USA > Illinois > Will County > History of Will County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 43
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Clinton Ray Hulbert was reared and educated in Defiance County, Ohio, and came to Channahan Township, Will County, Ill., with his family in 1885. Throughout his business career he has been interested in the mercantile business and for many years has ranked among the dependable merchants of Will County.
On June 26, 1876, Mr. Hulbert was united in marriage with Miss Emma Myers, who was born in Miami County, Kansas, April 5, 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Hulbert were the parents of 15 children, as follows: Jennie, married John Conroy, of Parsons, Kan., and she died in 1928; Julia, married William Long, lives at Channahan; Charles, married Margaret Liberty, lives at Joliet; Clinton, died at the age of 12 years; William, lives at Channahan, married Irene Williams; Marietta, married Frank Valenta, lives at Joliet; Walter, married Ruth Wyrick, lives at Channahan; Loretta, married Sumner Bell, lives at Joliet, and they have a son, Elmer; Emma, married Kenneth Andrews, lives at Joliet; Raymond, married Minnie Calusio, lives at Channahan; Ruth and Ruby, twins, both died in infancy in 1900; John Wesley, married Mary Usyl,
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MR. AND MRS. CLINTON RAY HULBERT
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lives at Joliet; Harriet Louise, married David Gibbons, lives at Joliet; and Eleanor, married Robert Blum, lives at Joliet. There are 23 grand- children, and 16 great-grandchildren.
Mr. Hulbert has always been a Republican. He was postmaster at Channahan for 18 years, and served as highway commissioner of Chan- nahan Township and school director. He has been local committeeman for 38 years. Mr. Hulbert is a member of the Universalist Church and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, and Modern Woodmen of America.
Lewis Wilbur Smith, superintendent of Joliet Township High School, is among the widely known educators of Will County. He was born at West Newton, Ohio, Feb. 13, 1876, the son of William Alexander and Sarah (Moore) Smith.
William Alexander Smith, who died in 1895, spent his entire life at West Newton. His wife was also born there. She died in 1914. There were four children in the Smith family: George E., lives at Newark, Ohio; Mrs. Charles E. Gooddall, lives at 5310 Cornelia Avenue, Chi- cago; Mrs. Noble Eberhardt, lives at 5310 Cornelia Avenue, Chicago; and Lewis Wilbur, the subject of this sketch.
Lewis Wilbur Smith was reared and received his elementary and secondary education in the public schools of Northwestern Ohio. He did his undergraduate work in Denison University and graduated from that institution in 1902 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He did his graduate work in the School of Education, University of Chicago. In recognition of this work he was granted the degree of Master of Arts in 1913, and the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in 1919. He has had experience as a teacher in every grade of school from the first grade of the elementary school to graduate schools of the University. For the past 20 years he has been an administrator of schools. For eight years of that period he has occupied his present position as superintendent of Joliet Township High School and Junior College.
For two years each Dr. Smith has given summer courses in edu- cation in Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of California. From time to time he is called upon to lecture before various professional and civic bodies upon educational practices. He was the first president of the Illinois High School Principals Asso- ciation and wrote its constitution. He was one of the organizers of the National Honor Society and since its foundation had been a mem-
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ber of the National Council, which guides its policies. In 1925 he was president of the American Association of Junior Colleges, and he is at present chairman of the research committee, charged with the setting up of a national research to be conducted under the auspices of the American Council on Education. For several years he has been chair- man of the Commission of Unit Courses and Curricula of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
The Joliet Township High School and Junior College is indeed for- tunate to have as its superintendent a man of unusually varied and considerable experiences in educational leadership. Dr. Smith's field of activity ranges from the direction of a secondary school and junior college to adult education in night school and graduate courses in education in state universities. Two year trade courses for those who must begin a man's work at 16 and honor societies for those who will continue their education in colleges and universities, modern school buildings and modern developments in athletics alike receive Dr. Smith's attention.
In 1906 Dr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Rowena Randall, of Aurora, Ill., the daughter of Frank and Ida F. (Blakesley) Randall. The former is deceased and the latter resides with the Smith family in Joliet. Doctor and Mrs. Smith have two sons, Wilbur and Harold, both at home.
Dr. Smith is a Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Joliet Country Club and Rotary Club.
Martin B. Muehler, one of the most successful and dependable mer- chants of Mokena, is a native of Germany. He was born in Saxon, April 15, 1887, the son of William and Augusta (Moore) Muehler.
Both William Muehler and his wife were natives of Germany. They came to the United States in 1911 and settled at Joliet, where Mr. Muehler entered the employ of the American Steel & Wire Company. He and his wife still live at Joliet. He is a Republican and a member of the German Lutheran Church. There were six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Muehler, as follows: Anne, married Alvin Kittler, lives
at Joliet; Martin B., the subject of this sketch; Arno, lives at Joliet; Paul, a World War veteran, lives at Joliet; Freida, married William May, lives at Clearwater, Fla .; and Richard, lives at home.
Martin B. Muehler spent his boyhood in his native land and was educated there. He was employed in the coal mines and also worked
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on a farm. He served his enlistment in the German army and in 1910 came to the United States and settled at Joliet. For several years he was employed by the American Bakery Company and in May, 1923, came to Mokena, where he established his present meat business. He handles high grade merchandise exclusively and has an excellent trade. In 1926 Mr. Muehler purchased the business property where his store is located.
In 1907 Mr. Muehler married Miss Amelia Hergert. Mrs. Muehler died in 1925 and is buried in Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet. To Mr. and Mrs. Muehler were born six children: Max and Richard, both in the employ of the J. L. Ferguson Machine Company, Joliet ; Hertha, Walter, Willy and Bernice, all students.
Politically, Mr. Muehler is a Republican. He holds membership in St. John's Evangelical Church, and belongs to the German Soldiers Club and the American Business Men's Association.
Rev. Philip L. Kennedy .- Prominent among the leading men of Joliet is Father Kennedy, who is pastor of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. He was born in County Tipperary, Ireland. His parents came to Chi- cago in 1880. Father Kennedy studied in St. Ignatius College, Chicago, and St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore. He was ordained Oct. 13, 1900. Previous to his appointment to St. Patrick's Church, Father Kennedy was assistant for 13 years to Father Cashman in St. Jarlath's parish, Chicago.
Scarcely had Joliet been organized as a village than the Right Rev- erend Simon Gabriel Brute, first Bishop of Vincennes, sent as the first pastor of the parish which was to be St. Patrick's, John Francis Plun- kett. He took up his duties in November, 1838, having been trans- ferred here from Madison, Ind. He was stricken suddenly and died in January, 1840. The settlers were then attended by Father Maurice de Saint Palais, then a missionary priest of the Diocese of Vincennes. Owing to his solid piety he rose rapidly in the ranks of the clergy and became successively the Vicar General and the Bishop of Vincennes. He died at St. Mary's of the Woods in 1877. In February, 1840, Father Hippolyte DuPontavice arrived in Joliet and became pastor of the new church. Again we find a young man sent by the Bishop to assume the responsibilities of a large parish. Father DuPontavice attended per-
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sonally to the building of the church and after a short time petitioned the Bishop to send him an associate pastor. The Bishop acceded to his wish, and on Aug. 30, 1840, we find another priest at St. Patrick's, Father John Gueguen. In 1843 the diocese of Chicago was formed and Joliet, coming under the jurisdiction of the new diocese, Father DuPon- tavice went back to his own diocese, and was stationed at Madison, Ind. He died May 27, 1847.
The fourth pastor of St. Patrick's Church was Rev. John Ingoldsby He came to Joliet in August, 1844. During his administration the parish flourished and in 1848 a steeple was added to the church building. Rev. George Hamilton was appointed fifth pastor of St. Patrick's Church on April 3, 1850, and he was succeeded by Rev. Patrick Farrelly in August, 1858. His first official act was to reverse the old popular name of St. Patrick's, which Father Hamilton in his devotion to his patron saint had changed to St. George. Rev. Walter Power was appointed pastor of St. Patrick's to succeed Father Farrelly.
In January, 1886, Rev. Patrick W. Dunne was given charge of St. Patrick's Church, and he had the pleasure of celebrating the golden jubilee of the parish in 1889. There was a crying need of a modern parochial school and Father Dunne at once undertook to construct what has been called the Marquette School. At present the Christian Brothers occupy this building under the name of the DeLasalle Institute. Father Dunne put the Ladies of Loretto in charge of his new school and for many years these noble women gave forth their best efforts in the training of the hearts and minds of their numerous pupils. The excel- lent work of his administration in this parish from 1886 until 1911 is well known and appreciated by the people of Joliet. In 1911 Archbishop Quigley appointed Father Dunne permanent rector of St. James Church in Chicago, and also conferred on him the dignity of Diocesan Consultor.
Rev. Peter O'Dwyer was appointed pastor of St. Patrick's in 1911. It was during his period of office that the new house on Broadway was built, which is now the residence of the Christian Brothers. Father O'Dwyer is at present pastor of St. Rose of Lima's Church in Chicago. He was succeeded by Rev. Philip L. Kennedy, present pastor. Rev. William D. O'Brien, now Rt. Rev. Monsignor, and President of the Catholic Church Extension Society, and Rev. Joseph P. Morrison, now acting pastor of Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago, were the first assistants to Father Kennedy.
The work of building the new St. Patricks Church was begun in May, 1918. Services were held in the new church for the first time on
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Sunday, March 2, 1919. The Dominican Sisters had moved into their convent in the summer of 1918 and classes began in the new St. Pat- rick's School in September, 1918.
Frank J. Carnaghi, who is serving as assistant cashier of the Joliet National Bank, is one of the best known young business men of the city. He was born at Seymour, Iowa, May 1, 1893, the son of Vincent and Louisa (Spesia) Carnaghi.
Vincent Carnaghi, who lives retired in Joliet, is a native of Italy. His wife is deceased and is buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Joliet. There were two chldren born to Mr. and Mrs. Carnaghi: Josephine, married Capt. Nicholas Fornango, who is a Captain on the Joliet police force; and Frank J., the subject of this sketch.
About 1895 the Carnaghi family settled in Joliet, and it was in this city that Frank J. Carnaghi received his schooling. He also attended the Metropolitan Business College and began his banking career as a bookkeeper for the Joliet National Bank in 1912. He was later pro- moted to teller and in 1925 was made assistant cashier of this insti- tution.
On June 3, 1914, Mr. Carnaghi married Miss Ruth Bigelow, of Joliet, the daughter of George and Elizabeth Bigelow. Mr. Bigelow, deceased, was a prominent musician of Joliet. His widow makes her home with Mr. Carnaghi.
Politically Mr. Carnaghi is a Republican. He is a trustee of St. Anthony's Catholic Church and belongs to the Knights of Columbus, Third Degree. He also holds membership in the Joliet Country Club, Joliet Advertising Club, and the Chamber of Commerce.
John A. Tezak is among the capable and well known men of Joliet, where he has been known as a funeral director for the past 20 years. He was born at Clinton, Iowa, Feb. 7, 1886, the son of George and Margaret Tezak.
George Tezak was born in Austria. He emigrated to the United States in early life and settled at Clinton, Iowa, where he followed general farming and stock raising. He died in 1920 at the age of 83 years, and is buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Joliet. He spent the latter part of his life in this city, where his widow now resides. To
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Mr. and Mrs. Tezak the following children were born: Catherine, mar- ried John Simonich, lives in Joliet; Margaret, married M. Kozjan, lives in Joliet; Antone C., lives in California; Mrs. Mary Stukel, lives in Joliet; Joseph; and John A., the subject of this sketch.
John A. Tezak attended the public schools of Clinton, Iowa, and later studied in Chicago. After completing a course at the William E. Duffy Embalming School he became an instructor in that school and remained there until 1908, when he established his present business in Joliet. His funeral home, which is located at 207 Indiana Avenue, is one of the up-to-date and well equipped mortuaries to be found in this section of Illinois. Mr. Tezak is chairman of the Funeral Directors Association of Will County, and a member of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association. Since 1925 Mr. Tezak has also been interested in the floral business.
On April 29, 1914, Mr. Tezak married Miss Jean Dickman, of Forest City, Pa., the daughter of John and Mary Dickman. Mr. Dickman is deceased and his widow resides at Forest City, Pa. To Mr. and Mrs. Tezak have been born five children: George, deceased; Eugene, born Sept. 12, 1916; Clinton Robert, born Sept. 23, 1918; Richard, born Sept. 6, 1919; and Donald Charles, born Feb. 18, 1924.
Mr. Tezak is a Republican, a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, and belongs to the Elks Lodge, Loyal Order of Moose, Modern Woodmen of America, Western Catholic Union, and National Slovak Union.
Charles Schleeter, vice president of the State Bank of Manhattan, is a leading farmer and stockman of Jackson Township. He was born on a farm in this township, Sept. 13, 1872, the son of Henry H. and Mary (Luking) Schleeter.
Henry H. Schleeter, deceased, was a native of Germany and a vet- eran of the Civil War. He was 17 years of age when he and his parents came to the United States and settled in Lancaster County, Pa. He served throughout the Civil War with a Pennsylvania company and in March, 1866, came to Will County, and settled in Jackson Township. He purchased 60 acres of land in Sections 23 and 26, and at the time of his death was the owner of 260 acres. He died July 2, 1910, at the age of 78 years, and his wife died Jan. 23, 1913. They are buried in Providence Ridge Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Schleeter were born seven children, two of whom survive: Frederick, born in 1867, lives in Jackson Township; and Charles, the subject of this sketch.
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Charles Schleeter was educated in the district schools of Jackson Township and remained on the family homestead until 1910. He then purchased part of his father's farm, and at various times since then has added to his holdings until he is now the owner of 210 acres of well improved land. He is extensively engaged in the feeding of cattle, and is also interested in general farming. Mr. Schleeter has been iden- tified with the State Bank of Manhattan as vice president since 1919. He is also a director.
On Feb. 15, 1911, Mr. Schleeter was united in marriage with Miss Myrtle Long, a native of Michigan. They have four children: Doris, Gladys, Lorin, and Charles.
Mr. Schleeter is a Republican and a member of the Manhattan Meth- odist Episcopal Church, of which he served as Sunday School Superin- tendent for a number of years.
Oliver H. Tesdall .- One of the leading merchants of Joliet is Mr. Tesdall, who is identified with the clothing firm of Tesdall-Pratt. He was born in Norway, May 8, 1876, and at the age of three years came to this country. The early years of his life were spent on a farm in Grundy County. He received his schooling at Valparaiso, Ind., and at Ottawa, Ill.
After completing his schooling Mr. Tesdall went to Morris, Ill., where he spent several years as a salesman. He later located at Shef- field, and in 1902 came to Joliet, where he accepted a position with Dinet & Nachbour Company, clothiers. In 1916 he left this firm to engage in business for himself, at that time becoming a partner of Mr. Pratt. They purchased the business of L. A. Raub, who had estab- lished the business 20 years earlier. They are local dealers for Society Brand clothing and carry a complete line of men's clothing and fur- nishings. It is among the finest stores in the city and is located at 225-227 East Jefferson Street.
In 1906 Mr. Tesdall married Miss Jeanette Miller, of Frankfort, N. Y. They have a daughter, Frances Louella, who was graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1927.
Mr. Tesdall is a Republican, a member of the First Presbyterian Church, of which he is deacon, and he also belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Modern Woodmen of America, Kiwanis Club, and Chamber of Commerce.
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Col. Fred Bennitt, retired, is one of the representative citizens of Joliet, where he engaged in the practice of law since Sept. 15, 1876. He was born at Hammondsport, N. Y., Aug. 5, 1855, the son of Col. Benjamin and Malinda (Wheeler) Bennitt.
Col. Benjamin Bennitt was born at Hammondsport, and was the 18th of 23 children born to his parents. During his early career he followed farming and taught school. He later studied law and became a leading lawyer of New York. On April 17, 1861, he enlisted for service in the Civil War, being the eighth man on the roll, after making a trip of eight miles to enlist. He enlisted as a private in Company A, 23rd New York Volunteer Infantry, but later received the commission of a first lieutenant. He served in the First Corps Army of the Potomac, and after completing his first term of service, returned to his home town, where he organized Company G, of the 22nd New York Cavalry. This regiment also served in the Army of the Potomac, and Col. Ben- nitt, with his entire company, was captured at Ream Station, Va., on June 29, 1864. He remained in prison for eight months and made four unsuccessful attempts at escape. His wife, Malinda (Wheeler) Ben- nitt was born in New York, Feb. 25, 1831, and died at Joliet, March 24, 1918. She is buried in Oakwood Cemetery. Colonel Bennitt died Aug. 25, 1889. Two sons were born to Col. Benjamin and Mrs. Bennitt: Fred, the subject of this sketch; and Mark, born May 31, 1859. He lives in Oakland, Calif., and is prominent in newspaper work. He was a resident of Joliet until 1920.
Fred Bennitt was reared and educated at Hammondsport, N. Y., and also attended Cornell University, and in 1875 came to Joliet. Soon after coming to Joliet he entered the service of the State of Illinois and from 1876 until 1898 he was in the Illinois National Guard and rose rapidly to colonel in 1883 and continued as such until after the Spanish-American War. He served throughout the Spanish-American War as a Colonel of the Third Illinois Volunteer Infantry and was dis- charged Jan. 24, 1899. He was admitted to the bar of Illinois, Sept. 15, 1876, and until his recent retirement was recognized as one of the leading attorneys of Will County. Colonel Bennitt, who was responsible for the elimination of the grade crossings in Joliet, believes this to be his greatest and most worthwhile achievement.
On April 19, 1883, Colonel Bennitt was united in marriage with Miss Anne E. Reed, the daughter of Samuel B. and Jane E. (Earle) Reed. Samuel B. Reed, who was the greatest railroad builder of history, died Dec. 25, 1891, at the age of 73 years, and is buried in Oakwood
ILL.
COL. FRED BENNITT
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Cemetery, Joliet. He was a native of Arlington, Vt., and his wife was born in Potter County, Pa. They were married April 11, 1855, and had three daughters: Anne E. Bennitt; Mary B., the widow of Louis Hyde, lives at Joliet; and Jane R., married Col. Arthur S. Dwight, lives at Great Neck, L. I. To Colonel and Mrs. Bennitt were born six children, only one of whom survives, Fred Dwight Bennitt, who was born in Joliet, Oct. 24, 1900, and was educated in the public schools of this city. He also attended Culver Military Academy, and was graduated from the University of Illinois in 1922. He lives at Joliet, where he is employed in the legal department of the Western United Gas and Electric Company. He married Miss Helen Smith, of Joliet. Alice Bennitt, who died in 1921, was the wife of Elbert E. Bates, of Joliet. They had two children, Bennitt and Anne Reed Bates, students at Joliet Township High School. The other children of Colonel and Mrs. Bennitt died in infancy.
Colonel Bennitt is identified with the Republican party in politics and is a member of the Episcopal Church. He belongs to the Spanish- American War Veterans and the Loyal Legion of the United States of America.
Wald Olsen, well known garage owner of Crete, was born in Den- mark, June 4, 1888. After completing his schooling he learned the machinist's trade in 1902. He served in the navy for one year and then traveled extensively throughout Europe, visiting practically every country in the world. He served in the capacity of engineer in the employ of the Norwegian Steamship Company for three years and afterward came to the United States. He located in northern Mich- igan, where he was employed by the Verona Mining Company for a year. He traveled through Illinois and Michigan and during the World War enlisted for service. He spent 15 months with the Motor Trans- portation Corps as a chauffeur and was sent to France, where he saw active duty for nine months. He was discharged with the rank of corporal. Mr. Olsen has been interested in the automobile business since 1915 and has been located at Crete since 1917. He operates a first class repair shop and also is a dealer in gasoline, oils, and automo- bile accessories. His business is located on the Dixie Highway.
Mr. Olsen was married in 1922 to Mrs. Anna M. Griebe Janota, a native of Germany, born July 26, 1896. At the time of her marriage she was living in Chicago. Mrs. Olsen has two daughters: Helen, born
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Sept. 18, 1913; and Clara, born Sept. 5, 1916. Both are accomplished musicians and have been identified with the public school orchestra at Crete.
Mr. Olsen is a member of the Masonic lodge, the American Legion, and also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce and Lincolnshire Country Club. He has a wide acquaintance throughout Will County and is well liked by his many friends and business associates.
Edward Andrew Rollert, agent for the Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail- road at Faithorn for the past 21 years, is a highly esteemed and well known resident of Crete. He was born in Chicago, Feb. 27, 1884.
Mr. Rollert has always been connected with railroad work. He began as a clerk for the Chicago, Junction Railroad in Chicago, and in 1899 went with the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad. Three years later he was made yard master for the Chicago Belt Railway, and later was promoted to agent. He came to Faithorn in August, 1907, to accept the position of chief clerk of the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, which was then known as the Chicago, Terre Haute & Southeastern Railroad. He was soon promoted to agent. Throughout these years Mr. Rollert has been a resident of Crete, where he is the owner of a popular gasoline service station.
On May 11, 1910, Mr. Rollert married Miss Rose Dumas, of Chicago. They have two sons: Edward, born in 1912; and Howard, born in 1914. Both are students in the Bloom Township High School.
Mr. Rollert is a member of the Crete Methodist Church and belongs to F. & A. M. No. 763, Crete, Modern Woodmen of America, and Lin- colnshire Country Club.
J. H. Pralle, deceased, was among the dependable and well known business men of Crete, where he founded the milk transportation com- pany which bears his name. He was born at Beecher, Will County, in 1882, and died April 25, 1925.
Mr. Pralle came to Crete with his family in August, 1915, and for several months was employed as an automobile salesman for the Crete Garage. Late that fall he purchased a milk route for the small sum of $50.00. The terms were $10 down and the balance in a note. Even this ten dollars he had to borrow. Shortly after this, being able to
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