USA > Illinois > Will County > History of Will County, Illinois, Volume Two > Part 7
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On June 8, 1917, he enlisted for service in the World War and was commissioned a first lieutenant in the U. S. Medical Corps and sent to Fort Benjamin Harrison. In December, 1917, he sailed for France where he was attached to the First Division as Division Medical Gas officer. He was later promoted to the rank of captain, and was dis- charged from the service May 30, 1919. In November he resumed his practice in Joliet. He now holds a commission as major in the U. S. Medical Reserve Corps.
Dr. Roberg is a Republican, and is affiliated with Matteson Lodge, F. and A. M. No. 175; Joliet Chapter, R. A. M. No. 27; Joliet Council, R. and S. M. M .; Joliet Commandery, K. T. No. 4; Medinah Temple; B. P. O. Elks, No. 296; Knights of Pythias; American Legion, Harwood Post, No. 5; and the "40 and 8 Society." He also belongs to the Ameri- can Medical Association of Vienna, Illinois State Medical Society, and American Medical Association. He is a member of the staff of St. Joseph's and Silver Cross hospitals, and is chairman of the Advisory Board of the Silver Cross Hospital.
Daniel Lynch is a well known resident of Joliet, where he is identi- fied with the American Wire & Steel Company as assistant superin- tendent of the Rockdale works. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born at Friendsville, March 3. 1873, the son of John and Margaret (Connell) Lynch.
John Lynch was a native of Ireland, as was his wife. At an early age he emigrated to the United States and settled at Friendsville, Pa. He drove a stage coach between Philadelphia and Scranton, Pa., before the Civil War and later was associated with the Thomas Iron Company as foreman of their mine, and was a construction foreman for the rail- road built between Philadelphia and Bethlehem, Pa., which is a branch of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad. He and his wife are deceased and are buried at Bethlehem. Mr. Lynch was a Republican and a mem- ber of the Catholic Church. There were nine children in the Lynch family as follows: Catherine and John, both deceased; Hannah, the widow of Michael Lane, lives at Bethlehem, Pa .; Michael, lives at Pitts- burgh, Calif .; Helen, married T. Kiranor, general agent for the Boston
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HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
and Maine Railroad, lives at Walpole, N. H .; William, retired, lives at Bethlehem, Pa .; Daniel, the subject of this sketch; Mary, married Fred Grube, lives at Bethlehem; and Timothy, lives at Bethlehem.
Daniel Lynch attended the public schools at Friendsville and in 1889 entered the employ of the Lehigh Zinc Company as an office boy. From 1893 until 1902 he was identified with the Iowa Barburie Com- pany, Allentown, Pa .; from April, 1902, until the present time he has been connected with the American Wire and Steel Company in Joliet. He served in the capacity of foreman from 1902 until 1917, as general foreman from 1917 until 1918, and in January, 1918, he was promoted to his present responsible position as assistant superintendent.
In 1905 Mr. Lynch was united in marriage with Miss Bertha Brislen, the daughter of John Brislen, a well known resident of Allentown, Pa., now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lynch have seven children: Margaret, a graduate of St. Charles School, lives at home; John, attends Urbana College; Mary Rose, Genevieve, Raymond, Helen, and Joseph, all students.
Mr. Lynch is a Republican, and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
John F. Carey, M. D., one of the younger members of the medical profession at Joliet, is a well known citizen of the community. He was born at Braceville, Grundy County, Ill., May 10, 1897, the son of Dr. John F. and Mary (Campbell) Carey.
Dr. John F. Carey, deceased, was for many years a leading physician and surgeon of Grundy County. He was born in LaSalle County, Ill., where he spent his early life. He was graduated from the St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons and served as interne at Barnes Hospital, St. Louis. From 1896 until the time of his death, March 19, 1921, Dr. Carey engaged in practice at Braceville. He was a Democrat and served for many years as health officer of Grundy County. He was identified with the Grundy County, Illinois State, and American Medical Associations. He was a member of the Catholic Church. His widow resides at Joliet. To Doctor and Mrs. Carey were born five children: John F., the subject of this sketch; Campbell, physician, a graduate
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of Northwestern University, now serving as interne at St. Luke's Hos- pital; Madee, attends the University of Iowa; Cecelia, a graduate of the University of Illinois, now a teacher in the public schools of Milwaukee, Wis .; and Gregory attends the University of Iowa.
John F. Carey was educated in the public schools of Braceville and in 1914 was graduated from Joliet Township High School. During 1915-16 he taught school at Wilton Center, Ill., and in 1917, was graduated from Junior College. He received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from Northwestern Medical College in 1921 and spent the following two years as an interne in Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago. He began his practice in Joliet in 1923 with offices in the Morris Building. Dr. Carey is a member of the staffs of the Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago; Wesley Hospital, Chicago; Passavant Hospital, Chicago; Silver Cross Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital, Joliet. He is an associate in pedi- atrics at Northwestern Medical School, and is identified with the Will County Medical Society, Illinois State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association.
In 1923 Dr. Carey was united in marriage with Miss Frances Powers, daughter of John and Elizabeth Powers of Chicago. They have two sons, John III, and Edwin.
Dr. Carey is a Republican, a member of St. Raymond's Catholic Church, and belongs to Nu Sigma Nu Fraternity, Joliet Country Club, and American Legion.
During the World War Dr. Carey was attached to the Student Army Training Corps.
John L. Carlson .- A prominent figure in banking circles in Joliet is John L. Carlson, who is first vice president of the Will County National Bank. He was born in Sweden, March 24, 1868, the son of C. J. Carl- son. C. J. Carlson spent his entire life in Sweden and is now deceased.
John L. Carlson obtained his education in the schools of his native land and in early youth was an apprenticed drug clerk. He came to the United States about 1884 and settled at Rockford, Ill. Later he entered Northwestern College of Pharmacy and began his professional drug work in Chicago. He located in Joliet in 1889 and for two years was
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employed in the drug store of Dr. Dougall, at Cass and Collins streets. Mr. Carlson became sole proprietor of the business in 1891 and devoted his entire time to this business until February, 1920, at which time he retired from active business. He has been identified with the Will County National Bank as a director since 1901. He was elected second vice president of the institution in 1922 and later succeeded Dr. Folker as first vice president after the latter's death.
In 1898 Mr. Carlson was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Marsh, the daughter of Henry Marsh, of Joliet. Mr. Marsh, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War.
In politics Mr. Carlson has always been a Republican. He has served as a member of the county board of supervisors of Will County almost continuously since 1896, and has also been a member of the board of police and fire commissioners. He is affiliated with Matteson Lodge, A. F. and A. M. No. 175; Joliet Chapter, R. A. M. No. 27; Joliet Com- mandery, K. T. No. 4; Medinah Temple, Chicago; and he also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce.
Joseph A. Zerbes, justice of the peace, is recognized as one of the substantial citizens of Joliet, where he was born, Sept. 24, 1880. He is a son of Casper and Anna (Rademacher) Zerbes.
Casper Zerbes was born in Trier, Germany. He served in the Ger- man army during the Franco-Prussian War and emigrated to the United States in about 1873. He located first at Joliet and later purchased a farm in Plainfield Township, which he sold in 1904. He spent the fol- lowing eight years in Kansas as a farmer and upon his return to Joliet in 1912, lived retired. He died in March, 1917, and is buried at Joliet. His wife, who died in 1882, was a native of Joliet Township. Mr. Zerbes was a Republican and a member of the Catholic Church. There were four children in the Zerbes family: Frank, a farmer, lives at Troy, Ill .; Eliabeth, married Henry Dwenger, lives at Joliet; Anna, married Frank Metzinger, lives at Caldwell, Kans .; and Joseph A., the subject of this sketch.
Joseph A. Zerbes attended the public schools of Plainfield, III., and spent his youth on his father's farm. He went to Kansas in 1904 but
66 PEU
JOSEPH A. ZERBES
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HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
the following year returned to Joliet, where he successfully engaged in the real estate business until 1918, specializing in the sale of Western lands. Since 1918 he has been interested in the general insurance busi- ness, and also deals extensively in the sale of farm lands. He has offices in the Barber Building. In April, 1925, Mr. Zerbes was elected justice of the peace.
In June, 1906, Mr. Zerbes was united in marriage with Miss Angela Kraker, the daughter of Marcus and Jacobina (Gorgas) Kraker, the former a native of Australia, and the latter of Germany. Mr. Kraker was president of the Joliet Limestone Company. He died in October, 1924, and his wife died in 1922. They are buried at Joliet.
Mr. and Mrs. Zerbes have two daughters, Celia Rose and Anna.
Mr. Zerbes holds membership in the Catholic Church and belongs to the Eagles Lodge, Ariel No. 377, Lions Club, and Chamber of Commerce.
Roy B. Leach, M. D .- An experienced physician and public spirited citizen, Dr. Roy B. Leach is numbered among the representative men of Joliet, and is one who has honorably won the position he holds in his profession. He was born at Gardner, Grundy County, Ill., Oct. 31, 1876, the son of Henry and Ione (Howland) Leach. A complete sketch of Henry Leach appears elsewhere in this history.
Roy B. Leach attended the grammar and high school of Gardner and Joliet, being graduated from Joliet High School in 1897. He then entered Rush Medical College in affiliation with University of Chicago, from which he received his degree as Doctor of Medicine in 1901. For a year thereafter he was interne at the Englewood Hospital, Chicago, and engaged in practice at Victoria, Mich., in 1902. The following year he came to Joliet where he has since engaged in private practice. He has taken post graduate work at Harvard University.
In 1903 Dr. Leach was married to Miss Edna Stevens, the daughter of R. B. and Olive (Cope) Stevens. The Stevens family settled at Pawnee, Neb., where Mr. Stevens was engaged in general farming for many years. Mr. Stevens died April 28, 1928, aged 92 years. His wife is deceased, having died at age of 47. To Dr. and Mrs. Leach have been born two sons: Robert, born Nov. 3, 1908, a graduate of Joliet
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Township High School, attends Lombard College; and Arthur Clinton, born Aug. 2, 1913, attends Joliet Township High School.
Dr. Leach is a member of St. John's Universalist Church and is president of the Board of Trustees. He belongs to the Masonic Lodge, Joliet Country Club, and Rotary Club. He is a member of the Will County Medical Society, of which he has served as president, and he also belongs to the Illinois State Medical Society and American Medical Association. Dr. Leach is connected with the staffs of St. Joseph's Hos- pital and Silver Cross Hospital.
Leonard W. Braham, farm adviser of Will County, is a veteran of the World War, and one of the most popular young men of Will County. He was born at Youngstown, Ohio, April 6, 1895, the son of Robert R. and Olive (Wilkin) Braham.
Both Robert Braham and his wife are natives of Butler County, Pa. He was educated in the public schools and attended Grove City College. He began his business career as field agent for the Manufacturers Light & Heat Company of Pittsburgh, and is still identified with this business. In 1911 Mr. Braham purchased a farm near New Wilmington, Pa., where he resides. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Braham the following children were born: Hall B., a World War veteran, having served with the 30th Engineers, at Fort Meyer, Va., where he died. He is buried at New Wilmington, Pa .; W. Walter, attorney, member of the firm of Aiken & Braham, New Castle, Pa., is a World War veteran, having served as a sergeant in the U. S. Medical Corps; Leonard W., the subject of this sketch ; Eleanor J., married J. Glenn Berry, lives at Pittsburgh; Olive L., married Donald Crowe, lives at New Brighton, Pa .; Anna, deceased; Mary E., and Lillie I., both at home.
Leonard W. Braham attended the rural schools of Lawrence County, Pa., and in 1913 was graduated from New Wilmington High School. Four years later he received the degree of Bachelor of Science from Westminster College; and in June of that year he enlisted for service in the World War. He was attached to the Eleventh Field Artillery, Head- quarters Company, Sixth Division and sent to Douglas, Ariz. He went
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HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
to France in 1918 and participated in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. Mr. Braham was enrolled at the University of Grenoble while serving in France. He was discharged from the service with the rank of cor- poral on July 24, 1919. In September he took up the teaching profes- sion as principal of the school at Library, Pa. Two months later he entered Michigan Agricultural College where he specialized in the study of animal husbandry. In the fall of 1920 he entered the University of Illinois, from which he was graduated two years later with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. He then went to Hindsboro, Ill., where he was in charge of the department of agriculture in the Com- munity High School. He came to Joliet in January, 1928, to accept his present position as farm adviser of Will County.
In August, 1923, Mr. Braham married Miss Agnes H. Little, the daughter of Joseph and Agnes Little, of Pittsburgh. They have two daughters, Betty Agnes and Mary Jane.
Mr. Braham is a member of the Presbyterian Church, belongs to the American Legion and Hindsboro Lodge, A. F. and A. M. No. 837. He is a member of the Farm Bureau.
Michael Freeman. Among the old residents and highly respected citizens of Joliet, Michael Freeman is one of the best known. He was born at Vilna, Russia, in 1868, a son of Jacob and Rebecca (Ruzeitski) Freeman.
Jacob Freeman and his wife came to the United States in 1892 and settled in Chicago, where for many years he was engaged in the grocery business. In 1899 he removed to Joliet where he lived retired until his death. Both he and his wife are buried in Chicago, Ill. To Jacob and Rebecca (Ruzeitski) Freeman five children were born: Harry, deceased, buried at Joliet; Michael, the subject of this sketch; Louis died in 1927, buried in Chicago; Samuel, lives at Los Angeles, Calif .; and William, deceased, buried in Chicago.
Michael Freeman attended the public schools of Russia. He came to the United States in 1890 and settled in Chicago, where he worked at his trade that of a carpenter. He came to Joliet in 1899 and estab- lished the Illinois Iron and Metal Yards on Northeastern Avenue, and
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in 1917 removed to Third Avenue and established a yard. He retired on June 6, 1927. He is a member of the Jewish Hebrew Federation.
Michael Freeman married Miss Florence B. Schiff, a daughter of Isaac Schiff. Mr. Schiff was born in Germany and was a merchant. He came to the United States and lived retired until his death. He is buried in Chicago. To Mr. and Mrs. Freeman five children were born: Lillian, married Louis Roth, lives in Joliet; Ernest, born Nov. 2, 1901; Sarah, married H. Borkson, Joliet; and Jacob and Samuel, twins, live in Joliet. The mother, Florence B. (Schiff) Freeman died in 1915 and is buried in Waldheim Cemetery, Chicago, Ill.
Ernest Freeman attended the public schools of Joliet and for three years was a student at Joliet Township High School. When his school days were ended he found a place ready for him in his father's business which was founded in 1899. He has never been in any other business. Since June 6, 1927 he has been owner and manager.
The Freeman home is at 115 Third Avenue, Joliet.
George A. Le Riche is among the progressive young business men of Joliet, where he is superintendent of transportation for the Chicago- Joliet Electric Railway Company. He was born at New Brunswick, Canada, May 26, 1895, a son of George D. and Louise (Blackhall) Le Riche.
George D. Le Riche was born on the Isle of Jersey, Channel Islands, Great Britain, in 1866, and his wife was born in New Brunswick, Can- ada. He went to Canada in 1880 as an apprentice clerk for a fish export- ing company, and now holds the position of general manager for the Robins, Jones, & Whitman Company, fish exporters. He is prominent in politics and is a member of the Methodist church. Louise (Black- hall) Le Riche is the daughter of James and Elizabeth Blackhall. The former is deceased and the latter lives in Montreal, Canada. Mr. Black- hall was a custom official for many years. His son, J. R. Blackhall, is general manager of the Chicago, Milwaukee & North Shore Railroad, vice president of the Chicago-Joliet Electric Railway Company, and a leading business man of Joliet, where he has lived for many years. To Mr. and Mrs. George D. Le Riche, who live in New Brunswick, Canada,
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the following children were born: George A., the subject of this sketch; Ada, lives in Montreal, Canada; Ethel, student nurse, Caledonian Hos- pital, Brooklyn, N. Y .; Dalton, lives in Los Angeles, Calif .; Vernon, lives in Montreal, Canada ; Eva, lives at home ; and Mildred, died in 1927, is buried in New Brunswick, Canada.
George A. Le Riche spent his boyhood in Canada and in 1911 was graduated from Mt. Allison Academy. He came to Joliet in 1912 and entered the employ of the Chicago-Joliet Electric Railway Company. He was later put in charge of the electric light department. In April, 1918, he enlisted for service in the World War and attended the Bradley Polytechnical School at Peoria, Ill. He was then transferred to a radio school at Columbia, S. C., and later attended the Field Artillery School at Anniston, Ala. He was discharged from the service in February, 1919, and returned to Joliet, where he resumed his work with the Chi- cago-Joliet Electric Railway Company as storekeeper and purchasing agent. In 1925 he was made superintendent of automotive equipment, and on Jan. 1, 1927, was promoted to assistant general manager. He assumed his present responsibilities as superintendent of transportation in October, 1927.
In 1919 Mr. Le Riche was united in marriage with Miss Clara Brach, the daughter of August and Amelia Brach, of Willow Springs, Ill.
In politics Mr. Le Riche is identified with the Republican party, and he is a member of Matteson lodge A. F. & A. M. No. 175, B. P. O. Elks No. 296, American Legion Harwood Post No. 5, Rotary Club, and Cham- ber of Commerce. He is a member of the Methodist church and is well known in the community in which he lives.
Charles Joseph Farley, superintendent and joint agent for the Chi- cago & Alton Railroad and the Santa Fe and Rock Island Railroads at the Joliet Union Depot Terminal, is widely and favorably known throughout Will County. He was born at Braidwood, Ill., Feb. 1, 1889, the son of James J. and Margaret (Dougherty) Farley.
James J. Farley was born in Ireland and came to Massachusetts in early life. His wife was a native of Illinois. He engaged in the mercantile business at Providence, R. I., before locating at Braidwood,
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Ill., where he was interested in the confectionery and grocery business. He died in 1899 and his wife died in 1893. They are buried in the Catholic Cemetery at Braidwood. Mr. Farley was a Democrat and a member of the Immaculate Conception Church. There were four chil- dren in the Farley family: Mame and Catherine, live at Joliet; Agnes, married Thomas Murphy, lives at Joliet; and Charles Joseph, the sub- ject of this sketch.
The boyhood of Charles Joseph Farley was spent at Braidwood, where he attended the parochial schools. He then learned telegraphy while in the employ of the Chicago & Alton Railroad. He worked at vari- ous points on this railroad and in 1907 was transferred to the accounting department, where he did special work on station accounts. Three years later he was sent to Joliet in charge of the ticket department of the Chicago & Alton. In 1910 he became associated with the Santa Fe Railroad as ticket clerk in this city. On Nov. 1, 1912, when the new Union Depot was erected he became local ticket agent and in 1918 succeeded the late J. C. Fealey as superintendent and joint agent for the Chicago & Alton, Santa Fe, and Rock Island Railroads. For many years Mr. Farley has conducted various organizations on tours through- out the United States, being in charge of personally conducted tours for the Shriners, Knights Templar, Knights of Columbus, Elks, and American Legion.
Mr. Farley is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and belongs to the Knights of Columbus, 4th degree, Elks lodge, Rotary Club, and Holy Name Society. He also belongs to the Chamber of Commerce.
Wilbur A. Barry, mortician, is among the substantial and highly esteemed business men of Joliet. He was born in this city, April 13, 1882, the son of Patrick H. and Sarah J. (Neville) Barry.
Patrick H. Barry, deceased, was a veteran of the Civil War. He was born at Newry, Ireland, Jan. 1, 1835, and died April 19, 1915. His widow was born at Canton, Ill., Jan. 26, 1849, and resides at Joliet. Mr. Barry came to the United States from Ireland in 1851 and settled in Virginia. Later he removed to Canton, Ill., making the trip by horse
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and wagon. Throughout the Civil War he served as a member of Company K, 103rd Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg and was with Gen. Sherman on his March to the Sea. After his discharge from the service Mr. Barry returned to Can- ton, Ill., where he was married. He then removed to Joliet, where he was employed as a guard at the Illinois State Penitentiary for almost 30 years. He then went with the Chicago & Alton Railroad and was also later employed by the Santa Fe. Later, however, he returned to his former employment at the penitentiary, at Joliet. Mr. Barry was a Republican, a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. Two sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Barry: Wilbur A., the subject of this sketch; and Arthur M., identified with the Barry Audit Company, Joliet.
Wilbur A. Barry has always lived at Joliet. After his graduation from St. Mary's High School, he became associated with the Barrett Hardware Company, in whose employ he remained as shipping clerk for nine years. He spent the following 12 years as manager of the mill and factory supply department of Poehner & Dillman, hardware dealers. He then purchased the interests of John F. Quinn in the undertaking firm of Quinn & O'Neill, the firm then being known for six years as O'Neill & Barry. At this time the business was dissolved and Mr. Barry became owner. It is now known as the Central Funeral Chapel and is located at 651 Cass Street.
On Feb. 8, 1908, Mr. Barry was united in marriage with Miss Alice E. Bayley, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Connor) Bayley, natives of Lockport, Ill. Mr. Bayley, who died Sept. 12, 1922, was an engineer on the Illinois Michigan Canal, and later superintendent of the water works at Lockport. His widow resides at Lockport. Alice E. (Bayley) Barry died Oct. 12, 1922, and is buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Joliet. She is survived by a son, William H., who was born Feb. 19, 1915.
Mr. Barry is a Democrat, a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church and is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Holy Name Society, and F. O. Eagles, Ariel No. 377. He is vitally interested in the Boy Scout movement and takes an active part in the local organization's work.
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HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY
Pence Billings Orr .- One of the well known professional men of Joliet is Pence Billings Orr, a veteran of the World War, who commands a substantial general law practice here, with offices in the Will County National Bank Building. He was born at Columbus, Bartholomew County, Ind., March 9, 1883, the son of Hon. John C. and Rose E. (Bill- ings) Orr.
Hon. John C. Orr was born near Attica, Fountain County, Ind., in 1854. He was educated in the public schools of Indiana and in 1876 was graduated from the Law School of the University of Michigan. He engaged in practice at Evansville, Ind., for a short time but later removed to Columbus, Ind., where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1893, and his widow, Rose E. Billings Orr, who was born at Oxford, Ohio, in April, 1854, resides at Columbus. Mr. Orr was a Republican, and was serving as acting judge at the time of his death. Lawrence F. Orr, at present State Examiner of Accounts for the State of Indiana, is a brother of Pence Billings Orr, the subject of this sketch; Ella M. Orr, a sister, lives at Columbus, Ind.
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