SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

Frank Gottsacker, Page 627

FRANK GOTTSACKER, Secretary, Treasurer and manager of the National Demokrat Printing Company, was born in the Rhine Province, Germany, June 15, 1852, and is a son of William and Anna Gottsacker.  He emigrated to America with his mother in 1855, his father having come previously.  After living four years in Two Rivers, the family settled in Sheboygan,  where they still reside.

    Frank was but seven years old when he came to the Chair City.  He attended the schools until he was twelve, when he began learning the printing business in the office of the Sheboygan Zeitung, with Mr. Pott, Sr., continuing with him until 1867, when he went to Milwaukee, where he was employed for two and a-half years in the office of the Milwaukee Herold.  In 1870, he returned to Sheboygan, accepting the position of foreman in the National Demokrat office, with Carl Zillier.  He bought an interest in the business in 1889, on the incorporation of the present Demokrat Printing Company, and was chosen to the position he now holds.

    On the 25th of October, 1875, Mr. Gottsacker was united in marriage with Miss Anna Brand.  Mrs. Gottsacker was born in Sheboygan, being a daughter of Andrew Brand.  They have five sons and two daughters, who were born in the order named:  William G., Amelia, John, Frank, Annie, Joseph and Peter.  All of them were born in Sheboygan.

    Mr. Gottsacker and family are members of the Catholic Church.  In politics, he is a Democrat, and has held various official positions.  For the years 1883-1884, he was Alderman from the Eighth Ward.  In 1885, Mr. Gottsacker was appointed Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue for the First District, which position he resigned after fourteen months' service, to take editorial charge of the National Demokrat.  He has now been connected with that paper for twenty-three years.

    Our subject is a member of the Sheboygan Board of Education, has served six years as a member of that body, and in the spring of 1893 was elected for a further term of four years.  he has belonged to the Mutual Aid Society for sixteen years, being its present President, and is also a member and President of St. Boniface's Society.  Mr. Gottsacker has had a long experience in the newspaper business in all its departments, from "devil" to editor and business manager, but has always discharged ably and well the duties assigned to him.  He is now editor and manager of the most important newspaper in Sheboygan County.