Commercial enterprise in Racine 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 political circles and otherwise prominent in the affairs of the community. 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, arriving on the 1st of June, 1881. He did not tarry on the Atlantic coast but made his way at once into the interior, settling in Racine. Having previously learned the jeweler’s trade, he here secured a position with James Spence and afterward was employed by IL 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 establish 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 city 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 creditable place in the commercial circles of Racine.