USA > Illinois > Will County > History of Will County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 48
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Jacob C. Adler was educated in the first log school house in New Lenox Township, later attending school in Joliet Township. In 1858 he began to cultivate part of his father's property. At the age of seven he drove an ox team and plowed in the fields. When the Pike's Peak gold excitement started in 1859 Mr. Adler went west, arriving at Leaven- worth, Kans., where he outfitted with three yoke of oxen and three wagons. He and Clemence Erhard went in a wagon via the Smoky Hill route to Denver, the trip to Denver taking from April 15th to June 3rd. Proceeding to Gregory's Diggings, in the Clear Creek District, Mr. Adler had many hazardous experiences en route. He afterwards engaged in mining there and at Russell's Gulch. In the fall he returned to Denver, thence by mule team to St. Joseph, Mo., where he traded his team and wagon for a farm in Missouri. He later went to Centerville, Ind., where he purchased cattle and horses and returned to Joliet. In the spring of 1861 he opened a meat market in Joliet, having Joseph Richmond as a
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partner for three years. He then purchased his interest, and taking as a partner, Fred Rappal, the latter in turn being bought out by Jasper Adler. They purchased cattle in Iowa, Kansas and Missouri, shipping to the East. Two years later he established a meat market on Chicago street, his brother Peter, who later owned the business, becoming his partner. In 1877 he bought the National Hotel Block and started a market at that location. He continued in the meat business until 1897, when he transferred the business to members of his family.
Jacob C. Adler was married on Jan. 11, 1866, to Miss Emily T. Erhard, a daughter of George and Louisa (Perislat) Erhard. George Erhard was born in Wertsburg, Bavaria, May 7, 1807, and his wife was born in Alsace Lorraine, and came to the United States in 1834. Mr. Erhard came to this country in 1832 and settled in Detroit, later remov- ing to Chicago. In 1836 he came to Joliet, where he operated a brewery on North Bluff Street for many years. He owned a farm near Joliet which he operated, and later removed to Somonauk, Ill., where he died June 28, 1890. His wife died July 27, 1887. To Jacob C. Adler and wife seven children were born: 1. Margaret Louise Lennon. 2. Jacob C. Jr., whose sketch appears elsewhere in this history. 3. Lawrence, attended Niagara University at Niagara Falls, N. Y., resides in Joliet, Ill., and is a director of the J. C. Adler and Company. 4. Emily V., was educated in Niagara Convent. 5. Michael, educated in Notre Dame Uni- versity, was a prominent merchant of Joliet. He was married (first) to Miss Angelin Murphy, who is now deceased. They had four children. Mr. Adler was married (second) to Miss Louise Duseau, and to them four children were born. Mr. Adler is deceased and his widow resides in Joliet. 6. Patrica, educated in St. Francis Academy and Loretta and St. Xaviers Convent, Chicago, Ill. She married James MacDonald and now resides in Joliet, Ill. 7. Katherine was educated at St. Francis Academy, Loretta Convent, and Mount St. Joseph, Mo. The child (7) George J. died in infancy.
Jacob C. Adler took a lifelong interest in civic and national affairs and the local and general well being of his home city. He was charitable and contributed to all churches regardless of creed, although he was a de- voted communicant of St. John's Catholic Church. He assisted in organ- izing and promoting St. Patrick's and St. Joseph's parish churches. For four years he served as alderman of the Sixth Ward. Those who remem- ber Mr. Adler ever speak of his many lovable attributes, but the greatest of them was kindness.
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Julius J. Krause .- One of the progressive business men of Joliet is Julius J. Krause, who is connected with the jewelry business, which was founded by his father, Julius Krause, more than half a century ago. Mr. Krause was born in this city and is the son of Julius and Margaret (Young) Krause.
Julius Krause was born in Silesia, Prussia, Dec. 2, 1843, the son of Julius Krause, who was an inspector and general overseer of one of the estates of the nobility in that country. When Julius Krause was about 14 years old he was apprenticed to learn the watchmaker's trade and followed it in his native land until 1868, at which time he emigrated to the United States. He established the jewelry business in Joliet which still bears his name. Mr. Krause died Feb. 12, 1912, and is buried in Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet. He was married Feb. 14, 1871, to Margaret Young, the daughter of Henry Young. She was a native of Buffalo, N. Y., and died in April, 1912. To Mr. and Mrs. Krause were born four children: Henry, who died June 3, 1922, at the age of 51 years ; Julius J., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Juanita Warnock, lives in Joliet ; and Charles, lives in Joliet, where he is interested in the Krause Jewelry Company.
Julius J. Krause attended the public schools of Joliet and early in life became associated with his father's business. With the exception of two years spent in California he has devoted his entire time to it. It is the oldest jewelry house in the city and handles high grade mer- chandise exclusively.
On June 9, 1908, Mr. Krause married Miss Della Clow of Joliet, and they have a son, Robert Randolph, who was born April 17, 1919.
Mr. Krause is a Republican, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge.
Joseph L. Kane is a representative and widely known business man of Joliet, where he is manager for the local district of Swift & Com- pany, with offices at 210 South Chicago Street. He was born in Joliet, Aug. 23, 1891, the son of Patrick H. and Bridget (Malone) Kane.
Patrick H. Kane was born in Ireland in 1853. In early youth he emigrated to the United States and settled in Joliet, where he served for many years as a member of the police force. He later was employed by the Illinois Steel Company. He died at the age of 62 years in 1915 and his wife died in 1908. Both are buried in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Joliet. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kane: Olie,
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Chicago, Ill .; Joseph, deceased; John, deceased; Edward, Gadsden, Ala .; Henry, Joliet, Ill .; Frederick, deceased; Joseph L., the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, Chicago, Ill .; and Mrs. Dr. Warren R. Merrick, Joliet.
Joseph L. Kane grew up in Joliet and received his education in the parochial schools of this city. He also attended Sacred Heart College. He was employed by the American Steel & Wire Company as a machin- ist's helper for a short time and later went with the Hacker Sash & Door Company. He began with Swift & Company in 1910 as a driver and through steady advancement has risen to the responsible position of manager of the company's business in Joliet. He has held this office since 1920.
On July 12, 1912, Mr. Kane was united in marriage with Miss Theresa Huber, of Joliet, the daughter of Morris and Dora (Benzie) Huber. The former is deceased and the latter lives in Joliet. Mr. and Mrs. Kane have no children.
Mr. and Mrs. Kane are members of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and he belongs to the Chamber of Commerce. They live at 304 Sherman Street.
J. Franklin Hedgcock .- One of the well known men of Joliet is J. Franklin Hedgcock, who is secretary and treasurer of the Will County National Farm Loan Association. He was born at Plymouth, Ill., April 4, 1889, the son of John F. and Anna Elizabeth (Wade) Hedgcock.
John F. Hedgcock was born at Plymouth, Ill., in November, 1862, and has spent his entire life in that section, where he is well known as a successful farmer. He is the owner of 425 acres of land. Mr. Hedg- cock has always been active in township politics and has held the offices of supervisor and school director. He is president of the Farmers Grain Company, Plymouth, and the Farmers Telephone Company. He is a Republican in politics and a member of the Congregational Church, of which he served as Sunday School superintendent for almost 30 years. His wife was born at Plymouth in 1864. To Mr. and Mrs. Hedg- cock were born seven children, as follows: 1. William Everett, born Jan. 31, 1885, is a graduate of the University of Illinois, lives at Bloom- ington, Ill., where he is secretary and treasurer of the McLean County Farm Loan Association. 2. Dr. Andrew Jackson, born Dec. 22, 1887, died in September, 1927, was a graduate of Knox College, in 1911, and Northwestern Medical School in 1915, where he was awarded the highest
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honors of his class, with an average of 94. He was a well known surgeon and lived at Decatur, Ill. 3. J. Franklin, the subject of this sketch. 4. Nellie May, born July 25, 1891, a graduate of the University of Illinois, married Melvin P. Roske, lives at Mt. Carroll, Ill., where he is identified with the Carroll County Farm Bureau. He was graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1915. 5. Martha Elizabeth, born Feb. 2, 1893, a graduate of the University of Illinois in 1918, married Lorenzo S. Foote, lives at Tunnel Hill, Ill., where he is identified with the John- son County Farm Bureau. He was graduated from the University of Illinois in 1917 and is a veteran of the World War. 6. Marcus Whitman, born Dec. 29, 1896, a graduate of Loyola Medical College, and the Uni- versity of Chicago in 1924, lives at Champaign, Ill., where he is a specialist in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. 7. Robert Moody, born Sept. 1, 1900, a graduate of Bradley Polytechnic School, Peoria, attends the University of Illinois.
J. Franklin Hedgcock is a graduate of the public schools of Plymouth and also attended Knox College, and was graduated from the University of Illinois in 1915. He took post graduate work in agriculture in University of Illinois, and for two years was director of agriculture for the Albert Lea State High School in Minnesota. He then organized the Freeborn County Farm Bureau at Freeborn, Minn., where he spent two years. On Jan. 14, 1920, Mr. Hedgcock accepted the position of farm advisor of the Will County Farm Bureau of Joliet and served in that capacity until Jan. 1, 1928. He has since been identified with the Will County National Farm Loan Association as secretary and treasurer. He is the owner of a farm of 100 acres in Troy and Channahan townships, where he specializes in the raising of white Leghorn chickens, at the present time having 10,000 chickens.
On Nov. 21, 1921, Mr. Hedgcock married Miss Mildred Louise Davis, of Joliet, the daughter of Dr. O. C. and Caroline (Sandiford) Davis. Dr. Davis has been a leading physician and surgeon of Joliet since 1882. His wife died Nov. 6, 1921, and is buried in Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet. Mr. and Mrs. Hedgcock have two daughters, Jane Louise, born May 21, 1923, and Ann Elizabeth, born June 9, 1928. Mrs. Hedgcock is a grad- uate of Joliet Township High School and attended Northwestern Uni- versity.
Mr. Hedgcock is a member of the Presbyterian Church and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Sigma Pi, and Phi Delta Kappa fraternities, and Rotary Club.
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Emil P. Krapp is a member of one of the earliest families of Mokena, where he is vice president of the Mokena State Bank. He was born here, Oct. 16, 1870, the son of Martin and Catherine (Steffan) Krapp.
Martin Krapp was born in Germany, Oct. 2, 1831. He came to the United States in 1854 and settled at Blue Island, Ill., where he was married April 25, 1857, to Miss Catherine Steffan, who was also born in Germany. During that year they removed to Mokena, where Mr. Krapp engaged in the meat business for many years as a member of the firm of Krapp & Cappel. He died in 1891 and his wife died in 1920. They are buried in St. John's Cemetery, Mokena. Mr. and Mrs. Krapp were the parents of three children: Sophia, married Clem Schroeder, lives at Manhattan, Ill .; Louisa, married William Folkers, lives at Frank- fort, Ill .; and Emil P., the subject of this sketch.
Emil P. Krapp has always lived in Mokena. After completing his schooling he engaged in business here as a cattle dealer. He has con- tinued in this line of work and deals almost exclusively through the Chicago markets. He purchases his stock in Wisconsin and Iowa. Mr. Krapp was one of the organizers of the Mokena State Bank in August, 1909. He has been a director of this institution since 1923.
In September, 1892, Mr. Krapp was united in marriage with Miss Selma A. Schaub, the daughter of Carl and Ernestine (Yahn) Schaub, natives of Germany, both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Krapp have three sons: (1) Karl E., lives at Mokena, married Miss Mabel Geuther, and they have two children, LaVerne and Melvin. 2. Milton I., a World War veteran, having served in the U. S. navy, lives at Mokena, married Miss Pauline Kries, and they have two children, Robert and Marlys. 3. Roy E., lives at Mokena, married Miss Alfreda Kries.
Mr. Krapp has always been a Republican and has served as alderman for 25 years. He is a member of St. John's Evangelical Church, and is a highly esteemed citizen of Will County.
Jas. H. Frey, president of the Momouth Coal Company, Joliet, is a veteran of the World War and ranks high among the progressive young business men of Will County. He was born at Lima, Ohio, Jan. 5, 1895, the son of Jacob and Nannie (Neidermeyer) Frey.
Jacob Frey was born in Hesse, Dermstadt, Germany, in 1868, and his wife was born in Luxembourg in 1871. About 1885 Mr. Frey emi- grated to the United States and settled at Lima, Ohio, where he was
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employed at his trade as a machinist. He later became master mechanic for the Lake Erie & Western Railroad. He now lives retired. His wife, who was born in 1871, died in November, 1910, and is buried at Lima. There were six children in the Frey family, as follows: Edward and Wilma, both deceased; Karl, lives at Lima, Ohio; Jas. H., the subject of this sketch; Walter, lives at San Francisco, Calif .; and Bernice, mar- ried Edward Ward, lives at Lima, Ohio.
The schooling of Jas. H. Frey was obtained in the public schools of Lima, and after his graduation from high school he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he learned the machinist's trade. Later he went to Chicago, Ill., and in May, 1916, returned to Joliet. On April 3, 1918, he volun- teered for service in the World War and was sent to Fort Terry, New York, where he was attached to the 68th Heavy Artillery, Battery A. He was discharged from service as a first class mechanic on Dec. 17, 1918. Upon his return to Joliet, Mr. Frey resumed his work with the Illinois Steel Company, and in September, 1919, went with the Superior Chemical Company. He later was connected with Harris Brothers, builders of locomotives, and with Humphrey & Son, Joliet. On April 3, 1924, he was elected town clerk of Joliet on the citizen's ticket and served in that capacity for two years. In August, 1926, he established the Momouth Coal Company, dealers in coal. He carries on a wholesale and retail trade and has already met with marked success in his business venture.
On April 23, 1927, Mr. Frey was united in marriage with Miss Mary C. Whalen, the daughter of Martin J. and Mary (Laller) Whalen. Mr. Whalen lives at Joliet. His wife is deceased.
Mr. Frey is a member of Loyal Order of Moose, No. 300; F. O. Eagles, Ariel, No. 377; Knights of Pythias, No. 371; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; International Association of Machinists No. 124; Isaac Walton League; and American Legion Post, No. 5. He has a wide acquaintance in the city and is well liked.
Kinsey Robinson .- One of the foremost business men of Joliet is Mr. Robinson, who is vice president and works manager of the Joliet Manufacturing Company. He was born at Peoria, Ill., Feb. 4, 1889, the son of C. Edgar and Nellie (Kinsey) Robinson.
C. Edgar Robinson, deceased, was a native of Indiana. In early life he removed to Peoria, Ill., where he entered the employ of the
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Clark-Queen & Morse Hardware Company. He came to Joliet in 1892 and became superintendent of the Scott Street Works of the American Wire & Steel Company, formerly the Consolidated Steel & Iron Company. He was later transferred to the Chicago office as sales manager for the company. After several years Mr. Robinson built a mill at Birming- ham, Ala., and a plant at Rockdale, Ill., where he specialized in the manufacture of barbed wire, nails, and woven wire fence. He later sold his interests and retired from active business. He died in 1926 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery. His widow, a native of Peoria, resides at Joliet. To Mr. and Mrs. Robinson were born two children: Kinsey, the subject of this sketch; and Margaret, married A. S. Witwar, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this history.
After his graduation from Joliet Township High School in 1908, Kinsey Robinson entered the Beloit University. He later attended Cornell University, from which he was graduated in 1914 with the degree of Master of Engineering. He began his professional career with the Dodge Automobile Company at Detroit, Mich., as an engineer, and he was later transferred to the company's plant at Rochester, N. Y. He then went with the American Can Company at Hamilton, Ohio, and after two years in the factory was transferred to the Chicago offices of the company. He spent ten years in the firm's employ, the last three years of which he served as assistant division superintendent. On May 1, 1926, Mr. Robinson came to Joliet and assumed his present position with the Joliet Manufacturing Company.
Mr. Robinon is a Republican, a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and belongs to the Beta Theta Phi fraternity, Joliet Country Club, and Chamber of Commerce.
Fred Geuther, a well known retired farmer of Frankfort, Ill., is a native of this city. He was born here April 29, 1860, the son of John George and Elizabeth (Baumgartner) Geuther.
John George Geuther was born in Saxon, Germany, a son of John George and Cora (Gunda) Geuther. They came to the United States and settled in Frankfort, where the father was a farmer and also engaged in stock raising and dairying. Both are deceased and are buried in Frankfort. John George Geuther and his wife Elizabeth, who was born in Switzerland, were married in Frankfort, Ill. He fol- lowed farming and stock raising. He was a Democrat, and served as
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road commissioner and school director. They were members of St. Peter's Evangelical Church. To John George and Elizabeth (Baum- gartner) Geuther seven children were born: Helen, the widow of Gus Guilckse, lives in Frankfort; Carrie; Julia, and Nicholas, all deceased; Fred, the subject of this sketch; John George, deceased; and Charles, lives at Mokena, Ill.
Fred Geuther was reared on his father's farm and attended the public schools of Frankfort Township. After his marriage he pur- chased 160 acres of land and engaged in stock raising and dairy business. He later purchased 160 acres more. Mr. Geuther removed to Frank- fort in 1897 from Frankfort Township, and retired from active farming in 1900. He recently disposed of 160 acres of his land.
In 1885 Mr. Geuther was married to Miss Emma Schmuhl, a daugh- ter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schmuhl, Both Mr. and Mrs. Schmuhl were born in Germany in 1826, where they were married in 1851. In 1852 they came to the United States and settled in Mokena, Ill., where Mr. Schmuhl worked for the railroad for three years. In 1856 he removed to New Lenox Township and began farming. They were members of the German Lutheran Church. Both are now deceased.
To Mr. and Mrs. Geuther three children have been born: Arthur, a farmer in Frankfort Township, married Lottie Marti; Clemence, Miami, Texas, a veteran of the World War, having served in the U. S. Infantry, married, and has two children, Betty and Virginia; and Edith, deceased.
Mr. Geuther is a Democrat. He has served as road commissioner and school director. The family are members of St. Peter's Episcopal Church. The Geuther family are estimable people and have the esteem of the entire community.
Nicholas Sholtes is among the substantial and highly esteemed cit- izens of Joliet, where he has been since 1906. He was born in Luxem- burg, Germany, June 20, 1880, the son of Donald and Catherine (Mer- bach) Sholtes.
Donald Sholtes was a stone cutter by trade and spent his entire life in Luxemburg. Both he and his wife are deceased. They had the following children: Anna, Harry, Susanna, and Margaret, live in Luxemburg; Nicholas, the subject of this sketch; Susie, and Joseph, who live in Joliet.
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Nicholas Sholtes attended the schools of Merrtzich, in his native land, and early in life learned the stone cutter's trade, being associated with his father's business until 1906. At that time he emigrated to the United States and settled in Joliet. He has engaged in the stone contracting business in this city since 1924. His place of business is located at 2604 North Broadway.
On Nov. 17, 1903, Mr. Sholtes was united in marriage with Miss Barbara Fonck, who was born in Germany Oct. 18, 1884. She died Aug. 6, 1924, and is buried in St. John's Cemetery, Joliet. To Mr. and Mrs. Sholtes were born 11 children: Catherine, born Jan. 21, 1904, died in infancy; Ferdinand, born Jan. 31, 1905, married Miss Mary Denver, Joliet, and they have a son, Donald; Nicholas, Jr., born May 4, 1906, at home; Catherine, born Oct. 10, 1907, married George Korell, Joliet, and they have a daughter, Joyce Marie; Marie, born Nov. 11, 1908; Peter, born Sept. 22, 1910; August, born July 6, 1912; Henry, born June 9, 1915; Agnes, born Aug. 26, 1918; Joseph, born Dec. 2, 1920, died Dec. 21, 1922; William, born June 20, 1923.
Politically Mr. Sholtes is a Republican. He and his family hold membership in St. John's Catholic Church.
Wesley R. Hollstein .- One of the prominent young men of Will County, interested in educational work, is Mr. Wesley R. Hollstein, who is principal of Sedan Prairie School, Frankfort, Ill. He was born in Frankfort, Dec. 1, 1890, and is a son of Charles C. and Catherine (Andres) Hollstein.
Charles C. Hollstein and his wife were both born in Orlando Township, Cook County, Ill., and now reside in Frankfort. Charles C. Hollstein worked on his father's farm until he was 22 years of age, and then purchased a farm of 160 acres of land located two miles south of Frank- fort, where he did general farming. He later acquired more land and now is the owner of 275 acres, practically all of which is under cultiva- tion. He retired from active farming in 1916. He is a Republican and a member of the German Methodist Episcopal Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Hollstein seven children were born: Wesley R., the subject of this sketch; Viola, married Gilbert Sayers, a farmer of Orland Township; Florence, a graduate nurse on the staff of the Silver Cross Hospital, Joliet; Celia, a nurse on the staff of Silver Cross Hospital; Esther,
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married Henry Heusner, of Frankfort; Milton, married Alice Voss, is a farmer of Frankfort Township; and Adella, married William Schoeling, a farmer of Frankfort Township.
Wesley R. Hollstein received his elementary school training in the public schools of Frankfort. He attended Valparaiso University, and began his teaching career in the Will County schools. For seven years he operated his own farm. In 1924 he was appointed principal of the Sedan Prairie School, in which capacity he is now serving.
In 1918 Mr. Hollstein was married to Miss Lydia Esslinger, a daugh- ter of Rev. William and Rose (Schleicher) Esslinger, natives of Ger- many. He was a German Methodist minister and is now deceased. His widow resides at Royal Oak, Mich. Mrs. Hollstein is a graduate of a German college, and she also studied in Paris, Italy, and Russia, and is a very accomplished young woman.
Mr. Hollstein is a Republican, a member of the English Methodist Episcopal Church, and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America.
Henry Frederick Koerner, highway commissioner of Will County, has not found it necessary or expedient to go outside the borders of his native county to find a field for successful achievement, his entire business career having been spent in Joliet. He was born in this city, where the Masonic Temple now stands, on Sept. 12, 1864, a son of Val- entine and Mary (Reitz) Koerner.
Valentine Koerner and his wife were both natives of Germany, where they were married. They came to the United States in early life and were among the earliest settlers of Joliet. Mr. Koerner was a stone mason and followed this until he met with an accident in 1863 while building the Will County jail. He died from the effects of this injury in July, 1864. His wife is also deceased and they are buried in Joliet. They were devout members of the German Lutheran Church. There were eight children in the Koerner family : Charles, deceased, buried at Joliet ; Jacob, deceased, buried in Lockport, Ill .; Barbara, Minnie and Catherine, all deceased, buried in Joliet ; Adam, deceased, buried in Manhattan, Ill .; John, lives at Ottawa, Ill .; and Henry Frederick, the subject of this sketch.
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