Peter Maurice, a successful dairyman, living in Yorkville Township, is entitled to the credit which is given a self-made man, for he has depended entirely upon his own resources for advancement. He was born in Yorkville Township on the 13th of December, 1868, a son of Phillip and Mary (Gudenkauf) Maurice, both of German birth. The father’s natal year was 1825 and the mother was born on the 13th of July 1838. Philip Maurice came to America with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Maurice, in 1846, and the family located in Racine County, where Edward Maurice died soon afterwards. The son, Phillip, devoted his time to agricultural pursuits for many years and acquired a large tract of land, most of which, however, he sold to his sons before his demise, which occurred in 1912. He was a member of the Catholic Church and in politics was a democrat. He was married in this County to Miss Mary Gudenkauf, a daughter of -John Gudenkauf, who came to Racine County in the ’60s, but later went to Iowa, where he farmed until his death. Mrs. Maurice is still living. Of their family of five children only two survive: Edward Emerson, who is farming in Nebraska; and Peter.
The latter was educated in the district and parochial schools and after putting aside his textbooks concentrated his energies upon farming, working with his father until he attained his majority. He then went to Racine, where he was employed in a factory for three years, after which he farmed in Minnesota for one year. He then removed to Nebraska and for a year conducted a pool room, but at the end of that time purchased the homestead of one hundred and thirty-three acres in Yorkville Township. He does general farming, but pays greater attention to dairying than to any other phase of his business. He has high grade cows, has thoroughly equipped and sanitary barns and is careful to see that the milk is not contaminated in any way. He keeps everything about the place in excellent condition and has made a number of improvements upon the farm, including the remodeling of his residence.
Mr. Maurice was married in 1900 to Miss Matilda Stollenwerk, a daughter of Hubbard and Magdalena Stollenwerk, of Paris Township. There were six children in the Stollenwerk family, four sons and two daughters: Mary, deceased; Michael; Joseph; John: Matilda; and Oscar, all living in Paris Township, Kenosha County, Wisconsin. s’ To Mr. and Mrs. Maurice eight children have been born, namely : Lorenzo, Olga, Eleanor, Mary, Vera, Alvin, Esther and Helen.
Mr. Maurice casts a non-partisan vote, refusing to follow the dictates of a party leader, but supporting the candidates whom he deems best fitted for the office in question. In religious faith he is a Roman Catholic. A man of industry, he possesses excellent business ability and his continued success seems assured.