USA > Illinois > Will County > History of Will County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 17
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Thomas J. Sprague was born in Erie County, N. Y., Nov. 23, 1810. He came to Will County in 1837 and settled in DuPage Township, where he became a prosperous and well known dairy farmer. At one time he was the owner of 800 acres of land. He shipped milk to the Chicago markets and for many years ranked among the county's successful dairymen. He died Oct. 22, 1898, and is buried in Barbers Cemetery, DuPage Township. Mr. Sprague was township assessor and active in local politics. He was a stanch Democrat and was affiliated with A. F. & A. M. No. 538, Lockport. He was married on Jan. 9, 1845, to Lydia (Swift) Godfrey, a widow. To Mr. and Mrs. Sprague the following children were born: Charles Norman, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Elizabeth Mather, lives in Joliet; Mrs. Albert Phelps, lives in DuPage Township; and Mrs. Celia Sargent, resides in Naperville, Ill. A half- sister, a Mrs. Lord, lives at Elgin, Ill.
Charles Norman Sprague attended the district schools and those of Naperville, Ill., for one winter. He remained on his father's farm until his marriage in 1869, after which he rented one of his father's farms. Three years later he returned to the homestead to help his father in the dairy business, which had developed on an extensive scale. The busi- ness was moved to Joliet in October, 1886. Mr. Sprague retailed milk and produced high grade butter and cheese for many years. After he left that business he and his brother Frank purchased 513 acres of land in Lockport Township, Will County, and on this tract conducted a dairy, selling rights to the railroad and other concerns. They also dealt in stone for about ten years. They continued the dairy for many years, and finally disposed of it to the Flint Sanitary Milk Company. Charles
CHARLES NORMAN SPRAGUE
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N. Sprague has since lived retired in his comfortable home at 805 Van Buren Street, Joliet.
On Nov. 25, 1869, Mr. Sprague was united in marriage with Miss Alice C. Killmer, a native of DuPage Township. She was born Dec. 10, 1850, died Feb. 13, 1900, and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet. To this union were born three children: Harriet M., married Robert Mat- teson, lives in Joliet, and they have a son, Charles C .; Mabel, married Oscar Kase, lives in Joliet, and they have a son, Harry ; and Thomas K., lives at Joliet and is county auditor of Will County, married Miss Streitz, and they have a son, Thomas K., Jr.
Mr. Sprague was married the second time on June 3, 1920, to Mrs. - Evelyn Lolman, born South Bend, Ind., and was reared in Erie County, N. Y., the daughter of Henry and Mariam Craig, both deceased. Mrs. Tolman was the widow of Howard Tolman, of Otto, N. Y. He was serv- ing as superintendent of schools at Gowanda, N. Y., at the time of his death in 1911. Mrs. Sprague had a daughter by her first marriage, Edna May, who died in infancy.
Mr. Sprague is a Republican and has held the offices of town clerk and township assessor of DuPage Township. He belongs to the Cham- ber of Commerce and is a member of the A. F. & A. M. He is prom- inently identified with the community in which he has spent his entire life.
Thomas Killmer Sprague, auditor of Will County, is one of the sub- stantial citizens and honored men of Joliet, of which city he is a native son. He was born May 15, 1893, the son of Charles Norman and Alice (Killmer) Sprague.
The paternal grandfather, Thomas Jefferson Sprague, and the ma- ternal grandparents, Reuben and Hannah Killmer, were New Yorkers who became early settlers of Will County, where they became pros- perous farmers. Charles Norman Sprague in addition to his farming interests was successfully engaged in the quarry industry in Will County. Later in life he became a dairyman. He is now living retired.
Growing up in his native city, Thomas Killmer Sprague attended the public schools and was graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1914. He succeeded his father in the dairy business and continued to conduct it until January, 1918, when he sold it to enter the World War. On April 29, 1918, he enlisted and was assigned to the 124th Machine Gun Regiment, 33rd Division, of the U. S. Army. He served in France
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and participated in the Meuse-Argonne offensive, the St. Mihiel offen- sive, and other major engagements. He went "over the top" seven times and for his capture of 14 German soldiers he received a citation for bravery on Sept. 26, 1918. After the armistice he was stationed at Luxemburg and while there attended the University. He returned to the United States from Brest, France, with his regiment and was hon- orably discharged on May 30, 1919. Upon his return to Joliet he was interested in the general insurance business until April, 1920, when he was elected a member of the Board of Supervisors, Will County. He served for two terms. In 1922 he was appointed examiner in the depart- ment of trade and commerce for insurance, and he continued to serve as such until December, 1924, when he was elected auditor of Will County.
On May 16, 1922, Mr. Sprague married Miss Martha J. Streitz, of Joliet, the daughter of Rudolph and Hermine Streitz, natives of Ger- many. Mr. and Mrs. Sprague have a son, Thomas Killmer, who was born March 24, 1923.
Mr. Sprague is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Republican. His fraternal connections are Matteson Lodge A. F. & A. M. No. 175; Joliet Chapter, R. A. M. No. 27; Joliet Commandery, K. T. No. 4; Medinah Temple; B. P. O. Elks, No. 296; Modern Woodmen of America; Isaak Walton League; Harwood Post No. 5, American Legion; the "40 and 8" society ; and the Musicians Union.
J. Arthur Baskerville, who is successfully engaged in the real estate business in Joliet, is a member of one of the oldest and best known fami- lies of Will County. He was born in Florence Township, the son of Thomas and Mary (Martin) Baskerville.
Thomas Baskerville was born in Ireland. In 1841 he emigrated to the United States and settled on a farm in Florence Township, Will County. He became a successful grain and live stock farmer and spent the greater part of his life in Florence Township, removing to Wilming- ton, Ill., in 1901. He died in 1906 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Wilmington. His wife was born in Florence Township and was the daughter of James Martin and Catherine (Garhan) Martin. She died in August, 1927, at the age of 83 years. The Martins were also natives of Ireland and among the earliest settlers of Will County. To Thomas and Mary (Martin) Baskerville the following children were born:
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Catherine, married E. C. Shabot, lives at Kankakee, Ill .; Benjamin J., lives retired in Joliet ; Thomas J., lives retired in Joliet; Ada, married D. L. Hogan, lives at Kankakee, Ill .; Harry R., a farmer, lives in Flor- ence Township, Will County; Mary, married John McDonald, lives in Joliet Township, Will County ; J. Arthur, the subject of this sketch ; and Florence, married J. B. Warner, lives at Wilmington, Ill.
The boyhood of Arthur Baskerville was spent in Florence Township, where he attended the district schools. He also attended Wilmington High School and in early life was associated with his father in farming and stock raising. When 21 years of age he engaged in farming alone in Florence Township and continued to be one of the representative farmers of that section for more than 40 years, being the owner of a fine farm of 470 acres. In 1924 Mr. Baskerville disposed of his land and removed to Joliet, where he has since been interested in the real estate business with offices in the Young building.
On Oct. 14, 1902, Mr. Baskerville was united in marriage with Miss Grace Smith, of Manhattan, Ill. They have had five children, as fol- lows: Mary, died at the age of three months; Margaret, a graduate of St. Francis Academy, lives at home; Florence, a graduate of St. Francis Academy, lives at home; Grace a graduate of St. Francis ; and Thomas, attends LaSalle College.
Mr. Baskerville is an independent voter. He is a member of St. Pat- rick's Catholic Church, and belongs to the Knights of Columbus, 3rd degree, and Modern Woodmen of America.
William N. Elwood .- One of the outstanding citizens of Joliet is W. N. Elwood, who is president of the Union Machinery Company, and a member of one of the prominent pioneer families of Will County. He was born in Joliet, March 17, 1871, the son of James G. and Margaret (Pearce) Elwood.
James G. Elwood, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born at Lockport, Ill., in 1840. During the Civil War he served as captain of Company D, 100th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Mr. Elwood became a prominent business man of Joliet, being the founder of the Joliet Water Company and one of the organizers of the Joliet Telephone Company. He was also secretary of the Joliet Gas Company for a number of years. He died in 1918 at the age of 78 years, and his wife died in 1916. Mr. Elwood was also active in local politics, having served as mayor and postmaster of Joliet. To Mr. and Mrs. Elwood the fol- lowing children were born: Ward P., lives in Joliet; W. N., the sub-
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ject of this sketch; Louise M., lives in Joliet; and Mrs. Arthur Leach, who lives in Joliet.
Nelson D. Elwood, father of James G. Elwood, was a prominent pioneer citizen of Joliet. He was born in Otsego County, N. Y., Nov. 23, 1818, and died in Joliet, Feb. 24, 1861. He came to Lockport, Ill., in 1837, where for a short time he was employed in the engineering depart- ment of the Canal office. In 1843 he was elected county clerk and three years later was admitted to the bar, and soon after formed the firm of Parks & Elwood, with whom he continued until his death. He was one of the organizers of the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad which was opened from Joliet to Chicago in October, 1852, with Mr. Elwood as secretary, a position which he continued to hold until about 1857.
William N. Elwood received his early education in the public schools of Joliet. For a number of years he was associated with his father's various business interests, and in 1912 was one of the founders of the Union Machinery Company. The business was incorporated in 1914 with a capital stock of $125,000. Mr. Elwood has served as president of the company since 1923. B. A. Evans is vice president. The Union Machin- ery Company, one of the city's leading business enterprises, employs approximately 75 men. They are manufacturers of baking machinery and have equipped some of the largest bakeries in the country. Their trade also extends throughout Europe, South America, China, and Japan.
In 1898 Mr. Elwood was married at Nashville, Tenn., to Miss Jessie Connell, of Joliet, the daughter of Frank Connell. They have two children: Mrs. John J. Heath, a graduate of Wellesley College, and the University of Chicago, lives in Chicago; and Gavion Nelson, a graduate of the University of Chicago, associated in business with his father. Mr. and Mrs. Elwood have a grandchild, John J. Heath, Jr., who was born in 1926.
Mr. Elwood is identified with the Republican party in politics. He is a member of the Episcopal Church and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, No. 4 Knights Templar, Joliet. He also belongs to the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce.
George P. Petersen, who is treasurer and general manager of the Hansen-Petersen Company, Inc., general contractors, has been a leading business man of Joliet for many years. He was born in Denmark, Sept. 1, 1878, the son of Rasmus and Karen (Paulsen) Petersen.
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Rasmus Petersen, deceased, was an early settler of Illinois. He and his wife were born in Denmark. The greater part of his life was spent on a farm in Cook County and he was well known as a successful stockman. He died at the age of 77 years and is buried at Lemont, Ill. His widow resides at Joliet and is 84 years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Petersen were born four children: Rasmus, lives in New York; Martin, died in 1895, at the age of 20 years; George P., the subject of this sketch; and Minnie, married James Hansen, lives in Joliet.
George P. Petersen was a small child when his parents came to the United States. They settled at Lemont, Ill., where he attended the public schools. He learned the carpenter trade and in 1897 came to Joliet. In 1907 he became associated in the general contracting business with James Hansen, and they organized the Hansen-Petersen Company, which was incorporated in 1913 with the following officers: James Hansen, president; E. E. Pentz, vice president; George P. Petersen, treasurer and general manager, and James Merrill, secretary. Among the company's largest contracts may be mentioned the Y. M. C. A., and the First Presbyterian Church. They have also erected many public and industrial buildings.
In 1908 Mr. Petersen married Miss Daisy Jones, of Joliet, and they have three children: Richard, attends Joliet Township High School; Dorothy, attends Farragut school; and Willis, at home. A son, George, died at the age of 14 years and is buried in Elmhurst Cemetery.
Mr. Petersen is independent in politics. He is a member of the Will Avenue Presbyterian Church and is affiliated with the Masonic and Elk Lodges, Rotary Club, and Chamber of Commerce.
Joseph Kochevar, enterprising and well known druggist of Joliet and candidate for State representative, is a native of this city, where he was born Jan. 20, 1900. He is the son of Michael and Anna (Jenco) Kochevar.
Michael Kochevar, deceased, was a representative pioneer citizen of Will County. He was born in Austria and came to the United States about 40 years ago and settled in Joliet. He became well known in the city's business life, being president of the Slovain Liquor Company, and a director of the Joliet Citizens Brewing Company. He was also active in local politics, having served as city supervisor. Mr. Kochevar died Feb. 12, 1926, and is buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Joliet. His
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widow resides at 807 North Raynor Avenue. To Mr. and Mrs. Kochevar were born the following children: Anna, married Frank T. Tezak, lives in Joliet; Joseph, the subject of this sketch; Margaret Troppe, lives in Joliet; Frank, retired; Lillian and Leonard, both at home. Mary, Julia, and Michael, Jr., all deceased, are buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery.
Joseph Kochevar obtained his education in St. Joseph's school and after his graduation from high school became interested in the drug business. In 1925 he purchased the store of Frank Gospodaric, pioneer druggist of Joliet. The business is located at 702 East Washington Avenue. It is among the finest drug stores in the city and one of the largest.
On April 21, 1926, Mr. Kochevar was united in marriage with Miss Mayme Joyman, of Joliet, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Spreitzer) Joyman. Mr. Joyman is the owner of a well established cigar business at 200 Jackson Street, Joliet. Mrs. Kochevar was educated in the pub- lic schools of Omaha, Neb., and in 1917 was graduated from Boyle's College. Mr. and Mrs. Kochevar have a son, Joseph, Jr., born Oct. 20,1927.
Mr. Kochevar is a Republican, a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and belongs to the Knights of Columbus, Third degree, and Elks Lodge. He is a director of the Joliet Citizens Brewing Company, and is also interested in the Citizens Petroleum Company, and the Joliet Morris Development Company. The family residence is located at 811 Raynor Avenue.
Robert E. Haley .- Holding rank as one of the ablest attorneys of Joliet, Robert E. Haley is prominent throughout Will County. He was born in this city, March 5, 1879, the son of Patrick C. and Mary Anastasia (D'Arcy) Haley.
Patrick C. Haley, deceased, was a prominent pioneer citizen of Joliet, where he engaged in the practice of law for many years. He also served as mayor. Mr. Haley was born at Saranac, N. Y., in 1849, and came to Joliet with his parents in 1852. He was graduated from the University of Michigan in 1869, and immediately thereafter established his law practice in this city. He died Feb. 21, 1928, being active in practice within three months of his death. Mr. Haley was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and belonged to the Elks Lodge, and Hamilton Club of Chicago. His wife was born April 10, 1852, in Joliet, the daugh- ter of John and Margaret Darcy, natives of Ireland. She died Dec. 25,
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1927. To Mr. and Mrs. Haley were born nine children as follows: Mar- garet, unmarried, lives in Joliet; Robert E., the subject of this sketch ; Raymond, born Sept. 27, 1881, died in 1924; Columbia D., lives in Joliet ; Madeline and Genevieve, both unmarried, live in Joliet; Paul C., lives at Akron, Ohio; Angela, married Harry P. Keeley, lives in Joliet; and John P., attorney, Joliet.
Robert E. Haley grew up in Joliet and attended the public schools. He was graduated from the University of Michigan in 1905 and was admitted to the bar of Will County that year. He has practiced in Joliet since 1905 and has offices in the Cutting Building. He has served as city attorney.
On Feb. 11, 1907, Mr. Haley married Miss Wilhelmina Mather, of Joliet, the daughter of Asa F. and Lucetta (Raver) Mather. Mr. Mather, deceased, was a leading member of the Will County bar for more than half a century. He died March 25, 1925, at the age of 82 years. His wife died in 1923. Mr. and Mrs. Haley have two children: Margaret Mather, born in 1918; and Robert M., born in 1922.
Mr. Haley is a Democrat, a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and is affiliated with Elks and Eagles Lodges.
During the World War Mr. Haley volunteered for service. He was injured while in training at the Officers Training School and soon after his recovery was discharged from the service in November, 1917. He is a member of the American Legion.
Alfred J. Hebert, one of Joliet's progressive business men and well known citizens, is a native of this city. He was born April 17, 1884, the son of Moses and Eliza (Callahan) Hebert.
Moses Hebert was born at Three Rivers, Canada. He was among the earliest settlers of Joliet, having located here in 1850. For some years he was identified with the old Scott Lumber Company and also engaged in teaming. He died in 1916 at the age of 69 years and is buried in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Joliet. His wife, born in Ireland in 1847, died in 1915. To Mr. and Mrs. Hebert were born the following children: Alice, Lydia, Henry, William, Ruth, and George, all deceased; Sarah, unmarried, lives in Joliet; and Alfred J., the subject of this sketch.
Alfred J. Hebert obtained his education in the public schools of Joliet and following his graduation from the Joliet Township High
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School, he entered the employ of Charles Barber, general merchant. Eight years later the store was purchased by Simon Lederer, and Mr. Hebert continued with the business. In 1908 the store was purchased by M. A. Feldman, and thereafter was known as the New York Store. Mr. Hebert remained as buyer and store manager until 1922, at which time he became associated with the George Peeling Company, whole- sale and retail dealers in wall papers and paints. This business was founded in 1876 by George Peeling, who died in 1919. It was then con- ducted by his son, Elbert, who died three years later. The widow of Elbert Peeling, Louise Peeling, is half owner of the business, Mr. Hebert also has a half interest in the business.
Mr. Hebert is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and belongs to the Elks and Eagle Lodge. He is unmarried.
Charles Adams Russell, secretary and treasurer of James G. Heggie & Sons, Inc., is among the substantial citizens of Joliet. He was born in Lockport Township, Will County, April 11, 1867, the son of Charles C. and Elizabeth (Adams) Russell.
Charles C. Russell was born at Johnstown, in Montgomery County, N. Y. and his wife was a native of St. Lawrence County, N. Y. About 1858 Mr. Russell came to Illinois and settled in Lockport Township, Will County, where he engaged in general farming. He later lived in Joliet, where he worked as a carpenter. Mr. Russell died Oct. 8, 1883, and his wife died Oct. 9, 1915. Both are buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet. Mr. Russell was a Republican. He and his wife were charter members of the First Presbyterian Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Russell were born six children as follows : Amos C., retired, lives at Corona, Calif .; Anna E., died in 1925, was deputy recorder of deeds of Will County for 40 years; George, deceased, buried at Rochester, N. Y .; Jennie, married E. H. Stanley, lives at Cortland, N. Y .; Belle, died in 1912, buried in Joliet; and Charles Adams, the subject of this sketch.
Charles Adams Russell received his education in the public schools of Joliet. He spent six years in the employ of the Barrett Hardware Company as a salesman and in 1890 went to Chicago, where he was department manager for the Horton, Gilmore & McWilliams Wholesale Hardware Company. Seven years later he returned to Joliet, where he was associated for two years with the quarry business of James Bruce. In 1899 he became bookkeeper and cashier for James G. Heggie, and in
CHARLES ADAMS RUSSELL
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1913 when the business of James G. Heggie & Sons was incorporated, Mr. Russell was made secretary and treasurer. He is also secretary and treasurer of the Heggie Simplex Boiler Company, which was incorpo- rated in 1923.
In 1895 Mr. Russell was married to Miss Alice Bradford, the daugh- ter of Chauncey and Catherine (Lewis) Bradford. Mr. Bradford, de- ceased, was a native of Will County, and was one of the first Knight Templars of Joliet. He was a well known merchant of this city. His wife was born at Dresden Heights, Ill., and is also deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Russell two sons have been born: Charles Chauncey, a graduate of the University of Illinois, chemical engineer with the Koppers Com- pany of Pittsburgh, Pa., married Miss Mary Barrett, the daughter of Edwin C. Barrett, and they have a daughter, Anne Elizabeth; and Wil- liam Bradford, a graduate of the University of Illinois, manager for the Heggie Simplex Boiler Company, married Miss Mary McCauley, the daughter of James A. and Florence McCauley, of Plainfield, Ill., and they have a daughter, Mary.
Mr. Russell is a Republican, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and belongs to Mount Joliet Lodge, A. F. & A. M. No. 42; B. P. O. Elks, No. 296; Joliet Country Club, Rotary Club, Chamber of Com- merce, Hamilton Club of Chicago, and Traffic Club of Chicago.
Mrs. Russell is prominent in club life of Joliet, being president of the Women's Club, and former president of the Women's Joliet Rotary Club, and Women's Study Club. She is a member of the board of managers of the Presbyterian Home for the Aged at Evanston, Ill., and former president of the Women's Missionary Society and the Ladies Aid Society.
Charles F. Bush is one of the reliable business men of Joliet where he is agent for the American Railway Express Company. He was born in this city, April 10, 1865, the son of Frank and Harriet (Stevens) Bush.
Frank Bush was born in Vermont in 1828 and died in 1897. He was among the early settlers of Will County, where he became successful as a cattle dealer. His wife was born in England. She died in 1911 at the age of 82 years and is buried in Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet. To Frank and Harriet (Stevens) Bush were born four children: Hattie, deceased, was the wife of Peter Shutts; Lulu, lives in Joliet; Charles F., the subject of this sketch; and Arthur W. Bush, a shoe merchant who
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resides at Mendota, Ill; he married Miss Mary Hubbard, and they have two children, Arthur W., Jr., and Katherine H.
Charles F. Bush spent his boyhood in Joliet and attended the public school. He was employed in the Will County National Bank as clerk and teller for several years and in 1893 entered the employ of the Wells Fargo Express Company. After a quarter of a century of service with this company it was merged with the American Railway Express Com- pany and Mr. Bush became local agent.
On June 20, 1898, Mr. Bush was united in marriage with Miss Emma Frances Hubbard of Joliet. They have three children: Franklin; Har- riet Stockwell, lives at home; and Dorothy, who attends the University of Illinois.
Mr. Bush is a Republican, and a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
Charles O. Hasey, who has been in the employ of the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad for the past 54 years, is among the substan- tial and well known men of Joliet. For the past 16 years he has served as cashier of the local station for the company. Mr. Hasey was born at Lincoln, Maine, Dec. 12, 1852, and came to Illinois with his parents in 1865.
In early life Mr. Hasey became an employe of the C. R. I. & P. Rail- road and worked under H. N. Marsh, station agent of Joliet. He began as a night telegraph operator and later was promoted to day operator. He then was promoted to station agent and in 1912, when the new sta- tion was erected he was appointed cashier for the company.
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