Wisconsin

Biographical Sketch of Yoxall, Albert

Albert Yoxall, born January 1, 1856, in England, immigrated with his family to America in 1869. His father, John Yoxall, established a lumberyard in Russell before shifting to farming in 1871. Albert inherited 160 acres of cultivated land following his father’s death in 1880. He briefly worked as an associate cashier at the Russell bank and married Alice Overholswr in 1881. The Yoxall family played a significant role in the agricultural and economic development of the region.

Biographical Sketch of Parker, F. L.

Parker, F. L. is a prominent dealer in grain, lumber, and coal, associated with the firm Hobbs Parker since 1879. He arrived in Russell, Kansas in 1877 and contributed significantly to the local economy. Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, born in 1848, he moved with his family in his youth to Wisconsin, where he engaged in various businesses, including hardware and manufacturing. Parker married Lizzie V. Hobbs in 1871 and has two children. He is also an active community member, having served on the City Council.

Biographical Sketch of Ackerman, Theodore

Theodore Ackerman, born in 1849 in Rodendale, Wisconsin, became the president of Russell Bank, established on July 10, 1877. The bank’s stone building was completed in 1878. Ackerman moved to Russell, Kansas, in 1871 and initially worked in merchandising. He married Libbie Holly in 1877 and they have one daughter. Ackerman served as the first County Clerk of Russell County and held various positions, including secretary of the Northwestern Colony, highlighting his significant local influence and community involvement.

Biographical Sketch of Bradshaw, George T.

George T. Bradshaw, born in Schenectady County, New York, in 1836, became a prominent grain and coal dealer after establishing his business in 1876. He co-owned Fairport Flouring Mills, built in 1879, which operated on steam and water power. Before his commercial endeavors, he served as principal of South Ward School in Waupun, Wisconsin. Married to D. O. Weld in 1863, he had two children. Bradshaw was also involved in fraternal organizations, being a member of the A. O. U. W.

Biographical Sketch of Chadbourne, J. S.

Chadbourne, J. S. was born in Harrison, Maine, in 1843 and relocated to Kansas in 1872. Initially a farmer and later a telegraph operator, he was elected Clerk of the District Court in 1878, holding the position by re-election. He currently serves as Deputy County Clerk and Deputy County Superintendent of Schools. Chadbourne married Ella A. Bowen in 1880, and they have one son, Willie S. He is active in the local Masonic lodge and the Congregational Church.

Biographical Sketch of Eastland, W. G.

W. G. Eastland, an attorney from the firm Eastland & Pierce, arrived in Russell in 1872 to practice law. He served two terms as County Attorney and was a Kansas State Representative from 1879 to 1880. Originally from Mississippi, Eastland was raised in Wisconsin, where he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1870. He also served in the Fortieth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War and is a member of the I.O.O.F. and the Kansas Supreme Court bar.

Biographical Sketch of Banker,Louis

Louis Banker arrived in Russell in 1876, managing a general store owned by G. A. Hart for five years. He later became a partner in Giddings, Banker & Co., which commenced operations on September 14, 1881, with a merchandise stock valued at about $8,000. The partnership included Banker, R. S. Giddings, and M. A. Blaine. Born in 1858 in Belleville, Canada West, Banker moved with his family to Wisconsin in 1864 and later to Cass County, Iowa, before settling in Kansas.

Biographical Sketch of Hart, Q. A.

Q. A. Hart, born April 2, 1825, in Upper Canada, established a general merchandise store in Russell on October 2, 1872, making it the oldest in the area. He constructed the first store building in 1874 and has expanded it over the years. Hart, a veteran of the Civil War, served in the Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and has held various local government positions. He is also a farmer, landowner, and community leader, actively participating in church and veteran organizations.

Biography of Mann, Stillman

Stillman Mann, the proprietor of the Russell House, built the stone section of his hotel in 1877, with a combined cost of $7,000 and a capacity for approximately seventy-five guests. Originally from Vermont, Mann arrived in Russell in 1871 as part of the Northwestern Colony. He initially supported his family by baking and selling bread to settlers. Mann held various business roles prior to moving to Kansas and was active in his community, notably in the Congregational Church and local governance.

Biography of A. H. Johnson

A. H. Johnson arrived in Portland in 1852 with no money or connections but quickly rose to prominence as a leading businessman. Born in London in 1830, he aided his family on a Wisconsin farm before moving to Oregon. After starting in a butcher shop, he established a successful meat market and later became the city’s largest meat dealer, with annual revenues up to $400,000. A respected figure in Portland, he was known for his integrity and generosity, contributing significantly to the community’s prosperity. Johnson married Cordelia St. Clair and had fourteen children.

Biography of George W. Staver

George W. Staver, born on November 18, 1836, in Pennsylvania, founded a significant mercantile corporation on the Pacific Coast. Raised on a farm, he gained expertise in agricultural machinery and served in the Fifth Wisconsin Light Artillery during the Civil War. After the war, he established a successful business in agricultural implements, eventually becoming a prominent figure in Portland’s commercial landscape. Staver was also involved in various community and church activities and demonstrated a commitment to public service and philanthropy throughout his life.

Biography of Samuel C. Johnson

Samuel C. Johnson, an esteemed businessman in Racine, reflects resilience and continued vigor at eighty-three. Born in 1833 near Elyria, Ohio, he moved to Wisconsin, where he built a successful retail book business and later founded a factory for hardwood flooring and wax production. His innovative products gained widespread recognition, leading to a significant international market presence. Married to Carrie Fisk in 1861, Johnson remains actively engaged in business, exemplifying the value of experience and enduring dedication, with a legacy that continues to thrive.

Biography of Elbert Budd Hand

Elbert Budd Hand, born on November 11, 1871, in Racine, has practiced law there for twenty-one years, following in the footsteps of his father, Judge E. O. Hand. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1892 and Cornell Law School in 1895, subsequently joining his father’s practice. Renowned for his strong arguments and logical reasoning, Hand has contributed significantly to important legal cases. He is also a director at the First National Bank and a dedicated family man, married to Ada Orr Simpkin, with three children.

Biography of William Horlick

William Horlick, born in Gloucestershire, England, on February 23, 1846, is the treasurer and founder of the Horlick Malted Milk Company in Racine, Wisconsin. He emigrated to the United States in 1869 and, after various business ventures, began producing a prepared food product for infants and invalids in 1875. His company grew significantly, establishing a global presence. Married to Arabella Horlick in 1870, they had four children. A successful businessman, he dedicated his life to his enterprise rather than political pursuits.

Biography of Herbert F. Johnson

Herbert F. Johnson, born in 1869 in Kenosha, is the current manager of S. C. Johnson & Son, a leading manufacturer of wax products. He succeeded his father, Samuel C. Johnson, and has significantly contributed to the company’s growth through his comprehensive understanding of the business. Johnson, who married Helen Converse in 1892, is active in community service as president of Racine’s board of education and is involved with local organizations such as the Elks and the Masons.

Biography of Dr. Robert C. Hindley

Dr. Robert C. Hindley, born in Manchester in 1848, was a distinguished chemist for the Horlick Malted Milk Company and had a notable academic career, including teaching and professorships at various institutions. He was instrumental in establishing the first public electric lighting plant in Wisconsin and owned the first automobile in Racine. A member of the American Chemical Society, he contributed significantly to the field and was active in Masonic organizations and local politics. Hindley was also dedicated to his church and community, making him a prominent figure in Racine.

Biography of Hon. Alexander J. Horlick

Alexander J. Horlick, born in Racine in 1873, is the vice president of the Horlick Malted Milk Company and has significantly contributed to its growth. He was educated in local public schools and Racine College before joining the family business. Horlick served as mayor of Racine from 1907, focusing on city improvements and reforming business practices. His leadership earned him public support for a potential third term. He is also a regent at the University of Wisconsin and a member of various professional and fraternal organizations.

Biography of Hon. John B. Simmons

Hon. John B. Simmons, born October 26, 1851, in McHenry County, Illinois, has had a distinguished legal career in Racine since 1898. A graduate of legal studies under his father, he co-authored the authoritative “Simmons Wisconsin Digest” and has been recognized for his contributions to legal literature and practice. Married in 1876, he had two children, John E. and Katharine. Active in civic duties, he served as mayor of Lake Geneva and supports various philanthropic initiatives while maintaining a Republican affiliation.

Biography of George Engelhardt

George Engelhardt, born on May 25, 1860, in Paris Township, Kenosha County, is a successful farmer managing a 140-acre tract near Kansasville. He is the son of German immigrants John and Rachel Engelhardt, who settled in Wisconsin in 1853. George has cultivated his land into a productive farm and has also worked as a railroad employee for two years. Married to Tressie Rusburg, they have three children. Active in local education and a member of the Burlington Lutheran church, Engelhardt is a committed Republican and community advocate.

Biography of John O’Day, Esq.

John O’Day, born on November 18, 1843, in Limerick, Ireland, emigrated to America as a child and was raised in Wisconsin. He studied law under Judge Windsor and was admitted to the bar in 1864. O’Day settled in Springfield in 1865 and became a prominent criminal and corporate attorney, notably for the St. Louis and San Francisco Railway Company. An active Democrat, he served on the State Central Committee and played a key role in the party’s successes. He married Jennie Campbell and has two sons.