Читать книгу Memoirs of Milwaukee County, Volume 4 - Josiah Seymour Currey - Страница 9

Fred C. Borgwardt is engaged in the undertaking business in Milwaukee, associated with his brother, George F. Borgwardt. Both are natives of this city, the former born July 5, 1886, and the latter on the 3rd of March, 1883. They are sons of Fred J. Borgwardt, who was born in Germany, November 11, 1858, his parents being Fred and Sophia (Holtzmann) Borgwardt. In the year 1867 Fred and Sophia Borgwardt came to the United States with their family, settling in Milwaukee, where they continued to reside until called to their final rest. The former died November 11, 1906, at the age of seventy-seven years. The son, Fred J. Borgwardt, was but nine years of age when the family home was established in this city. Here he acquired his education in the Lutheran parochial schools and in early life he learned the cabinetmaking trade, following this in connection with the furniture business until he established himself in the undertaking and furniture business in 1884. In 1897 he disposed of his furniture business. From that time until his demise he continued as one of the leading undertakers of the city and in 1902 he admitted his son, George F., to a partnership, under the firm style of F. Borgwardt & Son. At his death he was succeeded by his two sons, who still successfully continue in the business. Fred J. Borgwardt was a stalwart supporter of the republican party but did not seek nor desire office as a reward for party fealty. Both he and his wife were earnest and consistent members of the Lutheran church and gave generously to its support and to all good work done in the name of charity or religion. Mr. Borkwardt belonged to the Wisconsin State Funeral Directors' Association. On the 2nd of May, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Frederica Niemann, daughter of Christian and Sophia (Lembke) Niemann of Milwaukee, both of whom were natives of Germany. They became parents of six children: Clara, the wife of Reinholdt Raedisch: George F.; Fred C; Elsie; Ervin; and Rose, who died at the age of four years. The father of these children passed away on the 26th of October, 1909.

The two sons who are new in partnership were reared and educated in Milwaukee and learned the business under the direction of their father, who was one of the pioneer business men on National avenue. At his death they took over the business which he had established and have continued it to the present time. They are both enterprising and progressive business men, studying at all times the most scientific methods of their business, and their success has come as the result of close application, thoroughness and enterprise.

Both the brothers are married. George F. married Miss Ella Pick and they have two children, Irma and George, Jr. Fred C. Borgwardt was united in marriage to Miss May Dinnauer of Milwaukee, and they have one son, Frederick. George F. Borgwardt is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias, while Fred C. Borgwardt belongs to the Knights of Pythias, also to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the G. U. G. G. Germanias. He has a wide acquaintance in the city in which his life has been passed. Both brothers are well-known here and enjoy the respect and confidence of all, not only those whom they have met in a business way but those with whom they have social relations. They represent a family that has been connected with Milwaukee for more than a half century and they have each, for more than a third of a century, been witnesses of the growth and progress that has marked the history of this city.