Thomas Froeba, 1865

Posted4U@Charter.net on Fri, 16 Feb 2001

Surname: FROEBA, VEWTER, LOEFFLER, GLEITER

Source: 1918 History of Clark Co., WI, by Franklyn, Curtiss-Wedge

THOMAS FROEBA, proprietor of a good dairy farm in Section 35, Loyal Township, was born in Bavaria, March 25, 1865, son of George and Agnes (Vewter) Froeba. The father was a carpenter, who died in his native land, Bavaria, at the age of 66 years, his wife dying at the age of 53. They were members of the Catholic Church. Their children were seven in number--Margaret, George, Joseph, John, George, John (second), and Thomas. All have now passed away except the subject of this sketch and Margaret, who still lives in Bavaria, and who married a man of the same family name as herself. Thomas Froeba's mother died when he was between 9 and 10 years of age, and he subsequently resided for three years with his brother George. He then worked for farmers until he was 22 years old. His education was not neglected, as he attended school for six years, and also had two or three years of Sunday school training. In 1888, at the age of 23, he emigrated to the United States, after having served time in the German army as a soldier. He was accompanied on his journey by Christ Loeffler, now of Eaton Township, Clark County, who persuaded him to settle in Jefferson County, Wis., where he had friends. There Mr. Froeba went to work on a farm and continued to work for others for a number of years.

In 1897 he came to Loyal Township and bought eighty acres of land in Section 35, moving onto it two years later, while still a single man. Immediately after moving here, however, he gave up bachelor life, being united in marriage with Mary Gleiter of Jefferson County, she being a native of Hebron Township, that county, and daughter of Michael and Henrietta Gleiter, of German nativity. Forty acres of the land on which Mr. Froeba settled at the time of his marriage was under the plow, and there was an old log building on the place, and some stock. He also had a team. After residing there two years he bought forty acres in Section 35, adjoining his original place, and in the same township. On this, also, there was a log building. Here he built a house of eight rooms, a good basement barn, 36 by 86 feet, and a silo 14 by 32 feet. He has also set out ornamental trees, and his farm presents a fine appearance. Mr. Froeba rasises Holstein cattle, Chester-White hogs and a good grade of horses.

He was formerly a stockholder in the cheese factory, retaining his stock until it was sold. Since he arrived in Jefferson County, some twenty-nine years ago with $23 in his pocket, he, has worked hard and made steady progress on the road to prosperity. He had saved $900 when he bought his eighty-acre farm in Loyal Township and, though he has never been stingy, he has taken care of his money and used it to good advantage. For five years he served as a member of the side board of Loyal Township, and was nine years a director of the school board.

His religious affiliations are with the Catholic Church at Loyal.

Mr. and Mrs. Froeba are the parents of three children: Albert, born Aug. 12, 1902; Clarence, born Feb. 18, 1905, and Edwin, born Dec. 9, 1908.