Isaac L. Alsbacher, of the firm of Alsbacher & Barker, dealers in general merchandise and manufacturers of, and dealers in, harnesses, State street. Mr. Alsbacher is the son of A. Louis Alsbacher; was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 3, 1838; served a regular apprenticeship at the harnessmaker's trade in his native county; came to the United States in 1854, stopping at Cleveland, Ohio, about six months, working at his trade; he then went to Coldwater, Mich., where he worked about the same length of time; he then came to Wisconsin. After visiting several cities in this State, he finally located at Mauston, and opened the first harness shop in the county. He has since established branches, for the sale of harness, at Wonewoc, New Lisbon and Lyndon. In 1867, in addition to his other business, he opened a farm in the vicinity of Mauston, and engaged in hop growing; is now the largest hop grower in the county, having a yard of twenty-six acres. He was married in October, 1868, to Miss Mary E. Barker, daughter of Peter and Statira O. Barker. Mrs. Alsbacher was born in Genesee, Waukesha Co., Wis. They have two children, a son, named Louis I., aged twelve years, and a daughter, Lena M., aged ten years. In 1873, Mr. Alsbacher entered into partnership with his wife's father, Mr. Peter Barker, under the present firm name of Alsbacher & Barker, adding a stock of boots, shoes and general merchandise to the harness business. They are carrying at this time a stock of $7,000, and also manufacturing harness, employing four men in that department. Mr. A.. has been a Trustee of the Village several years, and Treasurer of School District four years. In the Spring of 1881, he was elected Supervisor of the Town.
Source: History of Northern Wisconsin. Publisher: Western Historical Co., Chicago 1881. p. 373