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Biography For Frederick Kickbusch

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Author:
Bill Hart

Background:

Frederick Kickbusch was born in Colberg, Province of Pomerania, Prussia, on January 28, 1841.  He came to America in 1857, resided in Milwaukee for three years, then came to Marathon County and started farming in the town of Stettin.  In 1862 he moved to Wausau and formed a partnership with his brother, August in the lumber business.  Ten years later the partnership was dissolved and Frederick went back into the lumber business by himself.  In 1874 he erected Wausau’s first planing mill and sash and door factory under the firm name of Werheim & Kickbusch.  They stayed in business together for nine years then Mr. Kickbusch became sole owner before the mill was destroyed by fire.

Accomplishments:

In 1881 Mr. Kickbusch rebuilt a flour and feed mill and operated it until 1892. He then leased it to the Jackson Milling Company for five years, reclaiming control of the mill in May 1897. 

 

Frederick Kickbusch was elected county treasurer in 1872 and was twice re-elected, and served as a member of the state assembly in 1878 - 1879.  He served as chairman of the county board for several terms.

 

On June 29, 1893, Frederick Kickbusch was appointed by President Grover Cleveland as consul to Stettin, one of the largest ports in Germany.  Shortly before his term expired he resigned and returned to Wausau to re-enter the milling business.   

Mr. Kickbusch was a member of the voluntary fire department from its beginning in 1869 and for several years was its foreman.  He was also the president of the State Firemen’s Association for three years.

 

Frederick Kickbusch was married on October 28, 1864 to Mathilde Braatz.  They were blessed with four children.    

Frederick Kickbusch died on September 12, 1907. He is buried in Pine Grove Cemetery in Wausau, WI.

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Other Information

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Date of Birth: 1-28-1841

Place of Birth: Prussia

Date of Death: 9-12-1907

Place of Burial: Pine Grove Cemetery Wausau, WI

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