MAIN  PAGE

Belgians in the Civil War

Emigrants arrival

links

Sources

BELGIANS IN AMERICA:    Biographies of Belgian settlers  

Philip J. Renier, master car builder for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul shops in Dubuque, is a native of Belgium and the son of Philip and Johanna (LaRue) Renier. Philip Renier died while Philip J. was an infant and the mother subsequently married John Lanoye. In 1853 the family came to America, by way of New York City, and for three years Mr. Lanoye worked at his trade of carpenter in Cleveland, Ohio. In search of a home they then came West and located at De Soto, in Bad Axe County, Wisconsin, but two years later settled in Dubuque. Here Mrs. Lanoye died in 1896, followed by her husband in 1898, and both are buried in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Philip J. Renier was born November 9, 184^ He received his education in the public schools and later learned carpentering. His first employment in connection with railroad carpentering was in 1871 with the Chicago, Dubuque & Minnesota Railroad, with whom he remained until 1875. He then worked for various builders and contractors, but in 1877 returned to his old employment and worked up to the position of master car builder, his present position, the old Chicago, Dubuque & Minnesota road having been absorbed by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. When Mr. Renier first entered the shops there were employed but forty men ; now the average car department working force numbers 640, and to rise to the position of master car builder speaks well for the thoroughness of Mr. Renier's work. In 1876 he married Miss Mary E. Strueber, "daughter of Chris and Paulina Strueber, of Dubuque, Iowa, and to them the following named children have been born: Francis C, a Catholic priest of Ames, Iowa; Matilda M. ; Fred J., a Catholic priest of Marshalltown, Iowa; Albert H. ; Irwin C. ; Alina M. ; and Ralph V. Several of the above named are engaged in the music business in Dubuque at 1013 Main street. Mr. Renier is an adherent of the Roman Catholic faith, being a member of Sacred Heart church, a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Mutual Relief Society of the Chicago,. Milwaukee & St. Paul shops.

source: History of Dubuque County, Iowa; being a general survey of Dubuque County history, including a history of the city of Dubuque and special account of districts throughout the county, from the earliest settlement to the present time"