Joseph C. Dana is an active, energetic and prosperous business man of Sturgeon Bay, where he is well known as the president of the J. C. Dana Company, dealers in automobiles and farm implements. Close application and unremitting industry are the basis of his growing success. He was born in Holland, August 20, 1852, a son of Lawrence and Nellie (Hollander) Dana, who were also natives of the little land of dikes which has won world wide admiration through the attitude maintained in the present international war. In 1853 Lawrence Dana brought his family to the new world and settled in Galena, Illinois, where he resided for two years, being employed at day labor. He then removed to Sheboygan county, Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming. He purchased land which he developed and cultivated throughout the remainder of his life, passing away in 1910. He had for nine years survived his wife, who died in 1901.

Joseph C. Dana was but seven months old when brought by his parents to the new world and was reared and educated in Sheboygan county, having the usual experiences of the farm bred boy who divides his time between the duties of the school room, the pleasures of the play ground and the work of the fields. He left home to become a sailor on the lakes and he also engaged in the fishing industry until 1881, when he removed to Sturgeon Bay and began the sale of sewing machines. He was afterward employed in connection with an agricultural implement business for some time, but was desirous of engaging in business on his own account and put forth every effort that would enable him to accomplish that result. In 1897 he organized the J. C. Dana Company and engaged in the implement business, continuing that line to the present time. In 1910 he also began selling automobiles and opened a fine garage and machine shop. He also has a large implement building and warehouse and both branches of his business are proving profitable. He handles Cadillac, Buick, Maxwell and Oakland cars but makes a specialty of selling the Maxwell and Buick. His enterprise and determination are bringing to him a substantial success and he has won for himself a creditable position in the commercial circles of this city.

On the 25th of December, 1882, Mr. Dana was married to Miss Mary Gillespie and to them have been born two children: Clarence C., who was born November 3, 1883, and is secretary and treasurer of the J. C. Dana Company; and Harry E., who was born March, 1888, and is a stockholder in the J. C. Dana Company. He is the mechanic of the family and has charge of the garage.

In his political views Mr. Dana has been a republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and he has given stalwart support to his party. He does not seek nor desire office as a reward for party fealty, but has served for two terms as alderman. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows, Maccabees, National Fraternal Aid and the Modern Woodsmen of America. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church and he is loyal to its teachings, endeavoring ever to follow the golden rule. His friends of whom there are many, speak of him in terms of high regard while his business associates recognize him as a man who is thoroughly reliable under all circumstances.

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