Schaffer

Jacob Philip Schaffer and his wife Nellie H. Schaffer
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Larry & Linda Kopet USGENWebArchiveWisconsin)

Jacob P. Schaffer, Jr.
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source: Photo by Larry & Linda Kopet USGENWebArchiveWisconsin)



(Source:  Plat Book for Racine and Kenosha  County, Hennessey & Co., Delavan, Wis. 1908)






1887 Partial Map of somers Township, Kenosha County
Section 18.  J. Schaeffer parcel and Peter Schaeffer parcel
Click on map for closer view

 

Katherine Louise Schaffer Passport
(Source: U.S. Passport Applications)
Click on Passport for closer view

Jacob Philip Schaeffer (last name spelled Schaefer on gravestone)
Jacob Philip Schaeffer, whose well cultivated and highly productive property is situated in Section 7 (west), Somers Township, is one of Kenosha County's most enterprising agriculturists.  Mr. Schaeffer was born in Somers Township, on an adjoining farm, June 3, 1861, and is the son of Jacob and Wilhelmina (Volkman) Schaeffer, natives of Germany.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was Nicholas Schaeffer, a native of Germany, where he died at the age of eighty-five years.  His wife also attained advanced age and they had a family of seven children, five sons and two daughters, two of the sons, Adam and John now living in Germany.  The maternal grandfather of Jacob P. Schaeffer was also a native of Germany, where he died at an advanced age.  He was taken prisoner by pirates off the coast of Algiers.  The ship's crew was held for a ransom of $200 but while this was being sent he died.  He married Sophia Schulz and they had two daughters and one son, the later still surviving and now living in Modoc County, California.
Jacob Schaeffer, father of our subject, followed farming in his native country.  On coming to this country some time in the early fifties, he went to work in New York State, remaining under the same employer for four years.  He then came to Wisconsin and purchased a farm of forty acres in Somers Township, to which he added fifty acres and later added forty-five acres more.  This farm he improved, and upon it spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1874, aged forty-nine years and eleven months.  His wife had passed away in 1871, aged thirty-five years.  Both were Lutherans.  They had these children:  Jacob Philip; Elizabeth, the wife of August Bohm of Somers, and Miss Katherine, a Presbyterian Missionary in China.
Jacob P. Schaeffer was reared in Kenosha County and was brought up on the farm on which he was born.  He attended the district schools, and lived at home until twelve years of age, and then, his parents having died, he worked on neighboring farms for some time.  He then returned to his father's farm, which he operated until the heirs of the property sold it.  He then purchased his present farm of 160 acres, which he has improved finely.  He also works fifty acres of land, which belongs to the Schaeffer estate.
On February 1, 1900, Mr. Schaeffer married Miss Nellie Hamilton, daughter of Robert and Ida (Foster) Hamilton, and two sons have been born to this union:  Ralph Eugene and Russell Sage.  Mr. and Mrs. Schaeffer are members of the Presbyterian Church in which Mr. Schaeffer is an elder.  Politically he is a Republican, and served as Town Constable for a number of years.
The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Schaeffer was Robert Hamilton, a native of Scotland.  He came to America, settling near Union Grove, Wis., where he carried on farming.  There he died at a very old age:  his wife, Sarah, also attained advanced years.  They had a family of six children:  Robert; John; William; Sarah who is the wife of John Baker of Ives Grove, Wis.; Alice who is the widow of William Jamieson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Mary, the wife of Charles Robertson of Williams, Iowa.  On the maternal side, Mrs. Schaeffer's grandfather was Thomas Foster, a native of New York State, and a farmer.  He was an early settler near Franksville, Wis. where he died at an old age.  He married Sarah Parker, who lived to be nearly seventy years of age.  They had one daughter and two sons.  Ida; Thomas of Milwaukee, Wis.; and Charles of Denver, Colorado.
Robert Hamilton, father of Mrs. Jacob P. Schaeffer, was a native of Scotland, while his wife was born in the state of Wisconsin.  Mr. Hamilton came to America settling near Union Grove, in Racine County where he engaged extensively in agricultural operations.  He now makes his home in Mason City, Iowa.  Mr. Hamilton was married in Franksville, and to him and his wife a family of four children, two sons and two daughters, were born as follows:  William, who resides in Mason City, Iowa; Alice, the widow of William Buttrick, who resides in Bristol; Nellie, the wife of our subject; and George, a mail carrier of Somers, Wisconsin.
(Source:  Biographical Record of Prominent and Representative Men of Racine and Kenosha Counties, Wisconsin, J.H. Beers & Co., Chicago 1906)





(Source:  Plat Book for Racine and Kenosha County, Hennessey & Co., Delavan, Wis. 1908)



About Peter Schaeffer
When death called Peter Schaeffer he was a resident of Somers Township and was laid to rest in Paris Township.  For a third of a century he had been a resident of Kenosha County where he worked at farm labor for several years and then engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own account.  He was born in Germany in 1838, and acquired a common school education there.  When thirty-two years of age he crossed the Atlantic and made his way at once to Kenosha county where he was employed in the fields for a time.  he afterward went on a prospecting trip to Colorado, where he remained for a year and a half.  On the expiration of that period he returned and again was employed by other for two or three years, but during that period carefully saved his earnings until his frugality and industry enabled him to purchased eighty acres of land in Somers Township upon which he continued to make his home until his death.  During that period he converted his land into a rich and productive farm, supplied with modern equipments, while from the fields he annually fathered rich harvests.
In 1878 Mr. Schaeffer was married to Miss Elizabeth Henn, and to them were born four children:  Peter G.; Jacob P. a resident of Montana; Louise the wife of Gust Palomer of Wheaton, Illinois, by whom she has two children; and Katherine, the wife of Otto Paphop by whom she has one child.
In his political views Peter Schaeffer was a Republican.  He belonged to the German Lutheran church, and his life was upright and honorable, commending him to the confidence and goodwill of all with whom he came in contact.
His son, Peter G. Schaeffer, was born in Somers Township on the 10th of January 1875, and at the usual age became a public school pupil.  he began working with his father when quite young, being early trained to the best methods of tilling the soil and cultivating the fields.  Since that time he has now lived upon the old home place on Section 18 in Somers Township where he now owns eighty acres of land that is rich and productive.  The farm presents a neat and thrifty appearance, and it is evident to the passerby that the owner is both practical and progrressive in his methods.
On the 20th of April 1904, Peter G. Schaeffer wedded Miss Rose Hetzler, a daughter of William Hetzler and they have two children, Alma and Stanley, both in school.
(Source:  City and County of Kenosha Record of Settlement by Frank H. Lyman, Vol. II, Chicago, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1916)

Fink, Levi and Caroline

Levi Fink and Caroline
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)

Levi Fink
Levi Fink, one of the early settlers and a retired farmer of Kenosha County, now residing on Section 10, in the Town of Somers, is a respected citizen of the community, and a sketch of his life will undoubtedly be received with interest by his friends, who  are many.
He was born in the Mohawk Valley in the Town of Palatine, Montgomery County, N.Y., May 6, 1816.  His grandfather, John Fink, was of German descent and was a farmer of the Mohawk Valley.  William I. Fink, the father of our subject, was there born and reared and married Catherine Kaiser, a native of the same locality and a daughter of Esquire Kaiser.  After their marriage they settled upon the old homestead and in connection with that Mr. Fink also owned another farm in the Montgomery County, until his death which occurred in 1824.  Mrs. Fink survived her husband many years and reared a family of eight children.  Betsy, the eldest child, became the wife of Adam Snell, and they resided in Montgomery and Oneida counties until called to their final home.  Margaret married Christian A. Fink, and they also located in the Mohawk Valley.  Benjamin, after attaining to mature years, was married, engaged in farming and also carried on the hotel business. At length he removed to Racine County, Wisconsin, first locating in the Town of Mt. Pleasant, but his death occurred at his home in the City of Racine.  John after his marriage located in Syracuse, N.Y. and subsequently started for Wisconsin, but the vessel in which he sailed was wrecked, and he was drowned in Lake Michigan.  Nancy became the wife of John Tubb, of Oneida County, N.Y., but both are now deceased.  James is a resident farmer of Somers Township.  Levi is the next younger, and Mary, widow of John Harris, resides in Little Falls, N.Y.
Our subject grew to manhood in the county of his nativity and received but limited educational advantages, for at the age of ten years he began life for himself, working for neighboring farmers until seventeen years of age, when he was employed by a railroad contractor, with whom he remained eleven months.  He then became porter in a hotel in Fultonville, where he remained for two years.  He there acquired good business ideas and the experience of which he stood in need.  Later we find hm employed in a wholesale and retail liquor house of Troy, where he remained for three years.
In Fultonville, N.Y., July 29, 1840, Mr. Fink led to the marriage alter Miss Caroline, daughter of Peter M. Vrooman, a native of the Empire State, who engaged in farming in Schoharie County, where Mrs. Fink was born.  In 1842, the young couple determined to try their fortune in the West, and by way of the Erie Canal and Great Lakes came to Wisconsin, arriving at Racine on the 8th of July.  The previous year Mr. Fink had come West and purchased land in the Town of Mt. Pleasant, Racine County, upon which they located.  A partially completed log cabin was there standing, which during the year was finished and made a comfortable home for the family.  For twelve years they resided upon that farm and in that period the once wild land was greatly improved.
Renting his farm in 1848, Mr. Fink and his family returned to New York, where they spent the summer in visiting old friends and again viewing the scenes amidst which their childhood days were passed.  On again coming to Wisconsin, Mr. Fink resumed farming and in 1855 bought and located on a farm in Somers Township, Kenosha County.  Subsequently he purchased another improved farm and one of those he carried on for some years, but has now given them to his two sons, he, himself, removing to his present home in Somers Township.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Fink were born four children: Albert J., who died in infancy, James H., who married Olivia Leonard, and is a resident farmer of Somers Township.  He served as one of the Hundred Day men during the late war.  Martha is the wife of Joseph F. Bishop, who is engaged in farming in Somers Township.  John W., who wedded Orrie J. Stonebreaker, resides in Racine.  The cause of education has ever found in Mr. Fink a friend and he gave his children good advantages, thus fitting them for the practical duties of life.  Since the organization of the Republican party he has been found among its supporters.  Of the Somers Mutual Fire Insurance Company, he is President and has been one of its officials since its organization.  Both Mr. and Mrs. Fink are faithful members and active workers in the Somers Presbyterian church, with which they have been connected since 1844.  He is now steward, trustee, deacon, and church treasurer.  His life has been well and worthily spent, devoted to the interests of his family and the cause of right.  The Fink household is a hospitable one and our subject and his estimable wife are held in high regard by all who know them.
(Source:  Portrait and Biographical Album, Racine and Kenosha Counties, Wisconsin, Chicago, Lake City Publishing Co., 1892).

James Fink, son of Levi and Catherine Fink
James' wife, Olivia Leonard Fink
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo courtesy of Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Lee R. Fink, son of James and Olivia Leonard Fink
(Source:  California Death Index: mother maiden name is Leonard, birth date Aug. 31, 1872 and death Feb. 5, 1964 in Los Angeles, Califiornia)
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo courtesy of Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Alice E. Fink, wife of Lee R. Fink, born July 3, 1873 and died March 13, 1963
(Source:  1900 US Census. They lived in Chicago.  Marriage to L.R. Fink in 1898)
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo courtesy of Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Orren Chester Fink and Hallie May Fink, son and daughter of John W. and Orrie Stonebreaker Fink.
John W. Fink is the son of Levi and Caroline Fink.
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township, Kenosha County
(Source: Photo courtesy of Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

More About Caroline Fink
"Once more we are called on to chronicle the death of another old and respected citizen of Somers.  Mrs. Caroline Fink was born in the State of New York on March 2, 1818 and died in Somers on Saturday, March 17, 1907 at the advanced age of 80 years and 14 days.  Her maiden name was Caroline Vrooman and she was married on July 29, 1840 to Levi Fink who died on December 9, 1894, aged 78 years, 7 months, and three days.  In 1842 when moved to Wisconsin, they settled in Racine County on what is now known as the Jacob Herzog farm, situated one mile south of Corliss.  Later they moved to Somers and settled on what is now known as the Jacob Biehn farm.  There was born to this union four children, three sons and one daughter.  Albert J., who died in infancy; James H., of Villa Street; John W., and Martha J. Bishop of Somers, who survive to mourn her loss.  Mrs. Fink was converted in early life and was a faithful member of the Somers Presbyterian Church, almost from its organization up to the time of her death, a period of about sixty-four years.  She died as she had lived, an earnest Christian woman, loved and respected by all who knew her.  It can now be truly said that the departure of this noble life marks the passing away of the last of that sturdy band of pioneers who immigrated from the eastern states and from foreign lands and took up their abode in Somers in the early 40's and history alone can now impart to us the information we may seek regarding the hardships incident to pioneer life in this vicinity.'
(Source:  Racine Daily Journal, publication dated March 20, 1907).

Click here to read about Levi's brother, James.


Fink's In the News
"Mr. Levi Fink, an old resident of the Town of Somers, died at his home on Sunday morning after a few days' illness, at the age of 78 years.  The deceased was a native of New York State and moved to the Town of Mt. Pleasant early in the 40's, where he owned a farm near Munter's Corners, and engaged in farming for a number of years.  A few years later he moved to Somers, where he bought a farm, which he worked until a few years ago, when he retired.  He was member of the Presbyterian Church and Secretary and Treasurer of the Bible Society in this place.  He was also President of the Somers Mutual Fire Insurance Company for a number of years, still holding the office at the time of his death.  The funeral occurs at 1 09'clock Tuesday afternoon from the house.  A wife, two sons and a daughter are left to mourn his death."
(Source:  Racine Journal, publication date Dec, 12, 1894)

"After an illness of about three months, Mrs. L. Gardinier of Kenosha, passed away at the advanced age of 88 years.  The deceased was a resident in this vicinity several years ago, her husband having died about four years ago.  A daughter, Mrs. Hill, and sons Edward of Kenosha, and James of Somers, are left to mourn her death.  She leaves a sister in our town, Mrs. Levi Fink.  The funeral took place in Kenosha, Saturday morning at 10 o'clock."
(Source:  Racine Journal, publication date Feb. 6, 1895)

"It was announced today that Mr. Percy Fink, one of the leading young farmers of Somers, Kenosha County, and Miss Eva L. Guerin, an estimable young lady of Milwaukee, were quietly married on January 14 by Rev. A.O. Grier, of the Universalist Church of this city (Racine).  Immediately after the ceremony, the newly wedded pair went to Chicago on a wedding tour, and then to Somers, where they reside.  Mr. Fink is a very popular young man and well known throughout Racine and Kenosha counties and the announcement of his marriage will be received with surprise.  The bride is a charming young woman and possesses a happy disposition which makes her a favorite with all.  To Mr. and Mrs. Fink is extended the congratulations of hosts of friends with the hope that they may live to enjoy a long and happy wedding life."
(Source:  Racine Journal, publication date Feb. 4, 1902)

"The residence of James H. Fink, was completely destroyed by fire on Sunday evening, the fire originating about 9:45 o'clock.  The residents of the neighborhood, some of whom were returning home from church, hurried to the scene, and others who had retired for the night were awakened by the cry of fire and the barking of dogs, and in a short time a number had congregated, some coming a distance of nearly four miles.  Your correspondent arrived on the ground about this time and the condition of the burning building was such that nothing could be done and that attention of the people was turned to the large woodshed that stood about 20 feet away and which was in danger of igniting at any moment. A number of men on the roof and others carrying water saved the building from destruction.  How the fire originated is not known, there being scarcely any fire in either stove at the time.  Mr. Fink had just retired for the night when a sound as of distant thunder caused by the fire in the roof came as the first warning that their home was at the mercy of the flames.  Mrs. Fink and daughter had not yet retired and all put forth their best efforts to save what they could.  Their work in trying to extinguish the flames having failed.  Frank Rude, who was spending the evening there, rendered valuable aid in removing property from the house.  The rapid progress of the flames, however, cut short the work along this line, as the fire had already made such headway as to drop into a bureau drawer as Mr. Fink carried it from the house.  The property is insured in the Somers Mutual Fire Insurance Company.  The farm had been rented and the family was about to move out in December."
(Source:  Racine Journal, publication date October 29, 1901)

"On Friday evening, August 21, Somers Camp 4052 R.N.A., will hold an ice cream and peach social at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Fink.  Everyone is invited to come and have a good time."
(Source:  Racine Daily, publication August 18, 1908)

Fink Family Have Two Sets of Four Generations
Members Residing in Racine and Kenosha Counties Present a Rare Distinction
"Racine and Kenosha counties contain the most remarkable family in the entire northwest.  There are two sets of generations.  It is the family of James Fink.
Recently they had pictures taken and a representative of the Journal viewed the same.  They embrace:  James Fink of Somers, Kenosha County, 92 years old, born in New York State and a resident of Kenosha County fifty-eight years.  In the early days he sold wagons, hauling them through Illinois with an ox team.  Next is his son, Charles E. Fink, aged 40, born in Somers, a resident of that place all his life.  The third is Mrs. A.H. Van Wie of Racine, aged 25, and his daughter, born in Mt. Pleasant, Racine County.  Her son, Adelburt Van Wie, aged 3-1/2 years, is next.
In the second set, are: Mrs. C.E. Fink, 48 years old, wife of C.E. Fink, born in Mt. Pleasant; second, her father James Buckley, Mt. Pleasant, aged 83, born in England; third, Mrs. A.H. Van Wie, daughter of Mrs. Fink, and her son, Adelbert.
All of the eight are living and in perfect health.  Belief prevails that they are the only family with similar record in the northwest."
(Source:  Racine Journal, publication date July 12, 1904)

"Mr. and Mrs. James Fink of Racine spent Friday with Mr. and Mrs. John Fink."
(Source:  Racine Daily, publication Jan. 3, 1907)

"Mr. James H. Fink, of Racine and his daughter, Jessie of Colorado, spent Saturday with relatives in the village."
(Source:  Racine Journal July 25, 1905)

"Born to Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Fink of Greeley, Colorado, a daughter."
(Source:  Racine Journal, February 28, 1902)

"Mr. L. Cook of Kenosha, accompanied by his daughter, Mrs. L.R. Fink, and son of of Forest Glen, Illinois, were callers at Mr, James Fink's on Wednesday afternoon.
(Source:  Racine Journal, May 31, 1900)

"Mr. and Mrs. James H. Fink of Racine drove out to Somers on Sunday last, Mr. Fink's mother being seriously ill."
(Source:  Racine Daily March 14, 1907)

"A little daughter arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. L.R. Fink of Forest Glenn, Illinois on Thursday."
(Source:  Racine Journal Aug. 16, 1901)

"Miss Eveline Fink of Racine, spent a few days with her parents in the village last week."
(Source:  Racine Daily, Feb 28, 1902)

"Elinor Caroline Fink, the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Fink died at the family residence Tuesday, Feb 7th, after an illness of a few days.  The bereaved parents have the sympathy of the community in this their hour of sadness."
Source:  Racine Journal Feb. 17, 1905)

"Mr. Ed Fink's children who have been very sick with diphtheria are improving."
(Source:  Racine Daily, Jan 24, 1900)

"Roscoe Fink is now on a freight train running between Milwaukee and Chicago with the intention of entering the company's service as a brakeman."
(Source:  Racine Journal Jan. 10, 1902)

"J.W. Fink, who has been traveling weeks in the interest of the Case Plow Co., has returned home."
(Source:  Racine Journal July 4, 1895)

"Adam Rice has rented J.W. Fink's farm, with the exception of 40 acres, moving on the place last week."
(Source:  Racine Journal March 27, 1897)

"Mr. and Mrs. L.R. Fink of Libertyville, Illinois called on friends in Somers during the past week."
(Source:  Racine Daily October 21, 1896)

"The marriage of Mr. Levi R. Fink and Miss Alice Cook is announced for Tuesday, June 23, 1896."
(Source:  Racine Journal June 18, 1896)

"Elinor Caroline Fink, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Fink died at the family residence Tuesday, Feb 7th after an illness of a few days."
(Source:  Racine Weekly Feb. 13, 1905)

"Levi R. Fink will serve as night operator at the station this week, in place of J.G. Mitchell, who will take a vacation."
(Source:  Racine Journal Dec, 26, 1894)

"Eugene Fink is building a new house."
(Source:  Racine Journal October 3, 1894)

Bose, William and Ann

William and Ann Bose
(Source:  Original photo courtesy of Jim and Sharon Bose Smith.  Copyright 2010.  All Rights Reserved.)

William Bose and Ann  Bose
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers
(Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)

William Bose
"William Bose, one of the pioneers of Kenosha County, an uncle of Policeman Bose, of this city, died at his Somers home, and the funeral took place from the Berryville Church Sunday afternoon, and was largely attended.  Mr. Bose was 75 years of age.
William Bose was one of the early pioneers of the county.  He was born in Prussia February 13, 1824.  In 1846 he left Germany, and emigrated to the United States, and was one of the men who assisted in changing Kenosha from a wilderness to a place of civilization.  For many years he worked as a farm hand, but later he purchased a part of section 6 and built upon it one of the first houses erected in the Town of Somers.  Here he lived only a short time, when he purchased a farm in Section 7 where he has since resided.  He leaves a widow and three children - Edward, William F. and Mrs. John Wensing, all of the Town of Somers."
(Source:  Racine Daily Journal, publication date April 10, 1899).



William and Ann  Bose

(Photo Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Racine and Kenosha Counties. Lake City Publishing Co. Chicago.  Published 1892).

More About William Bose
 William Conrad Bose, a retired farmer living on Section 7, Somers Township, is one of the honored pioneers of Kenosha County; and with pleasure we present his sketch to our readers.  A native of Prussia, Germany, he was born February 13, 1824, and is the son of Conrad Bose.  His father was born in Westphalia, where he grew to manhood and wedded Mary Ann Bose, daughter of Henry Bose, a landowner of Prussia.  The father of our subject was an agriculturist and upon his farm all of the children were born.  In 1847, he emigrated with his family to the new world and in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, joined his son William, who had come to the United State two years before.  He located in the Town of Somers on a very slightly improved farm which he cleared and fenced and upon which he made many improvements.  It continued to be his home until his death which occurred about 1881. His wife survived him some time and died in December, 1890.  Both are buried in Racine in Mound Cemetery.  In their family were five sons and two daughters who grew to mature years.

William Bose was reared to manhood in his native land and when twenty years of age in his native land and when twenty years of age crossed the Atlantic to America, arriving in New York in August, 1846.  He made his first location in Cleveland, Ohio, where he joined William Hansche and with that gentleman came to Wisconsin, reaching Racine in January, 1846.  With Mr. Hansche he went to the farm of Huron Beebe, and for the first few years after his arrival worked as a farm hand by the month.  When the family came he joined his father and aided in the arduous task of opening up a new farm.  He afterward bought a piece of wild land on Section 6, Somers Township and began farming on his own account.  As his means were limited he could purchase only eleven acres but this he cleared and improved, building a comfortable log house upon it.  In this way he go a start in life and climbing higher and higher has a length reached a position among the substantial citizens of the community.

In Racine County, in 1852, Mr. Bose was united in Marriage with Mrs. Mary Ann Hansche, a native of England, and a daughter of Richard Canvin, who spent his entire life in England, his native land.  Mrs. Bose came to this country in 1840, with her brother, Matthew Canvin.  She gave her hand in marriage to Herman Hansche, their union being celebrated in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Mr. Hansche died in Racine County, in 1849, leaving one child, John W., a resident farmer of Kenosha County.  There were also two other children, one who died in infancy and Herman, who grew to manhood and went to Salisbury, N.C., where he died in 1888.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bose have been born three children – Edward, a prosperous farmer now operating the old homestead; William F., who is also a substantial farmer of the Town of Somers, and Mary, wife of John Wensing, a substantial agriculturist of Somers Township, by whom she has three children – Anna, Emma and Willie.

As the years passed and financial resources of Mr. Bose increased he made additional purchased of land and is now owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and seven acres, which his son William operates.  He resided thereon until 1879, and then bought an improved farm on section 7, which has since been his home.  He here owns one hundred and sixty acres and another tract of forty acres situated on the same Section yields to him a golden tribute.  The farm is well improved having all the accessories and conveniences furnished by the nineteenth century and gives evidence of the thrift and industry which have been among the owner’s chief characteristics through life.

He has done much for the development of the county, has aided in its up building and been an eyewitness of its growth for the long period of forty-five years.  In politics, Mr. Bose is a Republican.  He cast his first vote for James Buchanan but ere the next election his views had undergone a change and he supported Abraham Lincoln.  Every enterprise calculated to prove of public benefit receives his support and hearty-co-operation and he is indeed a useful and valued citizen of the community.  After long years of labor he is now living a retired life, residing with his daughter in the enjoyment of the rest that he has so well earned and so truly deserves.  His sterling character and integrity have made him a trusted man among his fellow-men and his children and grandchildren will have reason to cherish his memory long after he has passed away.

( Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Racine and Kenosha Counties.  Lake City Publishing Co.  Chicago.  1892).

Swartz, John Frederick and Martha Pedley

Workers Around Pool
Left to Right:  Martha Swartz (wife of John F.), Roy Swartz, Loretta Swartz, John F. Swartz, an unknown lady, and Mr. Dick Marken and his wife.  Robert Swartz (contributor of this photo) recalls that the orchard in the neighborhood used to be called the "Thompson-Marken" Orchard before Charles took over sole ownership.  Perhaps there may be some Marken descendants or friends out there who would enjoy seeing a photo of them."
(Source:  Original Photo Courtesy of Robert Swartz, February 2012.  All Rights Reserved.)

John F. Swartz and Martha E. Pedley Swartz
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson, Copyright October 2011)

John Swartz, Nurseryman, Dies
John F. Swartz, 94, the oldest active nurseryman in the state, died at the Swartz homestead on Wood Rd., Somers Township, this morning following a long illness. He was born in his home on Oct. 29, 1867, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Jacob Swartz. He had lived in the homestead all his life. In 1888, at the age of 21, he established the Swartz Nurseries, and had taken an active part in the business since that time. He was instrumental in forming the first Horticultural Society in Kenosha, and was a charter member of that organization. He was a member of the Wisconsin Horticultural Society and received a distinguished service award from that group in 1953. He was a member of the Wisconsin Nurseryman's Association and the American Nurseryman's Association. On May 11, 1892, he married Miss Martha Eva Pedley, who preceded him in death on Feb. 1, 1944. He was a member of First Methodist Church. Survivors are three sons, Harold F. and Glenn, both of Kenosha, and Roy B., Wilmot; two daughters, Mrs. Luella Morgan and Miss Loretta Swartz, both of Kenosha; eight grandchildren; eight great grandchildren, and one brother, Arthur Swartz, Kenosha. Burial at Oakwood Cemetery, Somers.
(Source: Kenosha Evening News, February 16, 1962)

Personal Memory of Robert Swartz
He was 80 years old when I was born, so he was an old man all my life. I always admired him because he seemed like he had a good attitude towards life. He walked around the nursery with his terrier, Bonnie, and epitomized the retired country gentleman. He liked to watch Friday night boxing on TV and it seemed out of character for such a kindly gentleman to sit punching the air as he watched. My father told another story that is testimony to his calm nature. While he was away from home one day in 1917, his house burned to the ground. According to my father, he arrived home, walked up to the smoking pit, spit in it and calmly walked away.

Mrs. John Swartz of Somers Dies 1944
Mrs. Swartz was a leader among the boys and girls of the community, beloved and admired by them. She was an active leader in the 4-H Club of Somers and the Community Club of the Wood Road School. She was also a member of the Garden Club and the State Horticultural Society of Wisconsin.
Burial at Oakwood Cemetery, Somers.

More About John F. Swartz
Among the native sons of Kenosha County who have continued to reside here, feeling that the county affords excellent opportunities, is John F. Swartz, who is farming in Somers Township and was born in the Town of Somers on the 29th of October, 1867.
His father, John Jacob Swartz, was born in Germany in 1841 but when only seven years of age was brought to the United States.  He attended school in District No. 9, Somers Township until he was fifteen years of age.  He then concentrated his energies upon assisting his father, August Swartz, who passed away in 1859 in Somers, where he is buried.  When twenty-one years old John Jacob Swartz began his independent career, and his ability and industry enabled him to gain a gratifying measure of success.  He was independent in politics.  He died on the 20th of September, 1914, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church and is buried in Kenosha.  He was married in 1866 to Miss Emma Becker, a daughter of Maria Becker, and they became the parents of six children:  John, Charles, Ed, Emma, Arthur and Carrie.  The wife and mother died in May, 1915.
John F. Swartz received a good education, attending the common schools until he was eighteen years of age, and after putting aside his textbooks, he assisted his father until he was twenty-four years old, when he was married.
He then purchased twenty-one acres of land on Section 12, Somers Township, and he has since devoted his time to the improvement and cultivation of that place.  The buildings are modern and substantial, and he takes justifiable pride in keeping everything in good repair.  He engages in fruit raising and in the nursery business and had made a careful study of everything pertaining to horticulture and the growing of nursery stock.
Mr. Swartz married Miss Martha Pedley, a daughter of John Pedley (also Somers pioneers), and they have become parents of five children:  Harold, Luella, Roy and Loretta, twins; and Glenn.
He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
(Source:  The City and County of Kenosha, Wisconsin, The S.J. Clark Publishing Co., 1916).

Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source:  Photo courtesy of Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWis.)

Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source: Photo courtesy of Linda and Larry Kopet, USGenWebArchivesProjectWis.)

More about Swartz and the Hen House
"A peculiar incident occurred last Wednesday night.  The hen house of Mr. John Swartz was entered either by a maniac or enemy.  It is not known which.  The work looks that of a maniac.  At about 3 o'clock Thursday morning, Mr. John Swartz heard a noise in the hen house and thinking that it might be some strange dog that had frightened the chickens, turned his dog loose and thought no more of the matter until he entered the hen house and there he found 21 of the hens stabbed and cut to pieces.  He is at a loss to know what anyone could have against him, and any way, if that was the cause, it was the most cowardly way to take revenge."
(Source:  Racine Journal Times, publication date April 15, 1914)

More About Swartz and Sports
"About 75 attended the annual picnic given by the Kenosha County Horticulture Societyheld at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John F. Swartz Saturday.  Sports furnished entertainment with a baseball game between the All-Stars Somers and the Kilkelly Drugs, score 7 to 1 for the Kilkellys."
(Source:  Racine Journal Times, publication date Septembedr 23, 1932).

More About the Swartz Family

Click here to view Swartz information on the Somers Pioneer History website.

Witscheber

Christian and Louisa Witscheber
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson. Copyright October 2011)

Christian Witscheber
C. Witscheber was long numbered among the representative farmers of Somers Township, having become a resident of Kenosha County in 1858.  He was born in Germany in April, 1838, and was but four years of age when his father died, while his mother's death occurred at his birth.  He obtained his education in the common schools of his native country and at the age of sixteen years crossed the Atlantic to the United States.  He made his way at once into the interior of the country, settling first at Kewanee, Wisconsin, and afterward at Sheboygan.  For four years he was employed in sawmills and in 1858 removed to Kenosha county, where he hired out to William Bose, for whom he worked for two years.  He was anxious, however, to engage in business on his own account and rented land in Racine County, which he cultivated for two years.  He afterward spent the winter in Kenosha and then purchased twenty-six acres of land in this county, upon which he engaged in farming for twenty years.  On the expiration of that period he sold the property and bought forty acres on Section 13, Somers Township, making his home thereon until his death, which occurred January 18, 1903. 
In early manhood Mr. Witscheber was married to Miss Louisa Rinehardt, a daughter of Max Rinehardt, and to them were born five children: Minnie, who became the wife of William R. Birch, a resident of Somers, by whom she has four children; Paulina, wife wife of L.J. Morehouse and the mother of one child; and Edward, Frank and Louise, all at home.
He was a devoted member of the German Lutheran Church.
His youngest son, Louis Witscheber, was born on the old homestead farm in Somers, January 20, 1871, and obtained a common school education, dividing his time during his boyhood between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground, and the work of the fields.  He has always followed the occupation to which he was reared, and in connection with his brothers is now cultivating the old home place.  They have made all of the improvements upon this property and are now extensively engaged in raising cabbage, potatoes, beets and grain, their practical, progressive methods bringing good results.
Louis Witscheber was a Republican and belonged to the German Lutheran Church.
(Source:  The City and County of Kenosha Wisconsin, Vol. II, S.J. Clark Publishing Co., 1916)

Louisa Witcheber (Mrs. Christian)
"Mrs. Louisa Witscheber departed this life on Friday, July 31, 1914, after a lingering illness of many moths.  Mrs. Witscheber was born in Germany, December 15, 1841.  She, with her husband, the late Christian Witscheber, came to this country over fifty years ago and settled in the Town of Somers.  She was a woman of generous, unselfish, sympathetic nature and a sincere friend, untiring in her devotion to her family.  To the surviving sons, Edward, Frank and Louis, and daughters, Mrs. William Birch and Mrs. Louis Morehouse, is extended the sympathy in their hour of sorrow.  The funeral services will be held from the late home on Sunday afternoon with interment in the family plot in Oakwood Cemetery."

(Source:  Racine Journal July 31, 1914) 

About Louis Witscheber
"Louis Witscheber passed away at age 80, on June 18, 1951, in St. Catherine's Hospital after an illinois of several weeks.  He was born in Somers Township on January 20, 1871.  He was the son of the late Christian Witscheber.  He had farmed in Somers Township his entire lifetime.  Surviving are four nephews: Christ Birch, Frank Birch, Louise Morehouse, and Frank Witscheber, one niece, Miss Anita Witscheber all of Somers.  Burial at Oakwood Cemetery."
(Source:  Racine Journal Times, publication date June 18, 1951)



Louis Witscheber
(Source: Original photo courtesy of Jim and Sharon Bose Smith. Copyright 2012.  All Rights Reserved)

More about the Witscheber family

Frank Witscheber
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)

Frank Witscheber
(Source: Original photo courtesy of Jim and Sharon Bose Smith. Copyright 2012.  All Rights Reserved)

Etta L. Witscheber
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)

Etta, Frank, Sr.-Jr. Witscheber

(Source: Original photo courtesy of Jim and Sharon Bose Smith. Copyright 2012.  All Rights Reserved.)