Bios transcribed by Kay R. & History by Jan Cortez
Biographies
Page 1152 - John LAABS, logger and lumberman, located in 1864, and began lumbering in 1872; usually employs thirty men and gets out 2,000,000 feet, which he markets generally in Oshkosh, Wis. Mr. L. was born in Germany, Jan. 10, 1840; emigrated to America in 1856, and settled in Fond du Lac, Wis., and farmed on shares until 1864, then moved to Oshkosh and engaged in the flouring mill business until 1872, since which time he has been in the lumber business. He was married in Oshkosh, February, 1865, to Miss Matilda WESSENBERG; she was born in Germany. They have three living children, named, William J., Lydia, Daniel (deceased) and Elsie (living).
Page 1152 - LAABS & LAMPERT, boots and shoes; commenced business in 1881, succeeding J. B. STONE; carrying stock of about $5,000 or $6,000. Matt LAMPERT, firm of LAABS & LAMPERT, was born at West Bend, Washington Co., Wis., June 12, 1857; his parents having come from Switzerland and settled in Washington Co. in 1849; came to Oshkosh in 1875, and engaged in the grocery business, and was burnt out in 1877; after this moved to Kansas, where he was a book-keeper and salesman in a general store; returned to Oshkosh in 1880. Mr. LAMPERT is a member of the Lodge of Good Templars.
Page 1152 - James William LADD, County Treasurer; was born at Campton, N.H., May 5, 1838; lived there until May, 1845, when his parents, with their family, removed to Beaver Dam, Dodge Co., Wis., where they resided until October, 1846, when they came to what is now the town of Menasha, Winnebago Co., where his father, James LADD, pre-empted his present farm in the spring of 1846; James William LADD was reared on the farm, graduated from Lawrence University at Appleton, in June, 1862; subsequently taught school for nearly a year at South Beaver Dam, and then went to Kansas, where he was employed for a short time as Special Deputy to the United States Marshal; in October, 18?3, he went to Fort Larned, (sic) and was chief clerk in a mercantile establishment and the post office for eighteen months; from 1865 to Jan. 1, 1867, he was Postmaster at Fort Dodge, and was also engaged in the mercantile business there during that period; in January, 1867, he returned to Menasha and engaged in the grocery trade in partnership with his brother, Christopher; he continued in that business until the fall of 1879; he was City Clerk and Overseer of the city poor of Menasha for several years, and Justice of the Peace one year prior to entering upon the duties of County Treasurer Jan. 1, 1881; he was prominently identified with the school interests of Menasha for several years, and was a member of the School Board for some time; he is President of the Alumni Association of Lawrence University, and is a member of the A., F. & A.M., Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery; also of the I.O.O.F. Lodge and Encampment. He was married at Evanston, Ill., May 20, 1874, to Mary Elizabeth, daughter of A. B. JACKSON, one of the pioneer settlers at Kenosha, Wis.; she was born in the town of Bristol, Kenosha Co., Wis.; they have one son living - Andrew B. JACKSON, born in April, 1878; lost one daughter - Florence; she was born June 10, 1875 and died May 18, 1877. Mr. LADD's father was born at Sudbury, Vt., in1799 and first came to Wisconsin in the spring of 1844; he is a vigorous and active man now, personally looking after his farming interests; his wife, Charity WILLEY, was born at Campton, Grafton Co., N.H., in January, 1804, and died in December, 1864.
Page 1152 - G. R. LAMPARD, musical instruments; commenced business in 1866; Mr. L. is general agent for the State of Wisconsin for W. W. KIMBALL, of Chicago; the yearly sales have run up to $42,000, and during the month of June, 1881, they were $10,000; Mr. LAMPARD has written and composed a great deal of music, some of the pieces have a large sale, of which we may enumerate the following instrumental music: "Going to the Picnic," waltz; "Singing Birds," polka; "Golden Plume," schottische, and "Cymbella March" for ball organ; the best known of his songs are, "My Home by the Sea," "Gathering Up the Pearly Shells," "Don't Wait for a Better Time to Come,: and "Fun With the Boys." He has published in all fifty-three pieces; was born in Deerfield, Ohio, June 9, 1836; his parents moved to Illinois, when he was three years old, locating near Quincy, in which place his father was a merchant for some time; the subject of our sketch was employed in his father's store for a time; studied music in Quincy and finished his education in the Normal Musical Institute at North Reading, Mass.; came to Wisconsin in 1856 , and located in Appleton; engaged in teaching music; moved to Oshkosh the next year and followed the same business about two years; after spending about one year in Chicago he removed to Ripon, Wis., where he kept a store, and also taught music for some four years. Was married at Fremont, Waupaca Co., Wis., Aug. 23, 1857, to Miss Delia A. SHERBURNE, of Waupaca Co.; they have two children - Frank, Jennie (widow of Mr. F. J. CLARK). Mr. L. belongs to the A., F. & A. M. Lodge
Page 1152 - Gilbert LANE, hotel proprietor; was born in Camillus, Onondaga Co., N.Y., May 1, 1821. In 1844 he came to Ceresco, Wis., where he was connected with the Fourierite Association; he ran the first separator threshing machine in that region; in 1845 he drove an ox cart team to Oshkosh, which was the first team which was driven through to that point from Ceresco; in 1856 he went to Southern Illinois, and kept hotel there until 1861; he had been engaged in teaching at Paris, Edgar Co., Ill., prior to 1844; in 1861 he returned to Fond du Lac Co., and located at Ripon, in the vicinity of his earliest location in Wisconsin; about the time the war closed he purchased the MAPES House, at Ripon; owned and operated that hotel for about three years, then sold out and came to Oshkosh, and was engaged in hotel business here until 1873; from that time he was not engaged in active business until he became one of the proprietors of the Tremont House, in March, 1881; in this connection it is proper to say that there is no hotel in Northern Wisconsin which is better conducted than the Tremont House. Mr. LANE was married at Paris, Ill., in March, 1846, to Mary J. KIMBROUGH, a native of Kentucky; Mr. L. is a member of A., F. & A. M. Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery.
Page 1152 - C. H. LARRABEE, superintendent, PAINE & Co.; was born in McKean Co., Pa., July 6, 1837; his parents, Ebenezer and Lucinda (KNAPP) LARRABEE, were originally from Massachusetts; they moved from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin in 1855, locating in Omro, Winnebago Co. The subject of this sketch came to Oshkosh in 1862, and engaged as shipping clerk with C. N. PAINE & Co., and has been superintendent for PAINE since about 1864; he was married in Oshkosh in December, 1865, to Annetta C. GEORGE, of Winnebago Co., who died in 1868, leaving one son - Herbert N.; Mr. L. was married to his present wife, Miss Josephine E. MANSFIELD, of Janesville, Wis., in December, 1871; they have one child, a daughter - Josephine A.; Mr. L. is a member of Knights of Honor, and of the Royal Arcanum.
Pages 1152 & 1153 - W. F. LARISH, foreman machinery, FOSTER & JONES; was born in Columbia, Penn., Jan. 31, 1843; learned his trade in Philadelphia; enlisted Oct. 10, 1861, in Co. D, 84th Penn. V.I. as private; served until mustered out, July, 1865; during this time Mr. L. was with the regiment of eighteen general engagements, in addition to skirmishes; was at "Petersburg," "Wilderness," "Spottsylvania Court House," and the surrender of Lee; came to Wisconsin to settle, in January, 1880; located in Oshkosh; was married in Lucerne Co., Penn., Aug. 27, 1868, to Hattie E. DOWNING, of that county; they have two children - Frank A. and Arthur; is a member of I.O.O.F., of Philadelphia.
Page 1153 - Frank LARIE, proprietor Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad House; he was born in Prussia, Germany, Sept. 19, 1840; he came to Oshkosh, Wis., in 1854, and farmed twenty years; then moved into the city, built his hotel in 1874, and it burned down in a few days after he moved in; he immediately began the erection of his present large hotel building; he has a large barn in connection with his hotel, and is doing a good business. He was married Oct. 20, 1867, to Miss Barbara HERMAN, who was born in the South. They have five children living and three deceased, as follows: Charles, Joseph and Mary, deceased; and John, Tina, Peter, George W., and Rosa A., living.
Page 1153 - Henry L. LAWSON, insurance and loan agent; was born in Baltimore, Md., March 27, 1843; came to Winnebago Co., Wis., June 8, 1861. He served for nearly three years in construction corps of the army, during the late war of the rebellion, afterward was on a farm in the town of Nokimi for about six years, then came to Oshkosh and engaged in his present business. He was married in the town of Utica, Winnebago Co., Wis., in February, 1868, to Rosamond STONE, a native of Essex Co., N.Y. They have three children - Carrie Stella, Lester Henry and Edith Vern; lost one daughter, Olive Ann, who was born Jan. 20, 1869, and died Nov. 12, 1879. Mr. L. is a member of the A., F. & A.M., Blue Lodge, Chapter and Oshkosh Commandery.
Page 1153 - S. B. LAWRENCE, lumberman and logger, settled in Oshkosh in 1855, and began lumbering in winter of 1855-56. He employed about 65 men in winter of 1881, and gets out from one-half to five million feet per annum, and sells to manufacturers in Oshkosh and Fond du Lac. He was born in Winslow, Me., Jan. 31, 1824; he began lumbering for himself at the age of eighteen years on the St. Croix River, in Washington, Me., which he followed until 1854, at which time he went to Oshkosh, Wis., and since settling here has made the above his business. He was married in Springfield, Me., Sept. 15, 1849, to Miss Nancy A. CRAIG, who was born in Providence, N.B. They have five children living - Gustave, Carrie S., Samuel B., Jr., Matt and Dwight; Carrie S. is married to Mr. G. METZ, who is engaged in the leather business in Oshkosh.
Page 1153 - William LEARD, manufacturer of and wholesale dealer in clothing; was born in Ashippun, Dodge Co., Wis., Oct. 23, 1849, engaged in farming until he was twenty-two years of age, then removed to Oconomowoc, and engaged in the grocery business, which he continued for two and a half years. In February, 1875, he came to Oshkosh and began clothing business in a small way, now he employs from sixty to eighty hands; in 1879 he introduced steam for running the machinery in the manufacturing department of his business; he being the first to use steam in clothing factories of Wisconsin. Mr. LEARD was married at Oconomowoc, Dec. 3, 1872, to Maggie DOUGLAS, a native of Ashippun, Dodge Co., Wis. They have three children - Maggie, Ida and William, Jr.
Page 1153 - D. L. LIBBEY, President of the Union National Bank; was born in Ossipee, N.H. In the spring of 1841, he went to Lowell, Mass., where he learned molder's trade; he went to California in the winter of1849-50, where he remained until 1855; then returned East, and remained until he came to Oshkosh, Wis., in September, 1855; he has been engaged in the lumber business ever since he came here. Mr. LIBBEY is one of the most enterprising business men in this region, having been prominently identified with various manufacturing institutions; he has been President of the Union National Bank since its organization.
Page 1153 - Gustav M. LINDEMANN, foreman in SCHMIT Bros.' Trunk Factory; Mr. LINDEMANN was born in Germany, Jan. 26, 1846; emigrated to America in 1850 and settled in Manitowoc, Wis.; lived there until he was nineteen years of age, where he attended the public schools. He then went to Chicago, Ill., and learned his trade, living there eleven years in the trunk business for H. VOLGER & Co. He then came to Oshkosh and began as foreman for the SCHMIT Bros.; he was married in Madison, Wis., July 6, 1870, to Miss Josephine ZAUNBRECHER, who was born in Germany, Nov. 27, 1850. They have three children - Oscar G., Walter E. and Adela L.
Page 1153 - Christian LOOK, wholesale and retail dealer, and manufacturer of cigars; manufactures 300,000 per annum; employs eight hands; established first in Berlin, Wis., in 1870; was there until 1875; he then came to Oshkosh and began business, He learned his trade in New York City in 1866-67; he was born in Hanover, Germany, June 17, 1847; emigrated to America in 1866 and lived in New York City eighteen months; then to Sheboygan and worked until 1870 at cigar making. Was married near Oshkosh in 1870 to Miss Henrietta KOBS, who was born in Prussia Oct. 31, 1851l they have four children - Nettie, Emma, Else and Martha.
Page 1153 - T. J. LOUGHRIDGE, engineer J. L. CLARK & Son; was born in Mansfield, Richland Co., Ohio, in 1847, learned his trade in Ohio, where he was engaged in a portable mill for the A & G W. R.R.; came to Wisconsin in 1871 and located in Oshkosh, and engaged in engineering in mills. Mr. LOUGHRIDGE is a member of the I.O.O.F.
Page 1153 - Wm. H. LUCE, filer for G. W. PRATT; was born in Ashtabula Co., Ohio; his parents were originally from New York State, though long residents of Ohio; in company with them he came to Wisconsin and located in Dane County, engaged in farming; after spending some three years in Orleans Co., N.Y., engaged in farming, the subject of our sketch returned to Wisconsin and located for a time in Stevens' Point, engaged in milling; followed the same business in Wausau about three years, and then returned to Stevens' Point and engaged with his brother in a wagon shop; enlisted at Stevens' Point September, 1861, in the 3d Wis. Art., serving until 1864, when he was mustered out. During this time he participated in all actions the company were engaged in. He returned to Stevens' Point, where he remained until he came to Oshkosh in 1866, where he has remained since, with the exception of short intervals spent at different parts of the State; was with PAYNE, of Oshkosh, some eleven years; he engaged with G. W. PRATT in 1881. He was married in Jefferson Co., Wis., in 1866, to Miss Emeline DARMUTH, of that county; they have three children living - Daniel H., Henry and Daisy May. Mr. LUCE is a member of the Royal T. of T., and of the Temple of Honor.
Page 1153 - Thomas LYONS, sawyer for SCOTT & LIBBEY; was born in New York City Feb. 12, 1844; his parents, Patrick and Catherine (McCORMICK) LYONS, moved from there to Wisconsin in 1849; located in Dodge County and engaged in farming. The subject of this sketch commenced working in the mills at Fond du Lac in 1872, in general occupation. In 1880 he moved to Oshkosh and engaged in sawing for O. D. PECK; engaged with SCOTT & LIBBEY May, 1881.
Pages 1153 & 1154 - O. McCORISON, furniture, picture frames, moldings, etc.; he commenced this business in May, 1878, and carried a stock of from $3,000 to $4,000; will do a business this year of about $10,000. Mr. McCORISON was born in Brownsville, Me., July 2, 1843; in1850 he came to Wisconsin with his parents, and they located in Oshkosh; they remained only one year, and then removed to Waupaca Co. The subject of this sketch learned his trade in Illinois, and worked for a time in Appleton, Wis. He enlisted in New London, Wis., August, 1861, in Co. A, 1st W.V.I.; mustered out Dec. 18, 1862; discharged for disability, having been about four months in hospital. In 1864, he commenced business in New London, in which he continued for nine or ten years, when he sold out, and moved to Oshkosh, where he clerked for two or three years, and then opened his present business. He was married in New London, Waupaca Co., Wis., in 1868, to Miss Louisa MYERS; they have three children - Lulu M., Alta and Guy; Mr. McC. is a member of the I.O.O.F.
Page 1154 - H. W. McKOY, lumberman and logger; established in 1863; of the firm KELLOG, RUMERY & Co.; employs usually seventy-five men; gets out about five million feet annually. Mr. McKOY was born in Caledonia Co., Vt., March 13, 1834; he left there with his parents at the age of seven years, and moved to Nashua, N.H., where he lived until 1849; then went to Bangor, Me., and clerked in a store until 1852; then he went around Cape Horn to California, and there followed mining two years; then engaged in lumbering eight years; after which he returned to Oshkosh, Wis., and engaged in lumbering and the manufacture of the same nine years; since which he has been engaged in logging. He is also largely in the cattle business in Texas, owning, in company with O. J. WIREN & Co., a ranch with 10,000 head of cattle. He was married in California, August, 1860, to Miss Mary J. GOE; she was born in Crawford Co., Penn.; they have two children - Mary B. and James W.; also Horace W., deceased, and Anna, deceased.
Page 1154 - Robert McMILLEN was born in 1830, in Warren Co., N.Y. He is a son of Daniel and Mary McMILLEN, natives of New York, received his early education at the common schools in his native place, and, after leaving school, worked on a farm, and in winter "went into the woods." In 1853, he married, and in the fall of the following year he removed to Oshkosh, Wis. He found employment as a carpenter for some time, and having accumulated a small sum of money, he bought a horse and wagon, and teamed for a year and a half. Not prospering in this way, he sold out and went to Muskegon, Mich., where he found employment with the Newago Lumber Co., and was placed in charge of the lumber, dock and shipping department. In the following year, his suffering with fever and ague compelled his return to Oshkosh. Soon after, Mr. C. W. DAVIS, his present partner in business, came to this place. Having some little means, they purchased the interest of J. D. JONES, of the firm MORGAN & JONES, who were carrying on the manufacture of sashes, doors and blinds and the firm name became MORGAN, DAVIS & CO. The firm continued a year and a half, when DAVIS and McMILLEN sold out their interest to the brother of R. T. MORGAN, and started under the firm name of McMILLEN & DAVIS in the shingle business. They ran this mill until 1867, and accumulated some considerable capital. In the latter year they traded one-half interest in this business for an interest in WALKER, ADAMS and Co.'s foundry, and the firm became BECKWITH, DAVIS & Co. The following year they sold their remaining interest in the shingle mill, and increased their interest in the foundry. A year and a half later, Mr. McMILLEN traded his interest in the foundry for a mill property, built where his present mill now stands, belonging to Mr. BATTIS and others. His brother, J. H. McMILLEN, sold his shingle mill and became interested with him under the firm name of McMILLEN & Brother. This continued until the death of J. H. McMILLEN, in 1871. He then organized the firm of R. McMILLEN & Co., and the name has remained the same to the present day. From the organization of the firm of McMILLEN & Brother to the present day, the firm has met with uninterrupted prosperity, due solely to diligence, business sagacity and integrity. The present saw mill was built in 1868, but their sash, door and blind factory not until 1873; this has been enlarged from time to time to meet the demands of their enormous business. Mr. McMILLEN is a man of great energy, much kindness of heart, and has a liberal share of public spirit. In his political opinions he is Republican, but not an active politician, uniformly declining office.
Page 1154 - James McNAIR, lumber manufacturer, was born in County Antrim, Ireland (of Scotch parentage), in 1836; came to America with his mother in 1840; resided in St. Lawrence Co., N.Y., until he came to Oshkosh in the spring of 1856; he was employed in the lumber business for about twelve years; then he commenced jobbing in logs for himself, and eight years ago commenced the manufacture of lumber; in 1879 he purchased the old SAWYER mill which he now runs; he is Alderman of the Fifth Ward and has held that office for several years, Mr. McNAIR was married at Oshkosh, in 1862, to Caroline LANE, a native of Cattaraugus Co., N.Y. They have four children - Cora A., Estella, Hattie and William Wallace. Lost four children, who died in infancy.
Page 1154 - J. McWILLIAMS, grocer, was born in Erie Co., Penn., in 1819; came to Wisconsin in 1847; located in Jefferson County, and engaged in farming; from there he removed to Winnebago County and followed the same business until 1864, when he moved to the city of Oshkosh. He was married in Erie Co., Penn., in 1841, to Amanda CHURCH, who died in Winnebago County in 1856, leaving - Amelia (now Mrs. GORDON); Robert N. (killed at Shiloh in 18th W.V.I.), Euthelia J., Eugene, Amanda (now Mrs. ANDERSON). Mr. McW. was married to his present wife (Miss Maria L. BELKNAP) in Oshkosh, May, 1857. They have two children - Leonora and Herbert G. Mr. McW. is a member of the Temple of Honor.
Page 1154 - William MANSER, foreman; he was born in Berlin, near Grand River, Canada, Dec. 10, 1857; came to United States with his parents in 1865; they settled in Outagamie Co., Wis., and engaged in farming. The subject of our sketch was in a mill about thirteen miles from Appleton some five years; then moved to Wausau, where he was foremen of W. B. KELLY's mills about three years; meeting with an accident, he was disabled eight or ten months. Came to Oshkosh in 1880 and engaged with HUME & WASHBURN, now HUME alone.
Page 1154 - O. H. MANZER, photographer, over 16 Kansas St., South Side; works in all branches of the business; he was born in Swanton, Franklin Co., Vt., Jan. 7, 1853; his parents moved to Beaver Dam, Wis., in 1854, and lived there two years; then moved to Hancock, Waushara Co., where they still live; he was about twenty-one years of age when he began life for himself; taught school and pursued various avocations three years; then began practicing photography, having previously learned the trade; went to Ripon, Wis., and worked at the business two years; then came to Oshkosh in June, 1880, since which time he has pursued his calling there, and received a liberal share of the public patronage. He was married in Richfield, Wis., April, 1874 to Miss Electa J. SMITH; she was born in Andover, Allegany Co., N.Y., Dec. 10, in 1856. They have one daughter, Lela M., born April 25, 1876.
Page 1154 - J. H. MARTIN, agent for the C. & N.W. R.R., was born in Saxony, Germany, Jan. 12, 1845; came to the United States with his parents in 1856 and settled in Milwaukee. He visited Oshkosh in 1858, and finally located there in 1861; engaged in different occupations up to April, 1865, when he entered the employ of the railroad company. He has been agent at Oshkosh six years. He was married in Oshkosh, in August, 1867, to Miss Annie REEVE, of Oshkosh. They have four children - Clara, Arthur, Jennie and Annie. Mr. M. is a member of the A., F. & A.M., Lodge and Chapter; of the K. of P., and also of the Business Men's Association and Casino.
Page 1154 - William T. MAY, yard foreman; he was born in Fond du Lac in 1853; came to Oshkosh in August, 1881; has been engaged in the lumber business, in different departments, some eleven or twelve years; was with Mr. SHERRY in Fond du Lac. He was married in Oshkosh, in 1876, to Miss Emma HILL. They have two children - Annie and Verne. Mr. MAY is a member of the Temple of Honor of Fond du Lac.
Pages 1154 & 1155 - George MAYER, Jr., dealer in a general line of watches, clocks and jewelry, 27 Maine street. He was born in Oshkosh, Wis., March 18, 1854, and spent his school days in the city, beginning when a small boy to learn his present trade with his father, George MAYER, who is now engaged in the same business in the city. He established his store in March, 1881. Previous to that, he had been in Topeka, Kan., about two years. He was married at Fond du Lac, May 21, 1879, to Miss Anna C. HUSE, who was born in Oshkosh, Wis., in 1859. They have one daughter, Ernie W., born Sept. 10, 1880.
Page 1155 - John MENTZER, proprietor of saloon and dealer in tobacco and cigars, 37 High street. He was born in Germany Dec. 9, 1846. He emigrated to America in June, 1869, and settled in Oshkosh, Wis. He followed shoemaking, having learned his trade in Germany, working three years there and four years in Oshkosh; then he clerked in a boot and shoe and grocery store for four and a half years; then he returned to Germany and remained from June, 1878, until May, 1879, and came back to Oshkosh and ran a saloon for another party fourteen months, then he began in his present place for himself. He was married in Oshkosh in May, 1881, to Miss Louisa LICHTENBERGER. She was born in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1854.
Page 1155 - Robert MEHLMAN, firm of MEHLMAN Bros., wholesale and retail dealers and manufacturers of cigars, smokers' articles, etc., etc.; was born in Kenosha, Wis., Sept. 1, 1853. His parents soon moved to Milwaukee, Wis. He lived at home until he was eighteen years of age, and learned the cigar trade and worked for different parties until 1877 (in Milwaukee and Oshkosh), and settled in this place April 29, 1873; began business as above noted. They do a large wholesale business, with an increasing trade.
Adolph MEHLMAN, firm of MEHLMAN Bros., began business in 1872, firm name of J. BAUM & Co., where he continued until the fire of 1875, after which the firm was known as BAUM & MEHLMAN. He continued about fifteen months, when he began business with his brother, as above noted. He was born in Milwaukee Oct. 29, 1852, and lived there about sixteen years; traveled in different portions of the West, working at cigar trade, and finally located in Oshkosh. Was married in Oshkosh, Wis., in November, 1875, to Miss Paulina ZEILINGER, who was born in Oshkosh, Wis. They have three children - Alma, Albert and Matilda.
Page 1155 - August METZ, firm of METZ & SCHLOERB, tanners and leather dealers in all grades. Mr. M. was born in Germany Oct. 12, 1821, emigrated to America in 1854, and located in Oshkosh, Wis. He worked as foreman in a shoe shop one year, then began his tannery and leather store in 1859; capacity 20,000 skins, of all kinds, per annum; employ seventeen men. He was married in Germany, in 1848, to Miss Amelia PETERSILIA, who was born in Germany. They have four children - Frank, Gustave, Alma and Herman. Frank assists in the leather store and Gustave and Herman work in the tannery.
George C. SCHLOERB, of the above firm, was born in Germany June 3, 1821, emigrated to America in 1848, and located at Cleveland, Ohio; worked there one years in a tannery, having learned his trade in Germany. He then went to Racine, Wis., and followed his trade one year; then came to Oshkosh, Wis., and immediately engaged in the tannery business alone until 1859, after which he went in company as above noted. He was married in Racine, Wis., in 1850, to Miss Wilhelmina STRANGMAN, who was born in Germany. They have two children - Amelia and Otto E. Amelia married Richard GUENTHER, the present Member of Congress, this District.
Page 1155 - Henry F. MEYER, cigar manufactory, established Sept. 15, 1881. He was born in Milwaukee, Wis., Oct. 17, 1852. His parents lived there a short time and then moved to Watertown, Wis., where they lived until he was eighteen years of age, and he learned the manufacture of cigars in the meantime. He then went to different places and followed his trade, and went to Oshkosh in 1872. He has worked for Mr. DERKSEN nine years. He was married in Oshkosh, Wis., in March, 1875 to Miss Minnie YAGERS. They have three children - Alexander, Blanch and Clara.
Page 1155 - Daniel MIERSWA, general blacksmith, including saw-mill work, etc., was born in Germany Aug. 8, 1828; emigrated to America in August, 1852, and settled in Oshkosh, Wis., in May, 1855, and began business in company with Mr. John NEWBAUER in general blacksmithing, and followed it for thirteen years in company, then sold his interest and built his present shops and began business alone. He was married in Oshkosh, Dec. 4, 1860, to Miss Mary BERHEND, who was born in Germany, Feb. 20, 1841. They have eight children - Lizzie E., Jennie M.D., Daniel T., Jr., Gustav E., Frederick W., Otto R. Clara O. and Meta S.
Page 1155 - Joseph MIES, yard foreman for McMILLEN, was born in Prussia in 1840, and came to the United States with his mother. In 1857 he came to Wisconsin and located in Oshkosh for a time, then moved to Calumet Co., where he remained about one year; then returned to Oshkosh and engaged in milling. In 1870 he went with McMILLEN, the first year engaged in scaling and then took charge of the yard. He was married in Oshkosh in 1869, to Miss Katharine WAGONER, of Oshkosh. They have had six children, of which there survives four - John, Jacob, Martin, Mary. Mr. MIES is a member of the St. Joseph Society.
Page 1155 - Richard T. MORGAN, a son of Thomas and Catherine MORGAN, was born in Wales Oct. 6, 1829. When the subject of this sketch was but three years old his parents emigrated to this country and settled in Utica, N.Y. His educational privileges were poor and limited. In 1847 his parents removed to Cattaraugus Co., N.Y. and Richard commenced work at carpentering. In the following year he worked in a sash, door and blind factory, and here became possessed of an ambition to engaged in that business on his own account. Twenty-six years ago, with but little means, he started for the great West, and located in Oshkosh, Wis., where he found employment as a carpenter and joiner with John D. JONES. By diligence and economy he accumulated a small amount of capital; then, in company with his brother, John R. MORGAN, and two others, purchased of John G. BAILEY his small sash, door and blind factory. Fire visited them early and they lost their all, having failed to effect insurance on their building. The next winter was one that taxed their best energies. R. T. and his brother made sash and doors by hand and sold them to dealers, and in the following March he returned to New York State and was married to Miss Martha ROBERTS, of Cattaraugus Co. In the spring he returned with his wife, and shortly after organized the firm, MORGAN, WATTS & JONES (E. WATTS and J. D. JONES), and built a sash, door and blind factory. This factory was totally destroyed by fire in July, 1859, involving a loss of $9,000, with only $500 insurance. Mr. WATTS then withdrew from the firm and the remaining partners, R. T. MORGAN and J. D. JONES, built a new factory, which stood for many years, at the corner of Light and Marion streets. At this time they employed ten to twelve hands. Two years later Mr. JONES sold his one-half interest to R. McMILLEN and C. W. DAVIS, and the firm became MORGAN, DAVIS & Co., and continued so for one and a half years, when McMILLEN & DAVIS withdrew. From this time on their business prospered. In 1866, this firm, with R. P. ROBERTS, built the Northwestern Planing Mill, near the Northwestern depot. The Light-street factory was placed in charge of J. R. MORGAN, who superintended it until the following year, when it was sold to WILLIAMSON & Co. They then purchased one-half interest in the McCARTNEY saw-mill and disposed of the Northwestern Planing Mill to GOULD & HUME. In 18?8 they purchased McCARTNEY's remaining interest and devoted their time exclusively to the operations of this mill, and the first season's cut was 4,000,000 feet. They operated this mill two years, when R. P ROBERTS sold them his interest. The firm of MORGAN & Brother was then organized and has remained the same without any changes to the present time. In the fall of 1870 they were again sufferers by fire, and their mill was totally destroyed. Its value was $6,000, but was insured for $1,500 only. In the fall of that year they built one of the best mills in Oshkosh, at a cost of $20,000, and with a capacity of 6,000,000 feet per annum. Again the fire fiend swept away their property, and in October, 1873, this $20,000 mill was destroyed; insured to the extent of $7,000. Nothing daunted, they rebuild this mill, at a cost of $20,000, adding a fire-proof engine and boiler house. They operated this but one season, when the great fire of 1875 again wiped out their property. Besides their mill, the fire destroyed 3,000,000 feet of lumber, and their loss was $25,000 over and above insurance. This last misfortune tested them severely, and for a time they lost heart. Finally they took courage and ventured into business again, this time on the south side. They purchased L. B. READ's saw-mill and operated it three years and met with good success. They then moved back to their old mill site, the ground of which they owned, and, adding the JAMES mill site, they enlarged their mill to its present capacity. This additional purchase gives them a river frontage of 1,000 feet. Their "cut" during 1879 was 7,000,000 feet, and their business averages $100,000 per annum. They own 25,000,000 feet of standing timber, which they are cutting and supplying their own mill with. For pluck and energy, this firm has no equal. They have contended with adversity, they have battled on, against great odds, but they maintained their courage and their credit, to which they owe their success. So great is the confidence reposed in them by those with whom their transactions have been greatest, that they were able to rebuild their mills when they had no means - only their word to pledge. To-day Mr. R. T. MORGAN is one of the substantial men of Oshkosh. He is a stockholder and Director of the Union National Bank; was Alderman from the First Ward three terms. Mr. MORGAN, while not a politician, has always been a consistent Republican and lent his aid to the success of the party. He is much respected and looked up to by the Welsh settlers of this section, who are quite numerous, and among whom his political sentiments prevail. But to most people Mr. MORGAN is known as a philanthropist and a Christian worker. While kind to all, he has made the Welsh communities his special field of labor, by whom his name is revered far and near. While a terror to slothfullness and vice, he is a friend to thrift and virtue in all. He has done much for temperance and education, Bible and missionary societies; often presides at the public meetings of his own nationality, for which office he has great tact, though a man of few words. The hospitality of his family is spoken of everywhere, his house being always open to his numerous acquaintances, especially ministers of the Gospel, that visit the city. His religious trials also have been many and fiery, but he never "grows weary in well doing," knowing that "it is given to us in behalf of Christ, not only to believed on him, but also to suffer for his sake."
Page 1156 - John R. MORGAN, lumber manufacturer, was born in Wales, Jan. 19, 1832, and is the son of Thomas and Catherine MORGAN, who came to America with their family in 1833. They resided eight years in Oneida Co., N.Y., then removed to Herkimer Co., where they lived for about the same length of time, when they went to Cattaraugus Co., in the same State; came to Oshkosh in July, 1855, and engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds for twelve years; since then he has been manufacturing lumber. He was married in Chattaraugus (sic) Co., N.Y., in May, 1857, to Miss Ellen HUGHES, a native of Rome, N.Y. They have three children - Elnora L., Grace and J. Earl. Mr. MORGAN is a member of the I.O.O.F, and has been Grand Representative, and been through all the chairs of both the Subordinate Lodge and Encampment. He is now serving his second term as Alderman.
Page 1156 - Harvey C. NASH, dealer in flour and feed, grain, etc., 15 Algoma street, established Feb. 9, 1880. Mr. NASH was born in Utica, Winnebago Co., Wis., Nov. 27, 1854. His parents lived there until 1863, then moved to Ripon, Wis., was there five years, then moved to Oshkosh. At a suitable age, he attended public schools, and, after completing his education, he became a member of the fire department, with which he continued nine years, first as a volunteer, then on part pay, full pay, etc., and in February, 1880, he engaged in his present business. He was married in Oshkosh, Wis., Nov. 15, 1880, to Miss Mary J. TAGGART.
Page 1156 - Capt. W. W. NEFF, was born in the town of Burlington, Otsego Co., N.Y., July 28, 1839, and came to Oshkosh with his parents in 1850. He engaged in boating and was successful, plying mainly on Fox and Wolf Rivers and Winnebago Lake. In the spring of 1881, he became associated with N. C. HOLMES in the grocery trade. He is a member of Masonic, Odd Fellow and Knights of Pythias Lodges. Capt. NEFF was married in 1862, to Miss Mary E. ELLINWOOD, formerly of Keeseville, N.Y. They have four children - Myra E., Anna M., George M. and an infant not named.
Page 1156 - James NELSON, foreman in wood-work department of PARSONS & GOODFELLOW�s Carriage Works; he was born in Denmark April 5, 1840. He learned his trade in his native country, beginning in 1855, and worked until 1868; then emigrated to America and settled in Oshkosh and began work for RUDD & HOLDEN, where he remained five years, then went to Clinton Junction and worked two and a half years, then returned to Oshkosh; worked in several shops in Northern Wisconsin; he began in his present place May 26, 1879. Was married in Denmark in 1865, to Miss Mary BRANDT, who was born in Sweden. They have one child living - Caroline P. Mrs. N. died in 1871. He was again married, in 1873, in Oshkosh, to Mrs. Katie PETERSON, who was born in Denmark. They have three children - Peter F., James L. and Edward. Mrs. N. had one daughter by former marriage - Anna C. Mr. N. took charge of wood-work Dec. 1, 1879, in the above carriage works.
Page 1156 - S. B. NELSON, manager of Wisconsin Manufacturing Company was born in Marlboro, Cheshire Co., N.H., March 6, 1828. His parents, William and Lucy (BATCHELER) NELSON being old residents. Mr. NELSON, Sr., was a local preacher of the Methodist Church. The subject of this sketch was engaged in wooden ware and sash, door and blind business in New Hampshire. In business for himself about three years in West Swanzey. In 1857, he moved to Wisconsin and located in Menasha, and engaged with Menasha Wooden Ware Company. In 1862, Mr. NELSON raised a company of volunteers in Menasha, which were mustered in to the United States service as Company I, 21st W.V.I. In 1863, Capt. NELSON was taken prisoner at Stone River, and after being detained several days, was paroled. He then went to Camp Chase, and by the advice of his physician, resigned in 1863 and returned to Menasha. Re-entered the wooden ware works, and remained about three years; after spending some two years in farming, Mr. NELSON moved to Peshtigo and took charge of wooden works there. In the famous fires of 1871, these were swept away, and he returned to Menasha and took a position as Superintendent of the Menasha Wooden Ware Works, where he remained until 1878, in which year, he came to Oshkosh and bought an interest in the Wisconsin Manufacturing Company. He was married in Swanzey, N.H., in 1851, to Miss Lovisa M. BAILEY, who died, leaving two children - Sarah Imogene (now Mrs. C. A. SPICER0 and Lulu Lovisa; was married in Stockbridge, N.H., in May, 1864, to Mrs. Lestina (ELDRIDGE) HOLT. They have two children - Elwin F. and Roy B. Mr. N. is a member of the Baptist Church and the A., F. & A.M. of Menasha.
Page 1156 - Sam C. NESSLING, conductor C. & N.W. R.R.; was born August 14, 1845, at March, Cambridgeshire, England; came to America in 1853 with his parents, Samuel and Alice (EDGELEY) NESSLING; first located at Chicago, where his father took contract for the construction of Chicago depot of the Pittsburgh & Ft. Wayne R.R.; he died at Janesville, Wis., about two years later; his widow survives him and resides in Oshkosh with her son. Sam was employed for some time as errand boy in Chicago mercantile establishments; he was one of the first newsboys on the North Side of that city, afterward worked at the tinsmith's trade for three and a half years; he was for four months a member of the Ellsworth ZOUAVES; he was connected with McVISKER's Theater one year, and with a minstrel troupe for the same length of time. He then engaged in railroading and has since been connected with the C. & N.W. R.R. Mr. NESSLING was married at Oshkosh in March, 1866, to Charlotte A. RICE, a native of Canada; they have two children - Charles R. and Frances Alice. Mr. NESSLING is a member of A.O.U.W., and American Legion of Honor; he is also Chancellor Commander of Lodge No. 25, K. Of P., and President of the Endowment Rank, K. of P.
Page 1157 - Thos. NEVILLE, firm of NEVILLE & HOLDEN (established July 10, 1880) Carriage Works. Mr. NEVILLE has been engaged in the business nine years; he was born in Mount Forest, Canada, May 24, 1852; he lived there until he was about nineteen years of age, but was absent one year during the time in Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, etc.; he went to Detroit in 1871 and followed working in a carriage shop about one year; then to Chicago and worked four months; then went home and lived five or six months; returned to Chicago in the winter of 1873 and worked as before six months; then went into business there one year alone until January, 1879, after which he went to Oshkosh, Wis., and began business under firm name of PARSONS, NEVILLE & Co., and operated from January, 1879, to April, 1880; he began in his present shops July 10, 1880, and the first year turned out 150 carriages and sleighs. He was married August 18, 1879, to Miss Katie L. DONNELLY; she was born in New York City Jan. 18, 1854. Mrs. NEVILLE died August 21, 1881. Mr. NEVILLE served an apprenticeship of three years in Mount Forest, Canada.
Page 1157 - George W. NEWMAN, proprietor saloon and billiard hall, 51 Main St.; he was born in Germany Sept. 2, 1836; emigrated to America in 1847 with his parents and settled in Washington Co., Wis. Some time after, he went to Milwaukee and lived several years, and followed shoe making, after which he came to Oshkosh, began the same business and followed it until the fall of 1861. Then enlisted, in December, in Co. F, 19th Reg. Wis. Vol. Inft.; served about three years and was mustered out at Madison, Wis., April 29, 1865; during his service he was promoted to Second Lieutenant. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Fair Oaks, Oct. 27, 1864, and was exchanged March 4, 1865; after he was mustered out, he soon returned to Oshkosh; he began business January, 1866, and has since followed same; he was married in Oshkosh, Wis., in 1859, to Miss Catharine SCHERFF, who was born in Germany; they have six children - Hellen, Martin J., William J., George F., Katie and Anna.
Page 1157 - J. W. NICOLAI, engineer, O. D. PECK, was born in Perth Amboy, N.H., Oct. 9, 1843; came to Wisconsin with parents in 1853, and located in Oshkosh, where they engaged in farming. Mr. NICOLAI has been engaged in engineering about eight years; has charge of that department in State Hospital over two years; was also engaged in same building, laying steam pipe with BAYLIS, of Chicago, some twelve months. He was married in Oshkosh, Feb. 28, 1868, to Miss Nellie KNIGHT, of Oshkosh, formerly from Illinois; they have one child, a daughter - Iola. Mr. NICOLAI belongs to the Temple of Honor.
Page 1157 - Andrew OERTEL, expressman, etc.; was born in Germany, August 22, 1828; came to the United States in 1865 and located in Two Rivers, Wis., where he worked in a tannery and peddled goods over Wisconsin. In 1869 he moved to Oshkosh and engaged in his present business; also carried the U.S. Mail between depot and post office. Was married in Germany Oct. 11, 1855, to Miss Amelia ZWENGEE; they have three children - Henry, Moritz and Ida.
Page 1157 - Moritz OERTEL, jeweler; was born in Germany March 1, 1859; came to the United States with his parents, and to Oshkosh also with them. Learned his trade in this city and has followed it about nine years; commenced present business in 1879.
Page 1157 - Sebastian OSTERTAG; was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, April 21, 1839; came to Wisconsin with his father in 1847, and remained on a farm near Oshkosh until the rebellion began; enlisted in Oshkosh in April, 1861, in Co. E, 2d Wis. Vol.; served three years and was mustered out at Washington, June 16, 1864. He came home on furlough in 1862, and was married in Oshkosh to Miss SOPHIA KUEBLER, a native of Bavaria; they have five children - Albert J., Eddie S., Ida M., Theodore L., and Litta H. S. Mr. OSTERTAG is a member of the Turners' Society, the sons of Hermann and the G.A.R.
