USA > Illinois > Will County > History of Will County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 38
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Howard M. Heilman received his early education in the public schools. He is a graduate of Gettysburg College, and the Lutheran Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa. He received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from the Susquehanna University, Selins Grove, Pa. His first charge was as pastor of the Mount Joy Lutheran Church near Gettysburg, where he spent seven years. He was then transferred to Altoona, where he served as pastor of the Bethany Lutheran Church for ten years. Rev. Heilman came to Joliet in May, 1903 and organized St. John's English Lutheran Church, of which he has since been pastor.
The church is located at the corner of Herkimer and Van Buren streets. St. John's First English Lutheran Church was organized in Lower Castle Hall Feb. 8, 1903 with 21 members. The present pastor preached at the morning and evening services.
At a meeting of the congregation in Castle Hall June 26, 1904 the church council was instructed to purchase the lot on which the church and parsonage were erected. Work on the church edifice was begun in May, 1907. The corner stone was laid Aug. 4, and the church
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was dedicated May 31, 1908, and the first services were held Sunday, Feb. 9, 1908.
The church and parsonage are constructed of Bedford stone; and both in exterior and interior is one of the most beautiful church edifices of Joliet.
Feb. 8, 1928, the church celebrated its Silver Jubilee, which was largely attended, not only by the members of this church but a goodly number of citizens from Joliet. It was a demonstration of the appre- ciation of Doctor Heilman's untiring efforts in Joliet, for a period of 25 years.
On June 10, 1875, Doctor Heilman was united in marriage with Miss Clara Anna Link, of York County, Pa. She died in November, 1925, and is buried in Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet. They had two daugh- ters: Euphemia, married Dr. H. O. Jones of Altoona, Pa., and they have a son, Henry Howard; and Lenetta, married Theron Cooper, lives in Chicago. Both daughters are graduates of Irving College, in Penn- sylvania. Before her marriage Mrs. Jones was supervisor of music in Altoona High School. Mrs. Cooper is at present manager of the Walden Book Shop, in Chicago.
Doctor Heilman is a Republican and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree. He also belongs to the Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce.
John P. F. Conrad is a successful merchant and progressive citizen of Peotone, where he has engaged in the hardware business for many years. He was born in DuPage County, Ill., Dec. 16, 1859, the son of John and Caroline (Schaubel) Conrad.
John Conrad, deceased, was among the prominent pioneer business men of Will County, having established a hardware business at Peotone, which is now conducted by his son, in 1874. He was born in Reinphalz, Bavaria, Germany, April 15, 1830. He came to America in July, 1850, and spent four years in New York City where he worked for a shoe manufacturing concern, and then came to Oak Park, Ill., and later set- tled at Elmhurst in DuPage County, where he engaged in the mercan- tile business and also made shoes. In 1869, he removed to Peotone and opened what was then known as the New York House. After several years he was appointed police magistrate, which office he held for six years. He then established a hardware business at Peotone in partner- ship with his son-in-law, August Schugman. He died in 1892 and is
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buried in the Peotone Cemetery. Mr. Conrad was married July 19, 1855, to Caroline Schaubel, who was born in Baden, Germany, Jan. 23, 1837. The hardware business, established by Mr. Conrad, was carried on by his three sons, Frank H., John P. F., and Fred P. Conrad. Frank Conrad retired from the firm in April, 1923, and is now serving as super- visor of Peotone Township. John P. F. Conrad was eleven years old when his parents settled in Peotone. He was educated in the public schools and began his business career in the employ of Schroeder, Smith & Collins, with whom he was connected from 1875 until 1881. He then went with Rathje & Company. Since 1883 he has been con- nected with the hardware business established by his father. He became one-half owner of the business at that time. It is one of the largest stores of its type in Will County and has a well established trade.
In 1883 Mr. Conrad married Miss Ottilie W. Willman, of Washburn, Ill. She is deceased. On July 24, 1925, Mr. Conrad married Miss Josephine Antoinette Hauret, of Geneva.
Mr. Conrad has been a life long Republican and throughout his life has been connected with local politics. He has held the offices of village clerk, and tax collector, and for 36 years has served as Republican com- mitteeman from Will County. He has also been notary public for a period of 36 years, having succeeded his father, who had served as notary public for 34 consecutive years. Mr. Conrad is a member of the First Evangelical Church and is affiliated with A. F. and A. M. No. 636 Peotone, Ivanhoe Commandery, Kankakee, No. 33, Chicago Con- sistory and Shrine, and also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Mod- ern Woodmen of America, and Chamber of Commerce.
Edward A. Stauffenberg .- A substantial citizen and dependable business man of Will County is found in Edward A. Stauffenberg, who is manager of the Farmer's Elevator Company at Andres. He was born in Greengarden Township, Will County, Nov. 16, 1883, the son of Henry C. and Phoebe (Rahm) Stauffenberg.
Henry C. Stauffenberg, deceased, was a prominent pioneer of Will County. He was born in Pennsylvania and his wife was a native of Germany. Early in life Mr. Stauffenberg came to Will County and set- tled on 240 acres of land in Greengarden Township, which he success- fully operated until the time of his death in 1919. He is buried in Pleas- ant Hill Cemetery, Frankfort. His widow resides in New Lenox Town-
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ship. Mr. Stauffenberg was a Republican and for a number of years served as justice of the peace. He was an elder of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Greengarden. There were nine children in the Stauffenberg family, of whom Edward A., the subject of this sketch, was the eighth in order of birth.
Edward A. Stauffenberg received his education in the district schools of Greengarden Township and remained on the home place until 1906. He then came to Andres and entered the employ of the Truby Grain Company as a bookkeeper. In July, 1913, the business was taken over by the Andres and Wilton-Farmers Grain Company, and at that time Mr. Stauffenberg was appointed manager of the business.
On Nov. 2, 1911, Mr. Stauffenberg married Miss Mabel Storch, of Peotone, the daughter of Edward and Caroline Storch. They have a daughter, June, born Sept. 12, 1919.
Politically Mr. Stauffenberg is a Republican. He is a member of the West Peotone Methodist Church and is affiliated with A. F. & A. M. No. 636 Peotone, and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Manhattan. He is a stockholder in the Joliet Lumber & Fuel Company.
Wallace G. Harsh, who has lived most of his life in Peotone, is well and favorably known in this city, where he is serving as postmaster. He was born here, Sept. 3, 1882, the son of Henry F. and Trivilion (Robinson) Harsh.
Henry F. Marsh, deceased, was a native of Ohio. His parents were born in Pennsylvania. Mr. Harsh came to Illinois in early life and settled at Rockville, but later removed to Peotone, where he followed his trade as a tinsmith for many years. He met with an accidental death in 1910. His wife was born in England, and is also deceased. They are buried in the Peotone Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Harsh had one child, Wallace G., the subject of this sketch.
Wallace G. Harsh obtained his schooling at Peotone. He spent about six years in the employ of a wholesale house in Chicago, and upon his return to Peotone entered the local mail service as a carrier. He served in this capacity for 16 years and in 1923 was appointed post- master.
On June 17, 1908, Mr. Harsh was united in marriage with Miss Isabel Esson, of Peotone, the daughter of Elijah and Hattie (Wells) Esson, both deceased. Mrs. Harsh is a graduate of the public schools
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of Peotone and taught school in Will and Peotone townships for two years. Mr. and Mrs. Harsh have two children, Henry Lawrence and Phyllis.
Mr. Harsh has always been a Republican. He is a deacon of the Presbyterian Church and belongs to A. F. and A. M. No. 636, Peotone. He is a director in the Chamber of Commerce.
Richard J. Barr was born in the Township of Manhattan, Will County, Ill., Nov. 28, 1865; the son of George and Jane (McGrath) Barr, both of whom are deceased.
He received his education in the public schools of Will County and the Joliet High School; taught for three years in Manhattan and Wilton Center. He later took a literary course at the University of Illinois and graduated from the law school of the University of Michigan in the class of 1895; and was admitted to practice in Illinois the same year. He is now in the practice of law with his brother, George A. Barr, in the firm of Barr & Barr.
In 1906 he was married to Miss Mary C. Dougall. They have three children: Mary, Richard J., Jr., and William George.
In 1899 he was elected City Attorney of Joliet and served as Mayor of that city from 1901 to 1903 and from 1905 to 1907. He was elected to the State Senate of Illinois in 1902 and was reelected in 1906, 1910, 1914, 1918, 1922 and 1926.
John Mitchell, A. B., M. D .- Making his specialty in the practice of orthopedic surgery, Dr. Mitchell, with his offices established in the Medical Arts Building, Joliet, has made a thorough study of this depart- ment of medical knowledge. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Sept. 17, 1887, and is a son of James and Isabella (Martin) Mitchell.
Both James Mitchell and his wife were born in Scotland. He came to the United States and settled at Troy, N. Y., in 1890, later removing to Lorain, Ohio, where he now resides. He was a master mechanic and was employed in the blast furnaces. There were four children in the Mitchell family: Marion, deceased; Isabel, deceased; John, the subject of this sketch; and Anne, married L. E. Lindsay, a commander in the United States Navy, stationed at Washington, D. C. Mrs. Mitchell died
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September, 1910, and is buried at Lorain, Ohio. Mr. Mitchell is a Repub- lican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a Mason. He was com- missioner of public safety at Lorain.
John Mitchell was educated in the public schools of Troy and Lorain. His college course was taken at Denison University, Granville, Ohio, where he graduated with the class of 1910. He obtained his degree of Medical Doctor from the Medical Department of Northwestern Uni- versity in 1916, afterwards serving as an interne in St. Luke's Hospital, Chicago. Dr. Mitchell began his practice at Chicago in 1916. At the time of the World War he enlisted in 1918 at Chicago, and was sent to Camp Oglethorpe, Georgia, as a member of the Medical Corps. He was later transferred to the general hospital at Des Moines, Iowa, and was commissioned a first lieutenant, receiving his discharge with that rank in September, 1920, at Fort Sheridan, Ill.
On Feb. 7, 1918, Dr. Mitchell was married to Josephine Stewart, born in Braidwood, Will County, Ill., July 12, 1887. They have a daughter, Jo Ann, born March 29, 1920, at Jamestown, N. Y.
Dr. Mitchell is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Henry F. Piepenbrink .- Among the old and highly respected resi- dents of Joliet, Henry F. Piepenbrink is one of the best known. He is now living retired at 507 Bridge Street, Joliet. He was born in Crete, Will County, Dec. 8, 1849, a son of John Otto and Sophia (Wille) Piepenbrink.
John Otto Piepenbrink and his wife were natives of Germany where they were also married. He died in January, 1896, and his wife died in 1898. They are both buried at Crete, Ill. They came to the United States in 1846 on a sailing vessel, taking many weeks to make the trip. They settled at Crete, Ill., where Mr. Piepenbrink was a pioneer farmer. He lived retired before his death. He was a staunch Repub- lican and a member of the German Lutheran Church. To them eight children were born: Otto, Henry F., Conrad, William, and Philip, all deceased, and buried at Crete; John, retired, lives at Crete; Ellen, deceased, was the wife of Henry Sporleder, Crete; and Sophia, married John C. Deason, resides at Crete, Ill.
Henry F. Piepenbrink attended the public schools of Crete and until he was 20 years of age worked on his father's farm. In 1869 he came
HENRY F. PIEPENBRINK
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to Joliet. He worked in the County Recorder's office under Conrad Tatge until 1877, and in April of that year was appointed sheriff of Will County by the board of supervisors. In the fall of 1877 he was nom- inated for sheriff and elected for a two year term, and was reelected in 1879 for a second term.
In the fall of 1881 Mr. Piepenbrink entered the brewing business, being associated with his father-in-law, Fred Sehring. The business was incorporated in 1882 with the following officers: Fred Sehring, president; Louis J. Sehring, superintendent; Henry Sehring, vice presi- dent; and Henry F. Piepenbrink, secretary-treasurer. The company being known as the Fred Sehring Brewing Company. The business was continued until prohibition went into effect, at which time Mr. Piepen- brink sold his interests and retired from business.
In 1879 Mr. Piepenbrink was married to Miss Margaret Sehring, a daughter of Fred and Louise (Bez) Sehring. He was born in Langen in the dukedom of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, Dec. 19, 1834, and when 13 years of age accompanied his parents, Weigand and Largaretha (Keim) Sehring to Frankfort Township, Will County, Ill., where he farmed with his parents until 1854, when the family removed to Joliet. Weigand Sehring was a soldier in the war of 1813 in Germany. In 1860 Fred Sehring was appointed a deputy clerk in the recorder's office, and in 1863 was elected county treasurer, retiring in 1867. In 1867 he purchased an interest in the Joseph Braun & Company brewery, and in 1870 gained control of the plant, changing the name to the Columbia Brewery. In 1883 the company was incorporated as the Fred Sehring Brewing Company, with Mr. Sehring as president, in which capacity he remained until his death. On Jan. 16, 1855, he married Louise Bez, who came from Wurtemburg, Germany, a daughter of Jacob and Bar- bara Bez. She came to the United States in 1853. He died July 2, 1892, and she died Sept. 20, 1909. Both are buried in Joliet. Mr. Sehr- ing was a Democrat and served in the council.
To Henry F. Piepenbrink and his wife four children were born: 1. Louis H., real estate and insurance business, married Ethel Hassey, Joliet. 2. Linda P., married Robert F. McRoberts. He is deceased and she resides in Joliet. She has a son, Henry Frank McRoberts. 3. Alma, deceased. 4. Arthur F., deceased. Both are buried in Joliet.
Mr. Piepenbrink is a Republican and has served on the board of supervisors for 26 years. He attends St. Peter's Lutheran Church, of which he has been president for 50 years. He served for 20 years as
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a director of the Will County Bank, and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
Mr. Piepenbrink is a supporter of all good works and aims, and no one is more willing to aid in raising the standards of human life and in advancing the world's prosperity and well being.
Edward Corlett, general manager and publisher of the Joliet "Herald- News" was born on a farm in Wesley Township, Will County, Ill., Jan. 3, 1871, the son of Phillip and Jane (Kewin) Corlett.
Edward Corlett attended the country schools and Valparaiso Uni- versity at Valparaiso, Ind., the Law School of The Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Ill., graduating in 1894 with the degree of LL. B .; practiced law at Wilmington, Ill., 1894-1901 and at Joliet, Ill., 1901-1922 ; member of the Law firm of Corlett and Clare (George J.) 1902-1922; General Manager and Publisher of the Joliet Herald-News since 1920; served as City Attorney of Wilmington, Ill., 1895-1899 and as Mayor 1899-1901; Attorney for the Penitentiary Commission, which had in charge the building of a new state penitentiary at Joliet, 1909- 1925; delegate to the fifth Constitutional Convention of the state of Illinois, convened at Springfield, Ill., in 1920; Chairman Red Cross War Fund Campaign in Will County 1918, and active in war time work 1917-1918.
Mr. Corlett was married Sept. 1, 1915, to Miss Alice M. VanDuser a daughter of Gilbert and Emma (Haven) VanDuser, of Fredonia, Kansas.
Chester R. Kruger, one of the most successful young business men of Peotone, is a veteran of the World War. He was born in this city, Feb. 1, 1895, the son of John and Margaret (Nixon) Kruger.
John Kruger was born in Germany and his wife is a native of Ire- land. Both came to America early in life and after their marriage located on a farm near Peotone in Peotone Township. They have been residents of that section for almost 70 years and are highly esteemed members of the community. To Mr. and Mrs. Kruger were born 11 children, of whom Chester R., the subject of this sketch, is the youngest.
The education of Chester R. Kruger was obtained in the public schools of Peotone. During the World War he volunteered for service
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and was sent to Fort William, Maine, and later to France where he served as a member of Battery A, 72nd Regiment. He was discharged from Camp Grant, Ill., April 15, 1919. Upon his return to Peotone he engaged in the meat business, and since that date has been proprietor of the Peotone market. Until 1927 his brother John P. Kruger was associated in business with him.
Mr. Kruger married Miss Dorothy Croxen, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. R. Croxen, of Peotone. Mr. Croxen served as postmaster of Peotone for many years and was also well known as a merchant. To Mr. and Mrs. Kruger have been born two sons: C. Robert, born Aug. 18, 1918; and Benjamin John, born Dec. 23, 1920. C. Robert Kruger was the first war baby born in Will County during the World War.
Mr. Kruger is a member of the Presbyterian Church and is affiliated with A. F. & A. M. No. 636, Peotone, Bloomington Consistory, American Legion, No. 392, Peotone, and Chamber of Commerce. He is a Repub- lican.
Paul K. Larson .- Active in business, social circles, and church affairs, Paul K. Larson of Joliet, Ill., was born in that city Oct. 24, 1893. He is the son of Charles E. and Clara (Cassel) Larson.
Both Charles E. Larson and his wife were born in Sweden. They were married in Joliet, Ill., and to them five children were born: Vida, deceased; Paul K., the subject of this sketch; Clarence, lives in Joliet ; Edward, Joliet; and Clara, married George Lindberg, resides in Joliet.
After coming to America Charles E. Larson learned the florist's trade which he still follows. He is a Republican, and a member of the Swedish Mission Church.
Paul K. Larson acquired his education in the public schools of Joliet. On Jan. 25, 1911, he entered the employ of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railroad as a messenger boy and was later appointed a clerk. He held this position until April, 1926, when he was elected town clerk, in which capacity he is now serving.
On Jan. 29, 1918, Mr. Larson was married to Miss Anna Gertrude Koerber, a daughter of Albert and Mary Koerber, residents of Joliet. Mrs. Larson died March 11, 1922, and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet.
Mr. Larson is a Republican and a member of the Swedish Mission Church. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Powhan Lodge, No. 29; and Knights of Pythias, Paul Revere
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Lodge. He is secretary of the John Ericsson Republican Club, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce. He is well known in Joliet and has many friends.
Fred W. Walter, a prominent and successful member of the bar of Will County for the past 35 years, is established in the practice of his profession at Joliet, and is one of the liberal and progressive citizens of this city. He was born at Lockport, Ill., in 1870, a son of Michael and Margaret (Pitts) Walter, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history.
Fred W. Walter was educated in the public schools of Lockport and graduated from the high school. He took a special course of two years at Oberlin College, then attended the University of Michigan, graduating in 1893 with the degree of L. L. B. He was admitted to the bar in Michigan and also of Illinois in that year and opened offices in Joliet. In 1896 he became associated with the firm of Higgins & Akin. Upon the election of Mr. Akin to the position of Attorney General of Illinois, the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Higgins and Mr. Walter were associated under the firm name of Higgins & Walter. Later Mr. Walter severed his connection with the firm and is now associated with Mr. Dibble, with offices in the Morris Building. In 1905 Mr. Walter was elected city attorney for Lockport and was the first attorney to represent that city after its incorporation. He served 12 years in that capacity, and also was for 12 years a member of the school board.
In 1896 Mr. Walter was married in Bismark, Mich., to Mildred W. Walsh.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter have two children: Mildred W., married Clar- ence L. Beck, a veteran of the World War. She is a graduate of Mt. Ida School, Newton, Mass .; and Winifred, at home, is a graduate of Ohio State University.
Mr. Walter is a member of Lockport Lodge, A. F. & A. M. No. 538; Joliet Chapter, R. A. M. No. 27; Joliet Council, R. & S. M. M .; Joliet Commandery, K. T. No. 4; Ansar Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Spring- field, Ill .; Shrine Club of Joliet; Sarah D. Moon Chapter Eastern Star; and the Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Will County Bar Association, the Illinois Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. Politically he is a Republican.
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Michael Walter, deceased, for many years one of the most repre- sentative and respected citizens of Lockport, Ill., was born in Germany, Dec. 6, 1838, and died in November, 1923, after a long life of uprightness and kindness that may well be an example to all who knew him. He was a son of Andrew and Ursula Walter, natives of Germany, who came to the United States in 1851 and settled at Geneva, Ill., where the father followed farming.
Michael Walter received his early education in his native land. Upon leaving home he served a three year's apprenticeship to the shoemaker's trade at St. Charles, Ill., and in 1855 came to Lockport, Ill., where he was employed as a salesman in a general store. At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted April 19, 1861, at Lockport, Ill., joining the Lock- port Artillery Company, and was made sergeant. He served the three month's enlistment in training at Cairo, Ill., and then reenlisted for three years service with Company D, Second Illinois Light Artillery. He participated in the battles at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Battle of Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, and later was at Bolivar, Tenn. At the Battle of Shiloh he was promoted to first sergeant. He was with Gen. Sherman on his Meridian campaign, after which he went to Memphis, Tenn., and then to Decatur, Ala., where he remained until September, 1864. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war as a first sergeant. During his three and one-half years of service he was not absent from his company for one day on account of illness or because of a furlough. When his military service was ended Mr. Walter returned to Will County and engaged in the wholesale and retail grocery business at Lockport, which he conducted for 46 years.
In 1859 Mr. Walter with a young man companion started for the gold fields of Colorado. They bought an outfit and started for Pike's Peak in a two-wheeled car which they pushed across the prairies. After nine months absence they returned with the hand car but with no gold.
In 1865 Mr. Walter was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Pitts, a daughter of John and Anns Pitts, natives of Luzemburg, Ger- many, who came to the United States in 1852, and located in Lockport, Ill., where Mr. Pitts was a jeweler. To Mr. and Mrs. Michael Walter ten children were born: John A., Frank M., Fred W., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history ; Robert B .; Emma M., married Clinton W. Ladd; Addie, married Charles W. Kiplinger; Nellie, married Howard Norton; and three children died in infancy. The mother of these chil-
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dren died in 1880. In 1887 Mr. Walter married (second) Adaline Heron, a daughter of John and Winifred Heron, natives of New York.
Mr. Walter was a Republican. He served six years as Justice of the Peace, and six years as Supervisor. In Masonry he was a member of Lockport Lodge, No. 538, A. F. & A. M .; Des Plaines Lodge, I. O. O. F. No. 23, being past Noble Grand and Past Deputy Grand Master; B. P. O. Elks, No. 296; and an Honorary member of the Modern Woodmen of the World. He was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Post No. 401, and served as its first commander.
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