USA > Illinois > Will County > History of Will County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 5
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estate firm of Monroe Brothers for seven years. In July, 1920, Mr. Hinricks became associated with the Will County National Bank, Joliet, in the capacity of assistant cashier, and on Sept. 15th of the same year he was made cashier of that institution. Since that date Mr. Hinricks has devoted his entire attention to the affairs of this bank with most gratifying results.
Mr. Hinricks was married Nov. 1, 1889, to Miss Hannah C. Stassen, who was born in Green Garden Township, Will County. They have four children: Caroline D., the widow of Albert Kroesch, lives at Bloom- ington; Herbert S., Topeka, Kans .; Hazel L., wife of M. G. Jordon; and Myrtle J., at home.
Mr. Hinricks is a Republican, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, thirty-second degree, Knights Templar, Lions Club, Shabbona Club, and Chamber of Commerce.
Howard N. Flexer, M. D., is a representative member of the medical profession in Joliet, where he is a specialist in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. He was born in Reddick, Ill., Oct. 29, 1889, a son of Dr. John R. and Helen N. (Peck) Flexer.
John R. Flexer, M. D., was born near Allentown, Pa., Sept. 22, 1863. He attended the public schools of Allentown, the State Normal School, and Mulhenburg College. He graduated from the Medical College of the University of Pennsylvania in 1886 with the degree of Doctor of Medi- cine. He was in practice in Reddick, Ill., and at Eau Claire, Ill., coming to Joliet in 1889, and has attained a place with the foremost of his pro- fession in this part of Illinois. His wife was born near Utica, N. Y. They are the parents of four children: Howard N., the subject of this sketch; Fayette J., American Consul at Frontera, Mexico; Edna H., married Stuart P. Walsh, resides in Seattle, Wash .; and Dr. Walter G., Polo, Mo.
Howard N. Flexer attended the public and high schools of Joliet, graduating from the latter in 1906, after which he took a post graduate course of one year. He then prepared for his profession at the Illinois College of Medicine from which he received his degree in 1912. He was an interne at St. Joseph's Hospital 1912-1913. In the latter year he
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engaged in the practice of his profession at Lakeview, Mich., until 1919, when he removed his office to Joliet.
During the World War Dr. Flexer served in the Volunteer Medical Service Corps, and was assigned to territory in and around Lakeview, Mich. He was chairman of the Liberty and Victory loans Nos. 3, 4 and 5, giving a great deal of time to the cause, his team going over the top 80 per cent.
In 1919 Dr. Flexer took a post graduate course at the Chicago Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat College.
In 1914 Dr. Flexer was united in marriage with Miss Irene E. Singer, a daughter of Guy E and Nellie (Shattuck) Singer. Mr. Singer, who is a building contractor, lives at Sycamore, Ill. His wife is deceased. Doctor and Mrs. Flexer have a daughter, Kathryn, a student. The family hold membership in the Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Flexer is a member of the Will County Medical Society, the Illi- nois State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. He is affiliated with Matteson Lodge, A. F. and A. M. No. 175; and Ameri- can Legion, Harwood Post, No. 5. Politically he is a Republican.
Frank W. Wheeler, clerk of the probate court, at Joliet, Ill., is a well known and highly respected citizen of Will County. He was born at Waterloo, Seneca County, N. Y., June 13, 1865, a son of Charles R. and Evalee (Van Riper) Wheeler, the former a native of Waterloo, and the latter of Warren, Ohio.
Charles R. Wheeler, deceased, when a youth learned the hardware business from his father. In 1867 he established a hardware store at Greenville, Mich., which he conducted until 1873. He was an expert copper mechanic and worked in various places throughout the United States after leaving Michigan. He worked for the Pierce-Arrow Auto- mobile Company at Buffalo for some time prior to his retirement. He died in 1909 and is buried at Waterloo, N. Y. During the Civil War he enlisted in the 133rd New York Volunteer Infantry and served a two year enlistment, and then reenlisted for the duration of the war. He was honorably discharged June 15, 1865, as a color sergeant, at Geneva, N. Y. He was a Democrat and a member of the Episcopal Church, and
FRANK W. WHEELER
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the Grand Army of the Republic, Tyler J. Snyder Post. His widow re- sides at Waterloo. To their union three children were born: Frank W., the subject of this sketch; Eva H., the wife of McClelland Stetson, re- sides at Reading, Pa .; and LaVancha, deceased, buried at Waterloo, N. Y. Charles R. Wheeler has three brothers who also served in the Civil War, George, Clarence, and Howard. Two were prisoners for a time at An- dersonville, and one in Libby prison. They all died from the effects of wounds received during the war.
Frank W. Wheeler was graduated from the Waterloo High School in 1883, and immediately learned the shoemaking trade at Auburn, N. Y. from the Reilly & McGarr Shoe Manufacturers. Later he went to Rochester, N. Y., with the P. Cox Shoe Company. In 1888 he was with the Phelps, Dodge & Palmer, Shoe manufacturers, Chicago, resigning in 1890. For two years he was with Tilt-Smith & Co., resigning March 1, 1892, when he came to Joliet and worked for Selz-Schwab & Company, manufacturers of shoes for the Joliet prison. He remained with this concern until 1904 when their contract expired. In September, 1904, the state of Illinois began the manufacture of shoes for the prison inmates and Mr. Wheeler was made superintendent and remained there for ten years. In 1914 he went to Jefferson City, Mo., for his former employers, the Selz-Schwab Company, and was foreman of the making room of this factory, resigning in August, 1914. He then went to Sheboygan, Mich., where he worked a year for the Sheboygan Shoe Company, and in 1915 returned to Joliet as an inspector for the Illinois Steel Company. Later he was with the American Can Company. In 1916 he was appointed clerk of the board of improvement of the city of Joliet, and on March 1, 1918 he became deputy probate clerk. In November, 1922, he was elected clerk of the probate court of Will County, and was reelected in 1926.
In 1886 Mr. Wheeler was married to Miss Mary E. Hood, of Clyde, N. Y., and to them was born a daughter, Mae H., now a clerk in her father's office. Mrs. Wheeler died Feb. 26, 1922. Mr. Wheeler married (second) Miss Harriet M. Welch, on July 25, 1923.
Mr. Wheeler has greatly interested himself in the labor movement, and has held several important appointments in the various organiza- tions. He belonged to the Knights of Labor in Auburn, N. Y., and in
8-VOL. 2
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Chicago he served as secretary of the Knights of Labor. He was busi- ness agent for the Shoemaker's Union of Chicago. He is a Republican, and fraternally is affiliated with Matteson Lodge, A. F. and A. M. No. 175, of which he is secretary; Joliet Chapter, R. A. M. 127; Joliet Com- mandery K. T. No. 4; Ansar Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., Springfield, Ill .; Masonic Veterans Association of Illinois; B. P. O. Elks, No. 296; Paul Revere Lodge, No. 271, K. P .; L. O. O. Moose, No. 300. He is a member of the Chicago Motor Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the Rival's Club, the Irving Club, the Isaac Walton League, and the Sons of Veterans. He holds membership in the Episcopal Church.
Paul G. Schoene, president of the Will County Hotel Company, and manager of the well known Woodruff Hotel, Joliet, is a representative business man of that city. He was born in Crimmitschau, Saxony, Germany, May 30, 1884, a son of Herman and Augusta (Buschner) Schoene.
Herman Schoene and his wife were both natives of Saxony. When a young man he learned the woolen business and for many years operated a modern woolen factory, which business was originally established by his forefathers. He now lives retired in Crimmitschau. His wife is deceased. They were the parents of nine children: Paul G., the subject of this sketch; Martha, married Walter Sthueler, lives at Joliet; Anna, the widow of Otto Langsch, lives at Chicago; Fannie, married Joseph Binder, lives at Evanston, Ill .; Louise, resides in Saxony, Ger- many ; Clara, married Karl Knier, lives in Saxony ; Fred, lives at Orange, N. J .; Helen, deceased; and Marie, lives in Saxony. The family are members of the German Lutheran Church.
Paul G. Schoene was educated in the public schools of his native land, after which he entered a trade school and learned the tanner's trade. He served his compulsory military training of two years, and in 1907 came to the United States, landing in New York City. He immediately went west as far as Chicago where he began his business career as a hotel and restaurant keeper. He had charge of the grill room of the Atlantic Hotel, Chicago, and later leased the Lincoln Turner Hall in Chicago, which he conducted for five years. He then made a tour of
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Europe which lasted a year. He returned to Chicago and purchased stock in the Will County Hotel Company and removed to Joliet in July, 1922, and, was made president and also manager of this company. On Aug. 1st of that year he opened his catering department. In 1926 Mr. Schoen again toured Europe as a member of the American Hotel Mens Association.
On June 1, 1914, Mr. Schoene was married to Miss Anna Guendert, a daughter of Conrad Guendert, a native of Germany where he now resides. Mrs. Schoene was born in Germany and came to the United States in 1908, locating at Chicago.
Mr. Schoene, who is a Republican, is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Country Club of Joliet, Rotary Club, Chicago Sharpshooters' Club, and Steuben Club of Chicago. He belongs to Lessing Lodge, A. F. and A. M .; Lincoln Park Chapter, R. A. M .; Chicago Commandery, K. T .; Medinah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S .; Medinah Athletic Club; B. P. O. Elks, No. 296; and Knights of Pythias. He is a member of the Illinois State Hotel Association and American Hotel Association.
Mr. Schoene has always been interested in music and is a member of the Swiss Singing Society, and Harmony Singing Society of Chicago, also of the Lincoln Turner's Society. He and his wife are members of the Universalist Church.
William H. Oliver .- One of the most representative business men of Joliet, William H. Oliver, has discharged ably the many duties devolving upon him through the responsibilities he has assumed; and today stands deservedly high in public confidence and esteem. The popular and mod- ern Oliver Hotel was founded by him in 1925 and stands as a testi- monial to his public spirit and enterprise. He is a son of Capt. Stephen A. and Caroline A. (Laskey) Oliver, and was born in Chicago, Ill., Aug. 5, 1879.
The Oliver family were a prominent and distinguished family of Lynn, Mass., in the early days. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Oliver, was Edwin H. Oliver, who was born in Lynn, Mass. He was engaged in the manufacture of shoes. He was postmaster of Lynn for many years and represented his district in congress. He married Mary E.
LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
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Sanderson, a native of Salem, Mass. Their son, Stephen A. Oliver, was born at Lynn, Mass., on Feb. 28, 1838. In early life he became asso- ciated with his father's business in which he continued until the out- break of the Civil War, when he enlisted in the Eighth Massachusetts State Militia, on April 15, 1861. He served his three month's enlist- ment, then reenlisted in 1862, serving in the same original company and regiment. He was with the Army of the Potomac and in North Caro- lina during that period, and was with the reserves at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. At the expiration of his second enlistment he returned to his old home and again engaged in the manufacture of shoes. In 1878 he removed to Chicago where he was associated with the firm of Phelps, Dodge & Palmer, shoe manufacturers. In 1882 Mr. Oliver came to Joliet as superintendent of the shoe factory at the state prison for Selz, Schwab & Company. He resigned this position in 1885 to engage in the real estate business with A. C. Clement which partnership lasted one year. He then engaged in the real estate busi- ness for himself and built up one of the largest real estate and insurance concerns in the county. On Oct. 2, 1863, Stephen A. Oliver was married to Carrie A. Laskey, a native of Salem, Mass. Mrs. Oliver died Dec. 31, 1909, and he died Jan. 16, 1910. Both are buried in Elmhurst Ceme- tery, Joliet. Mr. Oliver was the first commander of the G. A. R. Post in Joliet, and was senior vice-department commander in New Hamp- shire. Fraternally he was affiliated with the Blue Lodge of Masonry, Royal Arch Mason, and was a life member of Apollo Commandery, K. T. No. 1. Mr. Oliver was a worthy citizen and commanded the esteem and confidence of all. Capt. Stephen A. and Carrie A. (Laskey) Oliver were the parents of two children: 1. Lizzie J., born Feb. 7, 1866, mar- ried H. Fred Humphrey, reside at St. Petersburg, Florida. He was born in 1864, and for many years was a prominent manufacturer of foundry supplies at Joliet. 2. William H. Oliver, the subject of this sketch.
Mr. Oliver's early education was acquired in the public schools of Joliet, graduating from the high school in 1899. After leaving school he entered the employ of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railroad in the en- gineering corps, and was later with the Chicago and Alton Railroad as assistant engineer. He resigned in 1906 to enter the employ of the First National Bank at Joliet as a bookkeeper where he spent one year.
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In 1907 he entered his father's office. In 1908 the Oliver Realty Com- pany was incorporated, and William H. Oliver became president. In 1915 he sold his interest, but the firm still continues in business as one of the largest real estate and insurance brokerage houses in Joliet.
During the time Mr. Oliver was in the real estate business he super- vised the building of the Morris block which was rebuilt in 1908; super- vised the building of the Woodruff Inn in 1914-1915. In 1915 Mr. Oliver and Robert McRobert operated the Woodruff Inn. In 1917 he sold his interest in same to Mr. McRobert. He then went on a trip to South America but when the United States entered the World War he returned and served one year in the Department of Justice at Chicago. In December, 1919, Mr. Oliver assumed the vice presidency of the First National Bank of Braidwood, Ill., and the Commercial National Bank of Wilmington, Ill., serving in this capacity until 1922 when he returned to the Oliver Realty Company.
In 1925 Mr. Oliver built the Oliver Hotel on the site of the old home- stead of George Woodruff. This hotel was incorporated Dec. 31, 1925, and Mr. Oliver elected president. Mrs. R. M. Oliver is secretary and treasurer. The hotel contains 102 rooms and has bungalows built on the roof.
In 1920 Mr. Oliver was married to Miss Ruth Marie Kobliska, a daughter of John and Mary Kobliska.
Mr. Oliver is a member of Mount Joliet Lodge, A. F. and A. M., No. 42; Joliet Chapter, R. A. M. No. 27; Joliet Commandery, K. T. No. 4; Medinah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S .; Medinah Athletic Club; and the Illinois Hotel Men's Association. Politically Mr. Oliver is a Republican. Both he and his wife are members of the Central Presbyterian Church.
David E. Field, attorney at law and vice president of the Stern State Bank, is a well known citizen of Joliet. He was born in the City of Grosswardein, Hungary, on April 29, 1889.
He was educated in the public schools and a technical school of his native land and came to the United States, to Joliet, where he engaged for five years in architectural and mechanical engineering, and at the same time, took special studies and examinations and was graduated
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from the public schools and the Joliet Township High School of Joliet, in 1910, after which he entered the Law School of the University of Michigan, receiving his degree of LL. B. in 1913, and was admitted to the Michigan and Illinois State Bars.
After graduation he became associated with the well known law firm of Alshuler, Putnam and James, of Aurora, Ill., after two years he returned to Joliet and established his own office, and was admitted to practice in the Federal Courts.
For some years he was a director of the Stern State Bank, of Joliet, and in 1926 became the active vice president of said institution.
In 1914, Mr. Field was united in marriage with Miss Sadie Stern, a daughter of Ludwig and Rose (Stiglitz) Stern, of their marriage one daughter, Rosalind, was born.
Mr. Field is a member of the Will County and the American Bar Associations, and is affiliated with Matteson Lodge A. F. and A. M. No. 175 and the University of Michigan Alumni Association.
Fred S. Pratt .- Prominent in the business affairs of Joliet, Ill., and descended from a sterling English family whose first citizen here came generations ago, and the son of a former fine citizen, Norman S. Pratt, who was interested in business enterprises in Plainfield, and who is further mentioned in another biography, Fred S. Pratt was born in Plainfield, Ill., Aug. 29, 1883.
The present branch of the Pratt family was founded in America by Thomas and Susanna Pratt. He was born in England in 1618 and sailed for the United States on a ship called the America, commanded by Capt. William Barker, on June 23, 1635. They first settled in Water- town, Mass., removing to Framingham, Mass., in 1674. He died in 1692. His son, John Pratt, also had a son, John Pratt, Jr. John Pratt, Jr., married Bethsheba Fay, a daughter of Captain John Fay. They were married in 1716 and their son, Ensign Ezekial Pratt, married in 1740 Molly Grant. Their son, Stephen Pratt, married Hannah Billings. They had a son, Elisha B., who was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. He married Clara Safford. They are buried in Bennington, Vt., the town being founded by the Pratts and four other families.
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Samuel S. Pratt, who was born in Bennington, Vt., was a son of Elisha B. and Clara (Safford) Pratt. He married Esther A. Beckwith. They came to Illinois in 1834 and settled in Plainfield. He was a cabinet maker by trade and established the first furniture store in Plainfield, which he conducted for many years. He died Aug. 16, 1882, and is buried in Plainfield, Ill.
Norman S. Pratt was the son of Samuel S. and Esther A. (Beck- with) Pratt. He was born in Plainfield, Ill., June 1, 1849. At the age of 21 he engaged in the furniture business with his father, at a time when it was necessary to bring furniture from Chicago by wagon. He continued in that business for 22 years, retiring in 1893. On Oct. 31, 1871, he was married to Miss Bessie Southwick. They had one son, Fred S., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Pratt died Aug. 2, 1923, and his wife died March 8, 1907. They are both buried in Plainfield, Ill. He was a Republican in politics and served for 18 years on the village board of aldermen of Plainfield, and was chairman of the committee which installed the present water system there. He joined the Congregational Church when a young boy and maintained this affiliation until his death. He was an excellent citizen and highly esteemed member of the community.
Fred S. Pratt attended the public schools of Plainfield and was gradu- ated from the high school in 1901. He started his business career as a clerk in the general store of his uncle, A. T. Corbin. In 1905 he came to Joliet and was employed as a salesman by McHugh and Schoenstedt, clothiers, and lived at Plainfield. From 1907 until 1916 he specialized in advertising and mercantile display, in conjunction with progressive merchandising in men's wear. In 1916 he formed a partnership with O. H. Tesdall. They purchased the L. A. Raub Clothing Company busi- ness which was located corner of Jefferson and Ottawa Streets. They remodeled the store in 1916, and again in 1924, doubling the clothing department. This store has been in operation for over 50 years as a clothing center. In 1909 Mr. Pratt took a course at the Koester School of Mercantile Display and Advertising, at Chicago, from which he graduated. Mr. Pratt in addition to buying and selling activities pre- pares all the newspaper and personal mail advertising copy. In 1925 a shoe department was added to the business, and this firm was the
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first store to adopt the "Ten-Pay-Plan" of selling fine clothing. Tesdall Pratt & Co. have offices at 230 Fifth Avenue, New York City.
On Oct. 18, 1904, Mr. Pratt was married to Miss Orva L. Hartong, a daughter of Franklin and Eliza (Sencenbaugh) Hartong, natives of Will County, Ill. Both are deceased and are buried in Plainfield, Ill., a sketch of whom appears in this history. To Mr. and Mrs. Pratt two daughters have been born: Orva Bessie, born Aug. 18, 1922; and Freda E., born Dec. 1, 1924.
Mr. Pratt, who was born in the same house his father was born in, still makes his home in Plainfield. In 1926-27 he and his wife designed and built a very modern home which is named "Pratt Place."
Mr. Pratt is a Republican and a member of the Congregational Church. His fraternal associations are those of Plainfield Lodge, A. F. and A. M. No. 536, of which he was worshipful master in 1915-1916; Joliet Chapter, R. A. M. No. 27; Joliet Commandery, K. T. No. 4; Modern Woodmen of America. He is a member of the Joliet Chamber of Com- merce and a director of the Illinois Retail Clothiers and Furnishers As- sociation.
George R. Hill is a well known and highly respected business man of Joliet, where he was born Feb. 1, 1868, the son of Samuel and Helena F. (Ryan) Hill.
The Hills were of Irish descent, many serving in the British Navy, in which one Alfred Hill was a paymaster. Samuel Hill was born in County Meath, Ireland, in 1830. He came to the United States in 1855 and located at St. Peters, Minn., where he took up a government claim consisting of 160 acres of land. He built a log cabin, remained one year, and sold his claim and removed to Minooka, Ill., where he engaged in farming until 1861, when he located at Joliet. Here he engaged in the mercantile business with his brother, John Wesley Hill. During this time the Civil War was in progress and Samuel Hill drilled troops in Minooka, having had experience in this line in Ireland where he was a member of the Irish constabulary. His wife, Helena F. (Ryan) Hill, was born in Mallow, Ireland, in 1829 and came to the United States in 1855, locating at Joliet. They were married in this city in 1859, and to them
GEORGE R. HILL
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three children were born: John William, who died in 1900, and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet; George R., the subject of this sketch; and Maude F., who married John B. Mecham, an attorney, Joliet. Samuel Hill died in 1883 and his wife in 1893. Both are buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet.
Samuel Hill was the son of Thomas Hill, a farmer, who spent his entire life in Ireland. His children were: John W., Samuel, Robert, Rebecca, Susan, and Deborah, who all came to the United States. Another son, Joseph, remained in Ireland.
Helena F. Ryan was a daughter of John Ryan, a representative of the Stewart Company of New York, who lived his entire life in Ireland. His children were: John, Matilda, Mary, Margaret, Dora, and Helena, who all came to America. A son, Thomas, a graduate of Trinity Col- lege, Dublin, Ireland, became a tutor to rich young men in Ireland. Later he joined the British Army and died at Aden, Arabia.
George R. Hill attended the public and high schools of Joliet. His first employment was as bookkeeper for the Wilcox Bros. Lumber and Carriage dealers, where he remained for 16 years. In 1902 he purchased the branch lumber yard of the Wilcox Brothers, located at Plainfield, Ill., and it was known as the George R. Hill Lumber Company for seven years, when he disposed of the business. In 1909 he purchased the Whipple & Barr, grain and lumber business, located in Plainfield, Ill., and at Frontenac, Ill., which he sold in 1910 and removed to Joliet, where he established the George R. Hill real estate business with offices in the Joliet National Bank Building. He also added insurance to his other activities. In 1928 he removed to his present office, in the Monroe Building on Scott Street. Mr. Hill is also extensively interested in building and has a large display of the most modern and attractive building plans. He has built some of the most unique homes in the Farragut district, and he has recently acquired the services of Mr. E. Palmer Potter, of Milwaukee, a designer and builder, and a crew of twenty men are now engaged in building three stone residences and a golf Club House for the new Crystal Lawns Golf Club.
Mr. Hill is a Republican and a member of the Methodist Church in which he is a steward. He is prominent in Masonic circles being a member of Matteson Lodge, A. F. & A. M. No. 175; Joliet Chapter,
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