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ebook History of Watertown, Wisconsin
Wenzel Quis
1809-1913
Back in Bohemia Wenzel Quis was a railroad construction supervisor and a soldier.
In Watertown he operated a saloon and a grocery store.
He
and his wife ultimately celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary.
1848
1848, Alsatian gardener, owned barn along Plank Road. The Plank Road Pioneer Barn was built in 1848 by Wenzel Quis and was originally located at the western terminus of the Watertown- Milwaukee Plank Road, across the Rock River yet only a short distance east of its present site. Moved to the Octagon House grounds in the early 1960's, it now houses a collection of pioneer tools and farm implements.
1848, Pioneer farm building along Plank Road
1881
1881, Saloon, 416 E Main (same as 416 E Main, early dir) [PC_423]
![1881, Saloon, 416 E Main (same as 416 E Main, early dir) [PC_423]](http://www.watertownhistory.org/images/PC_423.jpg){kind=link}
1908
HALE AND HEARTY AT THE AGE OF 99 YEARS
Wenzel Quis, a veteran of the Civil War, is 99 years old today. He is probably the oldest survivor of that struggle
in Wisconsin and there are certainly but few in the country who can exceed him.
For several years past Mr. Quis has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Ernst Kunert, near Beaver Dam, but he spent most of his life in
Watertown.
He served three
years in the civil war as sergeant of Cos. K, 3rd Wisconsin cavalry. and saw
much active service in the field. For a
man of his years he enjoys remarkably good health and reads the Daily Times
every day.
He is still able to
recall and recite many a war tale and stories of camp life and he signs his own
pension vouchers and checks.
For years he has been
a member of O. D. Pease Post No. 94, G. A. R. of this city, whose members are
proud to have among them one of the oldest veterans in the United States. Weekly Watertown Leader, 10 16 1908
1913
04 25 INTO THE SHADOWS
Mr. Wenzel Quis, undoubtedly the oldest surviving: veteran of the civil war, passed away at noon Wednesday, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ernest Kunert, 1108 Tenth Street, at the advanced age of 103 years.
He was born in Bohemia October 10,1809, and came to this country in 1850 and engaged in the mercantile business in this city in which he was engaged at the breaking out of the Civil War when he enlisted in the Third Wisconsin Cavalry and was made sergeant.
With his regiment he took part in several important engagements and was discharged after a service of 3 years.
The deceased was in fairly good health until recently and took an interest in affairs, local and national.
He is survived by three daughters, one son, twelve grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
The funeral will
take place Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the undertaking parlors of Schmutzler & Oestreich, and
will be under the auspices of O. D. Pease Post No. 94 G. A. R. Weekly Watertown Leader, 25 Apr 1913
CROSS REFERENCES:
Civil War veteran, GAR Personal War Sketch, 1890
Forty-Eighters: Builders of Watertown, pgs 65, 66, 82
Wife was Ludmilia Quis, 1814- 1903
History of Watertown, Wisconsin