Bio: Kneer, Mathias (1914)

Contact: Crystal Wendt

----Surnames: Kneer, Kneisle, Betz, Auer, Buebeler, Derge, Hoeffner, Raddatz, Rick 

----Source: History of Eau Claire County, Wisconsin (1914) page 761 

Mathias Kneer, deceased, a German pioneer of Eau Claire, was born in Wurtenburg, Germany, March 4, 1831, a son of Joseph and Anna (Kneisle) Kneer, and his ancestors for many generations were millers by trade. Joseph Kneer was a baker, which occupation he followed for many years in Germany, and eventually came to Eau Claire, where he died at the home of his son, Mathias. The family consisted of three sons, Mathias, Andrew and John N. Mathias Kneer, following in the footsteps of his father, learned the baker's trade in Germany, and after coming to the United States, continued that business at Mt. Holly, New Jersey and Philadelphia, Penn., and for several years was in the hotel business at Jacksonville, New Jersey. In 1855 he located at Watertown, Wis., remaining there until 1857, when he came to Eau Claire and for one year was engaged in farming. He later re-embarked in the hotel business, built the present Kneer House in 1865, and successfully conducted it up to a few months prior to his death, which occurred in November, 1895. By strict frugality, public spirit, honesty and fidelity, he became a prosperous and highly esteemed citizen, and always took an active interest in public affairs. He was twice trustee of the Village board, served one term on the county board and also served as alderman of the second ward, being elected on the Independent ticket. 

On April 29, 1855, he married Miss Barbara (Betz), who died in Eau Claire, in 1864, leaving four children, viz: Louise, wife of J. J. Auer; Julia, wife of Teto Buebeler; Anna, wife of J. Derge, and Frank, deceased. Mr. Kneer later married Louise Hoeffner, and three children were born, viz: Emma, wife of Fred Raddatz; Dora, wife of Emil Rick, and Herman. Mr. Kneer was a member of the German Frieden Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and filled all its offices, having been its first Noble Grand. He was also president of the German Schuetzenverein.