WI BIO - Kenosha Co - REMER, Harry E.

History of Kenosha and Kenosha County, Wisconsin. Lyman. Chicago: Clarke 
Publishing, 1916, vol II, pp 432-435; portrait Harry E. REMER p 433

Harry E. REMER, city of Kenosha, Kenosha County, Wisconsin, proprietor of one 
of Kenosha's oldest established and best equipped laundries, was born 18 July 
1861 in Tonica, La Salle County, Illinois, a son of Charles V. and Martha J. 
(OGDEN) REMER. The father [Charles V. REMER], who devoted his life to 
harness making, has now passed away, but the mother [Martha J. (OGDEN) REMER 
if not remarried] is living in California. During the early boyhood of Harry 
E. REMER the family removed to Iowa, and there he attended the public schools.

Harry E. REMER started in the business world as a clerk in a furniture store, 
and in 1884 he became connected with the laundry business as driver of a 
wagon in Council Bluffs [Pottawattamie County], Iowa. He spent four years as 
an employee with that establishment, and in 1888 purchased an interest in the 
business. About 1891 he sold out at Council Bluffs and went to Hastings 
[Adams County], Nebraska, where he conducted a laundry until 1893. He 
afterwards worked for one of the state institutions of Minnesota, and in 1894 
opened a laundry in Chicago [Cook County, Illinois].

Later in 1894 he came to Kenosha and purchased from Jim MILLS the Kenosha 
Steam Laundry. Harry E. REMER conducted business at the original location 
until about 1908, when he removed to 922 Elizabeth street [renamed 63rd 
Street about 1926], where he erected a building. He has since carried on a 
growing trade at that number, and is today [1916] one of the oldest 
laundrymen of Wisconsin, having a splendidly equipped plant supplied with all 
modern machinery, having gained a place among the representative business men 
of Kenosha.

On 24 December 1883 Mr. [Harry E.] REMER married Miss Ella M. WILLIAMS of 
Council Bluffs [Pottawattamie County], Iowa, whose father, John WILLIAMS, was 
one of the pioneers of that city. Mrs. [Ella M. (WILLIAMS) REMER passed away 
12 February 1914. They had an adopted daughter, Remer REMER, who is now 
attending school at Beaver Dam [Dodge County, Wisconsin].

Mr. REMER is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Royal League, Mystic 
Workers, and Yeomen. He attends the Congregational church and contributes to 
its support. He gives his political allegiance to the Republican party where 
national questions and issues are involved, but casts an independent ballot 
locally. His influence is always on the side of advancement and improvement, 
and he stands for those things which are most worth while in the material, 
intellectual, social and moral progress of the community.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly