USA > Illinois > Will County > History of Will County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 30
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born Nov. 12, 1893. He enlisted for service during the World War and was assigned to the Medical Corps, Fifth Division, and served in France and later in Germany with the Army of Occupation. He is a Doctor of Chiropractic and lives in Chicago.
Mabel Luthera Higby was born Dec. 10, 1879. She was educated in the public schools of Wilmington and early in life became interested in the study of music. She studied with Prof. E. S. Bonnelli at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in 1896 and 1897 and in 1901 was graduated from the Chicago Musical College. She is a widely known musician and taught for a number of years. She was pipe organist for more than 20 years at the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches. On April 22, 1913, Miss Higby married Judge Albert O'Marshall, who was born in Will County, Sept. 18, 1840. He was a Civil War veteran and a leading judge of this district for many years. He died Oct. 20, 1914, and is buried in Marshall Cemetery, New Lenox Township, Will County.
Mr. Higby has always been independent in politics. He is a member of Christ Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. His wife died Sept. 21, 1926, and is buried in Oakwood Ceme- tery, Wilmington. In his younger days Mr. Higby possessed a fine tenor voice and still sings well. In November, 1927, his voice was elec- trically recorded for which he sang two Civil War songs entitled, "On, On, On, the Boys Came Marching," and "The Veteran's Last Song."
John W. Berscheid, well known in Joliet as the superintendent of the local plants of the American Steel & Wire Company, is a native of this city. He is the son of Bernard and Margaret Berscheid.
Both Bernard Berscheid and his wife were natives of Germany. They emigrated to the United States in 1848 and settled in Joliet in 1850, where Mr. Berscheid became successful as a merchant. He died in 1893 at the age of 67 years, and his wife died in 1922 at the age of 87 years. Both are buried in St. John's Cemetery, Joliet. They were the parents of 12 children, of whom three are now living: Mrs. Anna Fey, lives in Joliet; Jacob, lives at Bloomington, Ill .; and John W., the subject of this sketch.
John W. Berscheid grew up in Joliet and received his education in the public and parochial schools. At an early age he went to work for the Lambert & Bishop Company, which was later merged with the American Steel & Wire Company. He has been connected with the
JOHN W. BERSCHEID
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company's various plants since 1891, being located in the Rockdale plant until 1917, at which time he was transferred to the plant at DeKalb, Ill., as superintendent of the north and south plants. In July, 1920, he was transferred to the Waukegan plant as assistant superin- tendent, with 1,600 men under his employ. Mr. Berscheid continued at that plant until 1924, when he returned to the Scott Street plant as superintendent. In 1927 he was put in charge of both plants at Rock- dale and Scott Street and now holds one of the most responsible posi- tions with the company.
On Jan. 10, 1901, Mr. Berscheid was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Schwerth, of Joliet. They have a son, John, Jr., who attends the Law School of Notre Dame University.
Mr. Berscheid is independent in politics. He is also affiliated with the Elks Lodge, Modern Woodmen of America, and the Rotary Club and Iron and Steel Institute. The family residence is at 904 Mason Avenue, Joliet.
Andrew Robson, retired, is prominent among the highly esteemed men of Wilmington. He was born in Scotland, July 28, 1859, the son of William and Margaret (Wiley) Robson.
William Robson brought his family to the United States from Scot- land in 1866 and settled at Wilmington, where he spent the remainder of his life as a stone mason contractor. He died Dec. 25, 1872. His wife is also deceased, and they are buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Wil- mington. Mr. Robson was a Republican and a member of the Presby- terian Church. There were five children in the Robson family, as fol- lows: William, deceased; Mary, the widow of Robert Beattie, lives at Pasadena, Calif .; James, retired, lives at Wilmington; Andrew, the sub- ject of this sketch; and Richard, deceased.
Andrew Robson was reared and educated at Wilmington. Early in life he learned the stone mason's trade and later formed a partnership with his brother, James, the business being known as Robson Brothers, brick and stone contractors. They continued as above mentioned until 1925, when Mr. Robson retired. During that year he built a gasoline service station on State Route No. 4, near Wilmington. He is associated with his son-in-law, Moses Harter, and they operate a restaurant also in connection with the station.
On March 5, 1882, Mr. Robson was married to Miss Mary E. Mauger, who was born at Westerville, Ohio, Jan. 20, 1865, the daughter of Henry
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HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
and Sarah (Jones) Mauger, both deceased. Mr. Mauger was born in Pennsylvania and was an early settler of Ohio. He was a farmer and brick mason. He died Oct. 26, 1880, and his wife died April 12, 1909. They are buried in Wesley Township Cemetery, Will County. Mr. Mauger was a Democrat, a member of the Reform Church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. There were six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Mauger, as follows: Alvin, retired, lives at Joliet; Anna, married Emanuel Poff, lives in Ohio; Jane, deceased, was the wife of John Seaman; Dell, married George Allen, lives in Ohio; Alvira, married Henry Allott, retired, lives at Wilmington; and Mary E. Rob- son. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Robson, Marcia, born Oct. 28, 1885, married on June 13, 1904, to Moses Harter, and they have a daughter, Ione, born April 22, 1917; (2) Margaret, born Jan. 10, 1892, married on June 1, 1910, to Harry Rodgers, lives at Wilmington, and they have two children, Lucile, born June 7, 1912, and Margaret Ann, born May 22, 1927; (3) Jessie Marie, born in 1896, died in infancy. The oldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Robson, Marcia (Robson) Harter, died March 19, 1918, and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery.
Mr. Robson has always been a Republican and has served as town- ship tax collector and alderman. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and is affiliated with A. F. and A. M. No. 142, Wilmington, and Modern Woodmen of America.
Don A. Spurr, well known throughout Will County as the capable postmaster of Wilmington, was born at this place, Sept. 10, 1865, the son of Alonzo R. and Margaret (White) Spurr.
Alonzo R. Spurr was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio, and his wife was a native of Scotland. He was in the employ of the Chicago & Alton Railroad for many years and was also a shoemaker by trade. He died in 1907 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet. His widow resides at Brooklyn, N. Y., and is 85 years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Spurr were born five children, as follows: Don A., the subject of this sketch; Christina Jessie, deceased; Margaret, married William Diamond, lives in Indiana; George, lives at Jackson, Mich .; and Minnie C., the widow of William Bryant, lives in New York City.
The education of Don A. Spurr was received in the public and high schools of Wilmington and he began his business career at the age of 14, learning the printing business. In 1881 he was editor of the Wil-
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mington Advocate and remained in newspaper work until 1921, when he sold out. He was appointed postmaster of Wilmington in 1912, during the administration of President Taft and in 1916 returned to his news- paper business until 1921, when he was again appointed postmaster under President Coolidge's administration, and since then has continued in this capacity. He has also served as town clerk, constable and as sec- retary of the school board.
Mr. Spurr was married on March 19, 1903, to Miss Harriet English, who was born at Braidwood, Ill., the daughter of John and Mary Eng- lish. Mr. English was born in England and early in life came to the United States and settled in Will County. He was a miner and later a merchant at Braidwood. He died in 1898 and his wife died in 1904. Both are buried in the Braidwood Cemetery. Mr. English was a Repub- lican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. There were five children in the English family: John, lives at Joliet; Sarah L., married William Rogers, lives at Joliet ; Mary, the widow of Alexander McFarland, lives at Joliet; Alice, married John Quick, lives at LaSalle, Ill .; and Harriet Spurr. To Mr. and Mrs. Spurr were born two daughters: Leila, born April 7, 1904, married James Mackley, lives at Wilmington, and they have a son, Donie James, born in April, 1926; and Margaret, born May 19, 1906, was graduated from Wilmington High School in 1926, and is now assistant postmaster of Wilmington.
Mr. Spurr has always been a Republican. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church and are highly esteemed members of the community in which they live.
Arthur H. Nelson .- One of the progressive business men of Braid- wood is Arthur H. Nelson, who is cashier of the First National Bank. He was born at Campus, in Livingston County, Ill., Oct. 9, 1885, the son of Ole and Matilda (Polson) Nelson.
Ole Nelson came to the United States from Sweden, where he was born, and settled in Livingston County, Ill. In 1899 he removed to Braidwood, where he engaged in general farming and stock raising. While a resident of Campus, Ill., he was the proprietor of a hotel. He now lives retired at Wilmington. Mr. Nelson is a Republican and has held several township offices. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. They have four children: John, insurance, lives at
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Braidwood; Arthur H., the subject of this sketch; Blenda, married A. P. Oswald, lives at Wilmington; and Esther, married J. R. Patterson, lives at Braidwood.
Arthur H. Nelson attended the public schools of Campus and Braid- wood. Early in his business career he became interested in the insur- ance business, which he successfully followed until 1921, at which time he was appointed cashier of the First National Bank of Braidwood.
On Jan. 10, 1917, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage with Miss Bardie Easton, who was born in South Dakota, Aug. 28, 1887. They have three children: Harold E., born Nov. 26, 1917; Eileen L., born Nov. 11, 1919; and Arthur Grant, born Sept. 27, 1922.
Mr. Nelson is a Republican and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
First National Bank of Braidwood, one of the pioneer financial in- stitutions of Will County, was organized originally as a private banking business, known as W. H. O'Dell & Company. It was reorganized in 1921 as a national bank, and the following officers were elected: James A. Smith, president ; N. P. Keyes, vice president ; and Arthur H. Nelson, cashier.
The statement of the First National Bank of June, 1928, is as fol- lows: Resources: Loans and discounts, $58,199.20; overdrafts, $85.27; U. S. Government securities, $100.00; other bonds, stocks, etc., $277,- 630.56; banking house and equipment, $5,528.67; federal reserve fund, $14,036.00 ; cash on hand, $21,594.35; total resources, $370,905.54. Lia- bilities: Capital stock, $25,000.00; surplus, $15,000.00 ; undivided profits, $13,640.88 ; Certified checks, $123.50; dividend checks, $2,500.00; indi- vidual deposits, $88,227.26; state, county, and municipal deposits, $5,000.00 ; savings deposits, $221,413.90 ; total liabilities, $370,905.54.
James A. Robson .- One of the outstanding citizens of Wilmington is James Alexander Robson, retired, who for many years was identified with the city's business life. He was born in Scotland, Aug. 20, 1855, the son of William and Margaret (Wiley) Robson.
William Robson brought his family to the United States from Scot- land in 1866 and settled at Wilmington, where he spent the remainder
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HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
of his life as a stone mason contractor. He died Dec. 25, 1872. His wife is also deceased, and they are buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Wil- mington. Mr. Robson was a Republican and a member of the Presby- terian Church. There were five children in the Robson family, as fol- lows: William, deceased; Mary, the widow of Robert Beattie, lives at Pasadena, Calif .; James A., the subject of this sketch; Andrew, retired, lives at Wilmington; and Richard, deceased.
James A. Robson grew up in Scotland and attended the country schools there. After his arrival in this country he continued his edu- cation and attended Bryant's & Stratton's Business College in Chicago. He learned the stone mason's trade in Scotland and in 1875 engaged in business at Wilmington in partnership with his brother, Andrew Robson, the firm being known as Robson Brothers. Other well known men associated with the business were Martin Healy and Archibald Robson. They had many important contracts in the city during their long years of service and were builders of St. Rose's Catholic Church, the Presbyterian Church at Wilmington, and the Wilmington City Hall and County Jail. In fact, the greater part of the city's downtown sec- tion is the product of the work of Robson Brothers. Since 1910 Mr. Robson has been interested in the shoe business at Wilmington and for a time was a member of the firm of Camp & Robson. Mr. Camp is now deceased. Although Mr. Robson lives in Wilmington, he is the owner of one of the finest farms in this section of Will County. It contains 160 acres and is located in Florence Township, three miles from Wilmington.
On March 21, 1883, Mr. Robson was united in marriage with Miss Eva M. Smith, who was born in Kendall County, Ill., June 20, 1854, the daughter of William Austin and M. (Brizee) Smith, natives of Ver- mont. The Smith family located at Wilmington many years ago and Mr. Smith, now deceased, was a prosperous farmer of Will County. He and his wife are buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Wilmington. There were four children in the Smith family: Austin J., died in 1924; Nettie, married Frank Vining, both deceased; Eva M. Robson; and Belle, the widow of A. J. Watts, lives in Chicago. Mrs. Robson died Jan. 10, 1924, and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Wilmington. To Mr. and Mrs. Robson were born two children: Richard W., born Oct. 30, 1884, died Nov. 30, 1926; and Jeanette, born in 1900, a graduate nurse, lives at home.
Mr. Robson has always been a Republican. He has a wide acquaint- ance throughout the community in which he has spent so many years.
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HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
John Edward McGowan, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War and a well known resident of Chicago. He was born at Boston, Mass., Jan. 21, 1844, and died in Chicago, Dec. 29, 1911. His widow, Marie, known to her friends as Nettie (McFarland) McGowan, lives at Wil- mington, where she is identified with the Soldier's Widows Home, as managing officer.
John Edward McGowan was the son of Dr. John J. and Elizabeth (Valentine) McGowan. Dr. McGowan was born at Boston, Mass., and was a graduate of Harvard University. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having served as brigade surgeon in Sickles' (Excession) Brigade. He died in 1871 and is buried in Boston. His wife was born in Con- necticut in 1818 and died in Chicago in 1913. Doctor and Mrs. McGowan had four children: John Edward, the subject of this sketch; Joseph, Elizabeth, and Clara, all deceased.
John Edward McGowan served throughout the Civil War and was identified with the Grand Army of the Republic as commander of Mckinley Post No. 376, Chicago. He was also affiliated with Hesperia Lodge No. 411, A. F. and A. M., Chicago, and was prominent in Masonic circles.
On July 14, 1877, Mr. McGowan married Miss Marie Antionette McFarland, a native of Middlesex County, Mass., the daughter of Charles and Olive L. (Weston) McFarland. Mr. McFarland, who died in 1884, was a pioneer settler of Chicago and a successful merchant of that city. He was a charter member of the Masonic Lodge and held membership in the Congregational Church. He was a Republican. His wife, who died in 1880, was born in Middlesex County, Mass .. Their surviving children are: Grace E., married Noble C. Shumway, Chicago; Fred W., Chicago; and Marie (Nettie) McGowan. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McGowan: Valentine, employed in the postal ser- vice, is a World War veteran, having served with Company L, 132nd Illinois Infantry; Olive, married John P. Quinn; Archibald, married Josephine Bates ; Blanche A., married Philip Fishburn, all of the above living in Chicago except, Grace A., who married William N. McDowall, and lives at Joliet.
Mrs. John E. McGowan is identified with the Massachusetts branch of the Mayflower Society, and also holds membership in the Alden Kin- dred; National Society of the Daughters of Founders and Patriots, Washington, D. C .; United States Daughters of 1812; Daughters of the American Revolution, Louis Joliet Chapter; and Old Glory Woman's Relief Corps. She was one of the founders of the National Society for
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HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
the Advancement of Patriotism, and she is a life member of the same; is a member of the Women's Club of Joliet and King's Daughters of Wilmington.
Before coming to Wilmington in 1914 to accept the position of man- aging officer of the Soldiers Widows Home, Mrs. McGowan lived in Chicago. She is a graduate of the Chicago Normal College, Chicago, and for many years was connected with the public schools of that city.
Mrs. McGowan is a member of the Catholic Church, and one of the most highly esteemed women of the community.
James A. Smith .- A substantial citizen and dependable business man of Braidwood is found in James A. Smith, who has engaged in the drug business here for 40 years. He is also president of the First National Bank of Braidwood. Mr. Smith was born in New York City, July 16, 1858, the son of John and Mary (Mahoney) Smith.
John Smith spent his entire life in New York City and is now de- ceased. He was a teamster. There were three children in the Smith family : Frank, resides in New York City ; John, Los Angeles, Calif., and James A., lives at Braidwood.
James A. Smith was ten years old when he came to Will County as an orphan and was adopted by Adam J. White. He spent his boy- hood on the farm of Mr. White, near Wilmington, and attended the public schools of Wilmington. He later was employed as a clerk in the drug store of Dr. LeCaron, Braidwood, and after attending the Chicago College of Pharmacy, was graduated in the class of 1882. He returned to his former employment at Braidwood and in 1888 purchased the business which he has continued to the present time. He has one of the best equipped drug stores in this part of Will County, and has estab- lished an excellent trade. Mr. Smith has been president of the First National Bank of Braidwood since its organization in 1921.
Mr. Smith was married first to Miss Nellie Goodrich of Braidwood. They had a daughter, Helen, who is the wife of Carl Markert, lives at Kankakee, and they have two daughters, June and Betty. Before her marriage Mrs. Markert was a teacher in Joliet Township High School. After the death of his first wife Mr. Smith married Nettie (Goodrich) Wade, of Braidwood. To this union a daughter was born, Pauline Estelle, who is the wife of Allen T. McVicker, and they live in Chicago. She is a trained nurse. Mrs. Smith is deceased and is buried at Wil-
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HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
mington. Mr. Smith later married Miss Olive Barker, of Braidwood. They have a daughter, Janet Frances, who was graduated from Braid- wood High School in 1928.
Mr. Smith is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, and Modern Woodmen of America. He is prominent in local affairs and served as a member of the school board.
John Daniel Walker .- One of the leading citizens of Will County is John Daniel Walker, who is serving as superintendent of all the Illinois penal institutions. He was born at Braidwood, Ill., March 26, 1874, the son of John P. and Eliza (Steel) Walker.
John P. Walker emigrated to the United States from Scotland in 1866 and took up his residence at Braidwood, Ill., where he was joined by his wife and elder children in 1867. A coal miner by trade he found employment at that work but in 1886 removed to Joliet, where he entered the rolling mills of a local steel company. He was thrifty and enter- prising, saved his wages, and in later life became a merchant. He died in 1920 at the age of 82 years, and is survived by his widow, who is 87 years old, having been born Nov. 29, 1841. She resides in Joliet. Mr. and Mrs. Walker were the parents of 12 children, of whom four are living: Anna, married James McCulloch, lives at Joliet; John Daniel, the subject of this sketch; Jessie, married Joseph Waterworth, lives at Chi- cago Heights, Ill .; and Peter, lives at Joliet.
The boyhood of John Daniel Walker, up to the time he was 12 or 13 years of age, was passed in attending the public schools. His first steady employment was with the Joliet Steel Company, now a part of the Illinois Steel Company. This position was known as that of pull-up boy and called for 12 hours of hard manual work, for which he received wages of 75 cents per day. Gradually he worked his way to the position of charger, for which he received $2.25 per day. After eight years he was advanced to the post of heater. After 18 years in this capacity Mr. Walker decided that there was no future for him and accordingly resigned to accept the post of keeper in the new penitentiary at Joliet. He held this position for six and one-half months, and then secured employment in the office of the secretary of state as an automobile in- vestigator, and for two and one-half years covered the counties of Kan- kakee, Grundy, Kendall, and Will. In April, 1922, he was nominated as sheriff of Will County and elected to office on November 7th of that year.
John L. Walker
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HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
He is a member of the Illinois State Sheriff's Association and at Peoria, Ill., in 1923, was elected president of that organization. He was ap- pointed to the office of superintendent of the Illinois State Prison, Dec. 13, 1926, just seven days after leaving the office as sheriff of Will County. Mr. Walker is superintendent of the Illinois State Prison at Joliet, the Illinois Southern Penitentiary at Manard, Ill .; the Reformatory at Pontiac; State Farm at Vandalia, Hospital for the Criminal Insane at Chester and the Women's Penitentiary at Joliet.
On Aug. 17, 1895, Mr. Walker was united in marriage with Miss Mary Puhek, of Joliet, the daughter of Matthew and Catherine Puhek, natives of Austria. To this union have been born the following children: Anna, married Frank Smith, lives at Joliet; Elizabeth, married Alfred Jancovas, lives at Joliet, and they have two sons, Alfred Hughes and John Daniel; Lillian K., married John Turney, lives in Chicago, and they have four children, Marie, Jack, Bernard, and Bernice; John J., and Frank C., who live at home; Matthew, died in infancy ; Alexander G., mention of whom is made below; Eliza Steel, Grace Scott, and James D., all at home.
Alexander G. Walker was born in Joliet, Jan. 20, 1907. He met with an accidental death, Aug. 19, 1927, when a tire on his automobile exploded.
Mr. Walker has always been a Republican and has served as tax col- lector of Joliet Township and as county oil inspector of Will County. He was chairman of the County Central Committee from 1924 until 1928 and was manager of the campaign of Governor Small and Attorney- General Oscar Carlstrom in Will County. He is a member of the Pres- byterian Church and has been affiliated with the Masonic Lodge since 1901. He was elevated to the Scottish Rite in 1925, and he is also a member of the Mystic Shrine, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Elks Lodge, Loyal Order of Moose, and Modern Woodmen of America. He also holds membership in the Rivals Club, Speed Boys Club, and the Irvin Athletic Club.
Nye P. Keyes is one of the reliable and well known merchants of Braidwood, where he has engaged in the grocery business for the past 30 years. He was born at Algona, Iowa, Feb. 24, 1869, the son of Wil- liam and Sophia (Blodgett) Keyes.
William Keyes was born at Sterling, Mass., and his wife was a native of Vermont. Early in life they went to Iowa where Mr. Keyes engaged
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HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
in general farming and stock raising. They came to Braidwood in 1876, where they lived during the remainder of their lives. Mr. Keyes was a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Keyes: Sylvia, who died at the age of four years; and Nye P., the subject of this sketch.
Nye P. Keyes was a boy when his family settled at Braidwood. He attended the public school and was employed as a clerk in a local grocery store until 1897, at which time he engaged in business for himself. In connection with his grocery store Mr. Keyes is also interested in the grain business. He is vice president of the First National Bank of Braidwood.
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