Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record - Published 1894 by Excelsior Publishing Co., Chicago" Page 623

Herman Hayssen, Vice-President of the Kohler, Hayssen & Stehn Manufacturing Company, was born in Grossherzogthum, Oldenburg, Germany, September 1, 1847. His parents, William and Kathrina (Hayssen) Hayssen, were natives of that province. In early life the father learned the miller's trade, at which he worked most of his life. He died about 1869 in his native country, and some six years later his wife came to the United States, and died in Dorchester, Clark County, Wis. Of their children four came to America, of whom two are living: William, who is employed in the above manufactory, and Herman of this sketch. The last-named is the youngest of the family.

Mr. Hayssen attended the common schools until fifteen years of age, at which time he went to Brahe, Oldenburg, to learn the trade of a machinist, serving about three years with Williams & Hespe. Having completed his apprenticeship he worked for C. Waltjen in Bremen. The succeeding two years he attended the polytechnic school at Hagen, Westphalia. From 1869 to 1872, he served in the navy, taking part in the war between Germany and France, which occurred in 1871 and 1872. The battleship on which he served was the S. M. S., "Friederich Karl." In 1872 Mr. Hayssen went to Bremen and served aboard a merchant-vessel as engineer, making some twenty-nine trips between that city and New York. In 1874, he terminated his career on the high seas, and coming to Wisconsin spent a short time at Kiel, Manitowoc county. Next year he came to Sheboygan and began work in the shops of Kohler & Silberzahn. In 1878, he and John Stehn, both workmen for that firm, purchased Mr. Silberzahn's interest, the firm becoming Kohler, Hayssen & Stehn.

While in Kiel, Mr. Hayssen was married to Mrs. Eva (Zaun) Goeres. The lady was born near Milwaukee, but her parents came from Germany. By her former marriage, Mrs. Hayssen, had one son, who bears the name of Robert Goeres Hayssen. Of the second marriage two children were born, Arthur and Hedwig. Mr. Hayssen is a Republican in politics, and socially is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mr. Hayssen is a practical machinist, being thoroughly conversant with every detail of the business in which he is engaged.

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