Bio: Levy, Henry L. (1864 - 1907)

Contact: Crystal Wendt

----Surnames: Levy, Stein, Docter, Newald 

----Source: History of Eau Claire County, Wisconsin (1914) pages 773-774 

Henry L. Levy, who died May 26, 1907, in the prime of life, was one of Eau Claire's most successful business men, and also one of its most benevolent citizens. He was born in Milwaukee, in 1864, the son of Louis L. and Flora (Stein) Levy. He came to Eau Claire with his parents at the age of six years, and resided here all his life with the exception of a few years spent in Milwaukee, where he was married. He grew up with the city and was known to old and young, and during his business career drew to himself not only the confidence and esteem of all, hut the sincere regard of those who were so fortunate as to share his friendship. 

After his school days he became associated with his father in the tailoring business in Eau Claire, but in 1888 he became a member of the firm of Docter Brothers & Company, at Milwaukee, and remained in that company for five years. In 1893 he returned to Eau Claire and entered into business with his father under the firm name of Louis Levy & Son, and that house, of which Henry L. Levy was the principal spirit, built up a reputation for honorable and straightforward business methods that brought them great success. Mr. Levy was regarded as one of the ablest business men in the Chippewa Valley, and his charming

personality added to his popularity, he was always regardful of the opinion and feelings of others. No man in Eau Claire was more benevolent than he, and he was the best liked man in the city. Many came to him with their troubles and he never was too busy to take time to cheer, advise and assist them. Many were the young men whom he guided and helped to make a start in life, and being a man of the highest integrity, he started them on an honorable path. 

His success in his mercantile business, enabled him to take part in other enterprises, and he was a director in the Eau Claire National Bank and the Eau Claire Savings Bank. He was also a large owner of Northern Wisconsin land and held an interest in various corporations. At the time of his death he left an estate of large proportions as well as the impression upon the community of an exemplary life, whose course was illumined with the qualities of integrity, fidelity, justice and charity. He wore the white flower of a blameless life, and his memory remains fresh and green in the city which, was his home. His social affiliations were with the Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Eau Claire Club. 

On November 2], 1888, Mr. Levy married Miss Bertha Docter, of Milwaukee. Their children are: Pearl E., now Mrs. Albert Newald, of Milwaukee; Henry J., and Irene.