Bio: Kretlow, Edward C. (1852 - 19??)

Contact: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Kretlow, Schmidt, Heinemann, Staege

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

Kretlow, Edward C. (22 July 1852 - 19??)

Edward C. Kretlow, who is president of the Marathon County Abstract Company, with offices in the First National Bank Building at Wausau, Wis., has been a resident of this city for forty-six years and his interests, business, social and political, are mainly centered here. He was born at Milwaukee, Wis., July 22, 1852, and is a son of Edward and Fredericka (Schmidt) Kretlow.

During the first fourteen years of life, Mr. Kretlow lived in his native city and attended school there. His father was a music director and as a professional man came to Wausau with his family in 1866, but one and one-half years later returned to Milwaukee. In 1871 Edward C. Kretlow came back to Wausau and this city has continued his home ever since. Prior to this he had learned the cigar making trade, in Milwaukee, and established a factory of his own at Wausau, in which business he remained interested for thirty-two years and then disposed of his interests in that direction. During eight years he was a bookkeeper for the firm of Heinemann Bros., from 1880 until 1888, and was then elected, on the Democratic ticket, city clerk, and remained in that position through two terms and for the fourteen succeeding years was register of deeds for Marathon County. Still earlier than above mentioned, Mr. Kretlow had served officially, from 1874 until 1878 having been deputy circuit court clerk, and in all positions of trust and responsibility has fully met expectation and performed his duties in an efficient and satisfactory manner. After retiring from public service, Mr. Kretlow embarked in his present line of business and is president of the Marathon County Abstract Company, dealing in real estate, insurance and collections.

Mr. Kretlow married Miss Johanna Staege, who was born in Dodge County, Wis., and they have one son, Louis J. Mr. Kretlow has identified himself with the Odd Fellows and the order of United Workmen and belongs also to the Royal Arcanum. He is recognized as a sound, reliable business man and in every way is a representative citizen of Wausau.