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Felecien Francis Ghilain, founder of the Ghilain
dynasty in Braidwood, a native of Serain, Belgium, came to
Braidwood with his wife and family in 1869. He worked in the mines for
three years.
He was accompanied by his son Frank, who grew up with the town and became, with
his family, one of the progressive good citizens. The early Ghilains came to
this country as a closely knitted group, even bringing with them their minister
of the Belgic Protestant sect.
Frank, who was born in Belgium, grew to manhood in Braidwood, was married here
to Marie Catherine Culley, sister of Nick Galley and Antone and John Culley, in
1879. Ten children were born to this union, Lucienne, who became a school
teacher and later married Robert Young, of a pioneer family. Frank, Jr., worked
in the mines for some years then took actively to the brick laying and building
profession of his father, building most of the early brick buildings and cement
walks, and plastered most of the old homes
Source : Donna, Modesto Joseph, : Donna's story of Braidwood, Illinois :
historical data, reported facts, personal recollections; Braidwood, Ill.:
Braidwood History Bureau, 1957, 346 pgs.