SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

Christian Raab, Page 693

CHRISTIAN RAAB was a prominent character during the early history of Sheboygan.  He was born in Dietz, Hesse-Nassau, Germany, June 4, 1822.  In his native land he received a good education, as his father, William Raab, was an extensive vessel-owner and a dealer in grain and produce.  On reaching manhood, young Christian also engaged in the grain and produce business.  In 1845 he decided to make his home in the New World, and accordingly took shipping at Antwerp for New York.  Going on to Chicago, he turned his course northward and located in Calumet County, Wis., where he purchased a tract of wild land.  On this he lived and kept "bachelor's hall" for a time.  Not fascinated with that sort of life, he left his land and came to Sheboygan in 1848.  He first engaged in selling land and town property, but later erected a warehouse and began to deal in grain and produce.  He also did an extensive business in the line of ship-building.  Among the vessels he constructed, or helped to construct, are the "Michael Dousman," "Lucy Raab," "City of Sheboygan," "Evening Star," "Morning Star," "Charlotte Raab" (named in honor of his wife), and "Little Georgy," named for his youngest child.  All the above-named vessels are still afloat.

    Mr. Raab was twice married.  His first wife, who bore the maiden name of Caroline Otto, left one daughter, Minnie, wife of William M. Winter, the well-known lumber-man of Sheboygan.  The wife and one child died of cholera.  Mr. Raab was again married, in 1856, this time to Miss Charlotte Bode, who was born in Hildescheim, Hanover, Germany, July 29, 1823, and in 1848 came to the United States with her mother, two brothers and a sister, her father having died in Germany.  Her mother died in Bedford, Ohio.  In 1853 the daughter came to Sheboygan, and three years later was married to Mr. Raab, as before stated.  Four children were born of this marriage.  Lucy N., widow of Walter Bode, is a resident of Sheboygan; Fulton is Teller in the German Bank of the same city; Franklin is in the Wisconsin National Bank, of Milwaukee; and George, the youngest, is an accomplished artist, having spent three years studying in Germany.

    Christian Raab was a prominent man in the councils of the Republican party.  His services as Poormaster and Alderman were rendered acceptably, though he never curried public favor.  Shrewd and far-sighted in business, industrious and energetic, he accumulated an abundance, leaving his family well provided for.  On the 24th of June 1880, Mr. Raab closed his eyes to all things earthly.  His wife, who still abides, is a resident of the Chair City.

    Fulton Raab, the eldest son, and the only one identified with the business interests of Sheboygan, was born in this city July 19, 1861, was educated in its schools, and has made it his home all his life.  Until the death of his father he was his assistant in business, but after that sad event young Fulton had charge of their extensive interests until they were disposed of, in 1886.  The same year he became book-keeper at Sheboygan Falls, in a branch of the German Bank.  Having remained there only seven weeks, he was given the position of collection clerk in the German Bank.  Efficient and faithful service secured him promotions until 1892, when he was made Teller, and in that position has served acceptably since.

    Mr. Raab married Miss Lena Bacot, a native of the Evergreen City, the wedding occurring July 30, 1887.  The young couple have a bright little boy, who bears the name of Arthur F.  Politically, Mr. Raab is a Republican, and, socially, is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.