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 20
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
In 1885 Mr. Carroll was married to Miss Catherine Kinney of Racine, a daughter of Terence and Ellen Kinney. Mr. and Mrs. Carroll had one daugh- ter, Estella Josephine, now a student in the Sacred Heart Academy at Lake Forest, Illinois, having entered that school in 1912. The Carroll residence is a commodious home which he had remodeled and beautified in every way, sparing neither effort nor expense that would add to the attractiveness of the place and promote the comfort and happiness of his family. He was a most hospitable host and ever extended a cordial welcome to his guests.
Mr. Carroll belonged to the Masonie lodge and to Racine Commandery and
Vos dans to her
JOSEPH C. CARROLL
195
HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. IIe was ever upright and honorable, kind-hearted, generous and ready to assist the poor and needy. His benefactions were many, yet of these he made no ostentatious display. In matters relating to Racine he manifested marked public spirit and was ever ready to do anything that would promote the growth and welfare of his city. Mrs. Carroll still occupies the family residence and is well known in Raeine. She is a member of St. Rose Catholic church. It was on the 22nd of January, 1908, that Mr. Carroll passed away, dying of typhoid pneumonia when fifty- seven years of age. The news of his death eame as a shock to his many friend's, for he had not long been in ill health. Not feeling thoroughly well, however. he left his home for Palisades, Colorado, to visit his sister. The high altitude seemed to prove detrimental and he returned to his home, going to the Penn- oyer Sanitarium, where the disease developed that terminated his life. He was a man of many sterling traits of character, not the least of which was his capacity for strong friendships, and all who were closely associated with him mourned his death, while wherever he was known he was held in the highest respect and esteem.
FRANK WASHBURN STARBUCK.
Frank Washburn Starbuck, president of The Journal Printing Company of Racine, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 8th of November, 1845, a son of Calvin W. Starbuck, owner and editor of the Cincinnati Times during the Civil war, at which period it was one of the strong forces in molding public opinion.
Frank W. Starbuck spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his native city and obtained his education and preliminary training in connection with the printing business there, but became a resident of Racine in 1873, when a young man of twenty-eight years. The purpose of his removal was to benefit his health, which had become impaired, but while here he entered upon active connection with the Journal, which at that time was owned and edited by Colonel W. L. Utley, and his son, Hamilton. On the 1st of January, 1874, Mr. Starbuck purchased a half interest in the paper, succeeding the senior partner in the firm, and a year later he became sole proprietor, taking over the entire business management and a year later assuming editorial charge when Hamil- ton Utley, who, after selling out, had continued in connection with the paper in an editorial capacity, went to the Black Hills. The Journal Printing Com- pany was incorporated in 1886, Mr. Starbuck still retaining the presidency of the company, while William Horlick was elected vice president and E. A. Tostevin, secretary and treasurer. The present directors are F. W. Starbuck, F. R. Starbuck, D. F. Griswold, William Horlick and A. J. Horlick.
A contemporary writer, speaking of the Journal (or of the Journal-News, under which the name of the paper has been published since it took over the Racine News, on the 1st of January, 1912). said: "It has been for forty years a paper of broad influence, representing the best enterprise in modern news- paper facilities." When Mr. Starbuck became connected with the Journal
196
HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
in 1874 it was published as a weekly. The office at the time had a somewhat inferior equipment, but at that date steam power was installed and since then every modern facility for successful newspaper publication has been added. The company began the publication of the Daily Journal on the 3rd of Jan- uary, 1881, a modest, four-page, six-column paper, which immediately won recognition in a liberal patronage. Various removals have been made to sceure larger quarters and in 1891 the company purchased property at No. 328 Main street which was remodeled into a complete newspaper printing plant. In 1894 the daily was increased in size to an eight-page issue and now the mechanical equipment consists of a Hoe perfecting press, five Mergen- thaler linotype machines. all operated by skilled workmen, a superb stereo- typing plant, etc. The policy of the company toward its employes is indicated in the fact that many have remained in its service from fifteen to twenty years and in two cases twenty-five and thirty-seven years, the latter being David P. Griswold, present city editor. It now employs over forty people, not including seventy-five paper carriers.
For an extended period the Journal has enjoyed the distinction of being one of the best edited papers in Wisconsin. It has a leased wire service and Associated Press reports, of which association it has been a continuous member for over thirty years, and is given over to the diffusion of general and local news and to the discussion of political problems, being unvaryingly republican in its complexion. For forty-two years Mr. Starbuck has remained the direct- ing head of the paper, has developed its policy and has been the guiding spirit in shaping its course. The Journal-News has been a strong factor in develop- ing the Wisconsin Daily League, comprising twenty-seven daily papers out- side of Milwaukee ; has been for years a consistent member of the Inland Daily Press Association and was one of the first to join the Audit Bureau of Cir- eulations.
Mr. Starbuck has been married twice. He first wedded Miss Carrie Golden, of Cincinnati, and they had a daughter. Helen. In 1875 he was again married, his second union being with Miss Mattie Raymond, a native of Racine and a daughter of the late Seneca Raymond. Mrs. Starbuck died March 16, 1912. The surviving children of this marriage are Marguerite, Genevieve and Frank. Racine has always regarded it as a most fortunate circumstance that Mr. Star- bnek was forced to leave Cincinnati, for thereby the Belle City gained one of its leading and representative residents who for forty-three years has been instrumental in shaping public thought and action here, guided at all times by a public-spirited devotion to the general welfare that has largely resulted in the promotion of the interests of the city.
FRANK R. STARBUCK.
Frank R. Starbuck, secretary and treasurer of The Journal Printing Com- pany of Racine, is of the third generation in active connection with news- paper publication, being a grandson of Calvin W. Starbuck, of the Cincinnati Times, and a son of Frank Washburn and Mattie (Raymond) Starbuck. the
197
HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
former the president of The Journal Printing Company of Racine. "To the manner born," he has become the able assistant of his father in newspaper publication. He attended the public and high schools of Racine, being grad- uated with the class of 1894, and the following year, with all the other mem- bers of his father's family, he went to California, spending about three years on his father's ranch in that state. He entered upon a more congenial field of labor when upon his return to Racine he assumed the duties of telegraph editor of the Journal-News. Soon afterward he was elected secretary of The Journal Printing Company and in 1909 beeame secretary and treasurer, succeeding E. A. Tostevin, who left to publish a newspaper of his own at Mandan, North Dakota, while at the present time and for seven years past he has also been manager of the company. His efforts throughout this period have been a foree in maintaining the high standards of the paper and developing its interests in accordance with modern ideas of journalism.
On the 22nd of May, 1906, Mr. Starbuck was married to Miss Grace L. Bassindale, of Racine, a daughter of George and Maria Bassindale. and their children are Allan and Carol, aged, respectively, nine and two years. In his fraternal relations Mr. Starbuck is well known as a Mason, an Elk and a member of the Royal Arcanum. He belongs to the Commercial Club and the Racine City Club and is actively interested in all those forces which work for the city's benefit and improvement. He has never been an office seeker, but is a consistent champion of republican principles, and his belief in the efficacy of the party platform to further the interests of good government is sufficient to inspire him to earnest effort in behalf of the organization. His course in business sustains the high reputation which has always been borne throughout the long period of the family's connection with newspaper publication, making the name of Starbuek an honored one in journalistie eireles.
JOHN A. ANDERSON.
Farming operations have always claimed the attention of John A. Anderson and since starting out in life for himself he has operated land in Norway town- ship. now owning a fine place of one hundred and sixty acres on seetion 36. He was born in that township on the 23rd of July, 1866, his parents being Alexander and Alice (Hamilton) Anderson, both natives of Scotland. The father was born September 3. 1823, and died on the 3rd of April. 1890, while the mother's birth occurred in 1832 and she passed away January 4, 1876. They were married in Raeine in 1863. It was in 1842 that Alexander Anderson accompanied his parents. Alexander and Rachel (Roberts) Anderson, on their emigration from Scotland to the new world, the family taking up their resi- dence in Norway township, this county. Here the grandfather of our subjeet seeured a traet of government land, the patent being signed by President Tyler. This place consisted of a quarter section and was entirely unimproved when it came into his possession. Alexander Anderson, Jr., attended the pub- lie schools of Scotland until eleven years of age and received a good practical edueation which well fitted him for life's responsible duties. He succeeded to
198
HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
the ownership of the old homestead in Norway township and built thereon an elegant residence and good, substantial outbuildings. His home was upon what was originally the Chicago and Milwaukee dirt road. He tiled his land, cleared it and placed it under good cultivation. He was a faithful member of and earnest worker in the Presbyterian church, of which his parents became charter members on its organization in 1845. He served as elder of that church until his death and was a stanch supporter of the republican party.
There were only two children in the family, twins, and the daughter, Isa- belle Rachel Anderson, died on the 6th of December, 1872. The only survivor is John A. Anderson of this review. After attending the district schools he pursued his duties for one year in an academy at Rochester, Wisconsin, and then took up farming in earnest. He had been reared to agricultural pursuits and was well qualified to take charge of the home farm when it came into his possession. He has upon his place fifteen head of full blooded Holstein cattle and makes a specialty of dairying. He is today the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of what is considered one of the finest farms in Racine county.
On the 28th of May, 1896, Mr. Anderson married Miss Jennie Vass. a native of Vernon, Waukesha county, Wisconsin, and a daughter of John and Jenette (Finley) Vass. Her father was a native of Canada but when a young man came to Wisconsin and died in Waukesha county. At the age of eighteen years Mr. Anderson united with the Scotch Presbyterian church and two years later was ordained as elder, in which capacity he continued to serve until the church was discontinued at Waterford. He and his wife now attend the Meth- odist Episcopal church at that place and take an active interest in its work. He is an ardent supporter of the republican party and has served for three years as chairman in Norway township. He has done much to advance the moral and material welfare of his community and is justly regarded as one of the leading citizens and representative farmers of Norway township.
FULTON THOMPSON.
Fulton Thompson, a member of the law firm of Thompson & Harvey. has been engaged in practice in Racine since January, 1901, and entered upon his present partnership relation in 1906. He was born in Chester county, Pennsyl- vania, June 13, 1871, a son of John and Mary Jane (Kirk) Thompson, the former a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Cecil county. Maryland. They were farming people and both have passed away.
Fulton Thompson supplemented a public school education by four years' study in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated from the law department with the class of 1900. For a brief period he prac- tieed in Omaha, Nebraska, but in January, 1901, came to Racine, where he has sinee followed his profession. Although advancement at the bar is proverbial- ly slow, he has made steady progress and sinee 1906 has enjoyed a good elient- age as a member of the firm of Thompson & Harvey, his partner being Richard G. Harvey. In 1906 he was elected district attorney and filled the position
199
HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
continuously until 1915, his re-election being proof of the capability which he displayed and the fidelity which he manifested in the discharge of his duties.
On the 20th of August, 1908, Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Elizabeth Clancy, of Racine, a daughter of Martin and Julia Clancy, and their children are Mary and John.
FRANK E. BUCHAN.
Frank E. Buchan, a resident farmer of Union Grove, was born in Dover township, September 26, 1870, his parents being Edward and Mary (Renny) Buchan, both of whom were natives of Dover township and representatives of old pioneer families of this part of the state. The paternal grandparents were Edward and Jane (Tillie) Buchan. both of whom were natives of Scotland. They came to Dover in 1838, driving across the country from New York with ox teams. Wisconsin was then still under territorial rule and practically little had been done in the way of settlement in southeastern Wisconsin. The grand- father had learned the miller's trade in Seotland and he built and operated the first mill in Rochester, New York. He was also the builder of a mill in Geneseo, Illinois. He removed his family to Dover, after which he went to Illinois and built a mill at Geneseo, subsequent to which time he returned to Racine county and purchased land from the government. He had forty acres in Dover township, to which he afterward added a tract of eighty acres, and still later he purchased other tracts of forty and of eighty acres. His wife possessed considerable skill in medical practice and acted as physician for the entire neighborhood in pioneer times. The maternal grandfather, Alexander Renny, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, and crossed the Atlantic about 1838. He purchased five hundred acres of land in Yorkville township, becoming one of the extensive landowners of this part of the state, and upon that property he spent his remaining days. Edward Buchan, the father of our subject, was born in 1844 and died in the fall of 1913, while the mother, who was born in 1848, is still living. They were married in Yorkville township and had a fam- ily of four children, three of whom survive : Frank E .; Flora, the wife of H. J. Smith, a jeweler of Racine: and Tillic. The parents were members of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Buchan also belonged to the Masonic fraternity, to the teachings of which he was most loyal. In politics he was always a re- publican and for a number of terms he served as chairman of the board of supervisors. His position in regard to matters of citizenship was ever char- acterized by loyalty and patriotism and at the time of the Civil War he joined the Union army as a member of the One Hundred and Fifty-third Illinois Regiment, with which he served for two years. When the war was over he re- turned to the north and again took up his abode upon the old homestead, which he carefully and wisely managed and conducted until success in sub- stantial measure rewarded his efforts.
Frank E. Buchan is indebted to the public school system for the educa- tional opportunities which he enjoyed in his youthful days. He was reared to farm work, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil
200
HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
and caring for the crops. Throughout his entire life he has carried on general agricultural pursuits and he is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of land, which he has brought to a high state of development. In addition to carrying on general farming he does some dairying. He is the owner of the old homestead, which is one of the best improved farm properties in the county, and in its midst stands a nice residence, so that he is able to surround himself with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.
In 1906 Mr. Buchan was united in marriage to Miss Carrie I. Hoyt, who was born in Burlington, Wisconsin, and is a daughter of William and Irene (Jackson) Hoyt. The father was a merchant and became one of the early set- tlers of Racine county. He was born, reared and died on the home farm in Rochester. Wisconsin, engaging in agricultural pursuits during his later years. Mr. and Mrs. Buchan have one child, Flora Irene, who is now in school. They are members of the First Presbyterian church and guide their lives according to its teachings. The principles which govern their conduct are such as win from them the highest regard and confidence wherever they are known and they have a circle of friends almost co-extensive with the circle of their ac- quaintanee.
MILTON J. KNOBLOCK.
Milton JJ. Knoblock, who, since his admission to the bar, in February, 1910. has engaged in the practice of law in Racine, was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, May 2, 1883, a son of Charles and Ida (Oetking) Knoblock, who. in the year 1888. became residents of Racine. In early manhood the father engaged in business as a traveling salesman, but afterward became identified with man- ufacturing interests as the president of the Racine Malleable Iron Company, so serving until 1899. He afterward went upon the road again as a traveling salesman. His death occurred at San Antonio, Texas, May 1, 1904. His widow survives and makes her home in Racine.
Milton J. Knoblock, an only child, was a little lad of five years when brought to Racine, and in the public schools he pursued his education until graduated from the Racine high school. Later he spent two years as a student in the University of Wisconsin and upon the completion of his education he accepted the position of advertising manager of the Racine Daily News, con- tinuing in that capacity for two years. He afterward was a court reporter and his interests being attracted toward law practice, he resolved to become a member of the bar and while serving as reporter devoted his leisure hours to study and preparation. gaining much valuable practical knowledge through his service in the court. He passed the required examination on the 1st of February. 1910, and has since been active as a member of the bar of Racine, gradually building up a practice of substantial character and volume. On the 1st of October, 1914, he was appointed referee in bankruptcy of the United States District court for the eastern district of Wisconsin and has since filled that position. He is also president of the Home Mutual Building-Loan Asso- ciation of Racine, one of the largest concerns of the kind in Wisconsin.
201
HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
In polities Mr. Knobloek maintains an independent attitude, but keeps thoroughly informed concerning the vital and significant problems and ques- tions of the day. Ile is well known in fraternal circles, having membership with the Masons. the Elks and the Eagles, and in those organizations he has many friends.
FRED W. SWANTZ.
Fred W. Swantz. of Yorkville township, is one of the native sons of Racine county who has continued to reside here after reaching mature years, as he is convinced that the opportunities offered the industrious man here are equal to those to be found elsewhere. He has been active in the real estate field for many years, buying and selling a large number of farms within that time, and he is now interested in several tracts of good land in the county. He also writes insurance and in addition to his other activities engages in raising grain and stock. His birth occurred upon the farm where he still lives. on the 8th of September, 1865, and he is a son of William and Elizabeth (Freitag) Swantz, both natives of Pomerania. Germany. The paternal grandfather owned a small tract of land in that country and concentrated his energies upon farming, passing away in his native country in middle life. The maternal grandfather was employed as a farm laborer in Germany and died there at an advanced age, but his wife came to this country and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs William Swantz, when seventy-seven years old. The birth of William Swantz occurred in 1816. He was reared in the fatherland and remained there for a number of years after attaining his majority, but in 1851 came to the ' United States and located in Milwaukee. In 1853 he removed to Racine county and purchased eighty acres of land which he cleared and brought under culti- vation. He also improved the place with substantial buildings and devoted the remainder of his life to the operation of his farm, dying there in 1895. When he came to this country he had no capital, but was energetic and de- termined to succeed and at his death owned four hundred acres of valuable land. He was a republican in politics and was a member of the Lutheran church, as was his wife. She was born in 1823 and died in 1889. Their mar- riage was celebrated in Germany a number of years previous to their emigra- tion to this country. Ten children were born to their union, of whom four sons survive, as follows : Herman, a farmer of Kenosha county; William. also farming there ; Henry, who is living retired in Union Grove; and Fred W.
The last named received a district school education and passed his boyhood and youth under the parental roof, devoting his time, when not attending school, to assisting his father. He now owns the family homestead of eighty acres, which he operates, and he also has an interest in a number of other farms. For twenty-five years he has engaged in the real estate business and during that time has owned forty-eight different tracts of land in Kenosha and Racine counties. He has also been active to some extent in the insurance field and in all branches of his business has met with gratifying success. As a
202
HISTORY OF RACINE COUNTY
farmer he devotes his attention chiefly to dairying and owns a number of thoroughbred Holstein cows.
Mr. Swantz was married in September, 1889, to Miss Elizabeth Myers, who was born in Paris township, Kenosha county, and is a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Lemand) Myers, natives of Germany. In 1854 they emigrated to the United States and purchased a farm in Paris township, where they resided for many years. They are now residents of the city of Racine. They became the parents of seven children, of whom five survive, namely : Jacob; Mrs. Swantz; Peter; Maggie, the wife of Charles Drinkwater; and Catherine, the wife of William Crilly. Mr. and Mrs Swantz are the parents of two children- Herbert H., who married Miss Emma Erb and is now farming in Paris town- ship, Kenosha county ; and Alfred W., at home.
Mr. Swantz supports the republican party at the polls and has served as a member of the school board and as justice of the peace for a number of years, his record in office being creditable alike to his ability and conscientiousness. He is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and in religious faith is a Congregationalist. He has accumulated more than a competenee as a re- sult of his enterprise, his business acumen and his good management, and is one of the substantial residents of his township, while as a representative of one of the pioneer families of the county he has ably carried on the work begun by his father.
JOSEPH F. MILLER.
Deep regret was felt throughout Racine when Joseph F. Miller passed away on the 17th of September, 1915. He was then a comparatively young man of forty-five years. Practically his entire life had been spent in this city and he became active in the management and conduct of a shoe manufacturing business which had been established by his father, Joseph Miller, long one of the honored and prominent manufacturers of southeastern Wisconsin. It was on the 29th of June, 1870, that Joseph F. Miller was born, his parents being Joseph and Theresa (Bauer) Miller, both of whom were natives of Germany. Extended reference to the father is made on another page of this work.
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.