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 2
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FRANK L. MITCHELL.
In taking up the personal history of Frank L. Mitchell it is unnecessary to tell to Racine and her people the place that he occupies, for his position has been established by the consensus of public opinion, and in considering his career one is led to the reflection that opportunities slip away from the slug-
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HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
gard, tauntingly play before the dreamer, but surrender to the individual with high purpose, undaunted courage and indefatigable determination. It is through the wise use of his opportunities that Frank L. Mitchell has reached the prominent position which he now fills. Born in Kenosha on the 4th of December, 1852, he is a son of Henry and Margaret (Mitchell) Mitchell, na- tives of Scotland and representatives of one of the old families of that country. Henry Mitchell's parents, William and Elizabeth (Jackson) Mitehell, were of that Scoteh type of earnest, industrious people who held to the Presbyterian faith and guided their lives according to their strong religious convictions. The father carried on an express business between Edinburgh and neighboring towns. To him and his wife were born eleven children, seven of whom reached adult age and became heads of families.
Henry Mitchell was born in Fifeshire, Scotland, March 10, 1810, and early was thrown upon his own resources, for it was necessary that he aid his father in the support of a large family. His education was therefore largely acquired in night school. He possessed natural mechanical ability and early displayed much efficieney in drafting. When a youth of fifteen he entered upon a seven years' apprenticeship to the wheelwright's trade and at the elose of that period was made foreman of a large shop in Edinburgh, occupying the position for a year and a half. In 1834 he sailed for New York and made his way at onee to Chicago, then containing a population of only three hundred white people. He at onee began work at wagonmaking and also took a contract in connection with the building of the Illinois canal. In Chicago he became acquainted with L. S. Blake, a pioneer citizen and prominent manufacturer of Raeine. Not liking Chicago, Mr. Mitchell removed to Southport, now Kenosha, in 1838 and there opened a wagon shop, continuing in business in connection with a partner until 1853, when the plant was sold to Edward Bain. Two years later Mr. Mitchell began wagonmaking in Raeine, establishing a modest plant which he gradually enlarged. In 1864 he was joined by his son-in-law, William T. Lewis, under the firm name of H. Mitehell & Company and after two years the name was changed to Mitchell, Lewis & Company. In 1880 the plant was destroyed by fire, but was immediately rebuilt and in 1884 the busi- ness was incorporated as the Mitchell & Lewis Company with Henry Mitchell as president ; W. T. Lewis, vice president ; Frank L. Mitchell, secretary ; C. D. Sinelair, treasurer, and Henry G. Mitchell, superintendent. The plant was in- creased to meet the growing demands of the trade until it covered twenty aeres or more, devoted to the manufacture of wagons and lighter vehicles, which sold extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America. With the growth of the business it soon o'ertopped any similar enterprise in the state. Into other fields Mr. Mitchell also directed his ener- gies, being one of the organizers of the Artesian Well Company. furnishing Raeine's water supply. He likewise became a director of the Manufacturers' National Bank. His political allegiance was given to the whig party until the republican party was formed to prevent the further extension of slavery into the north, at which time he espoused the cause and afterward remained a loyal republiean. During the war his influence and assistance were given to the support of the government and several times he was sent as a messenger to the armies in the field. Fraternally he was a Mason and he belonged to
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the Calumet Club of Chicago, while he and his wife held membership in the Baptist church. As one of the early manufacturers of Racine he contributed in large measure to the development and upbuilding of the city as well as to the promotion of individual success, his efforts being at all times of a character that promoted public prosperity. He reached the age of eighty-three years and passed away in 1893, while his wife died in 1896.
On the 7th of January, 1832, near Edinburgh, Henry Mitchell wedded Miss Margaret Mitchell, who was born in Fifeshire, December 18, 1811, and they became the parents of eight children : Margaret, who died in Chicago; William H., a resident of Portland. Oregon ; Elizabeth A., who became the wife of T. O. Wallis, of Racine; Margaret, who died in Kenosha ; Mary I., the wife of William T. Lewis; Martha A., the wife of C. D. Sinclair ; Henry G., and Frank L.
The last named was not yet three years of age when the family home was established in Racine and in the public schools he pursued his preliminary education, supplemented by a commercial course in Howard's Business College. When seventeen years of age he accepted the position of bookkeeper with the firm of B. B. Northrup & Company, bankers, and upon the organization of the Manufacturers' National Bank in 1871 he was retained as private book- keeper to Mr. Northrup until the books of the old concern were "closed up. He was then made correspondent for the new bank and acceptably filled that position until 1873. In that year he was offered the position of bookkeeper for the firm of Mitchell, Lewis & Company and after seven years was admitted to a partnership in the business. In 1884 he became secretary of the Mitchell & Lewis Company and has since been identified with this concern through all of its development and changes. The business was organized under its present form as the Mitchell-Lewis Motor Company in 1903. The Mitchell & Lewis Company. wagon manufacturers, had continued in business and developed a mammoth enterprise of that character. In 1910 the two companies were con- solidated as the Mitchell-Lewis Motor Company and today they have a plant covering twenty-five or thirty acres and employing two thousand or more people. Of this concern Frank L. Mitchell is the treasurer and he is also the president of the First National Bank of Racine. thus being most prominently connected with its industrial and financial interests. His opinions carry weight in business connections, for he has proven that his judgment is sound, his in- sight keen and his enterprise unfaltering.
On the 13th of December, 1876, Mr. Mitchell was married to Miss Emer C. Goold, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and a daughter of John F. and Sylvia (Martin) Goold, natives of Orange county, New York, and Medina county, Ohio, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have become the parents of two children. Mabel is the wife of J. E. White, of Sacramento, California, and they have two sons. Olive A. married John H. Dwight, who is general man- ager of the Belle City Malleable Iron Company of Raeine, and they have one daughter.
Mr. Mitchell has always given his political allegiance to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and upon its ticket he has been called to public office. He was the first native of Wisconsin ever honored with the office of mayor of Racine, to which position he was elected in the spring of 1889, and as chief executive he stood for law and order, for
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reform and progress. He belongs to the Christian Science church and is prom- inent as a Mason, a Knight of Pythias and an Elk. In the first named organ- ization he has taken the degrees of the lodge, chapter, commandery, consistory and the Mystic Shrine. He represents an old and prominent family. The name of Mitchell has long been associated with Racine's upbuilding and the work instituted by his father has been carried on by Frank L. Mitchell, who in the changing conditions has broadened and developed the scope of his inter- ests and business connections. His worth as a man and a citizen is widely acknowledged and his contribution to Racine's business life has been one of great and permanent value.
ABRAHAM STORLE.
Among the prosperous farmers and representative citizens of Norway town- ship is Abraham Storle, who owns and operates a well improved and valuable farm of two hundred and seventeen acres on section 32. He was born in that township August 10, 1857, and is a son of Ole and Anna Storle, both natives of Norway, though they were married after coming to the United States, in Racine county, Wisconsin. The father was born in 1805 and lived to a ripe old age, passing away in 1891. It was in 1844 that he became a resident of this county and for a number of years was employed in the pine woods, making shingles. He was living in Norway township when his first wife was accident- ally shot by the discharge of a gun and he subsequently married the mother of our subject, who had also been previously married, her first husband being Mr. Engberson, by whom she had three children: Betsy, now the wife of Halber Knutson, of Minnesota ; John, who is living with our subject, and Ole Engberson, who is living retired in Blair, Wisconsin. There were two chil- dren born of the second marriage: Angeline, the wife of Frank Lapen, a farmer of Waterford, and Abraham. The parents were prominent members of the Lutheran church and Mr. Storle assisted in building the church of that denomination at Muskego. He was living here at the time of the cholera epidemic and helped to make the coffins for those that died of that dread dis- ease. In polities he was a republican. In 1852 he purchased what became the family homestead and made all of the improvements upon the place, including a nice brick residence and a large barn. On coming to the United States he was without capital, but being industrious, energetic and of good business ability, he prospered in his undertakings and became the owner of three hun- dred and seventy-seven acres of valuable land. He was a son of Knute Storle. who spent his entire life in Norway.
During his boyhood and youth Abraham Storle pursued his education in the district schools near his home and also assisted his father in the operation of the farm. He has always engaged in agricultural pursuits and at length be- came the owner of the old homestead, being now the possessor of two hundred and seventeen acres of very productive and valuable land. He carries on general farming and raises both cattle and hogs. To some extent he is also interested in the dairy business and for this purpose keeps a good grade of
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HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
mixed cattle. His leisure hours are mostly devoted to reading and he has become a well informed man who takes a deep and commendable interest in public affairs. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the repub- lican party and he has been called upon to serve on the jury in a number of important cases.
S. C. JOHNSON & SON.
S. C. Johnson & Son is the firm name under which is conducted one of the important manufacturing enterprises of Racine. The business was established in 1882 by S. C. Johnson, who began the manufacture of hardwood flooring. Gradually, however, the trade was developed along another line and the com- pany now concentrates its energies upon the manufacture of wood finishes, one of the chief products being Johnson's Prepared Wax, which is sold through jobbers throughout the entire world. Such was the value of the output that the trade steadily grew, covering not only America but every section of the globe, and today the company has its own office in London, England, and in Sidney, Australia. In the Racine plant they employ two hundred people. The plant is equipped with automatic machinery and with a sprinkler system. The buildings are all of modern construction and the factory is adequate to every demand in its equipment and in its capacity. Theirs is today the largest establishment of the kind in the world, its output being five million pounds of wax per year.
SAMUEL C. JOHNSON
One of the most venerable business men of Raeine is Samuel C. Johnson, whose career is a notable one. Few men of his years-he is now eighty-three -continue in business and his record should put to shame many a man of less resolute purpose who, grown weary of the struggle of business life, would relegate to others the burdens that he should bear. Old age, however, does not necessarily suggest weakness nor want of occupation. There is an old age which grows stronger and brighter mentally and morally as the years pass on and gives out of its rich stores of wisdom and experience for the benefit of others. Such is the record of Mr. Johnson, who in his interests seems vet in his prime, although the snows of eighty-three years rest upon his head. Ohio elaims him as a native son, his birth having occurred near Elyria in 1833. With his removal to Wisconsin he located in Kenosha, where he engaged in the retail book business, becoming well known in that connection in the south- eastern part of the state. He dates his residence in Racine from 1880 and in the early period of his connection with the city was associated with the old Racine Hardware Company. He afterward established his present factory for the manufacture of hardwood flooring and later developed the wax, which is used as a finish for all floors. The excellence of the product soon won
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recognition on the market and the trade gradually grew and developed until today Johnson's Prepared Wax is known in every market of the world, a large foreign trade being enjoyed, while the sale in America is extensive.
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It was in Kenosha, in 1861, that S. C. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Fisk, of Billerica, Massachusetts, who had also located there in early life. To them were born two children: Jessie, the wife of Frederick P. Lyman, a resident of Kansas City, Missouri, and Herbert F., who is mentioned elsewhere on another page of this work. Forceful and resourceful, Mr. John- son still lends to his business the benefit of his broad experience and the knowledge derived therefrom. Moreover, he keeps in touch with questions and interests of the day along various lines and to him may well be applied the words of Victor Hugo: "While the frosts of winter are on his head, the flowers of spring are in his heart."
ELBERT BUDD HAND.
Elbert Budd Hand has for twenty-one years been a practitioner at the bar of Racine and his course reflects credit and honor upon a name that has long figured prominently in connection with the legal interests of the state. He was born in this city, November 11, 1871, a son of Judge E. O. Hand, men- tioned at length on another page of this work. He began his education in the Racine grammar schools and afterward entered the University of Wisconsin, in which he completed his more specifically literary course by graduation with the elass of 1892. Whether inherited tendency, environment or natural pre- dilection had most to do with shaping his choice of a life work, it is perhaps impossible to determine, but it is evident that the choice was well made, for his record in the practice of law has been characterized by steady progression. He prepared for the bar as a student in the law school of Cornell University, from which he was graduated in 1895, and the same year he was admitted to practice before the courts of Wisconsin. He then joined his father, Judge Hand, long a capable member of the Racine bar, with whom he was associated until the father's retirement, and the firm was accorded a very gratifying share of the public business in the courts. The practice of Elbert B. Hand has always been of a distinctively representative character and his name figures in connection with many of the most important litigated interests heard in the district. He is strong in argument, logical in deduction and clear in his reasoning. Outside of his law practice his business connections extend to the First National Bank, of which he has for many years been a director.
On the 24th of June, 1902, in New York, Mr. Hand was united in marriage to Miss Ada Orr Simpkin, a native of England, by whom he has three children, namely : Elbert Osborne, Norman Travers and John Budd. Mr. Hand attends the Presbyterian church, while Mrs. Hand is an Episcopalian in religious belief. Theirs is a hospitable home whose good cheer is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Mr. Hand belongs to the Chi Psi, a college fraternity. and the Phi Delta Phi, a legal fraternity, and he also has membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Commercial Club and the Country
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Club-associations which indicate much of the nature of his interests. In pol- ities he is a democrat, but has never been an aspirant for office, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his professional duties. A lifelong resident of Racine, many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present. a fact indicative of an upright career in which he has been faithful to all the duties that have devolved upon him in every con- nection.
WILLIAM HORLICK.
William Horlick, of Racine, is numbered among the constructive business men of the country, as he founded and has built up the Horlick Malted Milk Company, of which he is now treasurer. He was born in Gloucestershire, Eng- land, February 23, 1846, and is the youngest of the nine children born to his parents, James and Priscilla (Griffiths) Horlick. The family is one of the oldest in England and the following account of its history is taken from Burke's Peerage: "The family name of Harlech or Horlick is of Norman- French derivation, and the natural conclusion drawn is that the Harlechs or Horlicks were primarily inhabitants of Normandy, and on leaving their own country settled in the country of Merionethshire, Wales, on whose coast the castle of Harlech now stands, partly in ruins. And in the long wars that fol- lowed the subjugation of Wales, the Harlechs were compelled to leave and settle in England, which they did in Gloucestershire, where members of the Horlick family have long resided (N. 3 The Rocks Southwood), also Painswick, three miles from the ancient city of Gloucester, which is known by the numer- ous tombstones bearing the said name, Cranham, three miles from Painswick, same county, Ruardean, etc. Harlech Castle is now (1889) inhabited by one William Richard Ormsby Gore, who, having purchased the castle and being knighted, took the title of Baron Harlech. The castle of Harlech was built in the reign of Edward I, in the year A. D. 1244, and stands on the northwest coast of Merionethshire. The lord lieutenant of County Leitrim, Connaught, Ireland, is Lord Harlech. Harlech or Horlick (The Rocks formerly) South- wood or Southernwood, County Gloucester. now represented by Isaac John Webb Horlick or Harlech, of the Rocks, Esqr., a magistrate of Gloucestershire, son and heir of the late William Webb Horlick of Ashwick House and the (Rocks) by Anne, his wife, daughter and co-heir of Thomas Smith of Morman- town, Norville county, of Leicester, Esqr., and grandson of Isaac Webb Horlick of Ashwick House, Esqr., by Lucy Webb, his wife, heiress of Ashwick of the family of Major-General Webb, distinguished in Marlborough Wars."
Peter Horlick, great-grandfather of William Horlick, removed from Pains- wick to Ruardean and there James Horlick, the father, was born and reared. He married Priscilla Griffiths, also a native of Ruardean, and for many years he served as an official of his parish and township. He was a saddler by trade and conducted business along that line for a considerable period. Both he and his wife were members of the Episcopal church, to the faith of which they loyally adhered until called to their final rest, both passing away at Ruardean,
Abound very truly I Hearlick
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the grandfather at the age of seventy years and the grandmother when sixty- eight years of age. They had a family of nine children and two of these, James and William, became the founders and promoters of the Horlick Malted Milk Company. The former is now managing the branch of the business in England from which is supplied the trade of Europe, Africa, Australia and India, while William Horlick remains a resident of Racine.
William Horlick grew to manhood in his native country, but in 1869 came to the United States with his uncle, Joseph A. Horlick. The following year he returned to England, but in 1872 came again to America and joined his father- in-law, J. A. Horlick, and his brother-in-law in the conduct of a lime, stucco and cement business in the township of Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, under the style of J. A. Horlick & Sons. He afterward conducted a branch of that busi- ness in Chicago, but in 1875 began the manufacture of a prepared food for infants, invalids and aged, although he still at the same time retained an interest in the lime business. The original food manufactured required to be mixed with milk. The growth of the trade demanded enlarged quarters and William Horlick purchased ten acres of land adjoining the city limits of Racine. A full history of the business is given on another page of this work. It has grown in volume and importance until it stands today as the foremost food product manufactory of this kind in the country, with its trade extending to every part of the world. With the establishment of a branch house in England, James Horlick returned to that country to take charge of the business, while William Horlick has always remained in Racine and continues as the treasurer.
William Horlick was married in Racine on the 16th of November, 1870, to Miss Arabella Horlick, a daughter of J. A. Horlick, and on the day of their marriage they started on a trip to England, in which country he was born. After remaining there two years, however, they again came to the United States. They have become the parents of four children : Alexander James, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; William, Jr., who is now secretary of the Horlick's Malted Milk Company; Emma Mabel, and Alice Priscilla, who died at the age of eleven years. Mr. Horlick is independent in polities, and has never taken an active part in governmental affairs, as he has given his entire time and energy to the management of his important business interests.
HERBERT F. JOHNSON.
Herbert F. Johnson, manager of the firm of S. C. Johnson & Son, manu- facturers of Johnson's Prepared Wax, is a man of marked business enterprise whose initiative has led to the development of an enterprise that is not only of extensive proportions but which is the foremost concern of the kind in the world. Herbert F. Johnson is a representative of one of the old families of the city, being a son of Samuel C. Johnson, who was the founder of the firm of S. C. Johnson & Son and is still connected with the business although he has now passed the age of eighty-three years, his birth having occurred near Elyria, Ohio, in 1833.
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Herbert F. Johnson was born in Kenosha in 1869 and early became con- nected with the business established by his father, in which connection he worked his way upward as he mastered every phase of the trade. Today he is manager of the factory and is thus active in control of one of the important industrial concerns of the city. He knows the business in principle and detail and the soundness of his judgment in business affairs is manifested in the success which has attended the undertaking since he assumed control of the factory.
In 1892 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Helen Converse, of Racine. They are prominent in social circles of the city and Mr. Johnson is well known as a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is a Mason of high rank, having attained the thirty-second degree in the consistory. He is much interested in questions of civic welfare and improvement and at the present time is serving as president of the board of education of Racine. His co-operation can always be counted upon to further any plan or project for the general good, for he has never allowed his business affairs, extensive and important as they are, to monopolize his time and thus preclude his active support of plans which take cognizance of the needs and opportunities of the city.
HON. J. H. KAMPER.
Hon. J. H. Kamper, who is carrying on general agricultural pursuits near North Cape, was born in Denmark, December 17, 1857, a son of Peter H. and Christina (Rasmussen) Kamper. The father was born in Denmark in 1822 and died in the year 1896, while the mother, whose birth occurred in 1820, passed away in 1894. They were married in Denmark and in 1866 became residents of Yorkville township, Racine county, where Mr. Kamper rented land. Sub- sequently he purchased a farm in Raymond township, a tract of fifty acres, which he carefully and successfully cultivated. He was a member of the Lutheran church in early life, but after coming to Wisconsin joined the Baptist church. He never became allied with any political party, but cast an inde- pendent ballot. The Kamper family is of German lineage, for the paternal grandfather, Hans Kamper, was born in Germany, whenee he removed to Den- mark.
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