Fred Schuette was elected Mayor for the first time in 1889 and again in 1890 without opposition. During his administration a new waterworks system was put into place and the Fire Department was reorganized.

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FRED SCHUETTE (d. 1917)

EX-MAYOR FRED SCHUETTE, HEAD SCHUETTE BROS CO.,
DIES SUNDAY AFTER SHORT ILLNESS
Had Been Identified With Business Interests of City for More than
Half Century and Was Widely Known. One of Founders of County Fair
Fred Schuette, ex-mayor, president of the Schuette Bros. company and
one of the most prominent businessmen of Manitowoc county, died at the
family home on South Eighth street shortly after noon Sunday, aged 73
years, news of the death of Mr. Schuette coming as a surprise and shock
to the community, few persons knowing that he was critically ill.
Widespread sorrow was expressed about the city over the announcement.
Mr. Schuette's death followed a critical illness of less than a week,
during most of which time he was able to be about. Saturday his condition
became alarming and Dr. Lemon, a noted surgeon of Milwaukee was called
in consultation and gave little hope. Sunday morning Mr. Schuette became
unconscious and at 1 o'clock passed away. Members of the immediate family
were at his bedside when the end came.
Underwent Operation.
Two months ago Mr. Schuette underwent an operation for appendicitis at
the hospital but had apparently recovered and though he had not attempted
to give the close application to his business interest for which he was
known before his illness, he had visited the store daily up to a week ago.
He failed to regain his old-time strength and had consulted specialists
at Milwaukee and was hopeful of early restoration. Friends had not known
that Mr. Schuette's condition was serious and the announcement of his
demise came as a shock.
In Business 55 Years.
Mr. Schuette had been engaged in the mercantile business in this city for
55 years and was known throughout the county and in the state as one of
the leading business men of this section. Born at Bremen, Germany, Dec. 2,
1844, Mr. Schuette came to America with his parents in 1848 and a year
later the family located in Manitowoc where in May, 1849, John Schuette,
father of the decedent, established a store from which the present mammoth
business of Schuette Bros. company has grown. Mr. Schuette's father died
in 1863 and the store was conducted by John and Henry Schuette, sons.
Later Fred Schuette became a member of the company and August and George
Schuette also became associated and the firm became known as the Schuette
Bros.
Was President of the Co.
For years, and at the time of his death, Fred Schuette was president of
the company and directed the vast interests of the concern. He was familiar
with every detail of the business and was recognized as one of the most
successful business men of the city. For two years, in 1868 to 1870 Mr.
Schuette sailed a schooner owned by his company and operated between this
city and Chicago and Milwaukee.
Served City as Mayor.
Mr. Schuette had always taken an active interest in public affairs and
served several terms as a member of the city council and later as mayor
of the city, having been elected in 1890 and served until 1894. It was
during Mr. Schuette's administration as chief executive of the city that
the water works was installed, though the franchise to the old Water
Works company was passed under the previous administration. Mr. Schuette
gave much time and attention to the installation of the water works system,
insisting upon the city securing the best possible service. On account of
Mr. Schuette's activity and the great interest taken by him in construction
of the water works plant, Engineer Goodhue, who was in charge of the work,
dedicated a book on municipal affairs to Mr. Schuette.
Served on Co. Board.
Mr. Schuette also served as a member of the county board and was a member
of the First ward school board for years. As a member of the county board
he devoted much attention to the work of equalization of the taxes of the
county. Mr. Schuette was an active member of the volunteer fire department
in days before the city had a paid department and when he was mayor was
much interested in efficiency of the department and in later years also
gave much encouragement and aid to plans for bettering of equipment and
service.
One of Founders of Co. Fair.
Another public benefaction of Mr. Schuette was his participation in the
organization of the first Manitowoc County Fair association thirty years
ago when with other business men of the city, he planned the organization
which has existed since and which has conducted an annual fair, except for
one or two years since. Mr. Schuette always evinced a keen interest in the
county fair and assisted in every way to promote its interests.
Helped City Industries.
Mr. Schuette, though known for conservatism in business, was ever ready to
lend his aid in advancement of the city's industrial growth and had been
identified with many projects looking to the development of city industries.
He was active in the founding of the old Seating company and gave liberally
in support of movements for establishment of new industries, believing that
the welfare of the city was the welfare of its people and he was always
called conference when new projects were taken up.
Surviving Family.
Mr. Schuette was a man who loved his home and his interests centered in his
home and family. He is survived by a widow and five children, Mrs. H. L.
Banzhaff, Milwaukee; Mrs. Charles Reinfried, Mrs. Stanley Eckels, Albert and
Miss Florence Schutte, this city. Three brothers, John, August and
George, and two sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Alter and Mrs. Blouquell also survive.
Store Closed Until Funeral.
The Schuette Bros. company store was closed today and will remain closed
until Thursday morning. The funeral of Mr. Schuette will be held from the
late home Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Schuette was a member of the Elks lodge
and of the Chamber of Commerce.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Monday, July 16, 1917, Page 1
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[bur. 07-18-1917/age 73 yrs/cause: pneumonia]