Biographical Sketch of

August Swanke

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 591 - 592 


August Swanke, President of the Town Board of Princeton, is engaged in the manufacture of carriages and 
wagons in that city.  He is a Prussian by birth, having first opened his eyes to the light of day in that 
country on the 16th day of September, 1833.  Charles and Augusta (Henke) Swanke, his parents, were also 
natives of Prussia, in which country they passed their entire lives.  Their six children yet living are 
John, who resides in St. Marie township, Green Lake County; Henrietta, who resides in Eau Claire County, 
Wis.; Paulina who is living in Russia; Matilda and Amelia whose homes are in the same country; and August 
of this sketch.  Two other children of the family have now passed away.
 
In the common schools of his native country our subject received his education and at the early age of 
fourteen years began life for himself.  At that time he left home to serve an apprenticeship to the wagon 
and carriage maker's trade and in that way laid the foundation for his success in after life.  For three 
years he worked as an apprentice, after which he engaged at his trade in various places until 1856, when 
he bade good-bye to home and native land and embarked for America.  His destination was Princeton, Wis., 
and on landing on the shores of the new world he proceeded directly to that place, where he has made his 
home continuously since.  The year succeeding his arrival he was married, and knowing that he now had a 
wife dependent upon him, he resumed his labors with renewed zeal which resulted in a degree of success 
far succeeding his early expectations.  The first two years of his life in America were spent as an 
employee, but in 1858, he rented a shop and began business for himself, there continuing operations until 
1866, when he erected a large stone building that is now used as a blacksmith shop.  That he occupied until 
1873, when he erected another and commodious stone building, where he now carries on his work.  He not only 
thoroughly understands the construction of carriages and wagons but does all his own painting and decorating, 
and the goods from his factory have won high commendation.  Though beginning at the lowest round of the ladder 
step by step he has steadily worked his way upward until he is now at the head of a lucrative business, the 
income of which enables him to be ranked among the substantial merchants of Princeton.
 
As before stated, in 1857 Mr. Swanke was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Minnie Dundee.  The 
ceremony was performed in the month of December and to the happy couple eight children have been born, but 
two have now passed away.  Those living are Julius, who is still at home; Ellis, a resident of Watertown, 
Wis.; Clara, August, Hanson and Sarah.  The parents have provided their children with liberal educational 
advantages both in literary and musical studies, and may well be proud of their interesting sons and daughters.
 
Though Mr. Swanke had ever devoted himself with great energy and perseverance to his business affairs, he has 
yet found time to respond to the calls made by his fellow citizens to represent them in official positions.  
He has served as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, was Treasurer for two terms, was Trustee and now holds 
the office of President of the Town Board.  He is a supporter of the Democracy and is a public spirited and a 
progressive citizen, who from the early history of the county has been connected with its growth and development.  
He came to Princeton when it was but a mere hamlet and has aided largely in its improvement by the erection of 
three store buildings, a large brick planing mill and an elegant, commodious frame dwelling.  Himself and wife 
are members of the Lutheran Church and are faithful Christian people.






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