Wisconsin

Biography of Judge Elbert Osborne Hand

Judge Elbert Osborne Hand, born November 29, 1830, in New York, served as a prominent member of the Racine bar and County Court judge for thirteen years before his death on June 19, 1915. A graduate of the State University at Madison and law school in Albany, he was known for his fair rulings and dedication to public service. Hand was involved in numerous civic endeavors and remained a respected figure in the community, leaving a legacy of integrity and commitment to justice.

Biography of William Turnor Lewis

William Turnor Lewis, born on March 10, 1840, in Utica, New York, was a respected pioneer manufacturer in Racine, known for his integrity and commitment to community service. His career flourished as he managed the Western Union office during the Civil War and later co-founded the Mitchell Lewis Company, which became a significant player in the wagon and automobile industries. A devoted public servant, Lewis contributed to local politics and church activities, leaving behind a legacy defined by moral principles and civic engagement at the time of his death on December 30, 1915.

Biography of Judge William Smieding, Jr.

Judge William Smieding, Jr., a prominent municipal and juvenile court judge in Racine County for fifteen years, was born on September 9, 1868. A native of Racine, he pursued education at the University of Wisconsin and gained admission to the bar in 1893. Elected as municipal court judge in 1901, he is known for his impartiality. Active in fraternal organizations and community service, he has contributed significantly to local development and the Boy Scouts. He comes from a family with deep roots in Racine, underlining his commitment to the community.

Biography of W. A. Crane

W. A. Crane, born on September 11, 1844, in Mount Pleasant, Racine County, was a successful farmer and dairyman. He enlisted in the Civil War before returning to farming, where he accumulated 120 acres and operated a dairy business for 35 years. A lifelong Republican, he served briefly on the town board and was involved in his church and the Grand Army of the Republic. Married to Laura T. Lathrop, they had six children. Crane’s contributions to Racine County reflect his dedication to community and agriculture.

Biography of William Horlick, Jr.

William Horlick, Jr., born in 1875 in Chicago, stands out as a model of civic involvement among successful businessmen. Despite his leadership role at the Horlick Malted Milk Company, he actively engaged in community development and education. After a solid academic foundation, he worked closely with his father and expanded his skills with engineering studies in London. A member of several fraternal organizations, he is recognized for his broad-mindedness, political independence, and dedication to public service, particularly in education as a school director.

Biography of John Stott Blakey

John Stott Blakey, born on September 23, 1847, in Racine County, became a key figure in Union Grove through his involvement in milling, banking, and civic leadership. The son of Thomas and Mary Blakey, immigrants from England, he began his business career in milling after a solid education. He founded the State Bank of Union Grove and was active in local governance and church. Married to Mary Brush, they had a son, Halbert, a noted physician. Blakey’s commitment to community welfare and leadership is widely acknowledged.

Biography of John H. Smith

John H. Smith, born on March 14, 1851, in Dover Township, is a prominent farmer in Kansasville. His parents, William and Mary Smith, immigrated from England and Ireland, respectively, and William established their homestead in 1842. John began his farming career with a forty-acre tract and expanded to 160 acres, practicing progressive agriculture. He married Elizabeth Lewis in 1875 and they had five children. An active Republican, Smith has served in various local government roles, contributing significantly to his community and church.

Biography of Hon. T. W. Thiesen

Hon. T. W. Thiesen, born in Hamburg in 1867, immigrated to Racine in 1884, beginning his career in the drug industry. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin in 1890, he opened a drug store and later established the Red Cross Drug Company. Thiesen served as mayor, focusing on city improvements and education, and was influential in civic organizations such as the Benevolent Order of Elks. His leadership fostered significant advancements for Racine, underscoring his commitment to public welfare and community development.

Biography of George Alvin Uebele

George Alvin Uebele, born on February 25, 1874, in Wheatland, Kenosha County, became the cashier of the Bank of Burlington after starting his career at the Milwaukee National Bank. His notable tenure since 1906 has seen substantial growth in the bank’s operations. Uebele, a dedicated community member and family man, is active in various organizations, including the Masons and the Burlington Business Men’s Association. He values thoroughness and efficiency, reflecting the success of the financial institution he leads, while also contributing to local progress.

Biography of Hon. J. H. Kamper

Hon. J. H. Kamper, born December 17, 1857, in Denmark, is a prominent figure in agriculture near North Cape, Wisconsin. He emigrated with his family in 1866 and established a successful farming operation, acquiring 140 acres of arable land. Married to Ella Adland in 1885, they have four sons. Kamper is active in his community, serving in various public roles, including twice in the state assembly and as chairman of the town board. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and participates in local fraternal organizations.

Biography of Martin O. Senseny

Martin O. Senseny, born in Pennsylvania in 1852, has been a key figure in the Racine Malleable Wrought Iron Company since 1906, significantly contributing to its growth. After a varied career as a teacher and bookkeeper, he settled in Racine, where he became president and treasurer. His leadership guided the company in overcoming challenges, including a devastating cyclone in 1915. Married to Jennie Chapman in 1883, he had two children. Senseny is active in community organizations and is a dedicated Republican.

Biographical Sketch of George Gray

George Gray, a Scotsman who emigrated to America before the Revolution, served in the American army throughout the war, despite having brothers fighting for the British. He married Mary Stuart in Scotland, and after settling in Philadelphia, they moved to North Carolina and then to Bryans Station, Kentucky. Their son Joseph married Nary Finley and later moved to Missouri, where he died in 1830, leaving behind several children who spread across Montgomery County and beyond.

Wisconsin Land Patents – Chippewa Tribe

A record of Wisconsin land patents for the Chippewa Tribe, listing patentees, dates, document numbers, and accession numbers for individual recipients such as Mary Defoe, Albert Leo Lord, Charles Nicholas Lord, Maggie Lord, Joseph Me-ka-day-we-ke-na-ia, Grace Mishler, and Susan O. Saugie.

Treaty of February 5, 1856

The treaty of February 5, 1856, establishes an agreement between the United States and the Stockbridge and Munsee tribes to address ongoing dissensions and land disputes. It provides for the cession of their remaining land rights and the allocation of new land in Wisconsin, along with financial assistance for improvements and relocation. The tribes are divided between those preferring to remain in Wisconsin and those willing to relocate. The treaty aims to resolve past grievances and promote agricultural pursuits and eventual citizenship for tribal members.

Treaty of February 27, 1855

On February 27, 1855, a treaty was established in Washington between the United States and the Winnebago tribe, represented by various chiefs. The Winnebago ceded nearly 898,000 acres of land in Minnesota and received $70,000 along with designated land on the Blue Earth River as a permanent home. The treaty also imposed obligations for the tribe’s behavior and efforts toward agriculture and civilization. It replaced an earlier agreement from 1853 that the Winnebago had rejected and was contingent upon ratification by the President and Senate.

Treaty of May 12, 1854

On May 12, 1854, a supplemental treaty was signed at Wolf River, Wisconsin, between the United States and the Menomonee tribe. This agreement ceded their lands under an earlier treaty and granted them new territory along Wolf River. The U.S. pledged financial support for a manual-labor school, mills, and other infrastructure improvements, totaling over $300,000 in various forms for the tribe’s relocation and development. The treaty aimed to accommodate the Menomonees’ preference to stay in Wisconsin rather than move westward.

Treaty of November 24, 1848

On November 24, 1848, the Stockbridge tribe of Indians entered an agreement with the United States to relinquish their claims to a township of land in Wisconsin. This treaty followed previous legislation aimed at resolving citizenship and land issues for the tribe. By this agreement, the Stockbridge renounced benefits from earlier acts, agreed to an updated tribal census, and finalized a land cession. The U.S. promised financial compensation and support for relocation, along with provisions for the tribe’s future, securing their rights as recognized citizens.

Treaty of February 8, 1831

On February 8, 1831, a treaty was signed between the Menomonee Indians and the United States, defining their territorial boundaries and addressing land cessions. The Menomonees acknowledged their friendship with the government while ceding significant land for the settlement of various New York tribes. In exchange, they were promised financial compensation, agricultural support, and provisions. The agreement aimed to transform the Menomonees from a nomadic lifestyle to settled agriculture, while asserting their sovereignty and preserving certain hunting rights until future negotiations were deemed necessary by the government.

Treaty of October 27, 1832 – Menominee

On October 27, 1832, the Menominee chiefs met with U.S. Commissioner G.B. Porter to negotiate a revised treaty following the Senate’s conditional ratification. Initially reluctant, the Menominee ultimately agreed to cede land for the benefit of New York tribes, accepting modifications to previously proposed terms. This agreement aimed to resolve disputes and establish a more equitable arrangement among the tribes. With both sides prepared to ratify the treaty under these new terms, they sought the swift approval of the President and Congress.

Treaty of September 29, 1837

On September 29, 1837, a treaty was signed in Washington between U.S. Secretary Joel R. Poinsett and the Sioux chiefs, wherein the Sioux ceded their lands east of the Mississippi River to the United States. In return, the government committed to invest $300,000 for the tribe’s benefit, pay annual annuities, assist with debts, and provide agricultural support over twenty years. This agreement aimed to facilitate the Sioux’s transition to farming and improve their living conditions as part of broader U.S. policies toward Native Americans.