Bio: Derge, Julius (1914)

Contact: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Derge, Grewe, Kneer

----Source: History of Eau Claire County Wisconsin (1914) pages 696-697

Julius Derge, the popular manufacturer and jobber of cigars in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is the son of Ferdinand and Augusta (Grewe) Derge, and born in Neiderfenow, Province of Brandenburg, Germany, July 1, 1853. He was reared in his native country, acquiring his education in the public schools. Emigrating to the United States in 1870, he came to Wisconsin and spent one year at Rolling Prairie, after which in 1871 he went to Milwaukee and learned the cigar makers' trade. In 1875 he settled in Eau Claire and in partnership with his brother, Ferdinand, engaged in business for himself under the firm name of J. Derge & Brother. This partnership continued until the death of Ferdinand in 1891. Mr. Derge has since conducted the business alone and from a small beginning, has by his fair and upright dealings, built up a manufacturing and jobbing trade second to none in this part of the state. His popular brands of cigars, the "Eau Claire Club"" and the "D. B." are in great demand not only in Wisconsin, but in adjoining states. Mr. J. Derge is ranked among the progressive and substantial business men of Eau Claire.

On April 10, 1879, he married Miss Anna Kneer, daughter of Mathias Kneer, a pioneer hotel keeper of Eau Claire, and they have three sons, Julius, Jr.; Mathias, and Frank. In religious belief Mr. Derge is a Lutheran, and fraternally, is a member of Freiden Lodge, No. 254, Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Eau Claire, while in polities he is independent.