USA > Wisconsin > Racine County > Racine > Racine, belle city of the lakes, and Racine County, Wisconsin : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Vol. II > Part 11
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On the 26th of June, 1900, occurred the marriage of Judge Belden and Miss Hattie M. Raymond, daughter of Hyland and Emily (Foster) Raymond,
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of Racine. Mrs. Belden is a member of the Racine Woman's Club and various church societies, also of the Young Woman's Christian Association, and is a lady of innate culture and refinement, whose developed powers have given her high standing as an artist and musician, while her tact makes her a most charming hostess in their attractive home, which has been blessed with the presence of two sons, Stanley and John, who are members of the class of 1917 in the University of Wisconsin. Judge and Mrs. Belden hold membership in St. Luke's Episcopal church, in which he is serving as junior warden. Judge Belden is also a trustee of St. Luke's Hospital Association and has been for many years president of the Young Men's Christian Association. His work in behalf of the organization is notable. The public acknowledges that it is largely through his efforts that Racine secured its new Y. M. C. A. building, erected at a cost of two hundred thousand dollars. The public and even those most closely associated with him in the work told him that it could not be done, but he never faltered in the undertaking, wisely laid his plans, secured the support and co-operation of influential citizens and active, earnest work- ers and carried on the project in the face of difficulties and obstacles until these succumbed before his steady, unfaltering purpose and the result was achieved-the building standing today as a monument to his efforts and his devotion to the welfare of young men. His publie work has been very wide in extent and notable in its beneficence. He is a member of the board of visitors of the University of Wisconsin, a member of the Racine public library board and a trustee of Racine College, and his has been a potent influence in support of those activities which work for the uplift of the individual and the benefit of the community. He belongs to Racine Lodge, N. 18, F. & A. M .; Orient Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M .; Racine Commandery, No. 70, K. T., and Wisconsin Consistory of thirty-second degree Masons. He is also identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Elks, the Royal Arcanum, the Modern Woodmen of America and with the Chi Psi college fraternity, having become a member of the supreme body of nearly all of these. He is connected with the Racine Business Men's Association and is interested in every phase of the city's pro- gressive development, his influence making him a power for good in the com- munity in which his entire life has been passed.
JOHN ARMSTRONG.
With the industrial interests of Racine John Armstrong is closely asso- ciated as the president of the Holbrook-Armstrong Company, manufacturers and jobbers of castings. Racine numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in this city in 1859, his parents being John and Susan R. (McNellis) Armstrong, who, in the year 1855, arrived in this city. The father, a tinner by trade, was connected with the J. I. Case Threshing Machine Company for twenty-five years and thus the name has long been associated with the industrial interests of Racine.
Reared in his native city, John Armstrong obtained a public school edu- cation and entered business circles as a mailing clerk in the postoffice, being
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thus employed for a few years. He became connected with manufacturing interests as a representative of the Hurlbut Manufacturing Company, with which he was associated until he started in business on his own account. In 1900 he became one of the organizers of the Holbrook-Armstrong Company, of which W. A. Holbrook became president, with John Armstrong as the secre- tary. This association was maintained until 1905, when Mr. Holbrook dis- posed of his interests to Charles Mathews and C. G. Wilcock. About 1908 they sold out to Charles Buehner, of Milwaukee, who is now vice president of the company, with Mr. Armstrong as president. The company has a large and well equipped plant with a capacity of thirty tons per day and in addition to manufacturing, does a jobbing business in castings. The volume of trade which they have built up has made theirs a profitable concern and careful manage- ment, unfaltering enterprise and laudable ambition have gained for Mr. Arm- strong a substantial measure of success.
On the 17th of September, 1881, occurred the marriage of Mr. Armstrong and Miss Belle A. Steekle, of Racine, and they have three children, Bessie, Ed. and Hazel. Mr. Armstrong holds membership with the Modern Woodmen of America and also with the Christian Science church. In politics he main- tains an independent course, voting according to the dictates of his judgment and the exigeneies of the case with comparatively little regard to party ties. His business career has been marked by steady progression, the steps of which are easily discernible. He has learned to take cognizance of and correctly value not only his own capacities and powers, but those things which go to make up life's contracts and experiences, and in his business career he readily discriminates between the essential and the non-essential.
HENRY C. MILLER.
In pioneer times the Miller family, of which Henry C. Miller is a repre- sentative, was established in Racine and from that date to the present the name has figured prominently in connection with the development of the city's manufacturing interests. Henry C. Miller, now one of the partners and officers in the J. Miller Company, has been identified with the shoe manufacturing business from the age of seventeen years. He was born in Racine, August 27, 1862, and supplemented his public school course by study in the MeMynn Academy. When seventeen years of age he entered his father's shoe manufae- turing establishment, acquainted himself with the business and worked his way upward until he became superintendent of the factory. Later changes in the personnel of the company have occurred and for several years he has occupied the position of vice president, giving his attention now to adminis- trative direction and executive control.
On the 20th of June. 1900, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Cozie Clarke, a daughter of John J. and Margaret (Harter) Clarke, of Waukesha, Wisconsin, and to them have been born four children: John Clarke, Noel, Richard and Camille. The family are communieants of the St. Rose Catholic church and Mr. Miller is identified also with the Knights of Columbus. In
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politics he is independent, but is interested in the welfare and progress of his city and for two terms has served as alderman of the second ward. He stands for all that is progressive in relation to the individual and to the community and his own course has been marked by a steady progress that indicates the wise utilization of his time and opportunities.
WALTER G. SHUMWAY.
Walter G. Shumway has been a lifelong resident of Raymond township. where he still makes his home and where he was born February 12, 1867. He is a son of Lyman and Mary (Ellis) Shumway, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts. The paternal grandfather, Walter Shumway, was also a native of New England and became one of the pioneer residents of Wisconsin, arriving in Racine county in 1838, long before the admission of the state into the Union. The work of improvement and development had scarcely been begun in this district and such was the unsettled condition of the country around that even Chicago had been incorporated as a city only the year before. The greater part of the land was still in possession of the government and Walter Shumway purchased four hundred acres of such land, upon which he built a log cabin that the family occupied for a number of years. They ex- perienced all of the hardships and privations of life on the frontier, but their industry and determination at length brought changed and improved con- ditions. Lyman Shumway was a young man of about nineteen years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to this state and took up the occu- pation of farming in connection with his father. His life thereafter was de- voted to the work of tilling the soil and in time substantial harvests rewarded his labors, for at all times he displayed unremitting industry, guided by sound judgment. He started out with but eighty acres of land and at the time of his death was the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and five acres. He was well known and well liked, his many substantial traits of character gaining him deserved popularity. He held membership in the Raymond Con- gregational church, in which he served as deacon for a number of years, and his life was guided by its teachings. His political views accorded with the principles of the republican party and he held many township offices, including those of supervisor and treasurer. In early manhood he wedded Mary Ellis, a daughter of Gaius Ellis, who was born in Massachusetts and in 1839 arrived in Raymond township. Racine county, where he, too, became a pioneer, con- tributing to the result which was wrought in transforming the district from a wild frontier region into a most habitable section. To Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Shumway were born seven children, but only two are now living, Walter G. and Elbert L., the latter also a farmer of Raymond township.
Walter G. Shumway was educated in the district schools and began busi- ness life on a farm, having previously had thorough training in the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. At an early age he began assisting his father in the development of the home place and while his father was still living he purchased twenty acres of land. At present his holdings
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comprise one hundred and twenty-five acres, on which he has erected a large barn and added other substantial buildings. His farm is splendidly improved and gives evidence of his careful management and wise supervision. As soon as old enough he and his brother took over the business from their father and have since carried on the work of the farm, and in addition to cultivating the fields in the production of the erops best adapted to the soil and climate Mr. Shumway also engages in raising full blooded Holstein cattle and conducts a dairy business, making butter, for which he finds a ready sale in the local market.
In 1890 occurred the marriage of Walter G. Shumway and Miss Charlotte West, a daughter of Thomas West, an early settler of Raymond township. Three children have been born of this marriage, of whom two are living, Lynus and Charlotte, but the firstborn, Lyman William, died at the age of eighteen months.
The parents are consistent members of the Congregational church, of which Mr. Shumway is one of the directors. He votes with the republican party and is now filling the office of town clerk. He is not only mueh interested in the material development but also in the political, intellectual, social and moral progress of the community and his influence is always found on the side of right, progress and reform. He represents one of the old families of the county and has himself been a resident of Raymond township for almost a half cen- tury, so that he is largely familiar with its history.
SIMON M. REINARDY.
Simon M. Reinardy, an enterprising druggist of Burlington. not only occupies an enviable position in business circles but has also displayed marked publie spirit in his devotion to the general good and has been called upon to fill many positions of honor and trust by his fellow townsmen who recognize his worth and ability. He was born in Chicago, November 18. 1868, a son of Peter and Margaret (Bohr) Reinardy, both of whom were natives of Ger- many. The paternal grandfather always remained in that country, but the maternal grandfather came to America in early manhood, bringing with him his family. This was in the late '40s and he located in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Peter Reinardy crossed the Atlantic when a young man and established his home at Brighton, Wisconsin, where he worked at the trade of sign painting, which he had previously learned in his native country. Following the out- break of the Civil war he enlisted as a member of Company M, Illinois Heavy Artillery, and served throughout the period of hostilities, making an excellent record in his devotion to the country's need. He still survives and now makes his home in Milwaukee.
Simon M. Reinardy is the eldest of a family of seven children. He spent his school days in Chicago and completed his education as a student in the pharmacy department of the Northwestern University at Evanston. Prior to that time, however, he had spent five years with the firm of Prasch Brothers, druggists, and in 1889 he returned to Burlington and purchased an interest
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in the drug store of G. C. Denniston. He continued in that partnership until 1900, when he bought the interest of the other member of the firm and carried on business at the original location until 1910. In the meantime the Prasch Brothers died and he bought their stock of drugs, which he removed to his present location in the Jones block. He has a splendidly appointed store, carrying a large and complete line of drugs and druggists' sundries, and his trade is now extensive and gratifying-a recognition of his honorable busi- ness methods and enterprise.
On the 18th of May. 1892, Mr. Reinardy was married to Miss Ella Reusch- lein, of Burlington, a daughter of Frank Reusehlein, who was born in Baden- Baden. Germany. Their children were: Franeis C., who is a graduate of the pharmaceutical department of the Northwestern University and is now in busi- ness with his father; Charles J., a student in the dental department of North- western University, and Eleanor M. and Robert S., who are attending high school in Burlington. The wife and mother passed away October 26, 1900, and in 1902 Mr. Reinardy married her sister. Emily C. Reuschlein, by whom he has two sons, Arthur LeRoy and Everett Wade.
Mr. Reinardy is much interested in public life and co-operates heartily in all well devised plans and measures for the general good. In 1900 he was elected county commissioner and served for two years. In the '90s he was a member of the village board and in 1900 he was one of the three elected as the county poor agents, representing the western district of Racine county, and sinee that time he has been annually re-elected, so that he is now serving for the sixteenth year. He is and has been a member of the fire and police commission for the past seven years and in 1912 he was elected alderman, serving for two years. He was also a member of the board of civil service for the first assembly distriet and he is now serving for the second three year term as a member of the school board. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Columbus, which indicates that his religious faith is that of the Catholic church. Mr. Reinardy is genial and pleasant and has many friends who appreciate his social qualities and his unfeigned cordiality.
MORRIS CARL MATSEN.
Morris Carl Matsen is operating a wood and coal business. with moving and storage as a department of his undertaking. His patronage has grown steadily and today his is one of the important enterprises of this character in Racine. Diligence and determination have been the erowning points in the career of Mr. Matsen and success has been the legitimate result of his industry. He was born in Jutland. Denmark, on the 17th of August. 1881, a son of Peter and Anna M. (Seriber) Matsen, who were born, reared and married in Denmark and came to the United States in 1897, establishing their home in Racine, where the father died in 1906.
The youthful days of Morris C. Matsen were spent under the parental roof and his education was acquired in the common schools of his native land. He came to the United States in 1898. when a young man of seventeen years, and
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established his home in Racine, where he learned the moulder's trade. This he followed until he embarked in business on his own account about thirteen years ago, becoming a dealer in fuel. He handles both wood and coal and he also does moving, while later he added a storage department to his business. He started in business in partnership with his brother and from the beginning their patronage has steadily increased. They now have two offices and utilize three trucks and five teams in the conduct of their business, while employment is furnished to twenty-five men.
Eleven years ago Mr. Matsen was united in marriage to Miss Sophie Nelson, a native of Denmark, and they became parents of four children, but lost a daughter, Elsie. The others are : Elmer P., Elsie and Evelyn, all yet at home. In polities Mr. Matsen maintains an independent position, casting a non- partisan ballot. Fraternally he is connected with the Royal Arcanum and the Modern Woodmen of America. He carries insurance in the New York Life and Prudential Companies and throughout his entire career he has been actuated by the spirit of thrift and progress, manifesting those qualities which make for progressiveness in business and in citizenship.
ELMER E. GITTINS.
Elmer E. Gittins, a member of the Racine bar, who has been actively engaged in practice in this city since 1898, was born in Caledonia township, Racine county, August 31, 1869, a son of Ellis and Jane (Gittins) Gittins, both of whom were natives of Wales. The paternal grandfather. William Gittins. left that little rock-ribbed country to become a resident of America and first established his home in New York but afterward removed to Racine county, Wisconsin, where in 1845 he purchased a farm, spending his remaining days thereon. His son, Ellis Gittins, was reared to agricultural life and always continued to devote his attention to the work of the fields. After attaining manhood he began farming on his own account and was thus engaged to the time of his death, which occurred in 1883. His widow still survives at the venerable age of ninety years and enjoys remarkable health and vigor.
Elmer E. Gittins obtained a publie school education in Caledonia and the Raeine high school, after which he matriculated in the Wisconsin University, which conferred upon him the Bachelor of Arts degree at his graduation with the class of 1895. He next entered the law department of the State University and is numbered among its alumni of 1897. He then returned to Raeine and opened an office in 1898. His record is in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, for in the county in which his entire life has been passed Mr. Gittins has won a ereditable place at the bar and in the general practice of law has proven his ability to cope with intricate and involved legal problems, while the court records indicate the gratifying sueeess that has attended him.
Mr. Gittins is well known in Masonic circles, belonging to the lodge, ehap- ter, eouneil and commandery, and he is a past master of Belle City Lodge, No. 18, F. & A. M. He is likewise identified with the Royal Arcanum and he is a
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member of the Cymric Club and of the Racine Commercial Club. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has served in some local offices, being district attorney from 1904 until 1908. while at the present time he is chairman of the fire and police commission. He is interested in all the forces which work for development and improvement in the civic life of the community and has upheld as well the political and legal status of the district.
JOHN F. WADEWITZ.
Broad and varied have been the experiences which have come to John F. Wadewitz because of his extensive travels. A native of Germany. he spent some time in Australia, while in the year 1850 he first arrived in Racine. Here he has made his home almost continuously since, although absent for brief intervals at different periods. In 1886 he established a trunk manufac- turing business, which in 1889 was incorporated as the Racine Trunk Con- pany, and in this enterprise he has since been financially interested, although not active in the management, for he is now enjoying a well earned rest, hav- ing passed the eighty-fifth milestone on life's journey. He was born in Sax- ony, Germany, December 30, 1830, a son of Johan Gottlob and Victoria (Schulz) Wadewitz. The father, who devoted his life to the business of mason contracting, died in Germany.
John F. Wadewitz spent the first twenty years of his life in that country and then, in 1850, sailed for the new world, hoping to find better business opportunities and conditions than he believed existed in the fatherland. He spent a brief time in Port Washington, Wisconsin, and in April, 1850, came to Racine. He did his first work here in a brick yard. He had but eleven dollars remaining when he reached Wisconsin and his financial condition rendered it imperative that he secure immediate employment. For a time he worked at chopping timber in the north and he was employed in various ways, scorning no occupation that would yield him an honest living. He had been a resident of Wisconsin for only about two years when, in 1852, he left the United States and went to Australia, where he spent one year in mining gold. On his return trip he walked across the isthmus of Panama. The outward voyage had been made on a sailing vessel which was four months in reaching the Aus- tralian port. After spending a year in that country, however. Mr. Wadewitz returned and has since made his home in Wisconsin, utilizing every oppor- tunity to gain a start in business and working his way upward. He settled in Fredonia township, where he lived for eighteen years, during which period he engaged in farming and at the same time was a partner in the Hilker Brothers Brick company. While there residing he also held the office of justice of the peace. In 1879 he established a brick yard and the business grew along substantial lines until he became the owner of three brick yards, having one at Cedar Bend, at Lake Shore and at North Point. He continued in the manufacture of brick until 1888, when he sold out. In 1886 he had established a trunk manufacturing business, and in 1889 this was incorporated
JOHN F. WADEWITZ
HERMAN O. WADEWITZ
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as the Racine Trunk Company, with Mr. Wadewitz as president, while two sons and a daughter hold the other offices and stock.
Mr. Wadewitz was married in 1855 to Miss Charlotte Schliche, who was born in Germany, and in 1848 came to Racine with her parents. She died in the year 1873 and Mr. Wadewitz afterward wedded Mrs. Katherin Kissinger. who died in 1888. In the same year Mr. Wadewitz returned to Germany on a visit and in 1904 made another trip to his native land. Of his five children, all born of the first marriage, two died in infancy, the other being: Theodore C., now a resident of Los Angeles, California; H. O., who is manager of the Racine Trunk Company, and Minnie A., at home.
The family are members of the Evangelical church and in politics Mr. Wadewitz is a republican, having given his support to the party since becom- ing a naturalized American citizen. For ten years he filled the office of supervisor of the third ward and made a most creditable record by the prompt and faithful manner in which he discharged his duties, but he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. His life has been one characterized by diligence, determination and industry. He has never had occasion to re- gret his determination to come to the new world, for in the utilization of the opportunities which came to him he has steadily worked his way upward and won success.
HERMAN O. WADEWITZ.
Herman O Wadewitz, secretary and treasurer of the Racine Trunk Com- pany, of which he was also one of the founders and promoters, has been ae-
Herman O. Wadewitz, secretary and treasurer of the Racine Trunk Com- tively identified with this industry for more than three decades and has con- tributed much to the success which has made it an important business concern of Racine. He was born in Port Washington, Wisconsin, July 26, 1865, a son of John F. Wadewitz, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. With the re- moval of the family to Racine he obtained a public school education here and was twenty years of age when he started in the trunk manufacturing business, becoming one of the organizers of the Racine Trunk Company, which was established April 1, 1885, by J. F., T. C. and H. O. Wadewitz and A. B. Augus- tine. Upon the incorporation of the business ten years later he became secre- tary and treasurer and has so continued to the present time. Not only each year but also each month and day has brought him broader knowledge of the business and its opportunities, and in the line of manufacture the company has kept abreast with the tendency of the age in making improvements which add much to facility and comfort in traveling. They put forth the latest and best that is to be found in trunks and traveling bags of every description and the excellence of their product is demonstrated in the continued growth of their patronage, their output being today found in all sections of the country.
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