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 29
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Frank J. Luxem, representing commercial interests of Racine as a whole- sale dealer in fruits, was born September 25, 1871, in the city in which he still resides, his parents being Jacob and Mary (Kommer) Luxem. The father, who was a native of Bavaria, Germany, came to the new world in early life, establishing his home in Racine in pioneer times. For a number of years he was proprietor of the leading hotel of the city but afterward entered the em-
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ploy of A. P. Dickey, with whom he remained for thirty-two years as a pat- tern maker, retiring from business about two years prior to his death. During that period of leisure he took a trip to Germany and on the 6th of October. 1901, he passed away, his remains being interred in St. Joseph cemetery of Raeine. His widow, also a native of Bavaria. is living in Raeine at the ad- vaneed age of seventy-eight years.
Frank J. Luxem obtained his education in St. Joseph's parochial school and in the Washington public school and in 1888, when a youth of seventeen years. entered the employ of Hanley Brothers, grocers, with whom he continued for more than a quarter of a century or until 1914. During that period he had spent twelve years with them in the wholesale fruit business. They closed out their retail grocery and concentrated their efforts upon wholesale dealing in groceries and fruit. Mr. Luxem being connected with the latter department from 1902 until 1914, while Ed Hanley had charge of the grocery department during the year in which it was maintained. At the end of that time. however, they discontinued the grocery and Mr. Luxem remained in charge of the whole- sale fruit store. During that period of twelve years he converted the old Slasson planing mill into one of the best wholesale houses in the state, putting in various rooms and also installing a thirty-five ton ice machine. In 1914 he resigned his position and embarked in business on his own account at No. 914 Prospect street in a one story building. After four months, however, he was obliged to seek larger quarters and removed to 1200 Milwaukee avenue, where he continued until April. 1915. He then bought out the Hanley Brothers Com- pany and today has a very large plant, together with a feed barn on North Wisconsin street. He conducts an extensive business as a wholesaler of fruit, his trade covering a wide territory, while his capable management enables him to secure a good income from his sales.
In 1901 Mr. Luxem was married to Miss Nellie McPherson and they have many friends in this city. In politics he maintains a non-partisan course and has never been ambitious to hold office. On the contrary, he has always pre- ferred to concentrate his efforts upon his business affairs and Racine numbers him among her prosperous and successful self-made merchants. There have been no spectacular phases in his business career but the steady advancement which results from indefatigable energy, from faithfulness, reliability and en- terprise.
JULIUS JAPPE.
Commercial enterprise in Raeine finds admirable expression in the business history of Julius Jappe, who since 1911 has successfully conducted a jewelry store and now enjoys a substantial and gratifying trade. He has also been active in politieal eireles and otherwise prominent in the affairs of the com- munity. He was born in Denmark, December 25, 1860, a son of Carl and Mary Jappe, and after spending the days of his boyhood and youth in his native country he came to the United States on attaining his majority, arriv- ing on the 1st of June, 1881. He did not tarry on the Atlantic coast but made
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his way at once into the interior, settling in Racine. Ilaving previously learned the jeweler's trade, he here secured a position with James Spence and afterward was employed by H. J. Smith, but it was his ambition to engage in business on his own account and with that end in view he practiced both industry and frugality until his savings were sufficient to enable him to estab- lish business for himself in 1911, in which year he opened his jewelry store at No. 213 Sixth street. He has since carefully conducted the business and his close application, his diligence and determination are proving salient features in the development of his trade.
On the 17th of April, 1906, Mr. Jappe was united in marriage to Miss Johanna Weber, of Milwaukee. They are members of the Lutheran church and in this eity have a large circle of warm friends. Mr. Jappe also belongs to the Masonic fraternity, to the Dania Society and to the Commercial Club. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and has served on the county committee, doing everything in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of the party because of his firm belief in the fact that its principles contain the best elements of good government. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for he here found the opportunities which he sought and through their utilization has worked his way steadily upward until he now occupies a ereditable place in the commercial circles of Racine.
HENRY F. JOHNSON.
There is probably no better known or more highly esteemed citizen resid- ing in Norway township than Henry F. Johnson, whose farm is on seetion 12. He was born in an old log house in that township March 5, 1860, and is a son of Ole and Julia (Beekjord) Johnson, both natives of Norway. In that coun- try his paternal grandfather, John Johnson, spent his entire life. We John- son was born February 2, 1808, and was thirty years of age on com ng to the United States in 1838. He first located in Chicago, where he worked for some time, and there he was married to Miss Julia Beckjord. On leaving that city he removed to Raeine, where he worked on the harbor for some ti.ne but in 1842 took up eighty acres of government land in Norway township. As the time passed and he prospered in his farming operations he added to his prop- erty and the success which attended his efforts was due to his own industry and economy, for he had nothing on coming to this locality but was able to leave his family in good financial circumstances. He was an active member of the Lutheran church and was a stanch supporter of the republican party. His well spent life was ended July 17, 1902, and his wife passed away on the 15th of April, 1881. They had a family of eleven children but only six are now living, namely : John, who is living retired in Park Falls, Wisconsin ; Peter, a farmer of Nebraska; Charles, a resident of Norway township; Caroline, who is living with her brother Charles; Henry F .; and Sarah, who is also living with Charles.
Henry F. Johnson is indebted to the common schools of Racine county for
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the educational privileges he enjoyed during his boyhood and youth and when not in school he devoted his time to the operation of the home farm. He is now the owner of two hundred aeres of land in Norway and Raymond town- ships, upon which he has made all the improvements, including a good and substantial residenee, and in connection with general farming he does some dairying. He keeps a good grade of Holstein eattle and is meeting with well merited success in his operations.
On the 5th of October, 1887, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Nelson, whose birth occurred in Raymond township, and they have become the parents of four children : Orville, Benjamin, Harold and Clarence, all at home. In religious faith the family are Lutherans and the republican party finds in Mr. Johnson a stanch supporter of its principles. His fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, have called upon him to serve in several important publie positions, including that of supervisor, and he has been chairman of the town board for seven years. For thirty-one years he was also on the school board and he is now a trustee of the asylum. His pub- lie duties have ever been performed in a most commendable manner and he well merits the confidenee and trust reposed in him. Fraternally he belongs to the United Order of Foresters at Raymond and to the Knights of Pythias at Racine.
WILLIAM H. SHEPHARD.
Among the newly established business enterprises of Raeine is that of the Shephard Plating Company, which was organized December 26, 1913, succeed- ing to the business of South, Barrell & Shephard, eleetro platers, which firm was organized in 1910. This business is located at No. 136 Main street and is one of the fast growing, successful enterprises of the city. Actively connected with its development is William H. Shephard, who was born in Chicago, Illinois, on the 6th of April, 1873. After obtaining a public school education there he learned the polishing, plating and buffing trade, starting in the work in 1886. Gradually he acquainted himself with the business, in which he attained marked proficiency, winning promotion from time to time until in 1898 he was given charge of the Western Wheel Works in Chicago. He resigned that position in 1899 to become manager of the Bagley Plating Works, in which connection he remained until 1901. He then had charge of the Howell factory at Harvard. Illinois, for six months and afterward oeeu- pied other positions before coming to Raeine in 1910, in which year he became a partner and organizer of the firm of South. Barrell & Shephard, electro platers. Business was conducted under that style until December 26, 1913. when the Shephard Plating Company was organized. They do every class of electrie plating and polishing and furnish employment to eight people who are skilled workmen. Their business is located at No. 136 Main street and they have gained a liberal patronage, making the undertaking a profitable one. They do work for many large factories and also considerable job work.
In 1897 Mr. Shephard was united in marriage to Miss Rose Van Wie, of
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Racine, Wisconsin, her father being David Van Wie, an early settler of this eity. Mr. and Mrs. Shephard have two children: Floyd, a high school stu- dent, and Juanita. In his fraternal relations Mr. Shephard is an Odd Fellow and has many friends among the representatives of that organization, to the teachings of which he is most loyal. In politics he maintains an independent course, but is interested in all matters of citizenship and co-operates in many movements which are matters of civic worth and pride.
WALTER CURTIS PALMER.
The various interests and activities of life maintain a splendid balance in Walter Curtis Palmer, an able and successful lawyer and judge, an enter- prising business man, a publie-spirited citizen and a faithful friend. He works well and plays well. He has the power of concentration, which enables him to put aside the eares and responsibilities of business when business hours are over and turn with equal zest to those activities and interests which relieve the stress and strain of professional and commercial life and constitute the upbuilding forces which qualify the individual for the labors of the succeeding day. Mr. Palmer was widely known as senior partner in the law firm of Palmer & Gittings, but severed that connection January 1, 1914, on taking his seat on the bench as county judge. He is also secretary of the Racine Build- ing & Loan Association, a director of the First National Bank of Racine, a stockholder in other corporations, and a member of various lodges.
Raeine county, therefore, is proud to number him among her native sons. He was born in Waterford. October 8, 1858. his parents being Nelson H. and Sarah N. (Curtis) Palmer, both of whom were natives of New York, as was the paternal grandfather, who, during the period of pioneer development in Wisconsin, established his home in this state, devoting his life to general agri- cultural pursuits until he established his home in Waterford, where he passed away when well advanced in years. His family of two sons and two daughters included Nelson H. Palmer, who, on arriving at years of maturity, wedded Sarah N. Curtis, a daughter of William Curtis, a native of Massachusetts, a building contractor of Oswego, New York. He wedded Betsy Galpin and when on a visit in Wisconsin passed away. His widow afterward decided to make her home in Racine county and died in Waterford at the notable age of ninety years. Mr. Curtis was the builder of the first Kingsford starch factory and constructed many public and private buildings during his residenee in Oswego, New York. His sons became his business associates and all attained success.
During the period of his early manhood Nelson H. Palmer was employed in a woolen mill in New York and following his arrival in Waterford, Wiscon- sin, in 1838, engaged in carpentering for a short time. He afterward took up the milling business and still later turned his attention to merchandising. His recognized ability led to his selection for various positions of honor and trust and at all times he was a representative and valued citizen of his community, his life conforming to his professions as a member of the Congregational church. He died in November, 1899, at the age of eighty-one years. Their
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family numbered two sons and five daughters: Charles N., living in Clyde, Illinois ; Walter C .; Minnie, the wife of Dr. James F. Malone, of West Allis, Wisconsin ; Nellie B., the widow of Chauncey Lahatchka, of Racine; Satie K., the wife of Samuel E. Chapman, of Payette, Idaho ; and Mattie and Lelia, both of Racine.
After attending the public schools of Waterford, Walter C. Palmer became a student in Rochester Seminary and subsequently studied law in the Univer- sity of Wisconsin at Madison, being graduated with the class of 1881. He had also read law with Justice John B. Winslow, the present chief justice of the Wisconsin supreme court, as his preceptor and in 1881 he was admitted to the bar. Upon his return home he began the practice of his profession and also assisted his father along mercantile lines. He was first called to public office when, in 1886, he was elected county elerk, occupying the position for four years. On the 1st of January, 1891, he formed a partnership with C. C. Gittings and the firm of Palmer & Gittings for years maintained a highly creditable position in the foremost ranks of the legal firms of the city, their practice being of a very extensive and important character, but the partner- ship terminated January 1, 1914, when Mr. Palmer became county judge. He has won for himself very favorable criticism for the careful and systematic methods which he has followed. He has keen insight and remarkable powers of concentration and his retentive mind often excites the praise of his col- leagues. His comprehensive knowledge of law is manifest and his application of legal principles demonstrates the wide range of his professional acquire- ment, while his fairness and impartiality are above question.
Although he gives the closest attention to his judicial duties Judge Palmer vet finds time to devote to important business affairs. In 1891 he promoted and organized the Racine Building & Loan Association, which is one of the most successful financial concerns of the city, and served as its secretary until he took office as judge on the 1st of January, 1914. He has since been presi- dent of the company, of which he is also a director. and he is likewise presi-
dent of the White Buck Hardware Company. He is a stockholder and director in the First National Bank, in the management of whose affairs he is active, and is also a stockholder in the Racine City Bank, the Farmers and Merchants Bank, the Racine Shoe Company and the Chicago Rubber Clothing Company.
On the 12th of March, 1889, Mr. Palmer wedded Miss Abigail H. Williams. a native of New York and a daughter of John and Eleanor (Jones) Williams, who were born in Wales and on coming to America, forty years ago, settled in Racine, where Mr. Williams passed away after working at the carpenter's trade for several years. His wife survived him for some time and died at the home of her only daughter, Mrs. Palmer. The only son of the family, William R. Williams, is now a resident of Los Angeles, California. Mrs. Palmer is a member of the Episcopal church and is a most charming hostess, presiding with graciousness over her hospitable home.
Mr. Palmer has long been recognized as an active worker in republican ranks, doing all in his power to promote the success of the party. He is presi- dent of the Racine Commercial Club and has membership in Belle City Lodge, No. 92, F. & A. M .; Racine Lodge, No. 32, K. P .; Lakeside Camp, No. 379. M. W. A., of which he is a charter member; Raeine Lodge, No. 220, R. A., and
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the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His position is ever that of leader- ship and in all his different relations he has become a molder of public thought and opinion. He has that quality which, for want of a better term, has been called personal magnetism, and a spirit of justice, a sense of right and a recog- nition of his obligations to others are among the dominant qualities in his makeup.
JAMES D. BLACK.
James D. Black, deceased, was for many years a resident of Racine and such were his sterling qualities that he enjoyed the friendship and high regard of many with whom he was brought in contact. He was born in Winchester, Virginia, February 14, 1844. a son of George W. and Elizabeth (Stipe) Black. The father was a son of a soldier of the War of 1812 and was of Scotch descent. He learned the blacksmith's trade and in June, 1844, he removed with his family to Marseilles, Illinois, where he lived for about a year and then went to Ogle county, Illinois, where for thirty years he engaged in blacksmithing. He there passed away in 1887, as did his wife, who, like her husband, was born in Winchester, Virginia, and was the daughter of a veteran of the War of 1812.
James D. Black was but an infant when taken to Illinois and in the com- mon schools of Ogle county pursued his education. When sixteen years of age he began serving an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, but after a little time decided on another occupation and turned his attention to farming, in which he engaged at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. He was a youth of but seventeen years when, on the 16th of August, 1861, at Mount Morris, Ogle county, he enlisted for active service at the front as a member of Company H, Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry. He was mustered in at Camp Butler in September of that year and under command of Colonel E. N. Kirk the regiment went to Cineinnati in order to protect that city against the troops under General Kirby Smith. With his command Mr. Black afterward went to Louisville and then through the northern part of Kentucky and on south- ward, watching the movements of the Confederate troops and taking part in several skirmishes. At Green River the regiment was assigned to the Fifth Brigade under General Wood and the Second Division under General Alex- ander McCook, and in that connection Mr. Black served in the battle of Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, the engagement at Farmington and fought Morgan's men at Clayville. He was also in the battle of Murfreesboro, Mission Ridge, Tunnel Hill. Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Konesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek and Atlanta and later went with Sherman on the cele- brated march from Atlanta to the sea, while subsequently he was in action at Bentonville, North Carolina. He participated in the Grand Review at Wash- ington, where the victorious Union troops marched down Pennsylvania avenue and passed the stand on which the president reviewed the army. For bravery in action Mr. Black had been promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1862 and was so discharged at Chicago with the close of the war.
In 1866 Mr. Black returned to Ogle county and in 1868 removed to Mar-
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shalltown, Iowa, but after a year returned to Shannon, Illinois, and two years later entered the employ of the St. Paul Railroad Company. In 1876 he re- moved to Racine, where he was employed in the ear department, continuing there for several years. He afterward worked at the carpenter's trade, but still later resumed railroad work as an employe of the Northwestern, with which corporation he continued for eight or ten years.
On the 9th of July, 1874, Mr. Black was married to Miss Sophronia Chitty, a daughter of the Rev. R. L. Chitty, a United Brethren minister. They became parents of three children. Oscar H. is a elerk in the postoffice at Cooper Sta- tion. Arthur E. is engaged in the insurance and real estate business. He mar- ried Graee A. Simms, of Jacksonville, Illinois, and has one ehild, Virginia Catherine. Mildred is the wife of Phillip Heibering. of Racine, and they have one son, James. Mr. Black was a member of the Masonie fraternity and exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft. He passed away in 1906. Mrs. Black still resides in Racine. She was instrumental in organizing the Women's Relief Corps of Racine in 1885. has served as president and has held offiees continuously sinee its organization. She is interested in all patriotic movements that tend to the betterment of the community. She possesses re- markable business and executive ability, most carefully and wisely directs her interests and is winning success therefrom.
GEORGE PETERSON.
George Peterson, a farmer and stock raiser of Raymond township, was born on the old family homestead in that township February 10. 1879, his parents being John and Gertrude Peterson, who were natives of Denmark and Norway respectively. The father, who was born in 1834, passed away in 1909. He came to the new world in 1869 and, settling in Racine county, was married in Raymond township. He purchased a farm of sixty-two acres and at once bent his energies to its development and improvement, continuing to reside thereon until his demise. His wife has also passed away. They were con- sistent members of the Lutheran church and Mr. Peterson gave his political allegiance to the republican party. In their family were the following chil- ren : George ; Osear; Charley ; Mary. the wife of Jacob Steffeson, living in Ray- mond township; Edith, the wife of George Haigh, of Yorkville township ; and Sarah, the wife of Ed Jacobson, whose home is near Waterford, Wisconsin.
Reared to the occupation of farming, George Peterson divided his youthful days between work in the fields and the acquirement of a public school educa- tion. He afterward learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for five years, and then took up the oceupation of farming on his own account. He is today the owner of one hundred and two acres of rich and valuable land, all of which he has acquired through his own efforts, for he is a self-made man, having received but seven hundred and twenty-three dollars from his father. He is now engaged in general agricultural pursuits, cultivating grain, raising hogs and milking a large number of cows. His dairy as well as his fields return to him a gratifying income and the sale of hogs adds materially to his annual
MR. AND MRS. GEORGE PETERSON
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revenue. Upon the farm is a comfortable and attractive residence and there are large and substantial barns and outbuildings for the shelter of grains, stock and farm machinery. He uses the latest improved agricultural imple- ments and everything about his place is kept in good condition, indicating his progressive spirit and practical methods.
In August, 1909, Mr. Peterson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Krause, a native of Milwaukee county, and they are parents of two sons: Raymond John, born December 10, 1911; and Rudolph Charles, born January 1, 1915. In polities Mr. Peterson is an independent republican, for while he usually votes for the men and measures of the party, he does not consider himself bound to party ties. He attends the Lutheran church and is interested in all that pertains to the welfare and progress of his community along material, polit- ical, social and moral lines. He belongs to that type of progressive farmers to whom Racine county largely owes her upbuilding and prosperity, and his life record is proof of the fact that no district offers better business oppor- tunities to the ambitious young man.
EDWIN B. SKEWES.
Edwin B. Skewes, son of Samuel and Ruth Bottomley Skewes, was born January 30, 1858, at Grovean Farm, Racine county. Samuel Skewes, with his first wife, Catherine Lugg Skewes, came to this country from Cornwall, Eng- land, in 1842, and settled on what is now known as Grovean Farm. To them were born four children: Samuel, who throughout his life was engaged in farming; Sarah, who died when about twelve years old; Margret, who died in young womanhood; and George, who was widely known and highly hon- ored throughout Racine and the county as an educator and banker. Some years after the death of his first wife, Samuel Skewes married Ruth Bot- tomley of English Settlement, who came from England with her parents in 1842. To them were born four children, Edwin Bottomley; Emma, who is now Mrs. A. E. Hoyt. of Chicago; Eleanor Jessop, deceased: and Thomas Henry, who has a part of the original homestead.
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