website watertownhistory.org
ebook History of Watertown,
Wisconsin
Kusel's of Watertown
108-112 W Main
Celebrating over 150 years
In 1849, Kusel Equipment Co. started
in business
The hardware
business and the manufacturing business separated into two entities in 1938.
The
hardware store continued at 108 W. Main St,
while the
dairy equipment business moved to 100 W. Milwaukee St
http://www.kuselequipment.com/history.htm
1849
When
Daniel Kusel, Sr. immigrated to the United States
from Grabow, Germany in 1849, one would wonder if he
had any idea that the small tinsmith business he began would continue to be a
thriving corporation over 150 years later.
Daniel
Kusel, Sr. served his tinsmith apprenticeship in
Germany, Denmark, and Russia before establishing a business in Germany in 1836
as a "manufacturer of tin and brass goods." Because of the 1848 Revolution in Germany, in
1849, one year after Wisconsin was admitted into the Union, Kusel
came to the United States with his wife and four children, bringing $3,000 in
gold with him.
Kusel
reestablished himself in the tinware business upon
his arrival in Watertown, Wisconsin, later including the manufacture of copper
and sheet-iron products. Kusel also entered the hardware business almost
immediately.
At one
point in his first years in the city, Kusel
considered moving to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, but was persuaded to stay in Watertown
by his friend, Carl Schurz. Kusel was involved
in community activities, as well as being instrumental in establishing Northwestern College (presently Luther
Preparatory School) in Watertown.
In
1864 two of Daniel Kusel Sr.'s sons, Frederick and Daniel H. renamed the company as
"D & F Kusel", becoming incorporated in
1897.
The
hardware business and the manufacturing business separated into two entities in
1938. The hardware store continued at
On
Dairy
equipment has long been the backbone of Kusel. The
1960's marked the beginning of diversification in product lines. Diversification began with material handling
equipment used to palletize and depalletize cans,
cases, bottles, and bags.
In
1984 Kusel added stainless steel floor drains to
their product line. Because of their sanitary design, these drains are used in
the dairy, meat, wine, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food processing
industries.
A 1994
addition to Kusel Equipment Co. has been food
processing equipment, through the acquisition of select assets of Starr, Inc.
of Hustisford. The product line includes waterless
peelers/scrubbers, water vapor cookers, conveyors, and size graders.
The
most recent addition has been the 2003 acquisition of select assets of Vorton, Inc. of Beloit, WI.
Vortron is a leading manufacturing of
smokehouses used in the meat industry.
The firm was established in a
small frame building 14x48 feet, on the
site of the former Bott building.
_________________________________________________________________
1876
07 03 D. & F. Kusel are making
rapid progress with their new building.
When finished it will be one of the finest business blocks in town. WR or WD
1887
1895
02 06 Hardware
stock of E. A. Heck sold to D & F Kusel WR
03 06 Mention
made that Fellermann & Fischer mercantile business, 106 W Main, made possible by Messrs.
Kusels spacious new building WR
Drawing, 108-110 W Main, on left, 1895
1908 D.
& H. Kusel secured contract for placing the new
roof on the Phoenix engine house. July 10 WG
Harry
Leschinger learned plumbing trade from Kusel’s in 1908.
1909
02 06 Celebrate
60th Anniversary
The hardware firm of the D. and
F. Kusel Co. are making extensive preparations to
celebrate next week the 60th anniversary of their business career in this
city. Sixty years ago next Monday the firm
was established in a small frame building 14x48 feet and, step by step, it grew
to its present magnificent proportions. WG
07 02 D. & F. Kusel Company 60 Years in Business
It is not often that we find a
mercantile firm celebrating its 60th anniversary of its business life, but such
is the lot of the D. & F. Kusel Co. of this city,
hardware merchants doing business at 108, 110, 112 West Main Street, which
started a week’s special sale last Saturday evening in honor of the event.
On June 26, 1849, Daniel Kusel, father of Daniel and Frederick
Kusel, present members of the firm, embarked in the
business which has grown to such large proportions. He was born in Germany in 1811 and, tiring of
the revolution of 1848 in Germany, he came to American and located in this city
and opened a small tin shop and dealt in stoves in a small building on the
present site of the firm’s business on June 26, 1849. From time to time he added different lines of
hardware and guided the destiny of the firm till it became one of the largest
and most successful hardware houses in Wisconsin, retiring from active business
in 1864, when his sons, Daniel and Frederick Kusel,
were taken into the business under the firm name of D. & F. Kusel Co.
The senior Mr. Kusel was a man of industry and honesty and dealt
generously with all his customers, hence his success in life. His sons were endowed with the same spirit
and hand in hand they have worked together through life and success has been
theirs to a most eminent degree in both a business way and their social
standing in the community.
Their father passed to his reward
on February 22, 1905, lamented by our entire community as one of the best men
that ever lived here. During his long
business career in Watertown no one appealing for help was ever turned away
with a deaf ear and many a struggling farmer and business man was given
encouragement in a financial as well as an advisory manner that led them on to
success.
Kusel’s store was known far and wide in
early days and its popularity continues to the present day, till today its
wares are shipped all over the state. It
does a general hardware, plumbing and tin roofing business and deals
extensively in dairy supplies. Aside
from the honorable methods always prevailing in this business house, there was
always the most cordial greeting and courtesy extended to every customer, no
matter how trivial the purchase, and this extended
from the head of the firm to the lowest salaried helpmate about the place.
In 1897 D. & F. Kusel incorporated under the firm name of The D. & F. Kusel Co., capitalized at $50,000, the stock being all held
by members of the family, the present officers of the company being:
President and Treasurer: Daniel H. Kusel;
Vice-President: Frederick Kusel;
Secretary: Louis Kusel;
Theodore Kusel
and Daniel Kusel are also stockholders in the
company.
Daniel H. Kusel
is a native of Doenitz, Mecklenburg, Germany, where he was born February 28, 1838,
and came to Watertown with his parents in 1849 and learned the tinner’s trade, which he worked at till he became a member
of the firm. He is at present interested
in several local enterprises besides his hardware business and is a large
stockholder and vice-president of the Merchant’s National Bank. In 1862 he was elected alderman of the 5th
ward.
Fred.
Kusel was born at the same place in Germany in
1839 and came to America with his parents and learned his father’s
business. The breaking out of the Civil
War found him in Texas working at his trade and he returned home and enlisted
in and recruited with C. A. Menges Co. B, 20th
Wisconsin Infantry, being commissioned first lieutenant. He took part in many important battles and
was wounded at the battle of Prairie Grove.
At Carrolton he was taken ill and sent home on furlough. Later on he went to Madison for medical
examination and was told his recovery was doubtful. He resigned his commission in October, 1863. He has been honored with many local offices
of honor and trust—mayor, alderman and supervisor, and also state senator, all
of which offices he filled with credit to all concerned. He is a prominent member of the G.A.R. and is
never happier than when he is associating with his old comrades.
The present prosperous condition
of the firm, its extensive trade, and its uniform courtesy and honorable
business methods bids fair to look forward to a like celebration 60 years hence, and there are no doubt residents of our city today
who will live to join in celebrating the event . . . WG
1910
02 18 Theodore Kusel and
wife return to city to reside WG
1915 Death of
Arthur H. Kusel, son of Fred Kusel, brother of
Theodore and Walter, sister of Mrs. Paul Valerius,
Chicago.
1949
03 10 The Kusel Dairy Equipment Co., 100 West
Milwaukee Street, which supplies a large share of the nation's cheese factories
and dairy plants with equipment, recently installed a new square shear which is
used to cut steel and which does it so accurately and well that it can be
gauged down to the smallest fraction of an inch. The company, which is an
outgrowth of the D. & F. Kusel Co. here, which, by the way, will celebrate
its 100th anniversary this summer, is now completely independent of the
original company which maintains its hardware establishment in West Main
Street. The dairy equipment company was separated and
reorganized about 11 years ago. [1938 ]
WDT
03
28 Watertown
Daily Times
Kusel Dairy Equipment Is
Used Throughout Nation
Watertown Concern Produces Variety Of Metal
Articles
The Kusel Dairy Equipment Co.,
The
company which is an outgrowth of the D. & F. Kusel
Co. here which by the way , will celebrate its 100th anniversary this summer,
is now completely independent of the original company which maintains its
hardware establishment in West Main Street.
The dairy equipment company was separated and reorganized about 11 years
ago.
Officers
of the company are Daniel (Dick) Kusel, president;
Clark F. Derleth, vice president; and Daniel L. Kusel, secretary-treasurer.
The company
manufactures a variety of dairy equipment such as vats, cheese presses,
agitators, pasteurizers and any number of minor items used in the dairy
industry.
State Best Customer
While
the company ships to and supplies plants in many parts of the country the bulk
of its products are used here in Wisconsin which is a leading dairy state. There is scarcely a section of the state
where the Kusel products have not been installed and
in use. The name Kusel
has become firmly established in the industry and its products are known far
and wide for their good quality and the backing of the concern that
manufactures them
Some
of its tin plate is imported from England, because England provides larger
sheets than are obtainable here. But on
the whole only American products are used.
At
present the company has some 25 men working in its shops turning out the
products. The latest equipment and
methods are used and every effort is made to improve production methods and
products wherever possible.
Output Increased
Installation
of the square shear is the latest example of that policy. It has increased the output of its particular
job and produces the most efficient and accurate results. It employs a beam of light in its operation
which establishes the utmost accuracy.
The
shear is constructed so that it offers the fullest possible safety to
operators. It is the first device of its
kind in the area
Officials
of the Kusel Dairy Equipment Company are always on
the alert for new ideas and methods to increase the quality and efficiency of
their product. Many of the workers have
been with the company for many years.
William Frish, a native of Illinois but who
has spent many years in Wisconsin is the shop superintendent and the company
has surrounded him with men qualified in their field to turn out the best
products that can be made and which are helping carry the name of Watertown far
and wide, wherever dairy and cheese factory equipment is installed and used.
_________________________________________________________________
1957
1958
06 17 109th anniversary observed WDT
1959
06 05 110th anniversary observed; plans for
major anniversary sale WDT
1984
04 15 Valley Bank of
Watertown has purchased the Kusel [True Value]
Hardware Store building, located immediately west of the bank property on West
Main Street. David Hansen, president of
the bank, said the purchase is subject to the lease agreement between Frank and
Sue Witt and the Kusel family, former owner of the
building. Hansen said the bank purchased
the property for possible future expansion.
There are no immediate expansion plans.
WDT
1985
03 12 Kusel's True
Value Hardware Store, 108 West Main Street, Watertown, will close in the coming
months, Frank and Sue Witt, owners of the business, announced today. The business, one of the oldest in Watertown,
was given authority by the Watertown City Council Tuesday evening to hold a
going out of business sale starting next Monday and continuing until late
May. Witt said the decision to close the
store was a difficult one but it will give him and his wife the time to place
more emphasis on their lock business. In
recent years the lock business has improved substantially, and the Witts plan to continue that business in space in the
Watertown Siding building four doors to the west of Kusel's
building. WDT
05 11 Valley
Bank of Watertown will construct a new banking facility on its West Main
Street property this summer, according to an announcement today by David M.
Hanson, president. The bank last year
acquired the Kusel Hardware Store property which is
located immediately to the west of the present bank building and the new
facility will be located on the Kusel property. When completed, the bank will be to the west
of a park-like area on which the current bank is located. Frank and Sue Witt, owners of the Kusel business, announced earlier this year that they would
be closing the business late this month. WDT
05 14 When Kusel's
True Value Hardware Store officially ceases operations at 2 p.m. May 25 it will
mean more than the closing of a simple hardware store, it will mark the end of
Watertown's second oldest business.
Frank and Sue Witt, owners of the 108 West Main Street store, announced
in March they were going to close the 135-year-old business. After more than a dozen years in the
business, the native Chicagoans decided they'd rather operate a small locksmith
store two doors to the west at 105 North Water Street. It was not as if the Witts
wanted to close the store, Sue Witt said.
Instead, she said, it was a case where poor economic conditions forced
them to make the move. WDT
10 07 The way has been cleared for the
Valley Bank of Watertown to construct a new building in Watertown. The bank has received official notification
from the Comptroller of Currency, central district office, located in Chicago, that the bank's plans are not in violation of
banking regulations. With that issue
resolved, David M. Hanson, president of the bank, said the $1 million project
should get under way in the near future.
Hanson said, “Within the next week demolition of the Kusel
building should get under way. That work
is expected to take about six weeks.”
WDT
1999
10
02 WDT
The
ability and foresight to change with the times has enabled Kusel
Equipment Co. to prosper after 150 years in business.
As the
oldest business in Watertown, it continues to serve customers by responding to
their needs with a diversity of new products for various markets.
The company
will celebrate its 150th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 9, with an open house,
demonstrations and refreshments at its plant at 820 West St.
The
business was started in 1849 as a tinsmith shop and then added a hardware store
and the manufacture of equipment for the dairy industry. The company is owned
by Gary R. and Jan Smith of Watertown who have been associated with the
business for 26 years.
Gary
R. Smith, president of the firm, said Kusel currently
has four major product lines - dairy equipment, material handling equipment,
food processing equipment and floor drains.
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Production
and sales of equipment for cheese plants have been the
stalwart of the company since its early years, he explained.
Customers
are worldwide with 25 to 30 percent of products exported. In recent years,
projects have been undertaken in counties such as Siberia, Ukraine, Trinidad,
South Korea, Australia, Poland and many Latin American countries. In sales to
third world countries, Kusel has gone back into its
archives and used designs considered obsolete in this country for 40 years.
Kusel
manufactures equipment used in the production of traditional American cheeses
such as cheddar, Colby and Monterey Jack as well as cottage cheese, mozzarella,
brick, Muenster and countless varieties of ethnic and regional cheeses. Cheeses
are made from the milk of cows as well as other animals including goat, buffalo,
yak, llama and sheep.
As
cheese plants grew in size, Kusel began manufacturing
larger equipment. Fifty to 100 years ago, most of the milk for cheese plants
was supplied by farmers within a few miles radius. These factories processed
5,000 to 20,000 pounds of milk per day. Today, there are plants producing
cheese using 3 million pounds of milk per day. This increase in production has
necessitated a dramatic increase in the size of equipment. Kusel
now manufactures finishing vats measuring up to 60 feet in length.
The
hardware store originally imported dairy equipment from Europe and then began
using tinsmithing expertise in the manufacture of its
own equipment. After World War II, the use of stainless steel became
commonplace, and the company's dairyware changed from
tin to stainless. At the height of the dairy industry, there were over 3,000
cheese producing plants in Wisconsin. Now the number of cheese plants in the
state has dwindled to less than 300.
The
material handling line of Kusel was added nearly 40
years ago and includes highly sophisticated electronically controlled equipment
to palletize and de-palletize cans, cases, bottles and bags. The line owes its
beginning to a strong demand in the early 1960s for mechanized equipment to
assist local canneries. When the number of local canning plants began to
decline in the 1970s, the company broadened its base nationally and then
internationally. Kusel's most successful designs are
customized single units to fulfill specific and unusual customer requirements.
Units palletize cases of oil in Thailand, sugar in Trinidad, paper products in
the upper peninsula of Michigan, computer software in Washington, and glassware
in New York.
Kusel's entry
into the food processing equipment market began by using its stainless steel
workmanship in the Wisconsin and regional canning companies in the 1960s and
1970s. In December of 1994, Kusel purchased the
assets of Starr Inc. of Hustisford and combined the
two operations in Watertown. The acquisition solidified the company's position
in the food processing area.
Primary
products of this division include items such as waterless peelers/scrubbers,
water vapor cookers, conveyors, and size graders. The company has the ability
to produce single pieces of equipment or complete production lines.
"The
worldwide need for this line of equipment is very evident and the company is
devoting significant effort into further developing this growth market,"
said Smith. Equipment is used for the manufacture of potato chips,
french fried potatoes, baby carrots, onions, corn for
tortilla chips, and nuts.
The
idea for the manufacture of stainless steel floor drains evolved from an
employee's trip to South Africa in the mid 1980s. "This product fine has continued
to expand and we are the manufacturer of choice for leading companies in the
dairy, meat, wine, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food processing industry. Kusel was a pioneer in using stainless steel in the
production of floor drains and other related products, and has received great
market recognition because of the sanitary qualities of its design. "We
are equipped to rapidly respond to a customer's need for a single drain as well
as large projects," noted Smith.
"The
success of Kusel for 150 years has been possible only
because of the company's ability to change with the times. When Daniel Kusel Sr. began the business in 1849, his unique skill of tinsmithing was very marketable. As times changed, Kusel changed, emphasizing different products. The
company's continued success has been possible only by listening to customer
needs and developing appropriate product lines," said Smith.
Today Kusel Equipment Co. employs approximately 50 people with
the average tenure of employment 14 years. Employment longevity ranges from
less than one year to 59 years.
Ronald
Millin, director of manufacturing, began his career
with the company in 1940 and today, 59 years later, is still a strong part of
the management team.
"The
dedication of Kusel employees throughout the 150
years has been the back- bone of success.
Kusel employees take pride in their
workmanship, their job responsibilities, and their community," said Smith.
The company has come a long way since its beginning in downtown
Watertown where tinsmith Daniel Kusel started the
business on West Main Street on June 22, 1849.
Kusel was a tinsmith in Grabow,
Germany, before bringing his trade to Watertown. He soon added the manufacture
of copper and sheet-iron products along with the hardware business. As an
offshoot of its long experience in fabricating sheet metal, the company
gradually began to produce equipment for the dairy industry.
The
business was incorporated as D. & F. Kusel in
1897 after Daniel's sons, Daniel H. and Fred, took it over.
The Kusel business was split in 1938 when the dairy equipment
part of the business company separated from the retail store. The retail store was purchased by Frank and
Sue Witt in 1972 and closed in May 1985.
The hardware store was the oldest in continuous operation in the state
of Wisconsin.
The
newly-created dairy business was called Kusel Dairy
Equipment Co. and headed by Daniel "Dick" O. Kusel. At that time, the company was located at 100
W. Milwaukee St. Members of the Kusel family sold the business in 1973.
Gary
R. Smith, formerly of Peoria, IL., and Robert J. Elfline of Elmhurst, IL., purchased the assets of Kusel Dairy Equipment Co. on Oct. 31, 1973. To assist the
new owners in moving the company forward, former president Clark Derleth came out of retirement and resumed an active role
in the company until 1976.
After
being employed by the company as vice president for one year, Smith was named
president.
In
1975, the company was renamed Kusel Equipment Co. to
receive broader recognition in the marketplace. Gary and Jan Smith acquired 100
percent ownership in 1977. The company was moved from 100 W. Milwaukee St. to
820 West St. in 1978. David Smith, son of Jan and Gary, joined the business in
1998 as engineering manager, and will be the second generation of Smiths to
carry on the family tradition into the new millennium.
NOTE ON MILWAUKEE ST BLDG—A proposal by Lawrence Mistele to
renovate the former Kusel Equipment Company building
at the corner of Milwaukee and South Water streets hit some snags this morning,
but officials are still planning to go ahead with the project. Mistele has
modified his proposal to construct approximately 21 apartment units in the
building by seeking bonds through the authority of the Watertown Housing
Authority. Because those bonds are
exempt from federal and state interest, Mistele said
the savings will mean a substantial reduction in the interest rate he would
have to pay and as a result would make the project feasible. Watertown Daily Times, 01 28 1985
_________________________________
A perception that
Watertown is “smalltown U.S.A.” is hurting its
chances of receiving a luxury apartment complex, the developer of the project
told the Daily Times Thursday. “The big problem is that there's this stigma attached
to Watertown. A view that it's smalltown U.S.A. and doesn't have the capability to support
the higher rent structure,” Larry Mistele of Spuncast said.
Mistele has proposed
converting the former Kusel Dairy Equipment building,
100 West Milwaukee Street, into a 21-unit apartment complex. He first announced his plans in February and
at that time said he hoped the renovation work would begin this summer.
But obtaining financing
has been a major problem, in particular finding a financial institution which
will guarantee $950,000 worth of housing authority bonds. Mistele
obtained the bonds from the Watertown Housing Authority as the project's
primary source of financing. Watertown Daily Times, 09 30 1985
Significant events in Kusel
Equipment history
1849 -
Daniel Kusel Sr. immigrates to U.S. from Grabow, Germany, and establishes tinware
fabricating business in Watertown.
1863 - Frederick Kusel
(son) is captain of Watertown's Company E, 20th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry
during the Civil War.
1864 - Daniel Kusel Sr. helps establish Northwestern
College, now known as Luther Preparatory School.
1864 - Brothers Fred and Daniel H. Kusel rename the
company D. & F. Kusel.
1897 - D. & F. Kusel incorporates.
1903 - D. & F. Kusel begins manufacturing
equipment for the dairy industry
1938 - Hardware store and manufacturing business become separate entities. Kusel Dairy Equipment incorporated.
1960 - Material handling product line is added.
1973 - Kusel family sells business to Robert J. Effline and Gary R. Smith.
1975 - Name changed to Kusel Equipment Co.
1976 - Gary R. Smith becomes president of the business.
1977 - Gary R. Smith and Jan Smith acquire 100 percent ownership.
1978 - Kusel Equipment Co. moves to new location at
820 West St.
1984 - Kusel introduces stainless steel floor drains.
1994 - Kusel acquires Starr Inc., a food processing
equipment manufacturer.
1998 - David J. Smith, son of Gary and Jan, joins company as engineering
manager.
________________________________________________________________
2003
Kusel Buys Smokehouse Manufacturer
Kusel
Equipment of Watertown has acquired Vortron Inc. of
Beloit. Vortron
is a long-standing manufacturer of commercial smokehouses for large and small-scale
meat processors. Vortron,
which has four employees, will remain based in Beloit.
Kusel is a
154-year-old Watertown- based manufacturer of food and vegetable processing
equipment, cheese equipment and sanitary drainage systems.
________________________________________________________________
Click
to enlarge
Exterior
c1910 Interior c1920s
________________________________________________________________
Daniel
H. Kusel Obit, 1838 – 1916 The Death
Roll
Another
of Watertown’s most prominent and most respected pioneer setters was called to
rest Saturday when Daniel H. Kusel answered the call
of the death angel, at the home of his son Louis Kusel,
216 North Church street.
After
leaving work one week ago Mr. Kusel retired because
of failing health, and since that time he has been confined to his bed with Brights disease, which was the immediate cause of his
demise.
Mr. Kusel, 78 years of age, was born in Doenitz, Mecklenburg,
Germany, February 28, 1838, and came to this country with his parents on June
16, 1849, locating in Watertown. In July
of the same year, his father, Daniel Kusel, started a
store and tinware business, later adding a line of
hardware. Mr. Kusel,
learned the tinner’s trade under his father’s instructions,
and in 1864, he and his brother, Frederick Kusel,
bought out their father’s interest, and since that time they have carried on
the business with the most gratifying success under the name of the D. & F.
Kusel Co.
He is
survived by four sons, one daughter, two brothers and one sister.
The
funeral services were held last Tuesday.
Interment in Oak Hill cemetery.
________________________________________________________________
Frederick Kusel, 1839-1916
August F. Kusel Obit, 1843-1934
August
F. Kusel, member of an old Watertown family and one
of the few remaining civil war veterans in this section, died January 29, 1934,
at his home, 414 North Water Street.
Death claimed him at 7:30 o'clock and was due to infirmities of age.
Mr. Kusel was the son of the late Daniel Kusel,
founder of the present day D & F Kusel Co. He was born in Domnitz,
Mecklenberg, Germany on March 29, 1843 and came to
America in 1849. The family settled in Watertown and had been his home ever
since with the exception of a few years which he spent in Nebraska.
His services
in the civil war started on August 18, 1862 with his enlistment as a sergeant
in Co. E 20th Wisconsin regiment, volunteer
infantry, which was Watertown's own company.
He was wounded in the historic battle of Prairie Grove and was returned
to the north and spent three months in a Madison hospital. He was honorably discharged on April 25,
1863.
Worked for Father
Following
his discharge he returned to Watertown and went to work for his father in his
tin-shop in West Main Street where he continued work for a short period. Then
he went west and established a general store in Logan, Neb., where he served as
postmaster for a number of years. In
1872 he returned to Watertown where he resumed his work as a tin-smith until his
retirement some years ago.
Mr. Kusel's wife, formerly Margareta Heller, preceded him in
death some years ago. They were married
in the west.
Four
children survive, Mrs. Edward Luther and William Kusel
of Hooper, Neb., Mrs. William Meschke of Rochester,
Minn., and Mrs. Henry Hilbert who resides at the Kusel
home in this city. There are five grandchildren.
Mr. Kusel was the last surviving member of his family. He was a
St. Mark's Lutheran Church and was one of the few remaining members of the O. D. Pease post, G. A. R. when it disbanded a few
years ago. With his death, there remain but two civil war veterans in
Watertown, Sebastian Blonigan and Joseph Haberkorn.
Recalled Old Comrade
A
short time before his death, Mr. Kusel recalled that
as far as he knew only one of his old civil war comrades who served in the same
company with him was still alive. He was August Schmutzler
of Beaver Dam.
Mr. Kusel was a picturesque man. He was keen and alert despite
his great age and enjoyed having visitors and callers. He enjoyed talking over
old times and until his eyes began to fail him he was an avid reader. In recent
years he had been confined to his home but always manifested a great interest
in community events.
The
funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon from their home where services will be
conducted at 1:30 o'clock followed by services in St. Mark's Lutheran church,
the Rev. Julius Klingmann officiating. Burial was in
the Lutheran cemetery.
The
body was taken to the Nowack funeral home and then
returned to the home where friends called to pay their respects up to the time
of the service.
________________________________________________________________
Louis H. Kusel Obit, 1866-1947
Portrait
omitted
Louis
H. Kusel, president of the D. & F. Kusel Co., one of Watertown’s oldest and best known
business concerns, died
Mr. Kusel had been at his daily work on Friday. Saturday he did
not feel well and his wife prevailed upon him to remain at home, which he did.
His death came suddenly and unexpectedly.
Born
in Watertown, Mr. Kusel was a son of the late Mr. and
Mrs. Daniel Kusel. He was born Sept. 28, 1866. He
attended the public schools here and also Northwestern College where he
enrolled in the business course. Later he attended a Milwaukee business college
and then, upon his return, went into the hardware store here and became
associated with the business bearing the family name. At the time of his death
he was president of the company.
Mr. Kusel was married to Miss Margaret Hartig
on June 19, 1901. She survives, as do a daughter, Louise, at home, and two
sons, Edwin and William, also of this city. There is one granddaughter. Mr. Kusel was also survived by three brothers, Daniel (Dick) Kusel, Watertown; Ernst Kusel, Ashland, Ore, and George Kusel,
New Rochelle, N. Y.
Mr. Kusel was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and the
Watertown Association of Commerce.
One of
the city’s conservative business leaders, Mr. Kusel
brought many of the old business virtues into his daily dealings with the
store's trade. He maintained personal
contact with customers and was always on hand to greet them whenever he was in
the store. He spent most of his time there and gave personal attention to
directing the business. He was a good business man and believed a store should
stand back of its goods and services.
Over
the years he was active in the life of the community and a leader in Watertown
business circles. He liked Watertown and its people and was always interested
in promoting the welfare of the city and its progressive expansion and development.
As
president of the store, he was looking forward to the time when it would
celebrate its centennial, which would have been in about another two years, for
the Kusel company stems from one of the oldest
business establishments in the city.
There were
many who paid tribute to Mr. Kusel and his fair
dealing as a business man when news of his death spread throughout the city.
The
funeral was held from the Schmutzler Funeral Home,
the Rev. William F. Chamberlain, rector of St. Paul's Church, officiated. Interment was in Oak
Hill Cemetery.
Kusel Home
Land
grants were given in 1848 in Watertown with the provision that the new land
owner commit himself "to erect a good respectable house on the
property" within a year. The original home at 216 North Church Street,
owned by the Kusel family for 105 years, was built as
a small home in 1849 and purchased by Daniel Kusel in
1870 from a Robert Howell. Miss Louise Kusel, present
occupant, is the fourth generation Kusel to occupy
the home.
Daniel
Kusel was a tinsmith, born in Mecklenberg,
Germany, in 1838. Shortly after his arrival he opened a stove and tinware business in 1849. In 1864 his sons, Daniel and Frank
purchased the business and expanded it into the Kusel
Hardware.
The
original small house was greatly expanded by the Kusels
with three large rooms across the front, originally the parlor, the every day living room, and the room for guests. A great
deal of the woodwork has now been taken out of the home; a "widow's
walk" was added to the top of the house many years ago.
The
old roof line can be seen inside the attic area. Today the home is a large 13
room brick home with high ceilings throughout.
The
first Daniel Kusel was a founder of St. Mark's Church
and a very active member of the planning board that built Northwestern College.
Frank Kusel, one of the sons, built his own home at
302 North Church Street. He was mayor of Watertown in 1872.
In
property adjacent to both the Kusel homes are the
underground cellars that were used to age cheese and beer in early Watertown.
Cross-References:
Beal &
Torrey building became site for Kusel Dairy
Equipment
Louis Cordes, employee
