USA > Illinois > Will County > History of Will County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 16
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The boyhood of Matt Bloomfield was spent at Toledo, Ill., where he attended the public schools. In 1905-6-7-8 he attended the University of Illinois, then the University of Chicago and received his B. S. degree in 1910. He was graduated from Rush Medical School in 1912 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine and spent the following two years as an interne in the Cook County Hospital. Since 1914 he has engaged in practice in Joliet, where he specializes in surgery. Doctor Bloomfield has offices in the Morris Building and was associated with the late Dr. James Burry, chief surgeon of the Illinois Steel Company, and the late Dr. G. M. Pears, Joliet, Ill.
On June 24, 1916, Doctor Bloomfield was united in marriage with Miss Nella N. Marks, of Adrian, Mich. She is a graduate of the Uni-
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versity of Michigan and the Normal School at Ypsilanti, Mich. Previ- ous to her marriage she was connected with the schools of Adrian, Mich., for three years. Doctor and Mrs. Bloomfield have a daughter, Julia Elizabeth, born July 19, 1926.
Doctor Bloomfield is a member of the Episcopal Church, and is affiliated with the Masonic lodge and its various branches. He also belongs to the Joliet Country Club, Chamber of Commerce, and Elks lodge. He is identified with the Will and Grundy County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society, the American Medical Asso- ciation, and the American College of Surgeons. He is a Republican.
Edward A. Brewster is perhaps one of the best known business men of Joliet, where he is president and general manager of the Brewster Printing Company. He was born at Oberlin, Ohio, Oct. 27, 1855, and spent his early life in that section. He attended the public schools of Oberlin and in May, 1869, began work as an office boy in a printing plant in a Chicago printing house. He has always been interested in the printing business and in 1896 came to Joliet, where he served as gen- eral manager for the Republican Printing Company. Ten years later he engaged in business for himself and organized the Brewster print- ing Company at 119 North Ottawa Street. Three years later the plant was moved to 314 Van Buren Street and in 1911 the company purchased its present plant at 513-15 Second Avenue. The company specializes in directory work and lithographing, although it handles all types of general job printing. Approximately 15 men are employed. The officers of the company are: Edward A. Brewster, president; Ed T. Brewster, vice president; Percy Franklin Brewster, secretary and treasurer.
On July 3, 1877, Mr. Brewster was united in marriage with Miss Carrie M. Tracy, of Princeton, Ill. She died in 1922 at the age of 65 years and is buried in Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet. To this union five children were born, as follows: George Ashley, employed with the Brewster Printing Company. He married Miss Hester Shutts, of Joliet, and they have a son, Alden Brewster; (2) Edward T., vice president of the Brewster Printing Company, Joliet, married Miss Hattie Spencer, of Joliet, and they have two children, Carrol and William; (3) Percy Franklin, secretary and treasurer of the Brewster Printing Company, married Miss Effie L. White, of Joliet, and they have a son, Franklin C.
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Brewster; (4) Hattie Wall, lives in Joliet; and (5) Helen, married James R. Morrisey, lives at Wheeling, W. Va., and they have two chil- dren, Roberta and Robert Brewster Morrisey.
On Feb. 25, 1926, Mr. Brewster married Mrs. Louise Elithorp, of Chicago.
Politically, Mr. Brewster is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of the First Baptist Church and takes an active interest in church affairs. He also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce.
Frank J. Limacher, who is identified with the firm of Henry J. Weber & Company, investment brokers, is a leading business man of Joliet and a veteran of the World War. He was born in this city, Aug. 12, 1886, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Sauer) Limacher.
Joseph Limacher, deceased, was a native of Switzerland. He was a small child when his parents brought him to America and settled in Joliet. He became a prosperous business man of the city and conducted a drug business here for a number of years. He died in 1890 at the age of 44 years and is buried in St. John's Cemetery, Joliet. His wife, born at Waterloo, Ill., died in 1911, at the age of 64 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Limacher the following children were born: Peter, died in 1892; Elizabeth, lives in Joliet; Mrs. Clara Stephen, lives in Joliet; Josephine, in religion known as Sister Liliosa, of the order of Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart; now located at the Queen of Angels Hos- pital at Los Angeles, Calif .; Pauline, married Henry J. Wagner, lives in Honolulu; Catherine, married Timothy J. Callahan, lives in Chicago, Ill .; Dr. John A., dentist, practicing at Joliet; and Frank J., the subject of this sketch.
Frank J. Limacher has always lived in Joliet. He attended the parochial and public schools of the city and was graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1905. He then entered the general offices of the Elgin Joliet & Eastern Railroad Company and five years later became connected with the offices of the E. Porter Products Company as office manager and cashier. He continued in that capacity for seven years and was later associated with the Pittsburgh offices of the American Refrac- tories Company as an accountant and was thus engaged until he entered the transport service of the navy during the World War. In 1919 he returned to Joliet and again became affiliated with the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railroad as valuation accountant. May 1, 1926, he became
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associated with Henry J. Weber & Company as junior member of the firm.
On Sept. 24, 1919, Mr. Limacher was married to Miss Celia E. Wil- helmi, of Joliet, the daughter of J. Adam and Mary (Suess) Wilhelmi. They have three children: Joseph J., born Dec. 18, 1920; Alma Marie, born July 20, 1922; and Ruth Catherine, born Sept. 25, 1923.
Politically, Mr. Limacher is a Democrat. He is a member of St. John's Catholic Church, and belongs to the Chamber of Commerce. He has a wide acquaintance in the city and is highly esteemed.
Ferdinand J. Bittermann-Numbered among the enterprising and successful young business men of Joliet is Mr. Bittermann, who is also a veteran of the World War. He was born in this city, Sept. 30, 1894, the son of Conrad and Susan (Baumgartel) Bittermann.
Conrad Bitterman, deceased, was a native of Germany. About 1850 he came to this country with his parents and settled at Joliet, where he learned the moulder's trade. He was employed by the Moore Bro- thers Stove Company for more than 30 years and was well known in this city. He died in 1916. Mr. Bittermann was a Republican and a member of the German Lutheran Church. His widow, also born in Germany, resides in Joliet. Theer were eleven children in the Bittermann family as follows: Anna, married M. Mueller; George P .; Conrad, Jr .; Bar- tholomew; Ernest W .; Lawrence A .; Elsie, married William G. Scholl; Ferdinand J., the subject of this sketch; Emily, married Lee Folkers; William and Irma, both deceased. All are residents of Joliet except Lawrence A., who lives at Wilmington, Ill.
After his graduation from Joliet Township High School, Ferdinand J. Bittermann was employed by the Garlach-Barklow Company as a press operator. Later he learned the sheet metal trade with Farrall, Kemp & Gushe Company, of Joliet. From 1912 until 1916 he was asso- ciated with Poehner & Dillman, hardware dealers, and in April, 1918, he established his present business, which is known as the F. J. Bitter- mann Company.
In 1925 Mr. Bittermann married Miss Marjorie G. Clark, the daugh- ter of Lillian (Schugart) Clark, now Mrs. Julius Westphal.
During the World War Mr. Bittermann enlisted for service in the U. S. Army and was sent to Evanston, Ill. He was later transferred
FERDINAND J. BITTERMANN
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to Camp Taylor, Ky., and assigned to the Field Artillery Officer's Train- ing School. He was discharged in November, 1918.
Mr. Bittermann is a Republican, a member of Mt. Joliet Lodge, F. & A. M. No. 42; Joliet Chapter, R. A. M. No. 27; Joliet Council, R. S. M. No. 82; Joliet Commandery, K. T. 4; Oriental Consistory, A. A. S. R. 32nd degree; Medinah Temple; Joliet Shrine Club; Order of the Eastern Star; and American Legion, Harwood Post, No. 5.
F. J. Bittermann Company was organized as a private company in 1918, and the following year was incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois, with the following officers: F. J. Bittermann, president; J. R. Lennon, vice president; and H. M. Clark, secretary and treasurer. The present plant, which employs 40 men, was erected in 1920. The company manufactures sheet metal products and special- izes in steel plate construction.
The company was incorporated for $10,000.00 in 1919, increased to $25,000.00 in 1921, and increased to $50,000.00 in 1927. It has an exten- sive business extending throughout the United States and Canada.
Charles H. Blim .- Among the prominent law practitioners of Will County, Illinois, Charles H. Blim holds an important place. His law offices are located in the Barber Building, Joliet. He was born at Crete, Ill., Aug. 7, 1891, the son of Charles and Frances (Hewes) Blim.
Charles Blim, who was born at Palos, Ill., was a prominent physician of Crete, where he has practiced his profession for 45 years. His wife, Frances (Hewes) Blim, was a descendant of William Hewes, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Mrs. Blim died in 1897, and is buried at Crete, Ill. There were three children in the Blim fam- ily: Warren C., a physician and surgeon, Chicago Heights, Ill .; Charles H., the subject of this sketch; and Spencer P., also a physician and surgeon, Chicago Heights.
Charles H. Blim attended the public schools and attended Chicago Heights High School, and received his degree of L. L. B., from North- western University in 1917. He enlisted in the army in December, 1917, and was sent to Kelly Field, Texas, from there to Dorr Field, Florida, and was discharged at Camp Grant, Rockford, in February 1919. He
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then returned to Joliet and engaged in the practice of the law, and is meeting with well deserved success.
On Sept. 15, 1921, Mr. Blim was married to Miss Florence White. They have two children, Charles White, born May 4, 1923; and Beatrice Genevieve, born Nov. 3, 1924.
Mr. Blim has been prominent in the affairs of the city. He is a Republican, and in 1922 was a candidate for the state legislature, but was defeated. He is a member of the American Legion, Harwood Post, No. 5; the Chamber of Commerce; and the Elks Club. He is a director of the Farmers State Bank of Crete, and a stockholder in the Commer- cial Trust & Savings Bank of Joliet.
Mr. Blim is interested in agriculture also, and is the owner of an 80 acre farm in Plainfield Township, which he rents.
Mr. and Mrs. Blim are members of the Presbyterian Church. Their home is at 110 Whitney Avenue, Joliet.
Howard E. Wilson is a representative business man of Joliet where he is engaged in the real estate, insurance and loan business. He was born at Joliet, the son of Jason L. and Lana (Vandenburg) Wilson.
Jason L. Wilson was born in Joliet where he spent his entire life, and was engaged in the real estate business for many years prior to his death, which occurred Sept. 12, 1926. He was 68 years of age. He was one of the most prominent men in real estate circles in Joliet, and was an influential and public spirited citizen. Mrs. Wilson, who was also born in Joliet, died when about thirty years of age, leaving five children: Nettie, died at the age of four years; George L., real estate business, Houston, Texas, for the past 18 years ; Mrs. Martha E. Springer, Nutley, N. J .; Mrs. Anita L. McAvoy, St. Louis, Mo .; and Howard E., the sub- ject of this sketch. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet.
Howard E. Wilson attended the public schools of Joliet, and con- tinued his studies at Worcester Academy, Worcester, Mass., from which institution he was graduated. He entered the real estate offices of his father and was associated with him until the latter's death, since which time he has conducted the business alone.
On Jan. 20, 1914, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage with Miss Mabel Richards, of Joliet, Ill., the daughter of Fred and Agnes (Robertson) Richards, residents of Joliet. Mr. Richards is a machinist, and Mrs.
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Richards is owner of the Needle Work Shop, Joliet. Mr. and Mrs. Wil- son have two children: Dorothy, born June 25, 1915, attends Washing- ton, Jr., High School; and Marjorie, born Nov. 19, 1919, attends Wood- land School. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Wilson is a Republican, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and fraternally is affiliated with the Masonic Orders. Mr. Wilson is a man of worth, and deserves and enjoys a high standing among his fellow citizens.
F. A. Nussmeyer .- Among the progressive and enterprising young business men of Joliet is F. A. Nussmeyer, a veteran of the World War. He was born at Romeo, Ill., Feb. 4, 1894, the son of Charles and Hannah (Teaboil) Nussmeyer.
Charles Nussmeyer, who lives retired in Joliet, is a native of Ger- many. Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Nussmeyer came to the United States and settled in Joliet, where Mr. Nussmeyer was em- ployed for many years in the stone quarries. He and his wife are the parents of the following children: Herman lives in Joliet; Anna, mar- ried Lawrence Stuffler, lives at Los Angeles, Calif .; Minnie, the widow of H. Rosenthal, lives in Chicago; Charles, Jr., lives in Joliet ; Frederick, lives in Joliet; Mary, married Henry Specht, lives in Joliet; F. A., the subject of this sketch; William, lives in Joliet; and Henry, lives in Joliet.
F. A. Nussmeyer was three years old when his family located in Joliet. He attended the public schools of this city and is also a gradu- ate of the Metropolitan Business College. He spent seven years as a clerk in the employ of the First National Bank of Joliet, was later asso- ciated with the American Refractories Company as chief clerk, and at the outbreak of the World War enlisted for service. He spent a year in France with the 88th Military Police Company, and was discharged in June, 1919. Upon his return to Joliet he became associated with the Union Machinery Company as office manager, for three years, and he has since been connected with the Markgraf Stone & Quarry Company. His brother, Herman Nussmeyer, is also identified with the business.
On Dec. 4, 1920, Mr. Nussmeyer married Miss Kathleen Britt, of Toledo, Ohio.
Mr. Nussmeyer is a member of the First Lutheran Church and belongs to the Chamber of Commerce. He is a Republican.
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William S. Welch, a successful real estate operator and insurance man of Joliet, is a native of Illinois. He was born at Streator, March 20, 1884, the son of George and Marjorie (Conlon) Welch.
George Welch was born in Illinois in 1850, and died Oct. 29, 1884. His wife, who died Oct. 9, 1923, was a native of New York, born Feb. 29, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Welch were married in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Joliet. Their two sons were George R., and William S. George R. Welch, an electrical engineer of Chicago, is a graduate of the Uni- versity of Illinois. He spent several years in government work as a construction engineer in the Panama Canal zone, and during the World War was stationed there in charge of government ammunition. He married Miss Margaret Connor, of Wilmington, Ill.
William S. Welch was a small child when his parents came to Joliet. He was educated in the public schools and when 18 years of age entered the offices of the Santa Fe Railroad, where he continued for four years. He was then identified with the city offices and served as secretary to Mayor J. R. Cromin, and Mayor Edward Allen. Since 1915 Mr. Welch has been interested in the real estate and insurance business with offices in the Will County Bank Building.
Politically Mr. Welch is a Democrat. He is a member of St. Ray- mond's Catholic Church and belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and Western Catholic Union.
Simon F. Wilhelmi, D. D. S., who has successfully engaged in the practice of his profession in Joliet since 1894, is a member of one of the city's oldest and best known families. He was born in Joliet, Feb. 15, 1872, the son of John J. and Mary (Rademacher ) Wilhelmi.
John J. Wilhelmi came to the United States from Coblenz, Germany, with his parents in 1840, and settled at Joliet. He became a prosperous farmer and stockman and spent his entire life in this section of Illinois. He died in 1914 at the age of 80 years. His wife died in 1876.
The early education of Simon F. Wilhelmi was obtained in the schools of Joliet. He later attended the Chicago College of Dental Surgery, from which he was graduated in 1894. And the same year he engaged in general practice in Joliet, where he has continued to the present time.
On June 6, 1898, Dr. Wilhelmi was united in marriage with Miss Helen Haywood, of Joliet, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Hay- wood, both deceased. To them were born five children: Harley, born in 1900, a graduate of St. Mary's College, Kansas, lives at Toledo, Ohio;
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Dion James, born in 1905, a graduate of St. Mary's College, Kansas, lives at home; Mary Catherine, a graduate of Loretta Academy, Chicago, married Robert Regan, lives at Joliet; Helen Simona, born in 1912; and Claire Cecile, born in 1914, attends St. Francis Academy.
Dr. Wilhelmi is identified with the Will County Dental Society, the Illinois State Dental Society, and the American Dental Association. He is a Democrat, a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and belongs to the Elks Lodge and Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree. He also is a member of the Joliet Rival Club.
George F. Hacker is a representative business man and leading citi- zen of Joliet, where he is president and treasurer of the Hacker-Sime Company, manufacturers of sash doors and interior trimmings. This well established business was founded in 1882 by Christ Hacker and incorporated in 1893 as the C. Hacker Company. Mr. Hacker served as president and treasurer until the time of his death, which occurred on Feb. 19, 1920. Mr. Hacker was a native of Germany and one of the early settlers of Mokena, Will County. He served during the Civil War. He married Miss Sophia Swartz, also a native of Germany. To them were born three children: George F., the subject of this sketch; Frederick, died at the age of 22 years; and Emma, married Martin Sax- ton, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hacker are buried in Oakwood Ceme- tery, Joliet.
George F. Hacker has always lived in Joliet. He attended the public schools and in early life became associated with his father's business, being vice president and secretary of the C. Hacker Company. Upon his father's death he became president and treasurer of the business. Mr. Hacker is also president of the Joliet Plate Window Glass Com- pany and a director of the Will County National Bank.
In 1892 Mr. Hacker was united in marriage with Miss Anna Warner, of Joliet. They have the following children: Viola, married Albert Fitzer, of Frankfort Township, Will County, and they have two chil- dren, Louis and Robert; Estella, lives at home; Letha, married Walter Schoop, of Joliet, and they have two daughters, Charlotte and Marjorie; Winifred R., married R. Williams, of Joliet, and they have a daughter, Marion; Christ F .; George W .; and Frederick H.
Mr. Hacker is a Republican, a member of the English Lutheran Church, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias.
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Albert H. Krusemark is a leading attorney and prominent citizen of Joliet, where he is engaged in the practice of his profession with offices in the Barber Building. He was born in Manhattan Township, Will County, June 16, 1882, the son of Louis and Mary (Schoop) Krusemark.
Louis Krusemark was born in Germany. At the age of 21 years he emigrated to the United States and settled in Will County where he engaged in general farming and stock raising. He and his wife now reside at Frankfort, Ill. They are the parents of the following children: Fred Krusemark, attorney, identified with the Lambert Rubber Com- pany, Akron, Ohio; Lena, married Loch Biehler, lives at Oak Park, Ill .; Mae, married Dr. McMahon, lives at Mokena, Ill .; Clara, married Alvin Marti, lives in Rich Township, Cook County; Estelle, married James Bathell, lives at Oak Park, Ill .; and Violet, married Frederick Whitlark, lives at Mokena, Ill.
Albert H. Krusemark was two years old when his family removed to Lenox Township. He entered the public schools of Lenox and Frank- fort Townships, and was graduated from Valparaiso University. He studied law at Northwestern University and was admitted to the bar of Will County in 1908. He immediately established his present practice in Joliet.
On Feb. 12, 1914, Mr. Krusemark married Miss Estellwagen, of Frankfort. They have two children, Albert and Corinne.
Mr. Krusemark is a Republican, a member of St. Peter's Evangelical Church of Frankfort, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge. He is identified with the Will County Bar Association.
Bernard F. Bailey, who is superintendent of the Phoenix Horse Shoe Company, Joliet, is a leading citizen of the community. He was born in New York City, June 30, 1880, the son of Bernard and Charlotte (Scriber) Bailey.
Bernard Bailey, retired, was for many years identified with the Phoenix Horse Shoe Company, having spent 40 years in its service. He died Aug. 10, 1928. His wife died in June, 1906, both are buried in Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet. To Mr. and Mrs. Bailey were born ten chil- dren, all of whom are living.
Bernard F. Bailey was 13 years old when his parents settled in Joliet. He completed his schooling in the public schools of this city and in early youth entered the employ of the Phoenix Horse Shoe Company
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HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
as a machinist. He later became a foreman and in 1916 was promoted to superintendent of the rolling department. In January, 1928, Mr. Bailey completed 30 years of service with the company.
On June 15, 1905, Mr. Bailey married Miss Alvira Godfrey, of Joliet. They have two children: Ralph Newton, born in 1906, a graduate of Joliet Township High School, lives at home; and Evelyn Arville, a gradu- ate of Joliet Township High School, attends Weston Normal School.
Mr. Bailey is a Republican and a member of the Grace Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church.
Henry J. Schluntz .- Prominently identified with the business life of Joliet is Mr. Schluntz, who successfully deals in loans, insurance and real estate, with offices in the Young Building. He was born in the town of Will, Will County, April 27, 1873, the son of Joachim and Sophia (Lange) Schluntz.
Joachim Schluntz was born in Germany, as was his wife. He emigrated to the United States in 1865 and settled in Will County, where he became a prosperous farmer. He died Dec. 24, 1916, and his wife died April 25, 1909. Both are buried in St. Paul's Lutheran Ceme- tery, at Washington, in Will County.
Henry J. Schluntz spent his boyhood on the home farm and received his education in the public and parochial schools of eastern Will County. He attended high school at Pullman, Ill., and took a business course in Chicago. After leaving school he worked as an accountant in Chicago until the year of the panic, 1893. He then held clerical positions at Peotone, Ill., and Grant Park, Ill., and in August, 1895, was appointed deputy county clerk and deputy clerk of the County Court of Will County. In 1900 he was elected clerk of the Circuit Court of Will County and was reelected in 1904. On March 1, 1909, Mr. Schluntz opened offices in Joliet in the Young Building and established his present business. Since 1912 he has been associated with Hjalmar Rehn, now State's Attorney of Will County. His son, H. Howard Schluntz, attorney, has been connected with the business since 1925.
On June 12, 1898, Mr. Schluntz was united in marriage with Miss Ottilia Kolstedt, of Monee, Will County. She is the daughter of John and Magdalena (Ress) Kolstedt, natives of Germany. Mr. Kolstedt was for many years supervisor of the town of Monee, and also was a member of the Illinois State Legislature for two terms. He died July 30,
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1910, and his wife died in 1925. To Henry J. and Ottilia (Kolstedt) Schluntz were born three children: H. Howard, lawyer, Joliet; J. Morton, civil engineering student at Purdue University; and Mar- jorie E., attends Millikin University.
Mr. Schluntz is a stanch Republican and he and his family hold mem- bership in St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Joliet.
Charles Norman Sprague, who lives retired in Joliet, is a well known resident of Will County and a member of one of the oldest and best known families of DuPage Township. He was born in DuPage Town- ship, June 19, 1846, the son of Thomas J. and Lydia (Swift) Sprague.
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