From Memorial and Genealogical Record of Dodge and Jefferson Counties, Wisconsin, 
publ. 1894 - Page 43-44
 
JOHN HABHEGGER.  Being one of the enterprising and progressive citizens of 
Watertown, Mr. HABHEGGER engaged in business as a member of JOSSI & 
HABHEGGER, manufactures of cheese.  He is a native of the Canton of Bern, 
Switzerland, born April 19, 1844, and is a son of John and Anna (ZNETHI) 
HABHEGGER.  His parents immigrated to the United States in 1853, and took up their 
residence in Watertown.  The father engaged in farming for two years, after which he 
carried on merchandising in Watertown for some time.  In 1877 he left that place and 
removed to Fort Atkinson, Wis., where he was engaged in the insurance business until his 
death, which occurred in 1890.  In his family were eleven children, eight of whom are yet 
living, four sons and four daughters: Ulrich, Mrs. E. LEHMANN, Fred, Godfrey, 
Barbara, Margaret, John, and Lena.  All are now married.
 
The gentleman whose name heads this record was a lad of nine summers when, with his 
parents, he crossed the Atlantic.  Since that time he has been a resident of Jefferson 
County, and has become widely and favorably known.  His early education was acquired 
in the schools of his native land, and was supplemented by study in the public schools of 
this locality.  After coming to Wisconsin he aided his father in the cultivation of the farm, 
but subsequently learned the butchers' trade, which he followed until 1862.
 
In that year Mr. HABHEGGER laid aside all business pursuits to enter the service of his 
adopted country.  He joined the Union army, becoming a member of Company D, 
Twenty-third Wisconsin Infantry, and served until the close of the war with the rank of 
corporal.  He participated in the battles of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Greenville, 
Cyprus Bend, Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Champion's Hill, Black River Bridge, the siege 
of Vicksburg and others.  At Vicksburg he was wounded by a gun-shot.  He afterward 
participated in the battles of Jackson, Carrion Crow Bayou and Mansfield, La., and at the 
last named was again slightly wounded by a gun-shot in his right side.  Among the last 
engagements with which he was connected were the siege and capture of Spanish Fort 
and Fort Blakeley.  On the 4th of July, 1865, he was honorably discharged at Mobile, 
Ala., having for three years, on many a Southern battle-field, faithfully followed the old 
flag which now floats triumphantly over a united nation.
 
After his return home Mr. HABHEGGER worked for his brother a short time, and in 
1867 he embarked in merchandising in Watertown, continuing business along that line 
until 1892.  In 1890 he became associated with Mr. JOSSI in the manufacture of cheese, 
and is now giving his entire time and attention to that enterprise.
 
Mr. HABHEGGER was married in 1868 to Miss Lena SCHULTZ, a native of 
Watertown, and six children have been born of their union: Emma, Charles J., Bertha, 
Hattie, Anna, and Margaret.  Mr. HABHEGGER has led a busy and useful life, but has 
found time to devote to public interests, and has served as alderman and supervisor and 
was deputy-collector of internal revenue under President Cleveland's first administration.  
He is now a member of the school board and is recognized as one of the leading and 
enterprising citizens of Watertown.  He holds membership with several civic societies 
and also belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic.
 
Submitted by Carol