Wisconsin

Biography of John D. Rowland

John D. Rowland, born in Racine, Wisconsin, on March 8, 1863, was a prominent member of the real estate and insurance firm Carpenter & Rowland. His father, David Rowland Jr., a Welsh immigrant and Civil War veteran, worked for the J. I. Case Threshing Machine Company. John Rowland studied at McMynn Academy and the University of Wisconsin, graduating with a law degree in 1886. He practiced law in Kenosha and Phillips before entering the insurance business in Racine in 1903. Married to Mary Lizzie Hand, he had three children. Rowland was active in local politics, fraternal organizations, and the Presbyterian Church.

Biography of Christopher C. Gittings

Christopher C. Gittings, who since 1889 has been an active member of the Racine bar, and is now senior partner in the firm of Gittings & Janechy, was born in Racine County, October 29, 1862, a son of William and Elizabeth Gittings. The ancestry is traced back to Wales, although the family is of English origin. The father was born in Wales, and in 1850 visited Wisconsin, being so pleased with the state and its future prospects that he returned in 1855 to Racine County and purchased land in Caledonia Township, soon after which he was joined by his father, … Read more

Biographical Sketch of Fred Reichert

Fred Reichert, a well known contractor of Racine, was born November 6, 1886, in this city, his parents being Nichola F. and Catherine (Becker) Reichert, who were also natives of this city. The paternal grandfather, Frederick Reichert, was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, and in early manhood came to the new world, here following the occupation of farming. He cast in his lot with the early settlers of Racine County and his son, Nichola F., was born and reared on the old homestead farm and became a contractor and builder. He was thus identified with building operations in this County for … Read more

Biography of Elmer E. Gittins

Elmer E. Gittins, a member of the Racine bar, who has been actively engaged in practice in this city since 1898, was born in Caledonia Township, Racine County, August 31, 1869, a son of Ellis and Jane (Gittins) Gittins, both of whom were natives of Wales. The paternal grandfather, William Gittins, left that little rock-ribbed country to become a resident of America and first established his home in New York but afterward removed to Racine County, Wisconsin, where in 1845 he purchased a farm, spending his remaining days thereon. His son, Ellis Gittins, was reared to agricultural life and always … Read more

Biography of F. Arthur Morey

Among those whose success in the real estate and insurance business entitles them to representation as leading business men of Racine is F. Arthur Morey, who has been a lifelong resident of this city. He is a representative of one of-the old families of Wisconsin and the lineage can be traced back to England, whence in 1626 three brothers of the name sailed for the new world, settling in Massachusetts. One branch of the family subsequently took the name of Mowry and the other the name of Morey. Darius J. Morey, the great-grandfather of F. Arthur Morey, was a native … Read more

Biography of Arthur William Simonson

Arthur William Simonson, president of The Wisconsin Agriculturist, published at Racine, succeeds to a business already established and one in which he has the inspirational example of a distinguished and honored father. His training was received under his father’s direction and the course which he is pursuing fully sustains the reputation which has long been associated with the family name in journalistic circles of the state. He was born in Racine. August 15, 1887, his parents being Andrew and Annie (Porter) Simonson, of who mention is made elsewhere in this volume. The Simonsons have been residents of Racine since 1869, … Read more

Biography of John Martin

John Martin, a retired farmer, living in Union Grove, holds title to two hundred and sixty acres of good land in the County and is also financially interested in The Greenhouse and in the Union Grove Milling Company. A native of Cornwall, England, he was born on the 11th of August, 1849, of the marriage of Joseph and Amy (Tucker) Martin, also natives of that country, where the father engaged in farming. In their family were four children, of whom two survive, John and Joseph, the latter farming in Connecticut. The parents were communicants of the Episcopal Church and were … Read more

Biography of T. D. W. Manchester

There are few more highly esteemed men in Union Grove than T. D. W. Manchester, who for many years engaged in the practice of law here but is now living retired. He has also been quite prominent in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is further entitled to recognition as a veteran of the Civil war. He was born in Cayuga County, New York, on the 18th of October, 1840, of the marriage of James T. and Lucy A. (Thornton) Manchester. The family has been represented upon the American soil since early colonial days, as one Thomas Manchester is … Read more

Biography of Sinclair M. Driver

Sinclair M. Driver, president of the T. Driver & Sons Manufacturing Company. is closely associated with the industrial interests of Racine. He has long been connected with the business and his enterprise has been a dominant factor in its successful control in late years. Mr. Driver was born in Racine. Wisconsin. June 8, 1856. a son of Thomas and Marian (Mainland) Driver, who, in 1854, came to Racine -from the Orkney Islands of Scotland. Making his way to this city he entered the employ of Lucas Bradley, with whom he remained for several years, and then in 1867 purchased the … Read more

Biographical Sketch of George B. Wilson

George B. Wilson, who has been actively associated with important business interests of Racine, was born in Boston. Massachusetts, in 1871, and. spending the first twenty-five years of his life in his native city, was accorded liberal educational privileges. He prepared for college at the Boston Latin School, founded in 1635, the oldest public school in America, and received the degree A. B. cum laude from Harvard University with the class of 1894. He then spent some time in the Harvard Graduate School in preparation for the profession of mining engineer and was afterward for many years actively engaged in … Read more

Biography of Harry W. Apple

One of the most prosperous and substantial citizens of Norway Township is Harry W. Apple, whose home is on section 26. He has been a lifelong resident of that Township, where his birth occurred June 29. 1875. His parents, Adam and Dorothy (Eckels) Apple, were natives of Germany, the former born in 1839 and the latter in 1849. They were married, however, in Norway Township, this County, and continued to make their home here throughout the remainder of their lives, the father dying in April, 1907, and the mother in February, 1913. In 1849 the father went to California and … Read more

Biography of Morris Carl Matsen

Morris Carl Matsen is operating a wood and coal business, with moving and storage as a department of his undertaking. His patronage has grown steadily and today his is one of the important enterprises of this character in Racine. Diligence and determination have been the crowning points in the career of Mr. Matsen and success has been the legitimate result of his industry. He was born in Jutland. Denmark, on the 17th of August. 1881, a son of Peter and Anna M. (Scriber) Matsen, who were born, reared and married in Denmark and came to the United States in 1897, … Read more

Biography of John M. Scott

The name of John M. Scott appears on the list of the successful business Wren of Racine. He possesses inventive genius that has made valuable contributions to the world and, moreover, he has the executive ability that enables him to place his inventions upon the market at a profitable figure. Racine County is proud to number him among her native sons. His birth occurred in Raymond Township on the 17th of January, 1844, his parents being Elias and Hannah Scott, natives of New York. ‘Wisconsin was still under territorial rule when they removed westward, establishing their home in Racine County, … Read more

Biography of Andrew Simonson

Lowell said, “An institution is but the lengthened shadow of a man;” it must perforce partake of his character, his purpose and his principles and becomes the expression of his effort and his ideals. It is not a matter of marvel, therefore, that The Wisconsin Agriculturist has been a most successful farmers’ journal, accomplishing far reaching results for the benefit of the agricultural community, for back of that paper were the ideals and determined energy of Andrew Simonson, a man whose rare virtues and lovable character endeared him to the entire circle of his acquaintance. Andrew Simonson was a native … Read more

Biography of Simon M. Reinardy

Simon M. Reinardy, an enterprising druggist of Burlington, not only occupies an enviable position in business circles but has also displayed marked public spirit in his devotion to the general good and has been called upon to fill many positions of honor and trust by his fellow townsmen who recognize his worth and ability. He was born in Chicago, November 18, 1868, a son of Peter and Margaret (Bohr) Reinardy, both of whom were natives of Germany. The paternal grandfather always remained in that country, but the maternal grandfather came to America in early manhood, bringing with him his family. … Read more

Biography of Peter T. Stoffel

Peter T. Stoffel, who for thirty years has been engaged in the dry goods trade in Racine, has contributed in large measure to the substantial growth of the business, which is among the foremost enterprises of this character in the city. His course at all times measures up to high commercial standards and he follows the most modern methods of merchandising, the salient features of his success being unremitting enterprise, judicious advertising and honorable dealing. Mr. Stoffel was born in Racine, July 8, 1864. a son of Nicholas J. and Juliana Maria (Schmidt) Stoffel, both of whom were natives of … Read more

Biography of Jerome I. Case

Jerome I. Case, a representative of the Case family, needs no introduction to the readers of this volume. No name figures more conspicuously on the pages of Racine’s history. The great manufacturing enterprises conducted by the family have been the chief source of material development, and consequent prosperity of this section of the state. Into this heritage came Jerome I. Case and he has made it the purpose and aim of his life to uphold the high reputation of the family in its business connections. He was born May 6, 1887, a. grandson of Jerome I. Case, founder and promoter … Read more

Biography of P. H. Adland

An excellent farm property of one hundred and eighty-five acres, splendidly improved, pays tribute to P. H. Adland, who is the owner thereof. For many years he was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits but is now largely living retired, receiving an excellent income from his holdings. His parents were Thomas and Julia (Nelson) Adland, both of whom were natives of Norway. The father was born near Bergen, August 12, 1831, a son of Mons K. and Ellen (Thompson) Adland. Mons K. Adland was born and reared in Bergen, where he obtained a public school education, and although he became familiar … Read more

Biography of Ellis J. Gittins

Ellis J. Gittins, vice president of the J. I. Case Threshing Machine Company, is a representative of that class of men whose life histories indicate the opportunities that are before the ambitious, energetic American youth. Starting upon his business career in a humble connection with the J. I. Case Threshing Machine Company, through the steps of an orderly progression he has advanced until he occupies the second position in the great corporation, with control over its sales. Mr. Gittins was born in Racine County, December 13. 1867, a son of Ellis and Jane (Gittins) Gittins, both of whom were natives … Read more

Biography of Ezra R. Burgess

Ezra R. Burgess, a member of the Racine bar, practicing as a partner in the law firm of Gittins & Burgess, was born in Mount Pleasant Township, this County. September 13, 1873, and is a representative of an early New England family. His grandfather was Benajer Burgess, of Vermont, who in early manhood removed from the Green Mountain state to New York. After residing there for some time he arrived in Southport, Wisconsin, in 1836, and there operated a sawmill on Pike Creek but was not permitted to enjoy his new home, his death occurring soon afterward. His son, Alonzo … Read more