Wisconsin

Biography of Guy A. Benson

Guy A. Benson, born on May 31, 1885, in Iola, Wisconsin, graduated from the State University’s law department in 1909. A resident of Racine, he has established a successful legal career, earning a reputation for his thorough preparation and clear reasoning. Since 1910, he has served as a circuit court commissioner and has held various public service roles, including positions on the Racine library board and the county board of review. Politically active as a progressive Republican, Benson is also involved in local fraternal organizations and community initiatives.

Biography of C. W. Smith

C. W. Smith, born February 15, 1847, in Somers, Kenosha County, was a prominent lumber merchant in Racine. After serving honorably in the Civil War, he worked for nineteen years at Murray, Slauson Company before founding the West Shore Lumber Company, where he became president. He is known for his innovative advertising and deep knowledge of the lumber trade. Besides his business success, Smith owns notable land in Kenosha County and is actively engaged in community and fraternal organizations, reflecting his loyalty and dedication as a citizen.

Biography of Charles A. Ryba

Charles A. Ryba, born on July 21, 1889, in Racine, has served as city clerk since April 1913. The son of Bohemian immigrant Albert Ryba and local resident Anna Novak, he was educated in Racine and attended Wisconsin Business College. Ryba worked as deputy city clerk for six years before his election. Married to Ora Duchmann, he participates in local fraternal and civic organizations, advocating for Racine’s welfare while maintaining an independent political stance. His dedication and organizational skills have earned him respect in the community.

Biography of Nicholas F. Reichert

Nicholas F. Reichert, born in Racine on April 24, 1854, was a prominent businessman known for his contributions to local development. Initially raised as an agriculturist, he shifted to team contracting, eventually establishing the Riechert Construction Company, which gained significant contracts throughout Wisconsin. He also led the Lakeside Amusement Company and was active in the Reichert Land Company. A community leader and city council member, Reichert was respected for his character and dedication to public service until his accidental death on April 22, 1913.

Biography of Adelbert H. Allen

Adelbert H. Allen, born on March 22, 1850, in Mexico, New York, built a successful livery business in Racine, Wisconsin, through his own efforts. Son of Hiram C. and Lorinda Olivia Allen, he transitioned from a machinist at the J. I. Case Threshing Machine Company to entrepreneurship. He married Susie Rumsam in 1873, and together they had five children. Following his death on November 9, 1915, his wife and son Clarence continued the family business. Allen was respected in both social and business circles.

Biography of John G. Osborne

John G. Osborne, born on October 2, 1878, in Milwaukee, served as president and treasurer of the Lakeside Malleable Castings Company in Racine. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1900, specializing in chemistry. After three years with the Wisconsin Malleable Iron Company, he co-founded Lakeside in 1903, which grew to employ 300 people. Married in 1911 to Winifred Smith, they have five children. A Republican, Osborne actively participates in his community while contributing to Racine’s manufacturing reputation.

Biography of Frank J. Miller

Frank J. Miller, born on February 17, 1860, in Racine, is a prominent businessman noted for his keen judgment and determination. He became president of the J. Miller Company, a leading shoe manufacturer, following his father’s death in 1905. Under his leadership, the company thrived despite challenges, including a devastating fire that destroyed the plant. Miller also held various directorships in local banks and was active in community organizations, demonstrating a commitment to Racine’s growth and development. He married Minnie B. Whitford in 1908.

Biography of Francis George Klein

Francis George Klein, born on February 5, 1833, in St. John, Alsace, France, is a prominent figure in Burlington’s business landscape. Throughout his life, he has actively supervised the F. G. Klein Company alongside his sons. After emigrating to America in 1840, Klein pursued various trades, eventually establishing a successful manufacturing enterprise. He also engaged in community service, serving on local boards and promoting charitable efforts. At eighty-three, Klein remains remarkably active, continuing to oversee his company’s operations and contributing to Burlington’s social fabric.

Biography of W. J. Higgie

W. J. Higgie, born on February 18, 1856, in Racine, was the son of early settler William M. Higgie. He began his career sailing with his father before transitioning to the teaming business. He later established a successful fuel business, acquiring a substantial plant and property over the years. Married to Ida Hurst, he has five children and remains involved in politics as a Republican, serving as alderman and city weigh master. Higgie’s achievements reflect his hard work and commitment to progressive practices.

Biography of Edward N. Rice

Edward N. Rice, born on June 11, 1876, in Kenosha, is a deputy superintendent at the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Racine. Coming from a family with roots in Ireland, he has worked in various fields, including a tannery, a circus, and portrait enlargement, before entering the insurance sector. His career has seen progressive advancement within the industry. Married to Rose Duffy, he is involved in community activities and a member of several organizations, reflecting a well-rounded life shaped by diverse experiences.

Biography of Edward Zahn

Edward Zahn, born on April 3, 1865, in Walworth County, is the founder and head of the Zahn Dry Goods Company, established in 1898. His business has thrived through modern practices and now occupies a three-floor location on Main Street, offering a diverse range of goods. Educated in Racine, Zahn began his career in retail before launching his company. Married to Hattie E. Eason, they have two sons. Active in his community, Zahn supports local development efforts and is involved in the Baptist church and Republican politics.

Biography of John C. Hood

John C. Hood, born on October 18, 1869, in Racine, Wisconsin, was the son of Samuel and Alice A. Hood. He had a diverse career beginning as a bookkeeper at the American Seating Company, interrupted by military service in the Spanish-American War. After various governmental roles, he became clerk of the circuit court in 1915. A dedicated community member and Republican, he was active in several fraternal organizations. Married to Mary Palmer, he has two children, John and Marion, and represents a longstanding family legacy in Racine.

Biographical Sketch of Henry Hilker

Henry Hilker, born on November 14, 1871, in Racine, is a prominent figure in the wholesale candy industry, having entered the business in 1912 alongside his brother Edward. Their enterprise has significantly expanded, following their acquisition of W. W. Scott’s business. Hilker, the son of German immigrants, received his education locally and remains an active member of the community, although he refrains from pursuing public office. He and his family are associated with the Evangelical Association and have a longstanding reputation for reliability in business.

Biography of Joseph F. Miller

Joseph F. Miller, born on June 29, 1870, in Racine, was a prominent shoe manufacturer and businessman, succeeding his father in the family business, J. Miller Company. He was recognized for his dynamic and progressive management approach within the company. Miller was married twice and had two sons who tragically died in infancy. Active in the community, he was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church and involved with the Knights of Columbus and the Elks. He passed away on September 17, 1915, at the age of 45, leaving a lasting impact on Racine.

Biography of Adelbert Beach

Adelbert Beach, born on December 24, 1846, in Ives Grove, Wisconsin, has lived in Racine County for nearly seventy years, witnessing its transformation from a frontier into a thriving community. He inherited a 200-acre family farm in Yorkville Township, actively farming while also pursuing a teaching career for nine winters. Beach married twice, first to Martha Lugg and later to Elizabeth Bauml, with whom he had seven children. A lifelong Democrat and church-goer, he is recognized for his integrity and contributions to his community while managing a successful agricultural enterprise.

Biography of August J. Eisenhut

August J. Eisenhut, born on October 22, 1876, is the long-serving city treasurer of Racine, having held the position since April 1910 without opposition. Immigrating to the U.S. in 1881, he was educated in Racine and initially trained as a machinist. His efficient public service has earned him respect, and he maintains a non-partisan approach to politics. Married to Martha Breckenfeld, they have two children and are active in their community and various organizations, reflecting his commitment to public welfare and civic engagement.

Biography of Oscar Esmond

Oscar Esmond, born on November 4, 1847, in Yorkville Township, is a descendant of Racine County pioneers. His father, John Darwin Esmond, migrated from New York and cultivated land, overcoming challenges to achieve prosperity. Oscar received a practical education in farming and now owns 200 acres, focusing on grain, stock, and dairying. Married in 1872 to Maria Dardis, they had six children. A Republican and former Civil War soldier, he served as school board treasurer and pathmaster, contributing to his community’s welfare.

Biography of John A. Brown

John A. Brown, born on July 16, 1875, in Racine, Wisconsin, is a key figure in the Goodrich Transit Company, having served as its manager since June 1902. He began his career working with his father at the Racine Iron Company from 1894 to 1897 before joining Goodrich. Brown is married to Callista A. English, with whom he has five children. A member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, he maintains an independent political stance, focusing on his business pursuits.

Biography of Fred W. Swantz

Fred W. Swantz, born on September 8, 1865, in Racine County, has remained a prominent figure in Yorkville Township. Engaged in real estate for twenty-five years, he has owned 48 tracts of land while also farming and raising thoroughbred Holstein cows. The son of German immigrants William and Elizabeth Swantz, Fred has maintained family agricultural traditions and has actively participated in local governance. Married to Elizabeth Myers, they have two children. As a Republican and a Congregationalist, Swantz embodies the values of hard work and community service.

Biography of Elisha Lewis

Elisha Lewis, born June 14, 1846, in England, emigrated to Racine County with his parents in 1850. His father, a farmer, built a successful agricultural enterprise. Elisha, raised on the family farm, cultivated 220 acres and became a respected farmer before retiring. He lived with his late brother’s family, maintaining a strong bond with his brother George. Active in local governance and the Democratic Party, Elisha also participated in the Masonic fraternity and the Congregational church, contributing significantly to the community’s development.