USA > Illinois > Will County > History of Will County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 45
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In February, 1882, Mr. Themer was united in marriage with Miss Magdalena Hilgert, of Chicago. She died in 1917 and is buried in the Lutheran cemetery at Crete. To Mr. and Mrs. Themer were born six children, as follows: Hugo, lives at Kankakee, Ill .; Olinda, died in in- fancy; Alice, died at the age of 13 years; William C., lives in Crete Township, married Miss Melinda Boicken; Arthur, died at the age of 18 years; and Magdalene, married Robert Higdon, lives at Detroit, Mich.
Mr. Themer is a Republican and holds membership in the Lutheran Church. Until his recent retirement he was an active member of the Will County Farm Bureau.
Royal L. Watson, M. D .- A career replete with achievement has been that of Dr. Royal L. Watson, one of the most prominent physicians in Will County. Dr. Watson has served the United States as a first lieu- tenant in the Medical Corps of the army during the World War, and he is a leading member of the medical fraternities of the state, county, and city. Dr. Watson was born in Joliet, April 9, 1880, a son of Joseph L. and Caroline M. (Watson) Watson.
Joseph L. Watson was born in Center Hall, Center County, Pa. He was reared on his father's farm and was taking a pre-medicine course at the Center Hall Pre-Medic College when the Civil War broke out. He enlisted at once in Company E, 5th Pennsylvania Infantry, and was made sergeant. During the battle of Antietam he was wounded. He lay on the field all night and the next day was captured by the southern troops and sent to Libby Prison, where he was later exchanged and returned to the Union army. He was promoted to captain and had charge of the supply trains at Gettysburg. He served throughout the entire war and was honorably discharged. After the war he came to Joliet to recuperate and became a guard at the Illinois State Penitenti- ary, where he remained about two years. He then returned east and worked on his father's farm. He was married in the meantime. After two years he returned to Joliet and again became a guard at the peni- tentiary, where he remained in that capacity for 35 years. He died April 9, 1905. His wife, who was born at Blair Station, Blair County, Pa., died in 1912. They are both buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet. Mr. Watson was a Republican and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. They were members of the Central Presbyterian Church. To
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Joseph L. and Caroline (Watson) Watson six children were born: Belle, lives at Joliet; William, Joliet; Robert Lewis, deceased. He was super- intendent of construction at the Clairton furnaces at Clairton, Pa., for the U. S. Steel Corporation. He was killed by an explosion at the fur- naces in 1905, and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet; Ralph, Gary, Ill .; Bessie Elizabeth, married Claude Emory, resides at Des Moines, Ia .; and Royal L., the subject of this sketch.
Dr. Watson's early education was obtained in the public schools of Joliet and Joliet Township High School from which he graduated in 1899. He attended the University of Michigan Medical School for two years. He then entered the Rush Medical School of the University of Chicago, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1904. He first established offices at Florid, Putnam County, Ill., where he remained for seven years. He came to Joliet in June, 1911, and has since practiced his profession continuously and has achieved a notable success as a physician and surgeon. Dr. Watson has also taken post graduate work at many leading medical schools.
During the World War he served on the draft board as medical ex- aminer, and in August, 1918, volunteered for service in the U. S. army and was called to service the latter part of September, 1918. He was commissioned a first lieutenant in the U. S. Medical Reserve Corps and was sent to Fort Riley, Kansas, for instructions, and was ordered over- seas. The armistice being signed shortly afterwards he was discharged and returned to Joliet on Dec. 8, 1918.
On Oct. 18, 1905, Dr. Watson was married to Miss Clara Case, a daughter of Edward and Belle (Randall) Case. Mr. Case is deceased and Mrs. Case resides with her daughter, Mrs. Watson, in Joliet. Doctor and Mrs. Watson have two daughters: Marjorie Bell, a student at the Uni- versity of Illinois; and Betty May, attends Joliet Township High School. The family are members of the Central Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Watson is a member of the American Medical Association; mem- ber of the Medical Society of the State of Illinois; and the Will County Medical Society. He is a member of the staff of Silver Cross Hospital and is on the advisory committee and also of St. Joseph's Hospital. He belongs to Harwood Post, No. 5, American Legion, being post physiciar - to Matteson Lodge, A. F. and A. M. No. 175; Joliet Chapter, R. A. M. No. 27; Joliet Commandery, K. T. No. 4; Oriental Consistory, A. A. S. R. thirty-second degree; Medinah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S .; Joliet Shrine Club; Joliet Country Club; and is a life member of the Joliet Chamber of Commerce.
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I. J. Clark, retired, is a prominent pioneer citizen of Will County and a veteran of the Civil War. He was born in Clermont County, Ohio, Jan. 8, 1846, the son of John and Jemima (Sapp) Clark.
John Clark, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He served in Company E, Eighth Iowa Cavalry, with the rank of sergeant. He was born in Clermont County, Ohio, and settled in Iowa in 1851, where he engaged in general farming and stock raising. During the Civil War he served as a member of Company E, Eighth Iowa Cavalry. He was a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. He died in 1876 and his wife, a native of Kentucky, died in 1862. They are buried in Lee County, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Clark were born five children: I. J., the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of Andrew Merritt, who lives in California; John, deceased; Mary, the widow of Henry Barnse, lives in Kansas; and Rev. Edmond, a minister of the Baptist Church, lives in Colorado.
I. J. Clark spent his boyhood on his father's farm in Iowa and attended school in a log cabin, walking two and one-quarter miles. The furniture of the school consisted of plain benches with no backs, made of rough slabs. He improved the land owned by his father and remem- bers driving five yoke of oxen breaking prairie when he was only nine years old. In places clumps of hazel brush were from one-half to an acre in size and frequently he would find a couple of rattlesnakes in these places. Mr. Clark remained in Iowa until March, 1896, at which time he came to Will County and purchased a farm of 177 acres in Custer Township. He became an extensive grain farmer and was a successful stockman. Mr. Clark has lived retired at Custer Park for 14 years.
During the Civil War Mr. Clark volunteered for service and served as a member of Company E. Eighth Iowa Cavalry, his company being Sherman's bodyguard. Mr. Clark was taken prisoner and held in the Andersonville prison. He was discharged from Macon, Ga., in Au- gust, 1865.
Mr. Clark was married on April 28, 1868, to Miss Charlotte Clark, of LaSalle County, Ill., the daughter of David L. and Deborah (Garbet) Clark, natives of Ohio, and the parents of the following children: Char- lotte Clark; Amelia, deceased, was the wife of Edward Clark; Charles, deceased, was postmaster of Utica, Ill., for 16 years; and Marietta, married Benjamin Hadley, both deceased. Mr. David Clark died in 1888 and his wife died in 1895. They are buried at Utica, Ill. To Mr.
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and Mrs. I. J. Clark were born eight children, as follows: Nellie, born in LaSalle County, married William McCormick, deceased, and they had two children, Charlotte and Mildred; LaVancha, died at the age of five years; Mary, married Frank Baird, both deceased; John, died in infancy ; Luella, married George Griffin, lives at Joliet; M. J., married Florence Connor, lives at Lemont, Ill .; Charles, married Nellie Traynor, lives near Wilmington; and H. R., farmer, married Mabel Traynor, lives in Custer Township, Will County.
Politically, Mr. Clark is a Republican. He is a member of the Com- munity Church and is recording steward in the Methodist Episcopal and United Brethren Churches. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
John E. Chalstrom is a representative business man of Joliet, being president and treasurer of The Joliet Wall Paper Mills, Inc. He was born in the State of Kalmar, Sweden, March 21, 1864, the son of Carl and Hannah (Nelson) Chalstrom.
Carl Chalstrom, who spent his entire life in Sweden, is now deceased. He was a farmer. He was active in politics in his community and a life long member of the Swedish Lutheran Church. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Chalstrom: John E., the subject of this sketch; Charles, deceased, buried in Joliet; Anna, deceased; Frank A., a farmer, in Sweden; Victor, deceased; Oscar, lives in Sweden; Gus- tave, deceased; Adele, married Carl Carlson, retired banker and manu- facturer, lives in Sweden; Hannah, married Carl Nelson, resides in Chi- cago, Ill .; Robert, a World War veteran; and Martin, deceased.
- John E. Chalstrom attended the schools of his native land and spent his boyhood on his father's farm. He came to the United States in 1884 and stopped in Chicago, where he worked at the carpenter's trade for a few weeks. During that year he removed to Homer Township, Will County, where he was employed on the farm of Harmon Frazier until 1889, when he removed to Joliet. He was then employed in the machine shops of the Illinois Steel Company for seven months at which time he was promoted to assistant engineer in the blast furnaces which position he held for one year. In 1901 he worked at the carpenter's trade and the following year engaged in the general contracting and building business. He erected a great number of apartment buildings and residences and was also the builder of the Swedish Methodist
JE Chalstrom
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church and parsonage. He drew his own plans and carried on his own business without the assistance of an architect. The results of his work proved his success as a designer, builder and real estate dealer. As a side line he also owned and operated a dairy business, which was also profitable. It may also be said that during the time he engaged in the building and real estate business he assisted many families to become home-owners.
In 1914 in partnership with a few men of Joliet Mr. Chalstrom organized The Joliet Wall Paper Mills which was incorporated during that year. He took no active part in the running of the business until the end of the second year at which time he was elected president and given full charge of the business. During the years of 1917 and 1918 Mr. Chalstrom acquired very nearly all outstanding stock and ever since has served as president and treasurer of the institution.
He is also vice president and director of the Chicago National Life Insurance Co. He is president and one of the largest stockholders of The United States General Agency Company of Chicago, which is the holding company of the Chicago National Life Insurance Company.
Mr. Chalstrom was one of the organizers of the Eagle Paper Com- pany of Joliet, of which he served as president for one year, during which time he constructed the building of the Eagle Paper Company, but at the end of the first year sold his interest in the concern.
Mr. Chalstrom was married to Miss Ida M. Nelson, who passed away in 1902 and was buried in Joliet. To this union were born four chil- dren: Florence E., vice president of The Joliet Wall Paper Mills; Alice D., married Victor F. Wilson and resides in Chicago; Myrtle C., city school nurse; Clare E., travelling representative of The Joliet Wall Paper Mills, also local agent of the Chicago National Life Insurance Company.
Mr. Chalstrom later married Miss Amanda C. Peterson, of Chicago and they are the parents of: Gilbert E., who attends and now a senior student of the University of Illinois; Raymond, deceased; Phyllis Louise, a student.
Mr. Chalstrom was one of the founders of The First Swedish Metho- dist Church and served as president of the board of trustees, class leader, also recording steward until 1910 when he and his family joined the Ottawa Street Methodist Church of Joliet, Ill., where he for many years has been and is now serving as vice president of the board of trus- tees, also member of finance committee. He is a firm believer in Christ- ianity to which he attributes his success in life. He is widely known
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for his charitable works. His motto is "Be sure you are right, then go ahead." This advice he has given to hundreds of young men.
Mr. Chalstrom is not a lodge man, but is affiliated with the following institutions : The Country Club, Chamber of Commerce of Joliet, Illinois Chamber of Commerce, United States Chamber of Commerce, and the Manufacturers Association of Illinois, also serving as a member of the City Zoning Commission of Joliet. He is one of the original board of directors of the Y. M. C. A. of Joliet and was a member of the committee which solicited funds for the erection of the organization's new $550,- 000.00 home. His personal contribution amounted to $4,000.00.
Mr. Chalstrom is a Republican and true American citizen.
The Joliet Wall Paper Mills, Inc., one of the leading manufacturing concerns of Will County, has had a remarkable growth during its com- paratively short existence. It was incorporated in 1914 for $30,000.00. Capital increased in 1915 to $60,000.00. In 1916, was reorganized with a capital stock of $125,000.00. The original officers of the company were as follows: Charles S. Nowell, president; Edward C. Hintz, sec- retary ; Albert Metzelburg, treasurer; Thomas F. Flynn, superintendent.
Since May 15, 1916, the officers have been: John E. Chalstrom, president and treasurer; F. E. Chalstrom, vice president; Edward C. Hintz, secretary.
Business during the first year amounted to $58,800.00. In 1927 the total volume of business amounted to more than $750,000.00.
The company manufactures approximately 14 million rolls of wall paper annually with the nine machines in operation at the present time. Five additional machines will complete the plant's equipment during 1928. The entire mill is equipped with automatic rolling machines and has two heating plants, each with a capacity of 60,000 cubic feet of hot air per minute, which are used for drying purposes. Water is supplied from a 750 foot well, with a supply tank, having a capacity of 15 thousand (15,000) gallons, elevated on a brick tower 80 feet high.
About 150 men are employed in the mills and 18 travelling repre- sentatives throughout the United States and Canada. Recreation rooms are maintained for the employees as well as a swimming pool and showers. The pool is 22x72 feet in size, 6 feet deep, and contains 60,000 gallons of water, heated by steam.
The Joliet Wall Paper Mills, Inc., occupies a tract of four acres. The building is 240x550, a large part being two stories, and has 250,000
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square feet floor space. The plant, with the exception of the first unit, was designed by Mr. Chalstrom, who owns the controlling interest in the business. Reconstruction work in 1928 will place the value of the company's investment at one million dollars, and will make it one of the most up to date factories of its kind in the United States.
Among the oldest men in point of service in the company's employ may be mentioned Edward C. Hintz, secretary and office manager, and Ben Evans, chief color mixer, both of whom have been with the firm since its inception. J. R. McDade, master mechanic, and Charles Peter- son, millwright, have been in the employ of Mr. Chalstrom for 35 years. Frederick C. Hanfeld, factory superintendent and colorist, has been with the firm since 1920. It may be stated that harmony prevails at all times and labor troubles are practically unknown.
Martin Bergan, retired, is a representative citizen of Will County and a member of the first family that settled at Manhattan. He was born on a farm in Manhattan Township, the son of Martin and Esther (Walsh) Bergan.
Martin Bergan was born in Ireland as was his wife. After their marriage they emigrated to the United States and settled at Manhattan in 1846. Mr. Bergan became a prosperous farmer and was widely known throughout Will County. He died in 1890 and his wife died in 1894. They are buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Manhattan. Mr. and Mrs. Bergan had nine children, of whom Martin, the subject of this sketch, is the only surviving member.
Martin Bergan grew up on his father's farm and received his educa- tion in the district schools. At the age of 26 years he came to Man- hattan and entered the employ of George Zinger, hardware merchant. Ten years later, in 1900, Mr. Bergan went into business for himself in partnership with his brother, Daniel. They conducted the business suc- cessfully for about 20 years and then disposed of it to Mr. Schroeder. The store was completely destroyed by fire in 1905 and again in 1917 was damaged by wind. Mr. Bergan has lived retired since 1919.
In 1892 Mr. Bergan married Miss Catherine Cunningham, a sister of M. J. Cunningham, who is a teacher in the public schools of Joliet. To them were born three children: Edith, married J. W. O'Connor, lives in Chicago, and they have three children, Mary Margaret, Bernice and Edith Marie; Daniel, who died in 1918 at the age of 19 years; and Irene,
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a teacher in the Joliet schools. She is a graduate of St. Francis School, Joliet, and the Illinois State Normal School.
Mr. Bergan has always been a Democrat. He has served as assessor of Manhattan Township since 1922 and served as a member of the village board of Manhattan 22 years. He also was postmaster of Manhattan under President Cleveland. He is a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters.
Mr. Bergan has been a stockholder of the First National Bank of Manhattan since the date of its organization.
Fred C. Wietting, who is superintendent of the Will County Farm in Troy Township, is one of the leading citizens of the community. He was born in Frankfort Township, Will County, Jan. 20, 1877, the son of Carl and Sophia (Ahearns) Wietting.
Carl Wietting was born in Germany in 1855 and his wife was born there in 1854. They came to this country many years ago and settled at Mokena, Ill., where Mr. Wietting engaged in general farming and stock raising. He spent the latter part of his life in Joliet and died there in August, 1912. His wife died in 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Wietting were the parents of the following children: Minnie, married Joseph Krohn, lives in Joliet Township; Charles, lives in Joliet Township; Bertha, married Fred Strohmann, lives in Joliet Township; Fred C., the subject of this sketch; Sophia and John, both deceased.
Fred C. Wietting obtained his education in the district schools of Frankfort Township and completed his schooling at Joliet. He followed farming in Joliet Township for many years, and spent 27 years as a tenant on the farm of William Heise. His son now operates that farm. Mr. Wietting was appointed superintendent of Will County Farm in 1923 and has been most capable in the administration of his office. The farm has been entirely self supporting during the past five years. It comprises 160 acres of well improved land and has 83 inmates. The farm is conducted on a most profitable basis. As an example of this may be cited the $3,000 sale of hogs in 1927.
On Feb. 25, 1897, Mr. Wietting was united in marriage with Miss Gertrude Koehler, who was born in Germany, the daughter of Carl and Clara Koehler, residents of Kansas City, Mo. Mrs. Wietting was eight years of age when her parents came to the United States. To Mr. and Mrs. Wietting the following children were born: Mabel, lives at home;
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Sarah, the widow of Carl Schewe, lives at home; George J., lives in Joliet, married Miss Elda Bruggeman, of Manhattan, Ill .; Rosina and Nelsina, twins. They married brothers, Rosina being the wife of Henry Mietz, of Joliet, and Nelsina being the wife of Albert Mietz, of Joliet.
Politically Mr. Wietting is identified with the Republican party. He is a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Joliet, of which he is deacon, and a member of the Board of Finance. He has been school trustee of Joliet Township for the past 14 years.
Fred B. Rohe .- Numbered among the responsible men of Will County is Fred B. Rohe, mayor of Crete. He was born here, Aug. 20, 1874.
Fred B. Rohe obtained his education in the schools of Crete and spent much of his boyhood on a farm. At the age of 18 years he entered the employ of the Steger Piano Company, and after about a year went to Chicago Heights, where he was employed for two years. He then became interested in general farming and stock raising, which he suc- cessfully followed until 1907. He then engaged in the real estate and insurance business. He has recently opened an attractive subdivision on the Dixie Highway, where he has built many fine residences. Mr. Rohe has been mayor of Crete since 1923 and has always been promi- nently identified with the civic life of the community. When 24 years of age he was elected village clerk, and he has since served as village trustee, justice of the peace, county supervisor, and president of the board of trustees. He was among the first men to become interested in the Dixie Highway through this section of the county and was presi- dent of the Dixie Highway Association for Will County. He was also influential in obtaining the Lincoln Highway through Joliet.
On July 2, 1898, Mr. Rohe was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Steege, of Crete, the daughter of Fred and Caroline (Saller) Steege. Mr. Steege, who lives retired at Crete, was well known in this community for more than half a century as a tailor To Mr. and Mrs. Rohe were born two children: Otto F., born Aug. 9, 1900, attended Chicago Heights High School and the University of Michigan, is cashier of the Bank of Crete married Miss Lorine Behrens, and they have a daughter, Marilyn; and Estelle Sophie, born Sept. 30, 1902, was a teacher before her mar- riage to Paul J. Monahan, of Crete. He is also connected with the Bank of Crete.
Mr. Rohe is vice president of the Bank of Crete and is also identified with the Calumet Bond & Mortgage Company, of Hammond, Ind. He is
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a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and belongs to the National Real Estate Association and Chicago Heights Real Estate Board, and National Association of Insurance Agents. He has always been a Re- publican and is a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Crete. During the World War he was one of the "Four Minute" speakers of Will County and chairman of the board.
Andrew Gregg Watson, who is identified with the Butler Products Company, is among the highly successful building contractors of Joliet, where he has engaged in business since 1886. He was born at Center Hall, Pa., Oct. 4, 1854, the son of James B. and Elizabeth (Hess) Watson.
Andrew Gregg Watson was reared by an aunt, his parents having died when he was a small boy. He spent his early life in Blair County, Pa., and attended the district schools. About 1870 he removed to Hollidaysburg, Pa., where he remained for many years. In 1886 he located in Joliet and soon became interested in building contracting. In 1907 he established the Butler Products Company, builders of concrete blocks, etc. Mr. Watson has specialized in residential work and has also had contracts for the erection of most of the schools and churches in this section.
Mr. Watson was married on Jan. 12, 1881, to Miss Kittie W. Thorn- ton, of Joliet. They have a daughter, Esther W. Hoefer, of Aurora, Ill. Her husband is identified with the Aurora Beacon and they have two sons, Charles and Warren Watson Hoefer.
Mr. Watson is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Sons of Veterans.
Edward C. Hinz, proprietor of the Hinz Baking Company, is among the enterprising and successful young busines men of Joliet. He was born in this city, Dec. 12, 1892, the son of Charles F. and Ida (Schultz) Hinz.
Charles F. Hinz, who lives retired in Joliet, is a native of Germany. Throughout his active business career he was interested in the brewing business in this city. His wife, also born in Germany, died in 1920. She is buried in St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Hinz were born five children: William, lives in Joliet; Edward C., the subject of
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this sketch; Anna, lives in Joliet; Charles F., lives in Joliet; and Alma, who died at the age of nine years.
Edward C. Hinz attended the parochial schools of Joliet and completed a course at the Metropolitan Business College. He also attended Con- cordia Teachers College at Addison, Ill., and completed a normal school course. He taught in the parochial school of Lemont, Ill., and served as principal of St. Matthew's Lutheran School, Lemont, Ill., for 13 years. Due to ill health Mr. Hinz resigned his position in 1923. He has since been interested in the bakery business in Joliet.
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