Hansche, William J.

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

William J. Hansche, who is extensively engaged in truck farming in Mount Pleasant Township, is of that class of citizens who are active not only in promoting the material development of the district but in advancing its moral interests as well, for he staunchly upholds all those principles which make for better manhood and higher living. He was born April 25, 1867, in the Township where he still resides, a son of Rudolph and Anna (Seorgel) Hansche. He acquired a common school education, pursuing his studies to the age of eighteen years, and through the periods of vacation he worked in the fields. He has never felt a need to change his occupation but has remained upon the farm, giving his attention to the raising of vegetables. He makes a specialty of cabbage and onions and ships in carload lots. In his business affairs he is associated with his brother, F. W. Hansche, and their interests are carefully, wisely and successfully managed.

On the 1st of December, 1891, Mr. Hansche was married to Miss Etta Bradley, who died November 7, 1902, leaving four children: Elmer, at home, who is a graduate of the Racine high school and spent two years in college at Oskaloosa, Iowa; Edna, deceased; Alice, who also completed the high school course in Racine and is a student in Oskaloosa; and Maude, who has departed this life. On the 21st of April, 1908, Mr. Hansche was again married, his second union being with Minnie Gertrude De Smidt, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Claerbout) De Smidt. By this marriage there was one son, John, who passed away.

In politics Mr. Hansche is a prohibitionist, believing firmly in the principles of that party, but at local elections casts an independent ballot. He has served for three years as a member of the town board and his interest in the cause of education is shown by his active and helpful service on the school board, covering fourteen years. He has never neglected the higher, holier duties of life and is a valued member of the Pentecostal Mission church of Racine, of which he was one of the organizers, and he is also associated with the Spring Park Camp Meeting Association.

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

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