CLEMENT THOMAN FAMILY
BY JOHN AND RICHARD LICHTER
SUMMER, 2003 WPMA NEWSLETTER

Clement Thoman and Catherine Weber were married in Lisle June 2, 1849. Originally both were from Ostheim, Alsace, France.

Clement enlisted in the U.S. Army on January 10, 1847, and served in the War with Mexico. When he was discharged on January 8, 1848, he was given 160 acres near the Morton Arboretum.

Henry, born September 9, 1856, was one of 10 children. He was married to Juliana Fender at Ss. Peter and Paul Church on February 15, 1881, by Rev. August Wenker.

Henry and Juliana had seven children: Henrietta, married to AdamWolsfeld on September 13, 1905; Joseph, died March 7, 1904 from an injury sustained while playing in the barn; Caroline, married to A. Armbuster on January 27, 1904; Johana, married to Peter N. Wolsfeld on October 12, 1909; Anna married to Wallace Smith on February 25, 1920; Elizabeth, married to John Lichter on September 20, 1920; Benjamin, married to Mae A. Weigand on November 23, 1916.

Henry and Juliana first farmed a little east Barbara Coners. We were told the children were baptized at Ss. Peter & Paul Church.

Apparently, somewhere in the early 1880’s they moved to the Hobson Place. Juliana died at childbirth when Ben was born in 1892. Around 1899-1900 Henry moved to Ehrhart Farm, north of Ogden and east of the DuPage River, presently the “Cress Creek” area.

On January 15, 1902, Henry married Mary (Fraser) Weigand. They had no children together. They enjoyed picnics and chicken fries in the grove at the farm. Playing cards was a great pastime. Henry was a regular at the Horse Market in town, and, of course, card playing at the local saloon.

After Henry’s death, the farm he owned in Lisle was sold to the Morton Arboretum. The original homestead was located where I-355 heads south at Warrenville Road. Our best estimate is that Henry farmed in the Naperville area for at least 37 to 38 years.

Henry is also remembered for his clever sayings. “Have another glass of wine and save a shovel of coal,” Henry would say.

Other times, he said, “When the weather is nice, take your coat with you. When nasty do as you please. “