David Hammel | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 27th and 29th Mayor ofAppleton, Wisconsin | |
| In office April 1906 – April 1908 | |
| Preceded by | Frank W. Harriman |
| Succeeded by | Bernard C. Wolter |
| In office April 1900 – April 1904 | |
| Preceded by | Herman Erb Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Frank W. Harriman |
| Member of theWisconsin State Assembly from theOutagamie 1st district | |
| In office January 3, 1876 – January 7, 1878 | |
| Preceded by | George N. Richmond |
| Succeeded by | William Smith Warner |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1838-11-26)November 26, 1838 |
| Died | October 13, 1928(1928-10-13) (aged 89) |
| Cause of death | Stroke |
| Resting place | Zion Cemetery,Appleton, Wisconsin |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | |
| Children |
|
| Relatives | Leopold Hammel (nephew) |
David Hammel (November 26, 1838 – October 13, 1928) was aGerman American immigrant, businessman, andDemocratic politician. He served as the 27th and 29th mayor ofAppleton, Wisconsin, and representedOutagamie County in theWisconsin State Assembly in 1876 and 1877.
Hammel was born inGemünden, Rhein-Hunsrück, which was then part of theRhine Province of theKingdom of Prussia (modern dayGermany).[1] He was educated in the German common schools until 1853, when, at age 14, he emigrated to theUnited States with his older brother, Jacob.[2][3] He settled first atSyracuse, New York, and attended school atIthaca, New York. After leaving school, he remained in Ithaca for several years, working for his brother in dry good sales.[2] In 1857, he moved toHamilton, Ontario, and started a cigar business, which he operated successfully for several years.[2]
In 1866, he followed the recommendation of some friends to move toMilwaukee, but remained there only briefly before settling permanently atAppleton, Wisconsin.[2] At Appleton, he quickly established a new enterprise as a dealer ofwork horses, cattle, and oxen, doing business as D. Hammel & Co.[4][5] He briefly also attempted to run a separate merchant and manufacturing business, but abandoned it after a few years.[3] Later, he became a director and shareholder in the Commercial National Bank in Appleton, and was regarded as one of Appleton's wealthiest residents by 1895.[2]
He was elected on the Democratic ticket to theWisconsin State Assembly in 1875 and was re-elected in 1876.[3] He also served as a member and treasurer of the local school board.[2]
In 1900, he was elected Mayor of Appleton. He was re-elected to another one-year term in 1901, and was elected to two-year terms in 1902 and 1906.[6]
After leaving office, Hammel moved toAustin, Minnesota, and continued in horse and cattle trading until his health failed. At that point, he moved toChicago,Illinois, to live with his sons.[4] Hammel died in Chicago as a result of astroke, in 1928. His body was returned to Appleton and interred at Zion Cemetery.[1]
David Hammel was the youngest of nine children born to Peter and Frederika Hammel (née Gamiel). His mother also later emigrated to Appleton, and resided there until her death.[2] He was closely associated in business with his brother, Jacob, throughout much of his life. Jacob's son,Leopold Hammel, also served in theWisconsin State Assembly. The Hammels were a prominentJewish family in Wisconsin in their time.[7]
David married Lina Vogel, also an immigrant from Prussia, on January 21, 1861.[2] They had eight children together, though one son died young.[5]
| Wisconsin State Assembly | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Member of theWisconsin State Assemblyfrom theOutagamie 1st district January 3, 1876 – January 7, 1878 | Succeeded by |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by Herman Erb Jr. | Mayor ofAppleton, Wisconsin April 1900 – April 1904 | Succeeded by Frank W. Harriman |
| Preceded by Frank W. Harriman | Mayor ofAppleton, Wisconsin April 1906 – April 1908 | Succeeded by |