L. H. Valentine, Transfer Firm Founder, Dies

Father of Kane County Board Chairman Passes Away in Hospital

Lewis H. Valentine, 82, founder and vice president of the Valentine Transfer and Storage Company, and for many years a street car motorman, died early today at Copley Hospital after an illness of two days. He resided at 173 South Lake Street with his son, Clarence L. Valentine, president of the trucking concern.

The father of E. Lloyd Valentine, chairman of the Kane County Board of Supervisors, and Clarence Valentine, who had taken over the responsibilities of operating, the transfer business, the elder Valentine had remained in active charge until 1930.

Mr. Valentine was born July 1, 1850 in Polo, Illinois. He moved as a young man to Odell, Neb., where he opened a meat market, returning to Illinois later to settle at Oregon. There he set up one of the first thorobred Jersey dairies in the state. In 1906 he came to Aurora, taking a job as street car motorman. he won countless friends on the old trolley lines.

Five years later he bought out Linn Brothers transfer business and ever since with his sons had operated the Valentine Transfer and Storage company, one of the well-known hauling concerns of the state.

The company celebrated its silver jubilee in 1932. During its 31 years it has expanded its trucking facilities and purchased a large warehouse for furniture and other storage.

Mr. Valentine was a member of Waubonsie Lodge of Odd Fellows.

Beside his sons, he is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Charles Malone; a brother, Frank of Glenwood Springs, Colo., and two sisters, Mrs. Mary Blair of Los Angeles, Calif. and Mrs. Emma Good of Polo.
Funeral services will be held Monday, the time and other arrangements to be announced later.

Aurora Beacon News May 29, 1942

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