Henry Pischer, 1867

stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org on Wed, 14 Feb 2001

Surname: PISCHER, HORN, GORBECH

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

HENRY PISCHER, a well known agriculturist of Grant Township, was born in Schassing, Germany, Sept. 24, 1867, son of Gottlieb and Mary (Horn) Pischer. The parents, who were natives of the same country, followed farming for a livelihood. Seeking to better his condition, Gottlieb Pischer came to America with his family in 1872. His children, who accompanied him and his wife, were Mary, Christina, William, Gottlieb, John, Ben and Henry.

On arriving in Clark County they located in Section 9, on the land now occupied by Henry Gorbech, the tract then consisting of 120 acres, all wild. Here he built a log house and barn. There was no road to his place, but he had a yoke of oxen and began at once to clear his land. After residing there for six years, Gottlieb Pischer sold the farm to his son, William, and went back to Germany, taking back three of the children--John, Dan and Henry. He never returned, but died there at the age of 82 years. His wife died when 67 years old.

They were members of the Lutheran Church, and helped to build the church of that denomination in Grant Township. Henry Pischer attended school for a short time in Germany, and for about six weeks after coming to Clark County, which was practically all the schooling he received. When about 21 years old he returned to the United States and began working for the farmers in Grant Township, being thus occupied for some six years. He then purchased eighty acres of partly improved land in Section 14, on which was a log building, and resided there for one year, at the end of which time he settled on his present place, consisting of twenty-eight acres in Section 15, and eighty-eight acres in Section 16. About fifty-five acres were improved when he moved onto it, the rest being covered with stumps, but now the entire farm is cleared. Mr. Pischer has also improved the house and barn and set out shade trees. At one time he raised a considerable quantity of graded stock, and still continues in that business, though not quite so extensively. He has taken a great interest in farmers' co-operative associations, having been a member of several.

Formerly, also, he was a stock-holder in the First National Bank, but sold out his shares; he is a small share holder in the Granton bank, and is interested in the Lynn Telephone Company and the Lynn Insurance Company. His religious affiliations are with the German Lutheran Church. In early days he took an active part in the general development of the township, helping to make good roads and to build a school. Mr. Pischer is married and he and his wife have had eleven children--Oswaldt, Harold, Alvin, Elma, Clara, Reuben, Elsie, Hilda,
Dan, Ida, Eda and Edna.