Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor
Page 1314
HORN, WALTER J. , the chief executive of various successful business enterprises in Springfield and other Illinois cities, is pre-eminently a self-made man. He entered upon his business career when at the age of thirteen years he began carrying papers. He was the organizer of the W. J. Horn Posting-Sign System, of Springfield, which was established in 1887 and incorporated in1903 with Mr. Horn as President. This concern, beginning on a small scale, has now reached large proportions and has been patronized by the leading business houses of central Illinois. Mr. Horn did all the work himself when entering upon the conduct of this enterprise, but now employs altogether about thirty men, all experts in their line. He is also President of the Horn Business Developing System and Manager of the Clinton Posting Service, the Beardstown Posting Service and the Havana Posting Service. His main office is located at 827 East Adams Street. Besides manufacturing signs and posting bills, these concerns distribute various lines of advertising matter and do other publicity work for their patrons. These concerns have all been built up by the enterprise and sagacity of Mr. Horn, who has ability and natural aptitude in the line of outdoor advertising.
Mr. Horn is a native of Springfield, born in 1867, son of John and Louisa M. Horn. His father was a member of the first volunteer fire department organized in Springfield. Mr. Horn, subject of this review, was educated in the First Ward School in Springfield and Springfield Business College, and at the age of eighteen years learned the trade of carriage painting, becoming an expert in this line. Before he was of age he embarked in his present line of business, which is largely originated by his own ideas. He is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Business Men's Association, the Sangamo Club, and several fraternal orders: Lodge of Perfection; Springfield Lodge No. 4, A.F. & A. M., of which he is now Chaplain; Lodge No. 158, B.P.O.E., of which he has served as Chaplain, and Sangamon Lodge No. 6, I.O.O.F. He is a member of Grace (English) Lutheran Church and Superintendent of its Sunday School. He is actively interested in every measure for progress and improvement, and favors modern ideas and methods in business. He shows no special favor to the principles of any political party, but prefers to vote according to the dictates of his own conscience and judgment and intends to support the men and measures he believes will benefit the largest number. He has been a member of Company A., Fifth Regiment Illinois National Guard.
Mr. Horn was married in 1892, to Miss Margaret A. Hahn, of Springfield. Two daughters have blessed this union; Margaret Louisa and Dorothy Frances. The family reside at 1220 South Seventh Street.