SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

Henry Friedrichs, Page 415

HENRY FRIEDRICHS, one of the pioneer machinists of Sheboygan, is now a hardware merchant, doing a good business at No. 1526 Indiana Avenue.  A native of Germany, he was born February 10, 1847, and is a son of Henry J. Friedrichs, whose sketch appears in another part of this work.

    Our subject was reared to the trade of a blacksmith, and embarked in business for himself at the age of twenty-four years, at which time $100 would have covered all his worldly possessions.  He was only a lad of eight years when he came to this county with his parents, and here he was educated in the English and German languages.  He is a gentleman who is well known for his integrity and business acumen, being a man of more than ordinary ability and good judgment.

    On the 30th of December, 1874, in this county, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Friedrichs and Augusta Zimball, who was born February 23, 1847, in Germany.  They have five children, one son and four daughters, all living:  August, who has received a good business education, and who is assisting his father; Bertha, who has completed her education and is living at home; Clara, Augusta and Ida, who are attending school.  The mother is a lady of good education and culture.

    For the past twenty-two years Mr. Friedrichs has conducted his blacksmith shop on Indiana Avenue, and by means of industry and economy has laid up quite a little fortune.  In April, 1892, he built a good two-story brick building, and has stocked it with the best brands of all kinds of stoves, shelf-hardware, nails, tinware, etc., in addition to which he keeps a full line of pumps and plows, doors, sash, windows, screen doors, Glidden-style barbed wire, paints and oils.  His equipment will amount to about $3,000, and with his lot and building will reach fully $10,000.  This business has been made and accumulated by our subject alone.

    Mr. Friedrichs is a gentleman who is not devoted to any party, but aims to give his support to honest men rather than part machines.  His first Presidential vote was cast for the soldier hero, Gen. Grant.  he has been of great assistance in the municipal government of Sheboygan, having been elected three times as Alderman of the Fifth Ward.  he is considered a kind and honorable German citizen of the best class, and his word is held as good as his bond.  This sketch will be perused with interest by many of the best and most prominent citizens of the county, and will be cherished by his children after he has passed from his labors.