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 79
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industry, which has now become one of the most prominent in Mil- waukee. He is a Catholic in religious belief, and his family has been reared in that faith. On May 16, 1857, Mr. Schoenecker was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Schwander. To this union were born the following children: Robert, who died in November, 1907, and Vic- toria. The second wife of Mr. Schoenecker was Mrs. Margaret Schloe- gel, and to this union two children were born, Vincenz, Jr., and Mary. By a third marriage, to Mrs. Katherine Menger, he became the father of four children : Albert, Leonora, Louisa, and Francis.
Herman F. Wolf, the efficient and popular cashier of the Wis- consin National Bank, was born in Milwaukee on June 18, 1857. After completing his educational work in the city schools he began his busi- ness career as a clerk in Houghton Brothers & Company's bank. He stayed with this institution for a number of years, and when he severed his connection with the concern he had risen to the position of con- fidential clerk. Subsequently he became cashier of the Central National Bank, and when that financial institution was merged, in 1898, with the Wisconsin National, he was made assistant cashier of the combined banks. Some years later he was chosen cashier by the directors of the institution, and he has filled the position in a manner which reflects quite as much credit upon the bank as upon himself. Throughout financial circles he is recognized as a shrewd, careful business man, whose knowledge of financial matters can be depended upon abso- lutely. In a social and professional way Mr. Wolf is identified with the Deutscher and Bankers' clubs and is one of the trustees of the National Union. On Jan. 20, 1885, Mr. Wolf was united in marriage to Miss Julia Gerlach, a cultured lady of Milwaukee, and a daughter of William Gerlach, a prominent brewer and maltster.
John L. Klingler, secretary and treasurer of the Ellsworth & Thayer Manufacturing Company, of Milwaukee, was born in Wash- ington county, Wis., April 29, 1869. His parents were John and Anna (Bodendoerfer) Klingler, both natives of Germany, who came to the United States about the middle of the century and located in Mil- waukee in 1850. The elder Klingler was a brewer, and after estab- lishing himself in his new home went into the brewing industry with a man named Bast, under the firm name of Bast & Klingler, and con- tinted in business in Milwaukee until the Civil war, when he moved to Schleisingerville, Washington county, Wis., and established a brew- cry of his own. John, the subject of this sketch, was sent to the pub- lic schools of Washington and Milwaukee counties, and subsequently took a course in the Milwaukee high school. After leaving school, in 1883, he secured a position in the offices of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, in the car accounting department, and was advanced from that department to the auditor's office, but resigned in 1889 to become cashier for the Adams Express Company, and remained with it four years. In 1893 he was offered and accepted a more lucrative position as bookkeeper for the J. E. Jenner Company, milli- nery dealers, and two years later was taken into the firm as secretary and treasurer. Five years later he severed his connection with it to
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become a member of Miller, Genz & Company, and four years later, in 1904, disposed of his interest in that firm to join the Ellsworth & Thayer Manufacturing Company, taking Mr. Ellsworth's place as man- ager, and also becoming secretary and treasurer. Mr. Klingler is one of the progressive business men of the Cream City, and since joining the firm has been untiring in his efforts to make it one of the leading fur and glove houses in the Middle West. Mr. Klingler's wife was formerly Miss Minnie Heesch, the daughter of Henry Heesch, a native of Ger- many. Mr. Klinger was married in 1893 and has had four children come to cheer his home : Ester H., Carl H., Ruth H., and Alice. Mr. Klingler is prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of the Wis- consin Consistory, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, and of Tripoli Temple, Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, and is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Milwaukee Athletic Club.
Sebastian Guckenberger, of South Milwaukee, R. F. D. No. 16, is a highly-respected and prosperous farmer. He is a native of Germany, born there on April 2, 1840, the son of Conrad and Katherine Guckenberger, both of whom had been born and reared in the Fatherland. Like so many of the sturdy German peasants who came to maturity about the middle of the Nineteenth century, these parents determined to seek the advantages offered by that land of opportunity, the United States, and sailed for this country in 1855, and immediately after landing came to Milwaukee. They settled first in the town of Lake, but after a few years moved to Oak Creek and took up sixty acres of land. Sebastian was fifteen years old when his parents came to America, and had already received the benefits of scholastic training in the excellent public schools of Germany. He assisted his father in running the farm for several years. When repeated calls came for volunteers after the outbreak of the Civil war, both Sebastian and bis brother, Christian, enlisted for service. Sebastian became a private in Company C, Twenty-sixth Wisconsin infantry, on Aug. 20, 1862, and his brother was assigned to the Twenty-seventh infantry. The first-named regiment was mustered in at Camp Sigel, Milwaukee, and was immediately sent to Virginia, where it was engaged in guard and picket duty until spring. Mr. Guckenberger, with the other members of the regiment, participated at the battle of Chan- cellorsville, May 2, 1863, and he was severely wounded in the ankle at Gettysburg, on July 3. As soon as he was sufficiently recovered he was transferred to the veteran reserve corps, with which he served the remainder of his term of enlistment. He was honorably mustered out at Philadelphia, Pa., on Aug. 25, 1865, after serving his adopted country most gallantly and loyally through three long years of warfare and bloodshed. In the fall after his discharge from the service Mr. Guckenberger was united in marriage with Miss Mary Sheilz, on Oct. 17, 1865. She had come to the United States with her parents about the same time that Mr. Guckenberger came, and their long friendship culminated in a happy marriage. After returning from the war he took up land and again went to farming, and for forty-three years has lived on
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the homestead in South Milwaukee, where he took his bride in 1865. Fourteen children have come to bless their home and have been reared to maturity on the hospitable old farm: Clara, Kath- erinc, Henry, Anna. Eva, Mary (deceased), Frank, Nick (de- ceased), John, Joseph, Jennie, Matthew, George, and Charlie. The family are all devout members of the Roman Catholic church.
Charles C. Jacks, one of the oldest and most experienced rail- road men in Wisconsin, is a native of this state, born at Wau- watosa on Sept. 29, 1850, the son of James M. and Harriet (Phelps) Jacks, who were natives of Erie, Pa. James Jacks' parents lived in Pennsylvania all their lives, but the parents of Mrs. Jacks moved to Wisconsin among the early settlers and resided here until death. In 1846 Mr. and Mrs. Jacks came to Racine county, Wis., but two years later moved to Wauwatosa, Wis. The father was a black- smith by trade and followed this vocation after locating in Wis- consin. In 1866 the family moved to Fond du Lac, Wis., and resided there the remainder of their lives. Mr. Jacks took an active part in local politics ; he was a Republican and held several minor local offices. Mrs. Jacks was called from the cares of life in 1879, leaving a husband and four children to mourn their loss. When first married Mr. and Mrs. Jacks had been members of the Chris- tian church, but in Wauwatosa they joined the Baptist church, and after settling in Fond du Lac affiliated with the Congregational church. They had five children, three boys and two girls, all of whom are living but the youngest child, who died in infancy. Mr. Jacks passed from this life in February, 1880, after a life that was upright, devoted, and loving. In no place was his loss more keenly felt than among the members of the church, where he had been a willing worker. Charles, the subject of this review, was given the advantage of scholastic training in the public schools of Wau- watosa, and after leaving school worked on a farm for five years. In 1870 he entered the employ of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific railroad, as a track-layer in Iowa. At the expiration of two years he entered the service of the Chicago & Northwestern rail- road as a brakeman. Mr. Jacks was ever faithful at his post, after serving his time as a brakeman was promoted to conductor, and in time was given charge of one of the best passenger trains on the road. He is one of the oldest and most popular passenger con- ductors on the road. He stands high in the esteem of his asso- ciates and friends because of his sound judgment and kind heart. In politics he is a Republican. On May 31, 1880, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Jacks and Martha R. Wilcox, a native of New York, who came west with her parents when she was very young. They settled at Campbellsport. Mr. Jacks is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Order of Railway Conductors.
Charles Scholl, a prominent figure in the business circles of Milwaukee, was born on Nov. 24, 1875, in the beautiful valley of the Rhine, fabled in legend and song, at Ottweiler, Rhenish Prus- sia. ,Germany, the son of Nicolaus Scholl. born at Odenhausen Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, and Caroline (Rischar) Scholl, who
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was born and reared at Ottweiler, Germany. He comes from a long line of illustrious ancestors, who served their country vali- iantly and well. Several of his ancestors on both the paternal and maternal sides served in the German Revolution and many near relatives took active part in the Civil war in the United States, some of them as commissioned officers, rendering distinguished services. The father, Nicolaus Scholl, was a railway contractor and sculptor of note at Ottweiler. During the Franco-Prussian war he served in the German army and rendered such valuable service to Prussia that at the close of the conflict he was honored by the German government. Charles, the subject of this review, was reared in his native city and received his education at the Im- perial Seminary of Ottweiler. After reaching manhood he came to America and located in Milwaukee, where he has since resided. During the Spanish-American war he enlisted as a private in Com- pany G, Fourth Wisconsin infantry, and was mustered into the service at Anniston, Ala. He was promoted and received an appointment as corporal and regimental postmaster of the Fourth Wisconsin, and was honorably discharged when the regiment was mustered out, with special record for his faithfulness and hon- orable performance of his duties. During the period of his enlist- ment, Mr. Scholl acted as war correspondent for the Milwaukee Herold, Sentinel, and Journal, and the news from the front that was printed in the city papers was greatly appreciated by the rela- tives of the enlisted men. He also served in the Wisconsin State Militia for seven years and was honorably discharged at his own request. In politics Mr. Scholl is a Republican and is one of the most hearty supporters of the party. On April 27, 1900, was sol- emnized the marriage of Mr. Scholl and Miss Catherine Olinger, the daughter of John and Theresa (Pelt) Olinger, of Port Wash- ington, Wis. Four children have blessed this union: Marion, Charles Anthony, Marjorie and John Nicolaus. The family are members of the Catholic church and Mr. Scholl is a member of several fraternal societies. Since settling in the Cream City, Mr. Scholl has been instrumental in establishing several companies, and has been one of the important factors in the great development which has taken place in Milwaukee within the last ten or fifteen years. He has become one of the well-known real estate dealers and is a prominent insurance agent. He has met with great suc- cess in his chosen business and is recognized as one of the substan- tial citizens.
Harry W. Pipkorn, the popular treasurer of the W. H. Pip- korn Company, is a native of Milwaukee, where he was born on Jan. 2, 1874. He is a son of August and Wilhelmina (Tesch) Pipkorn, a brief review of whose lives may be found in the sketch of William H. Pipkorn, elsewhere in this volume. Harry W. Pip- korn received his educational and business training in the common schools and in the commercial course of the Spencerian Business College. Upon graduation at the latter institution he assumed a clerical position with the W. H. Pipkorn Company. When the
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firm was incorporated, in 1904, he was made its secretary, a posi- tion which he occupied until he was later made its treasurer. Much of the influence of the concern and its influence in the com- mercial life of Milwaukee can be directly traced to his enterprise and industry. In politics he is allied with the Republican party, but has never held nor been ambitious for public office. On July 19, 1903, Mr. Pipkorn was united in marriage to Miss Minna Meyer, a daughter of Henry and Louise (Weipking) Meyer, old residents of Milwaukee. Three daughters have come to bless this union : Estella, Lucile, and Harriet.
Charles Schley was born in Frederick, Md., Sept. 1, 1821, and at a local academical institution received his early training. He entered Princeton College, New Jersey, in 1835, graduating in 1842, and he now claims to be the oldest alumnus living and now in busi- ness, of that institution. Subsequently returning to his home he became a member of the Maryland bar and in 1848 married. It soon became quite obvious that the increasing responsibility, the uncertainty of business, and limited capital would make it necessary that some other field should be sought, and as distant Milwaukee seemed the most attractive it was selected, and in early October, 1850, he arrived here. Fortunately he was favored by a Maryland United States senator with letters of introduction to three of the most prominent citizens here : the Hon. W. P. Lynde, member of congress ; Hon. Judge Miller, of the United States Court; and Gen. Rufus King. From each of these gentlemen and their families he received every consideration and continued attention. General King was at that time the proprietor and editor of the Milwaukee Sentinel, and, of course Mr. Schley at once entered his subscription, which has continued from that day to this without a break or interruption and he now claims to be the oldest continuous subscriber of that paper. Being promptly admitted to the Milwaukee bar on the certificate of membership of the Maryland bar, Mr. Schley at once started in for practice, but soon found its uncertainties, and the pressing requirements of an increasing family rendered a more assured source of income im- perative. It became necessary for him to look for some other field and consequently he entered the real estate business with a very active party in that line, but this continued only for a short time, when he withdrew and continued the business independently with reasonable success until the failure of the Ohio Trust Company, in 1856, which swept from him his capital and profits, leaving him also quite a deficiency to confront. However, he still persevered in pursuing the same line, and again was quite successful until Jay Cooke failed, when he was again subjected to loss and some embarrassment. Thereupon he made a vow to adhere strictly to a brokerage business, disregarding all temptation to speculate, and he has ever since so continued ; and he can now say that the invest- ment business, in real estate, bonds, and loans, as conducted in the name of Charles Schley and Charles Schley & Company, has so continued from the early 50's until the present time. He is entitled to the distinction of being the oldest in that line in Wisconsin, if
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not in the Northwest, and although incurring some financial em- barrassments neither he nor his company has ever been either plaintiff or defendant on the docket of any court.
Charles F. A. Hintze, at present appraiser of the County Court of Milwaukee, was born in Germany on March 4, 1844. He is the son of Henry and Henrietta Hintze, both of whom were natives of Germany and who emigrated to America and located in Mil- waukee on June 22, 1858. Henry Hintze was a carpenter and fol- lowed this trade in Milwaukee until his death in 1889. Charles was fourteen years of age when his parents came to Milwaukee and he had already attended the public schools of his native land, but he was ambitious and industrious and determined to secure an English education. In order to do this he attended the Larego College, an evening school and worked in a restaurant during the day. He was frugal and industrious and had soon saved up money enough to start up in the restaurant business for himself. In 1888 he disposed of the restaurant and started a steam bakery, and at the same time became interested in the real estate business. He took an active interest in local politics, and in 1892 was elected to the state assembly as a representative of the Democratic party. When Judge Carpenter took his seat on the bench of the County Court he appointed Mr. Hintze appraiser, and without any effort on his own part he has held this position for several years, to the entire satisfaction of the court and the public. In 1863 Mr. Hintze married Margaret F. Laughlin, a native of Ireland who came to the United States when she was a child. This union has been made happy by the birth of eight children: Augusta, Hen- rietta, Albert, Marie L., Charles H., James, Margaret, and Francis. The family are loyal members of the Roman Catholic church, and in 1888 Mr. Hintze became state treasurer for the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin. He is also a member of the Catholic Order of For- esters, a Knight of Columbus, and is the secretary for St. Rose's Orphan Asylum.
John E. N. Figved, one of the leading tanners of Milwaukee. prominent in the leather business and commercial circles of the city, was born at Stavanger, a sea-port on the rugged shore of Norway, Sept. 23. 1865. His father was Emilus Figved, born April 9. 1843, and his mother was Johanna Nyman, born in November, 1847. They were both born and reared in Stavanger, but emigrated to America and settled in north- ern Wisconsin, at Sturgeon Bay, in 1870. John returned to Norway when he was about eight years old, and for seven years studied in the schools of his native land. In 1881 he came back to America and located in Boston, Mass., where he took a business course to become acquainted with American business methods. For eleven years he was employed in the tannery business in Boston, but in 1892 came to Milwaukee. For ten years he was employed in different tanneries, and after thoroughly learning the business started a tannery of his own which he has conducted ever since. From a small concern at the start it has gradually increased its output, and to-day is one of the well-established concerns of Milwaukee. On Oct. 8, 1898, Mr.
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Figved was united in marriage with Gina, the daughter of Mr. Nelson, one of the old residents of Milwaukee. Their home has been blessed by three children: Lillian, Clara, and Harold. In religion the family are Lutherans and are devout members of that church. Mr. Figved is an unswerving Republican in all matters pertaining to state and national politics, and he is a member of the Sons of Norway.
Frank Mutz, of North Milwaukee, who for the past six years has been one of the successful farmers of Milwaukee county, was born in Germany in 1863, being the son of Andrew and Anna Mutz, both of whom were natives of the Fatherland. The father served his country in the army of the Kaiser for two years, with great credit to himself and the entire satisfaction of his superior officers. Frank, the subject of this sketch, received his scholastic disci- pline in the excellent schools of his native land. Like so many of the sturdy sons of the Fatherland he determined to take advantage of the possibilities and opportunities offered in a new country, and in 1892 immigrated to the United States. He had learned the stone mason's trade in the old country, for two years after locating in Milwaukee followed that vocation, and then moved to Thiensville. Wis. For eight years Mr. Mutz was continually engaged in mason work, and during that time was so successful in business that six years ago he was able to buy a farm near North Milwau- kee. His investment has proved very successful, and to-day he has one of the best conducted and most prosperous farms in that part of the county. On May 19, 1888, while still living in Ger- many, Mr. Mutz was married to Anna, the daughter of John and Caroline Zenka, both born in Germany. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mutz, and they find a happy home on the hospitable farm: Anna, Lucy, Peter, Frank, Albert, Rosa, and Clement. Mr. Mutz is a loyal supporter of the Democratic party but belongs to no secret societies. With his family he is a member of the Catholic church.
Charles W. Breul, one of the prosperous farmers of Milwau- kee county, is a native of Wisconsin, born in Milwaukee county on March 17, 1870, the son of George C. and Jacobine (Zeyher) Breul, both of whom were born and reared in Germany. They immi- grated to the United States with that great tide of German immi- grants who opened up the state while it was still a territory and established the sturdy race of German-American farmers, of which the state is so justly proud to-day. After landing in Wisconsin Mr. Breul took up land in Milwaukee county, built his home and engaged in farming. Charles W. first saw the light of day on the old homestead. He was reared on the farm and received the ele- ments of a practical education in the public schools of Milwaukee county. After his school days were over he worked on his father's farm, but like so many boys he had a desire to attempt his for- tune in the world, and he went to Chicago, where he was employed by the Lincoln Ice Company for four years. A boy reared on a farm ever feels the thraldom of a city, and he returned to the farm,
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where he has since continued to reside. Mr. Breul has progressive ideas and has carried out many improvements on the old home- stead. He is a Republican in his political views and takes an active interest in local politics and all local affairs that pertain to the wel- fare of the community. He has held the important position of clerk of the school board for seven years, to the entire satisfaction of the board and the district. On Nov. 19, 1896, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Breul and Miss Bertha Loth, the daughter of Godfried and Wilhelmeina (Toepelt) Loth, who are residents of the town of Franklin, Milwaukee county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Breul are members of the German Lutheran church.
Ernst Wagner is prominent among the enterprising and pro- gressive farmers of Milwaukee county to whom credit is due for the high rank the county has as a farming community. He is a native of the beautiful Elbe country, Saxony, Germany, where he was born on April 9, 1850, being the son of Henrick and Caroline Wagner, both born and reared in the Fatherland. Ernst received his scholastic training in the fine public schools of Saxony and grew to manhood in his native country. Like so many sturdy sons of the "Vaterland" he heard of the many opportunities to gain wealth in the new world, and bidding farewell to his country, friends, and relatives, set out alone for the United States. After landing in America he came west and located in Illinois, where he was engaged in farming for eight years. Mr. Wagner disposed of his interests in Illinois and came to Wisconsin. After looking around he decided that Milwaukee county offered more advantages than any other county in the - state, and he settled there without delay. He improved his first farm and was enabled to dispose of it to advantage after living there six years. Two years ago he bought his present fine place near North Milwaukee, where he has introduced many new methods and improvements until it is one of the finest farms in the entire country. Mr. Wagner is a Repub- lican in politics. On May 3, 1878, Mr. Wagner was united in mar- riage with Miss Augusta Roser, the daughter of Louis and Wil- helmenia Roser, who were among the early German settlers of Illinois. Seven children have blessed this union: Emanuel, Lydia, Henry. Wil- liam, Eddie, Ernst, and Albert. The family are communicants of the German Methodist church.
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