At the time of the close of the Civil war Sheboygan numbered among its pioneers many men who were still living when ye editor was old enough to realize their personalities, and he takes pleasure in here recording some of them.

Conspicuous among the business men of our city was A. P. Lyman, merchant, railway promoter, vessel owner, and public-spirited citizen. He contributed $20,000 toward Sheboygan's first railway enterprise, the largest individual contribution ever made toward the realization of a very important local civic enterprise. Mr. Lyman was a man of average height, had a full brown beard and hair to match. He has a friendly bearing, was a good Christian, and answered every call for worthy charity.

John Bertschy was undersized and quite roly-poly. He was interested in ship building, grain and flour, coal, etc. His flouring and milling plant was situated on the west side of S. Eighth street, opposite the present C. Reiss Coal company's main offices. Mr. Bertschy was a very likable man, devoted to his family, and his charity was well known. His milling plant was once so overloaded with grain that the river side of it burst and most of the grain was spilled into the river.

George Reinhold was of medium stature, inclined to stoutness, and he was as amiable as anybody could be. He was bookkeeper for Frank Geele, Sr., for many years, was devoted to his family, and patronized the opera and stage with enthusiasm.

Dr. Louis Bock was the most popular physician of his time. He was of medium stature, rather stout, and of uniform friendliness. His charitable attitude toward the poor among his patients was well known and endeared him to all.

Billie Williams, one of Sheboygan's leading attorneys, was rather short and stout of figure and dignified of manner, while his friendliness was really well known to pioneers of his time. His career as an attorney was clean beyond question and his memory will ever be honored.

John O. Thayer was on of Sheboygan's early bankers, and later he represented a number of insurance agencies. He was a leading member of the Unitarian church, the church edifice having been located on the northwest corner of S. Seventh street and Wisconsin avenue. (Old-Timers will remember that the windows of this church were of regular dimensions, but that the panes varied in color.)

Return to the Sheboygan Page

Return to the Newspaper Articles & Index Page