USA > Illinois > Will County > History of Will County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 4
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In 1904 Mr. Casey was united in marriage with Miss Mabel L. Clark, who was born at Neodesha, Kan., and whose death occurred in 1913, she being survived by one child, Clark Thomas, who was born April 19, 1911. In 1921 Mr. Casey married Miss Elizabeth Kirkham, who was born and reared in Joliet, and who is a daughter of Thomas and Agnes (Cooper) Kirkham, the former a native of England and the latter of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Casey have a daughter, Virginia Agnes, who was born Nov. 8, 1924.
George L. Obsitnik, Jr. is a veteran of the World War and one of the enterprising young men of Joliet, where he is serving as justice of the peace. He was born in this city, April 9, 1893, the son of George L. and Anna (Evanko) Obsitnik.
George L. Obsitnik, who lives retired in Joliet, is a native of Austria. He was born in 1860 and came to the United States when he was 20 years old. He spent one year at Diamond, Ind., where he was employed in the mines, and in 1881 he removed to Joliet, where he was connected with the Illinois Steel Company for many years. He was later sent to Buffalo, N. Y., by the company as foreman of the Seneca plant. Mr. Obsitnik has also served as a member of the local police force and for a number of years was interested in the cafe and restaurant business. He is a Democrat and a member of St. Cyril's Catholic Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Obsitnik the following children were born: Mary, married Andrew Salata, lives at Joliet ; George L., Jr., the subject of this sketch ; Anna, married Peter Cleary, lives at Joliet; Martin, a World War vet- eran; Susie, married Mike Chizmarik; Nellie, married Peter Lazar; Michael; John; Bertha; all residents of Joliet; and Elizabeth, deceased.
After completing his schooling at Joliet, George L. Obsitnik, Jr., learned the machinist trade while in the employ of the Illinois Steel Company. In 1909 he left the company's employ and enlisted in the U. S. Army. He was assigned to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, and later
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sent to the Philippine Islands, where he was attached to the 21st In- fantry at Parang Moro Province, Island of Mindino. In May, 1911, he was transferred to Vancouver barracks, Washington, where he was discharged. He then reenlisted and in October, 1912, went to Mexico, where he remained until 1917. He was then transferred to San Diego, Calif., and from there to Camp Kearney, Calif., as an instructor. He was later sent as an instructor to Camp Pike, Arkansas. He then attended the First Officers Training Camp at Presidio, Calif., where he was commissioned a captain and upon his return to Camp Pike he was assigned to the 162nd Depot Brigade as an instructor. He later served as an instructor at the Second and Third Officers Training Schools at Camp Pike, and after the Central Officers Training School was estab- lished, he became junior instructor. He remained there until the close of the war when he was attached to the Headquarters of Demobolization at Camp Pike. He resigned his commission and was assigned to Com- pany B, Third Division, as first sergeant, and attached to the Recruiting Headquarters at Camp Pike. He was later attached to the Intelligence Department, G2. He was discharged as a first sergeant, July 13, 1922. He then went to Little Rock, Ark., and spent a year as a member of the police force of that city. He removed to Joliet, July 6, 1923, and served on the local police force until May, 1925, when he was elected justice of the peace.
In 1911 Mr. Obsitnik married Miss Lena Donham, the daughter of William C. and Sallie (Fite) Donham, of Little Rock, Ark. Mrs. Obsit- nik is a sister of Henry Donham, who is prosecuting attorney of Pulaski County, Ark. To Mr. and Mrs. Obsitnik have been born five children: Agnes, George Lawrence III, Lawrence George, and Virginia Mae, all at home; and George Arthur, deceased.
Mr. Obsitnik is a Republican, and has the following fraternal affilia- tions: American Legion, Harwood Post No. 5; The "40 and 8" Society; Veterans of Foreign Wars; American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps ; F. O. Eagles, Aerial No. 377; Loyal Order of Moose, No. 300; Knights of Columbus; Northeastern Athletic Society; Erwin Athletic Club; St. Cyril's Athletic Club; St. George's Catholic Fraternal Organization ; Chamber of Commerce and the Elks. He is a member of the Catholic Church and his wife holds membership in the Baptist Church.
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Frank I. Weishaar .- One of the representative business men of Joliet is Frank I. Weishaar, vice president and director of the Will County National Bank and general superintendent of the Joliet Repub- lican Printing Company. Throughout his life his main interests have been centered in this city, where he is a property owner and a useful citizen.
Mr. Weishaar was born in Richton, Cooke County, Ill., April 22, 1861, the son of Ignatz and Johanna (Ledoux) Weishaar. Ignatz Weis- haar was born at Schoenburg, France, Feb. 16, 1831, and his wife was a native of Switzerland, born Feb. 14, 1834. In March, 1824, Mr. Weis- haar came to the United States and settled in Chicago, where he was married April 5, 1853. For a number of years Mr. Weishaar engaged in general farming near Chicago and later removed to Joliet where he was well known as a dry goods merchant. He was highly esteemed in Joliet and during his residence in this city lived at 303 Center Street. He was a devout member of St. John's Catholic Church and was an organist in that church. On April 14, 1903, the golden wedding anni- versary of Mr. and Mrs. Weishaar was celebrated in St. John's Church, Rev. Polycarp, O. F. M., being celebrant of the Mass as well as the speaker on that happy occasion. Mr. Weishaar died Nov. 5, 1909, and his wife died April 19, 1910. They are buried in St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Joliet. Mr. and Mrs. Weishaar were the parents of 15 chil- dren as follows: Frances, the widow of Frank Weiss, lives at Joliet; Mary, deceased, was the wife of Curtis Brainard; Rose, deceased, was the wife of Andrew Bear; Josephine, married John Frederick, both de- ceased; Frank I., the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, deceased; Kath- erine, married Charles Young, lives at Joliet; Johanna, married Jerry. Lovejoy, lives at Glen Haven, Fla .; August, deceased; Anna, married Jay Dahl, lives at Columbus, Ohio; Clara, married Anthony Reichman, both deceased; Pius, deceased; Rachael, the widow of Dr. Frederick Schoop, lives at Lockport, Ill .; Pauline and Geneveva, deceased.
In the parochial schools of his native city, Frank I. Weishaar ob- tained his education. After leaving school he learned the tailor's trade and soon after entered the employ of the Joliet Republican as an appren- tice typesetter. At that time James Goodspeed was the proprietor of the newspaper as well as postmaster. The office was located at South
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Ottawa Street where the People's Abstract Company now stands. Mr. Weishaar has continued his connection with this concern since July 1876. About 1880 he was transferred to the press room, of which he was later made foreman. He held this position for five years, after which he was promoted to foreman of the composing room. Since 1902 he has served as general superintendent of this plant, which was moved to its present location in 1904.
For a number of years Mr. Weishaar has been identified with the Will County National Bank. He has been a director since 1910 and in 1925 was elected vice president.
In 1888 Mr. Weishaar was united in marriage with Miss Lunetta Thayer, the daughter of Caleb C. and Johanna (Murphy) Thayer, both deceased. Mr. Thayer was a veteran of the Civil War and a well known resident of Joliet, where he engaged in the contracting business. Mr. and Mrs. Weishaar have no children.
Mr. Weishaar is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, Joliet Council, No. 32 and belongs to the Chamber of Commerce. He is iden- tified with the Merchant's Association, of which he served as director for nine years.
James E. Burke, one of the highly successful of the younger attor- neys of Joliet, is a member of one of the prominent pioneer families of Will County. He was born in this city, Oct. 26, 1898, the son of James and Nora (Ryder) Burke.
James Burke was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1867, and was a son of Thomas Burke, one of the earliest settlers of Joliet. James Burke was a moulder by trade and came to Joliet in early youth with his par- ents. He soon established a business in this city and was thus success- fully engaged at the time of his death in April, 1902. His wife died Nov. 11, 1927, and they are buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Joliet. She was born at Wolverhampton, England, Oct. 9, 1870. Both Mr. and Mrs. Burke were members of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Joliet. They were the parents of the following children: Thomas, a World War veteran, now assistant city engineer, Joliet; Mary, married Raymond Schuster, lives at Joliet; Marjorie, lives at Joliet; James E., the subject of this sketch; and Leo, deceased.
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James E. Burke has always lived in Joliet. He received his early education in the parochial and public schools and later attended Notre Dame University. He was graduated from the Law School of DePauw University in 1922, and in October of that year was admitted to the Illinois State bar. He immediately became associated with the law firm of Faulkner & Faulkner. At present Mr. Burke is connected with the firm of Donovan, Bray & Gray. He was appointed assistant state's attorney of Will County, Ill., August, 1926.
Mr. Burke is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and belongs to the Elks Lodge, Delta Theta Phi fraternity, American Legion, and Chamber of Commerce. In politics he is a Republican.
During the World War Mr. Burke served in the Student Army Train- ing Corps at Notre Dame University, and was discharged with the rank of corporal.
William R. Fletcher, M. D., has been closely identified with the his- tory of the city of Joliet for upwards of a quarter of a century, during which time he has won success and prominence both in the profession of medicine and business circles, and is today serving the city of Joliet as its postmaster. He was born at Ridgefarm, Ill., July 20, 1876, and is a son of Henry and Mahala (Haworth) Fletcher, both of whom were born at Ridgefarm.
Henry Fletcher, deceased, followed agriculture all his life, moving into Ridgefarm about twenty years before his death, which occurred in 1909. He was well known in the community in which he lived and for eight years was supervisor of Elwood Township, and took a very active interest in civic and political affairs. His wife died in 1927, and they are both buried in Pilot Grove Cemetery near Ridgefarm. To Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher eight children were born: Oliver, died in infancy; John, a farmer, Ridgefarm; Albert I., was postmaster at the time of his death in 1908; Dr. Marcus S., Lives at Georgetown, Ill .; William, died in in- fancy ; William R., the subject of this sketch; Lydia R. Fletcher Wasson, lives at Chrisman, Ill .; and Ola Fletcher Pierce, Ridgefarm, Ill.
William R. Fletcher attended the public schools and assisted on his father's farm. After his graduation from Ridgefarm High School he
WILLIAM R. FLETCHER, M. D.
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spent two years at Earlham College, Richmond, Ind .; two years at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Chicago; two years at the Kentucky School of Medicine, Louisville, graduating as valedictorian of his class. His first practice was as assistant physician of the Illinois State Peni- tentiary in July, 1901. He was physician in charge at that institution in 1902. In 1913 he entered private practice in Joliet where he was an acknowledged leader in his profession. At the outbreak of the World War, Dr. Fletcher enlisted for service, on May 20, 1918, and on July 24th of that year entered Camp Sherman, Chillicothe, Ohio, as a first lieutenant, with 309th Sanitary Train, 84th Division, which sailed for France from Hoboken, Sept. 9, 1918. Arriving in Liverpool, Sept. 21st, was immediately sent to South Hampton, then across the channel to La Havre, France, then to St. Leon, France, only to be transferred to Camp Hospital 54 near Periguiex, Oct. 10th, remaining until Dec. 30th, then sent to Camp Hospital 102 Virilade, 20 miles south of Bordeaux, an embarkation hospital, remaining until May 21st, sent to Bassens near Bordeaux, and sailed for the United States May 30th, receiving his honorable discharge July 3, 1919, at Camp Grant, Ill., as a first lieu- tenant. Doctor Fletcher resumed his practice of medicine on Aug. 1, 1919. He joined the American Legion in August, 1919, and was elected commander of Harwood Post, No. 5, in December, 1919, serving one year. In 1924 was elected district commander of the 11th District com- prising the counties of Will, DuPage, Kane, and McHenry at the state convention at Champaign in 1924 and served two years. Doctor Fletcher also served as physician at the penitentiary from September, 1919, until April, 1927, when he became postmaster at Joliet. He has also served several terms as county physician.
Dr. Fletcher is a member of the Will County Medical Society and served as chairman of the Medical Legal Committee for several years and is a member of the Illinois State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. He belongs to Matteson Lodge, No. 175, Joliet A. F. & A. M .; Joliet Chapter, R. A. M. No. 27; Joliet Commandery No. 4, K. T .; Medinah Temple, Chicago Shrine; the Moose; the Modern Wood- men; the Elks, past exalted ruler, and was district deputy 1914 to 1924, and was president of the Illinois Elks State Association in 1923.
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Frank G. Brumund, assistant State's attorney, is numbered among the able and resourceful attorneys practicing at the bar of Will County. He was born at Green Garden, Will County, May 6, 1880, the son of Diedrich and Dorothea (Bettenhausen) Brumund.
Diedrich Brumund, deceased, was a native of Germany. He was among the early settlers of Will County and engaged in general farm- ing and stock raising. He died Feb. 15, 1927, and is buried in Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet. He was a lifelong Republican and always took an active part in local politics. His widow, also born in Germany, lives at 105 Manor Court, Joliet. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brumund: Lydia K. Andrew, lives at Lincoln, Neb .; Diedrich A., died Jan. 1, 1915, buried in Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet; Alvin L., lives at Waukeegan, Ill .; Lina A., twin sister of Alvin L., lives at Joliet; and Frank G., the subject of this sketch.
Frank G. Brumund grew up on his father's farm at Green Garden and attended the public schools at that place. He is a graduate of Joliet Township High School, Baldwin-Wallace University, Berea, Ohio; Northern Illinois Normal School and Dixon Business College, at Dixon, Ill., and the LaSalle Extension University Law School. After complet- ing his early college work he conducted a confectionery business in Joliet for a number of years. He later became a rural mail carrier and re- signed to accept a position with the Probate Judge of Will County as his clerk. During this time he studied law and was admitted to the bar while still in the employ of the Probate Judge. Mr. Brumund has been in active practice for ten years and for the last three years has been assistant State's attorney. He has offices in the Barber Building.
On Sept. 20, 1904, Mr. Brumund was united in marriage with Miss Grace M. Mack, a native of Carpenterville, Ill., the daughter of Charles and Mary (Boehm) Mack, natives of Germany. Mr. Mack, deceased, was a pioneer meat dealer of Joliet, having conducted a meat business for many years on Washington Street. He died March 19, 1920, and his wife died April 15, 1925. They are buried in Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet. To Mr. and Mrs. Brumund have been born three sons: Robert E., born Aug. 24, 1905, a senior at Armour Institute, Chicago; George M., born April 2, 1909, a junior at Joliet Township High School; and Paul F., born April 22, 1916, attends Farragut School.
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Mr. Brumund is a Republican. He has never been a candidate for any political office but served as clerk to the supervisor of census in 1900, and as census enumerator in 1910. He is a member of the Presby- terian Church and has the following fraternal affiliations: Matteson Lodge, A. F. and A. M., No. 175; Joliet Chapter, R. A. M. No. 27; Joliet Commandery, K. T. No. 4; Ansar Temple of the Mystic Shrine; Paul Revere Lodge, No. 371, Knights of Pythias, of which he is past chan- cellor; Aa Zaz Temple, No. 247, D. O. K. K .; Joliet Lodge No. 296, Elks ; Joliet Camp, No. 6647 Modern Woodmen of America, of which he has been clerk since its organization, Nov. 13, 1907.
Mr. Brumund served in the National Guard of Illinois until 1904. He is past president of the Joliet Den of Lions International Club.
Rev. Henry George Van Pelt, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, is one of the highly esteemed and influential men of Joliet. He was born at Racine, Wis., July 26, 1863, the son of Henry and Margaret (Mertage) Van Pelt.
Henry Van Pelt was a native of New York, being a direct descend- ant of one of the earliest Dutch families of that section. He was an architect and builder. His wife, who was born at County Monoghan, Ireland, was of French descent. Both Mr. and Mrs. Van Pelt are deceased.
Henry George Van Pelt obtained his early schooling in Chicago. He was graduated from St. Ignatius College in 1884 and from St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, Md., in 1890. He spent the following three years in Europe, being enrolled for two years in the College of Propaganda, Gregorian College of Rome. He later studied Medicine at the University of Berlin, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Upon his return to the United States he decided to devote his life to church work and was appointed assistant pastor of St. James Catholic Church, in Chicago. Later he spent seven years at St. Mel's Church, Chicago, and was also pastor of St. Mary's Church, Sycamore, Ill., for 18 months. On Nov. 1, 1905, he was assigned to the pastorate of the Sacred Heart Church of Joliet. This parish has developed into one of the leading church organizations of the city and is proof of the good
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judgment and keen business ability which Rev. Van Pelt possesses to a marked degree. He is ably assisted in his work by several priests.
Rev. Van Pelt is widely known throughout the State as an orator of exceptional talents. He is a man of the highest ideals and is greatly beloved and respected by all who know him.
Elmer H. Bielfeldt is a veteran of the World War and one of the prominent young attorneys of Joliet. He was born at Beecher, Will County, Sept. 16, 1896, the son of Henry and Tillie (Boltmann) Bielfeldt.
Henry Bielfeldt, deceased, was a representative business man of Will County. He was born in Germany, the son of Henning and Kath- arina Bielfeldt, both deceased. He was two years of age when he came to this country with his parents and settled at Beecher in Will County. After completing his schooling he became interested in his father's busi- ness, of which he became part owner. He was a dealer in lumber, coal, cement, and farm implements. Mr. Bielfeldt died July 28, 1904, and is buried at Beecher. He was a Republican, a member of the Evangelical Church, and Beecher Lodge, A. F. and A. M. No. 1087, and Modern Woodmen of America. Elmer H., was the only child born to Mr. and Mrs. Bielfeldt.
Elmer H. Bielfeldt obtained his early education in the public schools of Beecher and attended Momence High School. He was graduated from the College of Law, Northwestern University in 1920, and was admitted to the Illinois State Bar, Dec. 15, 1921. He was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States, Jan. 21, 1925. After being admitted to the bar of Will County, he became associated with the law firm of Barr & Barr. He has engaged in private practice since Jan. 1, 1928, and has offices in the Morris Building.
In June, 1918, Mr. Bielfeldt enlisted in the U. S. Navy and was sent throughout the west in the interest of the Liberty Loan campaigns. Later he was transferred to the transport U. S. S. "Mt. Vernon." He was discharged from the service, Jan. 15, 1919.
Mr. Bielfeldt is a Republican, a member of the Evangelical Church, and belongs to Beecher Lodge, A. F. and A. M. No. 1087, Order of the
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Eastern Star, American Legion, Harwood Post, No. 5; Delta Theta Phi fraternity; and Chamber of Commerce, Will County and Illinois State Bar associations.
Mr. Bielfeldt is a director of the Dixie Dairy Company of Beecher, and liquidating agent for the First National Bank of Beecher.
August Beltzner .- Active and progressive in business, August Beltz- ner is prominent in Joliet where he is cashier and trust officer of the Joliet Trust & Savings Bank. He was born at Johnstown, Pa., June 15, 1882, a son of August and Christiana W. (Sibbach) Beltzner.
August Beltzner was born in Baden, Germany, and his wife was a native of Bavaria. He came to Mauch Chunk, Pa., from Germany at the age of six years. When the Civil War opened he enlisted in the Union army and served until the close of the war. He later moved to Johns- town, Pa., and was there at the time of the Johnstown flood. He after- ward had charge of the men who were engaged in rebuilding the wire mill for the Cambria Iron Company. When this concern changed their plans about rebuilding, he moved to Joliet in 1892 and took charge of the Ashley wire mills. He was advanced to the Meeker Avenue plant and later had charge of the Rockdale plant of the American Steel & Wire Company. In 1902 he retired and opened a grocery store, which he operated until the time of his tragic death, July 1, 1908, which occurred when his store was burglarized. His wife died Oct. 16, 1925. Both are buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet. To Mr. and Mrs. Beltzner the fol- lowing children were born: Elizabeth C., married Harry G. Clark, lives at Oakland, Cal .; Mary H., deceased, was the wife of B. G. McDowell; William G., deceased; Robert J., lives at Pueblo, Colo .; Marguerite A., married Frank Walker, lives at Joliet; Annie E., married George E. Bolton, lives at Joliet; Ellen N., married Judson Haggerty, lives at Joliet ; Roy S., lives at Lead, S. D .; Viola F., lives at Joliet; and August, the subject of this sketch.
After finishing high school at Joliet, August Beltzner entered the employ of the First National Bank as a collector. He later attended Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, Ill., and upon his return to Joliet again entered the employ of the First National Bank. He worked
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through the various positions until he became trust officer. In 1922 he resigned his position with the bank to take up the duties of secretary and treasurer of the American Ice Cream and Bakery Company. When this company was dissolved he returned to banking interests and accepted the position of trust officer with the Joliet Trust and Savings Bank. He is now also cashier of that institution.
On April 20, 1910, Mr. Beltzner married Miss Laura Clement, of Joliet, the daughter of Arthur C. and Georgia M. (Smith) Clement. Mr. Clement was born in Joliet, where he now resides. His wife, a native of New York, is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Beltzner have a son, August Clement Beltzner.
Mr. Beltzner is a member of the Central Presbyterian Church and is affiliated with Matteson Lodge, F. and A. M. No. 175; Joliet Chapter, R. A. M. No. 27; Joliet Commandery, No. 4, K. T .; Medinah Shrine; Joliet Shrine; Joliet Country Club; Joliet Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club; and Modern Woodmen of America. He is a Republican.
Mr. Beltzner was inducted into service during the World War and was ordered to report at Louisville, Ky., but owing to the signing of the Armistice the order was recalled.
Charles F. Hinricks, cashier of the Will County National Bank, is among the able and widely known financiers of Joliet. He was born in Green Garden Township, Will County, March 29, 1866, the son of U. H. and Caroline (Karch) Hinricks. Mr. Hinricks is deceased. He and his wife were early settlers of Will County. Mrs. Hinricks resides at Peotone, Ill., and is 88 years old.
Charles F. Hinricks obtained his education in the public schools of Green Garden and Frankfort, Ill. He later entered Northwestern Col- lege at Naperville, where he specialized in the study of accounting and law, and from which institution he was graduated in 1885. He engaged in teaching school during the succeeding four years and then came to Joliet, where he spent five years in the service of the Joliet City Bank. He was then employed in the accounting and cost department of the Illinois Steel Company for eight years, after which he was identified with the Citizens National Bank for six years, and then with the real
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