Summary Information
John Bechtel Papers
1831-1883
Mss 139
0.2 c.f. (1 archives box)
Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)
Papers of the Bechtel family, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, including letters in German from relatives in Germany, genealogical information concerning the Bechtel and Wollard families, report cards and other items from St. Mary's Institute Day School, and miscellaneous materials.
English
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-mss00139 ↑ Bookmark this ↑
Biography/History
John Bechtel was born near Mainz, Germany, in 1822. While a young man, he emigrated to Milwaukee, where he became the proprietor of the Mansion House. In 1851 he married Mary Siebert, also a German immigrant; they had five daughters and one son. The Bechtels espoused the Roman Catholic faith with pious fervor. At least three of their daughters attended the Day School at St. Mary's Institute in Milwaukee, there receiving lessons in English and German as part of their academic program.
Family ties with relatives in Germany and in Illinois remained strong. One young man, either Bechtel's nephew or cousin, was sent from Germany to settle in Milwaukee; when he returned to his homeland in poor physical and economic condition, the family heatedly accused Bechtel of having failed in his duties as a kinsman. The Wollard family of Fayette County, Illinois, were also close relatives.
Scope and Content Note
The John Bechtel family papers, spanning the years 1831 to 1883, are comprised of correspondence, envelopes, John Bechtel's business papers, the academic records of three of the Bechtel daughters, a funeral oration and several recipes.
Most of the correspondence is written in German from relatives still in Germany; it concerns family problems and personal news. The envelopes all bear U.S. postmarks, are mainly addressed to members of the Wollard family in Illinois, and are annotated with bits of genealogical information about the addressee. The business records include indentures, receipts for taxes paid to the Milwaukee City Treasurer, insurance certificates, and cancelled checks. The academic records for Bertha, Clara, and Emma Bechtel include report cards and receipts for tuition paid to St. Mary's Institute Day School in Milwaukee. Contained in the miscellany file are a funeral oration for Bertha Bechtel who died in 1882 as well as several recipes.
Administrative/Restriction Information
Presented by Harry Lichter, Madison, Wisconsin, 1955.
Processed by Eleanor McKay, December 2, 1970.
Contents List
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Correspondence
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Box
1
Folder
1
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1852, May-1868, October
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Box
1
Folder
2
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1869, April-1883, December
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Box
1
Folder
3
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undated
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Box
1
Folder
4
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Envelopes with Genealogical Information, 1857, February-1876, October
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Box
1
Folder
5
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Business Records, 1831; 1848, October-1872, October
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Box
1
Folder
6
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Academic Records: Bertha, Clara, and Emma Bechtel, 1872, February-1879, May
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Box
1
Folder
7
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Miscellany: Funeral Eulogy for Bertha Bechtel and Recipes, 1882, January, undated
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