Untitled
From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette Wisconsin, publ. 1901- page 928-929
FRED A. MEYER, postmaster of Boscobel, Grant county, is also a member of the firm of MEYER & JOHNSON, editors and publishers of the Boscobel Dial-Enterprise, one of the most widely-quoted and influential local papers of the State. Both members of this enterprising and stirring firm are young men, but have won their spurs as newspaper men on hard-fought fields of journalism.
Mr. MEYER was born in Boscobel Dec. 29, 1871, son of Edward A. and E. Josephine (HONN) MEYER. The father was a native of Westphalia, Germany, and the mother of Ohio, where she was born in 1843. Frederick A. and Henrietta MEYER, the parents of Edward A., came to this country in 1848, bringing their family with them, and settled on a farm near Waukesha, where Edward A. was reared to manhood. In 1858 he came to Boscobel, and spent several years in this city. In 1861 he went back to Waukesha, and in 1866 once more became a resident of Boscobel. This time he engaged in business as a member of the firm of MEYER, HILDEBRAND & Co., dealers in general merchandise. After a time the firm became MEYER Brothers, Gustave, a brother of Edward A., purchasing the interest of the other parties. MEYER Brothers were in the business for many years, and became one of the best-known firms in southern Wisconsin. Their patronage was very large, and their goods most attractive in quality and price. When the firm went out of business Edward A. turned his attention to manufacturing. His marriage took place at Madison, Wis., in April, 1867, and has been blessed with four children: Bruce M., a manufacturer at Rockton, Wis.; Richard F. died in 1894, at the age of twenty-five years; Fred. A., of Boscobel; and Charity Belle, who is now the wife of Dr. C. F. RODOLF, of Muscoda, Wis. Mrs. MEYER is a member of the Congregational Church, and a lady of high standing in the community. Mr. MEYER is a man of considerable prominence, and is an influential Democrat, his advice being often followed in party matters. He was mayor of the city for a term, served three terms as chairman of the board of supervisors; has also served four years as treasurer of the school board, and has been an alderman several terms.
Fred A. MEYER was a graduate of the high school of Boscobel in the class of 1892, and while attending school learned the printer's trade, and liked it so well that it has become his life work. In 1893 he purchased the paper known as the Leader, in company with Harlan J. JOHNSON, and entered upon a career that has met with marked success from the beginning. The newspaper history of the firm appears in the sketch of his partner, published elsewhere in this work. Mr. MEYER was married Sept. 8, 1898, to Miss Nellie E. PENGILLY, a daughter of Rev. R. PENGILLY, a minister of the Methodist Church. She was born in Argyle, Wis., and is the mother of one daughter, Joseph E. The young husband is a member of the orders of the M.W. of A. and the Foresters. He is a strong Republican, and at the present time is the postmaster of Boscobel, and is conducting his office to the eminent satisfaction of the community.
This biography generously submitted by Carol Holmbeck