Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Ranft, John 1843 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com May 9, 2007, 12:22 am Author: Portrait & Bio Album, 1890 JOHN RANFT. There is scarcely a line of business that is not represented in Joliet, where commercial and manufacturing enterprises seem equally prominent. The business in which the subject of this sketch is engaged is that of the manufacture of all kinds of soda water, ginger ale, and similar beverages, charging fountains, etc. His experience has been somewhat varied, but his career has proved that he is one of those men who can gain support where others would fail, because they could work at but one occupation. Mr. Ranft came from far across the sea, his birthplace having been Waldeck, Germany, where his eyes first opened to the light January 16, 1843. His parents were John and Elizabeth (Schneider) Ranft, and his father's occupation was that of a farmer. In his native land, he of whom we write, was employed as a domestic servant until 1866, when he determined to seek a different field in the land across the sea. Leaving behind him the other members of the family, none of whom have come to America, he took passage and ere long landed in New York. He found employment as a farm hand in New Jersey, receiving $15 per month for his services, and remaining in the East somewhat over a year. He then came to Chicago and thence to Joliet, near which place he engaged in farming two years. He then entered the employ of the Sehring Brewing Company, serving them five and one-half years. The next enterprise in which he engaged was to open a saloon on Bluff and Jefferson Streets, which he carried on five years. In 1885, he opened a pop factory and since that time has busied himself with the manufacture of beverages as before stated. On September 14, 1873, Mr. Ranft was united in marriage with Miss Katherine Metzger, who judiciously managed his household affairs for several years. She was removed by the hand of death November 10, 1882, leaving one daughter, Anna. The present wife of Mr. Ranft bore the maiden name of Augusta Reimers, and is a daughter of Henry andj Anna (Eggers) Reimers. She was united to our subject October 25, 1883, and has borne him three daughters—Bertha, Mary and Linda. Mr. Ranft generally votes the Democratic ticket. He is of a social nature, particularly so among his fellow countymen and finds many friends. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, to the Sharp-shooters, and to the Joliet Saengerbund. Additional Comments: Portrait and Biographical Album of Will County, Illinois, Containing Full Page Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the County; Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1890 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/will/bios/ranft1512nbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 3.2 Kb