Bio: Polk, William John  (1882–1977)

Transcriber: Janet

Surnames: Comstock, Fisher, Polk

----Source: Federal Census Records, Family Records

Illinois Births and Christenings, 1824-1940

William John Polk, white American male
Birth Date: 8 Feb 1882, Bonus Township, Boone, Illinois, United States

Father's Name: Fisher William Polk
Father's Birthplace: Germany
Father's Age: 40 (1842)
Mother's Name: Gusta Willet
Mother's Birthplace: Germany
Mother's Age: 36, (Estimated 1846)
 

Neillsville, WI Tin Smith Shop

May 1925--The interior of the First National Bank has been recently improved by the addition of a new metal ceiling and by being completely redecorated. The ceiling, which is a substantial and permanent improvement, was put on by John Schmoll. The painting and tinting was done by Sherman and Mertes. The finish is particularly attractive being a form of stipple work that is very pleasing. In the open spaces along the upper wall, are shields and eagles painted in national colors by C. H. Chandler and well executed.

*A tin ceiling (pictured above) is an architectural element that was very popular in Victorian buildings in North America in the late 19th and early 20th century.  One at a time sheets of tin were stamped on cast iron molds by positioning them between two interlocking tools. The "ram tool" was lifted overhead by a rope or chain, then dropped down onto the bottom "die", thereby permanently embedding various artistic patterns into the metal.  The finished ceiling was typically painted white to simulate hand-carved or molded plaster. Tin ceilings began to lose popularity because the WWII caused a scarcity of metal and many sheet metal companies began making other products in order to stay in business.  Both William Polk & John Schmoll were tin smiths by trade and Elizabeth Comstock Polk's older brother, Ray Harris was a tool and die maker.  William eventually owned his own shop (The Woodland Metal Pattern Works) in Madison City, Wisconsin.  John Schmoll moved to California and continued the trade there.

Neillsville First National Bank

May 1925--The interior of the First National Bank has been recently improved by the addition of a new steel ceiling and by being completely redecorated. The ceiling, which is a substantial and permanent improvement, was put on by John Schmoll. The painting and tinting was done by Sherman and Mertes. The finish is particularly attractive being a form of stipple work that is very pleasing. In the open spaces along the upper wall, are shields and eagles painted in national colors by C. H. Chandler and well executed.

1940 Federal Census, Ward 13, Madison, Madison City, Dane, Wisconsin, United States

Household - Madison St.
William J Polk Head Male 58 Illinois, Proprietor of Woodland Metal Pattern Works
Elizabeth L Polk Wife Female 53 Illinois

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Frederick Albert Polk
1879–1945
William J. Polk
1882–1977
Lulu Albertina Polk
1884–1962
Julia E. Polk
1887–1949
Alice Florence Polk
1892–1992

1920 United States Census, 1920, Waupun Ward 1, Dane, Wisconsin, United States, Sheet Letter: A, Sheet Number: 11

Household Role
William J Polk Head Male 37 (1882) b. Illinois/both parents b. Germany, Wood Pattern maker (self employed)
Elizabeth Polk Wife Female 33 Illinois/both parents b. Illinois
William H Polk Son Male 3 Wisconsin

Wisconsin State Census, 1905, 1905 Beloit city, ward 2, Rock, Wisconsin, Image #67, Record Number: 6061

Household Role
Robt Jackson Head Male 71y Canada, retired
Lizzie Jackson, Daughter, 30y. b. Wis., Female, Bookeeper
Ralph Williams, Male, Pattern maker
John Holmes, Male, Machinist Illinois
Wing Bristol Male
William Polk, white, single male, Occupation: Pattern maker

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BioM: Elizabeth Louise Comstock (01 Oct 1913)

Certificate: Front - Back
 

Groom: William J. Polk, 1882–1977

Occupation: Postal Service
Marriage: 01 Oct 1913, Winnebago, Illinois, United States
Bride: Elizabeth Louise Comstock, 1886–1977

Children of Elizabeth Louise Comstock and William J. Polk (1)
 

William Harris Polk 20 March 1916 – 25 April 2009

Parents and Siblings

Groom: Norte Ray Comstock, 1854–1938
Marriage: 01 Sep 1880, Rockton,Winnebago,Illinois
Bride: Margaret Ellen Hickey, 1859–1934

Children of Margaret Ellen Hickey and Norte Ray Comstock
1. Ray Harris Comstock, 1881– ?
2. Elizabeth Louise Comstock, 1886–1977
3. Floyd Comstock, 1888–1889