USA > Illinois > Will County > Past and present of Will County, Illinois, V. 2 > Part 36
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ROBERT C. MORRISON.
Robert C. Morrison, whose successful business career as president of the Joliet Bridge & Iron Company had its beginning in an apprenticeship to the stone-cutter's trade, since which time he has gradually progressed until he now stands at the head of an enterprise which figures promi- nently throughout the west, owes his advancement to the fact that he has thoroughly mastered every task devolving upon him, to the readiness with which he has recognized opportunity and to his adaptation of new conditions evolved in business life to the needs of his present duty.
Born in Kirkintolloch, Dumbarton, Scotland, on the 23d of September, 1856. his parents were John and Mary (Sinclair) Morrison, who were also natives of that place, where they were re- spected as representatives of an industrious popu- lation. Both Mr. Morrison's father and grand- father. were weavers and operated as manufacturers in a small way in that line until the death of the father, which occurred when his son Robert was but nine years of age, otherwise a different fu- ture might have been outlined for him than that
of bridge building. Having acquired a fair edu- cation in the common school of the locality Rob- ert C. Morrison began learning the trade of a stone- cutter in 1842 and after spending two or three years as a journeyman he came to America in 1880, making his way direct to Joliet, where he worked at his trade, principally on bridge work. Thus he was receiving the training which quali- fied him for the responsibilities which have since devolved upon him in this connection.
In 1884 Mr. Morrison began taking contracts for bridge building on his own account and with the progressive strides that have been made in the iron and steel industry he began the construction of the more modern and scientific structures for which the company has gained an enviable inter- national reputation. In 1896 he organized a com- pany which began operating on a small scale but gradually extended the business in scope and vol- ume until the Joliet Bridge & Iron Company is considering a leading factor in bridge construction throughout the western states, having already built some of the finest bridges and structural buildings in the Mississippi valley and the west. The officers of the company are: R. C. Morrison. president and treasurer; John A. McCann, sec- retary ; F. C. H. Arentz, chief engineer ; and John Strombeck, assistant engineer. The work is car- ried on along the most scientific lines, in keeping with the evolution that bridge construction has undergone, and the excellence of the work done has secured to the company many important con- tracts.
Mr. Morrison was married on the 20th of March, 1889. to Miss Catherine Kier, a daughter of James and Ellen Kier, of Joliet township, who were among the most esteemed and prosperous of the Will county pioneers and also came of the same nationality and religious faith as the Mor- rison family. Mr. Kier also made his start in life as a stone-cutter and becoming interested in the progress and extension of the Joliet Bridge Building Company. he was a substantial support- er of Mr. Morrison in this enterprise as well as a heavy stockholder. He was serving as vice pres- ident at the time of his death, which occurred on the 18th of March, 1906, an event which caused deep regret among the old settlers of the county for he was a prominent man in their midst, and friends and neighbors as well as his immediate
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family deeply regretted his loss. His family numbered six children, three sons and three daughters, including Mrs. Morrison, all of whom were born on the old homestead on the Ridge road in Joliet township.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Morrison has been blessed with three children, a son and two daugh- ters, all of whom were born in the present fami- ly home at No. 607 Exchange street. The oldest, Raymond Kier, was born in 1890; Helen Sin- clair, born in 1892; and Laurene, born in 1897. Mr. Morrison and his family are members of the First Presbyterian church and are much inter- ested in its work and growth. Mr. Morrison is a member of the Commercial Club and the local lodge of Masons. Aside from these interests his business and his home keep him occupied, both of which bear testimony of his careful consider- ation, and the success which he has achieved in industrial and commercial circles is such of which he has every reason to be proud. His name is an honored one in industrial circles and he has ad- vanced along modern lines, well meriting his prosperity.
GEORGE ASBRAND.
George Asbrand who is engaged in general farm- ing on section 23, Peotone township, was born in Germany in 1854 and both his father and his mother died in that country. They were farming people and their son was reared to the same occu- pation. He obtained his education in the schools of that country and in 1872, when eighteen years of age, came to the new world. He made his way at once to Illinois and worked by the month for two years in Green Garden township, Will county. He then came to Peotone township, where he worked by the month for four years. He after- ward rented and farmed in the same township and continued to engage in renting for eleven years. He next bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 23, Peotone township. He owns the creamery plant and one acre of land and he also has eighty acres in Will township. For the past eighteen years he has been a breeder of Belgium horses and handles some fine speci- mens of that stock. He now owns the stallion
Brilliant de Gemblox and also another Marcus De Ham. He likewise has blooded cattle and keeps twenty-seven head of cows for dairy purposes. His creamery is well conducted and is a good source of income, while the farm in all its departments is carefully conducted and is bringing him success.
Mr. Asbrand was married in 1863 to Miss Lot- tie Deitrich, who was born in Valparaiso, In- diana, and died December 1, 1898, at the age of forty-one years. They were the parents of three sons : Philip, who died in infancy; Otto and Fred. both at home. For his second wife, Mr. Asbrand chose Laura Wendling, who was born in Beecher township, this county, in 1866, and is a daughter of George and Catherine (Wagner) Wendling, who were pioneer farming people of Will county and are now living retired in Peotone. Mr. and Mrs. Asbrand were married in 1890.
They are well known people of the com- munity and enjoy the friendship of many with whom they have come in contact. They belong to the Immanuel Lutheran church and Mr. As- brand holds membership with the Modern Wood- men camp and the Grange. In politics he is in- dependent. He has served as school director but otherwise has never sought or filled office. He is a self-made man whose success is due entirely to his own efforts. He had only three dollars when he came to Illinois the first time. After accumu- lating some money he went to Kansas, where he invested in land but lost all he had. He then re- turned to Illinois and has been successful in his farming operations here. He is now the owner of a good property and is conducting the business so that substantial success results.
HENRY BUDLER.
Henry Bndler is one deserving of much praise, for he came to Will county from foreign lands without capital and with no assistance from friends but he has worked his way steadily upward from a humble financial position until today he owns a valuable and well improved farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres, located on section 12, Plain- field township, all of which has been acquired through his own well directed labors.
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Mr. Budler was born in Prussia. May 8, 1857, a son of Michael and Catherine ( Michaels) Bud- ler, who were farming people of Germany, and both are now deceased, the former passing away in 1897, at the age of sixty-seven years, while the latter died in 1828, at the age of fifty-two. Our subject is one of seven children born of his father's family, the other being Jacob, a successful farmer of Hamilton county. Nebraska, where he owns one thousand acres of land; Peter, of White Lake, Aurora county, South Dakota, owning a farm of three hundred and twenty acres; Henry: Mrs. Elizabeth Hettinger, who resides on a farm at White Lake, South Dakota; Jacob J., a salesman for the Hammond Packing Company, making his home in Joliet ; and Michael, Jr., who resides on the old homestead farm in Prussia.
Mr. Budler was reared and educated in his na- tive land and for seven years was employed in a large greenhouse there. Crossing the Atlantic in 1880, he located in Will county, Illinois, where, with the exception of one year spent in Nebraska, he has made his home to the present time. He operated a rented farm in Troy township for five years, subsequent to which time he purchased his present farm in Plainfield township, this tract embracing one hundred and sixty acres. He has made many improvements upon the place and has brought his fields under a high state of cultiva- tion, so that through his labor and enterprise the farm has doubled in value since coming into his possession. He is engaged in general agricul- tural pursuits and his labors are resulting in very gratifying results.
Mr. Budler established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Margaret Drouden, who was born and reared in the township in which she still makes her home, a daughter of John and Eliza- beth Drouden. Her father is now deceased but the mother still makes her home on the farm in Plainfield township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Budler have been born four sons and two daughters, all of whom are still under the parental roof, the record being as follows : Engene, a youth of seven- teen years; Harry, fifteen years of age; Edward, thirteen years old : Elizabeth, Cecelia and Albert, aged respectively ten, seven and four years.
Mr. Budler formerly voted an independent ticket but of late years has adhered to the princi- ples of the republican party. He is at the present
writing serving as school director. In his fra- ternal relations he holds membership with St. Nicholas order, No. 48, of Joliet. while he is a communicant of St. John's German Catholic church of that city.
Mr. Budler has ever displayed the industry and honesty so characteristic of the German element, and although he came to this country in limited financial circumstances he has worked his way upward until he is today the owner of one of the most productive and valuable farms of Plainfield township.
J. C. CARLOSS.
J. C. Carloss, a painter and decorator at No. 509 Fourth avenue, Joliet, occupies a place in the front ranks of his profession and in the city and county are shown many evidences of his good taste in this line, in both the residence and business dis- tricts, Mr. Carloss is a native of England, having been born in Wolverhampton, Staffordshire. on the 1st of March, 1855. After leaving the public schools he learned the trade of painting and dec- orating, and also that of plumbing, under the di- rection of an uncle who was a successful contrac- tor in that country. Prior to his departure for America, Mr. Carloss spent three years in Ireland following his trade chiefly on large contracts of public buildings and fine residences.
At length he determined to try his fortune in the new world, having heard very favorable re- ports of the greater opportunities and excellent advantages here afforded. His voyage proved to be a perilous one for he was a passenger on board the City of Washington, which was wrecked. The passengers and crew were saved, however, being picked up by another vessel and thus sent to Bos- ton. After two months Mr. Carloss reached the American port in 1872. He first went to New York and later to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. In August, 1823, he went to Chicago and the follow- ing year came to Will county, settling in Joliet where he has since made his home. Here he has continuously been engaged in business in the line of his trade and after a brief period in the em- ploy of others here, he began contracting on his own account as a painter and decorator. From
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the beginning he has been accorded a liberal patronage for he has displayed superior skill and artistie talent and many of the best homes of the city show forth the evidence of his handiwork. while in public works his services has also been of value.
In 1882, Mr. Carloss was married to Miss Flor- ence Cooney, of Plainfield, whose parents were among the old time respected residents of that section of the county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Carloss have been born four sons and five daughters, who are being reared in the midst of most comfortable and attractive surroundings. Their two oldest daughters were happily married in the autumn of 1906 to two young progressive and well-to-do farmers of this county, Iva becoming the wife of Neil Richards of Joliet township, and Florence the wife of King Heintzelman of Plainfield. The family home displays a good library and many evi- dences of the culture and refinement of the in- mates, while the members of the household are greatly esteemed by many friends.
JAMES CRAIG.
James Craig, who since 1869 has been a resi- dent of Will county, being now closely associated with the farming and industrial interests of his locality, was born in Straid, County Antrim, Ire- land, in 1849. ITis parents, James and Agnes Craig, were natives of Glasgow, Scotland, al- though both died in Ireland. The father be- came an agriculturist of that country and also bought and sold stock there. Both he and his wife were members of the Moravian church. His death occurred in 1891. his wife's in 1898, and they had cach reached the venerable age of four score years when called to their final rest. Only four of their twelve children are now living, as follows: James; John, who is living on the old homestead farm in Ireland; Priscilla, who is the widow of A. McDowell and resides on the Emer- ald isle: and Hannah, who likewise lives on one of the old homestead properties in Ireland.
James Craig spent the first ten years of his life in the land of his nativity and in September, 1869, made the voyage to the new world on the steamship Minnesota of the Cunard line. After
a week passed in Brooklyn visiting friends and relatives, he continued on his way to Joliet and spent two or three years there working at the trade of horseshoeing. He then located in Wil- mington in 1822 and in 1879 removed to his farm, whereon his time and energies have since been given to the development of the fields and to the trade of horseshoeing. He is an excellent workman in that line. He also breeds Percheron horses and Poland China hogy and as a farmer and stock-raiser is doing a successful business. IIis place is well equipped with modern appoint- ments and everything about the farm indicates his careful supervision by reason of its neat and thrifty appearance.
On the 9th of April, 1822, Mr. Craig was united in marriage to Miss Minerva Rockwell. who was born in Wilmington township, Septem- ber 19, 1849, a daughter of Stephen and Mahala (McClure) Rockwell, both of whom were natives of Highgate, Vermont. Her father died August 16, 1886, at the age of seventy years, and his wite on the 13th of December, 1829, when fifty- seven years of age. They were married in Ver- mont. In 1859 Mr. Rockwell came to Illinois with horses and teams, locating in Florence township, Will county. The family had made the journey by rail. He first purchased forty acres of land and subsequently he bought land in Wilmington township, embracing a half sec- tion. He hauled the lumber from Chicago to build his first house and he hauled his wheat to Chicago to market it. He was one of the pioneer farmers and stock-raisers of his locality and aided in the development of the county along modern lines of progress and improvement. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he served as highway commissioner and as school director for many years. Ile also belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church and his life was an exemplification of high and honorable principles and manly condnet.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Craig have been born four- teen children, of whom eight survive: Arthur, who is engaged in buying and selling horses at Idaho Falls, Idaho: James, who was graduated as a civil engineer from the Illinois University in June, 1906, and is now employed by the state soil surveyor; George, who has been a student in the agricultural department of the State University :
MR. AND MRS. JAMES CRAIG.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF WILL COUNTY.
David, who is studying civil engineering at Cham- paign, Illinois ; Ennice : Alice; Marie; and Wal- ter.
Mr. Craig is a stalwart advocate of republican principles, stanchly supporting the party. He has served as school director for twenty years or more and is filling the position at the present time. He is likewise connected with River camp, No. 94, M. W. A. He has recently returned from, the old country, having spent two months with his brother and sister in Ireland. He has never had occasion, however, to regret his determina- tion to make America his home, for in this land he has found good opportunities and, working persistently and energetically, success has at- tended his efforts and his labors have made him one of the substantial residents of Will county.
HENRY C. WEIMHOEFER.
lican party became one of its stanch advocates. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Christina Rohe, was born in Hanover, Germany, and is now living in Washington township at the age of sev- enty years. After losing her first husband she married Henry Hahn, a pioneer farmer of that township. Mr. and Mrs. Wehmhoefer had three children who lived to adult age, the sisters of our subject being: Sophie, the wife of William Wil- kening, a merchant of South Chicago: and Anna. the wife of H. L. Bohlmann, supervisor of Wash- ington township. By the father's former mar- riage, there were three children : William, now de- ceased ; Mary, the wife of Phillip Bernhard, of Washington township; and Melissa, who is living with her sister Mary.
In taking up the personal history of H. C. Wehmhoefer, we present to our readers the life record of one who is well and favorably known in Crete township. He was reared upon the farm which he now occupies and attended the district schools. He has always followed the occupation of farming and is still associated with agricultur- al interests, while at the same time he is vice pres- ident of the Crete State Bank and one of its di- rectors. He assisted in its organization and has aided in making it a substantial financial insti-
The farm on which he now lives on section 25, Crete township, was the birth place of Henry C. Wehmhoefer and he first opened his eyes to the light of day in 1860. His father, Conrad Wehm- hoefer, was a native of Hesse-Cassel, Germany, and died in 1876, at the age of fifty-six years. He ' tution. In connection with his general farming had become a resident of the United States in interests. he operates a dairy and in 1891 joined with six others in organizing the Inter-state Creamery Company, of which he has been mana- ger since 1900. His business interests are ex- tensive and in all he has displayed careful man- agement, unfaltering diligence and wise judg- ment. 1847 and worked by the month at farm labor in Homer township, Will county, at six dollars a month. In 1852 he bought one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 25, Crete township, this purchase being made possible by the result of his industry and frugality during the preceding years. He removed to this farm, taking his bride Mr. Wehmhoefer was married in 1883 to Miss Sophia Oldendorf, who was born in Hanover township, Lake county, Indiana, in 1863, the daughter of Conrad and Christina Oldendorf, who came from Germany in an early day and settled in Lake county. Mr. and Mrs. Welimhoefer now have seven children : Emma, William, Henry, Ed- win. Louis, Lydia and Clara. Elma and Albert are deceased. with him. The land had been entered from the government by his cousin, Phillip Juerdening. La- ter he added forty acres to the place and also bought ten acres of timber land. As the years passed, through careful management of his prop- erty, he became prosperous, and in addition to the tilling of the soil he also raised considerable stock. He was a member of the Lutheran church and his life was ever honorable and upright in all of its Mr. Wehmhoefer is a member of the St. John's Lutheran church, to which his wife also belongs and in the community they are highly esteemed citizens, the hospitality of their home being great- ly enjoyed by their many friends. Since age con- ferred upon him the right of franchise he has been connections. He was one of the thirteen organ- izers of the St. John's church, liberal in its sup- port and served for many years as one of its of- ficers. He voted with the whig party in early manhood and after the organization of the repub-
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a supporter of the republican party and is recog- nized as a leader in its local ranks. He has served as collector of his township and in 1893 was called to the office of assessor, remaining the incumbent therein for eight years. In December of 1902, when William Saller was elected county treas- urer, Mr. Wehmhoefer was appointed to succeed him as supervisor and has twice been elected to that position. He has been school director for some years and is now school trustee. His of- ficial duties have ever been performed with due regard to the obligations that devolved upon him in these connections. In the community he is es- teemed because of his fidelity to public trust, be- cause of his activity and enterprise in business, and because of his geniality and deference for the opinions of others which he has always shown in social relations.
MICHAEL O'CONNOR.
Michael O'Connor, deceased, was for a long period connected with the agricultural interests of Will county, having made a permanent loca- tion here in 1864, and during his residence with- in its borders was known as a straightforward and reliable man. He was born in County Lime- rick, Ireland, in 1823, a son of Nicholas and Mary ( Fitzgerald) O'Connor, both of whom were like- wise natives of County Limerick, where they spent their entire lives. Their family numbered three sons and three daughters.
Michael O'Connor emigrated from his native land at an early day, and upon his arrival in New York at once made his way to Schenectady, where he spent some time, and in 1864 continued his journey westward to Will county, purchasing a farm in Wesley township. Ile followed general agricultural pursuits for three decades, during which time he worked diligently and persistently to provide for himself and family and also ac- quire a comfortable competence. In 1894 he re- tired from active business life, and, removing to Wilmington, spent the remainder of his days in well merited rest. He was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, however, for his death oe- eurred here two years later, or in 1896, when he had reached the age of seventy-three years. He
was a man of strong temperance principles and was honored and respected throughout the com- munity in which he resided for he was never known to take advantage of his fellowmen in any trade transaction. He was devoted to the welfare and happiness of his wife and children and his most pleasant hours were those spent at his own fire- side. He was a Jacksonian democrat but never cared to figure in political circles. He was a communicant of St. Rosa Catholic church of Wil- mington.
Mr. O'Connor was married in Schenectady, New York, in 1848, to Miss Bridget Kither, who was born in County Roscommon, Ireland, a daughter of Bernard and Bridget (Higgins) Kither, both of whom were born in County Roscommon. The father emigrated with his family to the new world on an old-time sailing vessel, which, after a voy- age of twenty-one days on the Atlantic, reached the harbor of New York. The family made their way to Schenectady, where they lived for six years, after which they removed to Will county, Illinois, where the father was engaged in farming and also worked for others. He was a Jacksonian demo- erat and a communicant of the Catholic church. Of their family of three sons and four daughters, four are now living, namely: Mrs. O'Connor; Patrick. a resident of St. Paul, Minnesota : Mary, and C'atherine. The father of this family died in 1862, at the age of sixty-three years, while the mother died in Braidwood, at the age of seventy.
Of the thirteen children born unto Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor, six are now living. Bridget is the wife of Thomas Moran and resides in Braid- wood. John wedded Annie Foley. who died Feb- rnary 19, 1907, and makes his home in Wesley township. Thomas, to whom we are indebted for the material furnished for this sketch, was born in Wesley township. March 8, 1863. He was edu- cated in the public schools of Will county and for many years followed farming on his father's old homestead hut in 1905 removed to Wilmington, where he has since lived retired. He is a demc- erat in his political views but is not active as an office seeker. He is a communicant of St. Rosa Roman Catholic church. while fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, belonging to River camp, No. 142, at Wilming- ton. Sarah O'Connor hecame the wife of Philip Carey, but he is now deceased, his death having
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