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 21
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Reared in his native city, Joseph F. Miller acquired his education in the public schools and afterward became connected with the business which his father had established in 1857. The business was incorporated in 1882 under the name of the J. Miller Company and as the sons reached a sufficient age the father admitted them to an interest in the business. Joseph F. Miller assumed the duties of bookkeeper and continued in that capacity until his death, while at the same time he was active in shaping the policy and directing the inter- ests of the concern. He was recognized by his associates and contemporaries as an able business man, alert, energetic, enterprising and progressive, having the ability to wisely direct the important interests to which he and his brothers had succeeded.
In 1898 Mr. Miller was married to Miss Cecelia Gillen, who passed away in 1901. Two sons were born to this union, but both died in infancy. It was in
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1.7. Reichert
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June, 1904, that Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Reichert, a daughter of Nicholas F. Reichert, who passed away on the 22nd of April, 1913. He was born in Racine, April 24, 1854, representing one of its old pioneer families, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Reichert, having established their home here in 1840. A sketch of Nicholas F. Reichert appears below.
Mrs. Miller is well known in the social circles of Racine and its vicinity and is a member of St. Rose Catholic church, of which Mr. Miller was also a communicant, and he belonged likewise to the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, which received his stanch indorsement. Always a resi- dent of Racine, his business connections and social interests had made him widely known and the sterling traits of his character had established him firmly in the high regard of many friends, who delighted in his companion- ship. rejoiced in his success and acknowledged his worth.
NICHOLAS F. REICHERT.
Nicholas F. Reichert was a substantial, enterprising and progressive busi- ness man whose residence in Racine dated from the pioneer period. He was a native son of the city, born April 24, 1854, a son of Frederick Reichert, one of the pioneer residents, who arrived in Racine in 1840 and became identified with the agricultural development of the district.
The son was educated in the schools of his home locality and was reared to the occupation of an agriculturist, having the usual experiences of the farm bred boy. He continued to assist his father in the cultivation and develop- ment of the old home place until he reached the age of twenty-five years, when, thinking to find other pursuits more congenial and profitable, he removed to Racine and turned his attention to the teaming business. A few years later, however, he was joined by Chris Soens for the conduct of a general contracting business to include the building of sewers, waterworks, also street paving and the erection of buildings. With the retirement of Mr. Soens from the partner- ship the Riechert Construction Company was formed and contracts were awarded to it in many cities of the state, the business becoming one of large volume and importance. Into other fields Mr. Reichert extended his activities, becoming the head of the Lakeside Amusement Company and a partner in the Reichert Land Company. He was widely known throughout the state because of his extensive business interests and also by reason of the sterling traits of his character, which won him warm friendships and high regard.
Mr. Reichert was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Becker and to them were born five daughters and two sons. Mrs. Miller, Veronica, Carrie, Susie, Mary, Nicholas P. and Fred, all residents of Racine.
Such in brief is the history of Nicholas F. Reichert, who passed away on the 22nd of April, 1913, twelve years after the demise of his wife. His death was due to an accident, he being thrown from his buggy on the 24th of De- cember, 1912, sustaining injuries which finally terminated his life. Sincere sorrow was felt on every side that he must thus early respond to the final
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summons, for he had been a man of worth and value to the community and in its affairs took an active interest, co-operating at all time in plans and move- ments for the general good. He served for one term as a member of the city council from the first ward and also filled the office of deputy collector of customs under President Cleveland, but whether in office or out of it was loyal to the best interests of the community, his worth being widely acknowledged by all who knew him. His sterling traits were many and throughout his en- tire life he proved the truth of the Emersonian philosophy that the way to win a friend is to be one.
OTTO EDWARD AHRENS.
Otto Edward Ahrens is actively connected with a profession which has im- portant bearing upon the progress and stability of every community, for through thirteen years he has been actively engaged in the practice of law. During this period he has made steady progress in his profession, owing to the possession of certain qualities. He throws himself easily and naturally into the argument, displaying a deliberation which shows no straining after effect. There is precision and clearness in his statements, combined with acuteness and strength in his reasoning, and thus his high position at the bar is well merited.
A native of Germany, Otto E. Ahrens was born in Pomerania, May 14, 1855. a son of William G. and Charlotte Ahrens, who were also natives of that coun- try. The father was born in the city of Hagenow Schuerin September 18, 1821. and learned the trade of wagon and carriage building, which he followed in Germany until 1856 and then sought the opportunities of the new world, estah- lishing his home in Elgin, Illinois, where his wife passed away in 1857, leaving two sons and a daughter: William, now a resident of Elgin; Otto E .; and Caroline Pauline, the wife of William Smith, of Chicago. The father, William G. Ahrens, was one of four brothers who enlisted for service in the Union army, although at the time of their enlistment none of them had become natural- ized citizens. William G. Ahrens enlisted at Chicago on the 7th of August, 1862, was mustered into service on the 6th of September as a private of Com- pany C, One Hundred and Twenty-Seventh Regiment, Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, to serve three years, under Colonel John Van Armon and Captain John S. Riddle, and the regiment was assigned to the First Brigade. Second
Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, and was under the command of General John A. Logan. It participated in the engagements at Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Deer Creek, Vicksburg, Jackson, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Columbia, Fayetteville and Bentonville and took part in the famous march to the sea. Mr. Ahrens was in the Grand Review at Washington, D. C., May 22, 1865, and on the 17th of June received his honorable discharge. Two of his brothers laid down their lives on the altar of their adopted country, one meet- ing death in the battle of Vicksburg and another at Corinth. When the war was over William Ahrens returned to Elgin, where he continued in the car-
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riage manufacturing business. Having lost his first wife, he wedded Miss Martha Taylor, of Dundee, Illinois, on the 26th of February, 1862, at Elgin, and they became the parents of four children, three of whom survive : Ernest Ellsworth, of Elgin; Lulu, the wife of John Taylor, of Montana; and Birdie, the wife of John Rowe, of Dundee, Illinois. The mother passed away January 22, 1899, and Mr. Ahrens died March 15, 1910, survived by six children, twenty- nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Taken to Elgin in his infancy, Otto E Ahrens, after his graduation from the high school with the class of 1871, began learning the carriage and wagon mak- ing trade under the direction of his father and with his removal to Racine in August, 1879, obtained employment in the wagon manufacturing establishment. of Fish Brothers, with whom he continued until the winter of 1882-3. In that year he secured a position with the Mitchell & Lewis Company, wagon makers, and a further advance step in his business career was made when he was of- fered and accepted the management of the Badger Electric Light Company. a position which he filled until 1889. He was afterward connected with the Racine Wagon & Carriage Company until December 10, 1892, when he re- signed to take public office, having been elected on the 8th of November of that year to the position of circuit clerk. The splendid record which he made is indicated in the fact that he was four times chosen for that position, re- maining the incumbent in the office for eight years. While thus engaged he determined to prepare for the practice of law and matriculated in the North- ern Indiana Law School, from which he was graduated in June, 1903, having in April of the same year been admitted to practice at the bar of Wisconsin after passing the required examinations, ranking highest in a class of sixty- seven. Mr. Ahrens then opened a law office in Racine and his advancement in professional cireles has been continuous and gratifying. It is well known that his devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial, yet he never forgets that he owes a still higher allegiance to the majesty of the law.
On July 17, 1880, Mr. Ahrens married Miss Eleanor Adams, who died August 29, 1898, in the faith of the Baptist church. On October 25, 1899, Mr. Ahrens married Miss Julia D. Currier, daughter of Arthur Webster and Amelia (Snyder) Currier, and to this union one son was born, Edward George. A. W. Currier was a descendant of Daniel Webster.
Mr. and Mrs. Ahrens are Baptists. Politically he is a republican. He is a member of Lodge No. 92, F. & A. M .; Orient Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M .; the Uniform Rank and subordinate lodge, Knights of Pythias ; Raeine Lodge, No. 252, B. P. O. E .; the Sons of Veterans; the Fraternal Order of Eagles; and the Loyal Order of Moose. He has his residence at No. 1034 Park avenue, and he erected another house at No. 1028 Park avenue.
A great source of pleasure to Mr. Ahrens and equally a source of pleasure to his friends is his musical talent. He became one of the first members of the Elgin Watch Company Band, an organization of seventy pieces, and was after- ward a member of the Prichard Band of Racine. Possessing a fine tenor voice, he was for about fifteen years in charge of the choirs of the Congregational and Baptist churches. He has sung in many concerts and private enter- tainments and competed in many contests of the Welsh National Eisteddfod, on every occasion winning a prize. His efforts have been an element in pro-
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moting musical culture and raising the standards of musical taste. In fact his entire life has been a progressive force contributing to the benefit of the individual and of the community at large. He has at all times been actuated by high ideals and in no instance is this more manifest than in his profession. in which he has won very favorable criticism among his colleagues and con- temporaries by the careful and systematic methods which he has followed and by reason of his elose conformity to a high standard of professional ethics.
ANDREW BENNETT.
A well improved and highly cultivated farm of three hundred and sixty aeres in Norway township pays tribute to Andrew Bennett in return for the care and labor he expends upon it. His home is pleasantly located on section 36 and is a beautiful country residence ereeted in 1903. It is two stories in height and contains twelve rooms attractively furnished and supplied with all modern conveniences, including running water. Mr. Bennett has spent his entire life in Norway township, where he was born March 4, 1854, a son of Edward and Mary (Shields) Bennett, natives of County Westmeath, Ireland. The father was born in 1810 and spent the first fifteen years of his life in his native land, coming to the new world in 1825. He grew to manhood in New York state and continued to follow farming there until coming to Racine county, Wisconsin, in 1844. He first located upon a farm north of Waterford, which he owned and operated for about eleven years and then removed to Norway township, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land. Subse- quently he added to that property until he was the possessor of three hundred and sixty acres. Although he started out in life for himself empty-handed, he made the most of his opportunities and, possessing good business and execu- tive ability, he steadily prospered and became one of the most successful men of his locality. After a useful and well spent life he died in 1878. He was a son of Edward Bennett, a lifelong resident of Ireland. Both he and his wife held membership in the Catholic church and he was an ardent supporter of the democratic party. He held some school offices but his time was largely taken up with his farming operations. Mrs. Bennett, who was born May 5, 1820, passed away on the 7th of August. 1910. They were married in New York state and became the parents of five children, those still living being our sub- ject and two brothers: Edward, now living retired in California, and James, who is living retired in Racine, having for a number of years been engaged in manufacturing in that city.
During his boyhood Andrew Bennett attended the district schools of Nor- way township and since laying aside his textbooks has followed farming with most excellent results. He raises Durham cattle for beef and has some full blooded stock upon his farm. His place comprises three hundred and sixty aeres and besides the elegant residence previously referred to he has good out- buildings for the shelter of grain and stock and two silos.
Mr. Bennett was married in 1890 to Miss Julia McManus, a daughter of Phillip and Ellen (Cox) McManus. Her father was born in New York and
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her mother's birth occurred in New Jersey. They came to Racine county in 1842 and took up their residence in Dover township, where the father is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have four children: Edward, who now assists his father in the operation of the home farm; and Cyrus, Nellie and Amy, all at home. The family hold membership in the Catholic church of Dover and Mr. Bennett is independent in politics. Public-spirited and progressive, he takes a commendable interest in the affairs of his township and county but has never had time or inclination for office. Success has attended his well directed efforts and he is today one of the most substantial men of his community.
GEORGE C. PETERSEN.
George C. Petersen, who for twenty years has been engaged in the agricul- tural implement business on Twelfth street, Racine, has also operated quite extensively in the field of real estate, laying out two additions to the city and otherwise contributing to publie progress through his real estate operations. He was born in Denmark, September 17, 1853, a son of Peter and Mary Ann (Thomson) Petersen, who spent their entire lives in Denmark.
Remaining there to the age of nineteen years, George C. Petersen then came to the United States and after working for a time at Homewood, Illinois, spent one winter near West Pullman. He afterward removed to Ishpeming, Mich., where he was employed on construction work by the Northwestern Rail- road Company, spending the summer in that way. He afterward went to Bremen, Indiana, where he engaged in railroad work for a short time, subse- quently removing to Raeine. He was next located at Mount Pleasant and in 1874 began farming in Mount Pleasant township, Raeine county, devoting his energies to general agricultural pursuits until about twenty years ago, when he sold the farm and embarked in the agricultural implement business on Twelfth street, in Raeine, where he is still located. During the intervening period, covering two decades, he has enjoyed a large and growing trade, which has brought to him a good finaneial return and gained him recognition as one of the representative merchants of the city. Operating along other lines, his work has been an element in public progress and improvement. He laid out Petersen's addition to Racine on Asylum avenue and also laid out the J. I. C. addition No. 4 and part of the Harvey addition. He has also built a num- ber of houses but has more largely confined his attention to the sale of lots and his activity in the real estate field has been a potent element in his suc- cess. He owns a fine store building and a beautiful residence in Racine and his real estate holdings are the visible evidence of a life of well directed en- ergy and thrift.
In 1878 Mr. Petersen was married to Miss Anna Christensen, who was born in Denmark, and they have the following children : Edward, now of Chicago; Mary, at home ; William. of Racine; Roy, who is superintendent of a refriger- ator manufacturing plant in Chicago; Nellie, the wife of L. W. Mills, of Ra- eine ; and Charles, of Chieago.
In politics Mr. Petersen is a republican and his filled the office of path-
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master, while for five years he was chairman of the town board and was also chairman of the county board while living upon the farm. He has been a member of the school board and has twice been a director of the asylum, being called to that position for a second time in January, 1916. He was reared in the Lutheran faith and his life has ever been an upright and honorable one. His career is that of a self-made man. When he came to the new world, mak- ing his way to Chicago, he was practically penniless and in the intervening years, through close application and unremitting industry, he has won a handsome competence, gaining a most creditable and enviable position in busi- ness circles of Racine, for not only has he gained success but in its achieve- ment has followed the most commendable methods, his course at all times measuring up to high business standards.
HENRY C. BAKER.
A most efficient and trustworthy officer is Henry C. Baker, chief of police of Racine, who was called to his present position in 1907. He was born in Madison, Wisconsin, February 7, 1865, a son of Henry and Christina (Meyer) Baker, both of whom were natives of Germany. In the year 1847 they left the fatherland and came to the United States, establishing their home upon a farm near Madison, Wisconsin, where Mr. Baker carried on general agricultural pursuits until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when he put aside the work of the fields and other business and personal considerations to join the army as a member of the Seventeenth Wisconsin Infantry, with which he served for three years in defense of the Union cause. Both he and his wife have now passed away.
Henry C. Baker obtained a public school education and afterward learned the printer's trade. working in the office of the Madison Democrat and of the State Journal at Madison. In May, 1897, he was made chief of police in the capital city. in which position he continued until January, 1907, when he was appointed deputy United States marshal. He served in that office for six months and then resigned to come to Racine as chief of police at the request of the police commission and of the mayor. A. J. Horlick. During his incum- bency in this office he has reorganized the police department and instituted many modern improvements in equipment and in service. He has installed an automobile ambulance, an auto patrol wagon and a police alarm system and the force has been increased from twenty-one to thirty-five men. He demands the most thorough efficiency on the part of patrolmen and under his regime the amount of crime has been lessened and public safety promoted.
On the 26th of June, 1889, Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Eliza- beth Betts, of Madison. Wisconsin, a daughter of John and Katherine Betts. Her father was for many years in the employ of the state at Madison and he was also a Civil war veteran.
Mr. Baker has long been interested in military affairs and has served as adjutant of his regiment in the Wisconsin National Guard with the rank of captain. He has been very active and instrumental in securing the building
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of the new armory in Racine and at the time of the Spanish-American war he held the rank of first lieutenant in the First Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, which was attached to the Seventh Army Corps. He was the organizer of Battery C, Wisconsin National Guard, and was offered the captaincy, but de- elined because he did not have sufficient time to devote to that work. Mr. Baker is also prominent in the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is a past exalted ruler of the lodge at Madison and also of the Racine lodge, and in both cities was chairman of the building committee when the Elks building was erected, and he has served as a delegate from both the Madison and Ra- cine lodges to the grand lodge of the state. He is likewise connected with the Knights of Pythias, the Foresters, the Woodmen, the Royal Arcanum and the Eagles and he has membership in the Commercial Club, while his wife is a member of the Congregational church and in its work takes a very active and helpful interest. Mr. Baker is also connected with the International Associa- tion of Chiefs of Police and is a member and for five years was president of the Wisconsin Association of Chiefs of Police. In politics he has always main- tained an independent attitude. He never allows partisanship or any other thing to interfere with the faithful performance of his duty and he has ever regarded a public office as a public trust.
WILLIAM R. PUGH.
William R. Pugh, plumbing inspector for the city of Racine, is a repre- sentative of one of the oldest families of this section of the state, being a grandson of Arthur Pugh, who was born in Wales and established his home in Raeine when the eity was but a village. Here he passed away in 1860, when seventy years of age. The father, David Pugh, was born in Wales and accom- panied his parents on their emigration to the new world. He became a sailor, following the lakes for a number of years, and he passed away in 1872. He wedded Eliza Jones, whose birth also occurred in Wales and who survived her husband for more than a third of a century, being called to her final rest about 1906.
After mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools Wil- liam R. Pugh took up the plumber's trade, with which he became thoroughly acquainted, gaining expert knowledge of the business. After working for others for a time he opened a plumbing establishment of his own and con- dueted it successfully for sixteen years. He is now plumbing inspector for the city, to which position he was appointed on the 1st of March, 1915. This is an important branch of the city service, having direct bearing upon sanitary and health conditions, and his work is most thoroughly and capably done. Mr. Pugh has long occupied a position of leadership among representatives of the trade in Racine and in 1894 organized the Plumbers' Union, while later he served as business agent for the Building Trades Council. He was also secretary of the Master Plumbers' Association for nine years.
On the 22d of December, 1897, Mr. Pugh was united in marriage to Miss Adeline Majewski, of Raeine, who passed away in January, 1913, leaving a son,
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Lindley, now sixteen years of age. Mr. Pugh has membership with the Knights of Pythias and with the Columbia Knights, while in politics he maintains an independent course. He has always lived in Racine and has therefore been a witness of the growth and development of the city for forty-five years, noting with interest its many changes and supporting various plans and measures which have had to do with its upbuilding and progress.
ANDREW E. IBSON.
Andrew E. Ibson, who is engaged in farming and dairying in Yorkville township also owns three hundred and twenty acres of valuable land in New Mexico. A native of Raymond township, Racine county, he was born on the 27th of August. 1865, a son of Hans and Gertrude (Hansen) Ibson. both na- tives of Denmark. the former born on the isle of Zealand in March, 1816, and the latter on the isle of Langland, on the 28th of January, 1828. They were mar- ried in their native country on the 25th of May, 1858, and six years later came to the United States, reaching Chicago on the 1st of July, 1864. About the first of the following September they located in Raymond township, this county. While on their way here from Chicago the family was exposed to smallpox in Racine and two of the children died of that disease. The father purchased thirty-five acres of land to which he later added twenty acres. For the first two years of his residence here the family home was a log cabin but he subsequently built a substantial farmhouse. Three years later. however, this was replaced by a still large structure which remained the family resi- dence for fifteen years. At the end of that time they came to Yorkville town- ship and purchased the forty aere traet on which Andrew E. is still living. In 1840 Mr. Ibson joined the Baptist church in Denmark and was subjected to much persecution on account of his religious allegiance. His wife and her parents were also members of that church and likewise suffered persecution. Mr. Ibson became a naturalized citizen of the United States and stanchly sup- ported the candidates and measures of the republican party. He passed away on the 18th of June, 1896. and was survived by his wife until the 20th of Janu- ary, 1908. To their union was born but one son. The father, however, had been previously married. and by his first wife who died in Denmark, had three children. Peter Christian, who came to the United States and joined the Fed- eral army, participating in the Civil War, was wounded while at the front and during his later years drew a pension from the government ; Mary Christine is the wife of James P. Anderson, a painter of Racine ; and Sina Carrie is the wife of C. J. Jacobson, a retired farmer living in Hastings. Nebraska. The mater- nal grandfather of our subject, Christian Hansen, passed his entire life in Den- mark and served in the army. participating in the campaign which led to the downfall of Napoleon.
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