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 58
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On the 5th of December, 1890, Mr. Gifford was married to Miss Emeline Mosher, who was born in Mount Pleasant township, where her father, Joseph Mosher, settled at a very early day, having arrived there in the early '50s, after which he continued his residence upon his farm for many years. At length he removed to Racine, where he passed away four years later in 1908. Mrs. Mosher came to Racine county from New York in 1844 in a covered wagon with her parents, who settled in the town of Mount Pleasant. Her grandparents and her great-grandfather came at the same time and her family is one of the o'dest in the county.
Mr. and Mrs. Gifford have become the parents of two sons and two daugh- ters : W. Allen and Joseph M., who are associated with their father in business and are now retailing milk in Racine, having started the first eight-cent milk route in the city, since which time they have conducted their interests with
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marked success; Esther, who is a junior in the State University at Madison : and Harriett, now a student in the high school at Racine.
Mrs. Gifford is a member of the Freewill Baptist church, while the children belong to the Congregational church. Mr. Gifford has membership with the Modern Woodmen of America and he gives his political allegiance to the repub- lican party. He has taken little time for outside interests, however, having always concentrated his energies upon his agricultural pursuits and dairying, and his close application, firm purpose and sound judgment have been the salient features in his growing success.
WILLIAM C. HANSCHE.
William C. Hansche, who became one of the early residents of Raeine county and figured for many years as a highly respected and worthy citizen of his locality, was born in Germany in June, 1827, and after completing the public school course learned the wagonmaker's trade in the fatherland. In 1840 he accompanied his parents on their emigration to America. The family took passage on a sailing vessel which was completely wrecked off the island of Haiti and all of the passengers were compelled to stay in San Domingo for twenty-one weeks. In the fall the family succeeded in reaching New York and thence went to Cleveland, Ohio, where they spent five years. While living there they met Huron Beebe, who had a farm near Racine, Wisconsin, and who induced them to settle in Racine county. William Hansche, the father of our subject, successfully engaged in farming here until his demise, which occurred in 1873, when he was sixty-eight years old. He was survived until 1874 by his wife. They were the parents of three sons and one daughter. William C. Hansche, the father of Fred C. and Louis A. Hansche, became the owner of land in Racine county and gained recognition as one of the most practical and efficient agriculturists of his locality. His political allegiance was given to the republican party. Ho was well known and his death, which occurred in 1892, was deeply regretted. In 1860 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Heck, a daughter of Philip Heck, and five children were born to their union, namely: William F .; Fred : Louis; Katie, who married Ernest Sheckler: and Sophia, the wife of Augus- tus J. Piper.
FRED C. HANSCHE.
Among the energetic and enterprising farmers of Mount Pleasant town- ship is numbered Fred C. Hansche, who is living on section 32, where in connection with his brother, Louis A. Hansche, he is cultivating one hundred acres of land. He was born October 15, 1870, in the township where he still resides, his father being William C. Hansche, mentioned above. At the usual age he entered the common schools, which he attended until he reached the
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age of eighteen. He then gave his entire attention to the task of assisting his father in the work of the home farm and since his father's death has been active in the management and control of the property. He is associated with his younger brother. Louis A., and they today own and cultivate one hundred acres, constituting one of the excellent farms of the township. They raise some grain but the place is largely devoted to the production of vegetables and as truck farmers they are meeting with excellent success. Their place always presents a most attractive appearance, for the fields are clean and well cultivated and the vegetables are, by reason of the fertility of the soil and the practical, progressive methods of the owners, of splendid size and quality.
In his political views Mr. Hansche is an earnest republican and fraternally he is connected with the Eagles at Racine, while his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church.
LOUIS A. HANSCHE.
Louis A .Hansche, brother and partner of Fred C. Hansche, was born in Mount Pleasant township, March 11, 1873, and mastercd the branches of learning taught in the common schools, which he attended until fifteen or sixteen years of age. He has continuously given his attention to the farm work since that time and theirs is one of the well developed properties of Mount Pleasant township.
On the 18th of July, 1900, Louis A. Hansche was married to Miss Anna Larsen, a daughter of George and Mary Larsen, who were early settlers of this county and both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hansche have one child, Erma Irene, who will enter high school in the fall of 1916. Mr. Hansche belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp at Somers and is a member of the Racine Commercial Club. In politics he is a republican and has been called to a number of local offices. For four years he served as a member of the town board and for several years occupied the position of pathmaster. He has also been officially connected with the schools as a director and for six years as clerk of the board. His life in all its moral relations is guided by the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a con- sistent member.
WILLIAM H. ROHAN.
William H. Rohan is a member of the firm of Rohan & Rohan, manufac- turers' agents for all kinds of office requirements and supplies. In this con- nection he has developed a good business and his position in trade circles in Racine is a creditable one. He was born in this city April 4, 1890, a son of William J. and Margaret Rohan, who were also natives of Racine, the Rohan family having been founded in this city at an early day by the paternal grand-
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parents. The grandfather was a teaming contractor, while the father, Wil- liam J. Rohan, became a pattern maker, following the trade for a number of ycars.
William HI. Rohan, in the pursuit of his education, mastered the work of the grades and of the high school. He made his initial step in the business world as a traveling salesman, devoting a few years to that work, and in 1911 he became connected with the office supply business as a partner of T. II. Knight, under whose name the business was conducted. A removal was made to No. 205 Osgood building and at that time the name of the Knight-Rohan Com- pany was assumed. This connection was continued until June, 1913, when the partnership was dissolved and William H. Rohan was joined by his brother, James B. Rohan, under the firm style of Rohan & Rohan. In the intervening period they have built up a substantial patronage as manufacturers' agents for every kind of office equipment. They handle many lines put forth by standard manufacturers of the country and there is no office accessory which cannot be secured through their establishment. Their trade has constantly grown and developed along profitable lines, their success being attributable to close application and indefatigable energy.
On the 23d of June, 1915, Mr. Rohan was married to Miss Marcia E. Cole- man, of Racine. They attend St. Rose Catholic church and Mr. Rohan also has membership with the Elks lodge and with the Country and Yacht Clubs, associations which indicate the nature of his recreation when business cares afford him leisure. He is a social, genial gentleman who in the various rela- tions of life has won many friends, greatly enjoying their confidence and good- will. He is yet a young man but already has won for himself a place in busi- ness circles that many a one of twice his years might well envy.
FRED JOHNSON.
Fred Johnson, engaged in farming on section 29, Mount Pleasant township. was born in Denmark on the 13th of September, 1850. a son of Christ Johnson, who spent his entire life in that country. Fred Johnson attended the common schools to the age of fifteen years and was afterward engaged in farm work in his native country until he reached the age of twenty, when he bade adieu to friends and family and sailed for the United States. He made his way at once to Racine county and for nine years was employed at farm labor. Since that time he has been working on the shares or cultivating rented farms. He worked on one farm for twenty-one years and for more than forty-five years he has been actively identified with agricultural interests in Racine county.
In 1872 Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Christina Thompson, who died leaving four children : Emma, Anna, Jesse and Alfred. After the death of his first wife Mr. Johnson wedded Christina Johnson and they became the parents of four children, of whom two have passed away, while Helen and Cecelia are yet living. The mother of these children died and in 1896 Mr. Johnson wedded Enger Engerman.
In his political views Mr. Johnson has always been a republican since age
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conferred upon him the right of franchise. He belongs to the Methodist Epis- copal church and has guided his life according to its teachings, always attempt- ing to do unto others as he would have them do unto him. He has never regretted his determination to come to the new world, for here he has found the opportunities which he sought and through industry and perseverance has gained a substantial measure of success.
E. W. HANSCHE.
Among Racine county's early settlers was numbered E. W. Hansehe, who for a long period was actively and successfully engaged in truck gardening in Mount Pleasant township. He was born in Germany on the 2d of March, 1836, a son of E. W. Hansche. He was about twenty-one or twenty-two years of age when he arrived in Raeine county and purchased land in Mount Pleas- ant township, upon which he resided until his demise. He worked diligently in the cultivation of the place and his farm of thirty-three aeres responded readily to the care and labor which he bestowed upon it. All through the summer season he continually marketed vegetables and for his products found a ready sale. He thus won a substantial measure of success, his prosperity being attributable entirely to his individual effort.
In 1858 Mr. Hansche was married to Miss Sophia Tigges and to them were born eight children, of whom seven are yet living: Mary, who is the wife of Fred Shermer, of Milwaukee, and has four children; Ernst, who mar- ried Annie Herzfeldt, by whom he has one child. and is now living in Mil- waukee; Charles, of Kenosha, who wedded Mary Becker and has two ehil- dren; Lydia, at home; Frank, who married Nita Scheller and resides in Raeine; Albert, of Kenosha, who wedded Freda Klaiber and has five children : and Louis C., who completes the family.
In his political views E. W. Hansche was a republican with firm belief in the principles of the party but he never sought nor desired office. He belonged to the German Baptist church, of which his widow is a member. She still makes her home in this county but Mr. Hansche passed away on the 15th of April, 1913, his remains being interred in Mound cemetery. He was then seventy-seven years of age and his was a well spent and active life which won him recognition as a substantial and valued citizen of Raeine county.
LOUIS C. HANSCHE.
Louis C. Hansche, son of E. W., was born October 13. 1880, and pursued his education in the district schools to the age of fifteen years, when he con- centrated his attention upon work on the home farm and has since there remained. The place is situated on section 37, Mount Pleasant township, and is devoted to the raising of garden produce.
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On the 25th of June, 1904, Louis C. Hansche was married to Miss Mabel Fischer, a daughter of William and Katherine Fischer. They have five children : Lester, Ruth, Marvel, Leah and Milton, the three oldest now in school. Mr. Hansehe exercises his right of franchise in support of the man and measures of the republican party but has never been a candidate for office, as he has concentrated his activities entirely upon the work of the home farm and in its cultivation has met with good success.
GEORGE DE GARIS.
George De Garis has departed this life, but many who knew him cherish his memory, for he was regarded as one of the substantial, respected and worthy citizens of Mount Pleasant township, where he remained until he passed to the home beyond on the 1st of March, 1908. He was born on the isle of Guernsey, January 14, 1839, his parents being Charles and Margaret De Garis. He attended the common schools on his native isle and when fifteen years of age crossed the Atlantic to the new world, after which he con- tinued his education in the high school at Raeine for two years. In early manhood he learned the painter's trade and when twenty years of age began taking small contraets. His business steadily increased in volume and im- portance until he was accorded a liberal patronage as a painter. He con- tinued active in that work until 1876, when he bought a farm in Somers township, Kenosha county, residing thereon for thirteen years. At the expira- tion of that period he sold the property and invested in eighteen aeres in Mount Pleasant township, Racine county, upon which he resided for sixteen years or from 1892 until his death, which occurred on the 1st of March, 1908, his remains being interred in Mound cemetery.
On the 30th of July, 1879, Mr. De Garis was united in marriage to Miss Anna E. Derby, a daughter of William S. and Mary Derby, the former a native of England and the latter of New York. It was in the year 1842 that her parents came to Wisconsin and they were married the following year in Racine county. To them were born three children, namely: George W., who passed away leaving three children; David W., who died in Cleburne, Texas, leaving a widow and three children; and Anna E. The father, Mr. Derby, passed away April 1, 1877, and his wife survived for twenty years, her death occurring March 31, 1897, when her grave was made by his side in Mound cemetery. They were consistent and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal and Baptist churches and Mr. Derby gave his political allegiance to the republican party.
To Mr. and Mrs. De Garis were born three children, as follows: George D., who is deceased; Stella M., at home; and Charles E., who has also passed away. Politically Mr. De Garis was a republican, supporting the party from the time age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He held road offices and was also an official in connection with the schools. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church and contributed generously of his means to its support. Whatever success he achieved in life was attributable entirely to
.
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his own efforts, for he started out empty handed and without financial assist- ance from anyone and worked his way steadily upward. His diligence and determination enabled him to overcome all the difficulties and obstacles in his path, for he possessed a resolute spirit and when one avenue of oppor- tunity seemed elosed he carved out other paths which would enable him to reach the desired goal.
JOHN FLETCHER.
John Fletcher, a well known farmer residing on section 18, Raymond town- ship, has spent his entire life in Raeine county, for he was born in that town- ship on the 16th of June, 1858, and has resided here continuously since. His parents, Richard and Martha (Dawson) Fletcher, were both natives of Eng- land but emigrated to the United States in early life and were married in Raymond, Racine county, Wisconsin, October 25, 1847. The father took up a tract of government land in Raymond township, met with success in his farm- ing operations and was the owner of one hundred and forty acres. He prae- tically witnessed the entire growth and development of this section of the state, as he came here in pioneer days and, like many other early settlers, his first home was a log cabin. He died upon the old homestead, honored and respected by all who knew him. He was a republican in politics and his wife was an earnest member of the Congregational church. They had three children: Mary, who is now the wife of Thomas Jacobson, a resident of North Dakota; John, of this review; and Ellen, who died a number of years ago.
John Fletcher is indebted to the district schools of this county for the educational advantages he received. He early became familiar with farm- ing and has always resided upon the old homestead in Raymond township. After his father's death he purchased the interests of the other heirs and is today the owner of a well improved and valuable farm. In early manhood he was united in marriage to Miss Christina Smizer, of Raymond township. who died in 1907, leaving no children.
Mr. Fletcher has never taken much interest in politics but always sup- ports the republican party and never withholds his aid from any enterprise which he believes will prove of public benefit. He is a progressive and up-to- date farmer and has the respect and confidence of the entire community.
THORWALD MARTIN BECK.
Thorwald Martin Beck, who on the 1st of January, 1916, became a part- ner in the law firm of Storms, Foley & Beck, was born in Denmark, July 7. 1889, a son of Thomas C. and Bodil Maria Beck, who in the fall of 1889 crossed the Atlantic to the United States and made their way into the interior of the country, settling on a farm in Washington county, Wisconsin, where
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they resided until 1907, the father devoting eighteen years to general agri- cultural pursuits. He then removed to Racine, where he has since lived retired.
After mastering the branches of learning taught in the public schools near his boyhood home, Thorwald Martin Beck entered Thiel College at Greenville, Pennsylvania, and eventually became a student in the University of Wisconsin, where he was graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree with the class of 1913. He then continued at Madison as a law student and won his LL.B. degree upon graduation in 1915. Returning to Racine, he entered the law office of Storms & Foley in the fall of 1915 and on the 1st of January, 1916, was admitted to a partnership and is thus engaged in practice. Before preparing for the bar, however, he was engaged in the grocery business, having been a member of the firm of Beck Brothers in 1907 and 1908. His education also included a business course in Luther College in 1907. He is today the only Danish attorney at Racine and is a prominent and active young man whose ambition and ability are winning him promo- tion, so that he is already well established in a good practice.
Mr. Beck has membership in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon, also in the Phi Alpha Delta, a law fraternity, and in Theta Nu Epsilon, an honorary class fraternity. His political belief is that of the republican party and his religious faith that of the Lutheran church. He is also identifieed with the Elks and these different associations indicate the nature of his interests. His activity, however, is largely concentrated upon his chosen profession and his close application, wide reading and earnest purpose are gaining for him deserved success.
HANS PETER SWENSEN.
Hans Peter Swensen, a farmer residing on section 24, Mount Pleasant township, was born in Lolland, Denmark, on the 4th of April, 1841, his par- ents being Swen and Christina (Hansen) Swensen, who remained residents of Denmark until called to their final rest.
Hans P. Swensen attended the common schools until he reached the age of fourteen, when he felt it incumbent upon him to provide for his own support and began learning the wagon and carriage making trade, serving as an apprentice for five years, during which period he gained expert knowl- edge of the business. He then began working in a carriage factory in Lolland, where he remained until twenty-six years of age or until April, 1867. He then determined to try his fortune in the new world and came to the United States, having a most pleasant trip. He sailed from Liverpool and was two weeks in reaching Quebec, from which point he continued his journey to Racine. Since that time he has been identified with the business interests of the county. He at first began work in the Mitchell-Lewis wagon factory as a common laborer in the shops, making wagons for nine months. He was then employed as a pattern maker and to do extra work and spent seven years in that connection. He afterward entered into a contract to
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make boxes and scats for the wagons and was engaged in that way for six years or until 1880, when he was given charge of the shop work and acted as shop superintendent from 1880 until 1913, so that his connection with the one concern covered forty-five years and nine months. No higher testimonial of his capability, efficiency and trustworthiness could be given. It indicates not only his superior knowledge of the trade but his loyalty to the company which he represented, and to the fullest extent he enjoyed their confidenee and goodwill. At the end of that long period he removed to a farm of ten acres in the town of Mount Pleasant, where he is now comfortably located, occupying a fine home in the midst of a small but well developed tract of land.
In 1872 Mr. Swensen was united in marriage to Miss Conradine Nelsen and they have become parents of four children: Rudolph, who died while completing the work of the senior year in the dental school of the North- western University at Evanston, Illinois; Arthur, at home; and two children who died in infancy.'
The family are communicants of the Holy Communion church. Mr. Swen- sen usually votes with the republican party but does not hesitate to pick his men and is always fearless in support of his honest' convictions. He has done mueh to further publie welfare along various lines. For eight years he was a member of the school board in Racine and for two or three years was a member of the library board. He has never had oeeasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for he here found the opportunities which he sought. He learned, too, that in America labor is king and through his unremitting industry he gained a place among the substantial residents of the county, long oceupying a most cerditable, responsible and honorable position in connection with the industrial interests of the eity.
THE WISCONSIN GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY.
The Wisconsin Gas & Electric Company was organized as the Raeine das Light Company about 1850, and on the 1st of October, 1912, the name was changed to its present form, at which time the old company bought the Kenosha Gas & Electric Company and the Kenosha Electric Railway Company. In 1914 it extended its gas lines to serve South Milwaukee and Cudahy, and on the 1st of July, 1915, the plant of the Watertown (Wiscon- sin) Gas & Electric Company was purchased, as well as the Fort Atkinson electric transmission system, including the electric light and power business at Johnson Creek, Jefferson, Jefferson Junction, Lake Mills and Fort Atkin- non. It also took over the system of the Burlington Electric Light & Power Company. The company does the gas business in Racine, Kenosha and Water- down and the electric railway business in Kenosha. In 1916, the company extended eleetrie serviee to Corliss, Wisconsin. During the past four years. the company has been among the most rapidly growing in this state. The company has many miles of mains, and something of the development of the business is shown in the fact that to-day they have three hundred and sixteen
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employes. The company does not handle the electricity in Racine. The officers of the company are: James D. Mortimer, president; S. B. Way, vice president ; F. J. Boehm, secretary and treasurer ; D. E. Callender, general manager; and E. Jorgenson, auditor. The Wisconsin Gas & Electric Company is a Wisconsin corporation, and is capitalized at one million six hundred fifty- seven thousand five hundred dollars par value of common stock and two hundred thousand dollars par value of preferred stock. All the stock is owned by The Wisconsin Edison Company, Ine. The company has its own bond sales department and has bonds to the value of two million five hundred thousand dollars outstanding. The business has developed into one of the foremost enterprises of this section of the state, constituting an important source of Racine's financial stability and strength.
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