Bio: Widmer, Elmer D. (1879 - 19??)

Contact: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Widmer, Kellicutt, Kelly, Backmann

----Source: History of Marathon County Wisconsin and Representative Citizens, by Louis Marchetti, 1913.

Widmer, Elmer D. (5 March 1879 - 19??)

Elmer D. Widmer, proprietor of the Wausau Business College at Wausau, Wis., which, through a steady and healthy growth is developing into a potent educational enterprise of this section, was born at Rockton, Vernon County, Wis. March 5, 1879, and is a son of Arnold and Viola (Kellicutt) Widmer. Arnold Widmer was born at Richterswil. Switzerland, and lived in Switzerland, France and Germany until he was nineteen years of age, when he came to the United States. His parents, who were Arnold W. and Barbara (Backmann) Widmer, spent their lives at Richterswil, in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland. After coming to Wisconsin, Arnold Widmer was married to Miss Viola Kellicutt, a daughter of David and Judith (Kelly) Kellicutt, who lived in Monroe County. Wis.

Elmer D. Widmer attended the state graded school at Rockton and secured a teacher's certificate and taught school for four years. In 1900 he became a student in the Normal School at Stevens Point, where he profitably spent four years. On March 1, 1906, as half owner, he embarked in his present enterprise, one that has met with a hearty reception and of which he became full owner on November 10, 1906, purchasing the building on May 23, 1911. This he has entirely remodeled and in its present condition, equipments and opportunities, it is a credit to the city. Mr. Widmer belongs to that class of earnest citizens who love their country and intend to closely watch the future in political trend, being no longer complacent to see either easily swayed holders of power, or untried politicians the guiding forces of the government. Formerly Mr. Widmer was a Republican. He belongs to the Wausau Lodge, F. & A. M., of which he is junior warden, and belongs also to the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Widmer is unmarried.