History of Lincoln, Oneida and Vilas Counties

"History of Lincoln, Oneida, and Vilas Counties Wisconsin"

Compiled by George O.Jones, Norman S. McVean and Others. Printed in 1924 by H.C.Cooper. Jr. & Co., Minneapoli-Winona MN. ill. 787 pages. The first two hundred pages are history of the three counties, the remainder of the book is biographies.

Biography

Kurtz, Joseph proprietor of an extensive general merchandise business at Monico, Oneida County, where he has now been established longer than any other merchant, was born in Bohemia, March 31, 1874. Educated in his native land, he came to the United States in 1890, locating at Deerbrook, Langlade County, Wis., where he followed farming and logging until July, 1891. He then came to Monico and for a time worked on the section for the Chicago & Northwestern Railway, and later in the hotel of John MEYER. He then resumed logging. In 1897 he took a homestead of 80 acres in the town of Gagen, which he finally proved up in 1902, and this he still owns, having done some clearing and made some improvements on it. In 1898 Mr. KURTZ went to Deerbrook and bought a tract of land, which he sold after having partly improved it, subsequently returning to Monico. In 1902 he again went to Deerbrook and for two years conducted a store there for W. J. MATTEK. Having in 1904 again returned to Monico, he engaged in the flour and feed business, building a warehouse. In the following year he erected a store building 24x60 feet, with full basement, and engaged in the general mercantile business, handling everything for which there is likely to be any call, such as flour, feed groceries, wood, grain, hardware, meat, dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, and even jewelry. He has dealt quite extensively in wild and farm lands and has a fine farm in the town of Monico, which he has developed and now operates, buying and fattening cattle which he kills, retailing the meat at his market, and also raising some grain. It is one of the best farms in this locality, being provided with a fine residence, a large barn and silos and good outbuildings. He also owns 19 "forties" of wild land in Oneida County and some village property, the latter including his warehouse, store building, two residences and eight lots. As an adjunct to his principal business he conducts a fine insurance agency, representing several of the most reliable companies. He is a member of the Equitable Fraternal Union, being president of the local assembly, and in addition to the interests already mentioned he owns stock in the Miller Cold Storage Co. of Marshfield, Wis. In 1919 Mr. KURTZ was appointed treasurer of the town of Monico to fill the unexpired term of his predecessor and has held that office every since through successvie elections. Mr. KURTZ was married Nov. 18, 1908, to Ella L. ORTH of Milwaukee and of this union three children have been born: Joseph, Oct. 31, 1909; Regina, Feb. 1, 1912; and Ervin, Aug. 1, 1915, all of whom are attending school. The family faith is that of the Catholic Church.

Transcribed by Susan Swanson, from pages 319-320 (with picture), History of Lincoln, Oneida and Vilas Counties Wisconsin; Compiled by George O. Jones, Norman S. McVean and Others 1924, H. C. Cooper, Jr. & Co.

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