MANITOWOC COUNTY PERSONAL SKETCHES

RUDOLPH GRAF, D.D.S.

This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin" 
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.403-404.

Dr. Rudolph Graf, who is successfully engaged in the practice of dentistry 
at Kiel, is a native of this county, born in Schleswig township, October 7,
1882. His father, Christian Graf, was a native of Germany, and at the age 
of fourteen came to America with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Christian Graf, 
locating in Wisconsin. There he engaged in the occupation of farming the 
remainder of his life. During the Civil war he served in Company H of the 
Fourteenth Wisconsin Regiment, under the command of Captain Montgomery. He 
enlisted in 1861 and served for fully three years, at the close of the war 
returning to Manitowoc county, where again he took up his farming 
interests. He was a member of the Lutheran church and belonged to the 
Grand Army of the Republic being a member of the post at Kiel. In early 
youth he wedded Miss Catherine Sinz, who was born in Sheboygan county, a 
daughter of Peter and Barbara Sinz. She is now living, having reached the 
age of sixty—seven, while her husband passed away on March 25, 1907, at 
the age of sixty-nine years. In their family were five children, of whom 
the subject of this sketch was the youngest. The others are William and 
Arthur, who are engaged in farming; Albert, who is a dairyman near Kiel; 
and Oscar, who is now in the rural mail delivery service at Kiel.
Rudolph Graf received his early education in the public schools of Kiel 
being graduated from the high school at that place when he was seventeen 
years of age. He then entered the normal school at Oshkosh, from which 
institution he was graduated, and for the following four years he followed 
the profession of school teaching in Sheboygan, Winnebago and Manitowoc 
counties. Subsequently he became a student in the dental department of the 
Marquette University and was graduated from that institution in the year 
1909. He then came to Kiel, where he located for practice and has been 
actively engaged ever since. His superior skill and ability in the 
practical work of his profession have made him extremely successful, and 
he now has a well appointed office equipped with all the modern appliances 
known in the science of dentistry, the practical utility and value of which
have been proven. He keeps abreast with the modern ideas in dental practice
and his excellent work has secured him a liberal patronage.
Dr. Graf is a valued member of various fraternal orders. He belongs to the 
Modern Woodmen of America, being past consul of the camp, and to Kiel 
Lodge, No. 49, Improved Order of Redmen, and is sachem of his council. He 
has also joined the Independent 0rder of Odd Fellows and is a member of 
the state alumni of Marquette University and has ever kept in touch with 
the work which is being done in the dental profession today. He is a man of
scholarly attainments and broad intellectuality, who by progressive steps 
has advanced until he is now one of the leading dentists of this county.


FRED GRAPENTIN

This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin" 
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.197.

Fred Grapentin is a prosperous farmer and dairyman residing near Newton. 
He displays excellent business qualities, is active and energetic and 
carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. He is a 
native of Germany whence he and his brother August were brought to this 
country by their parents, Christian and Hannah Grapentin, in 1869. The 
family settled in Newton township, this county, where the father purchased 
land and cultivated a farm, erecting upon it excellent buildings. He still 
resides there, at the age of seventy-six, the mother having passed away in 
1904, at the age of sixty-three.
Fred Grapentin received his education in the district schools in the 
vicinity of his home and has continued to reside upon his father’s farm. 
This fine property, which he and his brother now operate, is equipped with 
all the improved appliances and devices of the model farm and dairy of the 
twentieth century. In addition to the cultivation of the fields Mr. 
Grapentin and his brother make a specialty of the dairying business, which 
yields annually a good financial return.
In 1895 Mr. Grapentin wedded Miss Elvira Willard, a daughter of August 
Willard, whose family came from Germany and settled in the town of Newton, 
where Mrs. Grapentin was born. Mr. and Mrs. Grapentin have become the 
parents of five children, Charles, William, Delia, Hattie and Ida. Mr. 
Grapentin is greatly interested in all that pertains to the general 
progress and improvement of Manitowoc county but he has never cared for or 
sought political office. He and all his family are faithful members of the 
German Lutheran church. His life has been actuated by high principles and 
characterized by manly conduct and in the community where he has spent so 
many years of his life he enjoys that warm personal friendship and kindly 
esteem which are always given in recognition of genuine worth in an 
individual.


MICHAEL GRASSER (sent in by researcher/see contributors page)

(co. mar. index v.6 pg.444)
Name of husband: Michael Grasser
b: Manitowoc co.
Res: Sheboygan, Wis., farmer
Father: Stephan Grasser
Mother: Maria Fischbach
Name of wife: Wilhelmine Christina Rodis (Rades)
Birthplace: Town Schleswig, Manitowoc Co.
Father: Wm. Rodis (Rades)
Mother: Margretha Stahmer (?)
Married: 20 Feb. 1898, Kiel, Manitowoc Co.
Ceremony: Roman Catholic Ch.
           ----------
From the Sheboygan (Wis.) Press, Thursday, September 18, 1947
Mrs. Minnie Grasser

 Mrs. Minnie Grasser, 70, wife of Michael Grasser of Chicago,
died at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Nicholas hospital following
a lingering illness.
 She had been visiting in Sheboygan at the home of a daughter,
Mrs. Gustav Waldau, 1601 N. Ninth street, when she was stricken
and removed to the hospital.
 The daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Rades, the deceased was
born Nov. 1, 1876, in the town of Schleswig, Manitowoc county,
attended school at Rockville, and was married on Feb. 20, 1898,
to Michael Grasser at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic church, Kiel.
 Following their marriage, the couple resided on a farm in the 
town of Eaton and at New Holstein until 1901 when they moved to
Marinette, Wis., where they lived until 1942. For the past five
years they had made their home with two children in Chicago.
 Mrs. Grasser was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic
church at Chicago, and was affiliated with the Christian Mothers'
society at the parish.
 Survivors include her husband; four daughters, Mrs. Gustav (Erna)
Waldan, Sheboygan, Mrs. Albert (Sylvia) Kearney, Cambridge, Mass.,
Mrs. Sigvald (Elmyra) Johnson, Chicago, and Mrs. Joseph (Leona)
Pouliot, Waltham, Mass.; four sons, Raymond, Portsmouth, N.H., 
Cyrill, Chicago, Myron, Waltham, Mass., and Everist, Marinette; 
one sister, Mrs. Carl Koeser, Sheboygan Falls; a brother, William
Rades, Kiel, and 17 grandchildren.
 One son, First Lt. Sylvanus Grasser, was killed in action with
an infantry unit on New Guinea in April, 1944.
 Funeral services will be held at 8:30 a.m. Monday at the Ballhorn
Funeral chapels and at 9 a.m. at Holy Name church. The Rt. Rev.
Msgr. Philipp Dreis will officiate, and interment will be made
on the family lot in Calvary cemetery.
 The body will lie in state at the funeral chapels from Saturday
afternoon until the time of the services.


STEPHAN GRASSER

The following photo is the church entry of their marriage followed by
the marriage certificate from the church, followed by the researchers
notes. All contributed by a researcher/see contributors page.




This is a copy of the marriage entry from Holy Name Church in 
Sheboygan. On it at the bottom Fr. Fusseder's signature. The marks 
after his name is probably the initials of his religious affiliation. 
The place name that Stephan Grasser came from on this document was written 
Runtenheim. The actual spelling for this town in France today is Rountzenheim 
(In the 1850's it was spelt Runtzenheim) and is located on the Rhein river 
directly north of Strasbourg. 
Also Stephan's mother's name is actually Anna Maria Saali. I believe you 
transcribed it as "Tally". The capital "s" looks somewhat like a capital "t".
His wife's name is Maria "Fischbach". And Maria's father's 
name is Dominicus (this is Latin for Dominic).   




LOUIS AND SOPHIA GREENWOOD


(it is uncertain if the Louis and Sophia is the same Louis from the article below)

  From the Two Rivers Manitowoc Co. Chronicle, Tue. June 16, 1891:
  Mr. Louis Greenwood, quite an aged man, came near meeting death
  last week in a peculiar manner. He was leading a cow by a rope.
  She became frightened and wanted to get away from him but the 
  rope became entangled, forming a noose about his hand. He was
  dragged all over a 20 acre lot and over wood. He received some
  terrible bruises about the face and back but has recovered so as
  to be able to sit up.



MRS. FELIX GREENWOOD

From the Two Rivers Reporter, Saturday, Dec. 20, 1913:
OLD TIMERS - (photo with article)
Having lived here sixty-five years, all her life, Mrs. Felix Greenwood
is the oldest resident born at this place.
In a little log house that once stood where Geimer's saloon is now
located, she was born in September 1848.
Her father was Anton Cayo who came here from Canada in 1847. He found
employment for a time in the saw mill. Then he drove team, worked in
Whitcomb's tannery and peeled tan bark. He died 38 years ago.
Mrs. Greenwood has a good memory. She remembers that her father 
drove a team when she was three years of age. She also remembers an
incident at that age when she ran and hid in the woods right near
their hut, to escape a spanking from mother.
During her sixty-five years of life in Two Rivers Mrs. Greenwood has
not been away from the vicinity over a week altogether. A few years
ago she was at Sheboygan to attend a funeral. Later she was at
Kewaunee to attend a funeral and a few months ago she was at Milwaukee
on business for one day.


WM. GREENWOOD

From the Two Rivers Manitowoc County Chronicle, Tuesday, February 14, 1888:
  A fire broke out in Wm. Greenwood's house last evening about
  six o'clock. The Fire Department responded to the alarm with
  great promptness, but the fire was put out before the engine
  reached it. This is the second time the same house has been
  on fire within a few weeks. The fire this time was caused by
  a defective chimney.


PETER GREIS

(contributed by family research/see contributors page)
In early May 1847, the young couple and Peter's brother, Anton Gries sailed
from La Havre, France aboard the brig Kate Hunter. The ship cleared the 
Port of New York on or about 19 Jun 1847. The first child's birth was 
probably registered at Seneca Falls, NY.
Peter moved to Germantown, WI while Anton went to Meeme, Manitowoc Co., WI.
Peter filed his intention to become citizen 23 Nov 1847 in Milwaukee County
and his petition was granted 22 Mar 1855. 
While in Germantown, he worked as a blacksmith and possibly a farmer.  The
family moved to Meeme and bought 160 acres of land on 2 Dec 1850 for $275.
This was the original homestead and remained in the Gries family until 1983. 


FRANK GRESL


Frank Gresl     Rosie Grall



EDWARD M. GRETZ

This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin" 
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.102-103.

Edward M. Gretz, one of the enterprising and progressive young citizens of 
Manitowoc, Wisconsin, who is serving in the office of county clerk of 
Manitowoc county, is probably the youngest man to ever hold this important 
position. Born in Newton township, Manitowoc county, November 11, 1888, he 
is a son of Thomas and Pauline (Lepack) Gretz, natives of Germany who came 
to the United States in 1871, and settled in Newton township. Thomas Gretz 
followed farming during the active years of his life, but is now living in 
quiet retirement in the city of Manitowoc. He and his wife had a family of 
three Sons and five daughters.
Edward M. Gretz received his early education in the country schools, and 
laying aside his text-books entered the employ of Schuette Brothers, with 
which concern he was connected at the time of his election to the office 
of county clerk, three days before he had reached his twenty-second 
birthday, in 1910. He has been active in the ranks of the democratic party,
and is very well informed on matters of public interest, and has proved 
himself an efficient and satisfactory official. He is a member of the 
Catholic church.


JOHN GRETZ

This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin" 
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.327-328.

John Gretz, who is now one of the popular merchants of St. Wendel, 
Manitowoc county, comes of sturdy German and Polish ancestry and he and 
his father were both brought up amid the scenes and surroundings of 
agricultural life. He has always been a valuable citizen wherever he has 
resided and when he identified himself with the business interests of St. 
Wendel that town gained a most desirable business man and citizen. John 
Gretz was born in Newton township, February 3, 1886, a son of Thomas Gretz.
The father was a native of Germany and followed agricultural pursuits most 
of his life but is now living in the city of Manitowoc, where he is in the 
employ of the J. G. Johnson Ice Company, having come to that city in 1906. 
The mother, Mrs. Pauline (Lapek) Gretz, comes of Polish parentage and by 
her marriage to Thomas Gretz became the mother of eight children, of whom 
John Gretz, of this review, was the fourth in order of birth.
John Gretz was given a good common—school education and in early years 
worked on the farm with his father. He removed to Manitowoc with the family
and there remained until July, 1911, when he settled in St. Wendel and 
embarked in the mercantile business. He is conducting a flourishing trade 
and by giving careful attention to the wants of his patrons his business 
is constantly increasing.
Mr. Gretz was married June 1, 1911, to Miss Teckla Hoffmann, a daughter of 
Peter Hoffmann, one of the very early settlers in the village of 
Centerville. The father is now engaged in the lumber business in that place
and is one of the leading citizens of the town. He and his wife, Mrs. Mary 
(Dehringer) Hoffmann, are natives of Germany. Mr. Gretz is one of the 
bright young business men of St. Wendel and Centerville township and is 
displaying those talents and traits of character which make for successful 
business life and citizenship. He is active, optimistic, and, being always 
careful to please, he has become very popular with a large number of 
customers who frequent his place of business. He enjoys an excellent 
reputation and a wide acquaintance, and is held in high esteem by all who 
know him.


CHARLES GREVE

"The Book Of Chicagoans: A Biographical Dictionary of
Leading Living Men"  By Albert Nelson Marquis,
Copyright 1911 - Page 283

GREVE, Charles: born Mecklenburg, Germany, Aug. 16, 1847; 
son Henry and Helena (Lehmann) Greve; came to U.S. in childhood, 
residing at Manitowoc, Wis., from 1853 to 1880; ed. pub. schools 
of Manitowoc; married Manitowoc, Nov. 1867, Augusta Berndt; 
children: Helena, Serena, Augusta, Henry, Cora. Was engaged in
operating planing mill, 1873-7, and, 1877-80, in farm machinery 
business in Manitowoc, as agt. for McCormick Harvester Co.; came 
to Chicago, 1880, and entered the Fair, of which E. J. Lehmann 
was founder and proprietor, as an employe, at $12.00 per week, 
and became mgr. of all of Mr. Lehmann's Interests in 1890, and 
since his death has been mgr. of the Estate of E. J. Lehmann, and 
sec. and treas. of The Fair. Mem. Chicago Real Estate Board, Cook 
Co. Real Estate Board. Republican. Mem. Odd Fellows, K.P., Sons 
of Herrmann.
Clubs: Chicago Athletic, Press, South Shore Country.
Recreations: reading, motoring, golf, travel.
Residence: 3729 Lake Av. Office: 28 W. Monroe Street.


HENRY GREVE

From The History of Northern Wisconsin, Vol II. Chicago: Western 
Historical Pub. Co., 1881, p. 527

Henry Greve, planing mill and sash factory, Manitowoc, was born 
Feb. 29, 1828, in Mecklenburg, Germany. At the age of fourteen years, 
he began to learn the trade of joiner and furniture maker. He 
followed this trade until 1853, when he emigrated to New York, 
working at his trade for two years in that city. In 1855, he came to 
Manitowoc and in 1866 he started a furniture business, which he 
conducted for five years. In 1868 he started a planing mill, and 
in 1879 added to his business the manufacture of staves, all of 
which he is now successfully conducting. He enlisted in 1862, 
Company F, 26th Wis. Inf., and was wounded at the battle of 
Chancellorsville, Va., in 1863, and was discharged on account of 
physical inability. He has been a member of the Board of Trustees 
and is an Alderman and member of the County Board and has been 
City Assessor, besides having held various other offices. In 1853, 
he married Miss Helene Lehmann, of Mecklenberg. They have one son. 


CARL GRIEP FAMILY


Standing left to right: Fred Griep, Gretchen Griep, August Griep, Will Griep

Sitting left to right: Elizabeth Griep, Carl Griep, Carl Griep, Hattie Griep Kahrs



CLARENCE E. GRIDLEY

From The History of Northern Wisconsin, Vol II. Chicago: Western 
Historical Pub. Co., 1881, p 527

Clarence E. Gridley, dentist, Manitowoc City, was born in Rochester, 
N. Y., May 7, 1856; he left Rochester in 1872, and traveled through 
the West in the practice of his profession, having learned the same 
in Rochester, beginning in 1870 and finishing in Detroit, Mich. 
He also attended the Detroit Medical College. He went from the latter 
city to Winona, Minnesota, and practiced his profession for a short 
time, and from there went to Manitowoc, Sept. 24, 1877, and began 
business in company with Mr. S. N. Buck, and at the end of one year, 
Mr. Gridley bought the interest. He was married in Manitowoc, Nov. 7,
1878, to Miss Lillian H. Randall, of Appleton; she was born in the 
latter city, Aug. 31, 1861. They lost one son, Sept. 4, 1880. They 
now have an infant son. 


HARRISON EDWARD GRIDLEY

  

Harrison Edward Gridley




FRED T. GRIMM

This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin" 
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.321-322.

Fred T. Grimm, a prosperous farmer owning one hundred acres on section 27, 
Maple Grove township, and one hundred and forty acres on section 22, was 
born in Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, September 5, 1849. He is a son of 
Henry L. and Elizabeth (Schneider) Grimm, natives of Germany. They came to 
the United States in 1848, settling in Sheboygan county, where they farmed 
until 1868, when they went to Iowa. That state continued to be their home 
until 1889, when they moved to the upper peninsula of Michigan and there 
spent two years. Following that they moved to Taylor county, Wisconsin, 
where the father died in June, 1892. His widow later went to Oregon and 
there she passed away, in 1895.
Fred T. Grimm was the fourth born in a family of ten children and remained 
with his parents until twenty-six years old. At that time he commenced 
farming for himself in Iowa on eighty acres of land, remaining there five 
years. He then came to Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, buying his present 
farm. About seventy-five acres of this is under the plow and is in a high 
state of cultivation. The fences are all barbed wire, and the premises kept
in first-class condition. He manufactures dairy products, milking 
twenty-two cows of graded stock. He breeds to Percheron and Clyde horses, 
and raises hay, grain and clover seed. The basement of his barn is 
forty-four by sixty-eight feet, and was built in 1896. The floor of this is
of cement and modern appliances have been put in as they were required. The
water supply for all purposes comes from open wells.
In 1879, Fred T. Grimm was married to Emma Fischer, who was born March 10,
1855, the second child in a family of thirteen children. She is a daughter 
of Henry and Augusta (Oswold) Fischer, natives of Germany who came to the 
United States about 1851, settling in Sheboygan county, Wisconsin. The 
father died in 1910, but his widow survives. Mr. and Mrs. Grimm have five 
children: Otto living in Reedsville; Adolph, Reinhardt and Ambrose at home;
and Herman, who was the eldest and died in childhood. The family belong to 
the German Lutheran church at Reedsville of which Mr. Grimm has been a 
trustee for six years. He is a modern farmer who thoroughly appreciates 
the value of scientific methods, and his premises and farm show the 
results of his intelligent care.


MARY GRIMM


Mary Grimm taken at Two Rivers in 1909 at age 20
Compliments of Gary Omernick



CHARLES A. GROFFMAN

This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin" 
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.651-652.

Charles A. Groffman, a prominent citizen of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, where he 
is now engaged in a mercantile business, has been identified with the 
industrial and official life of this city for a number of years, and was 
born here October 16, 1867, a son of George H. and Fredericka (Pieritz) 
Groffman. George H. Groffman was born in Germany in 1821, and at the age of
sixteen years left home and went to London, coming from that city to the 
United States after a short period. He first located in Watertown, 
Wisconsin, where he was married to Fredericka Pieritz, who was born in 
Germany and came to the United States with her father, Fred Pieritz, 
locating in Watertown. George H. Groffman was a mason by trade, and about 
1840 he moved to Manitowoc Rapids, where he engaged extensively in 
building, erecting one of the first brick houses at that place, and later 
came to Manitowoc and established the first brickyard in the city and also 
engaged in the grocery business. During the latter years of his life he was
an invalid, his sickness being the direct result of being wrecked in the 
"Seabird" off Milwaukee in midwinter, he being one of those who went in an 
open boat to seek assistance for his comrades. In politics a democrat, he 
served as assessor of Manitowoc in 1874. On March 9, 1877, he died, his 
widow surviving until 1889. They had nine children: Elizabeth, who married 
Henry Redden, a resident of Tennessee; William, a merchant of Berlin, 
Wisconsin; Martha, who married J. F. Koch, of Berlin; George, chief of 
police of Manitowoc; Alvina, who married Alexander Dugatt, of Berlin; Emma 
and Lily, who are deceased; Charles A.; and Alvin, living in Washington.
Charles A. Groffman received a public and high school education, and for 
some time thereafter was engaged as a clerk in a drug store, after which 
he opened a mercantile establishment of his own and has continued to 
conduct it to the present time. He has been prominent in political matters,
serving as a member of the county board for six years and as mayor of 
Manitowoc from 1907 to 1911. Fraternally he is a member of the Masons, the 
Knights of Pythias and the Royal League, and he has been president of the 
local aerie of the Eagles.
On October 21, Mr. Groffman was married to Anna Krundick, of Manitowoc, 
daughter of Daniel and Mary Krundick. Mr. and Mrs. Groffman have one son 
and two daughters.


GEORGE GROFFMAN

This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin" 
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.53-54.

George Groffman, chief of the police department of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, 
is a native of that city, born May 13, 1858, a son of George H. and 
Fredericka (Pieritz) Groffman. George H. Groffman was born in Germany in 
1821, and at the age of sixteen years left home and went to London, from 
whence, after a short stay, he came to the United States. He first located 
in Watertown, Wisconsin, where he was married to Fredericka Pieritz, who 
was born in Germany and came to Watertown with her father, Fred Pieritz, 
as a girl. George H. Groffman was a mason by trade and moved to Manitowoc 
Rapids about 1840, where he built one of the first brick houses in 
Manitowoc county and engaged extensively in the building business. 
Eventually he came to Manitowoc and established the first brickyard in this
city, being also engaged in the grocery business for a long period. During 
the latter years of his life he was an invalid, his disability caused by 
exposure during the wreck of the steamer Seabird, near Milwaukee, in 
midwinter, Mr. Groffman having been one of those who manned a boat to go 
to seek assistance. He was a democrat in politics, and served as assessor 
of Manitowoc during 1874. His death occurred March 9, 1877, his widow 
surviving until 1889. They were the parents of the following children:
Elizabeth, who married Henry Reddeau, a resident of Tennessee; William, 
a merchant of Berlin, Wisconsin; Martha, who married J. F. Koch, of Berlin,
Wisconsin; George; Alvina, who married Alexander Dugatt, of Berlin, 
Wisconsin; Emma and Lily, who are deceased; Charles A., who is engaged in 
the drug business; and Alvin, living in Washington.
George Groffman received a public-school education, and learned the masons 
trade from his father. He worked at various lines until 1886, when he 
engaged in the wrecking business and continued therein for six years, after
which for fifteen years he was engaged in constructing waterworks, at the 
same time owning an interest in the Snow Flake Laundry. He helped to 
construct the waterworks at Manitowoc; at Kingston, Berlin, Waterloo and 
Belleville, Canada; Jackson, Mississippi; and Butte, Montana, and then 
traveled for one year as general utility man, all over the United States. 
On July 15, 1908, Mr. Groffman was appointed chief of police of Manitowoc, 
and he has filled that position very satisfactorily to the present time.
On September 20, 1898, Mr. Groffman was married to Lulu Noies, of Clarks 
Mills, Wisconsin, daughter of William P. Noies, who is now living in 
Amherst, Wisconsin, and who was one of the first settlers of Manitowoc. He 
married Emma Tucker, daughter of Dr. Tucker, a pioneer physician of 
Manitowoc county. Three children have been born to Chief and Mrs. Groffman,
Lulu, Alice and George, Jr. Mr. Groffman is a republican in politics, and 
is a member of the lodge and chapter of the Masonic fraternity.


EMIL GROSSHUESCH

This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin" 
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.208-209.

Emil Grosshuesch is numbered among the native sons of Newton township, who 
still reside within its borders. He was born January 27, 1875, the son of 
William and Margaret (Newhaus) Grosshuesch. William Grosshuesch was a
native of Germany and was brought to America in 1849, when he was four 
years of age by his father, Henry Grosshuesch, who settled in the town of 
Newton, where he resided until his death, about 1875. Margaret (Newhaus) 
Grosshuesch was also a native of Germany and was brought to America at the 
age of three years by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Newhaus, who 
located in Newton. William Grosshuesch became a very prominent and 
well-to-do farmer in Newton township and served for a time as supervisor 
of the township. He passed away July 9, 1911, but his wife is yet living, 
having reached the age of sixty-six. In their family were thirteen 
children, eleven of whom survive.
Emil Grosshuesch had limited advantages for an early education. He attended
the district school for a short time, but being the eldest son of a large 
family, the duties of the farm often kept him at home. He worked for his 
father until the age of twenty-six, when he purchased of his father the 
home in which he now lives. He has made many improvements on this place, 
rebuilding and adding to the house, and has erected an excellent barn. He 
engages extensively in dairying and general farming and is one of the 
prosperous and scientific farmers of the county.
In 1901 Mr. Grosshuesch wedded Miss Clara Mathias, a daughter of Henry and 
Mary Mathias. Her grandfather, Henry Mathias, Sr., was one of the pioneer 
settlers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Grosshuesch have become the parents 
of one son, Elmer, born February 5, 1902. Mr. Grosshuesch is counted as one
of the prominent agriculturists of the community in which he has passed his
entire time. He is interested in all that pertains to progressive public 
movements, although he has always shunned public office, and both in 
citizenship and in private life he has manifested the sterling traits of 
character which everywhere command respect and regard. Both he and Mrs. 
Grosshuesch are members of the Reformed church of Newton.


AUGUST GROSSTUECK

Soldiers’ And Citizens’ Album
Biographical Record
Grand Army Of The Republic
1888

Page 488:

AUGUST GROSSTUECK, of Manitowoc, Wis., member of G.A.R. Post No. 18, was born 
Feb. 16, 1834, in the kingdom of Saxe Weimar, Germany.  He came to America in 1853 
and after passing five years in various places, he located in Manitowoc which has 
since been his place of abode.
He enlisted Sept. 6, 1861, in Company B, 9th Wisconsin Infantry, which was recruited 
wholly from the German population of Wisconsin.  The first service to which the 
regiment was assigned was located in Kansas and they marched 160 miles to Fort Scott, 
and his first service was in July, when he was engaged in the dispersion of a force 
of rebel Indians.  He was engaged in several similar encounters and was in all the 
heavy marches of the regiment, including nearly 400 miles, after which, the army of 
the frontier was re-organized and he fought at Newtonia, Camden, Jenkin’s Ferry, Pea 
Ridge, Huntsville, Prairie Grove, Cane Hill and Spoonsville.  The latter engagement 
was fought in April, 1863.  April 30, 1864, Mr. Grosstueck was made captain by brevet 
for bravery at Jenkins’ Ferry.  Previous to that he was acting as sergeant and he 
was mustered out Dec. 3, 1864, with the other non-veterans of the regiment, his term 
of service having expired. 
He was married in 1853 to Catherine Kennedy , and they have two sons and two daughters.
(See sketch of Henry Buhse, a comrade of Mr. Grosstueck, whose experiences were similar.)

(sent in by researcher/see contributors page)


FREDERICK GROTEGUT

From the Postville Herald, Postville, Allamakee Co. Iowa, June 12, 1930
Obituary.

Frederick Grotegut was born in Manitowoc, Wis., on April 9, 1859, and 
there under parental care he received his secular and spiritual education. 
At the age of 26 he moved to the state of Iowa with his parents and 
settled on a farm in Winneshiek county, near Frankville, the place being 
still known as the Grotegut farm. On March 23, 1887, Mr. Grotegut was 
united in marriage to Miss Minnie Stock. This union was blessed with 
twelve children, five sons and seven daughters. Being blessed with health 
and strength, Mr. and Mrs. Grotegut labored on their farm until 1917 when 
they moved to Frankville to live in retirement. Mr. Grotegut passed away 
after a year's illness in the early hours of Thursday, June 5, at his home 
in Frankville, having attained the age of 71 years, one month and 27 days. 
He is survived by his widow, his son, John, of Frankville township, Simon 
and Albert of Ludlow [Allamakee Co.], his daughters, Mrs. Theodore Henning 
of Ludlow, Mrs. Elmer Herman of Union Prairie [Allamakee Co.], Mrs. John 
Lundt and Mrs. Victor Heins of Post twoenship [Allamakee Co.], also 
twenty-one grand-children, two brothers, Simon and Henry of Waukon and six 
sisters, Mrs. Henry Bieberman of Timothy, Wis., Mrs. Henry Hager of 
Frankville, Mrs. Fred Becker, Sr., of Waukon, mrs. F.W. Bechtel of Frankville, 
Mrs. W.T. Snitker of Ludlow, Mrs. Lydia Thoma in the hospital at Oakdale. 
He is also survived by a host of other relatives and friends who mourn his 
passing. Six granddaughters acted as flower girls at the funeral services. 
Mr. Grotegut was a most faithful member of the Salem congregation since its 
organization in 1895 and a faithful helper in the building of the old frame 
church in said year and again when the brick structure was erected in 1915. 
He was a cheerful giver and helper in all the affairs of the church during 
all these years. Funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon at two o'clock 
with sermons both in English and German by his pastor, the Rev. DeBuhr 
assisted by the Rev. Closterburg of the Bethlehem congregation and the Rev. 
Uhden of the Zalmoni church. Two brothers and four sisters-in-law acted as
pall bearers. Interment was in the cemetery close by. The attendance at the 
funeral was probably the largest ever held here, all standing room being 
taken and it was estimated fully 100 persons were standing out of doors. The 
ideal weather brought people from far and near to pay their last respects 
to the deceased


HENRY GROTH

This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin" 
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.642.

Henry Groth, cashier of the German American Bank of Manitowoc, one of the 
well known financial institutions of Manitowoc county, is a native of this 
county, having been born in Newton township, October 9, 1869, a son of 
Charles and Fredericka Groth, natives of Germany. The parents came to the 
United States in 1853 and settled on wild land in Manitowoc county, where 
Mr. Groth died in 1871. His widow still survives and makes her home in 
Newton township. They had a family of nine children, of whom two are 
deceased.
Henry Groth received a common-school education, and then attended the 
Oshkosh Normal School, after which he engaged in teaching for two years. 
Later he entered the Milwaukee Normal School, from which he was graduated 
in 1897, and after teaching for seven more years accepted the position of 
assistant cashier with the German American Bank of Manitowoc, and was made 
cashier March 1, 1911. The German American Bank was organized in September,
1900, the first officers being: L. D. Moses, president; Leander Choate, 
vice president; and F. F. Zentner, cashier. It had a capitalization of one 
hundred thousand dollars. Two years later the capitalization was reduced to
twenty thousand dollars and the following officers were elected in 
February, 1911: Charles Esch, president; Charles Hacker, vice president; 
and Henry Groth, cashier. The bank owns its own building at the corner of 
Jay and Ninth streets.
In 1899 Mr. Groth was married to Ida Schmitz, who was born in Newton 
township, Manitowoc county. She died April 1, 1903, leaving two children. 
On July 2, 1904, Mr. Groth was united in marriage with Hulda Schmitz, also 
of Newton township, and one child has been born to this union. Mr. Groth 
is independent in political matters, except in national affairs, when he 
votes the democratic ticket. He is a member of the school and library 
boards, and is socially connected with the Elks.


Henry Groth



CHARLES GRUHLE

This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin" 
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.27-28.

Charles Gruhle, who for more than eleven years has been manager of the 
Oriental Mills at Manitowoc, of which he is also one of the stockholders, 
was born in this city on the 16th of November, 1867, and is a son of 
William and Cecelia Gruhle. The father was one of the pioneer settlers 
here and had the added distinction of being the first operating miller of 
Manitowoc. He was for many years employed in the Clipper City mill and was 
excused from going to war when drafted into the service on account of his 
trade. He was a very capable man in his line and possessed the fine 
sterling qualities that enabled him to win and retain the friendship of all
with whom he came in contact. He passed away in 1897 at the age of 
sixty-nine years and was buried in the cemetery at Kiel, Wisconsin. The 
mother, who is buried in the Catholic cemetery at Manitowoc, died in 1871.
The education of Charles Gruhle was pursued in the public schools of this 
city until he had attained the age of fourteen years. He then laid aside 
his textbooks and entered the mill where his father was employed, to learn 
the trade, having decided to make this his vocation. At the end of a year 
he became an apprentice in a mill at Two Rivers, and at the expiration of 
his period of service in 1885, returned to Manitowoc, to become miller in 
the Oriental Mills. Mr. Gruhle was not only thoroughly familiar with every 
detail of his trade, in which capacity he served most efficiently, but he 
proved to he a very capable business man and upon attaining his majority 
he was promoted to the position of superintendent. He has now discharged 
the duties of this position for more than twenty years, and during that 
time he has become one of the stockholders of the company, in the 
development of whose interests he has so prominently figured. Since he 
became associated with Mr. Schuette in the operation of this enterprise it 
has become recognized as one of the best managed and most thriving 
industries of the city. They have a very good plant, while their equipment 
is modern and their operators are skilled and capable representatives of 
the trade. Their products are uni and Cecelia Gruhle. The father was one of the 
pioneer settlers here and had the added distinction of being the first operating 
miller of Manitowoc. He was for many years employed in the Clipper City mill 
and was excused from going to war when drafted into the service on account of 
his trade. He was a very capable man in his line and possessed the fine 
sterling qualities that enabled him to win and retain the friendship of all
with whom he came in contact. He passed away in 1897 at the age of 
sixty-nine years and was buried in the cemetery at Kiel, Wisconsin. The 
mother, who is buried in the Catholic cemetery at Manitowoc, died in 1871.
The education of Charles Gruhle was pursued in the public schools of this 
city until he had attained the age of fourteen years. He then laid aside 
his textbooks and entered the mill where his father was employed, to learn 
the trade, having decided to make this his vocation. At the end of a year 
he became an apprentice in a mill at Two Rivers, and at the expiration of 
his period of service in 1885, returned to Manitowoc, to become miller in 
the Oriental Mills. Mr. Gruhle was not only thoroughly familiar with every 
detail of his trade, in which capacity he served most efficiently, but he 
proved to he a very capable business man and upon attaining his majority 
he was promoted to the position of superintendent. He has now discharged 
the duties of this position for more than twenty years, and during that 
time he has become one of the stockholders of the company, in the 
development of whose interests he has so prominently figured. Since he 
became associated with Mr. Schuette in the operation of this enterprise it 
has become recognized as one of the best managed and most thriving 
industries of the city. They have a very good plant, while their equipment 
is modern and their operators are skilled and capable representatives of 
the trade. Their products are uniform in quality and exactly as 
represented, which fact has been of inestimable value in enabling them to
build up a permanent patronage.
Whitewater, this state, was the scene of Mr. Gruhle's marriage on the 19th 
of August, 1901, to Miss Maud Fraser, a daughter of Mrs. May Fraser, and 
they have become the parents of one child, Dorothea M., who is now 
attending school. The family home is located at 1114 South Seventh street, 
where Mr. Gruhle erected a very pleasant residence in 1900.
Fraternally he is affiliated with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks 
and the Royal League, and he also holds membership in a number of social 
clubs.
In politics he is a republican, and his townsmen have recognized his worth 
and ability as a citizen by calling him to public office at various times. 
At the present time he is discharging the duties of fire and police 
commissioner, and on several occasions he has represented his ward in the 
city council. During the long period of his connection with the business 
interests of Manitowoc, those who have had dealings with Mr. Gruhle have 
always found him to be thoroughly trustworthy and reliable, while in the 
discharge of his official duties he has manifested a rare sense of 
conscientious obligation to the public, to whose efforts he has been 
indebted for the honor thus paid him as a citizen.


CHRISTIAN GUETSCHOW

This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin" 
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.197-198.

Christian Guetschow since 1883 has owned and operated in Newton township 
the old homestead on which he was born, November 20, 1857. His parents, 
William and Mary Guetschow, are both natives of Germany and came to the 
United States in 1852, soon after their marriage. They came direct to 
Manitowoc county, where the father was employed on a farm for two years and
then purchased the tract of land on which the subject of this sketch now 
lives. Here he erected a log cabin in which his family resided for several 
years and in which his children were all born. He cleared and cultivated 
the land and made his home there until his death, in 1887, when he passed 
away at the age of sixty-seven. The mother passed away January 17, 1912, at
the advanced age of eighty-four years. In their family were eleven 
children, five of whom are yet living.
Christian Guetschow obtained his education in the district schools of the 
neighborhood and grew to manhood on his father’s farm. He has always been 
associated with work on his home place and shortly before his father’s 
death he purchased the same and has since operated it. He has made many 
improvements upon it, erecting an excellent house and barns, and has 
brought the land to a high state of cultivation.
In 1883 he wedded Miss Wilhelmina Moss, who is a native of Manitowoc county
and a daughter of Carl Moss, who came from Germany and settled in this 
county but later removed to Minnesota, where he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. 
Guetschow have become the parents of one son, John, born January 29, 1884. 
Mr. Guetschoav has always been actively interested in the welfare of the 
community but he has never cared for political office. Both he and Mrs. 
Guetschow are earnest and faithful members of the German Lutheran church. 
Having resided on his present farm all his life—a period of over half a 
century—Mr. Guetschow has been closely associated with the development of 
this county and at all times he has been ready to lend his aid and 
cooperation to any movement which was calculated for the benefit of the 
public. His life has been one of continuous activity, in which has been 
accorded due recognition of labor, and today he is numbered among the 
substantial citizens of his community.


GILBERT and OLE GULIKSON

This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin" 
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.458-459.

Gilbert and Ole Gulikson, who are engaged in general farming and stock-
raising in Liberty township, Manitowoc county, were both born on the farm
where they now reside, Gilbert's birth having occurred on New Years' day,
1868, and that of Ole on November 5, 1877.  They are sons of August and
Berit Oleson (Berge) Gulikson, both of whom were born in Valders, Norway.
When he was a lad of eleven years the father emigrated to the United States
with an uncle, Helge Gulbrandson, who came directly to this county, 
settling on a tract of government land in Liberty township.  There August
Gulikson remained until he had attained his sixteenth year, assisting his
uncle and other settlers in the vicinity in the cultivation of their farms.
At the expiration of that period he obtained employment with a fisherman
at Manitowoc, remaining in his service for two years.  As he did not feel
that he cared to follow this for a permanent vocation he subsequently
returned to Liberty township and once more engaged in agricultural 
pursuits.  About two years after his arrival in this country, he was 
followed by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gulik Gulbrandson, who had the 
misfortune to be among the passengers on a vessel that collided with 
another boat on Lake Erie.  It was a terrible disaster, three hundred
lives being lost, and although Mr. and Mrs. Gulbrandson were fortunate 
enough to escape uninjured they lost all of their money and personal
effects.  Upon their arrival at Manitowoc they were assisted by their
friends, who provided them with clothing and the necessities of life and
also aided them financially.  They first located at Two Rivers, where Mr.
Gulbrandson, who was a blacksmith, established a shop and followed his
trade until 1857, when he came to this township and purchased the farm
owned by his grandson, Gilbert Gulikson. Here he resided until his death, 
which occurred in 1890, at the age of eighty-seven years. The maternal 
grandfather of our subjects was Ole Gulikson Berge, who passed his life in
Valders, Norway, where he died. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
August Gulikson, as follows: Anna; Gilbert and Iver, who are twins; Gusta 
and Ole Iver removed to Iowa and there engaged in farming for twenty years,
but has since returned to Manitowoc county, where he has acquired some 
land. Anna married Halver Tostenson and they also settled in Iowa, where 
she lived until the death of her husband when she returned to this county. 
Gusta makes her home in North Dakota, where she is engaged in teaching.
Gilbert and Ole Gulikson were educated in the district schools in the 
vicinity of their home, and while engaged in the mastery of the common 
branches they were assisting their father with the work of the fields and 
the care of the stock. They laid aside their text—books while still in 
their early youth, and at the age of seventeen Gilbert began to learn the 
carpenters trade, which he followed for six years, while Ole learned the 
mason's trade. When he was twenty—three, Gilbert gave up his trade and 
rented his grandfather's farm and has ever since devoted his entire time 
and attention to agricultural pursuits. He met with success in his 
undertakings and in 1905 bought the place, which has now been in the the
possession of the family for over half a century. Neither he nor his 
brother Ole have ever married and both are living at home.
The Gulikson family all hold membership in the Norwegman Lutheran church,
of which Gilbert has been trustee and treasurer for some years. Neither
of the brothers has ever aspired to political honors or the emoluments of 
office, but the elder was at one time clerk of the school district. They 
are both enterprising men of thrifty habits and are now in very comfortable
circumstances, Gilbert Gulikson being one of the stockholders in the 
Liberty and Newton Telephone company, of which he is the president. They 
are worthy representatives of an honored pioneer family of Liberty township
and are held in high regard by their many friends.


STEPHEN GUNDERSON


Stephen and Anna Married June 22, 1892
The Gunderson's started a dairy bringing pasteurizing and bottling
of milk to Manitowoc County. - Photo compliments of Gary Omernick


FRANK GUSE, JR.

This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin" 
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.27-28.

Frank Guse, Jr., who since 1904, has been engaged in the lumber business in
Manitowoc, was born in this city on July 28, 1881, the son of Frank J., 
Sr., and Annie Guse. Frank J. Guse, Sr., was brought from Germany to this 
country by his parents in 1856, when he was only three years of age. He was
reared and educated here and previous to establishing the business with 
which the subject of this sketch is now associated he was connected with a 
planing mill which was operated under the firm name of Biegel & Guse. He 
sold his interest in this mill to the Christ Schoch Lumber Company. He was 
a very successful business man. His wife passed away in Manitowoc and is 
buried in Evergreen cemetery.
Frank Guse, Jr., received his education in Manitowoc. leaving high school 
in 1899. He then attended the Wisconsin Business College for a short time,
after which he became an employe in his father’s mill and remained there 
until he and his father established their present business. The firm deals 
in lumber, sash and door materials, and the establishment is located at 
912 Commercial street. From the very start Mr. Guse has been successful in 
his work and the company is now carrying on an extensive business.
In Manitowoc, on October 4, 1904, Mr. Guse was married to Miss Laura Daeke,
a daughter of Christ Daeke, who was one of the earlier settlers here and 
was also one of the first harness makers of Manitowoc. He now lives retired
in this city. To Mr. and Mrs. Guse have been born two children, Fred and 
Florence. In his political views Mr. Guse is a democrat and he is a member 
of the German Lutheran church. The family reside at No. 1124 South Eighth 
street in a beautiful home which was erected by Mr. Guse’s father. Mr. Guse
is well known and highly honored in this city and because of his upright 
life and honest business principles deserves to he numbered among its 
prominent residents.


CHARLES GUSTAVESON

From The History of Northern Wisconsin, Vol II. Chicago: Western 
Historical Pub. Co., 1881, p. 535

Charles Gustaveson, farmer, Section 17, Manitowoc Rapids Township, 
has 105 acres of land, sixty-five improved. He was born in south part 
of Sweden, Dec. 20, 1821, and emigrated to America in 1846. Went to 
Milwaukee and enlisted in Co. F, 15th Reg. U. S. Vols., in Spring 
1847 and fought in nearly all the principal battles until the capture 
of Mexico. He was mustered out in Covington, Ky., September, 1848; he 
returned to Milwaukee and lived a short time, then went to Manitowoc 
Rapids and took up some land, improved the same and sold it. He worked 
in a saw mill two years. He was married in April, 1850. He dealt in 
land for some time. He enlisted a company of Scandinavians in Fall, 
1861, and was mustered in Jan. 14, 1862, and got a commission as 
captain of Co. F, 15th Wis. Vol. He was at the bombardment of 
Island No. 10, and at taking of Union City, Ky., and at battles of 
Perrysville, Ky., and Murfreesboro, and was wounded in his foot, 
was in field hospital a short time. He soon joined his regiment, and 
was taken prisoner in battle of Chickamauga, and was held one year 
and ten days in the prisons of Libby, Danville, Macon Ga, and Charleston, 
South Carolina. He liberated himself and escaped in company with a 
comrade. He afterward joined his regiment and went to Chattanooga, 
from there to Bridgeport, and served until Jan. 14, 1864, and was 
mustered out at Chattanooga, Tenn. He returned to his home. He was 
appointed deputy provost marshal for Kewaunee County, and held the 
same until the office was abolished, he has been Supervisor four 
years in succession and was Under Sheriff one term. He now draws a 
pension. His wife's maiden name was Miss Amber S. Stephenson, she 
was born in Norway March 1, 1827. They have eight children living -
Anna C., Mary E., Gustavus A., Christina C., Charles A., Emma C., 
Herman and Albertina. 


LOUIS GUTHEIL

From The History of Northern Wisconsin, Vol II. Chicago: Western 
Historical Pub. Co., 1881, p. 540

Louis Gutheil, of the firm of Gutheil & Brothers, brewers, Kiel, 
was born Aug. 31, 1842, in Saxony, Germany. In 1846, he came with 
his parents to Washington County; the family removed to Kiel in 1856, 
and about three years later they built this brewery. He enlisted in 
1861 in Company A, 9th Wis. I.; served three years. He then returned 
to Chicago, where he remained about one year. In 1866, he returned 
to Kiel, and has since been engaged in this business. He was married 
in 1874, to Johanna Ree, of New Holstein. 
                **************
JOHANNA GUTHEIL
Mrs. J. Gutheil Buried Monday
Kiel Relatives, Friends Attend New Holstein Services
Funeral services for Mrs. Johanna Gutheil, who passed away at
her home in Port Edwards Friday of last week at the age of 75,
were held at New Holstein Monday of this week, the Rev. A.
George Schmid performing the last rites. Kiel people who 
attended the services were Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Laun, Mr. and 
Mrs. Rudolph Heins, Miss Minnie Heins, Mrs. Jessie Mathes, Mr.
and Mrs. H. J. Ammann, Mrs. Peter Arnold, and Mrs. Edwin Fluhr.
The deceased, nee Ree, was born in Fond du Lac May 15, 1853, 
and when still a child moved to a farm west of New Holstein 
with her parents. Later they made their home in Schleswig, 
where Mr. Ree built what is now the H. Buettner and Son store. 
She was married to Louis Gutheil of Kiel in July, 1874. The 
couple lived here for a number of years, Mr. Gutheil operating 
a brewery, on the site of the former Emil Reichart home north 
of the Brooklyn hall, with his brother Bernhard. Since the
death of her husband in 1902 she had made her home at Port 
Edwards.
Mrs. Gutheil was buried beside her husband in the New Holstein 
cemetery. Until last year his remains had lain in the Rockville 
cemetery, but they were transferred to New Holstein. An unusually 
large number of people were in attendance for the services, among 
them relatives and acquaintances from Milwaukee, Manitowoc, and 
Fond du Lac. One of her friends from Fond du Lac, a lady of 82, 
was present.
Surviving her in the immediate family are Mrs. John Veers of
New Holstein. and Mrs. Frank McGonigle of Port Edwards, sisters,
and a brother, Siegfried Ree of Milwaukee.
(No newspaper named, March 20, 1930)


JOHN GUTMAN

This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin" 
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.476-477.

John Gutman, the proprietor of the Lake View hotel at St. Nazianz, has 
passed his life to the present time in Manitowoc county, of which he is a 
native, his birth having occurred in Liberty township on the 12th of May, 
1862. He is a son of Cornelius and Gustina (Wiesler) Gutman, natives of 
Germany, the father having been born and reared in Freiburg. Together with 
his wife and four children Mr. Gutman emigrated to the United States, 
locating in Manitowoc county during the pioneer days. Here he acquired a 
farm in the vicinity of St. Nazianz which he cultivated until his death 
in 1892, at the age of sixty—eight years. The mother survived him until 
1896, her death occurring after she had passed the seventy—second 
anniversary of her birth. They were the parents of seven children, four of 
whom are deceased. Those living besides our subject are as follows: Joseph,
who is a resident of St. Nazianz; and Amelia, the wife of Paul Charmbruch, 
of Brillion, Wisconsin.
The early years in the life of John Gutman were passed amid the pioneer 
conditions that yet prevailed in Manitowoc county. He attended the district
schools and assisted his father with the work of the fields and care of 
the stock until he was ten years of age, after which his entire time and 
attention were devoted to the work of the farm. As the years passed he 
assumed more and more of the responsibility connected with the operation of
the homestead and eventually became owner of the property. His long years 
of experience united with intelligent observation made him a most efficient
and capable agriculturist, and he prospered in his undertakings. In 
connection with his general farming he engaged in stockraising and 
dairying, making a specialty of the two latter occupations, both of which
proved to be very lucrative. Agricultural pursuits engaged his energies 
until 1909, when he disposed of his farm and removed to St. Nazianz and 
purchased the Lake View hotel, which is located opposite St. Gregory's 
church. He is conducting a very good hotel, and is being accorded an 
excellent patronage, his place being particularly popular with residents 
in this section of the county.
In 1884 Mr. Gutman was united in marriage to Miss Christina Phefferle, who 
was born in Eaton township, Manitowoc county, in 1861, and passed away on 
her husbands farm on July 6, 1906. Mrs. Gutman was a daughter of Phelix 
and Walburka Phefferle, prominent pioneer farming people of Eaton township,
where they lived for many years. After the death of her mother, Mrs. 
Gutman remained at home and kept house for her father until her marriage, 
and now her father is also deceased. She was reared in the Roman Catholic 
faith and always took an active interest in the work of the various 
organizations of the church, particularly the ladies society. Seven 
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gutman, three of whom are deceased. In 
order of birth the others are as follows: Lena, who is twenty—six years of
age, now keeping house for her father; Clara, who is twentv—five; William, 
a blacksmith, who is eighteen; and Mina, who is sixteen. They are all 
living at home.
The father and children are all communicants of the Catholic church, being 
members of St. Gregory’s parish, and he is a member of the Knights of 
Columbus and is one of the trustees of the local organization. His 
political support he gives to the democratic party, and he has served for 
two terms as supervisor in Liberty township. Mr. Gutman is widely known in 
Manitowoc county, where he enjoys the respect and esteem of a large circle 
of acquaintances, the majority of whom have known him since early boyhood.


H. GUTTMANN

From The History of Northern Wisconsin, Vol II. Chicago: Western 
Historical Pub. Co., 1881, p. 527

Manufacturer and dealer in harness, saddles and collars, Manitowoc, 
was born April 19, 1831 in Prussia. In 1856, he came to Two Rivers. 
He was employed by the Wisconsin Leather Company for three years, 
when he moved to Manitowoc, and ran a tannery till 1876. In 1870, 
he opened a leather store, and two years later he added harness 
making to his other business. He has been Alderman two terms. In 
1858, he married Miss A. Bertram, a native of Prussia, by whom he 
has seven children, five sons and two daughters. 


GEORGE GUYLES
 
IN MEMORIAM.
Died on Thursday, June 10th, 1886, at the age of thirty-one years, George B. 
Guyles, son of Mrs. L. A. Guyles and brother of Mrs. L. J. Nash of this place.
The words of this brief record will fall upon the hearts of many in our community 
with the weight and sadness of the tolling of a funeral bell, and will turn their 
thoughts, in the tenderest sympathy and sorrow, to those for whom all light and 
beauty went out of the lovely day of early summer when, in his mother’s home, the 
home of his youth and early manhood, the light of this life went out. A life so 
short, as we number years, and yet one which looked upon in the bright light of 
the words, “He lives long who lives well,” we fell should be counted as reaching 
out through a good old age.
With the exception of the last three years, this life was spent in our midst. His 
parents removed from Waukegan to this place when he was but two years of age, and 
from that time until the year 1883, his home was here. At the age of nineteen he 
entered college at Appleton, remaining until within a year of graduation, when the 
sickness and death of his father called him home, and he relinquished his college 
course to take charge of the lumbar business in which his father was engaged. His 
career as a business man was one of unusual success, characterized by a keen insight 
and sound judgment in business affairs and the ability to successfully execute that 
which he planned, while he endeared himself to all who knew him in this capacity by 
his strict integrity and that genuine courtesy which springs only from true kindness 
of heart. At this time he was one of the leading men in the M.E. church, and many 
older in years than he, looked to him for counsel and guidance in her affairs. 
Afterwards he became the superintendent of the Sabbath school, holding this position 
for several years.
In 1878 he was married to Genevra, youngest daughter of Dr. C.C. Barnes, and memories 
of their happy home will long linger in the minds of the large circle of friends who 
have there received their genial and graceful hospitality, while their leaving 
Manitowoc for Norwood, Mich. three years since, was a cause of keenest regret to all 
who knew them here. Still, the same endearing qualities which caused their loss to 
be so deeply felt among us, won for them many strong friendships in the new home, 
which have cheered and strengthened them during the dark days that have followed.
Since making this change, George’s health has been steadily failing, and the record of 
the last two years has been one of almost constant suffering, borne with unfailing 
courage and gravest endurance, while the long weeks of terrible pain, which ended the 
struggle, were met with an uncomplaining fortitude which commanded the wonder and 
admiration of all who were near him. The beautiful unselfishness which, through the 
wary hours of pain, made him so tenderly thoughtful of the welfare of those who were 
caring for him; the interest manifested in the concerns of others when conscious, 
that one by one, these ties for him were being left behind; his absolute fearlessness 
of the change which every passing day was bringing steadily nearer and nearer to him. 
All these things spoke forth that grand heroism which he must have who, looking silently 
forward with steadfast gaze, goes on unfalteringly to most alone the King of Terrors. But
        The bravest are the tenderest,
        The loving are the daring,”
and while for himself he had no word of sorrow, the tears would come and the brave voice 
tremble when he spoke of leaving his loved and loving wife, dearer to him than life, 
and the precious little daughter to whom, in the last hours of consciousness, when for 
a long time his ear had been deaf to all other voices, he clearly spoke the sweet 
familiar words “my pet,” the tenderest chords of his heart still answering in quick 
response to the music of her “good morning, papa.”
Beautiful flowers were about him through all his illness, brought by loving friends who 
uttered their sympathy through these “silent comforters.” They brightened his room, and 
even at the last, won from him a smile and word of pleasure. And when on Sunday afternoon 
those who loved him clustered about him for the last good-bye, they still came bringing 
“flowers, sweet flowers” until the chamber of death became a bower of beauty, and 
looking upon him peacefully at rest with some of earth’s loveliest but most transient 
blossoms clasped in his pale hand, the thought came with sweet comfort—“no more sorrow, 
no more pain, but beauty and brightness forever, for he has gone
        “When everlasting Spring abides,
        And never fading flowers,”
and while for the loved ones who see him no longer, all life is changed and saddened 
with sorrow that can never sleep, yet thinking how, after long weary pain, peace, 
blessed peace at last has come for him, they cn have strength to say calmly,
        “Weep not for him who dieth,
        For he sleeps and is at rest,
        And the coach whereon he lieth,
        Is the green earth’s quiet breast.”
Manitowoc Pilot, June 17, 1886  P. 3
*********
(1870 Manitowoc City census:
John Guyles age 52 lumber manfactor; wife Ludia 45; Hester 74; 
William 24; Emma 22; Frank 17; George 15; Jay C. 10)


J.F. GUYLES     

Runaways - A horse belonging to Mr. J.F. GUYLES, and being driven
by one of his sons, on last Thursday morning, turned a corner too
short, and the cutter in slewing frightened the horse, causing him
to start off at a fearful rate of speed, capsizing the cutter,
and spilling its contents. Fortunately no one was hurt seriously.
Go slow, George, around the corners.
Manitowoc Pilot, JANUARY 27, 1870