SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

August Bertram, Page 542

AUGUST BERTRAM, an early settler of Sheboygan, and still a resident of the city, was born in Rheinerbeck, Hanover, Germany, June 8, 1828.  His father, who also bore the name of August, was a finely educated gentleman, and for some thirty years taught school in one place.  At the expiration of that time he was retired on a pension, which he enjoyed as long as he lived.  Both he and his wife died in the Fatherland.  Of their children, three came to the United States, but Mr. Bertram of this sketch is the only survivor.  In the schools conducted by his father, who was a strict disciplinarian, young August received a good education.  When fifteen years of age he began to learn the trade of cabinet-maker and carpenter, serving an apprenticeship of four years.  Having mastered the trade, he traveled and worked thereat for four years, principally in the large cities.

    In the city of Hanover, June 15, 1854, Mr. Bertram was united in marriage with Miss Dorothea Widemeyer, a native of that city, born November 17, 1828.  There the husband engaged in business on his own account, in the line of making designs for printing wall-paper.  In 1854, Mr. Bertram, with his young bride, sailed from Hamburg to Quebec.  Their first location, however, was at Sandusky, Ohio, where he was foreman in a cabinet-maker's ship.  Two years later they continued their Westward Journey, arriving at Sheboygan in 1856.  From that time until 1878, he was variously employed as cabinet-maker, carpenter and millwright, working in Sheboygan and adjoining counties, and also in Chicago.  Many of the best mills in this part of the State have been erected by Mr. Bertram, and stand as evidence of his skill and ability as a workman.  During the last fifteen years he has lived retired from active business pursuits, and with his good wife still shares their home in Sheboygan.

    Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bertram has been born a family consisting of ten children, of whom only three are now living:  William, who has won an enviable reputation as a horseshoer, which business he carries on extensively in the Chair City; Charles, who is a painter of the same place; and Emil C., who has been for many years connected with the newspaper business.

    In his political views, Mr. Bertram is independent, and in casting his vote he supports those he thinks most capable of filling office.  Both he and wife are members of the Lutheran Church.