CHARLES A. GROFFMAN
Charles Groffman, ex-Mayor, Is Dead
Was Pioneer as Pharmacist
Building and Loan Secretary Long
Charles A. Groffman, 87, former mayor and pioneer druggist, who retired in 1953
as secretary of the Manitowoc Building and Loan Assn. after nearly 50? years of
service, died Monday at the home 1116 S. Seventh St.
His death was unexpected. He had been up and about the home Sunday. Monday morning,
after arising, he complained of a chest pain. His death a short time later was
attributed to a heart attack.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Urbanek and Schlei Funeral
Home. The Rev. Donald Stannard will officiate and burial will be in Evergreen
Cemetery. There will be graveside rites by the Masonic Order..
(rest of line did not inked).
He was born in Manitowoc Oct. 16, 1867, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Groffman.
He was graduated from the old First Ward High School and his first job was at the
Buerstatte Drug Store. He was active in the Wisconsin National Guard, enlisting with
Company E here, and when he retired held the commission of second lieutenant.
Groffman left Manitowoc for a position in Chicago, then returned after a short time.
He passed his pharmacist’s examination and opened the Groffman Pharmacy on South
Eighth Street now operated by a son, Harlan.
Secretary 47 Years
In 1906 he was named secretary of the Manitowoc Building and Loan Assn. and served
in that capacity for 47 years, retiring in 1953.
Groffman, when a young man, took an active interest in municipal affairs. In 1907
he was prevailed on to run for mayor and won the nomination on both the Republican
and democratic tickets in the days before municipal primaries. He was elected without
opposition April 3 of that year to head the city government with Manitowoc’s
population at that time 13,000. Re-elected two years later Groffman declined a further
term, retiring from the mayor’s office in 1911. In those years the mayor served
without pay.
He was honored in recent years by three fraternal organizations. In 1953 he was
presented with a plaque by the Building and Loan Assn. on the occasion of his
retirement as secretary. In 1954 he was presented with the distinguished service
award by the Manitowoc Lions Club.
In 1954, when the Manitowoc Aerie of Eagles observed the golden anniversary Groffman,
with five other charter members was awarded a life certificate of membership.
Master Mason
This year Groffman was awarded a 50 year membership certificate and card by the
Free and Accepted Masons No. 65. He was initiated, passed the degree of fellowship
and was raised to Master Mason in 1906?, his first year in the order.
He was a member of the Masonic Order, Eagles, Wisconsin Pharmaceutical Assn. and the
National Association of Retail Druggists.
On Oct 21, 19__, he married Miss Anne ________ who survives with a son Harlan of
Manitowoc; two daughters, Mrs. William Van _____, _____- _____ and Mrs. Harold _____
of Manitowoc, four grandchildren and __ great grandchildren.
Friends may call at the funeral home after __ p.m. Tuesday.
Manitowoc Herald Times, July 25, 1955 P. 1
*******
[d. 07-25-1955/age 87 yrs./cause: coronary]
*******
MAYOR HURT IN AUTO MISHAP
Party, Guests of Chas. Kunz has Close Call to Death
ACCIDENT TO RAPIDS; OVER EMBANKMENT
Mayor Chas. A. Groffman with four other members of an auto party, had a narrow
escape from death in an accident at Rapids this afternoon when the machine missed
a bridge and was carried over an embankment. Mayor Groffman, who was the only
member of the party seriously injured, has a broken bone in the shoulder and is
badly bruised.
Mayor Groffman, Ald. Engels, John Mac Farlane and Police Commissioner Chas. Kunz
were members of the party out for a drive in Mr. Kunz' new car and the accident
happened just as the party started to return to the city. Mr. Kunz had taken the
road through the Shove farm and was about to turn onto the bridge at Rapids but,
owing to the speed, missed the turn and the car slid over the embankment, partially
overturning. At the point where the car was overturned, there are the timbers of
an old bridge and fortunately the car caught on these and this undoubtedly saved
some members of the party from death.
Mayor Groffman and Mr. Kunz who occupied the front seat in the car were carried
with the car over the embankment and that both were not seriously hurt is a marvel.
Had the car completely overturned, they would have been buried under it, probably
dead. Mayor Groffman was thrown from his seat in the overturning of the car and the
force of the fall caused the fracture of the bone. He is a man of heavy weight and
might easily have been much more seriously hurt. Mr. Kunz was bruised but not badly.
Ald. Engels and Mr. MacFarlane were thrown from the machine, landing a considerable
distance away.
The machine was not badly damaged and the party was able to return to the city and
Major Groffman received medical attention. The injury to his shoulder will prove
painful and will cripple him for a time but it is not thought there will be any
permanent effects from it. Other members of the party are able to be about.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Tues., July 12, 1909
*******
C.A. Groffmans Celebrate Fifty Years of Marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Groffman, 1116 South Seventh street, were married 50
years ago today. To celebrate the anniversary they are having open house at
their home starting at 3 o'clock this afternoon and continuing through the
evening.
A family dinner at noon at Hessel's, Francis Creek, will preceded the open house.
Mr. Groffman was born on Oct. 16, 1867, in Manitowoc. He married Anna M. Krumdick
of the town of Kossuth on Oct. 21, 1896, with the Rev. Karl Machmiller performing
the ceremony. With the exception of one year in Chicago the couple has lived at
their present home for that entire length of time.
All three of their children are with them today; Miss Martha M. Groffman and
Harlan G. Groffman of Manitowoc and Mrs. Ann Louise Vande Hei, Menominee, Mich.
There are four grandchildren.
Mr. Groffman is associated with the Groffman drug store on South Eighth street
and has been secretary of the Manitowoc Building and Loan association for
approximately 40 years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Groffman are in good health and very
active.
Mayor of Manitowoc from 1907 to 1911 and county board member for six years, Mr.
Groffman also belongs to the Masonic order, Knights of Pythias, Eagles and the
Royal lodge.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Monday, October 21, 1946 P. 6
**********
(The following is his son's marriage writeup):
BENDECKE-GROFFMAN
At Chicago at 8 o'clock this evening Miss Margaret Bendecke of that city and
Harlan Groffman, son of Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Groffman of this city, will be united
in marriage. The ceremony will take place at church and will be followed by a
reception at the home of relatives of the bride. Mr. and Mrs. Goffman will come
to Manitowoc to make their home after an extended honeymoon trip. The marriage
is the result of a friendship formed while both were students at the University
of Wisconsin. The ceremony at Chicago is being attended by Mr. and Mrs. C.A.
Groffman, parents of the groom, and Hugo Esch, who is acting in the capacity
of best man.
Manitowoc Herald News, June 18, 1921 P. 1
******
Mayor of Manitowoc, Wisconsin 1907-1911
Charles A. Groffman was a member of the committee that directed the operation of the Turner Hall and Society. A coalition of Democrats and Republicans endorsed him for Mayor, defeating Socialist Henry Stolze. He was a supporter of the Spanish American Veterans' Convention held in the city. Mr. Groffman died July 27, 1955.
**************
[U-24-8]-Charles A./1867-1955 [d. 07-25-1955/age 87 yrs./cause: coronary]
Charles Groffman, ex-Mayor, Is Dead
Was Pioneer as Pharmacist
Building and Loan Secretary Long
Charles A. Groffman, 87, former mayor and pioneer druggist, who retired in 1953
as secretary of the Manitowoc Building and Loan Assn. after nearly 50? years of
service, died Monday at the home 1116 S. Seventh St.
His death was unexpected. He had been up and about the home Sunday. Monday morning,
after arising, he complained of a chest pain. His death a short time later was
attributed to a heart attack.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Urbanek and Schlei Funeral
Home. The Rev. Donald Stannard will officiate and burial will be in Evergreen
Cemetery. There will be graveside rites by the Masonic Order..
(rest of line did not inked).
He was born in Manitowoc Oct. 16, 1867, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Groffman.
He was graduated from the old First Ward High School and his first job was at the
Buerstatte Drug Store. He was active in the Wisconsin National Guard, enlisting with
Company E here, and when he retired held the commission of second lieutenant.
Groffman left Manitowoc for a position in Chicago, then returned after a short time.
He passed his pharmacist’s examination and opened the Groffman Pharmacy on South
Eighth Street now operated by a son, Harlan.
Secretary 47 Years
In 1906 he was named secretary of the Manitowoc Building and Loan Assn. and served
in that capacity for 47 years, retiring in 1953.
Groffman, when a young man, took an active interest in municipal affairs. In 1907
he was prevailed on to run for mayor and won the nomination on both the Republican
and democratic tickets in the days before municipal primaries. He was elected without
opposition April 3 of that year to head the city government with Manitowoc’s
population at that time 13,000. Re-elected two years later Groffman declined a further
term, retiring from the mayor’s office in 1911. In those years the mayor served
without pay.
He was honored in recent years by three fraternal organizations. In 1953 he was
presented with a plaque by the Building and Loan Assn. on the occasion of his
retirement as secretary. In 1954 he was presented with the distinguished service
award by the Manitowoc Lions Club.
In 1954, when the Manitowoc Aerie of Eagles observed the golden anniversary Groffman,
with five other charter members was awarded a life certificate of membership.
Master Mason
This year Groffman was awarded a 50 year membership certificate and card by the
Free and Accepted Masons No. 65. He was initiated, passed the degree of fellowship
and was raised to Master Mason in 1906?, his first year in the order.
He was a member of the Masonic Order, Eagles, Wisconsin Pharmaceutical Assn. and the
National Association of Retail Druggists.
On Oct 21, 19__, he married Miss Anne ________ who survives with a son Harlan of
Manitowoc; two daughters, Mrs. William Van _____, _____- _____ and Mrs. Harold _____
of Manitowoc, four grandchildren and __ great grandchildren.
Friends may call at the funeral home after __ p.m. Tuesday.
Manitowoc Herald Times, July 25, 1955 P. 1
*******
[d. 07-25-1955/age 87 yrs./cause: coronary]
*******
MAYOR HURT IN AUTO MISHAP
Party, Guests of Chas. Kunz has Close Call to Death
ACCIDENT TO RAPIDS; OVER EMBANKMENT
Mayor Chas. A. Groffman with four other members of an auto party, had a narrow
escape from death in an accident at Rapids this afternoon when the machine missed
a bridge and was carried over an embankment. Mayor Groffman, who was the only
member of the party seriously injured, has a broken bone in the shoulder and is
badly bruised.
Mayor Groffman, Ald. Engels, John Mac Farlane and Police Commissioner Chas. Kunz
were members of the party out for a drive in Mr. Kunz' new car and the accident
happened just as the party started to return to the city. Mr. Kunz had taken the
road through the Shove farm and was about to turn onto the bridge at Rapids but,
owing to the speed, missed the turn and the car slid over the embankment, partially
overturning. At the point where the car was overturned, there are the timbers of
an old bridge and fortunately the car caught on these and this undoubtedly saved
some members of the party from death.
Mayor Groffman and Mr. Kunz who occupied the front seat in the car were carried
with the car over the embankment and that both were not seriously hurt is a marvel.
Had the car completely overturned, they would have been buried under it, probably
dead. Mayor Groffman was thrown from his seat in the overturning of the car and the
force of the fall caused the fracture of the bone. He is a man of heavy weight and
might easily have been much more seriously hurt. Mr. Kunz was bruised but not badly.
Ald. Engels and Mr. MacFarlane were thrown from the machine, landing a considerable
distance away.
The machine was not badly damaged and the party was able to return to the city and
Major Groffman received medical attention. The injury to his shoulder will prove
painful and will cripple him for a time but it is not thought there will be any
permanent effects from it. Other members of the party are able to be about.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Tues., July 12, 1909
*******
C.A. Groffmans Celebrate Fifty Years of Marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Groffman, 1116 South Seventh street, were married 50
years ago today. To celebrate the anniversary they are having open house at
their home starting at 3 o'clock this afternoon and continuing through the
evening.
A family dinner at noon at Hessel's, Francis Creek, will preceded the open house.
Mr. Groffman was born on Oct. 16, 1867, in Manitowoc. He married Anna M. Krumdick
of the town of Kossuth on Oct. 21, 1896, with the Rev. Karl Machmiller performing
the ceremony. With the exception of one year in Chicago the couple has lived at
their present home for that entire length of time.
All three of their children are with them today; Miss Martha M. Groffman and
Harlan G. Groffman of Manitowoc and Mrs. Ann Louise Vande Hei, Menominee, Mich.
There are four grandchildren.
Mr. Groffman is associated with the Groffman drug store on South Eighth street
and has been secretary of the Manitowoc Building and Loan association for
approximately 40 years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Groffman are in good health and very
active.
Mayor of Manitowoc from 1907 to 1911 and county board member for six years, Mr.
Groffman also belongs to the Masonic order, Knights of Pythias, Eagles and the
Royal lodge.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Monday, October 21, 1946 P. 6
**********
(The following is his son's marriage writeup):
BENDECKE-GROFFMAN
At Chicago at 8 o'clock this evening Miss Margaret Bendecke of that city and
Harlan Groffman, son of Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Groffman of this city, will be united
in marriage. The ceremony will take place at church and will be followed by a
reception at the home of relatives of the bride. Mr. and Mrs. Goffman will come
to Manitowoc to make their home after an extended honeymoon trip. The marriage
is the result of a friendship formed while both were students at the University
of Wisconsin. The ceremony at Chicago is being attended by Mr. and Mrs. C.A.
Groffman, parents of the groom, and Hugo Esch, who is acting in the capacity
of best man.
Manitowoc Herald News, June 18, 1921 P. 1
******
Mayor of Manitowoc, Wisconsin 1907-1911
Charles A. Groffman was a member of the committee that directed the operation of the Turner Hall and Society. A coalition of Democrats and Republicans endorsed him for Mayor, defeating Socialist Henry Stolze. He was a supporter of the Spanish American Veterans' Convention held in the city. Mr. Groffman died July 27, 1955.
**************
[U-24-8]-Charles A./1867-1955 [d. 07-25-1955/age 87 yrs./cause: coronary]
CHARLES A. GROFFMAN
Charles Groffman, ex-Mayor, Is Dead
Was Pioneer as Pharmacist
Building and Loan Secretary Long
Charles A. Groffman, 87, former mayor and pioneer druggist, who retired in 1953
as secretary of the Manitowoc Building and Loan Assn. after nearly 50? years of
service, died Monday at the home 1116 S. Seventh St.
His death was unexpected. He had been up and about the home Sunday. Monday morning,
after arising, he complained of a chest pain. His death a short time later was
attributed to a heart attack.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Urbanek and Schlei Funeral
Home. The Rev. Donald Stannard will officiate and burial will be in Evergreen
Cemetery. There will be graveside rites by the Masonic Order..
(rest of line did not inked).
He was born in Manitowoc Oct. 16, 1867, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Groffman.
He was graduated from the old First Ward High School and his first job was at the
Buerstatte Drug Store. He was active in the Wisconsin National Guard, enlisting with
Company E here, and when he retired held the commission of second lieutenant.
Groffman left Manitowoc for a position in Chicago, then returned after a short time.
He passed his pharmacist’s examination and opened the Groffman Pharmacy on South
Eighth Street now operated by a son, Harlan.
Secretary 47 Years
In 1906 he was named secretary of the Manitowoc Building and Loan Assn. and served
in that capacity for 47 years, retiring in 1953.
Groffman, when a young man, took an active interest in municipal affairs. In 1907
he was prevailed on to run for mayor and won the nomination on both the Republican
and democratic tickets in the days before municipal primaries. He was elected without
opposition April 3 of that year to head the city government with Manitowoc’s
population at that time 13,000. Re-elected two years later Groffman declined a further
term, retiring from the mayor’s office in 1911. In those years the mayor served
without pay.
He was honored in recent years by three fraternal organizations. In 1953 he was
presented with a plaque by the Building and Loan Assn. on the occasion of his
retirement as secretary. In 1954 he was presented with the distinguished service
award by the Manitowoc Lions Club.
In 1954, when the Manitowoc Aerie of Eagles observed the golden anniversary Groffman,
with five other charter members was awarded a life certificate of membership.
Master Mason
This year Groffman was awarded a 50 year membership certificate and card by the
Free and Accepted Masons No. 65. He was initiated, passed the degree of fellowship
and was raised to Master Mason in 1906?, his first year in the order.
He was a member of the Masonic Order, Eagles, Wisconsin Pharmaceutical Assn. and the
National Association of Retail Druggists.
On Oct 21, 19__, he married Miss Anne ________ who survives with a son Harlan of
Manitowoc; two daughters, Mrs. William Van _____, _____- _____ and Mrs. Harold _____
of Manitowoc, four grandchildren and __ great grandchildren.
Friends may call at the funeral home after __ p.m. Tuesday.
Manitowoc Herald Times, July 25, 1955 P. 1
*******
[d. 07-25-1955/age 87 yrs./cause: coronary]
*******
MAYOR HURT IN AUTO MISHAP
Party, Guests of Chas. Kunz has Close Call to Death
ACCIDENT TO RAPIDS; OVER EMBANKMENT
Mayor Chas. A. Groffman with four other members of an auto party, had a narrow
escape from death in an accident at Rapids this afternoon when the machine missed
a bridge and was carried over an embankment. Mayor Groffman, who was the only
member of the party seriously injured, has a broken bone in the shoulder and is
badly bruised.
Mayor Groffman, Ald. Engels, John Mac Farlane and Police Commissioner Chas. Kunz
were members of the party out for a drive in Mr. Kunz' new car and the accident
happened just as the party started to return to the city. Mr. Kunz had taken the
road through the Shove farm and was about to turn onto the bridge at Rapids but,
owing to the speed, missed the turn and the car slid over the embankment, partially
overturning. At the point where the car was overturned, there are the timbers of
an old bridge and fortunately the car caught on these and this undoubtedly saved
some members of the party from death.
Mayor Groffman and Mr. Kunz who occupied the front seat in the car were carried
with the car over the embankment and that both were not seriously hurt is a marvel.
Had the car completely overturned, they would have been buried under it, probably
dead. Mayor Groffman was thrown from his seat in the overturning of the car and the
force of the fall caused the fracture of the bone. He is a man of heavy weight and
might easily have been much more seriously hurt. Mr. Kunz was bruised but not badly.
Ald. Engels and Mr. MacFarlane were thrown from the machine, landing a considerable
distance away.
The machine was not badly damaged and the party was able to return to the city and
Major Groffman received medical attention. The injury to his shoulder will prove
painful and will cripple him for a time but it is not thought there will be any
permanent effects from it. Other members of the party are able to be about.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Tues., July 12, 1909
*******
C.A. Groffmans Celebrate Fifty Years of Marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Groffman, 1116 South Seventh street, were married 50
years ago today. To celebrate the anniversary they are having open house at
their home starting at 3 o'clock this afternoon and continuing through the
evening.
A family dinner at noon at Hessel's, Francis Creek, will preceded the open house.
Mr. Groffman was born on Oct. 16, 1867, in Manitowoc. He married Anna M. Krumdick
of the town of Kossuth on Oct. 21, 1896, with the Rev. Karl Machmiller performing
the ceremony. With the exception of one year in Chicago the couple has lived at
their present home for that entire length of time.
All three of their children are with them today; Miss Martha M. Groffman and
Harlan G. Groffman of Manitowoc and Mrs. Ann Louise Vande Hei, Menominee, Mich.
There are four grandchildren.
Mr. Groffman is associated with the Groffman drug store on South Eighth street
and has been secretary of the Manitowoc Building and Loan association for
approximately 40 years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Groffman are in good health and very
active.
Mayor of Manitowoc from 1907 to 1911 and county board member for six years, Mr.
Groffman also belongs to the Masonic order, Knights of Pythias, Eagles and the
Royal lodge.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Monday, October 21, 1946 P. 6
**********
(The following is his son's marriage writeup):
BENDECKE-GROFFMAN
At Chicago at 8 o'clock this evening Miss Margaret Bendecke of that city and
Harlan Groffman, son of Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Groffman of this city, will be united
in marriage. The ceremony will take place at church and will be followed by a
reception at the home of relatives of the bride. Mr. and Mrs. Goffman will come
to Manitowoc to make their home after an extended honeymoon trip. The marriage
is the result of a friendship formed while both were students at the University
of Wisconsin. The ceremony at Chicago is being attended by Mr. and Mrs. C.A.
Groffman, parents of the groom, and Hugo Esch, who is acting in the capacity
of best man.
Manitowoc Herald News, June 18, 1921 P. 1
******
Mayor of Manitowoc, Wisconsin 1907-1911
Charles A. Groffman was a member of the committee that directed the operation of the Turner Hall and Society. A coalition of Democrats and Republicans endorsed him for Mayor, defeating Socialist Henry Stolze. He was a supporter of the Spanish American Veterans' Convention held in the city. Mr. Groffman died July 27, 1955.
**************
[U-24-8]-Charles A./1867-1955 [d. 07-25-1955/age 87 yrs./cause: coronary]
Charles Groffman, ex-Mayor, Is Dead
Was Pioneer as Pharmacist
Building and Loan Secretary Long
Charles A. Groffman, 87, former mayor and pioneer druggist, who retired in 1953
as secretary of the Manitowoc Building and Loan Assn. after nearly 50? years of
service, died Monday at the home 1116 S. Seventh St.
His death was unexpected. He had been up and about the home Sunday. Monday morning,
after arising, he complained of a chest pain. His death a short time later was
attributed to a heart attack.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Urbanek and Schlei Funeral
Home. The Rev. Donald Stannard will officiate and burial will be in Evergreen
Cemetery. There will be graveside rites by the Masonic Order..
(rest of line did not inked).
He was born in Manitowoc Oct. 16, 1867, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Groffman.
He was graduated from the old First Ward High School and his first job was at the
Buerstatte Drug Store. He was active in the Wisconsin National Guard, enlisting with
Company E here, and when he retired held the commission of second lieutenant.
Groffman left Manitowoc for a position in Chicago, then returned after a short time.
He passed his pharmacist’s examination and opened the Groffman Pharmacy on South
Eighth Street now operated by a son, Harlan.
Secretary 47 Years
In 1906 he was named secretary of the Manitowoc Building and Loan Assn. and served
in that capacity for 47 years, retiring in 1953.
Groffman, when a young man, took an active interest in municipal affairs. In 1907
he was prevailed on to run for mayor and won the nomination on both the Republican
and democratic tickets in the days before municipal primaries. He was elected without
opposition April 3 of that year to head the city government with Manitowoc’s
population at that time 13,000. Re-elected two years later Groffman declined a further
term, retiring from the mayor’s office in 1911. In those years the mayor served
without pay.
He was honored in recent years by three fraternal organizations. In 1953 he was
presented with a plaque by the Building and Loan Assn. on the occasion of his
retirement as secretary. In 1954 he was presented with the distinguished service
award by the Manitowoc Lions Club.
In 1954, when the Manitowoc Aerie of Eagles observed the golden anniversary Groffman,
with five other charter members was awarded a life certificate of membership.
Master Mason
This year Groffman was awarded a 50 year membership certificate and card by the
Free and Accepted Masons No. 65. He was initiated, passed the degree of fellowship
and was raised to Master Mason in 1906?, his first year in the order.
He was a member of the Masonic Order, Eagles, Wisconsin Pharmaceutical Assn. and the
National Association of Retail Druggists.
On Oct 21, 19__, he married Miss Anne ________ who survives with a son Harlan of
Manitowoc; two daughters, Mrs. William Van _____, _____- _____ and Mrs. Harold _____
of Manitowoc, four grandchildren and __ great grandchildren.
Friends may call at the funeral home after __ p.m. Tuesday.
Manitowoc Herald Times, July 25, 1955 P. 1
*******
[d. 07-25-1955/age 87 yrs./cause: coronary]
*******
MAYOR HURT IN AUTO MISHAP
Party, Guests of Chas. Kunz has Close Call to Death
ACCIDENT TO RAPIDS; OVER EMBANKMENT
Mayor Chas. A. Groffman with four other members of an auto party, had a narrow
escape from death in an accident at Rapids this afternoon when the machine missed
a bridge and was carried over an embankment. Mayor Groffman, who was the only
member of the party seriously injured, has a broken bone in the shoulder and is
badly bruised.
Mayor Groffman, Ald. Engels, John Mac Farlane and Police Commissioner Chas. Kunz
were members of the party out for a drive in Mr. Kunz' new car and the accident
happened just as the party started to return to the city. Mr. Kunz had taken the
road through the Shove farm and was about to turn onto the bridge at Rapids but,
owing to the speed, missed the turn and the car slid over the embankment, partially
overturning. At the point where the car was overturned, there are the timbers of
an old bridge and fortunately the car caught on these and this undoubtedly saved
some members of the party from death.
Mayor Groffman and Mr. Kunz who occupied the front seat in the car were carried
with the car over the embankment and that both were not seriously hurt is a marvel.
Had the car completely overturned, they would have been buried under it, probably
dead. Mayor Groffman was thrown from his seat in the overturning of the car and the
force of the fall caused the fracture of the bone. He is a man of heavy weight and
might easily have been much more seriously hurt. Mr. Kunz was bruised but not badly.
Ald. Engels and Mr. MacFarlane were thrown from the machine, landing a considerable
distance away.
The machine was not badly damaged and the party was able to return to the city and
Major Groffman received medical attention. The injury to his shoulder will prove
painful and will cripple him for a time but it is not thought there will be any
permanent effects from it. Other members of the party are able to be about.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Tues., July 12, 1909
*******
C.A. Groffmans Celebrate Fifty Years of Marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Groffman, 1116 South Seventh street, were married 50
years ago today. To celebrate the anniversary they are having open house at
their home starting at 3 o'clock this afternoon and continuing through the
evening.
A family dinner at noon at Hessel's, Francis Creek, will preceded the open house.
Mr. Groffman was born on Oct. 16, 1867, in Manitowoc. He married Anna M. Krumdick
of the town of Kossuth on Oct. 21, 1896, with the Rev. Karl Machmiller performing
the ceremony. With the exception of one year in Chicago the couple has lived at
their present home for that entire length of time.
All three of their children are with them today; Miss Martha M. Groffman and
Harlan G. Groffman of Manitowoc and Mrs. Ann Louise Vande Hei, Menominee, Mich.
There are four grandchildren.
Mr. Groffman is associated with the Groffman drug store on South Eighth street
and has been secretary of the Manitowoc Building and Loan association for
approximately 40 years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Groffman are in good health and very
active.
Mayor of Manitowoc from 1907 to 1911 and county board member for six years, Mr.
Groffman also belongs to the Masonic order, Knights of Pythias, Eagles and the
Royal lodge.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Monday, October 21, 1946 P. 6
**********
(The following is his son's marriage writeup):
BENDECKE-GROFFMAN
At Chicago at 8 o'clock this evening Miss Margaret Bendecke of that city and
Harlan Groffman, son of Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Groffman of this city, will be united
in marriage. The ceremony will take place at church and will be followed by a
reception at the home of relatives of the bride. Mr. and Mrs. Goffman will come
to Manitowoc to make their home after an extended honeymoon trip. The marriage
is the result of a friendship formed while both were students at the University
of Wisconsin. The ceremony at Chicago is being attended by Mr. and Mrs. C.A.
Groffman, parents of the groom, and Hugo Esch, who is acting in the capacity
of best man.
Manitowoc Herald News, June 18, 1921 P. 1
******
Mayor of Manitowoc, Wisconsin 1907-1911
Charles A. Groffman was a member of the committee that directed the operation of the Turner Hall and Society. A coalition of Democrats and Republicans endorsed him for Mayor, defeating Socialist Henry Stolze. He was a supporter of the Spanish American Veterans' Convention held in the city. Mr. Groffman died July 27, 1955.
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[U-24-8]-Charles A./1867-1955 [d. 07-25-1955/age 87 yrs./cause: coronary]
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