Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record - Published 1894 by Excelsior Publishing Co., Chicago" Pages 678 - 679

Adam Trester, deceased. Among the early merchants and successful business men of Sheboygan, the above-named gentleman is deserving of special mention. He was born in Coblentz, Rhenish-Prussia, Germany, October 3, 1828. Until fourteen years of age his education was such as was common to the children of families in comfortable circumstances. The mother of Mr. Trester wished him to become a lawyer, but it was decreed otherwise, and about that time he began to learn the tailor's trade. On reaching legal age, he went into the German army, and served three years, within which time the Revolution of 1848 broke out. After the struggle was over, he resumed his trade in his native land.

In 1852, Mr. Trester, with his brother Hubert, sailed from London to New. York, taking nine weeks to make the voyage. Being an expert cutter, the former was employed as such in Milwaukee, Portage and Manitowoc. Visiting Sheboygan, he was married, in 1856, to Miss Anna M. Kroeff, a native of Ehrenbreitstein, which lies just across the river from Coblentz. With a sister, Mrs. Trester came to the United States. Owing to storms and calms, it took them nineteen weeks to reach the American shore.

Soon after marriage Mr. Trester went to Milwaukee, remaining until the winter of 1858, when he returned on a sled to Sheboygan, and started a small tailor-shop on his own account. Hard work and a careful husbanding{sic} of his earnings brought prosperity, and as his resources increased his business was extended. In 1861 he took as partner Joseph Steffen, and in connection with tailoring they dealt in ready-made clothing. This co-partnership continued until 1869, when Mr. Trester purchased his partner's interest, and continued the business alone under the style of A. Trester. In 1888 his sons became partners, and the title was changed to A. Trester & Sons, continuing so until after the father's death, December 8, 1889. In order to keep the business intact, the A. Trester Sons Company was incorporated, July 3, 1890, with Mrs. Trester President, Henry W. Trester Secretary, and John J. Trester Treasurer. Upon the death of the mother, January 19, 1891, Henry W. became President, and John J. Secretary and Treasurer. The sons do an extensive business at No. 514 Eighth Street, where their father located thirty-two years ago.

Some time subsequent to his emigration to America, Mr. Trester's parents joined him in the New World, his father dying in Sheboygan, and his mother in Milwaukee. Five brothers and a sister also crossed the ocean. Joseph, who preceded him, served in the Fourteenth New York Cavalry during the late war, and was confined in Libby Prison. He was badly wounded, from the effects of which he never fully recovered. His death occurred in Milwaukee. Hubert, who served in the Hungarian army under Kossuth, before coming to this country, and in our late war, was a soldier in the Twenty-seventh Wisconsin Infantry. He died in Sheboygan. Nicholas and Charles reside in the Evergreen City. Frederick, and Barbara, now Mrs. Johnson, live in Milwaukee.

In his political views, Mr. Trester was a Democrat, taking a lively interest in political questions. By his fellow-townsmen he was called to fill the offices of Alderman and Supervisor. Both himself and wife were consistent members of the Catholic Church. In their family were thirteen children, of whom eight are living: Henry W.; John J.; Charles A., who is in business in Milwaukee; Christine, who is now Mrs. Charles Webster, of Sheboygan; Anna M., who is the wife of Frank Black, and resides in Sheboygan; and Adam, William J. and Katie. Frances R., who went to Germany for the benefit of her health in June, 1893, died September 27 following.

As a business man, Mr. Trester was successful. Beginning with no capital, he rose to a first rank among the merchants of the city. His course in life was ever marked by fair dealing and honesty, principles too often neglected in the great struggle for gain.

Return to the Sheboygan Page

Return to Bios page