Reinhard Schlichting (1887-1888)

Birth: May 23, 1935

Death: July 6, 1897 (Age 62)

Burial: Hillside Cemetery (Chilton, Calumet County, Wisconsin)

Reinhard Frederick George Schlichting was born May 23, 1835 at Stollham, Grand Duchy of Oldenburg,Germany. He was educated in the city schools of his native city until 1847 when his parents emigrated to the United States, coming directly to Wisconsin and locating at Sheboygan Falls. Although young, he assisted his father in building a home in the dense wilderness and shared all the hardships that befell the early pioneers in those days. When the flag of his adopted country was fired upon, he offered his services to the nation. On October 2,1861 he entered the military services as a private in Co K of the 9th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry and was appointed 1st Sergeant, November9, 1861, 2nd Lieutenant January 30, 1864. He was discharged October 18, 1864, to receive a commission as Captain in the 45th Wisconsin Regiment and became Major of the same on July 10,1865. He participated in the battle of Benton, Mo., in the attack on Fort Van Buren and Saline, Ark., and the engagement at Nashville, Tenn., being honorably discharged July 17, 1865.
On July 30, 1864, while home from the scene of strife and conflict on a furlough, he was united in matrimony to Bertha Belitz, daughter of the late Henry F. Belitz. Four children blessed this happy union: Herman, Oscar, Carl and Jennie. Oscar died suddenly July 27, 1892, while at work in St. Paul, Minn. In 1866 Major Schlichting purchased the Washington House and on July 23rd, of that year took possession. He conducted this hotel for six years, making t a popular stopping place for the traveling public. Disposing of the hotel, he engaged in the manufacture of hubs and spokes for a short time and then purchased the Robinson store building and conducting a drug store. Later on he was engaged for a few years in purchasing stock. In 1890 he was given the managment of the Pabst business for this county, looking after interests of this company until his death. Major Schlichting became prominent in the affairs of Calumet County soon after moving within its borders. His genial ways and social good fellowship made him friends and his natural ability assisted him to positions of trust. In 1867-1868 he was District Attorney of the county. In 1868, he was selected school district clerk and held the position until 1877. In 1880, he was re-elected and held the office until 1882 when he resigned. It was while he was one of the school officers that the large stone structure which is now used as a High School building constructed. In his connection with school work he always aimed to get the ablest instructors for the schools and took just pride in making the schools what they should be, the bulwarks of American liberty. In 1874-1875, he represented Calumet County and a part of the County Board. He held the position of city clerk, justice of the peace, alderman, president of the council and mayor of the city in 1889. In every position of trust he showed himself to be one of the noblest works of God--an honest, upright official and his record will stand as an example for the rising generation. Major Schlichting was for a number of years a member of the Masonic Lodge of this city and took an active interest in the work. He was also one of the foremost members of the Grand Army of the Republic, holding the office of commander of the Chilton Post when last trumpet, summoning him to that undiscovered country was sounded. For over thirty years, Major Schlichting had been a neighbor, friend and companion of old and young of our city. Kind hearted, sympathetic and impulsive, his hand was ever stretched out to aid his fellow men, never stopping to discriminate in the time of need between friend and foe. He was one of the leading spirits of the county and no gathering was complete unless the Major's benign countenance beamed upon it.