SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

William H. Gunther, M. D., Page 702

WILLIAM H. GUNTHER, M. D., a prominent physician and surgeon of Sheboygan, is a native of Michigan, born in Detroit, July 24, 1859.  He is the eldest son of Theodore and Bertha (Schaefer) Gunther, and came to Sheboygan with his parents in 1863.  His father was born in Metz, France (now Germany), September 6, 1826.  He learned the potter's trade in Europe, and emigrated to America in 1855.  Soon after reaching this country he settled in Detroit, Mich., where he was engaged in the manufacture of stoneware.

    On the 1st of November, 1857, he was united in marriage, in that city, to Miss Bertha Shaefer.  Mrs. Gunther was born October 16, 1833, in Giessen, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany.  She came to this country in 1856 alone, and settled in Detroit, where she was married, as previously stated.  Her parents died in their native land.

    In the fall of 1857, Mr. and Mrs. Gunther removed to Milwaukee, Wis., where Mr. Gunther was employed for several years at his trade.  In 1863, he removed with his family to Sheboygan, where he engaged in the manufacture of stoneware, and in that line carried on an extensive and profitable business till near the close of his life.  His death occurred October 27, 1885.  Mrs. Gunther died in Sheboygan, August 27, 1893.

    Mr. Gunther was a Democrat in politics, and served as Alderman from the Second Ward for the years 1867, 1868, 1869 and 1870, and was also Poor Master for the years 1869 and 1870.

    Two children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Gunther:  William H., M. D., who is the subject of this sketch; and Emil, who is also a physician, associated with his brother in practice, and of whom see sketch.

    Dr. William H. Gunther was educated in the public schools of Sheboygan, and entered upon the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. J. J. Brown and Dr. L. Bock.  In the fall of 1880, he entered Rush Medical College, of Chicago, graduating in the Class of '83.  On receiving the degree of M. D., he at once began the practice, in Sheboygan, of his profession, which he has pursued continuously since with marked success.  Dr. Gunther is a member of the Sheboygan medical Society, and is also a member of the United States Board of Examining Surgeons, holding the office of Treasurer.  He is Vice-President of the Sheboygan Mutual Loan, Saving and Building Association, and President of the Sheboygan Gun and Rod Club.  Dr. Gunther is now serving a second term as Alderman from the Third Ward, and has also served as a member of the City Board of Health.  He is interested to quite an extent in the real-estate business, through agents.

    On the 27th of December, 1884, he was united in marriage, in this city, to Miss Magdelene Pfeiler.  Mrs. Gunther was born in Sheboygan, and is a daughter of John and Dora Pfeiler.  Her parents were early settlers of Sheboygan.  Her mother is deceased, but her father still survives, being a resident of this city.

    Three children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Gunther, two sons and a daughter:  Otto, Theodore and Leona, all natives of this city.

    Dr. Gunther is physician and surgeon of the St. Nicholas Hospital of Sheboygan.  In the pursuit of his chosen profession, he has been successful from the start, and has built up a large and lucrative practice.  As it is no flattery to speak the truth of any one, the writer takes pleasure in stating the fact, well known to the citizens of Sheboygan County, that Dr. Gunther possesses superior ability and skill, both as a physician and surgeon; that his offices are nearly always crowded with patients; and that by his thorough knowledge and uniform success, he has won a foremost place in the ranks of his profession, both in county and State.  His brother, Dr. Emil Gunther, is associated with him in practice, and is also winning distinction as a professional man.