USA > Illinois > Will County > History of Will County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 41
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Mr. Spencer has been a member of the school board for many years. He is a member of the Baptist Church, of which he is serving as Deacon, and he is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and Rotary Club.
Bernard Klein, M. D .- Among the successful physicians and sur- geons of Will County is Dr. Klein, of Joliet. He was born in Bonyhad, Hungary, Oct. 2, 1894, the son of Ignace and Barbara (Glatter) Klein.
Ignace Klein, who lives retired in Chicago, is a native of Hungary. He was educated in the University of Budapest, and during the early part of his life was a teacher in the schools of his native land. In 1909 he came to Chicago where he and his wife now reside. To Mr. and Mrs. Ignace Klein the following children were born: Mrs. Helen Furst; Lawrence; David; Dr. Samuel, a practicing physician at Aurora, Ill .; Mrs. Jeanette Fisher; Eugene; Mrs. Julia Moskowitz; and Bernard, the subject of this sketch.
Mrs. Glatter, mother of Barbara (Glatter) Klein, who was a widow, came to Chicago when about 55 years of age from her native land- Hungary-and died in Chicago in 1920, at the age of 104 years.
Bernard Klein spent his boyhood and received his early education in an academy at Budapest, Hungary, and with his parents emigrated
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to the United States and settled at Chicago. He was graduated from Loyola University with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1914, and spent the following year as an interne in Jefferson Park Hospital, Chi- cago. Since 1915 he has been located in Joliet with offices in the Elks Building.
On June 14, 1923, Doctor Klein was united in marriage with Miss Kathryn Heller, of Chicago, a daughter of Dr. Charles and Rose (Green- hoot) Heller, natives of Chicago, Ill.
Mrs. Klein attended University High School and the Chicago Uni- versity. She is an accomplished pianist having commenced her musical education at the age of nine years. She attended the American Con- servatory of Music, Kimball Hall, Chicago, and studied under Heniot Levy. She gave several recitals in the Fine Arts Building.
Doctor Klein is identified with the Will County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. He is also medical director of the Will County Sanitarium.
Doctor Klein is a member of Mount Joliet Lodge No. 42, A. F. & A. M., Joliet Country Club, and Chamber of Commerce. The family residence is at 922 Raynor Avenue.
Arthur H. Fahrner, M. D .- To his work as a physician and surgeon, Dr. Fahrner brought thorough preparation and sound personal qualities, and has enjoyed an unusual routine of professional and social activities in Joliet, where he has been located since 1917. He was born in this city, Dec. 30, 1892.
The early education of Arthur H. Fahrner was obtained in St. Pat- rick's parochial school and in 1911 he was graduated from Joliet Town- ship High School. He studied medicine at St. Louis University from which he was graduated in 1916. He served two years as an interne- one during his senior year as a medical student and the other in 1916 to 1917. In August, 1918, he volunteered for service in the World War and served in France with the rank of first lieutenant in the Medical Corps. He was discharged July 29, 1919, and resumed his practice in Joliet. Dr. Fahrner has offices at 200 Center Street.
On Oct. 16, 1920, Dr. Fahrner was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Coulehan, of Chicago, Ill.
Dr. Fahrner is a member of the Will County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society, and is a fellow of the American Medical
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Association. He holds membership in St. Raymond's Catholic Church and belongs to the American Legion, Joliet Country Club and Chamber of Commerce.
Henry J. Weber .- Prominent among the leading and successful busi- ness men of Joliet is Henry J. Weber, who is identified with the firm of Henry J. Weber & Company, investment brokers. He was born in this city, June 5, 1860.
When 13 years of age Henry J. Weber left school. He learned the marble cutter's trade, which he followed for seven years, and he later was interested in the tobacco business. From 1891 until 1893 he served as city treasurer of Joliet, and he also held the office of police magis- trate for four years. He was next associated with the Chicago Tele- phone Company as manager of the local telephone system. He spent 14 years as cashier of the Will County Bank and in 1922 established his present business in the Rialto Square Building. Mr. Weber special- izes in mortgages, municipal bonds, and high grade securities.
Fred W. Henley is a highly esteemed citizen and widely known busi- ness man of Joliet, where he is identified with the Henley-Relyea Com- pany as president and treasurer. He was born at Buena Vista, Pa., March 3, 1860, the son of John and Barbara Glassbrenner Henley.
John Henley came to the United States from Germany early in life and settled at Buena Vista, Pa., where he engaged in the hardware business for many years. He died in 1901 and is buried at Joliet. His wife was born in Germany in 1834 and died at Pueblo, Col., in 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Henley were the parents of seven children, all of whom survive.
Fred W. Henley was a small child when his parents moved to Illinois. He was educated in the public schools at Mattoon, Ill., and soon after completing his schooling he entered the railroad service at Sullivan, Ill., which he followed for eight years. He then became interested in the stationery and book business at Sullivan, Ill., and in 1891 removed to Joliet, where he followed the same work, being the owner of the F. W. Henley Book Store. In 1908 Mr. Henley went to Colorado and operated a trunk store at Colorado Springs until 1917, at which time he returned to Illinois and settled at Joliet. He was associated in busi-
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ness here with Mr. Relyea continuously until 1924, at which time the latter retired. The business was then incorporated with the following officers: Fred W. Henley, president and treasurer; Elizabeth A. Henley, vice president; and Pearl Parthenia Henley, secretary. The Henley- Relyea Company are dealers in books, stationery, gift goods and luggage. They carry an unusually complete stock and have one of the finest and most attractive stores in Will County. The business is located at 406-8 Clinton Avenue.
On Nov. 21, 1883, Mr. Henley was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth A. Kendall, of Greensburg, Ind., the daughter of Irving F. and Parthenia (Kendall) Kendall, both deceased. Mr. Kendall was a prominent building contractor of Greensburg, Ind., where he spent practically his entire life. To Mr. and Mrs. Henley were born two daughters: Elizabeth A., lives at home; and Pearl Parthenia, a grad- uate of Dennison University and the Colorado Teachers College. Both daughters are associated with their father's business, as above men- tioned.
Mr. Henley is a Democrat and he and his family hold membership in the Methodist Church, of which Mr. Henley has served as treasurer and as a member of the board of stewards for 30 years.
Rev. J. J. Hitchens .- Prominent among the leading men of Joliet is Rev. Mr. Hitchens, who is pastor of the Richards Street Methodist Episcopal Church. He was born in Cornwall, England, June 2, 1887, the son of Samuel and Mary Jane (Prisk) Hitchens.
Samuel Hitchens was a native of England. In early manhood he came to Arizona and in due time became a citizen of the United States. For many years, Samuel Hitchens was connected with the gold mines in South Africa, and at one time was manager of one of the largest gold mines there, namely, The Rosedeep. He died in Africa about thirty years ago. His widow resides in San Francisco, Calif.
Mr. and Mrs. Hitchens were the parents of five children: Samuel James, who also died in Africa; J. J., the subject of this sketch; Ernest, who lives in Painesdale, Mich .; John, who lives in Detroit, Mich .; and Violet, married James Thomas, lives in San Francisco, Calif.
The early education of J. J. Hitchens as well as college work was received in England and Africa, the family having resided in these coun- tries for some years. The theological training was received at Evanston,
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Ill., graduating from Garrett Biblical Institute in 1915. Mr. Hitchens spent two years in charge of a church at Antonogan, Mich., one year at Dollar Bay, Mich., two years at Kings, Ill., and four years at each of the following places: Lee, Sandwich, Rock Falls, all in Illinois.
On Sept. 17, 1913, Rev. J. J. Hitchens was united in marriage with Miss Luetta Hayes, Kings, Ill., the daughter of Frank and Eva (Mac- Dowell) Hayes. They have three children: Harold Lee, Jean Evelyn, and Lorraine, all students.
Rev. Mr. Hitchens is affiliated with the Masonic lodge, belongs to the Kiwanis Club, and for the year 1928-9, is president of the Will County Ministerial Association. The family residence is at 306 Richards Street.
August Piepenbrink, who is successfully engaged in the real estate and insurance business at Crete, is well known among the enterprising young busines men of Will County. He was born at Crete, Oct. 11, 1891, the son of Philip and Louise (Diersen) Piepenbrink.
J. O. Piepenbrink, pioneer settler of Will County, was a native of Rodenburg, Germany, born April 24, 1826. He was the son of Henry H. and Lotto (Myer) Piepenbrink, also natives of Germany. J. O. Piepen- brink was reared on his father's farm and married Miss Sophia Wille. He came to the United States in 1849 with his wife and one child and located almost immediately in Illinois. He became the owner of 135 acres of land in Crete Township, which he improved, and at the time of his death he was widely known among the prosperous stockmen of Will County, being the owner of 700 acres of land. He was also an extensive manufacturer of cheese. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Piepenbrink, as follows: Otto, Henry, Conrad, William, John, Philip, Ellen, and Sophia.
Philip Piepenbrink was born in Crete Township in 1859 and spent his entire life in this section. He died in 1916 and is buried in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. His widow resides at Crete. She was also born in this township, the daughter of William Diersen, who came here from Germany during the early days. To Mr. and Mrs. Philip Piepenbrink were born three children: Walter, lives in Crete Township; Amanda, married Otto J. Meier, lives at Crete; and August, the subject of this sketch.
August Piepenbrink received his education in the parochial schools of Crete and as a boy learned the cigar maker's trade, which he followed
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for ten years. He then became interested in the insurance business for a short time and later served as a rural mail carrier out of Crete for a period of eight years. In 1925 he entered the real estate and insur- ance business with Otto J. Meier, their office being located at the corner of Dixie Highway and Exchange Street.
On Jan. 22, 1913, Mr. Piepenbrink was united in marriage with Miss Adelia Luecke, of Crete, the daughter of John and Sophia Luecke, resi- dents of this place. They have two children: Adeline, born Dec. 8, 1915; and Donald, born July 18, 1918.
Politically, Mr. Piepenbrink is identified with the Republican party. He holds membership in the Trinity Lutheran Church and belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and is also a member of the Village Board.
The Plainfield Grain Company, Plainfield, Ill., was organized and incorporated March, 1911, for the purpose of handling grain, coal, lum- ber, building material, feed and farm supplies, with a capital stock of $25,000.00 at $50.00 per share. The following board of directors were elected: W. H. Cryder, president; George Drumm, vice president ; C. F. Hartong, secretary and treasurer; Bert McCauley, Fred Fiddyment, George Spangler, Wm. Webb, Paul Murphy, and S. S. Van Dyke.
They purchased the Barr Grain Company, elevator (grain), coal pocket and feed sheds at Plainfield, the elevator and lumber yard at Caton Farm and the grain elevator at Frontenac.
J. D. Dwyer was appointed manager and they started in business April 1, 1911. In June, 1912, Mr. Dwyer resigned and in August, 1912, J. A. Henebry, manager of the Farmers Square Deal Grain Company, of Morris, Ill., was hired to succeed Mr. Dwyer.
In June, 1913, they purchased the Truby Grain Company's grain elevator at Caton Farm, November, 1913, the Kersten & Smiley grain elevators at Plainfield, Normantown and Wolf's Crossing were purchased. In 1913 an 80% stock dividend was paid to the stockholders and the capital stock increased to $75,000.00.
In 1914 they took over the Ed. Alder Lumber yard and the same year built a three-deck lumber shed 60x150 ft., holding several car- loads of lumber.
By noting the photograph on this page you will readily approve of their choice when deciding to erect a new office in 1916. The struc- ture is a constant advertising medium for the Plainfield firm, due to
PLAINFIELD GRAIN COMPANY, PLAINFIELD, ILL.
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its resemblance to a bungalow. An overhanging roof forms a shelter for the truck scales.
The office is equipped with a concrete vault, steel filing cases, electric posting and adding machines.
The large re-inforced concrete elevator you see in the background built in 1920, is the last word in up-to-dateness. It has 24 bins and a capacity of 100,000 bushels of grain and equipped with modern machinery.
In 1924 a new concrete mill house was added to the elevator, equipped with the latest grinding facilities for custom grinding.
In 1927 a new high line was built for the handling of coal, which has a capacity of 1,000 tons. This is the most modern coal handling devise to be found at any country station. They also have the Barber-Greene conveyors at their various stations for unloading coal.
In 1927 a 121/2% cash dividend and a 100% stock dividend was paid and the capital stock was increased from $75,000.00 to $150,000.00. An average of 10% cash dividend has been paid annually to the stock- holders since its organization, and there still remains $60,000.00 in undivided profits.
They have just completed an addition to the elevator at Frontenac, which includes a mill house equipped with an electric attrition mill and crusher for custom grinding. A new fire-proof steam heated gar- age is under construction to take care of their trucks. Today you may see the value of modern eye-arresting structures, time saving, efficient handling methods and the like, is truly appreciated by this aggressive firm. And to J. A. Henebry, manager since 1912, goes a great deal of the credit, with the cooperation of the board of directors and employees and patrons, for the progress of this organization. By his ability and interest in the business entrusted to him, the company has prospered to a point where it is without doubt one of the most successful, best managed and most prosperous country grain companies of the Middle West. It has prospered because it is fortunate in select- ing a board of directors who were endowed with the requisite business sense and judgment to employ a manager versed in this line of endeavor, and allowing him to manage the company without interference after he assumed management. The business has grown through the exer- cise of fair business methods, and the interest and cooperation of the twenty-two employees, some of which have been employed since the organization of this company and others who have been employed for several years.
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The present directors are: W. H. Cryder, George Drumm, C. F. Hartong, Bert McCauley, Fred Fiddyment, William Webb, John Book, John Wheeler, Henry Lauterbach, Walter Manning, and Edward Drauden.
The following officers have held the respective offices since the organization: W. H. Cryder, president; George Drumm, vice president; C. F. Hartong, secretary and treasurer; Bert McCauley, Fred Fiddyment and William Webb.
Others who have held the office of directors are: George Gates, Herbert Everton, Homer Grommon, George B. Boardman and Louis Meyer.
Joseph A. Henebry .- One of the recognized leading men of Plainfield is Joseph A. Henebry, who is vice president and general manager of the Plainfield Grain Company. He is also vice president of the Plain- field State Bank. Mr. Henebry was born at Decatur, Ill., Aug. 11, 1879, the son of Philip and Bridget (Thorp) Henebry.
Both Philip Henebry and his wife were natives of Ireland. They emigrated to the United States about 1863 and settled at Decatur, Ill. Throughout his life Mr. Henebry was interested in general farming and stock raising. He died at Bement, Ill., in 1925, at the age of 92 years. His wife died in 1921. Mr. and Mrs. Henebry were the parents of ten children, of whom Joseph A., was the ninth in order of birth.
Joseph A. Henebry obtained his education in the public schools of Bement, Ill., and later attended St. Mary's Seminary, at Perryville, Mo. He is also a graduate of Brown's Business College at Decatur. He began his career as a grain dealer at Bairsdale, Ill., where he was manager of the Farmers Elevator. He later spent four years at Assumption, Ill, in the same business, and four years at Morris. He came to Plain- field in 1912 to take charge of the affairs of the Plainfield Grain Com- pany, with which he has since been identified. Mr. Henebry was elected vice president of the Plainfield State Bank in 1924.
On Nov. 9, 1910, Mr. Henebry married Miss Hannah Blair, of Illi- opolis, Ill. They have three children: Marcella Rose, Joseph A., Jr., and John.
Mr. Henebry is a Democrat, a member of the Catholic Church and belongs to the Knights of Columbus of Joliet. He is a member of the Chicago Board of Trade and is also a director of the Farmers Grain Dealers of Illinois.
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Thomas Jefferson Neal is among the substantial business men of Joliet, where he is secretary and treasurer of the Joliet Boiler & Machine Works. He was born at Auburn, Ind., May 10, 1887.
Mr. Neal spent his early life at Sagbridge, Ill., where his family had removed when he was six years old. He later lived at Lockport and Lyons, and was graduated from Lyons High School. From there he went to Cicero, Ill., and later to Joliet, having made his present connection with the Joliet Boiler & Machine Works in 1925. He has followed the machinist trade for many years and is an expert in his particular field. The Joliet Boiler & Machine Works are builders of all types of machinery, and their sales cover an extensive territory. The business was founded 20 years ago by James G. Heggie & Sons.
In August, 1910, Mr. Neal was married at Lyons, Ill., to Miss Elsie Heim, of Chicago. They have two daughters, Evelyn and Lorine.
Mr. Neal is a member of the Grace Methodist Episcopal Church and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge. In politics he is an independent voter.
James Stewart Boyd has the distinction of being the oldest resident of Joliet, and is among the most honored pioneer citizens of Will County, where he has spent practically his entire life. He was born in County Antrim, Ireland, July 22, 1836, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Boyd) Boyd.
Thomas Boyd brought his family to the United States from Ireland during the early days and settled at Easton, Pa., where he was employed in the cotton mills for many years. He died June 22, 1875 and his wife died in 1873. They are buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet. To Mr. and Mrs. Boyd were born the following children: John, died at Easton, Pa .; Jane, died at Easton, Pa .; Mary, died at Independence, Iowa; Henry, died while serving during the Civil War as a member of the 100th Illinois Volunteer Infantry; Isabelle, died in Joliet Township, and is buried at Plainfield, Ill .; Sarah, deceased; James Stewart, the subject of this sketch; and Thomas, a Civil War veteran, died in Chicago, May 26, 1926.
The boyhood of James Stewart Boyd was spent at Easton, Pa., where he was educated. His uncle was the founder of Lafayette College at Easton, and a well known educator of his time. Mr. Boyd learned the tinner's trade and in 1857 settled at Joliet, where he has resided throughout the years. For several years he was employed by W. F.
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Barrett Hardware Company as foreman and later spent 22 years as a salesman for W. S. Brooks, Joliet. He was employed as a salesman in the carriage department for eleven years with Wilcox Brothers, and then retired to his farm in Joliet Township. He has lived there for the past 60 years and the homestead is among the interesting spots of the township. It is located on the Zarley Road near Joliet.
On May 6, 1861, Mr. Boyd was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ellen Young, of Herkimer County, N. Y., born in 1839. She died Nov. 1, 1926 and is buried in Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet. To this union were born ten children, as follows: 1. Alexander C., retired, lives at Joliet. 2. Margaret W., born Nov. 4, 1865, the widow of Dick Skinner, and she is school treasurer of Will County. 3. Estella, born Oct. 27, 1867, the widow of Charles Scharf, lives in Joliet. 4. Nellie Jane Zarley, born Dec. 26, 1869, lives in Los Angeles, Calif. 5. Elizabeth Avery, born July 21, 1874, lives at Three Forks, Mont. 6. James H., born Jan. 28, 1872, lives in Chicago. 7. Mary M., born Dec. 4, 1878, married A. M. Zarley, lives in Joliet. 8. Frederick C., born in October, 1876, lives at Clear Lake, Iowa. 9. Lee E., born Dec. 24, 1880, lives at Clear Lake, Iowa. 10. Belle C., born May 13, 1883, unmarried, lives in Chicago. Mr. Boyd has 15 grandchildren.
Mr. Boyd has been a Republican since the time he cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has been identified with the Masonic Lodge since 1862, and is affiliated with A. F. & A. M. No. 42, Joliet, Joliet Com- mandery No. 4, Medinah Shrine, Chicago, and the Masonic Veterans of Illinois. He is an honorary member of the Buccaneer Club of New York City. Both he and his daughter Margaret W. are charter members of the Will County Historical Society.
Alfred A. Meradith, retired, is a veteran of the Civil War and a highly esteemed citizen of Channahan Township. He was born in Fay- ette County, Pa., June 16, 1845, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Wanee) Meradith.
Both Thomas Meradith and his wife were natives of Fayette County, Pa. They were early settlers of Illinois and lived on a farm near Bloom- ington. Mr. Meradith was also a stone mason by trade. He died at the age of 90 years and his wife died at the age of 71 years. They are buried at Farmer City, Ill. To Mr. and Mrs. Meradith were born 12 children, of whom Alfred A., the subject of this sketch, was the oldest.
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Alfred A. Meradith spent his boyhood on his father's farm in Fayette County and received his education in the district schools. When 17 years of age he enlisted for service in the Civil War as a member of Company A, 22nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry. He was captured July 3, 1864, at the Battle of Shenandoah, and held prisoner at Ander- sonville prison until the close of the war. After his discharge at Harris- burg, Pa., he returned home and two years later settled at Ottawa, LaSalle County, Ill., where he engaged in general farming and stock raising. He later lived in Chicago, where he followed his trade as a carpenter. Mr. Meradith was one of the early farmers of Channahan Township. He has lived retired at Channahan since 1918.
In 1869 Mr. Meradith married Miss Mary Ann Dix, of Ottawa, Ill., who died in 1919. They were the parents of four children: Carrie, married Joseph Sterling, lives at Michigan City, Ind., and they have a daughter, Mary Jane; Cora, married Willis Van Allen, lives in Chicago, and they have a son, Meradith; John Thomas, lives at Farmer City, Ill., married Miss Eva Dawson, and they have two children, Alfred and Grace; and Charles, who died at the age of four years.
Mr. Meradith is a member of the Methodist Church and has been affiliated with the Masonic Lodge for 30 years. He is a Republican in politics, and served as justice of the peace at Channahan for 12 years.
Reuben Royal Hafenrichter is well known in Wheatland Township, where he is the owner of a well improved farm of 230 acres. He was born on this farm Jan. 5, 1881, the son of John and Mary (Hemm) Hafenrichter.
John Hafenrichter was born in Germany and was 12 years of age when he came to the United States and settled near Oswego, Ill. He later removed to the present Hafenrichter farm in Wheatland Township. He was well known throughout this section as a general farmer and stockman. He died in September, 1927, at the age of 93 years, and is buried in Oswego Prairie Cemetery. He served as school director, road commissioner, and justice of the peace. Mary (Hemm) Hafenrichter was born in New York and lived in Will County from 1848 until the time of her death in August, 1922. Mr. and Mrs. Hafenrichter were the parents of two sons: Ezra Edward, mention of whom is made below ; and Reuben Royal, the subject of this sketch.
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