Biographical Sketch of

Rev. Henry Umbreit

Transcribed by Char Eckman



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 422 - 423

Rev. Henry E. Umbreit, one of the honored and respected citizens of Green Lake County, who now resides on section 32 
in the town of Manchester, was born in Saxony, Germany, Jan. 14, 1840, and is the son of John and Rosanna (Wagner) 
Umbreit.  He began his school life in his native country, and completed his education in the common schools of this 
community.  He is one of the self-made men of the county.  In his youth he determined that his life should be one of 
uprightness, such as he need never feel ashamed of.  He has largely supplemented his educational advantages by 
subsequent study, reading and observation, and thereby fitted himself for almost any profession or calling in life.  
At the age of twenty-two he was converted and resolved to devote his remaining years to the service of the Master.  
He has, however, never been engaged as a salaried minister, but has given his time and labors where he believed they 
were most needed, and has been a power for good in the world.  He has made farming his principal occupation, aside 
from the discharge of his Christian duties, and has been quite successful in his undertakings.

When a lad of thirteen years, Mr. Umbreit crossed the Atlantic, and with his parents, located in Green Lake County.  
At the time of his arrival the country was in a wild and unimproved condition.  The homes of the settlers were rude 
log cabins, and they were widely scattered.  The first purchase of land which our subject made consisted of an 80 
acre tract on section 3 in the town of Randolph, Columbia County, becoming its owner in 1860.  The same year he was 
united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Miss Sophia Forey, who was born in Rochester County, N. Y., Nov. 28, 1814, 
and is a daughter of Conrad and Regina (Blochwitz) Forey, who were natives of Germany.  They emigrated to America in 
1843, and became residents of this county in 1845.  The mother's death occurred in Wausau, Wis., in 1854, and the 
father died in New York City in 1856.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Umbreit there have been born thirteen children, but a part of that number died in infancy.  Margaret 
is the wife of William Fathchild, a merchant tailor of Chicago; Caroline is the wife of Rudolph Detert, a wagon-maker 
of Markesan; William, Samuel, Edwin, George, Emma, Henry and Lillie are all at home.

In 1860, Mr. Umbreit located upon the land which he first purchased, but in 1865 sold that farm and removed to the 
old homestead of Peter Blochwitz, who was one of the honored pioneers of the county.  He first bought 110 acres, but 
the farm now comprises 190 acres of valuable land and under the able management of the owner it has become one of the 
most productive farms in the town of Manchester.  As he found an opportunity he continued his labors of charity, 
benevolence and Christian kindness, but in 1867 he began to minister to the spiritual needs of the people in the 
community where he made his home.  He became a local minister of the Evangelical Association, and by his logical and 
plain arguments many have been brought to see the error of their ways and enter upon a Christian life.  In 1885 he 
had charge of the circuit, and the following year took charge of the church at Bellefontaine, of which he has since 
had the control.  As before stated, he has never preached for a fixed salary, but has labored for the redemption of 
his fellow-men.  The temperance cause has also found in him an able advocate, and he never grows weary in his efforts 
to promote a good work.  He has also filled several local offices at the call of his fellow-citizens, and for twelve 
years served as Postmaster of Salemville.

Mr. Umbreit is a Republican in politics, having never wavered in his allegiance to that party since its organization.  
We are pleased to present to the patrons of the Album the sketch of the Rev. Umbreit, knowing that it will be read with 
interest by all.  Mr. Umbreit studied music extensively in Germany, under leading professors, from his sixth to his 
thirteenth year.  In this country he has taught music many years.






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