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 16
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63
John M. Scott acquired a public school education and was reared to the occupation of farming, which he continuously followed until 1862, when. at the age of eighteen, he put aside business and personal considerations and responded to the country's call for aid. enlisting as a member of Company H, Twenty-second Wisconsin Infantry, with which command he went to the front and participated in the defense of the stars and stripes.
When the war was over Mr. Scott traveled over the country for some time and at length located in Raeine. Nature endowed him with inventive genius,
JOHN M. SCOTT
MRS. JOHN M. SCOTT
155
HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
which he developed and cultivated. He began his inventions through the perfection of a washing machine in the '70s and in the same decade his study and experiments led to the production of an improved corn planter. He also invented a band fastener for fastening the bands on tanks and bumping posts to stop trains at the end of the track. He likewise invented improved railway spikes and a rail anchor to keep the rails from creeping. These and other devices he has given to the public, all of which have been of acknowledged worth, and Raeine county has reason to be proud of the skill of this native son.
On the 25th of December, 1871. Mr. Scott was united in marriage to Miss Katie A. Marshall, of Bloomington, Illinois, who was born in Vermont and is a daughter of Charles Marshall, a shoemaker. The children of this marriage are: Allie, deceased; Elbert, who is living in St. Joseph, Missouri; Winn W .. a fruit grower residing in Florida; Goldie, deceased, and Leora, the wife of C. E. Marks, whose home is in Madison, Wisconsin.
Mr. Scott is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and thus main- tains pleasant relations with the "boys in blue" with whom he marched upon southern battlefields and campaigned through the district of the Confederacy. He has always supported the republican party, which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war and which has ever been recog- nized as the party of progress and initiative. He belongs to the Congregational church and his course has ever been guided by high and honorable principles. Improvement has been his watchword and in his business career this has found exemplification in his inventive efforts and ingenuity, resulting in valuable contributions to the industrial world.
SINCLAIR M. DRIVER.
Sinclair M. Driver, president of the T. Driver & Sons Manufacturing Com- pany, is closely associated with the industrial interests of Racine. He has long been connected with the business and his enterprise has been a dominant factor in its successful control in late years. Mr. Driver was born in Racine. Wisconsin, June 8, 1856, a son of Thomas and Marian (Mainland) Driver, who, in 1854, came to Racine from the Orkney Islands of Scotland. Making his way to this city he entered the employ of Lucas Bradley, with whom he remained for several years, and then in 1867 purchased the business, which had been established more than two decades before and which was then lo- cated at the corner of Sixth and Campbell streets. He continued at the head of the business throughout his remaining days, engaging in the manufacture of sash, doors and woodenware. As the years went on he admitted his sons to a partnership and the brothers were associated in the conduct of the enter- prise for a considerable period. One of his first jobs in the field of building operations was on the Presbyterian church. He and his wife were long con- sistent members of the congregation that worshiped in that church and their lives were guided by the highest principles. Mr. Driver died in Racine, July 11, 1899, and his wife, January 17, 1912.
Reared in his native city, Sinelair M. Driver attended the public and high
156
HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
schools of Raeine and afterward joined his father in business. acquainting himself with every phase of the trade. He was admitted to a partnership when the business was reorganized under the firm style of Thomas Driver & Sons Manufacturing Company. This was incorporated in 1884 and following the death of the father S. M. Driver became superintendent of the plant. so continuing until June, 1915, when he bought out the interests of his brothers and became president of the company. He now carefully, systematically and wisely direets the business, watchful of all details pointing to success, and putting forth every effort that promises substantial results.
On the 13th of October, 1880. Mr. Driver was married to Miss Ida Davis, a daughter of Thomas H. and Jemima (Morgan) Davis. the former a prom- inent contractor and pioneer business man of the city. To Mr. and Mrs. Driver have been born seven children : Mabel, now the wife of P. H. Greer, a resident of Los Angeles, California : Edith, the wife of W. H. Somers, living in Seattle, Washington: Gertrude and Clara. both at home: Helen, who is teaching at Venice. California, and Dorothy and Sinelair, both in school.
Mr. Driver is a prominent Mason, now serving as a past master of Belle City Lodge, F. & A. M., and as past high priest of Raeine Chapter, R. A. M .. and past worthy patron of the Eastern Star. In polities he is an earnest republican. believing firmly in the principles of the party and both he and his wife are consistent members of the Presbyterian church. For six decades Mr. Driver has been a resident of Raeine and through this long period has wit- nessed much of the growth and development of the city. The family have con- tributed in no small measure to its progress along industrial lines and Sinclair M. Driver is now at the head of an enterprise which features prominently in industrial interests and the consequent prosperity of this section.
T. DRIVER & SONS MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
T. Driver & Sons Manufacturing Company is one of the old established industrial enterprises of Racine, business having been begun in 1867 by Thomas Driver, as a sash and door manufacturer. At that time he bought out Lucas Bradley, who had established the business in the '40s and who was then located at Sixth and Campbell streets. When Mr. Driver took charge he used every energy toward the further development of the trade and success was crowning his undertakings when, on the 17th of January. 1870. his plant was destroyed by fire. Although he suffered considerable loss, he met the situa- tion courageously and rebuilt his mill at No. 212 East Second, now State. street. The plant consists of two buildings; one seventy by seventy feet and three stories in height : the other one hundred by one hundred and thirty feet and two stories in height. For the second time the company sucered a dis- astrous loss through fire, when the plant burned in 1896. but again it was rebuilt. After purchasing the business from Lucas Bradley. Thomas Driver had continued alone for a few years, but in 1875 was joined by his son, at which time the business was reorganized under the firm name of Thomas Driver & Son. Still later a further reorganization occurred and the firm
.
157
HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
name of Thomas Driver & Sons Manufacturing Company was assumed, for at that time not only John was his partner, but three other sons, Andrew. Charlie and S. M. Driver were taken into the company. The business was incorporated in 1884. The father continued at the head of the undertaking until his death, at which time J. C. Driver was made president with John M. Driver as secretary and treasurer and S. M. Driver, superintendent. There was no further change among the officers until June, 1915, when S. M. Driver bought out the interests of his brothers, and is now president of the com- pany. with Clara Driver as secretary and treasurer. They manufacture a full line of sash, doors, stairs, cupboards and in fact many things in woodenware and employ on an average of from fifty to sixty men. The work done is of excellent character and the product finds a ready sale on the market, while the reputation of the house for commercial integrity as well as enterprise has always been an unassailable one.
-
-
JOHN D. ROWLAND.
' John D. Rowland, a member of the real estate and insurance firm of Carpenter & Rowland, was born in Racine, March 8, 1863, a son of David and Elizabeth (Davis) Rowland. The father, who was born in north of Wales, was a son of David Rowland, Sr., who brought his family to the United States in 1842, settling in New York where he died. His widow afterward became the wife of David Morgan and about 1853 they removed to Racine, Mr. Morgan establishing a carpenter shop at the corner of Columbus avenue and Twelfth street. David Rowland, Jr., when a youth of seventeen years. went to sea on a sailing vessel and spent several years in that way, visiting all parts of the world. He afterward served as a member of Company F, Twenty-second Regiment of Wisconsin Volunteers, through the period of the Civil war, having enlisted in 1862. while in 1865 he was mustered out. Following the close of hostilities he learned the carpenters' trade and spent the greater part of his business life in connection with the J. I. Case Threshing Machine Company, being first employed as a workman and later as a con- tractor. He married Elizabeth Davis, who was born in South Wales and both are now residents of Raeine, Mr. Rowland living retired at the advanced age of seventy-nine years.
J. D. Rowland was one of a family of five children, but three of the number have passed away, his surviving sister being Mrs. E. E. Cahood of Racine. He obtained a public school education and afterward attended MeMynn Academy. For a few years he was employed in the First National Bank of Racine and subsequently entered the University of Wisconsin, from which he was graduated on the completion of a law course with the class of 1886. He then entered upon the practice of law in Kenosha, where he remained until 1889, when he removed to Phillips, Wisconsin, where he spent seven years. Later he was in the employ of the Wisconsin Central Railroad and in 1903 he entered into partnership with W. H. Carpenter of Racine in the insurance and real estate business, handling all kinds of insurance except
158
HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
life insurance. They have a large clientage and their business has reached very substantial proportions.
In 1890 Mr. Rowland was married to Miss Mary Lizzie Hand of Racine, a daughter of Judge Hand, and they became the parents of three children- Margaret, David and John. The wife and mother has passed away. Mr. Rowland gives his political allegiance to the republican party and that he is interested in the welfare and progress of the city is indicated by his active support of the Commercial Club. He belongs to the Presbyterian church and to several fraternal organizations. He has become a chapter Mason and is also identified with the Elks and the Knights of Pythias.
WILLIAM SMITH.
William Smith, of Union Grove, has been identified with various business interests and his acumen and initiative have enabled him to gain financial - independence. He is now largely living retired but still engages in the real estate business to some extent, holds title to one hundred and eighty aeres of fine land and also owns the hotel in Union Grove. He was born in Dover, Racine county, on the 15th of September, 1853, a son of William Smith, Sr .. whose birth occurred in County Norfolk, England, on the 17th of July. 1817. He emigrated to America in 1839 and after spending three years in New Jersey came west in 1842. He resided in Milwaukee during that summer but in the fall located in Dover, Racine county. entering land which he pur- chased as soon as it was placed on the market. He improved and developed that place, making it one of the best farms of his locality. and as the years passed his resources steadily increased. He was married in this county to Miss Mary Welsh, a native of Ireland, in which country her father, John Welsh, passed his entire life. Mr. and Mrs. William Smith, Sr., became the parents of eight children, as follows: Robert. W., a carpenter of Union Grove ; Amelia, who is the wife of William Donald, a substantial farmer of Dover township; John H., who owns and operates a farm adjoining the homestead ; Eliza, the wife of John Crane, a farmer of this county; William; Anna, who married Hugh Dardis, of Antioch. Illinois; Carrie, now Mrs. James Bell of Waukesha. Wisconsin ; and Hattie, the wife of John Young, a merchant of Union Grove.
William Smith of this review supplemented his public school education by attending the Rochester Seminary from which he was graduated in 1874. He began assisting his father with the work of the homestead as soon as he was old and strong enough and resided upon that farm for many years after attaining his majority. His mother died in 1885 and he cared for his father from that time until the latter's demise on the 14th of March, 1897. During that time he also operated the home place, which comprises one hundred and eighty aeres of splendidly improved land which he now owns, and he was recognized as one of the most enterprising agriculturists of the county. He was not only successful in the cultivation of the land and in caring for stock but also managed the business phase of farming in a highly efficient manner.
159
HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
For two years-1878-9-he engaged in the rooming business in Chicago but with that exception lived continuously upon the farm where his birth occurred until 1897. He then removed to Union Grove and for five years boarded with his brother, R. W. Smith, and engaged in buying and selling real estate. Later he lived with U. C. Humphries for two years but at the end of that time was married. He continued active in the real estate field and still handles some property but is living largely retired. His wife owned a shoe business and following their marriage he assumed control of the store which he conducted for several years. He then leased it to others and formed a partnership with C. S. Van Dersen Brothers, of Chicago, and turned his attention to the buying and shipping of cabbage for the open markets. He has also been interested in many other enterprises and in all that he has under- taken has proved successful. He now owns the hotel in Union Grove and has made it one of the most popular small hostelries in this section of the state.
In 1904 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Anna Roach, the only child of John Roach, who was born in Ireland but settled in Racine county, Wisconsin, in the early days. He was a shoemaker and built up a large business. Mrs. Smith passed away on the 1st of May, 1909, in the faith of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Smith is well known fraternally, belonging to the Knights of Pythias, the Uniform Rank, the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan, and to Racine Lodge, No. 252, B. P. O. E., at Racine. and Purity Lodge, No. 39, I. O. O. F., at Union Grove, of which he is a charter member. In politics he is a republican and in religious faith is a Roman Catholic. Although he has always given close attention to his private busi- ness interests he has not confined his time to his own affairs but has given generously of his energy and also of his means to the promotion of the busi- ness expansion of Union Grove. No movement seeking the general welfare has lacked his hearty support and he has been an important factor in the advancement of the community along various lines.
GUS BEECHER.
Farming interests of Union Grove find a worthy representative in Gus Beecher, who for sixty-five years has been a resident of this section of the state. He was born in Germany. November 27, 1849. a son of John Casper and Rebecca (Lentz) Beecher, both of whom were natives of Germany, in which country they were reared and married. On coming to the United States they settled in Kenosha county in 1851 and the father purchased forty acres of good land. To this he added from time to time until he was the owner of one hundred and twenty acres, which he cleared, developed and improved. There were still a few Indians here at the time of his arrival and the district gave little indication of white settlement, the work of progress and improvement having been searcely begun. The death of Mr. Beecher occurred in Kenosha and was the occasion of deep and wide-spread regret. He was a member of the Lutheran church and he gave his early political allegiance to the democratic party. but subsequently became a stalwart re-
160
HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
publican. For two or three terms he filled the office of town clerk and for twenty-five years he occupied the position of station agent at Kansasville. Ile was a well educated man, alive to the interests of the community, and he furthered many movements that have been of value in upbuilding this section of the state. For some time he was a notary public and he drew up deeds and other documents. In Germany he had been a forester and it was the hope of bettering his financial condition that led him to come to the new world. He became a successful and well-to-do business man and his prosperity was the direct result of earnest and persistent effort. His life was at all times honorable and upright and he enjoyed the confidence and goodwill of all who knew him.
Gus Beecher, who is the only survivor of a family of six children, pursued his education in the district schools and early became familiar with every department of farm work, for from an early age he was trained to the work of the fields. He has always carried on general agricultural pursuits and is now the owner of one hundred and forty acres, constituting a valuable farm property of the district, He carries on general farming and dairying and both branches of his business are proving profitable because he knows how to wisely use his time and opportunities.
In 1868 Mr. Beeeher was married to Miss Mary Ann Sumpter and to them have been born nine children, of whom seven are yet living: Edwin, who assists his father in the work of the home farm; Rose, the wife of Fred Black- burn, of Dover township; Laura, the wife of Edward Stephens, proprietor of a grocery store at Eagle Grove. Iowa; George, a mail carrier of the town of Dover; Roy and Raymond, also of Dover township; and Ross, a barber of Lyons, Wisconsin.
In politics Mr. Beecher is a republican, loyal to the interests of his party, and for eighteen years he served as distriet clerk. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and his life conforms to its teachings, his many admirable characteristics winning for him the respect and goodwill of those who know him.
DAVID H. FLETT.
David H. Flett, attorney at law, was born at Kirkwell, Scotland, September 12, 1846, and came with his parents to Kenosha county, Wisconsin, in Septem- ber. 1855. His early education was acquired in the district schools, after which he attended the Raeine high school for two terms, and in 1875 he was graduated at the Oberlin (Ohio) College, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. That same year he was elected superintendent of schools for Kenosha county and held the office until 1877. He was then principal of the high school at Elkhorn, Wisconsin, until 1879, and in 1880 graduated in the law department of the University of Wisconsin, at Madison. From 1880 to 1897 he was engaged in the practice of his profession at Racine, and four years of that time-from 1886 to 1890-was city attorney. In 1897 he was elected municipal judge, which office he held until 1902, when he resumed the practice of law.
161
HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
Judge Flett was a member of the Racine school board in 1896-97 : was one of the trustees of the Racine County Insane Asylum from 1909 to 1915; a trustee of the Taylor Orphan Asylum in 1912-13, and is now one of the direct- ors of the Manufacturers National Bank.
On September 30, 1882, David H. Flett and Miss Louise Townsend were united in marriage. To this union have been born four daughters, two of whom are married. Three of the daughters are graduates of the University of Wisconsin, and the youngest is a student in the Racine high school.
Judge Flett is a quiet, unassuming eitizen, who pursues "the even tenor of his way," his chief aim in life apparently being to mind his own business. In the various official positions he has been called upon to occupy, he has used the same discretion that he practices in the conduct of his private affairs, and it is needless to say that his eourse has won the confidence and approbation of the people of Racine county.
JOHN F. CHEVES.
The farming interests of Norway township have a worthy representative in John F. Cheves, who owns and operates a well improved farm on section 35. He has been a lifelong resident of that township, his birth occurring there on the 4th of March, 1852. His parents, Patrick Gray and Elizabeth (Smith) Cheves, were both natives of Aberdeen, Scotland, but were married in Ke- nosha, Wisconsin, having come to America in early life. The father was born in 1833 and was only eight years of age when he became a resident of Racine county in 1841. A year later he located upon a farm and throughout the remainder of his life devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. He pur- chased two hundred.aeres of government land in Norway township and erected thereon a log house, in which the family lived for some time. When he located upon his land there were only four or five others residing in the township and he experienced all the hardships and privations of pioneer life. In starting out for himself he had no capital and he worked for others until able to pur- chase land and commence farming on his own account. He went in debt for his property, but as time passed he prospered in his undertakings and became quite well-to-do. After a useful and well spent life he died in 1896. He was a staneh supporter of the republican party and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, ealled upon him to serve in several important official positions. For three years he was a member of the state legislature. for fourteen years was county clerk and was chairman of the county board for a number of years.
John F. Cheves is the only survivor in a family of seven children. He began his education in the publie sehools of Racine and after graduating from the high school spent one year at the Spencerian College of Milwaukee. He has made farming his life work and he aided his father in the operation of the old homestead until 1881, when he purchased the place. It is improved with good, substantial buildings, including a very comfortable residence. He
162
HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
raises a good grade of Holstein cattle and is interested in dairying to some extent.
In 1880 Mr. Cheves was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Hankinson, a. daughter of Robert Hankinson, who was one of the early settlers of Dover township. By this union two children have been born : Robert, who married Carrie Peterson and has one son, Robert Eugene; and Hazel K., the wife of Frank Sugden, a farmer of Mukwonago, Waukesha county, Wisconsin. Mrs. Cheves is a member of the Catholic church.
The republican party has always found in Mr. Cheves a stanch supporter of its principles and he has acceptably filled the office of assessor for ten years. and town treasurer for three or four terms. He is one of the leading men of his community and wherever known is held in the highest esteem.
JACOB STOFFEL. JR.
Jacob Stoffel, Jr., figures prominently in commercial cireles as a member of the firm of Stoffel Brothers, owners of two well appointed dry goods stores in Raeine, but while active and energetic in this connection he does not allow individual interests to preclude the possibility of his co-operation in public affairs and he has rendered to his city valuable service as alderman and as a member of the school board. Raeine claims him as a native son, his birth having here ocenrred on the 2d of July, 1861, his parents being Nicholas J. and Juliana Maria (Schmidt) Stoffel, both of whom were natives of Germany, the former born at Neierkirch, in the Rhine province. and the latter at Leidneck. In the year 1851 they arrived in Racine and the father, who was a cooper and wagon maker by trade, conducted a shop on his own account for a few years, but was afterward connected with the J. I. Case Threshing Machine Company for thirty-five years, being one of the oldest and most trusted representatives of that corporation.
Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, Jacob Stoffel was sent to the German Lutheran parochial school, also attended public school and then finished a course in bookkeeping at Parsons' Business Academy. He afterward learned the shoemaker's trade and still later accepted a clerkship in the dry goods store of Clancy & Tracey on Sixth street in the year 1877. He followed this occupation for some time and it was the initial step which he made toward entering mercantile circles on his own account. He care- fully saved his earnings and in September, 1881. formed a partnership with Jens Jenson under the firm style of Jenson & Stoffel, opening a store at No. 618 State street. That connection was continued until 1887, when Mr. Stoffel purchased the interest of Mr. Jenson and then, admitting his brother, Peter T., to a partnership, the firm of Stoffel Brothers was formed and has since been maintained. Something of the growth and success of the business is indicated in the fact that in 1900 they opened a branch store on High street. They have a large and substantial trade, carry an attractive line of goods and have built up a business which is growing in volume and importance year by year. In connection with his other business interests Jacob Stoffel is also a
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.