Bio: Kessler, William J. (1914)

Contact: Crystal Wendt

----Surnames: Kessler, Ebach, Lullem, Ausman 

----Source: History of Eau Claire County, Wisconsin (1914) page 757 

William J. Kessler, who is now sales manager of the New Dells Lumber Company, was born September 26, 1877, in the Province of Coblentz, Wissen, Germany, to August and Magdalina (Ebach) Kessler, both natives of Germany. The father was a baker by trade and followed that occupation in Germany until October, 1884, when with his family he came to the United States. From New York City he went to Erie, Pa., and from there via boat to Bayfield, Wis., thence to Eau Claire, where for a time he was variously employed, and finally securing a position with the Eau Claire Water Works, where he remained for many years. He is now living in retirement, at the age of 66 years. Mr. and Mrs. Kessler were the parents of two children, William J., and August, who is employed as auditor for a lumber company at Odessa, Wash. 

William J. came to America with his parents when 7 years of age and received his education in the public and high schools of Eau Claire and the Shaffer Business College. His first employment after finishing school was with the Northwestern Lumber Company, entering the office as clerk in 1892. He remained in the various departments of this company, including the auditing department, for fourteen years, and for the next four years he was in the yards as shipping clerk, later becoming foreman and still later had charge of the retail sales department. On December 1, 1909, he became connected with the New Dells Lumber Company as sales manager of their Eau Claire plant, which position he still retains. 

Mr. Kessler married in 1901 Miss Bertha Lullem, daughter of Albert and Frances (Ausman) Lullem, and they have one daughter, Dorothy. They are members of the Roman Catholic church, and for six years Mr. Kessler has been a member of Company E., 3rd Regiment, Wisconsin National Guard, being at this time (1914) retired with rank of first lieutenant. He has also held the offices of corporal and sergeant.