From History of Walworth County Wisconsin by Albert Clayton Beckwith, Vol. II, 
Publ. 1912 - Page 864-865
 
EMIL PAPENFUS.  Another of the young Germans who have benefited alike 
themselves and the community in general, since taking up their residence in 
Walworth county, is Emil PAPENFUS, one of Geneva township's skillful farmers, 
who believes in keeping up-to-date in all that pertains to his calling.  He 
manifests the characteristic thrift of his race, and is of that nature to win 
success wherever he might desire to cast his lot.
 
Mr. PAPENFUS was born in Pommerania, Germany, December 20, 1875.  He is the 
son of Albert and Henrietta (KLATT) PAPENFUS, a highly respect old family of 
Germany.  The subject's childhood was spent in his native land, and when only 
fourteen years old he came alone to America, and for a short time lived in 
Ohio, where he took up railroading, working on the road between Columbus and 
Toledo until about 1898, during which time he became one of the company's most 
trusted employees.
 
Turning his attention from railroading he came to Walworth county, Wisconsin, 
and took up farming working out as a farm hand.  About 1904 he began farming 
for himself in Geneva township, renting land for about six years, and thereby 
he got a good start, then in 1910 he bought the farm where he now lives, 
consisting of one hundred sixty-two and one-half acres, which he has kept up 
to a high state of improvement and cultivation and is making a marked success 
as a general farmer and stock raiser, keeping a good grade of various kinds of 
live stock.
 
Mr. PAPENFUS was married in 1903 to Anna SCHULTZ, who was born at Turin Lakes, 
Kenosha county.  She was the daughter of William and Minnie (STEFFEN) SCHULTZ, 
an excellent family, now living in this township, a sketch of whom will be 
found on another page of this volume.  Four children have been born to Mr. and 
Mrs. PAPENFUS, namely: Alvin died when about two years old; Irving was born in 
June 1907; Gertrude was born in 1908; and Margaret was born in 1910.
 
Mr. PAENFUS and his family are faithful members of the Lutheran church.  The 
subject is energetic and is deserving of the success that has attended his 
efforts, for he started empty handed and what he has he earned by hard, honest 
work, pluck and perseverance, always doing his best.  He is a fine type of the 
energetic, self-made man.
 
Submitted by Carol