Michael J. 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.




Michael J. Isermann, founder and head of the firm of Isermann Brothers at Kenosha, has throughout his entire business career been connected with the clothing trade and his ability in this direction is manifest in the success which has attended his efforts since he took his initial indepenedent step as a clothing merchant. He was born in Kenosha, a son of Anthony and Mary (Bedesem) Isermann, both of whom were natives of Germany. The latter came to Kenosha with her parents in 1857 and Anthony Isermann had arrived in this city in 1855. Some years afterward they were married and the family has since figured prominently in connection with trade interests of the city. For thirty-one years Anthony Isermann engaged in manufacturing the seats for the Bain Wagon Company, having full charge of that department, and he was long a prominent representative of industrial activity in Kenosha, where he continued his residence to the time of his death in 1898.

Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, Michael J. Isermann obtained a public school education but when fourteen years of age put aside his textbooks and secured a position in the clothing department of Doan & Brown, located at the corner of Main and Park streets. He found the work congenial and his employers found him diligent and trustworthy, so that the connection between them was continued for nine years. Mr. Isermann afterward spent two years with Marshall Field & Company in the wholesale and retail departments in Chicago but in 1892 returned to Kenosha, where he established business on his own account. Here he formed a partnership with his brother and opened a clothing store and since that time they have been joined by two other brothers, Anthony A. and Frank C. They have a splendidly appointed establishment, tasteful and attractive in all of its arrangement and equipment, and they carry everything in the line of men¹s and boys¹ furnishings. Their patronage is now extensive, the business bringing to them substantial profits.

In politics Mr. Isermann is independent and for five years he served as health commissioner of the city. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus, also to the Royal League and to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He has a wide acquaintance in Kenosha, where practically his entire life has been passed and where he has displayed the sterling traits of character which have not only brought him signal success but have gained him the enduring regard, confidence and goodwill of his fellowmen.

Typed by: Marilyn Allis