Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record - Published 1894 by Excelsior Publishing Co., Chicago" Pages 613 - 614

Michael Gottschalk, of Sheboygan, is one of the pioneers of this place. He was born December 2, 1832, in Huyhausen, Bavaria, Germany, and lived in his native place until he was twenty-five years of age. His father, John Gottschalk, who was a farmer by occupation, with the mother, lived and died in Bavaria. They were the parents of seven sons and one daughter. Three of the brothers are residents of the United States, namely: John, who resides in Milwaukee; Michael and Xaver. The latter is a resident of Baltimore, Md. George, Charles and Joseph are still residents of Germany. The sister, who was named Mary Anna, died at the age of fifty-eight years, leaving a family. Two of her daughters and one son live in Sheboygan.

On May 4, 1858, Mr. Gottschalk landed in New York from the sailing-vessel "Atlantic," having been thirty days in the passage across the ocean. He went direct to Des Moines, Iowa, where ne lived five years. On May 7, 1863, he arrived at Sheboygan. He almost immediately established a meat-market, which he continued to operate until 1891, when he retired from business, and was succeeded by his three sons.

In Des Moines Mr. Gottschalk was married on June 24, 1858, to Miss Mary Weber, who came to this country from Germany with her future husband. They have nine children, and also an adopted daughter. Peter, the eldest, died at the age of thirteen years. Then follow in the order of their birth: Lawrence, Mary, Michael, Louis, Bernard, Teresa, Frances, Clara, August, and Florence, the adopted daughter. Louis resides in Tacoma, Wash.

Mr. Gottschalk came to this country a poor young man. When he came to Sheboygan he brought but $18 in money. Beginning business in a small way, by industry and frugality he has acquired a competence.

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