Milwaukee County Wisconsin Genealogy

Biographies and Family Information

Includes Marriages, Births, Confirmations, Baptisms

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CAPTAIN LOUIS R. VANCE

Master and part owner of the schooner "DAVID VANCE," is a native of New York, born at Sackett's Harbor, May 12, 1845 and in 1855, came to Milwaukee with his parents, now deceased. At 13 years of age, he shipped as boy on the lakes; in 1861, he entered the United States navy, at New York, as seaman, on the "JACKSON"; was with Farragut at the taking of New Orleans; was promoted to acting ensign, and subsequently commanded the United States steamers "SELMA" and "MORGAN." Captain Vance was with the "PHILLIPPI," in the United States fleet passing the forts at Mobile, when she received a shot in her boilers, and becoming unmanageable, drifted ashore under the rebel batteries, the officers and crew making their escape in the boats. In this engagement, Captain Vance was severely wounded in the thigh, by a fragment of shell. Resigning his command in the United States navy in 1865, the captain became master of the steamer "BALTIC," and that and the following season was engaged in the bay trade at New Orleans. In the Fall of 1866, he returned to Milwaukee, and has had command on the lakes ever since, assuming charge of his present vessel in 1873, after building and fitting her for service. Captain Vance was married, in the Fall of 1873, to Miss Clara E. Dickenson, of this city, and their only child, Mary B., is now five years of age.

Source: History of Milwaukee County, 1881

JAMES H. VAN ELLS

James H. Van Ells, of 1262 Kinnickinnic Avenue, one of the honored pioneer residents and business men of Milwaukee, was born in the town of Bergen, Holland on April 7, 1837, the son of Jacob and Ellen Van Ells, both of whom were natives of the same place. His parents grew to maturity at Bergen and were there married. Jacob was a dealer in horses, cattle and grain while living in Holland, and in the year 1844 embarked for America with his family on one of the old sailing vessels of that period. After a tedious voyage of some nine weeks’ duration, he finally landed at New York, whence he proceeded to Albany. He remained in that city for some years, and was subsequently a resident of Buffalo, N.Y., for a number of years.

In 1849 he came to Milwaukee with his family, making the trip by way of the Great Lakes and canal. On his arrival he embarked in the meat packing business, and after a number of years retired from active business. His death took place in 1893, aged 96 years and 6 months; his wife had previously died in 1888, at an advanced age. Both were faithful members of the Catholic Church, and they reared a large family of seven children. Of these the three eldest, Gertrude, John and Pauline, are deceased; the other four are James H., the subject of this sketch; George, formerly a mill man, who now resides at 415 Potter avenue; Martin, a miller at Camp Douglas, Wis.; and Harry, who makes his home in the South.

Our subject was educated in the public schools, and upon leaving school was employed for a number of years in teaming and hauling supplies between Milwaukee and Stevens Point, Wis., making his home at the latter place. In 1866, when he was 29 years of age, he came to Milwaukee and entered the employ of the Bay View Rolling Mills, where he was technically known as a hooker. He was severely injured at the mills in 1893, and abandoned his work there. He next ran a confectionery store for a time, and in 1895 embarked in the hardware business, which is now being operated at No. 1262 Kinnickinnic Avenue by his son, Frank J., and his son-in-law, Wm. F. Krock, under the firm name of Krock and Van Ells.

Like his parents before him, Mr. Van Ells was reared in the Catholic faith, of which he was always been a zealous supporter. Politically he is allied with the Republican Party, though he has never sought public office on his own behalf. He was united in marriage, June 22, 1865 to Miss Carrie Burkhart, a daughter of F. and Barbara (Kreichbaum) Burkhart, residents of Milwaukee. His wife’s father was a native of Switzerland, and her mother was born in the state of Pennsylvania. They came west to Milwaukee in 1846, where Mr. Burkhart was a painter and a marble worker by trade. Both he and his wife are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Van Ells reared a family of four children, all of whom are now living. The oldest, Margaret, is unmarried and lives at home; Frank J. is in the hardware business on Kinnickinnic Avenue, as above stated, is married to Margaret Diedrich, and has one son, Howard; Mary, the third child is the wife of Fred. Leistikow, resides at 1182 Kinnickinnic Avenue, and has one son, Markwell; the youngest child, Catherine, is the wife of William Krock, senior partner in the firm of Krock and Van Ells, and their one son is named William F., Jr.

James H. Van Ells was found in "Memoirs of Milwaukee County" by Jerome A. Watrous, 1909 pg. 67 Vol. 2

DR. VETTE

Source: The Daily Tribune, Manitowoc, Wis. Saturday, July 24, 1858 P. 3

We had yesterday the pleasure of meeting Dr. Vette, late of the Milwaukee Banner, who comes to Manitowoc for the purpose of assuming the Editorial charge of the Nordwesten. Gentle manly in his appearance, and intelligent in his manners and expression, we predict only differences of opinion, with no fears of breaches of editorial courtesy and so bid a hearty welcome to our new friend of the scissors and quill.

F.C. CHARLES VOIGT

Candidate for Town of Wauwatosa
F.C. Charles Voigt, Republican candidate for assessor, is a well-to-do resident of over twelve years in Wauwatosa. He is a road superintendent and knows property values in the town. He would be a competent and painstaking official.

From Wauwatosa News April 1, 1899

ALBERT A. VOLLMER

Grocer, Big Rapids is a native of Milwaukee, Wis. His father Francis Vollmer, was born in Baden, Germany, Oct. 4, 1824. His mother, Rasina (Grass) Vollmer, was born Oct. 4, 1827, at Strasbourg, then belonging to France, but now a city of Alsace, ceded to Germany May 10, 1871. The parents came to the United States in 1830, and were married at Milwaukee, Wis., April 13, 1847, and still reside there. Five children were born to them: Joseph E., Albert A., Mary E., Isadore D. and Ivo V.. Albert A. was born May 28, 1852, and grew to manhood in the Cream City. He went to Evanston, Ill., in 1877, and established himself in the grocery business, operating with satisfactory results. In February 1882, he settled at Big Rapids and founded his present business. He carries a stock of goods worth $5,000, and his transactions annually amount to $35,000.

He was married at Milwaukee, April 13, 1875, to Rosa M., daughter of Herbert and Margaret Reck, of West Bend, Wis., and they have had three children: Agnes M., Francis E. and Mary J.

Source: 1883 Mecosta County Portrait & Bio Album, Chapman Bros., Chicago

WILLIAM VON BAUMBACH

Candidate for City of Wauwatosa
William von Baumbach, Republican candidate for alderman has been a resident of Wauwatosa for many years. He raises fruit on land he owns near North ave. He has been a member of the village board since Wauwatosa first became a village and has proven himself to be one of the most useful and conservative officials.

From Wauwatosa News April 1, 1899