Developers Have Plans for the Voit Family Farm in Madison, Wisconsin

A team of prominent developers is proposing to build up to 1,100 rental and owner-occupied housing units, commercial space and restored open spaces on a large former family farm on the east side of Madison, Wisconsin according to the Wisconsin State Journal.  Stone House Development and Threshold Development, both of Madison, have submitted applications to move forward with the development of the 67-acre farm held by the Voit family for some 165 years.

As you can imagine, such a project has create controversy in Madison, balancing the interests of preservationists and developers.  I'm not getting into the politics of this farm development, but I am interested in the Voit family who settled the farm.

Based on public records, it looks like George Voit immigrated to the United States from Germany around 1884 and settled near Madison, Wisconsin.  George married Mary Wessel in Madison on 23 February 1893.  They had a son Erhardt Christian Voit in 1897 and a daughter Etlas Louise Voit in 1900.  The family tree is below:

1 George Voit (1861-1943)

  + Mary Wessel

     2 Erhardt Christian Voit (1897-1965)

       + Sarah Grace Showers

     2 Etlas Louise Voit (1900-1993)

       + John Wulf

          3 Richard Voit (1924-1993)

          3 Arthur "Little Bulldog" Voit (1931-2008)

Below is the obituary for Arthur "Little Bulldog" Voit:

Arthur "Little Bulldog" Voit, age 77, went to join his beloved Peggy on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008, at the HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg.

He was born on May 5, 1931, in Madison, the son of Earhardt Christian "E.C." and Sarah Voit. Art served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He was a ski instructor for his troops in Japan. Art married Peggy Walterscheit on Aug. 20, 1960, in Madison. She preceded him in death in 1997. Art worked on his family farm on Milwaukee St., Rayovac, Kroger Grocery Store, and his redi-mix plant, E. C. Voit and Sons. He was a very fair and honest man who built his business upon honesty. Art wasn't afraid to take on a challenge, especially building things. He enjoyed traveling, dancing, camping, motorcycling, snowmobiling, boating, hockey, flying, and reminiscing with family and friends. Art also enjoyed mechanical work and visiting with the guys at Madison Mack, as well as at his shop. Most of all, he loved taking care of his family, especially his wife, Peggy.

Art is survived by his children, Kathy Voit, Tom (Kay) Voit, Art Voit Jr. (Shelly and children, Cale and Chelsey), and Lisa (Mark) Rowin; and a step-grandson, James Rowin. Funeral services will be held at Gunderson East Funeral Home, 5203 Monona Dr., at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 6, 2008, with the Rev. John McCarthy presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens, with military rites conducted. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008.

A special thank you to the staff at HospiceCare for the care they gave Art.

Wisconsin State Journal 10/3/2008