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History of Winnebago Co, WI, Vol II, Pgs 963 - 964
by Publius V. Lawson, LL.B.
1908
Henry C. Gustavus, a prosperous and progressive citizen of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was born in 1846, in Brandenberg province, Prussia. His parents, Henry E. and Caroline (Knopke) Gustavus, emigrated from the fatherland in 1851 and settled on a farm in Oshkosh township, near the northern limits of the city of Oshkosh, where they made their home fifteen years. Prosperous and thrifty in his affairs, the father, in 1866, bought the patent flouring mill at Neenah, Winnebago county, which he conducted four years, the subject of this sketch being associated with him as a partner. In 1870 Henry C. purchased the interest of his father and carried on the milling business in his own name till 1875, when he sold the plant an bought what was known as the Lampert mill in Oshkosh, which he conducted some eight years under the name of H.C. Gustavus & Co. This mill burnt in 1883, afterward replaced by a stone structure, which is now known as the H.P. Schmidt mill, and there carried on the milling business till 1902, when he sold his interest in the plant. He then bought what was known as Lamb's mill, which he rebuilt and fitted up and furnished throughout with improved appliances and equipments, making it the most modern and up-to-date flouring mill in Winnebago county, or in that section of the state or any other state. Here, associated with his son, Henry F. Gustavus, under the name of H.C. Gustavus Milling Company, the firm is carrying on an extensive business, being widely known as among the leading, substantial manufacturing concerns of the city.
Aside from his business Mr. Gustavus takes much interest in civic affairs and whatever pertains to betterment of the material or moral condition of the city and community, elicits his hearty sympathy and support. A Democrat in politics, he has served as member of the city council three terms, and also has been on the Board of Public Works.
On October 4, 1867, Mr. Gustavus married Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. John Schmitt, of Winnebago county, a woman of superior qualities, who is greatly beloved by all who know her. They have two children, the younger of whom is married to Mr. E.W. Weisbrod, of Oshkosh.
Henry F., the elder child, and junior member of the H.C. Gustavus Milling Company, was born at Neenah, Wisconsin, in 1870. He acquired a good common and high school education and at an early age engaged in railroad work, and was the first traveling freight agent for the Wisconsin Central railway. Later he was agent of the company at Neenah, and continued in that service until 1903, when he became associated with his father in the milling business. He is connected with various fraternal and social organizations, being a member of the Masonic Order, Knights of Pthias, Benebolent and Protective Order of Elks, Modern Woodmen of America and Eagles.
On December 21, 1898, he married Miss Anna F., daughter of Mr. Charles Streich, of Oshkosh, whose domestic virtues and womanly graces maker her a center of attraction among her many friends. They have one child, named Natalie.
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