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 78

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

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unaided efforts. He has always endeavored to please his customers, and the result has been inost satisfactory. He is a Republican in poli- tics, and though he takes an interest in the party and its principles he has never had time to take an active part. On May 31, 1878, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Krahnstover and Louise, the daughter of William and Isabel (Schoman) Dernehl, both residents of Kostock, Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Krahnstover have six children : William, Augusta, Fred, Julius, Albert, and Harry. All the boys are interested in the dyeing business, and the daughter lives at home. The family are members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Krahnstover is very domes- tic in his tastes and devotes his time to his family. He is a member of the Dyers' Association.

Henry Niemann, one of the representative business men of Mil- waukee, is a native of Germany, born in Mecklenburg. April 14, 1839, the son of John and Sophia (Reimer) Niemann, both natives of the same place. His father received a liberal education in his native country, after reaching his majority learned the art of weaving, and engaged in weaving at the woolen mills of his home town. He married Sophie Reimer and became the father of five children. He died when com- paratively young, in 1859, leaving his wife to rear her little family alone. Henry was given the advantages of a practical education in the public schools of his native town, and at the age of fourteen left school to learn the miller's trade. After serving his apprenticeship and mastering all the arts of milling he worked as a master miller in many of the large cities of Germany. In 1864 he established himself in the milling business in Mecklenburg, but like so many of the sturdy Germans who have played a part in the development of this great nation, he wished a wider field for his operations, and a year after he set up in business he sold out and came to the new world. He landed in America in 1866, just at the close of one of the greatest conflicts this country or the world has ever seen. Mr. Niemann went first to Niagara Falls, N. Y., but in 1867 came west and located in Milwaukee, where he was employed in a paper mill. Within a short time he bought a piece of land between Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth streets, and in 1870 opened a saloon, which he conducted with great success until 1889, when he sold out. For several years he was vice-president and manager of a real estate company, and since selling out his business has engaged in handling coal and wood, with an office at 326 Eleventh avenue. When Mr. Niemann first engaged in this line he was in part- nership with a Mr. Hoffman, but later bought his partner out and has since built up a large trade independently. Today he runs one of the largest coal and wood yards in the city. The business has grown, owing to the untiring efforts of Mr. Niemann, and has always been conducted with an idea of pleasing customers and with strict integrity. On Jan. 19, 1866, Mr. Niemann was united in marriage with Sophia Arndt, of Milwaukee, who died in 1876. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Niemann : Rudolph : Martha ; Henry, who died at the age of twenty-three: and Matilda, Albert, and Henry, all of whom died when quite young. Mr. Niemann married again in 1877, his

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second wife being Miss Anne Knehlhorn. By this union two children were born, Paul and William. The latter is married and is associated with his father in business. Mr. Niemann is one of the strongest sup- porters of the Republican party, and while he has served on ward committees he would never accept public office, though often urged to do so by his friends. With his family he was formerly a member of the German Lutheran church, and he belongs to the Old Settlers' Club. In former years he belonged to several societies but has given them up.

Rudolph Gumz .- Among the prominent men of Milwaukee who have risen to prominence in the business circles of the city by their own effort and perseverance is the subject of this sketch. He is one of the best type of the sturdy German-Americans who have played a conspicuous part in the development of the city. Mr. Gumz is a native of Vughtenhaugen, Germany, born there on Dec. 8, 1836, being the son of Carl and Wilhelmenia Gumz, both of whom were born and reared in the same country. The father was educated in Germany, and at an early age learned to be a brick-maker. After thoroughly learning the trade he established himself in business for the manufacture of brick. The elder Gumz never came to America, but his widow came after her son was established in this country, and she died in Milwaukee at the hale old age of eighty-two years. Rudolph was given the benefit of a practical education in the public schools of his native town until he was fourteen years of age, when he started to learn the brickmaker's trade with his father. After work- ing in the old country for a few years he heard of the many oppor- tunities open to a young and ambitious man in the new world, and in 1865 decided to leave the old home and come to America. He landed in April, 1865, and came directly to Milwaukee, where he found employ- ment at his trade at George Burnham's brick yard. Mr. Gumz had both practical and theoretical knowledge of brick manufacture and became foreman. He had an excellent position, but was made a more lucrative offer by Joseph Schaaf and severed his connection with Mr. Burnham. During his residence in America he had been prudent and invested his savings in the Schaaf firm, and was taken into partnership. Since that time they have built up a large trade and deal in wholesale quantities only. The firm is now known by the name of R. Gumz & Company and is one of the finest packing establishments in the city. Mr. Gumz is a Republican in politics, but is a very domestic man and devotes his time to his family and business rather than to politics or society. On Nov. 5, 1863, Mr. Gumz was united in marriage with Augusta. the daughter of Carl Peterson. Seven children have come to bless this union : Rudolph, Jr., Albert, Emil, Edith, Robert, Wilhel- menia. and Richard. Edith, the oldest daughter, was married some years ago to Albert Meritz, of Milwaukee. The family are members of the German Lutheran church.

Hans C. Hoverson, the president of the Palace Laundry Com- pany. a native of Norway. was born at Arendal. Aug. 21. 1855. being the son of Ole Andreas and Anna Christine ( Bastian) Hoverson, both of whom were born and reared in the same place. The father was

TILDEN POU

WILLIAM DONSING

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educated in his native country, and at an early age went to sea as a sailor. He was a capable man, paid strict attention to his duty, and was rewarded by prompt promotions. In time he worked his way to the top and was given charge of a sailing vessel as captain. He wished to gain a still higher position, and as this was impossible in the old country he immigrated to America with his family in 1870 and located in Milwaukee. In the fall of the same year he took a position on one of the boats on Lake Michigan and was washed overboard in a storm. He left a widow and four children to mourn his loss and face the world alone. One son died in 1890 and the mother in 1893. They were buried in Forest Home cemetery. Hans, the subject of this sketch, received the elements of a practical education in his native town in Norway. When fourteen years of age he left school to come to America with his parents, and after they were settled in their new home he worked as an apprentice at the tinner's trade. After learning the trade he engaged in business with A. J. Linderman in the manu- facture of stoves and ranges, under the firm name of A. J. Linderman & Hoverson Company, in 1884, and remained in this business until 1896, when he bought out the Palace Laundry, which he incorporated under the name of the Palace Laundry Company. Mr. Hoverson is president and general manager. It is one of the largest and most popular laundries in the city, and Mr. Hoverson has been successful in this line through his determination to please his customers, fair dealing, and the excellent grade of work which is turned out. The business has increased to such an extent that it now requires about forty people to care for the trade. Mr. Hoverson is essentially a self- made man and has achieved his present substantial standing through his own untiring efforts, and as one of the many Scandinavians who have helped in the building and progress of the Cream City deserves a place on the pages of its history. In politics he is a Republican, but has never aspired to office. On Oct. 4, 1882, Mr. Hoverson was united in marriage with Clara, the daughter of Hans C. Hanson, of Manitowoc, Wis. Two children came to bless this union : Edna May, at home ; and Henry Charles, who is in business with his father. The family are members of Our Savior Norwegian Lutheran church, of which Mr. Hoverson is a trustee. He is also a member of the Scandi- navian Benevolent Association, acting as trustee, and the Milwaukee Council. Royal Arcanum. He is president of the Milwaukee Laun- drymen's Club, a member of the Laundrymen's National Association of America, and of the South Side Civic Association.

William Donsing, retired, one of the most respected citizens of German birth residing in the city, was born at Brunswick, Ger- many, on Dec. 22, 1841, a son of Fred and Minnie (Wolford) Donsing. Both parents were born in Brunswick, where the father followed the vocation of cooper successfully until the time of his migration to America in 1853. He came direct to Milwaukee county and located on a small farm in the town of Lake, and there remained until his death in 1888. The mother died some years before her husband. Three children, two of whom survive, were born to the parents. Wil-

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liam Donsing, the subject of this review, received somewhat limited educational advantages in the common schools of his native land. When but fourteen years of age he left school to take upon himself the superintendency of a large estate, caring for both the house and the grounds. Shortly after coming to America he secured employ- ment as a farm hand for ten dollars a month for the first few months of his labor. Naturally of frugal habits, he managed to save enough from his meager earnings to purchase a small acreage in the town of Lake, where he continued farming operations until 1896. By that year he had accumulated a sufficient competence to allow him to retire from active participation in the affairs of life and purchase a fine home at 801 Delaware avenue, where today he is enjoying a well-earned respite. His success has in large measure been due to his habits of thrift, perseverance in the face of difficulties, and his indomitable will power. which have won for him the respect and esteem of all his neighbors. In his political belief Mr. Donsing is stanchly Republican, but has never sought to become his party candidate for public office of any nature. Mr. Donsing has been twice married. By his first wife, Miss Minnie Timmerman, a native of Germany, he is the father of six children: Fred, Henry, Mary and Augusta (twins), Minnie, and Henrietta. His second wife has also passed away.

Samuel O. Dixon is one of the prominent business men of the Cream City, who has by his own efforts and perseverance risen from comparative obscurity to an enviable position among the business men of the place. He was born at Dallas City, Hancock county, Ill., May 15, 1849. being the son of Samuel J. and Isabel (McKay) Dixon, who spent all their lives in Illinois, where they passed quietly away. Mr. Dixon received the elements of a practical education in the public schools of his native town, and as soon as his studies were completed engaged in farming, but desiring a wider field for his activities began to work for contractors. He started at the very bottom of the coal business, shoveling coal, and his strict attention to work, honesty, and perseverance were justly rewarded. He was advanced from one posi- tion of trust to another, and was eventually taken into one of the companies he had worked for, the Dredge Company, of Racine, Wis. Mr. Dixon was elected president of the company, and nine years ago, when this firm was consolidated with three Milwaukee concerns, he became superintendent of the reorganized company. During his nine years' service with the reorganized company Mr. Dixon has demon- strated his ability to handle men and cope with any emergency that may arise. Mr. Dixon was united in marriage with Miss Clara I. Johnson in January, 1873. Four children have blessed this union : Guy L., Glenn M .. Grace R., and Samuel O., Jr.

Michael R. Biron .- This is the age when men of energy, in- dustry, and merit are rapidly pushing themselves to the front, and those who by their own unaided efforts have achieved success are the ones who claim recognition. Among these stands the subject of this sketch. Mr. Biron was born at Mayence, in the beautiful valley of the Rhine. Germany, May 10, 1857, the son of Peter and Philphena

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(Hammer) Biron, who were both natives of the same place. Peter Biron died when his son was three years of age, and the brave mother assumed the responsibilities of both father and mother and reared the family. Michael received the benefit of a practical education in the public schools of his native city, and subsequently learned to be a pat- tern maker. He heard of the wonderful opportunities offered a young and ambitious man in the new world, and bidding adieu to the Father- land sailed for America. When twenty years of age he landed in this country, and in 1877 located in Wisconsin, near Madison. Within a year he came to Milwaukee, and since that time has worked at his trade in various manufacturing establishments of the city. For seven- teen years he has been foreman of the pattern shop of the Vilter Manu- facturing Company. Mr. Biron is one of those skilled workmen who learned the cunning of the art in the old country, where it is taught as nowhere else, and he has met with well-deserved success in his chosen vocation. In 1888 his mother came to America, but lived only two short years in her new home before she was summoned to her last rest. On June 12, 1882, Mr. Biron was united in marriage with Miss Morgenstern. Two children have come to bless this union, Philipian and Susan. Mr. Biron is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is a member of the order of Free and Accepted Masons.

Eugene L. Husting, who resides at 505 Galena street and is well known throughout the city as the president and treasurer of the E. L. Husting Company, manufacturers of mineral and soda waters and Weiss beer, was born in Germany on Aug. 24, 1848. He is a son of Theodore and Susanna Husting, both natives of the Fatherland who came to the United States in 1854 and located on a farm in Wis- consin, where both died later. Mr. Husting was but six years of age when he came to this country with his parents, and his education was obtained in the district schools in the vicinity of his father's farm. Subsequently, desiring a more general knowledge of the English lan- guage and American business methods, he attended evening school in both Milwaukee and Chicago. He started in business while still a youth and earned his livelihood in various ways. For a time he drove a wagon over different sections of the state, selling candy and con- fectionery, and subsequently he became associated with his father-in- law in the brewing industry. Being of an ambitious and resourceful nature he established, in 1877, a factory for the manufacture of soda water, and has since that time been continuously and successfully engaged in that line of business. Nine years after the inception of his business he conceived the idea of adding to his products Weiss beer, which has brought him the best returns as a selling product. On July I, 1900, the firm was incorporated under the laws of the state as the E. L. Husting Company. Ever since its establishment the enterprise has flourished, due in large measure to Mr. Husting's inherent traits of industry, thrift and scrupulous honesty. Reared in the school of experience he became thoroughly imbued with ideas of integrity, and brought to bear in his undertakings all those qualities which make so

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much for success. He is popular in both social and business fields, and his kindly, genial nature has won him many friends in the Deutscher and Millioki clubs, the Milwaukee Turnverein, the Trav- elers' Protective Association, the Musicverein, and the other German singing societies with which he is affiliated. In 1872 Mr. Husting was happily married to Miss Bertha Altpeter. Of the children born to this union five survive : Eugenia, wife of E. J. Henning, counsel for the E. L. Husting Company; Elizabeth; Oscar T., secretary of the company ; Eugene L., Jr., vice-president of the company ; and Bethold A., the superintendent of the same concern.

Bruno E. Fink is the efficient secretary of the Milwaukee Malt- ing Company, and in that line of useful endeavor he has been promi- nent for a number of years. He was born in the city of Milwaukee on March 17, 1859, the son of William and Catherine (Johannsen) Fink, the former of whom was born at Einselthum, Rhenish Palatinate, Bavaria, and the latter at Satrop, in Schleswig-Holstein, a province of Prussia. The father was born in 1825, and in 1840 he came to Milwaukee and followed farming about nine years. He then went to Racine and opened a grocery store and continued in that line of busi- ness one year. In 1850 he returned to Milwaukee and started a gro- cery store on Ferry street, continuing it about three years. He then was engaged by Pfister & Vogel as a traveling salesman, and held that position about fourteen years. In 1867 he entered business for him- self, dealing in hides, skins and wool, and remained so engaged during the remainder of his active career. His only son was Bruno E. Fink, the subject of this review. The latter received his education in the East Side high school and at the German-English Academy in the city of Milwaukee, and after leaving the schoolroom went to California, where for two years he officiated as the superintendent of the Oro Grande Mining Company. Returning then to the city of his birth, he became one of the founders and was chosen as the secretary of the Asmuth Malt and Grain Company. Later he became the secretary of the Milwaukee Malt and Grain Company, after which he served for a time as the western sales manager of the American Malting Com- pany. In 1901 he organized the Milwaukee Malting Company, of which he has since served as secretary, and it is to his intelligent man- agement in a superlative degree that the success of the enterprise has been due. He was married on May 7, 1887, to Miss Selma Marr, daughter of John and Bertha (Bodenstein) Marr, of Milwaukee, and to this union there have been born three children: Gertrude Anita, Eugenia Valesca, and Margaret Marr. Mr. Fink is a Republican in his political affiliations and is recognized as a leader in the councils of that party. He was a delegate to the Republican national convention which assembled at Minneapolis in 1892. and he was the president of the Young Men's Republican Club of Milwaukee county in 1890-91. In social life he is also exceedingly prominent, being ex-president of the Deutscher Club and of the United States Malters' Association, president of the Wisconsin Malters' Club, and of the board of trustees of the German Theater Aid Fund. He is also a member of the Mil- waukee Musical Society and of the Woodmont Club.

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Robert William Mueller, paying teller of the First National Bank of Milwaukee, was born in the Cream City on Sept. 30, 1859. He is a son of Charles Ernest Eugene and Minna (Brentz) Mueller, both native Germans, the former having been born on May 20, 1829, in Gotho, in the dukedom of Saxony, and the mother in Wurtemburg. The father received his preparatory educational advantages in the gymnasium of his native city, and when but twenty. years of age entered the University of Jena as a medical student. He received his degree as Doctor of Medicine in 1853, having served meantime as an instructor in physiology for eighteen months at his alma mater. In 1854 he emigrated to America and began the practice of his profession in Milwaukee. Here he was actively and widely engaged until his death, which occurred in 1881. The mother, who is now eighty-five years of age, makes her home with her son. Robert W. Mueller, the subject of this review, received his early educational advantages in the public schools of the city and later attended the German-English Academy. When but thirteen years of age he left school to accept a position as messenger in the old German Exchange Bank, and he continued his connection with that institution until it was consolidated with the Bank of Commerce. He remained with the last-named institu- tion until 1894, when it was absorbed by the First National Bank, with which he became connected, and his ability and inherent capacity have won him promotion after promotion until now he is teller of the institution. His other business interests include the secretary and treasurership of the My Laundry Company, a flourishing institution. Since 1892 Mr. Mueller has been associated with the Light Horse Squadron. He enlisted first as a private on Jan. 1I, 1892, and in the fall of that year was appointed first sergeant. His commission as second lieutenant was given him by the governor in 1895, and five years later, in 1900, he was made captain, the position he now holds. Mr. Mueller is a Republican in his political alliance, but has never held public office. In religious matters he is extremely liberal and does not belong to any sect or society. In a fraternal way he is identified with the Masonic order. On Nov. 6, 1906. Mr. Mueller was united in marriage to Miss Lucy V. Russell, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Whalen) Russell, of Milwaukee. They have no children.

Vincenz J. Schoenecker, Jr., the present incumbent of the office of treasurer of the city of Milwaukee and treasurer of the V. Schoenecker Boot & Shoe Company, was born in Milwaukee in June, 1867. A sketch of his father, Vincenz J. Schoenecker, Sr., appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Schoenecker attended the public and St. Joseph's parochial schools in this city and laid the foundation for a business career by a course in the Spencerian Business College. When he had completed his course in the latter institution he engaged in the shoe business under the tutelage of his father, and has won promo- tion through the various departments until today he is treasurer of the company. He does all the purchasing for the company and has direct charge of all the salesmen. Besides this his business interests include a directorship in the West Side Bank. Mr. Schoenecker is well

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known in fraternal and social circles in the city and state. He is state president of the Travelers' Protective Association and a director in the national organization of that association. He is grand outer-guard for the state organization of the Knights of Pythias, a trustee of the Order of Eagles, a former president of the Millioki Club, a life mem- ber of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, ex-president of the Jefferson Club, for twenty-three years has been a member of the Milwaukee Press Club, and today he has the unique distinction of being the oldest member of that organization. In politics he has always been allied with the Democratic party and has held various positions as the candidate of that organization. On June 23, 1899, he was appointed a member of the board of public works, was reap- pointed on April 15, 1902, and again on April 18, 1905, each appoint- ment being for a term of three years. At the time of his first appoint- ment he was the youngest man who had ever been appointed to the board, of which for nine years he was secretary. In the spring of 1908 Mr. Schoenecker was the candidate of his party for the office of city treasurer and was elected by a large majority. His term ex- pires in 1910. On Sept. 11, 1899, Mr. Schoenecker was united in marriage to Miss Emma Suess, a daughter of Daniel and Criscensia (Moser) Suess, both natives of Germany. To this union have been born three children : Margaret, Harold, and Karl.

Vincenz J. Schoenecker, Sr., president of the V. Schoenecker Boot and Shoe Company, was born in Blomberg, Germany, on June 24, 1837. Both his parents, Anton and Mary (Lorenzo) Schoenecker, were natives of Blomberg and lived their entire lives in that vicinity. Two' of Mr. Schoenecker's brothers won renown in their native land, one in the educational field and the other as a soldier in the German army. Mr. Schoenecker's educational advantages were all received before he was fourteen years of age in the schools of Blomberg. He then went to a city near his home and served an apprenticeship in the shoemaker's trade. For a time he worked as a journeyman in the vocation, and in May, 1855, in company with his brothers, Andrew and John, he sailed for America. The passage was long and tedious, and they did not arrive in Baltimore until Aug. 7 of the same year. They did not stop there, however, but came direct to Milwaukee, where within a week after their arrival Vincenz and John found work in the employ of Henry Freeman, a shoe manufacturer. Vincenz remained in that capacity until 1859. and then for two years was with Mr. Markett. From 1861 until 1870 he worked for various shoe manufacturers in the city, and in the latter year accepted a position as foreman in the factory of O. D. Borquist. In 1880 he servered this connection to accept a similar position with the F. Mayer Boot and Shoe Company. After nine years of faithful service with that firm he left to organize the V. Schoenecker Boot and Shoe Company, of which he has been the president ever since. In 1890 the company built the commodious quarters where they are now located, on Seventh street. Mr. Schoen- ccker's thorough knowledge of the industry, gained by many years of experience, has been a potential influence in the building up of the

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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 78

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