Anthony Wenzel

Anthony Wenzel, of the manufacturing firm of Wenzel Bros., at Le Roy, was born June 19, 1848, in Austria. His parents, Joseph and Caroline Wenzel, removed their family and interests from Austria to the United States in 1850 and located in Auburn, N.Y., the father obtaining his first employ in this county from Barber & Sons, woolen manufacturers in that city. Seven years later he again transferred his family to Wisconsin, settling on a farm 13 miles northwest of Milwaukee. After one year of agricultural effort they returned to Auburn and the senior Wenzel again engaged with his former employers, remaining in their service about six years. In 1864, the family came to Dorr, Allegan Co., Mich., where the homestead is stil retained. They were among its earliest pioneer settlers.Mr. Wenzel operated as his father's assistant until he was 20 years of age, when he obtained a situation in a shingle-mill in the township of Dorr. Sfter pursuing this occupation some time, the manufacturing firm of Wenzel & Sons was established with the father at the head. A year later the organization became Wenzel Brothers. The partnership existed five years and its business transactions were managed chiefly in Ensley Township, Newaygo Co., Mich. The firm dissolved in 1879, and in the spring of the following year Mr. Wenzel came to Osceola County and engaged in stocking a mill which was managed by his brother. In the fall of 1882 the present association was instituted, which has since prosecuted the manufacture of lumber and shingles, and is doing an extensive business in hard-wood planing. They have producing capacity for 40,000 feet of lumber daily, and 40,000 shingles, and they own 200 acres of timber land easily accessible from their works. Mr. Wenzel is the individual owner of 11 improved lots in Le Roy village. He was formerly a Republican, but is now an adherent of the Prohibition element.

He was married at Dorr, April 22, 1870, to Ellen Burke, and they have had four children: Harry F., who was born Feb. 8, 1873; Caroline R., Oct. 10, 1874; Irvin L., Dec. 22, 1877; and Albert, born April 18, 1880, who died July 9, 1881. Mrs. Wenzel was born Oct. 15, 1852, in Medina Co., Ohio. She is the daughter of Thomas and Betsey (Quinn) Burke, natives of Ireland, who emigrated to the United States after their marriage, and who located in the Buckeye State. In 1867 they removed thence to Allegan Co., Mich., where the father died May 6, 1880. The mother is still a resident there.Mr. Wenzel holds the office of Trustee in the Baptist Church at Le Roy, and is Sunday-school Superintendent.

Return to: [OsceolaCounty MIGenWeb Page]
Return to: [Index to Bios]