Will County, Illinois - The whole text, 1928 (part 12 of 14)

Clinton Ray Hulbert. - One of the recognized leading men of Channahan Township is Clinton Ray Hulbert, who has served as township supervisor for the past 22 years. He has also engaged in the mercantile business at Channahan for 35 years. Mr. Hulbert was born near Hicksville, in Defiance County, Ohio, July 23, 1858, the son of Oren S. and Julia (Ames) Hulbert.

Oren S. Hulbert, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Defiance County, Ohio, Jan. 20, 1837, and came to Joliet in 1883. After several years he removed to Channahan, where he established a general mercantile business which is now conducted by his son. Mr. Hulbert was also interested in real estate. He died Feb. 8, 1923, and is buried in Willard Grove Cemetery, Channahan Township. His wife died in 1863, at the age of 23 years, and is buried in Lost Creek Cemetery, Defiance County, Ohio. To Mr. and Mrs. Hulbert were born two children: Clinton Ray, the subject of this sketch; and Clara, married E. A. Himes, lives at Channahan.

Clinton Ray Hulbert was reared and educated in Defiance County, Ohio, and came to Channahan Township, Will County, 111., with his family in 1885. Throughout his business career he has been interested in the mercantile business and for many years has ranked among the dependable merchants of Will County.

On June 26, 1876, Mr. Hulbert was united in marriage with Miss Emma Myers, who was born in Miami County, Kansas, April 5, 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Hulbert were the parents of 15 children, as follows: Jennie, married John Conroy, of Parsons, Kan., and she died in 1928; Julia, married William Long, lives at Channahan; Charles, married Margaret Liberty, lives at Joliet; Clinton, died at the age of 12 years; William, lives at Channahan, married Irene Williams ; Marietta, married Frank Valenta, lives at Joliet; Walter, married Ruth Wyrick, lives at Channahan; Loretta, married Sumner Bell, lives at Joliet, and they have a son, Elmer; Emma, married Kenneth Andrews, lives at Joliet; Raymond, married Minnie Calusio, lives at Channahan ; Ruth and Ruby, twins, both died in infancy in 1900 ; John Wesley, married Mary Usyl, lives at Joliet ; Harriet Louise, married David Gibbons, lives at Joliet ; and Eleanor, married Robert Blum, lives at Joliet. There are 23 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Hulbert has always been a Republican. He was postmaster at Channahan for 18 years, and served as highway commissioner of Channahan Township and school director. He has been local committeeman for 38 years. Mr. Hulbert is a member of the Universalist Church and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, and Modern Woodmen of America.

Lewis Wilbur Smith, superintendent of Joliet Township High School, is among the widely known educators of Will County. He was born at West Newton, Ohio, Feb. 13, 1876, the son of William Alexander and Sarah (Moore) Smith.

William Alexander Smith, who died in 1895, spent his entire life at West Newton. His wife was also born there. She died in 1914. There were four children in the Smith family: George E., lives at Newark, Ohio; Mrs. Charles E. Gooddall, lives at 5310 Cornelia Avenue, Chicago; Mrs. Noble Eberhardt, lives at 5310 Cornelia Avenue, Chicago; and Lewis Wilbur, the subject of this sketch.

Lewis Wilbur Smith was reared and received his elementary and secondary education in the public schools of Northwestern Ohio. He did his undergraduate work in Denison University and graduated from that institution in 1902 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He did his graduate work in the School of Education, University of Chicago. In recognition of this work he was granted the degree of Master of Arts in 1913, and the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in 1919. He has had experience as a teacher in every grade of school from the first grade of the elementary school to graduate schools of the University. For the past 20 years he has been an administrator of schools. For eight years of that period he has occupied his present position as superintendent of Joliet Township High School and Junior College.

For two years each Dr. Smith has given summer courses in education in Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of California. From time to time he is called upon to lecture before various professional and civic bodies upon educational practices. He was the first president of the Illinois High School Principals Association and wrote its constitution. He was one of the organizers of the National Honor Society and since its foundation had been a mem- ber of the National Council, which guides its policies. In 1925 he was president of the American Association of Junior Colleges, and he is at present chairman of the research committee, charged with the setting up of a national research to be conducted under the auspices of the American Council on Education. For several years he has been chairman of the Commission of Unit Courses and Curricula of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

The Joliet Township High School and Junior College is indeed fortunate to have as its superintendent a man of unusually varied and considerable experiences in educational leadership. Dr. Smith's field of activity ranges from the direction of a secondary school and junior college to adult education in night school and graduate courses in education in state universities. Two year trade courses for those who must begin a man's work at 16 and honor societies for those who will continue their education in colleges and universities, modern school buildings and modern developments in athletics alike receive Dr. Smith's attention.

In 1906 Dr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Rowena Randall, of Aurora, 111., the daughter of Frank and Ida F. (Blakesley) Randall. The former is deceased and the latter resides with the Smith family in Joliet. Doctor and Mrs. Smith have two sons, Wilbur and Harold, both at home.

Martin B. Muehler, one of the most successful and dependable merchants of Mokena, is a native of Germany. He was born in Saxon, April 15, 1887, the son of William and Augusta (Moore) Muehler.

Both William Muehler and his wife were natives of Germany. They came to the United States in 1911 and settled at Joliet, where Mr. Muehler entered the employ of the American Steel & Wire Company. He and his wife still live at Joliet. He is a Republican and a member of the German Lutheran Church. There were six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Muehler, as follows: Anne, married Alvin Kittler, lives at Joliet; Martin B., the subject of this sketch; Arno, lives at Joliet; Paul, a World War veteran, lives at Joliet; Freida, married William May, lives at Clearwater, Fla. ; and Richard, lives at home.

on a farm. He served his enlistment in the German army and in 1910 came to the United States and settled at Joliet. For several years he was employed by the American Bakery Company and in May, 1923, came to Mokena, where he established his present meat business. He handles high grade merchandise exclusively and has an excellent trade. In 1926 Mr. Muehler purchased the business property where his store is located.

In 1907 Mr. Muehler married Miss Amelia Hergert. Mrs. Muehler died in 1925 and is buried in Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet. To Mr. and Mrs. Muehler were bom six children: Max and Richard, both in the employ of the J. L. Ferguson Machine Company, Joliet ; Hertha, Walter, Willy and Bernice, all students.

Politically, Mr. Muehler is a Republican. He holds membership in St. John's Evangelical Church, and belongs to the German Soldiers Club and the American Business Men's Association.

Rev. Philip L. Kennedy. - Prominent among the leading men of Joliet is Father Kennedy, who is pastor of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. He was born in County Tipperary, Ireland. His parents came to Chicago in 1880. Father Kennedy studied in St. Ignatius College, Chicago, and St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore. He was ordained Oct. 13, 1900. Previous to his appointment to St. Patrick's Church, Father Kennedy was assistant for 13 years to Father Cashman in St. Jarlath's parish, Chicago.

Scarcely had Joliet been organized as a village than the Right Reverend Simon Gabriel Brute, first Bishop of Vincennes, sent as the first pastor of the parish which was to be St. Patrick's, John Francis Plunkett. He took up his duties in November, 1838, having been transferred here from Madison, Ind. He was stricken suddenly and died in January, 1840. The settlers were then attended by Father Maurice de Saint Palais, then a missionary priest of the Diocese of Vincennes. Owing to his solid piety he rose rapidly in the ranks of the clergy and became successively the Vicar General and the Bishop of Vincennes. He died at St. Mary's of the Woods in 1877. In February, 1840, Father Hippolyte DuPontavice arrived in Joliet and became pastor of the new church. Again we find a young man sent by the Bishop to assume the responsibilities of a large parish. Father DuPontavice attended per- sonally to the building of the church and after a short time petitioned the Bishop to send him an associate pastor. The Bishop acceded to his wish, and on Aug. 30, 1840, we find another priest at St. Patrick's, Father John Gueguen. In 1843 the diocese of Chicago was formed and Joliet, coming under the jurisdiction of the new diocese, Father DuPontavice went back to his own diocese, and was stationed at Madison, Ind. He died May 27, 1847.

The fourth pastor of St. Patrick's Church was Rev. John Ingoldsby He came to Joliet in August, 1844. During his administration the parish flourished and in 1848 a steeple was added to the church building. Rev. George Hamilton was appointed fifth pastor of St. Patrick's Church on April 3, 1850, and he was succeeded by Rev. Patrick Farrelly in August, 1858. His first official act was to reverse the old popular name of St. Patrick's, which Father Hamilton in his devotion to his patron saint had changed to St. George. Rev. Walter Power was appointed pastor of St. Patrick's to succeed Father Farrelly.

In January, 1886, Rev. Patrick W. Dunne was given charge of St. Patrick's Church, and he had the pleasure of celebrating the golden jubilee of the parish in 1889. There was a crying need of a modern parochial school and Father Dunne at once undertook to construct what has been called the Marquette School. At present the Christian Brothers occupy this building under the name of the DeLasalle Institute. Father Dunne put the Ladies of Loretto in charge of his new school and for many years these noble women gave forth their best efforts in the training of the hearts and minds of their numerous pupils. The excellent work of his administration in this parish from 1886 until 1911 is well known and appreciated by the people of Joliet. In 1911 Archbishop Quigley appointed Father Dunne permanent rector of St. James Church in Chicago, and also conferred on him the dignity of Diocesan Consultor.

Rev. Peter O'Dwyer was appointed pastor of St. Patrick's in 1911. It was during his period of office that the new house on Broadway was built, which is now the residence of the Christian Brothers. Father O'Dwyer is at present pastor of St. Rose of Lima's Church in Chicago. He was succeeded by Rev. Philip L. Kennedy, present pastor. Rev. William D. O'Brien, now Rt. Rev. Monsignor, and President of the Catholic Church Extension Society, and Rev. Joseph P. Morrison, now acting pastor of Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago, were the first assistants to Father Kennedy.

Sunday, March 2, 1919. The Dominican Sisters had moved into their convent in the summer of 1918 and classes began in the new St. Patrick's School in September, 1918.

Frank J. Carnaghi, who is serving as assistant cashier of the Joliet National Bank, is one of the best known young business men of the city. He was born at Seymour, Iowa, May 1, 1893, the son of Vincent and Louisa (Spesia) Carnaghi.

Vincent Carnaghi, who lives retired in Joliet, is a native of Italy. His wife is deceased and is buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Joliet. There were two chldren born to Mr. and Mrs. Carnaghi: Josephine, married Capt. Nicholas Fornango, who is a Captain on the Joliet police force; and Frank J., the subject of this sketch.

About 1895 the Carnaghi family settled in Joliet, and it was in this city that Frank J. Carnaghi received his schooling. He also attended the Metropolitan Business College and began his banking career as a bookkeeper for the Joliet National Bank in 1912. He was later promoted to teller and in 1925 was made assistant cashier of this institution.

On June 3, 1914, Mr. Carnaghi married Miss Ruth Bigelow, of Joliet, the daughter of George and Elizabeth Bigelow. Mr. Bigelow, deceased, was a prominent musician of Joliet. His widow makes her home with Mr. Carnaghi.

Politically Mr. Carnaghi is a Republican. He is a trustee of St. Anthony's Catholic Church and belongs to the Knights of Columbus, Third Degree. He also holds membership in the Joliet Country Club, Joliet Advertising Club, and the Chamber of Commerce.

John A. Tezak is among the capable and well known men of Joliet, where he has been known as a funeral director for the past 20 years. He was born at Clinton, Iowa, Feb. 7, 1886, the son of George and Margaret Tezak.

George Tezak was born in Austria. He emigrated to the United States in early life and settled at Clinton, Iowa, where he followed general farming and stock raising. He died in 1920 at the age of 83 years, and is buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Joliet. He spent the latter part of his life in this city, where his widow now resides. To

Mr. and Mrs. Tezak the following children were born : Catherine, married John Simonich, lives in Joliet; Margaret, married M. Kozjan, lives in Joliet; Antone C, lives in California; Mrs. Mary Stukel, lives in Joliet; Joseph; and John A., the subject of this sketch.

John A. Tezak attended the public schools of Clinton, Iowa, and later studied in Chicago. After completing a course at the William E. Duffy Embalming School he became an instructor in that school and remained there until 1908, when he established his present business in Joliet. His funeral home, which is located at 207 Indiana Avenue, is one of the up-to-date and well equipped mortuaries to be found in this section of Illinois. Mr. Tezak is chairman of the Funeral Directors Association of Will County, and a member of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association. Since 1925 Mr. Tezak has also been interested in the floral business.

On April 29, 1914, Mr. Tezak married Miss Jean Dickman, of Forest City, Pa., the daughter of John and Mary Dickman. Mr. Dickman is deceased and his widow resides at Forest City, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. Tezak have been born five children: George, deceased; Eugene, born Sept. 12, 1916; Clinton Robert, born Sept. 23, 1918; Richard, born Sept. 6, 1919; and Donald Charles, born Feb. 18, 1924.

Mr. Tezak is a Republican, a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and belongs to the Elks Lodge, Loyal Order of Moose, Modern Woodmen of America, Western Catholic Union, and National Slovak Union.

Charles Schleeter, vice president of the State Bank of Manhattan, is a leading farmer and stockman of Jackson Township. He was born on a farm in this township, Sept. 13, 1872, the son of Henry H. and Mary (Luking) Schleeter.

Henry H. Schleeter, deceased, was a native of Germany and a veteran of the Civil War. He was 17 years of age when he and his parents came to the United States and settled in Lancaster County, Pa. He served throughout the Civil War with a Pennsylvania company and in March, 1866, came to Will County, and settled in Jackson Township. He purchased 60 acres of land in Sections 23 and 26, and at the time of his death was the owner of 260 acres. He died July 2, 1910, at the age of 78 years, and his wife died Jan. 23, 1913. They are buried in Providence Ridge Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Schleeter were born seven children, two of whom survive: Frederick, born in 1867, lives in Jackson Township; and Charles, the subject of this sketch.

Charles Schleeter was educated in the district schools of Jackson Township and remained on the family homestead until 1910. He then purchased part of his father's farm, and at various times since then has added to his holdings until he is now the owner of 210 acres of well improved land. He is extensively engaged in the feeding of cattle, and is also interested in general farming. Mr. Schleeter has been identified with the State Bank of Manhattan as vice president since 1919. He is also a director.

On Feb. 15, 1911, Mr. Schleeter was united in marriage with Miss Myrtle Long, a native of Michigan. They have four children: Doris, Gladys, Lorin, and Charles.

Mr. Schleeter is a Republican and a member of the Manhattan Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he served as Sunday School Superintendent for a number of years.

Oliver H. Tesdall. - One of the leading merchants of Joliet is Mr. Tesdall, who is identified with the clothing firm of Tesdall-Pratt. He was born in Norway, May 8, 1876, and at the age of three years came to this country. The early years of his life were spent on a farm in Grundy County. He received his schooling at Valparaiso, Ind., and at Ottawa, 111.

After completing his schooling Mr. Tesdall went to Morris, 111., where he spent several years as a salesman. He later located at Sheffield, and in 1902 came to Joliet, where he accepted a position with Dinet & Nachbour Company, clothiers. In 1916 he left this firm to engage in business for himself, at that time becoming a partner of Mr. Pratt. They purchased the business of L. A. Raub, who had established the business 20 years earlier. They are local dealers for Society Brand clothing and carry a complete line of men's clothing and furnishings. It is among the finest stores in the city and is located at 225-227 East Jefferson Street.

In 1906 Mr. Tesdall married Miss Jeanette Miller, of Frankfort, N. Y. They have a daughter, Frances Louella, who was graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1927.

Mr. Tesdall is a Republican, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, of which he is deacon, and he also belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Modern Woodmen of America, Kiwanis Club, and Chamber of Commerce.

Col. Fred Bennitt, retired, is one of the representative citizens of Joliet, where he engaged in the practice of law since Sept. 15, 1876. He was bora at Hammondsport, N. Y., Aug. 5, 1855, the son of Col. Benjamin and Malinda (Wheeler) Bennitt.

Col. Benjamin Bennitt was bora at Hammondsport, and was the 18th of 23 children bora to his parents. During his early career he followed farming and taught school. He later studied law and became a leading lawyer of New York. On April 17, 1861, he enlisted for service in the Civil War, being the eighth man on the roll, after making a trip of eight miles to enlist. He enlisted as a private in Company A, 23rd New York Volunteer Infantry, but later received the commission of a first lieutenant. He served in the First Corps Army of the Potomac, and after completing his first term of service, returned to his home town, where he organized Company G, of the 22nd New York Cavalry. This regiment also served in the Army of the Potomac, and Col. Bennitt, with his entire company, was captured at Ream Station, Va., on June 29, 1864. He remained in prison for eight months and made four unsuccessful attempts at escape. His wife, Malinda (Wheeler) Bennitt was bora in New York, Feb. 25, 1831, and died at Joliet, March 24, 1918. She is buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Colonel Bennitt died Aug. 25, 1889. Two sons were bora to Col. Benjamin and Mrs. Bennitt: Fred, the subject of this sketch; and Mark, born May 31, 1859. He lives in Oakland, Calif., and is prominent in newspaper work. He was a resident of Joliet until 1920.

Fred Bennitt was reared and educated at Hammondsport, N. Y., and also attended Cornell University, and in 1875 came to Joliet. Soon after coming to Joliet he entered the service of the State of Illinois and from 1876 until 1898 he was in the Illinois National Guard and rose rapidly to colonel in 1883 and continued as such until after the Spanish-American War. He served throughout the Spanish-American War as a Colonel of the Third Illinois Volunteer Infantry and was discharged Jan. 24, 1899. He was admitted to the bar of Illinois, Sept. 15, 1876, and until his recent retirement was recognized as one of the leading attorneys of Will County. Colonel Bennitt, who was responsible for the elimination of the grade crossings in Joliet, believes this to be his greatest and most worthwhile achievement.

On April 19, 1883, Colonel Bennitt was united in marriage with Miss Anne E. Reed, the daughter of Samuel B. and Jane E. (Earle) Reed. Samuel B. Reed, who was the greatest railroad builder of history, died Dec. 25, 1891, at the age of 73 years, and is buried in Oakwood

Cemetery, Joliet. He was a native of Arlington, Vt., and his wife was born in Potter County, Pa. They were married April 11, 1855, and had three daughters : Anne E. Bennitt ; Mary B., the widow of Louis Hyde, lives at Joliet; and Jane R., married Col. Arthur S. Dwight, lives at Great Neck, L. I. To Colonel and Mrs. Bennitt were born six children, only one of whom survives, Fred Dwight Bennitt, who was born in Joliet, Oct. 24, 1900, and was educated in the public schools of this city. He also attended Culver Military Academy, and was graduated from the University of Illinois in 1922. He lives at Joliet, where he is employed in the legal department of the Western United Gas and Electric Company. He married Miss Helen Smith, of Joliet. Alice Bennitt, who died in 1921, was the wife of Elbert E. Bates, of Joliet. They had two children, Bennitt and Anne Reed Bates, students at Joliet Township High School. The other children of Colonel and Mrs. Bennitt died in infancy.

Colonel Bennitt is identified with the Republican party in politics and is a member of the Episcopal Church. He belongs to the Spanish- American War Veterans and the Loyal Legion of the United States of America.

Wald Olsen, well known garage owner of Crete, was born in Denmark, June 4, 1888. After completing his schooling he learned the machinist's trade in 1902. He served in the navy for one year and then traveled extensively throughout Europe, visiting practically eveiy country in the world. He served in the capacity of engineer in the employ of the Norwegian Steamship Company for three years and afterward came to the United States. He located in northern Michigan, where he was employed by the Verona Mining Company for a year. He traveled through Illinois and Michigan and during the World War enlisted for service. He spent 15 months with the Motor Transportation Corps as a chauffeur and was sent to France, where he saw active duty for nine months. He was discharged with the rank of corporal. Mr. Olsen has been interested in the automobile business since 1915 and has been located at Crete since 1917. He operates a first class repair shop and also is a dealer in gasoline, oils, and automobile accessories. His business is located on the Dixie Highway.

Mr. Olsen was married in 1922 to Mrs. Anna M. Griebe Janota, a native of Germany, born July 26, 1896. At the time of her marriage she was living in Chicago. Mrs. Olsen has two daughters: Helen, born

Sept. 18, 1913; and Clara, born Sept. 5, 1916. Both are accomplished musicians and have been identified with the public school orchestra at Crete.

Mr. Olsen is a member of the Masonic lodge, the American Legion, and also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and Lincolnshire Country- Club. He has a wide acquaintance throughout Will County and is well liked by his many friends and business associates.

Edward Andrew Rollert, agent for the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad at Faithorn for the past 21 years, is a highly esteemed and well known resident of Crete. He was born in Chicago, Feb. 27, 1884.

Mr. Rollert has always been connected with railroad work. He began as a clerk for the Chicago, Junction Railroad in Chicago, and in 1899 went with the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad. Three years later he was made yard master for the Chicago Belt Railway, and later was promoted to agent. He came to Faithorn in August, 1907, to accept the position of chief clerk of the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, which was then known as the Chicago, Terre Haute & Southeastern Railroad. He was soon promoted to agent. Throughout these years Mr. Rollert has been a resident of Crete, where he is the owner of a popular gasoline service station.

On May 11, 1910, Mr. Rollert married Miss Rose Dumas, of Chicago. They have two sons: Edward, born in 1912; and Howard, born in 1914. Both are students in the Bloom Township High School.

Mr. Rollert is a member of the Crete Methodist Church and belongs to F. & A. M. No. 763, Crete, Modern Woodmen of America, and Lincolnshire Country Club.

J. H. Pralle, deceased, was among the dependable and well known business men of Crete, where he founded the milk transportation company which bears his name. He was born at Beecher, Will County, in 1882, and died April 25, 1925.

Mr. Pralle came to Crete with his family in August, 1915, and for several months was employed as an automobile salesman for the Crete Garage. Late that fall he purchased a milk route for the small sum of $50.00. The terms were $10 down and the balance in a note. Even this ten dollars he had to borrow. Shortly after this, being able to get terms and with the determination that no work was too much for him he was able to buy a small truck. The route that he purchased was 15 cans of milk to be delivered at Chicago Heights in the morning. In the afternoon he would go to the country for eggs, veal and chickens. The milk business grew so that the farm products were later dropped and Mr. Pralle went into the wholesale milk business exclusively. He was a promoter of better milk conditions for farmers, his motto being "A Square Deal and Good Service." At the time of his tragic death in 1925 the business had grown to such an extent that Mr. Pralle had 14 trucks carrying milk to Chicago and vicinity. Two years before his death he had appointed his son Harold as foreman, and was assisted by his daughter, Mildred. The business has remained in the hands of his widow, Mrs. Mathilda Pralle. Harold was appointed manager and Mildred secretary and bookkeeper. During the last five years the need for a receiving plant to take care of the milk was felt necessary and in 1927 the owners of the business built a modern receiving plant.

Harold Pralle was born at Riverdale, Cook County, 111., March 29, 1903. He obtained his education in St. Paul's Lutheran School at Dalton, and completed his education in the German Lutheran School at Crete. He ranks among the enterprising young business men of Will County.

The family residence at Crete, planned by Mr. Pralle before his death, was built in 1926, and is among the attractive residences of the city.

Lewis L. McLaren, mechanical engineer, and secretary of the Illinois Rail Joint Company, Joliet, is a native of this city. He was born April 29, 1889, and is a son of John and Mary (Barber) McLaren.

John McLaren, deceased, was a native of Glasgow, Scotland. He came to America when a young man and first located in Na-Aw-Say Township, Kendall County, 111., where he engaged in the contracting and building business. He came to Joliet in 1880 and was associated with F. P. Frey in the coal business. He died in April, 1909, and is buried in Wheatland United Presbyterian Cemetery, Joliet. He was a Republican and a member of the Central Presbyterian Church. His wife, a native of Ayrshire, Scotland, lives at 600 Herkimer Street, Joliet. To Mr. and Mrs. McLaren eight children were born, seven of whom died in infancy.

graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1914 with the degree of Mechanical Engineer. Since graduation he has been employed in the steel mills of Joliet, Indiana Harbor, Ind., and Gary, Ind., until 1925, when he resigned to devote his time to private work in his profession. In May, 1928, he assisted in organizing the Illinois Rail Joint Company of which he is secretary and chief engineer.

In May, 1918, Mr. McLaren enlisted as a private soldier and was sent to Camp Bradley, Peoria, 111. He was later transferred to Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and assigned to the Signal Corps. He received his discharge from the service at Camp Grant, Rockford, 111., in January, 1919.

Mr. McLaren is a member of the Society of American Mechanical Engineers. He belongs to American Legion, Harwood Post No. 5; the Chamber of Commerce; and the Masonic bodies. He is a member of the Central Presbyterian Church, and politically is a Republican. Mr. McLaren has a wide acquaintance and has always been regarded both socially and in his business relations as a valuable citizen of Joliet.

Henry F. Bode is among the most prominent and successful farmers of Monee Township, where he is the owner of 320 acres of land. He was born on the farm where he lives, Oct. 25, 1869, the son of Frederic and Mariah (Helberg) Bode.

Frederic Bode was born in Germany in 1839. He emigrated to the United States when 16 years of age and settled in Monee Township, Will County, where he later became the owner of the present Bode farm. He was a progressive stockman and one of the best known farmers of the county. Mr. Bode died in 1907 and his wife died in 1920. She was also born in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Bode are buried in the Lutheran Cemetery at Richton. They were the parents of the following children: Louise, married Philip Werner, lives in Monee Township; George, lives at Matteson, 111.; Henry F., the subject of this sketch; Louis, lives in Oklahoma; August, died in 1902 at the age of 22 years; and Alvania, married Edward Bartels, lives in Monee Township.

Henry F. Bode obtained his education in the district schools of Monee Township and has always lived on the same farm. He has made extensive improvements on the place and it is now numbered among the attractive farms of the township. Mr. Bode carries on general farming and is widely known as a grain and dairy farmer.

On June 5, 1898, Mr. Bode married Miss Bertha Illgen, of Monee Township. She died May 4, 1928, and is buried in the Lutheran Cemetery at Richton. To Mr. and Mrs. Bode were born three children: Elsie, married William Stuenkel, lives in Rich Township, and they have a son, Amos; Fred, born April 5, 1901, lives at home; and Theodore, born May 4, 1902, lives at home.

Mr. Bode is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He is serving as school trustee and is active in the affairs of the Will County Farm Bureau. Politically, he is a Republican.

William 0. Bates stands among the leading business men of Joliet, where he is vice president of the Bates Manufacturing Company. He was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, the son of Joshua and Mary (Oswald) Bates.

Both Joshua Bates and his wife were natives of Canada, where they spent their early lives. They were pioneer settlers of Joliet, where Mr. Bates was well known as a building contractor. He died in this city, and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery. His wife died at Carthage, Mo.

William 0. Bates learned the machinist's trade early in life and was the founder of the Bates Manufacturing Company, at Joliet in 1884. The business was incorporated in 1888. The present officers are as follows: C. C. Mitchell, president; William 0. Bates, vice president; William 0. Bates, Jr., treasurer, and H. H. Bates, secretary. E. E. Bates is purchasing agent.

The Bates Manufacturing Company, one of the leading manufacturing enterprises of Joliet, are builders of Corliss Engines, Feed Water Heaters, Barb Wire Machines, Staple machinery, Wire Mill machinery, Farm Tractors, large road building tractors, and general machinery. They employ approximately 250 men in their plant, which is located at Jackson and Henderson streets. The products of this well known company are distributed throughout the United States, Canada, and foreign countries.

On Sept. 6, 1882, Mr. Bates married Miss Mary J. Cleary, a native of Canada. They have three sons: Harry, lives at Joliet, is a graduate of Cornell University, married Miss Georgia Reed of Joliet, and they have three children: Robert, Fredrick and Betty. 2. Elbert E., lives at Joliet, is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, married Miss Alice Bennitt, of Joliet, and they had two children, Bennie and

Ann. Mrs. Bates is deceased. 3. William 0., Jr., lives at Joliet, is a graduate of Cornell University, married Miss Dorothy Mathias, of Joliet, and they have two children, David and Suzanne.

Mr. Bates has always been a Republican. He is an active member of the Chamber of Commerce. The family residence is located at 211 Sherman Street, Joliet.

George F. Powers, who is identified with the Powers-Thompson Construction Company, is an enterprising and progressive business man of Joliet and a member of one of the oldest and best known families of Will County. He was born at Earl Park, Ind., Dec. 31, 1869, the son of C. E. and Lydia Ray (Austin) Powers.

C. E. Powers was born in Oneida County, N. Y., Jan. 7, 1846, and was seven years old when his family removed to Illinois and settled in Will County. He became a prosperous farmer and stockman of Wesley Township. Both he and his wife are deceased and are buried at Wilmington, 111. They had four children: W. A., retired, lives at Wilmington ; George F., the subject of this sketch ; Susan, lives at Akron, Ohio ; and Edward G., lives at Wilmington.

George F. Powers spent his boyhood in Wilmington. After finishing Wilmington High School he entered the employ of the American Strawboard Association as a shipping clerk. In 1890 he went with the Chicago & Alton Railroad and four years later was employed by the Calumet & Blue Island Railroad. When that railroad was absorbed by the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad Mr. Powers was made superintendent of bridge construction work. He resigned in 1908 to organize what is now the Powers-Thompson Construction Company of Joliet, with which he has since been connected. The company's offices are located at 221 South Chicago Street. Mr. Powers has extensive real estate holdings in Joliet and also owns well improved land in New Lenox and Joliet townships.

On March 31, 1892, Mr. Powers was united in marriage with Miss Alice M. McCall, who was born in Scotland in 1870, the daughter of James and Mary (English) McCall, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Scotland. The McCall family settled in Illinois in 1880. Mr. and Mrs. McCall, deceased, were the parents of eight children. To George F. and Alice M. (McCall) Powers were born three children: Vera G., married Roy W. Eaton, lives at Joliet; Ray Austin, lives at Joliet, is a veteran of the World War, having served with the rank of

Mr. Powers is a member of the Universalist Church and is affiliated with all the Masonic bodies, Knights of Pythias, M. W. A., a life member in the Chamber of Commerce, Joliet, and the Medinah Athletic Club, Chicago.

James A. Bell, who has been in the employ of the Illinois Steel Company for a period of 40 years, is among the highly respected and well known citizens of Joliet. He was born at Truro, Cornwall, England, Nov. 28, 1861, the son of Robert and Lucy (Jenkins) Bell.

Robert Bell was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1824, and died in England in 1886. He was interested in the brokerage business and also engaged in the dry goods business. His wife was a native of Cornwall, England, and died there in 1895. There were nine children in the Bell family, of whom James A., the subject of this sketch, was the second in order of birth.

James A. Bell spent his boyhood in his native land and was educated at East Devon School and King's College. He entered the English Navy as a naval engineer cadet, and after several years was attached to the merchant marine service. He served a term of apprenticeship in marine construction and naval architecture, and afterward was an engineer with the fleet at the bombardment of Alexandria in the first Egyptian campaign and later in the Soudan at Suakim. He then went to China as a guarantee engineer for Sir William Armstrong and remained in the Chinese service during the war with France. From there he went to England and later cruised with the fleet of the Duke of Edinboro in the Baltic Sea and also to the White Sea. He then was connected with the merchant marine service as engineer between America and England during the extensive cattle trade, and finally went to Japan from New York. On this voyage his ship was wrecked off the Japan coast. He remained a year and a half in Chinese waters and went as far up the big rivers as navigation permitted in the Chinese revenue service, and in April, 1888, made a world cruise, after which he returned to the United States and settled at Bloomington, 111. In November, 1888, he located at Joliet, where he has since been connected with the Illinois Steel Company. Since December, 1910, he has been master mechanic.

of England. To Mr. and Mrs. Bell were born ten children, five of whom survive: Lillian, married Dr. B. G. Wilcox, four children, three boys and one girl, lives at Joliet ; Robert D., lives at Joliet, married Miss Almira Dirst, and they have a son, Robert; James C, lives at Joliet, married Miss Gwendoline Farrell, daughter of C. S. Farrell, and they have a son, James C., Jr. ; Sheldon F., attends the University of Illinois ; and Dorothy R., attends Joliet Township High School.

Mr. Bell has always taken an active interest in the Boy Scout movement and was the organizer of a sea scout battery at Joliet. He is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge in its various branches, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Sons of St. George, Isaac Walton League, Caladonian and Adventurers Club, of Chicago. He and his family hold membership in the Episcopal Church. The family residence is at 323 Hunter Avenue, Joliet.

Herbert N. Gilkerson, of Joliet Township, is among the leading dairy farmers of Will County. He was born in Wilton Township, Dec. 7, 1861, the son of Luther and Mary (Batchelder) Gilkerson.

Luther Gilkerson was born in Vermont and his wife was a native of New Hampshire. Mr. Gilkerson went to California in 1849 and prospected for gold. He remained there about a year and in 1852 he came to Heights Grove, Will County and purchased a farm in Wilton Township. He died in 1869, and is buried in the West Peotone Cemetery. His widow later married J. W. Loose, a Civil War veteran, and a pioneer settler of Will County. She died in 1917 and her husband died soon after. By her first marriage Mrs. Loose had five children, two of whom survive: Herbert N., the subject of this sketch; and Mrs. Dan Blatt, who lives at Elwood, 111. To Mr. and Mrs. Loose a daughter, Ethel, was born. She died in infancy.

Herbert N. Gilkerson attended the public schools of Monmouth, 111., and at an early age became interested in farming. He owns 280 acres of land in Peotone Township and is also proprietor of the Gilkerson Dairy Farm in Joliet Township. This dairy farm contains 320 acres of land and has one of the fine herds of cattle in Will County, which numbers 150. Mr. Gilkerson purchased his dairy farm from Frank Baumgartner. It has been improved extensively and is modern through- out. More than 2500 bottles of milk are handled daily, and Mr. Gilkerson employs six men in its distribution throughout Joliet. From 10 to 12 men are employed on this farm. The dairy business is known as Gilkerson and Sons. Eugene, Merle, Wilbur and Harold are the four sons who are engaged in the business with their father.

Mr. Gilkerson was married Oct. 16, 1889, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Riddle, born in Aurora, 111., Aug. 2, 1863, the daughter of Robert and Mary Ellen (Frazier) Riddle, both deceased. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gilkerson as follows: 1. Marjorie, born July 6, 1890, married Otto Rathje, lives at Peotone. 2. Eugene, born Feb. 14, 1893, married Miss Olive Thurston, and they have a daughter, Norma Jean. 3. Merle, born June 13, 1898, lives at home. 4. Wilbur, born March 22, 1895, lives at Joliet, married Miss Edith Etheredge, and they have a daughter, Phyllis Ann. 5. Harold, born Dec. 4, 1901, lives at Joliet, married Miss Myrtle Muncey, and they have two children, Irene Elizabeth and Robert Edward. 6. Stanley L., born May 22, 1906, died July 7, 1921.

Mr. Gilkerson is a member of the Central Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and Chamber of Commerce, Joliet. He has always been a Republican.

Fred Warning, a prominent citizen and vice president of the Frankfort State Bank, was born in Warnow, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, March 17, 1871, the son of Christ and Marie (Lang) Warning.

In the fall of 1881 the Warning family came to the United States from Germany and settled in Mokena, 111., where Mr. Warning secured employment with the Rock Island Railroad. He later engaged in farming, stock raising and dairying in New Lenox Township, Will County, and met with success. Mr. Warning died in 1911 and his wife died in 1895, and both are buried in St. John's Cemetery, Mokena. They were members of the Evangelical Church. Mr. and Mrs. Christ Warning were the parents of five children: Sophia, married Fred Klott, of Mokena; Christ, a farmer of Frankfort Township, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history; Fred, the subject of this sketch; John, a garage owner, of New Lenox ; and George, a farmer, of Mokena.

Fred Warning was employed on various farms in his locality. After his marriage he engaged in farming and dairying on his own account for 16 years. In 1911 he removed to Frankfort where he built and operated a garage. During 1917-1920 he owned and operated a feed store at Mokena, which he conducted in connection with the garage business. In 1926 Mr. Warning turned his garage interests over to his son, Raymond. In 1913 Mr. Warning was one of the organizers of the Frankfort State Bank, and was elected vice president, in which capacity he is still serving. He is also a director of the bank.

In 1895 Mr. Warning was married to Miss Katherine Kinary. Mrs. Katherine Kinary Warning, wife of Fred Warning, was the daughter of Thomas and Mary Eliza Miller Kinary, was born May 17, 1874, at Pueblo, Colo. The fall of 1874 her parents returned to Mokena, 111., where she resided until her marriage in 1895. Her father, Thomas Kinary, was born in New York City where Central Park now stands in 1838, coming to Illinois in 1858 with the Arch Allertons and located on Allerton farm until 1862, when he enlisted in the Civil War and served three years for his country. After the war he came back to Mokena and became manager of the 2,200 acre farm of Arch Allerton until 1880, when he moved to the village of Mokena and lived until the death of his wife, March 5, 1909, going to live with his daughters, Mrs. Fred Warning and Ida Kinary Hansen. He died May 31, 1921.

Mrs. Mary Eliza Miller Kinary was born at Ulster County, New York, Jan. 8, 1853, being the daughter of Henry Jackson and Ann Hare Miller. Mrs. Warning's parents and grandparents are full fledged Americans where she has the historical records of her parents for five generations. Her grandchildren can recall the seventh generation.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Warning have two children, a son, Raymond Frederick, who conducts a garage at Frankfort, 111., and a daughter, Fern Marie, now Mrs. Fred Hunter of Warsaw, Ind. Four grandsons, Bobby Hunter of Warsaw, Ind., and Stanley Virgil ; Glenn and Raymond Wendell Oliver Warning, of Frankfort, 111., and one granddaughter, Joyce Eileen Hunter, of Warsaw, Ind.

Mr. Warning is a Republican and has extensive and prominent fraternal affiliations. He is a member of the Mount Joliet Lodge, A. F. and A. M. No. 42 ; Joliet Chapter, R. A. M. No. 42 ; Joliet Council, R. & S. M. No. 82 ; Joliet Commandery, K. T. No. 4 ; Medinah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. of Chicago, 111.; and is a charter member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Mrs. Warning is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and also a member of several fraternal orders.

Ben. D. Jones, president of the Manhattan State Bank, Manhattan, 111., who was born on Oct. 7, 1865, is the youngest of the eight children of Robert Jones and Eleanor (Cooper) Jones, former old residents of Wilton Township, Will County, 111., whose biographical sketch is found elsewhere in this publication.

Robert Jones in 1855 purchased 80 acres of raw prairie land in the northwest quarter of section 26, Wilton Township, which he improved for a homestead, where several of his children, including the subject of this sketch, were born. Several years later he purchased 160 acres in sections 22 and 23 in the same township, to which he moved his family in the spring of 1866, and where they resided until 1886, when he rented his farm and moved to the Village of Poetone.

Ben. D. Jones attended the country school at what was called the Lamphers School house and later he attended Jennings Seminary at Aurora, 111., and also Northwestern University at Evanston, 111. He taught school during the years of 1887, 1888 and 1889. In the summer of 1889 he was employed by William C. Barber, since mayor of Joliet, in his office abstracting titles to real estate; later he assisted in the compiling a set of indexes to all the lawsuits held in the county of Will affecting the titles to real estate, for the Will County Abstract Company, a new company being formed. Later he became its manager, and resigned his position with this company in 1895 and formed a co-partnership with his brother, Frank R. Jones, and a brother-in-law, John C. Baker, under the name and style of Baker Jones & Company, doing business in grain and coal at Manhattan, 111., and also organized the Manhattan Bank, of which the subject became the vice-president, and later president upon the death of John C. Baker and the reorganization of the bank under state supervision.

He has always been a member of the Republican party, and for many years was a member of the County Central Committee, acting as vicechairman for four years. In 1918 he was elected county treasurer of Will County on the Republican ticket, and acted as such until December, 1922. While serving as such treasurer he formulated a system for collecting taxes by the county treasurer, which was later enacted into law by the Illinois Legislature for the collection of all taxes.

Ben. D. Jones was united in marriage at Joliet, 111., on June 22, 1892, to Elletta L. Gannett, a daughter of Captain Isaac Gannett, aid to Gen. Mitchell, a Civil War general, and Mary A. (Hall) Gannett, residents of Chicago, 111. To this union three children were born : Robert G., a locomative fireman of Decatur, 111., born in Joliet, 111., Feb. 27, 1895, and married Ella Tyrrell, Nov. 17, 1915, and whose three children are named Elletta, Helen and Rachel ; Marion Elletta Jones, born in Manhattan, 111., Feb. 6, 1897, and married Henry Wesley Sippel, Sept. 15, 1923, and whose only child is named Richard ; Ben. D. Jones, Jr., born at Manhattan, 111., Dec. 25, 1902, is an electrical engineer. He is unmarried.

Mrs. Elletta Gannett Jones was born on Ann Street, Chicago, 111., March 30, 1869, and died at Manhattan, 111., Sept. 15, 1905, and is buried in Manhattan Cemetery. Ben. D. Jones was married again, at Manhattan, 111., on Oct. 23, 1907, to Eleanor M. Mackender, daughter of George Mackender and Carrie (Peterson) Mackender, old residents of Wilton Township, Will County, 111., who was born at Clay Center, Kans., Sept. 13, 1885. To this union were born, at Manhattan, 111., three sons: E. Stanley Jones, Sept. 11, 1908; Paul Edward Jones, Sept. 25, 1911, and Lloyd Wesley Jones, Oct. 22, 1913.

Ben. D. Jones and family are affiliated with the Methodist Church, and he is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Joliet Commandery No. 4, K. T., and the A. A. O. N. M. Shrine, Medinah Temple, Chicago, 111.

He and family now reside on a 160 acre farm in section 16, Manhattan Township, which he purchased and upon which he moved the spring of 1918, which he operates together with 240 acres in Wilton Township, owned jointly with his brother Frank R. Jones.

William J. Themer is well known among the reliable and substantial citizens of Crete Township, where he is the owner of 290 acres of land. He was born at Dalton, Cook County, 111., April 10, 1861, the son of Joachem and Dorothy (Harret) Themer.

Joachem Themer, deceased, was a native of Germany. He was born in 1828 and died in 1919. He and his wife were early settlers of Chicago and later lived at Dalton, 111. They came to Will County about 1868 and settled on a farm of 120 acres in Crete Township. Both are buried in Beaver Grove Lutheran Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Themer were born six children, of whom William J., the subject of this sketch, was the youngest.

William J. Themer was seven years old when his parents came to Crete Township. He obtained his education in the district schools and was associated with his father in general farming until about 30 years ago, at which time he purchased his fathers' farm. He has since added to his holdings and is now the owner of one of the finest farms in

In February, 1882, Mr. Themer was united in marriage with Miss Magdalena Hilgert, of Chicago. She died in 1917 and is buried in the Lutheran cemetery at Crete. To Mr. and Mrs. Themer were born six children, as follows: Hugo, lives at Kankakee, 111.; Olinda, died in infancy; Alice, died at the age of 13 years; William C, lives in Crete Township, married Miss Melinda Boicken ; Arthur, died at the age of 18 years ; and Magdalene, married Robert Higdon, lives at Detroit, Mich.

Mr. Themer is a Republican and holds membership in the Lutheran Church. Until his recent retirement he was an active member of the Will County Farm Bureau.

Royal L. Watson, M. D. - A career replete with achievement has been that of Dr. Royal L. Watson, one of the most prominent physicians in Will County. Dr. Watson has served the United States as a first lieutenant in the Medical Corps of the army during the World War, and he is a leading member of the medical fraternities of the state, county, and city. Dr. Watson was born in Joliet, April 9, 1880, a son of Joseph L. and Caroline M. (Wratson) Watson.

Joseph L. Watson was born in Center Hall, Center County, Pa. He was reared on his father's farm and was taking a pre-medicine course at the Center Hall Pre-Medic College when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted at once in Company E, 5th Pennsylvania Infantry, and was made sergeant. During the battle of Antietam he was wounded. He lay on the field all night and the next day was captured by the southern troops and sent to Libby Prison, where he was later exchanged and returned to the Union army. He was promoted to captain and had charge of the supply trains at Gettysburg. He served throughout the entire war and was honorably discharged. After the war he came to Joliet to recuperate and became a guard at the Illinois State Penitentiary, where he remained about two years. He then returned east and worked on his father's farm. He was married in the meantime. After two years he returned to Joliet and again became a guard at the penitentiary, where he remained in that capacity for 35 years. He died April 9, 1905. His wife, who was born at Blair Station, Blair County, Pa., died in 1912. They are both buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet. Mr. Watson was a Republican and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. They were members of the Central Presbyterian Church. To

Joseph L. and Caroline (Watson) Watson six children were born: Belle, lives at Joliet ; William, Joliet ; Robert Lewis, deceased. He was superintendent of construction at the Clairton furnaces at Clairton, Pa., for the U. S. Steel Corporation. He was killed by an explosion at the furnaces in 1905, and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet; Ralph, Gary, 111. ; Bessie Elizabeth, married Claude Emory, resides at Des Moines, la. ; and Royal L., the subject of this sketch.

Dr. Watson's early education was obtained in the public schools of Joliet and Joliet Township High School from which he graduated in 1899. He attended the University of Michigan Medical School for two years. He then entered the Rush Medical School of the University of Chicago, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1904. He first established offices at Florid, Putnam County, 111., where he remained for seven years. He came to Joliet in June, 1911, and has since practiced his profession continuously and has achieved a notable success as a physician and surgeon. Dr. Watson has also taken post graduate work at many leading medical schools.

During the World War he served on the draft board as medical examiner, and in August, 1918, volunteered for service in the U. S. army and was called to service the latter part of September, 1918. He was commissioned a first lieutenant in the U. S. Medical Reserve Corps and was sent to Fort Riley, Kansas, for instructions, and was ordered overseas. The armistice being signed shortly afterwards he was discharged and returned to Joliet on Dec. 8, 1918.

On Oct. 18, 1905, Dr. Watson was married to Miss Clara Case, a daughter of Edward and Belle (Randall) Case. Mr. Case is deceased and Mrs. Case resides with her daughter, Mrs. Watson, in Joliet. Doctor and Mrs. Watson have two daughters: Marjorie Bell, a student at the University of Illinois ; and Betty May, attends Joliet Township High School. The family are members of the Central Presbyterian Church.

Dr. Watson is a member of the American Medical Association ; member of the Medical Society of the State of Illinois ; and the Will County Medical Society. He is a member of the staff of Silver Cross Hospital and is on the advisory committee and also of St. Joseph's Hospital. He oelongs to Harwood Post, No. 5, American Legion, being post physiciar to Matteson Lodge, A. F. and A. M. No. 175 ; Joliet Chapter, R. A. M. No. 27 ; Joliet Commandery, K. T. No. 4 ; Oriental Consistory, A. A. S. R. thirty-second degree ; Medinah Temple, A. A. 0. N. M. S. ; Joliet Shrine Club; Joliet Country Club; and is a life member of the Joliet Chamber of Commerce.

I. J. Clark, retired, is a prominent pioneer citizen of Will County and a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Clermont County, Ohio, Jan. 8, 1846, the son of John and Jemima (Sapp) Clark.

John Clark, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He served in Company E, Eighth Iowa Cavalry, with the rank of sergeant. He was born in Clermont County, Ohio, and settled in Iowa in 1851, where he engaged in general farming and stock raising. During the Civil War he served as a member of Company E, Eighth Iowa Cavalry. He was a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. He died in 1876 and his wife, a native of Kentucky, died in 1862. They are buried in Lee County, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Clark were born five children: I. J., the subject of this sketch ; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of Andrew Merritt, who lives in California; John, deceased; Mary, the widow of Henry Barnse, lives in Kansas ; and Rev. Edmond, a minister of the Baptist Church, lives in Colorado.

I. J. Clark spent his boyhood on his father's farm in Iowa and attended school in a log cabin, walking two and one-quarter miles. The furniture of the school consisted of plain benches with no backs, made of rough slabs. He improved the land owned by his father and remembers driving five yoke of oxen breaking prairie when he was only nine years old. In places clumps of hazel brush were from one-half to an acre in size and frequently he would find a couple of rattlesnakes in these places. Mr. Clark remained in Iowa until March, 1896, at which time he came to Will County and purchased a farm of 177 acres in Custer Township. He became an extensive grain farmer and was a successful stockman. Mr. Clark has lived retired at Custer Park for 14 years.

During the Civil War Mr. Clark volunteered for service and served as a member of Company E. Eighth Iowa Cavalry, his company being Sherman's bodyguard. Mr. Clark was taken prisoner and held in the Andersonville prison. He was discharged from Macon, Ga., in August, 1865.

Mr. Clark was married on April 28, 1868, to Miss Charlotte Clark, of LaSalle County, 111., the daughter of David L. and Deborah (Garbet) Clark, natives of Ohio, and the parents of the following children: Charlotte Clark; Amelia, deceased, was the wife of Edward Clark; Charles, deceased, was postmaster of Utica, 111., for 16 years; and Marietta, married Benjamin Hadley, both deceased. Mr. David Clark died in 1888 and his wife died in 1895. They are buried at Utica, 111. To Mr.

and Mrs. I. J. Clark were bom eight children, as follows: Nellie, born in LaSalle County, married William McCormick, deceased, and they had two children, Charlotte and Mildred ; LaVancha, died at the age of five years ; Mary, married Frank Baird, both deceased ; John, died in infancy ; Luella, married George Griffin, lives at Joliet; M. J., married Florence Connor, lives at Lemont, HI. ; Charles, married Nellie Traynor, lives near Wilmington ; and H. R., fanner, married Mabel Traynor, lives in Custer Township, Will County.

Politically, Mr. Clark is a Republican. He is a member of the Community Church and is recording steward in the Methodist Episcopal and United Brethren Churches. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.

John E. Chalstrom is a representative business man of Joliet, being president and treasurer of The Joliet Wall Paper Mills, Inc. He was born in the State of Kalmar, Sweden, March 21, 1864, the son of Carl and Hannah (Nelson) Chalstrom.

Carl Chalstrom, who spent his entire life in Sweden, is now deceased. He was a farmer. He was active in politics in his community and a life long member of the Swedish Lutheran Church. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Chalstrom: John E., the subject of this sketch; Charles, deceased, buried in Joliet; Anna, deceased; Frank A., a farmer, in Sweden; Victor, deceased; Oscar, lives in Sweden; Gustave, deceased; Adele, married Carl Carlson, retired banker and manufacturer, lives in Sweden ; Hannah, married Carl Nelson, resides in Chicago, 111.; Robert, a World War veteran; and Martin, deceased.

"* John E. Chalstrom attended the schools of his native land and spent his boyhood on his father's farm. He came to the United States in 1884 and stopped in Chicago, where he worked at the carpenter's trade for a few weeks. During that year he removed to Homer Township, Will County, where he was employed on the farm of Harmon Frazier until 1889, when he removed to Joliet. He was then employed in the machine shops of the Illinois Steel Company for seven months at which time he was promoted to assistant engineer in the blast furnaces which position he held for one year. In 1901 he worked at the carpenter's trade and the following year engaged in the general contracting and building business. He erected a great number of apartment buildings and residences and was also the builder of the Swedish Methodist church and parsonage. He drew his own plans and carried on his own business without the assistance of an architect. The results of his work proved his success as a designer, builder and real estate dealer. As a side line he also owned and operated a dairy business, which was also profitable. It may also be said that during the time he engaged in the building and real estate business he assisted many families to become home-owners.

In 1914 in partnership with a few men of Joliet Mr. Chalstrom organized The Joliet Wall Paper Mills which was incorporated during that year. He took no active part in the running of the business until the end of the second year at which time he was elected president and given full charge of the business. During the years of 1917 and 1918 Mr. Chalstrom acquired very nearly all outstanding stock and ever since has served as president and treasurer of the institution.

He is also vice president and director of the Chicago National Life Insurance Co. He is president and one of the largest stockholders of The United States General Agency Company of Chicago, which is the holding company of the Chicago National Life Insurance Company.

Mr. Chalstrom was one of the organizers of the Eagle Paper Company of Joliet, of which he served as president for one year, during which time he constructed the building of the Eagle Paper Company, but at the end of the first year sold his interest in the concern.

Mr. Chalstrom was married to Miss Ida M. Nelson, who passed away in 1902 and was buried in Joliet. To this union were born four children: Florence E., vice president of The Joliet Wall Paper Mills; Alice D., married Victor F. Wilson and resides in Chicago; Myrtle C, city school nurse ; Clare E., travelling representative of The Joliet Wall Paper Mills, also local agent of the Chicago National Life Insurance Company.

Mr. Chalstrom later married Miss Amanda C. Peterson, of Chicago and they are the parents of: Gilbert E., who attends and now a senior student of the University of Illinois ; Raymond, deceased ; Phyllis Louise, a student.

Mr. Chalstrom was one of the founders of The First Swedish Methodist Church and served as president of the board of trustees, class leader, also recording steward until 1910 when he and his family joined the Ottawa Street Methodist Church of Joliet, 111., where he for many years has been and is now serving as vice president of the board of trustees, also member of finance committee. He is a firm believer in Christianity to which he attributes his success in life. He is widely known

Mr. Chalstrom is not a lodge man, but is affiliated with the following institutions : The Country Club, Chamber of Commerce of Joliet, Illinois Chamber of Commerce, United States Chamber of Commerce, and the Manufacturers Association of Illinois, also serving as a member of the City Zoning Commission of Joliet. He is one of the original board of directors of the Y. M. C. A. of Joliet and was a member of the committee which solicited funds for the erection of the organization's new $550,- 000.00 home. His personal contribution amounted to $4,000.00.

The Joliet Wall Paper Mills, Inc., one of the leading manufacturing concerns of Will County, has had a remarkable growth during its comparatively short existence. It was incorporated in 1914 for $30,000.00. Capital increased in 1915 to $60,000.00. In 1916, was reorganized with a capital stock of $125,000.00. The original officers of the company were as follows: Charles S. Nowell, president; Edward C. Hintz, secretary ; Albert Metzelburg, treasurer ; Thomas F. Flynn, superintendent.

Since May 15, 1916, the officers have been: John E. Chalstrom, president and treasurer; F. E. Chalstrom, vice president; Edward C. Hintz, secretary.

The company manufactures approximately 14 million rolls of wall paper annually with the nine machines in operation at the present time. Five additional machines will complete the plant's equipment during 1928. The entire mill is equipped with automatic rolling machines and has two heating plants, each with a capacity of 60,000 cubic feet of hot air per minute, which are used for drying purposes. Water is supplied from a 750 foot well, with a supply tank, having a capacity of 15 thousand (15,000) gallons, elevated on a brick tower 80 feet high.

About 150 men are employed in the mills and 18 travelling representatives throughout the United States and Canada. Recreation rooms are maintained for the employees as well as a swimming pool and showers. The pool is 22x72 feet in size, 6 feet deep, and contains 60,000 gallons of water, heated by steam.

square feet floor space. The plant, with the exception of the first unit, was designed by Mr. Chalstrom, who owns the controlling interest in the business. Reconstruction work in 1928 will place the value of the company's investment at one million dollars, and will make it one of the most up to date factories of its kind in the United States.

Among the oldest men in point of service in the company's employ may be mentioned Edward C. Hintz, secretary and office manager, and Ben Evans, chief color mixer, both of whom have been with the firm since its inception. J. R. McDade, master mechanic, and Charles Peterson, millwright, have been in the employ of Mr. Chalstrom for 35 years. Frederick C. Hanfeld, factory superintendent and colorist, has been with the firm since 1920. It may be stated that harmony prevails at all times and labor troubles are practically unknown.

Martin Bergan, retired, is a representative citizen of Will County and a member of the first family that settled at Manhattan. He was born on a farm in Manhattan Township, the son of Martin and Esther (Walsh) Bergan.

Martin Bergan was born in Ireland as was his wife. After their marriage they emigrated to the United States and settled at Manhattan in 1846. Mr. Bergan became a prosperous farmer and was widely known throughout Will County. He died in 1890 and his wife died in 1894. They are buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Manhattan. Mr. and Mrs. Bergan had nine children, of whom Martin, the subject of this sketch, is the only surviving member.

Martin Bergan grew up on his father's farm and received his education in the district schools. At the age of 26 years he came to Manhattan and entered the employ of George Zinger, hardware merchant. Ten years later, in 1900, Mr. Bergan went into business for himself in partnership with his brother, Daniel. They conducted the business successfully for about 20 years and then disposed of it to Mr. Schroeder. The store was completely destroyed by fire in 1905 and again in 1917 was damaged by wind. Mr. Bergan has lived retired since 1919.

In 1892 Mr. Bergan married Miss Catherine Cunningham, a sister of M. J. Cunningham, who is a teacher in the public schools of Joliet. To them were born three children : Edith, married J. W. O'Connor, lives in Chicago, and they have three children, Mary Margaret, Bemice and Edith Marie; Daniel, who died in 1918 at the age of 19 years; and Irene,

Mr. Bergan has always been a Democrat. He has served as assessor of Manhattan Township since 1922 and served as a member of the village board of Manhattan 22 years. He also was postmaster of Manhattan under President Cleveland. He is a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Fred C. Wietting, who is superintendent of the Will County Farm in Troy Township, is one of the leading citizens of the community. He was born in Frankfort Township, Will County, Jan. 20, 1877, the son of Carl and Sophia (Ahearns) Wietting.

Carl Wietting was bom in Germany in 1855 and his wife was born there in 1854. They came to this country many years ago and settled at Mokena, 111., where Mr. Wietting engaged in general farming and stock raising. He spent the latter part of his life in Joliet and died there in August, 1912. His wife died in 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Wietting were the parents of the following children: Minnie, married Joseph Krohn, lives in Joliet Township; Charles, lives in Joliet Township; Bertha, married Fred Strohmann, lives in Joliet Township ; Fred C, the subject of this sketch ; Sophia and John, both deceased.

Fred C. Wietting obtained his education in the district schools of Frankfort Township and completed his schooling at Joliet. He followed farming in Joliet Township for many years, and spent 27 years as a tenant on the farm of William Heise. His son now operates that farm. Mr. Wietting was appointed superintendent of Will County Farm in 1923 and has been most capable in the administration of his office. The farm has been entirely self supporting during the past five years. It comprises 180 acres of well improved land and has 83 inmates. The farm is conducted on a most profitable basis. As an example of this may be cited the $3,000 sale of hogs in 1927.

On Feb. 25, 1897, Mr. Wietting was united in marriage with Miss Gertrude Koehler, who was born in Germany, the daughter of Carl and Clara Koehler, residents of Kansas City, Mo. Mrs. Wietting was eight years of age when her parents came to the United States. To Mr. and Mrs. Wietting the following children were born: Mabel, lives at home;

Sarah, the widow of Carl Schewe, lives at home ; George J., lives in Joliet, married Miss Elda Bruggeman, of Manhattan, 111. ; Rosina and Nelsina, twins. They married brothers, Rosina being the wife of Henry Mietz, of Joliet, and Nelsina being the wife of Albert Mietz, of Joliet.

Politically Mr. Wietting is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Joliet, of which he is deacon, and a member of the Board of Finance. He has been school trustee of Joliet Township for the past 14 years.

Fred B. Rohe obtained his education in the schools of Crete and spent much of his boyhood on a farm. At the age of 18 years he entered the employ of the Steger Piano Company, and after about a year went to Chicago Heights, where he was employed for two years. He then became interested in general farming and stock raising, which he successfully followed until 1907. He then engaged in the real estate and insurance business. He has recently opened an attractive subdivision on the Dixie Highway, where he has built many fine residences. Mr. Rohe has been mayor of Crete since 1923 and has always been prominently identified with the civic life of the community. When 24 years of age he was elected village clerk, and he has since served as village trustee, justice of the peace, county supervisor, and president of the board of trustees. He was among the first men to become interested in the Dixie Highway through this section of the county and was president of the Dixie Highway Association for Will County. He was also influential in obtaining the Lincoln Highway through Joliet.

On July 2, 1898, Mr. Rohe was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Steege, of Crete, the daughter of Fred and Caroline (Sailer) Steege. Mr. Steege, who lives retired at Crete, was well known in this community for more than half a century as a tailor To Mr. and Mrs. Rohe were born two children: Otto F., born Aug. 9, 1900, attended Chicago Heights High School and the University of Michigan, is cashier of the Bank of Crete married Miss Lorine Behrens, and they have a daughter, Marilyn ; and Estelle Sophie, born Sept. 30, 1902, was a teacher before her marriage to Paul J. Monahan, of Crete. He is also connected with the Bank of Crete.

a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and belongs to the National Real Estate Association and Chicago Heights Real Estate Board, and National Association of Insurance Agents. He has always been a Republican and is a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Crete. During the World War he was one of the "Four Minute" speakers of Will County and chairman of the board.

Andrew Gregg Watson, who is identified with the Butler Products Company, is among the highly successful building contractors of Joliet, where he has engaged in business since 1886. He was bora at Center Hall, Pa., Oct. 4, 1854, the son of James B. and Elizabeth (Hess) Watson.

Andrew Gregg Watson was reared by an aunt, his parents having died when he was a small boy. He spent his early life in Blair County, Pa., and attended the district schools. About 1870 he removed to Hollidaysburg, Pa., where he remained for many years. In 1886 he located in Joliet and soon became interested in building contracting. In 1907 he established the Butler Products Company, builders of concrete blocks, etc. Mr. Watson has specialized in residential work and has also had contracts for the erection of most of the schools and churches in this section.

Mr. Watson was married on Jan. 12, 1881, to Miss Kittie W. Thornton, of Joliet. They have a daughter, Esther W. Hoefer, of Aurora, 111. Her husband is identified with the Aurora Beacon and they have two sons, Charles and Warren Watson Hoefer.

Edward C. Hinz, proprietor of the Hinz Baking Company, is among the enterprising and successful young busines men of Joliet. He was born in this city, Dec. 12, 1892, the son of Charles F. and Ida (Schultz) Hinz.

Charles F. Hinz, who lives retired in Joliet, is a native of Germany. Throughout his active business career he was interested in the brewing business in this city. His wife, also born in Germany, died in 1920. She is buried in St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Hinz were born five children: William, lives in Joliet; Edward C, the subject of

Edward C. Hinz attended the parochial schools of Joliet and completed a course at the Metropolitan Business College. He also attended Concordia Teachers College at Addison, 111., and completed a normal school course. He taught in the parochial school of Lemont, 111., and served as principal of St. Matthew's Lutheran School, Lemont, 111., for 13 years. Due to ill health Mr. Hinz resigned his position in 1923. He has since been interested in the bakery business in Joliet.

On Aug. 15, 1925, Mr. Hinz married Miss Mabel I. Hogrefe, of Lemont, the daughter of Charles and Emma (Schmidt) Hogrefe. The former is deceased and the latter lives at Lemont. Mr. and Mrs. Hinz have a son, Edward C, Jr., born May 26, 1926.

Mr. Hinz is a Republican and active in local politics. He is a member of St. Peters' Lutheran Church and is prominent in church activities, being well known throughout the city as an accomplished musician, lecturer and speaker.

William Kellsner is a well known business man of Joliet, where he is a florist and manager and one of the owners of the Chicago Carnation Company. He was born in the southern part of Sweden, Nov. 24, 1879. He attended the public schools there and at the age of 15 years went to work in a greenhouse. When he was 21 years of age he went to London, England, and worked in a greenhouse for about two years. From London he came direct to Chicago, 111., where he worked in greenhouses, and in 1903 came to Joliet and secured employment with the Thompson Carnation Company, where he remained one year. He worked in Danville, 111., one year, and Tilton, 111., for three years, after which he returned to Joliet to take charge of the present plant.

The Chicago Carnation Company has one of the largest greenhouses in Will County and state, with 150,000 square feet of glass covering five acres, and have 16 acres in all. It was incorporated in 1917 as the Chicago Carnation Company, William Kellsner manager. Their retail store is located at 407 Jefferson Street, Joliet. The plant employs 15 men, and there are six employes at the down town store. The greenhouse has over 30,000 rose plants, which is the principal product ; 20,000 carnation plants; 15,000 chrysanthemum plants; calla lilies, 2,100; Easter lilies, bulbs, imported from Japan; about 1,500 ferns of various kinds,

10,000 bedding plants for spring, and all other plants in a first class greenhouse plant. The greenhouses are located on the Michigan Central tracks, Route No. 5 State Highway, about two and one-half miles east of Joliet. The company has a large wholesale and retail trade in Joliet and the Chicago markets.

In 1911 Mr. Kellsner was married to Miss Hilda Ryden of Sweden, and they have a daughter, Agnes, a sophomore in Joliet Township High School.

Mr. Kellsner is a Republican in politics and a member of the Joliet Lutheran Bethlehem Church, the Svitioth Club, and the John Erickson Club, Joliet Flower and Garden Club. Mr. Kellsner has spent nearly all his time as a florist and horticulturist.

Archibald C. Jeffrey, resident manager of the Lincoln Jockey Club, is a representative citizen of Joliet. He has also been prominently identified with politics in Will County, having served as county treasurer, and mayor of Joliet. He was born at Braidwood, 111., Feb. 2, 1874, the son of Joseph and Jane (Craig) Jeffrey.

Both Joseph Jeffrey and his wife were natives of Scotland. The former was born in 1848 and the latter in 1846. About 1873 they came to the United States and located at Braidwood in Will County, where Mr. Jeffrey was employed in the coal mines. He died in 1885 and his widow died in 1926. They are buried in Braidwood Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey were born six children: Joseph, died at the age of 19 years; William, died at the age of 31 years; Archibald C, the subject of this sketch ; Jane, unmarried, lives at Joliet ; James, lives at Joliet ; and John, who is employed in the county treasurer's office.

Archibald C. Jeffrey obtained his education in the public schools of Braidwood and also attended night school. He began his business career as a grocer's clerk and later engaged in the grocery business at Braidwood, which he successfully conducted until 1914. He filled the office of County Treasurer of Will County from 1914 until 1918 and was then made deputy treasurer. He was appointed mayor of Joliet to fill the unexpired term of Mayor Thomas V. Gorey. He later went to Chicago as chief office deputy of the internal revenue office. In 1925 he was appointed residence manager of the Lincoln Fields Jockey Club, which is located in Crete Township. It is among the finest clubs of its type

On Jan. 30, 1900, Mr. Jeffrey was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Melcher, of Braidwood, the daughter of Matthew and Mary Melcher. Mr. Melcher is deceased. His widow lives at Joliet. To Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey were born three children: Archibald C, Jr., born Dec. 2, 1901, a graduate of Joliet Township High School, now in the employ of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad ; Gertrude, a graduate of the National Kindgarten School, Chicago, now a teacher in the public schools of Joliet; and Joseph, bom Oct. 22, 1905, a graduate of Joliet Township High School. He attends the University of Illinois.

Mr. Jeffrey is a member of the Presbyterian Church and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree, Knights of Pythias, Elks Lodge, Eagle's Lodge, and Loyal Order of Moose. He has served as supervisor of Braidwood for four years and for many years had been president of the school board.

William Plagge. - Prominently identified with the financial interests of Will County is William Plagge, who is president of the Monee State Bank, vice president of the First State Bank of Beecher, and cashier of the First National Bank of Harvey. He was born at Manhattan, Will County, Jan. 1, 1862, the son of Charles and Mary (Claussen) Plagge.

Both Charles Plagge and his wife were natives of Germany and early settlers of Will County, having located here in 1860. Mr. Plagge purchased a grain elevator at Monee and also conducted a general mercantile business at this place until 1902, at which time he retired. He died Aug. 23, 1921, at the age of 85 years. His widow lives at Harvey, 111. Mr. Plagge was among the influential business men of Will County and was the first mayor of Monee. There were ten children in the Plagge family, six of whom survive.

The education of William Plagge was obtained in the public schools of Monee. Early in life he was associated with his father's mercantile business in this city, but many years ago became interested in banking. In 1907 he was appointed cashier of the First National Bank of Harvey. He has been connected with the Monee State Bank as president since its organization and has also been vice president of the First State Bank of Beecher since its inception.

On Nov. 30, 1890, Mr. Plagge married Miss Lena Koepke, of Monee. They have three children: Elmer, lives in Chicago; Luella, married 35 - VOL. 2

Emery C. Woeltje, lives at Monee, and they have a son, Wayne; and Norma, married Walter Hoffman, lives in Chicago, and they have a daughter, Vivian.

Mr. Plagge is a Republican and a member of the Evangelical Church. He has held the office of school treasurer of Monee Township continuously since 1885.

Theodore Robert Gerlach, merchant, manufacturer and banker, was born at Mount Vernon, Indiana, February 17, 1867, son of August and Mary (Goth) Gerlach, and grandson of Henry Gerlach, a mason contractor, who came from Muhlhausen, Germany, about 1866, and retired soon after reaching America.

Both August and Mary (Goth) Gerlach, father and mother of Theodore Robert Gerlach, were natives of Germany and early settlers of Indiana. At the age of 20 years August Gerlach emigrated to the United States. He studied for the ministry and was a pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church from 1856 and until his death in 1896. His wife died in 1917. Both are buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, Chicago. There were ten children in the Gerlach family as follows : Elizabeth, died at the age of three years ; Charley and William, twins, deceased in infancy; August E., lives at Commonwealth Hotel, Chicago; Theodore Robert, the subject of this sketch; Louis, deceased; Kingsley Henry, lives at Babson Park, Florida; Lydia E., lives at Louis Joliet Hotel, Joliet ; Emma, deceased ; and Clara, married Victor S. Rice, lives at 9054 South Robey Street, Chicago.

Theodore Robert Gerlach, subject of this sketch, received his education in the public schools of Cincinnati, Columbus and Bucyrus, Ohio, and Marine City, Mich. He began his business career in 1883 as a clerk in a tea store at Detroit, Mich., and was subsequently employed as a clerk in a grocery store in Chicago. In 1887 he established himself as an independent tea and grocery merchant at Joliet, 111. He was a book and calendar salesman during the years 1892-1907 and in the latter year organized at Joliet, 111., The Gerlach-Barklow Co., makers of art calendars and directors of sales campaigns.

The Gerlach-Barklow Company has grown from a small beginning into the largest organization of its kind in existence, employing 800 persons, and devoted to the manufacture and sale of art calendars, direct- by-mail advertising, business greetings, leather utilities, etc. The company is capitalized at $2,500,000.00, and its plant occupies 330,000 square feet of floor space. Mr. Gerlach was vice president of the company from its organization and until 1919, when he purchased the interests of its president and two others of the original and larger stockholders, and became president, which office he still holds.

Control of The P. F. Volland Co., Chicago, now of Joliet, was acquired by The Gerlach-Barklow Co. in 1924. The P. F. Volland Co. is one of the most successful manufacturers of children's books, gift books, greeting cards and framed mottoes, and employs 500 workers. Mr. Gerlach was made president of this company when it was acquired in 1924 and still holds that office.

Mr. Gerlach is also a director of The Ferndon Manufacturing Co., Aurora, 111., manufacturers of advertising signs; vice president and general manager of The Joliet Wrought Washer Co., Joliet, 111.; president of The Commercial Trust & Savings Bank, Joliet, 111. - and has long been prominent in the work of the International Advertising Association, having served for thirteen years as a member of its advertising commission for the United States, a member of the executive committee in 1916 and since 1922 a member of its joint assembly. He was president of the Advertising Specialty Association of Chicago in 1918-1919, and is still on their board of directors, and for the past ten years has been a director of the Illinois Manufacturers Association. He is a past president of the Joliet Chamber of Commerce, is a director in the Association of Arts and Industries of Chicago, a lay member of the Painters and Sculptors Gallery Association, Grand Central Art Galleries, New York City, a trustee of Silver Cross Hospital of Joliet, and a director of the Joliet Country Club, of which he was president in 1919 and 1920.

Mr. Gerlach was married December 25, 1889, to Miss Charlotte D. Hill (deceased September 18, 1925), daughter of Charles A. and Lydia M. (Wood) Hill, the former a native of New York and the latter of Will County, Illinois. Mr. Hill was a lawyer, an assistant attorney general of Illinois and a member of Congress. He died May 29, 1902, and his wife died January 7, 1912.

Mr. Gerlach is a member of the Universalist Church and belongs to the Union League Club, Chicago, The Joliet Chamber of Commerce, The Joliet Country Club and The Isaac Walton League. He has always been a Republican, and finds his chief recreation in fishing and hunting.

Eugene C. Huston, who lives retired at Braidwood, is a representative citizen of that community, and a member of a family that has long been identified with the history of Will County. He was bora at Braidwood, Feb. 1, 1876, the son of Robert and Emma (Blanchard) Huston.

Robert Huston, deceased, was a prominent pioneer of Braidwood, where he located shortly after the close of the Civil War. He engaged in the dry goods business at this place for many years and ranked among the dependable and successful merchants of Will County. He served as postmaster, alderman, and sheriff of Will County, and throughout his life maintained an active interest in local politics. He was a Republican. Mr. Huston was a member of the Baptist Church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He died Dec. 5, 1894, and his wife died Aug. 18, 1921. Both are buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet. They had four children: Maude, married Oscar Brazelton, lives in Texas ; Eugene C, the subject of this sketch ; William, deceased ; and Jessie, actress, married Fred Palmer, lives in New York City.

Eugene C. Huston attended the public schools of Joliet and began life as a clerk in the employ of a Joliet railroad office. He has traveled extensively and is well known as a contributor to newspapers and magazines. Mr. Huston lives at Braidwood in the old Huston family homestead, which is one of the interesting landmarks of Will County.

Mr. Huston is a veteran of the Spanish-American War, having enlicted in Company B, Third Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was later identified with the Illinois Reserves.

Arthur F. Schweer. - Among the most successful of the younger business men of Will County is Arthur F. Schweer, who is engaged in the shoe business at Crete. He was born here, July 28, 1894, the son of William and Louise (Wehmhofer) Schweer.

William Schweer, deceased, spent his entire life at Crete. He was a blacksmith by trade. He died in 1913 at the age of 56 years and is buried in Trinity Cemetery, Crete. His widow resides here. To Mr. and Mrs. Schweer were bora six children, as follows : William and Henry, who live at Crete ; Helen, the widow of Walter Turkington, lives at Crete; Martha, married Fred L. Pierce, lives at Chicago Heights; Arthur F., the subject of this sketch ; and Fred, lives at Crete.

work. He is a veteran of the World War, having served in France with the 77th Coast Artillery. He was discharged at Camp Grant, 111., in April, 1919. In January, 1925, Mr. Schweer purchased the Schweer Shoe Company, which was founded many years ago by his uncle, Henry Schweer. He is local dealer for the Florsheim shoe and handles high grade merchandise exclusively. Mr. Schweer is also interested in the radio business, which he conducts in connection with his shoe store.

In 1923 Mr. Schweer married Miss Emma C. Meier of Crete, the daughter of Fred J. and Louise Meier. Mr. Meier is a retired farmer. Mrs. Schweer was educated in the public schools of Crete and Chicago Heights, and before her marriage was a stenographer.

Marion (Kelly) Bowles, M. D. - Both her wide and varied field of practice in Joliet and her official and professional association with leading medical and health institutions, are inclusive in the round of Dr. Bowles' activities. She is a native of Illinois, bom near Table Grove, McDonald County, and the daughter of Lewis E. and Susanna ( Hoopes) Kelly.

Lewis E. Kelly was born at Maysville, Ky., and his wife was a native of Freemont, Ohio. He was a teacher in the public schools for many years and later engaged in general farming and stock raising. Both he and his wife are deceased and are buried at Table Grove, 111. He was a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly were the parents of three children: William L., lives in Montana ; Dr. Franklin E., physician, deceased ; and Dr. Marion Bowles, the subject of this sketch.

After attending the public schools of Table Grove, Marion Kelly entered the Illinois State Normal School, from which she was graduated in 1886. She also attended the University of Indiana, and for a short time was interested in teaching school. She subsequently entered the Woman's Medical School of Northwestern University, from which she was graduated in 1894. She served as assistant at the Clinic in general medicine at her alma mater, Chicago, for two years, and thereafter established her present offices in Joliet. Dr. Bowles is a member of the staff of Silver Cross Hospital, and for 20 years she served as an instructor in obstetrics on the staff of Silver Cross Hospital and two years as instructor of pediatrics in the same hospital. She was one of the organ- izers of the Will County Public Health Council and has been active in the affairs of this organization, having been chairman of the Tuberculosis Division, and also has been medical director of two of its child welfare clinics for several years. She is also medical director of the Infant Welfare Station at Lemont, 111., under the Cook County Public Health Council.

Dr. Bowles is a Republican and a member of the Universalist Church, Kings Daughters, W. C. T. U., Cosmos Club, Joliet Women's Study Club, Alpha Epsilon Iota Fraternity and Marguerite Chapter, O. E. S., and White Shrine of Joliet. She also belongs to the Business and Professional Women's Club, of which she is past state president and past national vice president, also the Woman's Club.

Dr. Bowles served for two terms as president of the Will County Medical Society, was its secretary and treasurer for fifteen years, and she also is identified with the American Medical Association, Medical Women's National Association, and the Illinois State Medical Society.

Dr. Bowles is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the high school board, which body she has served as president for two terms, and active on both local and state boards of the National Federation of Business and Professional Women. She has been a member of the State Board of the Illinois League of Women Voters.

She is prominent in the social life of the city, having served as the first president of the Joliet Federation of Women's Clubs in Joliet, now merged into the Woman's Club.

William A. Bowles, deceased, was one of the representative citizens and prominent attorneys of Will and Cook Counties. He was born at Table Grove, 111., the son of James and Amanda (Elgin) Bowles.

James Bowles was born at Hancock, Md., and was among the early settlers of Illinois, where he was successful as a farmer. His wife was born at Astoria, 111. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bowles are deceased and are buried at Astoria, in Fulton County. They had four sons: Samuel, teacher and farmer, lives at MacComb, 111. ; James E., attorney, lives in Chicago; Judge Charles H., deceased; and William A., the subject of this sketch.

The boyhood of William A. Bowles was spent on his father's farm. He attended the public schools of Astoria, and later matriculated at Knox College. After his graduation from the Kent College of Law, he was admitted to the bar of Cook County, and for 20 years successfully engaged in practice with offices in Chicago. Mr. Bowles maintained his home in Joliet, commuting each day to Chicago. He died in 1922.