OBRECHT, Christian
Commemorative and Biographical Record of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, 
WI. Chicago: Ogle, 1901, p 409-410

Christian OBRECHT, deceased, was one of the most important factors in the 
business circles of Sauk City, Sauk County, WI. The possibilities that 
America offers to her citizens he utilized, and though he came to this 
country in limited circumstances, he steadily and perseveringly worked his 
way upward, leaving the ranks of the many to stand among the successful few. 
Mr. OBRECHT was born in Jenins, Canton Graubuenden [Canton Graubünden], 
Switzerland, 09 Jul 1830, and had but a limited opportunity to secure an 
education, for at the age of 14 years he was sent to the city of Rezeschow, 
Poland, to learn the confectioner's trade. After gaining a good practical 
knowledge of the business he returned to his native land in 1849, and the 
same year came to the U. S., locating first at St. Louis [St. Louis County], 
MO, where he worked at his trade until coming to Sauk City [Sauk County], WI, 
in 1855. Here he was first employed as a clerk in a store and later engaged 
in mercantile pursuits on his own account, opening a general store in 1857. 
He was soon firmly established in business, and the following year added to 
his growing business a lumber trade. This gave him an extended acquanitance 
and [p 410] under his efficient management became the leading lumber mart in 
this section of the state, his trade extending over a large amount of 
territory. He was quite popular among the people and very successful in 
business enterprises. He was also an important factor in the development and 
building of the place.

In Sauk City [Sauk County, WI] Mr. OBRECHT married Miss Caroline HITZENMEIER, 
who was born in Mengerhausen, Germany, 16 Nov 1835, and in 1845 came to the 
new world with her parents, Charles and Louisa (GOETE) HITZENMEIER. They 
located in Sauk City, which at that time was a very small hamlet, and in 
those early days Mrs. OBRECHT knew every dog and cat as well as every person 
in the village. Here she picked wild strawberries and in true pioneer style 
spent her girlhood. Her father, who was a carpenter by trade, was the first 
contractor and builder in Sauk City and erected the first Catholic church 
there, but in later years he followed farming upon upon land for which he 
paid $14 per acre. He died here [Sauk City, Sauk County, WI] in 1888, and 
his wife passed away 17 Jul 1870.

In his political affiliation Mr. OBRECHT was a Republican, but cared nothing 
for the honors or emoluments of public office, preferring to give his entire 
attention to his business interests. He met with marked success in his 
undertakings and accumulated a large property, having secured real estate in 
various portions of the northwest. He united with the Masonic fraternity in 
1862 and was connected with the same until his death, which occurred 14 May 
1895. He was an upright, reliable business man, genial and pleasant in 
manner, and in his death the community realized that it had lost one of its 
best and most valued citizens. His widow, who is a most estimable lady, 
still resides in the beautiful home he erected in Sauk City.

Contributed by Cathy Kubly