USA > Illinois > Will County > History of Will County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 26
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On March 15, 1883, Mr. Yost married Miss Isabel Ruppert, who was born at St. Louis, Feb. 4, 1864. They have two daughters, Lillian, born Oct. 13, 1884, married Ross D. Heaps, of Irving Park, Ill., and they have two children, Phyllis and Willard; and Mae, born May 1, 1887, lives at home.
Mr. Yost is a Republican and a member of the First Spiritualist Society. He has been a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and Elks Lodge for 30 years, and is prominent in the club life of the city.
H. L. Way, who is serving as chief clerk for the Texas Company, is one of the progressive young business men of Lockport and a veteran of the World War. He was born at Slater, Mo., Oct. 14, 1896, the son of R. L. and Georgia (Sullens) Way.
R. L. Way was born in Bourbon County, Ky., and in early life went to Missouri where he engaged in general farming and stock raising near Kansas City. He now lives retired in California. His wife, a native of Missouri, died in 1903, and is buried at Slater, Mo. R. L. Way is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist Church. There are five chil- dren in the Way family: Walter C., mining engineer, lives at Denver, Colo .; H. B., civil engineer, lives at Ogden, Utah; H. L., the subject of this sketch; Edith, married J. S. Jolliffe, lives at San Antonio, Texas ; and Beulah, married E. D. Roberts, lives at San Antonio, Texas.
H. L. Way attended the public schools of Slater, Mo., and took a business course at Houston, Texas. He was employed in a clerical capacity by the Chicago & Alton Railroad at Slater for a short time, and later worked in Texas City, Texas, with the Pierce Oil Corpora- tion. He has been identified with the Texas Company since 1917, and until January, 1924, was in the company's general office at Houston, Texas. He was then transferred to Lockport as chief clerk.
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During the World War Mr. Way enlisted for service at Houston, Tex., in October, 1917, and served in France with the United States Marines. He was discharged at Newport News, Va., in August, 1919, with the rank of sergeant.
On July 31, 1920, Mr. Way married Miss Camille Preston, who was born at Houston, Texas, Oct. 21, 1899, the daughter of F. W. and Camie (Parrish) Preston, of Houston. Mr. and Mrs. Preston have three chil- dren: Camille Way; Lawrence, lives at Houston; and Frances, married Carl Woodard, lives at Houston. Mr. and Mrs. Way have a daughter, Dorothy, born Jan. 24, 1926.
Mr. Way is independent in politics and he is a member of the Christian Church. He also belongs to the Masonic Lodge.
Louis Meader, successful dairy farmer, is a highly esteemed resident of Lockport and a member of one of the oldest and best known families of Will County. He was born at Lockport, Feb. 5, 1863, on the farm where he now lives, and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Meader.
Louis Meader was born in Germany and early in life emigrated to the United States. He was among the first settlers of Lockport and located on the present Meader farm in Section No. 26 in Lockport Town- ship. He improved 80 acres and spent his life here as a cooper and farmer. He died Jan. 2, 1888. His wife is also deceased. They are buried in Lockport Cemetery. Mr. Meader was a Democrat and a member of the German Lutheran Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Meader the following children were born: Margaret, the widow of Charles Murr, lives at Joliet; Sarah, married Charles Falconer, lives at Lockport; and Louis, the subject of this sketch.
Louis Meader has always lived at Lockport. After completing his schooling he engaged in general farming on the old homestead near Lockport. He now owns 60 acres of well improved land and is known as a dairy farmer.
In 1890 Mr. Meader was united in marriage with Miss Kate Williams, of Will County, born Feb. 9, 1861, the daughter of Michael and Anna (Kramer) Williams, natives of Germany and early settlers of Lockport. Mr. and Mrs. Williams, deceased, were the parents of the following chil- dren: Veronica, married James Barclay, lives at Joliet; Kate Meader; John, lives in Dupage Township, Will County; Jacob, lives at Joliet; Lillian, married John Waldvogel, lives at Joliet; Nicholas, lives at
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Aurora, Ill .; Anna, married John Blum, lives at Naperville, Ill .; and Emma, married Frank Effting, and she is now deceased. Mr. Williams was a Democrat and a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Lock- port. To Mr. and Mrs. Meader were born six children, as follows: Anna, born Dec. 5, 1891, lives at home; Louis, Jr., born Feb., 1894, married Gertrude Steif, and they have a daughter, Lois, born Oct. 16, 1919; Rose, born March 7, 1896, married Joseph Meurer, lives at Lockport, and they have a son, Joseph, Jr., born May 5, 1926; Catherine, born Jan. 18, 1898, lives at home; Lucy, born Oct. 31, 1900, lives at home; and Henry, born Aug. 8, 1903, lives at home.
Politically, Mr. Meader is a Democrat and he has served as county highway commissioner. He and his family hold membership in the Catholic church and are well known in the community, in which they have spent their entire lives.
Edwin M. Moore is among the prominent pioneer business men of Joliet, where he is vice president of the Barrett Hardware Company. He was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, Feb. 16, 1862, a son of Rev. Edwin Gaylord and Sarah Almira (Downs) Moore.
Rev. Edwin Gaylord Moore was born in Avon, N. Y., and for many years was pastor of churches in Western New York and Ohio. In 1864 the family moved to Wilmington, Will County, Ill., where he preached for four years. He was one of the pioneer ministers of the Third Pres- byterian Church, at Ashland and Ogden Avenues, Chicago. He moved from Wilmington to Gardner, Ill., in 1868, and to Joliet in the fall of 1869. Owing to the loss of his voice he engaged for a time in the shoe business, his shop being located at 24 Jefferson Street. In 1888 he moved to St. Joseph, Mo., where he built a Presbyterian Church when he was 75 years of age. He died at Granada, Minn., Feb. 20, 1907, aged 89 years. He is buried at Hersman, Ill. In politics he was a stanch Re- publican.
Sarah Almira Downs, who was born in New York City, was a direct descendant of Governor William Bradford, who came over in the May- flower. She died March 11, 1894, and is buried at Hersman, Ill. To Rev. Edwin Gaylord and Sarah Almira (Downs) Moore five children were born. 1. Ida Gould, for several years a teacher in the Broadway school, Joliet, married Dr. W. H. Gaugh. She died in 1923 and is buried in Granada, Minn., where Dr. Gaugh still resides. 2. William Sturgis, died
EDWIN M. MOORE
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at the age of seven, is buried in Wilmington, Ill. 3. Marian Sinclair, a teacher in the Joliet schools for many years, married Arthur A. Har- grave, and they were missionaries at Oroomiah, Persia, now reside at Rockville, Ind. 4. Edwin M., the subject of this sketch. 5. Anna Upham, married Harry Van Deventer, of Hersman, Ill. She died Jan. 9, 1896, and is buried at Hersman.
Edwin M. Moore attended the public schools of Joliet, his education being supplemented by private training at home, his parents being well educated. At the age of 14 he began his business career with the Adams Wire Mills, doing shop work, and remained with this concern for three years. His next work was for Mr. Ladd, whose location at that time was where the present Boston Store now stands. He received $2.00 per week, but at the end of a month left to accept $3.00 a week with the Barrett Hardware Company. His work consisted of sweeping floors, cleaning lamps, blacking stoves, and driving delivery wagon. He re- mained with this firm from 1879 until 1884, when he resigned his posi- tion to go with the Holmes & Cady Hardware Company. In 1890 he returned to the Barrett Hardware Company and became the manager for the company, and has been vice president for over 30 years. He deserves much commendation for having forged his own way to success in the business world.
On Oct. 26, 1887, Mr. Moore was married to Miss Harriet Hinman, who was born in Nova Scotia, June 14, 1868. She was the adopted daughter of D. W. and Martha Hinman. Mr. Hinman was a veteran of the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Moore were the parents of four children: 1. Hinman Raymorth, born Oct. 13, 1889. He is now associate state manager of the Inter Ocean Casualty Company, Joliet, married Esther Wray, and they have two children: Robert Wray, and Harriet Ann. Hinman Raymorth Moore enlisted for service during the World War, at Joliet, Dec. 7, 1917, and was sent to Columbus Barracks. He was later transferred to Camp Grant, and assigned to the Ordnance Department, and from there went overseas July 8, 1918. He was discharged from the service July 22, 1919, at Camp Mills, L. I., with the rank of ordnance sergeant. 2. Helen Moore, born July 15, 1891, married Welcome L. Dowd, manager of the O. D. Larson Company, distributors of Packard automobiles, Joliet. They have three children: Edwin Fayette, high school student, and member of high school band; Robert Gaylord, and Genevieve Maurine. 3. Genevieve Downs Moore was born March 5, 1896. She married Kyle M. Waite, electrical contractor, Twin Falls, Idaho. They have an adopted son, Richard. 4. Edwin Eldred Moore, born 22-VOL. 2
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June 23, 1900, operates a stock farm of 155 acres at Wilton Center. He married Iva A. Ruhlander, and they have two children: William Downs, and Anita. Mrs. Moore died Feb. 14, 1896, and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet.
Mr. Moore is a member of the Presbyterian Church, having joined that denomination in 1877. He has served as ruling elder for many years, and is now a deacon of the church. Politically Mr. Moore is a Republican, and is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Loyal Order of Moose. He resides at the home in which he was married at 309 Sherman Street, Joliet, Ill.
M. F. Stone, who has served as superintendent of Taft School, Lock- port, since 1920, is a veteran of the World War and one of the prominent educators of Will County. He was born at Millstadt, Ill., Jan. 24, 1893, the son of Z. T. and Mary I (Boyle) Stone.
Z. T. Stone came to Illinois from Pennsylvania early in life and set- tled at Millstadt, where he was well known as a school teacher. He died in 1910 and is buried at O'Fallon, Ill. His widow, a native of Iowa, lives at Lockport with her son, M. F. Stone. There were nine children in the Stone family, as follows: Albert E., deceased, was a Spanish War veteran; Alice L., married Fred W. Boettcher, lives at Belleville, Ill .; Sarah I., married Herman Boettcher, lives at St. Louis, Mo .; John W., died in infancy ; Ada, married William Duncan, lives in Idaho; Ida, married Benjamin Duncan, lives in Idaho; Martha M., married Virgil Harrell, lives at Granite City, Ill .; William C., a World War vet- eran, lives at Lockport; and M. F., the subject of this sketch.
M. F. Stone spent his boyhood at O'Fallon, Ill., and following his graduation from high school in 1910 attended McKendree College, at Lebanon and the University of Southern Illinois at Carbondale. He attended the Harris Teachers College at St. Louis, Mo., and the Chicago Normal College. He began teaching school in 1910 near Mascoutah, Ill., and later was located at Shiloh, Ill. He taught for three years at Leba- non, Ill., and was then principal of the school at Worden, Ill., and later superintendent for two years. He has held his present responsible posi- tion at Lockport since 1920.
During the World War Mr. Stone enlisted at Edwardsville, Ill., Sept. 4, 1917, and was sent to Camp Taylor, Kentucky, where he was assigned to Company A, 333rd Infantry. He was later transferred to the air
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service, Dec. 5, 1917, and stationed in Texas. He sailed for France, July, 1918, and after service was discharged at Camp Grant, Ill., July 12, 1919.
Mr. Stone is a member of the Masonic Lodge and also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America. He is exceedingly popular and well liked in the community. Mr. Stone is the oldest school superintendent of Will County in point of service.
Frank Miller .- One of the progressive business men of Lockport is Frank Miller, who is identified with the Miller Hardware Company. He was born in this city, Oct. 27, 1873, the son of Henry and Mary (Schott) Miller.
Henry Miller was born in Germany and was four years of age when his parents came to this country and settled in Will County. Later he went to California during the gold rush but returned after several years to Lockport. Mr. Miller conducted a draying business here for a num- ber of years, being the first man in this section of the county to engage in that particular line. He was a Republican, a member of the German Lutheran Church, and belonged to the Masonic Lodge, 33rd degree. His widow, now 86 years of age, lives on the old homestead in Lockport. There were two sons born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller: Charles, who died in 1919; and Frank, the subject of this sketch.
Frank Miller was educated in the schools of Lockport and began his business career with O'Connell & Sloan, in whose employ he remained for five years. He then went with C. H. Adams, hardware merchant, for five years and in 1903, in partnership with Henry Landon, purchased the hardware business of Frank Sloan. The firm was known as Miller & Landon until 1915, at which time Mr. Miller purchased the interests of Mr. Landon, who died during that year. The Miller Hardware Company, located at State and 10th Streets, is one of the pioneer business houses of Will County and has built up an extensive trade through its many years of contact with the business life of Lockport. Besides a general hardware line they are dealers in stoves and plumbing and heating sup- plies. Associated in business with Mr. Miller are his three sons, Wil- liam, Joseph and Francis.
In 1920 the Miller Hardware Company became the local agency for the products of the Winchester Company, manufacturers of guns and ammunition, and they are also dealers for the Moore Stove Manufactur -.
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ing Company, Chi-Namel Paint Company, and the New Principle Washer, and Maytag Washer.
On Sept. 27, 1899, Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Miss Clara Gardner, of Lockport, born in September, 1876, the daughter of William H. and Mary Ann (Cowan) Gardner, natives of Ireland and early settlers of Lockport. Mr. Gardner died Feb. 1, 1914, and his wife died in 1916. Both are buried in the Lockport Cemetery. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller, as follows: Joseph Charles, born Dec. 8, 1900; William H., born May 31, 1902; Mary Gardner, born in 1904; Margaret, born in 1906; and Francis, born in 1908. All live at home.
Mr. Miller has always been a Republican, and has held several public offices including that of town clerk of Lockport and alderman. He is a member of the Catholic Church and belongs to the Knights of Colum- bus, and Modern Woodmen of America. He and his family have a wide acquaintance in the community and are widely known throughout Will County.
George C. Sprague is a veteran of the World War and one of the most prominent young business men of Lockport, where he is president of the Sprague Dairy Company. He was born on the old Sprague homestead in Lockport Township, July 22, 1896, the son of Frank and Florence Estelle (Tripp) Sprague.
The Sprague family settled in Lockport Township during the early days, Thomas Jefferson Sprague, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, having purchased 400 acres of government land. He came to Will County from Orchard Park, N. Y. His son, Frank, became one of the successful dairy farmers of this section and was also interested in the stone business for many years. At the time of his death, Dec. 24, 1922, he was the owner of 700 acres of land. Mr. Sprague was a Repub- lican, a member of the Universalist Church, and belonged to the Modern Woodmen of America. His wife, a native of Lockport Township, died June 10, 1923. They are buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Sprague the following children were born: Olive, a graduate of the University of Illinois, married B. W. Winship, who is superintendent of the Bethlehem Steel Plant, at Steelton, Pa .; Villa May, a graduate of the University of Illinois, married J. P. Stout, farmer, lives near Chatham, Ill .; Elizabeth Elsie, married W. G. Clark, lives at Carthage, Ill .; Charles, real estate, lives at Michigan City, Ind .; Philip,
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a veteran of the World War, graduate of Beloit College, president of the Joseph Hays Corporation, Michigan City, Ind .; George C., the subject of this sketch; and Alice, a graduate of Illinois University, married Irvin Funk, grain dealer, Streator, Ill.
George C. Sprague was educated in the public schools of Lockport and was graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1914. He was graduated in agriculture from the University of Illinois in 1920. On Oct. 29, 1918, he enlisted for service during the World War and was sent to Camp Raleigh, N. C., and later to Camp Green, where he was assigned to Company B, 307th Battalion, U. S. Tank Corps.
Mr. Sprague has always been interested in the dairy business and in January, 1921, established his business at 410 West Jefferson Street. He purchased the route of Iver Olsen, and formed a partnership with Frank Milne, also purchasing the milk business and bottling plant of Putnam Milne. In April, 1926, the modern dairy plant at 704 Madison Street was occupied, and on Nov. 1, 1927, Mr. Sprague purchased the interest of his partner. He serves over 1,000 families in Joliet and Lockport with milk and cream, and also handles other high grade dairy products.
On Oct. 11, 1922, Mr. Sprague was united in marriage at Tipton, Iowa, with Miss Irma Marie Craven, who was born at Nashville, Tenn., April 13, 1898. They have a daughter, Norma Craven, born in Joliet, Sept. 23, 1924.
Mr. Sprague is a Republican, a member of the Universalist Church and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge. He is active in local affairs and is a member of the Board of Trustees of Lockport Township, hav- ing been appointed to fill the unexpired term of his father. He was later reelected to this office for a three year term.
William P. Volz, postmaster of Lockport, represents one of the prom- inent and respected families of Will County. He was born at Lock- port, Nov. 23, 1885, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Dillman) Volz.
Henry Volz, deceased, was a native of Germany. At an early age he emigrated to the United States and settled in New York City, but later removed to Lockport, where he spent many years in the employ of Sangar & Moody, contractors. He was a stone cutter by trade. After his retirement Mr. Volz lived at Winner, S. D., where he died Aug. 15, 1925. He was a Republican and a member of the German Lutheran
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Church. His wife was also a native of Germany. She died June 14, 1928. To. Mr. and Mrs. Volz were born six children, as follows: William P., the subject of this sketch; Harry, lives in South Dakota; Alvina, married Harry Robertson, lives at Winner, S. D .; Clara, mar- ried Jacob Mechaley, lives at Casper, Wyo .; Charles, lives at Des Moines, Iowa; and Walter J., lives at Lockport. He is a veteran of the World War, having served in France with the 131st Depot Brigade, Rainbow Division.
William P. Volz was educated in the public schools of Lockport. He was interested in the news and confectionary business in this city from 1905 until 1927, at which time he was appointed postmaster.
On April 30, 1917, Mr. Volz was married to Mrs. Anna Cook, of Lock- port. She has a son, Farrell Cook, who was born March 16, 1912.
Mr. Volz is a Republican, a member of the Catholic Church, and belongs to the Knights of Columbus and the Loyal Order of Moose.
George W. Adelmann, of Lockport, is one of the representative busi- ness men and leading citizens of Will County, where he has spent his entire life. He was born at Lockport, July 25, 1862, the son Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Adelmann.
Christopher Adelmann, deceased, was a native of Bavaria, Germany. Early in life he emigrated to the United States and settled at Lock- port, where he followed his trade as a stone cutter and mason. He built the first residence in this city, which is still standing. Mr. Adel- mann became a successful business man and at the time of his death in 1882 was one of the largest land owners in the county. His wife is also deceased and they are buried in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Lockport. Mr. Adelmann was a stanch Republican. There were six children in the Adelmann family, as follows: Jane, the widow of Wil- liam Stalter, lives at Joliet; Mary, married Anthony Schall, both de- ceased; Peter, lives at Joliet ; Charles, deceased; Frances, married Frank Scheidt, lives at Joliet; and George W., the subject of this sketch.
George W. Adelmann received his education in the South Lockport School, and began life as a farmer. He has always maintained his inter- est in agriculture and is an extensive breeder of Chester White hogs. He owns large tracts of land in Homer and Lockport Townships, and ranks among the leading stockmen of Will County. For the past 33 years Mr. Adelmann has conducted a livery business at Lockport and he has also owned a funeral establishment in this city since 1908.
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On June 21, 1881, Mr. Adelmann was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Schall, who was born at Lockport, Dec. 31, 1863, the daugh- ter of Edward and Mary (Wagner) Schall, the former a native of France and the latter of Canton, Ohio. Mr. Schall came to America during the early days and was a leading pioneer of Will County, being interested in the canals of this section. He died Dec. 10, 1877, and is buried in the South Lockport Cemetery. His widow, now 88 years of age, resides in Joliet. There were two children: Edward J., who is deceased; and Catherine Adelmann. To George W. and Catherine (Schall) Adelmann were born five children: Stella, born Jan. 10, 1883, lives at home, she is an assistant to her brother, Howard J., in the auto- mobile business at Lockport; Walter, born Oct. 4, 1885, died Jan. 15, 1926; William, born Jan. 28, 1888, died Dec. 11, 1897; Marie, born Oct. 29, 1889, married in 1912 to Wilbur Harpham, lives at Lockport and they have a daughter, Doris Marie, born Aug. 16, 1918; and Howard J., born Nov. 19, 1893. He has the agency in Lockport for the Hudson and Essex automobiles and is a prominent young business man of the city. He served throughout the World War, having enlisted in June, 1917. He was connected with the Medical Corps and attached to an army hospital in Philadelphia. Mr. Adelmann was married Nov. 5, 1917, to Miss Margaret O'Brien, of Lockport, and they have two chil- dren: Howard J., Jr., born June 20, 1919; and Marigene, born Nov. 8, 1920.
George W. Adelmann is a member of the Catholic Church and belongs to the Knights of Columbus, Knights of Pythias, and Holy Name Society. He has a wide acquaintance in the community and a host of friends.
Rev. Charles Murphy .- Prominent among the leading men of Lock- port is Father Murphy, who is pastor of St. Dennis Catholic Church. He was born in Chicago, Aug. 10, 1889.
Father Murphy received his early education in Chicago and was graduated from St. Ignatius College in 1908. He then entered Niagara University, where he prepared for the priesthood. He was ordained in June, 1914, at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. His first assignment was as assistant pastor of the Catholic Church at Oak Park, Ill., and he was appointed pastor of St. Dennis Church in April, 1927.
The Golden Jubilee of St. Dennis Church was celebrated Sunday, Oct. 9, 1927. A banquet was one of the important events in the jubilee
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year program of the church, which was erected just 50 years ago. Rev. Charles Murphy presided as toastmaster and special addresses were given by Rev. James P. O'Donoghue, of Chicago, former pastor, and the Rev. Terrence Rice, of St. Viator's College, Kankakee, a former Lock- port resident. A group of 20 visiting priests from various churches in Chicago, Joliet, Lemont, and other surrounding cities were present dur- ing the week of ceremonies and participated in the services. Monsignor Joseph Casey of Chicago, a former Lockport boy and member of the parish, preached the sermon at the feast of the patron saint of the church, St. Dennis. Bishop E. F. Hoban, of Chicago confirmed a class of 250 young people and adults.
Sacred Heart School is conducted in connection with St. Dennis Church, under the direction of the Sisters of Providence, the first mis- sion at which the Sisters taught in Illinois. It is located at Washington and Twelfth streets, Lockport.
Fred L. Hasenjaeger, cashier of the Citizens Bank at Frankfort, Ill., and one of the most prominent pioneer citizens and substantial business men in Will County, was born in Greengarden Township, this county, March 19, 1854. He is a son of Frederick and Leisseta (Banger) Hasen- jaeger, the former born Nov. 2, 1820, and the latter born March 28, 1834. Both were natives of Germany and were married in Richton, now Mat- teson, Ill.
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