Elkhart County, Indiana - Tue Churches, 1905 (part 13 of 15)

William E. Griner

\\^illiam E. Griner, a member of the finn of Griner Brothers, dealers in lumber, coal, salt, cement and general building materials in Aliddlebury, is a native of Middlebury township, born February 6. 1864. He comes of German lineage. His father, Simon Griner, was horn in W'ayne county, Ohio, in 1843, and is now living in Middlebury. In 1853 he arrived in Indiana in company with his father, Philliii Ciriner. his mother having died during his infancy. Phillip Griner purchased land on section twenty-seven, Middlebury township, and there carried on agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death. Simon Griner was reared to the occupation of farnu'ng and devoted his entire business life to that vocation, but in 1901 retired from active business cares and is now living in ]Middlebury in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. He is a member of the Lutheran church and he exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and mea.sures of the Democracv. He married Miss Adeline Wert, who was born in Ohioi in 1844 «i"'l '"^ ^ daughter of John Wert,, who was likewise a native of that state and was of Gemian descent. He came tO' Indiana in the "50s. locating in Middlebury township, and here he followed the blacksmith's trade. It was upon her father's farm here that Mrs. Griner was reared, spending her days under the parental roof up to the time of her marriage. She is a member of the Lutheran church and a most estimable lady. By her marriage she became the mother of five children: \\'illiam E. : John, who is in partnership with his brother, Valentine, wlio is employed by the firm of Griner Brothers : Oscar, a merchant of Middlebury; and Frank, who previously followed farming and is now living in Middlebury.

William E. Griner attended the district schools in his earlv \-outh and afterward pursued normal courses in Elkhart and Goshen. He taught for three terms and then entered mercantile life as a salesman for the firm of Stutz & Son. with whoin he remained for five years. In 1893 he embarked in the lumber business with his father, under the firm style of S. Griner & Son, but in 1895 the senior partner withdrew and was succeeded by John Griner, the present firm of Griner Brothers being then organized. They handle lumber, coal, salt, cement and general building materials and have secured a liberal patronage by reason of business methods which neither seek nor require disguise.

In 1885 Mr. Griner was united in marriage to Miss Frances Bedford, a daughter of Henry and Mary Bedford and a native of Washington township, born in 1864. Her father was a farmer by occupation and was of English birth. He came from Pennsvlvania to Indiana witli his parents in his linyhimd (lay,-> and was nne of the early residents of this state. ]\Ir. and Mrs. (Iriner ha\e becDme the parents of a daug'liter and two snns : Aiyrtie. Otis and Harley. Airs. Griner is a member of the Lutheran churcli. In his pohtical affihations Mr. Griner is a Democrat and lias ser\e(l as president of the town board for two years, wliile for more than four years he was trustee of the township. Jol;n Griner married Effie Shutt. a daughter of John Shutt, and Ihcy arc also members of the Lutlieran cliurch. He likewise belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Good Samaritan lodge and in his political views is a Democrat. The brothers are enterprising business men, prominent and w idely known in the enterprising town of Midcllebury. Their ]5opularity is well deserved, for they displav the characteristics of unbending integrity, unabating industry and energy that never flags. Moreover they are ]mblic spirited and thoroughly interested in wliatexer tends to^ promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of Middlebur\'.

Harvey W. Kantz. of Bristol, is dexoting bis attention to a profession wherein influence or financial assistance avails little or naught liut where advancement must be secured through individual merit, close application, a thorough understanding of the principles of jurisprudence and correctness in their application t(^ the points in litigation. Well e(|uippcd in these necessary qualifications for the practice of law. Har- \c\' \\ . Kantz has gained for himself a ])roniinent place as a member of the bar of Elkhart count}-. Moreover he is very popular in bis home district, as shown by the fact that when elected township trustee, which oftice he is now filling, he ])olled the largest vote ever recei\'ed b}' any candidate for the ]X)sition.

Mr. Kantz is a nati\"e of Snvder county, Pennsyh'ania, born on the 31st of October. 1863. His father, Samuel B. Kantz, was likewise a natis'e of Pennsylvania and vias of German lineage. The great-greatgrandfather was John Kantz. a soldier in the colonial army, fighting for the ind.ependence of the nation. Samuel Kantz de\-oted his life to agricultural pursuits and passed away in the place of bis nativity on the fst of May, 1872. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Wetzel and was a native of Pennsylvania. Her grandfather, Henry Wetzel, was a nejihew of Lewis W'etzel, a famous Indian fighter, trapper and huntsman, who was a comi)anion of Daniel Boone in his explorations and discoveries in Kentucky and the west. Mrs. Kantz still survives her hustend and is now living in Freeburg, Pennsyhania. By her marriage she became the mother of eight children, six of whom are yet living.

graduated with honors from Freeburg Acadeni}- in the fall of iSiSi. He hail determined to seek a home and business opportunities in the western country and after his graduation he completed his arrangements to leave Pennsylvania and in the fall of the same year took up his alxwle in Dau\ille, Indiana. After attending the Indiana Normal School for a short time he rennn-ed to Bristol and the following spring he went to Valparaiso, Indiana, where he attended school for one year, thus becoming better equipped for life's practical and responsible duties. On the expiration of that periofl he returned to Bristol, where he taught school for three terms and in the meantime also continued his studies in the Indiana State University at Bloomington. In 1886 he went to Florida, locating at Bartow, where he was engaged in teaching school, and when he had spent two years in the sunny south he returned to Bristol, whence he afterward went to Goshen, Indiana, where he became a law student in the office and under the direction of the firm of Wilson and David, well known attorneys. Having mastered the principles of jurisprudence he successfully passed an examination that admitted him to the bar and he subsequently located in Bristol, where he has since been engaged in successful practice, gradually building up a business that is noAv of a very extensive and im])ortant character. Following his return to this place he again engaged in teaching for two terms but his entire time and attention are now given to his professional ser\-ices and his devotion to his clients" interests is proverbial. He has been very successful in his practice and has achieved prominence and distinction as a member of the bar. He throws himself easily and naturally into the argument with a self-possession and deliberation that indicates no straining after effect. There is. however, a precision and clearness in his statements and acuteness and, strength in his argument which s])eaks a mind trained in the severest school of investigatif.m and tn which close reasoning has become haliitual an<l easy,

Mr. Kantz is not onJy well known professionally but has also figured ]ironfinently in political circles in his community. He was electe<l township trustee in 1890 and re-elected in the fall of 1904, so that he is now serving in that ca]iacit_\'. He has also been city treasurer and in 1893 he was appointed and served as postmaster, filling the office during President Cleveland's second administration. On the occasion of his second election as townshi]:) trustee he ])<)lled the largest vote ever given to any candidate for that position, <i\erciiming a Republican majority and winning the election by a majority of one hunclred and six. while in the same tO'wnshii) Roose\'elt recei\ed a majorit\' of one hundred. This is a fact of which Mr. Kantz has c\-ery reason to be i}roud and it indicates in unmistakable manner his personal popularit\- and the confidence and trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen.

On the 5th of March. 1884, Mr. Kantz was united in marriage to Miss Laura B. Mitchell. The\- have one child. Ruth \'. Fraternallv he is connected with the In<lependcnt Order of Odd l~ello\\s and the

Knights of Pythias. His rehgioiis faith connects him with the German Reformed church, while his wife is a member of the United Brethren church. They enjoy the hospitahty of the best homes of Bristol and are well Icnown in social circles here, while in business and professional circles Air. Kantz occupies an enviable position. He is a gentleman of genial manner and unfailing courtesy, who has gained personal popularity and at the same time has won the admiration of his fellow men by wdiat he has ticcomplished in the business world. He is largely self educated and self made and his inherent strength of character and the de\'elopment <if his latent talents have made him a man of ab.ilitv. wlmse efforts are crnwned with success.

Michael Ahtchel

]\lichael Mitchel was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, October 30. 1820, and was there reared by his parents until he reached manliood, when he turned his face westward to the then new and undeveloped valley iif the Mississippi. Going first by wagon to Illinois w^ith an uncle, he then \isited parts of Iowa, from thence walking nearly all the way back to his birthplace, passing through the northern part of Elkhart county, Indiana. Again turning westward, he went to Stephenson county, Illinois; again passing through the St. Joe River valley, but not being satisfied with Illinois he started to return to his native state, but when he reached Elkhart, then a very small village, and meeting old Doctor Beardslcy, the founder of this village, who advised him to locate in this county, lie selected a farm four miles east of the village on the south bank of the beautiful St. Joe river, known as the Mitchel homestead.

On the 1 6th of March, 1848, he was married to Elizabeth Ann Middlcton, whose birth occurred February 9, 1826, in Franklin county, Ohio, ii\-e miles north of Columbus. She is the daughter of John and Elizalieth (Downing) Middleton. who were pioneers of Franklin county. Ohio. Mrs. ;\Iitchel was only four years old when brought to Elkhart count\' by her parents in 1830, at which time the family home was established on the east edge of " Two Mile Plain," east of the now city of Elkhart, which at that time was an unbroken wilderness and the haunts of the red men. Mrs. Mitchel enjoys the distinction of being one of the few pioneers who are left to tell of the early trials of settling and making out of Elkhart count)- the third in rank and first in many things in the great state of Indiana. Her early home was the first to be established in the north part of the county, and was the scene of many pioneer incidents, such as Indian gatherings, at which times the good mother of the little family would dread for fear of some harm to the father or children: also the headquarters for prospecting and home-seeking parties: of the religious meetings in the days of the circuit rider that would last for weeks, when the scattered settlers would gather from twenty to thirty miles to pay homage to their Creator: and many incidents during the

Black HaA\k war and subsequent remo\ement of the Pottawottomie Indians from the county and northern Indiana and southern Michigan. Mrs. Mitchel has now hved in Concord township for seventy-six years, is in good lieahh and in possession of ah her faculties, is widely and favorabl}- known, and has the esteem and good will of all with whom, she has been associated. By this marriage were reared to man and womanhood four children, all still living: Sarali E., widow of John Hass of Clarion, Charlevoix county, Michigan; Rhoda A., wife of Edmond Eby, of Concord township, Elkhart county, Indiana ; William M., who occupies the old Mitchel homestead; Eudora V., wife of Francis R. Eight; and another, John C. F., who died at the age of seven years.

Mr. and Mrs. Mitchel after their marriage set about clearing and making a home on the land acquired by purchase, and Ijuilt them a small house near the mouth of Pine creek, where they continued to live and prosper until 1856. They built what was at that time the largest dwelling Iiouse and barn in the north end of Elkhart county, located on the south bank of the beautiful St. Joe river in section 36, Concord township. There they continued to live and enjoy the fruits of honest toil, tilling the soil and rearing the domestic animals best adapted to the successful operation of a first class grain and stock farm. Here in the shadow of the oaily natural growing pine in Elkhart county Mr. and ]Mrs. Mitchel lived and reared their family, saw the eldest daughters married and listened to the prattle of their grandchildren.

;\Ir. Mitchel was a Whig and later affiliated with the l-iepublican party, oi which he was a staunch supporter of its foimders and principles, especially of its protection to American industries. He never aspired to any public office, nor would he accept any, much preferring the quiet of his home to the bustle of public life. He accumulated considerable land and, property, owning at his death nearh' four hundred acres of the l)est and most desirable land in Concord township, which was well improved and in a high state of cultivation. He enjoyed the good will and esteem of all with whom he came in contact, and by his reputation for truth and honesty in all business transactions won for himself and famil}- a place among the first families of the community in which he li\'ed. He became a member of the Methodist church in early life and always remained a firm believer in its teachings.

Mr. Mitchel died September 10, 1890. in his seventieth year, after a long illness of Bright's disease. His remains were followed to his last resting place by his entire famdy and hundreds of neighbors, friends and promment people of the community. His remains were laid to rest in the family lot in the Rowe cemetery, wdiich he assisted to found and maintain. His grave is marked by a very substantial monument erected by his son William and bearing , this inscription :

William IM. ^Fitchel was liorn Jul}- 22. 1867. in CDiicnrd township, Elkhart county, Indiana. His was the fourth birth and onl\' son to grow to manhood born to Michael and Elizabeth A. ( Middleton ) Mitchel, who were among the pioneer settlers of the township, and whose grandparents on the mother's side were the first white family to .settle in what is now Concord township, coming to the county in 1829 and making a home on the east edge of what is known as " Two Mile Plain," just east of the now industrious city of Elkhart and within one mile of the birthplace of the above descendant. Mr. Mitchel w^as reared on the farm of his father and attended the pu)>lic schools of his township until in 1885 and '86 he took a course in the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, Indiana, completing the business coin"se widi credit to the institution and himself. Throughout his entire life he iias carried on general agricultural ])ursuits, yet fincHng some time to ('.evote to other business. He is the owner of the original Mitchel homestead of one hundred twenty-four acres, and has added to it until he is the possessor of two hundred fifteen acres of rich and aral>le land along the beautiful St. joe ri\-er, and which he keeps under his direct .supervision. Here can be found all of the latest up-todate machinery and tools for carrying on general fanning, stock raising and dairying. Mr Mitchel is one of the incorporators and promoters of the Bristol Creamerv and Manufacturing Company of Bristol, Indiana, and owns considerable stock. He is also an active worker and co-operator in the work of Purdue University, also of the State Agricultural Experiment Station and the E'khart County Farmers' Union, under whose direction the Annual Farmers" Institute is held, having been its secretary for two vears and a member of its important committees since its organization. He lias always been active in any enterprise that will enhance the growth and value of the resources of the St. Joseph valley. Besides his farm he has i)ro])crtv interest in Elkhart and also in the oil fields of central Indiana.

On the 7th of June, 1893, INlr. Mitchel was wedded to Miss Myrtle V. Stutsman, a daughter of Edward C. and Elizabeth (Mitchell) Stutsman and a nati\-e of Jefferson toiwnship. Elkhart county, born August 15, 1873. She is the eldest of three daughters and pursued her education in the public schools of the count\-. There are three children Using of tliis marriage: Nellie May, Imrn .Xiiril 17, 1894: Beulah E., born lulv 9, 1898; and Mice I.. I^orn March 15. 1903. The daughter I'lossie died No\eniher 18. i89ri. at the age of four da\s. .Mr. Mitchel was reared in the faith of the Republican party and has .seen no reason t<> transfer his allegiance to other political organizations where n;itional issues are inxolved. but at local elections he votes independently, and in 1806 was a candidate for county treasurer on the independent ticket. His long residence in Concord township and his activity in agricultural circles have made him well known throngh northern Indiana and southern Michigan, while the sterling traits of his character have been such as have gained for him uniform confidence and trust, making him a citizen well worthy of representation in this volume.

Joseph Hastings Cainon

Joseph Hastings Cainon, one of the oldest engineers, in point of service, connected with the Lake Shore Railroad, for many years a well known and prominent citizen of Elkhart, was horn in Richland county, Ohio, on a-farm near Mansfield, June i, 1848. His ])arents, John and Catherine (Bairns) Cainon, were Ijorn in Ireland and were brought to this country- when children. The father was a soldier in the Sixty-fourth Ohio, in Sherman's brigade.

Mr. Cainon. like all the rest of his parents" children, was reared on the homestead farm in Richland county, Ohio, but practically all his adult life has been devoted to railroading. He was nineteen years old when he left home in 1867 and went to Toledo, where he began his railroad career as a fireman on the Lake Shore. In 1869 his ability and diligence had won him promotion tO' yard engineer, and in 1871 he became a resident of Elkhart and has since been one of the trusted and capable engineers of the great Lake Shore road. Tliere are very few- men who can point to a longer or better record than that of Mr. Cainon. It is with such men that the lives of thousands are entrusted every day, and in view of this there are few positions of greater trust and therefore of greater honor than that occupied by the railroad engineer. Mr. Cainon is a charter member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and has been acti\'e in the same for many years.

In politics Mr. Cainon is a Republican, and in November. 1902. was elected county commissioner of Elkhart county, an election which indicates the esteem in which he is held throughout his part of the county. Eraternally he is a Knight Templar Mason, and he has long been one of the influential members of the Eirst Congregational church of Elkhart, at this writing lieing president of the Iioard of trustees.

Mr. Cainon married, in Elkhart. Miss Theodosia Menges, whose father. George ]\Ienges, is a prosperous and well known farmer of this county. They have one son. Cutler J., who is in school.

John E. AValmer, following the occupation of farming in Middlebury township, was born in the village of Middlebury in 1850 and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of this part of the state. His parents were John and Magdalena (Hoff) Walmer. The paternal grandfather, George Walmer, was a blacksmith and farmer, and while living in Pennsylvania he was married to Miss Sarah Fisher, by whom he had six children : Joseph, George, John, Lydia, Catherine and Eliza- lietli. The mother (hed when her .son Jnhn. tlie father of our subject, was a small boy and Georoe Walmer afterward married Catherine Shuey, iicc Mills, who died April 7, 1877. '^t the age of ninety years. There were three children by the second marriage: Maria, Mattie and Benjamin, (ieorge Walmer, the grandfather, settled on a farm in Wayne county, Ohio, where he died in February, 1856, at the age of sixty-eight years. He was a man of unblemished reputation, respected by all who knew him. He left a family who were a credit to h-is name, including John W'almer. father of our subject.

John \\'almer was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, September 26, 1817, a^id was of German lineage. His educational privileges were Cjuite limited, but he learned to read in both the Gemian and English tongues. He learned to count after attaining manhood by splitting rails by the hundred, it lieing necessary that he keep track of his work m order that he might know if he was receiving the correct ])rice for his labor. The first work which he did on his own account was the clearing of land. In 1S44 he removed to Elkhart county in company with his young wife, traveling through the black swamp of Ohio. Eventually he reached his destination and settled on section thirty-three, Middlebury township, about a mile south of the farm on which John F. Walmer now resides. There the father at once began clearing and cultivating the land and to his original tract he added eighty acres. In the winter months when he could not work in the fields he engaged in the manufacture of brooms. He possessed much mechanical ingenuity and could perform almost any service along mechanical lines. His chief attention, however, was given to his agricultural interests and he became the owner of two hundred and eighty-six acres of very fine and productive land. Upon his place he also had a sawmill which was operated by water power and in addition to his farming property he owned a residence in Elkhart and a store building in that city. He was a man of good physique and strong constitution and he led a most useful and acti\e life. Although his business cares made lieavy demands upon his attention he yet found time to broaden his mind in the acquirement of useful knowledge through reading and study at home. He alwavs kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day and his p<ilitical support was given to the Democratic part}'. He held membership in th.e Reformed church. His wife, who Avas born in Wayne county. Ohio, March to, 1819, was a daughter of George and Catherine ( Hess) Hoff, b<ith of whom died in Wayne county, Ohio. Her father was a blacksmith and farmer. Mrs. Walmer w-as also a member of the Reformed church and her death occurred Augtist II, 1887. .About ten years later John Walmer departed this life, being called to his final rest October 15, 1897. They were the parents of two children, the daughter being Amanda E.. the wife of Aaron Work, an insurance agent of Middlebury. who has also l>een townshijj trustee. They became the parents of four cjiildren : Luetta,

George, John and Charles. Iiut the last named died at the age of six years. ].uetta became the wife of William Barger, a box manufacturer, and the}- have one son, Everett. His father is proprietor of a garage at South Bend. Indiana. John Walmer, Sr., also had an adopted daughter, Idella J. Poorbaugh, who has been a member of the family from the age of eight years. She too belongs to the Reformed church.

John F. Walnicr, whose name introduces this record, is indebted to the district schools of his native county for the educational privileges he received. He was reared upon his father's farm and it is yet his place of residence. He owns here eighty acres of land on section twenty-six, Middlebury township, and he also has one hundred and' twentyfive acres on section thirty-three and forty acres on section twenty-nine, so that his possessions aggregate two hundred and forty-five acres. His farming propert}- is valuable and his carefully directed labors bring to him very gratifying success. He works along progressive lines and has a farm well equipped with modern accessories. He raises stock in addition to the cultivation of the fields and this branch of business likewise proves profitable. In politics he is a Democrat and he h(^lds membership in the Lutheran clnuxli.

Buckner F. Freeland

Buckner F". Freeland, closely associated with industrial and manufacturing interests in Middlebury, being the owner of the Pioneer Manufacturing Company, was torn in Preston county, \Vest Virginia, in 1848. The family is of English lineage and was founded in the new world by John FYeeland, who, on crossing the Atlantic to America, settled in Preston county. West Virginia, where he died at the venerable age of ninety-two years. His family numbered thirteen children, of whom Aaron was the fourth in order of birth. One son, George, was in the Civil war with the Seventeenth West Virginia Volunteer Infantry. His son, Aaron Freeland, was born in Preston county and was in the service of the government during the Civil war. He did not enlist in the army, but his sympathies were with the north. He held membership in the Episcopal church and in his political views was a Democrat. His business affairs were capably managed and be became quite well to do. He married Elizabeth Bucklew, who- was born in Preston county. West Virginia, where she died in May, 1862. She was one of the four children of Jonas and Peggy (Morris) Bucklew, the former of English and the latter of Pennsylvania Dutch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Freeland became the parents of five children : Mary Catherina, the deceased wife of William Taylor; Buckner F. ; John W., a prosperous farmer of Preston county. West Virginia; Florida, the wife of O. C Humphries, a railroad man living at Elkins, West Virginia; and Missouri, who married Clark Fickev, and after his death

Buckner 1*". Treeland pursned liis studies successively in the schools of Terra Alta and Webster, West Virginia, and Oakland, Maryland. He was reared upon his father's farm and in 1862 he entered the government service as a teamster, remaining thus until January, 1865, when he regularly enlisted in the Sixth West Virginia Infantry, with which he ser\-ed until the close of the war, being mustered out at Wheeling. He then returned to his home in Grafton, West Virginia, where he was employed for a year Ijy the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company as brakesman. He then returned to the home farm for another year and in November, 1867, he came to Elkhart county, Indiana, locating at Millersburg, where he followed carpentering and other pursuits. Subsequently he entered the service of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad Company, with which he learned telegraphy and for twenty-one years he was operator and agent for the company at Millersburg and Vistula. He then resigned and came to Middlebury where he began the manufacture of fanning mills and grain cleaning machines, continuing in that enterprise for three years. He next began the manufacture of galvanized tanks, heaters, feed cookers and wind mills and is still carrying on this business under the name of the Pioneer Manufacturing Company. The output of the factory is now large and the Inisiness is profitable.

Mr. Freeland was married in Ma}-, 1868, to Miss Mary (J. Stauffer, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1848 and was one of a fanuly of four children. Mr. and Mrs. Freeland have eight children : Curtis A., a manufacturer of Sturgis, Michigan ; Lora, the wife of Frank Van Epps, who is in the railroad service and makes iiis home at Jacksonville, Florida ; Bruce W., also a manufacturer of .Sturgis; Lloyd B., who is associated with his Ijrothers in their manufacturing interests; Roy W. ; Amy, at home; Amos J., who is with his father; and Emmert, who died in infancy.

Mr. Freeland votes with the Democracy. His advancement has been won through his own efforts and his business prosperity is well merited, as it is the reward of earnest labor. He has based his business principles and actions upon strict adherence to the rules which govern industry, economy and unswei-ving integrity. What he is to-day he has made himself. By constant exertion, associated with good judgment, he iias raised himself to the creditable business position which he now holds, having the friendship of many and the respect of all who know him.

Edimund P. Rucker

Edmund P. Rucker, editor of Truth, published at Elkhart, was born July 11, 1878, at Louisville, Kentucky, his parents being Alexander Campbell and Anna M. (Stultz) Rucker. The father was a lawyer by

E. P. Rucker acquired his early education in the public schools of his native city and continued his studies in the Louisville Manual Training High School. He has always had a taste for newspaper work, both in writing and drawing, and a year after leaving school he became a reporter for Louisville papers. In his school da}-s he had carried papers for different newspajjer offices in his native cit>- and when be put aside his text-lxjoks be spent six months in Texas for the benefit of his health, after which be returned to Louisville and as before stated, entered upon his business career as a reporter. He was thus engaged until 1901, when he removed to Elkhart and in December of that year ]>ecame editor of Truth, which position he still holds.

In November, 1900, J\Ir. Rucker was married at Atlanta. Georgia, to Miss Laura Thomas Crider. Fraternally he is an Elk and a Samaritan. He has always been interested in outdoor athletics, played football in his earlier years and was associated with many sports in Louisville. He is ever striving for a high standard in jdurnalism and has largely kept his paper up to his ideals in this regard.

Among the worthy citizens that Pennsylvania has furnished to Elkhart county Augustus G. Sbettel is numbered. He was born in York in the Keystone state in 1852, the fifth in a family of six children whose parents were John and Sarah (Gross) Sbettel both of wdiom were natives of York, Pennsylvania. The father was of German descent and was a farmer by occupation. He belonged to a family of seven children of which he was the third. He became well to do in his Ixisiness interests and was known as a man of genuine personal worth. He possessed strong convictions and unfaltering determination in support of what he believed to be right and he was moreover a man of charitable views and kindly nature. In politics he was a stanch Republican and he was an active worker and interested member of the Lutheran church, in which be served as deacon, while for many years he was superintendent of the Sunday school. He enjoyed the highest esteem of friends and neighbors and was well known throughout the communit}- in which he made his home. He died in 1902 at the advanced age of eighty-six years, while his wife, still surviving him. is now eighty-three years of age. She too is of German lineage and is one of the six children of Daniel and Sarah (Myers) Gross, the former a farmer by occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Sbettel were married in 1842 and their family were as follows: Daniel, who died in York; Samuel, who is living in York; Louisa, deceased; Caroline, the wife of Augustus Hoover, a cigar manufacturer of Zion's View, Pennsylvania; Augustus G. ; Emma, at home; and Ichn. living in York, Pennsylvania.

Aui^iistiis G. Shettel was educated in the 'public schools of his native ])!ace and worked on the farm through the days of his boyhood and youth, continuing at home with his father until twenty-one years of age. He arrived in Indiana in 1874. settling in Middlebury. where he secured a position in the general mercantile store of his cousin, A. S. Gross, with whom he remained as a clerk for eight years. Then in connection with John C. Mehl he purchased the store from Mr. Gross and the business was conducted under the firm name of Shettel & Mehl for three years. On the expiration of that period they sold out to A. F. A\'iiden of (loshen, with whom Mr. Shettel remained as a clerk through the succeeding three years. He also acted as salesman with the firm of C. Stvitz & Son for seven years, but in the meantime he purchased a farm in Jefferson township, comprising one hundred acres of land and on this lie took up his abode after leaving the mercantile house of Stutz & Son. A few months later, however, he returned to Middlebur}' and purchased the large business block belonging to Jacob Pfeiffer. He carries a well selected line of goods and is constantly enlarging his stock in order to meet the demands of a growing trade.

On April 14, 1880, Mr. Shettel was married to Miss Rosalia Hall, a daughter of Joshua Hall and a native of Cass county. Michigan, born in 1857. Her father was a farmer who came from New York at an early day and settled in ]Micbigan. In his family were eleven children, of whom Mrs. Shettel is tlie youngest. By her marriage she has become the mother of three children: Claude, born March 20. 188 1 ; Walter. September 15. 1882; and Roy. September 8, 1888. The parents are members of the Lutheran church and are actively interested in its work in various departments. Mr. Shettel is a stanch Republican, unswei^ving in his allegiance to the principles of the party. He has passed on the highway of life many who started out better equipped for the journey, having more advantageous surroundings, but through his own exertions he has attained an honorable position and prestige among the business men of Middlebury and with signal consistency it may be said that he is the architect of his own fortunes, one whose success amply justifies the application of the somewhat hackneyed but most expressive title " a self-made man."

Ellsworth Yarns, a member of the firm of Wise & Varus, dealers in Iiardware in Middlebury, was born in Berlin, Ohio, in 1862 and is of Scotch descent. Flis father, Joseph Yarns, was a native of Pennsylvania and one of a family of seven children. He was reared to the occu]3ation of farming, which he followed as a life work and he was a faithful mem1>er of the Presbyterian church, so that at his death, which occurred when he was at the comparatively early age of thirty-eight years, he left behind him the record of an honorable career. His political allegiance was given tn the Republican party and he never faltered in his support of any cause which he teheved to be right. His wife bore the maiden name of Ehza Strubbe and was a native of Germany, whence she came to i\.merica with her parents. Air. and Mrs. Harman Strubbe, in the year 1845. They located near Winesburg, Ohio, where her father foHdwed the trade of cabinet making. In his family were nine children. Mr. and Mrs. Varus became the parents of four children : George S., who is a farmer and mail carrier on a rural route; Jefferson, a farmer living near Millersburg. Ohio ; Ellsworth, of this review : and Jessie, the wife of Jacob Eusev, a railroad engineer living in Millersburg, Ohio.

Ellsworth \'arns pursued his education in the common schools of Berlin. Ohio, and was reared to farm life, taking bis place in the fields at an early age and assisting in all the departments of farm labor until after he had attained his majority. In 1887 be came to Indiana, settling at Middlebury, wliere he has since made his home. Here he entered into partnership with William W. Wise and established a bardware store, in which they are still engaged under the firm name of Wise and Varns. They carry a carefully selected line of shelf and heavy hardware and then- business has enjoyed a healthful growth, their trade now bringing to them a gratifying income annually.

Mr. Vai-ns has been married twice. In 1888 he wedded Miss Jennie Thompson, a daughter of R. B. Thompson. She died in 189: at the age of twenty-eight years, leaving two children : Reginald and Florence. Mr. Varns w-as married in 1896 to Clara Hoover, a daughter of Samuel and Catherine Hoover and a native of Middlebury, born in 1870. Til ere is a son and daughter by this union, Clarence and Catherine. Mr. Varns votes with the Republican party and is now ser\-ing as a member of the school board. The cause of education finds in him a warm friend and he is equally helpful in his advocacy of all measures for the public good. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit nf those organizations. Both he and his wife hold memliership in the ilethodist Episcopal church and are held in warm regard by all wlio know them.

Martin V. Starr

As editor and manager of the News-Times Printing Company it has been the fortune of Mr. Starr to build up and place in the first rank of importance among Elkhart county journals, first the Goshen Nczcs, and later, by consolidation, the Ni\^-s-Tiiucs. the history of which large newspaper enterprise has been detailed on other pages of this work.

Mr. Starr has been identified with the newspaper and publishing business since his school days, and his rise in the field of journalism is due to his own unaided efforts. Born August 12, 1861, in Williams county, Ohio, on the Starr homestead farm, at the age of seventeen, after having attended the aimmon schools, he resolved to learn the printer's trade, for that purpose entering the ot^ce of the Hicksville (Ohio) Nctw, then owned by his brother. As an apprentice he mastered the trade of typographer and passed successfully through all the branches of work which form the best preparation for the career of journalist and publisher. In partnership with T. G. Dowell, a young business man at Hicksville, he purchased the Ninu's plant, and for several years successfully conducted the paper. At the age of twenty-one Mr. Starr was elected township clerk, and later was chosen secretary of the Fair Association.

In December, 1883, having sold out his interests in Ohio, he came to Goshen, which has since been his home. He and his brother established the Dmly Neafs in Goshen, and he became successively reporter, editor and manager of this well known newspaper. \Mien the Nezi's and the Times were consolidated in igoi Mr. Starr continued as editor and manager.

Active and influential in the movements which during the last few years have resulted in a general advance along the line oi industrial and civic prosperity for Goshen, Mr. Starr has taken a prominent part in the work of the Goshen Commercial Exchange and all other co-operative and organized efforts for the city's welfare. He is a communicant and senior warden of St. James" Episcopal church, and fraternally is affiliated with the Masons, Knights of Pythias and Maccabees.

Mr. Starr married, in 1886, Miss Marie Cleis, who died in 1889, leaving two children. Cleis William and Marie. June 26, 1895, he married Miss Mary Louise Butterfield. and they have a daughter. Harriet.

Horace H. Mosier

Hon. Horace H. Mosier, representative from his district to the state legislature and manager of the Bristol Banner, was born in Xew Haven, Allen county, Indiana, January 13, 1872. His father, Cyrus F. Mosier, was a native of Seneca county. New York, and was a son of Cyrus and Rebecca (Weeks) Mosier. The great-grandfather was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, A-aliantly aiding in the struggle for independence. Both Cyrus and Rebecca Mosier were natives of the Empire state, and the former, in connection with the millwright business, conducted a carriage factory. The Weeks family was related to the Mosier family in the maternal line. Several members of the family were killed in the memorable Wyoming massacre. In the family of Cyrus and Rebecca (Weeks) Mosier were three children: Horace, deceased: Cyrus F. : and Charles, who was drowned in a spring.

Cyrus F. Mosier was only two months old when his father died and his mother removed to Corning, New York, where she remained for six years. She then went to New Haven, Indiana, where she married Rufus McDonald, one of the prominent men of that ]ocalit\-, Bv this union there were two children, of whom one is living - Rufus.

When a boy Cyrus JNlosier was thrown upon his own resources, but though he met many hardsliips and chfficulties he was equal to all ot them, possessing great determination and strength of character. With what he was able to save from his meager wages, he paid the exiienses of his education, and at the end of six years of strenuous work he secured the principalship of the school in which he had been an apt pupil. He put aside his duties in the schoolroom, however, in 1861, and was the first man in DeKalb county to respond to President Lincoln's call for troops, joining Company F, Twelfth Indiana Regiment, as a private. Later he was made a sergeant of Company E, Fifty-fifth Regiment, and still later was commissioned first lieutenant of Company D, One Hundred and Eighteenth Indiana Infantry, serving in that capacity for two vears and one month, or until about the close- of the war. He was captured with seven thousand men, but made good his escape without seeing the inside of prison walls. He was in many hotly contested battles and proved himself a brave and intrepid soldier.

Following the war Cyrus F. Hosier was engaged in the manufacture of brick for two years, when he returned to New Haven. Indiana, where he engaged in teaching school. For seventeen years he was one of the prominent educators of that section and was widely known and honored for his ability, contributing in large measure to the substantial improvement of the schools. He served for two terms as city attorney of New Haven, being elected on the Republican ticket, in an acknowledged Democratic stronghold - a fact which plainly indicated bis ])ersonal popularity and the confidence reposed in him. He afterward removed to Maysville, Indiana, and established a newspaper, but in the spring of 1877 he came to Bristol and founded the Bristol Banner, a partisan organ that made itself a monitor and guide for the Republican party within its jurisdiction. He was chosen twice to rejiresent his district in the state legislature, where he served with credit and distinction both to himself and party, and then declined a renomination. He was president of the People's Mutual Benefit Society for a number of years and contributed in large measure to its pinsperitv. He was also treasurer of the Fidelity Building and Savings Union of Indianapolis, and spent much of his time in that city. He held member.ship with the Grand Army of the Republic and the Odd Fellows, and he \\'as always a public-spirited citizen, ready to do his share to further anv enteqjrise for the advancement of his city or state. He wielded a wide influence, leaving the impress of his individuality for good upon manv lines of public thought and action.

On the 24th of May, 1862, Cyrus F. Mosier was married to Drusilla L. Roe. They lost two children, Urtes V. and Inez B., and their surviving son is Horace H. Mosier. The father died in x\pril, 1901. at the age of sixty-one years.

Chicago. He completed a course in stenography and typewriting in the Business Cohege at Indianapohs, after which he accepted a position with the People's Mutual Benefit Society, at Benton Harhor, and thence came to Elkhart for the same company. Later he entered into Imsiness relations with the Fidelity Building and Savings Union, at Indianapolis, where he remained for eight years, when his health failed and he spent eighteen months in recuperating. He next opened a fire and life insurance office at Elkhart and afterward in Lidianapolis, and in Decemljer, 1898, he returned to Bristol to take charge of the Bristol Banner, a weekly paper, established by his father in 1877, and now conducted and published by him. Under his guidance the Banner has maintained a position among the leading papers of the county and through its columns he champions many measures of a salutary nature, proving of direct benefit to the community at large.

On the 5th of July, 1893, Mr. Mosier was married to Miss Jennie E. Bickel, a daughter of Charles E. and Harriet Bickel. She was born August 23, 1871, in Bristol, in which city her father was a pioneer hardware dealer. They have two children, Marie G. and Bruce B. Mrs. Mosier is a member of the Episcopal church. Mr. Mosier belongs to the Masonic lodge in Bristol, the chapter at Elkhart, and also holds membership relations with the Odd Fellows. Knights of Pythias, Maccabees, Woodmen and Samaritans.

Mr. Mosier's study of the principles and movements involving the progress and welfare of the country has led him to give an unfalteringsupport to the Republican party and his fitness for leadershiji and devotion to the general good has caused his selection for public honors and responsibilities. He has been president of the town board of Bristol and in 1904 he was elected to represent his county in the state legislature and is now chairman of the committee on house and mil bills and also served on the education, reformatory institutions and other committees. He is a student of the signs of the times and the advocate of progress whether in or out of office, laboring as earnestly for the general welfare throug'h the columns of his paper as in legislative halls.

Joseph Holtox Defrees

lose])h Holton Defrees. the senior member of the law firm of Defrees, Bra(-e & Kitter, of Chicago, was born in Goshen, Indiana, A])ril 10, 1858. His ancestors were I^'rencb Huguenots, who came to this country ]jrior to the war of 18 r.?, in which conflict the famih' was represented. The ]!arents nf our sul)ject were James McKinney and Victoria (Holton) Defrees. They died during the childhood of their son Joseph, wlio Avas accorchngh- reared bv liis grandfather. Joseph H. Defrees, a ])rominent citizen of Indiana and a men.iber of congress from that state during the reconstruction jieriod. His limther. Jnhn D. Defrees, \\a^ the founder of the lndiana]iolis Journal ;ind was the public printer under Presidents Lincoln, Grant and Hayes.

Having laid his educational foundation in the public schools of his nati\e state, Mr. Defrees of this review continued his studies in Earlhani College, of Richmond, Indiana, and later pursued a course of study in the Northwestern University of Illinois. At the age of eighteen years he began preparation for tlie Ixir as a student in the law office of Baker & Mitchell, of Goshen, Indiana, for many years the most prominent law firm in nortliern Indiana, and upon the election of Judge Mitchell to the supreme bench of that state Mr. Defrees became a partner of Air. Baker, under the firm style of Baker & Defrees, while later the firm became Baker, Defrees & Baker. In 1888 Mr. Defrees came to Chicago and here has made a specialty of corporation and real-estate law, and has secured an extensive clientele in those departments of jurisprudence. For a time he engaged in practice as a member of the firm of Shuman & Defrees, later with the firm of Aldrich, Payne & Defrees, and is now the senior inemher of the firm of Defrees, Brace & Ritter, which ranks high at the Chicago bar. Since his twenty-second year Mr. Defrees has engaged continuously in the practice of law, and his professional career has been characterized by unflagging industr}-, without which there can be no success in this the most exacting of all the ]M"nfessions.

On the 4th of Octolier, 1882, Mr. Defrees married Miss Harriet AIc- Naughton, of Buffalo, New York. They have one child, Donald Defrees, who was Ixjrn in 1885. His ,i>rimary education was accjuired in the Princeton-Yale School, of Chicago, and St. Paul School, of Concord, New Hampshire. He graduated from Yale University with honors in the class of 1905. He is now a student at the Harvard Law School.

Mr. Defrees is a welcome member of the Union League, Hamilton. City, Law and Chicago Clubs, of the Midlothian Country Clul), and is a valued representative of the Chicago Bar Association. In politics he is an earnest Republican, and though never an aspirant for office has a full appreciation of the responsibility that rests upon every .Vmerican citizen to support the measures which are best calculated tn promote the welfare of the nation.

Dr. Frederick yi. Aitken, for thirty-five years a member of the medical profession in Bristol, occupies the position in public regard to which his years of practice and ability justly entitle him. He was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1846, and is of Scotch lineage, his grandfather, John Aitken, having been a native of Scotland, whence he came to America about 1790. He was a shoemaker, as was also his .son Andrew, who later, however, turned his attentitin to merchandising. Andrew .\itken, father of Dr. Aitken, was born in New York city and about 1846 removed to Buffalo, where he engaged in the shoe business. In 1850 he came to Bristol, Elkhart county, where he engaged in the boot and shoe luisiness and eventually conducted a general mercan- tile establishment, having a good and profitable business. He was a member of the Episcopal church and belonged to the Masonic lodge, in which he was a past master. His early ixditical support was given the Republican party and later he joined the ranks of the Democracy. He was a man of intelligence, called to public office on a number of occasions, and his capable service and sterling personal traits of character gained him good standing among his fellow men. He died in 1892. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Sarah E. Romaine, was born in New York city, in 1814, and died in 1901. She was a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Brown) Romaine, the former a school teacher. The Romaine family is of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Aitken had but two children, the daughter .\nnie being now the wife of John Santschi, a music teacher of Goshen.

Dr. Aitken, who is his sister's senior, was educated in the Bristol schools, having been brought to this city when about four years of age. He read medicine in the office of Dr. F. C. Eckelman, then of Bristol and now of Elkhart, and followed his preliminary reading by study in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, of New York city, which he entered in 1864. He was graduated in 1868. as a physician and surgeon, and for two years practiced in the eastern metropolis. He then returned tO' Bristol, where he has practiced continuously since 1870. antl he is one of the best as well as one of the oldest physicians of the county. He has always read and studied, carrying his investigation far and wide into the realms of medical research, and in practice he has shown ready adaptability of theories to the practical work of the medical fraternity.

Dr. xAitken has been married twice. In 1874 he wedded Miss Margaret Rough, who was born in Pennsylvania, was a daughter of Samuel Rough and died in 1894, at the age of forty years, leaving one child, Charles A., who is now a bookkeeper in Goshen. For his second wife Dr. Aitken chose Mrs. Elizabeth (Crocker) Kleckner. a daughter of Henry Crocker and the widow of Daniel Kleckner. She A\as born in Michigan in 1854. Dr. Aitken holds membership in the Episcopal church, and his wife is a communicant of the Lutheran church. He is an exemplary Mason and for twenty-five years has been secretar^- lif the lodge in Bristol. His political allegiance is given the Democratic party and he has been corporation trustee, clerk and member of the school board. His interest in community affairs is deep, sincere and hel]> ful, and professionally and socially his standing in the public regarrl is enviable.

H. B. App, an influential and successful merchant of Bristol, conducting his store along modern business lines, was born in Snyder county, Pennsylvania, April 26, 1852, and is a son of John H. and Sarah (Bassler) App. who were also natives of Snyder countv. The family is of German lineage and was established in Pennsvlvania duriu"- an early period in its settlement. John H. App was a farmer by occupation and on coming to Indiana in 1861 settled about a mile antl a half west from Bristol, where he purchased a tract of land and carried on farming for a number of years. He was known as a reliable man who gave undivided attention to his business interests. He died in 1888, having for a number of years survived his wife, who passed away in 1874. They were the parents of two sons, H. B. and D. \\'., the latter a resident of Ouincy, Michigan.

H. B. App spent the first nine years of his life in the Keystone state and then accomjianied his parents on their removal to Indiana. so that he was largely educated in the public schools of Elkhart county. He was reared upon the home farm and there remained until 1883. when thinking that he would find other occupation more congenial than the farm work, he accepted a clerkship in the emplo}- of W. R. ^^lerritt of Bristol, with whom he continued until 1890. He tlien embarked in merchandising on his own account and he now has one of the best stocked establishments in Bristol, carrying a large and carefully selected line of general merchandise. He is a man of excellent business qualifications, who has followed a definite plan of action and giiided his interests by a judgment that is safe and reliable.

In 1875 -^I''- -^PP ^^'''s united in marriage to ]\Iiss Sarah Rough and tliey have three children : Fred H., who became a member of Company E of the One Hundred Fifty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry at the time of the Spanish- American war and went to Port Tampa and Fernandino, Florida: Earle B., at home; and Jessie jM., who is the wife of William Alden, a manufacturer of Battle Creek, Michigan.

Mr. App is a Democrat in his political views and is recognized as a local leader in his party. He has served as president of the board of health and as town trustee. He belongs to George Washington Lodge, No. 325, F. & A. M., of which he has served as worshipful master for eight years, and he is likewise a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, in which he has been chancellor commander. He ranks high as a business man and neighbor and is an affable, courteous, genial gentleman whose social qualities and business worth have gained him rank with the leading residents of Bristol, while in his business career he has gained the success which always follows close application, unremitting diligence and the faithful performance of every dutjr.

Captain H. W. Pease

Captain H. W. Pease, well known as the head of the Pease Engine Works, one of the leading institutions of Goshen, is a native son of this city, his birth occurring here on the 30tli of November, 1867. His father, Warren H. Pease, a native of Ohio, was brought by his parents to Elkhart when but two years of age, his father, Milan Pease, beingnumbered among the early pioneers of the county. He took up his abode on the present site of the cit}' of Elkhart, .and tliere erected a woolen carding- an'd grist mill, using as its power the waters of Christiana creek. The name of this worthy old pioneer family has ever since stood exijnnent for the most sterling personal characteristics, and is indissolubly identified with the annals of the county from an early epoch in its history. \\'arren H. Pease became a machinist, and for some time was also engaged as a dentist, winning success in his profession. He married Matilda Douglass, a native of Nova Scotia, hut who came to Ohio during her childhood days and was reared principally in Goshen, and they became the parents of four children : Charles, a master mechanic of the Lodge & Shipley Machine Tool Company, of Cincinnati ; H. W., whose name introduces this review; George, a machinist in Jacksonville, Florida ; and Annie. Mr. and Mrs. Pease now make their home in Florida.

H. W. Pease, the second child and son in his ]:)arents' family, received his educational training in Elkhart, whither he was brought by his parents when but one year old. When but thirteen years of age he began working at the machinist's trade, and this he has followed to a greater or less degree throughout the entire period of his business career. On attaining the age of twenty-one he engaged in business for himself in Chicago, opening a machine shop on Canal street, and there continuing until 1893. In that year he sold his interests there, and the following two years were spent in travel, after which, in 1895, he came to Goshen and embarked in his present occupation, the manufacture of gas, gasoline and special machinery, his business having now reached extensive proportions and furnishes employment to manv skilled operatives.

In 1890 Mr. Pease was united in marriage to Blanche Keelv, a daughter of P. G. and Annette (Jerome) Keely. She was liorn at Fdwardsburg. Michigan, but received her education in tlie Elkhart schools, in which she graduated with the class of 1888, and for two years thereafter was employed as a teacher. Two children ha\e been born of this union - Gordon and Blanch. In his fraternal relations Mr. Pease is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Pythias and the Royal Neighbors. Politically he is a life-long Repulv lican, and is commanding officer of Company G, First Indiana Infantrv, National Guards, holding that office since 1903, and has taken an active part in the work of the organization. He is well known thnnigliout Go.shen and Elkhart county, and enjoys a wide popularitv.

Joseph D. Mather, banker and agriculturist of Middleburv, was born on section ten, Middlebury township, ]\Iay 15, 1862. His father, Jonathan S. Mather, was a native of Orange county. New York, born in 1836. and the following year he was brought by his parents to Elk- hart cxjiinty. Indiana. He was a son of David B. Mather, who on reaching the west located on one hundred and sixty acres of land on section four, Middlebury township, which at his request had been entered for him by his brother-in-law in 1836. This quarter section was secured with the intention of giving it to his son, Jonathan, when he became of age. and on reaching his majority Jonathan S. Mather recei\-e(l the deed to the place. There he spent his remaining days and he became an extensive farmer and stock raiser. In his business affairs he prospered owing to his capable management and enterprise and he ranked with the leading agriculturists of his community. In politics he was a stanch Republican but was not bitterly partisan. He senxd as county commissioner and was one of the first county assessors, while his father, David Mather, acted as sherifif of the county for one term, being chosen txi that office about 1854. From pioneer times down to the jiresent the Mathers have been active and influential in ])ul)lic life here and their efforts in behalf of the uplniilding and improvement of tlie county have been far reaching- and beneficial. Jonathan S. Mather was one of a family of four children, the others being Charles S. : Mary, who became the wife of ^^'illiam T. Martin : and George D., wlio is li\'ing near Middlebury.

Jonathan S. Mather united in marriage to Frances DeFreese, who w^as born in Jefferson township, this county, in 1841, and is a daughter of James and Mary DeFreese. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania and came from Piqua, Ohio, to Indiana, settling first in Jefferson township. He was a miller by trade and operated a mill on Rock river near Goshen. Eventually he took up his abode in the city of Goshen. He married a second time and became the father of thirteen children. Mrs. Mather, who is the youngest child, now makes her home in Middlebur}-, suniving her husband, who died in January, 1903. They were the parents of four children: Alice, the wife of Milton A. Stutz, a merchant of Pendleton, Indiana: Joseph D. : Charles A., deceased: and Mary, of Middleburv'.

Joseph D. INIather acquired his early education in the common schools of Indiana. He was reared to farm life and has always engaged in agricultural pursuits, being now the owner of three hundred and seventy-six acres of land in Elkhart and LaGrange counties. Tn its improvement he gives his supervision and the farms return to him a gratifying income. He is perhaps even better known as a banker, being now at the head of the Excliange hank, which was established in 188.S by Daniel Elliott. Following the death of Mr. Elliott Jonathan Mather purchased the bank, which eventually came into possession of Toseph D. Mather, who is now at the head of the institution. He conducts a general banking business, meeting with good success and has made the institution one of the reliable financial concerns of this part of the county.

riage to Miss Ida Myers, a daughter of Andrew and Ellen Myers, the former a miller by occupation. Mrs. Mather was born in Constantine. Michigan, in 1866, and has become the mother of three children : Milton, Helen and ]\Iary. She belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and is an estimable lady, presiding with gracious hospitality over her attractive home. Mr. Mather votes with the Republican party and has served as justice of the peace and treasurer of the school board. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution ; and his close application to business and his excellent management have brought to him the high degree (^f prosperity which is today his. It is true that he became interested in a business already established, but in controlling and enlarging such an enterprise many a man of even considerable resolute purpose, courage and industry would have failed; and he has demonstrated the truth of the saying that success is not the result of genius, but the outcome of a clear judgment and push.

Dr. Charles Ellsworth Dutrow, son of Emanuel and Sarah E. Dutrow, was born on a farm in Greene county, Ohio, November 12, 1865. Three years later the family removed to western Iowa and one summer was spent in a log house upon a farm in the Missouri valley, ten miles above Council Bluffs and Omaha, but after six months of strenuous fighting against malaria and grasshoppers, the head of the family capitulated, loaded his remaining possessions into a prairie schooner and started slowly and sorrowfully eastward. By the time Elkhart county was reached health and courage were restored and the home in the schooner gave way to a fixed home in the village of Benton, while later they removed to- a neighboring farm.

From this time until eighteen years of age, Charles Ellsworth alternately worked and played on the farm in summer and assisted in keeping some well meaning countiy school teacher active in winter. Later he attended the high school and cx^llege. In the fall of 1886. however, he returned to the country schoolhouse as teacher and for five years either coaxed or terrified the tender youth of Elkhart and Benton townships to at least a semblance of strenuous mental application.

Having decided tO' travel over the .Elsculapian i-oute during his remaining years. Dr. Dutrow began preparation for the practice of medicine and was graduated from the Medical College of Indiana, at Indianapolis, in April, 1892. Diu-ing the summer of 1893. having in the meantime married Miss Ida M. Bickel. of Benton, he became a resident and practitioner of the town of Bristol, in which place he still resides, and although he modestly does not claim great credit for what he has accomplished, the consensus of public opinion regarding his professional skill is most favorable.

George A. Fisher

George A. Fisher, following the occupation of farming in Washington toAvnship, was born in Ulster county. New York, in 1854. His father. Nicholas Fisher, was born on the border between France and Germany and coming to America resided for some years in the Empire state, his removal to Indiana occurring when his son George was about six months old. He located in Bristol, w'here he first worked as a laborer and when his efforts liad iDrought to him sufficient capital to justify the purchase of a farm he became the owner of a tract of land on section thirty-six, Washington township, after which he carried on general agricultural pursuits. He was the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of land and his ]n'operty was the visible evidence of a life of untiring energy, close application and strong determination. He held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and in his political views was a Republican, unfaltering in his advocacy of the princi]iles of the party. He was a man of upright life, charitaljle spirit and kindly nature, and wherever he went he won friends. He ranked vevy high in the regard of his neighbors and he probably had not an enemy in tlie world. He married Laura A. Depew. who was born in Litchfield, Connecticut, and was a daughter of Abraham Depew. Her fatlier was an iron worker and came tO' Indiana in 1854. He was descended from French royalty and was a third cousin of Senator Chauncey M. Depew. In his family were six children, of whom Mrs. Fisher was the youngest. Her brother. Tlieron Depew. was a missionary and circuit rider and Mrs. Fisher became a member of the Alethodist Episcopal church in her girlhood days and was \ery enthusiastic and earnest in church work. In August, igo2. Nicholas Fisher was called to his final rest, being then in his sixty-seventh year, and his wife passed away Januarv q, 1887. They were people of the hig-hest respectal;ility and the)- left behind tbem manv friends. In their family were seven children : Laura, the wife of .Antone Miller, a resident farmer of ^^'ashington townshi]) ; Nicholas Tracy, who is living in Yr.vk township: Sarah, the wife of John Lee of Jefferson township: (ieorge A. of this review: Julia, the wife of Fred Denstitt, living in Mishawaka, Indiana; Gertrude, who became the wife of Jacob Leatherman and died April i, 1005: and Mary Ellen, the wife of Adclbert Merriti. :i fanner of ^'ates countv. New York. Following the death of his lii<t wife. .X'icholas Fisher married Mrs. John Back, a Avidow. who sur\-i\es liim.

George A. Fisher has s|)ent alniosi bis entire life in this county, having l;een brought t( Indiana wlieii only six months old. He was educated in the district schools and in Bristol and was reared to farm life, which he has alwa}-s followed, devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits and fruit raising. He now lives on section twentv-fi\e, W'ashington township, where he own.-- thirty-five acres of land. He also has thirty-three and a third acres on section twentv-six, fortv acres on section thirty-six and also another forty-acre tract on the same section, while his wife owns sixty-one and a half acres in York township. His farming interests represent a life of intense and well directed activity. He has labored persistently from his boyhood days down to the present in order to pn>vide a comfortable living for his family and acqmre a competence, and now he has a good farm ]oropert}' which brings to him a desirable financial return each year.

Mr. Fisher was married January 26. i8qi. to Miss Alice E. Eldridge, a daughter of Horace and Minerva (AValters) Eldridge, who came from Ohio to Indiana at an early period in the development of this portion of the state. In their family were seven children, of whom Mrs. Fisher was the third in order of birtli. the jjlace of her nativity being Barry county, Michigan, while the date \\as August 7. i860. Seven children have been born unto our subject and his wife: Gladys, now deceased: Ermyn C. : George A.: Ronald E. W". : Lucille: Emmett N., and Donovan D. Mrs. Fisher is an active member of the YIethodist Episcopal church, interested in its various departments nf work and doing all in her power to aid in the upbuilding of the church. Ylr. Fisher belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternit}- and in jjolitics is a Republican. He is at present a member of the advisory board of Washin.gton township. In analyzing his life hi.story we are reminded of the fact that faithfulness to duty and strict adherence to a fixed purpose in life will do more to advance a man's interest than wealth or advantageous circumstances. The successful men of the da}- are they who have planned their own advancement and have accomplished it in spite of many obstacles rmd with a certainty that could have been attained only through their own efforts. This class of men has a worthy representative in George A. Fisher.

Mrs. Laura Ann Fisher

Mrs. Laura Ann Fisher died in Bristol, Elkhart county. Indiana, January 9, 1887, the beloA'ed wife of Nicholas I'isber. aged almost sixty-four years. The decease of this estimalile Christian lady is death's first visit to this now broken household. She was the youngest daughter of the late Abraham Depew, and sister of the late Rev. T. C. Depew, the spiritual father of the Presbyterian church in that part of Indiana ; also of Rev. N. A. Depew, a member of Central New York Methodist Conference. She was bom in Salisbury, Connecticut, Mav 16, 1823, and in 1842 removed with her parents to Shandaken, Ulster county. New '^'ork. Here she experienced religif)n and united with the Methodist Episcopal church, and alxjut 7845 ^^'-is united in marriage with her now bereaved husband. Her loving nature entwined around htr husband's life with great strength of character, and together for more than forty years they met in holy union all of its ^-aried vicissitudes. Seven cliildren were born to them, two sons and fi\-e daughters.

In 1854 they removed from the state of New York to Indiana. Here they toiled and through much labor and self-denial had just secured to themselves a competency and a beautiful home. Her pious devotion, tender religious conscience, which could not endure the slightest approach of sin, was the most noted trait in her strong religious character. Her ill health for many years deprived her <if the blessings of religious social life, and this sent her to secret communion with her God. She loved her private devotions, the \\'ord of God and the Guide. Much of her time was spent in prayer and sweet answers came to her in the early conversion of her devoted husband and their children. Her heart was ever open to the spirit's influence, and most eminently it could be said, "' She set her foot on hell." She had often expressed the hope that her departure might he on Sabbath morning- and her rec|uest was graciously granted bv her Heavenly King. She spoke in her correspondence with friends of late that she would soon depart and assured them of her willingness to gT) and the ill^- witli which she \vnuld A\elcome them on the " distant shore."

Her funeral was attended b\- a large and sympathizing audience of friends and relatives. Her only remaining sister, Mrs. J. A. Tracy, of the city of Elmira, New York, was summoned to the sad rites, and by chance the sister and relatives of his family also. We mourn for the desolate left here on these receding shores, but for her we can but lioije it is an eternal gain. Her children can well sa\- :

Christ Hindfrer

Christ Hinderer, who has lived in Goshen for nearly fifty years and is one of the best known citizens and business men of' Goslien' and Flkhart county, was born in W'urtemberg,. Germany, May i^, 18^?.

Although now seventy years of age he is still active in affairs and is interested in every movement which means progress or uplift in his community. He is a public-spirited citizen, and all phases of his career reflect iKincjr upon his character and integrity of manhood.

His parents were John B. and Anna (Stiefel) Hinderer, huth natives of the fatherland. 'I"he father, who was a sh(jemaker and farmer liv occupation, died when past seventy-three, and the mother li\ed tn l>e still older, being eighty-two when called away. This vigorous and estimable old German couple were parents of thirteen children, of whom Christ, the fifth in order of birth, is the only survivor.

Spending the first twenty-one years of his life in the old country, Mr. Ilinderer attended the schools of bis native place until be was fourteen vears old, and then entered upon his apprenticeship to the wagon-maker's trade, being apprentice two years and ;i half and journevman for a vear. In 1856 he crossed the Atlantic and came directly to Goshen, which has ever since been his home. He began working at his trade here in October of that year, continuing as a journeyman until he went into business for himself in 1861. Several years later lie engaged in the meat business, and in 1870 became local supply agent for a lirewing house. This has been his principal line ever since, and in ibe course of this time he has turned in over six hundred thousand dollars to his company. He has also been engaged for s(ime time in the ice liusiness. His success as a business man has been very substantial, and he is reckoned among the men of ability and enterprise who ha\e built up the commercial prosperity of Goshen.

.\ Democrat in politics, he was three times elected a memlier of the citv council, and for three years served as water commissioner. For ni;mv vears be has taken an active interest in public affairs and political matters. He is a member of the Lutheran church.

Mr. Hinderer married, in 1859. Miss Barbara Gross, who was liorn in .\lsace, now a province of the German empire, but at the time of her birth a part of France. Mrs. Hinderer died in 1902, having been the mother of four children: namely. George, of Goshen: Louisa, deceased: .\nnie. wife of b'rank Leibola. of (iosben: and IMiss Henrietta, at home.

Alfonso Lamar L.Vmport

Alfonso Lamar Lamport, proprietor of a general mercantile establishment in Bristol, his business having reached proportions that make it a profitaljle investment, was lioru in St. Joseph county, Indiana, November 25. 1852, and in the paternal line comes of Irish lineage. His father, Chauncey W. Lamport, was liorn in New York and was a farmer by occupation. With his parents he removed to llie vicinity of Painesville, Ohio, where he was reared to manh(jod and was married. Aliout 1847 hs took up his abode in St. Joseph county, Indiana, where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring there in

1889. He was an active member and efficient worker in the Methodist Episcopal church and long served as one of its officers. He ranked high in public regard and was known as a successful business man. having through his own et^orts acquired a handsome competency. His political allegiance was given to the Republican party and he served as postmaster of Osceola during the administrations of Presidents Garfield, Arthur and Cle\-eland. His public and private life were alike above reproach and in community interests he was a valued factor. He married Adeline D. Barbour, who was born in New York and died in 1896. She was descended from one of the old Puritan families of New England and was an active worker and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, holding to the old Puritan ideas concerning the observance of the Sabliath. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Qiauncey \V. Lamport were fnur children: Minnie and Hortentius M.. both deceased; Alfonso: and Emma R., the wife of W. S. Buck, a merchant of .South Bend. Indiana.

Alfonso Lamport was educated in the public schools of b'Jkhart ami was graduated from the Northern Indiana Normal School of Valparaiso with the class of 187S. He afterward engaged in teaching school for twelve years. l:)eing ]3rincipal of the schools in Bristol. Millersburg and \\^aterloo. Indiana. Ijut in 1882 his health failed him and he turned his attention tf) merchandising, in which he continued until 1886. In that year he entered tlie Methodist ministry, being ordained Iw Bishop S. M. Merrill of the Northern Indiana Conference at the sessit)n held at Warsaw. He assumed his first pastorate at Orland. Indiana, where he remained for three years when he came to Bristol, acting as a minister of the Methodist Episco])al church here for two years. He was afterward assigned to the church at Ciarrett, Indiana, where he continued for four years when he was com])elled to resign because nf ill health. He then spent two years in recuperating and in 1897 he opened his general mercantile store in Bristol, starting with a small capital but now carrying a large stock and conducting a very gratifying and constantly growing business. He also owns a small fruit farm mi tlie banks of Baldwin lake.

In 1S76 Mr. Lamport was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Bassett. a daughter of Daniel and Nancy ( Lundyl Bassett. She w;is i)orn u])on a farm north of Bristol just over the boundary line in Michigan. Her mother was a descendant of a Lundy whose family name was given to an engagement of the war of 18 12 - the battle of Lundy's Lane. Her father. Daniel Bassett. was a millwright and came to Bristol when the to\\n was in its infancx-. Mr. and Mrs. Lamport had one ciiihl, Edwin Murray, who died in infancy. Thev are members of the Methodist Episcopal chin-cb and his fraternal relations connect him with the Odfl Fellows and the Maccal;ees. while in his political views he is a Republican. He is widely known as a man of upright character, strong jnirpose and commendable jirincijiles. who as educator, nn'nister and merchant lias done much for his fellow man. Almnst his entire life has heen spent in this portion of the state, and his life record is as an open hdok which all may read.

M. Shookman, one of the progressive men in the mercantile circles of Goshen, for over ten years engaged in the grocery and meat husiness, was born in Cass county, Michigan, April 14, 1857. He is of German lineage through his father, and English through his mother. His father, Otho Shookman, a native of Ohio, came to Michigan with his ])arents, was reared, educated and married in the latter state, has spent his life very successfully as a farmer, and still lives (in the Cass county homestead. The maiden name of the mother was Elizabeth Wright, who was born in ^lichigan and is still living. They were the parents of six children, four daughters and two s(jns, five of whom grew to adult age.

Mr, Shookman, the third child and second son, was reared in his nati\e cnuntv. but received his education in the schools of Decatur, Vanburen county. After living on the home farm and assisting his parents until he was eighteen years old, he started out for himself liy engaging in the butcher business, which he follow'ed in the town of Decatur, j\'licbigau, about eight years. On selling out be spent some time in South Bend, this state, and located at (iosben in 1893. He and Mr. Simons conducted a retail grocen,- and meat market together for a time, and then Mr. Shookman bought the entire concern, and since tlien has carried on one of the leading provision stores in this city.

Mr. Sliookman married, in iSBo, Miss Qiarity Rich, daughter of Josep'hus Rich, and they have one son, Bert. Mr. Shookman is a Democrat in iiolitics. and fraternallv is a memb.er of the Maccaltees.

John H. Garman

John H. Garman, controlling one of the leading productive industries of his part of the county, being now engaged in the manufacture of hay racks, lawn swings, ladders and fruit packages, is a native of Jefferson to'wnshi]!. Elkhart count}', born on the jrjtb of July, 1858. His parents were Frederick S. and Mary A. ( Huff) Garman. The father was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, and died in i8go, at the age .of fifty-six years. The family is of German lineage, and the name \\'as originally spelled German, and it was in honor of this family that the village of Germantown. Pennsylvania, was named. Tlie original ancestors in the new world came from Hesse-Darmstadt, and the founder of the family in Elkhart county was Peter Garman. the grandfather of our subject, who in 1855 made bis way westward from Pennsvlvania and settled on Middlebury road between Mi'ddlebury and Elkhart. He was quite a wealtln- man. and bis son. Frederick S. Garman. also became quite well to do. He followed the dccupatiuii ot farming- on Middlebury road and was active and prominent in community affairs. He held a number of township offices and at the time of the building of the county courthouse his great-uncle, William B. Carman, w-as county commissioner. Frederick S. Carman gave his political allegiance to the Democracy and his religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife, who was torn in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, survived him for a few years, passing away in 1893 at the age of fifty-eight. Her father. Isaac Huff, was a contractor and Iniilder and he served as major ni the state militia of Pennsylvania. Like her husband, Mrs. Carman \\as also a devoted memljer of the Methodist church. Uy their marriage they became the parents of four children: John H.: h'lla B., who died in 18S2 at the age of eighteen years; Mary Lovinia. in'w living in Chicago ; and Clara E., the widow? of Wilson Martin, of Chicago.

John H. Carman acquired his eilucation in the district schools and read medicine in the office of Dr. F. M. Aitken at Bristol for three years. He also pursued a C(iurse of lectures, in Bellevue Medical College and in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, spending two ^-ears in the latter institution, when, owing to the ill health of his parents, he returned home without taking liis degree. He never finished his medical course and therefore drifted into other vocations. Following the death of his mother he came to Bristol, wdiere he established a small fruit box factory. He has since kept adding tO' his plant until he now has one building' forty by one hundred and ten feet, anotJier thirty-five by forty feet, a third twenty-two by forty feet and a fourth eig^liteen by forty feet, and all of these are utilized in the manufacture of hay racks, law^l swing's, ladders and fruit packages. Their trade extends all over the United States and intO' Canada. Mr. Carman also does a large mail order business in the sale of folding- chicken coops, of w-hich he is not only the manufacturer 1-)ut also the inventor. He is likewise the inventor of a foldmg fruit Irox, and possesses much mechanical ingenuity. The factory is supplied with the most modern machinery for carrying on the work and the plant is in continuous operation, while the business is constantly increasing. Mr. Carman has developed it along modern lines and is now at tlie head of an important productix-e industry, furnishing employment to a large number of workmen and shipping an extensive output which goes to many parts of the country. He likewise owns a small fruit farm in this locality.

In 1897 Mr. (iarman was united in marriage to Miss Emma Hutton, a daughter of John and Rebecca Hutton, wiio was born in Van Buren county, Michigan, in 1867. She was a school teacher prior to her marriage. Her father was an extensive miller and large land owner, who came to the west from New York. At the time of the Ci\il war he joined the Union army, becoming a captain in a Michigan regiment. At the battle of Missionary Ridge he was wounded and never recovered from his injur}-. The wound was a constant source of pain to him until 1903. when he died from the effects nf his injuries in laattle. passing awav at his home in Cass county, Michigan. Ahout a year later his wife died at the home of her daughter in Van Buren county. Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Garman have two children: Veda .\.. who was lx)m in Bristol in 1898; and Mariam Rebecca. Ixirn in July. 1900. Mrs. Garman is a member of the Baptist church and Mr. Garman has membership relations with the Maccabees and the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a Re- ])uhlican and has held minor township offices, but he gives the greater part of his time and attention to his business affairs. He has been the promoter of one of the leading industrial enterprises of Bristol and his success is well merited. His connection with any undertaking insures the prosperous outcome of the same, for it is in his nature to carr_\- forward to successful completion whatever he is associated with. He has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business and in his dealings is known for his prompt and honorable methods, which li;i\e won him the deser\-ed and unbounded confidence of liis fellow men.

Hiram Kantz. carrying on general farming on section 22. Cleveland township, is a native of Union county, now Snyder county, Pennsylvania, born April 14, 1833. and is a son of Christian and Anna Mary (Spotts) Kantz, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a farmer by occupation, always following that pursuit in order to provide for his family. His death occurred in the countv of his nati\ity, and his wife also passed away there, her death occurring in 1892, when she was ninety-two years of age, for she was born in 1800. Mr. Kantz was sixty-five years of age at the time of his demise.

I-firam Kantz was the only child of their marriage, but l)oth had been jireviously married, the father having one son and the mother three daughters and a son by the first marriage. He spent the days of his Ixn'bood and youth in what is now Snyder county and attended the common schools. When twenty years of age he started out in life on his own account, working by the month, and has since been dependent entirelv upon his own resources. He was married in his native county to Miss Cassandra Walter, a native of Snyder county, and then turned his attention to merchandising, (ipening a general store at what was known as the Kantz postoffice, in .Snyiler county. Pennsylvania. There he remained until about iSCij, ,-iftcr which he engaged in farming in the Kevstone state until 1872, when he came to Elkhart countv, Indiana, establi.shing his home in Bristol, .\fter a brief period he remo\ed to his present location, in Sq^tember, 1872, and here he bought one hundred and twenty-six acres of land, on which he has since lived, adding modern iml^rovements and also cultivating his fields until it is now a tine i^irojierty, forming one of the attractive features of the landscape.

tlie wifv.' nf Le\i rhiinitoii; Cal\in, whu married Catherine Shinn and is a farmer of Lake county, Micliigan ; Nora, Sally and Anna, all deceased: Charles, who married Ella Diehl and resides in Elkhart: and Ernest, who married Harriet McKean and resides upon the home farm.

Mr. Kantz is one of the respected citizens of Elkhart county and has taken an active interest in the development and suhstantial improvement of this part of the state, his time and influence being; counted upon as a substantial factor in sujiport of the ])ublic g<«id. He \'oles with the Democracy and his fellow townsmen have called him to public office on that ticket, he serving for two terms of two years each as township trustee. He is an active and devoted member of the Lutheran church and is well known in the county as a man worth}' the respect and confidence uniformly extendefl him.

Ernest Kantz, who resides with his father on the nld honie farm and assists him in its c/peration. was here born June 13, 1878, and at the usual age he entered the public schools: therein continued his studies until he matriculated in the Elkliart Normal School, from which he was graduated with the class of igoo. T^e has always remained upoti the home farm and his labors ha\e materially advanced its work and improvement. He is also active in politics and was elected township assessor in >;ovember, 1904, so that he is the present incumbent in the office. He was married September 2~. 1904, to Miss Harriet McKean and they are prominent young people of their locality. Mr. Kantz engaged in teaching school for one term, and his wife taught for three terms. They are members of the Lutheran church and he is interested in the political, intellectual and mriral jirogress of this conimunitv.

John J. Fink

John J. Fink, a young and progressive business man. wideawake to the opportunities and methods b_\' which success is brcuight about in this modem age, public-spirited as concerns the progress and upbuilding of his home community, is a popular and well known druggist of Wakarusa, where for some eight years he has been prominently identified with the various interests of the town.

A native son of the township where he still niiikes his home, Mr. Fink was torn on a farm in Olive township, October 6. 1869. He is the fifth in a family of nine children, whose jiarents were Peter and Mary (Klouse) Fink. .Ml the children are living, three being residents of this county. Sarah is the wife of John Riddle, a fanner of Olive township; Alcetta is the wife of Elliott Crull, superintendent of the Elkhart city waterworks, and she was a successful teacher before marriage : John J. h'ink is next in the famih' record: H. .\.. who was a teacher in this county, graduated from the Qiicago Medical College and is now a physician and surgeon in South Bentl : Reuben, likew ise an ex-teacher of this county, is a druggist at South Bend: Emanuel .\.. a druggist of South

Bend, for some time followed the family bent and taught school; Frankie is the wife of Mr. Baum, a prosperous merchant at Portland, Maine: Charles, a resident of South Bend, is mail clerk on the Lake Shore from Chicago to Cleveland : Mable, the youngest, who was educated in the Wakarusa high school and took the full course at the business college of South Bend, has for the past three years been a stenographer with the Automatic Telephone Company at Chicago. The father of the family is deceased, but the mother, who w'as bom in Ohio, April i, 1842, of German lineage, is living in Wakarusa, and a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church at that place.

Reared on his father's farm during the first twenty-one }'ears of his life. Mr. Fink attended the country schools as well as those in Wakarusa. and later took a course in pharmacy at Buffalo, New York, where he was graduated ivoni the professional school with the class of 1892. In August of the same vear he established, in connection with his brother Reuben, a drug store at South Bend. Two years later he sold out his interest there, came to Wakarusa and purchased, in September. 1897, the store of John H. Yoder, where he at once Ijegan to lay the foundation for his subsequent large business. In the summer of 1898 he located at the corner of Elkhart and Waterford streets, one of the most eligible business sites in the town, and he has maintained his business in all its bnuiches at a point abreast of the advance in the town and county generally. At his store will always be found a complete line of drugs, pro- ])rietarv and toilet articles, stock foods, stationery, and tobacco and cigars, and through most consistently honorable and sagacious methods of doing business his annual volume of trade has reached a high figau'e.

October 17. 1894. Mr. Fink married Miss Alma Fidler. an accomplished and energetic woman, a native of St. Joseph county, educated in the schoo'ls of Wakarusa, well trained in instrumental music, and she has made her home the realization of her best ideals. Her mother is deceased, but her father resides at South Bend. She is a member of the Search Light Club, the excellent literary and social organization which is exponent of the highest culture in Wakarusa. and she is also a charter member of the local chapter of the Eastern Star. Mr. Fink is a Democrat in politics, having cast his first vote for Cleveland, and locally he holds the of^ce of toAvn treasurer. Fraternally he affiliates with ^Masonic Lodge, No. 448, and with the tent of th.e ^laccabees.