Grundy County IL Archives Biographies.....Testa, Joseph 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com May 13, 2006, 8:13 pm

Author: History of Grundy County, 1914

Testa, Joseph – It is a notable fact that Italians are very clannish, 
preferring to deal with one of their own nationality to going to stores 
conducted by those who do not speak their language and understand their 
tastes. Because of this every community in which Italians form a considerable 
portion of the population there are to be found establishments conducted by 
prosperous sons of that country, and these men not only win and retain a large 
patronage from Italians, but from others who appreciate the excellence of 
their goods and the fairness of their methods. One of the men who belong to 
this class is Joseph Testa, the leading baker of South Wilmington, Ill. He is 
a native of Northern Italy, born there in 1855, a son of Anton and Theressa 
(Talette) Testa. Anton Testa was a baker in his native land, where he died 
twenty years ago, his wife having died three years before.

Joseph Testa attended school in his native land until he was twelve years old, 
when he began learning to be a baker, with his father. In 1882 he came to the 
United States with his wife, proceeding direct to Braidwood, Ill., where he 
entered the mines. In 1883, however, he came to Coal City, and continued work 
in the mines for twenty years. Seeing then an opportunity, he opened a bakery 
at Coal City, and operated it until 1911, when he removed to South Wilmington, 
and opened up what is the leading establishment of its kind in the place. 
Joseph Testa married Louise Isabell Antonia and they have the following 
children: Tony; William, who is working with his father, married Mary Greean; 
Defendant, who is at home; Catherine and Charles, both of whom are deceased; 
and Charles (II), who is with his father in business. Mr. Testa is a Catholic. 
He votes with the Republican party and he belongs to an Italian lodge of Coal 
City.  Earnest, hard working and honest, Mr. Testa has won respect and 
confidence and deserves the prosperity which has come to him.

pages 907-908

Additional Comments:
Source:  History of Grundy County, Illinois, Chicago: Munsell Publishing Co. 
Publishers; 1914

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