WI1-5

Wisconsin Buckreus
2^nd Generation
Kathy (Buckreus) O'Brien: [email protected]

John Andrew Buckreus

Born in Hartford, Wisconsin, John A. spent his childhood playing with neighboring Indian children, and was an avid hunter and fisherman throughout his life. Before his marriage, he spent several years playing in a band on a river boat and exploring the wilds of the Dakota Territory.

As an adult, he followed in his father's footsteps as a builder and contractor who specialized in public structures and prominent homes in the Hartford area. His building accomplishments include:

Peace Lutheran's 2nd sanctuary

Redeemer Lutheran's 1st sanctuary

St. Peter's Catholic Church in Slinger

St. Peter and Paul's Catholic Church in Nenno

Horicon Evangelical

Southside Grade School

St. Kilian's Catholic School

The Old First National Bank

John continued his love of music throughout his life. He played in several local bands and also in the local movie theater (free movie tickets for the family!). In 1886 he was the director of the Hartford City Band.

Like his father, he was also very active in local politics. He served as city assessor for 19 years, Alderman for the 2^nd Ward for 4 years, city marshall for several terms, and he was on the 2^nd Ward election board for 42 years.

It was approximately 1915 when John built the family home on the original Buckreus land, next door to the home where he was born. On the remaining property he built homes for his sons Armin and Dick (John C.), and his sister Maggie Schwartz.