Wisconsin

Biographical Sketch of David G. Janes

David G. Janes, born in Racine on April 2, 1852, is a prominent figure in the city’s business community, following in the footsteps of his father, a foundational contributor to Racine’s establishment. A lifelong resident and educated in its public schools, Janes has excelled in real estate and insurance, leading a firm nearly as old as the city itself. He is also vice president of the First National Bank, involved in various manufacturing firms, and has served on the school board and as mayor, though he prefers to avoid public office.

Biography of Charles Mason Reed

Charles Mason Reed, a farmer in Mount Pleasant Township, Wisconsin, was born in Ontario County, New York, and moved west with his family at seven. He served in the Union Army during the Civil War and returned to farming after the war. Married to Emily S. Phelps, they had eight children. Reed was politically active in the Republican Party and a respected member of the Baptist church. He continued farming until his death, following the legacy of his pioneering family.

Biography of Ernest J. Wuerzberger

Ernest J. Wuerzberger, born on July 31, 1881, in Racine, Wisconsin, led the Racine Wholesale Wine Liquor Company as president and treasurer. His family background includes a Civil War veteran grandfather and a father who ran a grocery and saloon. After establishing his business in 1905, Wuerzberger incorporated the company in 1906 and later partnered with his brother Henry. He married Josephine Zade in 1904 and has two daughters, Ruth and Florence. Wuerzberger is affiliated with the Eagles and supports the Democratic Party.

Biography of Walter Silas Haven, M. D.

Dr. Walter Silas Haven, born on February 9, 1862, in Racine County, graduated from Northwestern University and practiced medicine in Racine after two years of hospital experience. He is the son of George and Jane Haven, descendants of immigrants with rich histories in England and Wales. A graduate of Beloit College, he taught before studying medicine, eventually returning to Racine in 1893. Dr. Haven is also known for his role as president of the U.S. pension board and his participation in various professional organizations and the Masonic fraternity.

Biography of S. H. Hansche

S. H. Hansche was born on November 21, 1878, in Mount Pleasant Township to Frederick J. and Fredricka Hansche. He engaged in farming and achieved success through hard work and progressive methods. After completing his education at fifteen, he partnered with his brother A. J. Hansche to cultivate 110 acres of land. Married to Emma Wensing in 1905, they have three sons. Active in the Methodist Episcopal Church, he has served on the town board and is recognized as a dedicated farmer in his community.

Biography of Lorenzo Janes

Lorenzo Janes, born on September 18, 1801, in Vermont, was a key pioneer in Racine, Wisconsin, after relocating from Albany, New York, in 1836. An accomplished lawyer and judge, he became deeply invested in real estate and insurance while actively contributing to Racine’s development. Janes co-owned the city’s original plat and was instrumental in founding its first newspaper. He served in the Wisconsin territorial council and was a prominent member of the First Baptist Church. He passed away on June 13, 1873.

Biography of Robert L. Anderson

Robert L. Anderson, born on December 3, 1871, in Denmark, immigrated to Racine in 1889. Following a brief stint on a farm, he worked as a blacksmith, establishing a successful business. He married Sena Beck in 1894, and they had seven children. Anderson, devoted to his trade and the Lutheran church, served as deputy sheriff for three years but remained politically independent. His life exemplifies hard work and determination, leading to financial success and a stable family life.

Biography of George Holler

George Holler, born in Germany in 1858, has resided in Mount Pleasant Township for nearly 33 years. With limited education, he began working as a farm hand at age eleven and later served three years in the military. Emigrating to America in 1884, he worked at the Case foundry for twelve years before purchasing agricultural land. Now owning 120 acres, Holler employs modern farming methods and has raised nine children with his wife, Mary. A Catholic, he values hard work and supports political candidates rather than seeking office.

Biographical Sketch of Henry Wuerzberger

Henry Wuerzberger, born on November 17, 1885, in Racine, is the vice president of the Racine Wholesale Wine Liquor Company, working alongside his brother Ernest J. Wuerzberger. After completing his education in Racine public schools, he initially worked with his father and traveled across the U.S. Upon returning home and taking over his father’s grocery and saloon, he later joined the family business, which was incorporated in 1906, contributing to its continued success.

Biography of William Wellborn Acklam

William Wellborn Acklam, born on July 27, 1854, in Racine County, is a self-made man who began working at fifteen. After various jobs, including two years in lumber in northern Wisconsin, he settled in Racine County, where he spent fourteen years in teaming before acquiring 13.5 acres of land in Mount Pleasant Township. He married Katherine Aszmus in 1888, and together they had eleven children. A Republican who values individual candidate capability, Acklam is active in his community and a member of the Baptist church.

Biography of Fred W. Brown

Fred W. Brown, born June 9, 1872, in Granville, Wisconsin, is a dedicated farmer and dairyman in Caledonia Township. He grew up in a German immigrant family and has developed a successful farm since acquiring it in 1898. Brown and his wife, Amanda Pofahl, have two children and are active members of the German Lutheran church. He practices general farming and dairying, shipping milk to Racine. A Republican, he focuses on his business rather than holding public office.

Biography of Christian Erbe

Christian Erbe, born on January 29, 1839, in Saxony, Germany, emigrated to America with his family in 1852. He settled in Racine County, Wisconsin, where he became a successful farmer and owned the family homestead. Erbe engaged in general agriculture, focusing on dairying with high-grade Holstein cows. Married to Catherine Muehlfeld in 1866, they had eleven children. He actively participated in local politics as a Republican and held various community positions, contributing significantly to public progress in Racine County over nearly sixty years.

Biography of Augustus Piper

Augustus Piper was born on August 19, 1825, in Prussia, Germany, and emigrated to the United States after his mother’s death in San Domingo. Settling in Cleveland, Ohio, he later moved to Wisconsin, where he worked as a farmhand before acquiring and cultivating 350 acres of land. In 1852, he married Margaret Braid and had six children. A dedicated Republican, he held various local offices and contributed to public education until his death in 1896, leaving a significant legacy in his community.

Biography of William T. Davies

William T. Davies, born on August 14, 1886, in Mount Pleasant Township, has been a general farmer for five years. After completing his education in local schools and a business college, he held various jobs, including working on a game farm and in the signal department of the Chicago Northwestern Railroad. In 1913, he married Jane Acklam and they have one son, Marvin. A member of the Congregational church and the Republican Party, Davies is known for his ambition and social qualities.

Biographical Sketch of George Acklam

George Acklam, born in England in 1817, immigrated to the United States in 1848 and settled in Racine, Wisconsin, in 1849. Initially working in a soap factory, he later managed a toll gate until his death in 1855. Acklam married Harriett Bean in 1848, and they had four children. After his death, Harriett remarried and had three additional children. The Acklam family was active in their Baptist church and held Whig political views, contributing to the growth of southeastern Wisconsin in the 1840s.

Biography of Clarence H. Van Vliet

Clarence H. Van Vliet, born on June 13, 1885, in Racine, Wisconsin, was the son of John Wicher and Christina Van Vliet. After completing high school, he began his career with the Racine Wagon Carriage Company before co-founding the Western Printing Lithographing Company in 1909, where he became a leader in high-quality printing. In 1915, he became president of the Whitman Publishing Company, focusing on juvenile books. Married to Rose L. Reiman in 1911, Van Vliet was an active community member and a Knight Templar Mason.

Biography of Isidor Friedman

Isidor Friedman, born in Germany in 1854, immigrated to the U.S. at age nine. He established The Friedman Company in Racine in 1907, quickly becoming the city’s largest and most innovative retail store, originally named Friedmans Cloak Suit Company. Under his leadership, the business expanded substantially, and he added a variety of departments, changing the name to The Friedman Company. Friedman is also involved in the local community, with interests in various charitable and social organizations, reflecting his commitment to civic engagement.

Biography of Thomas James McCrory, M. D.

Dr. Thomas James McCrory, born on December 30, 1878, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, has practiced medicine in Racine for a decade. A Northwestern University graduate of 1905, he furthered his training at various Chicago hospitals and the Waukesha Springs Sanitarium. Known for his careful analysis in patient care, he serves as a medical examiner for Prudential and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance. Active in his community, he is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, Elks, and Moose, while maintaining an independent political stance.

Biography of Philip Braun

Philip Braun, born in Germany in 1865, immigrated with his family to the United States in 1866. After settling in Caledonia Township, he began his career in farming and eventually acquired sixty acres of well-cultivated land. Engaging in both general farming and dairying, he produces high-quality butter for sale in Milwaukee. Braun’s successful enterprises reflect his diligent work ethic and progressive farming practices. Married in 1888, he and his wife Mary have five children and are active members of the local Catholic community.

Biography of William F. C. Biehn

William F. C. Biehn, born on October 3, 1886, in Kenosha County, is a successful farmer recognized for his productive management of 80 acres inherited from his father. His father, Fred W. Biehn, emigrated from Germany and became a respected landowner before his death in 1890. William’s education was supplemented by local schools and he now engages in general farming, dairying, and breeding Silverlace Wyandotte chickens. Although politically aligned with the Republican Party, he prefers to focus on farming, earning considerable respect in his community.