SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

John Bauernfeind, Page 6

John Bauernfeind, to whom belongs the credit of having been the organizer of the Sheboygan Falls Mutual Fire Insurance company, of which he is at present the general manager, needs no introduction to the people of this county. His birth occurred in the township of Granville, Milwaukee county, Wisconsin, on the 14th of October, 1850, his parents being John George and Catharine (Sontag) Bauernfeind, both of whom were natives of Germany. They emigrated to America in 1848. John George Bauernfeind, who was a farmer by occupation, settled in Milwaukee county, this state, and there spent the remainder of his life.

John Bauernfeind, who was the fourth in order of birth in a family of six children, was reared under the parental roof and educated in the common schools. Early in life he began his business career, working at the milling trade, in which he continued in Cedarburg and Glenbeulah, Wisconsin, for twenty-four years. He fame to Sheboygan Falls in May, 1895, and became the proprietor of the Franklin House, conducting the same until 1906. Since that time he has given his attention largely to the insurance business. He was the organizer of the Sheboygan Falls Mutual fire Insurance Company, which was incorporated in 1899, with the following officers: Otto Ballschmeider, president; Joseph Osthelder, vice president; J. H. James, secretary; H. E. Boldt, treasurer; John Bauernfeind, manager.

On the 27th of November, 1874, Mr. Bauernfeind was married to Miss Rosina Sinz, a daughter of Peter Sinz, of Glenbeulah, Sheboygan county. Mr. Sinz is a native of Germany and following his emigration to America was for many years engaged in farming, from which he later retired and became interested in the hotel business. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bauernfeind, six of whom are living. Alfred H., a foreman and engineer for the Central Construction Company, resides in Fond du Lac, is married and has one child. Hilda is the wife of Anton Van Owerkerk and resides on a farm in Sheboygan Falls township. Arno P. lives at home with his parents. Edwin is a student of dentistry in the office of Dr. Muessell at Fond du Lac. Edna and Norma are at home. The two who have passed away are Arthur and Amanda. Mr. Bauernfeind is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and also belongs to the Masonic lodge of Sheboygan Falls. During his entire business career he has been a man of marked success and his influence has been felt throughout the county for many years. Alert and enterprising, reliable and an efficient organizer of business interests, he is one of the substantial and honored citizens of his state.