This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: RMunns7272 Surnames: Rau, Merz Classification: biography Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.wisconsin.counties.lacrosse/2291/mb.ashx Message Board Post: >From "History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin", 1881, p. 785. City of La Crosse JOHN RAU, son of Casper and Susan Rau, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, March 19, 1828. At the age of 24, he emigrated to America, landing in New York in the fall of 1852. He came West and located at Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, and there worked at his trade, that of a rope-maker. Four years later, he went to Galesburg, Ill., and started in business for himself, having established a rope factory at that place. He remained in Galesburg until 1867, when he came to La Crosse, and engaged in general merchandising. With his quiet, unassuming manners, strict integrity, and fine business qualifications, Mr. Rau has succeeded in building up an extensive and lucrative trade. He was married Dec. 7, 1852, at Wooster, Ohio, to Sebalia Merz, a native of Germany. They have two children - Mary and John. Mr. Rau is a member of the I. O. O. F., being one of the originators of the La Crosse Valley Lodge, as also a member of the Deutcher Verein. He was an Alderman from the Second Ward for nine su! ccessive years. [I am not related to this family and have no further information. I'm posting this as a service and hope it helps!] Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.