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 25
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In September. 1879, occurred the marriage of Mr. MeCanna and Miss Pauline Cheeseman, a native of this county and a daughter of Edward and Eliza (Johnson) Cheeseman, who came from England and settled in Racine county during the pioneer period in its development. Mr. and Mrs. MeCanna had but one child, Charles Roy, who became the active and valued assistant of his father in business and is now president of the Wisconsin Condensed Milk Company and also president of the MeCanna & Fraser Company.
Mr. MeCanna was a communicant of the Catholic faith and to the church his family belong. He was also identified with the Knights of Columbus but politically maintained an independent course, having preferred to exercise his right of franchise in support of the candidates whom he regarded as best qualified for office. He was also a member of the Chicago Athletic Club. He never sought political preferment but was officially connected with the schools as a member of the Burlington board of education and was active during the erection of the Burlington high school. He served as the first
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president of the board of the County Agricultural School at. Rochester, was an untiring worker in securing its erection in this part of the county and served as a member of the board of trustees until his death. He was much interested in the Burlington Business Men's Association and especially in the younger members of the organization. In an unostentatious way he was a most liberal giver and the needy never appealed to him in vain. His fellow townsmen spoke of him in terms of high regard, recognizing his ability and enterprise in business, his fidelity in citizenship and his loyalty to the ties of home and friendship. Wherever known he was highly esteemed and most of all where he was best known, and his death, which occurred Decem- ber 11, 1913, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret. Burlington could ill afford to lose a man like Mr. McCanna. He was foremost in all movements that tended to make a bigger and better city and his memory will ever be cherished by all who knew him.
CLARENCE SNYDER.
Clarence Snyder was the founder and promoter of the Racine Heel Pro- tector Company, of which he is secretary-treasurer. Mr. Snyder is a native of New York, his birth having occurred in Gorham, Ontario county, on the 12th of March, 1853. After completing his education in the Canandaigua Academy of that state he removed to the middle west in 1873, when a young man of twenty years, and has since been identified with Racine and her in- terests. Following his arrival here he learned the printers' trade and for two winters he was a teacher in the district schools of Racine and Kenosha coun- ties. In 1875 he became local editor of the Union, published at Kenosha, so continuing until the death of its owner, Hon. I. W. Webster. He spent three months in reading law in the office of J. V. and C. Quarles and then returned to Racine, at which time he became a law student in the office of Fuller & Wins- low, being admitted to the bar the following year-1877. Soon afterward he was elected to the office of justice of the peace and by re-election was contin- ued in that position for several terms, during which period his decisions were strictly fair and impartial. He was again called to public office in 1886, when he received the appointment of postmaster of Racine under President Cleve- land and thus served for four years. In 1890 he became the editor and pub- lisher of the Daily News of Ashland, Wisconsin, and took up his abode in that city. The following year he received appointment to the board of con- trol of state charitable and penal institutions and for two years was president of that board, of which he continued to be a member until 1897.
In 1898 Mr. Snyder returned to Racine, where he has since made his home. and in 1899 he became local agent of the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, so continuing until 1907, when he organized the Racine Heel Protector Company for the manufacture of a knit product, chemically treated. to be attached inside of the shoe, at the heel, to prevent the slipping of the shoe and wear of the hosiery. Mr. Snyder purchased the patent, which he turned over to the company, of which F. K. Bull is the president. The prod-
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uct is sold largely to jobbers and is fast becoming generally distributed, fo " wherever used its value and efficiency are at once proven. It conduces to con fort by making all shoes to which it is attached easier to wear, absolutel!' prevents blistered heels and produces a notable saving in hosiery, being alto . gether one of the most important footwear inventions of the age.
ELISHA LEWIS.
Elisha Lewis, who has a beautiful country home near Kansasville but is now largely living retired after long, active and successful connection with agricultural interests in Racine county, was born in England, June 14, 1846, a son of William and Mary (Milard) Lewis, both of whom were natives of Gloucestershire. England. The father, who was born in 1811, died in 1869, while the mother, who was born in 1812, passed away in 1897. They were married in England about 1842 and in the year 1850 became early residents of Dover township, Racine county. The work of development had been begun there but had been carried forward to only a limited extent. The father pur- chased a farm of eighty aeres and later extended the boundaries of his place to include another tract of sixty acres, thus having one hundred and forty acres at the time of his death. He began farming here a comparatively poor man but as the years went by prospered in his undertakings and was recog- nized, moreover, as one of the substantial and valued citizens of his township because of his loyalty to duty and his well spent life. He and his wife at- tended the Methodist Episcopal church and he gave his political allegiance to the democratic party. In their family were five children, of whom three are now living : William, who resides on a farm in Waterford township; Mrs. J. H. Smith ; and Elisha.
The last named was but four years of age when the parents came to this county, and while spending his youthful days on the old homestead he ae- quired a good education in the district schools. His business training was received under his father's direction and thoroughly acquainted him with every phase of farm life. The occupation to which he was reared he deter- mined to make his life work and has since concentrated his energies upon agri- cultural pursuits, having now two hundred and twenty acres of rich and valu- able land. which for many years he carefully, persistently and profitably cul- tivated. At the present time, however, he is living practically retired, leaving the work of the fields to others. He occupies a beautiful country residence, living with his brother's widow and her child. His brother was George F. Lewis, who was born in 1850 and died August 22, 1909. In 1901 he married Inez Rowe, a daughter of William Rowe, who was born in Rochester township, and they became the parents of a son, George A., born January 22, 1904. George F. Lewis was always associated in business with his brother Elisha and theirs was a close companionship based upon many kindred interests as well as upon brotherly ties. George F. Lewis held membership with the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and his life was ever an upright and honorable
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one, commending him to the confidence and goodwill of all who knew him. The family attend the Congregational church.
Elisha Lewis is a member of the Masonic fraternity and exemplifies in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. Politieally he is connected with the democratic party and for a number of years served as a member of the board of supervisors, in which connection he did important work for the publie wel- fare. For two-thirds of a century he has lived in this county, witnessing its growth and development and taking active part in promoting its interests along lines which have been of marked worth.
ADELBERT BEACH.
Adelbert Beach, who owns the family homestead in Yorkville township, has resided in Racine county throughout his entire life or for almost seventy years and during that time has seen it develop from a frontier district into the prosperous and populous county of today. He was born at Ives Grove on the 24th of December, 1846, and is a son of Royal and Mary (Culver) Beach, both natives of Massachusetts, the former born in 1812 and the latter on the 14th of September, 1825. In 1845 they were married in Westfield, Massachu- setts, and in June of that year came to Racine county, Wisconsin, locating in Yorkville township, where the father took up sixty-five acres of government land. Later he bought additional land and at the time of his death, which occurred May 20, 1902, held title to two hundred acres. His success was doubly creditable in that he at all times depended upon his own resources for advancement. In politics he was a democrat and was elected to a number of local offices, which indicates the confidenee which his fellow citizens repose in him. His wife survived him for a number of years, dying on the 11th of April, 1915. They were the parents of two children, of whom Adelbert Beach is the older. The daughter is deceased. The paternal grandfather, Norman Beach, was born in Massachusetts and died there at the age of eighty-four years, but the great-grandfather was born in Liverpool, England, where he followed the watchmaker's trade for some time. Eventually, however, he came to the United States and here his death occurred. The maternal grand- father, Titus Culver, was also a native of Massachusetts but removed west- ward, locating first in Wisconsin, subsequently in Belvidere, Illinois, and still later in Iowa, whence he at length returned to Massachusetts where he spent his last years. He devoted his time to agricultural pursuits. His father par- ticipated in the Revolutionary war.
Adelbert Beach attended school at Ives Grove and later was a student in the high school at Rochester and Racine. For nine winters he followed the pro- fession of teaching, while during the summers he concentrated his energies upon farming. Following the death of his father he became sole owner of the home farm of two hundred acres, buying his sister's interest. He is still ac- tively engaged in farming, although many men of his years would prefer to live retired, and his well directed labors yield him a good income. In addi-
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tion to raising grain and stock for the market he engages in dairying, keeping about twenty milch cows.
Mr. Beach was married on the 23d of March, 1870, to Miss Martha Lugg, a daughter of Hannibal Lugg, a native of England and a pioneer settler of Racine county. To Mr. and Mrs. Beach were born two children : Berenice, the wife of Edward Erickson, who is employed at the Case factory; and Aletta, the wife of Abraham Baker, a retired farmer living in Racine. The wife and mother passed away on the 19th of June, 1876, and on the 2d of April, 1877, Mr. Beach was married to Miss Elizabeth Bauml, who was born in Pennsylva- nia but removed to Milwaukee with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Bauml. Her father conducted a butcher shop in the latter city for a number of years but later sold that business and purchased a farm in Mount Pleasant township, which he operated for a considerable period. His wife died upon that place, but his demise occurred in San Francisco. To Mr. Beach's second marriage have been born five children : May, the wife of Will Koenig, who is employed as a motorman by the Racine Street Railway Company ; Chester, who is con- nected with an electric company in Raeine; Frank, who is associated with his father in the farm work; Clara, the wife of Ed Franke, a well known farmer of Mount Pleasant township; and Mary, at home.
Mr. Beach is a democrat in politics but although he has always loyally sup- ported the candidates of that party he has never sought office as a reward for his allegiance, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his private inter- ests. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church and supports all movements seeking the moral advancement of his community. He is recognized as a suc- cessful farmer and publie-spirited citizen, is a man of proven integrity and his personal friends are many.
ADELBERT H. ALLEN.
At the time of his death Adelbert H. Allen was proprietor of the largest livery business in Racine and his very substantial measure of success had been won entirely through his own efforts and ability. A native of the Empire state, he was born in the town of Mexico, Oswego county, March 22. 1850, and was of English and Scotch descent. His father, Hiram C. Allen, was a native of Connecticut, as was the mother, who bore the maiden name of Lorinda Olivia Erskine, although her father, John Erskine, was a native of Scotland. Fol- lowing his marriage Mr. Allen took up the occupation of farming in Oswego county. New York, where he resided for a number of years, successfully en- gaged in agricultural pursuits, but in his younger days he was a stage driver of Vermont. following the route between Brattleboro and Wilmington. In 1853 he sought the opportunities offered in the west and became a resident of Racine county. Wisconsin, casting in his lot with its pioneer settlers. A short distance west of the city he secured land and began the development of a farm whereon he reared his family and made his home until called to his final rest on the 8th of December, 1879, his remains being interred in Mound cemetery. His widow survived him for several years and passed away in June,
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1888. Fraternally he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows and his religious faith was that of the Episcopal church.
His son, Adelbert H. Allen, acquired a common sehool education and made his initial step in the business world in connection with the machinist's trade, securing a position in the shop of the J. I. Case Threshing Machine Company, in which he was employed for twenty-two years, working his way steadily up- ward during that connection. He resigned his position in 1889 but had pre- viously embarked in his present business, having at first but one horse which he bought on time, his capital being insufficient to enable him to pay for the animal all at once. Gradually, however, he developed and increased his busi- ness until at the time of his death he was the owner of one of the largest and best equipped livery barns in this part of Wisconsin and a liberal and gratify- ing patronage was accorded him.
On Christmas Day of 1873 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Allen and Miss Susie Rumsam, a daughter of F. W. Rumsam. They continued to travel life's journey happily together until separated by the hand of death on the 9th of November, 1915. Mrs. Allen, with the assistance of her son, Clarence R., has since managed the business along the same lines as were marked out by her husband. Five children were born to that worthy couple : Charles A., Frank L., George E., William Hiram and Clarence R. The last named was born in Racine, November 13, 1894, and was graduated from the Racine high school with the class of 1913. The following year he was married to Miss Laura Brunson and they have many warm friends in the city where they reside. Mr. Allen is also widely and favorably known as a member of the Masonic fra- ternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His social as well as his business qualities endeared Adelbert H. Allen to those with whom he came in contact and his life was the result of carefully applied industry, honorable purpose and high ideals.
MISS LILLIAN WATTS.
Miss Lillian Watts, the most prominent figure in musical cireles in Racine and widely known in this connection elsewhere, is identified with the Wiscon- sin Conservatory of Music, the Marquette Conservatory of Music, and is also director of music in the publie schools of Racine. She is a native of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and a daughter of Ebenezer and Eleanor (Jones) Watts, both of whom were natives of Wales, and the father came of Scotch-Welsh parentage. In early manhood Ebenezer Watts came to the United States and in 1850 went to California, remaining upon the Pacific coast for five years, after which he returned to New York. He was married there to Miss Eleanor Jones, who had come to the new world in 1849, and following their marriage they came to Wis- consin, making their way first to Raeine and thence traveling by stage to Osh- kosh, where the father engaged in the lumber business, continuing active along that line until his death, which occurred in 1867. His widow long survived him and passed away in 1915, the remains of both being interred in the Oshkosh cemetery. Mr. Watts was a most publie-spirited man, stanehly supporting
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many measures for the general good. He also possessed marked musical talent and became quite widely known as a composer.
His daughter, Miss Lillian Watts, was reared in Oshkosh and was accorded liberal educational opportunities. She completed her more specifically literary course in the State Normal and began her musical education there, being iden- tified with the First Congregational Church choir at that place. She after- ward attended the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, studying under the direction of George L. Osgood, Signor Rotoli and Louis C. Elson. She afterward continued her studies with Francis Fischer Powers and "Sav- age" and for a time was a musical student in New York city. She specialized in voice, public school music and choir conducting and became identified with the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in 1905. She also entered into profes- sional connection with the Marquette Conservatory of Music and is now iden- tified with both institutions. At the same time she is the director of music in the public schools of Racine, in which connection her work consists in out- lining and supervising. She has been made a member of the state commit- tee to institute a new system of musical training in the schools.
Miss Watts was for five years connected with the Plymouth church in Mil- waukee, for five years with the First Presbyterian church and for ten years with the First Methodist church of Racine and has always been active in choir work until within the past two years. Among her pupils have been many who have entered the profession and have won exceptional success. Not only has she thoroughly mastered the technical side of her art but possesses the faculty of interpretation, which lends originality and brilliancy to her work, and she also has wonderful power as an organizer, being thus splendidly qualified to develop the musical departments of different educational institutions. She holds membership in the Presbyterian church and has a very wide acquaint- anee among Raeine's best people.
EDWARD A. BISHOP.
Edward A. Bishop, importer, publisher and jobber of souvenir post cards and dealer in display stands and fixtures at Racine, is prominent among the energetic, farsighted and successful business men of the city, where he has de- veloped a trade of very substantial proportions. He was born in the town of Somers, February 18, 1859, a son of Abram T. and Mary (Hulbert) Bishop. The father was born in Ohio, in 1835, and the mother was born the same year, of Vermont parentage. Abram T. Bishop is a brother of Isaac T. Bishop, of Somers, Wisconsin, who at one time was state senator. At an early day Abram T. Bishop arrived in Racine county, secured a tract of land and for many years engaged in farming but is now living retired in Sutton, Nebraska.
Edward A. Bishop, spending his youthful days upon the old home farm, pursued his early education in the country schools and afterward continued his studies in Racine. He was one of a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters, and, like the others of the household, was early trained to the duties ineident to the development of the farm. He turned from agri-
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cultural pursuits, however, to a more congenial field and has made a valuable contribution to the world's work. He became the organizer and was the president of the Arc Printer Company and engaged in the manufacture of a machine for art printing which was sold all over the world. In 1898 he estab- lished a photographic studio at his home on College avenue and later took up the business of handling souvenir post cards as an importer, publisher and jobber. He engages in the wholesale publication of picture eards, booklets, photo cards, lithograph post cards and souvenir cards of all kinds and his business extends throughout the state.
On the 7th of September, 1880, Mr. Bishop was united in marriage to Miss Lura De Moulpied, who was born September 7, 1859, a daughter of Nicholas De Moulpied, who was born on Guernsey Island in 1820 and died in Racine county in 1875, at the age of fifty-six years. His wife, Mrs. Ann (Hosmer) De Moulpied, was born in New York state about 1826 and died in Raeine county in 1899, at the age of seventy-three years. To Mr. and Mrs. Bishop has been born a son. Burnett Orvil, born June 24, 1884, is an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts in June, 1908. He is now associated with his father in business and on the 2d of November, 1909, he married Louise M. Stoffel, of North Edgewater, Chicago, and they have two children, Robert Hulbert Bishop, born December 27, 1912, and Florence Lura Bishop, born May 17. 1916.
Both Mr. Bishop and his son are prominently known in lodge connections. He belongs to Belle City Lodge, No. 18, F. & A. M .; the United Commercial Travelers of America, No. 337, and to the Commercial Club. His son is a mem- ber of Racine Lodge, No. 252, B. P. O. E., and the United Commercial Travel- ers. He has membership in the Grange Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, while Edward A. Bishop and his wife are members of the First Methodist Episcopal church. In his political views Mr. Bishop is a republican, support- ing the party where national issues are involved but casting an independent ballot at local elections. He is well known as a wide-awake, energetic busi- ness man who along the steps of an orderly progression has reached a credit- able position in commercial cireles of Racine.
HANS P. HANSEN.
Hans P. Hansen, who carries on general farming in Raymond township, near Franksville, is the owner of one hundred and forty-two acres of rich, arable land, in the midst of which stands one of the beautiful country resi- dences of Racine county. Mr. Hansen may well be proud of his attractive home, as it is an indication of his intelligently directed energy and thrift. He was born in Denmark, July 5, 1869, and is a son of Nels and Jennie (Hansen) Hansen, who always remained residents of Denmark, the former born in 1838 and the latter in 1835. The father is a carpenter and is still working at his trade although now seventy-six years of age. To him and his wife were born five children, namely: Laura, the wife of J. Olsen, a farmer residing in Den- mark : Christina, living in the same country ; Hans P .; Sophia, also residing in
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HANS P. HANSEN AND FAMILY
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Denmark, and Christ, a carpenter by trade, and now also the owner of a farm in his native country.
Hans P. Hansen had the educational advantages offered in the common schools of Denmark and remained there until 1891, when, at the age of twenty- two years, he bade adieu to friends and family and sailed for the new world. Racine county was his destination and he took up his abode near North Cape. where he secured employment as a farm hand, spending three years at work in the fields. Within that period, or on the 3rd of April, 1892, he was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Nelsen, who was born in Denmark, a daughter of Hans Nelsen, who remained a lifelong resident of that country.
Following his marriage Mr. Hansen began farming on his own account and as the years passed prosperity rewarded his efforts so that he is now most comfortably situated in life, having a very desirable farm property of one hundred and forty-two aeres, situated in Raymond township. His work is most carefully and wisely conducted and he utilizes the most progressive methods in carrying on the further development of the farm. He is quite extensively engaged in dairying, for which purpose he keeps a large herd of Holstein cattle. In 1912 he built the finest residence in Raymond township. The house is as comfortable and attractive as it is commodious. Water has been piped all over the house and there is every modern convenience, in- dicative of the progressive spirit of the owner.
Mr. Hansen has thus provided a most attractive home for his family, which numbers seven children : William, who assists in the farm work; Mabel, who works in Racine and at Browns Lake; Walter, who is employed in South Dakota; Eddie, at home; Esther, who is occupying a position as bookkeeper in Raeine ; Ruth, who is employed in Dr. Shoop's office in Raeine, and Ida, at home.
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