WI BIO - Dane Co - SCHWEINEM, Joseph
Biographical Review of Dane County, WI. Chicago: Biographical Review Pub. Co. 
1893, Vol II, pp 612-613

Joseph SCHWEINEM, now deceased, having passed away 09 December 1882, at his 
residence, 313 West Johnson Street [Madison, Dane County, WI], came to 
Madison early in the 1850's and followed the trade of a journeyman tailor for 
several years. Afterward he engaged in the ice business, buying out Mr. 
WARN, and greatly enlarging it, making it very profitable and continuing in 
it until his death, the widow and son then succeeding him. He [Joseph 
SCHWEINEM] was born in the Rhine Province, Germany, 05 April 1830, of good 
and worthy parents, who lived and died in their native province, when our 
subject was a young man. The latter came to this country in 1853, being 
twenty-three years of age, sailing from Antwerp [Germany] and landing at New 
York, proceeding soon afterward to Madison [Dane County, WI].

Mr. SCHWEINEM was an excellent workman and soon grew into great popularity, 
becoming an Alderman from the First Ward; was a pronounced Democrat and a 
prominent member of the St. Michael's Society [St. Michael Benevolent 
Society, a social order], the Turner's Society, Relief Society, and several 
others, besides being a member of the Church of the Holy Redeemer (Roman 
Catholic).

Our subject [Joseph SCHWEINEM] was married in Madison [Dane County, WI] to 
Miss Gertrude LOEHRER, born in Rhine Province, Germany, 18 January 1835, and 
emigrated to this country, by way of Antwerp [Germany] to New York, being 
then but nine years old. The [LOEHRER] family then proceeded to Milwaukee 
via the Hudson River, Erie Canal, and the Great Lakes. After six week's 
residence in Milwaukee [Milwaukee County, Territory of Wisconsin; Milwaukee 
County created in 1834], they went to Pine Bluffs [Pine Bluff], Dane County 
[not created until 1846], [Territory of] Wisconsin, and there improved a 
farm; but later on removed to Madison [same county], living there for some 
time prior to the death of the parents. The father, William LOEHRER, died 
here [Madison, Dane County, WI] when eighty-four years of age, his wife [Mrs. 
LOEHRER] having passed away previously, at the age of eighty-two, both 
falling asleep in the bosom of the Roman Catholic Church, of which body they 
had been consistent members throughout their long lives.

Mrs. [Gertrude nee LOEHRER] SCHWEINEM, widow of our subject [Joseph], is [p 
613] third of six children yet living; was very carefully reared, receiving 
an education in the common schools of Germany and of this country; and after 
the death of her husband managing, with the assistance of her sons, the large 
business he had established. It should be stated that her son-in-law, also 
helps to conduct the affairs of the concern. This worthy lady [Mrs. Gertrude 
(LOEHRER) SCHWEINEM] is the mother of ten children, seven of whom are now 
dead, but William and Joseph lived to be reared to manhood. The living are: 
Katie, wife of Garrett SCHULKAMP, living in Madison [Dane County, WI] and 
connected with the Frederickson Lumber Company; Minnie, wife of John BLIED, 
of the firm of Blied Brothers, hardware merchants on State Street [Madison, 
Dane County, WI]; and Lena, wife of Frank HILGERS, now running the business 
of his mother-in-law. Mrs. [Gertrude] SCHWEINEM's children are members of 
the Church of the Holy Redeemer (Roman Catholic). She is a most estimable 
lady, highly esteemed and possessed of excellent business tact.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly