Untitled Surnames: Meyer, Shroder, Hendy, Campbell, Oliver, Kimbell, Person, Lutjens, Mackey

From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette Wisconsin, publ. 1901 - page 20-21

JOHN KEMLER (deceased), formerly one of the leading merchants of Platteville, was a man of high character and benevolent disposition, who numbered among his friends the best-known people of Grant county, and in his death the city sustained a great loss.

Mr. KEMLER was born in 1818, in Hanover, Germany, where he grew to manhood, and was fairly well educated in the schools of his native land. In 1837 he came to America, and after spending one summer in New York, went to Savannah, Ga. There he resided two years, serving as overseer of a large plantation, but in the spring of 1842 he removed to Galena, Ill., residing there until the fall of 1843, when he returned to Germany, and was married, in 1844, to Miss Maggie A. MEYER, of Hanover. The same year he and his estimable wife came to America, locating at Platteville and Mr. KEMLER engaged in the mercantile line, continuing thus until his death, in January 1889. As a merchant he was exceptionally successful. His worthy Christian wife survived him until February, 1899. Both were consistent and active members of the Presbyterian Church, and endeared themselves to all who knew them. During his residence in Platteville, Mr. KEMLER served as trustee. To himself and wife were born a number of children, four of whom survive, all residing in Platteville: Minnie, Julia, A. W. and James C. The eldest, Minnie, was born in Platteville in 1844, was educated in the Platteville Academy, and in 1870 married H. P. SHRODER, now one of the retired merchants of Platteville; they have had no family. Julia, also a native of Platteville, is now the wife of George HENDY, a prominent merchant, and a member of one of the old families of Platteville.

A. W. KEMLER, son of John KEMLER, was born in Platteville in 1851, was educated in the old academy of the city, and later took a course at Bryant & Stratton's Business College, Chicago, after which he went upon the road as salesman for a Dubuque dry-goods house. In 1877 A. W. KEMLER returned to Platteville, and embarked in business as proprietor of a general store. Later he enlarged his establishment, and now handles dry goods exclusively, having built up a large trade among the very best people of Platteville. His place of business is one of the largest in the city, and he also owns a one-half interest in a flourishing boot and shoe concern of Platteville; and is a large stockholder in the First National Bank of Platteville.

In November, 1878, A. W. KEMLER married Miss Dora CAMPBELL, of St. Louis, daughter of J. C. CAMPBELL, M.D., one of the leading physicians of that city. Dr. CAMPBELL was born in Tennessee in 1810, came West, and studied medicine in Illinois. In 1841 he was married to Miss Permelia OLIVER, of Alabama, and located in Platteville, Wis., where he practiced his profession, erecting a sanitarium which he conducted until 1852, in which year he was induced by his friends to remove to St. Louis. There Dr. CAMPBELL resided until retiring from the practice of his profession, when he came to Platteville, and resided here until his death, in November, 1881; his wife died in 1882. To Dr. and Mrs. CAMPBELL were born seven children: Dr. James S. CAMPBELL, an eye and ear specialist of St. Louis, a physician of note, is married and has three children; Belle, now the wife of T. D. KIMBELL, living near St. Louis, has two sons, Clinton and Arthur; Jennie is the wife of Frank W. PERSON, an active business man of Sioux Falls, S. Dak., and has one son, Walter; Dora is the wife of A. W. KEMLER; and three are deceased. Dr. CAMPBELL served his country during the Civil war, as captain, and later as surgeon, for two years.

Mrs. A. W. KEMLER was educated in the schools of St. Louis, graduating from the normal and high schools, after which she taught four years in the public schools of that city; she is a very highly cultured lady. Mr. and Mrs. KEMLER have had five children: Florence died in childhood; Clara, born in Platteville in 1880, graduated from the State Normal in the class of 1899, and is now a student in the University at Madison, being very highly accomplished: Truman, born in 1882, is a student of the State Normal; Virginia, born in 1887 in Platteville, is a student of the State Normal; as is also Olive, who was born in Platteville in 1890.

A. W. KEMLER was brought up in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, but is not a member, although he has always contributed generously to the support of church work. Mrs. KEMLER and the children are all consistent members of the Congregational Church. In social matters Mr. KEMLER is one of the leading Masons of Platteville, and takes an active part in the work of the fraternity. He is justly regarded as one of the leading business men of Platteville, is popular with the best element of people in the city, and has always taken a deep interest in local affairs. He is a member of the Republican party. Mrs. KEMLER is very prominent socially and in the church, and both are highly esteemed by a large circle of friends.

James C. KEMLER, the second son and youngest child of John KEMLER, was born in Platteville, Aug. 20, 1858, and was educated at the State Normal, and at Bryant & Stratton's Business College, Chicago. After completing his education he was salesman for Marshall Field & Co., of Chicago, for three years; later served in the same capacity in a large dry-goods store in Dubuque, Iowa; and in 1891 returned to Platteville, and embarked in a general dry-goods and merchandise business, with John H. LUTJENS, continuing this partnership to the present time. In 1895 Mr. KEMLER married Miss Beata C. MACKEY, of Lancaster, Wis., daughter of Frederick MACKEY, one of the old pioneers prominent in the history of Grant county, and formerly a resident of Platteville. Frederick MACKEY was born and reared in Germany, and is now a resident of Lancaster, Wis. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. James C. KEMLER settled in Platteville, and are regarded as among its most prominent people. To this union was born one son, Herbert J., born in June, 1897. Mr. KEMLER is also a Republican in political faith, and has been very prominent in the work of his party in Platteville.

No record of Grant county would be compete without the history of the KEMLER family, every member of which has contributed so materially to the commercial and material welfare of Platteville, and borne his part in its development and advancement.



This biography generously submitted by Carol Holmbeck