WI BIO - Kenosha Co - ZENS, John & Michael F.

History of Kenosha & Kenosha County, Wisconsin. Lyman. Chicago: Clarke 
Publishing Co., 1916, v II, pp 235, 399-400

Biography of John ZENS - pp 399-400 [brother of Michael F.]

John ZENS, who for thirteen years has been actively engaged in the real 
estate and insurance business in Kenosha, was born 26 February 1880 in 
Kenosha, Kenosha County, Wisconsin, a son of Albert and Henrina (ANGENENDT) 
ZENS, both of whom were natives of Germany, whence they came to the United 
States in early life. The father was one of the early settlers of Kenosha 
[called Southport until 07 February 1850], and the mother became a resident 
of this city at a later date. Here they [Albert and Henrina (ANGENENDT) 
ZENS] continued to reside until called to their final rest and were well 
known in Kenosha.

John ZENS attended St. George's parochial school and also the College of 
Commerce, being graduated with the first class to complete a course of study 
in that institution. He then entered mercantile circles as clerk and 
bookkeeper in a clothing store, where he was employed for four and a half 
years, and later he accepted a position in the First National Bank, also 
remaining there for four and a half years. In 1903 his father [Albert ZENS] 
died, and John ZENS became his successor in the real estate and insurance 
business. He has since been active in that line. He is thoroughly informed 
concerning real estate values and has negotiated many important realty 
transfers. He also represents a number of the most substantial insurance 
companies and writes many policies annually.

On 03 August 1904 Mr. [John] ZENS was married to Miss Anna BROCKHAUS [p 400] 
of Kenosha [Kenosha County, Wisconsin], a daughter of Herman and Susan 
(BUCHMAN) BROCKHAUS, who were early settlers of Kenosha. The children born 
of this marriage [of John and Anna (BROCKHAUS) ZENS] are Robert, Adelaide, 
Claude, and John Jr. Mr. and Mrs. [John] ZENS are members of St. George's 
Catholic church, and he is also identified with the Knights of Columbus and 
the Catholic Order of Foresters. In politics he maintains an independent 
course, voting for the candidates whom he regards as best qualified for 
office without considering party affiliation. He prefers to concentrate his 
energies upon business affairs and although he entered upon a business 
already established he has displayed ability in enlarging and promoting it, 
gaining a most creditable clientage.

Biography of Michael F. ZENS - p 235 [brother of John]

Michael F. ZENS, who since 1908 has occupied the position of assistant 
postmaster in Kenosha, was born in Kenosha, Kenosha County, Wisconsin, 24 
February 1877, a son of Albert and Henrina (ANGENENDT) ZENS, both of whom 
were natives of Germany. On coming to Kenosha the father turned his 
attention to general merchandising and was thus actively identified with the 
commercial interests of the city for a considerable period. He also took an 
active part in public affairs, serving for several years as Alderman, during 
which period he exercised his official prerogatives in support of many 
progressive public measures. To him and his wife [to Albert and Henrina 
(ANGENENDT) ZENS] were born ten children, two of whom have passed away. The 
parents were members of St. George's Catholic church and died in that faith.

Michael F. ZENS supplemented his public school training by a year's study in 
the College of Commerce and then entered the printing business in the employ 
of John A. KILLEEN on the Kenosha "Union." He afterward became connected 
with the "Telegraph Courier" and set the type for the first issue of that 
paper. He afterward ran a job printing office of his own until 1908, when he 
was appointed assistant postmaster of Kenosha, and has since occupied that 
position, covering a period of eight years.

On 29 May 1901 Mr. [Michael F.] ZENS was married to Miss Helen A. WADE of 
Kenosha, Kenosha County, Wisconsin, a daughter of George A. and Susan WADE. 
Michael F. and Helen A. (WADE) ZENS have become parents of seven children, 
one of whom has now passed away, while those who survive are: Louise, 
Frances, Virgil, Callista, Marcella, and LaVerne. Mr. and Mrs. ZENS are 
members of St. George's Catholic Church and Mr. ZENS is identified with the 
Catholic Order of Foresters, the Knights of Columbus, the Elks and the 
Equitable Fraternal Union, being Treasurer of the last named. His political 
allegiance is given to the Republican party and he is one of the active 
workers in its ranks. He served for four years as Secretary of the county 
committee and does everything in his power to promote the growth and secure 
the success of Republican principles. His nature, social and genial, has won 
him many friends and gained him wide popularity.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly