John Zens
As published in
"The City of Kenosha and Kenosha County Wisconsin: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement"
by Frank H. Lyman Vol. 2, The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1916.
John Zens, who for thirteen years has been actively engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Kenosha, his native city, was born February 26, 1880, a son of Albert and Henrina (Angenendt) Zens, both of whom were natives of Germany, whence they came to the United States in early life. The father was one of the early settlers of Kenosha and the mother became a resident of this city at a later date. Here they continued to reside until called to their final rest and were well known in Kenosha.
John Zens attended St. George's parochial school and also the College of Commerce, being graduated with the first class to complete a course of study in that institution. He then entered mercantile circles as clerk and bookkeeper in a clothing store, where he was employed for four and a half years, and later he accepted a position in the First National Bank, also remaining there for four and a half years. In 1903 his father died, and John Zens became his successor in the real estate and insurance business. He has since been active in that line. He is thoroughly informed concerning real estate values and has negotiated many important realty transfers. He also represents a number of the most substantial insurance companies and writes many policies annually.
On the 3d of August, 1904, Mr. Zens was married to Miss Anna Brockhaus, of Kenosha, a daughter of Herman and Susan (Buchman) Brockhaus, who were early settlers of Kenosha. The children born of this marriage are Robert, Adelaide, Claude, and John Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Zens are members of St. George's Catholic church, and he is also identified with the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters. In politics he maintains an independent course, voting for the candidates whom he regards as best qualified for office without considering party affiliation. He prefers to concentrate his energies upon business affairs and although he entered upon a business already established he has displayed ability in enlarging and promoting it, gaining a most creditable clientage.
Typed by: Michelle Laycock
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