Henry A. Isermann Biography
As published in
"The City of Kenosha and Kenosha County Wisconsin: A Record of Settlement,
Organization, Progress and Achievement"
by Frank H. Lyman Vol. 2, The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1916.
The public service of Kenosha finds a prominent and valued representative in
Henry A. Isermann, chief of the fire department, who during his incumbency in
this office has wrought many changes and improvements that have greatly
benefited the fire system in protecting the interests of the town. Mr. Isermann
belongs to one of Kenosha¹s old and representative families. He was born in this
city in 1870 and in his youth spent much time behind the counter in his father¹s
grocery store, widening his acquaintance, while his attractive qualities and
social and genial disposition won him popularity.
That was his initial business training and his second step was made when he
entered the employ of the Bain Wagon Works, soon afterward joining the Bain Hook
and Ladder Company, a volunteer fire organization in 1892. Many were the great
fires which that company assisted in extinguishing and more than once its
members won valor and distinction through their deeds of bravery. Mr. Isermann
studied every phase of fire fighting and was most competent in that connection,
when, in 1896, he joined the paid fire department of the city. His exceptional
knowledge and ability to cope with emergencies immediately suggested him for the
rank of captain, to which office he was appointed. On the 10th of October, 1906,
a new fire chief was needed in Kenosha and Mr. Isermann was unanimously chosen
for the position. Following his promotion he began the reorganization and
reequipment of the department. Its fire fighting apparatus at that time was
somewhat antiquated and as he has always been an advocate of everything that is
modern in connection with the management and control of an enterprising city, he
began searching for the newest and best things needed in fighting fires of
little or of great consequence. When the automobile fire truck was introduced he
desired one for his department and did not hesitate to express to the aldermen
his wish. His proposition did not meet with great favor, for the city council
considered it an expenditure of ³too much money.² But Mr. Isermann soon
demonstrated to them through mathematical calculation that a motor truck could
be maintained at a much smaller expense than apparatus operated by horses.
Accordingly the motor truck was secured and Kenosha thus took the lead in this
line in the state. Time proved the truth of his statement that the motor truck
would materially reduce the cost of maintenance in the department. The officers
of the city recognized in the purchase a good move, so a second motor truck was
installed, bringing the department to a high point of efficiency.
Many are the favorable comments made concerning Mr. Isermann, who is ever alert
to the interests of his department and its improvement. He seems never to become
excited but to make every move of his men count in checking the fire fiend and
protect property. There are many questions to be considered in this regard, none
of which seems to elude him, and his work and that of his men is attended with
excellent results. He is a member of the International Association of Fire
Engineers, the State Firemen¹s Association and he is also identified with the
Fraternal Reserve Association, the Order of Foresters, the Elks and the Eagles.
Typed by: Marilyn Allis