From History of Walworth County Wisconsin by Albert Clayton Beckwith, Vol. II, 
publ. 1912, Page 1405-1406
 
GOTTLOB JOHN STRADINGER.  Among the large element of foreign-born citizens who 
have cast their lot with the people of Walworth county and have won success 
through their industry and close application is Gottlob John STRADINGER, one 
of the progressive husbandmen of the eastern part of Walworth county.  He 
comes of a splendid family, one that has always been strong for right living 
and industrious habits, for education and morality and for all that 
contributes for the betterment of the community in which they resided.  Many 
years ago he, unaccompanied, crossed the great Atlantic, having bid a final 
farewell to the fatherland, and located in Chicago, but after residing in the 
great metropolis for a time, he sought a freer life into the comparatively new 
country of southern Wisconsin, and, liking the same, he decided to make this 
his permanent home, so he is still laboring diligently here, having met with 
encouraging success all the while, and has also gained the esteem and 
confidence of all with whom he has come into contact owing to his habits of 
industry and right living.
 
Mr. STRADINGER was born in Wittenberg, Germany, March 19, 1866.  He is the son 
of John and Katherine (BROTZLER) STRADINGER, both born in Germany, where they 
grew up, were married and spent their lives.  Their family consisted of eight 
children, only four of whom are living.
 
The subject of this sketch grew to maturity in his native land and there 
attended the common schools and learned the baker's trade.  Believing that the 
United States held greater advantages for one of his bent, he came to Chicago 
in 1891, and there worked at his trade for some time, then came to Lake 
Geneva, Wisconsin, and began working on a farm by the month, then went to 
Michigan where he remained eighteen months in the lumber camps, also worked in 
a store, then worked three years by the month, and began renting land in 1904, 
having returned to Walworth county.  He got a good start in that way, and then 
bought two hundred and forty-nine acres where he now lives, to which he has 
added forty-two and one-half acres, and he also owns one hundred and twenty 
acres of valuable land in Adams county, Wisconsin.  He has placed his home 
farm under a high state of improvement and cultivation, and he has a splendid 
and attractive home, large and convenient outbuildings and everything about 
his place denotes thrift and prosperity.  He made a specialty of dairying, and 
keeps a fine grade of live stock, especially cattle.  He merits the high 
esteem in which he is held, for, starting in life with nothing, he has 
accumulated a competency, a fine farmstead and is one of the substantial men 
of his community.
 
Politically, Mr. STRADINGER is a Republican, but he prefers to devote his 
attention to his individual affairs rather than strive to be a leader in 
public affairs; however, his support may always be depended upon to further 
any movement having for its object the general public good.  He belongs to the 
Lutheran church, while his wife and children are members of the Catholic 
church.
 
Mr. STRADINGER was married on April 8, 1895, to Lizzie MOLDEN, who was born in 
Germany, on December 27, 1874, and there she spent her childhood and received 
her education in the public schools.  She is the daughter of Patrick and Josie 
MOLDEN, natives of Germany, where they grew up, were educated and married and 
where they spent their lives.  The wife of the subject emigrated to America 
when young, locating in Chicago when fourteen years of age, then went to Iowa 
where she remained for a time.  She then returned to Chicago, later going to 
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where she was married.
 
To Mr. and Mrs. STRADINGER eight children have been born, namely: Kathrine, 
Ernest, Otto, Louisa, John, Albert, Maud, Florence and Emil Joseph, all living.
 
Submitted by Carol