USA > Illinois > Will County > History of Will County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 50
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Frank B. Dooley was educated in the public schools and early in life entered the employ of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railroad, after having spent two years as a brakeman on the Chicago & Alton Rail-
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road. He began as a switchman in May, 1902, and for the past 15 years has served as assistant yard master. He is the owner of 280 acres of land in Oklahoma.
On Oct. 16, 1907, Mr. Dooley married Miss Emma Diehl, who was born at Lockport, May 20, 1884, the daughter of Peter and Margaret (Adelman) Diehl, natives of Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Diehl, who live retired at Lockport, are the parents of the following children: Emma Dooley; Josephine, the widow of Edward O'Neil, lives at Chicago; Augusta, lives at Chicago; Minnie, deceased; Peter, died in service in France during the World War, buried in Lockport Cemetery; Bertha, deceased, was the wife of Dr. Ralph B. Harphman, of Lockport; Flor- ence, married Dr. Ralph B. Harphman; Henry, lives near Plainfield, Ill .; and Helen, at home. To. Mr. and Mrs. Dooley have been born three children: Sarah Marie, born Feb. 13, 1909, a graduate of Lockport High School; William, born March 8, 1911; and Grace, born July 13, 1916.
Mr. Dooley is a Democrat, a member of the Catholic Church, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias, loyal Order of Moose and other local organizations.
Frank Sloan, who is serving as township assessor of Lockport Town- ship, is a substantial and well known citizen of Lockport, where he was born Feb. 19, 1863. He is the son of James and Mary (Cavanaugh) Sloan.
James Sloan, deceased, was a native of Ireland. He was among the first settlers of Will County and during the early days was employed on the canal near Lockport as a lock tender. He spent nine years at Bridgeport and was then located at Jack's Lock for 14 years. When the lock was taken out in 1871 Mr. Sloan retired and spent the re- mainder of his life at Lockport, where he died in 1888. His wife, also a native of Ireland, died in 1903. Both are buried in the Lockport Cemetery. Mr. Sloan was a life long Democrat and a member of the Catholic church. There were six children in the Sloan family, as fol- lows: John Francis, died at the age of four years; William T., lives in Chicago; James H., lives in Chicago; Mary W., twin sister of James H., died in 1925; Frank, the subject of this sketch ; and Edward I., lives retired at Lockport.
The education of Frank Sloan was received in the public schools of Lockport. He learned the plumber's trade, which he followed until 1896. Mr. Sloan was then appointed postmaster of Lockport and served
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in that capacity until 1901. Since that date he has operated a plumb- ing and tinning shop in Lockport. Besides serving as township assessor he has been mayor of Lockport for two terms.
On April 24, 1901, Mr. Sloan was united in marriage with Miss Nellie A. King, who was born at Lockport, Oct. 25, 1871, the daughter of Lawrence and Winifred (Ryan) King, natives of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. King, pioneer settlers of Lockport, were the parents of the fol- lowing children: Mary Ellen, Christopher, Margaret, William, Julia, and John, all deceased; and Nellie A. Sloan. Mr. King died in 1892 and his wife died in 1900. They are buried in the Lockport Cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Sloan were born three children: Dorothy, born Jan. 27, 1902, was married on Sept. 26, 1924, to Clarence Miller, of Lock- port, and they have two children, Marion, born in January, 1925, and Winifred, born April 10, 1926; John, born Nov. 2, 1904, lives at home; and Winifred, born Jan. 26, 1907, died in 1915.
Mr. Sloan and his family hold membership in the Catholic church and are highly esteemed members of the community in which they live.
Victor Ahlvin, building contractor, is prominent in the city of Joliet, where he has engaged in business for a period of 30 years. He is a native of Sweden, born March 27, 1864.
Mr. Ahlvin came to the United States in 1884 and located almost immediately at Joliet, where he followed his trade as a carpenter. Three years later he engaged in the building and contracting business. Mr. Ahlvin has specialized in the building of fine homes and also has erected numerous public buildings, among which may be mentioned the Wash- ington Street School in Joliet and the apartment building at 211 North Nicholson Street.
On Nov. 26, 1890, Mr. Ahlvin was married to Miss Hilda Johnson, who was born in Sweden, Dec. 11, 1864. They have five children, as follows: Martin, civil engineer, lives in Joliet; Ebba, married Earl Frazier, construction engineer, lives at Rock Island, Ill .; Robert, attor- ney, a veteran of the World War, lives in Chicago; Reno, M. D., a vete- ran of the World War, lives in Joliet; and Irwin, who is associated with his father's business in Joliet.
Politically, Mr. Ahlvin has always been a Republican. He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church in Joliet. Mrs. Ahlvin died Nov. 2, 1926, and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet.
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Peter A. Goodmanson, one of the most popular men of Joliet, a pro- gressive and energetic business man, is a native of Sweden, born Feb. 21, 1857.
Peter A. Goodmanson was educated in the public schools of his native land and came to the United States in 1888. As a young man he learned the carpenter's trade and was thus engaged for nine years before coming to America. After his arrival in Illinois he settled at Joliet, where he has been interested in the building and contracting business for more than 40 years. He was one of the organizers of the Joliet Calendar Company, of which he served as vice president for a number of years. He is now a director of the company.
Among the hundreds of fine residences built by Mr. Goodmanson in Joliet may be mentioned the following: John D'Arcy, Louis Moore, W. J. Fitzgibbons, N. J. Comerford, H. A. Stillman, F. C. H. Arentz, and George Langford.
Mr. Goodmanson was married in Sweden to Miss Eva Larson, who died in that country many years ago. They had two children : Charlotte, married Charles W. Bradley, lives at Joliet, and they have four chil- dren, Leonard C., Wilbur A., Marian E., and Richard, all students; and Elsie, married Joseph W. Johnson, lives at Joliet, and they have two children, Stanley Peter, and Gordon Alfred, both students.
Mr. Goodmanson is a member of the Lutheran Church and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge. He lives at 904 Prairie Avenue, Joliet.
Robert G. Manning, popular garage owner of Lockport, is a native of Will County. He was born on a farm in Wheatland Township, June 22, 1882, the son of Robert and Anna (Thompson) Manning.
Robert Manning, who lives retired in England, is a native of that country, born Dec. 24, 1857. He came to the United States in 1870 and settled on a farm in Wheatland Township. Later he engaged in the meat business at Aurora, Ill., but returned to Will County in 1896 and purchased a farm in Lockport Township. After his retirement he returned to England to reside. His wife, a native of Wheatland Town- ship, Will County, lives at Joliet. There were four children in the Manning family: Robert G., the subject of this sketch; Nina, married Peter Aspel, lives at Joliet; John, lives at Joliet; and Janet, married Arthur Strubell, lives at Toledo, Ohio.
Robert G. Manning was educated in the Lockport Township schools and engaged in farming with his father until 1914. He then came to
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Lockport and opened a garage at 1110 State Street. In 1923 the busi- ness was moved to 431 East 11th Street, Mr. Manning having sold his interests in the former location. During his long career as an auto- mobile man he has had the local agency for the Ford, Velie, Jackson, Overland, and Reo cars. Mr. Manning is an expert mechanic and has always been known for his dependability and trustworthiness.
On June 22, 1911, Mr. Manning was united in marriage with Miss Florence Purdy, who was born at Joliet, Nov. 4, 1888, the daughter of William H. and Louise (Beck) Purdy. Mr. Purdy died in 1918 and his widow lives at Lockport. They had four children: William, deceased; Florence Manning; Olive, married Frank Miller, lives at Lockport; and Bert, farmer, lives in Homer Township, Will County. To Mr. and Mrs. Manning have been born four children: Donald, Lois, Phyllis, and Ruth.
Mr. Manning is a Republican and has served for six years as alder- man of Lockport. He is a member of the Congregational church and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Eugene Molaschi .- Active and progressive in business, Eugene Mo- laschi is well known in Joliet, where he has engaged in the contracting and stone mason business since 1912. He was born in Italy, Sept. 28, 1880, the son of Alexander and Mary (Barabaschi) Molaschi.
Alexander Molaschi, has spent his entire life in Italy. He is a mer- chant at Piacenza, Rivergaro, where he deals in tobacco. He served in the Italian army for a number of years. His wife died in 1883. Eugene, the subject of this sketch, was their only child.
In early youth Eugene Molaschi emigrated to the United States. After a year in New York City he came to Illinois where he spent three years with the Tuloko Coal Company, at Tuloko. He came to Joliet in 1909 where he entered the employ of the Newkirk & Powers Construc- tion Company. Three years later he engaged in business for himself. He manufactures cement blocks and specializes in concrete mason work.
On Oct. 14, 1904, Mr. Molaschi married Miss Jessie Stungis, who was born in Lithuania, July 15, 1886, the daughter of Joseph and Amelia (Matthews) Stungis. Mr. Stungis came to the United States many years ago and settled at Spring Valley, Ill. Several years ago he returned to Lithuania where he now resides. His wife died in 1910 and is buried at Spring Valley. To Mr. and Mrs. Stungis were born five children: Lewis, deceased; Elizabeth, married John Galnites, lives
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at Spring Valley; Jessie Molaschi; Vincent, lives at Spring Valley; and Joseph, lives at Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Molaschi are the parents of four children: Frank, born Feb. 21, 1906; Christopher, born Dec. 25, 1909; Alexander, born Dec. 26, 1912; and Emily, born Oct. 20, 1920.
Mr. Molaschi is a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church and is affiliated with the various Italian Societies of this city.
Charles A. Johnson is well and favorably known in Lockport, where he is connected with Palmer & Dillman as bookkeeper. He was born at Calumet, Mich., Jan. 7, 1880, the son of Nils Daniel and Anna Ottila (Johnson) Johnson.
Nils Daniel Johnson was born in Sweden. He came to this country about 1870 and settled in Illinois, later removing to Calumet, Mich., where he spent three years. He then went to Chicago,, where he was employed at his trade as a stone cutter. He died March 7, 1902, and is buried in the Lockport Cemetery. His wife is also deceased. Mr. Johnson was a Republican and a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church. There were five children in the Johnson family: Christina, deceased; Mary, lives at Lockport; Charles A., the subject of this sketch; Helen A., deceased; and Sophia Olivia, twin sister of Helen A., married John Swenson, lives in Canada.
The boyhood of Charles A. Johnson was spent in Chicago and Lock- port and he was educated in the public schools. He attended Metropoli- tan Business College after having been employed for nine years as a locksmith. He then spent seven years in the employ of the Chicago & Joliet Electric Company and resigned as assistant cashier to accept a position with the Standard Oil Company as bookkeeper. In 1916 he became associated with Palmer & Dillman in Lockport as a bookkeeper and has continued in that capacity to the present time.
On Dec. 3, 1910, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Miss Anna Nelson, who was born in Sweden, Aug. 12, 1887, the daughter of Carl and Emma (Frederickson) Nelson, natives of Sweden and the parents of the following children : Nels, lives at Lamont, Ill .; Albertina, deceased, was the wife of Abel Swenson; Amanda, married John Nol- berg, lives at Lamont, Ill .; Charlotte, died at the age of 24 years; John, lives in Chicago; Charles, lives in Chicago; Andrew, lives in Chicago; Anna Johnson; and Arthur, lives in Chicago. Mr. Nelson died April 19, 1909, and his wife died Aug. 18, 1907. They are buried in the La-
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mont (Ill.) Cemtery. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have three sons: Carl E., born June 4, 1912; Lawrence A., born Nov. 6, 1913; and Vernon A., born July 31, 1915.
Mr. Johnson is a Republican and is serving as school director. He is a deacon of the Congregational church and is prominent in all civic affairs in the community in which he lives.
Reed Voight .- Born and reared in Joliet, Reed Voight now ranks among the city's successful young business men. He is identified with the Voight Brothers Motor Company 407-09 North Joliet Street. Mr. Voight is the son of Frederick and Angelina (Singelterry) Voight.
Frederick Voight was born in Chicago Feb. 28, 1857, and his wife was born in England, Nov. 16, 1858. They have been residents of Lockport and Joliet since 1863, and Mr. Voight has taken an active part in local politics for many years. He is a Democrat, and has served as justice of the peace and police magistrate. He is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Voight lives at 229 East Seventh Street. There were six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Voight: Elsie, deceased; Logan, mechanical engineer, lives at Lockport, is a World War veteran; Alger, mention of whom is made below; Reed, the subject of this sketch; and two children died in infancy.
Reed Voight was educated in the public schools of Lockport and in early youth became interested in the automobile business. In 1916 he organized the Voight Brothers Motor Company, in partnership with his brother Alger. They removed to their present location in 1923. They operate one of the city's well equipped garages.
On May 11, 1918, Mr. Voight married Miss Theresa Hanson, who was born at Lockport, June 16, 1899. They have two sons: Earl, born Sept. 27, 1919; and Donald, born Sept. 4, 1920.
During the World War Mr. Voight enlisted for service May 29, 1918, and was sent to Camp Shelby, Mississippi, where he was assigned to the 139th Field Artillery. He was discharged Dec. 8, 1919, from Camp Dix, N. J.
Mr. Voight is a member of the American Legion.
Alger Voight, who is connected with Voight Brothers Motor Com- pany, is also a veteran of the World War. He was born at Lockport, May 2, 1892. After completing his schooling he learned the machinist's trade, which he followed until the organization of the Voight Brothers
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Motor Company in 1916. Both he and his brother are able young busi- ness men and an asset to the community in which they live.
Mr. Voight was married on June 16, 1918, to Miss Luella Speicher, who was born at Plainfield, Ill., in September, 1892. They have two adopted children: James, born in April, 1919; and June, born in May, 1919.
William R. McCabe, one of the leading members of the Will County bar, was born in Grundy County, Ill., Aug. 3, 1884.
Following his graduation from Morris (Ill.) High School, William R. McCabe attended St. Viator's College, Bourbonnais, Ill., and Kent College of Law. He was admitted to practice in the State of Illinois in 1916, and subsequently located in Joliet, where he has a well estab- lished practice. Mr. McCabe served as mayor of Lockport from 1922 until 1924. He was also a member of the General Assembly of Illinois from 1912 until 1922.
On Oct. 9, 1907, Mr. McCabe married Miss Ada M. Myers, of Lock- port. They have five daughters.
Cassius A. Mills .- Prominent among the successful business men of Joliet is Cassius A. Mills, who is general superintendent of the Garlach- Barklow Company. He was born at Elliott, Iowa, Sept. 1, 1886, the son of Edward Mills.
Edward Mills, deceased, was a prominent attorney of Montgomery County, Iowa. He was born at Dubuque, and was an early settler of Elliott, later removing to Red Oak, Iowa. For several years he served as prosecuting attorney of Montgomery County. He was a Republican, a member of the Christian Church, and belonged to the Knights of Pythias and Elks Lodge. Mr. Mills is buried at Red Oak. There were two sons born to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Mills: Cassius A., the subject of this sketch; and Charles Bennett, who lives at Dallas, Texas. He is a veteran of the World War, having served in France as a first lieutenant. After the close of the war he served with the U. S. Army in Siberia for 18 months.
Cassius A. Mills spent his boyhood at Red Oak, Iowa, and attended the schools of Montgomery County. He was employed by the Red Oak Express Company in his early youth, and later entered the print- ing establishment of Thomas D. Murphy, where he learned the printer's
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trade. Mr. Mills has been a resident of Joliet since 1907, and was one of the founders of the Garlach-Barklow Company, of which he is now serving as general superintendent.
During the World War Mr. Mills enlisted for service from Joliet, on Aug. 1, 1918, and was sent to Camp Hancock, Ga., where he was assigned to the Twenty-first Company, Central Machine Gun Training School.
On May 17, 1922, Mr. Mills married Miss Thilda Erickson, of Joliet.
William A. McRoberts, M. D., a representative member of the medi- cal profession at Joliet, and one of the leading citizens of the place, was born at Troy, Grinters Mill, Will County, the son of John and Margaret (Hughes) McRoberts.
John McRoberts was born in Kacobrickshire, Scotland. He came to America when a young man and settled first in Chicago, Ill. In about 1860 he settled at Troy Grithers Mill. He was a veterinary surgeon and also a blacksmith. In 1865 he removed to Joliet where he followed his profession. His wife, Margaret (Hughes) McRoberts was born in Newton Stewart, Scotland. They were the parents of five children: James, a retired veterinarian, lives at Knox, Ind .; John, yard master at rolling mill, Joliet; Agnes, secretary of Joliet Dry Goods Company, lives at 202 Joliet Street; Susan, deceased; and William A., the subject of this sketch.
John McRoberts died March 28, 1878, and his wife is also deceased. They are both buried in Oakland Cemetery. Mr. McRoberts was active in the affairs of the Republican party and a member of the Presbyter- ian Church.
William A. McRoberts was graduated from the Joliet High School, after which he entered the Homeopathic Medical College, at Chicago, where he obtained his degree of Medical Doctor in 1902. He began his general medical practice at Joliet in that year. His offices are located in the Young Building.
At the time of the World War he enlisted in the Medical Corps, at Chicago, and was sent to Camp Sheldon, Hattiesburg, Miss., and was commissioned a first lieutenant. The Doctor was among the oldest men from Joliet to be accepted for service. He received his discharge in December, 1918, and returned to Joliet where he resumed his practice.
On June 22, 1911, Dr. McRoberts was married to Miss Delia Watkins, who was born in Joliet, July 2, 1883, a daughter of Robert F. and Emma
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(Bogartis) Watkins. Robert F. Watkins, a native of Will County, born in 1856, has been an extensive farmer and stockman all his life. He is a Republican and has held many township offices. The family are members of the Baptist Church. His wife, also a native of Will County, was born in 1859. They now live retired in Joliet. They were the parents of the following children: Elizabeth, married David O. Barnard, lives at Hot Springs, Ark .; Mrs. McRoberts; Harvey, city supervisor, Joliet; William, farmer and stockman, Rockport Township; and Robert, Joliet. Doctor and Mrs. McRoberts have two adopted children: Helen Louise, and William James, both students.
Doctor McRoberts was Health Commissioner of the city of Joliet for several years, and was Township Health Commissioner for a period of eight years. He is a Republican, a member of the Masonic Lodge, and attends the Central Presbyterian Church.
Raymond Morris, of the firm Morris Brothers, coal dealers, Joliet, is a native of this city. He was born Aug. 17, 1899, a son of James and Jennie (Owen) Morris.
James Morris was born in Goderich, Canada, and came to Illinois in early life, locating at Joliet. He has been an engineer in the employ of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad Company since the road was first opened. He is a Republican and a member of the Second Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Morris was born in Ottawa, Kans. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Morris: 1. Lee, city assessor of Joliet. He en- listed in World War from Will County, and was sent to Fort Camp Sheridan, for instruction in French 75 millometer guns. He was over- seas and served 18 months with the French army. He served during the entire war and was discharged at Fort Sheridan in 1920. 2. Samuel, deceased; 3. Harold, deputy assessor, Joliet, was also a veteran of the World War. After his enlistment he was sent to Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, and was assigned to the Second Regiment Motor Mechanics, and served 18 months in France. Was discharged from Camp Grant. 4. Raymond, the subject of this sketch; 5. James, a State employe, de- sides with his parents in Joliet. 6. Owen, a fireman on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. 7. Jacob, died in infancy.
Raymond Morris attended the public schools of Joliet and was gradu- ated from the high school in the class of 1921. This was followed by a four year college course at the University of Illinois, receiving his degree in 1925.
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On May 23, 1918, Mr. Morris enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to duty on the troop transport Leviathian, and later was transferred to the 88th Marines. He was overseas a year and was discharged from the service at Pelham Bay, N. Y., as a first class Gunner's Mate.
Upon his return to private life, Mr. Morris was connected with the Joliet Motor Company for one and one-half years as a salesman. He then engaged in the coal business at 1810 Washington Street, Joliet, in company with his brother, under the firm name of Morris Brothers Coal Company. They have a well established business, employing 15 men and have five trucks in daily operation.
Mr. Morris is a Republican, a member of the Second Presbyterian Church, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is also a member of Delta Sigma Lambda, the Square and Compass, and Delta Kappa Delta.
Rev. Walter Henry Macpherson, L. H. D .- One of the recognized leading men of Joliet is Reverend Walter Henry Macpherson, who is pastor of St. John's Universalist Church. He was born at Delaware, Ontario, Canada, Sept. 27, 1877, the son of William and Elizabeth (Heard) Macpherson.
William Macpherson, deceased, was a native of St. John's, New Foundland. He was a carriage manufacturer and spent the greater part of his life in Ontario, Canada. His wife, who is also deceased, was born at Lambeth, Ont.
Walter Henry Macpherson lived in Delaware, Ont., until he was 11 years of age. The rest of his youth was spent in Chicago, where he attended high school. He is also a graduate of the University of Chicago, and after completing his study in the Divinity School of the University of Chicago, in 1906, he was ordained to the Congregational ministry and served the People's Church, South Chicago, for one year. He then became assistant minister of St. Paul's Universalist Church until 1912, when he came to Joliet as minister of St. John's Universalist Church.
On June 26, 1906, Dr. Macpherson married Miss Cecelia Clifford, a native of Copenhagen, Denmark. At the time of her marriage she was a resident of Chicago. Their only child, Marion, born May 1, 1910, died Dec. 28, 1913.
Dr. Macpherson received the honorary degree, L. H. D., from Lom- bard College, in 1925, in recognition of his many years of active ser-
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vice in all fields of human betterment. When he came to Joliet in 1912 he persuaded the people of the Universalist Church to foster a series of popular Sunday afternoon concerts, conducted by 12 members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. These concerts were continued every winter until the outbreak of the World War, and while they were given up then, it is generally conceded that the interest developed by these concerts made possible the present Joliet Symphony Orchestra. During the war Dr. Macpherson served under the War Department Commission on training camp activities, and was responsible for the welfare of whole divisions of men along the Mexican border. He has always been active- ly identified with all that pertains to the spirit of the community, lend- ing his aid to all good causes and enlisting the active participation of the parish to which he ministers in all movements that serve the Church Universal.
Dr. Macpherson is affiliated with Matteson Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons.
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