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Birth

The only source I have right now for Martin and Marie's births are what was reported in their obituaries.

Marriage

I do not have a wedding date or location for Martin and Marie at this time.  The 1930 census states that they were both married for the first time at age 22.  I believe they were both only married one time.  So, if the information in the 1930 census was correct and they were both 22 years old when they got married, and the birth dates given in their obituaries were correct, then they probably would  have gotten married between Martin's 22nd birthday on June 12, 1896 and Marie's 23rd birthday on Nov. 14, 1896.  The most likely location for their marriage would be either Chicago, Illinois or Sheboygan, Wisconsin.  

Census

1900 United States Federal Census:

I believe Martin, his wife Marie and their sons William and Walter were living in Chicago in 1900, but I will wait for the census to be indexed to try and locate them.  I checked through District 1 with no luck.

1910 United States Federal Census:

I believe Martin, his wife Marie and their children were living in Sheboygan, WI  in 1910, but I will wait for the census to be indexed to try and locate them.

1920 United States Federal Census taken January 2, 1920

Unfortunately this particular census page is very faded out and difficult to read.

Line 76, appears to say 1734 Michigan Boulevard, dwelling number 17 and family number 21 in order of visitation, Martin Draeger, Head of household, owns his home, can't tell if home is mortgaged or owned free and clear, male, white, age 45, married, he was naturalized but I can't make out the year of immigration or the year of naturalization, able to read, able to write, born in Germany, mother tongue was German, Father born in Germany, Father's mother tongue was German, Mother born in Germany, Mother's mother tongue was German, able to speak English, his occupation and industry in which he worked is unreadable.

Line 77, Marie Draeger, wife of Martin, female, white, age 44, married, able to read, able to write, born in Wisconsin, I can't make out the countries her parents were born in or what their mother tongue was, she was able to speak English, occupation - none.

Line 78, William Draeger, son of Martin, male, white, age 23, single, able to read, able to write, born in Illinois, Father born in Germany, Father's mother tongue was German, Mother born in Wisconsin, able to speak English, unable to read his occupation or the industry in which he worked.

Line 79, Walter Draeger, son of Martin, male, white, age 21, single, able to read, able to write, born in Illinois, Father born in Germany, Father's mother tongue was German, Mother born in Wisconsin, able to speak English, unable to read his occupation or the industry in which he worked.

Line 80. Madelline Draeger, daughter of Martin, female, white, age 10, single, attended school at any time since Sept. 1, 1919, able to read, able to write, born in Wisconsin, Father born in Germany, Father's mother tongue was German, Mother born in Wisconsin, able to speak English, occupation - none.

1930 United States Federal Census taken April, 1930:

Line 1, 1910 Taylor Ave., dwelling number 380 and family number 436 in order of visitation, Martin Draeger, Head of household, rents home for $40 a month, owns a radio, does not live on farm, male, white, age 55, married, was 22 years old at time of first marriage, did not attend school or college at any time since Sept. 1, 1929, able to read and write, born in Germany, Father born in Germany, Mother born in Germany, German was spoken in the home before coming to the United States, immigrated to the United States in 1889, a naturalized citizen, able to speak English, he was a Projectionist in the Theatre business, employed as a worker, he was actually at work the day before or last scheduled working day, he was not a veteran of the U.S. military or naval forces.

Line 2, Marie Draeger, wife of Martin, female, white, age 55, married, was 22 years old at time of first marriage, did not attend school or college at any time since Sept. 1, 1929, able to read and write, born in Wisconsin, Father born in Germany, Mother born in Germany, able to speak English, occupation - none.

Newspaper Articles

Both Martin and Marie are mentioned in a number of newspaper articles.  I transcribed the newspaper articles and you can view them here.

Death

The only source I have right now for Martin and Marie's death dates are their obituaries.

Obituary

Martin Draeger, 64, Well Known as Power Boat Designer, Dies

     Martin Draeger, 64-year-old power boat designer, known to boatsmen in every harbor on the Great Lakes, died of heart trouble at Wisconsin General hospital at Madison Monday night. 
     Mr. Draeger, who resided at 1910 Taylor avenue in Racine, played an important part in boating history of Racine, the Great Lakes and the Mississippi. He was commodore of the Racine Yacht club at one time, one of the organizers and first commodore of the Racine Power Boat club and prominent in the affairs of the Mississippi Power Boat association, being active in show and rules committee work.
     Although he worked as a moving picture projectionist and later aided his sons in operation of the Draeger Bros. funeral home, boating occupied all of his spare time. Boats that he constructed ply the waters of the Great Lakes from nearly every harbor on Lake Michigan's west coast from Gary, Ill., to Sturgeon Bay. In 1938 he built his last boat, "The Caroline," a 32-foot cruiser for D. W. Bartlett.
     Much of the organization work for regattas fell on the shoulders of Mr. Draeger. Although he never learned to operate an automobile, he was well known in boating circles for his ability as a power boat racer. His last boat was "The Kid," a 24-foot cruiser.
     Mr. Draeger furnished a thrill for several thousand spectators in 1923 when at a combined regatta of the Racine Yacht club and Racine Power Boat club, his boat, "Lady-Racine," with two other men aboard capsized in a choppy "sea" and sank. Coastguards saved the occupants. At a "Pageant of Progress" regatta in Chicago, Mr. Draeger finished in the money with an entry "Miss Madeline," which he constructed. Competition was with the fastest boats in the United States, including those that operate on the seaboards.
     Mr. Draeger was a member of the Racine planning commission and was actively interested in the development of Racine harbor. He was an active member of the Taylor avenue Business Men's association also.
     The power boat enthusiast was born in Germany, June 12, 1874, and went to Chicago when he was 16 years old. There he became one of the first moving picture projectionists in the country.
     Several years later he moved to Sheboygan, where he owned the Dreamland, the first moving picture theater to be operated north of Milwaukee. Four years later, 1912, he moved to Racine to be employed as a projectionist until 1932 when he retired from that business.
Worked at Bijou 
     Mr. Draeger was a projectionist in the old Bijou theater and worked for the late Owen McKivett when the latter first came to Racine and opened up the nickelodeon, Racine's first moving picture house. He later accompanied Mr. McKivett to the Rex and then to the Venetian.
     Mr. Draeger was a member of English Evangelical Lutheran church of the Epiphany, and also of the Epiphany Men's club. Survivors are his wife, Marie; two sons, William and Walter; one daughter, Madeline, seven grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Charles Friedenberg, of Chicago.
     The body may be viewed at the Draeger Bros. funeral home from 4 p.m. Wednesday until the time of services. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Obituary

DRAEGER, MRS. MARIE C.
1910 Taylor Avenue
Age 79. Passed away this morning, Sept. 1. Born in Sheboygan, Wis. on Nov. 14, 1873, Mrs. Draeger had formerly lived in Chicago before coming to Racine 41 years ago. She was a member of St. Edward's Church and the Racine Review WBA No. 18. Surviving are two sons, Walter and William; one daughter, Mrs. Madeline Lawranez (sic), seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Thursday, 9 a. m., in the Draeger Funeral Home and 9:30 a. m. in St. Edward's Church. Rev. Richard Schaefer officiating, interment will be in the Mound Cemetery. Friends may call at the DRAEGER FUNERAL HOME Wednesday afternoon after 4 o'clock and until service time. The Rosary will be recited Wednesday evening 8 o'clock in the funeral home.

Burial

Martin and Marie were both buried in Mound Cemetery in Racine, Wisconsin.  I intend to take pictures of their grave sites next time I go to Racine.

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Last updated:  03/03/2003