USA > Illinois > McHenry County > History of McHenry County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 44
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MICHAEL F. WALSH.
Michael F. Wałsh, editor of the Harvard Herald, and one of the leading men of McHenry County, was born in Hartland Township, MeHenry County, January 17, 1867. He attended the common schools of his native county, and before he attained his majority he established the Harvard Herald, the first issue bearing the date of December 23, 1887. For the succeeding thirty-four years he has owned and edited the journal and its circulation is 2,200.
For sixteen years Mr. Walsh was postmaster at Harvard, and through that office and his paper has become known to probably every man, woman and child in MeHenry County. Since May, 1917, he has been a member of the Illinois State Civil Service Commission, and during 1899 and 1900 he was president of the Illinois Press Association. For over thirty years he has been a member of the Illinois Press Association.
The Ilerald is a live, newsy journal, edited and conducted in the
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interests of the people of MeHenry County, and during the World War its stand on public matters was sound and intensely loyal, and it gave the administration's policies a generous support. In all of the drives the Harvard Herald did its full share in arousing the people to their duty in subscribing to their limit.
THOMAS J. WALSHI.
Thomas J. Walsh, postmaster of MeHenry, is one of the best-known men in MeHenry County, and during the late war his patriotism was variously and effectively demonstrated. He was born in MelIenry County, February 5, 1855, a son of William and Amelia (Payne) Walsh. William Walsh was born in Ireland, and learned the trade of harness- making. He came to the. United States in 1851, landing in New York City, from whence he came to Chicago, and thence to MeHenry County, where he died in 1892. He and his wife had seven children, of whom three survive.
Thomas J. Walsh attended the common and high schools of MeHenry County, and his first efforts towards self-support were at milling. Later he was in an implement and carriage business, which he sold in 1904, and then, until August, 1915, he was in a life insurance business. At that time he was appointed postmaster of MeHenry by President Wilson, and his selection met with universal satisfaction. Prior to that he had served as alderman and member of the school board, being elected on the Democratic ticket.
On September 10, 1877, Mr. Walsh was married to Miss Lola D. Bishop, a daughter of Richard Bishop, of MeHenry County. Richard B. Walsh is their only child.
The Walsh family are Universalists. During the Liberty Loan drives Mr. Walsh and his son took an active part, and they and Mrs. Walsh have been influential in promulgating all kinds of war work.
ELMER D. WALTER.
Elmer D. Walter, one of the enterprising farmers and public-spirited residents of Chemung Township, is located four miles northwest of Har-
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vard. He was born in Boone County, Ill., two miles south of Capron, January 17, 1865, a son of David and Jane (Eggleston) Walter, both natives of Erie County, N. Y., where they were married, and located on a farm near Lancaster. In 1863 they came direct to Boone County, Ill., and in the spring of 1865 located on the present farm of Elmer Walter. A brother, of David Walter, Jacob, had settled in Mellenry County about five years previously, on a tract of land south of the one David later bought. Jacob Walter retired twenty-two years before his death, moved to Chemung, and there lived until he passed away in 1913, aged eighty-three years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Refina Drudge, was also born in Erie County, and she survives now, being eighty-seven years old, although looking to be in the early sixties. She and her husband had a daughter, Sarah, who died in young womanhood.
Upon coming to MeHenry County, David Walter bought twenty acres of land, all in the timber, and developed it into a farm, later adding forty acres. IIe was compelled to begin in a small way owing to the loss he sustained on the trip to MeHenry County, which was made by boat. The boiler exploded, and the boat sank, bearing with it the household possessions and horses, so that they arrived in the county with but little. At first David Walter worked out by the day so as to earn sufficient money to get started. During the season he was with a threshing outfit, and when he bought a team, he engaged in hauling. On his farm he erected buildings and put in improvements, and had a fine little farm when he died in the village of Chemung, June 21, 1909, aged seventy-five years. His widow survived him only three weeks. They had been married fifty years, and she could not sustain his loss. David Walter was a member of the school, and highway commissioner for a time, and during the time he held that office he had promoted a movement to secure a road across the flat section between his birth- place and the village of Lawrence, which is now a completed highway, well built. He also inaugurated the grading of the roads in his township, and was a very public spirited man. Politically he was a Democrat.
Elmer Walter bought his uncle's farm of 165 acres, on which he keeps a tenant, he living on his father's homestead, carrying on dairying on both properties. He has erected a fine modern residence on the site of his father's original home, and a big barn, 32x70 feet, adapted for cows and horses. Of late years he has reduced his herd from thirty to twelve cows. He is not a breeder, only a feeder of cattle. His whole life has been spent on his farm, and he is very much interested in agri- cultural progress.
On February 17, 1897, Mr. Walter was married to Mabel Alderman,
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a daughter of Albert James and Sarah Elizabeth (Barrows) Alderman, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, who occupy the farm on the cast of the Walter property. Mr. Alderman came to MeHenry County in young manhood. Mr. and Mrs. Walter have the following children: Gladys Elizabeth, who is Mrs. Benjamin Nash, lives in the same neighborhood as her father; Harold Alderman, who is attending the Harvard High School; and Russell David, who is attending the local schools. Interested in the public schools, Mr. Walter has served on the school board, but otherwise has not entered public life. He is justly regarded as one of the leading farmers of his region, and his prosperity is well merited.
CHARLES WANDRACK.
Charles Wandrack, ex-sheriff of MeHenry County, and one of the leading men of his locality, has given the people of this section a fearless and efficient administration that resulted in the cleaning up of unde- sirable conditions and the protection of the law abiding element. He was born at Chicago, November 6, 1856, a son of Joseph and Mary (Devort) Wandrack, who had four children. Joseph Wandrack was born in Austria, but came to the United States in 1855, and after a stay in Chicago, came to MeHenry County in 1866, where he continued to reside until his death which occurred in 1878. His wife survived him many years, dying in 1914.
Charles Wandrack attended common school in Chicago and MeHenry County, and has been a resident of this county since he was nine years old. As soon as old enough, he learned the trade of harness making from his father, who was engaged in that line of business, and worked at it until he was appointed deputy sheriff in 1902, under Sheriff M. W. Lake, and succeeded him as sheriff. In 1914, Mr. Wandrack was again elected to the office of sheriff, on the Republican ticket. On December 2, 1918, Roy Stewart was elected sheriff and Mr. Wandrack is now a deputy. He also served as food inspector, and was constable for sixteen years, and on the village board of Algonquin for many years, being its president for four terms.
In 1883 Mr. Wandrack was married to Miss Alba T. Argard of Eau Claire, Wis., a daughter of Martin Argard, and they have two children, namely: Laura M., who is librarian of the public library of Woodstock; and Martin J. The family all belong to the Congregational
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church. Mr. Wandrack is a Mason and a member of the Woodmen of the World. A conscientious official, he is a terror to evil doors, for they know that he will enforce the law to the very letter, and yet no man can accuse him of injustice. During the many years he has been before the public, Mr. Wandrack has proven his worth, and the con- fidence that is felt in him is well founded.
SAMUEL READ WARD, M. D.
Samuel Read Ward, M. D., who is probably the most prominent, and certainly the most beloved of the older physicians of McHenry County, is living retired from active practice at Richmond. Doctor Ward was born in Jaffna, Ceylon, August 7, 1842, one of the three children of Dr. Nathan W. and Hannah Woodward (Clark) Ward. Dr. Nathan W. Ward was born in New Hampshire, November 21, 1804. After he entered upon his career as a physician, he went to India on a mission, and upon his return to the United States he located in Vermont, and continued in practice there for many years, but finally retired. His death occurred in 1860.
Dr. Samuel Read Ward attended the local schools of his native place, and was graduated from the University of Vermont in 1864, and in Medical Department of Georgetown University, Washington, D. C., in 1868, and visited for six months or more. In 1869 he went to Chicago, remaining there until 1874, when he came to MeHenry County, and continued in active practice until 1916. He served as president of the village board of Richmond for three years; was on the school board for a period of twenty-two years, and was president of the board for several ycars. He has always been staunch in his support of the doctrines of the Republican party.
In 1871 Doctor Ward was married to Miss Anna Fisher, a daughter of Lucius G. Fisher, prominent in business circles of Chicago, but formerly of Beloit, Wis. Dr. and Mrs. Ward had six children, three of whom survive, namely: Caroline F., who is Mrs. Thane M. Blackman, of Whitewater, Wis .; Elizabeth C., who is at home; and Catherine, who is the wife of F. HI. Stowell, of Glencoe, Ill. The family are all affiliated with the Congregational church. Doctor Ward belongs to Richmond Lodge No. 143, A. F. & A. M., and is connected with the county, state and national societies of his profession. During the many years he
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ministered to the people of McHenry County, he endeared himself to them through his fidelity and skill, and no man is held in higher esteem than he.
WILLIAM H. WARD.
William H. Ward, one of the most extensive contractors of McHenry County, and supervisor of Chemung Township, is numbered among the representative residents of Harvard. He was born in Bradford County, Pa., in January, 1854, one of seven children of his parents, Daniel and Dimis M. (Allen) Ward. Daniel Ward was born in Massachusetts, later going to Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in farming and char- coal manufacture. On March 17, 1864, he came to MeHenry County, and was engaged in farming from then on until his death, which occurred in April, 1882.
William H. Ward was reared principally in MeHenry County, and attended its schools. In 1876 he began learning the trade of a carpenter, and gradually developed into a contractor. Among other important contracts he has executed are the Diggins library building of Harvard, and numerous city and country residences and the greater number of the business blocks of Harvard, to the number in all of thirty-five.
Mr. Ward was married to Miss Christine Wienke, a daughter of William Wienke, of McHenry County. They have two children, namely : Frank B., who was born March 20, 1SS2; and Allen D., who was born April 10, 1898. The family belong to the Presbyterian church. Mr. Ward belongs to Harvard Lodge No. 309, A. F. & A. M .; Harvard Chapter No. 91, R. A. M .; and Cavalry Commandery, K. T. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically he is a staunch Republican, and has been supervisor of Chemung Township since 1907, and he served as alderman of Harvard from 1891 to 1898. An able business man, he has brought his knowledge of men and affairs to bear upon his conduct of public matters, and that he has given a wise administration is proven by his repeated re-elections to the same office.
ROY J. WARNER.
Roy J. Warner, who is engaged in a furniture and undertaking business at Crystal Lake, is one of the leading and most experienced
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men in his line in MeHenry County. He was born in Mellenry County, May 11, 1869, one of the five children of Loring and Flora (Nicholson) Warner. After the death of his first wife, Loring Warner was married (second) to Emma Mueller. Loring Warner was also a native son of MeHenry County, the family being one of the pioneer ones in this locality.
Roy J. Warner was reared in his native county, attending its schools, and in 1898 he was graduated from the Barnes Embalming School of Chicago. In 1903, he took the required examination and passed the requirements of the State Board of Health. In 1881, he had bought his present business from J. L. Conover, and since then has branched out, now having a fine establishment, and conducting funerals with proper dignity and ceremony.
Mr. Warner was married to Miss Anna M. Berkley, and they have two children, namely: Lottie R. and Leor C. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Warner is a Shriner Mason. In polities he is a Republican.
FRANK H. WATTLES.
Frank H. Wattles, one of the most extensive shippers of stock in MeHenry County, has long been one of the leading business men of West MeHenry, and a director of The West MeHenry State Bank. He was born in MeHenry County, June 6, 1862, a son of Homer and Elizabeth (Sherman) Wattles, who had two children, but Frank H. is the only survivor.
After attending the common and high schools of his native county, Frank H. Wattles became a farmer and still owns 800 acres of choice land in MeHenry County. Gradually he developed into a shipper of stock, and for some years has devoted himself to this line of business. Since 1908 he has been associated with the West MeHenry State Bank as a member of its board of directors.
On February 27, 1889, Mr. Wattles was united in marriage with Miss Etta Thomas, a daughter of Jules Thomas, and they have three children, namely: Myrtle, Howard and Glenn. A staunch Republican, Mr. Wattles has served West MeHenry as mayor two terms, and his record in that office is a fine one. He and his family belong to the Presbyterian Church. As is but natural, Mr. Wattles is very well known throughout
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the county, and his name stands for sterling business principles and fairness of dealing in every particular.
CARLTON WEBSTER.
Carlton Webster, a well-to-do farmer and prominent resident of Greenwood Township, owns and operates his farm on Section 10, as well as other farm land in the township. He was born in Winnebago County, Ill., in October, 1849, a son of Charles and Hannah (Austin) Webster, natives of Vermont. They came to Illinois and located in Winnebago County, where they were engaged in farming. Charles Webster died at Rockford, Ill., at the age of sixty-five years. He and his wife had children as follows: Hiram, who served as a soldier in the Union army during the Civil War; Isaac, who was also a Union soldier; Carlton; Porter; Delia; Ellen and Edna.
Carlton Webster was reared on his father's farm, and has always, himself, followed farming. After five years spent in the Dakotas and one year in Lake County, Ill., he located in MeHenry County, and for a year lived in Richmond Township. He then bought his farm in Greenwood Township and has lived on it ever since.
On January 13, 1876, he was married to Emma O. Comstock, born in New York state, January 5, 1849. They have the following children: Austin; Gordon; Everett, who enlisted for service in the World's War; Paul; and Floy, who is the wife of J. B. Ellis of Roscoe, Wis. The homestead contains sixty-two acres, and Mr. Webster owns eighty acres additional, which he rents. He has always carried on general farming and has prospered at it. In polities he is a Republican. A man of wide experience, he knows how to do his work thoroughly and profitably, and his example is followed by many who seek to make their land yield the best there is in it.
HARRY WELBON.
Harry Welbon, manager of the Harry Welbon garage, and agent for the Ford cars, is one of the enterprising business men of Hebron, and one of the best known men in McHenry County. He was born September 10, 1874, one of the four children of Peter J. and Lottie
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(Ilouseholder) Welbon. Peter J. Welbon was born in the state of New York, but later came to McHenry County, where he died in Febru- ary, 1917, having been a farmer all of his mature years.
Harry Welbon attended the common and high schools of McHenry County, and was reared on his father's farm, himself engaging in farm- ing until he embarked in his present business, when eighteen years old, although he still resides on the homestead farm of 145 acres of choice land in Hebron Township. Since 1913 he has been sole agent for the Ford cars in this neighborhood, and he also handles the Ford tractors. In 1917 he built the present garage at a cost of $5,000, and his annual business aggregates about $20,000.
On May 12, 1897, Mr. Welbon was married to Miss Katherine Hackett, a daughter of Abraham Hackett of Wisconsin, and they became the parents of six children, five of whom survive, namely: Verna, Leslie, deceased; Leona, Florence, Edna and John. The family all belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Republican. His fraternal connections are with Hebron Lodge No. 604, A. F. & A. M., the Woodmen of the World, and Eastern Star, and Mrs. Welbon and the elder daughter also belong to the latter order. An excellent business man, Mr. Welbon has risen through his own efforts, and is justly re- garded as one of the most representative men of this section.
WILLIAM J. WELCH.
William J. Welch, who has been serving as a justice of the peace, has been a member of the board of education and a director of the Fox River Valley State Bank of MeHenry. He was born at McHenry in February, 1860, a son of John and Ellen (Quinn) Welch, both natives of County Kilkenny, Ireland, who came to the United States in 1856, and settled at MeHenry. A farmer, John Welch obtained work as a farm hand for several years, and then bought a farm near Griswold Lake, in Nunda Township, five or six miles southeast of McHenry, where he lived and died. His farm comprised 160 acres of land, covered with stunips, and the house was an old and poor one. For some years much attention was devoted to getting out the stumps so that the land could be suitably cultivated, and in time a new house replaced the old one. John Welch died in 1884 at the age of sixty-eight years, his widow surviving him until 1900, when she died at the age of eighty-five years. Soon after
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coming to this country, John Welch took out his naturalization papers, and thereafter supported the Democratic party. When St. Patrick's Catholic church was established, Mr. Welch was one of the original members and he continued a faithful member of it until his death. Distance made little difference to him when attending church was in question. If the weather permitted he went on foot, if not, he used his oxel.
William J. Welch remained at the old home until his father's death, at which time he bought out the other heirs. He enlarged the buildings, put up a silo, and made it a fine farm, exclusively a dairy one, and kept a herd of from thirty to thirty-five cows. Adding to his acreage, in 1912 he sold the old home farm on Griswold Lake. Later he bought the old Cleary homestead of 120 acres, on which he made his home until he sold it in 1918 for $250 per aere, although he had only paid $112 per acre for it, the increase being on account of the improvements he had made, including a silo and fine modern barn. This was one of the best farms in the neighborhood, and very valuable.
On June 24, 1885, Mr. Welch was married to Ella G. Powers, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Foley) Powers, the former of whom was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, but came to the United States, and was married in Ohio soon after the close of the Civil War. Mr. Powers volunteered and served four years, or to the close of the war. For many years Mr. Powers was a resident of Richmond Township, but he and his wife both died in Nunda. Mr. and Mrs. Welch became the parents of the following children: May E., who married C. E. Martin, lives in Montana; Harriet, who is Mrs. William Dewey, of Newark, N. J .; Florence, who is Mrs. Glenn Robison of Crystal Lake; Frances, who married Dr. A. I. Froehlich, of MeHenry; Mildred, who was graduated from the McHenry High School, attended Beloit College, and at present is attending Athens Ohio College; and Helen C., who is attending the McHenry Iligh School. The family belong to St. Patrick's Catholic church, and Mildred is one of the members of the choir.
FRED A. WELTZIEN.
Fred A. Weltzien, one of the prominent business men of Huntley, is proprietor of a fine garage and repair and supply shop, and sole agent for the Ford automobile in his neighborhood. He was born in MeHenry
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County, July 9, 1869, one of four children born to John and Mary (Vogine) Weltzien. John Weltzien was born in Germany, but came to the United States and located in MeHenry County, where he died.
Fred A. Weltzien attended the local schools and worked on his father's farm until 1898, when he engaged in the creamery business. In 1900 he went to Huntley and embarked in his present business, expanding it to meet the requirements of his trade. At present he carries a stock valued at $2,500, and his garage building is worth $8,000. In the conduct of his business he employs two men.
In September, 1905, Mr. Weltzien was married to Miss Elizabeth Garry, a daughter of Patrick Garry, and a member of a prominent family of MeHenry County. Mrs. Weltzien is a member of the Catholic church. In politics he is a Republican, and for one term he served as alderman of Huntley. He is a Chapter Mason, and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. A first-class workman, he has known how to give a satisfactory service, and his garage is popular with auto- mobilists who appreciate expert attention.
JOHN WELTZIEN.
John Weltzien, now deceased, was formerly one of the leading business men of Huntley, and one of the substantial residents of MeHenry County. He was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, December 4, 1847, a son of Charles and Frederica (Schroeder) Weltzien. Charles Weltzien was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, November 21, 1819, and his father was a Russian soldier, who deserting from the army, located there. The marriage of Charles Weltzien occurred at Mecklenburg, and he and his wife continued to reside there until 1851, during which period he was overseer of a large farm, but in that year he, with his wife and son, John, came to the United States, and first settled at Barrington, Ill., Mr. Weltzien engaging in farm labor near Dundee. In 1860 he came to MeHenry County, renting land near Huntley, but in 1867, he bought 160 acres of land northeast of the village, living on it until late in life, when he rented his farm, moved to Huntley, where he died on August 19, 1901, being then eighty-two years of age. The German Lutheran church of Huntley had his membership and generous support. In politics he was a Democrat. The children of Charles Weltzien were as follows: John, Mary, Charles, Fred, Sophia, Mina, Carrie and Frank.
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John Weltzien was not ten years old when his parents brought him to the United States, and he completed his educational training, begun in Germany, in the American schools. He alternated attendance at the district schools with farm work until he was eighteen years old, and then engaged with a creamery owned by D. E. Wood of Huntley, two years later becoming a partner in the business, which he con- ducted very successfully for twenty-one years. In 1881 Mr. Weltzien bought 194 acres of land adjoining Huntley, which he later sold for city lots, when the limits of the municipality were extended to include his property. After selling his creamery in 1897, Mr. Weltzien erected a feed-mill and also dealt extensively in brick, tile, wood and coal, and he was very successful in all lines he entered. Mr. Weltzien died at his residence, November 1, 1913.
On August 1, 1869, Mr. Weltzien was married (first) to Alice E. Bowen, and they had the following children: Minnie, who is Mrs. Ed Keating of Huntley; Lottie, who died in 1912; Myrtle, who is the widow of Dr. William Markley of Belvidere, who died in 1918; Frank D., who resides at Elgin, Ill .; Grace, who married Lee Templeton, a painter of Woodstock; and Harriet, who is a court stenographer, lives at San Francisco, Cal. Mr. Weltzien was a Republican, and he served Grafton Township as supervisor for sixteen years, was on the village board for many years, for six of them being its president. The first Mrs. Weltzien was removed by death in 1902. On April 3, 1911, Mr. Weltzien was married (second) to Amelia Schaffner, a daughter of Philip and Louisa Schaffner, natives of Berlin, Germany, and England, who were married at London, England. Both were highly connected with families of importance. In 1857, soon after their marriage, they came to the United States, and after a year spent in New York City, came west to Chicago, where he condueted a bakery until the Chicago Fire in 1871, in which he lost about $75,000. Soon afterwards Mr. Schaffner went on a farm near Elgin, Ill., and in 1871 bought a mill at Huntley. This mill was destroyed through an explosion of the engine that killed the engineer, William Benedict, and so shocked Mr. Schaffner that he never really recovered. He rebuilt the mill, later adding a planing mill, and while operating the latter suffered an injury which crippled his hand to the extent that he lost the use of it. He had always retained a love for his native land, making in all seven trips back to it prior to his last one, which he undertook in order to visit his aged father, then eighty years of age. While there he was taken so seriously ill, that death resulted in 1887, when he was only fifty-nine years old. His father
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