The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1908-06-11
Matthias Werve, Superintendent Of
N. R. Aliens Sons Co.. Has
Unique Anniversary
LEADER IN GREAT INDUSTRY
Fifty Years of Service Saw the Develop
ment of a Great Industry in
Kenosha From the Smallest
Of Beginnings
(From SATURDAYS Daily.l

who have had the record of laboring
fifty years without being discharged or
quitting. One of them is Matthias Werve,
the general superintendent of the great
plant of the n r. Allen s Sons tannery,
who yesterday celebrated the fftieth
anniversary Of his acceptance Of a
position with the company. The long
service of Mr. Werve in the employ of
the tannery is worthy Of more than
passing notice as the history of this long
service represents the development of
one Of the greatest industries Of South
ern Wisconsin.
Mr. Werve was born in Germany, but
he came to- Kenosha with his parents
in 1852 when he was just eight years
of age. Six years later he applied fol-
a job in the engine room at the tannery
then operated by the late N. R. Allen
the founder of the great Kenosha plant
and he started work on what proved to
be life job, for it is pretty certain
that there will be nothing in the future
which will cause any change in the re-
lations of Mr.. Werve and the managers
of the great tannery. From boy in the
engine room he has gradually worked
up in the business until today he is a
director in the great plant and it's gen
eral superintendent and regarded as one
of the best versed men in the United
States in the leather business.
Mr.. Werve never had but one vaca-
ton during his long term of service
and that came in 1872 when he was EN-,
ployed by the japanese Government to
go to Japan and assist in starting the
tanning industry in that country. He
went to Japan as representative of
the Allen company and the industry
which he started there is now growing
to be one Of the greatest industries of
that rising nation. To Mat Werve more
than any one man IS due the growth of
the tanning business in Japan and even
today experts from Japan come to Ke-
nosha to learn new ideas of their bust
ness from the Allen plant and from
Mr.. Werve.
Mr. Werve when seen this morning
told an interesting story of the growth
of the Kenosha industry in which he
has held such an important part
"When [ went to work in the engine
room fifty years ago yesterday, there
were just six men employed in the tan
merry and I have been proud of the
growth that the tannery has made since
that time. [ like, however, to think of
the old times when we could work all
day and all night if possible and enjoy
a hearty laugh with all the boys.
remember well the night that Vicksburg
fell, for at three O'Clock in the morning
was at work securing hides when we
got the message telling Of the result
of the great contest.' The growth of
the tannery is matter we'll known to
Kenosha people. Mr.. Charles Allen in
speaking of the services of Mr.. Werve
this morning paid high tribute to him
as an employee and co-worker. "I am
beat only few years by Mr.. Werve, .
said Mr.. Allen, "and I can say that
under his management we have been
able to report that each year saw a
larger volume of business than the
preceding year and there has never been
a year in which there has not been
some addition to the plant"
Mr.. Werve has been the general SUI
perintendent of the plant since 1880
and it's greatest development has come
in those years. At the reorganization
of the company short time ago, he
was chosen as director. Mr.. Werve
has made good for his employers and
at the same time he has been one of
the most popular employers Of men in
the city. There are few men in Keno
sha who are held in such high esteem
among the laboring men of the city and
this in connection with the fact that
he is the employer OF nearly thirteen
hundred men, is the highest compliment
that could be paid to the superintendent
of fifty years of service.