History

Joliet Chief Pegged It: Inside Job

The History of Joliet – Chapter 24 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo “The bandits had killed the express manager and gotten away with $22,000 cash and a bag full of jewelry.” By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News From the very beginning, Joliet Police Chief Frank MURRAY told the Pinkerton detectives that the train robbery was an inside job. That’s what the clues and facts added up to, he said. MURRAY, appointed police chief by Mayor Thomas KELLY in the spring of 1884, had been brought in to reform the city. … Read more

Bartleson Lost Arm, then His Life, for Nation

The History of Joliet – Chapter 14 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo I have still an arm left for my country, and she shall have that too, if necessary.” By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News Of all the warriors from Joliet who fought in the Civil War, the best remembered and most noble among them was Col. Frederick BARTLESON. The memory of this soldier is a city treasure. Described by George H. WOODRUFF, the local historian, BARTLESON was “a Christian in his convictions and always a man of pure morals.” … Read more

Thinned Ranks Return to Joliet from Civil War

The History of Joliet – Chapter 15 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo “The rebellion, in its death throes, has dealt one terrible last thrust.” By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News In the summer of 1863, bands played, cannons fired and church bells rang when the news reached Joliet about the Union victory at Gettysburg. Residents believed the backbone of the rebellion had been broken. But there was more of the Civil War to come before the end. There were more volunteers for new regiments and finally the national draft. With … Read more

Newspaper Editor Spoke Out On Slavery

The History of Joliet – Chapter 16 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo “Stephen A. Douglas, the Illinois senator who squared off against Abraham Lincoln in the famed debate of 1858, was often seen in Joliet seeking political advice from newspaper editor Calneh Zarley.” By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News During the early history of Joliet and throughout the Civil War, one of the most outspoken voices in the city was Calneh ZARLEY. They called him Cal. And Cal was a newspaper editor and owner of the Joliet Signal. His father, … Read more

Prison Walls Rise From Stony Joliet Turf

The History of Joliet – Chapter 17 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo “The ground at the new prison site was filled with limestone, which meant convicts couldn’t tunnel out. That limestone also could be used to build the prison walls and buildings.” By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News In his inaugural speech during January 1853, Gov. Joel MATTESON of Joliet spoke of the need for a new state penitentiary in the northern part of Illinois. With an ever-increasing crime rate and the population quickly expanding, a place to house criminals … Read more

City’s First Execution: Killer Hanged in 1866

The History of Joliet – Chapter 18 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo “I don’t think I’m guilty.” By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News They thought his name was George CHASE. But they weren’t sure, and he wouldn’t tell them. They hanged him anyway in Joliet in the summer of 1866. CHASE was the first execution in the city. He was a convicted horse thief serving time in the prison on Collins Street. While the Civil War was still going on, CHASE attempted to escape in the spring of 1864. He … Read more

Civil War Veteran John Lambert Became City’s Steel King

The History of Joliet – Chapter 19 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo But he was built in a greater mold than that of the skilled workman. By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News After the Civil War, John LAMBERT looked to the west for a new home. And he came to Joliet, where he founded a fortune in the steel business. At the age of 15, LAMBERT had enlisted in a cavalry regiment during the Civil War. He fought under the command of Gens. George Armstrong CUSTER and Philip SHERIDAN. In … Read more

Some Area Men Civil War Heroes, Others Statistics

The History of Joliet – Chapter 13 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo “The boys of the regiment are proud of that lad, and he will not fail of making a great man for want of friends to assist him.” By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News The first news to arrive home from a Civil War battlefield was good news. Joliet had a young hero. But he was just the first of many hometown heroes. In the fighting at Charleston, Mo., during August 1861, 15-year-old Harley WIXOM of Joliet had shot … Read more

Steel King Woodruff Stood Tall Among Barons

The History of Joliet – Chapter 20 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo “The fatal result sent a shock wave to almost every household in the community. By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News Among the business barons who built Joliet, none walked taller than George WOODRUFF, the banker. He was just 24 years old when he arrived here in 1836. Leaving his native New York to make a fortune in the west, he arrived in Chicago by boat. Since that boat went on to the small settlement here to deliver mail, … Read more

Fire Protection Became Priority

The History of Joliet – Chapter 21 By John Whiteside of The Herald News (used with permission) Submitted by Nancy Vargo “The city had a volunteer fire department, which formed bucket brigades that often arrived too late to save a structure.” By John WHITESIDE of The Herald News With the rapid growth in Joliet after the Civil War, new homes and businesses were being constructed all over the city. But there was an old enemy to face: Fire. John Dean PAIGE was appointed to battle the fires in Joliet. Wood burning stoves and fireplaces, which often created emergency situations, were … Read more