Maurer

Partial 1877 Map of Somers Township
Section 22
J. Mauer (Maurer) parcel of 100 acres

John Maurer
John Maurer, one of the prosperous and progressive farmers of Somers Township, owns one hundred acres of excellent land and devotes his time and attention to its operation.  He was born in Germany in 1853 and his parents were Peter and Elizabeth (Meyer) Maurer, the former of whom passed away in the fatherland and is buried at Westbaum, that country.  The mother accompanied our subject to the United States and resided for many years in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, dying in 1908.  She is buried in St. George's Cemetery at Kenosha.
John Maurer spent his boyhood in the fatherland and until fourteen years of age devoted the greater part of his time to attending the common schools.  After finishing his education he worked for others for about two years but in 1868 emigrated with his mother to the United States, the voyage across the Atlantic taking twenty days.  They landed at New York city, whence they went to Chicago, and from that city they continued their journey to Addison, Illinois.  There Mr. Maurer engaged in farming for fourteen years, operating rented land, and during that time he carefully saved his money with the purpose of eventually purchasing a farm.  In 1882 he removed to Kenosha county, and purchased one hundred acres of Section 22 Somers Townships where he has since resided.  He has made many improvements upon the place and keeps everything in good condition, thus adding to the attractiveness upon the place and keeps everything in good condition.  He raises both grain and stock, and his well directed labors are rewarded by a good income.
In 1882 Mr. Maurer was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Kaulen, a daughter of Jacob and Katherine Kaulen.  To this union have been born seven children, names:  Stephen and John, both of whom are married and live in Kenosha; Elizabeth, at home; Joseph, who is deceased and is buried at St. George's Cemetery; Paul, who is married and is a resident of Kenosha; Margaret, who married John B. Schuenemann, Jr.; and Peter, who is assisting his father.
Mr. Maurer is a Democrat in his political belief but although he takes the interest of a good citizen in public affairs he has never been an aspirant for office.  He belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters at Kenosha and is a communicant of St. George's Catholic Church.  His life has been an active and useful one, and he has not only gained financial prosperity but has also cooperated in the advancement of the interests of his community along various lines.  He is widely known and highly esteemed.
(Source: Kenosha City and County Record of Settlement by Frank H. Lyman, Vol II, Chicago, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1916)