USA > Illinois > Will County > History of Will County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 47
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52
Mr. Rossi has always been a Republican and served as commissioner of Braidwood from 1917 until 1920. He is a member of the Methodist
1082
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
Church and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and Foresters of America. He also belongs to the Joliet Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.
John O. Barrett, who was actively identified with the Barrett Hard- ware Company of Joliet for the past sixty years, and among the leading business men of Will County, died July 18, 1928. He was born in Joliet, March 16, 1851, the son of William Franklin and Clamana (Onderdonk) Barrett.
William Franklin Barrett was born in Chelsea, Mass., and was a pioneer settler of Will County, when travel to Chicago was by canal boats. Shortly after coming to Joliet he became associated with W. A. Strong and together they organized a hardware business in 1850. A few years later Mr. Barrett became sole proprietor of the business, which was known as the W. F. Barrett Hardware Store. He operated this business alone until 1872, when his son, John O. Barrett, entered the business, which was then changed to W. F. Barrett & Son. Mr. Barrett was a member of the volunteer fire department, and served as alderman from his ward for a number of years. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, being one of the founders and builders of same, and his name is found on the stained glass window in this church. Po- litically he was a stanch Republican. His wife was a native of New York state. To Mr. and Mrs. Barrett eight children were born: Amelia, died in infancy ; Emily, the widow of Dr. T. B. Baird, resides in Denver, Colo .; Charity Mariah, deceased, was the wife of Hugh H. Carson; John O., the subject of this sketch; Lizzie, deecased ; W. F., Jr., deceased; and Edward C., secretary of the Barrett Hardware Company. William Franklin Barrett died in 1879, and his wife died in 1913. Both are buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet.
John O. Barrett was educated in the schools of the Fourth Ward, Joliet, and began his business career as a clerk in his father's hardware business, and at the age of 21 years was made a member of the firm. The company was incorporated in 1872, and John O. Barrett was elected president, which position he held continuously until January, 1927, when he retired and became chairman of the board of directors of the com- pany. The present officers of the Barrett Hardware Company are: W. Franklin Barrett, III, president ; E. M. Moore, vice president ; Edward C. Barrett, secretary and treasurer.
1083
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
The Barrett Hardware Company is the leading hardware house in the state. One of its most popular salesmen is William Keltie, who won first prize in a contest held by Chilton Glass Journal, trade paper, to the best salesman in the United States. The prize was $600.00.
John O. Barrett was married (first) in 1872 to Miss Mary Warren, of Shrewsbury, Mass., born in 1853. She died in 1904 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet. Mr. Barrett married (second) Mrs. Cora Mason Clark, in July, 1906. She was born in Cold Water, Mich., in 1854. By her first marriage Mrs. Barrett had one son, Fred Mason Clark, who married Sarah Martin. They have two children: Frederick Clark, who is engaged in the brokerage business in Chicago, and Mason, a student in the University of Illinois.
Mr. Barrett was a prominent and influential member of the busi- ness fraternity of Joliet and contributed much to the city's growth and advancement. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Joliet Country Club and was the last surviving member of the original board of directors of the Joliet National Bank. He was president of the Crowe Name Plate Company of Chicago. He was one of Joliet's far-sighted business men, honored and respected by all who knew him either in a business or social way.
Politically he was a stanch Republican. Mrs. Barrett is a member of the Central Presbyterian Church, which Mr. Barrett also attends.
Edward C. Barrett is numbered among the prominent business men of Joliet, where he is secretary and treasurer of the Barrett Hardware Company. He was born in this city, Feb. 16, 1864, the son of William Franklin and Clamana (Onderdonk) Barrett.
William Franklin Barrett, deceased, was a highly esteemed and well known citizen of Joliet. He was born at Chelsea, Mass., in 1818, and died in 1879. His wife was born at Holly, N. Y., and died in 1913. (Further mention of William Franklin Barrett appears in this volume in connection with the biographical sketch of John O. Barrett.)
Edward C. Barrett has always lived in Joliet. After his graduation from Joliet Township High School he entered the shops of his father's business, where he learned the plumbing, heating, and sheet metal trades. At the age of 20 years he was put in complete charge of the
1084
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
tinning shop. He has served as secretary and treasurer of the firm since December, 1891.
The Barrett Hardware Company has one of the best equipped hard- ware stores in Will County, and in fact there is none like it in Illinois. They have extensive salesrooms, and commodious offices, and depart- ments exclusively devoted to plumbing and gas fitting, builders' hard- ware, and sample rooms. The present officers are: W. Franklin Barrett, president ; E. M. Moore, vice president ; and E. C. Barrett, secretary and treasurer.
In 1896 Mr. Barrett was united in marriage with Miss Nettie Hobbs, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Brown) Hobbs. The Hobbs family settled in Joliet about 1834, having come here from New York. Mr. Hobbs, who is deceased, was a well known soap manufacturer. His widow, now 96 years of age, lives in Joliet. Mr. and Mrs. Barrett have two children: (1) Mary, a graduate of the University of Illinois, married Charles C. Russell, and they have a daughter Anne Elizabeth. They reside at Pittsburgh, Pa., where Mr. Russell is a coke manufacturer. (2) W. Franklin, born in 1900. He is a graduate of the University of Penn- sylvania, class of 1919, and is president of the Barrett Hardware Com- pany. He married Miss Adrianne Stainfield, and they have two daugh- ters, Betty and Jean.
Mr. Barrett is a Republican, a member of the First Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce.
James Lyons .- One of the oldest and largest lumber and fuel com- panies in Will County is the Lyons Brothers Lumber & Fuel Company, a business that has been in existence for over half a century. Its founder was the late John Lyons, and the president today is his son, James Lyons, of this sketch.
James Lyons was born in Channahon, Will County, Ill., July 31, 1864, a son of John and Susan (Feeney) Lyons. His father, John Lyons, was born in Longford County, Ireland, and when a young man came to the United States in 1857. He remained in New York City for three years, and in 1860 came to Joliet.
He learned the carpenter's trade in New York and was in the building contract business until 1875, when he engaged in the lumber business under the firm name of Lyons & Patterson. He continued with Mr.
1085
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
Patterson as a partner until 1882, when he purchased the latter's inter- ests. Mr. Lyons continued alone in business until 1892, when he retired and his four sons took over the business. He was a staunch Democrat and took an active interest in all public and civic affairs, and was an assistant supervisor for two terms. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Mr. Lyons died in 1904, and his wife, who was born in Channahan, Ill., died in 1884. They are buried in St. Patrick's Ceme- tery, Joliet. To Mr. and Mrs. John Lyons seven children were born: James, the subject of this sketch ; W. J., born Jan. 1, 1866, now engaged in the lumber business, Joliet; Mary, deceased; John, Joliet ; Thomas, secretary-treasurer Lyons Brothers Lumber and Fuel Company ; Anna, the widow of John Cassidy, resides in Joliet; and Susan, married Harry Ward, resides in Greenville, Ohio.
James Lyons was born in Channahan, Will County, Ill., July 31, 1864, public schools of Joliet, after which he entered his father's lumber business, and in 1892 when Mr. Patterson retired from the business, James Lyons became a partner. The yard at that time was located at 300 North Desplaines Street. In 1897 he withdrew from the company and with his brothers, Thomas and John, formed a partnership which was incorporated as the Lyons Brothers Lumber & Fuel Company. The officers were: James Lyons, president; Thomas Lyons, vice president and treasurer; John Lyons, secretary. The business was located on South Eastern Avenue, and in 1908 it was moved to the present location, 602 Washington Street. While the business office of this company has always been conducted in Joliet, the trade embraces a large territory in surrounding cities and towns.
On Aug. 11, 1886, Mr. Lyons was united in marriage with Miss Mary Rogan, a daughter of Thomas and Rosa (McIntyre) Rogan, natives of Scotland. Thomas Rogan was a stone cutter by trade. He and his wife are both deceased. He is buried in St. Patrick's Cemetery and his wife's remains rest in Mt. Olivet Cemetery at Joliet, Ill. To Mr. and Mrs. James Lyons six children were born, as follows: Albert, Ambrose, Clarence, John, Harold and James J. Albert Lyons, the eldest son, grew to manhood, married Alma Braun of Joliet, and died in November, 1914. They had one son, Joseph Lyons. Ambrose Lyons was born in 1889 and died in 1890. Clarence Lyons was born in 1891 and died in 1892. John Lyons was born in January, 1897, and died in August, 1897. Harold Lyons, who is engaged in the tire and radio business, married Clara Burnside and they have two children, Harold, Jr., and Mary Louise.
1086
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
James J. Lyons, youngest son of James Lyons and wife, was born in 1898 and died in 1921. He was a veteran of the World War, having served overseas with the 833rd Aero Squadron. Mary (Rogan) Lyons died July 31, 1925, and is buried in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Joliet.
Mr. Lyons has always taken an active interest in civic affairs and served on the city school board for 12 years, three years of which he was president of the board. He served on the Fire and Police Board for eight years, and at present is a member of the Park Board Commis- sion. He is a director of the First National Bank, is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Holy Name Society, Modern Woodmen of the World, and the Illinois Lumber Dealers Association. In politics he is an independent voter. The family are members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
Frank A. Johnson .- Connected with the undertaking business dur- ing practically all of his life, Frank A. Johnson, of Joliet, is an experi- enced man in his profession, and one whose services are in great demand. His funeral home is located at 404 Collins Street, Joliet. He was born in Sweden, March 19, 1857, a son of John and Catherine (Anderson) Johnson.
John Johnson was a merchant in Sweden where he lived all his life. Both he and his wife are deceased and are buried in Sweden. They were members of the Lutheran Church. There were three sons in the John- son family : Edwin, died in 1927, in Sweden ; Adolph, died in April, 1925, buried in Joliet ; and Frank A., the subject of this sketch.
Frank A. Johnson was reared in Sweden and attended the public schools. On May 13, 1883, he was married to Emma Abramhauson, of Sweden, who was born June 9, 1860. Their only child, Arthur, died at the age of three and one-half years and is buried in Sweden. Frank A. Johnson came to the United States in 1886 and settled in Joliet. In 1900 he took a course in embalming at Chicago, and then returned to Joliet where he organized his present business, which has a modern equipment in every particular, including full motor service.
In 1895 Mr. Johnson went to Sweden to bring his wife's brother's child Albert to this country, who was an orphan. He was born in 1893 and the Johnson family raised him to manhood. During the World War Albert Anderson enlisted from Joliet in the aviation corps and was in the service two years, being stationed at Kelly's Field. Mr. Anderson
1087
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
married Eleanor Peterson, a native of Rockford, Ill., and they have three children: Donald, John, and Jennie. Mr. Anderson is connected with the National Furnace Company of Rockford, Ill., where the family reside.
Mr. Johnson has always taken a leading part in the affairs of the city and county. He was assistant supervisor of Will County for ten years, is a member of the Board of Charities, and Orphan's Home, and the Salem Home, which office he has held for 18 years. He has been treasurer of the Knights of Pythias for the past 14 years, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the North Star Society. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, of which he was a trustee for many years. In politics he is a stanch Republican.
John F. Daly is among the representative citizens of Lockport, where he has held the office of mayor since 1925. He was born at Dwight, Ill., Oct. 29, 1878, the son of Daniel C. and Catherine (McDonald) Daly.
Daniel Daly was born in Ireland in December, 1800. He emigrated to the United States in 1841 and settled at Schenectady, N. Y., where he remained three years. He then came west, making the trip by ox team, and settled in Lockport Township, at the junction of Archer and Romeo Roads. He purchased 200 acres of land from the Illinois, Michigan Canal Commissioners and became a prosperous farmer of this section. He married Miss Bridget Prior, who was born in Ireland in 1813. To this union 11 children were born, of whom Daniel C., father of the subject of this sketch, was the fourth in order of birth. Mr. Daly died March 15, 1896, and his wife died May 1, 1897. They are buried in the Catholic Cemetery at Lockport.
Daniel C. Daly was born at Lockport in 1848. Throughout his life he was interested in construction work. He was superintendent of con- struction in the building of the Kankakee Electric Railroad, and the Calumet Electric Railroad at the World's Fair in Chicago. He was also in charge of the building of the railroad bridge over the Mississippi River at Memphis, Tenn. He married Miss Catherine McDonald, who was born at Lockport in 1854. She died Oct. 29, 1878, leaving a son, John F., the subject of this sketch. Her husband died in 1898.
John F. Daly was educated in the parochial schools and the High School of Lockport and early in life was employed in the railway postal service. In 1907 he became interested in the advertising business in
1088
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
Chicago and has continued in this line of work since that date. His residence is at 127 Washington Street.
On June 28, 1905, Mr. Daly married Miss Mary R. Woods, who was born at Joliet, Oct. 14, 1876, the daughter of James and Mary (McCabe) Woods, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Daly have no children.
Mr. Daly has always been a Republican and is serving his second term as mayor of Lockport. During his administration a new well was completed, and extension of water and sewer mains, on the west side. He is a member of St. Dennis Catholic Church, and was the founder of the Lockport Council Knights of Columbus, of which he has served as Grand Knight. He has also been recording secretary of the Catholic Order of Forresters for the past 20 years.
Nicholas J. Jackson, M. D., established his residence in the city of Joliet, Will County, in the year 1920, and here his ability marks him as one of the representative physicians and surgeons of the county. Dr. Jackson was born in Austria, Feb. 15, 1870.
Dr. Jackson received his medical education in the Midville Medical College, Chicago, where he was graduated as a member of the class of 1910. He served his internship in St. Joseph's Hospital, at Joliet. He engaged in the practice of his profession at Braidwood, Ill., and in 1920 transferred the stage of his professional activities to Joliet, where he has met with success. His offices are located in the Young Building.
On June 15, 1922, Dr. Jackson was married to Miss Catherine Berta, who was born in Braidwood, Ill.
Dr. Jackson holds membership in the Illinois State Medical Society and the Will County Medical Association. He is a Republican, and a member of the Catholic Church.
James Donahue, one of Joliet's progressive young business men, was born in this city, Dec. 2, 1900, the son of John and Ida (Riley) Donahue.
John Donahue is a native of Illinois, born at Lockport. He is among the oldest employes of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railroad, and is foreman of one of the shops. Mr. Donahue is a Democrat, a member of the Catholic Church, and belongs to the Knights of Columbus. His wife
1089
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
died in 1905 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet. To Mr. and Mrs. Donahue were born three children: James, the subject of this sketch; Mary, and Elizabeth, both teachers, live at home.
James Donahue was educated in the public schools of Joliet. He has always been interested in the electrical business and for the past several years has conducted his present business at 209 D'arcy Avenue.
Mr. Donahue is a member of the Catholic Church and belongs to the Knights of Columbus and Ancient Order of Hibernians. He is a Re- publican.
Richard Force, who is chief of the Fire department of Lockport, is a highly esteemed citizen of Will County. He was born in Sweden, April 24, 1881.
Mr. Force spent his early life in his native land, where he was educated. In 1900 he came to this country and settled in Chicago. He later came to Lockport, where he was employed on the farm of James Alexander. In 1910 Mr. Force opened his present blacksmith shop at Lockport, of which he is still proprietor. He has always taken an active interest in civic affairs and for many years was identified with the local fire department, of which he is now serving his second term as chief. He served as constable of Will County for several terms.
In 1913 Mr. Force married Miss Hilda Stenholm, of Lockport. They had two children: Glen Richard, deceased; and Gladys, born in 1921.
Mr. Force is a stanch Republican. He was one of the organizers of the local lodge of Loyal Order of Moose.
The Force family home which is located on Sission Street, is among the interesting land marks of Lockport and one of the oldest residences of Will County.
Thomas F. Egan, superintendent of mails, has been connected with the post office of Joliet for the past 25 years. He was born in this city, Nov. 16, 1881, the son of James and Margaret (Ryan) Egan.
James Egan, who died in 1928, was a well known resident of Joliet, where he spent his entire life. He died at the age of 71 years and is buried in St. Patrick's Cemetery. His widow resides in this city. Mr. and Mrs. Egan were the parents of ten children, six of whom survive: Thomas F., the subject of this sketch ; John V., a World War veteran,
36-VOL. 2
1090
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
connected with the local post office; Ambrose, also an employe of the post office; Mary Elizabeth, a teacher, Joliet; Theresa, lives at home; and Josephine, married Herman Wirth, a World War veteran, lives in Joliet, and they have two sons, Donald and Robert.
Thomas F. Egan obtained his education in the public schools of Joliet, and after completing his schooling entered the employ of the Chicago & Alton Railroad. He was later connected with the clerical department of the Rock Island Railroad before taking the civil service examination for post office work. In 1903 he began as clerk and con- tinued in that work until December, 1917, when he was appointed superintendent of mails. During his 25 years of service Mr. Egan has only been absent from duty for one day, and has taken no vacation although he is allowed one every year.
Mr. Egan married Miss Julia C. Kearney of Joliet, the daughter of Michael and Bridget (Cronin) Kearney. Mr. Kearney, now 85 years of age, resides in Joliet. Mr. and Mrs. Egan have two sons, James Kearney, born May 12, 1919; and John Joseph, born March 16, 1925.
Mr. Egan has always been a Republican. He is a member of St. Raymond's Catholic Church and belongs to the Western Catholic Union.
Daniel P. Lennon, vice president of the J. C. Adler Company, at Joliet, Ill., and one of the prominent citizens and substantial business men in Will County, was born in Joliet, Sept. 26, 1868. He is a son of John and Teresa (Fitzgerald) Lennon.
John Lennon, deceased, was born at Athlone, County Roscommon, Ireland, April 5, 1837. He attended the national schools in Ireland, where he received a good education, and in 1852 he came to the United States. He located in Joliet, where he learned the marble cutter's trade while in the employ of the late C. E. Munger. He later engaged in the monument business and met with success. In 1859 Mr. Lennon was married to Teresa Fitzgerald, who was born near Kildare, Ireland. Fa- ther Farelly, of Joliet, was the officiating clergyman. To this union 18 children were born, eleven boys and seven girls. John Lennon died at Joliet, July 7, 1907, after a long life of uprightness and kindness that may well be an example to all who knew him. He was a leader in the temperance movement and an active member of Father Mathews Total Abstinence Society. He served as school treasurer for one term, and
1091
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
was interested in every movement for the betterment of the community in which he lived. He and his family were well known throughout the state and especially in the city of Joliet, where they have been among the foremost citizens for many years. Mrs. Lennon died March 14, 1923. Both she and her husband are buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Joliet. They were devout communicants of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
Daniel P. Lennon attended the public schools of Joliet. He was graduated from the Illinois College of Pharmacy in 1888, with the degree of Ph. B. He entered the drug store of E. M. Bray and was later associated with H. A. Stillman, druggist. In 1893 Mr. Lennon purchased an interest in the J. C. Adler & Company of Joliet. Upon the incorpora- tion of the company he was chosen vice president.
On Aug. 25, 1892, Mr. Lennon was married to Miss Louise M. Adler, a daughter of Jacob C., Sr., and Emily Teresa (Erhard) Adler. A com- plete biography of Mr. Adler follows this sketch. To Mr. and Mrs. Lennon the following children were born: 1. Jacob John Lennon, a grad- uate of Joliet Township High School, St. Mary's College, and Annapolis Naval Academy. He married Helen Budlong, and they have four chil- dren, Jacob John, Jr., Patricia Mary, Jeanette Louise, and Marietta. Jacob John Lennon is president of the Lennon Brothers Candy Company, of Detroit, Mich. 2. Daniel L. I, deceased. 3. Mary Louise, a graduate of Loretta Academy, Junior College, Joliet, and St. Mary's College, Notre Dame, with Ph. degree. She married Hays Kennedy, an attorney asso- ciated with the law firm of Ryan, Condon & Livingstone, Chicago. They have a daughter, Mary Frances, born Feb. 29, 1927. 4. Emily, at home, graduated from Loretta Academy, Junior College, Joliet, and St. Mary's of the Woods, Terre Haute, Ind., with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. 5. Daniel J., Jr., II, a graduate of Joliet Township High School, and the University of Illinois, is secretary and treasurer of the Lennon Brothers Candy Company, Detroit. 6. John, a graduate of the University of Minnesota, now taking a special course at Loyola University, Chicago. All the Lennon boys were star athletes at their respective colleges and were well known.
Mrs. Lennon was educated in the public schools of Joliet, St. Francis Academy, and the Sacred Heart Convent, Chicago. She is very active in church and all charitable work and is a member of the Ladies Catholic League, Altar and Rosary Society of St. Mary's and St. John's Church, and is a charter member of the Visitation and Aid Society.
Mr. Lennon is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Joliet
1092
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
Country Club, Business Men's Association, and Advertising Club, of which he has served as president. When a young man he was a member of the Lennon Brothers Baseball team, which was composed of the Lennon Brothers exclusively.
The family are members of the Catholic Church.
Jacob C. Adler was born in Bachen, Canton Trier, Kries Mertzig, Prussia, Germany, March 17, 1837. He died June 29, 1918, and is buried in St. John's Cemetery, Joliet. His wife, Emily Teresa (Erhard) Adler, was born in Bluff Street, Joliet, Nov. 11, 1842. She died Sept. 25, 1922, and is buried in St. John's Cemetery, Joliet.
Jacob C. Adler was the son of Michael and Margaret (Sebastian) Adler. In the fall of 1837 the family left Havre, France, on a sailing vessel and after a voyage of almost four months landed in New York, thence up the river to Albany, N. Y., and via Erie Canal to Buffalo, thence through the Great Lakes to Chicago, where they secured an ox team, driving on to Indiana, where they bought a farm. In July, 1838, they removed to Will County, Ill., and settled at Sagg's Bridge. In the spring of 1849 the father purchased a farm on what is now the site of New Lenox. Four years later he settled two miles south of Joliet, where he improved a valuable farm. He retired in 1868 and settled in Joliet, where he died. His wife died there on Dec. 15, 1888.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.