George Abert


George Gideon Abert was a French American immigrant, pioneer, manufacturer, and politician. He represented the city of Milwaukee for seven terms as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly.

Early life

Abert was born in Soultz-sous-Forêts, Alsace, during the Bourbon Restoration in France. He immigrated to Newark, New York, before settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Territory, in 1836.
In Milwaukee, Abert worked with Byron Kilbourn making land surveys and laying out roads. A manufacturer by trade, he built the first bakery in Milwaukee in 1839 and the first iron foundry in Milwaukee in 1866.

Political career

He served as an alderman in 1846, and railroad commissioner in 1857. In 1860, he was the first president of the German Mutual Fire Insurance Company.
Abert served as a Democratic member of the State Assembly from 1861-1864, 1868-1871 and 1872. He died on October 14, 1890, in Milwaukee.

Personal life

Abert married Louisa Ackerman. They had eight children, including George A. Abert, who would also go on to serve in the Wisconsin State Assembly and Senate.

Electoral history