SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

Jacob Reis, Page 267

JACOB REIS, one of the well-know and successful farmers of Sherman Township, who is living on section 7, is numbered among the native sons of Sheboygan County, for he was born in Scott Township, April 7, 1849.  His parents were Jacob and Maria Elizabeth (Kaner) Reis.  Both were natives of Germany, and about 1845 came to America, locating first in Washington County, Wis.  After a year they came to this county, where the father died, May 30, 1876.  The mother is still living with her son on the old homestead.  They were the parents of nine children.

    Jacob Reis, who was the second in order of birth, was reared under the parental roof, and acquired his education in the district schools of the neighborhood.  When a young man of twenty-six years, he started out in life for himself with a capital of $2,500, and as a companion and helpmate on life's journey, he chose Miss Bertha Gersmahl, a native of Sherman Township.  Their union was celebrated April 1, 1875, and the lady died on the 22d of March, 1880, leaving one daughter, Ella Paulina, who is living with her father.  On the 29th of April, 1881, Mr. Reis was again married, his second union being with Miss Louisa Luecke.  They have two interesting little daughters, Clara Elizabeth and Selma Amelia.

    Mr. Reis has spent his entire life as a farmer.  At the early age of ten years he followed the plow in his father's field, and when a youth of fourteen cradled in the harvest field with the hired men.  He soon became familiar with all departments of farm work, and is a practical and progressive agriculturist.  He now owns one hundred and forty-seven acres of good land, all of which is under a high state of cultivation, with the exception of a fifteen-acre tract of timber.  The buildings are all of the latest improved style, the fields are well tilled, the fences are kept in good repair, and many other evidences of the thrift and enterprise of the owner are seen.

    Among the pioneers, Mr. Reis is numbered.  He and his sister used to attend school when they were obliged to put up stakes along the path in order to find their way back home.  He remembers the Indians who visited the neighborhood, and remembers seeing many deer in the woods.  He has watched with interest the growth and development of the county, and in all possible ways has aided in its progress and advancement, for his native county is dear to him.  He is truly a worth representative of an honored pioneer family.  He cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Grant in 1872, but has since been a supporter of the Democracy.  Himself and wife are members of the Lutheran Church of Scott Township, and are highly respected people, who hold an enviable position in the social circles in which they move.