FRITZ KAESER, one of the leading business men of Highland, occupies the position of Superintendent of the Helvetia Milk Condensing Company. He was born across the waters in Glarus, Switzerland, May 13, 1847, and was finely educated, being a graduate of the high school of his native city. After completing his studies he learned a trade, which he followed until his emigration to America in 1865, leaving Switzerland on his eighteenth birthday. His father, who bore the name of Melchior Kaeser, was a man of ordinary means.

Arriving in the New World in July of the above year, our subject came immediately to this city, and for four months he worked out on farms; he then went to Belleville, where he commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade, working at it for a little more than a year. At the end of that time he returned to Highland in order to take charge of a brick yard which was then being started by Peter Streiff. He held this position for six years, and at the expiration of that time purchased a farm in Saline Township and gave his undivided attention to its cultivation until 1885, when he abandoned that pursuit and became a stockholder in the Helvetia Milk Condensing Company.

In 1886 Mr. Kaeser was made Superintendent of the concern, which position he is still occupying, and to him great credit is due for the aid he has given in building up a good trade. It is one of the greatest industries in Madison County, and the plant is now controlled by Louis Latzer, President; John Wildi, Secretary; and our subject as Superintendent. Mr. Kaeser has from seventy-five to one hundred men under his charge all the time and is a very careful, able and far-seeing business man.

While residing on his farm our subject held various local offices, although not at any time aspiring to political honors. In 1887 he moved into the city from his estate and thereafter gave his entire time to increasing the business of the milk company. Mr. Kaeser was married October 15, 1868, to Miss Catherine Caindle, and to them were born eleven children, eight of whom survive. Catherine and Mary are married; John, who is a traveling salesman for the factory, was also the first secretary of the branch establishment in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Lena, the next daughter, is at home; Alfred Frederick is a student in the Illinois State University at Champaign; Elise Verna, William George an Emil are with their parents. Our subject is a member of the Singing Society and is also connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. The Christian Church find in him one of its valued members. He is a man of broad and enlightened views, forcible character and fine business talent, and is also the happy possessor of a contented and hopeful disposition, which wins for him a host of warm friends.
From Portrait and Biographical Record of Madison County, Illinois.