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 51
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HENRY SCHULTE.
Racine's musical history for the past forty-five years could be written in the biography of Henry Schulte. No other name has been so closely allied with all the various musical undertakings during this period, nor is it likely that any one man has done more for the development of musical interest and knowledge in the city.
He was born in Racine, August 4, 1858, his parents being Theodore and Fredericka Schulte, both of whom were born in Germany and came to this country in 1847. The father was a cabinet maker, having learned this trade in his native country. He continued in this work for twelve years after con- ing to Racine, when he entered the employ of the Case Threshing Machine Company, with which concern he continued uninterruptedly until his retire- ment from active life. He died in 1878, while his wife survived until 1910.
Henry Schulte received his early education in Racine and soon showed a marked talent for music. His parents wisely encouraged this talent, and he was placed under the best teachers available in Racine and Milwaukee. At an early age he became a member of the old German orchestra, Racine's only musical organization at that time, and when he was twenty-two years of age he began devoting his entire time to music, both as a teacher and in band and orchestra work.
Adolph Schulte, an older brother, organized the Schulte Band in 1876. and Henry, Theodore, Frank, and Joseph Schulte all became members at its inception. After four years, Adolph Schulte left Racine, and Henry was chosen director in his place. Under his leadership the Schulte Band and Orchestra has grown and improved steadily for the past forty years. It is the only Racine musical organization which has enjoyed an uninterrupted existence during this period and is today ranked as one of the best musical organizations in the middle west. During these years there have been a great many fine concerts given and arranged by the band and orchestra, and Racine people were given the opportunity of hearing many fine artists from larger cities as soloists at these concerts. The success of the fine programs given and the continued life of the organization have been due in large part to the tireless activities of Henry Schulte.
It was Mr. Schulte who organized the first theatre orchestra in Racine, when the Blake Opera House was built. He has also been active as a choral director and has for thirty-six years directed the St. Mary's church choir. Several of Mr. Schulte's original compositions have become very popular,
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particularly the Homecoming March, which was dedicated to the first Racine Homecoming, and the Company F March, which he wrote for Racine's Com- pany F at the time of the Spanish-American war.
Mr. Schulte was married in 1882 to Miss Theresa Sehneider, an aceom- plished pianist, and built a fine home at 1234 Park avenue. They have a family of four children: Karl, who is regarded as one of the best violinists in Wiseonsin; Frederick, who is also successfully following the musical pro- fession as a pianist; Marie; and Robert. The two eldest sons are also asso- ciated with their father in the band and orchestra.
In his political views Mr. Schulte maintains a non-partisan attitude, and was elected on a non-partisan ticket as supervisor from the third ward. This position came to him unsolicited, and he is now serving for the second term. He and his family are members of St. Mary's Catholic church, and he is promi- nent in German societies, and is also a member of leading fraternal and social organizations. His high standing in musical circles is further indicated by the fact that he has been chosen fifteen times as delegate to represent the local musicians at the conventions of the American Federation of Musicians. He is today enjoying excellent health and is as active as ever in his ehosen work. His activities as a teacher and bandmaster have certainly contributed greatly to the musical advancement of Raeine, and he is aeeorded high honor as the dean of Raeine musicians.
SIMON GULICK.
Simon Gulick is engaged in farming in Dover township. where he was born and has always resided. His natal day was August 16, 1856, his parents being Eagleson and Isabelle (Qualset) Gulick. The paternal grandfather was Eagle Gulick, who became a resident of Dover township and here lived to the age of eighty-two years. His son, Eagleson Guliek, was born in Norway, December 1, 1827. and is still living, being now in the eighty-ninth year of his age. He was married in Rochester to Isabelle Qualset, whose birth oe- eurred in Norway in 1816. and in that country her parents spent their entire lives. It was in 1843 that Eagleson Guliek became a resident of Dover town- ship and that the county was then but sparsely settled is indicated in the fact that he was able to purchase eighty aeres of land at three dollars per acre. He then cleared the land, prepared it for the plow, and in course of time gathered good harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestowed upon his fields. In 1848 he built a log house and in that primitive home occurred the birth of his seven children. of whom four are now living : Edward, a resident farmer of Nebraska: Simon; Isabelle, the wife of Henry Mossmann, a railroad man of Missoula, Montana; and Mary. the wife of Melvin Bemis, who is connected with a fur store in St. Paul. The mother passed away in 1907. being then ninety years of age. She was a member of the Lutheran church. to which Mr. Guliek also belongs. His early political allegiance was given to the democratic party and afterward he became a republican. He joined the Union army at the time of the Civil war, serving
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for three years and three months in defense of his adopted country, after which he resumed farming in Dover township, and he now makes his home with his son.
In the district schools Simon Gulick pursued his education and then took up the active work of the farm, since which time his attention has been con- tinuously given to agricultural pursuits. He has one hundred and twenty- five acres of good land and carries on general farming and dairying, keeping full blooded Durham cows. For forty years he has also operated a threshing machine throughout his part of the county and his life has been one of unusual activity, his diligence being the basic element in his growing and con- tinuous success.
In 1885 Mr. Guliek wedded Miss Mattie English, who was born in Nor- way, a daughter of Martin English, who was one of the early settlers of Nor- way township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Gulick became the parents of six children : Frank, who is janitor of a large church in Minneapolis: Leonard, a farmer living near Waterford; Florence, the wife of Lacy Tindall, a con- tractor; Thomas, who is upon the farm with his father; and Isabelle and Harold, at home. In the fall of 1909 the family were called upon to mourn the loss of the wife and mother, who was a devout member of the Catholic church, in the faith of which she reared her children.
Mr. Gulick gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has twice been called upon to serve on the board of supervisors. He belongs to Camp No. 3112, M. W. A., at Waterford and for some time has served as escort in that organization. There is no phase of Racine county's develop- ment during the past six decades with which he is not familar and his reminiscences concerning the early history and the progress of the county are most interesting. His long connection with its agricultural development has been a potent force in bringing about present day conditions in agri- cultural circles in Dover township.
RACINE TOOL & MACHINE COMPANY.
Racine has called to her midst many captains of industry, men who are con- trolling extensive and important commercial and industrial interests, and their efforts have given to the city its well earned reputation as a great manufactur- ing center. One of the important undertakings of Racine is that conducted under the name of the Racine Tool & Machine Company, which was organized in 1908. In December, 1910, it was purchased by J. M. Jones, who is the pres- ident, treasurer and general manager of the company, with F. E. Koehler as vice president and L. Jones as secretary. The company manufactures high speed metal cutting machines and has the largest exclusive metal cutting ma- chinery plant in the world. Its product is sold in all civilized countries. Ma- chinery is made for cutting metal in every way and of all kinds. The plant is located at No. 1439 Junction avenue and includes a two story and basement building of modern mill construction, eighty by one hundred and twenty feet.
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It is one of the new buildings of the city used for manufacturing purposes and fifty skilled workmen are employed in turning out the product. The company is widely known as heavy exporters and is recognized as the world's greatest experts in metal cutting. To Racine was sent a large meteor to be cut by the Racine Tool & Machine Company, which makes a machine capable of cutting a "harder than steel" body. This is the only company in the country that is putting forth a machine that can economically and accurately meet the re- quirements of meteorologists in this connection.
J. M. JONES.
J. M. Jones, president, treasurer and general manager of the Racine Tool & Machine Company, is a native of Indiana and his public school education was supplemented by study in Western College at Toledo, Iowa. When a young man he taught school and afterward turned his attention to general merchan- dising near Rock Island, Illinois, while subsequently he became connected with the wholesale shoe business in Chicago. He afterward engaged in the bank- ing business in Chicago and in 1900 came to Racine but went back and forth from Chicago each day. In December, 1910, he purchased the business which is now conducted under the name of the Racine Tool & Machine Company, of which he is the president, treasurer and general manager. This company has continuously engaged in the manufacture of high speed metal cutting machines and its product today is the most efficient in this work that has thus far been produced in the world, as is shown in the fact that their machines cut with greater accuracy and speed and therefore in less time and with less expense than any other machines.
Mr. Jones' family consists of a wife and one daughter. He is a member of the Christian Science church and in politics is a republican. All outside inter- ests, however, are made subservient to the main object of his life-the upbuild- ing of the enterprise with which he is now connected. It is not the mere at- tainment of success which actuates him, but a desire to reach the greatest pos- sible measure of perfection in the work which he has undertaken, to go beyond what others have accomplished and give to the world something of actual worth and value.
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ROBERT WHERREY, SR.
Robert Wherrey, Sr., has long been identified with commercial interests in Racine as proprietor of a butcher shop and is well known in the business cir- cles of the city. He was born in New York, April 17, 1848, and is indebted to the common school system of that state for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. When his textbooks were put aside he took up the occupation of farming in New York and was thus engaged until he came to Racine in 1869, when a young man of twenty years. Here he embarked in the butchering busi-
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ness, which he has since followed, and all through the intervening years he has enjoyed a liberal patronage, making his business a substantial and profit- able one. He married Margaret Beanston and both are well known in the community where they have now long resided.
ROBERT WHERREY, JR.
Robert Wherrey, Jr., identified with farming interests, his home being on section 35, Mount Pleasant township, was born in Racine on the 1st of Jan- uary, 1885, and in the acquirement of his edneation passed through consecu- tive grades in the public schools until he beeame a high grade school pupil. In the intervening period he has been engaged in business with his father and is now conducting a farm on section 35, Mount Pleasant township, where he care- fully and wisely directs the interests of the home farm.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Wherrey is well known, holding member- ship in Racine Lodge, No. 92, F. & A. M., also in the chapter and council. He likewise belongs to Racine Lodge, No. 32, K. P., and to the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and his political belief that of the republican party. He has been a lifelong resident of Racine county and is well known to its citizens, who class him with the enterprising and representative men of the district.
HENRY W. LEWIS.
Henry W. Lewis is actively engaged in the cultivation of a good farm on section 24, Mount Pleasant township. This farm is connected with the county insane asylum and he has been its superintendent for eight years. He was born in Mount Pleasant township, March 8, 1868, a son of Andrew Jackson and Hattie (Northrup) Lewis, the former a native of New York and the latter 'of Wisconsin. They were married at Rock Prairie, Wisconsin, in 1864, and they became the parents of two sons, Henry W. and Roy. The latter wedded Mary Zimmerman and they became the parents of twins, Milton and Mildred. The father followed the occupation of farming throughout his active business life and thus provided a comfortable living for his family. Hle now makes his home with his son Henry, his wife having died on the 25th of March, 1911, her remains being interred in Mound cemetery. In his political views Mr. Lewis has ever been an earnest republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and in his religious faith he is a Baptist
Henry W. Lewis acquired a common school education, pursuing his studies until he reached the age of sixteen or seventeen years, after which he worked with his father to the age of twenty. IIe then started out in business independ- ently and for two years rented a farm. At the end of that time he rented his father's farm, which he cultivated for a year and then invested in property in 1891, becoming the owner of three hundred acres on Twelfth street, which he
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still farms. He lived upon that place for six years and then removed to Raeine, where he continued to reside for nine years. He next accepted the position of superintendent of the county insane asylum and has acted in that eapaeity for eight years. In this eonneetion he directs the labors of the farm, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, the work being attended by a sub- stantial measure of profit.
On the 8th of February, 1891, Mr. Lewis was married to Miss Adella Place, a daughter of William Place, of Franksville, who was one of the early settlers of this part of the state. He was born in New York, while his wife was a native of Wales. Mr. and Mrs. Place became the parents of six children: Jule, who married Herman Jensen and is living in Kenosha ; George, a resident of Mount Pleasant township; Henry, whose home is in Franksville, Wisconsin; Ada, of Racine; Adella, now Mrs. Lewis; and Will, whose home is in Franksville, Wis- consin.
Mr Lewis is identified with the Modern Woodmen camp at Corliss and he gives his politieal allegiance to the republican party. He usually attends the Freewill Baptist church and his life has at all times been honorable and up- right. He is today the owner of three hundred acres of well improved land and he owes his sueeess entirely to his perseveranee, industry and capable man- agement. He has never been afraid of hard work and when difficulties and obstaeles have confronted him they have seemed to serve as an impetus for re- newed effort on his part.
MAIDENS SEWELL.
Maidens Sewell, who for thirty-seven years was identified with farming in- terests in this eounty, his labors being terminated by death on the 20th of April, 1913, was born in England on the 9th of December, 1840, his parents being John and Betsy Sewell. He obtained a common sehool education and during his youthful days assisted largely in the labors of the home farm in England, but beeame attraeted by the opportunities which he heard existed in America and when a youth of fifteen he came to the United States, making his way to Ohio, where he resided for three years. He there hired out as a farm hand and after being employed in that way for some time he returned to England. In 1876, however, he again came to the United States and made his way to Racine county, Wisconsin, settling on a farm constituting a part of the Herrick estate west of Corliss. There he lived for thirty-five years, at the end of which time he purchased thirty aeres in Mount Pleasant township, whereon he continued to engage in farming until his death on the 20th of April, 1913. In the meantime, however, he extended the boundaries of his property by the additional purchase of a forty-five aere traet in Mount Pleas- ant township and his holdings were thus valuable and productive.
In 1872 Mr. Sewell was united in marriage to Miss Betsy Pearee, a daughter of Joseph and Rosamond Pearce, of England. The four children of this mar- riage are: Katie M., who is the wife of Ed. Lewis and has three children; Franeis Fred, who married Ella West and has two children ; Nellie Louise, who
MAIDENS SEWELL
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became the wife of Josephi C. Coates and died July 10. 1913, leaving a son, George Sewell, now living in Findlay, Ohio, and Albert Maidens, who married Mabel E. Burns and has one child, James Maidens.
After taking out his naturalization papers Mr. Sewell voted with the demo- cratie party, to which he always gave stalwart support. His religious belief was in harmony with the teachings of the Episcopal church and according to its principles he guided his life, living at all times in harmony with his fellow- men, endeavoring to do unto others as he would have them do unto him.
FRED L. KING.
Fred L. King, who is engaged in truck gardening upon a tract of land of fifteen acres on section 13, Mount Pleasant township, was born in St. Charles. Illinois, August 18, 1854, and is a son of Edmond and Mary (Rice) King, of whom mention is made on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of their son, Frank E. King. After mastering the preliminary branches of learning as a district school pupil Fred L. King continued his education in the town schools until 1868, when his parents removed to Green county, Wis- consin, where they lived for two years. On the expiration of that period he came with them to Racine county and while under the parental roof he was trained to habits of industry and economy and was instructed in those prin- ciples which are the basic element of upright manhood.
When eighteen years of age Mr. King started out in life on his own account and learned the carriage painting trade, at which he worked for three or four years. He spent one year in the MeAvoy carriage shop and afterward went to Texas, where he engaged in ranching for four or five years. In fact he has been identified with ranch interests throughout the southwest and upon leav- ing that section of the country made his way to St. Louis, where he began rail- roading, in which connection he worked his way upward to the position of engineer on the Iron Mountain Railroad. He afterward ran an engine on the Cairo & St. Louis Railroad for several years and later returned to Racine county, where for eight years he was connected with his brother in the further development and cultivation of the old home farm. At the end of that time he purchased three and one-half aeres at Mygatts Corners and still later bought other land. At present he is farming fifteen acres devoted to truck gardening and he now produces large crops, for which he finds a ready sale on the market.
On the 8th of February, 1887, near Los Vegas, New Mexico, Mr. King was united in marriage to Miss Lena Jrupe, a daughter of Henry and Wilhelmina (Shermer) Jrupe, both of whom were natives of Germany, whence they came to Illinois in early life. They have now passed away and their remains were interred in Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. King have become parents of a son, Edmund L., who married Helen Cheeseman and has one child, Edmund Ellsworth.
Politically Mr. King is a republican and has served as chairman of the town committee. He has been a member of the school board and the cause of public education finds him an earnest supporter. He attends the Baptist
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church and conforms his life to its teachings, always endeavoring to follow the golden rule. He has been a diligent worker and has made his own success and at the same time he has molded his character in such a manner as to merit and enjoy the high regard and respect of his fellow townsmen.
JOHN BELL.
Caledonia township was the birthplace of John Bell as well as the place of his present residence, his home being on section 19. He was born November 29, 1858, a son of Valentine and Agnes (Vohn) Bell, both of whom were born in the Rhine country of Germany in 1813. They were reared and married in the fatherland and on coming to the new world established their home in Cale- donia township, where the father secured twenty acres of land, which he pur- chased for a dollar and a quarter per acre, and to which he subsequently added ten acres. The homestead comprises eighty acres, John Bell having bought fifty acres. Valentine Bell successfully engaged in farming until his death in 1884. For a decade he had survived his wife, who passed away in 1874. They were members of St. Louis Catholic church of Caledonia township and in politics Mr. Bell was a democrat. He came to the county in pioneer days, cleared his land, built a log cabin and as the years went on won a sub- stantial measure of success. He was a well educated man and had been a teacher in his native country, where his father, Valentine Bell, followed the occupation of farming, never coming to the new world. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Valentine Bell, Jr., were six children, of whom three are living: Sebastian, who resides upon a farm in Caledonia township; Lena, the wife of John Michaels, of the same township : and John, of this review.
The last named acquired his education in the parochial and district schools and took up farm work, to which he had been reared and which he has always followed. His entire life has been given to the work of the fields and he has eighty acres of rich and productive land which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. He has upon his place a nice home and substantial outbuild- ings for the shelter of grain and stock. These he erected himself and other- wise he has improved his place, making it a valuable modern farm. He car- ries on general agricultural pursuits, raising all kinds of grain and also spe- cializing in cabbage. He likewise does considerable dairying, shipping milk to the Horlick plant, and his intelligently directed business affairs are winning for him substantial success.
In 1877 Mr. Bell was married to Miss Mary Swick, a native of Milwaukee county, and to them were born thirteen children, of whom twelve are yet liv- ing: Joseph, a mail carrier of Racine; Willie, who died leaving a wife and three children who are residents of Racine; Toney, who is agent at the Good- rich dock in Racine; Frank, who is now in South Dakota for the benefit of his health; Agnes, the wife of Edward Bloom, a machinist working in the shops of Racine; Louie, who is employed by a dairyman at Elkhorn, Wisconsin; Louisa, the wife of Erney Johnson, who is employed in his father's shoe store
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in Racine; Hugo, who is engaged in the painting business at Elkhorn; Leo. in Racine; Marie, who is in Racine with her brother Toney; and Peter, IIelen and Edward, all at home.
The parents are members of the Catholic church, being identified with St. Louis church in Caledonia township. In politics Mr. Bell is a democrat and has served in several local offices. For four years he was on the side board and for three years was chairman. He also served on the board of health for a year as chairman and for six years as its secretary, and he is now serving on the state highway committee. He is interested in every plan and measure for the upbuilding and development of county and state and lends active aid and co-operation to many movements for the general good. In his own business life his career demonstrates what can be accomplished by determination and energy, for he started out empty handed and was worked his way upward to success, wisely using his opportunities and gaining advancement by reason of his indefatigable energy and perseverance.
ROBERT BENJAMIN WEST.
Robert Benjamin West, whose time is busily occupied with the care of a farm of seventy-one acres, which he cultivates according to modern scientific methods productive of excellent results, is one of the native sons of Racine county, born June 21, 1876. His father, Benjamin West, also a well known and highly respected agriculturist of this county, was born in Canada, October 11. 1847, his parents being Thomas and Hannah West, who in 1848 brought their family to Racine county, casting in their lot with its pioneer settlers. Secur- ing land, Thomas West devoted his attention to farming in Raymond town- ship until his death and contributed in substantial measure to the develop- ment and progress of the locality.
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