Did the LEE or SCHULER families plan their history?

 Family history, the connections between families told in interesting stories. Hopefully my assignment from Amy Johnson Crow’s #52ancestors on “history” will prove interesting and encouraging to my readers. Two totally different families, one from Alabama and the other from Illinois joined lives to produce hard working fun loving descendants. This family was chosen because Rosa Belle LEE and William Lloyd SCHULER named their first son Lee Schuler. The SCHULER family roots are deep in Lockport, Will County, Illinois, since 1850. James Thomas LEE started and ended in Clay County, Alabama.  His descendants cover many states from Maryland and Arkansas. One of Mr. LEE’s occupations was crane operator which is the first name in this article.

LEE – Kimmel, Bedford County, Pennsylvania

LEE, James Thomas “JT” 1886-1970

Relationship to me: father-in-law to maternal uncle

A family photo shows JT as a crane operator at Kimmel, Bedford County, Pennsylvania. The family remembers his telling and showing photos of working on a tunnel. The photos include Ray’s Tunnel West. The Pennsylvania Turnpike opened this part of the highway from 1940-1968 to vehicle traffic.  In the 1960s a bypass of about 13 miles was added eliminating some of the tunnels.  Currently this abandoned roadway serves as a nature trail for bikers and hikers.

SCHULER – Illinois & Michigan Canal, Illinois

SCHULER, John 1815-1875 and son Charles 1845-1904

Relationship to me: second great grandfather and great-granduncle

In the 1850 census, John worked as a laborer and lived in Lockport, Illinois. In the 1870 census, John’s son Charles worked as a canal teamster

SCHULER, John 1841-1916 and son Edward 1876-1940

Relationship to me: great grandfather and granduncle

In the 1870 census, John worked as canal captain. Future census’ listed John’s occupation as teamster. In the 1900 census, John’s son Edward worked as a teamster. A search of the I&M Canal records provide pay records to Edward as a teamster.   

SCHULER, William John “WJ” 1871-1965

Relationship to me: direct maternal grandfather

Willie started working on the I&M Canal at a young age as a mule driver; he ended his time on the canal as a steam boat pilot.  In the 1900 census, WJ worked as a boatman. In 1848, the I&M Canal joined the Chicago River with the Illinois River at LaSalle, Illinois, a distance of 96 miles. My grandfather, WJ Schuler, had the privilege of guiding the last boat through the Channahon Locks, Channahon, Illinois, in the early 1900s. Now we enjoy the recreational areas that have been developed all along the path.

SCHULER – Grundy County Speedway, Morris, Illinois

SCHULER, Lee 1933-1985

Relationship to me: maternal 1^st cousin

Lee encouraged and included his family in his hobby of stock car racing. The family worked on the cars and traveled to races on the week-ends. Lee was a late model stock car driver and sportsman with many loyal stock car racing friends and fans.

These men passed along strong work ethics. And their love for their families continues today. I remember JT brining home abandoned baby animals and the family hand raising them. I enjoyed the Schuler canal stories and our bike rides on the trails. I cherish memories of going to the races with family. Three generations later, family members are still active in racing. Now with Facebook, I follow the family in their projects, volunteer or hobby. I read about their school progress including football and music. Our family is still making history.

 Did JT ever think his labor on the tunnels would provide recreation for future generations? Or did the Schuler family foresee the miles of public pathways? Or did Lee Schuler desire to have a yearly week-end named for his racing passion? The Lee Schuler Memorial Race continues every Labor Day at the Grundy County Speedway, Morris, Illinois.

  What is your passion? Share it!

31 August 2025 Lee Schuler Memorial 61 Super Late Model race

Post Card Courtship, SCHULER

      The SCHULER family arrived in Lockport, Illinois, about 1840 and remains there today. The I&M Canal, Illinois and Michigan Canal, plays a prominent part in their history. William John SCHULER, third generation, started walking with the mules and finished with a pilot’s license. The typical Sunday COUCH family dinner included fried chicken. How long had Will been invited to eat with the family? Elisha COUCH, Nettie’s grandfather, was a blacksmith. How many of the young lads were invited to Sunday dinner? In the early 1900s as he traveled down the canal, Will would somehow find himself in Seneca on Sunday and around meal time. The marriage of Will and Nettie took place 23 December 1908 at Seneca, LaSalle County, Illinois.

These post cards were Will’s “love Letters” to Nettie before their marriage:

Relationship to me, Selma, maternal grandparents: William John Schuler, 1871-1964, Lockport, Will County, Illinois, and Nettie Ethel Couch, 1884-1965, Seneca, LaSalle County, Illinois.

Mildred Angeline Couch Culbertson 1889-1970

 

A note with the black apron reads, “APRON Made by Aunt Mildreds Aunt – about 1865 100 yrs.” My family search identifies Carrie S Couch, Mildred’s mother’s sister. Carrie would have been about 11 years old when the black apron was machine stitched. Advertisements for family sewing machines appear in the Journal of Emery’s Agriculture dated January, 1858, published in Chicago. The advertisement touts the family use as demonstrated at the Chicago and Illinois State fairs. Chicago is just a train ride from Kankakee to Chicago. Centralia, 1858 state fair, is located on the Illinois Central Railroad line south. Which fair did they attend? Did they attend a later fair? Or did the family just read about this new family sewing machine? My family stories are missing. At this time, I have no diaries to put flesh on the bones. As talented, artistic and creative as the family was, I have no doubt that they owned one of the new family sewing machines. Their first machine would have been in the mid 1860s. Their next machine or attachment would have been in the mid 1870s when the zigzag stitch was added.

The note reads, “Aunt Mildred’s Baptism Dress.” Mildred Angeline Couch was the youngest daughter of Eugene Deloss Couch, 1851-1925, and Laura Eleanor Armstrong, 1857-1931. Mildred’s birth date is 4 July 1889. She would have been baptized in the Methodist church. In 2016, Jane Thursby and I searched in Seneca and Marseilles for church records. The staff was very helpful; the records were missing for the early years. At the time of her childhood, the church was within walking distance of their home. From personal experience of knowing the family this verse comes to mind, Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he [she] should go; when he [she] is old, he [she] will not depart from it.” As I know nothing about vintage fabrics, I am not able to identify the type of fabric or trim. The dress is machine stitched with beautiful trim on the collar, cuffs and hem. Mildred was the youngest daughter. Did her older siblings wear the same dress or did they each have a unique dress of their own?

Wrapped separately, yet included with Mildred’s possessions, the above aprons and dress, were six tea towels. Mildred may have made these as a young lady and decided they were too

pretty to use. A search for vintage tea towels revealed many different sizes and different kitchen uses. The “It’s the berries” and “Banana split” measure 32” by 36” and are made from a soft fabric. The other four measure 21” by 37” and are made from the same fabric.

 The provenance of all the above items is Mildred Couch Culbertson, 1899-1970, Eleanor Schuler Boldt, 1910-1995, Selma Kampe Blackmon, current owner of these items.

 Mildred’s relationship to me: grandaunt.

 My remembrances of Aunt Mildred include:

she lived in Lockport

she had an apartment above my grandparents

she worked industriously making custom draperies

she had a bright sewing room with windows on two sides

she entertained me, in the early 1950s, in her living room by playing her guitar and singing gospel songs

she exemplified Psalm 139:1-18

 My Roots_Digger tree is on MyHeritage.com and Ancestry.com or email sbgenealogy@gmail.com

Sunday's Obituary - SHAW, James (1864-1910), SHAW, Nellie Florence (PEMBERTON) (1886-1906)

SHAW, James (1864-1910)

OBITUARY

SHAW
James Shaw was killed by the C. & A. limited Friday afternoon near Dellwood. The train crew were the only witnesses and at the inquest claimed that he crawled on the track in front of the train, too late for them to stop and it will always remain a mystery why he committed such an act. Mr. Shaw was a former resident of Lockport. His wife, who was formerly Miss Nellie Pemberton, died a number of years ago.
The funeral took place Sunday after noon from Adelmann's undertaking rooms, Rev. Courrier officiating. Burial in Lockport cemetery.

OBITUARY., "SHAW.," obituary, Lockport Phoenix-Advertiser, 8 September 1910, Vol 35, No 36. microfilm. Lockport Branch DesPlaines Valley Public Library District, Lockport, Illinois.

 SHAW, Nellie Florence PEMBERTON (1886-1906)

Death of Mrs. James H. Shaw.
Mrs. Nellie Pemberton Shaw, wife of James H. Shaw, died at her home at Ninth and Jefferson streets, Lockport, Ill., Friday morning, Aug. 31, 1906, at 1:30 o'clock, aged 20 years.
Mrs. Shaw was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Pemberton and was born in Lockport, October 3, 1886. She resided here during her entire life and on last Christmas day united in marriage with James H. Shaw, of Joliet.
Mrs. Shaw was stricken with peritonitis five weeks ago and despite all that loving care and medical skill could do the disease triumphed over life.
The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the home to the M.E. church, of which the decedent was a member. Impressive ceremonies were conducted by the pastor, Rev. R.H. Dolliver, and the body was laid to rest in Lockport cemetery.

 "Death of Mrs. James H. Shaw.," obituary, Lockport Phoenix-Advertiser, 6 September 1906, Vol 31, No 36, page 1. microfilm. Lockport Branch DesPlaines Valley Public Library District, Lockport, Illinois.

Sunday's Obituary - THIEBEN, Harold J. (1917-1988), Nellie M. (SCHULER) (1883-1962)

THIEBEN, Harold J. (1917-1988)

THIEBEN, HAROLD J.
At Michael Reese Hospital, Chicago, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 1988, age 71 years.
Survived by his wife, Audrey nee Lindquist, one brother, Robert Thieben of Lockport, also several nieces and nephews. Born in Lockport and has been a lifetime resident of the Joliet-Lockport area. Retired from the Texaco Refinery nine years ago, after 40 years of service. Served with the US Navy during WWII. Preceded in death by his parents, William and Nellie Thieben, two brothers, Earl and Paul Thieben. Funeral services will be held at the Carlson Funeral Home, Youngs near Cass St., Thursday, Jan, 28 at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Edward Heyer officiating. Interment Elmhurst Cemetery. Member of Texas Retirees Club. Friends may call Wednesday 4-8 p.m.

"THIEBEN, HAROLD J.," obituary, Joliet Herald-News, 27 January 1988, section 4, page 1. microfilm. Joliet Public Library, Joliet, Illinois.

THIEBEN, Nellie M. SCHULER (1883-1962) Mrs. Thieben, Lockport, Dies
Mrs. Nellie M. Thieben, 79, of 427 E. 8th St., Lockport, a native and lifelong resident of Lockport, died early today at Silver Cross Hospital following a short illness.
The former Nellie Schuler, she was born Sept. 5, 1883. Her husband, William, an employee of Texaco, Inc., died in 1947.
Mrs. Thieben was a member of the First Methodist Church.
Surviving are four sons, Paul and Harold of Joliet, Earl of Sacramento, Calif., and Robert of Lockport; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, William Schuler of Lockport.
The funeral services will be Monday afternoon at 2 at the Goodale Funeral Home at Lockport with the Rev. Merle Hall officiating. Burial will be in Lockport City Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Funeral Rites
Funeral services for Mrs. Nellie Thieben, 79, of Lockport, who died Friday at Silver Cross Hospital, will be held at the Goodale Funeral Home, Lockport, Monday at 1:30 p.m., with the Rev. Merle Hall officiating. Burial will be in Lockport City Cemetery.

obituary
THIEBEN, Nellie M. - Age 79 years. Late of 427 E. 8th St., Lockport, Ill., at Silver Cross Hospital, Friday, March 16, 1962. Survived by four sons, Paul and Harold of Joliet; Earl of Sacramento, Calif., and Robert of Lockport; four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren; one brother, William Schuler of Lockport. Remains are at the Goodale Funeral Home, where services will be held Monday at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Merle Hall officiating. Interment Lockport City Cemetery. Friends may call 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 10 p.m. Sunday.

"Mrs. Thieben, Lockport, Dies," obituary, Joliet Herald-News, 16 March 1962, Vol 58, No 192 and 193, pages 2, 7 and 18. microfilm. Joliet Public Library, Joliet, Illinois.

Sunday's Obituary - McCUDDEN, Frank (1864-1913)

OBITUARY.

MCCUDDEN.

Frank McCudden died at St. Joseph's hospital in Joliet early Wednesday morning after a week's illness. He was 49 years old and leaves his mother, Mrs. George Pemberton, a sister, Mrs. Lizzie Denick and three half sisters Mrs. James Hemphill, Mrs. Fred LeGault and Mrs. Small. The funeral took place today at 2:30 p.m. from the home at Ninth and Jefferson.

OBITUARY, "McCUDDEN.," obituary, Lockport Phoenix-Advertiser, 15 May 1913, Vol 38, No 20. microfilm. Lockport Branch DesPlaines Valley Public Library District, Lockport, Illinois.

Sunday's Obituary - HAMILTON, Robert Clifton (1861-1911), Elizabeth (BAUMGARTEN) (1867-1943)

HAMILTON, Robert Clifton (1861-1911)
Thursday July 27, 1911
Lockport News.
OBITUARY
HAMILTON
R.C. Hamilton died very suddenly at his home in the north part of the city Wednesday evening, July 26, aged about 55 years. Death was due to a rupture of the gall bladder. The surviving relatives are a widow, three sons and four daughters.

Thursday August 3, 1911
OBITUARY
HAMILTON
Mr. Robert C. Hamilton died at his home on Second and Jefferson streets in Lockport about 7:30 o'clock, Wednesday evening, July 26, 1911, aged about 50 years.
Mr. Hamilton had not been feeling well for some time, but did not complain much. Wednesday morning he left home about nine o'clock to do some work at the Leiser home northeast of the city. When near the Carlson woods he became dizzy. After a short rest he returned home arriving there about 2 p.m. Medical aid was summoned but he was not considered dangerously ill until later in the day. He died of internal hemorrhages.
Mr. Hamilton was born in Canada, March 12, 1861, and came to this part of the country while a boy. He learned the carpenter trade and was an excellent workman. He was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Baumgartner of Lockport, Dec. 28, 1885. They would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary had he lived until December.
Besides the widow there are eleven children: Albert C. Hamilton (married), Edward, Robert,Harry and Martin of Lockport; Mrs. Thomas (Florence) Morey, of Marseilles; Elsie, Gertrude, Kathleen Hamilton of Lockport, Mildred and Mabelle of Lockport
The funeral took place Saturday at 2 p.m. from the house and 2:30 from the Congregational church. Interment at Lockport cemetery.

Lockport News, "OBITUARY - HAMILTON," obituary, Lockport Phoenix-Advertiser, 3 August 1911, vol 36, no 31. microfilm. Lockport Branch DesPlaines Valley Public Library District, Lockport, Illinois.

HAMILTON, Elizabeth BAUMGARTEN (1867-1943)
Deaths
HAMILTON-Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton, 76 years old, died at her home, 202 Jefferson street, Lockport, this morning. Survived are ten children. They are: Mrs. Florence Morey of Marseilles, Ill., Albert C. Hamilton of New Lenox, Mrs. Katherine Kreiger of Huntley, Ill., Seaman First Class Harry Hamilton stationed with the United States Navy at Glenview, Mrs. Elsie Kirchner, Mrs. Gertrude Devine, Robert Hamilton, Mrs. Mildred Bankroff, Martin and Mable, all of Lockport; one sister, Mrs. Anna Hill, of Downers Grove, Ill.; also 30 grandchildren and thirty-one great-grandchildren. The body has been removed to the Goodale Funeral Home, where friends may call after 1 o'clock Friday afternoon. Funeral services will be held from the funeral home Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock and in St. Paul's Lutheran church at 2:30 o'clock. The Rev. Walter Rehold, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the Lockport cemetery.

Today In Lockport
By
Lorraine Mackin
Telephone Lockport 346
Lockport, Dec. 2-Mrs. Elizabeth Hamilton, 76 years old, a life long resident of Lockport, died at her home, 202 Jefferson street, this morning after a short illness.
She was born in Lockport Aug. 31, 1867; and had been an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran church and Aid society.
Surviving are ten children, Mrs. Florence Morey of Marseilles, Ill., Albert C. Hamilton of New Lenox, Mrs. Katherine Kreiger of Huntley, Ill., Seaman First Class Harry Hamilton, stationed with the navy at Glenview; Mrs. Elsie Kirchner, Mrs. Gertrude Devine, Robert Hamilton, Mrs. Mildred Bankroff, Martin and Mable, all of Lockport, a sister, Mrs. Anna Hill of Downers Grove, 36 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren.
The body is at the Goodale funeral home, where friends may call after 1 o'clock Friday afternoon. The funeral will be held from the funeral home Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock and to St. Paul's Lutheran church at 2:30. The Rev. Walter R?hold will officiate. Burial will be in the Lockport cemetery.

Lorraine Machin, "Today in Lockport," obituary, Joliet Herald-News, 2 December 1943, Vol XXXX, No. 12, page 23. microfilm. Joliet Public Library, Joliet, Illinois.