Bio: Goetz, Philip (94th Birthday – 1970)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Goetz, Schlinsog, Newhouse, Fenner, Noeldner, Becker

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Loyal, Wis.) 07 May 1970

Philip Goetz brought his family from Doberstof, Germany in 1885. After reaching this country, on foot and with wagon they had wended their way to Heintown (Clark Co., Wis.), where they were to make their home.

In the family was nine year old John. He was born April 28, 1976 in the old country. From Heintown he trudged about six miles to Pelsdorf to attend the German school conducted by the Catholic church. The log school and church were on the site of the Harry Schlinsog factory, southeast of Loyal. He likes to recall the events of those days.

Heintown was an industrious place with the Hein aw and heading mills. The store contained the post office. There is little left of the place except the memories of the old timers.

When Goetz was old enough to work out he bought an English-German book so he could learn the English language. He worked in the woods at Tony for a number of years, and then returned to Heintown to farm.

On June 6, 1906, he was married to Maggie Newhouse. They raised four children: Romie Goetz, Route 2, Loyal; Mrs. Robert (Margaret) Fenner, St. Paul; Mrs. Herman (Lucille) Noeldner, Route 2, Loyal; and Mrs. Delbert (Florence) Becker, Route 1, Greenwood. There are twelve grandchildren, including three sets of twins, and twenty-two great-grandchildren.

Fifty-two years ago he became a citizen. His wife had been naturalized before, but he was refused several times before he received his papers.

During the winter months he has been making pot holders in his spare time. He has made sets for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Until recently he has also made axe and hammer handles from the "good" pieces of slab wood. These he whittled and scraped with his jack knife and a piece of glass. With good weather again he plans to make a garden. His garden is the kind neighbors wish they could own and he is generous in repaying favors with vegetables from his garden.

More than twenty year ago the couple moved to their home on Division Street in Loyal. In addition to making pot holders in his spare time, Mr. Goetz reads without glasses. He also takes care of his wife, who is confined to a wheel chair.