John Fellenz

Johann "John" Fellenz (June 23, 1833 – December 16, 1896) was a German American immigrant, building contractor, and Wisconsin pioneer. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the southwest side of the city of Milwaukee for five terms. He was also one of the contractors for the construction of the Winnebago Mental Health Institute.

Biography Fellenz was born in the municipality of Bengel, in what's now western Germany, in June 1833.

He was one of the earliest settlers in the southwest side of the city of Milwaukee, in what was the 8th ward for most of his life.

He was elected to another term in 1871, after redistricting, in the new Milwaukee 8th Assembly district, which comprised just the 8th ward.

He subsequently took on more important construction jobs in Wisconsin, including the 1875 Science Hall at the University of Wisconsin, which burned to the ground in 1884. He worked on the Notre Dame Convent, St. Joseph's Hospital, as well as several churches, schools, and a Jewish temple.

He was elected to his final term in the Assembly in 1882.

Personal life and family John Fellenz was the eldest of at least six children born to Johann "Peter" Fellenz and his wife Anna Margaretha ( Feiten). His younger brother, Joseph, remained in Washington County, Wisconsin. Joseph's grandson, Louis J. Fellenz, Sr., and great-grandson, Louis J. Fellenz, Jr., both served in the Wisconsin State Senate in the 20th century.

John Fellenz married Anna Katharina Ruhland, another German immigrant, at Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, on February 6, 1855. They had at least nine children, though at least two died young. Their son Frank Fellenz became a successful businessman in Milwaukee.

Electoral history Wisconsin Assembly (1871)

Wisconsin Assembly (1873)

Wisconsin Assembly (1882)