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William Bieber

1828 - 1894

William Bieber, fancy dry-goods merchant; born in Bavaria Nov. 6, 1828; came to America April 8, 1851; spent a short time in New York and Philadelphia - then came to Milwaukee, where he remained about a year; came to Watertown in April, 1852. He was first engaged in the brewing business here with his brother Charles, who afterward went to St. Louis and died there; carried on the brewery about six months; then commenced mercantile business. Mr. Bieber has served thirteen years as a member of the School Board, seven years as School Superintendent, six years as School Commissioner and Clerk; he is now serving his fourth term as County Supervisor; he was twice elected Alderman.

Up to the time, probably no citizen took more interest in educational matters and other concerns of the city than Mr. Bieber. On June 15, 1853, he was married to Agatha Strohmenger; she was born in Bavaria May 12, 1835.

They had eight children: Annie (Mrs. John Matzek) of Milwaukee), Charles, William, Jr., Frank, Lena, Laura, Minnie and Henry.

Mr. Bieber was a member of the Turner Society. Buried in Oak Hill Cemetery. [above from unknown source]

t More on Miss Minnie Bieber t

Miss Minnie Bieber

Watertown Gazette, 06 22 1894

Miss Minnie Bieber returned from St. Paul, where she has been for the past four months. While there she learned the W.S. Squan Tailor system of cutting and fitting, and otherwise obtained the latest ideas of dressmaking. Hence all ladles who want something stylish this season should not forget to call on her.

Wm. Bieber & Co

Watertown Democrat, 10 21 1858

ASSIGNEE’S SALE

All the goods and chattels [property] of the late firm of Wm. Bieber & Co, having been assigned to me for the benefit of the creditors of said firm, I shall sell out for New York prices all the goods and articles of the store.

This is a rare chance for dealers and all that want to save money; among the great variety of goods are the following:

A large lot of all kinds of Toys, Fancy Goods, Bird Cages, Fancy and Work Baskets, Portmonia [woman’s purse wallet] and Wallets, Pocket Knives, Accordions, Perfumery, etc.

Also, an immense stock of Confectioneries and Candies, Dried and Preserved Fruit, Jellies, Pickles, Pickled Lobsters, Sardines, Spirits of all kinds, Playing Cards, Segars [Cigars] and Tobacco, etc., together with all the fixtures in the store, [such] as Jars, Nice Covered Barrels, etc, etc.

Come One Come All and buy for half the former price.

Charles Riedinger, Assignee, Watertown

Toy Store For Sale

Watertown Democrat, 11 18 1858

A toy store for sale—William Bieber & Co.’s large toy store is about to be sold at public auction . . . A more varied stock of fancy articles has never been brought to this city and viewers wishing to purchase for the approaching holidays have now an excellent opportunity. Be on hand when the sale commences and buy at your own prices.

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Bieber operated a saloon and served as Watertown's city clerk.  Was the most involved in local politics of any of the Forty-Eighters.