USA > Illinois > Will County > Past and present of Will County, Illinois, V. 2 > Part 20
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Dr. Miessler attended the common schools of his native town, also Concordia College at Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he pursued a classical course and was graduated in 1876. In the fall of the following year he entered Hahnemann Medical College and completed a course in 1880. In the autumn of that year he entered upon the active practice of his profession in connection with his father in Chicago, where he remained until the spring of 1883, since which time he has been lo- cated in Crete. He has achieved a more than or- dinary measure of success, due in large measure to the fact that he keeps in touch with the progress of the profession through broad reading and study, thus continually promoting his skill and ability. In 1895 he pursued the course of orificial surgery un- der Dr . E. II. Pratt, of Chicago.
In 1888 Dr. Miessler was married to Miss Caro- line Wilkening, who was born in Crete township in 1861, a daughter of John and Mary Wilkening, who came from Germany at an early day and set-
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tled on a farm in Crete township. He died De- cember 24, 1906, at the age of eighty-six years and six months, after a residence of fifty-five years in that township. He was a prosperous man with splendid business qualifications, and during the five and a half decades in which the farm was in his possession there was never a mortgage upon it. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Miessler have been born three children : Minna, Herbert T. and Erich C. The parents are members of the Evangelical Lu- theran church and in politics the Doctor is an earnest republican. He is also a member of the Clinical Society of Hahnemann College, of the Illinois Homeopathic Society and the American Institute of Homeopathy. His home is a hand- some residence, which he owns and which is an in- dication of his life of usefulness and of sucress.
WINFIELD SCOTT GREEN.
Winfield Scott Green, superintendent of the reed and rattan shops for the state at the Illinois pen- itentiary in Joliet, was born in Ottawa, La Salle county, October 12, 1868. His parents were pio- neer residents of that part of the state and were among the most respected people of the commu- nity. There they reared and educated their family of three sons and one daughter.
Winfield S. Green acquired his education in the public schools of Ottawa, passing through the suc- cessive grades until he was graduated from the high school of that city. He came to Joliet in 1897, when he was appointed receiving and dis- charging officer at the Illinois state penitentiary. the appointment coming from Governor Tanner. He was afterward parole officer, in both positions giving entire satisfaction by the faithful and in- telligent performance of his duties. He resigned the latter position to become superintendent of the shops of the Illinois Rattan Company, with which company he remained until it lost control of the works,when the state took hold of the work. Mr. Green remained superintendent, thus once more becoming an employe of the state at the penitentiary. He has made a study of the busi- ness and is well qualified for the duties which de- volve upon him in this connection. Under his guidance the shop is conducted with careful re-
gard to expenditure and good workmanship, and the output in reed and rattan work is of such a nature as to secure excellent prices.
It is considered a creditable feature of Joliet's importance, that men elected or appointed to pub- lic positions in that city, form associations and friendships that invariably create a desire in them to become permanent residents. Such has been the case with Mr. Green and it is clearly evident that the people of Joliet consider him a desirable citizen in their midst. It was not long after his arrival here that he married Miss Caroline Barnes of Ottawa, whose parents were also old settlers of that place. The close acquaintance of the young couple may be best understood from the fact that they were graduated from the same class in the Ottawa high school. Theirs has been a most con- genial and happy married life though deep sor- row came to them in the loss of their two sons. The life and light of the household at the present time is their little two year old daughter, Marga- ret Barnes. Mr. Green recently purchased their present home at No. 108 Grand avenue. the deco- rations and furnishings of which, as well as the exterior, indicate the cultured taste of Mr. Green and his wife, and his household is noted for its warm-hearted hospitality.
Mr. Green is a good pudge and lover of thor- oughbred driving horses and owns a fine specimen of the noble steed from Kentucky. In this way he finds his chief source of rest and recreation. His political support is given the republican party. He is also at the front in every progres- sive movement for the general good and welfare of the district. In social circles Mr. and Mrs. Green occupy an enviable position by reason of their estimable qualities of mind and heart and also because of their co-operation in every good work and beneficial movement in which the com- munity is interested.
THOMAS P. BRANKIN. M. D. V.
Dr. Thomas P. Brankin, who for the past fif- teen years has made his home in Joliet, is pro- prietor of a veterinary hospital at Nos. 108 and 110 Desplaines street, where he has been located for two years. He came to this city to reside in
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1892 and has practiced his profession for the past six years. He was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1863 and came to this country alone in 1880 when a youth of seventeen years, locat- ing first at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he remained for a year. He had only five dollars when he landed at New York and he began work for thirteen dollars per month in Pittsburg. A year later he made his way westward to Chicago and for several years was employed as a sales- man in that city. He then turned his attention to contracting, sprinkling and teaming and is still interested in the contracting business in the metropolis. Preparing for the practice of veteri- nary surgery, he is a graduate of McKillip Col- lege of Chicago, one of the leading veterinary institutions of the country, and is therefore well qualified for the performance of the professional duties that devolve upon him. ITis excellent suc- cess in his practice has secured him a liberal pa- tronage and he is recognized as one of the fore- most veterinarians of Will county.
Dr. Brankin was married to Miss Alila Currey, a daughter of Colonel John Currey, who conducted the first dry-goods store in Joliet. They now have five sons, all at home, namely : John, Thomas, James, Francis J. and Edmund B. The first three were born in Chicago and the last two in Joliet. The parents are communicants of the Catholic church and Dr. Brankin belongs to the Western Catholic Union and the Knights of Columbus. Politically he is a democrat, with independent tendencies, for he does not consider himself bound by party ties and often casts an independent bal- lot at local elections.
BENJAMIN SHAFFNER.
A residence of nearly sixty years and a life characterized by business activity and honor, wellen- titles Benjamin Shaffner to mention in this volume as an honored representative citizen of Will county. He was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, November 19, 1825, a son of John and Susanna (Bowers) Shaffner, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state, making their home upon a farm there until 1826, when they removed with their family to Summit county, Ohio. For twenty years
the father was engaged in general farming there, and in 1846 brought his family to the middle west, settling in Will county, Illinois. For a brief period he resided in Joliet, and then established his home in New Lenox township, where he pur- chased a large tract of land and carried on general farming throughout his remaining days. He reached the venerable age of eighty-one years, while his wife lived to the advanced age of eighty- two years. In their family were seven children but nearly all have now passed to "that undis- covered country from whose bourne no traveler returns." Of the sons. Benjamin and Levi became prominent business men of Joliet. The latter, who was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, July 1, 1822, died April 12, 1906. In early man- hood he wedded Christine Sowers, who had been a near neighbor of the family in Summit county, Ohio, where she was born. After his marriage he purchased a farm in New Lenox township, where he resided for nine years, and then, putting aside agricultural interests, he removed to Joliet in 1895 and invested in town property. Here he dealt in real estate and in loaning money, be- coming a wealthy citizen through his judicious management of his business interests. He was thus connected with the real-estate and loan business throughout his remaining days and be- came recognized as one of the foremost repre- sentatives of business life in this city. His widow now resides at the old home at No. 300 Sherman street, but spends the winter months in the south.
Benjamin Shaffner, like the other members of the father's family, pursued his education in the public schools of Summit county, Ohio, and through the periods of vacation assisted in the work of the home farm. After coming to Will county he remained with his parents until his marriage, which important event in his life was celebrated on the 20th of January, 1852, the lady of his choice being Miss Caroline Larkin, a native of Cranbrook. Kent county, England, who was born May 18, 1832. She is a daughter of Jesse and Sophia (Swan) Larkin, both of whom were natives of England and came to America at an early day, being among the pioneer settlers of Joliet, where they established their home in 1847. but the father was soon afterward called to his final rest. passing away when he had been a resident of the county for only three months,
Benjamin Shuffner
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and his wife died shortly afterward. Several members of the Larkin family are still residing in Joliet, including Eliza, now the wife of Daniel Brokaw, who resides at No. 120 Grover street, Mr. Brokaw looking after the property of Mrs. Shaffner. At the time the Larkin family arrived in this city there was only one meat market in Joliet and other business and commercial enter- prises were few in number and of no great im- portance. Mr. and Mrs. Shaffner became the parents of two children. Ephraim L. married Amanda Stanley, and after her death he wedded Martha George. He was engaged in the coal trade in this city for many years, but has recently re- tired and now lives at No. 114 Sherman street. Eldon P., the younger son, wedded Eliza Brown and resides at No. 504 Exchange street. He is a molder by trade and occupies a good position in the mills here, having thus served for many years.
Following his marriage Mr. Shaffner purchased a farm in Jackson township, this county, and car- ried on general agricultural pursuits until 1862, when he removed to the city and became con- nected with carpentering. He also engaged in the carriage and wagon making business for a few years, subsequent to which time he established a grocery store and coalyard. He soon sold the farm, concentrating his attention upon the coal trade, which he carried on in partnership with his son under the firm style of B. Shaffner & Son. Their yards were located on Washington street near the tracks of the Chicago & Alton, Santa Fe and Illinois Central Railroad, so that good ship- ping facilities were afforded. An extensive busi- ness was built up and gratifying profits accrued. Mr. Shaffner continned in the coal trade for four- teen years and on selling out he retired from active business life. He has also been interested in real estate in the city and is now partial owner in the Shaffner block on Washington street. He also owns many nice residences here and from the rental receives a very gratifying income. His home is a pleasant residence at No. 110 Sherman street, where he and his wife now reside.
In politics Mr. Shaffner is a republican but without aspiration for office. For many years he has been a devoted and exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity, being in hearty sympathy with the tenets of the craft. His success has been by no means the result of financial circumstances.
It has come to him through energy, labor and perseverance, directed by an evenly balanced mind and by honorable business principles. In manner he is quiet and straightforward, saying exactly what he means, and his word has become a syno- nym for business integrity. He finds his greatest social enjoyment at his own fireside, where his wife and intimate friends know him to be a de- lightful companion. He has now passed the eighty- first milestone on life's journey and the rest which he is enjoying is well merited. His residence in the county covers nearly sixty years and therefore few men have more intimate knowledge of its history or of events which have left their impress upon its annals.
JOHN H. BAHLMANN.
John H. Bahlmann, proprietor of a general store at Goodenow, was born in Washington town- ship, Will county, December 12, 1866. His pa- ternal grandfather, Henry Bahlmann, Sr., was oue of the oldest settlers of the county at the time of his death, which occurred in December, 1893. His wife had died earlier in the same year. They came to America in 1854, when their son Henry, the father of our subject, was a young man of eighteen years. He was born in Germany, en- gaged in farming on the old homestead after the emigration to the new world, and in the course of years became the owner of three hundred and seventy-five acres of valuable land as the result of judicious investment, careful management and unfaltering energy. He married Dorothea Harste, a native of the province of Hesse-Cassel, Ger- many, and they became the parents of six child- ren : Henry, who is living on the old home farm and is supervisor of Washington township: Wil- liam, a barber of Chicago; Charles. whose home is in Beecher, Illinois; John H., of this review : Mary, the wife of John Herman, of Cissna Park, Illinois : and Lena. who is living with her sister Mary. The father died September 10, 1886, at the age of forty-eight years, and the mother passed away a few years ago.
No event out of the ordinary occurred to vary the routine of farm life for John H. Bahlmann in his boyhood days. The early spring found him at
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work in the fields and the late autumn saw him at work gathering the corn. In the winter months he attended the public schools, but his attention was largely given to the farm labor until he was twenty years of age when he came to Goodenow and began clerking in a store. Two years later, in 1890, he engaged in business for himself, build- ing a store, equipping it with a stock of goods and then opening the doors to the general public. He has since ranked among the leading mer- chants of the town and his trade has steadily grown. For four years he has also owned a store at Eagle Lake and is conducting a good business at both places. His close application, his study of the trade and the public demands and his una- bating diligence constitute the salient elements which have led him forth from a comparatively humble financial position to the plane of afflu- ence.
In 1890 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Bahlmann and Miss Anna Wehrman, a native of Washington township. Her father. Frederick Wehrman, formerly a farmer of that township, is now deceased. Iler mother is still living on a farm just east of Beecher. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bahl- mann have been born four children : Harry, Ruby. William and Helen. Mr. Bahlmann and his fam- ily are members of the Lutheran church and are deeply interested in its various activities and the extension of its influence. In his political views Mr. Bahlmann was formerly a democrat and served as postmaster of Goodenow during President Cleveland's second term. He was also justice of the peace for one term, notary public for one term and school director for fourteen years. He is al- ways found on the side of progress, whether in business, community or social interests, and is accounted one of the leading and representative citizens of the village in which he makes his home.
JOHN MEIER.
John Meier, who owns and operates one hun- dred and fifty-three acres of land on section 34. Crete township. was born in Washington town- ship. this county, June 24, 1860. His father, John F. Meier, was born in Germany. Jannary 1. 1827. and in 1848 crossed the Atlantic to the
new world. He had no capital and worked by the month at farm labor near Chicago for a time, and later was employed in the woods of Michigan. Hle went as far west as the Mississippi river and for some time worked on a vessel plying north from St. Louis. Later he came to Will county and in the early '50s purchased one hundred and sixty acres of raw prairie land on section 2, Washing- ton township. Settling on this farm he built the first dwelling there and began the cultivation of the fields. He afterward bought two hundred acres more in Crete township, a part of which is now in the possession of his son John. Ile was killed by being thrown from a load of baled hay and being run over hy the wagon, on his way to Goodenow. This accident occurred on a steep hill just west of the home of our subject. The father lived for two days after the accident and passed away June 12, 1899. He had been a hard worker and was a prosperous farmer and though seventy-two years of age at the time of his demise, he had continued in active work on the farm up to the last. A believer in the Christian religion. he was one of the organizers of the St. John's Lu- theran church, in which he held office for twenty- five years. Ile voted with the republican party. In early manhood he wedded Mary Hasenjager, a native of Germany, who is still living upon the old home farm in Washington township, and who is now seventy-three years of age. Her father, Christ Hasenjager, was an early settler of Washington township.
In the family of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Meier were twelve children as follows: Mary, the wife of John F. Meyer, who is living in Crete: Fred, who lives in the town of Crete: Sophie, the wife of F. H. Wilkie, a merchant at Beecher, Illinois : John, of this review : Carrie, who died at the age of twenty-four years; Ellen, the wife of Fred Jacksish of Chicago: Henry, who is living on a farm in Washington township; Christ. who is on the home farm: Emma, who died in infancy : An- nie, who is at home: Lizzie, who died in child- hood ; and Diedrick, who died at the age of ten vears.
John Meier has always remained upon the old homestead farm with the exception of one year when he was employed at farm labor elsewhere, At the age of thirty-three years, he began the culti- vation of his father's tract of land of eighty acres
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in Crete township and later bought eighty acres adjoining, from his brother. He now owns one hundred and fifty-three acres of land, having sold seven acres to J. R. Walsh for the Southern Indiana Railroad. Upon his place he has a good dwelling and substantial barns and carries on dairying and general farming.
When thirty-three years of age he was married to Miss Sophia Ohlendorf, who was born in Crete township, June 15, 1868. and is the daughter of William Ohlendorf, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Meier have four children, all of whom are living at home: Hilda, William, Walter and John. The parents are mem- bers of the Lutheran church and contribute liber- ally to its support and take a very active and help- ful part in its work, having considerable influence in molding its course and in the promotion of different church activities. Mr. Meier has always been a republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, but has never aspired to public office. He has, however, served as school director for two terms and as clerk of the board of directors for one year. The cause of educa- tion finds in him a warm friend. While he has many of the strong, stalwart traits of his German ancestry, he is thoroughly loyal to American prin- ciples and institutions and manifests a public- spirited and progressive citizenship.
JOHN PAPE.
John Pape, one of the oldest and most promi- nent residents of Monee township, where he owns three hundred and forty-three acres of land, di- vided into three well improved farms, from which he derives a good annual rental, is now living re- tired in a comfortable home in the village of Monee. He was born in Oldenburg, Germany, Jannary 13. 1837.
His father. Henry Pape, a blacksmith by trade, emigrated with his family to America in 1846. taking passage at Bremen, and after a voyage of sixty-three days on the ocean landed at New Or- leans. from which city they made their way up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, thence up the Illinois river as far as Meredosia, whence they
made their way to Springfield, where they lived for one year. In 1847 he made his way by wagon to Du Page county, locating at Addison, the trip covering a distance of two hundred miles. He worked at his trade of blacksmithing in that town for three years, subsequent to which time, in 1850, he removed to a farm in Monee township, Will eounty. the township at that time being called Carey. In the meantime he had purchased Mexi- can war land grants for three hundred and twenty acres, which was all wild and unimproved. Tak- ing up his abode thereon, he erected a little log shanty, in which the family lived in true pioneer style for many years. This pioneer home was la- ter replaced by a more substantial frame residence and here the father lived until he put aside his business cares. when he went to Mattison, where his last days were passed, his death occurring at the home of a daughter in 1892, when he had reached the very venerable age of eighty-four years. His wife, Mrs. Rica Pape, was likewise born in Germany and her death occurred in Monee town- ship, at the age of fifty years. Both the parents were identified with the Reformed Lutheran church, and the father was one of the organizers and the builders of the church of that denomina- tion in Monee. They were worthy pioneer peo- ple, highly respected in the community where they so long made their home.
Their family numbered eight children, namely: Barney, who at the age of seventy-nine years makes his home in East Portland, Oregon : Henry, whose death occurred in Portland, Oregon ; Rica, de- ceased : Frederick, who died in 1861 : John, of this review ; Ernest, who lives in Iowa; Mrs. Henry Gross, a resident of Mattison, Illinois ; and Mrs. George Van Horst, who lives in British Colum- bia.
John Pape, the fifth in order of birth in his father's family, was a youth of nine years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration from Germany to the new world, and he has vivid recollection of many incidents during the long and tedious trip across the ocean. He was given good educational advantages in his native coun- try but after coming to America only attended school for about three months, having to walk about four miles, for at that early period the schoolhouses were widely scattered. He was reared to the duties of farm life, assisting his father in
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the operation of the home place until 1862, when he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty acres and started out upon an independent busi- ness venture. This farm was situated in Monee township and was wild prairie when it came into his possession. He developed the fields and in course of time had a good tract of land, from which he annually harvested good crops as the result of the care and labor which he bestowed upon the fields. All of the improvements which are here seen at the present time have been placed by Mr. Pape, who in his farm work was ever progressive and practical. He made his home thereon for many years, or until two years ago when he rented the land and removed to the vil- lage of Monee, where he owns a comfortable res- idence. He likewise owns two other well improved farms, having altogether three hundred and forty- three acres of land in Monee township, and this supplies him with all the comforts of life, so that he is now able to spend the evening of his days in honorable retirement.
The year in which he purchased his farm, 1862, Mr. Pape was also married, the lady of his choice being Miss Sophia Bartels, the date of their mar- riage being January 13. Mrs. Pape was born in Hanover, Germany, March 28, 1842, a daughter of Fred Bartels, who, upon his emigration to America, settled in Du Page county, where he engaged in farming. He met his death in a run- away accident when on his way home from Chi- cago. His widow survived and died in 1900, at the home of a son in Cook county, when she had reached the venerahle age of ninety years. Eight children also survived the father's death.
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