Pages 587-88

AUGUST BLECK, a substantial farmer of  Washington township, Shawano county, was born in Germany November 22, 1846, son of Martin and Ernstine (Reinke) Bleck, who were born in Germany.
     
Martin Bleck, who was a farmer, an occupation he followed all his life, died on the homestead in Germany some years ago, aged about seventy-eight years; his wife had preceded him to the grave. They had the following children: Henrietta, in Germany; John, a farmer in Washington township; August, subject of this sketch; Herman, a farmer in Underhill, Oconto Co., Wis.; Gottlieb, a farmer in Waukesha, Wis., and Fred, unmarried, who resides with his brother August.
     
August Bleck received a common-school education, left school at the age of fourteen, hired out as a farm hand, and received his board and twenty-five dollars for the first year. In the fall of 1869 he sailed from Bremen, Germany, on the steamer "America" for the United States, landing at New York after a voyage of fourteen days. Coming direct to Scott township, Sheboygan county, Wis., he remained there one month with his cousin, Charles Bleck, then went to Winnebago county, Wis., and hired out to chop wood during that winter in the town of Winchester. The succeeding summer he worked as a farm hand at Bold Prairie, near Oshkosh, and followed this occupation three years. On January 10, 1873, in Theresa, Dodge Co., Wis., August Bleck was united in marriage with Miss Wilhelmina Dobberphuhl, who was born in Germany May 3 1853, and they have had the following children: Frank, at home; Charles, who works near Waupun, Wis.; and Anna, William, Albert, Paulina John H., Henry, Alvin and Clara, all at home. The parents of Mrs. Bleck, Frederick and Fredericka (Kregel) Dobberphuhl, were born in Germany whence they came to the United States bringing with them their little daughter, Wihelmina (Mrs Bleck), who was then four years of age, and settling in Theresa, Dodge Co., Wisconsin.
     
Prior to his marriage Mr. Bleck had purchased the land whereon he now lives. In 1872 he erected a small log house, now use as the kitchen for the large modern house which he has since built, which is connected with it. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bleck came to this place to live, and they have since resided here. They are both members of the German Lutheran Church and take an active interest in its work. In politics Mr. Bleck is a Democrat, and he now holds the office of school treasurer; has been township treasurer for eight years, supervisor one year, and assessor one year. He is honored and respected, and has many friends.