Wisconsin

Biography of William H. McCullough

William H. McCullough, born September 13, 1869, in Caledonia Township, is a respected farmer operating a 128-acre property that has remained in the family since his father’s death in 1912. His father, Archie McCullough, emigrated from Ireland and established a successful farming enterprise in Wisconsin. William, who received his education locally, engages in general farming and dairying. He is actively involved in his community, attends the Methodist Episcopal Church, and aligns with the Republican Party, though he prefers to focus on his farm rather than pursue political office.

Biography of Albert Hanson

Albert Hanson, born on October 19, 1863, in Norway Township, is a distinguished farmer with Norwegian heritage. His parents, Ole and Rosline, emigrated from Norway, with Ole establishing a successful 160-acre farm after arriving in the U.S. in 1846. Albert has thrived as an agriculturist and mechanic, managing his farm and engaging in local politics, including roles as assessor, treasurer, and town board chairman. He married Clara Ludwig in 1913, and they have two daughters, maintaining involvement in the Norway Lutheran church and the Republican Party.

Biography of Walter R. Rowley

Walter R. Rowley, born on May 5, 1869, in Mount Pleasant Township, is a dedicated farmer of 114 acres. The son of Joseph and Ellen Rowley, he continued the family farming legacy after his father’s death. He married Alice Foster in 1892 and has three children. Active in local governance, Rowley has served as road commissioner for twenty-five years and on the school board for three years. A member of the Baptist church, he engages in his community’s moral progress while following an independent political path.

Biography of Edgar A. Sears

Edgar A. Sears was born on January 23, 1880, in Caledonia Township, where his family has deep roots in agriculture. His father, Daniel Sears, and grandfather, Lewis Sears, were early pioneers in Racine County, establishing successful farming operations. Edgar continued this legacy, inheriting the family farm and expanding it to one hundred acres focused on general farming and dairying. He married Meta Becker in 1903, and they have three children. The couple is well-regarded in their community and actively participates in local church and agricultural life.

Biography of David F. Griswold

David F. Griswold, born on December 26, 1854, in Racine, is a prominent city editor of the Racine Journal, reflecting a long career in journalism. After starting his apprenticeship at the Racine Weekly Argus, he moved to the Daily Journal, where he has earned recognition for his effective reporting. A member of various fraternal organizations and the Racine Commercial Club, Griswold is committed to promoting community welfare and holds an independent political stance, with ties to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

Biography of Carl Mickelsen

Carl Mickelsen was born on September 5, 1866, in Lolland, Denmark, and immigrated to the United States in 1886 seeking better opportunities. Starting as a farmhand, he gradually saved enough to purchase his own farm in Mount Pleasant Township in 1906. Over time, he expanded his holdings to eighty-four acres, which he improved and cultivated diligently. Married in 1892 to Margaret Olsen, they had nine children together. A member of the Lutheran church and an independent voter, Mickelsen focused on his farming endeavors rather than political aspirations.

Biography of C. E. Thorkelson

C. E. Thorkelson, born on February 25, 1885, in Racine to Norwegian immigrant parents, became the city’s deputy health officer on June 1, 1914. After graduating high school in 1901 and earning a Bachelor of Science in bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin in 1906, he worked in various roles, including food inspector before rising to his current position. Thorkelson values political independence and is active in the Masonic fraternity and the Methodist Church, reflecting his commitment to civic duty and personal convictions.

Biographical Sketch of Norbert Grabher

Norbert Grabher, born on November 9, 1855, in Austria, emigrated to the United States in 1882, initially settling in Philadelphia. He worked various jobs in Chicago and Racine, including in a chicory factory and a malt house, before purchasing a seventeen-acre farm in Mount Pleasant Township in 1906. He married Sophia Hansche in 1887, and they had five children. Grabher’s diverse employment history reflects his adaptability and dedication to building a life in America.

Biography of William C. Hood

William C. Hood, born in Racine on April 21, 1860, has been the manager of the American Seating Company since 1898. He began his career as a clerk and gained experience at the Racine Hardware Manufacturing Company. Following its reorganization, Hood’s leadership played a key role in the company’s success. Married to Cora G. Galliene, they have four children. A dedicated community member, he has served on the school board and was involved in the Wisconsin National Guard, exemplifying integrity and commitment throughout his life.

Biography of Robert G. Nelson

Robert G. Nelson, born on September 14, 1877, in Racine, Wisconsin, was the son of Norwegian immigrants. After initially thriving in the meat business, he transitioned to real estate around 1906, forming various partnerships before establishing his independent office on State Street. His expertise in the real estate market enabled him to successfully assist clients in property dealings. Married in June 1914 to Gertrude Springrude, they have one son. An active member of the Commercial Club, he is committed to advancing Racine’s interests while remaining politically uninvolved.

Biography of Frank I. Lingsweiler

Frank I. Lingsweiler, born in Racine County in February 1854, was a notable figure in the grocery business in Corliss, Wisconsin, before retiring to Racine in 1910. He graduated high school at nineteen and taught for six years before entering the grocery trade. Lingsweiler was recognized for his integrity and sound judgment in business. Married to Ella Nobles, they had three sons. Active in local politics and the Episcopal Church, he held various offices and was involved in fraternal organizations, upholding high ethical standards throughout his career.

Biographical Sketch of Jerome J. Foley

Jerome J. Foley, born in Racine on November 14, 1886, is a notable member of the local bar, having established himself as a skilled practitioner since his admission to the bar in 1913. He graduated from high school in 1904 and pursued law at Marquette University. Currently a partner in the firm Storms, Foley & Beck, Foley is recognized for his thorough preparation and dedication to client interests. He is affiliated with St. Patrick’s Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Elks, while focusing solely on his legal career.

Biography of Gustave Bahnemann

Gustave Bahnemann, born on January 5, 1860, in Germany, immigrated to the United States in 1881, eventually settling in Milwaukee before moving to Racine in 1901. There, he partnered with Adolph Weber in a planing mill, later becoming president of the Racine Puttyless Window Company. Married to Matilda Theda, they have one son, Frank. Bahnemann is active in local development through the Commercial Club, is a member of the Elks, and supports the Republican Party, all while being guided by his Lutheran faith.

Biography of Arthur O. Fisher, M. D

Dr. Arthur O. Fisher, born on August 4, 1884, in Wisconsin, is a notable surgeon in St. Louis. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin and Johns Hopkins University, earning valuable experience at both institutions. Currently affiliated with Barnes Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, he also teaches surgery at Washington University. Married to Adalia Kroehnke, they have a daughter named Jessie Louise. A member of various medical societies, Dr. Fisher is respected for his professional contributions and positive demeanor in patient care.

Biographical Sketch of Edmund G. Ross

Edmund G. Ross, born on December 7, 1826, in Ohio, played a significant role in Kansas’s fight against slavery. A skilled journalist, he was actively involved in the free-state movement and became a prominent editor in Topeka. As a politician, he participated in the Wyandotte Constitutional Convention and later served as a U.S. senator, famously voting against President Johnson’s impeachment. Ross’s career spanned various roles, including military leadership in the Civil War and governor of New Mexico. He passed away on May 9, 1907.

Biography of William David Ayars

William David Ayars, born August 17, 1850, in Wisconsin, became a prominent figure in Wild Cat Township, Riley County, Kansas. His father, Jeptha Ayars, settled in the area in 1866, and William, after brief stints in Texas and the Black Hills, dedicated himself to farming and stockraising. Owning 540 acres, he achieved significant success through hard work and sound judgment. Married to Maggie Pritner, they had eight children. Though he preferred a quiet life, Ayars earned respect within the community, serving in various township roles and being nominated for county commissioner in 1916.