Biographical Sketch of

William T. Michi

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, Pages 745 - 746 


William T. Michi, an industrious and enterprising hardware dealer of Plainfield, is a native of this State, his birth 
having occurred in Sheboygan County, on the 30th of August, 1859.  His parents, Charles and Ida (Kaiser) Michi, were 
natives of Germany.  When a young man his father came to America and in this country learned the shoemaker's trade.  
He was an extensive boot and shoe dealer of Plymouth, Wis. for a number of years, but on account of ill health was 
forced to sell out and devote his attention to some pursuit which would cause him to live more in the open air.  He 
therefore purchased a farm in Sheboygan County and in connection with its cultivation engaged in the dairy business 
until his death, which occurred July 29, 1872.  He was widely known throughout the county and was one of its respected 
citizens.  His excellent wife still survives him and is a resident of Plymouth.
 
Although our subject belonged to a family of five children, he has but one sister now living--Ida, who resides with 
her mother.  William received his education in the High School of Plymouth and remained under the parental roof until 
sixteen years of age, when he began learning the harness maker's trade with his uncle, Robert Scheibe, of Plymouth, 
with whom he remained for six years, when he spent one year at working at his trade in Watertown.  He then returned 
to Plymouth and purchased the harness shop in which he had learned the business, but after about three years came to 
Plainfield, in 1881, and opened a harness-shop on Main street in this village.  So rapidly did his business increase 
that he had to enlarge his facilities and erected a large store building, where he carried on operations until May, 
1889, when his health no longer permitted him to follow that pursuit and in 1889, he sold out.  From that time until 
August he was engaged in selling sewing machines on the road, but in the latter month he formed a partnership in the 
hardware business with L. S. Walker.  Although their operations in that line covered only a short period of time they 
have now an excellent trade with fair prospects of a largely increased business.  The old patrons of Mr. Michi, knowing 
his worth and ability and the honesty and fair dealing which has always marked his career, gave him their patronage when 
he embarked in this new line and many others have found that it is to their interest to patronize him.
 
On the 14th of December, 1881, Mr. Michi wedded Miss Louise Rosenfeld, of Plymouth, Wis., daughter of Robert and Bertha 
Rosenfeld, and unto them were born two children, but one died in infancy.  The other is an interesting little daughter, 
Ella.  Until 1888, our subject supported the Democratic party, but in that year joined the ranks of the Republican party.  
He is one of the present Trustees of Plainfield.  Socially, he is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Plainfield, the Royal 
Arcanum of Plymouth and is Venerable Counsel of the Modern Woodmen of Plainfield.  He was a charter member of the Royal 
Arcanum and its first Warden, which position he held until elected Treasurer.  He did not fill the latter office on account 
of his removal from the city.  He was also a member and Secretary and Treasure of the Gymnastium of Plymouth.  He and his 
wife are members of the Congregational Church and by their upright lives have made many warm friends throughout this community. 
 





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