Gustof H. Genrich, 1862

stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org on Tue, 13 Feb 2001

Surname: GENRICH, MASS, PETERS

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

GUSTOF H. GENRICH, better known as Gust., proprietor of an up-to-date blacksmith's shop in Dorchester, Clark County, was born in Germany, June 15, 1862. His father, August Genrich, was a wagon-maker, who died in 1896 at the age of 74 years. Mr. Genrich's mother, whose maiden name was Berdenia Mass, died in 1887, when 62 years old. From his father Gust Genrich learned the wagon-maker's trade. In 1879 he came to the United States and for some time followed his trade in different places in New York and Pennsylvania, going from the latter state to Berlin, Wis., where he followed his trade.

From Berlin he went to Michigan, where he was foreman of shops for several years in the mining districts. From Michigan he removed to Dorchester in 1894. Here he started a shop and has built up an excellent business, not only as a blacksmith, but also as a dealer in all kinds of farm implements. His shop, which is located in a good two-story frame building, is fitted up with two forges and a gasoline engine for furnishing power, and he gives employment to two or three men all the time. For the accommodation of his implement business he has also a large warehouse. A man of progressive and enterprising spirit, Mr. Genrich has not been satisfied to follow only the usual routine of his business, but in 1911 he patented a sleigh knee of his invention, which is called the Malleable Oscillating Sleigh Knee, and under the same patent he also manufactures a boy's bob-sled. This branch of his business has grown until he is now shipping these goods to the Dakotas, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana, as well as to various parts of Wisconsin.

In 1903, having by this time become recognized as a permanent acquisition to Dorchester, Mr. Genrich was elected as a member of the village board, and in 1907 to the Mayville township board. He has also served on the finance committee of the school board. For the last ten years and up to the present time he has held the office of village treasurer. He is a member of the Odd Fellows' Lodge, and of the Camp of Modern Woodmen of America, having passed through the chairs in the former organization.

In 1888 Mr. Genrich was united in marriage with Matilda Peters, who was born in Oshkosh, Wis., March 23, 1872, daughter of John and Mary Peters. Her father was born April 28, 1814, and her mother, Sept. 25, 1830. Mr. and Mrs. Genrich are the parents of eight children, whose names and respective are as follows: William, born Oct., 1889; Olga, Sept. 18, 1891; Otto, Nov. 4, 1893; Huogo, Jan. 22, 1896; Henry, June 1, 1898; Ehner, Sept. 3, 1903; Lawrence, Oct. 5, 1905; and Lloyd, June 1, 1908.