Biographical Sketch of

Robert Kinzel

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Page 754 


Robert Kinzel, an enterprising farmer and stock-grower of the town of Shields, Marquette County, whose home is 
situated on section 15, was born in the Province of Posen, Germany, Oct. 26, 1838, and is a son of John Kinsel, 
who was born in the same country, May 30, 1810.  In 1837 John Kinzel married Susanna Hebbe, also a native of 
the Province of Posen, and unto them was born a family of three sons and four daughters, of whom our subject 
is the eldest.  In the summer of 1857, accompanied by his wife and six children, John Kinzel emigrated to 
America and settled temporarily in the city of Chicago, where he followed his occupation as a stone-mason 
until the following autumn, when he removed to Marquette County, locating on the farm which is now the home 
of his son Robert, with whom he still resides.  He was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, of Crystal 
Lake, for a number of years, and was a highly respected citizen.
 
Robert Kinzel has followed farming throughout his entire business career, and was reared to that occupation.  
In his youth he received a limited education, such as the common schools afforded, and remained under the 
parental roof until enlisting in the service of his adopted country.  He was mustered in in 1864, as a member 
of Company G, 37th Wisconsin Infantry, under the command of Lieut. George Graham, and was immediately afterward 
stationed in the vicinity of Petersburg, Va., where he did duty until the close of the war.  He was honorably 
discharged at Madison, July 27, 1865, as a faithful soldier who had ever been true to his trust.  He was severely 
wounded in the left shoulder.
 
On the 29th July, 1866, Mr. Kenzel led to the marriage altar Miss Ottilie Wegenke, his countrywoman who was born 
in the Province of Posen, Aug. 14, 1847.  Of their union have been born nine children, four sons and five daughters--
Reinhold, Paul, Amel, Albert, Paulina, Emma, Martha, Ida and Minnie.  The deceased are:  Reinhold, Martha and Amel.
 
Immediately after the close of the war Mr. Kinzel returned to his home and resumed farming, which he has since 
followed with good success.  He is the owner of 240 acres of land, seventy of which are under a high state of 
cultivation, and in connection with its improvement he devotes a portion of his time to stock-raising.  He is 
a Republican in politics, having supported that party since becoming an American citizen.  Both he and his wife 
are members of the Lutheran church, and are numbered among its firm supporters.
  





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