WI BIO - Dane Co - DOHR, James
Biographical Review of Dane County, WI. Chicago: Biographical Review Pub. Co. 
1893, Vol II, pp 562-563

James DOHR, a wagon maker of Middleton, Dane County, WI, was born in 
Mecklenburg, Germany, 14 Aug 1823, a son of Charles and Lena (LEMMEL) DOHR, 
also natives of that place. The father, a wagon maker by trade, was a son of 
Charles DOHR, also a native of Germany. Charles DOHR took part in the German 
war, and died at a very old age. Lena (LEMMEL) DOHR came to America about 
1860, and died in Middleton, Dane County, WI, at the age of 65 years. 
Charles and Lena (LEMMEL) DOHR were the parents of six children, two of whom 
still survive.

James DOHR began learning the wagon maker's trade at the age of 14 years, and 
has continued that occupation through life. After marriage he came 
immediately to the U. S., on the sailing vessel "Helena Sloman," landing in 
NY after a voyage of 23 days. Three days afterward he came to WI, spent one 
year in Milwaukee, and then came to where he now lives. During the first 
summer he worked by the day, and then purchased 40 acres of land in Dane 
County, where, in addition to his farming he has also followed his trade. In 
his political views James DOHR votes with the Democratic party, and his first 
presidential vote was cast for BUCHANAN. He has served as Treasurer of the 
Township Board two terms, as Supervisor two terms, and a member of the School 
Board for 24 years. Socially he is a member of the Masonic lodge, No. 183.

In the spring of 1849 James DOHR was united in marriage with Miss Albertena 
PILLER, who was born in Leipzig, Germany, 29 Apr 1829, a daughter of Jacob 
and Amelia PILLER, also natives of Germany. The parents came to the U. S. in 
1855, locating in Dane County, WI, where the Jacob PILLER died, at the age of 
70 years, and the mother, at age 67. Jacob and Amelia PILLER were the 
parents of two children, only one now living. James and Albertena (PILLER) 
DOHR have had 11 children, eight of whom are still living: (1) Louis, 
married and has two children; (2) Amelia [p 563], married and has five 
children; (3) Arthur; (4) Theodore, married and has one child; (5) George; 
(6) Charles; (7) William; and (8) Hugo, engaged in the shop with his 
father. The family are members of the Lutheran Church.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly