Person Record
Metadata
Name |
Behncke, Nile J. |
Notes |
Nile J. Behncke was born June 6, 1892 in Oshkosh, WI. He was the son of Oshkosh artist, Gustave Behncke and Ida Heiss Behncke. He briefly attended the State Normal School in Oshkosh about 1910, but by 1912 he was working as an artist with his father's decorating company. In 1914 he worked as a designer at the Oshkosh Engraving Company, but later returned to work for his father. He was drafted into the Army on July 18, 1918. He went to basic training at Camp Hancock, Georgia and later became a member of the 83rd Ohio Division. He arrived in France one day before the Armistice went into effect. He was sent in as a replacement in the Machinegun Company, 49th Infantry Regiment. After the war he returned to the engraving company and studied art under several local artists. He was appointed as the first director of the Oshkosh Public Museum in 1924 and served until 1954. He was married to fellow artist, Ethel J. Bouffleur, on August 19, 1933. The couple had no children. Nile worked in watercolors and his paintings were exhibited throughout the country in one man and juried shows. He died in Oshkosh on October 11, 1954. |
Occupation |
Soldier/Artist/Museum Director |
Places of residence |
Oshkosh, WI |
