W. H. Brandow is a member of the firm of Moers & Brandow, conducting a painting contracting business in Racine. Michigan numbers him one of her native sons, his birth having occurred in Pontiac, that state, on the 2d of January, 1858, his parents being Frederick and Lucy (Crandall) Brandow, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Kenosha. Wisconsin. The maternal grandfather was one of the pioneer settlers of Kenosha County where he served as sheriff in an early day. It was in the year 1864 that Frederick Brandow left Michigan and removed with his family to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he conducted business as a baker and confectioner, having early learned those trades. In 1871 he arrived in Racine and here he also followed his trade, working for George and Charles Bliss. Both he and his wife have now passed away.
W. H. Brandow was a lad of thirteen years when he accompanied his parents to Racine and in the public schools of this city he completed his education. In his youth he learned the painter’s trade which he has always followed and he entered into business on his own account as a partner of H. F. Moers under the style of Moers & Brandow. The firm is located at 313 Sixth Street. On September 27, 1883, Mr. Brandow was united in marriage to Miss Emma Crotsenburg, of Racine, a daughter of Peter and Ann Crotsenburg, who were early settlers. To Mr. and Mrs. Brandow have been born two children: Bertha, who is the wife of August Johnson, a machinist residing in Racine and by whom she has three children-two daughters and a son; and Earl, who is with his father in the shop.
Politically Mr. Brandow maintains an independent attitude, voting for men and measures rather than party. He is well known in fraternal circles, holding membership with the Masons, the Elks, the Moose, the Royal Arcanum and the Woodmen of the World. Among his brothers of these fraternities he is held in high regard for he is loyal to the teachings of the orders and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit upon which such organizations are based.