USA > Illinois > Will County > Past and present of Will County, Illinois, V. 2 > Part 7
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Mr. Walter was married in Bismarck, Michigan, in 1896, to Miss Mildred W. Walsh, of that city. They have two daughters, Mildred B. and Lowell, aged, respectively, eight and two years. Lowell is a family name, Mrs. Walter's mother having been descended from the Lowells of Massachu- setts.
In his political views Mr. Walter is a repub- lican and has taken an active part in support of the principles in which he believes. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the blue lodge at Lockport, and he also belongs to the Order of the White Cross of Joliet and to the Commercial Club. His time and attention,
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however, are chiefly given to his profession and since becoming an active member of the bar he has prepared his cases with great thoroughness and care and by reason of his thoroughi under- standing of the principles of the law has pre- sented his cause with clearness, cogency and force.
NEEDHAM P. COOPER.
Needham P. Cooper, a retired farmer living on a fine tract of land of three hundred and fifty acres, a part of which constitutes the old Cooper homestead, situated in New Lenox township, one mile north of the village of New Lenox, repre- sents one of the early pioneer families of Will county. His birth occurred in Brown county, Ohio, in 1833. a son of John and Lydia (Perry) Cooper, both of whom were likewise natives of the Buckeye state. The former was born in 1800 and died in Will county in 1825, while the latter was born in 1807 and died in 1854. The father followed the occupation of farming in Will county throughout his active business career, and through his diligence. enterprise and capable management he accumulated a large tract of land, giving to each of his children a tract of one hundred and eighty acres, the old homestead farm being now the home of the son whose name heads this sketch. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cooper were devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church and were among the most highly respected pioneer residents of this section of the state.
Needham P. Cooper was reared to the occupa- tion of farming, assisting his father in carrying on the work of the fields during the summer sea- sons, while in the winter months he pursued his studies in the district schools. He received as a gift from his father one hundred and eighty acres of land in Will county, and at the age of twenty-one years he started out in life upon an independent business career. After operating his farm for some time he exchanged it for the old homestead property, and our subject there took up his abode, and this has continued to be his home to the present time. He has added to his original holdings until today he is in possession of three hundred and fifty acres of well improved and valuable land. He was for many years ac-
tively identified with the actual work of carrying on the farm, but his labors have resulted in the acquirement of a competence which now enables him to enjoy an honorable and well earned rest, while the farm is being operated by his son-in- law.
On the 26th of June, 1856, occurred the mar- riage of Mr. Cooper and Margaret L. Francis, who was born in New Lenox township, in 1834, on a farm adjoining that on which Mr. Cooper was reared. She was a daughter of Abraham and Mary Jane ( Davidson) Francis, who were farm- ing people of Will county, but both are now de- ceased. They held membership with the Methodist Episcopal church and were highly esteemed resi- dents of their locality. Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Cooper resided on Maple street in New Lenox for a number of years. or until he removed to his present farm, where the death of Mrs. Cooper occurred in 1900. She became the mother of four sons and three daughters: Ella died in 1858. Johnie Thompson, who was born May 28, 1860, passed away February 12, 1863. Frank Howard, who was born March 2, 1862, died November 2. 1863. Margaret L. was born July 7, 1864, and in 1884 became the wife of Thomas Doig, who is now operating her father's farm, while the latter makes his home with her. She was educated in the public schools of New Lenox and by her marriage has become the mother of a son and daughter: George C., who was born in 1885 and is now assisting his father on the farm, and Alice May, who was born in 1896 and died July 1, 1899, when a little maiden of three years. Needham Perry, who was born March 10, 186%, Allen F., born July 3, 1820, and Jessie M., born May 11, 1872, are the other members of the Cooper family.
Mr. Cooper has always taken an active and help- ful interest in public affairs, and his ability being recognized by his fellow townsmen, caused him to be elected to a number of public offices. He served as assessor and constable, and in the discharge of his duties was ever prompt and reliable, so that he won the good will and confidence of his fellow men. His religious faith is indicated by his mem- bership in the Methodist Episcopal church. There is probably no citizen of New Lenox township who is better known or who occupies a higher po- sition in the estimation of his association than
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does Mr. Cooper. He came to Will county sev- enty-three years ago, and since that time has been identified with its agricultural interests. Receiv- ing from his father a good farm, he worked dili- gently and persistently in the management of his affairs, and as opportunity offered added to its boundaries until he is now the owner of three hundred and fifty acres of land, situated in New Lenox township, a mile from New Lenox, so that while enjoying the quiet and rest of a rural exist- ence, he is also in close touch with the conven- iences and advantages afforded by the village.
CLEMENT S. WITWER.
Clement S. Witwer, as president, treasurer and general manager of the Joliet Manufacturing Company, is prominently connected with an en- terprise which has direct bearing upon the com- mercial prosperity and industrial activity of the city, in which connection he has kept in touch with the trend of modern thought and progress in the business world and manifested an aptitude for successful management that has made the concern of which he is the head a profitable in- dustry.
Mr. Witwer was born in Ashland county, Ohio, in 1862, and is a direct descendant of the sturdy race that more than two hundred years ago inhab- ited the two provinces on the banks of the upper Rhine, in Germany, which has become memorable in the annals of the two worlds. The Witwer and Sensenig connections were among the first settlers in Earl township, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, having located there in 1730. The township of Earl and the county of Lancaster were organized in 1729, and among the papers of Mr. Witwer's father was found a deed in which the name Michael Witwer appears, "From William Penn to William Sensenig." bearing date A. D. 1734.
In 1863 Clement S. Witwer accompanied his parents on their removal to La Porte county. In- diana, and in 1867 to Hamilton, Missouri, where he acquired his early education. His father con- ducted a general store, also handling implements and vehicles, being one of the first agents of the Studebaker Brothers' Manufacturing Company in the west. He was also a minister of the gospel
and was frequently called away from home to preach, thus rendering it necessary for his boys to work into the business when young. From the time that Clement Witwer was old enough to perform any sort of business service he either assisted his father in the store or herded cattle, and when fifteen years of age he was given five hundred dollars in cash by his employers, Dwight & Booth, of Hamilton, Missouri, and sent twenty miles on horseback to purchase cattle. Making the purchase, he drove the cattle five miles, weighed them, paid for them and drove them back to Hamilton for shipment. In 1879 he re- moved to South Bend, Indiana, and from that time until September, 1881, was employed by the- Studebaker Brothers in the stock room and super- intendent's office. In 1881 and 1882 he pursued a preparatory course in what is now Depauw Uni- versity at Green Castle, Indiana, and it was the desire of his uncle, Clement Studebaker, who was paying his tuition in school, that he should con- tinne there until his graduation, but Mr. Witwer was ambitions to make a start in the business- world and left school before the completion of the regular course. He then accepted a position in the lumber department of the Studebaker Broth- ers' Manufacturing Company, remaining there until the fall of 1883, when he accepted a posi- tion with his brother, John S. Witwer, of Dallas, Texas, as head salesman. In 1886, however, he returned to South Bend, Indiana, and made ar- rangements whereby he went upon the road for Studebaker Brothers, remaining with that house- natil the fall of 1887.
About that time Mr. Witwer was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary Elizabeth Shreffler, the only daughter of Andrew H. Shreffler, who was at that time the president, treasurer and principal stock- holder of the Joliet Manufacturing Company, while at the time of his death he was the oldest manufacturer of Will county. Two children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Witwer: Irene, who was born July 12, 1890, and died September 30, 1891 ; and Andrew Hafer Shreffler Witwer, who will be thirteen years of age on the 21st of February, 1907.
Mr. Witwer removed to Joliet, Illinois, in Octo- ber. 1887, became interested in the Joliet Manu- facturing Company and from that date until 1896 was the general superintendent. In 1896 the
AtoShroffler
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president, Mr. Shreffler, died and at his request Mrs. Witwer assumed the title of president and treasurer of the company, although the active busi- ness of the concern was performed by Mr. Witwer, who after Mr. Shreffller's death was made vice president and general manager. Mrs. Witwer died October 20, 1905, and the present officers of the company are C. S. Witwer, president, treasurer and general manager; T. W. Witwer, vice presi- dent ; Floyd W. Mohler, secretary; and W. J. Steckel, superintendent.
Mr. Witwer was a member of the South Bend Light Guards in the early '80's, being mustered in by Captain J. G. Greenwald, who swore the troops into service for three years. He is also a member of the Union League and the Commer- cial Clubs of Joliet and the Hamilton Club of Chicago. He has never united with any church but is a regular attendant at divine service and is a trustee of the Ottawa Street Methodist Episcopal church of Joliet, while to varions churches and benevolent institutions he is a liberal contributor. Since age conferred upon him the right of fran- chise and he cast his first presidential ballot for James G. Blaine in 1884 he has been a stalwart republican. He has never held a political office, although urged frequently by his friends to accept honors from his party, and at different times has been strongly spoken of by party leaders in Joliet in connection with the nomination for mayor. He has declined all political honors, however, because of personal interests, believing he could better serve his fellow countrymen by promoting ma- terial prosperity and creating employment for labor.
WILLIAM W. ARMSTRONG.
William W. Armstrong, chief of the fire depart- ment of Joliet, was born upon a farm in Mitchell county, Iowa, August 27, 1865, and is a son of Jacob and Harriet (Laraway) Armstrong. The father's birth occurred near Albany, New York, and the mother was born near Syracuse, that state. They came to Illinois at an early day and were married in Joliet, subsequent to which time they removed to Mitchell county, Iowa, where they settled upon a farm. For many years they re-
sided upon a farm in Worth county and are now residents of the town of Plymouth, in that coun- ty. While living in Joliet the father was an em- ploye at the Taylor rock quarry, where was em- ployed prison labor, Mr. Armstrong acting as gnard over the prisoners. The greater part of his life, however, has been spent upon a farm. In the family were twelve children, of whom two died in infancy, while one passed away later in life.
William W. Armstrong is the fifth member of the family and upon the home farm he was reared, while in the country schools he acquired his edu- cation. He remained upon the farm until he was in his twentieth year, when, in August, 1886, he came to Joliet and for a short period was an em- ploye in Stevens' cedar mill. Later he was with the firm of Lambert & Bishops, in the wire mill, where he remained until August, 1888, when he joined the Joliet fire department under Frank Kramer, who was then its chief, while John D. Paige was mayor of the city. He served for two years and nine months, after which he resigned.
About that time Mr. Armstrong was married and removed to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he was employed in the Oliver wire mill for a short period, but, preferring Joliet as a place of residence, he returned to this city and after an absence of two years from the fire department he again became one of its members nnder John D. Paige, its chief, and Henry II. Stassen as mayor. He was made a captain and thus served until the winter of 1904, when he resigned and entered the employ of the Pullman Car Company as a conductor, running between Chicago and Colorado Springs. He remained in that position for about eight months, when he returned to his old posi- tion as captain of the fire department and on the 9th of May, 1905, he was appointed by Mayor Barr as chief of the Joliet fire department. There are five fire houses in different parts of the city under his direction and the force is equal to about ten companies. This is one of the best equipped fire departments in the United States and Chief Armstrong is to be congratulated upon the effi- ciency of his force and the great service he has rendered to the city. He is well qualified for the onerous duties that devolve upon him in this con- nection, being cool and clear headed in times of danger, thinking rapidly and utilizing his forces to the best advantage.
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It was on the 25th of August, 1891, that Mr. Armstrong was united in marriage to Miss Mary McCully, of Joliet, and they now have one son, William G., fourteen years of age, while they lost their only daughter, Pearl. Mr. Armstrong is fraternally connected with the Knights of Pythias and with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a popular member of both organiza- tions, a genial manner and genuine personal worth winning him the friendship and high regard of those with whom he is brought in contact.
J. W. LOW.
J. W. Low is numbered among those who in recent years have contributed to the business de- velopment and progress that has made Joliet one of the leading industrial centers of this great state. He was born in Dunleith, now East Du- buque, Illinois, in 1868, and pursuing a public- school education, continued his studies until he became a high-school student at Elgin, Illinois. In early life he learned the trade of a printer and pressman, and nineteen years ago he entered the employ of Howe, Davidson & Company, of Chi- cago, with whom he remained as superintendent for sixteen years. In February, 1904, he became one of the organizers of the Carrier-Low Company, which was established with a capital of forty thousand dollars, with R. J. Carrier as president ; William B. Gibson, secretary ; and J. W. Low, treasurer and superintendent. The firm was formed for the manufacture of folding boxes, which are made from boxboard. The factory is equipped with the latest improved machinery and they have the largest gluing department in the country. The main building is seventy-five by one hundred feet and two stories in height. It is built of brick and there is also an engine and boiler room forty by sixty feet. They employ one hundred work- men in the manufacture of folding paper boxes for cereals, matches and other goods, which they supply by contract to firms, their trade extending from coast to coast. This has become a very ex- tensive and important industry, they now having a capacity of five hundred boxes per day. The business was established in Chicago, but a year ago the plant was removed to Rockdale. They
have their own electric light plant and also a complete pumping plant. In the gluing and treat- ing department there is considerable machinery of Mr. Low's invention. He is a practical mechanic and a thoroughly up-to-date business man, who forms original ideas and applies them in practical manner to the demands of the trade.
On the 16th of May, 1906, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Low and Miss Blanch George, of Evanston, Illinois. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained high rank, being affiliated with the lodge, chapter and com- mandery at Chicago.
William Gibson, also a member of the firm, was born in Montgomery, Michigan, in 1868 and was educated in Canada. After entering business life he was connected with the dry goods trade until he came to Joliet and was one of the organizers of the company of which he is now the secre- tary. In 1890 he removed to Chicago, where he has since resided.
Mr. Gibson was married in that city in 1899 to Miss Jennie Grant, a native of Scotland. They have three children, Imogene F., Ethel N., and William A. Mr. Gibson is also a chapter Mason and is a past master of Cleveland lodge in Chi- cago. Both Mr. Low and Mr. Gibson are prom- inent business men, well qualified for the success- ful conduct of the enterprise which they are now carrying on, and they have wrought along modern business lines, have recognized opportunity and utilize the means at hand toward the acquire- ment of desirable success.
JOHN C. ALPINE.
John C. Alpine, living retired from active busi- ness, was in former years closely associated with commercial interests in Joliet. He came to this city in July, 1858, when a little lad of about six years, his birth having occurred in Milwaukce, Wisconsin, August 9, 1852. His parents were John and Frances (Gormley) Alpine and the lat- ter is still a resident of Joliet. John C. Alpine was reared in this city and attended the public schools to the age of thirteen years, after which he spent two years as a student in the school con- ducted by Mrs. Grover. He then started in busi-
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ness life, entering the employ of Augustus H. Masonry, he has taken the degrees of the lodge, Hawk at No. 75 Jefferson street, on the 5th of September, 1867. He continued in that service un- til December ?, 1867, when James O. Gorman, Jr., and his father, J. O. Gorman, purchased the busi- ness from Mr. Hawk. Mr. Alpine remained in the store as clerk and partner with James O. Gor- man and Catherine L. Gorman until March 1, 1906, the business being conducted under the firm style of J. O. Gorman & Company for some time.
On the 10th of January, 1888, Mr. Alpine was united in marriage to Miss Catherine L. Gorman, who was with the firm from March 25, 1876. She was born in Joliet, June 12, 1861, and was a daughter of James O. and Catherine (Furlong) Gorman. She is now the only representative of the family in Joliet. The Gormans came to this city in 1852 and James O. Gorman, Sr., entered business life here as a machinist and engineer. He acted as engineer in the old woolen mill from the time the enterprise was established until it was closed and he had formerly been engineer at dif- ferent grain elevators of the town. He followed engineering all his life and remained a resident of Joliet until called to his final rest on the 20th of June, 1889, when he was seventy-one years of age. His wife had died a short time previous, passing away August 19, 1888, at the age of sixty- eight years. They were members of St. Mary's Catholic church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. James O. Gorman were born seven children: William, Louis, Richard, James O., Jr., John, Nellie and Catherine, all now deceased with the exception of Mrs. Alpine. James O. Gorman, Jr., was of the firm of J. O. Gorman & Company and died March 5, 1905, at the age of fifty-six years.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Alpine were active in the business until the 1st of March, 1906, when they sold their interest to Mrs. Nettie K. Gorman. After she had acquired all the business of J. O. Gor- man, deceased, the store was incorporated under the name of the J. O. Gorman Company with Mrs. Nettie K. Gorman as president.
Mr. and Mrs. Alpine have one son, John Gor- man Alpine, who is fifteen years of age and is at- tending high school. The family home is at No. 210 Union street, where they have lived for the past fifteen years. Mr. Alpine exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party. Becoming identified with
chapter, council and commandery at Joliet, and is also identified with Medinah Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Chicago. He likewise belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and is a member of the Union League, the Country Club, the Commercial Club and various other social organizations. He is a gentlemen of genial, cour- teous manner, always approachable and of kindly spirit. In business he has been alert and enter- prising and his success is well merited, having resulted from careful management and keen dis- crimination.
MRS. HARRIET TAYLOR.
Mrs. Harriet Taylor, of Joliet, is the widow of Henry Taylor, who died February 20, 1905, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. He had been a resident of the city for about sixty years and was a native of England. When a young man, however, he went to Scotland and was mar- ried there, after which he brought his wife to the new world and established his home in Joliet. The city was at that time a small town with little commercial or industrial importance. He cast in liis lot with its early settlers and his first work was in the mending of boats. Later he engaged in carpentering and subsequently was employed at building fences and in other building opera- tions. He was a fine mechanic and erected the residence at No. 200 SouthEastern avenue, which is still occupied by his widow. He purchased a strip of land there on what was then the raw prairie and lived to see it all built up with fine homes, becoming one of the populous and attrac- tive residence districts of the city. It was he who named First avenue and Lincoln street, which thoroughfares bounded his property on the north and south. In many other ways he was closely associated with the development and growth of Joliet and he ever stood for progress and improve- ment along lines of substantial upbuilding.
After the loss of his first wife Mr. Taylor was again married, his second union being with Mis. William Adderly, nee Harriet Thompson. She was born in Warwickshire, England, seventy-eight years ago and was married there to William Ad-
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derly. They came to Joliet over a half century ago, bringing with them their two children, and another child was born to them in Joliet. Of the three, Ellen and Emma died in early womanhood. The other daughter is now Mrs. Inez J. Welch of Joliet. Mr. Adderly was one of the early jewelers of Joliet and had his store on Bluff street, which was for years the principal thoroughfare of the city. He continued a resident here up to the time of his death. Later his widow became the wife of Henry Taylor, with whom she traveled life's journey until they were separated by his de- mise on the 20th of February, 1905. Mrs. Taylor has nine great-grandehildren.
She resides at a comfortable home at No. 200 Eastern avenue and she also owns the cottage in the rear, fronting on First avenue. She has long resided in this city and has therefore seen its changes and its growth, watching its development from a small and unimportant town into a city of metropolitan proportions, with extensive business interests and with of all the evidenees of a modern civilization.
GENERAL PHILIP C. HAYES.
A residence of a family through many genera- tions in one land brings a feeling of attachment and loyalty thereto which is indestructible. It is indeed the rare exception when there is found a man who has not a deep feeling for his native country, and the greater the service and sacrifice which one performs through a spirit of patriotism the greater is this attachment. Through the ex- ample of an illustrious ancestry and by reason of his devotion and public spirit in days of peace and of war, as manifest in political and military cir- eles, the love of General Hayes for his country has constantly developed, making his service of the utmost benefit to city, state or nation, as the exi- gencies and opportunities of the moment require. Ile is, moreover, a business man of ability and enterprise and his labors in the field of journal- ism have been of direet benefit to Joliet. He is now living retired in the enjoyment of a well merited rest, yet he will never cease to be a public man in that his fellow townsmen will again and
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