Julius Bodenstab facts for kids

Julius Bodenstab (born January 13, 1834 – died June 1, 1916) was a German immigrant who became a successful businessman and an early settler in Wisconsin. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, which is like the state's House of Representatives. He represented the city of Sheboygan from 1873 to 1874. His son, Henry Bodenstab, also became a politician, serving in the Wisconsin State Senate.

Who Was Julius Bodenstab?

Julius Bodenstab was an important figure in Wisconsin's history. He was known for being a farmer, a soldier in the Civil War, and a politician. He also became a successful businessman.

Early Life and Moving to America

Julius Bodenstab was born on January 13, 1834, in a place called Ronnenberg in the Kingdom of Hanover, which is now part of Germany. When he was 12 years old, in 1846, he moved to the United States with his parents.

They first settled in Albany, New York. But a year later, in 1847, they moved to the Wisconsin Territory. They made their home in a community called Hermans Grove, in Herman in Sheboygan County. Julius went to school and later became a farmer.

Fighting in the Civil War

During the American Civil War, Julius Bodenstab decided to join the army. He became part of a group of volunteers from his area called the "Herman Tigers." This group became Company C in the 27th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment of the Union Army.

Julius started as a second lieutenant, which is a junior officer rank. In March 1863, he was promoted to first lieutenant and moved to Company I. His regiment fought in the western part of the war. They were involved in important battles like the Vicksburg Campaign. They also took part in operations in Arkansas and Alabama. Julius left the army in August 1865 when the war ended.

After the war, Julius bought the family farm from his father. In 1867, he married Friedericke Schuette, who was also a German immigrant. They had four children: one girl and three boys.

Becoming a Politician

Julius Bodenstab was active in his local community. He served as the town clerk and chairman of the town board for Herman. These roles are like being a secretary and a leader for the local government.

In 1870, he ran for a seat in the Wisconsin State Assembly. He was a candidate for the Republican Party. However, he lost that election to Charles Œtling.

Julius tried again in 1872. This time, he ran as a member of the Liberal Republican group. This group worked with the Democrats in Wisconsin, forming what was called the Reform Party. Julius won this election. He was re-elected in 1873 without anyone running against him.

While in the Assembly, he worked on committees that dealt with the military and election rules. He decided not to run for re-election in 1874. Joseph Wedig, another member of the Reform Party, took his place.

Life After Politics

Around 1875, Julius Bodenstab sold his farm. He then started a business in real estate, which means buying and selling land and buildings. He even built the Howards Grove Cheese Factory in 1878. Today, this factory is a museum that shows how cheese was made a long time ago. It's known as "The Julius Bodenstab Cheese Factory."

Julius later moved to Milwaukee. He stayed in touch with his family in Germany. He even helped one of his nephews come to America in 1902. In 1904, the government increased his monthly pension, which is money paid to him for his military service.

In 1908, his son, Henry, who was a lawyer, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate. Julius Bodenstab passed away in Milwaukee on June 1, 1916. He is buried in Forest Home Cemetery in Milwaukee.