Wisconsin

Biography of A. H. Thomas

A. H. Thomas, born on October 1, 1871, in Detroit, Michigan, is a prominent engineer and contractor based in Racine, Wisconsin. A public school education led him to the heating and ventilation sector, where he gained significant experience, notably with B. F. Sturtevant Company. Establishing his own business in 1908, he undertook large contracts, including work for the state of Michigan. A dedicated family man and a member of various fraternal organizations, Thomas exemplifies diligence and determination in his successful career.

Biography of Lyman Wood

Lyman Wood, born on August 22, 1849, in Syracuse, New York, was a prominent figure in Racine’s manufacturing and commercial sectors, specifically known for his innovations in hardware. The son of Samuel B. Wood and Almira Delano, his lineage included notable ancestry, tracing back to French royalty and early American settlers. After managing his family’s farm, Wood established a successful hardware business in Racine, where he operated until his death on February 3, 1909. He was a devoted family man, married to Savilla Jarvis, with two children who continued his legacy.

Biography of J. E. Pritchard

J. E. Pritchard, born in Racine on March 18, 1872, has significantly contributed to the city’s development through various roles, including postmaster and entrepreneur in real estate, insurance, and loans since 1915. He began his career as a machinist, later serving as assistant postmaster and then postmaster. His family roots trace back to Welsh immigrants, with a strong local heritage in industry and civic engagement. Pritchard is active in community organizations, holds Masonic membership, and supports the Baptist church and Republican politics.

Biographical Sketch of Robert Wherrey Sr.

Robert Wherrey, Sr., born on April 17, 1848, in New York, is a prominent figure in Racine’s business community as the owner of a successful butcher shop. He received his education through New York’s common schools before working on a farm. In 1869, he moved to Racine at the age of twenty and established his butchering business, which has thrived over the years. Wherrey married Margaret Beanston, and together they are well-recognized within their local community.

Biography of Richard R. Birdsall

Richard R. Birdsall, born on February 12, 1864, in Toronto, Canada, was a prominent contractor in Racine, known for his extensive work in street paving. He initially moved to Racine in 1882, later returning multiple times before establishing his business in 1890. Over 24 years, he completed numerous contracts in Racine and surrounding areas, employing up to 100 men. Married to Harriet Jones, he was active in community affairs and fraternal organizations, while consistently prioritizing his business over political ambitions.

Biography of George Mitchel

George Mitchel, born on July 8, 1866, in Raymond Township, has dedicated his life to agriculture since purchasing an eighty-acre farm in 1893, later expanding to 110 acres. A self-made man, he has prospered through diligence and modern farming practices, cultivating cereals and dairying. Married to Minnie Guetzkow in 1903, they have two sons, Roland and Elmer. A Republican and active civic supporter, Mitchel prioritizes his business over political office and is well-regarded in his community.

Biography of William M. Foster

William M. Foster, born August 15, 1862, in Walworth County, Wisconsin, founded the Lakeside Printing Company in Racine in 1893, growing it into a successful establishment. He began his printing career at age ten and worked various local publications before starting the Times newspaper in 1883. Foster was actively involved in community organizations, promoting civic development and moral progress. A dedicated family man, he married twice, with his second wife being Gussie R. Shields. Foster’s life reflected a commitment to service and improvement within his community.

Biography of Nels M. Christensen

Nels M. Christensen, born in Denmark on November 10, 1839, immigrated to the United States in 1861 and settled in Racine County, Wisconsin. After ten years as a hired worker, he purchased sixty acres in Norway Township and later expanded to two hundred acres in Raymond Township, developing a successful farming operation. Married to Anna Marie Larsen in 1869, they had eight children. A respected citizen and active in local politics, Christensen passed away in 1905, leaving a legacy of hard work and community involvement.

Biography of Thomas P. Owens

Thomas P. Owens, born on September 20, 1820, in Wales, immigrated to the United States in 1851 and settled in Racine County, Wisconsin. After returning to Wales for four years, he returned in 1859 and dedicated himself to farming, acquiring significant land over the years. In 1858, he married Anna Lewis, with whom he had five children. A respected citizen, Owens was committed to agriculture and the Republican Party, living an upright life until his passing, which left a lasting impact on his community.

Biography of Henry Crane

Henry Crane, born on January 25, 1848, in Dover Township, Racine County, has been engaged in the butchering business in Franksville for many years. A lifelong resident of the area, Crane’s parents emigrated from England in the 1840s, establishing a successful farm. He married twice, first to Jane Kerns, then to Mary A. Fagan, with whom he had five children. Crane is recognized for his reliable methods in business and his community involvement, particularly in St. Louis Catholic Church, while maintaining a Democratic political affiliation.

Biography of Edward Brice

Edward Brice, born on December 2, 1858, in Raymond Township, is the owner of a productive farm where he engages in general agriculture and dairying. His parents, Thomas and Alice Brice, were early pioneers in the region, with Alice coming from Ireland and settling in Racine County in 1838. Edward was educated locally and later, alongside his siblings, took over the family farm, enhancing its productivity with modern practices and equipment. A Republican by political inclination, he focuses on farming without seeking public office.

Biographical Sketch of Alfred J. Hansche

Alfred J. Hansche, born on February 28, 1874, in Mount Pleasant Township, manages the family farm alongside his brother, Samuel H. After working in a Racine meat market for nine years, he returned to the farm, focusing on vegetable cultivation with systematic, scientific methods that yield substantial sales. Married to Jennie Bose in 1904, they have two children, Dorothy and George. The family is esteemed in their community, with Alfred identified as a Republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Biography of William W. Storms

William W. Storms, born on March 22, 1872, in Walworth County, Wisconsin, has been Racine County’s district attorney since January 1911. He was educated in Burlington and graduated from Beloit College and the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1905. Storms has had a distinguished career in education, serving as a high school principal and county superintendent before entering law practice. A prominent figure in local Masonry and Republican politics, he is recognized for his effective tenure as district attorney and his leadership in the community.

Biography of M. O. Mortensen

M. O. Mortensen, born on March 17, 1861, in Denmark, became a prominent figure in Racine County, Wisconsin, after arriving in 1887. Initially engaged in the creamery business for thirty years, he later transitioned to general farming and dairying on his 118-acre farm in Caledonia Township. He married Mathilda Jansson in 1885, and they had four children, three of whom are living. Mortensen is recognized as a successful businessman, known for his enterprise and contributions to the community through his farming operations.

Biography of James L. English

James L. English, born on December 4, 1871, in Norway Township, is a prominent farmer who manages a 492-acre property inherited from his father, John English, an Irish immigrant. Educated locally, James has thrived in agriculture, engaging in general farming, dairying, and livestock raising. A devout Catholic and active Democrat, he has held various political roles, including Township clerk and chairman. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and continues to support community initiatives and public welfare.

Biography of Henry F. Herrick

Henry F. Herrick, born on November 10, 1847, in Racine, pursued a successful career in hardware manufacturing before retiring in 1909. Educated at Racine public schools and the University of Chicago, he initially worked as a traveling salesman and later co-founded C. B. Herrick Company with his brother. A public-spirited Democrat, he served as an alderman and on the school board. Married to Gertrude A. Lukes, he had four children, and his home, built in 1816, remains a notable Racine landmark.

Biography of Samuel Steele

Samuel Steele, born on December 25, 1822, in Ireland, immigrated to America at ten and began his career as a schoolteacher before becoming a successful farmer in Mount Pleasant Township. After purchasing 211 acres of improved farmland, he earned recognition for his agricultural contributions and horse breeding. Married in 1855 to May A. Osborn, he had eight children. A Republican with a commitment to education, he served in various local offices, including school superintendent. Steele’s death in 1894 marked the loss of a respected community figure.

Biography of Samuel Barnum Walker

Samuel Barnum Walker, born on June 20, 1861, in Ohio, is a prominent farmer in Mount Pleasant Township, Wisconsin, known for his successful dairying operation. After learning the woolen manufacturing trade, he moved to Racine County in 1878 and gradually expanded his farming enterprise. Married to Alice Davis in 1890, they had four children. A Republican with a commitment to local governance, Walker has held various positions, including town supervisor and roadmaster, while actively participating in his community’s moral development.

Biography of George Hannaford

George Hannaford, born on January 2, 1858, in Dover Township, is a dedicated farmer and owner of eighty acres where he actively engages in beef cattle trading. The son of William and Jeannette Hannaford, he was raised in a farming environment, learning effective agricultural practices. Hannaford has successfully managed his business for decades, currently raising sixty head of cattle. A member of the Masonic lodge and politically independent, he is regarded as a progressive community figure with a lifelong commitment to local development.

Biography of Frederick J. Hansche

Frederick J. Hansche, born in Germany on October 17, 1837, immigrated to the United States around 1865, initially residing in Cincinnati before settling in Racine County. He began his career as a farmhand but worked diligently to acquire seventeen acres of farmland, which he expanded to one hundred and twelve acres. A dedicated farmer and community member, he served on the school board and as roadmaster while supporting local initiatives. He and his wife, Fredricka Tigges, had six children and were active in the Methodist Episcopal Church.