The History of Manitowoc County identified Charles Klingholz as a highly esteemed, prominent early German settler in the Town of Manitowoc Rapids. In the fall of 1851, once his family was suitably situated, Charles began the erection of a flouring mill along the south bank of the Manitowoc River. The mill was noted primarily for its rye and wheat flour, but also for its barley, millet seed, and oatmeal.

In 1867, Klingholz moved the mill downstream, nearer the village. Around this time he also constructed a new, grander house on the family farmstead. The brick house is an example of the Italianate style, seen in the tall arched windows, decorative window hoods, and the home’s hipped roof.

Herriette Klingholz passed away in July of 1876, which seemed to bring about several major changes at the Klingholz farmstead. In January of 1877, Charles Klingholz subdivided the land nearest the new house and mill into a plat known as Manitowoc Millvilla and sold the new house to his son and daughter-in-law, Oscar and Mathilda.

Charles Klingholz died in 1898. During his long life, he was noted for his leadership of the Town of Manitowoc Rapids and Manitowoc County, in the areas of government, transportation, finance, and agriculture.