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 59
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WALTER R. ROWLEY.
Walter R. Rowley, who is farming one hundred and fourteen acres of well improved land in Mount Pleasant township, where he has always lived, was born May 5, 1869, of the marriage of Joseph and Ellen Rowley. The father came to Raeine county in 1850 and worked at the butcher's trade for three or four years, after which he returned to England, his native land, and brought his wife to the new world. He purchased a small farm and in connection with the cultivation of his land engaged in the butchering business. For ten or twelve years he followed farming and then removed to Lake Geneva, where he lived for two years. At length he returned to the farm which he owned in Skunk Grove and later he embarked in the butchering business in Racine, where he remained for five years. On the expiration of that period he bought seventy-five aeres of land in Mount Pleasant township, which he cultivated, and for thirty years he engaged in the butchering business, retiring from active life about ten years before he was called to his final rest. He passed away in 1911 and was laid to rest in Mound cemetery, while his wife died in 1910. They were consistent members of the Episcopal church and Mr. Rowley gave his political support to the democratic party. In their family were four children : H. J. and T. H, who are living in Racine; Elizabeth, the wife of James Corse, of Racine ; and Walter R.
The last named acquired his early education in the common schools of Mount Pleasant township and also studied for a time in Valparaiso, Indiana, after which he worked with his father until the latter's death. He has always devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits and is today successfully farming one hundred and fourteen acres of rich and productive land in Mount Pleasant township. His place is well improved with substantial buildings and modern equipments, including all farm machinery which facili- tates the work in the fields.
On the 18th of October, 1892, Mr. Rowley was married to Miss Alice Foster, a daughter of C. S. Foster, of Racine, and they have three children: Ger-
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trude, Eleanor and Joseph. Mr. Rowley follows an independent political course, voting according to the dictates of his judgment, with little regard for party ties. For twenty-five years he has filled the office of road commis- sioner, doing much to keep the highways in good condition, and for three years he has been a member of the school board. His interest in the moral progress of the community is indicated in his membership in the Baptist church.
E. E. LEWIS.
E. E. Lewis, who since 1904 has been busily engaged in the cultivation of a farm of one hundred and seventeen acres on section 13, Mount Pleasant township, was born March 8, 1871, in the township which is still his home, his parents being William E. and Emily (Clemmons) Lewis. He obtained a district school education supplemented by a college course in the Indiana Normal school. He then began to work with his father and for one year was employed by the United States Express Company in Racine, after which he resumed the occupation of farming, this time on his own account, purchasing one hundred and seventeen acres of land which he has since owned and cul- tivated, making his home upon this place for twelve years. Practically all of the improvements there to be seen are his work and indicate his progressive spirit and unfaltering enterprise. His methods are practical and the results which follow his labors are very substantial.
On the 10th of November, 1896, Mr. Lewis was united in marriage to Miss Katie Sewell, a daughter of Maidens Sewell. To them have been born three children, as follows: Alta, a high school pupil in Racine; and Elliott and Emily, who are also attending school. Fraternally Mr. Lewis is connected with the Modern Woodmen camp at Corliss and his religious faith is manifest in his membership in the Freewill Baptist church at Mygatts Corners. His political opinions usually coincide with the principles of the republican party and he has served in the office of town clerk for seven years. He does not manifest a mere perfunctory interest in public affairs but co-operates heartily in plans for the general good and is classed among the progressive citizens of the community in which his entire life has been passed.
NICHOLAS DE MOULPIED.
Almost three-quarters of a century have come and gone since Nicholas De Moulpied became a resident of southeastern Wisconsin, and throughout the intervening period to his death he was closely associated with agricul- tural interests in Kenosha and Racine counties. He was born in Guernsey, September 25, 1819, the same day on which occurred the birth of Queen Vic- toria. and after spending his youthful days on his native isle and acquiring a public school education there he crossed the Atlantic to the United States
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when twenty-five years of age. He made his way to Southport, now Kenosha, and for a year was a resident of the town of Somers in Kenosha county. He afterward came to Racine county and bought one hundred acres, to which he afterward added until at the time of his death he was the owner of a valuable farming property of two hundred and ten acres. Energy and indus- try characterized him in all of his undertakings and his work was attended with a gratifying measure of success. His entire life was given to general farming and he never sought to figure prominently in any publie connection, but his diligence and determination in business brought good results and he was accounted one of the representative residents of his community.
In 1849 Mr. De Moulpied was united in marriage to Miss Ann Alinda Hosmer, a daughter of John and Lura Hosmer. To them were born six children, as follows: Eliza, who gave her hand in marriage to John Emer- son; Mary, the wife of Edwin Noble; Martin, who is deceased and lies buried in Galveston; Thomas, residing in Michigan, who wedded Miss Lavina John- son, who passed away leaving three children; Lura, the wife of Edwin Bishop, of Racine, by whom she has one child; and John Albert.
In his political views Mr. De Moulpied was an earnest republican from the organization of the party and he served as a member of the town board and also as a member of the school board. He passed away in the year 1875 and for almost a quarter of a century his wife survived, her death occurring in 1899. Thus passed to the home beyond two of the valued pioneer residents of the county. They were members of the Freewill Bap- tist church at Mygatts Corners and were highly esteemed by all who knew them, their many good qualities winning for them merited regard.
JOHN ALBERT DE MOULPIED.
John Albert De Moulpied, representing one of the prominent pioneer fami- lies of Racine county, was born in Mount Pleasant township, September 18, 1865, a son of Nicholas De Moulpied, whose sketch is given above. He attended the district schools and afterward spent a year in study in the schools of Raeine, subsequent to which time he returned to the farm, whereon he has since remained with the exception of one year spent in South Dakota near Alexandria. Like his father, he has always carried on agricultural pursuits and he has brought his land to a high state of cultivation, his fields annually returning to him golden harvests. He is diligent and energetic in promoting his work and utilizes modern scientifie methods of farming in the further care and cultivation of his place.
In 1901 Mr. De Moulpied was united in marriage to Miss Alice Jane Aeklam, a daughter of Thomas and Martha Aeklam. They have two children, Milton John and Lauren Nichols.
Mr. De Moulpied was reared in the faith of the republican party and has never seen occasion to change his political allegiance, for his judgment sanctions its policy. However, at local elections, where no issue is involved, he votes independently. For two terms he has filled the office of town treas-
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urer, was a member of the school board for two years and has been road superintendent. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which he loyally adheres. At all times he is ready and willing to co-operate in plans and measures for the general good and at the same time he care- fully and successfully manages and cultivates his farm of seventy-five acres, which is now one of the well developed properties of Mount Pleasant township.
GEORGE ACKLAM.
The decade of the '40s brought to southeastern Wisconsin many citizens who became permanent residents and were active in promoting conditions that have brought about present-day progress and prosperity. To this num- ber belonged George Acklam, who arrived in Raeine in 1849, being at that time a man of about thirty-two years, his birth having occurred in England in 1817. He pursued a common school education and there engaged in farm- ing until 1848, when he determined to embrace the opportunities offered in the new world and crossed the Atlantic to the United States. For a year he resided in Adams county, Illinois, and then came northward to Racine in 1849. He secured employment in the Bell soap factory on what is now Standard street, but after a few years, when the Wilmot plank road was built, he took charge of a toll gate and continued to fill that position to the time of his death in 1855.
It was in 1848 Mr. Acklam was married to Miss Harriett Bean, a daughter of John Bean, who passed away in England. To them were born four children, as follows: George Edmond, a resident of St. Joseph, Missouri ; Thomas Henry, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work; William Wellborn; and Alice, who is deceased. In 1857 the mother was again married, her second union being with Alfred Williams, by whom she had three children, namely: Harriett, who is the wife of Lewis J. Parks and resides in Franksville, Wisconsin; Alfred, living in Raeine; and Sarah, who gave her hand in marriage to John Spencer, of Racine. The parents were members of the Baptist church and lived the lives of earnest, consistent Christian people. In his political views Mr. Aeklam was a whig.
WILLIAM WELLBORN ACKLAM.
Throughout practically his entire life William Wellborn Acklam has been a resident of Racine county and from the age of fifteen years has been de- pendent upon his own resources, being therefore a self-made man. He was born July 27, 1854, of the marriage of George and Harriett (Bean) Acklam, and in his youthful days attended the common schools of Racine and after- ward the district schools of Mount Pleasant township, but his textbooks were put aside when he reached the age of fifteen and he started out in busi- ness on his own account. For two years he worked in the lumber woods
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of northern Wisconsin and at different periods was employed at various places in Wisconsin. Later he went to Sae county, Iowa, driving a team from Corliss, this state, across the plains. After two years there passed he returned and has since continuously lived in Raeine county. For fourteen years he engaged in teaming in Racine, at the end of which time he pur- chased thirteen and one-half acres of land on section 25, Mount Pleasant town- ship, and has made his home thereon continuously since, his labors being devoted to the further development and improvement of the property.
On the 10th of July, 1888, Mr. Acklam was married to Miss Katherine Aszmus, a daughter of Frederick and Katherine (Riee) Aszmus, the former a native of France and the latter of Germany. Her parents came to the United States about 1828 and were married in New York city, where they remained for twenty-two years. Subsequently they became residents of Dayton, Ohio, where the father conducted the first repair shop of that place. In 1876 he removed with his family to Indiana, where he resided for two years and on the expiration of that period came to Racine, being employed in the Racine Wagon Works. He afterward spent eleven years in the Mitchell Wagon Works and thus led a life of usefulness and untiring activity. He died in the year 1892, while his wife survived until 1896 and was laid to rest by his side in Mound cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. William Acklam were born eleven children, as follows: Harry, who is deceased; Jesse, who wedded Miss Marie Petersen and resides in Racine; Martha, who died in infancy; Roy, a resident of Racine; Ida, who gave her hand in marriage to Carl Herring ; Sadie, the wife of Harvey Krinkey ; and Florence, Ira. William. Ruth and Loretta, all at home.
Politically Mr. Aeklam is a republican but at local elections votes inde- pendently, regarding only the capability of the candidate. He belongs to the Baptist church and his life is guided by its teachings. He represents one of the old families of the county and for more than six decades he has been a witness of the development and progress of this section of the state. He has ever been deeply interested in the work of improvement here and his labors have brought good results.
GEORGE HOLLER.
George Holler, making his home on section 27, Mount Pleasant township, has been a resident of this county for almost a third of a century. He was born in Germany on the 28th of December, 1858, a son of John Holler. His educational privileges were somewhat limited. He attended the common schools until he reached the age of eleven, when he began providing for his own support by working as a farm hand, in which connection he was employed until he reached the age of nineteen. Then in accordance with the military laws of his country he joined the army and served for three years. On the expiration of that period he took up the occupation of farming, which he fol- lowed for two years, and in 1884 he left the fatherland for the new world.
On reaching American shores Mr. Holler at onee made his way to Racine
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county and for twelve years was employed in the Case foundry, his capability and fidelity being indicated in his long connection with that one business. At the end of that period he began farming and in 1899 he purchased forty acres, to which he has added at intervals as opportunity has come to him until he is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of good land on section 27, Mount Pleasant township. He carefully cultivates his farm according to modern methods and the fields produce good crops, while everything about the place indicates his careful direction and his progressive spirit.
Thirty-three years ago Mr. Holler was married to Miss Mary Grine and they have become the parents of nine children who are yet living: George, Mary, John, Joe, Peter, Alice, Margaret, Katie and Jennie. In religious faith the family are Catholics and Mr. Holler belongs also to the Catholic Knights. In politics he maintains an independent course, supporting the best man. He has never sought nor desired office, preferring always to give undivided attention to his business affairs, and it is upon his careful management, close application and unfaltering industry that he has built his success.
SAMUEL BARNUM WALKER.
Samuel Barnum Walker, who is engaged in general farming on section 19, Mount Pleasant township, has an excellent traet of land and the soil, natur- ally rich and productive, readily responds to the care and labor bestowed upon it. For a long period he has made dairying an important feature of his busi- ness and in this connection has become widely known. He was born in Leavittsburg, Trumbull county, Ohio, June 20, 1861, a son of John B. and Ellen (Whiteley) Walker, both of whom were natives of England. They came to the United States in 1842 and settled at Elgin, Illinois, where they were married. In 1847 they removed to Ohio and remained residents of that state until 1878, when they came to Racine county, where they lived with their son, Samuel B. Later, however, they returned to Ohio and in that state passed away. The father was a woolen manufacturer. His polit- ical indorsement was given to the republican party and his religious faith was that of the Episcopal church. In his family were seven children: Eli B .; Charles; Frank and Frankie, both deceased; William A., living in Raeine; Mary E., of Youngstown, Ohio; and Samuel Barnum.
The last named devoted his youth to the acquirement of a common school education and to assisting his father. He learned the woolen manufacturing trade in the mills of Ohio, where he was employed until he was about eighteen years old. He then left home and came to Racine county, arriving here in 1878. For four years he was employed by R. M. Walker, after which he rented eighty acres of land in Mount Pleasant and carried on farming for four years. Still later he rented another farm for one year and he afterward spent two years in the position of foreman on the Isaae Elders farm, com- prising three hundred and twenty aeres of land in Mount Pleasant township.
About that time Mr. Walker was married and went to Findlay, Ohio, where he took charge of a veneer factory for his brother, the business being
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conducted under the name of the Racine Refrigerator Company. Later he returned to this county and purchased ten acres of land. At the present time he is engaged in the cultivation of an excellent tract of ninety aeres. He started a dairy and has since engaged in the milk business, continuing in active connection therewith for a quarter of a century. For fourteen years he peddled milk himself and he still keeps cows but does not engage as extensively as formerly in the milk trade.
It was in 1890 that Mr. Walker was united in marriage to Miss Alice Davis, a daughter of David Davis, who was one of the early settlers of Raeine county, arriving here in 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Walker have become the parents of four children: David, who married Ruth Cheeseman, of Mount Pleasant; Charles and William Allan, both of whom are attending the State University at. Madison ; and Samuel Burton, who is a student in the high school at Racine.
Fraternally Mr. Walker is connected with the Modern Woodmen at Cor- liss and in his political views he is a republican, yet does not consider himself bound by party ties and at local elections votes for the best man. He has been town supervisor for two years and has recently been re-elected. He has also been elerk of the school board and for twenty-five years served as roadmas- ter. He belongs to the Freewill Baptist church at Mygatts Corners and he manifests a deep interest in all that pertains to the moral progress of his com- munity. When he first came to Racine county he had a capital of but a dollar and a quarter and was in debt. He worked for two months for five dollars per month but since that time success has crowned his labors, for he has been diligent and persistent, energetic and honorable and these qualities never fail to reap their just reward.
M. O. MORTENSEN.
M. O. Mortensen occupies one of the pioneer brick residences of Racine county, standing in the midst of an excellent farm of one hundred and eighteen aeres on section 32, Caledonia township, and in the conduct of his business affairs he is meeting with substantial and well merited success. His attention is now given to general farming and dairying, but for thirty years he was active in the creamery business. His birth occurred in Denmark on the 17th of March, 1861, his parents being James and Maren (Jensen) Mortensen, both of whom were natives of Denmark, born in 1832 and 1834, respectively. The father followed farming until a few years prior to his death and later en- gaged in carrying the mail, being the first rural route government mail car- rier from Horsens, Denmark. He died in the year 1906, having for an ex- tended period survived his wife, who passed away in 1878. They were con- sistent members of the Lutheran church and enjoyed the respect and friend- ship of all who knew them. Their family numbered twelve children, of whom six are yet living. Morton J. came to the new world and has since returned to Denmark. Dusina is the wife of W. A. Peterson, who holds an important position with a manufacturing company of Racine.
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In the schools of his native country M. O. Mortensen pursued his educa- tion and was a young man of twenty-six years when in the spring of 1887 he arrived in Racine county. He had learned the creamery business in his native country and had also followed that pursuit in Canada for a year. After reaching Wisconsin he again engaged in the creamery business and devoted altogether about thirty years to that undertaking, meeting with substantial success by reason of his careful management, honorable methods and unfail- ing enterprise. In 1910 he purchased a farm and is now the owner of one hundred and eighteen acres of rich and productive land on section 32, Cale- donia township. On this he built a large barn and also a big silo and there are to be seen upon the place the most modern improvements and conveniences for facilitating the work. He raises the best grade of Holstein cattle and dairying constitutes one of the important features of his place, although he still carries on general farming and has brought his land to a high state of cultivation.
In 1885 Mr. Mortensen was married in Sweden to Miss Mathilda Jansson, who was born in that country, a daughter of John and Margaret Olson. Her father was a carpenter and by following that trade provided for his family of seven children, five of whom are yet living, three being residents of America. These are: Margaret, the wife of Peter Styberg, a shoemaker by trade and a resident of Racine; Mrs. Mortensen; and Eureka, the wife of O. B. Seaholm, who is shipping boss for a manufacturing company of Racine. Mr. and Mrs. Mortensen have become the parents of four children, of whom three are living, Elsa, J. Christian and Lilly. Another daughter, who was the third in order of birth and who was named Lilly, has passed away. The son, twenty-six years of age, was graduated in Davenport, Iowa, from The Palmer School of Chiro- practic, having previously graduated from Racine College. He is now located in Kenosha, where he enjoys a fine practice. On June 24, 1916, he was married to Miss Jenette D. Donnelly, daughter of Judge Joseph G. and Lois Donnelly, of Milwaukee. He is now located in Kenosha, where he enjoys a fine practice. The daughter, Elsa, is following a musical education in piano and violin and has a splendid class of pupils in music. The family is well known in Racine county, where M. O. Mortensen has won a creditable position as a progressive and successful business man, who throughout his entire life has carefully directed his labors and by earnest and persistent ef- fort has won the success which he now enjoys.
JEROME J. FOLEY.
Jerome J. Foley, one of the younger members of the Racine bar, who, how- ever, has already gained for himself a place as a practitioner in the courts of his district, was born in Racine, November 14, 1886, a son of Edmond and Mary (Rooney) Foley, who were natives of Ireland and Racine, respectively. In the '70s the father arrived in this city, where he conducted business as a mechanic. He married Mary Rooney, a daughter of James Rooney, who came to Racine in 1855 and was also a mechanic.
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In his youthful days Jerome J. Foley attended St. Patrick's parochial school and afterward entered the public schools, completing his course by graduation from the high school with the class of 1904. He then entered Marquette University at Milwaukee as a student in the law department and after mastering his eourse there was admitted to the bar in 1913. He has since practiced in Racine and is now a partner in the firm of Storms, Foley & Beck. He never neglects to give a thorough preparation and is always well qualified to meet the attacks of the opposing counsel when he enters eourt for the trial of a cause. Moreover, his devotion to his elients' interests is widely recognized.
Mr. Foley belongs to St. Patrick's Catholic church and also to the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In polities he is a demoerat but has never sought publie office, preferring to concentrate his at- tention upon his professional duties, which are growing in volume and im- portanee.
CARL MICKELSEN.
On starting out in life Carl. Mickelsen realized fully that if suecess was to be his it must be gained through earnest, persistent and unfaltering effort, and thus it is that he has worked diligently year after year, making steady progress until now he is the owner of a very desirable farm of eighty-four aeres situated on section 27, Mount Pleasant township, and supplied with many modern improvements and equipments. He has been a resident of this seetion of the state from the age of twenty years. He was born in Lolland, Denmark, September 5, 1866, and is a son of Michael and Katherine Petersen. The father died in Denmark, after which the mother came to the United States and is now living in Raeine.
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