Wisconsin

Biography of Alexander Sumpter

Alexander Sumpter, born on September 6, 1864, in Yorkville, Wisconsin, is a dedicated farmer and chicken raiser in Union Grove. He manages a 52-acre farm, significantly expanding his chicken business with plans to raise around 6,000 chickens annually. The son of immigrants John and Mary Ann Sumpter, he became a successful businessman after starting with limited means. Sumpter is actively involved in the Congregational church, where he has served as a choir leader for 30 years. He married Sophia Matilda Savage and has a son, Howard.

Biography of Francis W. Dickey

Francis W. Dickey, born on February 6, 1863, in Racine, succeeded his father, Edwin P. Dickey, in the family business, the E. P. Dickey Fanning Mill Company. After transitioning to the Central Storage Company in 1911, he focused on expanding storage services for various goods. Married to Ida A. Fuller, he has three children and is active in community organizations, holding membership in the Royal Arcanum and the Presbyterian Church. Dickey has also accumulated extensive real estate holdings throughout his career.

Biographical Sketch of William Henneke

William Henneke, born in Germany in 1846, immigrated to the United States as an infant and settled in Racine County. He received education at local schools and gained practical farming experience under his father’s guidance. Henneke now manages eighty acres of rented land in Mount Pleasant Township. A lifelong Republican in national elections, he votes independently at the local level. Although he has served as road superintendent, he prefers to focus on his business rather than pursue political ambitions.

Biography of E. C. Wilson

E. C. Wilson, born on September 6, 1870, in Racine County, Wisconsin, is recognized as a prominent business figure, serving as the general superintendent of J. I. Case Plow Works. He began his career there at age 16 in 1886 and progressed through dedication and skill. Wilson’s family heritage includes his father, James Wilson, a pioneer and community leader. He married Katherine Erk in 1891, and they have one son. Active in the Republican Party and Congregational church, Wilson’s life reflects unwavering commitment and community service.

Biography of Maidens Sewell

Maidens Sewell, born on December 9, 1840, in England, dedicated thirty-seven years to farming in Racine County, Wisconsin, after immigrating to the United States at fifteen. He initially settled in Ohio before returning to England, only to migrate again in 1876. Over the years, he expanded his farm holdings in Mount Pleasant Township. Sewell married Betsy Pearce in 1872, raising four children. A Democratic supporter and adherent of the Episcopal Church, he lived by its principles until his death on April 20, 1913.

Biography of John Martin

John Martin, born in England on April 13, 1826, immigrated to America with his family and became a skilled carpenter. At twenty-one, he settled in Racine County, Wisconsin, where he built many notable structures. Married to Mary De Hule, they had eleven children. A dedicated Republican and member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Martin was respected in his community until his death in 1900. His daughter, Anna Maria, also became a poet, contributing significantly to local literature.

Biography of Joseph P. Bradac, D. M. T.

Joseph P. Bradac, D.M.T., born in Bohemia in 1871, immigrated to the U.S. with his family in 1872 and settled in Chicago. He began his career as a cash boy and eventually became an influential businessman in Racine, representing the A. B. Company and engaging in banking. Educated in Chicago’s public schools, he is also a doctor of mechano-therapy. Married in 1899, he has two daughters and resides in a remodeled estate. Bradac is actively involved in local politics and various fraternal organizations.

Biographical Sketch of Nelson A. Walker

Nelson A. Walker, born on the family homestead in Mount Pleasant, learned the value of hard work from an early age. He managed his father’s dairy for twenty years and has since improved his father’s eighty-acre farm through progressive farming techniques. Married to Gertrude F. Chamberlain in 1914, Walker continues the family’s legacy in agriculture and community service, aligning with his father’s Republican values and involvement in the Freewill Baptist church. The Walker family has been influential in the area’s agricultural development for over eighty years.

Biographical Sketch of John Henneke

John Henneke, born in Germany in 1811, was a key pioneer in the development of the district. After serving as an officer in the army, he emigrated to the United States in the 1840s and settled in Racine County, acquiring 19 acres in Mount Pleasant Township. He married Caroline Rix, with whom he had seven children. Henneke was politically independent and a devoted Catholic, active in St. Mary’s Church until his death in 1885.

Biography of Benjamin F. Flegel

Benjamin F. Flegel, born August 28, 1878, near Portage, Wisconsin, was a notable entrepreneur and sportsman. After beginning his career as a watchmaker, he eventually purchased a jewelry business in Racine. In 1909, he founded the Reliance Automatic Lighting Company, moving operations to Racine in 1911. An avid fisherman, Flegel set world records in long-distance casting. He married Helen Basinger in 1901 and had two children. Flegel is recognized for his contributions to both business and the fishing community in Racine.

Biography of Frank E. King

Frank E. King was born on April 27, 1860, in St. Charles, Illinois. He grew up in a farming family and has spent his life in Mount Pleasant Township, where he cultivated productive fields. His father, Edmund King, immigrated from Canada and contributed significantly to local agriculture. Frank has been married twice and is politically aligned with the Republican Party and a member of the Baptist church. His dedication to farming has made him a respected figure in the community, promoting agricultural development in the region.

Biography of W. H. Brandow

W. H. Brandow, born on January 2, 1858, in Pontiac, Michigan, is a prominent painting contractor in Racine, operating under Moers Brandow. He moved to Kenosha in 1864 and later settled in Racine, where he learned the painting trade. Brandow married Emma Crotsenburg in 1883, and they have two children. He is politically independent and actively involved in various fraternal organizations, including the Masons and Elks, where he is well-respected for embodying their principles.

Biography of Henry W. Lewis

Henry W. Lewis, born on March 8, 1868, in Mount Pleasant Township, is a dedicated farmer and superintendent of the County insane asylum for eight years. Son of Andrew Jackson and Hattie Lewis, he began farming in his youth and later expanded to 300 acres of land. Married to Adella Place, he is actively involved in the Modern Woodmen camp and the Republican Party, maintaining a strong Christian faith. His success is attributed to hard work and effective management, coupled with a commitment to his community.

Biography of R. M. Walker

R. M. Walker, born June 7, 1836, in Byron, New York, has been a resident of Mount Pleasant Township since 1878, where he has actively developed his farm. His father, Nelson A. Walker, was an early pioneer in Racine County, significantly shaping the land’s productivity. R. M. served in the Civil War and later focused on farming and community improvements, including education. He married Minerva A. Secore, and they had three children. A Republican, he has contributed to local governance and the Baptist church.

Biography of Rev. Leo F. Gabriels

Rev. Leo F. Gabriels, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Prussian immigrants, was ordained in 1903. He served at various churches, including Holy Trinity in Milwaukee and SS. Peter and Paul in Addison. In 1914, he became the pastor of St. Louis Catholic Church in Caledonia Township, overseeing a well-organized parish and school. An active member of the Knights of Columbus, Rev. Gabriels significantly contributed to the church’s influence in the community. He is one of five siblings, with other family members also devoted to service.

Biography of Martin Larsen

Martin Larsen, born January 22, 1869, in Denmark, immigrated to the U.S. in 1886, settling in Wisconsin. After working as a cigar maker, he transitioned into the furniture business, eventually founding the Junction Furniture Company in Racine in 1910. Larsen married Johanna Hansen in 1895; they had three children. A member of the Danish Brotherhood, he has held several leadership roles and actively supports Danish immigrants. Larsen is a dedicated American citizen, contributing to Racine’s development and community welfare.

Biographical Sketch of Robert Wherrey Jr.

Robert Wherrey, Jr. was born on January 1, 1885, in Racine and is engaged in farming on section 35, Mount Pleasant Township. He received his education in local public schools and has worked alongside his father in farming. Active in fraternal organizations, he is a member of Racine Lodge, No. 92, F. A. M., and the Knights of Pythias, among others. A lifelong resident of Racine County, he upholds his Presbyterian faith and identifies with the Republican Party.

Biography of William Kittinger

William Kittinger, born on December 10, 1847, in Niagara County, New York, became an influential agriculturist in Caledonia Township, Wisconsin. He owned a successful farm of 225 acres, noted for its excellent wheat and significant contributions to dairy and beekeeping. After purchasing his farm in 1865, he exemplified dedication and enterprise, selling a substantial amount of cream and producing high-quality honey. Kittinger was a family man, active in his community, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, embodying strong values throughout his life.

Biography of Peter Christiansen

Peter Christiansen, born in Denmark on May 10, 1869, immigrated to the U.S. in 1889 and established himself in the furniture industry. He began his business journey in Racine in 1893, later founding the Junction Furniture Company in 1902, which thrived under his leadership. Christiansen, married to Anna J. Hansen, had three children and played a significant role in his community through various civic organizations. His dedication and hard work laid the foundation for his successful career and enduring reputation in Racine.

Biography of Phillip Eugene Kimpel

Phillip Eugene Kimpel, born on June 18, 1865, in Buffalo, New York, was a prominent farmer in Mount Pleasant Township. His family moved to Racine County in 1867, where he began farming after a brief period in the butcher trade. Kimpel married Elizabeth Breese in 1889, and they had five children. A dedicated member of the Republican Party, he served as town assessor and on the school board. His commitment to education and community is evident through his active involvement in local governance and the Presbyterian Church.