Prominent 20th century Hudsonites

Hudson's history is full of people who helped put and keep our town on the map. Among the prominent names in Hudson during this century are:

Rev. C.T. Burnley was pastor of First Presbyterian Church from the late 1800s through the early 1900s. He was a Civil War veteran and was renowned for his orations.

Hans J. Andersen was the founder of Andersen Windows, and was succeeded by his son, Fred C. Andersen.

Christian Burkhardt founded Willow River Power Co., which brought electricity to the Hudson area.

Alfred R. Schultz, son-in-law of Burkhardt, managed the power company after Burkhardt and was a civic leader, instrumental in the construction of the Hudson Hotel, formerly on the site of Tulgren Square in downtown Hudson.

U.S. Senator John C. Spooner was instrumental in the establishment and construction of the Panama Canal.

U.S. Rep. James A. Frear, never defeated in an election, served 22 years in the U.S. Congress.

Hilda Grinde Thompson was a member of the Wisconsin Humans Rights Commission and a prominent speaker throughout the Upper Midwest.

Her son, George Grinde Thompson, went on to serve as Wisconsin Attorney General. Spencer Haven of Hudson also served as state attorney general.

Clair V. Frye was a prominent artist whose work depicts sights of the city.

State Rep. Kitty Rhoades was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1998.