GEORGE J RANG

BRUNNENMEYER 
CLAIR 
SCHOEAMSGRUBER 
VERINA

George J. RANG, now occupying the position of chief of the fire department of Aurora, has been connected with the service since 1879, at which time it was a volunteer service.  He was born in this city July 20, 1858, and is well known to his fellow townsmen as one who in all of his public service has been most faithful and loyal to the general good and well deserved his promotion to the position which he now occupies.  His father J.F. RANG, was a native of Bavaria, and when 18 yrs of age, crossed the Atlantic to the United States, attracted by the more liberal business opportuntities afforded in the new world.  He had a uncle, George BRUNNENMEYER, who was a pioneer of Aurora, and on leaving the fatherland, Mr. RANG intended coming to this city to join his uncle here.  When he arrived in New York, however, he found that his supply of money was exhausted and he remained there, working in a brickyard until he had earned enough to enable him to complete his journey to Illinois.  In his native land he had learned the trade of shoe making, and he followed the same line of business in Aurora, eventually becoming a prosperous man, and one who enjoyed the unqualified respect of all with whom he came in contact.  His unfaltering industry at length made him proprietor of one of the largest shoe shops of the city, and at an early day the extent of his business justified the employment of 16 shoemakers.  He was also elected collector of the city at an early day, and in community affairs was active and helpful, doing all in his power to promote public progress.  He died Jan. 14, 1889, while his wife, Mrs. Margaret SCHOEAMSGRUBER RANG, a native of Bavaria, is still living in Aurora.  
	
George RANG was educated in the public schools of this city and afterward worked in his fathers shoe store for a time.  Later he learned and followed the carpenters trade, but in 1879, at the age of 21 yrs, he joined the volunteer fire dept.  When the paid department was organized he became a member and in 1881 was made a driver, acting in that capacity until 1905, when he took the civil service examination and was promoted to chief of the department, in which capacity he has since remained.  He is capable and efficient in the office and has raised the department to a high standard.  In 1881 it numbered but 3 men; today there are 26 paid men and 4 call men.  There are headquarters and 5 engine houses equipped with teh most improved appliances for fighting fire, and they also own their own horses.  Chief Rang is constantly striving to improve the service of the department and by his own bravery he has inspired his men to deeds of valor, never uselessly incurring a risk, yet never faltering in the performance of duty even in the face of danger.
	
In 1884, occured the marriage of Mr. RANG, and Miss Tillie CLAIR.  For his second wife, he chose Theodate L. VERINA, whom he wedded in 1901, and they have one son, Nowell.
	
Mr. RANG is fraternally connected with the Modern Woodmen and the Knights and Ladies of Honor, of which he is treasurer.  He is also treasurer of the Aurora City Firemens Assoc. and is a man in whom his fellow townsmen place implicit trust, knowing that he is faithful to every duty and to the high standards which he sets up.


History of Kane Co. Illinois, Vol.2, 
by Joslyn, Chicago, 1908
page 184
	
Transcribed by Cynthia Nelson who has no further information on the above
parties.

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