WI BIO - Dane Co - CONRADSON, Conrad M.
Biographical Review of Dane County, WI. Chicago: Biographical Review Pub. Co. 
1893. Vol II, p 569

Among the aids to civilization in a new country, that of the manufactory 
cannot be overlooked. The development of trade is civilizing, as it opens 
communication with the outside world by so many avenues, and by giving 
employment to many, circulates money, thus opening wider doors to higher life 
and culture.

Conrad M. CONRADSON is the vice president of the Gisholt Machine Company, 
which employs about 100 men all of the time, and is one of the most complete 
plants in the West, making a special feature the erection of the Turret 
Lathes, of which our talented subject is the patentee and inventor. They are 
sold all over the country, and have a reputation for completeness and 
superiority over all others. Mr. CONRADSON is also a draughtsman of great 
skill. Mr. CONRADSON is a self-made man, having a talent, and growing up 
from an apprenticeship in a blacksmith shop to the understanding of the 
higher and more complicated works in iron and metal, all of the time having 
before him one object, that of becoming a practical inventor, and of putting 
his talent to great use.

Since Mr. CONRADSON's connection with the present business it has much 
increased, and the market has grown larger, both on account of the value of 
the patents and also because of the superior grade of work turned out. The 
completeness of these machines is unsurpassed. The tools alone connected 
with this manufacturing plant were purchased at an expense of $16,000. The 
business was started some three years ago, and so complete were all of the 
arrangements that eight months later they began the shipment of machines, 
which found a ready market. They can turn out a large lathe every day, which 
represents a machine worth $2,00 to $3,000. Mr. CONRADSON has held the 
office he now holds since the business was first started, and has been the 
inventor and the chief manager. Three or four draughtsmen are employed 
nearly all of the time, besides our subject.

Mr. CONRADSON had formerly been connected with the Fuller & Johnson 
Manufacturing Company of this city [Madison, Dane County, WI], and was with 
the Allison Manufacturing Company of Milwaukee, WI, for more than two years. 
He has lived in Madison, WI, for 11 years, except three years when he was in 
Milwaukee. He took a course with the class of 1883, in the mechanical and 
engineering department of the State University of WI. He became a practical 
machinist early in life, and has rapidly developed his talents. Only first 
class mechanics handle the works of this company, and hence they do not fear 
competition, and for first class work they pay first class wages.

Conrad M. CONRADSON was born in Dane County, WI, and has grown up in this 
neighborhood. His parents were natives of Norway, who came to America some 
time in the 1840's, and are not living in Green County, WI, highly respected. 
Conrad M. CONRADSON was married in Evansville [Rock County], WI, to Miss 
Stella PRENTICE, who was born near Whitewater [Walworth County], WI. She is 
a true, good woman, and they have one child.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly