manufacturer, b. Schnepfau, Austria. He migrated to the U.S. and to Wisconsin in 1871, settling in Sheboygan. In 1873 he started a foundry and machine shop which, after various changes of name, became the Kohler Co. in 1912. The firm originally produced farm implements, but in 1883 began the manufacture of enameled cast iron plumbing fixtures. Kohler served as president of this firm from its incorporation in 1888 until his death. In 1899 he moved the business to what later became Kohler Village. Portrait and Biog. Record of Sheboygan Co. (Chicago, 1894); Sheboygan Herald, Nov. 10, 1900.

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[Source: Dictionary of Wisconsin biography]