Mr. Stransky was born in Savanna in 1878. He finished his school work in the Savanna high school, after which he entered the Law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, graduating with honors in 1900.
He located in his home town of Savanna for practice, and was successful from the very start. After four years of practice in the Carroll county courts he became a candidate for State's Attorney in 1904, was elected and held the office for several terms, showing much ability as a prosecu tor.
Mr. Stransky was married January 1, 1902, to Miss Clara Upson of Savanna. Two sons were born to them, Franklin U., now a prominent young attorney himself, and Jason. Mr. Stransky lives in one of the finest homes in Savanna, and also has a house boat on the Mississippi River where he spends much time in summer. He also owns several thousands of acres of the fertile soil, once the bed of Sunfish Lake, and has been and is farming and raising thoroughbred stock on a large scale. He has been most successful in everything he has undertaken.
During his career as a young attorney he was counsel in some of the most notable criminal cases ever tried in the county. He was prosecutor in the famous Billy Myers murder case, the Marcus train robbery case and others equally prominent.
He was talked as congressman, but refused to listen, saying he could not leave his law practice to become a congressman. But finally he was prevailed upon to be a candidate for circuit judge. He was elected and made a record equal to any judge on the bench in this district, and was called to Chicago courts frequently where his rulings as judge were talked of by the metropolitan press who recognized in him the talent and legal acumen he possesses. But he was not satisfied with being a judge, and he did what few men have ever done, resigned the position.
Then he associated himself with the great law firm, Sims, Godman & Sims, and the firm became known as Sims, Godman, Sims & Stransky, of which he is at this time a member, it being one of the most outstanding law firms in the city of Chicago, they having many of the largest cases in that city. Mr. Stransky as a trial lawyer has no superior and he tries many of cases. He was interested in the Len Small case, when Mr. Small was governor, and prepared the argument in the case for the supreme court, which is said to have been one of the most scholarly, logical, and able arguments ever read by the state supreme judges and so acknowledged.
Mr. Stransky is also interested in politics and is Republican State Committeeman from this district at the present time and Secretary of the same. He is one of the most influential men in state politics, at home, and out in the state, because of his vast knowledge of men and things, and his wisdom in making decisions, which are of the same calibre as when he was a judge on the bench and few cases which he decided were sent back from the Appellate or Supreme court, with his decision having been reversed. In fact we believe we are safe in saying no judge was ever on the bench in this district who had fewer reversals.
Mr. Stransky besides his multifarious duties as an attorney and a farmer, is interested in many other things, the N. W. Ill. Utilities and is one of the men who are going to build the bridge over the Misisssippi River between Savanna and Sabula. He is for anything that looks for the good of his home town, Savanna, and finds time to do his share in all civic movements, although he is only at home on Sundays and Mondays.
He is a most pleasant gentleman to meet and is ever ready to help a friend in any enterprise which he believes is for his benefit and that he will make a success of. He has a wide acquaintance all over the state and is known from Galena to Cairo, and from the Mississippi to the shores of Lake Michigan, while his aquaintanceship in Chicago is wide-spread. And wherever known he is respected and looked upon as a "big" man in the state, and his name has been and is being talked of in many places as a future governor. Governor Franklin J. Stransky, Governor of Illinois; of Carroll County would not sound bad, and would be a great honor for the county, and Frank Stransky is a big enough man to fill the position to the satisfaction of the people of Illinois.
Franklin J. Stransky is a self-made man. He didn't have a lot of money behind him, and has never had any given to him except for value received. He has been a hard and steady worker in his profession. His investments have always been sound, and what he has accumulated has been from his own hard work, his sound judgment and his ability to see ahead.
Carroll County is proud of him, Savanna is proud of him, the District is proud of him, as has been demonstrated by his election to Circuit Judge and to the highest political committee in the state; and against a popular opponent. Wherever known he is admired for his ability as a lawyer, for his record as a judge and for his success as a farmer and a business man. For be if known he is a real farmer, and spends a lot of his time when at home down on the farms, giving advice, looking over the stock and the crops and continually making improvements for the betterment of land and surroundings.
In Savanna the Stransky family is one of the most highly esteemed and respected. Father, mother and sons stand highly in the estimation of everybody, and Frank Stransky can truly be said to be one of the most important factors in the town of his birth. In business, in society, as citizens, the family is one of the foremost, and all are glad to say they claim an acquaintance with the Stransky family.
Mr. Kent operated a cattle ranch in Montana for two years, was a teacher in college two years, bookkeeper and credit man in Chicago for two and one-half years. Was admitted to the bar in 1905. Was Police Magistrate in Dixon, Illinois, for 1O years; was a member of the committee of Illinois Fish Conservation Society 1916-1917; was Republican member of the State Board of Equalization from 1917 to 1920, from the 13th Congressional District. Was City Attorney in Savanna from 1923 until 1926. Resided in Dixon from 1901 until 1921, and has since lived in Savanna. He is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, Eastern Star, Rebekah, White Shrine, and Loyal Order of Moose. Is an active member of the Episcopal Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Kent have one daughter, Marcella, wife of Boyd Law, who is now a druggist in Belvidere. From the above it can be seen that Mr. Kent is a man of action. And besides these multifarious activities, he is an experienced musician and plays for entertainments in various lodges, and is one of the popular, active citizens of Savanna, highly respected and esteemed.
After the war he returned to Savanna in 1920. In 1925 he formed a partnership with W. A. Bristol, they conducting an exclusive shoe store. Later in the year he purchased Mr. Bristol's interest and has since been successfully conducting the business himself.
He was married to Miss Mabelle Mest October 6, 1927. They have one daughter, Elizabeth Ann.
Mr. Greison is a business man of ability, and enjoys a large trade because of his reputation as being a square shooter in every line, and when he tells you anything you can believe it. Mr. and Mrs. Greison and daughter live in a nice home, surrounded by all comforts and are among the most highly respected people in the city. Their home is open to their friends at all times. In business or in society they are most highly esteemed by everybody, and are helping make Savanna the thriving city it is.
He was married to Miss Mildred Doty of Savanna, May 5, 1926. They have one son, Richard. Mr. Weidman worked on a farm until he was 19 years of age, when he secured a position with the C. M. St. P. & P. Railway company.
He worked up and was an inspector for two years. But he tired of railroad work and accepted a position with the W. R. Fulrath Oil company, and for two years was a faithful employe of that company. Then he purchased an interest in the Savanna Cleaners and Dyers company, in November 1927, and is now one of the firm of this popular company, known all over the county as a responsible firm which does good work, is four-square in every way. He is a young man of fine character, and has a reputation for ability and fidelity, honesty and uprightness, is ambitious and industrious, and is making his way in the world. He and his family are highly thought of in his city. They live in a well appointed home, and are among the highly esteemed and respected citizens of that commonwealth. In the hands of the industrious, ambitious young men the country is safe and will prosper as the years roll on. And it is to them that the future of Carroll County is left with the assurance that the county will have a successful future.
Later he returned to Savanna and started the Studebaker garage, which he has successfully conducted and still conducts. He is a hustler and a real mechanic and is liked by everybody, and has about all he can do all the time.
He is a square shooter, a real business man, whose word is his bond. He gives his personal attention to his work and when a job goes out of his garage, it is right, guaranteed by a man whose guarantee will stand the test in every way. He is a man who holds the fullest confidence of the public, and this confidence added to his skill as a mechanic makes him one of the most dependable business men in Savanna. He is a pleasant man to be around, genial, although business at all times. He is highly respected by all wbo know him, and is one of the hustlers who assures Savanna a prosperous future, for it is the men of the present day who do things that the future of the country rests upon. "Vic" Wagner is such a man, dependable at all times.
The subject of this sketch, one of the best known business men in Savanna, was born in McKinsville, Iowa, in 1865. He received his education in the schools of that day. In 1869, his parents moved from Iowa to a farm on Center Hill. His father in 1874 purchased what was known as the Geyer Mill, now known as the Fulrath Mill, and they moved there where he assisted the pater in the mill and on the farm.
In 1886 he was married to Irene Smith of Mt. Carroll, and in 1888 they moved to Savanna, where he started a brick yard and kiln, and for a number of years engaged in the brick-making business. He prospered, and in 1905 he started a coal yard in connection with his brick kiln, and it was known as Fulrath's Brick and Coal Yards, and gained a reputation as being a business conducted on the square by a square man. Will was successful in all he took hold of and it was not because of luck, but business accumen, hard study and hard work.
In 1914 he sold out the brick and coal business, bought some land in the outskirts of the city, platted it and laid out the Fulrath addition to the city of Savanna. It was a fine place for a home. He saw the opportunity and he grasped it. He built thirteen houses on the plat, graded the lots, laid out fine streets, terraced in front of the houses and readily sold them for residences. Again he showed that he had studied the situation and was winner.
In 1915 he went into the oil business and built the first up-todate filling station in the city, on the corner of Main street and Chicago avenue, one of the best sites in the city, which he still conducts.
W. R. Fulrath has been successful and there has been a reason. It has not been luck or chance, but brains and his not being afraid to launch forth when he saw an opportunity. Opportunity knocks on every man's door, it is said, but there are many who do not realize the rap. Will Fulrath did, and he greedily grasped Opportunity as he saw it and with ability, and not being afraid of a little coal or brick dust or oil, he has gone forward making a success of everything he has ever taken hold of. He is regarded today as one of the big business men of Savanna, whose efforts have been crowned with success since he started in business for himself.
Mr. Fulrath was successful because of his word. When he told a man anything that man knew that he was getting a truthful statement no matter what it was. He was scrupulously honest, believing that integrity should be the watchword of every business man and not believing in misrepresentation or chicanery in business matters. As a result he is looked up to to, honored and respected, and as he sits on the pinnacle of success he has nothing to look back upon and regret. There is no man Will Fulrath ever did business with whom he cannot look squarely in the face, for he has never defrauded a man out of a penny.
Mrs. Irene Fulrath -
In 1886 she was married to William R. Fulrath and during their life they have traveled hand in hand, sharing each other's sorrows and joys. They had five children, one of whom passed away, leaving a sorrow in the hearts of the parents. The living ones are Lettie, Lillian, Logan, and Laura.
Mrs. Fulrath is a home woman, deeply attached to her home and family and her husband. She is a member of the Savanna Baptist Church and an active, earnest working member in its activities, ever ready to do her share for religion, morality, and the good of the human family. She is a most highly respected and widely known woman, always working for the betterment of family, church, and human beings generally.
The W. R. Fulrath family has done much for Savanna, and it is realized and acknowledged by Savanna people when speaking of the family. They live in their beautiful, modern home, set high on one of the beautiful pinnacles of the city, and the friends of the family always find a royal welcome awaiting them. Mr. and Mrs. Fulrath with their four children form one of the most interesting and happy families in this year of 1930, a family that has made history and in whose hands the future of the county will find a helping hand.
While we have not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with Mrs. Fulrath, we know of her and of her people. Mrs. Fulrath's father was Adam Fulrath, one of the best men we ever knew in any way you took him. Mrs. Fulrath's father was Thomas J. Smith, the old Civil war veteran, known to all in Mt. Carroll, as a sturdy, straightforward citizen. When two such families are united by the marriage of the children, much can be expected and it is a sequel to the family of Mr. and Mrs. Will Fulrath. Two of the daughters are happily married. The family is an outstanding one in Savanna, both of whose forbears were pioneers of the county, helping to develop the wilderness, the Fort of Savanna into the beautiful, thriving city it now is, as well as the entire county, from wild prairie land to a county unsurpassed in the United States. It is in the hands of such people that the future of Carroll County is bound to prosper, and the city of Savanna will grow into a much larger one than it is today. Education, morality, good citizenship has been a lifelong trait in this family, from their forbears to the present generation. Legitimate business accumen has been used in the life work of the father and mother. The world needs more Mr. and Mrs. Fulraths, to make it a better place in which to live.
In 1912 he was married to Miss Hannah Pfeiffer of Mt. Carroll. They have one daughter, Monna Mae.
In 1916 he sold his blacksmithing business in Mt. Carroll to John Stober and with his family moved to Savanna, where he and William Robbe entered into a partnership and started a shop. This partnership continued until 1921, when Lee purchased the interest of Mr. Robbe and has since been conducting the only blacksmith shop in Savanna, and is doing well in spite of the automobile and garages, for there are yet horses and horse-drawn machinery, and Mr. Hungerford is as skilled mechanic in blacksmithing as ever blew a bellows, or used a forge.
Lee is a square shooter, a competent workman, as honest as the day is long, and he and his family are highly respected in Savanna. The writer has known Lee Hungerford since he was a barefoot school boy in Mt. Carroll and we never knew a better boy or man. He comes from a highly respected family, and has made his way to the top by his own industry, ability, and willingness to work, and make good. He is a "safe man to tie to".
Mr. Grieson graduated from the Savanna schools in 1910, and from the University of Illinois in 1916, in course of Insurance and Banking.
After his graduation he entered the First National Bank of Savanna, and continued there until he was called into the army as Captain, and was stationed at the School of Military Aeronautics at Champaign, Ill., where he had charge of all tactical work in training in aviation.
January 1, 1919, after the war, he was appointed assistant comptroller of the University of Illinois. July 1, 1920, he entered the insurance business at Savanna, for which business he had prepared himself at the University. He has been in the business, all kinds of general insurance for ten years.
Mr. Grieson holds the rank of Captain in the Army. He is a member of the Masonic orders, a member of the Union League Club of Chicago. He acknowledges that his hobby is golf, and can often be seen on the golf grounds and is considered a good player. He is one of the live wires of Savanna and he and his family stand high, honored and respected by all. They have a beautiful, modern home, where their friends are welcomed on many occasions.
Mrs. Hungerford is a homemaker and presides over her modern, comfortable home in that city. She is highly esteemed for her many womanly traits, and her high character. She lives for her husband and daughter, making home what it should be, an abiding place with all the comforts of the day. She has many friends and is respected as one of Savanna's best Women. The Hungerford family is prosperous, progressive, and liked by all who know them.
Henry was married to Miss May Kearney of Savanna, December 24, 1903, she being one of the most charming of Savanna's young ladies.
Henry has continued in the hotel business during all this time, and has a speaking acquaintance with every traveling man who "makes" Savanna. He is a real hotel man, knows how a hotel should be conducted to be popular, and so conducts the Radke Hotel, which is known far and wide as being one of the best hotels in this part of the state. While Mr. Radke personally superintends the business, he finds a way to enjoy himself as a piscatorial artist, in which line he excels, for it is said when he cannot catch a fish or kill a duck, there are none. None of the "fishing presidents" ever had anything on him.
Bert was educated in the rural schools of the county, Plum Grove school being at that time one of the best in the county. He was brought up on a farm and farmed until February 5, 1905, when he located in Savanna, where he has since made his home. He purchased one of the best buildings in Savanna, where he conducts a huge billiard parlor and deals in soft drinks, cigars, candy and the like.
He was married to Miss Dora Wohlers, of Bellevue, Iowa, July 13, 1921. They have a beautiful home over his place of business, furnished with the best that money will buy, and where they are always pleased to entertain their friends and they have many of them.
Bert Nipe is a four square business man, a fine fellow in any way you take him, and is recognized as such by all who know him, and he has a wide acquaintance over the county, as he is a "mixer" who can make himself "at home" in society or politics. Bert takes a good deal of time away on fishing excursions as do most Savanna people who live so conveniently to good fishing grounds. All in all Savanna has no more popular people than Mr. and Mrs. Nipe, and no better "real folks" than they are while in business he is a man of ability and farsightedness.
"Colonel", so named by George Loveland, when he worked in Auction Store, was a member of the old Headlight baseball team and of the hose team in Mt. Carroll. For a number of years he was bookkeeper at the Daily Democrat office and was an insurance agent.
He was married to Miss Mary Smith. One daughter was born to them, Mrs. John Nightengale, of Savanna, his wife dying while Gladys was small.
During the World war Lew accepted a position with the government and was a clerk at the Savanna Proving Grounds for a number of years. Resigning there he was clerk at the Radke Hotel, a position he yet fills at times, and where he makes his home.
He is a Justice of the Peace and works at that when there is work to do in that line. Being a brother of the writer, we cannot say too much about him, although he has always been. a good fellow and "knows his stuff", no matter in what he is engaged.
He was married to Miss Edna Durkee, of Cherokee, Iowa, March 28, 1911. They have one son, Frank.
Mr. Schmidel started to work for the Milwaukee railroad in their shops at Savanna, and remained in their employ from 1908 until 1913. Then he started a billiard parlor which he successfully operated from 1913 until 1917. Then during the war he worked at the Savanna Proving Grounds, where for five years he was garage foreman.
In 1923, he and his brother, Clarence, formed a partnership and erected one of the largest storage garages in Northern Illinois, which they are now conducting very successfully, having the mammoth building filled with cars stored for safety all the time. . Charles Schmidel is a real business man, a practical mechanic, a man who knows how to do things and does them. He has the fullest confidence of the Savanna people, is strictly on the square, his word being good in all matters, be they business or otherwise.
When the World war came on he entered the fray and after intensive training in U. S. Army camps he crossed the ocean and was entered in the Bellegne Field 78th Artillery, and he saw service aplenty. He was a good soldier, his army mates testify to, doing his full duty all the time, and lived through, to return. He came back to the United States, was honorably discharged and mustered out of the service and returned to Savanna in 1919.
Then he entered partnership with his brother Charles, and they are now conducting what is known as the Schmidel Storage Garage. He adapted himself as a civilian again and took hold of the business with a vigor and vim that has brought the highest measure of success to the enterprise.
Clarence is a gentleman who is all business, knows the storage garage business "from a to z" and is always on the job. This garage is one of the largest in the northern part of the state. He is a dependable young man and to this is added a real hustling ability, that is making for the success of the business.
Among the outstanding attorneys of the State of Illinois today, is the subject of this sketch, Franklin J. Stransky, whose home is in Savanna, and whose business is in Chicago, Savanna and all over the state.
W. G. Kent, Attorney, born in London, England, in 1870. Educated in public schools and university and graduated in Law in England in 1895. He won the M. A. and L.L. M. degrees in Northern Illinois College of Law. He was married in France to Anita Pouthus, who is an expert musician.
Albert M. Greison, the subject of this sketch is one of the outstanding business men in Savanna, a man whose word is his bond, a man respected, esteemed and believed in by all who know him, and that means about everybody in Carroll County. Albert M. Greison is a native of the city in which he is doing business, having been born in Savanna May 3, 1898. He attended the Savanna schools and was graduated from the high school in 1915. He attended Cornell College in 1916-17, and was called to the war in 1918. He was sent to Camp Grant, where he served as quartermaster.
Arthur Weidman - In the subject of this sketch Savanna has a hustler and a man who does things. Mr. Weidman was born in Mt. Carroll Township, November 3, 1905. He obtained his education in the Mt. Carroll schools, graduating from the high school.
J.V. Wagner - Here is a native Savanna boy who las made good through his own efforts. He was born in Savanna, llinois, March 15, 1889. He attended the schools of Savanna, graduating from the high school. He worked on a farm until he was 24 years of age, when he went west and did tractor work. He joined the army and was sent to New York, where he served in the Mitchell Field Aviation Corps. After the war he was honorably discharged, and went to work for the Roman Motor company of Philadelphia.
The subject of this sketch was born in I867, on a farm in Mt. Carroll township, Irene Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Smith, the old Civil war veteran who passed away but a short time ago in this city. She was educated in the rural and Mt. Carroll public schools, and was a popular girl with all who knew her.
Lee Hungerford - The subject of this article was born in Mt. Carroll, Illinois, in 1884. His education was gleaned in the Mt. Carroll schools. In 1906, the blacksmithing trade was one of the most lucrative of the times. It was in the day of horses instead of automobiles, and Lee learned the trade in Mt. Carroll under Reuben Robbe, considered one of the most competent of that time. In 1910, he entered into partnership with Joe Hood, the policeman who was recently killed by an automobile in Savanna. This partnership continued for six years.
H. P. Grieson - The subject of this sketch is a native of Savanna. He was married November 15, 1916, to Louise Judson Miles, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. K. Miles. They have three children: Jerome, Jeanne Susan, and Constance.
Hannah May Hungerford - The subject of this sketch was Hannah May Pfeiffer before her marriage. She was born on Preston Prairie, July 10, 1892, and was, therefore, a Mt. Carroll girl. She attended the Preston Prairie school, until 11 years of age, when, with her family she moved to Savanna. From there the family moved to Lancaster, Wisconsin, where she attended the schools of that place. The family returned to Mt. Carroll and in 1912 she was united in marriage to Lee Hungerford, one of the popular young men of the city, and a blacksmith by trade. Seeing a better opening in Savanna, Mr. and Mrs. Hungerford moved to that city, where they have since made their home.
Henry C. Radke, proprietor of the Radke Hotel, is perhaps one of the best known hotel proprietors in Northwestern Illinois. He was born in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, June 21, 1874. As a boy he worked on a farm. With his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Radke, he moved to Savanna, where he obtained his education in the public and high schools, and attended Rockford College for two years. His father, Michael Radke, built the hotel and conducted it, and was supervisor of Carroll County for many years, being one of the most able and popular supervisors of his day. Being away much Henry had the hotel to look after, and at the death of his father took it over, in 1900, and has continued in that line.
Bert Nipe - One of the well known and well liked business men of Savanna is Bert Nipe, who was born April 14, 1872, at Plum Grove, Mt. Carroll Township, not far from Savanna, and near Sunfish Lake.
Lew H. Feezer - The subject of this sketch was born in Mt. Carroll, November 13, 1858. But he was never afraid of the "13" bugaboo. He received his education in the grade and high schools of Mt. Carroll, and after that worked for several years for McKenney & Loveland in what was known as The Auction Store. Then he concluded he wanted to be a baker and he learned that trade and mastered it well and followed it for a number of years.
Charles Schmidel - Here is another native born Savanna boy who has made good through his own efforts, hard work and business accumen, disproving the oft-asserted idea that a boy can not make good in his native city. Charles Schmidel was born in Savanna July 22, 1889. He attended the public and high schools of that city, working during vacations, for he never was afraid of honest work.
Clarence Schmidel - Another native of Savanna, who has made good and is considered as a leading business man of his native city. Clarence Schmidel was born in Savanna, Illinois, December 2, 1896, the son of Mr. and. Mrs. Jacob Schmidel. He attended the grade and high school of the city. For three years he worked on the city ice wagon and became acquainted with about everybody in Savanna. He was faithful in this as he always was and is to every trust.
John L. Brearton - The subject of this sketch is one of the live wires of Savanna and Carroll County. He was born January 15, 1879, in Morrison, Ill., and was married to Florence Green, also of Morrison, in that city April 19, 1906. They have two children, Mary H. Brearton, born in 1907, and Lane W. Brearton, born in 1910. .He graduated from Morrison high school June 9, 1897, and from the Georgetown Law school in June 1902. Was admitted to the Bar in District of Columbia and Illinois, in 1902 came to Savanna to practice and has been there ever since.
One of the leaders in the commercial life of Savanna, is R. G. Fuller, the well known and ever busy proprietor of the Main street furniture and undertaking store, the largest in the county, and one of the ablest conducted, where one meets the glad hand of friendship upon entering the store on business, and with the sympathy and condolence of a man who means it in case one is compelled to perform one of the last acts to a beloved relative, choosing the casket.
