History of Langlade County, Wisconsin, 
from U. S. Gov't Survey to Present Time, with Biographical Sketches
Dessureau. Antigo, WI: Berner Brothers, 1922, p 292
Submitted by Cathy Kubly

John BENISHEK, ex-Mayor, real estate dealer, was born near the city of Tabor, Bohemia, 21 January 1856, son of Mathias and Apolonia BENISHEK.  With his parents he came from Bohemia in December 1871, settling in Manitowoc County [Wisconsin] on a farm.  Until twenty-one years of age he aided on the farm, then went to the city of Manitowoc and learned the carriage maker's trade, following the same for four years; then worked in Milwaukee [Milwaukee County, Wisconsin], at the same trade for one year, and from there went to Fayette [Delta County], Michigan, for two years.  Here he started work in a machine shop, running steam engines, teaching music and leading a band.  He moved to Manistique [Schoolcraft County], Michigan, where he was for four years in a machine shop, the last year as foreman.  The Soo Line was then built into the region.  Laid off from work, Mr. BENISHEK in 1887 came to Antigo [Langlade County, Wisconsin], then a small hamlet, and got a job on the railroad.  He saw greater opportunities here and moved to Antigo; after previously being in Michigan and at Minneapolis, Minnesota.  [Antigo was first known as Springbrook; submitter unsure when the name was changed.]

On 14 January 1889 Joseph DUCHAC and John BENISHEK formed at real estate partnership, which lasted until 26 August 1891.  From 1891 to 1894 Mr. BENISHEK was in business alone.  He purchased the old Antigo Brewing Company from John CHALUPSKY, aided to establish the Citizens Brewing Company, and was Secretary and Manager of that business.  He was engaged in real estate business for fourteen years with Hon. B. W. RYNDERS.  In 1915 he [John BENISHEK] took his son, Ben BENISHEK, into the firm, then known as Benishek & Son.  John BENISHEK has been Supervisor, Alderman, Assessor, Justice of the Peace, member of the Board of Education, and Mayor of Antigo.  He is a member of the C. Z. B. J. [Z. C. B. J., Zapadnr Cesko Bratrska Jednoty], the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Eagles, and the Modern Woodmen of America lodges.

John BENISHEK was married in 1886 to Anna HYNEK.  His first wife died in February 1888.  He was remarried to Barbara HOLUP in 1891 [18 July 1890?].  She [Barbara HOLUP BENISHEK] died in February 1900 [28 Feb 1900 in Langlade County?]  Four BENISHEK children are living.  The John BENISHEK residence is at 222 Edison Street [Antigo, Langlade County, Wisconsin].

[Marriages occurring in Langlade County (from Pre-1907 Index for Wisconsin):  (1)  John "BENESHEK" & Barbara HOLLUP wed 18 July 1890; (2)  John "BENISHEK" & Mary VASUMPANE wed 09 July 1903; (3)  "Joseph" BENISHEK & Mary SHIMEK wed 14 August 1900.  Births occurring in Langlade County (from Pre-1907 Index for Wisconsin):  (1)  BENISHEK, Polina A., 16 August 1893;  (2)  BENISHEK, Helena, born 17 October 1895; (3)  BENISHEK, Elizabeth B., born 15 November 1897, this one from the Index to Delayed Births Registrations for Wisconsin; (4)  "BENISEK," Barbra, born 25 February 1900; (5)  "BENISHIK," Rudolph, born 13 May 1901; (6)  BENISHEK, Amelia J., born 24 August 1902; (7)  BENISHEK, Judy, born 03 May 1905; (8)  "BENISEK," Minnie, born 29 August 1907.  Submitter is not researching this family and did not access the actual vital records for verification of names, dates, and places of events in this biography.]