Joseph K. Kaufmann

KAUFMANN, MARTI, CUSHING

Posted By: Shary Ferrall (email)
Date: 1/24/2006 at 19:56:01

Joseph K. Kaufmann, Vice-President of the James Cushing & Son Company, is one of the native sons of Dubuque. He was born in this city March 16, 1858, and has here spent his entire life, therefore he has become widely known, and by all with whom he is acquainted he is held in high regard, for his career has ever been an upright and honorable one. His father, Joseph Kaufmann, was a native of Switzerland, and after his emigration to the New World took up his residence in Dubuque, where his remaining days were passed. He was a stone mason and contractor and here obtained his share of the public work, doing a good business. He married Catherine Mesching, who was also a native of Switzerland, but who now makes her home in Dubuque. In 1885, however, the father of our subject was called to the home beyond, his death occurring at the age of fifty-nine. In politics he was a supporter of the men and measures of the Democracy. All who knew him respected him and he well deserves mention in this volume.

In the public schools of Dubuque Joseph K. Kaufmann was educated, and on leaving the school room he began his business career as an employee in the vinegar works of James Cushing, serving as fireman and later as engineer. Here he learned the business of manufacturing vinegar, becoming familiar with the industry in all its departments, and as he mastered it he was constantly promoted unti he became foreman of the works. Upon the organization of the James Cushing & Son Company he was made Vice-President of the company, which position he yet fills. The other officers are James Cushing, President, and I.J. Cushing, Secretary and Treasurer. They have a large plant, and as the vinegar which they manufacture is of a very superior quality it finds a ready sale on the market and they have an extensive trade through the western, central and northern states.

Mr. Kaufmann was married on the 16th of October, 1888, to Miss Mamie Marti, who was born in Lansing, Iowa, and is the daughter of Jacob Marti, one of the early settlers of that place. Three children have been born to them, a son and two daughters, Hazel, Charlotte and Otto Albert. The family has a pleasant home at No. 280 West Eagle Point Avenue, and in social circles the parents hold an enviable position, and in the community have many warm friends.

Mr. Kaufmann exercises his right of franchise in support of the Democracy, but has never sought or desired public office, his time and attention being wholly engrossed with his business interests.

Socially he is connected with Julien Lodge No. 12, I.O.O.F., and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and also belongs to the American Schweitzer Club. At the solicitation of his fellow townsmen he became a candidate for City Alderman on the Democratic ticket in 1894, and was elected from the Fifth Ward for a term of two years. He is now serving as Chairman of the Committee on Streets, and is proving an efficient and capable member of the City Council. He was just eighteen years of age when he bagan his connection with thevinegar business, and hence his entire business life has been spent in connection with what is now one of the leading industries of Dubuque.

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source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties; Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894; pg 195
-transcribed by Sharyl Ferrall for Allamakee co. IAGenWeb