The Story of the Wilkowski Brothers & Sisters
Frederick and William Wilkowski formed the Wilkowski Brothers Cigar Manufacturing company in Watertown, WI in 1882. A third brother, Louis, was the traveling agent. Frederick was an experienced cigar maker and had worked in all facets of the business from the age of 10 when he was apprenticed. Both he and Louis were employed by the Wiggenhorn Cigar Factory in Watertown before striking out on their own. The partnership was dissolved in 1892 and Wilkowski Brothers continued operating under Frederick's control until sometime in the 1930s.
After the partnership dissolved, William moved his family to Chicago where his wife’s family also worked as cigar makers. Louis continued working for Wilkowski Brothers until 1901, when he opened a saloon in Watertown and operated it until his death. He was also a member of the Watertown School Board.
After the partnership dissolved, William moved his family to Chicago where his wife’s family also worked as cigar makers. Louis continued working for Wilkowski Brothers until 1901, when he opened a saloon in Watertown and operated it until his death. He was also a member of the Watertown School Board.