Elkhart County, Indiana - Topographical and Industrial, 1881 (part 4 of 11)

Isaac Billy, farmer, sec. 19; P. 0.. Goshen; was born in Pennsylvania, and is the fifth son of James and Rebecca Rilly. While yet a young man Isaac PiUy located in Montgomery county, Ohio, at first finding employment as a laborer upon a farm; while a resident of this county he was united in marriage to Miss Susan Stutzman, a daughter of David and Mary Stutzman, natives of Pennsylvania, and he has had 8 children, 5 of whom are living. Among them are: Mary, who married Henry Miller; Hester, who married John Myers; Matilda, who resides on the homestead. The children born of this marriage not living are Susan, Millie and Elizabeth. As early as 1S3U Isaac Rilly made his way to this county, where land could be procured at nominal figures; he settled upon sec. 20 in this tp., where he built a small cabin, one door answering the purpose of entrance and exit. His nearest neighbors at this time were a small band of Pottawatomie Indians, encamped on sec. 16. In due process of time a school-house, same dimensions and style of cabin houses, was built, and it answered the purpose of educating the pioneer children in the simpler studies for a number of years. Mr. Killy is a true type of the Western pioneer, generous, energetic and withal unquestionably honest.

Z>«?iieZ i?»j/i;, farmer, sec. 35; P. O., Millersburg; was born in this tp. in IS-iT. and is the third son of Gr. J. and Catherine Pink, {nee Kline). Like the pioneer boys of the period, he received a common-school education; married Miss Polly, a daughter of George

George. Jacob Rink was born in Bavaria, Germany, Jan. 20, 1S20; is the son of Sebastian and ]\Iary (Kn.vr) Eink; received his education in the schools ot' Germany, going to school from the time he was five years old until he was 13. He was married Jan. 27. 1S40, to Catherine Kline, and of their 9 children 7 are living; all are boys. Mr. Rink has given each of his sons SO acres of land, making a total of .560 acres. He is also the owner of a farm of 80 acres. Most of 'his boys have added to the possessions received from their father. John is the owner of a farm of nearly 300' acres, and is only 3i3 years old. This proves that where children are properly trained the}' do not always waste all that is given them; but on the other hand, parents may safely trust their children and still see them living and doing well on what was given them as a patrimony. Mr. Rink himself received a small legacy from his father. He came to America in 1836, and the ne.xt year to tliis county, and lived with a relative a short time; then after a few removals we tind him on sec. 35, in this tp., where he has lived a long time, and has a very comfortable home, where he and his wife are still living, and expect to spend their declining years. They are members of tlie Catholic Church. Mr. Rink's political views are Democratic. In business he has been very successful, for when he came here he did not own anything, and was $113; in debt. He got his start in the world by working by the month at $10, and by the day at 50 cents. He has always payed dollar for dollar in his transactions, and at one time was the owner of 6JiO acres of land.

John Rlnh was born in this tp. Feb. 16, IS-i-i, and is a son of the last mentioned; received his education in a common school kept where Millersburg now stands. Aug. 20, 1864, he married xVlice ITotfman, and of their 4 children 3 are living, - all boys,- namely: William, born Aug. 15, 1S66; Jacob Franklin, Aug. 13, 1868; John Ronando, Nov. 29, 1870; Perry Michael, JSTov. 27, 1873. Mrs. Rink died Aug. 9, 1879. The remainder of the family are at home on the farm, which consists of 172 acres, most of which is under a high state of cultivation. Mr. R. is a successful farmer. His house and barn cost about §4,000. Politically, Mr. R. is a Democrat, and in religion he is, as was also his wife, a member of the Catholic Church.

-/. P. Runimel was born in 1838 in Ohio, son of Flenry and Elizabeth (Perkey) Rummel, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent; family removed to Steuben county, Ind., in 1844, where J. P. received his school education, and followed farming until 30 years of age. In 1860 he married Harriet Starbaugh, and they have 2 children. In 1868 Mr. R. went into milling at Angola, Steuben county, which business he continued there and at otherpoints until he purchased the flouring mill at Millersburg, which

Wtlltum B. RuvK was born in Vermillion county, Ind., July 4, 1S36; his parents were Samuel and Elizabeth (^Butcher) Rush; the former was born in Virginia, of Irish ancestry, and the latter in ISTorth Carolina, of German extraction. The subject of this sketch was taken to Cole county, 111., by his parents during his infancy, where he remained until nine years of age, when the family removed to Terre Haute, in this State, where he attended common schools, and afterward learned the trade of his father, that of cooper, at which he continued until fS52; was engaged on his father's faim, eight miles west of Terre Haute, on the State line, for more than two years, and then he made a tour of the Western States. Mr. R. was married Dec. i:!9, 1S69. to Catherine Hunt. They are the parents of 5 children, 2 sons and 3 daughters. Mr. R. resided in Antrim county, Mich., for seven years, during which time he was elected Justice of the Peace, and also tilled several other important offices. In 1S77 Mr. R. removed to Millersburg, and the following year commenced the coopering business, which he carries on quite extensively, shipping tight barrels, etc., to Ciiicago and elsewhere. Financially he enjoys great success. Mr. R. is now serving as Justice of Peace, having been elected to that position by a flattering vote. Since arriving at manhood he has made great eiforts to perfect himself in the knowledge of the law and proficiency in literary acquirements. Himself and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, he is a Republican.

jBenjamtn Sci-df \\d.ih()n\ in Rowan connt}^, iSF. C, Feb. 26, 181i, and comes of a family noted for their longevity; his father, Benjamin Scalf, was born May 10, 1764, and died at the residence of his son, the subject of this sketch, in Millersburg, on March 8, 1870, thus reaching the patriarchal age of 105 years and 10 months. Mr. Scalf's mother was Celia Keziah, also a native of .North Carolina. Young Benjamin was taken by his parents to Washington county, Tenn., in 1823, where he received a common-school education, and worked at farming until about 17 years of age, when, in 1832, he emigrated to Union county, Ind., and was married Sept. 24, to Eleanor [Narcissa Thomas, the daughter of Samuel Thomas, an old resident of Virginia. Their 5 children are: AVilliam Lewis, born in 1836, now a prominent citizen of Millersburg; Samuel A., born in 1837, a farmer by occupation, now residing in Michigan; Caroline; Phcebe died in infancy ; Francis Marion, born June 23, 1841, and died K"ov. 1, 1S6S; Henry B., born Feb. 11, 1844, now engaged in business in Goshen. Mr. Scalf located permanently in this tp. in 1838, where he commenced the business of boot and shoe maker, being the only one engaged in that line of trade in Millersburg for a great many years. He has many incidents to relate of early pioneer life, and makes mention of seeing the Indians making maple suo-ar on sec. 16. Himself and wife are both members of the

Rev. J abez Shaffer was born March 11, 1S33. in Ohio. His father, Jabez, was a native of ilaryhmd, of Grerman ancesti'j, and his mother, born in Pennsylvania, was of Scotch-Irish origin. He emigrated with his parents to Allen county, Ind., in ISil, where he attended the public school and worked at farming until 25 years of age; commenced reading- for tlie ministry in 185S; served the M. E. Church at Angola, IStenben county, Ind., one year, then went to Allen county, then to St. Mary's. Adams county. After a year or two Mr. S. withdrew from the M. E. Church, uniting with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and was stationed at Butler, DeKalb county, and at Lagrange, Ind., and came to Millersburg in 1ST9. where lie is held in high esteem as a pastor of rare fervor and ability.

Abraham ShrockAviX\\\Q\\?,QQ.. l~\ P. O., Millersburg; was born in Holmes county, O., in 1843, eldest son of Benjamin and Mary (Stutzman) Shrock, natives of Llolmes county, O., who settled in Miami county, same State, in 1S50, where young Abraham attained his majority, receiving a good common-school education. In 1870 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Miller, a daughter of Mary Miller, of Jefferson tp. Their 5 children are: Arvila, Geo. B., Lorena, Ada and an infant child. Mr. S. is the owner of 52 acres of land, and he is a member of the Amish Church.

MiMtJiaiu Skelley, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Indiana May 28, 1838; his parents, Walter and Matilda (Caslj') Skelley, were natives of Ireland, who emigrated to this State in 1835. Mr. Skelley received his education in the public schools, and has always followed farming as an occupation: with the exception of being Supervisor one year, he has never held any office. He was married Jan. 27, 1877, to Emma T. Yonker, a native of Elkhart county, and he has 1 child, Isabella Agnes, born Aug. 17, 1S7S. Mr. S. is a progressive farmer, enjoys life under comfortable circumstances, and keeps pace with the times. Himself and family are members of the (.'atholic Church.

Lafayette Smith, farmer, Millersburg, was born in 1839, in Ohio; received his education in the common schools of Tuscarawas county, that State; followed farming previous to his present vocation; when the war broke out he^ enlisted in the 62d Ohio Inf., and became a participant in the battles of Chickamauga, Mission Kidge, Resaca, etc.; after the war he settled at Millersburg, and was anmng the heaviest sufferers by the conflagration in this place December, 1879. He was married in 1869 to ISTancy J. Roderick, of this county, and of their 4 children 3 are living, namely: Edwin E., Eva M. and Almeda.

Stephen B. Smith, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 10; was born in Snssex county, ]S:. J.. July 27, 1809, son of Zephaniah and Mary (Baxter") Smith, who moved from Niagara county, IST. T., to New Jersey in 1815, and located in this tp. in 1837, where the subject of this sketch and other members of the family reside; Gilbert, Zepliaiiiah and Stephen B. reside in tliis State; John B. resides in Y])pilaiiti, Mich.; Sarah Ann Eogert resides in Crawford county, Kan.; 4 have died, viz.: George, Jane and Charles, who died as Newfaue, JSTiagara county, I^. Y.. and Elizabeth, who died in Cass county, Mich. Stephen and Zephaniah Smith each bore his share in the struggles and privations of earl}^ days, and the life of one it typical of the other; both are farmers, and the panorama of life as unfolded to one discloses to view the same shifting scenery as to the other. Stephen remembers the tp. of Clinton as heavily timbered in 1S;37, his observations coinciding with those of others as to abundance of game and limited educational iacilities. In the building of his first cabin he spent the greater portion of one day in calling upon his neighbors for assistance at the raising. In 184:5 he married Miss Martha McConnell, also a pioneer of this tp. , by whom he had 2 children; 1, not named, died in infancy. Stephen B., jr., is a resident of Dakota, and was once a soldier on the force of the Western reserve. Stephen and Zephaniah Smith, jr., have gained their present position of independence by sterling integrity and individual exertions. Zephaniah is the owner of 120 acres, Stephen of 113. The wife of the latter died in 1872, and was laid at rest in what is familiarl}' known as the '- Smith Cemetery." The brothers are strongly Republican.

Phllo Starhs, farmer, sec. 35; P. O., MiUersburg; was born in Yermont in 1806, the only child of William and Electa Starks, natives of the Green Mountain State. He became a resident of this county in 1832, a period of time when it might be literallj' said that Indiana was so deep in the wilderness that no wand of civilization marked its progress save the civilizing influence of the woodman's as or the round-log cabin of the frontiersman. Previous to the date mentioned Mr. S. had owned in Pennsylvania a small tract of land, and like many of the residents of that State he listened to the glowing accounts of productive land in Indiana, and made the trip in the usual mode of conveyance, a covered wagon, settling in Middlebury tp. He worked for three years as a cooper, when he purchased an SO-acre tract near what is now the town of Middleburj^ for $100. He found the township heavih' timbered, inhabitants limited in number, and Goshen, the city of the future, an embryo village composed of three cabins, one a receptacle for a few indiscriminate articles of merchandise. On sec. 35 Mr. S. built a cabin, unadorned by windows or doors save the merest substitutes for them; the tools he farmed with were of the crudest description, and years elapsed before he became moderately prosperous. Game was very abundant during the days of his early settlement, and the veteran pioneer calls vividly to mind a large Indian encampment of Pottawatomies on the banks of the Elkhart river. There were no grist-mills within any reasonable distance, with the single exception of what was familiarly termed a " corn -cracker," a small water mill used only for the purpose of grinding corn or buckwheat.

In 1S30 Mr. Starks married Amelia, daughter of Elijah and Sophia Haden. They are now in very comfortable circumstances, and like nearly all of those who endured the privations of early Western life, are liberal in all things worthy of their patronage. They have lived to see a territorial wilderness converted into a great State densely populated, over which a labyrinth of railroads carry their human freight with ahnost lightning-like rapidity; and to such men in the advance guard of civilization is the State indebted for the leading position it holds to-day among a vast constellation of States in the Union.

Jonathan Stiver' w&s, born in Montgomery county, O., in 1835, the son of John B. and Catherine (Biekle) Stiver, natives of .Dauphin county, Pa.; received his education in this county; he has been a farmer most of his life, and is also of a mechanical turn of mind. He was married Jan. i, 1865. and now has 4 sons and 1 daughter. Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of the Lutheran Church, in which society Mr. S. is also a deacon. In politics he is a Democrat. He is the owner of 104 acres of land, and is an industrious, upright citizen, a pioneer who is held in high esteem.

Jonathan B. Statzman, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 16; P. 0. Millersburg. - Mr. Stutzman is a model agriculturist; a man of generosit}' and kindly acts, whose successful life will be brieiiv dwelt upon here. Like many of those, his neighbors, who founded a home in this tp., he has acquired the bulk of his property through indefatigable labor and its inseparable companion, honesty. He was born in Mifflin county. Pa., in 1813, the eldest son of Michael and Hannah (Yoder) Stutzman; moved to Wayne county, Ohio, in 1S2T, where in after years he was united in marriage to Miss Fanny, a daughter of David Burchman. by whom he has 5 children, viz.: Eliza, who married Solomon Yoder; Polly, who married Joseph Kauffman; Jephtha P., who married Mary Garber; Catherine, who resides on the homestead; Anna, deceased, who married Moses Kauffman, and Jonathan. Mr. S. is a member of the High Amish Church.

James Tay/o'/', farmer, sec. 23; P. C., Millersburg; was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, in 1846. the third son of Joseph and Margaret Taylor, who resided for many years in Henry county, Ohio. In 1876 Mr. Taylor moved to this township from Lagrange county, Ind.. and is now the owner of SO acres of land ; is well situated in life and a worthy citizen. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. A, 68th Ohio, and served 22 months, being in the battles of Goldsboro, Atlanta, Jonesboro, etc.; was honorably discharged after the close of the rebellion. In 1S72 he was united in marriage with Miss Rosa Graff Millar, a daughter of George and Mary Millar, of Germany. They have 1 adopted son, Eddie Dennis.

in marriage with Miss Sarah Yoter, a daughter of the late Daniel Yoter, and they have 7 children; all are now living-, viz: John, who married Miss Susan jSTisely; Sasan, Valentine, Catherine, Eebecca, Sivilla and Mary. Mrs. Tice is comfortably situated in life, and owns 60 acres of productive land. She is a member of tlie Amish Church.

Daniel Unrve, farmer, sec. 26; P. O.. Millersburg; was born in Rockingham county, Va., in 1809, the third son of George and Catherine Unrue. natives of Germany and Pennsylvania, who in an early day moved to Virginia, and afterward to Ross, Montgomery and Darlce counties, Ohio, where the old folks passed the remainder of life. Daniel, growing up to manhood in Ohio, received a district-school education and began the battle of life in straitened circumstances. He was married in Ohio in 1835, to Miss Catherine, a daughter of Henry and Parmelia Snider, and their 4 children are Louisa, Leatha A., Daniel and Samuel. Nineteen years ago Mr. U. settled in Benton tp.. thence moved to this tp., where he formerly oumed 160 acres, - at present -writing 80.

J. S. Yojiliatdeii was born in Indiana in 1844, the son of Jacob and Catherine Vanhauten, natives of Pennsylvania, father of Holland and mother of German descent. J. S. received no other educational advantages than what was afforded by the common scliools in his native State. His early life was spent on a farm and he is now the owner of a farm. He was married in 1S65 to Sarah J. Hoven, and they have 3 sons, Loren, Ira Merit and Omer. Mr. Vanhauten is keeping the Weyborn Hotel in Millersburg. where he is alwa^'s ready to accommodate tlie traveling public. He also keeps a stable with several horses and carriages to accommodate travelers, and is remarkably liberal in his charges. But his principal business in Millersburg has been in keeping a first-class butcher shop, in connection with which he has had rather an extensive trade. Since he commenced here he has butchered on an average, yearly. 300 head of fat cattle. At present he devotes most of his time to that business. He is verj' attentive and obliging to his customers, which will almost always insure success. He is a firstclass Republican in politics; believes in keeping cool and voting the right way. He has a mind of his own, but never intrudes his views upon others.

Samuel H. Weyljurn was born in 1817 in Tompkins county, IST. Y., his father, George, being a native of Pennsylvania, of English ancestry, and his mother. Polly (Ferris), being of Scotch-German origin.

He received his education in the common schools; removed to Middlebury township, this county, in 1840, where he located as a farmer, and was married in 1S43 to Anna Case, whose parents were old residents of Elkhart county. Mrs. Weyburn departed this life in 1S48, leaving one son, Oscar Weyburn, born in 1845, who died in the service of his country in October, 1863, and is buried at Mound City, 111. Mr. Weyburn was married again in 1855, to

Mr. W. was one of the early emigrants to tlie land of gold, having crossed the plains in 1S49, his only companions being Case and Collender, where he remained for some 20 months; and having met with considerable success in his pursuit of fortune, returned by way of the Isthmus, in 1S51, to the old farm in Middlebury, where he reraiiined till ISlil. He then removed to Goshen, and entered into partnership with Mr. Ellis, in the drug and grocery business, where he continued to reside till 1S69, when lie removed to Kosciusko county, where he was elected Justice of the Peace, and continued to fill the office for several terms, - until his removal to Millersburg, where he became proprietor of the well-known hotel, the " Weyburn House." Personally Mr. W. is a very popular gentleman and possesses a fund of general information. Is a staunch Hejjublican in politics, having been originally a Whig, and subseqnentlj' a Free Soiler. Is also a member of the Presbyterian Church, and has been financially successful in business.

John We/d/ier, blacksmith, was born in Indiana in 1829. He received a liberal education for the period of time in which he lived, and at an early Hge was apprenticed to above trade; in 1847 ho went to Iowa, where he followed his trade and stage-driving, remaining 10 years. He was married in 1852 to Margaret Esten, a native of Tennessee, and they are the parents of 9 children, 8 of whom are living, G soiis and 2 daughters. Mr. W. enlisted October 5, 1S62, m the 5Tth Ind. Yol. Inf., and served honorably during tjie great civil war.

.2. 2^. Whitmer, M. D-, is a native of Union county. Pa.; his father, Henry, and mother, Mary, ?iee Stahl, were natives of the same State. Attended the common schools in the winter and worked at farming during the intervals; was also engaged upon the canals for some time in his boyhood, and also was a pupil in the seminary at New Berlin, Pa., for several terms. Dr. Whitmer was Post Surgeon at Hilton Head, and had a large medical experience during the war, having undergone a thorough examination before the Medical Board at Washington, and remained in the army until October, 1867. He attended his first course of lectures inl862-'3; graduated at the Jefferson Medical College in 1S6S and commenced the practice of his profession in Millersburg, Dauphin Co., Pa., where he remained until Jan. 1, 1S7J:, when he went to Philadelphia and attended a special course of lectures, and where he continued to practice until his' removal to Millersburg, in this county, where he is deservedly popular as a most successful physician. He is a prominent member of the Masonic order and a genial citizen.

Joh7i B. Whitmer was born in 1846, in Pf^ckingham county, Va., a son of Daniel and Melvina (Slowolter) Whitmer, natives of Yirginia, of English-German descent. Mr. W. was educated in the common schools in Virginia and Ohio, and worked at farming during his youth, in which employment he is still engaged; was mar- ried Sept. 5, 1S66, to Caroline O^erholt. They have 4 children, 2 sons and 2 daughters. Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and politically Mr. W. is a Democrat, and for a comparatively young man has been quite successful in life.

E. Wilson was born in 1S33 in Ohio; his father, Thomas Wilson, is of English ancestry, his mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Leas. He received a common-school education, and followed farming in Ohio until 1S85; was married in 1856 to Rosamond Harris, and they are the parents of 5 children, 3 of whom are living, viz.: Phojbe Ann, Thomas and Jessie. The latter, now eight years of age, is attending the public school in Millersburg. Mr. W. came to Indiana in 1S65 and settled in Oswego county, where he remained until 1874, when he removed to Millersburg and commenced business on the site now occupied by him, and he is doing a large and increasing business in the surrounding country. He is an ardent worker in aid of all worthy and benevolent objects, and has been financially successful.

Win. Worliiiger, deceased, whose family reside on sec. 12, in this tp., was born in Portage county, Ohio; at a very early date he moved to Indiana and settled in what is now Clinton tp.; Benton then the largest town in the counts-, if so it might be called. There was one building at Middlebury, which Mr. W. helped to frame in common with his neighbors. He, too, built a cabin 18x24, stick chimney, split bamboo, while stools corresponded well with the broad fire-place, and more useful than ornamental cooking utensils. Deer roamed at will. Mr. W. was a marksman of no mean caliber, and venison as a consequence frequently formed a part of the daily meal. In 1835 he was united in marriage with Miss Susan Shank, of Virginia: 7 children were born of this marriage, G of whom are living, viz.: Benjamin, Jake, Levi, Louisa, Lucinda, William and Frank. Mr. W. departed this life March, 1871, and was laid at rest amid the scenes he had loved so well during life. Mrs. Wor'iuger, relict of the deceased, relates many interesting anecdotes of frontier life, being, as she is, among the few old residents of the tp.

J. S. Shank, her son, through whose liberality this sketch is inserted, was born in Virginia in 1832; was married to Susan Wilhelm, of Virginia, and their 2 children are May L. and Francis. In 1861 Mr. "Shank enlisted in the 74th Ind. Vol. Inf., for three months' service, and was engaged in the battles of Elizabethtown, Bowling Green, the Wilderness, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, etc. Mr. S.was also a scout during the late " unpleasantness."

The sphere of himiaa knowledge is extending! Man seeks new sources of information; he even ventures to solve the problem of nature, and oftentimes carries his inquiries so far as to become ridiculous. In history it seldom occurs that such stretches of the imagination are permitted to battle with revealed truths. Perhaps in no other branch of science is there less liberty granted than in that of history. No exaggeration is allowable, no artifice can be requisitioned to distort facts. The historical writer has to deal only with what has been accomplished in the past, and probably make such deductions therefrom as may lead him to form an idea of what the future may bestow upon the country of which he treats. Now, since it is much more difficult to deal with facts than fiction, the office of the liistoriau is not a siiiecm-e. Every word which he transmits to paper has to be well v/eighed and retained or cast out, according to its merit.

In the compikitiun of this work a strict regard to truth has been observed, ever}' subject of importance has been taken from or compared with the records, and the unwritten, or legendary, submitted to tlie pioneers for cozifirmation. In many cases extracts have been made fi-om the writings of the most prominent men among the old settlers; because the times which they passed in review, and the exquisite manner in which they treated their subjects, tended to render their reminiscences invaluable, if not absolutely necessary for a complete history. Doubtless many important events are omitted in the county history; but it will appear that such, being so intimately connected with the townships, receive a full notice in the pages devoted to the 16 divisions of the county. The biographical chapters are not the least interesting. They necessarily cornprise much historical matter, and as the lives of the men brought

The history of the Churches contains much valuable information. It bears a telling testimony to the busy activities of the times, and proves that the spiritual make even advances with the temporal industries. Comparatively few years have elapsed since the God of Christians was worshiped under two or three different forms. ISTow no less than 30 religious societies adore Him in ?>0 different ways. There is, however, one consolatory reflection, and that is, the beautiful fraternity which binds all the denominations together, and gives them promise of a continuance of friendship in the land of the hereafter.

The schools are treated very briefly in the history of the county. This is entirely due to their identification with the townships, in which connection the reader will find that replete information regarding them which educational establishments so well deserve. Without the Church and school all would be chaos, nescience would reign supreme, and man's ideal - the free American - would return to that primitive condition from which .the Church and school gradually raised them. The great industrial establishments of the township hold a prominent place, while the pioneer and social history is given in a comparatively full form which may insure its welcome. In every department of this third part of the work a full effort has been made to render it at once reliable and satisfactory .

was erected in 1830 and embraced all the territory north of Elkhart township, erected at the same time. Much of its early history is given in the pages devoted to the county; but in this connection it may be necessary to repeat the names of the pioneers who claim to be its first settlers. Those are: Jesse Rush, who settled on Pleasant Plain in 1S27-'S; Isaac Compton, with his brothers James and John, who settled in the township in 1S29. Dr. Havilah Beardsley, Wm. Dobson and Jesse Morgan were settlers on Pleasant Plain in IS29, while Peter Tuley. Peter Diddy, Associate Judge I. Middleton and Betterton came in the fall of the same year. Subsequently the settlements received additions in the persons of John Banning, Jacob Puterbaugb, Howell Huntsman, Chester Sage, Stephen Stutsman, Adam Teal, -John Nickerson, Andrew Eichardson, Geo. Crawford, Allen Tibbits, Parker Eobinson, Joseph Case,

Ozias Stotts, Thomas McMurray, Samnel Telemachus and hia brothers, David and John, Abraham Livingood, Eber Eoot, Sterne Bronson, Jacob Ellis, Samnel Simonton, Timothy Woodbridge and Ebeuezer Chamberlain. It is related that Jacob Ellis erected the first frame barn in the township, that Ebeuezer Chamberlain taught the first school, and ]Sr. F. Brodrick the second, but this is so fully set forth in dealing with the history of the city of Elkhart that its repetition here is quite unnecessary.

Every advantage which nature conld confer on this township was freely bestowed. The beautiful rivers, the St. Joseph and Elkhart, with the creek which forms the outlet for the northern lakes, yields water privileges that cannot be e.xcelled. Numerous little streams give to the agriculturists a supply of good water, while the many springs of crystal and chalybeate complete the circle of advantages. The land is undulating, and though rather sandy in many sections the sandy loam of the greater portion of the township is very productive, and yields the farmer a full reward for the labor which he may have expended on it. The houses of worship and schools are numerous, and the people generally prosperous, living in peace, and sustaining well their part in building up the county.

The grade system has been introduced into these schools, outside the city, but it has not yet reached that perfection so much to be desired. The pupils are subjected to the ordinary course of studies, and, so far as can now be learned, a remarkable proficiency is evinced by the majority who attend school regularly. The teachers are industrious, and apply themselves to the onerous duties of their profession with commendable earnestness. The irregularity in attendance is to be deplored. Happily the incorrigibles are few; but the evil examples, which they lay down, will eventually have a deteriorating influence and counteract much of the good that has been eflected by zealous instructors.

Concord township graded school edifice is an elegant structure situated on sec. 24, was erected in the year 1S79, at a cost of $2,- 500. J. D. Compton was the trustee. It has an apartment for a graded school.

$200. The special school tax ou the $100 is 32 cents, and on each poll, 25 cents; the total estimated special school tax is $3,200; the local tax for tuition assessed on each $100 is ten cents, - on each poll, 25 cents. There are 117 volumes in the township library, of which 30 were taken out during the year. The trustees were paid $160 for managing school interests during the year 1880; one school-house was erected during this year, at a cost of $2,100. There were seven township institutes held during the year. Ot revenue for tuition, the amount on hand Sept. 1, 1879, was $5i7.- 99; received in February,-1880, $1,051.59, and in June, $1,116.81; miscellaneous receipts, $25; total, $2,741.39; expended during the year, $2,321.03, leaving $420.36 on hand. Of the special revenue the amount on hand Sept. 1, 1S79. was $2,217.72, and $1,604.33 received since; expended, $3,622.28, leaving $199.77. on hand.

Male pupils admitted to school, 229, and female, 181; average daily attendance, 325; there are 11 school districts in the township, in all of which school was taught during the year; average length of school terms, 140 days. There were nine'male teachers and 12 female; wages per day for both sexes, $1.56J.

C H. Chase, of the Review, whose connection with the county extends over 21 years, and whose deep interest in educational matters is truly Bostonian, has said that the public-school system of Indiana is acknowledged to be inferior to no other State, and in many respects is superior to those of its sister commonwealths. This may easily be accounted for from the fact that in part the people who settled the State, reclaiming it from a wilderness, were evidently a people who favored education. With the early settlement of the country came the district school of nearly half a century ago, and wherever a sufficient number of families located a common purpose manifested itself in the erection of rude log school-houses. These primitive temples of education in towns, villages and rural districts have given place to structures more or less elegant, in many instances costing thousands of dollars. The district school (the embryo of the system of to-day) has been supplanted by the graded and high schools, with their thorough and comprehensive courses of instruction, and the rude adjuncts of education of the earlier days have been superseded by the model appliances of to-day.

There is not a town in the county without a thorough school system. Most of these towns have built superior school buildings, and visitors will find the schools, both as regards the buildings them-

The county is proud of its schools. Thej are as open to the children of the humblest as of the wealthy. Social distinctions do not obtain a foothold, and through these public schools there is no royal road to educational preferment. The basis is purely mental advancement; and the rivalry that exists is that engendered by mental application. The goal to be won is the incentive, and the reward is one that is co-equal with the duration of life. Let the good work progress, and maj^ the cry Educate! Educate! be raised until the school has reached perfection throughout every State and Territory of this Republic.

Elkhakt Village

We have learned something of the organization of Concord township in that chapter of the county history devoted to the records. Here it is purposed to deal specially with its history. In carrying out this intent it will be well to consider that Elkhart city is really (Joncord township - not in the sense that Paris is France, but in that of wealth, number and influence. The census of 18S0 leads one to sucli a conclusion. Out of a total township po])nlation of 8,402, no less than 6,93S congregate in the city, leaving only about one-fifth of that number, or 1,463, to inhabit Concord proper. The manufacturing and mercantile interests ren_ der it the objective point of inquiry within the township; its educational establishments and churches contribute to make it the intellectual capital of that portion of the county, and an enterprising, intelligent people ofl^er it as a home to the industrious.

Pokchase Of A Paeadise

So early as 1826 the fact of its importance as a site for a town recommended itself to a few of the early settlers. Lewis Davis whose name has been mentioned in the county history, saw the many advantages of the district; yet, for some reason unexplained, he did not seize the opportunity then presented, but, on the contrary, left his knowledge and his thoughts in this regard at the disposal of Dr. Beardsley, and with a singular philanthropy prevailed upon his Ohio friend to acquire the tract of land in the vicinity of the meeting of the waters. We have seen in the county history a record of the bona fide transactions between Dr. Haviiah Beardsley and the Indian occupiers of the soil Ils'otwithstanding the high character of those dealings, a sale of lands agreeing in description with these transferred in April, 1S31, was effected by Moran in February, 1327. and a portion of the Indian reserve placed in possession of Kichard Godfrey, of Michigan. This transaction may be termed the bea'inning of a series of disputes, which were eventually carried to the courts, and dragged, if we may use the term, their weary course through all the meshes of the law for many 3'ears. A review of the old correspondence in connection with the Moran-Godfrey transactions will explain moi-e fully the claims of the latter on the estate of Dr. Beardsley. So early as 1826 Godfrey made overtures to the Pottawatomies regarding the purchase of their lands in the neighborhood of the confluence of the Elkhart and St. Joseph rivers; but the individuals with whom he conversed did not seem to entertain his ideas favorably. Being fully im])icssed with the value and beauty of the location he sought an interview with Chief Moran, and soon convinced the ruler of the bazid that by acceding to his offer the result would prove mutually satisfactory. During September, 182(5, a petition was prepared, and sent to the department of Indian affairs; but owing to the irregularity ofthcactit could not be received, and was consequently returned enclosed in the letter of which the following is a copy:

To Pierre Morain: The treaty of Aug. 20, 1S21, under which the petitioner, Pierre Morain or Perish, a Pottawatomie chief, holds the section of land referred to in the above petition, provided that the tracts of land stipulated to be granted by said treaty shall never be leased or conveyed by the grantees or their heirs to any person whatever without the permission of the President of the tJnited States. It appearing to be proper in the opinion of Gov. Cass that the permission claimed should be granted, I, therefore, respectfully recommend that the petition be submitted to the President of the United States for the purpose of procuring his sanction to the application.

The returned documents were received, conference with Godfrey sought, and the petition at once made and sent to the President. This important document took this form:

To John Quinct Adams, Prtsident of the United States of America: The petition of Pierre Moran. or Peerish, a Pottawatomie chief, hereby, sheweth. that by an article in the treaty of Chicago the 25th day of March, A. D. 1821; there was granted to your petitioner one section of land and to his children two sections of land at the month of the Elkhart river; that your petitioner is considerably indebted to several persons and is desii-ous of making and also of making some permanent improvement on the lands granted his children, but has no other means at present of so doing but by sale of the said section of land belonging to him. Yonr petitioner therefore prays that the President will be pleased to grant him permission to sell and convey his said section of land so granted to him by the said treaty of Chicago, to enable hira to carry into effect his wishes as above stated, as in duty bound will ever pray.

The President signified his assent in the following laconic sentence, and Moran was free to dispose of the Eden which was the home of his band and the crndle of his younger days.

The deed of conveyance followed close upon the receipt of President Adams' approbation; so that in February, 1827, Godfrey was the nominal owner of ancient Elkhart. The deed ran as follows:

Know all men by these presents, that I, Pierre Morain, or Perish, a Pottawattamie chief as named in the treaty of Chicago, concluded by Lewis Cass and Solomon Sible^', Commissioners on the part of the United States and the Ottawa, Chippewa and Pottawatomie nations, dated at Chicago in the State of Illinois on the twenty-ninth day of August, one thousand eigiit hundred and thirty-one, and that by an article of said treaty ratified the 25th day of March, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-two, there was granted to me a section of land at the mouth of the Elkhart river, with a stipulation that it should not be sold or leased without the consent of the President of the United States. Therefore, in consequence of his permission annexed to my petition herewith, and in consideration of the sum of three hundred dollars to me in hand paid by Eichard Godfrey, of the county of Wayne, in the Territory of Michigan, the receipt of which I acknowledge, have granted, bargained, sold, and released, and by these presents do grant, bargain and release nnto the said Richard Godfrey, the section of land as above described, together with all and singular the rights, members, hereditaments, and appurtenances to the said premises belonging or in anywise incident or appertaining, to have and to hold, all and singular, the premises before mentioned unto the said Eichard Godfrey, his heirs and assigns for ever. And I do hereby bind myself, my heirs, execntors and administrators to warrant and defend for ever, all and singular, the said premises unto the said Eichard Godfrey, his heirs and assigns forever. I do hereby bind myself, my heirs and assigns agaiijst e^eiy person whatsoever, hxwfnlly cU\iming or to claim the same or any part thereof. Witness my hand and seal this 2d day of February, in tlie year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-seven (1827). Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of

Whether Godfrey fulfilled his part of the contract has never been satisfactorily proven. Again, the fact of Dr. Beardslej-'s good faith in carrying out to the letter the part allotted hira in the deed of April, 1831, cannot be doubted, nor was the approbation of President Jackson given without an assurance that reciprocity, in good faith, existed between the aboriginal owner and the white purchaser. As has been stated, this dual acquisition of Indian lands created much trouble in the little settlement of olden times; and the prolongation iif the dispute aided, most eifectually, in retarding the development of the village. The courts could scarcely ever settle the conflicting interests and opinions which existed, so that the only course left for adjusting the difficulty was arbitration or compromise. Dr. Beardsle}' suggested the latter, and having obtained the acquiescence of his opponent bestowed upon him a valuable section of land east of the Elkliart rivei'. Previously the Doctor was so conscientious as to caution all who desired to purchase lots or erect buildings against investing; because, as he said, the proprietorship of certain portions of the property which he claimed rested on the strange antics of the law, and actually left him in a state of uncertainty. From the moment a compromise was effected the star of Elkiiart's prosperity began to ascend, and by degrees continued its upward movement, until, in 1S70-'71, the village cast off the swaddling clothes of its infancy, and rushed onward to commercial greatness within a few years.

President .Jackson's letter, approving Dr. liavilah Beardsley's purchase tVom the Indian chief Moran, arrived early in 1832, and prior to the lapse of a few months, the new proprietor was in possession of the favored tract. Without delay he employed Surveyor Crawford to lay out a village, and he, with commendable industry, completed the work entrusted to him and furnished Dr. Beardsley with his plat and description, which were duly recoi'ded in April,

Original Plat

Jefferson, Jackson and Pigeon streets running parallel to Washington street. Lots numbered in numerical order, 1, 2. 3. 4, etc., throughout the plat.

All regular lots are 82^ feet in front and 165 feet back. All singular lots have tlieii' length sriven in feet on the lines and also the. bearings. Eight lots in a block, and each block cut at right angles through the centers, with alleys IG^V feet wide running parallel to the streets. H. Beardsley, Proprietor.

A copy of the original plat of George Crawford was made in M.arch, 1875. by County Surveyor Henry Cook, and duly recorded' under oath, as a^/!(C simile ot the old map. It shows an aggregate of 48 lots, and gives prouiinence to a very precise descriptioQ.

The First House

was constructed on the town plat by and for Horace Hoot, and the second by Samuel P. Beebe. This was situated on the northwest corner of Main and Jackson streets, almost on the site of the residence of Mrs. Beebe. Hanssalaer Harris inaugurated store- , keeping near John Huntsman's log mill, on the north bank of the St. Joseph; but to Samuel P. Beebe must be accorded the honor of opening a mercantile establishment in the village proper, since his store once occupied the site of Stephen Downiug's hotel, now overshadowed by the Clifton House. Those early merchants were soon joined by Elijah Beardsley, Brodrick and Davenport, J. S. and A. Defrees and Geo. Crawford. John jSfewell, Presley Thompson and August Xewton succeeded Stephen Downing in the hotel business, and together with the pioneer and mill-builder, Dr. H. Beardsley, formed the nucleus of a little settlement which was destined to extend until its name would hold a place on the commercial roll of the nations.

The doings of old settlers are alwaj's interesting, although the subject has met with a general notice in the county liistor}'. The following may be of special interest to the people of Elkhart.

The presence of George and Mrs. Crawford as the guests of Mrs. E. D. Braden, in Elkhart city, July 10, 1876, was made the occasion of a most consolatory grouping of many old settlers. There were present, George Crawford, Henry jSTeal, N. F. Brodrick, E. D. Braden. J. D. Devor, M. Spangler, F. B. Pratt, W. J. Essick, Mrs. Hannah A. Crawford. Mrs. Eosalia Beebe, Mrs. Eachel E. Beardsley, Mrs. N. F. Brodrick, Mrs. Phila M. Seeley, Mrs. Isabella Henry. Mrs. Loviisa Defrees, Mrs. E. D. Braden. Mrs. John Cole, Mrs. A. M. Tucker, Mrs. John Cook, Mrs. I. B. Syphert, Mrs. F. B. Pratt.

The report of this meeting contains nuich that must be always of the greatest interest. The oldest settler present was Mrs. Crawford, who came hither with her parents in October, 1826, and settled on Beardsley' Prairie. In March, 1830, she, being then married to Mr. Crawford, removed -with him to his new home on the north bank of the St. Joseph river. In January, ISSO, Mr. and Mrs. Crawford celebrated their golden wedding at La Porte. It was during this festival that Mr. A. L. Beardsley laid the seeds of that cold which brought him to his grave a few days later.

The Fiest Settlers

C>n the site of the present city were Jesse Eush and Andrew Notfsinger. They squatted on the northwest bank of the St. Joseph in March, 1827, or on that portion of the city now best known as Johnson's addition. Eush removed to Pleasant Plain early in 1828, and. as has been laid down in the county history, became the parent of the first white child born in the district.

Though Mrs. Crawford justly laid claim to the " oldest settlership," Mrs. Eosalie Beebe. a lady now 1)3 years of age, was the oldest person present. Her house was the first principal building constructed, immediately south of the St. .Joseph river, in 1832, and may be said to occupy the site of her present residence, near the corner of Main and Jackson streets. The chronicler of that meeting bears high testimony to the enviable characteristics of Mrs. Beebe. Like all early settlers, she and her husband, Judge S. P. Beebe, were hospitable in the extreme. Mrs. Beebe made the first wedding garments, and also the first funeral costnme ever intended to grace the nuptials or adorn the death bed of a white settler within the village. Tlie lady for whom those garments w'ere gotten np was Mrs. Maria Ellis Woodbridge, sister of John W. Ellis. In the latter part of 183i and the beginning of 1835 Mrs. Beebe spun sufficient yarn for 50 yards of cloth on the first spinningwheel which appeared in Elkhart. During the same period the lady knit 50 pairs of socks, for which she found a market in the Mishawaka settlement. Mrs. Beebe manufactured the first cake of cheese south of the St. Joseph, and Mrs. Rachel E. Beardsley the first one on the north side.

George Crawford's identification with the earlier years of the county is set forth in former pages. His utility in those olden times is now unquestioned. He was one of General Mitchell's assistants in 1840, when that soldier removed the Pottawatomies, Ottawas, and Winnebagoes to their new reservations.

The first grist-mill was built by him and Huntsman in 1829, near the confluence of the Christiana creek and St. Joseph river, and the first postoffice, known as Pulaski, was admiustered by him from 1,829 to 1837. The labors of the ancient postmaster were not onerous, as his only duty was to examine the mails as the courier passed his residence north of the St. Joe. en route from Fort Wayne to iSTiles, and vice versa.

Naming The Village

Dr. Beardsley gave to the tract of land lying immediately south of the river the name of Elkhart, on acount of the island at the confluence of the rivers resembling so much inform an Elk's heart. This name came into use in 1832; and three years after the Pulaski postoffice was changed across the river, henceforth to bear the name of Elkhart, and grow up with the village.

The first court was held in the house of Geo. Crawford and Chester Sage, in Pulaski, by Judges Peter Diddy and Wm. Latta. This court has been fully noticed in the chapter devoted to legal gleanings in the county history.

The first physician was Dr. Havilah Beardsle3% who established the practice of medicine here as early as 1830; but the first doctor devoting particular attention to the profession was Dr. Kenyon, who settled in the village of Elkhart in 183-±.

A temperance societ}' was formed so early as 1S30 by Thomas Morrison; but its influence was almost unrequisitioned, since drunkenness did not prevail to any extent, and where it did take hold the society was absolutely unable to combat it. In 18i2 a citizen of Chicago came hither, and, in defiance of the temperance orators, established a regular saloon. This may be considered a necessary evil, and to annihilate it is a work which man cannot accomplish. Education, the advance of knowledge and the constant building up of the intellect can alone master it.

The village school. - The settlers well remember the time when Mr. ]Sr. F. Brodrick was the conscientious school-teacher of the district. He instructed the youth of the village and adjoining settlements within the old cabin, on the banks of the Elkhart, in 1836, and even resorted to severe, if not very summary, measures to insure an observance of school discipline and close attention to study. This antique school-house was situated at the eastern extremity of that portion of the city known as "Washington street.

The first Sabbath-school was inaugurated therein by Mrs. Beebe, but this lady changed the meeting of children to her house, and, it is said, taught girls of IS summers the alphabet, together with giving them instruction in the principles of Christianity; here also she instructed J. R. Beardsley in the rudiments of the language which Americans speak, and laid the foundation of that moral knowledge whicli guided him and his cotemporaries throughout life.

The second school building was erected in 1837, on the site of the present lumber j'ard of IT. E. Oakes on Second st., and hitherto occupied by the log cabin of James Bannon, which formed his home from 1833 to 1837.

The M. E. Church saw its first Elkhartian congregation assembled in Bannon's humble mansion in 1832. The Presbyterian faith was previously preached there by Luther Humphrey, and even before Humphrey's time the teachings of the Church of the United Brethren were inculcated in the same building by William Davis.

" Tammany Hall '' was erected in 1836, on the spot now forming the corner of Main and Jefi^erson streets. In this hall the villagers were accustomed to meet and discuss matters pertaining to their miniature Venice. Temperance associations were strengthened there, and such advocates of temperance as Justice JST. F. Brodrick, " Little John," and the " reformed drunk," James Bauguss, addressed' large meetings, and may possibly have added a few members to their society.

The Baptist cougreo-ation was organized in old Tammany in 1836. with but lew members. The Presbyterians organized themselves in May, 1840, within the house of Judge Beebe, and for three years made that their place of worship, until the erection of their first church, on the southeast corner of High and Second streets, in 184:4. During those early years George Crawford and Isaiah Irwin were tlie presiding elders, and Noah Cook the first regular instructor.

The first sewing-machine was introduced into the village by Mrs. Louisa Defrees about the year 18.51. It served its purposes well, and though only an old cog-wheel Singer, it was the pride of the settlement, and the pet of the industrious old ladies for many years. Now, in 1880, it is a cherished heirloom, and forms one of the most interesting articles of household furniture in the residence of C. H. Chase, whose lady is the daughter of the original purchaser and owner.

The first piano, brought into the village by Milo Chamberlain, is now in possession of Mrs. A. N. Chamberlain. Arriving here in the year 1850 it has, like the sewing-machine, been regarded with much interest, not only on account of its antique belongings, but also because each and every one of its notes awakens some endearing reminiscence, and calls to mind memories of many who performed on it or listened to its tones in days now long past. The instrument was the 167th manufactured by Dubois & Stodart, of New York, in 1839, and was purchased by the Chamberlains in 1845, while yet residing at Geneseo, in the Empire State.

The second instrument was introduced by John Davenport, in 1852. Much more pretentious than its predecessor, and approaching in size and finish the pianos of the present day, it stands in. testimony of the new era in piano manufacturing, as inaugurated by A. B. Gale, of New York, in 1845. This second relic of the first musical circle formed within the county is now in possession of Mrs. J. M. Hackathorn. The care bestowed upon it, shows the high appreciation in which it is held.

A Series Of Historical Itehs

In 1860, while some excavations were being made within the city, the workmen unearthed numerous skeletons and detached bones, and so extensive was the area over which these remains of the aborigines were scattered, that the learned among the visiting

In 1S61 the loyalty of the Elkhartians was unmistakably demonstrated. All seeined anxious to rush to arms in defense of the Republic, and so great was the enthusiasm of the people that not only a quota but several regiments could then be organized.

The ladies' aid society of Elkhart was organized JSTov. '2, 1S61. .\ month later the soldiers then engaged on Southern battle-fields contributed a very liberal sum for the support of wives and children at home. On May 24, 1S62, another large remittance was received from them. This was very opportune; notwithstanding the provision made tor the support of soldiers' families, money was still necessary, and particularly during that month. Many of the doctors of the cit}^ acted most liberally, and gave their services gratis where such generosity was deemed necessary.

The meetings of Unionists and fraternization of political parties maj^ have been said to be accomplished between June 21, 1862, and Feb. 7, 1S63. This patriotic course was suggested by the exigencies of the times, and became a precedent which gained much admiration.

The black rain fell Oct. 24-25, 1S62. The shower came down last and heavy during the night, and when the busy crowds went forth to their varied avocations next morning they waded through pools of jet-black water.

The news of the fall of Richmond in April, 1865, was received at Elkhart with joy. The manifestations of the people were liio-hly consolatory, and the great event was duly signalized.

The assassination of President Lincoln created a feeling of peculiar horror. The people, however, did not sit idly by to mournpublic meetings were called, resolutions of sympathy adopted, and the foul crime denounced.

A disastrous fire, which took place Dec. 13, 1867, caused heavy losses to manj- citizens. The great freshet of March, 1868, entailed the ruin of many bridges and much damage to property.

The establisraent of railroad shops, gas works, public hall and mercantile houses in 1870-'71 opened up a bright prospect before the citizens, and formed the beginning of the building era.

The destruction of the Elkhart paper-mills in February, 1874, was attended with very heav^' losses to the proprietors. The welldirected efforts of the firemen and people saved the adjoining factories from a similar fate.

Dr. Miles and D. H. Christophel discovered the remains of a mammoth animal on the farm of Wm. Delancy, in Concord township, during the earlier days of Jul}', 1878.

Many other items of some importance might be added to this list, but they are either so personal or uninteresting that it may on the whole ]u-uve much more worthy this volume to omit them.

A Bied S-Eye View

The cit}' is most favoi-ably sitnated south of St. Joseph and west of the Elkhart river, with many of its industrial establishments forming a town of factories upon the right bank of the latter stream. Along the north bank of the St. Joseph is Beardsley avenue, the location of a few beautiful residences and the proposed site of many more to be erected in the near future. The "Elkhart river forms its confluence with the St. Joseph opposite the principal terrace on this avenue; a short distance west the Christiana creek enters the river, and forms the dividing line between the northern factory section and the avenue. This creek may also be considered as the northern limit of the city, since its flow south through Osolo township is checked at tlie boundarj' line of Concord, and its course changed due east, and then southeast to its confluence. ]Srortli Elkhart extends from Laurel street to Ellis street and includes Beardsley avenue. West Elkhart extends from the Beardsley Mills on Front street to Walnut street, and south from Laurel street to Strong's avenue, embracing all that tract known as Gregg's and Strong's additions. jSTortheastuf the Christiana are the additions of Proctor, Cone and Johnson ; while immediately opposite, on Elkhart avenue, along the hydraulic company's canal, and extending west to the eastern channel uf the Elkhart river, are the starch manufactories and mills. The South city is beyond the L. S. & M. S. railroad track, and is divided into east and west sections by Prairie avenue. East Elkhart is situate beyond Grace Lawn Cemetery and extends from the Middlebury road north to t!ie main line of the Lake Shore railway. Both the cemetery and this portion of the city are east of the Elkhart river. Vincent Voisnett donated to the city an island in this river, ab^'Ut tive acres in extent, to be used as a public park; but for Some reason the request of the donor has not been tally carried out. J. E. Beardsley has made a similar gift of Park Island, a beautiful sjjot lying in an expansion of the St. Joseph, witli its western shore washed by the waters of the Elkhart. Both Islands seem to have been formed for the purposes of public recreation grounds, and it is to be hoped that false economy will give place to the true, thus enabling the City Council to take advantage of the valuable gifts v.'hich the donors have offered to the people. The city may be considered half way between the metropolis of the West and one of the great business centers of Ohio, being 101 miles from Chicago and 142^- miles west of Toledo.

The Voices Of The People

In response to the prayer of a petition presented to the commissioners, and signed by many electors of the village of Elkhart, the Board ordered an election to be held June 29, 1S58, so that the people might, in accord with the law, have an opportunity of assenting to or dissenting from the incorporation of Elkhart. The petition, nnder notice, was signed by at least one-third of the voters of the village, and since those men may be considered the bnilders-up of Elkhart's present importance, it is but just that their names be handed down in these pages. This is due them; because they who take the initiative in any action which leads to healthy progress deserve to have their names recorded in con- with their deeds, particularly in a work such as this is, that deals minutely with the aiiairs of the county from its beginning to the present. Therefore the names are given as follows: M. F. Shuey, B. T. Stevens, A. Clark, J. H. Broderick, J. W. Norton, J. A.Miller, J.Wollam, W. McNeil, A. S. Eoot, J. Taylor,

Payne, E. M. Crasman. The election was held. Henry Neal, B. Y. Brown and N. F. Broderio.k acted as inspectors. The vote cast numbered 216, and the majority favorable to incorporation was reported to number 54. and the commissioners declared, during their September sitting, that the village be incorporated and be known as the -'Town of Elkhart."

A Review

*In 1867-'68 the sale of school bonds realized $28,933 61, which being subtracted from $39,933 84 leaves $11,000.23 as the direct revenue of the year, including the balance brought forward from April, 1867.

The following is a statement of the financial condition of the city in A.pril, 1875: Sinking fund - receipts $1,696.12; disbursements, $1,569.35; interestfund - receipts, $1,274.17; disbursements, $54.17; road fund - poll tax received, $78; paid Wm. Proctor, Marshal, $78; additional special school fund, - receipts, $18,690.70; disbursements, $17,920; Grace Lawn Cemetery, - receipts, $379.27; disbursements, $356.74. Total balance on hand, $970.95. Bonded indebtedness. $33,700. "Balance from general fund. $6.88.

Elkhart City

In April, 1875, the voices of the people were heard calling for a change in municipal organization. The great addition to population, the manufacturing and commercial interests of the town, demanded such a reform, so that the people were fully justified in bidding adieu to the good old times of the trustees, and in confiding the care of public affairs to a more pretentious body. On April 28, 1875, the issue was placed before the people whether a city corporation was necessary. The contest between the party of progress and the conservative section was close, sharp aiid decisive; 575 votes were recorded for incorporation, and 561 votes for a continuance of the ancient government. The progressionists won in the battle by the small majority of 14 votes. The election of municipal officers was held on the 11th of May, 1875, and the form of city government then inaugurated has been carried down to the present time. In the subscribed table the names of officers are given ab initio:

Chester, Assessor. Councihueii - Jolin Cook, Charles "W alley, C. W. Green, S. S. Strong, Wm. Gravit, D. S. Simon ton, John Salkald, . Frank Jaurette, Jacob Arisman, J. S. Kinzey, Taylor Arisnian, David Kegerise. In January, 1876, the clerk, B.Brown, resigned, and J. D. "Wood was elected to that office.

The Modern Mound-Builders

In treating the history of a city such as Elkhart is, it is just that the men who built it up should have a full notice. From the time that a little settlement near the Christiana, known as Pulaski, was formed, the beautiful site of Elkhart began to attract much attention, and srew gradually, perhaps slowly, until 1870-'73, when it made those remarkable strides over the path of progress which led to its present proportions. The early corn mills of the settlement, and the woolen aud oil mills, gotten up by Dr. Beardsley between lS37-'40, may be considered the foundation of Elkhart's manufacturing pre-eminence; but here it is proposed to deal with the enterprise of the builders who erected mercantile establishments and residences, particularly during that time which may justly be termed Elkhart's building era.

In 1856 J. M. Hackathoru settled in the village. He states that the few substantial structures then devoted to mercantile business comprised the buildings of Silas Baldwin, Sam. Powers. Goodspeed's block, B. D. Sherwood's, Beardsley & Davenport's, Clifton block and Morehous' block. The Methodist church was built in 185rt-'5, principally by the Davenports, who pi-esented much of the building material, and supplied a good deal on most liberal terms. Immediately after, the following additions were made: Jones' block, 1856-'7; Strong & Mason's, McN"augh ton's block, 1857. Davenport, Primly, MclN"augliton and Henry completed the Commercial block in 1859. Conley's Hall, Morehous' Hall, Conn's Hall, Brodrick's Opera House, the Masonic Hall, and the buildings of Simonton and Guipes were constructed subsequently; but not until the spring of 1871 did the citizens enter on that course which created a city withm a surprisingly brief period. The roil of builders and buildino-s which follows bears out this attinnation.

Elkhart City Fire Department

The fire department of tlie city is extensive and eiBcient. In addition to the liose companies, Nos. 1 and 2, and the hook and ladder company, it comprises the Engine Co. The engine cost about $10,000.

The Tucker Hook and Ladder Co. was formed in 1867. and has since its organization performed very creditable duty at home, and won prizes for their efiiciency and discipline abroad.

The Postoffice

is on "West Jackson street, above the press-room of the Beview, and beneath the editorial and composing-rooms of that journal. The affairs of the office are well administered by F. Miller. The number of letters mailed during the first week of JMovember, 1879, was 4,068, and of journals and cii'culars, 9,08-4, giving an aggregate of 13,152 packets. These statistics show some increase over those which the old ofiice of Pulaski could bring forward in its palmiest days, and it is very questionable whether the yearly mails of that office, the half-yearly returns of B.D. Sherwood, the quarterly reports of K. K. Mann, or the monthly returns of R. K. Brush could furnish such figures. The number of boxes in the office is 1,000.

The Water

The advantages of a supply of good water have been fully known to the citizens, and consequently much attention has been bestowed by them upon the subject. An instance of this was afforded during the writer's first visit to Elkhart. Mr. "W. H. Eeplogle caused an examination of the water in the Dunbar addition to be made, and this resulted in the following report from the analyst, Dr. W. A. Neal. '"The well contains lime, 12 grs. per gallon; chlorides, 6 grains per gallon; magnesia, 1.25 grains per gallon; alumina, 0.88 grains per gallon; silica, 0.32 grains per gallon; iron, none; organic matter, animal and vegetable; ammonia, a trace; phosphates, a trace; nitrates, unusual amount; nitrites, some; loss and undetermined, 3.55 grains; total solids, 24 grains per gallon.

" The microscope reveals large numbers of monads and bacteria. The organic matter present is of a sticky, viscid character, with the peculiar odor when burnt indicating its animal origin, and that it is not (vhoUy decomposed into ammonia, nitrates and phosphates. The water in this well is of bad quality and ought not to be used for drinking. The fact of its containing such a small amount of free ammonia would indicate that the probable source of pollution is at some distance. If this is so, all the water in that portion of the town will be more or less impure. Mr. Replogle tells me that he has now two cases of typhoid fever in his house.

" In contrast with tiiis I have analyzed water from a well in the south part of the city that contains no ammonia, and not the least trace of nitrates, nitrites or phosphates, which shows the water here is naturally good, and with care the most of it would remain pure."

jSTow, however, the citizens have comparatively good water, and plenty of it. The hydraulics meet almost all the present requirements of the city in this connection.

The clialybeate springs are numerous, and artesian water is found at a depth of from 50 to 150 feet. In September, 1S80, a boring was made on the south side of East Pigeon street, and a strong current struck at a depth ot 120 feet.

The hydraulic works of Elkhart are formed on a most extensive scale. Seldom have the waters of rivers been diverted from their natural channels with more beneficial results than those attendant on the canals of the city. Everywhere throughout the eastern section, north and south of East Jackson street, the waters of these canals set in motion 10,000 wheels and reduce the raw products of the field or mine into marketable shape. They form the primary source from which employment to thousands of skilled mechanics and lionest laborers springs, and the basis on which the prosperity of the city may be said to rest. The great part played by this hydraulic system on the stage of the city's progress can not be over-estimated. For many years past tlie utilization of the rivers has been a subject of much attention, and though the result of all inquiry has been exceedingly magniiicent, it may be presumed that the hydraulic power is only in its infancy. Mr. Chase, has for many years taken a deep interest in public aiiairs, and always entertained the highest hopes for the city of his adoption, says, that here at Elkhart we have three streams: the St. Joseph, the Elkhart and Christiana. Already some of our public-spirited citizens, gentlemen who were willing to take hostage of the future, have expended thousands of dollars in utilizing the water-power of these rivers by constructing a system of hydraulics that is, perhaps, the^most noted of "sight-seeing" objects about town. As a result of their endeavor we have this gross result: From the St. Joseph (within the city limits) from 4,000 to 5,000 horse-power is secured; from the Elkhart about 2,000 (possibly 2,500) horse-power is obtained, and from the Christiana about 600 horse-power. Part (a mere fraction, however) of this power is already utilized, and there are opportunities for almost numberless other mills and factories.

To the full realization of our hopes for Elkhart as a manufacturing city, however, we must in fact look to the future. Surveying the field, and knowing the immense additional power that can be secured by comparatively slight outlaj', the writer pauses for a moment in astonishment at the outlook.

On the north side of the St. Joseph river, above the city, there is an opportunity to increase the water-power from that stream by building a 10-foot dam, 300 feet in length, and extending a race three and a half miles, bringing it within the city limits and to the head gates of the St. Joseph hydraulics, thereby utilizing the entire volume of the St. Joseph river under a l;3-|-foot head, and at a cost pot to exceed $50,000. This would secure not less than i,000 additional horse power - a j^ower cheaper and better than that now controlled by the St. Joseph Hydraulic Company.

Still further power from the Elkhart river can be secured by constructing a 10-foot dam near the south line of Silas DeCamp's farm, three and three-fourths miles away, and by bringing a race down the south side of the river to a point at or near the Middlebury bridge (within the city limits), thereby utilizing the entire volume of the stream with a 24-foot fall. This improvement would cost about $50,000 and would give at least 3,000 additional horse power. Surveys have been made b^' Win. Proctor, who assures us of the entire feasibility of the work.

These opportunities for further increasing the water-power of the city are by no means all. Two gentlemen, residents of Findlay, Ohio, whose interests here are represented by Mr. J. 0. Gregg, secured one mile of river front in the southwest part of the city, and below the confluence of the St. Joseph, Elkhart and Christiana rivers, and surveys have demonstrated the practicability of developino- an immense water-power at that point. By building a dam 300 feet long and eight feet si.x inches high, a natural fall of eight and three-fourths feet can be obtained, with immense volume, i. e., the entire volume of these streams. By dredging below the dam, takino- out three ritHes, about 100 rods long, the fall can be increased to 16 feet, and the power obtainable would be equal to the entire developed power that we now have, variously estimated at 7,000 to 8,000 horse power.

The Banks Of Elkhaet

That the monetary interests of the city have not been left uncruarded is evidenced by the subscribed sketches of its banking establishments. ISTo doubt whatever may e.x-ist in regard to the hio-hly beneficial part they took in that serio-comic drama which resulted in raising Elkhart to the rank of a city; nor can it be questioned for a moment, that to their timel3' organization and subsequent good management the people owe a debt of gratitude. Let us examine the history of these useful institutions.

The First National Bank was organized among the earliest under the national banking law, being No. 206 on the list, and Feb. 20, 1864, it began business. The capital of the bank was placed at $100,000, all of which was paid in, and at its organization P. Morehous became president and Silas Baldwin cashier. Since then the management has undergone a radical change. About 12 years ago Mr. B. L. Davenport became president, a position whicJi he retained until his decease in ISSO, and about 13 years ago Mr. John Cook was elected cashier, the active duties of that office mainly falling upon the assistant cashier, Mr. Allen Cook, as his father, Mr. John Cook, finds his time largely occupied in the management of the business of the paper-mill.

Silas Baldwin and Frank Jauriett, but the active management of the affairs of the banking company rested with Mr. Davenport prior to his decease and now with Mr. John Cook.

While the capital of the bank remains the same as at the ontset, it is really increased by the surplus, now .§24,000; its circulation is over §90,000, its loans and discounts approximate $150,000; its deposits range from $70,000 to $100,000. The bank owns the property in which it transacts business, and though not originally designed for banking purposes it has been so remodeled that it affords every convenience that could be wished. The cost of the building was about $7,000, and it was erected by Silas Baldwin in 1S60.

St. Joseph Valley Bank was established Feb. 25, 1S72, with E. R. Kerstetter as president. The present directory comprises Col. A. M. Tucker as president, and W. H. Knickerbocker, cashier; the subscribed capital is $50,000, and its business extensive. During the eight years of its existence the bank has taken a very prominent place in the financial world, and has contributed its full quota to the progress made by the people of Elkhart during that important period in the history of the city.

In April, 1879, the present company was incorporated, showing a capital of $25,000 and a surplus fund of $5,000. G-eo. W. Best was the first cashier; since his time, however, the official list has been changed, so that now Mr. E. R. Kerstetter is president, T. F. Garvin, cashier, and J. D.Wood, acting cashier. These gentlemen administer the affairs of their bank with marked ability and business address, so that the cordial welcome which greeted the inauguration and the continued ]iatronage which has been accorded it are quite in keeping with its merits. The president, E. K. Kerstetter, is a young man, and a native of this county. This gentleman has been variously identified with the business interests of the county. Some years ago he was engaged in mercantile business at Goshen, and in 1866 was elected Sheriff of the county. In 1868 he was re-elected, thus serving the full limit allowed by the law, and four years ago he engaged in banking. He also is engaged in manufacturing operations, being connected with the Excelsior Starch Company and Goshen Woolen Mills, and in many other forms has identified himself with the prosperity of the county.

The division engine works and repair shops of the company were established in 1S70. The principal department is 124x600 feet, and with the wings gives an area approximating to 100,000 feet. The T. rail and carpenter shops, two round-houses, freight houses and ofhces, passenger depot, etc., form a railroad town, and give employment to a force numbering between 700 and 800 men. The exhibit of receipts and shipments for June, July, August and September, 1880, will convey an idea of the immense commerce of the city, and also show clearly the part played by the railroad in building up the industries of the city.

Musical Instkujient Manufactoet

The firm of Coim & Du]iont may be said to have established the manufacture of brass-band instruments so early as 1875. Subsequently Monsieur Dupont retired, and the sole proprietorship devolved upon Mr. C. G. Conn, a young man. Mayor of the city, and owner of one of the greatest manufactories of brass musical instruments in the world. In 1877 the factory was moved from its old location, in rear of the Review office, to its present site east of the Elkhart river on Jackson street. This building is three floors in height, 90 feet long and 10 feet broad, and was erected at a cost of $10,000, including water-power. The stock and machinery are valued at $15,000. From a force of three men employed at the beginning, the factory now gives work to a corps of 81 skilled mechanics, who have made for it a universal reputation. The trade equals, if it does not. exceed, that of all other horn manufactories iu the country. The office and printingrooms are under the control of N. G. Parker; and the laboratories under the supervision of Petrus Cocuille, The machinery is of the most approved description, and run by a 90-horse hydraulic power, and all under the direction of the enterprising proprietor. The different floors of the establishment cover an area of 12,000 feet, and form a scene of busy life peculiarly interesting and really satisfactory, so that the advancing prosperity of the raanu. facturer is not to be wondered at, nor the celebrity attained by his band instruments made a subject for surprise.

The gas works of Elkhart were erected in 1S71, by Philo Morehous, 8. A. Fletcher, Sr., S. A. Fletcher, Jr. and E. J. Peck. The present stockholders are Messrs. Morehous, ]!^orman Sage and F. Jauriette, with Superintendent E. J, Jenkins. The capital stock of the company is §50,000; but a sum of $3,000 over this amount has been invested.

The office of the company is in the western division of a range of neat buildings forming the frontage. In it are the station meter, governor, meter prover and the entire scientitic apparatus. In the ne.xt building are the purifiers; the eastern wing and the return building are given up to tlie storage of material and retort house. A full supply of the best Pittsburg coal explains the cause of the unusually exceptionally high lighting power of the gas manufactured, and leaves little doubt of the desire of the company to supply honest light, or the ability of the superintendent to direct the carrying out of such desire. In September, 1871, the number of cubic feet manufactured was 158,000; for the corresponding month in 1880 it reached 365,000, - another proof of the advance made within a decade. The great gasometer, the grounds, the office, purifying room, retort, even the coal shed, all display care in arrangement and taste in supervision. The department given up to the storage and sale of coke, which is an important branch of the business, is also well kept; so that it is just to credit Superintendent Jenkins for industry and ability in management.

is situated on the northern bank of the St. Joseph and worked liy the waters of the Christiana creek. The building and machinery are substantial and approved. This mill has a very extensive trade, principally merchant work, gives employment to a number of men, and forms, as it were, the pioneer of numerous factories which will, in the near future, occupy the banks of the river.

Indiana - christened the " Harvest Queen." The building itself is a frame structure, 50 x 85 feet, five floors, with flume or wheel house (containing six Leffel wheels) 10 x 16 feet. There is also a detached building known as the barrel house. The mill and equipments represent an investment of about $10,000. There are seven run of four-foot burrs, five being for merchant and two for custom work, and the capacity of the mill may be fairly stated at 350 bbls. of flour per day.

The cost of this building in 1S69 was $10,000, and the machinery $30,000. The number of employes has not increased during the last five years, but a steady trade has been maintained and a fine quality of flour produced. In July, 1879, " magnet-searchers " were introduced for the purpose of extracting pieces of wire and other metallic substances that might possibly become intermixed with the grain. This portion of the machinery is interesting and forms one of the specialties of the concern.

The Elkhart City Mills

When, 16 years ago, iu 1864, Vincent Voisinet engaged in the flouring mill business here, he probably hoped for the time to come when he would control a larger mill than the one then run. If such was the case the hope has been realized, for in April, 1876, his new mill was started. The Elkhart City Mills are located on Jackson street, east side of the Elkhart river, in a very central location. The building is a frame structure, 26x56 feet, four floors, and from foundation to garret is as neat as a housewife's kitchen. The power is derived from the Elkhart hydraulic, using four Leffel turbine water-wheels, giving about 60-horse power. The mill, which represents an investment of about $15,000, has four run of four-foot burrs, and its ordinary work will be, running 21 hours, 125 to 150 bbls of flour per day. The entire mill is new. Its machinery is new, and careful pains have been taken in equipping it that nothing but the best, from the burrs to the bolting cloths, should be put in place. As a result, it is an interest that will reflect credit upon its proprietor, builder and the community.

The Excelsior Starch Works

The Excelsior Starch Manufacturing Co. was organized in June, 1873, with an authorized capital of $30,000. S. S. Strong was elected president, J. L. Brodrick, treasurer, and C. B. Brodrick, secretary, and but one change in officials has since occurred, Ed. K.. Kersetter becoming secretary six years ago. P. Hill is superintendent, and the Brodrick Bros, and himself originated the enterprise, which soon after came under the management of the stock company.

The factor}' or works are located upon the hydraulics, and comprise a brick building 110x150 feet, four flooi'S. Kunning full, the force employed numbers from 60 to 70, and the average daily consumption of corn is SOO bushels. When the business was begun the capacity of the works, or at least the production, was but 40 bushels per day, and this marked increase shows how prosperous the enterprise has been, the value of its annual products being now about $125,000. The power is obtained from the hydraulics.

All kinds of starch are made, and the factory is one of the few in the country which manufactures by the same chemical process as the more famous Duryea Co. Indeed, absolute purity - chemical purity - is the standard of excellence. All manner of packages are prepared, from the impalpable powder for use in preparing delicate dishes for the table, to laundry and other grades, some in bulk, others in packages of any desired weight.

The progress of this important branch of the city industries may be noticed. In 1S73 the number of hands employed did not exceed 10; in 1875 the number increased to 25, and now, in 1880, no less than 60 are employed in the manufacture of starch alone. Again, in 1873 the value of products did not exceed $40,000; in 1875 they reached $75,000, and in 1880, $125,000. The cost of the building is $40,000, and the present value of machinery is set down at $30,000. The officers of the company are: P. Hill, president: J. W. Ellis, secretary-, and Justus L. Brodrick, treasurer.

The Elkhart 3Takch Factory

The Elkhart Starch Factory, now operated by the firm of Muzzy & Sage Bros., was the first venture of the kind in this part of the State. It was originally started by Mr. A. L. Muzzy, in 1870, but it was a small concern; the factory itself was not more than 40 feet square, and its total consumption of corn did not exceed 20 bushels per day; from that time until this the product of the factory has gradually increased, until in 1878 it exceeded 250 bushels of corn jper diem.

the Excelsior Mill from a similar fate. Within seven days a newcompany, comprising Messrs. Asa L. Muzzy, "Norman Sage, M. G. Sage, A. E. Beardsley. H. E. Bncklen, J. McNaughton, D. S. Simonton, W. J. Meader, George E. Corapton, Fi-ank K. Sleeper and Frank E. Mnzzy, was formed and preparation made for the rebuilding of the mill. Now, instead of the old 40 feet square structure, the works have assumed proportions in keeping with the growth of trade The main building is now 50x110 feet, four floors, besides another 30x40 feet for storage and the manufacture of boxes. Since the Messrs. Sage Bros, became interested in the business it has at no time lacked capital with which to realize all the benefits accruing from an increase in business. Mr. Muzzy is a practical starch manufacturer, and exercises superintendence at the factory, while Messrs. Sage attend to the finances, correspondence, etc.

As regards the qualit}- of goods manufactured it is needless to speak. Tested by countless thousands of people in all parts of the country during the past 10 years, and known far and wide for purity and general excellence, they have been their own best recommendation.

The Elkiiakt Paper Mills

The establishments of Beardsley, Davenport & Cook are most extensive, and the trade which connects with them, already large, is increasing daily. One of the mills of this company is situated on the Christiana creek, and the other on the hydraulic canal. The principal manufactures of these hives of busy industry are printing and wrapping papers. The quality of paper compares favorably with that produced by the oldest factories of the country, so that a business, at once large and prosperous, has been built up which takes a leading part in adding to the importance of the city.

Elkhart Pulp Mills

established in June, 1S75, by J. O. Gregg, for the manufacture exclusively of ground wood pulp by machinery and process invented by him and controlled by three letters patent, issued in 1874, 1875 and 1876. In Januarj', 1879, the Combination Board Company was organized to succeed the Wood Pulp Co., and to engage in the manufacture of a straw board lined with wood pulp, the manu- facture of this article being secured to them by two letters patent issued to J. 0. Gregg in February and April, 1S79, and in Canada in ISSO.

The special machinery used in the manufacture of the combination board, invented expressly for this purpose, and protected by letters patent, is very complete, almost reaching perfection itself. It performs at one operation and without hand work the entire manufacture of a lined board; the lining being thrown into the machine in sticks like stove wood, comes out a complete straw board with a white wood lining read^' for market.

A press reviewer said, when speaking of this factory in 1S76, that the Wood Pulp Co., of Elkhart, are not manufacturers of paper but of pulp. Oa the St. Jo. hydraulic stands a detached frame building that has nothing in it* externals to mark it as a place of peculiar interest, and the visitor who penetrates to the interior of the building will find little exposed to view to excite his curiosity. He will hear a peculiar grinding noise, will hear the rusli of water, will note the trickling of a small stream of a milk-and-water-looking fluid, will see a pile of fragments of wood denuded of bark. Descending to the basement he will see a machine similar to a paper machine, though of smaller dimensions, and he will note thickish sheets of a nondescript material issuing from it. These sheets are wood pulp. The pieces of wood we note on the floor above are fragments of aspen or white poplar. Held by a self-adjusting weight against a mammoth stone revolving with great rapidity, and constantly moistened with water, these blocks of wood, ground to a pulp and converted into sheets, are afterward used by paper manufacturers in every part of the country. The "Wood Pulp Co. of this city supplies the home mills in part; their product also goes to Cleveland, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, and to other points, and now that another pulp engine has just been put in place, the capacity of the mill has been increased to two car-loads of pulp per week. The change has indeed been gratifying. The number of men employed at the beginning did not exceed four; now, in 1880, no less than. 25 men are employed, and the annual sales have crept up from $15,000 to $60,000. In 1875 the cost of buildings and machinery was $5,000, and five years later, in 1880, they are valued at $35,- 000.

St. Joseph Valley Mills

The " St. Joe Valley Mills," located on the St. Joseph Hydraulic Co.'s power, were established in 1S73 by Geo. W. Erwin, J. G. Erwin, A. Upp and S. A. Burrows, all of Middletown, O., the style of the tirm being Erwin, Upp & Co. In 1875 Mr. Upp disposed of his interest to Clark Lane, of Hamilton, O., who subsequently transferred part of the same to his son, J. C. Lane. Geo. W. Erwin having died in May, 1878, his interest is now carried by his heirs and executors, F. B. and J. C. Erwin. Erwin, Lane & Co. has been the style of the firm since 1875.

The main buildings are three in number; the one containing the rag assortingand bleaching departments, also the engine room, is 40 by 110 feet; another, in which is located tjie dry lofts, finishing room and shipping department, is iOxlOO feet; each four stories in heigiit; they stand parallel, fronting the St. Joseph river, and are connected by the machine and size-room building, which is 30x108, two stories. They are all heavy brick and stone structures and iron roofed. In addition to the main buildings there is a boiler-house, one rag dusting and one rag warehouse, the three having a superficial floor space of 10.000 square feet. The six buildings cost about $40,000. The machinery, wliicli is of the best makes and most modern patterns, and driven by seven large turbine wheels, is valued at $.50,000, and does not differ nraterially from that employed in all writing-paper mills. When the mill was first put in operation it gave employment to nearly 100 hands, and produced a little less than 500,000 pounds of paper the first year, valued at about $100,000. This year (ISSO) it will average between 145 and 150 hands, and will produce over 1,200,000 pounds of paper, valued at over $200,- 000. The price has declined considerable since 1873-'4. -

The specialties are first-class, fine and superfine white and colored writing papers, and bristol boards. The soft, pure water of the St. Joe river enables them to give their papers a peculiarly bright, handsome, clear color, which cannot be excelled, if equaled, by any mill in the country.

The general products of the St. Joseph Valley Mills include hard-sized paper in all colors. Commercial note, foolscap, legal, flat- cap, and the numerous sizes and styles are made, and no effort is spared to make the production the best in the market. The sales are largely made to jobbers in Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Louisville, with more or less Eastern trade.

xVbout two-thirds of the employes of the mill are females, and the enterprise thus affords remunerative employment to a large class that would otherwise be non-producers.

The enterprise is more tlian a representative - it is a leading one, and the prestige it has attained has been earned on the score of merit.

Elkhaet Tissue-Papee Mill

Toward the close of 1876 a few gentlemen of Elkhart organized themselves under the style and title of the ''Elkhart Tissue-Paper Co." The building purchased by them was known as the old Woolen Mill. This has proven a most favorable location, prosperity has attended the establishment since its inauguration, and though the number of employes at the present ( 25 ) shows no increase on the number employed in 1876, there is every reason to believe that a fair progress has been made, and that the acquisition of improved machinery explains the fact of there being no addition to the hands first employed.

Maxon, Paematee & Co

The firm of Maxon, Parmater & Co. lias been in existence about 10 years. The co-partners are Strafibrd Maxon, P. J. Parmater and Eber Darling. The specialties of the firm are the lumber trade and the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, and molding, besides which a general planing-mill business is done. All of the co-partners give the business theu- personal attention, Mr. Maxon superin - tending the manufacturing department, Mr. Parmater attending to the sales department at the yard, and Mr. Darling oflSciating in theoflSce. The office and yard are on East Jackson street, a central location, and the premises include an area of about five acres, in stock the amount of lumber usually carried will average a half million feet or more, and every facility exists for supplying builders with needed articles in this line.