Wisconsin

Biography of B. H. Meyers

B. H. Meyers is the president and treasurer of the oldest monument and tile work business in Racine, the B. H. Meyers Company. Born in McHenry, Illinois, to German immigrants, he moved to Racine in 1889 after training as a marble cutter. Initially partnering with Mrs. M. A. Paddock, he later restructured the business under his name in 1909. A dedicated Republican, he has served on the election board for 14 years and is actively involved in the community through the Commercial Club. His career showcases the rewards of hard work and commitment to quality.

Biography of David H. Flett

David H. Flett, born September 12, 1846, in Kirkwell, Scotland, immigrated to Wisconsin in 1855. He pursued education at local schools and graduated from Oberlin College in 1875. Flett served as Kenosha County’s school superintendent and as principal of the Elkhorn high school. Admitted to the bar in 1880, he practiced law in Racine and served as city attorney and municipal judge. He was involved in various local organizations and was married to Louise Townsend, with whom he had four daughters, reflecting a commitment to both his profession and community.

Biography of William Dwight Thompson

William Dwight Thompson, born on November 7, 1867, in Memphis, Tennessee, was a prominent attorney in Racine, Wisconsin, and senior partner at Thompson, Myers & Kearney. The son of noted legal writer Seymour D. Thompson, William began studying law under his father’s guidance. He practiced alone before forming partnerships that evolved into his current firm. Married to Marion A. Stoker, Thompson was active in local organizations, a Democrat, and served six years with the Racine Light Guards, earning respect for his legal expertise and community involvement.

Biography of Joseph Miller

Joseph Miller, born on August 8, 1832, in Rhenish Prussia, emigrated to the United States in 1847. Settling in Racine, he apprenticed as a shoemaker and later purchased the business, becoming a leading figure in the community. His business, J. Miller Company, thrived despite setbacks, including fires in 1866 and 1882. A notable civic leader, he served on the school board and as mayor, promoting progress in Racine. Miller passed away on December 29, 1905, leaving a legacy of integrity and resilience.

Biography of William J. Harvey

William J. Harvey, born in Leeds, England, on June 11, 1846, is a notable figure in Racine, Wisconsin, primarily due to his role as president of the Harvey Spring Company. After immigrating with his family in 1849, he initially engaged in general merchandising and agriculture before founding his manufacturing business specializing in vehicle springs. Harvey’s enterprise has significantly contributed to Racine’s economic growth. He is also an active member of the community, serving on the board of education and involved in local banking and religious institutions.

Biography of Gus Beecher

Gus Beecher, a prominent figure in Union Grove’s farming community, has resided in the region for sixty-five years, following his birth in Germany in 1849. His father, John Casper Beecher, immigrated to the U.S. in 1851, acquiring and developing land in Kenosha County. Gus, the youngest of six siblings, managed a successful farm of 140 acres and has been active in agriculture and dairying. Married in 1868, he and his wife, Mary Ann Sumpter, had nine children. A dedicated Republican and community member, he served as district clerk for eighteen years and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Biography of Hon. Charles H. Everett

Charles H. Everett, born on March 22, 1855, in Rock County, Wisconsin, became a significant figure in the state’s agricultural development. Initially a farmer, he later lectured on agricultural practices and served as editor of The Wisconsin Agriculturist. His political career included roles in the state assembly and senate, where he championed beneficial legislation. Known for his dedication to agriculture and education, Everett’s influence remains prominent in Wisconsin’s farming community, earning him respect as a leader and friend to many.

Biography of Sands M. Hart

Sands M. Hart, born on April 15, 1852, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, passed away on December 23, 1915. He moved to Racine as a child and pursued education through high school and Hillsdale College. Hart joined the family business, becoming treasurer and manager of the Racine Woolen Mills, later founding the Racine Woolen Manufacturing Company. He was married to Stella Blake, who was active in charitable work and the arts. Hart was also involved in the First Baptist church and the Racine Commercial Club, contributing significantly to his community.

Biography of George W. Miller

George W. Miller, born on July 12, 1866, in Racine, is a key figure in the city’s industrial and commercial landscape as treasurer of the J. Miller Company, a prominent shoe manufacturer founded by his father, Joseph Miller. Educated at McMynn Academy, he began his career in his father’s business, working diligently to master various operational aspects. Miller is an active community member, involved in St. Rose Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and educational initiatives as a school commissioner, while also contributing to civic improvement efforts.

Biography of Michael N. Freeman

Michael N. Freeman, born on January 14, 1860, in Centralia, Illinois, has been integral to the industrial development of Racine through the S. Freeman Sons Manufacturing Company. Joining the family business at thirteen, he gained comprehensive knowledge of its operations. After his father’s death in 1889, he became vice president, advancing the company’s reputation as a leading manufacturer of boilers and farm machinery. Freeman, a family man and Congregationalist, has chosen to focus on business over politics, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Biography of A. Cary Judd

A. Cary Judd was born on April 16, 1850, in Frankfort, New York, and became a prominent figure in Racine, Wisconsin, where he practiced law for over four decades. He was the youngest of seven children and began his legal career under the guidance of his father, George B. Judd, a respected attorney. Judd served as court commissioner for 36 years and has held several other public roles. A community figure of notable influence, he has lived in Racine for 59 years, contributing significantly to the city’s development.

Biographical Sketch of John S. Hart Sr.

John S. Hart, born on March 13, 1823, in Meredith, New Hampshire, played a significant role in Racine’s early history. After relocating to Baraboo, Wisconsin, he moved to Racine in the early 1850s and co-founded a woolen mill, continuing a prominent family legacy in manufacturing. A successful businessman and community leader, Hart contributed to local initiatives, including the Young Men’s Christian Association building. He married Susan Piper Hawkins in 1851 and passed away on February 7, 1901, at the age of 78.

Biography of Herman O. Wadewitz

Herman O. Wadewitz, born on July 26, 1865, in Port Washington, Wisconsin, played a pivotal role in the Racine Trunk Company, which he helped establish in 1885. Serving as secretary and treasurer after its incorporation, he significantly contributed to its success and innovation in trunk manufacturing. Married to Adeline Schneider in 1902, they have one son, Donald. Wadewitz is politically active in the Republican Party, and he is involved with the Knights of Pythias and the First Evangelical Church, where he holds trustee responsibilities.

Biography of George T. Caystile

George T. Caystile, born on December 13, 1868, in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, became treasurer and manager of the Carroll Coal Company in Racine since its establishment in 1910. Growing up in Racine, he left school at fourteen to work in the coal industry, accumulating over thirty years of experience. Caystile, married to Anna Reid, is a father of two daughters and involved in various fraternal organizations. He maintains a non-partisan political stance locally while aligning with the Democratic Party nationally, focusing primarily on his business endeavors.

Biography of William Smith

William Smith, born on September 10, 1853, in Dover, Racine County, is a prominent figure in Union Grove due to his successful business ventures, particularly in real estate and hospitality. He inherited and improved a substantial farm, while also engaging in various enterprises throughout his life, including a shoe business and a cabbage shipping partnership. Married to Anna Roach in 1904, he was active in community development and held memberships in several fraternal organizations. Now largely retired, Smith continues to be a respected member of the Union Grove community.

Biography of Mortimer Eugene Walker

Mortimer Eugene Walker, born on June 25, 1872, in Mount Pleasant, Wisconsin, is a prominent attorney and member of the Simmons Walker law firm. His legal acumen is recognized throughout Racine County, where he has built a successful practice since graduating from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1895. Walker has served as city attorney and is an active member of several fraternal organizations. Married to Florence Bull, he is a family man with two daughters and maintains a strong community presence through his professional and civic engagements.

Biography of W. J. Theis

W. J. Theis, born on September 19, 1865, in Eberfeld, Germany, immigrated to Racine County at fifteen and has been integral to its commercial development. After brief work as a farmhand, he gained skills in cabinetmaking, worked in various factories, and ran a hardware store before entering the saloon business. In 1902, he purchased a farm in Raymond Township and began operating a general store. Married to Josephine Ellis, they have one daughter, Margaret, and are active members of St. Luke’s Catholic Church.

Biography of John H. Liegler

John H. Liegler, born on March 12, 1874, in Racine, Wisconsin, has practiced law in the city since being admitted to the bar in 1899. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, he gained valuable legal experience as a clerk in the municipal court. Liegler, a Democrat who prefers to stay out of politics, is active in several fraternal organizations. He married Gertrude P. Houser in 1915 and is noted for his steady progress in a merit-based profession.

Biography of John D. Rowland

John D. Rowland, born March 8, 1863, in Racine, was a prominent figure in real estate and insurance, co-founding Carpenter Rowland. His father, David Rowland, emigrated from Wales and later settled in Racine. John served in the Civil War and worked for the J. I. Case Threshing Machine Company before pursuing law, graduating from the University of Wisconsin in 1886. He married Mary Lizzie Hand and had three children. A Republican and active in his community, Rowland was involved in various fraternal organizations and the Presbyterian Church.

Biography of Stiles Moe

Stiles Moe, born January 29, 1834, in Lorain County, Ohio, is a respected figure in Union Grove, Wisconsin. After moving to Racine County at age ten, he established a general store in 1860, contributing significantly to the town’s growth. A carpenter by trade, he balanced work and education to gain knowledge. Married to Grace Victoria Mather, he had three children, including a practicing lawyer. Active in politics and the Congregational church, Moe served on the school board for twenty-one years, deeply impacting his community.