LOHR, Gottlieb
Commemorative and Biographical Record of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, 
WI. Chicago: Ogle, 1901, p 263-264

A brilliant example of a self-made American citizen and a grand 
exemplification of the progress that an ambitious foreigner can make in a 
country of unbounded opportunities is shown in the case of Mr. LOHR, one of 
the leading German-American residents of Sauk City [Sauk County], WI. For 
many years he was actively identified with the agricultural interests of Sauk 
County, but two years ago he gave up business life and removed to the 
village, where he is now a resident.

Mr. LOHR was born in Prussia, Germany, 07 Jun 1835, and acquired a limited 
education in his native land. In 1854, in company with his parents and seven 
other children, he emigrated to America, where they hoped to improve their 
financial condition. By close economy and careful management they saved 
enough to pay their passage, embarked at Bremen on a sailing vessel, which 
was 60 days in crossing the Atlantic. They landed at NY, 30 Aug 1854, and 
proceded at once to Sauk County, WI, where they secured work at whatever they 
could find to do.

Our subject found employment working with a threshing machine, and received 
50 cents per day and his board, which seemed to him at that time very good 
wages, as it was much more than he had ever earned before. This brought 
before him visions of wealth and fortune quickly secured. He next worked for 
a farmer at $5 per month, and the following winter made for him oak shingles 
which were used in covering a new granary which the farmer built and which 
was soon afterward destroyed by fire. Later he was employed by another 
farmer at $144 per year and remained with him three years and a half, during 
which time he saved all his money, being steady, industrious and economical, 
and spending nothing for beer and luxuries. At the end of twelve years spent 
in the employ of others, he managed to save considerable money, and in the 
meantime purchased 80 acres of raw land in Honey Creek Township, on time, and 
his wages went to pay the interest and complete the purchase. He then 
located upon his land and turned his attention to its cultivation and 
improvement.

About this time Mr. LOHR married Miss Helena HARTMANN, and together they 
worked night and day until they had one of the best improved farms of the 
locality. At times Mr. LOHR worked for others and as his financial resources 
increased he added to his land until he now has a fine farm of 192 acres, 
which is operated by his son. Our subject erected theron a nice stone house 
20x30, with a kitchen 18x24 feet, all two stories high, a barn 40x70 feet, 
and good outbuildings, all of which he keeps in excellent repair. His place 
is supplied with all kinds of farm machinery, and he also has a fine 
threshing machine outfit, purchased at a cost of $2,400; a sorghum mill, 
which cost $350; and a saw mill, where, during the winter season, from 75,000 
to 125,000 feet of lumber are manufactured.

Mr. and Mrs. LOHR have five children: (1) John, a farmer of Troy Township, 
Sauk County [WI], whose place cost $8,000; (2) Chris, who lives on the home 
farm; (3) Amelia, wife of William WENZEL, by whom she has three children; 
(4) Herman, a school teacher; and (5) Emma, at home. All of the children 
have [p 264] been given good educational advantages, and the family are 
members of the Lutheran church. In his political views Mr. LOHR is a 
Republican. His word in business transactions is considered as good as his 
bond, and when purchasing a threshing machine he would not sign a contract 
but said he would pay the amount in so many days, and he did pay it before 
that time. He is a man of excellent judgment and good business ability, is 
upright and reliable in all things, and is justly recognized as one of the 
most energetic and representative citizens of Sauk City [Sauk County, WI].

Contributed by Cathy Kubly