Reichert, Nicholas F.

The following data is extracted from Racine, Belle City of the lakes, and Racine County, Wisconsin : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement.

Nicholas F. Reichert was a substantial, enterprising and progressive business man whose residence in Racine dated from the pioneer period. He was a native son of the city, born April 24, 1854, a son of Frederick Reichert, one of the pioneer residents. who arrived in Racine in 1840 and became identified with the agricultural development of the district.

The son was educated in the schools of his home locality and was reared to the occupation of an agriculturist, having the usual experiences of the farm bred boy. He continued to assist his father in the cultivation and development of the old home place until he reached the age of twenty-five years, when, thinking to find other pursuits more congenial and profitable, he removed to Racine and turned his attention to the teaming business. A few years later, however, he was joined by Chris Soens for the conduct of a general contracting business to include the building of sewers, waterworks, also street paving and the erection of buildings. With the retirement of Mr. Soens from the partnership the Riechert Construction Company was formed and contracts were awarded to it in many cities of the state, the business becoming one of large volume and importance. Into other fields Mr. Reichert extended his activities, becoming the head of the Lakeside Amusement Company and a partner in the Reichert Land Company. He was widely known throughout the state because of his extensive business interests and also by reason of the sterling traits of his character, which won him warm friendships and high regard.

Mr. Reichert was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Becker and to them was born five daughters and two sons, Mrs. Miller, Veronica, Carrie, Susie, Mary, Nicholas P. and Fred, all residents of Racine.

Such in brief is the history of Nicholas F. Reichert, who passed away on the 22nd of April, 1913, twelve years after the demise of his wife. His death was due to an accident, he being thrown from his buggy on the 24th of December, 1912, sustaining injuries which finally terminated his life. Sincere sorrow was felt on every side that he must thus early respond to the final summons, for he had been -a man of worth and value to the community and in its affairs took an active interest, co-operating at all time in plans and movements for the general good. He served for one term as a member of the city council from the first ward and also filled the office of deputy collector of customs under President Cleveland, but whether in office or out of it was loyal to the best interests of the community, his worth being widely acknowledged by all who knew him. His sterling traits were many and throughout his entire life he proved the truth of the Emersonian philosophy that the way to win a friend is to be one.

Source: Racine, Belle City of the lakes, and Racine County, Wisconsin : a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement

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