Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Shreffler, Andrew H 
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Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com September 3, 2007, 4:21 pm

Author: Genealogical/Biographical Publishing Co

ANDREW H. SHREFFLER. Few lives of Joliet citizens have borne a grander 
exemplification of integrity and stability of character than that of Mr. 
Shreffler. From the early history of Will County his name stood out 
prominently in each era of development and growth. He was intimately 
associated with the rise of the tide of commercial advancement from the cabin 
and forest to busy and populous cities and prosperous farmers. In the 
financial world and in the hearts of his fellow-men alike he held a proud 
position. His was a career that knew no such word as failure. Energy and 
vitality, coupled with his innate conception and appreciation of all that is 
true and noble, made of the struggling youth a man fitted to fill a high place 
in the world; and such a place he held throughout his allotted years. When 
death came he was ready for the summons, and thus quietly passed into 
eternity's joys one of Joliet's most beloved pioneers.

The history of the Shreffler family appears in the sketch of John D. 
Shreffler. Andrew Hafer Shreffler was born on a farm near Potter's Mills, in 
Center County, Pa., June 9, 1826. He came to Joliet with his father in May, 
1846, and soon afterward settled in Plainfield, where he began to carve out 
his dream of a successful career. June 7, 1849, he was married to Elizabeth, 
second daughter of Michael Dillman. This estimable lady died January 23, 1893; 
of their five children only one is living, Mrs. Mary E. S. Witwer.

In the spring of 1849 Michael Dillman and his sons started in Plainfield the 
first manufacturing establishment in Will County. In the fall of 1851 Mr. 
Shreffler entered the employ of the firm and became interested with them in 
the manufacture of stoves, plows, mowers and other implements. In the spring 
of 1863 the business was transferred to Joliet. The firm name was Diliman & 
Co., the "Company" being Mr. Shreffler. In 1867 the firm was incorporated 
under the laws of the state as the Joliet Manufacturing Co., with Mr. 
Shreffler as the first secretary. This office he filled so creditably and with 
such foresight of contingencies that in 1873 ne was elected president, which 
position he held from that time until his death. In 1873 he bought out the 
interest of Andrew Dillman and in 1890 that of L. E. Dillman, at which time he 
became the sole owner of the valuable manufacturing plant.

Though reared in the Evangelical faith Mr. Shreffler was identified with the 
Ottawa Street Methodist Episcopal Church during almost the entire period of 
his residence in Joliet. In every sphere of activity he proved himself to be a 
man of sincere and earnest Christian character. His name was a synonym of 
integrity and honor. He was also a man of great energy, to whose enthusiasm 
and determination the success of the manufacturing plant was largely due. As 
one who contributed effectively to the progress of Joliet, his name is 
entitled to a lasting place in the annals of the city. He died December 28, 
1896.

Additional Comments:
Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing 
Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present

Biographical Publishing Company; Chicago 1900

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