Title: Hunkel Family Papers
Inclusive Dates: 1807-1951

Creator:

• Hunkel Family

Call Number: Local History Manuscript Collection 30

Quantity: 0.9 cubic ft. (2 boxes)

Repository:

Milwaukee Public Library, Frank P. Zeidler Room

Archival Location:

Milwaukee Public Library (Map)

Abstract:

This collection consists of the Hunkel family businesses and family personal materials. The Hunkels operated several Milwaukee, Wisconsin businesses over the years. George Phillip Hunkel, the patriarch and a Civil War veteran, initially moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1860; he was born in Germany.

Note:

To request materials from this collection, create/login to your Special Collections Account.

Language: English, German

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.mwpl-lhmc0030

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George Phillip Hunkel was born 15 February 1842 in Germany and moved to Milwaukee in 1860. In 1862, he enlisted in the Grand Army of the Republic as a private in Company B of the 26th volunteer infantry of Wisconsin. He was severely wounded during the battle of Gettysburg and was honorably discharged in 1863.

In 1868, George married Emma Paulina Seifert (1849-1930). She was the daughter of Henry Seifert, president of the Milwaukee Lithographic and Engraving Company. George and Emma had seven children: Emil (1869-1950), Charles [Carl] (1871-1952), Walther [Walter] (1872-1891), Herman[n] (1877-1942), Valeska (1880-1966), Guenther (1883-1958), and Paulina [Paula] (1885-1976).

Hunkel worked as a bookkeeper from 1863 until 1869; then worked in the wholesale wine and liquor business until 1877. Later, he opened an insurance agency. In 1891, when his son Emil became a partner, the company name was changed to G. Ph. Hunkel and Son. George Philip Hunkel died in Milwaukee on 29 January 1895 after a fall that fractured his skull. Emil then took over his father’s interests in the insurance business. Herman partnered with Fred Holton operating Holton and Hunkel, a wholesale florist and green house. Guenther opened a seed company named G. H. Hunkel Company. Guenther married Margaret Livingstone (1898-1972), daughter of James Livingstone.

Collection consists of the Hunkel family businesses and family personal materials. Most business records focus on the insurance agency business and personal files often include multiple family members. George Philip Hunkel is also referred to as “Phillip Hunkel” or “G. Phillip Hunkel” or “G. Ph. Hunkel” in the collection.

The subjects are generally arranged alphabetically and then chronologically within each folder. Bound ledger volumes are foldered and placed in roughly chronological order.

Hunkel Family Papers, 1807-1951, Collection 30. Local History Manuscript Collections, Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials. The collection is open to all in accordance with state law. The public may view Local History Manuscript Collections by appointment at the Central Library. To request an in-person appointment, create/login to your Special Collections Account. If you have any questions, please contact the Archives and Special Collections Department at mplarchives@milwaukee.gov.

Use Restrictions

The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection (Wisconsin Statutes 19.21-19.39).

Acquisition Information

In 2018 there were two manuscript collections regarding multiple Hunkel family members that were merged to create the Hunkel Family Papers. Most materials were donated by Paula E. Hunkel, date unknown. Additional materials were added in 2018. All materials have been accessioned as a Local History Manuscript Collection.

Processing Information

Inventoried by Rachel Arndt, 2013 and Jeffrey K. Carlin-Bartel, Volunteer Archivist, 2013. Processed by Casey Lapworth, 2018.

	G. Ph. Hunkel and Son
Box   1 Folder   1	Correspondence, 1888–1906
Box   1 Folder   2	Milwaukee Board of Fire Underwriters, 1890-1909
Box   1 Folder   3	Milwaukee Underwriters Building Association, 1911-1934
Box   1 Folder   4	Policies – other insurance companies, 1874-1884
Box   1 Folder   5	Policy Rebates, 1893-1907
Box   1 Folder   6	Promissory Notes, 1873-1933
Box   1 Folder   7	Proof of Loss Documents, 1884-1902
Box   1 Folder   8	Receipts - general , 1891–1900
Box   1 Folder   9	Receipts – premiums, 1883-1949
	Other businesses
Box   1 Folder   10	G. H. Hunkel Co. - price lists, 1924-1929, undated
Box   1 Folder   11	G. Ph. Hunkel liquor business - receipts, 1872-1874
Box   2 Folder   1	Holton and Hunkel - Ads, 1909, undated
Box   2 Folder   2-4	Holton and Hunkel - Ledgers, 1897-1911
	Personal
Box   1 Folder   12	Correspondence, 1879-1951
Box   1 Folder   13	Ephemera - general, 1807–1901, undated
Box   1 Folder   14	Ephemera – Sangerfest, 1868, 1886
Box   1 Folder   15	Ephemera – Germania, 1867-1868
Box   1 Folder   16	Ephemera - Milwaukee Musical Society, 1874-1879
Box   1 Folder   17	George Philip - Military Service, 1863-1912
Box   1 Folder   18	George Philip - Military Service - Correspondence, 1870-1884
Box   1 Folder   19	George Philip - Military Service - Soldiers and Sailors Reunion Pin, 1880
Box   1 Folder   20	Hermann V - Flower Show, 1909-1911
Box   1 Folder   21	James Livingstone – orchids, 1944
Box   1 Folder   22	Property documents, 1883-1885
Box   1 Folder   23	Receipts – general, 1872-1947
Box   1 Folder   24	Receipts - George Philip – estate expense, 1895–1902
Box   1 Folder   25	Receipts - tax, 1872-1885
Box   1 Folder   26	School Papers, 1883-1884