WI BIO - Waupaca Co - WIPF, J. & C.

History of Northern Wisconsin. Chicago: Western Historical, 1881, vol II, p 
1107

The firm of Wipf Brothers, Iola [on the southern border of Iola Township, 
Waupaca County, Wisconsin], consists of two brothers, J. WIPF and C. WIPF, 
both born in Switzerland, J. in 1834, and C. in 1836. From six to thirteen 
years of age they were obliged to attend school. At thirteen J. was put into 
a silk factory and learned the dyer's trade, and followed it until he was 
twenty years of age. C. WIPF was placed in a silk factory and learned the 
stamping trade, and followed it until he came to America. In 1854 the 
parents of our subjects secured 160 acres from the Government and commenced 
to develop it.

C. WIPF learned the gunsmith's trade in Oshkosh [Winnebago County, Wisconsin] 
the second year after coming here, and spent one year in the South at his 
trade, but not liking it, he gave it up and returned to Iola. The brothers 
rented the saw mill at Iola for two years, of Mr. S. S. CHANDLER. In 1860 
the WIPFs traded their farm for a two thirds interest in the saw mill, and 
finally secured sole proprietorship. In 1861 they built a grist mill, with 
three run of stones. In 1862 they rebuilt the saw mill.

In 1864 J. WIPF and C. WIPF both enlisted in the 44th Wisconsin Infantry, and 
served until the close of the war. In 1874 their father disposed of his 
interest in the mills to his sons, and he died in 1875. They [C. and J. 
WIPF] now have in active operation at Iola: a grist, shingle, and saw mill. 
They commenced with nothing, but with persistent efforts they have 
established a thriving business.

In 1868 J. WIPF married Amelia LUTHOLD [a maiden name?]. They [J. and Amelia 
WIPF] had one child. Mr. [J.] WIPF is a Mason and a member of the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. J. WIPF has been Chairman [of Iola 
Township] several terms, and held other offices in his town.

In 1861 C. WIPF was married to Eliza BRAND [a maiden name?], of Iola [Waupaca 
County, Wisconsin], who was born in New York. They [C. and Eliza WIPF] have 
eight children, all at home. The oldest daughter is teaching the village 
school at Iola. C. WIPF has held several town offices. He is also a member 
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in 1881 was a representative 
from his Lodge to the Grand Lodge at Milwaukee.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly