- HENRY WILLIAM MEYER, one of the foremost German newspaper editors in the State of Wisconsin and a man highly esteemed by all who knew him, died at his home in Appleton on September 1, 1911. He was of German nativity, born in Bossum, Kingdom of Hanover, August 3, 1843, the son of Arendt H. and Anna Meyer, and when but three years old was brought to America by his parents. The journey across the Atlantic was made in a small sailing vessel and required three months, but they finally sighted land and came to Milwaukee by way of the Great Lakes. Shortly thereafter they removed to the town of Newton in Manitowoc county and there settled on a wild and unbroken tract of land. Henry W. Meyer grew to man's estate on the old homestead and experienced all the trials and hardships incident to pioneer life. His ambition rose beyond the farm, however, and he was sent to public and private schools in Manitowoc and to Concordia College, Fort Wayne, Indiana, from which latter institution he graduated in 1862. For four years he taught in the district schools of Manitowoc county, then in Whitewater, Wisconsin, and in 1869 came to Appleton and here for two years taught a private school for the Schul-Verein. In 1870 he acquired a half interest in the "Volksfreund," and shortly afterwards became sole owner. This publication at that time had but a few hundred subscribers, but through the untiring efforts of Meyer, who was editor, pressman and solicitor, the circulation increased rapidly until it was not only one of the most widely circulated but also one of the most influential papers in the state, and is still regarded as such. Mr Meyer always took a keen interest and part in public affairs of importance, but steadfastly refused to hold office though many such were offered him and urged upon him. He preferred to work for the people through the medium of the Volksfreund which he regarded as his life's work. On November 17, 1872, he was united in marriage with Miss Wilhelmine Harbeck, and to them these children were born: August H., secretary and manager of the Langstadt-Meyer Construction & Supply Company, of Appleton; Richard J., associated with the management of the Volksfreund; William T., assistant cashier of the Langlade National Bank of Antigo, Wisconsin; Henry W., Jr., associated with the Langstadt-Meyer Construction & Supply Company; and Mrs. Julchen Meyer- Seeger. The sudden death of the latter, the only daughter, in February, 1910, was a fatal shock to Mr. Meyer, and he died as he had lived, an honored and respected man. He was buried at Riverside Cemetery, Appleton, on Monday, September 4, 1911. Mr. Meyer was a member of the, Masonic fraternity, the Modern Woodmen of America, Odd Fellows and other social and benevolent organizations. His widow survives him and resides in Appleton.
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1843 - 1911 (68 years)
Education - College/University
