SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

William A. Moenning, Page 400

WILLIAM A MOENNING.  Since 1855, this gentleman has been identified with the welfare of Sheboygan County, as is well and favorably known in the neighborhood of his home, which is located on section 10, Wilson Township.  He is a native of Prussia, Germany, born June 20, 1845, and is the fifth in order of birth in a family of seven children, whose parents were Fred and Caroline (Hirsh) Moenning.  Three of the number are now living.

    Our subject was a lad of ten years when he came with his parents to America.  They took passage in a sailing-vessel at Bremen bound for New York.  After forty-nine days spent upon the ocean, they landed on the shores of the New World, and continued their westward journey be way of the railroad and Great Lakes to Sheboygan County.  Here the father purchased about sixty acres of partially improved land in Wilson Township, near Six Corners.  After two years spent on that farm, he sold it, and moved to the property now occupied by our subject.  For this tract of eighty acres, which was thickly covered with timber and brush, he paid at the rate of $20 per acre.  The first home of the family was a primitive log cabin, built on a cleared space in the midst of the timber.  Much of their living for a number of years was obtained by selling timber.  The father followed his trade of a mason a part of the time, and was also the landlord of a hotel.  He was born in 1801, and died about 1882.  In politics, he was a Republican, and cast his first vote for Buchanan.  His wife, who was born in 1808, in Prussia, passed away in 1880.

    William A. Moenning commenced his active business life with nothing but a good German and English education.  He remained with his parents until attaining his majority, and learned the trade of cigar-maker.  On the 17th of October, 1869, he married Miss Anna Marshall, a native of Germany, born April 17, 1852.  Mrs. Moenning is a daughter of Christian and Rosa (Pfifer) Marshall.  The father, who was born in 1821, has been a farmer by occupation, and is still living, as is also his wife, who was born in 1815.  When Mrs. Moenning was a child of five years, she came with her parents to America, and received a good education in this county.  She has been a kind and loving wife and mother, and a valuable helpmate to her husband.  To them have been born seven children, four sons and three daughters.  Only three of the number are now living.  Gustave, who resides at home, received a good English and German education, and was further qualified for business by taking a commercial course in the Sheboygan Business College.  He is now engaged in the manufacture of cheese.  The two younger children, Clara and Freddie, are also at home.

    In political sentiment our subject has been a Republican ever since casting his first Presidential vote for the Soldier President, Gen. Grant.  He has been for two terms Supervisor of Wilson Township, Township Treasurer for one term, and Constable for one term.  He is a friend to the public-school system, and has served as School Director for three years.  With his estimable wife, he holds membership with the German Lutheran Church, and is classed among the best citizens of Wilson Township.  His excellent farm of eighty acres is fertile and improved, and is valued at $100 per acre.  The home of the family is a well-built, commodious, brick country residence, located only three miles and a-half from the southern city limits of Sheboygan.