Frank Firnstahl, 1857

stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org on Fri, 16 Feb 2001

Surname: FIRNSTAHL, WERMES, HERTZ

----Source: History of Clark County, Wisconsin (1918), by Franklyn, Curtiss-Wedge

FRANK FIRNSTAHL, one of the leading merchants of Colby, Wis., where he is engaged in the boot and shoe business, was born in Austria, Oct. 4, 1857. In 1875, at the age of 18 years, he accompanied his parents, Michael and Katherine (Wermes) Firnstahl, to the United States, first locating at Nashville, Tenn., and then removing to Louisville, Ky. Their stay in both places was short, for they soon came to Wisconsin, residing in Stevens Point for a short time and then coming to Colby.

Michael Firnstahl then bought forty acres of land in Hull Township, Marathon County, where he built a log cabin, in which he resided for two years. He then built a frame house, which was his subsequent home and which is still standing. He was engaged in the dairy business, keeping Holstein cattle, with the care of which he had been familiar from early youth. He died in 1893 at the age of 70 years.

His wife survived him a number of years, her death occurring in 1909 when she was 82 years old. Their children were Michael, Jr., Peter, John, Joseph, Nicholas, Mathew, Frank, Paul, Stephen and Michael, second. Of these children all are now dead, except Frank, Paul and Michael. Paul is living on the old homestead. Frank Firnstahl finished his school studies at the high school of McGregor, Iowa, in 1877, and then began to learn the shoemaker's trade there, remaining one year.

Then coming to Colby, he worked for others here for three years, and then started in business for himself. He is now the only merchant in town dealing exclusively in boots In 1886 his place was destroyed by fire but in the following year he erected the building in which he has since been located. He is a stockholder in the Colby Cheesea-box Silo Company.

Mr. Firnstahl has been active in county politics for many years, giving his allegiance to the Democratic party. In 1896 he was elected justice of the peace, in which office he is still serving. He was also city treasurer for seventeen years, being elected in 1895.

His society affiliations are with the Beavers Reserve Fund Fraternity and the Equitable Fraternity Union, in both of which orders he has been through all the chairs.

Mr. Firnstahl was married May 2, 1882, to Rose Adrains, who was born in Freedom, Wis., May 18, 1865. She died April 29, 1885, leaving two children: Luciliai now Mrs. William Wendt, of Monroe, Wis., and Rose, who resides at home with her father. Mr. Firnstahl married for his second wife, Feb. 25, 1897, Augusta Hertz, who was born in Dodge County, Wis., May 8, 1875, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Hertz. Of this second union, six children have been born: Floyd, Richard, Alpheus, Lea, Louis and Lawrence. The daughter, Lucilia, has four children, William, Howard, Agnes and Robert.

Responses

Firnstahl family tree
Contact: Terra Amador
Email:  arretamador@gmail.com

Hi my name is Terra Amador but my maiden name is Firnstahl. My father is Timothy Firnstahl who is the second oldest of five brothers. Jerry (deceased), Timothy (dad), Paul, Greg and Joe. All the children of Jerome and Dorothy Firnstahl. Jerome Firnstahl's father Germanus Whilhelm Firnstahl began selling peanuts in Pike Place Market in 1921 when he bought his first peanut roaster. He later become the creator of Sunny Jim Peanut butter (that was named after his deceased son Lowell. I am the oldest grandchild of Jerome and Dorothy Firnstahl and am interested in finding out more about my family's history. I just celebrated (yesterday) my granpa's 96th birthday with him and the Firnstahl brothers. My granpa is still the sharpest guy I know (his jokes and stories are always two steps ahead of the group)and he loves to tell stories about his past experiences. Which is great because I am interested in learning details about our family history. The problem is that my grandpa is such a comedian that lots of times he adds to the story and I wind up not knowing what parts are made up and what are not. So, my question to you is, do you have any information in your family tree that relates you to the Firnstahls? My e-mail address is arretamador@gmail.com and if you do find we are related I would be interested in learning any information you have and more about you also. Thank you, Terra Amador.