USA > Illinois > Will County > History of Will County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 51
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James Hansen, president of the Hansen-Petersen Company, Inc., general contractors, is a prominent business man of Joliet. He was born in Denmark, June 21, 1868, the son of P. C. and Nicholine (Ras- mussen) Hansen.
P. C. Hansen, deceased, spent his entire life in Denmark and died at the age of 60 years. His widow, now 85 years of age, resides in Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Hansen were the parents of the following chil- dren: Thorvald, deceased; Mrs. Petrille Agnaw, lives in Chicago; Mrs. Matilde Skow, lives in Chicago; Mrs. Laura Toomey, lives in Chicago; Otto, lives in Joliet; James, the subject of this sketch; Rasmus, lives in Denmark; Age, lives in Denmark; and Katrine, lives in Denmark.
James Hansen learned his trade as cabinet maker in his native land. During the World Fair in Chicago he came to this country and was engaged in construction work there as a carpenter. Later, he went to Lamont, Ill., where he remained a short time before locating in Joliet. Mr. Hansen has been successful in the general contracting business and in 1907 was active in the organization of the Hansen- Petersen Company. The business was incorporated in 1913. They are manufacturers of mill work and widely known as general building contractors.
In 1900 Mr. Hansen was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Peter- sen, a sister of George P. Petersen, and a resident of Lamont. They
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have the following children: Gladys, a teacher in the schools of Lock- port, Ill .; James Roger, attends the Girvin Institute of Musical Arts in Chicago, Ill .; and Ina, who died at the age of three years.
Politically, Mr. Hansen is a Republican. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen of America, Danish Brotherhood of America, and Chamber of Commerce.
Niles Burke is among the most progressive and successful business men of Joliet, where he is connected with the B. and M. Adv. Service, which is located at 631 Cass Avenue. He was born in Joliet, April 17, 1900, the son of B. E. and Mary (Kavanaugh) Burke.
B. E. Burke, well known merchant of this city is the son of Thomas Burke, who was one of the earliest settlers of Joliet. He was promin- ent in politics and took an active interest in the city's business and civic life. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Burke: Agnes, married Henry Jacobs, lives at San Diego, Calif .; Nellie, married Joseph Sullivan, lives in Joliet; John, lives in Joliet; Anna, married William Clyne, lives in Joliet; William, deceased; Sarah, who served as principal of Sheridan School, Joliet, for 20 years; Hattie, deceased; and B. E., father of the subject of this sketch.
B. E. Burke has spent his entire life in Joliet. Since 1900 he has been interested in the grocery and meat business and has a well established trade. His wife is also a native of Joliet. They are the parents of the following children: Bernice, married Dr. F. A. Wertz, lives in Chicago; Helen, married Leo Clennon, lives in Joliet; Niles, the subject of this sketch; Edwin, a member of the Joliet Fire Department, lives at home; Lorraine, who is connected with the athletic department of the Joliet public schools; Robert, who is a pitcher on the Washington baseball team, American League. He was born Feb. 18, 1907, and is a graduate of Joliet Township High School.
Mrs. Burke has the following brothers and sisters: Burt, with the E. J. E. Railroad, Joliet; Thomas, deceased; Laura, married Henry Squibbs, of Chicago; Agnes, deceased, was the wife of Richard Mc- Partlin, of Chicago; Helen, with the Joliet National Bank; Margaret, also with the Joliet National Bank; and Lydia, at home.
Niles Burke attended the public and high schools of Joliet, after which he entered his father's store. In 1918 he took a course in an
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art school in Chicago. In March, 1924, in partnership with John Marco he established the B. and M. Adv. Service. They specialize in sign work of all kinds and have a force of six men. They cover a territory of 60 miles around Joliet, and their highway and electrical display signs are numerous throughout the city and county.
Mr. Burke is a Democrat in politics. He belongs to the Elks Lodge, Chamber of Commerce, and Painters and Decorators Union, Local 33, of Joliet.
Mr. Burke, who is unmarried, resides with his parents at 425 West Marion Street. The family are members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, and are well known and highly respected in their community.
Frank Schmidt .- An experienced man in his particular line of busi- ness, Frank Schmidt, of the Joliet Floral Company, is well known in this city, where he was born April 11, 1885. He is the son of Frank and Augusta (Dillner) Schmidt.
Frank Schmidt, deceased, was born in Germany. He was among the early settlers of Joliet, where he followed his trade as a stonemason for many years. He died in 1919 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery. His widow, also a native of Germany, resides at 11 South Prairie Street, Joliet. To Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt the following children were born: Emma, married Charles Darrah, deceased, and she resides in Joliet; Paul, a farmer, lives at Thorpe, Wis .; Freda, married John Bock, lives in Joliet; Lena, married John Salle, deceased, and she resides in Joliet ; Frank, the subject of this sketch; Fred, mention of whom is made below; Louise, married Clifford McMillen, druggist, lives at Bird City, Kan .; Margaret, married William Peterson, lives at Lockport, Ill .; and Hertha, lives at home.
Frank Schmidt has spent his entire life in Joliet. He was educated in the public schools and at an early age became interested in the floral business, in 1915 having esablished the Joliet Floral Company in part- nership with his brother, Fred Schmidt. The company's greenhouses are located on Reed Street, and their retail store is at 507 East Jefferson Street. They have a large wholesale and retail trade in cut flowers and have three and one-half acres under glass.
Mr. Schmidt was married to Miss Mildred Patterson, who was born at Braidwood, Ill., June 13, 1898. They have a son, Frank, Jr., born June 18, 1924.
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Fred Schmidt, who is associated with his brother Frank Schmidt, in the Joliet Floral Company, is a veteran of the World War. He en- listed for service from Joliet and was sent to Camp Grant Ill., in June, 1917. He served overseas until April, 1919, at which time he was dis- charged. He married Miss Florence Kuhn, and they have three chil- dren: Fred, Jr., William, and Minnie.
Mr. Schmidt is a member of the Baptist Church and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge.
Paul A. Briese is among the enterprising young men of Joliet, where he is connected with the firm of Larson & Goranson, greenhouse owners and florists. He was born in this city, Sept. 8, 1896, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Briese.
Paul Briese was educated in the public schools of Joliet and since 1914 has been active in the business interests of Larson & Goranson, of which he became sole owner in 1923. The company has a large wholesale and retail trade in cut flowers and plants and is located at 1600 Wilcox Street.
On Sept. 8, 1917, Mr. Briese was united in marriage with Miss Frieda Nelson, of Joliet. They have five children: Harold, Clayton, Donald, Paul, Jr., and Eileen.
Mr. Briese and his family are members of St. Peter's Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican.
Anton Golobrig, well known mayor of Rockdale, is a veteran of the World War and one of the highly esteemed young men of Will County. He was born in Austria, in July, 1893, the son of Joseph and Agnes (Golobic) Golobrig.
Joseph Golobrig, who died in 1895, spent his life in Austria. His widow came to the United States shortly after the death of her hus- band and settled at Joliet, where she now resides. She brought her only child with her to America. He is Anton, the subject of this sketch.
The boyhood of Anton Golobrig was spent in Joliet and he attended the public schools. He entered the employ of the Rockdale Wire Manu- facturing Company and after five years went to Montana, where he spent ten years as a ranch worker. Upon his return to Joliet and Rock-
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dale he became interested in the garage business at 634 Cass Street, Joliet. He is an expert mechanic and has an up-to-date garage.
Mr. Golobrig was elected mayor of Rockdale in 1925 and is now serving his second term in office. He is a stanch Republican.
During the World War Mr. Golobrig was inducted into service and sent to Camp Dodge. He was later transferred to Camp Logan, at Houston, Texas, where he was assigned to the 132nd Infantry, 33rd Division. He was discharged in November, 1918.
During his administration as mayor of Rockdale many important improvements have been made in the town; such as paving, sewers, and water extensions. Total expenditures have amounted to $170,- 000.00.
Mr. Golobrig holds membership in the Catholic Church.
Lloyd W. Cameron .- Highly successful among the younger business men of Joliet may be mentioned Mr. Cameron, who is manager in this district for the Standard Oil Company. He was born at Park River, N. D., Nov. 11, 1893, the son of S. A. and Emma (Widdes) Cameron.
S. A. Cameron, who lives retired at Park River, N. D., is a native of Canada. In early life he came to the United States and settled in North Dakota, where he followed his trade as a blacksmith. His wife, also born in Canada, died in 1921 at the age of 65 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Cameron the following children were born: Mabel, married W. A. Young, lives at Park River, N. D .; Ethel, married Frank A. Cameron, lives at Grand Forks, N. D .; Edna, married Howard Newman, lives at Dickinson, N. D .; Lloyd W., the subject of this sketch; and Loreen, lives in California.
Lloyd W. Cameron spent his boyhood at Park River, N. D., and received his education in the public schools. He became affiliated with the Standard Oil Company early in his business career as a salesman at Park River and was later transferred to St. Louis, Mo., as assistant manager. From there he went to St. Joseph, Mo., for the company as manager and in 1924 he came to Joliet as manager of this district, which includes the northern part of Illinois.
On June 30, 1914, Mr. Cameron married Miss Lois Van Slyke, of Minneapolis, Minn. They have a son, Stephen, born June 12, 1915.
Politically, Mr. Cameron is a Republican. He is a member of the Episcopal church and belongs to the Joliet Country Club and Chamber of Commerce.
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Paul V. Hoover. D. D. S., a representative member of the dental profession in Will County and one of the leading citizens of Joliet, was born at Tampico, Ill., July 16, 1879, a son of H. A. and Anna (Whistler) Hoover.
H. A. Hoover, a retired minister of the Baptist Church, is a res- ident of Ashley, Ill., where he has engaged in the lumber business for 15 years. He was born in Pennsylvania, and in early life settled in Illinois. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover have four children: Paul V., the subject of this sketch; Harold Mark, M. D., lives in Chicago; Helen Rebecca, married Mr. von Schra- del, lives at Brownsville, Ill .; and Dorothy Ann, at home.
Paul V. Hoover received his early education in the public schools of Ashley, Ill., and is a graduate of Shurtleff College, at Alton, Ill. He began the study of medicine at Washington University, St. Louis, but two years later took up the study of dentistry, receiving his degree from Washington University in 1924. The following year he estab- lished his present practice in Joliet. Besides his extensive private practice, Dr. Hoover is serving as dentist for the Illinois State Peni- tentiary.
Dr. Hoover is a Republican, a member of the Baptist Church, and belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Modern Woodmen of America, and Chamber of Commerce.
Oscar C. Kaiser .- One of the recognized leading men of Joliet is Oscar C. Kaiser, who is president of Kaiser-Ducett, Inc., building contractors. He was born at Ivanhoe, Ill., Jan. 21, 1887. When he was six years old his parents removed to Libertyville, Ill., where he attended the public schools. He was graduated from the University of Illinois as a civil engineer in 1908, and immediately engaged in the contracting business with the Noel Construction Company of Baltimore. He later went to Chicago, where he followed the same profession for five years, specializ- ing in government work. He was later appointed heating engineer for the State of Illinois, and in 1921 came to Joliet, where he became inter- ested in the contracting business with Mr. Ducett. The company was engaged on the work of erecting the new penitentiary in this city. In 1923 the business was incorporated with a capital stock of $10,000. The officers are: Oscar C. Kaiser, president; Mr. Ducett, vice president, and N. A. McDonald, secretary and treasurer. The business has devel-
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oped into one of the leading contracting firms of Will County, the annual business amounting to several million dollars. Among their contracts may be mentioned the following: Louis Joliet Hotel, $600,000; Elks Club, $400,000; Will County National Bank, $500,000; Rialto Theatre, $1,500,000; the First Baptist Church, $300,000; and the H. and S. Garage. The firm also erected the LaSalle High School, in Joliet, at a cost of $350,000. A theatre costing approximately a million dollars is now being built by this firm at Memphis, Tenn.
Mr. Kaiser married Miss Minnie Meyers, of Des Moines, Iowa. They have two children: Charles Oscar, and Dorothy Jean.
Mr. Kaiser is a member of the First Presbyterian Church and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Union League Club of Chicago, and Chamber of Commerce.
Josiah Treharne .- Numbered among the prominent and highly suc- cessful business men of Joliet is Josiah Treharne, who is identified with the Treharne Dry Cleaning & Dyeing Company. He was born at Braid- wood, in Will County, Oct. 18, 1885, the son of David and Avis (Rogers) Treharne.
David Treharne, one of the well known pioneer business men of Joliet, is a native of Wales. He came to this country in 1880 and set- tled at Braidwood, where he engaged in the merchant tailoring business. He is still active in this work and is connected with his son's business in Joliet. His wife was born in New Jersey, Oct. 1, 1865. To Mr. and Mrs. Treharne the following children were born: William J., lives at Hardy, Ill .; Josiah, the subject of this sketch; David, lives at Joliet; Ellen, married Ernest Lockport, lives in Canada; Harvey, lives in Joliet; Margaret, married Lester Lauer, lives in Pittsburgh, Pa .; Reece, lives in Joliet; and Avis, at home.
Josiah Treharne was seven years old when his family moved to Coal City, Ill. He was educated in the public schools there, and in 1904 came to Joliet, where he spent six years in the employ of the Illinois Steel Company. He was then associated with the tailoring business of W. T. Richard, and in February, 1912, became interested in the dry cleaning and dyeing business. He has been in his present location, 621 East Jefferson Avenue, since 1922. The company operates three trucks and carries on a large volume of business in Joliet and the surrounding territory. Mr. Treharne is a member of the National Cleaners & Dyers
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Association, and also belongs to the Illinois Cleaners & Dyers Associa- tion. He is treasurer of the West Suburban Cleaners & Dyers Asso- ciation.
Mr. Treharne was married Sept. 3, 1913, to Miss Ivy Lillian Smith, of Joliet, the daughter of James and Catherine Smith. Mr. Smith, a prom- inent building contractor of Joliet, died Nov. 16, 1927. His wife died Dec. 25, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Treharne have no children.
Mr. Treharne is a member of the Ottawa Street Methodist Church, and is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge, Elks Lodge, Isaac Walton League of America, and Chamber of Commerce. He is a Republican.
Stephen J. Williams, Jr., of DuPage Township, is prominent among the successful farmers and stockmen of Will County. He was born on the farm where he now resides, Feb. 28, 1891, the son of Stephen J. and Catherine (Burns) Williams.
Thomas Williams was born in County Cornwall, England, Jan. 18, 1807 and emigrated to America in March, 1825. He settled in Schuyl- kill County, Pa., where he engaged in mining and shipping coal to Philadelphia. He became a railroad contractor and built a portion of the old Portage Railroad across the Allegheny mountains from Holli- daysburg to Johnstown. He came to Illinois in 1834 and settled in Chicago. In June, 1876, he contracted to build four sections of the Illinois and Michigan Canal in partnership with Charles E. Boyer. In 1848 he built 12 miles of the Chicago & Galen Railroad between Chicago and Elgin, and two years later went to California, where he was in charge of building the levee at Sacramento. In 1854 he returned to Chicago to accept a contract to deepen the Illinois and Michigan Canal, which required three years of work. Mr. Williams located on the present homestead in DuPage County in 1846. He was married in 1832 to Susan Horner, a native of Pennsylvania. Their son, Stephen J., is the father of the subject of this sketch.
Stephen J. Williams, Sr., was born on the Williams farm in a log cabin, Sept. 22, 1844. Until his retirement in 1917 he ranked among the leading stockmen of Will County, and was successful as a breeder of fine horses and pure bred cattle. This well improved farm of 645 acres is located in Sections 33-34, DuPage Township. Mr. Williams was married first to Miss Mary Burns, who is deceased. To this union were born three children, Maud, the widow of Isaac Sims, lives at
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Joliet; Thomas, died at the age of 35 years; and James, a farmer, lives in Lockport Township. Mr. Williams later married Miss Catherine Burns, a sister of his first wife. She was born at Gardner, Ill., in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Williams were the parents of three children: Mary, deceased, was the wife of John D. Lynch, of Chicago; Jeanette, married Arthur A. Douglas, lives at Joliet; and Stephen J., Jr., the subject of this sketch. Mr. Williams has always been a Democrat and for 21 years served as supervisor of DuPage Township.
Stephen J. Williams, Jr., was educated in the district schools of DuPage Township and has always lived on this farm. He is among the up-to-date agriculturists of the county and has over $10,000 worth of the latest type farm machinery.
On Sept. 7, 1917, Mr. Williams was united in marriage with Miss Menette Hettman, of Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Elmer E. and Selma (Frederick) Hettman, residents of Chillicothe, Ill.
Mr. Williams is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Church, and is affiliated with A. F. and A. M. No. 538, Lockport. He has been an active member of the Will County Farm Bureau since the time of its organization.
Robert H. Wraith .- One of the most popular young men of Joliet is Mr. Wraith, who is connected with the Hub Recreation Company. He is associated in this business with Arthur M. Sherwood. Mr. Wraith was born at Plainfield, in Will County, Feb. 19, 1897, the son of George H. and Lulu (Hartley) Wraith.
George H. Wraith, deceased, was a native of Will County and a member of one of the oldest and best known families in this section. He was a merchant at Plainfield early in life and later lived in Joliet, where he was a salesman for the American Ice Cream & Baking Com- pany. He died in 1926 and is buried at Plainfield. His widow resides in Joliet, where she was born. To Mr. and Mrs. Wraith were born two children: Mrs. Helen Swansbro, lives in Joliet; and Robert H., the subject of this sketch.
Robert H. Wraith grew up in Chicago and received his education in the public schools there and in Joliet, his family having moved here when he was quite young. He was graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1916 and was in the employ of the American Steel & Wire Company when he enlisted for service in the World War. He served with the rank of lieutenant in the quartermaster corps and was dis-
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charged in March, 1919. Upon his return to Joliet Mr. Wraith was employed by the American Refractories Company at Rockdale. In 1920 he went with the Buchanan and Dailey Lumber Company but the fol- lowing year Mr. Wraith became associated in business with his father- in-law, Arthur M. Sherwood. They operate ten bowling alleys, twelve billiard tables, and nine pool tables, and also are dealers in cigars, ciga- rettes, candy, etc. A lunch room is operated in connection with the business, which is located at 212 North Chicago Street.
On June 19, 1920, Mr. Wraith was married to Miss Vernette Sher- wood, of Joliet, the daughter of Arthur M. Sherwood. They have a daughter, Betty Jane.
Mr. Wraith is a member of the Ottawa Street Methodist Church, and belongs to the Elks Lodge, Modern Woodmen of America, Rivals Club, and American Legion. He is a Republican and is well known in Joliet.
Elmer F. Duensing, one of the enterprising young business men of Crete, is a veteran of the World war. He was born in Chicago, June 13, 1894, the son of George and Bertha (Reckow) Duensing.
George Duensing was born near Madison, Ill., in 1868. He engaged in business in Chicago for many years and later was located at Crete, where he died in 1924. His widow, a native of Germany, lives at Crete. To Mr. and Mrs. Duensing were born the following children: Elmer F., the subject of this sketch; Albert, lives at Crete; Hilda, married Thomas Shaw, lives in Chicago Heights, Ill .; Ida, married Craig Braw- ner, lives at Troy, N. Y .; Florence, married Fred Divert, lives at Harvey, Ill .; Fred, lives at Crete; George, Ruth, Edna, and Arnold, all students.
Elmer F. Duensing attended the public schools of Crete and Chicago Heights. He clerked in a grocery store in Chicago for some time and then spent seven years in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad as a car inspector. He came to Crete to engage in busi- ness in 1922, and at that time purchased the confectionery business of George Krieg. It is located on the Dixie Highway and has a large patronage.
On Nov. 29, 1919, Mr. Duensing was married to Miss Anna Diersen, of Crete, the daughter of John and Sophia Diersen. Before his retire- ment Mr. Diersen was well known as a hardware dealer at Crete, where he settled many years ago. Both he and his wife are natives of Crete
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Township and are highly esteemed citizens of this community. To Mr. and Mrs. Duensing have been born two daughters: Dorothy, born Nov. 20, 1920; and Shirley, born Aug. 5, 1925. She died Nov. 20, 1925, and is buried in Trinity Cemetery, Crete.
Mr. Duensing served during the World war and was located at Camp Grant, Ill.
Politically, Mr. Duensing is a Republican. He is a member of the Trinity German Lutheran Church, and belongs to the American Legion, Post No. 131, Chicago Heights, and Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Duen- sing is greatly interested in music and for a number of years has been identified with the Crete Band.
John C. Werner, capable cashier of the First State Bank of Beecher, is a member of one of the most prominent and highly esteemed fam- ilies of Will County. He was born in Crete Township, Oct. 9, 1885, the son of William and Mary (Plagge) Werner.
William Werner, organizer and president of the First State Bank of Beecher, of which he has been at the head from the time of its in- ception in November, 1916, was born at Green Ridge, Md., Oct. 16, 1855, the son of John and Mary (Schade) Werner. He was reared in Virginia and came to Illinois with his parents in May, 1865. After completing his education he engaged in farm work, but at the age of 18 years turned his attention to the grain business in Beecher. In this he has remained active to the present time and for the past 34 years he has owned and operated an elevator at Beecher. In 1926 Mr. Werner became interested in the lumber business at Joliet. He is the owner of large tracts of land in Will County as well as in Minnesota and South Dakota. To Mr. and Mrs. William Werner were born four children: John C., the subject of this sketch; Walter A., lives at Beecher; Antoinette, unmarried, lives at Beecher; and Dr. E. A., who is attached to the Medical Corps of the United States Army.
John C. Werner attended Joliet Township High School and was connected with the Board of Trade, Chicago, until the organization of the First State Bank of Beecher in 1916. He has since served as cashier.
Mr. Werner was married on Dec. 31, 1921, to Miss Marie Deeke, of Beecher. She was identified with the First National Bank of Beecher for ten years as a bookkeeper and for the past 12 years has served as
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assistant cashier of the First State Bank of Beecher. She is the daughter of Henry and Amelia (Boecker) Deeke, of Beecher.
Mr. Werner is affiliated with F. & A. M. No. 1087, Beecher, and belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and Lincolnshire Country Club of Crete. He has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the community and is an excellent citizen.
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