USA > Illinois > Will County > History of Will County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 18
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52
Mr. Hasey was married on Feb. 26, 1875, to Miss Ella A. Strickland, of Joliet, the daughter of Henry W. and Mariah Strickland, natives of England. They have the following children: Florence Ella, lives at home; Ethlyn M., married Louis Prepenbrink, lives at Joliet; and Earl C., lives at Joliet. He is supreme dictator of the Loyal Order of Moose in this district of Illinois, and has offices in the Morris Building, Joliet. He married Miss Myrtle Plumore.
Mr. Hasey is a Republican, a member of the Episcopal Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Knights Templar, and Modern Woodmen of America.
Mr. Hasey was one of the founders of the Will County Historical Society, being its first president, and was also one of the organizers of the Public Library in this city.
779
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
Charles S. Nowell is among the most progressive business men of Joliet where he is secretary and treasurer of the Superior Wall Paper Company, which is located at 1708 East Washington Street. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, June 11, 1872.
When Charles S. Nowell was 12 years of age his family went to Youngstown, Ohio, where he attended the public schools. He has always been interested in the wall paper business and for nine years conducted a store at Niles, Ohio. He then spent two years in the same work in St. Louis, and one year in Chicago. After coming to Joliet Mr. Nowell was connected with the Star Peerless Wallpaper Company as a salesman for six years. He then organized the Joliet Wall Paper Mills, of which he served as president for three years. He was later associated with the Montgomery Ward Company and in 1919 became identified with the Superior Wallpaper Company as secretary and treasurer.
On Jan. 7, 1903, Mr. Nowell married Miss Margaret Snedden, of Oil City, Pa.
Mr. Nowell is a Republican, and belongs to the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce.
Walter B. Huey, M. D .- An experienced physician and surgeon, Doc- tor Huey is numbered among the representative men of Joliet, and is one who has honorably won the position he holds in his profession. He was born at Abingdon, Ill., Nov. 9, 1878, the son of John S. and Myra C. Huey.
John S. Huey, deceased, was prominent as a lawyer in Chicago for more than half a century. He was born in Hancock County, Ill., March 8, 1853, and spent his entire life in Illinois. He died Feb. 24, 1928, and his wife died in 1921 at the age of 68 years. They had four children: Ray S., lives at Duluth, Minn .; Walter B., the subject of this sketch; Mary B., unmarried, lives at Shelby, Mich .; and Harold E., apple grower, lives at Shelby, Mich.
The early education of Walter B. Huey was obtained in the public schools of Chicago, where his family had moved when he was two years old. After his graduation from Hyde Park High School he entered Rush Medical College, from which he received his degree as Doctor of Medi- cine in 1903. He then served as an interne in the Alexian Brothers Hospital in Chicago and was a member of the faculty of the Medical
780
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
School of Northwestern University for one year, and also practiced in Chicago at the same time. Doctor Huey in 1906 practiced at El Campo, Texas, and in 1912 he came to Joliet, where he has continued in practice to the present time. He is connected with the staffs of the local hos- pitals and is surgeon for the Illinois Steel Company, the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad, and the Michigan Central Railroad. He maintains offices in the Joliet National Bank Building.
On Sept. 27, 1911, Doctor Huey was united in marriage with Miss Jerusa Burry, of Chicago. They have three children: Caroline, Jane, and Walter, all students.
Doctor Huey is identified with the Will County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society, the American Medical Association, and he is also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Doctor Huey is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America, and the Joliet Country Club.
Frank E. Hyatt, Doctor of Osteopathy, is well and favorably known in Joliet, where he has successfully engaged in the practice of his pro- fession since Jan., 1904. He was born Sept. 11, 1867, at Gardner, Ill., where he spent his early youth.
Doctor Hyatt attended the schools at Avalon, Mo. He then studied osteopathy at the American College of Osteopathic Medicine and Sur- gery in Chicago, from which he received his degree in 1904. He then practiced his profession for a short time before coming to Joliet, where he established offices in the Cutting and Young building. In 1908 he moved to Tallapoosa, Ga., and in 1911 came to Joliet, Ill. He is now assisted in practice by his son, Dr. Clarence E. Hyatt, mention of whom is made below.
Doctor Frank E. Hyatt married Miss Nettie E. Lanfear, of Homer Township, Will County. They have a son, Clarence E., who was born in Lockport, Dec. 16, 1900. He graduated in 1923 from the Chicago Col- lege of Osteopathy and spent some time in practice at Grand Haven, Mich, before locating in Joliet with his father. He is prominent in the affairs of the Boy Scouts and at present is serving as local scoutmaster. While in Grand Haven, Mich., Dr. Clarence E. Hyatt served as scout commissioner of the Grand Haven Council, Boy Scouts of America. He received his commission as second lieutenant Inft. Reserve, Aug. 10, 1928. He was married Oct. 14, 1922, to Miss Belle A. Edmonds, of
781
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
Hastings, Mich. They have three children: Preston, Anita, and Nor- man. Doctor Hyatt is a Republican and a member of the Presbyterian church. He also belongs to the Masonic lodge and Modern Woodmen of America.
Dr. Frank E. Hyatt is a Republican and holds membership in the Baptist church; the Modern Woodmen of America.
Lloyd B. Houston, manager of the Bradstreet Company's office in Joliet, is a representative young business man of this city. He was born at Webster City, Iowa, Dec. 27, 1898.
In 1900 the family of Lloyd B. Houston removed to Waterloo, Iowa. The family later moved to Memphis, Tenn., and in 1915 removed to Dubuque, Iowa, where Lloyd B. Houston, graduated from High School in 1918. He then enlisted in the World War, and was discharged shortly after the signing of the Armistice. After leaving the army he attended the University of Iowa. He began his business career with a wholesale tobacco company at Dubuque, Iowa, and later served in the accounting department of the Illinois Central Railroad. April 10, 1922, Mr. Houston became connected with the Dubuque office of Bradstreets, and a year later was transferred to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He has held his present position in Joliet since 1925.
On Nov. 2, 1922, Mr. Houston was united in marriage with Miss Helen M. Curran, of Dubuque.
Mr. Houston is a member of the Methodist Church and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Kiwanis Club, and American Legion. He is independent in politics.
J. R. Kearns is among the progressive business men of Joliet, where he is district manager for the Illinois Inspection Bureau, with offices in the Will County National Bank Building. He was born at Rockford, Ill., Aug. 17, 1886, the son of Hugh and Julia (O'Brien) Kearns.
J. R. Kearns received his early education in St. Vincent's School in Chicago. He was later graduated from the Armour Institute and began his business career with the International Harvesting Company as time- keeper. After four years he went with the Liverpool, London & Globe Insurance Company of Chicago and six years later became identified
782
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
with the Illinois State Board of Fire Underwriters and the Northern Illi- nois Inspection Bureau at Rockford. He spent three years with the Indiana Inspection Bureau and then assumed his present connection with the Illinois Inspection Bureau in 1910. For the past ten years he has been located in Joliet.
On Oct. 17, 1917, Mr. Kearns married Miss Loretta Erhardt, of Joliet, and they have a son, Jack, who was born in 1918.
Mr. Kearns is a member of the Catholic church, and belongs to the Knights of Columbus, 3rd degree, and Kiwanis Club. He is independent in politics.
Harless W. King, president of the King Coal Company, is a highly esteemed and prominent citizen of Joliet, where he was born Nov. 1, 1873. He is the son of John P. and Hannah (Leonard) King.
John P. King was born near Terre Haute, Ind., Dec. 18, 1832. When he was three years old his father, Andrew King, came to Will County and purchased a farm near the city of Joliet, where he resided until the time of his death in 1849. He left a family of 11 children, of whom John P., father of the subject of this sketch, was the oldest. When John P. King was 19 years of age he made the journey to California and remained there for 12 years, working as a farmer and miner. He also operated a stage line between Eureka and Red Bluff, Calif. Mr. King returned to Joliet in 1864 and two years later became interested in the lumber business which he continued during the remainder of his life. W. W. Bishop became his business partner in 1869, the firm being known as King & Bishop. In 1878 Mr. King served as alderman from the Seventh Ward. He was a trustee and prominent member of the Uni- versalist Church and also served as school director. He was married Sept. 12, 1867, to Miss Hannah Leonard of Joliet, and they had three children: Lulu B., is the widow of A. C. Puffer, she resides in Joliet ; Gertrude M., the wife of G. M. Lernard, resides in Joliet ; Harless W., the subject of this sketch, and John W., resides in Birmingham. Ala.
Harless W. King received his education in the public schools of Joliet and attended St. John's Military Academy in Wisconsin. He was also graduated from the University of Illinois. He was associated with his father's lumber business until 1911 when he went with the Alexander-Dailey Lumber Company. In 1916 Mr. King made connec- tions with the Mitchell Company, and seven years later purchased the business, which is now known as the King Coal Company. It was incor-
783
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
porated in 1927 with a capital stock of $10,000. The officers are: Harless W. King, president; Mary F. King, vice president; and J. M. King, secretary and treasurer.
On May 15, 1895, Mr. King married Miss Mary F. Mack, a member of one of the oldest families of Will County. They have three children: Margaret, married Orrin S. Douse, of Joliet, and they have two children, Orrin King and Molly; John Mack, a graduate of the University of Chicago, married Virginia Reber, of Wheaton, Ill., and they have two children, Molly Mae, and James Reber; and Jean Isabel, lives at home, is a graduate of St. Francis Academy and Knoxville Academy.
Mr. King is a Republican, a member of the Episcopal Church, of which he is senior warden, and he also belongs to the Elks Lodge and Joliet Country Club.
Thomas Joseph Testin .- A substantial citizen and dependable young business man of Joliet is found in Thomas Joseph Testin, who has engaged in the drug business here for several years. He was born at Aurora, Ill., Nov. 26, 1894, the son of Edward and Catherine (Durnan) Testin.
Edward Testin, deceased, was a native of Illinois. He spent most of his life in Joliet and was a boilermaker by trade. He died in 1927. His widow resides here. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Testin: Dr. Henry, physician, lives at Beverly Hills, Calif .; Thomas Joseph, the subject of this sketch; John E., a graduate of the Illinois School of Pharmacy, now associated with his brother in the drug business; Mrs. Nellie Reiter, lives at Plainfield, Ill .; Mrs. Russell Laird, lives at Joliet; and Linna, lives at home.
Thomas Joseph Testin attended the public schools of Joliet and was graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1912. He then entered the University of Chicago, where he specialized in the study of chem- istry and bacteriology. He began his business career in the drug store of S. F. Schick, and in 1921 he became owner of the business, which is located at 317 Morris Building. He makes a specialty of laboratory work and is widely known throughout the county as a bacteriologist.
On June 22, 1921, Mr. Testin was married to Miss Naomi Archam- beault, of Wisconsin.
Mr. Testin is a Republican, a member of St. Raymond's Catholic Church, and belongs to the Knights of Columbus, third degree, and Chamber of Commerce.
784
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
Eugene Nelson Harris was born on a farm a few miles south of Morris, Grundy County, Ill., Dec. 17, 1884, a son of Frank May and Kate (Brown) Harris.
His father, Frank May Harris, was a native of Circleville, Ohio, a son of Hiram and Martha (Wilkerson) Harris. As a young man he engaged in newspaper work which brought him to Morris, Ill., where he was associated with his brother-in-law, Mr. Eugene B. Fletcher, who was editor of the Morris (Ill.) Herald. He later became interested in fraternal insurance work and was for many years a field representative for the Independent Order of Foresters of Toronto, Canada, in charge of the Kentucky and Tennessee state districts, with headquarters at Louisville, Ky. He was a Royal Arch Mason and a Grand Lodge Lec- turer for the State of Kentucky. Politically he was a Republican and belonged to the Presbyterian Church. He died on Nov. 9, 1924, at Shel- byville, Ky., and is buried in Millington Cemetery at Millington, Ill.
The mother, Mrs. Frank M. Harris, was a daughter of Isaac Neuton and Phoebe Ann (Clarke) Brown who lived on a farm north of Morris.
There are four sisters and three brothers living: Mary, wife of James White, of Morris, Ill .; Lucy, wife of Virgil C. Waller, of Yonkers, N. Y .; Hazel, wife of Philip G. Magner of Wabash, Ind .; Ota, wife of Charles C. Porter of Shelbyville, Ky .; Frank M. of Oswego, Ill .; Arthur N. of Mt. Vernon, N. Y .; and William Mckinley of Culver City, Cal.
Eugene Harris attended the "Sadler" School, south of Wauponsee, Grundy County, and the public schools of Morris. In January, 1896, the family moved to Joliet and he entered the Old Richards Street school where he finished the grade school work. He entered the Old High School at the corner of Webster and Chicago streets, graduating with one of the early classes from the present High School. He took a course in embalming at the Chicago College of Embalming and was licensed in this work by the State Board of Health.
For some time he was associated with the firm of Hughes & Shutts, later Scott & Company, in the Masonic Temple. From 1907 until 1909 he was order and bill clerk at the Scott Street plant of the American Steel and Wire Company. He spent one year in charge of the Harry Walz Funeral Home at Danville, Ill. On returning to Joliet he estab- lished the French Dry Cleaning and Dye Works at the corner of Ottawa and Van Buren streets, which business he carried on until the building was razed to build the Adam Arcade. On Feb. 1, 1910, in company with Wm. A. Watson of Odell, Ill., a branch of the Western Casket and Under- taking Company was opened at the corner of Ottawa and Cass streets.
EUGENE NELSON HARRIS
785
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
On May 1, 1912, Mr. Harris purchased a one-half interest in the undertaking establishment operated by Wm. C. Wunderlich, continuing the business under the name of Wunderlich and Harris until Nov. 1, 1917, when Mr. Charles Sonntag of Plainfield was taken into the firm which has been known as Wunderlich, Harris & Sonntag since that time. This firm maintains one of the best appointed and equipped undertaking establishments in the United States.
On June 30, 1910, Mr. Harris was united in marriage with Miss Bess Mae Hutchinson, a daughter of Lansing and Lillian Hutchinson.
Mr. and Mrs. Harris have two children: Robert Taylor, president of the Junior class in the Joliet Township High School, and a member of the Joliet Township High School Band which has for three years won first place in the National High School Band Contests. In the 1928 contest he won first place in the French Horn Solo contest.
Rachel, a daughter of ten years is a student at Farragut School.
Mr. Harris is a member of the official board of the Richard Street M. E. Church.
Fraternally he is affiliated with Mt. Joliet Lodge No. 42, A. F. & A. M. (was worshipful master during the year 1912), Joliet Chapter No. 27 R. A. M., Joliet Council No. 82 R. & S. M., Joliet Commandery No. 4, Knights Templar, Ansar Temple, A. A. O. N. M. Shrine, Joliet Shrine Club, is past Patron of Marguerite Chapter No. 187 Order of the Eastern Star, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Joliet Kiwanis Club, and Joliet Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Harris is interested in the Boy Scout movement and has held several appointments in that organization being now chairman of the Richards Street Church Troup Committee. Politically he is a Repub- lican. His hobbies are golf and motor touring.
Alfred M. Bourgo is a substantial citizen of Joliet, where he has served as assistant postmaster for a period of 20 years. He was born at Houtzdale, Clearfield County, Pa., March 23, 1880, the son of Peter and Margaret (Meagher) Bourgo.
Peter Bourgo was born in France. In early life he came to America and settled in Canada. Later he removed to Pennsylvania. He died about 1900 and is buried in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Joliet. His widow, who lives at Joliet, was born at Houtzdale, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. Bourgo were born four children: Alfred M., the subject of this sketch;
17-VOL. 2
786
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
Thomas F., lives in Joliet; May, married Richard Walsh, lives in Minne- sota; and Cecil, married Howard Harrington, lives in Chicago.
In early life the family of Alfred M. Bourgo settled in Joliet, where he was reared and educated. He is a graduate of Joliet Township High School and the Metropolitan Business College. He was employed as a clerk in the Stillman Drug store for some time and was later an employe in the county clerk's office, having served under Alfred E. Mottinger. In November, 1908, he entered the Joliet post office as assistant post- master.
In May, 1926, Mr. Bourgo married Mrs. Jennie C. Hendrickson of Joliet, the daughter of John and Wendle (Mortinson) Carlson, natives of Sweden, and residents of Joliet. By a former marriage Mr. Bourgo has a son, Alfred Bartlett, who was born in Joliet, Dec. 30, 1916.
Politically Mr. Bourgo is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of Christ Episcopal Church, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge.
Albert E. Hutchinson, who has successfully engaged in the shoe busi- ness in Joliet for the past 25 years, ranks high among the substantial men of the community. He was born at Livingston, Ill., July 14, 1883, the son of Lansing and Lillian (Taylor) Hutchinson.
Lansing Hutchinson was born at Trenton, N. J., and was four years old when his parents came to Illinois. They located in Livingston County, where Lansing Hutchinson became a successful farmer. He specialized in the raising of grain and livestock. He died in Joliet in 1911, where he had resided for five years. His wife, a native of Mis- souri, died in 1921. Both are buried in Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet. Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson were the parents of the following children : Lottie, married Byron Carney, lives at Portland, Ore .; Arthur, lives at Portland, Ore .; Albert E., the subject of this sketch ; Bessie, married E. N. Harris, mortician, Joliet; Viola, married L. J. Hills, lives at Carbondale, Ill .; and Lorene, married Ralph E. Hensinger, lives in Canada.
Albert E. Hutchinson grew up in Livingston County and attended the public schools. In 1897 he went to Sibly, Ill., where he completed his schooling, and he then was employed in his father's grain elevator. At the age of 19 years he came to Joliet, and established his present shoe business. He has met with marked success in his undertaking and is accounted one of the reliable business men of the city. His store is located at 105 North Chicago Street.
787
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
On Feb. 8, 1909, Mr. Hutchinson was married to Miss Irene Richards, of Joliet, the daughter of W. D. and Magdalene (Morgan) Richards, both deceased. They have two children, June and Richard, both students.
Politically, Mr. Hutchinson is a Republican. He is affiliated with the Masonic lodge and also belongs to the Kiwanis Club. He holds member- ship in the Richard Street Church, of which he served as choir director for 12 years. He is also a member of the board of trustees and the official board.
Frank J. Zidek has a wide acquaintance in Joliet, where he deals in foreign exchange. He also is interested in the real estate and insurance business. Mr. Zidek was born in Bohemia, April 26, 1885, and spent his early life in his native land. He was graduated from the College of Vysoky-Myto, and after completing his schooling he came to the United States in 1904 and settled in Chicago, where he worked as a laborer, and in 1912 he started in the insurance business in Chicago. He has been a resident of Joliet since 1919, and in that year established his present business at 406 Elwood Street.
On Jan. 7, 1907, Mr. Zidek married Miss Rose Hauner, of Chicago. They have two daughters, Mildred and Helen, both graduates of Joliet Township High School.
Mr. Zidek is independent in politics, and has no club affiliations.
Barrett Black, manager of the Sweet-Orr Company, Inc., is well known among the progressive business men of Joliet. He was born at Liberty, N. Y., Jan. 18, 1876, the son of Charles Black and Nancy (Gillette) Black.
Charles Black was born in New York State and died there in 1881. His wife, also a native of New York State, died in 1905. They were the parents of nine children, three of whom are deceased.
Barrett Black was five years old when he went to live in New York City with his mother. He attended the public schools and earned his own living when but thirteen years of age, being employed in a floral shop. He continued in that work until he was 25 years old and then became associated with the Sweet-Orr Company, Inc. In Jan. 1901, he began as stock boy and shipping clerk at Wappingers Falls, N. Y., and in May 1901 he was transferred to Newburgh, N. Y., as stock foreman.
788
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
In November, 1904, Mr. Black came to Joliet as stock foreman in charge of shipping in the company's local plant, and in July, 1925, he took over the managership of the Joliet branch, which position he now retains. They are manufacturers of working clothes for men and maintain their offices in New York City.
Mr. Black is a Republican and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Elks Lodge, and Chamber of Commerce. He is unmarried.
Edward C. Hintz, secretary of the Joliet Wall Paper Company, is among the well known business men of Joliet. He was born in Chicago, Dec. 11, 1885, the son of Carl and Wilhelmina (Gley) Hintz.
Carl Hintz, retired, was a native of Germany, as is also his wife. They were early settlers of Chicago where they now reside. Edward C., the subject of this sketch, was their only child.
Edward C. Hintz obtained his education in the public schools of Chicago and after completing a business course he came to Joliet in 1909, where he accepted a position as bookkeeper for the Star Peerless Wallpaper Mills. He was one of the organizers of The Joliet Wall Paper Mills in 1914, and at that time was made secretary of the same.
On Aug. 8, 1908, Mr. Hintz was united in marriage with Miss Jessie K. Klipfel, of Chicago. They have a daughter, Virignia M., born Jan. 22, 1910. She is a graduate of Joliet Township High School.
Politically Mr. Hintz is a Republican. He is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and belongs to the Masonic and Elks Lodges, Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows and Kiwanis Club.
Sarah Jane Baldwin, retired school teacher of Joliet, is among the well known and highly esteemed women of the community. She was born in St. Joe County, Mich., where her early life was spent. She began her teaching career at Blue Island, Ill., and also taught in Chicago. She was connected with the schools of Joliet for many years, having taught in the following schools: The Broadway; the Eastern Avenue School, now known as the Frank Marsh; and the Seventh Ward. In 1909 she retired.
Sarah Jane Alexander married Henry G. Baldwin, a native of Lon- don, England, who came to the United States in early life and settled at Blue Island, Ill. He was a teacher and farmer. Mr. Baldwin died
789
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
at the age of 24 years and is buried in Joliet. To Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin was born a son, Herbert H. He was graduated from Northwestern Med- ical College in 1876 and became one of the leading physicians and sur- geons of Joliet, where he continued in practice until the time of his death in April, 1927. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet. Dr. Baldwin married Miss Minnie Axey Folsom, of Hankinson, N. D. They had a daughter, Sarah Margaret, who married Harold Kemp, and they live in New York City. The widow of Dr. Herbert H. Baldwin, resides in Joliet with her mother-in-law, Sarah Jane Baldwin.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.