant. He was mustered out with an honorable discharge on Aug. 20, 1865. In 1866, after serving his country gallantly for over three years, hc engaged in the wholesale liquor business, in which he was very successful and in which company he is still the chief stockholder. On Nov. 16, 1868, he married Miss Emma, daughter of Louis and Barbara Hellberg, who were both born in Germany; the daughter was born in Milwaukee on April 11, 1852. This marriage resulted in five children being born: Robert J., who is secretary-treasurer «of the Peter Barth Company; George P., a prominent physician ;

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and Albert, Emma, and Laura, are deceased. Mr. Barth is a mem- ber of Robert Chivas Post. G. A. R .; of the Knights of Pythias ; of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; of the National Union ; of the Royal Arcanum, and of the South Side Turner Society. In politics he votes the Republican ticket. He has a liking for politics ; and a gentleman of Mr. Barth's disposition cannot be otherwise than popular and in demand for public positions. Twice have his fellow citizens called him to serve in the capacity of alderman, and right faithfully did he perform his duties, by being economical without being miserly, and charitable to those who differed with him on public questions without being excessively indulgent. Re- membering his own struggles, his hand is ever open to help the needy who are worthy objects of his charity. He is an enterprising and public-spirited citizen, as well as he was a brave defender of his country's flag.

S. A. Eckstein, a leading druggist of Milwaukee, was born in New York City, N. Y., Oct. 3, 1858, the son of Samuel and Anna Eckstein, both natives of Austria, who came to New York in an early day, and to Milwaukee in 1859, spending their last days here, where the father died in 1898, and the mother still survives. Our subject was educated in the Milwaukee public schools, graduating in the high school. In 1874 he began as an errand boy for the drug firm of I. N. Morton. In 1875 George Wright & Brother bought out I. N. Morton, and in 1892 the firm was incorporated as the Wright Drug Company, and our subject was elected secretary of the com- pany. On March I, 1907, he bought out the interest of the Wright Brothers, continuing the business under the same name, he being president of the company. He is also secretary of the Wright Den- tal Supply Company, which was incorporated on March 1, 1907. On Sept. 12, 1883, he married Miss Fannie, daughter of Charles and Hannah Housman, of Milwaukee, both of whom are deceased, and one child, Charles H., has blessed this union. The son is in the drug business with his father. Our subject is president of the Mil- waukee County Cabinet of the National Union, financial secretary of the Wisconsin Council of the National Union, Past Grand Regent of the Royal Arcanum, and Supreme representative of Wis- consin, and Collector of Allen Council, Royal Arcanum. He is also- a member of the Masonic order: Milwaukee Lodge, No. 261, and Kilbourn Chapter No. I, and he is a member of Garfield Lodge. No. 83. K. of P. Mr. Eckstein is a gentleman of the highest order of business prudence and sagacity, of pleasing address and manners, and is one well calculated to make a success of whatever he under- takes. In religion he is an Israelite, being vice-president of the. Congregation B'ne Jeshurun, while in national politics he affiliates. with the Republican party.

Louis Griewisch is prominently identified with the industrial interests of Milwaukee, as president, treasurer, and manager of the. Bayley Heating Company, of which he was the organizer and with which he has been connected since its founding, in 1893. He was born in the city of Milwaukee on Dec. 1, 1857, the son of Frederick:

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and Wilhelmina ( Wascher) Griewisch, both of whom were natives of Germany, the father being born in 1824, and the mother in 1834. These parents immigrated to America in 1853, were married in the city of New York and remained there until 1855, when they con- tinued their journey westward and located in Milwaukee. The father engaged in the business of calcimining and followed that occupation for years, his death occurring in Milwaukee in 1903, and his wife passed away in 1899. Both were faithful members of the Lutheran church. They became the parents of fourteen children, only two of whom are now living. Louis Griewisch received his education in the public schools of the Ninth ward of Milwaukee, being one of the first pupils in that school after its establishment, and as a boy he worked at various occupations, finally serving an apprenticeship at cabinet-making. At the age of eighteen years he went to Ableman, Wis., and two years later engaged in the lumber business at that place. He continued thus engaged until 1879, when he disposed of his lumbering interests and returned to Milwaukee, where he learned the trade of a steam-fitter and for the ensuing thirteen years was in the employ of the Kruse & Barker Heating Company. In 1893 he organized the Bayley Heating Company, and in the triple capacity of president, treasurer, and managed, has built up a fine business, which is recognized as one of the important con- cerns of the Cream City. He is also interested to considerable ex- tent in mining, and the successs which he has attained in the busi- ness world is a fine commentary upon the possibilities in America, when opportunities are seen and improved. Mr. Griewisch was married on March 10, 1883, to Miss Martha Rahn, a native of Ger- many, born Sept. 23, 1857, and the daughter of Carl and Henrietta Rahn, who migrated to America and settled in Milwaukee in 1874, and there spent the remainder of their lives, both dying in 1906 within two months of each other, he at the age of eighty-three and she at seventy-four years. They were the parents of ten children, of whom four daughters and one son are living. To. Mr. and Mrs. Griewisch there have been born three children: Hedwig, born Dec. 9, 1883; Alfred, born Aug. 13, 1886, now employed with his father, and Elsie, born Dec. 14, 1890. Mr. Griewisch is a Repub- lican in his political views and his religious affiliations are with the Lutheran church. Fraternally he has membership in the Ancient Order of Druids, and he is also a member of the Builders' Club, having been president of the same for two years and helped to con- struct the building. He stands high in the esteem of a wide ac- quaintanceship in the city of Milwaukee, and all pay tribute to the moral worth which has been exemplified in his successful and in- dustrious career.

John A. Ackerman, retired, for many years one of the most capable engineers in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern railway, was born in Bavaria, Germany, on Dec. 31, 1846. He is a son of Andrew and Barbara (Fisher) Ackerman, both natives of Germany, and he came with them to New York in 1853. Two years later they removed to Oshkosh, Wis., and there the father engaged

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in railroad work. The parents had two sons: Jacob, who was drowned at Menasha in 1858 when but eleven years of age, and the subject of this review. After the mother's death the father mar- ried Miss Henrietta Kusche, by whom he had two sons. The par- ents were both members of the Lutheran church. John A. Acker- man, the subject of this review, received his educational advantages in the schools of Appleton and Oshkosh, Wis. When but thirteen years of age he began work for the Chicago & Northwestern rail- way, and worked up through the various stages until in 1871 he be- came an engineer. This position he held continuously until April 3, 1906, and when he resigned he had completed forty-six years of faithful service with the same road. In politics Mr. Ackerman is absolutely independent of party ties and in religious matters is affiliated with the Roman Catholic church. Fraternally he is prom- inently identified with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and for the past twenty-five years has been a member of Union lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. On May 7, 1868, Mr. Ackerman was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Kluwin, a daughter of John Kluwin, of Oshkosh. Both of Mrs. Ackerman's parents are now deceased. They came from Germany in 1853, and there the father was for a time engaged as a mason, and later in agricultural pursuits. To Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman were born two children. George, the elder, is now a grocer at 190 Ogden avenue, Milwaukee. His wife was Miss Caroline Oaks, and they have two children, Loretta and John. Frances married A. J. Brazean, and re- sides in Fond du Lac. She has two children, Elizabeth and Exilda, and two step-children, Margaret and Marie, by a former marriage of Mr. Brazean.

J. Royce Brown, D. D. S., a leading practitioner of dentistry in Milwaukee, was born at Eagle Harbor, Orleans county, N. Y., on Dec. 15, 1876. He is a son of J. Emory Brown, something of whose career may be gleaned from the sketch of Dr. Frank E. Brown, elsewhere in this volume. Dr. Brown received his preparatory education in the Medina (N. Y.), the Charlevoix (Mich.) and the Milwaukee public schools, and attended one of the high schools of this city. He then matriculated in the dental department of the Milwaukee Medical Col- lege, and in 1902 the faculty of that institution gave him the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. He immediately opened an office for the practice of his profession and has since been continuously and success- fully engaged. His thorough and consummate knowledge of the sci- ence, his skilled workmanship, and his absolute uprightness won him a host of friends and a goodly practice at the start, and the number of friends and patients has been increasing each year since that time. In his political relations he is a stanch adherent of the principles of the Republican party, but has never sought public office of any nature. He is a devout Christian gentleman, and one who carries into his every- day life the principles and ideals of a Christian character. At the pres- ent time he is a member of the Kingsley Methodist church, but for- merly was affiliated with the Grand Avenue church of that denomina- tion, and he was president of the young people's society of that church.

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His only fraternal relations are with the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation. On Nov. 22, 1904, Dr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Willis, of Milwaukee, a daughter of C. B. and Ida (Edgerton) Willis. They have one son, John Willis.

William H. Nelson, secretary, registrar and cashier of the Mil- waukee Medical College, was born in Steubenville, Jefferson county, Ohio, on Jan. 14, 1854. He is a son of James and Mary (McCann) Nelson, both of whom were born in Ireland, the father in 1828 and the mother three years later. The mother came to New York in 1845 and the father in 1850, and they were married in New York two years after the father's arrival. In 1853 they went to Ohio, where the father earned his livelihood as a contractor. They came to Wisconsin in 1862, after a residence of eight years in Kentucky, and located in Mani- towoc county. For the past fifteen years he has led a retired life in

Milwaukee. He was always active in educational matters and in the interests of the Democratic party. He and his wife are devout com- municants of the Roman Catholic church, and the six children born to them were all reared in that faith. William H. Nelson, the subject of this memoir, received his preparatory educational advantages in the public schools of Kentucky and the public and high schools of Manito- woc, and when he had completed the prescribed course in the latter in- stitution he matriculated at the Oshkosh Normal School at Oshkosh, Wis. For ten years after graduation he was engaged in pedagogic work and then entered a mercantile business at Cato, Wis., but after five years disposed of his interests to become a clerk in the office of the superintendent of the Chicago & Northwestern railway. In 1894 he severed his connection with the railway corporation to become cashier and registrar of the Milwaukee Medical College. Subsequently he was made secretary of the college, and he today fills the three posi- tions in a manner that redounds quite as much to the wisdom of the trustees in selecting him for the responsibilities as to his own. In his political relations he is allied with the Democratic party, but has never found the leisure to become a candidate for public office. His only fraternal relations are with the Knights of Columbus. On Oct. 31, 1879, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Fitzgerald, of Manitowoc, a daughter of Michael and Hannah (Hayes) Fitzgerald. Mr. Fitzgerald was a prominent Democrat in his district, having been a member of the state legislature for two terms, and having held every town office which it was in the power of the people to elect him to. Mrs. Fitzgerald passed away in 1897 in her sixty-eighth year, and he died on Jan. 24, 1907, at the ripe old age of ninety-two years. To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson were born three children : William V., a practicing physician of Milwaukee ; James David, now practicing dentistry in this city, and Blanche Catherine.

Edward J. Schleif, D. D. S., a leading dental practitioner in Milwaukee, was born in New York city on Feb. 11, 1869, a son of Adam and Elizabeth (Blum) Schleif. Both parents were born in Germany, the father in 1824, and the mother in 1832, and each came to New York city with their parents while still children. The

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paternal grandmother in her later life removed to Milwaukee, where she died at the hale old age of eighty-six years. The parents removed to Upper Sandusky, Ohio, where the mother died on May 3, 1896, and the father passed away two years later. Of the thir- teen children born to them eleven are living. Dr. Schleif attended the graded schools in New York city and afterward finished a high school course at Upper Sandusky. In 1891 he came to Milwaukee and secured a position in the postoffice, where he rendered faithful service until 1897. During the latter years of his work there he de- voted his leisure time to the study of denistry in the dental depart- ment of Marquette University, and in 1897 the faculty of that in- stitution granted him the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery, and he left his position in the postoffice to start the practice of his pro- fession. When he graduated he was valedictorian of his class, and for two years served as president of it. His success in his chosen profession has been exceptional, contributed to in large measure by his genial personality, his whole-souled interest in his work, and his absolute integrity. In his political relations he is affiliated with the Republican party, and is active in the work of the Presbyterian church and the Young Men's Christian Association. While in college he helped in the organization of the Psi Omega dental fra- ternity, and his other fraternal relations are with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Milwaukee Musical Society. Professionally he is identified with the Milwaukee, the Southern Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin State Dental societies. On June 15, 1897, he was united in marriage to Miss Amanda C. Caspari, a daughter of Alvin Benedict and Georgiana (Strobe) Caspari, of Milwaukee. Mrs. Caspari came to Milwaukee in 1842, and her death occurred on June 12, 1905. Her husband died in Milwaukee in 1892. To. Dr. and Mrs. Schleif have been born four children: Phyllis, Llewellyn, Georgiana, and Janet.

Charles F. Rosenbaum, D. D. S., a practicing dentist of Mil- waukee, and special demonstrator in the dental infirmary in the Milwaukee Medical College, was born in the town of Forest, Fond du Lac county, Wis., on April 30, 1873. Both his parents, John and Louisa (Weber) Rosenbaum, were native Germans, the father hav- ing been born in Mecklenberg, on July 6, 1849. The father came to this country with his parents, Frederick and Sophia (Roehl) Rosenbaum, in the early fifties and lived on a farm in Fond du Lac county, where the grandfather died in February, 1905, in his eighty- fifth year. His widow is now living in Fond du Lac at the hale old age of eighty-five. The parents of our subject are now living on a farm in the town of Empire, Fond du Lac county. They are both Lutherans in their religious belief and the father is a stanch ad- herent of the tenets of the Republican party. Mr. Rosenbaum re- ceived his early educational advantages in the Fond du Lac county schools and the private academy of Mrs. Palmer. He then matric- ulated in the dental department of the Milwaukee Medical College, and in 1900 the faculty of that institution granted him the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. He at once opened an office for the

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practice of his profession in Milwaukee and has since been actively and prosperously engaged. That his skill and ability are recog- nized by the profession is evidenced by the fact that the faculty of his alma mater has made him special demonstrator in the dental in- firmary. In politics he is allied with the Republican party, but has never been a candidate for public office. Reared in the Lutheran faith, he is today a devout communicant of that church. In a pro- fessional and fraternal way he is identified with the Wisconsin State Dental Society, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Equit- able Fraternal Union, with which he has been associated for more than a decade, and the United Order of Foresters. On June 30, 1903, Dr. Rosenbaum was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Brost, whose parents were pioneers of Calumet county. To this union have been born two children, Charles Augustus, and Isla, who is deceased.

James McCabe, S. J., the president of Marquette University, was born in Ireland on March 4, 1858, a son of Bernard and Bridget (Flanagan) McCabe. The parents came to America in 1863 and located in Green county, Ohio. The father was an agriculturist by vocation, a Democrat in his politics, and a loyal communicant of the Roman Catholic church. His demise occurred on July 20, 1884, and his widow passed away on Dec. 19, 1898. Of the twelve children born to the parents six survive, four sons and two daugh- ters. Father McCabe obtained his primary education in the public schools of Green county, and in September, 1878, he matriculated at St. Xavier's College in Cincinnati, Ohio. He remained at that institution but a year, however, and then entered the Jesuit insti- tution at Florisant, Mo., where for four years he pursued a course of study. From Florisant he went to Woodstock, Md., to the House of Study, and there for three years made a special study of philosophy. For a number of years following he was engaged in pedagogic work in various institutions of the Jesuit order. Two years were spent in that capacity in St. Ignatius College, Chicago, and then three years at St. Mary's College. of St. Mary's, Kan. Then he returned to Woodstock and renewed his theological studies, which he completed three years later. His ordination to the priesthood occurred on June 24, 1894, the ordaining prelate being Cardinal Gibbons. His first charge as an ordained priest was as vice-president of St. Mary's College, where he had taught some years before. After two years of faithful service lie removed to Florisant, Mo., and spent a year in study. He again assumed his position at St. Mary's and on Dec. 29, 1897, was appointed president of the institution, serving in that capacity until Feb. ro, 1907. From February to August of that year he remained in Detroit, and came to Milwaukee in the latter month to assume the responsibilities of the vice-presidency of Marquette University. On Feb. 10, 1908, upon the resignation of Father Burrows as president, Father McCabe was appointed to the presidency of the institution. The position he has filled most acceptably, and he has won the respect and esteem of all the students since his

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incumbency. Father McCabe is not allied with any of the exist- ing political parties, but is public-spirited and does all in his power to help the public weal. He is one of the members of the Society of Jesus.

Peter F. Mulholland, D. D. S., who for the past ten years has been engaged in the practice of dentistry in Milwaukee, is a son of Peter and Margaret (Maguire) Mulholland, and was born at Grimm's Station, Manitowoc county, Wis., on Oct. 6, 1874. The grandfather, Henry Mulholland, came to Boston from Scotland and later to Manitowoc county, where he spent the balance of his days. The father, Peter Mulholland, was also born in Scot- land and by vocation was an expert accountant and bookkeeper. He died a few years ago at the old Trinity Hospital at Milwaukee. His widow, who is a native of New Brunswick, is now an hon- ored and respected resident of Milwaukee, living at 165 North avenue. Of the family of four sons and three daughters, three sons and one daughter survive. Dr. Mulholland received his primary educational advantages in various schools, including those of South Dakota, Manitowoc, Madison, and the East Division high school of Milwaukee. When he had completed his course in the last-named he matriculated in the dental department of the Mil- waukee Medical College, and in 1898 was there graduated with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. Soon afterward he began the practice of his profession at 416 East North avenue, and has main- ained his office there ever since, meeting with unusual success. He is independent of party affiliation in his political belief and exercises his right of suffrage to what he judges to be the best for the community. Professionally and fraternally he is identified with the North Side Dental Society, the Knights of Columbus, and the Catholic order of Foresters; and in religious matters he is a staunch adherent of the principles of the Roman Catholic church. On July 16, 1900, Dr. Mulholland was united in mar- riage to Miss Elizabeth M. A. Schumacher, of Milwaukee, a daughter of Nicholas Schumacher. To this union have been born three children: Joseph, Edward Peter, and Mary Elizabeth. Dr. Mulholland is recognized among his fellow practitioners and the community in general as one of the most substantial, public- spirited men in the city.

Richard E. Claussen, D. D. S., who for the past thirteen years has been a practicing dentist in Milwaukee, was born in the Cream City on Independence Day, 1875, a son of Emil and Bertha (Luedke) Claussen. Both of the parents were born in the Father- land, the father in Hamburg, and the mother in Pomerania, and they came to Milwaukee at an early date. The maternal grand- mother, Caroline Luedke, is still living at the ripe old age of eighty- six years. The father was for some years a bookkeeper and later cashier in the office of the internal revenue collector, Henry Fink, and was still occupied in that capacity at the time of his death, which occurred on Nov. 2, 1903. Both parents were members of the Trinity Lutheran church, and the five children born to them,

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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 71

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