ADOLPH PIENING
From The History of Northern Wisconsin, Vol II. Chicago: Western
Historical Pub. Co., 1881, p. 530
Dealer in books, stationery, toys, wall paper, etc., Manitowoc, was born
in Germany Dec. 23, 1834, and emigrated to America in August, 1856, and
settled at Two Rivers, Manitowoc County, where he clerked nine years. In
1865 he went to Manitowoc and engaged in bookkeeping until Jan. 1, 1870,
when he took the office of Clerk of Court. He was re-elected to the same
office, which he held until Jan. 1, 1878. In the meantime he began his
present business in the fall 1875.
REV. REINHOLD PIEPER
From The History of Northern Wisconsin, Vol II. Chicago: Western
Historical Pub. Co., 1881, p. 531
Rev. Reinhold Pieper, A.B., pastor of First German Evangelical Lutheran Church,
Manitowoc, is a native of Germany; born March 2, 1850. At the age of fifteen he
commenced the study of French and Latin, and studied German in Berlin. In the
Spring of 1869 he came to Watertown, Wis.; there commenced his regular course
of studies, and passed through all the classes in four years. Graduated in 1873,
with the title of A.B. He then went to St. Louis and attended Concordia Theological
Seminary, where he was examined for the ministry. He then received a call from
Wrightstown, Wis., and was there ordained pastor in 1876. He continued in charge
two years and four months. He then came to Manitowoc and has since been pastor of
this church. He was married in 1876 to Miss Emily Koehr, of Sheboygan. They have one
daughter, Lizzie.
A. F. PIERCE
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.26-27.
Many of the more progressive farmers of Manitowoc county are turning their
attention toward specialization, experience having demonstrated that there
is more money in this method than in general farming. A number of them are
making successful experiments in the breeding of high grade stock, and the
product of these rich Manitowoc county farms is eagerly sought in the big
city markets. A. F. Pierce, of the town of Rapids, is one of the men who
are using modern methods in their business operations. His father, Alonzo
C. Pierce, was born in the state of New York in 1830, and came to this
state with his father, Pliney Pierce, who was born in 1808, in New York.
Pliney Pierce, who was a carpenter by trade, came to Manitowoc county in
1837, settling in the village of Rapids, where he erected the first tavern,
this being the only house of its kind between Sheboygan and Green Bay for a
number of years. He later moved up the river and built a woolen mill on one
side of the river and a sawmill on the other, and was engaged in operating
these until his death. As a youth Alonzo C. Pierce worked in his father’s
mills, and in 1852 went west to seek his fortune in the gold fields of
California, where he remained two years. On his return he was again
employed by his father until he had accumulated enough money to invest in
farming land. He was married to Lena Schaffland, a native of Germany who
came to the United States with her parents, and they had five children.
A. F. Pierce was born on his father’s farm, near the woolen mill, December
13, 1868, and received his education in the district schools of his town
and the city institutions of Manitowoc. As a lad he worked on the home
property, but in 1888 he went to Montana, Wyoming and Colorado, where he
was employed as a cowboy for some time and also drove the stage in
Yellowstone Park for three years. Returning to Manitowoc county in 1898,
he took charge of the home farm in the town of Rapids, and here he has been
successfully engaged ever since. He has carried on general farming, dairy
work and fruit and vegetable raising, and specializes in the breeding of
fine stock, his favorite animals being those of the Guernsey breed. At the
head of his herd is the registered Guernsey bull Neva.
In 1905 Mr. Pierce was married to Miss Minnie De Pons, a daughter of Henry
De Pons, a native of Manitowoc county, where Mrs. Pierce was born. Mr.
Pierce and his wife are members of the Episcopal church of Manitowoc. He
has held the office of under sheriff, George Lambries being sheriff, and
has always taken an active interest in matters that pertain to the welfare
of his community.
PLINY PIERCE
From The History of Northern Wisconsin, Vol II. Chicago: Western
Historical Pub. Co., 1881, p. 535
Proprietor saw and carding mill, makes farming his principal business,
Sec. 14, Manitowoc Rapids Township, owns 120 acres, has sixty acres
improved. He does a good business in carding wool. He also contemplates
putting in machinery for a flouring mill. He was born in Essex County,
N. Y., March, 1808, and moved into St. Lawrence County in 1830, following
milling there seven years. He moved to Manitowoc County in June, 1837,
and located at Manitowoc Rapids, and kept hotel and Post-office about
four years, after which he located at his present home. He was elected
Register of Deeds in 1840, also held the office of County Clerk and
Assessor at same time. He made the first assessment of the town in 1839.
There were only two or three families in the town when he first settled
there, consisting of Mr. O. C. Hubbard, J. W. Conroe, and his own family.
He erected his saw mill in 1849. Carding mill 1866. He was married in
Hague, Warren Co., N. Y., in 1829, to Miss Susanna Phillips, who was born
in Springfield, Vermont, February, 1808. They have six children living -
Alonzo C., married and living near his father; Pliny J., married and
living in Manitowoc City; Dewit B.; Anson M., at home; Mary C., married
to Mr. E. Bailey, and living at Kaukauna, and Hannah M. at home.
H.S. PIERPONT
From The History of Northern Wisconsin, Vol II. Chicago: Western
Historical Pub. Co., 1881, p. 538
Railroad express agent, attorney and Court Commissioner, Two Rivers, was
born, March 3, 1823, in Rochester, N. Y., and in March, 1856 came to Two
Rivers and was engaged in the manufacture of lumber until 1859; in 1864,
he returned to Rochester, and in 1866 went to Green Bay; in 1868 to
Watertown, in 1869 to Chicago, and in 1870 returned to Two Rivers, and
edited the Manitowoc County Chronicle from 1872 to 1875. In 1876 he was
appointed agent for M. L. S. & W. R. R., which position he still holds.
In 1861, he was elected County Judge, which position he resigned in 1864.
He was, in 1861, nominated State Bank Comptroller, but was defeated by
William Reasey, of Port Washington. In 1872, he received the appointment
of County Clerk, and was on an investigating committee holding the
position for one year.
Judge H.S. Pierpont
taken from "Early Days In Two Rivers, Wisconsin" by Arthur Lohman
JUDGE PIERPONT
From the Manitowoc Pilot, Thursday, September 18, 1884:
Judge Pierpont is growing to be a gay and festive youth. The time was
when the Judge couldn't be hired to lay off his dignity to the extent
of going to a ball but he has undergone a change of heart and graced a
local ball lately with his presence. When "ladies choice" came he was
asked by a belle to be her partner in the Newport. He couldn't tell
the difference between the Newport and a circus performance but his
gallantry would not allow him to decline the polite invitation. He
hasn't recovered since. He hasn't the faintest idea what was done with
him. He has engaged Kessman to explain the mystery of the gyrations,
the curves and pedal sword exercise to which he was subjected.
CAPT. OLIVER PILON
From The History of Northern Wisconsin, Vol II. Chicago: Western
Historical Pub. Co., 1881, pp. 538-539
Captain of Life-boat station, Two Rivers, was born in Ogdensburg, N. Y.,
Aug. 12, 1842. When a child, he went with his parents to Milwaukee, and
in 1846 moved to Two Rivers, where he has since resided. He was engaged
in fishing and sailing until 1877, when he entered the life-boat service
as No. 1 surfman under Captain Scove, who resigned his position, and
Captain Pilon succeeded him, receiving his appointment April 1, 1880.
This station was built in the Autumn of 1876, and was run as a volunteer
company for two years, since which time there has been a stationary crew,
now consisting of eight men. They have two boats, one a life and one a
surf boat, also a life car, mortar and beach apparatus. He was married,
July 16, 1866, to Miss Emily La Clair, of Two Rivers. They have seven
children, six sons and one daughter.
ORRIN PIPER
Photo from 1921 Patron Directory
PETER PITSCH
From the Manitowoc Pilot, 29 April 1875:
In Probate, Manitowoc County Court
In the matter of the estate of Peter Pitsch deceased.
Letters of Administration in said matter being this day granted to
Don A. Shove of said county and no one having required the appointment
of commissioners of said estate, it is ordered that all claims and
demands of all persons against said deceased be received, examined
and adjusted before the Judge of this Court.
And it is further ordered that four months from and after the date
hereof be and the same allowed and limited to creditors to present
their claims against the deceased.
(the rest of notice is publishing rules)
T.G. Olmsted County Judge
JOHN PITZ
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.298-299.
John Pitz, who owns and conducts a meat market at No. 707 York street,
Manitowoc, has been identified with the commercial interests of this city
for the past thirty-seven years. He was born in Nieder Ingelheim, Germany,
and there he was likewise reared and educated. When he had attained the
age of eighteen years he decided to come to the United States, recognizing
that it afforded better advantages and greater opportunities than the more
congested countries of Europe. Upon his arrival in this country he first
located in Milwaukee, where he applied himself to learning the butcher’s
trade. He subsequently went to Green Bay, this state, whence he removed to
Manitowoc in 1871. During the first four years of his residence here he was
employed in the shop of F. Sieger, but he was thrifty and enterprising and
at the expiration of that time had sufficient capital to enable him to
open an establishment of his own. He began operations at his present stand
in 1875 and here he has ever since been located. As he understood his trade
thoroughly and carried a good quality of fresh and cured meats he had
little difficulty in gaining patrons. He is a capable business man,
practical and enterprising in his ideas and takes great pride in his place,
which is not only neat in appearance but is thoroughly sanitary, being
equipped with a good system of refrigeration and every modern facility
needed in the operation of a first class market. Mr. Pitz has met with a
gratifying measure of prosperity as he has applied himself intelligently
and capably to the development of his business and in addition to his fine
shop is the owner of his residence, which he has remodeled, and several
other pieces of property and some dwellings that he has erected to rent.
As he had but limited means he had to begin in a small way, but as his
trade increased he enlarged his business and later began speculating in
local property, realizing that the town, owing to its excellent location
and water and rail facilities, was bound to become an industrial center.
He ultimately acquired the property where his business is situated and
during the period of his ownership has remodeled the building, making it
thoroughly modern in every way.
Mr. Pitz was married on the 27th of September, 1874, to Miss Mary Moahlman,
a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Moahlman, pioneer farming people of
Manitowoc county. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Pitz, as
follows: Laura, the wife of George Kennedy, a carpenter, contractor and
house mover; Cornelia, who was graduated from the high school and is now
living at home; John, Jr., who is engaged in business with his father; and
Ida, the wife of Alfred Beringer, assistant postmaster in Manitowoc.
Fraternally Mr. Pitz is a Mason, having taken the degrees of the blue
lodge, and he is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
His political support he gives to the democratic party, and while he is
public-spirited and takes much interest in all matters pertaining to the
municipality, he has never sought office. Although he is intensely loyal to
the principles and institutions of his opted country and has never had
occasion to regret transferring his allegiance to this nation as he has
prospered in his undertakings. he has much admiration for the land of his
birth and his fellow countrymen. Mr. Pitz has many friends in Manitowoc,
whose loyalty and esteem he has won because of his fine substantial
personal qualities, that have been thoroughly tested and found enduring in
the forty—one years of his residence.
LOUIS K. PITZ
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.635-636.
Louis K. Pitz, who for more than thirty years has been recognized as one of
the best qualified and most efficient civil enginers of Manitowoc, is a
native of Germany, his birth having occurred in Ingelheim, Rhein-Hessen, on
the 15th of February, 1851. He is a son of Gottfried and Anna Maria
(Fetzer) Pitz, who passed their entire lives in the fatherland and are
buried at Ingelheim.
The son of parents in moderate circumstances, Louis K. Fitz was reared at
home, acquiring his preliminary education in the national schools of his
native town and the high school of Geisenheim. When prepared to begin his
technical course he entered the Polytechnic School of Karlsruhe, from which
institution he was graduated in 1873, at the age of twenty-two years.
Immediately thereafter he entered the service of the Rhein Railroad in the
capacity of civil engineer, remaining in their service until 1881. In the
latter year he resigned his position and together with his wife and family
took passage for the United States, settling in Manitowoc. As he is a most
efficient and capable man and bore excellent testimonials from the old
country, he met with no difficulty in securing employment. He first entered
the service of the Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Railroad, discharging
the duties of civil engineer with this company until they sold their line
to the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company. He subsequently took a
position with the Wisconsin Central Railroad, serving them in the same
capacity for five years, when he resigned his position and engaged in
contract work for himself. Subsequently he assumed the duties of city
engineer, which he continued to discharge until 1904. Since withdrawing
from public service he maintained an office and has established a business
as consulting engineer and contractor.
At Muhlheim on the Ruhr on the 18th of clctober, 1876, was celebrated the
marriage of Mr. Pitz to Miss Eliza Rettinghaus, and they have become the
parents of eight children, as follows: Henrietta, who married Dr. Chloupek,
of Green Bay, Wisconsin; Maria Elizabeth, a professional nurse, who was
graduated from Trinity Hospital; Ernst Hugo, who was graduated from the
Troy Polytechnic Institute and is now first lieutenant in the United States
Coast Artillery service; Herman Arthur, a graduate of the University of
Wisconsin, who holds the position of assistant city engineer at Grand
Rapids, Michigan; Otto, who is also in the coast artillery service of the
United States; Armin L., a student in the State University of Wyoming; and
Joanita, who is a student in the conservatory of the State University of
Wisconsin. One child died in infancy.
Mr. Pitz is a member of the Sons of Herman, while in politics he is
independent, giving his support to such men and measures as he deems best
qualified to subserve the highest interests of the people. The family
reside at 816 North Twelfth street, where Mr. and Mrs. Pitz extend their
hospitality to their many friends.
(FEMALE) PLANTIKOW
Birth Certificate: v.10 p.339 doc.16411
Full Name Of Child: ? Plantikow
Color / Sex: White / Female
Other Children Living With Issue: John, Minne, Chas.
Full Name Of Father: Carl Plantikow
Occupation Of Father: Farmer
Full Name Of Mother; Minnie Rumlow
Birthdate: Wednesday, Feb 2, 1898 At 10 A.M.
Birthplace: Cooperstown, Wi
Birthplace Of Father: Germany
Birthplace Of Mother: Germany
Physician: W.H. Vosburgh Of Cooperstown, Wi
Date Of Certificate; Feb 4, 1898
Date Of Registration: Feb 8, 1898
Still Born
ARTHUR GEO. PLANTIKOW
Birth Certificate: v.6 p.183 doc.6484
Full Name Of Child: Arthur Geo. Plantikow
Color / Sex; White /Male
Father's Name: Carl Plantikow
Occupation Of Father; Harness Maker
Full Name Of Mother; Bertha Kriesen
Birthdate: April 14, 1884
Birthplace: Manitowoc County
Physician: Rev. L.R.P. Pieper Of Manitowoc City, Wi
Date Of Certificate: Dec 31, 1884
Date Of Registration: Dec. 31, 1884
CHARLES H. PLANTIKOW
Birth Certificate: v.7 p.13 doc.7679
Full Name Of Child: Charles H. Plantikow
Color / Sex: White/ Male
Full Name Of Father: Carl Plantikow (Plantico)
Occupation: Salter
Full Name Of Mother; Bertha Kriesen
Birthdate: Sept 5, 1886
Birthplace: Manitowoc County
Physician: Rev. R. Pieper
Date Of Certificate: Dec 31, 1886
Date Of Registration: Dec 31, 1886
(on this one someone marked our Plantikow and rewrote Plantico after each name)
ELLA A.W. PLANTIKOW
Birth Certificate v.6 p.306 doc.7219
Full Name Of Child; Ella A.W. Plantikow
Color / Sex: White/ Female
Full Name Of Father: Carl Plantikow
Occupation Of Father; Harness Maker
Full Name Of Mother: Bertha Kriesen
Birthdate: July 28, 1885
Birthplace: Manitowoc County
Physician: Rev. L.R.P. Pieper Of Manitowoc, Wi
Date Of Certificate: Dec. 31, 1885
Date Of Registration: Dec. 31, 1885
HERBERT HEIN. WILHELM PLANTIKOW
Birth Certificate: v.8 p.288 doc.11557
Full Name Of Child: Herbert Hein Wilhelm
Color / Sex: White / Male
Full Name Of Father: Carl Plantikow
Full Name Of Mother: Bertha Kriesen
Birthdate: Sept 28, 1890
Birthplace: Manitowoc, Wi
Name Of Physician: Rev. K. Machmiller Of Manitowoc, Wi
Date Of Certificate: Dec 17, 1890
Date Of Registration: Dec 23, 1890
HUGO LOUIS HARRISON PLANTIKOW
Birth Certificate: v.8 p.273 doc.11468
Full Name Of Child: Hugo Louis Harrison
Color / Sex: White / Male
Full Name Of Father: Carl Plantikow
Full Name Of Mother: Bertha Kriesen
Birthdate: Aug. 11, 1889
Birthplace: Manitowoc, Wi
Name Of Physician: Rev. K. Machmiller Of Manitowoc, Wi
Date Of Certificate: Dec. 15, 1892
Date Of Registration: Dec. 23, 1892
(I noticed in this volume the last name was left off the child's name
on all of the certificates)
JARVIS ELIPHALET PLATT
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.257-258.
Though more than two decades have passed since Jarvis Eliphalet Platt
passed from the scene of earthly activities, he is still remembered by
many of the older residents of Manitowoc county as a pioneer merchant and
extensive land owner and as a citizen whose labors contributed materially
to the upbuilding and development of this region. His birth occurred in
Saratoga county, New York, on the 20th of September, 1815, his parents
being Obadiah and Elizabeth (Hawley) Platt. The father, a prosperous and
energetic resident of the Empire state, reared his family of eleven
children on a farm near Lisbon, New York. He was a man of influence in that
community, enjoying the respect and confidence of all who knew him. The
Platts are of English descent.
Jarvis E. Platt acquired a good practical education in the common schools
and when not busy with his text-books assisted in the operation of the
home farm, thus early being taught the value of industry and activity and
laying the foundation for a vigorous, active and enterprising manhood.
When a youth of seventeen he took up the profession of school teaching,
following the same for a number of years. In 1846 he made his way westward,
settling at Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 1847, from which point he carried on
trading with interior towns. Subsequently, in company with James Kern, he
came to Manitowoc with a boat load of merchandise and here took up his
abode, seeing splendid opportunities for profitable trading in general
merchandise, lumber, grain and the products of the soil in a young and
developing community. In this connection he was an important factor in the
management of the firms of J. E. Platt & Company, Platt & Vilas, and Platt,
Gray & Foster. In addition to his activities as a general merchant he
built and operated a fleet of sailing vessels on the lakes. He was always
interested in farm lands on an extensive scale and accumulated much city
and country property in Manitowoc county.
In 1852 Mr. Platt was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Chandler Vilas, by
whom he had two children, Edward M. and Helen M. Platt. The daughter still
resides in Manitowoc. The son, Edward M. Platt, is located at Chicago in
the wholesale coal business, being president of the Platt & Brahm Coal
Company, and is also engaged in the wholesale electrical supply and
specialty business with the Paragon Sellers Company, of which company he
is president.
In politics Mr. Platt was a stanch republican and, though not an office
seeker, his fellow townsmen at various times called him to positions of
public trust and responsibility. He was fond of books and always devoted
much time to reading, keeping abreast with the trend of the times in
affairs of local, state and national importance. In religious faith he was
an Episcopalian. During the period of his residence in this county,
covering more than four decades, he won and maintained an enviable
reputation as a prosperous and representative business man and esteemed
citizen.
FRANK PLEUSS
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.156-157.
Frank Pleuss is the owner of a fine farm in Manitowoc Rapids township in
the operation of which he has been engaged for more than thirty years. He
was born in the vicinity of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, on the 1st of December,
1851, and is a son of Frederick and Mary (Kruer) Pleuss. The parents were
both born, reared and married in the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, whence
they emigrated to the United States in 1851 with their two eldest children,
Diedrich and Sophia. They came directly to this state, locating at
Cedarburg, near the city of Milwaukee, where they resided for about one
year. At the expiration of that time they came to Manitowoc county and
purchased eighty acres of land in Newton township. After he erected
thereon a log house to shelter his family, the father began clearing his
land. He was thrifty and energetic and not only brought his fields under
high cultivation, but added to his acreage at various times, and at the
time of his death in 1877, at the age of sixty-two, owned one of the
valuable properties of the community. When the Civil war broke out the
eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Pleuss, Diedrich, enlisted in Company F,
Twenty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteer infantry and went to the front. He
participated in some of the notable conflicts of the war and was killed at
the battle of Nashville.
The boyhood and youth of Frank Pleuss were passed on the homestead in
Newton township, his education being obtained in the district schools of
the vicinity. While yet in his early childhood he was assigned tasks about
the home and later assisted with the cultivation of the fields and care of
the stock. After leaving school he gave his entire time and attention to
the work of the farm, subsequently learning the carpenter’s trade from his
father, who had served an apprenticeship in the old country and was an
exceptionally skilful and well trained artisan. When he was twenty-five
years of age he left the farm and began working at his trade, continuing
to follow this occupation for four years. At the expiration of that period
he decided that agricultural pursuits afforded greater possibilities and
in 1880 he invested his capital in the farm where he now lives. As he was
a practical agriculturist of enterprising and industrious habits, Mr.
Pleuss applied himself intelligently to the cultivation of his fields
meeting with corresponding success. He has always given his personal
supervision to everything about his place and for many years he did the
greater part of the work on the fields himself. He has a very comfortable
residence on his farm, and good barns and outbuildings, while his fields
are substantially fenced and under high cultivation. In connection with
general farming he has been engaged in stock-raising and has met with
handsome returns from both branches of the business.
In 1880, Mr. Pleuss was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Schnell, a
daughter of Jacob and Frederica Schnell, the father a native of Mecklenburg
and the mother of Prussia, who for many years were residents of Liberty
township. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Pleuss, as follows:
Mary, who was born in 1883, now the wife of William Schramm by whom she
has had two children, Frederica and Carl; John, whose birth occurred in
1885 and Albert, whose natal year was 1889.
In matters of faith the family are all Lutherans. Mr. Pleuss takes an
active interest in township affairs, but has always declined to accept
office save that of school director in which capacity he has been serving
for the past six years. He has always been one of the enterprising and
progressive citizens of his community where he is widely known and held in
high esteem.
HENRY PLOECKLEMANN
Henry Ploecklemann
This is part of a large photo of men who belonged to the B.& M.I.U. No. 12 of Manitowoc.
It can be found at the I-43 Antique Mall at Manitowoc
B & M I U = Bricklayers and Masons’ International Union of America
B&MIU was a successor to the Bricklayers International Union of the United States
of North America, founded in 1865. In 1910 the B&MIU became interested in
organizing plasterers and the union’s title then became the Bricklayers, Mason,
and Plasterers’ International Union of America.
JOHN E. PLUMB
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.93-94.
John E. Plumb contributed in substantial measure to Manitowoc’s business
activity in his organization of the firm of Plumb & Nelson, which was
incorporated in 1888, with John E. Plumb as president. He has since bent
his energies toward the development of a business, which is now one of
Wisconsin’s most extensive wholesale grocery houses. He entered the field
in competition with old established houses but has brought into play modern
methods and unremitting energy in the attainment of a result which is as
creditable as it is desirable.
Mr. Plumb was born in Manitowoc, September 8, 1850, and is a son of E. J.
and Ella Plumb. The father came from Massachusetts to Wisconsin about 1840.
At that time this city was a mere hamlet and he at once became an active
factor as a contractor in aiding in its material development. The old
Pierce farm buildings which he erected still stand and he also built the
North Bridge pier. Many of the structures which he erected are now out of
existence. His death occurred in 1850 and his wife, who came from Germany
in 1830, died in 1905, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years, and is
buried in the Evergreen cemetery. Mr. Plumb is interred in the old
Manitowoc cemetery.
In the public schools of Manitowoc John F. Plumb pursued his education,
laying aside his text-books at the early age of thirteen years. Afterward
he sailed on the lakes and was employed in various capacities on the boats
for six years. At the end of that time he left that business to accept a
clerical position with the firm of J. A. Koehler, where he remained for
three years. Thus having gained some actual business experience and
realizing that the success which he desired could he obtained only by
engaging in business independently, he formed a partnership with his
half—brother, J. C. Nelson, under the firm name of Plumb & Nelson. This
business was started in 1873 and is today the only wholesale house in the
city and one of the larger wholesale firms of the state. The enterprise
stands today as a visible evidence of the business ability of Mr. Plumb and
Mr. Nelson, who have the remarkable faculty of enlisting the enthusiastic
cooperation of every man in their employ. Mr. Plumb regards no detail as
too unimportant to claim his attention and at the same time gives to the
more salient features of the business their due relative position. Being
recognized as a capable business man, his cooperation has been sought in
the conduct of other interests and since the formation of the park
commission he has served as its president. He is also one of the members
of the water commission and is a member of the library board.
In February, 1879, at Manitowoc, Mr. Plumb was married to Miss Ella C.
Slye, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gideon Slye, who were among the early
settlers of this city. Mrs. Plumb passed away July 1, 1911, leaving one
son, Ralph G., who is secretary of his father’s firm. The family reside at
the corner of St. Clair and Sixth streets in the substantial home which Mr.
Plumb purchased a few years ago.
In politics Mr. Plumb gives his support to the republican party and for
six years has served as alderman. Fraternally he holds membership in the
blue lodge and chapter of the Masonic order. He has for some years been an
elder and trustee of the First Presbyterian church and was also one of the
directors of the Young Men’s Christian Association. His interest in public
affairs led him to receive the honor of the first presidency of the
Manitowoc Business Men’s Association and being the first owner of an
automobile within the limits of Manitowoc county he was elected president
of the Manitowoc County Automobile Club in 1910 and a year later was chosen
a director in the State Association. He is a self-made man of prominence in
the city and his life record is one which merits praise and commendation,
for without any special advantages at the outset of his career he has
worked his way upward, his determination and energy carrying him into
business relations of much more than ordinary importance.
R. G. PLUMB
This is a bio. sketch from "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin"
by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.252-255.
Numbered among the prominent and enterprising young citizens of Manitowoc
is R. G. Plumb, the secretary of the mercantile firm conducting business
under the name of the Plumb & Nelson Company. His birth occurred in
Manitowoc on the 17th of January, 1881, his parents being John E. and Ella
(Slye) Plumb, the former a native of Manitowoc and the latter of Branch,
this county. John E. Plumb is partly German by descent but his wife came
of New England ancestry. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a
carpenter and contractor by trade and came to Wisconsin about 1840,
settling in Sheboygan county. About 1849 he took up his abode in Manitowoc
and here worked at his trade until he passed away during the cholera
epidemic of 1850. He was appointed and had ably served as a deputy sheriff.
R. G. Plumb, who was the only child of his parents, obtained his early
education in Manitowoc and was graduated from the north side high school
with the class of 1897. Subsequently he entered the University of Wisconsin
and in 1901 was graduated from that institution. He next pursued a course
in the University Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1902. In that
year he entered the service of the Plumb & Nelson Company, with which he
has been identified continuously since and of which he is now the
secretary. He has been an important factor in business circles and his
prosperity is well deserved, as in him are embraced the characteristics of
an unbending integrity, unabating energy and industry that never flags.
In 1906 Mr. Plumb was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Holmes, who was the
eighth of nine children born unto John and Elizabeth Holmes, of Menominee,
Michigan. Our subject and his wife have two children, Helen and Ruth.
Having taken an active interest in literary matters Mr. Plumb published in
1902 The History of Manitowoc County. He was also active in the
organization of The Manitowoc County Historical Society a year or two
later. In 1911 his work upon The History of the Navigation of the Great
Lakes appeared, being published under authority of congress, and several
shorter historical and literary treatises have come from his pen. He is a
member of the Wisconsin Archaeological Society, the Phi Beta Kappa and
Sigma Nu fraternities and is also the secretary of the Manitowoc County
Historical Society. Having traveled extensively in western Canada he was
engaged in 1911 by his majesty’s government to write a treatise on The
Western Canada of Today, which was completed a year later.
In politics Mr. Plumb is a stanch republican, loyally supporting the men
and measures of that party. For the past four years he has ably served as
alderman of the second ward. Fraternally he is identified with the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is now past exalted ruler of the
local lodge, having served as ruler for one year. He also acted as archon
of the Royal League Council, No. 42, at Manitowoc. In religious faith he
is a Presbyterian. While giving close attention to his personal interests,
he has never lost sight of his duty as a citizen, being deeply interested
in all matters pertaining to the public welfare and giving of his time and
means toward the advancement and promotion of the community at large.
R. G. Plumb
A.W. PRESTON
Married.
In this place, on the 29th ult., by Justice Fellows, Doct. A.W. Preston to Miss Ann
McAllister, both of Manitouwoc County.
Manitouwoc [old spelling] County Herald, October 2, 1851, Vol. 1 No. 45
********
DEATH.-We regret to learn that Dr. A.W. Preston, late a valuable and worthy citizen
of this village, died recently among his friends in New Hampshire.
Manitowoc Pilot, January 6, 1865 P. 1
********
In Probate-State of Wisconsin, Manitowoc county, ss. In the matter of the last will and
testament of Abraham W. Presto(n), deceased.
To all whom it may concern.
LETTERS testamentary having been issued to Daniel S. Ward, of Rumrey, New Hampshire,
on the 17th day of January, 1865, and not less than six months from and after said day being
allowed and limited for creditors to present their claims for examination and allowance; notice
is hereby given that the undersigned will on the 1st Monday of June, on the 1st Monday in July,
and on the 1st Monday in September, 1865, at the office of the county court in the Village and
county of Manitowoc at 10 o'clock A.M. Receive examine and adjust all claims and demands
of all persons against said deceased.
Geo. W. Barker, County Judge.
Manitowoc, April 14, 1865.
Manitowoc Pilot, Friday, May 19, 1865 P. 3
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FROM THE WAR.-Dr. A.W. Preston, Surgeon in the Sixth Wisconsin Regiment, returned
home on Wednesday, from the army of Virginia. We regret, which we know will be shared
by all his acquaintances, that the Dr. has been in very feeble health for the last month, and
only leaves his charge in the army to get relief, with the hope to return to Virginia within two
or three weeks. He speaks in the highest terms of Gen. McClellan, and those Republicans
who, for the last six months, have been abusing that able soldier, find very little consolation
in conversing with Dr. Preston.
Manitowoc Pilot, August 1, 1862 P. 3
********
Re-Enlisted.-The 6th Wisconsin Regiment, which has been in the service nearly three years
with the Army of the Potomac, is to return to the State to recruit, the men having re-enlisted.
Dr. Preston, formerly of this place, is Surgeon of the 6th, and we understand will be in town
in a short time to spend a couple of weeks. His friends here will be gratified to see him after
his long absence.
Manitowoc Pilot, January 15, 1864 P. 1
********
ARRIVED HOME.-Our fellow citizen, Dr. A.W. Preston, has arrived home for good from
the army, having honorably served his three years. The Doctor has poor health, but we hope
will recuperate in a short time under the influence of our healthy climate.
Manitowoc Pilot, September 9, 1864 P. 2
DR. J.F. PRITCHARD
Manitowoc Tribune, Vol. 18 No. 46, Thursday, February 29, 1872, Page 4 Column 1
Dr. J.F. Pritchard, late of Oakfield, Fond du Lac County, was introduced to us the
other day as a new acquisition of our city. He appears to us as a young man of good
moral character, studious habits and of fine mental abilities. May he prove a
blessing to our community.
JOHN F. PRITCHARD, MD
ANTON PROCHAZKA
From The History of Northern Wisconsin, Vol II. Chicago: Western
Historical Pub. Co., 1881, p. 531
Anton Prochazka, of the firm of A. Prochazka & Company, proprietors of
foundry and machine shops, Manitowoc. Their business was established in
1867. They employ eight men, and manufacture grist mill and steamboat
machinery. Mr. Prochaza was born in Bohemia, January 10, 1836. He emigrated
to America in 1850, and settled in Watertown, Wisconsin, with his parents;
remained there about six months, and went to Milwaukee, and lived there
seven years, and learned the trade of a machinist. He went to St. Louis,
Mo., in the Summer of 1857, was there during the Summer, and went to
Milwaukee in 1858, and to Manitowoc in December, 1858. First engaged in
grist and saw mill business in Reedsville, Manitowoc Co.; was there
seven years, and came to Manitowoc in 1867. Since then he has lived there,
engaged in machinery business. He was married in Reedsville, in 1860, to
Miss Elizabeth Stupecky; she was born in Bohemia, Jan. 26, 1842. They
have three children - Emiel, Addie and Julius.
EDWARD PUFAHL
From COMPENDIUM OF HISTORY, REMINISCENCE AND BIOGRAPHY.
Edward Pufahl, a well-to-do farmer, energetic and industrious, a typical
representative of the German race, who came to this country to establish a
home and accumulate a competence for his old age, resides on his farm of two
hundred and twenty acres, which is situated in section twenty-five, township
twenty-five, range two, and on which five acres are planted in trees. Mr.
Pufahl has been for many years a resident of northeastern Nebraska, having
settled in Pierce county in 1892.
Mr. Pufahl was born November 10, 1850, in the village of Sacho, district of
Pegenwalde, province of Pommerania, Germany, and is the son of William Pufahl
(also a native of that province), who was born in 1820, and died in America
at the good old age of eighty-two years. He was employed as a woodworker in
the factories in the fatherland, and in his younger days served his native
country in the army. Mr. Pufahl's mother was Sofia Braun, also a native of
Pommerania. and attained a good old age.
Mr. Pufahl embarked at Hamburg in 1869 on the sailship "Matilda," on the
eleventh of May, landing in New York on June 21. He settled in Wisconsin,
where he first secured work in a woodenware factory at Two Rivers. In 1884
he bought one hundred acres in Manitowoc county, which he cultivated some
eight years, then sold and bought his present farm in Pierce county, near
Hadar, in 1892. To this he has added two eighty-acre tracts, purchased at
different times.
Mr. Pufahl was married, June 14, 1878, to Miss Edith Oestrieth, who was born
in the village of Schauen, province of Pommerania, Germany, in 1856, a
daughter of August and Mina (Primnoh) Oestrieth. They came to America, and
settled in Wisconsin in 1866.
To Mr. and Mrs. Pufahl have been born five children, whose names are as follows:
August, married Minnie Kloepke, and lives in Madison county; Louis; Edward,
married Ella Wachter, and is farming near his father's place, and Emil. Willie,
the second child, died when quite young.
The family are members of the German Lutheran church, and Mr. Pufahl casts his
vote for the candidates of the republican party.
