Elkhart County, Indiana - Tue Churches, 1905 (part 2 of 15)

" He united with the German Baptist or Brethren church in March, 1845, and ren-iained a faithful ni.ember over fifty-six years. He was called to serve the church in the capacity of deacon in the autumn of 1831, in wh.ich capacitv he ser\-ed faithfullv for almost fifty years."

Weybrtcht F.Kmily Reunion

It is a nleasing lualter nf record tO' find a family so long established in this portion of the middle west that their associations indi- \-idually and collectively have become occasions of celebration out of the ordinar}-. In the east a family gathering under a roof which has sheltered five or six generations of kin is a common occurrence, while in this newer middle country such an event is impossible for historical reasons. Of interest as completing the family history of the Weybrights and also as forming an additional topic to the full history of Elkhart county, will be found the account of a Weybright reunion as

The anr.ual reunicm of the faiiiilv of jdhn W'eylnight occurred on Thursday. July (>. at the old homestead in the southern part of Jackson township, !-"lkliart county. It has always heen the aim of the memher;; of the W'eyhri^ht family to hold these reunions on the natal day of (irandfather Weyhrigiit. On this occasion Mr. Wevhright was eigiit}' \tars old. and the memhers of the family (juce more gathered under the fannlx' roof and proceeded to enjo\- themsehes. Mr. and Mrs. W'eyhright ha\e resided in the ti'wnshi]) for o\-er hft\- \ears, and have seen nine of their children reach the age of manhood and womanhood. se\en of them arc still li\-ing and were jiresent, excejjt one daughter who was unable to attend on account of her ill health - her aljsence lieing tlie only feature to niar the happiness of the occasion.

Eighty-two guests were ):)resent. Among those present from ahmad were T. L. Hammond, wife and daughter. Ira ^^'eybrig-ht and f.amil}- of Mih'ord: 13a\-id Lamb and family and ^V'illiam Sheffield and family of Syracuse; C IL Troup ami family and ^Vayne Binkley of (^oshen : Mrs. Kilmer and daughter of AVakarusa : Mrs. Girl of Cleveland, Ohio; AL \\'e\bright of \A'arsaw . who recenth- returned from a two years' sojourn in ( 'alifornia. the oul\- sur\i\-ing brother of John W'eyhright : Rew Russard. with wife, the minister of the neighl)orhood. was also present. The evening was spent in social intercourse, with music and song. .\ heav}'-laden table. Icjaded with refre'^hments to satisfy the cra\'ings of the inner man. was soon relie\"ed of its burden, after which song ser\'ices were held, the blessings of the .\lmight\' leather were asked by Rev. Bussard, assisted b\' tlie members of the famih'. After ha\'ing enjoyed the occasion one could not but wish that grandfather and grandmother Weybright might be s])ared that many more annual reunions of the family might be enjoye>i with them as the guests of honor: hut it must be remembered that one liy one we are passing away, and ere long, if we so order our lives and live faithful, we will join in (^le unbroken family reunion in the lilissful liex'ond. ne\-er to part again.

X. 1!. ^d(ler. senior member of the firm of N'oder llrothers. whose commercial enter])rise and abilit\ ha\e been one of the ])rime factors in bringing Wakarusa. within the last decade, to rank .among the leading btisiness centers o'" northern Indian.a. w,is born in Columbiana county. Ohio, March 12. 1^04. He is the h fib child in the family of Henrv Ik and Elizabeth (P.ixler) ^'oder. detailed mention of whosc> lives will be found in the sketch of their son. Rev. -\. 1>. Voder, presiding elder of the Mennonite cliurch of northern Indiana and southern Alichigan. The Yculers .are of (jerman stock, inheriting from the fatherland and transmitting throngh ail the descendants that \irility. indnstrv and upright character which have made them men and women of influence and ^\'(lrth in every sphere of life.

A child when his parents moved to Indiana. Mr. Yoder has spent practically his entire Hfe in Fdkhart county. His education was hegun in the common schools and was continued almost thn.nigh the literary and scientific departments of the \'al)jaraiso Normal. It was as a teacher chat he began his independent career, and for sixteen years he followed what has well been called the most elevating of the professions. These sixteen years of pedagogic labor were spent in six differenf schools, and in that time it was his lot to fashion and mold for future usefulness the minds and characters of many score of boys and girls. One nf the successful and prosperous men of the county at the present time, yet when he began life at his majorit}- he was possessed only of a well trained mind and muscles and the al^ilit^- to work hard and perseveringly, and that he has utilized this potential capital to the best advantage his position in I;usines.^ and social circles would amply prove. While teaching he spent- the parts of four years in farming on rented land. He began his business career in ,1893, when he engaged in the liardware business at Wakarusa in partnership with P. C. Messick and L J. Leatherman. A year later Rev. A. B. Yoder. his lirother, inuxhased the interests of Messrs. Messick and Leatherman. The brothers conducted the business one year, and in 1895 ''^- B. Yoder purchased a one-third interest in the estalilisbment. In 1901 Rev. A. B. Yoder sold out his share to tlie other two members, who have since conducted the Inisiness on such a scale as to rank it among the foremost hardware houses in the county. fhe store, which is excellently situated for the conveniences of the tratle ami in a good building of brick, is tilled u]) witli a full line of standard shelf and heavy hardware, steel ranges and sto\es of all kinds: another department is devoted to furniture and undertaking, Air. .\. B. Yoder having taken a full course in the Barnes Embalming School, receiving his dijiloma in 1900. and he attends to this department of the business.

Mr. N. B. Yoder owns one of the beautiful homes for which the town of Wakarusa is noted among all- wdio have ever visited there. His residence, located (in \\'al>ash avenue, is modern to every detail, finished in hard jiine and pojilar. and delightful and comfortable in all its furnishings and appointments. The lad)- who ])resicles so well o\-er this home and who has in countless ways been a co-partner and helpmate for her husband both in his business and social life, was, before her marriage, ]\Iiss Clara A. Longenecker. Tlie\- were married in Peabody. Kansas, Mav 25, 1892, and fi\e children ha\e been born to them, namely: Wave, deceased: Merl A., in the third grade of school: Worth N.. Hattie. rmd Fern. Mrs. "Sexier was born in St. Joseph county, this state. February 13. 1869, a daughter of Joseijh and Esther fLeathermaiO Longenecker. .Slie was reared in her natixe countv.

in t!ie state of Ohio and at Peabody, Kansas, receiving her education in tlie omnion sciiools. Both Mr. and ]\lr5. Voder are progressive people. r.Axake to the nianifokl interests which claim the attention of mankind in this age, and ha\e endeavored ti> broaden their minds and characters with each veav of their lives. Mr. Yf)der has traveled extensi\-ely and is a well informed man. He takes high ground on the sulj'ject of temperance, endeavoring by his franchise and jiersonal intluence to blot out the liquor curse, and in all other movements for the ci\ic welfare his etiforts are prompted by the same high degree of public spirit. He and iiis wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, j.nd iie has been teacher of the business men's class for the past fi\-c vears.

Xiiw retired frcmi acti\e |)artici]iati'.n in business, after having been identified prominently with the develop,ment and upbuilding of Elkhart county, especially (if the city of Elkhart, for more tlian sixty years. JMr. John JMcX'augbton is one of the few real " old-timers " wdiom time has left to this present dav. He has been and is vet one of the leading men of Elkhart - strong in character. n\ which bcmesty and integrity ha\'e been foundation stones from vnuth up. an<l eminent in both private and ci\'ic life. Public-spirited by nature, from him has come for many years a definite influence in the direction of upbuilding and progress in ei,"erv I'hase of Elkh;n"t"s histor\'. It is doubtful if any other man has been so long a.nd so intinnatelv identified with the enterprises and activities which have been both the foundation and framework of Elkhart's substantial and permanent growth toward civic and industrial ideals. His name will always receive iirominent mention in the history of Elkhart, since his vocation placed him in ])osition to render on many occasions great service to that city.

Born in Cambletnwn. Argvlesbire, Scotland, X^ovember 2^. 1825, ^[r. ?\lcXaug'hton. by both family and racial connections, inherited mental, moral and physical strength. His sister, who is li\ing with him in the Elkhart home and who is several years his elder, is the widow of the late Hon. Jose])h H. Defrees. one of the distinguished picineers whose life work has so much to do with the early development of the county, and who was eminent as a business man. journalist and in public life, at one time being in Congress. Mrs. Defrees. whose maiden name was Margaret McX'augbton. was born in Scotland, married for her first husband a Mr. Pearce and in 1865 married Mr. Defrees. whom .she survives, being one of the oldest and most esteemed women of Elkhart county.

Mr. ^IcNaughton was not reared in opulence, had almost none of the advantages and easy circumstances which are the lot of the average boy of the present day. and what he has accomplished Imth in material wealth ;uid indn-idual character is the result of his own labors and a])plic.iti(in. At the age i.f eight \-cars he accomiianied his father and the othtT children In .\ineric;i. tlie motlier havingf (hed at Cambletown. and t\\(i years after their home Avas located in Canada the father also died, since which time J\Ir. McNanghton has practically shifted for himself and been dependent npon his own resources. The family soon moved to Detroit, Michig'an. From there he went to Niles, Michigan, later to South Rend. Indiana, and in 1843 arrived at Goshen. He located in Elkhart in 1851. Embarking in the grocery business, which he later enlarged to a general mercantile store, he had a very prosperous commercial career until 1865, since which time, up to his retirement, he has been in the real estate business. IMany buildings in this city were originally erected by him and hardly a public enterprise of any importance has been undertaken without his co-operation aad support. He was one of the nine men who built the dam in the river and thus gave one of the principal sources of industrial wealtb to the city. He has helped liy time and nionev nearly every factory that has been established in Elkhart during- the last forty years. When the Lake Shore Railroad moved its shops to Elkhart it was partly upon his land and also with the hell) of a cash bonus from him that the extensive shops were erected. His public spirit has been manifested in numerous other ways, and during the many years of his residence he has been gratified to witness the almost complete transformation of bis city, so far as buildings and improvements are concerned. W'hile claiming no distinction as a philan tbropist. and while he would be the last one to make mention of his generosity, he has for many years been a steady and large contributor to the needs of the worthy poor in the city of Elkhart.

In politics Mr. McNaughton. while a .Democrat in principle and generallv voting that wav, has also shown bis independence of views bv voting for Republican candidates. He has the honor of having been the last president of the tillage of Elkhart before its incorporation as a city in 1875. He is one of the veterari Masons of the county, having joined the order fifty years ag^o, and at one time was also an Odd Fellow.

Mr. McNaughton married for bis first wife, in 1853, Miss Jane A. Hiller, who died August 31, 1854. His second marriage, in 1858, was with Laura E. Davenport, a native of this county. She died in i86t. Such is a brief review of the active life of John McNaughton, and to omit the same from the history of the city of Elkhart would leave the citv's histor\- incomplete forever.

Staliilitv of character and honesty of purpose are the salient feattires in the life record of John A. Pence. He needs no introduction to the readers of this volume because he is well known as an enterprising agriculturist of Jackson townshi]) and one who " stands four square to the world." He \\as born in Preble county, Ohio, September 8. 1847. his parents being Joseph and Susan fWeist) Pence. The father, a native "f Rockingham county, \'irginia. was born in 1812 and died in October, 1851. By trade he was a mechanic, but through much of his Hfe he carried on agricuhural pursuits. His parents were natives of Scotland and witli them he removed from the Old Dominion to Preble county, Ohio, during his early boyhood days, his father ]iurchasing land in the latter place. He was there reared to farm life, and although he learned a trade he de\'oted much of his attention to the tilling of the soil in later years. He married Susan \Veist, who was Iiorn in Preble county, Ohio, in 1818, and died Januarv 2. 1881. Her grandfather came from Germanx ti > the new world and served his adopted country in the war of 181 j. while her father, Henry W'eist. was a soldier of the Mexican war. Air. and Mrs. Pence were the parents of three sons and a daughter and of this numljer three are yet living. Nancy, the eldest, is the widow of J. H. -Middaugh and a resident of Dayton, Ohio. Her husband was a sawyer. Mrs. Middaugh now has tiiree daughters. Oliver, the youngest living member of the family, is a resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is engaged in mining.

John -\. Pence, the second of the familv, was reared in his nati\e county ;.s a tiller of tb.e soil and he supplemented his early education, acciuired in the common schorils. by study in Earlham College at Richmond. Indiana. He afterward engaged in teaching for one term in the county of bis nati\-ity. Tn early life he chose a companion and helpmate and was married to Miss Alary .\. Yates, who belonged to a prominent family of Ohio. Her birth occurred in Miami county, that state, Augtist 24, 1850, and she is the youngest of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, of whom five are now li\"- ing, namely : Thomas Yates, wdio is a resident of Goshen, Indiana ; Frances, the wife of Jacob Long, who was a soldier of the Ci\-il war and is now a retired farmer living in Lena, Ohio; Sarah, the wife of Robert Weatherhead, a farmer living near Bristol, Indiana: Priscilla. the widow of Dallas Miller and now a resident of Clinton township, Elkhart county; an<l Airs. Pence. The last named spent her girlhood (lavs in the ci'/unt\- of her nativit}- and accprired a common school education. Her father, Nezer S. Yates, was a nati\e of Cape Alav county. New- Jersey, born in 1801 and his death occurred in 1874. The name of Yates is of English origin and there were four brothers who came from England to .\merica prior to the Revolutionary war, while two of the number acted as body guard to General \\'ashington at A'alley F'orge. -o that the children of Air. and Airs. Pence are entitled to membership with the Sons and Daughter.- of the .\merican Revolution. The name of Abates figures conspicuously in the history of the state of Illinois. Ex-Governor A'ates is a distant relative of this family and Lieutenant Governor .'Sherman of Illimiis is also a relative of the familv, his grandfather liaving been ;i brother of the father of Airs. Pence.

Our subject and his wife were married December 9, 1S69, and the\' began their domestic Hfe in Miami county, Ohio, where they lived for some years. In 1877, however, they purchased what is known as the Pence homestead, residing thereon until 1884, wlien they removed lo Jackson township, Elkhart county, and bought ninety-four acres of land, constituting their present farm. This was at one time the Ira Jackson homestead. Mr. Pence has made improvements in the house and has carried on his farm work along progressive lines. He keeps good grades of stock and everything about his place is neat and thrifty in appearance. The home has been blessed with a son and a daughter, both yet living. The latter. Pearl, is the wife of Omar Darr of Syracuse, Indiana, who is a carpenter and joiner by trade and they have a little ilaughter. Vera. Mrs. Darr was educated in the common scliools to the age of fourteen years and' then entered the Nappanee high school. She afterward became a student in the higl? school of Goshen, Indiana, from which she was graduated with the class of 1895. She afterward successfully engaged in teaching in this county for several }ears and she is now an active member of the church and an ardent worker in the cause of temperance. Ollie was educaied in the public scliools of Benton and is now a practical farmer and stockman. Ollie wedded Miss Feme Judy, of the old pioneer family, and thev maJ<e their home in Jackson township.

Mr. Pence votes with the Democracy and is a staunch advocate of Jefifersonian principles. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, with which he has been identified since 1872, joining the organization in New Paris. He has passed all of the chairs in the local lodge and is now affiliated with Goshen Lodge No. 34, I. O. O. F. He is likewise a member of Goshen Tent, K. O. T. M., and his son Ollie is a member of the Modern Woodmen Camp No. 7930, at Benton. ]\Irs. Pence belongs to the United Brethren church. Both our subject and his wife stand high in the esteem of all who know them and are well worthy of representation in this volume.

Solomon Rowd.Vbaugh

Solomon Rowdabaugh. whose integrity and strength of character have been strong elements in the successful career that makes him one of the prosperous farmers of Jackson township, and whose public spirit has been the motive element that has caused him to co-operate in man.y measures for the general good, was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, January 7, 1843. He is the third in a family of four children - two sons and two daughters, born to John and Sahina (Shaw) Rowdabaugh, but only two of the children are now living, the elder being Elizabeth A., the wife of Noah Rasor, a prosperous agriculturist of Jackson township.

nuiry 8, 1814, and died January 2b, 1894. He came of an old Pennsylvania German family that was founded in the Keystone state at an early day. He was a cooper b}- trade and followed that pursuit in earlier life, Inil afterward ga\e his attention to agricultural interests. He remained a resident of I'ennsylvania until after his marriage and in fact until 1851, when he left his native state for Ohio, settling in Montgomery county, about ten miles northwest of Dayton. The trip was made Ihvcjugii the mountains in a wagon, and Mrs, Rowdabaugh, grandmother of our subject, says she will never forget the incidents that occurred in the journey. There were few railroads at the time and must of the tra\el \\as done by water (.>r private conveyance. The familv began life in Ohio by renting land and for ten years remained residents of Montgomery county. On the ist of Octol^er. i860, they came t<< Elkhart county, Indiana, and Mr, Rowdal^aug-h purchased eightv acres of unimproved land. Here he began life somewhat after the primitive manner of the times and he continued to carry on general farming up to the time of his death. His home was a log cabin which has been remodeled and still stands on the premises, one of the few remaining landmarks of pioneer days. He assisted in the building of the German Baptist church, known as the " Big Church " and he also aided in measiu'es for the benefit of his township and county, being a gentleman of progressive spirit and helpful disposition. In politics he was a Republican and his religious faith was that of the German Baptist church. Into the niin(is of his children he instilled lessons of moralit^-, trudi and uprightness that have torne fruit in the honorable lives in later \ears. His wife was )x)m in Lancaster county, Pennsvlvania. .\ugust 10, 1819. and is yet living, having now passed the eighty-sixth milestone on life's journe}'. She yet enjoys good health and her mental faculties remain unimpaired. She can relate many interesting incidents of early days in Ohio and Indiana, having for long years been a witness of the growth and progress of these states. She was a daughter o-f William and Susanna (Landis) Shaw, the former a native of England, whence he was brought to America when only two years old. He became a brick and stone mason and was always identified with building operations in that way. Mrs. Rowdabaugh spent her girlhood days in her father's home, there remaining until her marriage. To her husl^and she proved a faithful helpmate on life's iourne> and now that he has been called from this life .she makes her iiome with her son Solomon. Although well advanced in years she is still able to attend church occasionally.

Solomon Rowdabaugh was a youth of about seventeen vears when lie became a citizen of Elkhart county, and here he has since remained. He began his education in one of the old-time log- schoolhouses of Pennsvlvania, conning his lessons upon an old wood bench and writing his exercises upon a desk that was made of a broad Ixiard restine on wooden pins, (lri^-en into the wall. Tliere was an immense fireplace in one end of the room. The methods of teaching; were almost as primitive as the Iniilding, and tlie school was supported through private subscription. He has often written with tJie old-fashioned goosequill pen, which was made hy the master. The schools which his mother attended were e\'en more primitive in character. Both the mother and the son became familiar with all of the evidences of pioneer life and Mr. Rowdabaugh and his wife now have in their possession one of the old-fashioned coverlets which were used upon the beds at an early day, while his mother has a pair of fire tongs made in 1839 and a pair of snuffers used in connection with the candles which furnislied the only means of illumination at that time. In his youth Solomon Rowdabaugh assisted in the active work of the farm from the time of early spring planting until after crops were harvested in autumn, giving his lather the benefit of his services un to the time of his marriage.

Mr. Rowdabaugh has lieen twice married. He first wedded Miss Christina \\'evbright, and the}' had four children - a son and three daughters, of wliom t\\o are living ; John Wesley, a practical asriculturist and a man of good business ability, is now secretary of the German Baptist Iioard and also secretary of the New Paris Mutual Telephone Union. He married Miss Grace Rensberger and they have four children. Minnie is the wife of James D. Neff, a leading farmer of Kosciusko county, Indiana, .\fter losing his first wife Mr. Rowdabaugh married Miss Mahala Longenecker, on the loth of Noveml)er, 1878, and they had twin children. The daughter, Lydia Florence, has attended the public schools to the |)resent time and has also been a student in instrumental music. The son is deceased. Mrs. RowdaiMugh was born in Kosciusko county, October 5, 1862, and is a daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Brunbaugh) Longenecker, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Ohio. In their family were seven children, of whom four are living: Catherine, the widow of Samuel Denlinger, and a resident of Montgomery county : Conrad, who is married and follov.s farming in Kosciusko county ; Mablon, who is married and is a resident farmer of Noble county. Indiana ; and Mrs. Rowdabaugh. The last named was reared in Kosciusko county to the age of six vears, wha: the parents removed with their family to Lawrence countv. Illinois, but subsequently returned to the former county. Her maternal grandfather, Conrad Brunbaugh, was one of the first settlers of Elkhart county, making his home on Elkhart prairie. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rowdabaugh have the warm esteem of many friends. He is a Republican in his political views, but is content to do his public duty as a private citizen without seeking ofiice as a reward for party fealty. A devoted member of the German Ba])tist church, he takes a verv active and helpful part in its work, contributing generously to its support and doing evervthing in bis power to extend its influence. He is one of the trustees and also a deacon of the church.

lining the letter position since 1SX7. His farm is a \-alual)le property of one hundred and thirty acres, which is splcndidl}' developed and many nf the modern in^proxements upon the place are the evidences of liis han.diwork. What he lias accomplished makes him one of the prosperous citizens of his community and his life record, honorable in all it? relations, constitutes him well wortliy of representation in this volume.

It is a noticeahle fact that at the present age and in this period iif progressive de\'elopment and advancement it is the young men who are hearing the burdens of life, who are establishing new business methods and promoting the various activities wherein rests the commercial, industrial and agricultural prosperity of state and nation. Mr. Rowdahaugh, one of the enterprising young men of Elkhart county, was born in Jackson township, July ig, 1869, ^^'^'^^ ^^'^^ the second in the famil}" ixirn to Solomon and Christina (Weybright) Rowdahaugh, who arc mentioned on another page of this work. At the usual age he entered the public schools and his close application to his studies ga\e hi, 11 a thorough knowledge of branches of learning whereby he was well fitted for life's practical and responsible duties. He has a got)d command of language and as a writer is well known in connection with correspondence for \arious journals, including the Milford Mml, the Farmers' Guide and dififerent newspapers of Goshen. He also reported the conference meetings of the German Baptist church in the years 1895, 1896 and 1902 as news matter, and his report of the last conference was given over the telephone to the Goshen papers, being taken down in shorthand at the other end of the line. His attention, however, has been chiefly given to agricultural pursuits and in all his farm «ork he is practical, methodical and systematic, carrying forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. Into another field of activity he has extended his labors, 1)eing now the secretary of the New Paris Mutual Telephone Union. His farm comprises seventy acres of productive land situated on sections 26 and 27, Jackson township, and a glance at the jilace indicates to the passerby the careful supervision of the owner.

Mr. Rowdahaugh was united in marriage to Miss Grace Parolee Rensherger, on the 30th of October, 1892. She was born in Elkhart township not far from the city of Goshen. March 22, 1874, and is a daughter r)f Sr.muel and Martlia (Hess) Rensherger, in whose family were ten children - six sons and four daughters. Of this number eight are vet living : Josephine, who is a graduate of the Fort Wayne Medical College, is now the wife of Dr. John M. Hoover, an agriculturist of Elkhart township, and they both engage in the practice of medicine ; .\lbert is a practical farmer of Clinton township, who married Miss j\Tarv M. Smith: William, who wedded Miss Anna Worthington, is a liarber, residing- in Las Animas, Colorado: Hiram, wlio wedded Miss Ella Miller, is living dii the old homestead in Elkhart township; Melvin A., a resident of Union City, Lidiana, is an agriculturist and also a minister of the German Baptist church and was one of the trustees of the North Manchester College; Chloe is the wife of Edwin Berkev. an agriculturist, living in Jackson township; Cephas, living- in Los Angeles, California, is a member of the Heavy Artillery and served in the Spanish-American war, bein.g sent to aid in the capture of Manila, then in the Philippine movements ; Mrs. Rowdabaugh of this review completes the famil}-. By her marriage she has become the mother of three sons a daughter, all of whom are yet living; Seth Earl, WWliam Floyd, Bertha Alarie and Solomon Carl, and the three eldest are now students in the public school.

Mr. Rowdabaugh exercises his right (~if franchise in support nf the men and measures of the Republican part}-. He belongs tn the German Baptist church, in which he has served as clerk of the official board for eight years. He is alsd \-ice president of the Farmers' Institute of Elkhart county for Jackson township. In all his work for public progress and improvement he has the endorsement and encouragement of his wife, and they are both deeply interested in church work, he having served as superintendent of the Sunday school. 'Slv. Rowda1>augh now has in his possession a copy of the Carlisle Herald and Exa.iiducy. which was issued Jan.uary i, 1840, and contains an announcement of the candidacy of William Henry Harrison for president of the L^nited States. It also gives an account of the first session of the tw-enty-sixth Congress. Mrs. Rowdabaugh is the possessor of a fine ivory snuff box which was 1:rought from Germany many years ago and is more than tw-o centuries old. She also has a flat-iron which has been in existence for ninety-six years and is in weekly use. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rowdabaugh are well known in the locality w-here they reside and belong to that class of typical citizens -who stand for improvement, progress, truth, justice and right.

Devoting his life to the high and holy calling of proclaiming the gospel to his fellowmen and aiding them to follow principles which develop a noble character and high and honorable manhootl and womanhood. Rev. John Henry Warstler as pastor of the German Baptist church. I if New Paris, is now doing an effective work, his influence being of no restricted order. He is a native of Frederick county, INIaryland, torn June 24, 1840, his parents being Johii and Mary Ann ("Gladhill) Warstler, in whose family were seven sons and three daughters. The father, also a iiative of Maryland, was born N()\-eiiil>er to. 1S18. and died in 1898. He was reared and educated in the ])1ace nf his nati\-ity ;uul liecame a cooper by trade. Aliout 1864 be renio\-ed from

Maryland to Preble count}-, Ohio, where he remained for a few j-ears, after which he took up his abode in Union City, Randolph county, Indiana. There he was married a second time and in that city his death occurred when lie had reached the venerable age of eighty vears. His early political support was gi\'en to the Democracy, luit in i860 he supported Abraham Lincoln for the presidency. Both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church and Rev. \\'arstler now has in his possession as a cherished heirlodui the catechism which his mother used. The \\'arstler family is of (ierman lineage and in his life John Warstler displayed man}- of the sterling characteristics of the ancestry which come from the fatherland. His wife, also a native of ?^Iarvland, was born October 11, 1822, and died in i860. She was an affectionate wife and mother, a kind neighbor and a devoted Christian \\iinKui. Of their ten children six are yet living; Rev. Warstler being the eldest. The others arc: Josiah. wlio is married and follows farniing in Jackson township; George ^\'.. who is married and is an agricultin"ist of Randolph county. Indiana; Jacob D., whd is married and also lives on a farm in Randolph county; Martha E., the wife of Charles O. Ebel, a publisher of Terre Haute, Indiana; and Charles F., \vlio fi>ll()\-.s agricultural pursuits in Alarshall county, Indiana.

Re\-. John H. Warstler in early life began working with his father at the cimper's trade and continued as his assistant up to the time of his marriage. He is what is termed a self-educated man, having acquired his knowledge largely through self-exertion and the devotion of his leisure hours tO' reading, study and investigation. From early life he entertained a strong desire to ei-iter the ministry and was always a close and earnest student of tlie Bilile. The years brought him the fullilment of his hope and in the German Baptist church he has labored most faitlifulh', jire.-icbing the gospel as he understands it to the people wlio come under Ins teaching and exerting a wide and beneficial influence for the nioral de\-elopment of the communities in which he has lived.

Re\-. \\'arstler has been twice married. ( )n the ist of November, jS6o, he wedded Miss ^Inry K. Harshman, and they became the parents of ten children, of whom three sons and three daughters are yet living, namely: Flora E.. the wife of D. T. Gripe, in charge of the city electric light plant of (loshen, Indiana; Charles E., who married Miss Nancv Holtzinger, and is section foreman on the Lake Shore & ^lichigan Southern Railroad; Otha H., who wedded Miss Susan Renfrew, and is section foreman on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, making his lidmc at h'lkhart ; h'liza C. the wife of U. S. Hoo\er, ;iii ;igriculturist of Jacksim township; .\lbert A\'.. a fanner of Jack-on township, who married INIiss l'"l!a Moorehouse; and Mary C. Ihe wile of J. J. Kiefer, .-i farmer, residing at Middlebury, Indiana. The mother of these children, a native of M;u-vland. w-as liorn October

I, 1839, and is now deceased. She was a member of the German Baptist church. On the 15th of Feliruary, 1905, Rev. Warstler was married to Miss Ella Cline, who was bom in Elkhart county, Indiana, June 17, 1851, and is a daugliter of Elias and Martha Jane (Drake) Cline, in whose family were four daughters and a son, and only two are living" : Margaret, the wife of Henry Judy, a farmer of Benton township; and Mrs. Warstler. The father was born in Rockingham county. V^irginia, in 18 17, and died in 1893. He possessed much mechanical ingenuity which he exercised at the same time that he followed farming. He had little opportunity but made the most of his advantages throughout life. He remained in Virginia until he attained his majority and then came with his parents to Elkhart county, making the journey by wagon in true pioneer style, the family settling in Jackson townsh.ip in 1837. It was a pioneer district into which they came, Indians being still found in tlie neighborhood, while various kinds of wild game roamed through the forests. The first home of Mr. Cline was a log cabin of pioneer style, and as the years passed he became a successful agriculturist. He gave his political support to the Democratic party and both he and his wife were members of the German Bapti-t church. She was born in Ohio, in 1820, and died March 23, 190S, at the age of eighty -five years, retaining her mental faculties unimpaired until the last. She was a kind and good pioneer mother, devoted to her family. She came to Elkhart county in 1830 and often related lio\\' ;;he and her brother \isited the Indian battlefield just south of Goshen, in Elkhart townshijx where the ground was strewn with the bones of the dead red men and where they also found many silver ornaments made by the Indians. These they brought home and shovi'ed their mother and she made them return them to the graves on which they had found them. Her life was characterized by good deeds to the poor and needy and to the sick and afflicted, and her memorv is yet cherished by those who knew her. Mrs. Warstler always remained at home with her aged mother and ]3erformed willingly every ser\ice which she could do for her. Mr. and Mrs. Cline contributed generonslv tcward the erection of the house of worship of the German Baptist church. In 1873 they located in the Niliage of Xew Paris where they nccu]>ied a beautiful and attracti\-e home, in which Mrs. Warstler now resides. Called to their final rest, interment was made in the Baintertown cemetery, where a beautiful monument has been erected to their memor\-.

In 187S Mr. Warstler began his work as jjastor of the (lerman Ba])tisl cburcb ;md for a quarter of a century be has ministered in this \\a\- to tile jieople of Jackson and Benton townshii)s. He has also delivered many public addresses and sermons throughout the state and his life is devoted to the cause of the church of which he is now a most able representriti\e. In politics be is a Renublican on national affairs and at local elections votes independently. His time is given in almost undivided manner to his church work and his efforts have been far-reacliing- and lieneficial, ably supported bv his good wife.

Alfred Lowry

As present mayor of Goshen and for many years prominently identified with the manufacturing, business and public affairs of this city, Alfred Lowry's broad and self-attained individual success has likewise identified him in many useful ways \\ith his cit\- and community.

Bom in New York city and having been left an orphan, he was brought to Elkhart county and reared to manhood in the home of William D. Platter at Waterford. Mr. Lowry has been a resident of Goshen since 1872. The Waterford and Goshen schools furnished him a fair amount of education, but as a matter of fact he has lieen earning his own way since boyhood, being a practical, self-made man. whose achievements in life have been due more to his own energy and persevering ambition than to any circumstances of fortune or heritage. He was introduced to the every-day world of labor b\' l)ecoming an employe, while a boy, first on the farm, working by the month, and then in the Goshen Pump Company's factory, where in time he rose to the position of foreman. Having thus become thoroughly familiar with pump-making in all its branches, he became one of the organizers of the I X L Pump Company, and later of the I X L and Goshen Pump Company, the well known manufacturing corjxjration of Goshen, and held the of¥ices of president and treasurer of the company. He withdrew from this business, however, in 1897, and became assistant cashier in the State Bank of Goshen, which institution he helped organize, and has been a director of the same since 1891. Mr. Lowry was one of the founders and, since its organization, has lieen a member n\ the board of directors of the Elkhart County Loan and Trust Compan\'. While continuing to discharge his duties as cashier he is also interested in real estate transactions, and is the owner of valuable farm property, the management of which he directs. Mr. Lowr}- is a fine type of the successful business man who has gained each successi\e step through his own well directed effort and industry.

Mr. Lowiy in politics is a stanch Republican, and, long noted for the public-spirited part he has taken in municiixil and civic affairs, has a record of public service marked with the utmost fidelity to duty in the administration of public matters entrusted to his care. He served as a member of the Goshen common council, 1896-98 and 1 900-0 j. and in 1904 was elected chief executive of the city, a choice which has proved most felicitous for the welfare of Goshen. Fraternally Mr. Lowry affiliates with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

FiTim this brief re\-iew nf liis life his interests are seen to l)e varied and so important that liis own welfare and success invohe the wellbeing of others. The strength to carry these responsibilities has been g-iven him. and he has made excellent use of the opportunities wliich have been vouchsafed to him.

Lewis K. ]\IcClure, who, applying his natural energy and business ability to the development of the resources of the county, has thereby won success, becoming a substantial farmer of Jackson township, was born in Elkhart county. March 7, 1853. His parents were John and Rachel (Lloyd) McClure, in whose family were six children, two sons and four daughters. Lewis K. being the fourth in order of birth. Only four of the number are now living and further mention is made of the family in the sketch of John F. McClure of Xew Paris, given on another page of this work.

Lewis K. ]\IcClure was reared in Elkhart county and at the usual age entered the common schools. The school system at that time was very imperfect, for pioneer conditions existed. He began his studies in a little log building standing on section twenty-two. It contained but one room and was furnished with slab benches. There were no desks before any of the seats, but a board was placed around the sides of the room, resting upon wooden pins driven into the wall. Upon this the older children wrote their exercises. The Elementary spelling book was used and an old-fashioned goosequill pen made by the master was found in the hands of the older pupils. The branches of learning taught were somewhat limited, being confined largely to reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar and geography. It is probable that Mr. Mc- Clure enjoyed the pleasures of the play-ground as thoroughly as he did the duties of the schoolroom. When not occupied with his text books during the summer seasons he aided in the work on the home farm and continued to assist his father until he had attained his majority, when his father gave him a horse and with this as his sole stock in trade he started out in life on his OAvn account.

Mr. McClure, as a companion and helpmate for life's journey, chose Miss Delilah Immel, to whom he was married on the 15th of September. 1880. She was born in Jackson township, November 13, 1856. and is the fourth, in a family of ten children, whose parents were Israel and Eva (Coughman) Tnimel. Her father was a native of Ross county, Ohio, and further mention of him is made elsewhere in this work. Mrs. McClure spent her girlhood days in the place of her nati\ity and acquired n common school education, after wdiich she became a student in the Goshen normal school. Later she was a successful teacher of this countv for sex'en terms, the scholars making good progress under her direction, but slie ga\-e up her work in this connection in order to assiune liouseliold (hities at the time ni her marriage to Mr. McChire.

The }-oung- couple began their doiuestic life upon a farm and Mr. McCiure lias continued to engage in agricultural pursuits since that time. It was in 1883 that he located on his present farm of one hundred and forty acres of productive and valuable land in fackson township and he has since given his attention in undivided manner to the further development and improvement of this property. In 1904 he erected a pretty and modern country home, wdiich forms one of the attractive features of the landscape. It was constructed in tasteful style and architecture, is furnished and moreover is noted for its generous hosi^itality, which is greatly enjoyed by many friends of the family. In his farming operations Mv. McClure has been c^uite successful and he has striven to improve the grade of cattle raising, his specialty being ,Short-horns. He also raises Poland China hogs and his stock presents a splendid appearance, being well kept and of good breeds.

Tlie home of Air. and Mrs. IMcClure has been blessed with a daughter and a scjn. Maude, who was graduated from the pul)Iic schools of Xew Paris in tlie class of 1897, entered the Milford high school in the \ear 1898 and \\as a student there fur three ^-ears. She afterward successful]}- ])assed a teacher's examination in Elkhart county and later pursued a year's course in the New Paris high school. She next secured a position as teacher in the intermediate department of the schools of New Paris, where she remained for two years, when she continued her own education, matriculating in Dan\'ille normal, where she is now a student. She will ha\e charge the coming year of the intermediate department of the New Paris high schools. She belongs to the New Century Club of New Paris. Idie only son. Lloyd, completed the course in the public schools near liis home with the class of 1898 and then spent two years in the Milford high school and four months in the high school at Xew Paris. He then took the teacher's examination and after receixing his diploma he continued his studies in New Paris. His first school A\as in the home township, teaching there in the winter of 1902 and '03, and he has now followed the ])rofession for three \ears. In the fall of 1905 he expects to enter the Danville normal to ]>ursuc the full scientific course. He is a thorough and zealous student, and \\r. and Mrs. McClure ba\-e every reason to be proud of their children, whom the\ have carefull}- educated and thus qualilieil for the important duties in life.

Mr. ^vlcClure \-otes with the Pepnlilican ])<arty, of -rtbich he has been a stalwart advocate since casting his first presidential ballot for R. B. Haves. Fie has frequently been a delegate to county conventions and vet he is not a typical politician in the sense of office seeking.

preferring to leave that to others. He stands for all that is progressive in citizenship, honorahle in husiness affairs :wa\ for faithfulness to the ties of friendship and of the home.

Rev. Abrah.Xm B. Yoder

Ivex'. Aliraharii B. Voder, jn'esiding elder for the Alennonite Brethren in Christ of southern Michigan and northern Indiana, one of the best known and most able of the ministers, of that denomination, has been a highly esteemed citizen of Wakarusa for a number of years. Not only as an evangel of religion, culture and morality, has he directed his endeavors in performing the work of life, but, being possessed of good husiness sagacity and executive power, he has been known as a successful merchant in Wakarusa, and in various wavs has identified himself with the life and activities of the cnmmunities where he has made his home.

Elkhart county also claims Re\ . Voder as one of its nati\-e sons, antl he has been an honored member of the great family, both native and adopted, which has brought advancement and prosperity to the county during the past decades. Born in Olive township, Deceml^er 24, 1867, he is the seventh in a famil\- of nine children, seven sons and t\v(j daughters, born to Pennsyhania (ierman parents. Henry B. Voder, the father, \vas ijorn June 3, 1829. in Mahoning county, Ohio, and dietl ]\farch 18, 1899, at his home near Wakarusa, Indiana. Elizabeth (Bixler) Voder was born in JNIercer county, Pennsylvania, August 30. 1833. '11'"^' '^I'Sf' 'it her home near Wakarusa, December 24. 1889.

Reared on the home farm and educated in the common schools and then the high school at Wakarusa, at the age of eighteen Rev. ^'oder received a certificate to teach school and at once entered upon his profession in Locke township, where thirteen years of successful work as a practical educator shows how well he performed his duties. He also taught a year in the Elkhart Seminary, in which institution he taught language and church history and topical Bible study. At the age of twenty-eight he entered the ministr}- of the Alennonite Bretliren in Christ Society, and of his nine years in the ministrv he spent two at New Market, Iowa, \\hcre he had charge of several congregations. In 1 90 1 he was elected b}- the annual conference as ]>residing elder of the Indiana and Ohio Conference, his field of labor being in southern Michigan and northern Indiana. He has ten circuits and sixteen churclies to look after, so that he leads a verv busv life and his devotion to the cause of upbuilding his church and religious culture in general has brought about some notable results in the last few years. Some vears ago Re\-. Voder, with his two brothers. N. B. and A. B., established a hardware iuisiness in Wakarusa, and for seven vears was one of tiie merchants of the town. The fire of Octol^er, 1898, resulted in the destruction of thirteen buildings comprising the main business portion of the tmvn. their place of hiisiness being burned and their resnltin^i; loss l)eino- h\e timnsand dollars. He sold out to his brothers in February, lyoi.

August 31. 1889. Rew Yoder married }iliss ^Nlary M. Alyers. They have one child. Ray O., born November 20, 1893, who is now in the se\'enth grade of the W'akarusa schools and is a bright all-around student, with perhajis special fondness for history and geography. Mrs. Yoder, who as a woman of culture and innate refinement, has been Ixith an inspiring influence and helpful co-worker with her husband, was born in this count)-, February 12, 1869, being the tenth of eleven children, four sors and seven daughters, bam to Jonas and Mary (Barkey) IMyers. The fi\'e chiklren \et H\'ing are all residents of this county. Jonas Myers, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, is now aged seventy years and lives on a farm in Locke township. He and bis wife are members of the Mennonite church, and his ])olitical belief is Republican. Mrs. ]Myers, who was born in Holmes county, Ohio, over seventy years ago, is also still li\'ing. Ah's. Yoder received her education in the schools of Locke townshi]). ]\Ir. and Mrs. Yoder have a pretty and cosy cottage on Wabash avenue in ^^'akarusa and are held in high esteem among their many friends.

A strong Prohibitionist. Rev. Voder has dione all in bis ])ower for temperance and morality in bis town. He is an able exponent, by practical life and conviction, of the creed of simplicity, righteous living and spirituality which forms the basis of Mennonite faith. The world is much, the gainer for the past and present lives of this high-minded and wholesome-acting sect, and wherever Mennonite communities are found there abide integrity, respect for law. and high standards of uKiral conduct.

John F. McClure. a farn.ier. who was connected with pioneer interests in Elkhart county, was liorn in Jackson township, November 20, 1850. his parents being John and Rachel E. fLoyd) McClure. The father was liorn in ]\Iuskingum county, Ohio. October 30, 1808. and died Se]3tember 6, 1893. He was reared to farm life, spending his childhood and youtii in the county of his nativity. Following his marriage he remo\'ed to Lidiana. in 1850, accompanied by Louis Noble. making the journey in a covered wagon in true pioneer style. He settled in Jackson township, purchasing about one hundred and sixty acres of jwrtially improved land, on which he built a log cabin. Deer were to be seen in the forests at that time and the village of New Paris was but a hamlet. Mr. McClure was a very enterprising and energetic man and through his well directed labors acquired three hundred and eighty-six acres of land in Jackson township, together with a nice property in New Paris. He adhered to the principles of the Presbvterian faith ami adxocated all measiuxs for the growth and development nl the churches and for tlie hetteniient of mankind. He was a man of strong convictions and he daily instilled into the minds of liis children lessons of industry and integrity, while his own life record was proof of the value and sure rewards of character. Mrs. McClure was also a native of Muskingum county. Ohio, and to her family was an afifectionate and loving wife and mother. They became the parents of six children^two sons and four daughters, and those yet living are: Ellen, the wife of John Scrannage. an agriculturist of Clinton township: John V.. who was the third of the six children: Lewis K.. who is married and follows farming in Jackson township: and Rachel E.. who resides in Xew Paris. Indiana.

John F. McClure was reared upon the old home farm and at the usual age entered the public school-;, the little "temple of learning'" being a log schoolhouse in Jackson township. The building is still standing and is now used as a house. There was one long desk and the room was heated by a box stove. The seats were made of slabs, resting on wooden legs, and the methods of teaching were also somewhat primitive. Mr. McClure having witnessed great changes in the school system of the county. He can remember many e\ents of pioneer life here, including the building of the first railroad which crossed Jackson township. He ivas early trained to farm lal)or. becoming familiar with the work of field and meadow at an early age, and he remained with his parents until twenty-one years of age. when he began renting land of his father so that his lajjors might more directly benefit himself. He continued to make his home, however, with his parents up to the time of his marriage, which occurred on the 31st of January, 1884, Miss Mary E. Vail becoming his wife. She was born in Ohio, May 9. 1857. and with her parents came to Indiana when a little girl, so that her education was acquired in this county. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and belongs to the Ladies" Aid Society, and has been a faithful and devoted wife and mother, encouraging and assisting her husband in every possible way. To this marriage has been born a daughter. Carrie E., who is now attending school and is in the seventh grade.

Mr. McChire is a stalwart Repulilican and proutll_\- cast his first presidential vote for General \J. S. Grant, since which time he has given his ballot for each nominee at the head of the ticket. He has frequently been chosen to represent his township in the county convention, but he has never sought or desired office for himself, preferring to give his undivided attention to his l>usiness afifairs. For manv years he continued to carry on agricultural pursuits, he and his sister Rachel owning one hundred and eighty-five acres of fine land in Jackson township. In March, 1904, however, he left the acti\e work of the farm to others and removed to New Paris, locating in a modest home here in order to educate his daughter. While on the farm he always raised the best grades of stock and carried on his work along progressive liuei. The family are well known in Xew Paris and throughout Elkhart ci.uni}- and the hosjiitality of man}- of the best homes is freely accorded them.

Rev. Flenry Neff, active in the ministry of the Cierman Baptist church and making his home in Jackson township, is of Swiss lineage, his ancestors having lived in Switzerland, the land of the Alps. He was born in White county. Indiana, January 23, 1837, his parents being Henry and Anna (Erantz) Neff, who had eleven children, but only two are now living, the sister of Rev. Neff being Mrs. Susan Arnold, the widow of Levi Arnold and a resident of Jackson township. Henry Neff was a native of Botetourt county, Virginia, tx>rn in 1798, a year before the death of George Vv'ashington. He became a tiller of the soil and remained in the Old Dominion until after his marriage. He wedded Miss Anna Erantz and four children were born to them ere their removal to the west. His educational privileges were meagre, but he managed to broaden his knowledge greatly through private study and investigation. He was an earnest student of the Bible and was also noted for his piety and his high standard of conduct. He was firm in. his religious faith and each day led the worship amund the family altar.. It was in 1833, the year of the great meteoric display, that he and his family emigrated to the west with southern Indiana as their destination. The trip was made in true i^oneer stvle, traveling in covered wagons across the swamps and through the wilderness. They to.ik up their abode in White county, Indiana, where they were living at the time of the birth of Re\". Neff. For a few years onlv, howe\-er. they remained in that locality and thence came to Elkhart county, settling in \\'ashington township. In 1840 they located in Jackson township, where Mr. Neff purchased eighty acres of partially improved land. The surrounding district was covered with a flense growth of timber and no roads had lieen laid out. Thi^ first home of the family was a little log cabin with a mud and stick chimney, while before the immense fire-place was a stone hearth. Henr)- Neff' carrieil on agricultural pursuits year after \ear and became a successful man, accumulating six hundred and forty acres of land, so that he was enabled to give to each of his fi\e sous an eighty acre tract. He thus assisted them niaterially as they started out in life and he also instilled into their minds in youth lessons of industr}-, integrity and honor, wdnch made them upright and \-aluable citizens in later vears. .\t that earlv day many of the residents of Elkhart county were worshipers in the German Baptist church and as the county became more thickly populated the original church was divided and subdivided, various congregations being established until the last offshoot of the church is that known as the Union Center church. Henry Neff, Sr.. was then chosen bv th.e congregation as its pastor and for about thirtv vears he ministered ti) tliis growing flocl-:. By his good words of admonition and liis untiring !al>irs the church prospered and grew throughout this long period. In early days the services of the German Baptists were held in the homes of the different members, but in 1858 the East or Whitehead house of worship was erected in Jackson township and it is now the oldest church of the denomination in Elkhart county. Mr. Neff's money aided very materially in the erection of this church and he always contributed generously toward promoting the cause of religion. His life was indeed honorable and upright and his memory is vet enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him. He passed away in November. 1868, amid the dee]> and widespread regret of a very extensive circle of friends. His wife, who was also a native of Virginia, was l)orn near Roanoke City in 1804 and died in 1887. She was a kind and affectionate wife and mother, economical in her management of household affairs, and thus she proved of great assistance to her husband in the early days when their possessions were few. Great responsibilil}' devolved upon lier, for her husband's time was taken up almost wholly by his ministerial duties.

Rev. Henry Neff, whose name introduces this record, was a little lad of only about three years when he Avas brought to Elkhart county, and for sixty-five years he has resided here, witnessing its development as from the virgin forests there has emerged an advanced civilization. For more than a half century he has lived in Jackson township and during this period has witnessed many remarkable chang^es, including the introduction of the telegraph and telephone and the building of the extensive railroad systems that now cross and recross the state, while the beautiful cities of Elkhart and Goshen have developed from small towns and villages and other centers of learning and culture, of business activity and commercial enterprise, have sprung up. As has been said, great changes have occurred within the memory of Rev. Neff. He was at one time a pupil in the early pioneer school wdien the house was built of logs - a little structin-e eighteen by twenty-two feet. Tt was covered with a clapboard roof, through which a stove pipe extended from the stove to the open air. The desk on which the larger boys and girls wrote their exercises was formed by placing a lx)ard upon wooden ])ins driven into the wall, while the seats were made of split puncheons, m which large holes had been bored that wooden legs might be inserted, thus raising the bench from the ground. He wrote with the old-time goose quill pen fashioned by the master, and some of his early text-books were Webster's Elementary Speller, McGuffey's Readers and Davies" and Ray's arithmetics. Now the log schoolhouse h:is ]iassed away, replaced by substantial frame and brick structures, and groat improvements have been introduced in the methods of teaching as well as in the curriculum.

the wedding ceremony being performed on the 6tli of Feljruarv, 1862. Mrs. Nefi was born in Elkhart county, July 9, 1840. and is a daughter of Jacob and L}-dia (Smith) Brown. By her marriage she became the mother of four sons and a daughter, all of wdiom are yet living, namely: Alelvin D., a farmer residing in Kosciusko county, Indiana, who married Miss Etta Ruckstool ; William Franklin and Charles A., who are upon the home farm; Josiah E., a farmer of Jackson township, who married Etta Conrad and has a son and a daughter; and Anna, the wife of William Clayton, a farmer of Jackson township, by whom she has three daughters and one son.

In 1892 Rev. Neff was elected minister of the gospel of the German Baptist church and labors with the Union Center congregation. He is loved by his people for his devotion to the cause and his consecration to the work and he enjoys the full respect and confidence of people of other denominations as well. He aims at all times to present the truth as he understands it and to assist his fellow men in drawing near to the path of life marked out by the holy scriptures. He maltes his home in Jackson township, where he owns a valuable farm of over four hundred acres of land and he also has eighty acres outside of the county limits. His is a beautiful country residence, situated in the midst of attractive surroundings and he and his family are prominent socially, exercising a beneficent influence for the welfare and upbuilding of the community.

Daniel A. Sanders

The expression " the dignity of labor " is exemplified in the life record of Daniel A. Sanders, who attributes his success to earnest Avork and close application. He is a man of strong force of character, purposeful and energetic, and his keen discrimination and sound judgment are shown in his capable management of one of the most important industries of Goshen, being president of the Sanders & Egbert Company. He was born in York county, Pennsyhania, January 31. 1841. His father, Herman R. Sanders, was a native of Germany, being there reared, and after coming to America was married and took up his abode in York county, Pennsylvania, his death there occurring when he had reached his eightieth year. He was a shoemaker by occupation. His wife died at the age of sixty-six years. She bore the maiden name of Rebecca Gross, and by her marriage became the mother of three children, two sons and a daughtei".

Daniel A. .Sanders, the second child in order O'f birth in his parents' family, spent his boyhood days in the county of his nativity, during which time he attended its public schools. On reaching the age of twenty-one he left the parental home and started out on the active duties of life for himself, first serving a two years' apprenticeship at the stone-mason's trade, and for eleven years he followed that occupation. On the expiration of that period he engaged in the buying and selling of timber. The vear

1865 witnessed his arrival in Goshen, and in 1892. at the organization of the Lesli. Sanders & Es^bert Company, he was made its vice-president and treasurer. In July, i8g8. the firm name was changed to that of Sanders & Egljert Company, and of this Mr. Sanders was made president and general manager. Much nf the success of this well known institution is due to his untiring" efforts. This extensive corporation furnishes employment to from one hundred and fifty to two hundred men, and is one of the leading institutions of this section of the state. Mr. Sanders is also a director in the City National Bank and a director in the Elkhart County Loan & Trust Company of Goshen.

He married Frances Mary Millenberger, and they have had two son.s^- Harry M., and Boyd \\'., who died at the age of fifteen years. Mr. Sanders gi\'es his jjolitical support to the Democracy, and fraternally is a member of the Indejiendent Order nf Odd Fellows.

Wjlber L. Stone.X.

\\ ilher L. Stonex, lor many years prominent in legal and business affairs at Goshen, ex-president of the Elkhart County Historical Society, and who, out of piu^e love for the preservation of local annals and old-time records of his countv, has devoted much time and labor to placing in literary form se\eral important phases of the history of his county, was horn at Sturgis, Michigan, March 5, 1852.

Mr. St(<ne.x has a long and interesting ancestry, and is connected on the maternal side vith one of the earliest as also most prominent pioneers of Elkhart county. Ilis great-grandfather was Thomas Stone.x, who \\as liorn. lived and died in Morton, Norfolk county, England; who hat! three brnlliers, Ro\\ land, Benjamin- anfl James, and one sister, Deborah; antl who married for his second wife a widow A\'right, who bore him one son, William.

AA'illiam Stone.x, the grandfather, who was liorn in luigland in 1791, married Elizahetii Tipple, and in 1830 emigrated to the United States, making a permanent settlement in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. He died in 1848, and was buried. in I'"ranklin county, Indiana.

One child was born to William and Elizabeth Stonex, William Garrett, whose birth occmred al 18 Chambers street, London. lingland, November 17, 1818, and who was twelve years old when the family came to America. .Studying law at Lawrenceburg. this state, he was adp.iittcfl to the bar in 1842. but soon afterward entered the ministry of the Metliodist church, and at one time was pastor of that congregation at G(>s!ien. In \S()/ he transferred his religious allegiance to the Episcopal chuich. He died in Dexter, .Michigan, August 12, 1897, and was buried in ('io>hen. where he was well known and much beloved. His wife w;i« Mary .\gnes Thomas, the youngest daughter of Thomas Thon'ias, \vhose name figures ]ironn'nentl\- in connection with the earh- histor\- of this countv and who wa- tlie first countx" clerk.

She was but a child when slie came to this county, and she married Rev. Mr. Stonex March 30. 1846. Her deatli occurred April 10, 1889, at the age of sixty-three years. The following children who grew to maturity were born of tlieir marriage: Rev. Henry A. Stonex; Mary and Emma, unmarried daughters, who live at Dexter. Michigan; and Wiiher L.

Owing to the itinerant character of his father's profession Mr. Wilber L. Stonex passed his youth in various localities and under varying influences. He received an excellent education, however, attending and graduating from Albion (A'lichigan) College in 1870 with the degree of A. B. (A. M.. in 1880). He then taught one year in Immanuel Hall Military School, near Chicago, and in January. 1872. came to Goshen and entered the law office of the well known hiw firm of Baker and ^litchell. Pursuing his studies with characteristic energy, he was admitted to the bar in 1873, and has since been numbered among the able representatives of the Elkhart county bar.

Mr. Stonex married, December 20. 1883, Miss lumice Bivins, who was born in Mishawaka, Indiana, a daughter of William L. Bivins, who twice served as postmaster at Goshen. His father, Chauncey Bivins, was a pioneer settler at Goshen. Mr. and Mrs. Stonex have one son, Arthur Bivins, and one daughter, Mildred. Mr. Stonex is a Republican in politics, affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a member of the Episcopal church. He was a prime mover in the organization of the Elkhart County Historical Societv, serve'.! several years as its president, has read before its sessions se\eral valuable papers stored with historical data concerning this cmmty. and has done much for the cause of preser\'ing local history.

David 1''. Miller, a leading representative of industrialism in Xappanee, who is engaged in the manufacture of buggies, was Imrn in Concord township, Elkhart county, September 22, 1862. His fatlier, Joseph Aliller, was a native of Pennsylvania and became one of the ]Moneer residents of Elkhart county, but was killed in 1865 when liis son David was only about three }-ears of age. The latter was reared upon a f.'irm in Kosciusko count}'. Indiana, by J, H. Miller, with whom he remained until eighteen years of age, and during that time he mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools and also gained an intimate and practical knowledge of farm work in its various departments. On starting out upon an active business career he worked as a farm hand, being thus employed for five years, but thinking that lie might enter a business that would prove more congenial and more profitable he came to Nappanee in 1884 and began dealing in harness and buggies. He continued in that line until 1892, v.hen he commenced the manufacture of carriages as a member of a company, l)ul in ujoo lie iiurchased his partner's interests and is nnw conducting tlie business ahme, employing about thirty men. He manufactures carriages. IjUggies and cutters, and the output nf the factory is now quite large, as is indicated by the fact that so many workmen are retained in his services. Thoroughness and substantial workmanship are two of the cpialities which characterize the output and ha\e lieen a strong element in his success. His trade is growing and Mr. Miller has made for himself a creditable position among the leading manufacturers of Elkhart county.

-\ stancii Republican in his political \ie\\s. Air. Aliller has acceptabh' ser\ed on the schor)l board, and whether in office or out of it he labors consecutively and effectively for the welfare of the community. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias. He was ma'-ried October 23. 1885. tn Alis-- Alice Ariz, a daughter of Ahab Artz, and a nati\-e of Elkhart cuunt}'. The_\' now have two interestingchildren - Vera and Walter, and in social circles the}- are well known, the hospitality of the iiest liomcs of this locality lieing freeh- accorded then-i.

Ezra G. Leedy

As the liistor}- of a nation is liest told in tlie li\-es of its people, according to the words of Emerson, it is in-ii)erati\'e that we make mention of Ezra Ci. Leedy. who is one i>f die representative agriculturists of Jackson townsliip. He was born in this county May 4. 1861. His fathei-. Christian S. Leedy, was a native of Ohio, born about 182 1. and in the state of his nativity he was reared to manhood. Determining to seek a home elsewhere, he walked across the country to Elkhart county, taking up his abode in Jefferson tow-nship. where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of partially improved land. He became one of the pioneer settlers of that locality, assisting in its early development and improvement and there he made his home until his death, which occurred in 1869. In his political views he was a Democrat and both he and his wife were members of the German Baptist church. Mrs. Leedy l»re the maiden name of Elizabeth Garver and was born in Ohio, being a few }-ears her hu.sbaiid's junior. She too lived for many years in this county, her death occurring in Elkhart townshij). By her marriage she had liecome the mother of nine children, seven sons and tw^o rlaughters. of whom Ezra G. w^as the sixth in order of birth. Of this family seven are yet li\-ing, while four are residents of Elkhart count}-. Those residing elsewhere are Lewis G.. an agricultm"ist. who is married and resides in Van Buren county. Michigan: Ira G.. who is a horticulturist and is married and makes his home in Colona, Michigan: and Rufus. who is married and is a pros]>erous citizen of Moline, Illinois.

t<j tlie lot (if the agriculturist. His ])i"elimiiiai"v educatiim, ac(|uirecl in the common schools, was supplemented hy a term's study in the college at Ashland, Ohio. He lemained upon the home farm until twenty years of age and was then married to Miss Emma Ulery on the 26th of Fehruary. 1880. She was horn in Elkhart cmmty. July 27,. 1863, and is a daughter of Levi and Mary (Sickefoos) Ulery. She acquired her education in the pulilic schools and by her marriage has hecome the mother of a son and three daughters. Dwight L., who after attending the common school pursued a fnur -v-cars" course in the (joshen high school, is now a ])ainter following his trade in (loslien. He married Miss Regina Zetler. Pearl M.. who attended the inihlic schools near her home, has spent three and a half \ears as a high school student and is now one of the successful leacliers of the count}'. She also studied mttsic to some extent at the Tri-State Normal School at Angola, Indiana. Mary E. was graduated as member of the class of 1902 from the N,ew Paris high school under Professor Swart. Ida V. was graduated from the New Paris high school in the class of r()04 and to some extent has studied music.

It was in 1883 that Air. Leedy located in Jacksiai township, where he owns one hundred six and two-thirds acres of land, on which he has erected a comfortable country residence. His farm is well improved and yields to him good crops, so that his business is n<i\\ ])ro\ing |)rofitable. In politic? he is a Democrat where national questions are in\-olved, but at local elections he votes independently, regarding only the capabilit\- of the candidates. Both he and his wife are members of the Brethren church al New Paris and Mr. Leedy has serveil as one of its trustees, while he and his daughters are teachers in the Sunday school in the Evangelical church at New Paris.

The Leedv family in four states hold an annual reunion. ;uid the Leedys of Indiana held their reunion the fourth Wednesday in August at Winona Park, Indiana, and there were aljout one hundred in attendance at this memorable occasion, which occurred .\u.gust 23, 1905.

Charles H. Moore

Charles H. Moore, well known as one of the progressive and practical farmers of Olive townshi)). is a scion of nne of the old settlers of this county, an'd in his own industrious and successful career has continued the good work begun l)y his father during the pioneer period. Mr. Moore was torn in Elkhart county, March 5, 1866. A son of John and lulia ( Com])ton ) Moore, he was the seventh in their family of twelve children, three .sons and nine daughters, eight cjf whom are living and all residents of this county. Two of the sisters were teachers in this countv, and Josephine, now the wife of Tabor Mitchell, taught for twenty years.

died in lyoi. after attaining tiie atlvanced age of eighty-ime years. At the age of fifteen he left liis native stale and accompanied his parents on their archions and pioneer journey through tlie woods to IncHana. where they arrived in time to ex]ierience all the primitive conditions which surrounded the earliest settlers. His active career was passed as farmer and stockman, and though he hegan life without cash capital, long before the close of his career he was rated as a prosperous man and one who wielded infiuence in his community. Many years ago he bottght eighty acres of untouched timber land in Olive township, going- in delrt for it and erecting for his first habitation a log" cabin. He improved his land into one of the model farms of the township, and by further purchase owned one hundred and forty-four acres in the townshi]j. He was a Democrat in politics and Vvas a member of the Evangelical churcli. His father came from England, but the family stock is Scotch. The mother, Julia fCompton) Moore, was born in Indiana and died when her son Charles was nine years old.

Reared to manhood in this county and receiving a common school education. Mr. Moore began his independent career liy purchasing part of the old homestead, and it is here that he has wrought out his svtccessful career. He tends his land in an up-to-date manner, raises good stock, and is known as a thoroughly practical and efficient farmer.

August 15. 1884, Mr. Moore married JNIiss Harriet Zimmerman, and three children have been born to them. Clyde C who has finished the common schools and taken two years of high school work, is his father's efficient helper and gratifies his taste for mechanics by doing ali the work of that nature around the place. Madge E.. the elder daughter, has taken the eighth grade of school work and also studied music. Mildred [., the youngest, is in the second grade. Mrs. Moore is a native of the far west, having been born in California, but since the age of six years has lived in Indiana, where she received a common and high school education. Mr. Moore is a Democrat in politics, and he and liis wife stand high in the esteem and favorable regard of their communit}-.

Rufus C. Ehret

Rufns C. Ehret is tlie enterprising gentleman who is manager and editor of the W'akarnsa Cifi::^!. the history of which bright little paper is gi\en elsewhere in this volume. Of German lineage, and deriving from that source many of the determined (|ualities of character which ha\e served him so well in his career. Mr. Ehret was born in Elkhart county, January i, 1868, the eldest of four children, two sons and two daughters, born to Michael and Lydia (Seitz) Ehret. Three children survix'e. Sarah is the wife of Cieorge Austin, a farmer at Xashville. Michigan ; and Homer E. is a farmer of the same localit)', and married ]\tiss Hattie Scott. The father, who was born in Ohio and now resides in Xashville. Michigan, was of German parents, and during his active career has followed farniino- with marked success. He is an ardent Republican, and he and liis wife adhere to the religious faith of the United Brethren Radical. The mother, who is also living, was born in Pennsylvania.

Mr. Ehret spent onl_\ the lirst two years of his childhood in this eoimty, and thereafter until he was thirty-two years old \vas a resident at Na.shville, Michigan. .\ common school education Avas supplemented by a course at the well known business school, Ferris Institute, at Big Rajjids, Michigan. He w-as granted a teacher's certificate at the age of eighteen, and for fifteen years following taught school in the counties of Barry and Eaton, Michigan. He then went into the far southwest, to Socorro county. New Me.xico. and for six months was employed as a bookkeeper in the mining camps of the territory. In the fall of [c;oi he returned to Elkhart county and f(/r a year was employed \\ith ;\lr. l-'rank Brown, the attorney, and in the fall of igo2 took charge of the W'akarusa Cifi.::ci:, a seven-column, quarto print which is a credit to the editor and the town of Wakarusa, and leads the van in many enterprises of concern to the progress of the town. The office has a Washington press, a Chandler-Price-Gordon job press, and on each Friday morning the issue of seven hundred copies is distributed to the many readers in the town and throughout tlie county.

Mr. Ehret married Miss Fl(M"ence Wells, who was born in the ]jrovince of Ontario, Canada, and was educated in the public schools and took a 'business course in a convent. Her parents are both living in Ontario. They have one little daughter, Florence Mildred.

A stanch Republican, ]VIr. Ehret cast his first vote for Harri.son. and on all the public cjuestions of the day he keeps himself intelligently informed, so that he is a ]3leasant gentleman to talk with. He was secretary of the Wakarusa Improvement Association, an organization designed to encourage the location of factories and other industries in Wakarusa. During his residence at Nashville, Michigan, he was treasurer of his town and township two difi^erent terms. Since locating in Wakarusa he has gained the highest esteem of the citizens through his jjublic-spirited citizenship, his upright conduct, and genial disposition. He edits his jiaper with clearness and force, yet with utmost regard for propriety and taste, and neatness and thoroughness seem to characterize everything he undertakes.

David W. Neidig

David W. Neidig, wdio with the exception of the first five 3'ears has spent his entire life in Elkhart county and who in recent years has been identified closely and prominently with ccnuity affairs and with the business and financial life of Goshen, is the cashier of the State Bank of Go.shen.

a son i>r William and Maria C ( dreenaniyei") Neidig, natives of the same cuunty, Mv. Xeidig is in the fourth ancestral remove from the Xeidig. whose first name is not now recalled, who came from his native German fatherland and founded the family in America. The son of this emigrant was David, who aas among the early settlers of Columbiana county, Ohio, coming iherc from Pennsylvania. The parents, who married in Columbiana county, in 1858 left there and came to Elkhart county, settling about two and a half miles southwest of Goshen, and later on they moved into Goshen, where they died, the mother in August, 1897, at the age trf sixty-four, and the father in October, 1898, aged seventy-one. The father, although by trade a blacksmith, followed farming the greater part of his life, and passed his later years in retirement from active pursuits, having prospered in business affairs. He was a Republican, and he and his wife were Methodists. Their three children are ]\Irs. Melissa 1. Aliller, David \V., and Charles E., who is a lumberman in Goshen.

Coming to this county when hve years old, Mr. iSTeidig has spent practically all his life here. He passed childhood and youth on a farm, and went to school in Waterford, later attended the Northern Indiana College at Valparaiso, also the Goshen high school, and completed his education in Mt. Union (Ohio) College. When he was twenty-two years old he got a teacher's certificate and for eight terms was the master of a country school. From the schoolroom he entered the law office of Vail and Neidig in Goshen, where he took up abstract work. December 19. [881, he became deputy count)- recorder, and after he had held that office n\e years he was elected, in November, 1886, recorder of Elkhart county, having beai the Republican nominee for that office. His term as recorder ended in XoAcmber, 189 1, and in the July following, on the incorporation of the State Bank of Goshen, Mr. Neidig was elected cashier, which position he has continued to fill to the present time.

Mr. Neidig's fraternal athliatious are with the Knights of Pythias and he is a Master Mason. An active Republican for many years, he was once secretary of the Republican county committee and twice chairman of that 1x)dy. He has served two terms as a city councilman of Goshen, and for three years was a member of the Goshen .school board, being treasurer two years and president one year.

^Ir. Xeidig married, in 1883, Miss Edith M. Hoffman, of this county. They have one son. Edward W., who is seventeen years old and is a student in the Cuher Military School.

William Brooks Pratt was bom in Battle Creek, IMichigan, May 23. 1853 His parents were Frederick B. and Charlotte E. Pratt. Spending the greater part of his youth as well as mature years in Elk- luirt. he received his echicalimi in puhlic and private schools in that city and also fron-. pri\ate tutors. After finisliing; school at the age of eighteen, in 1871, he entered the retail linrdwrire business, and in 1873, with his father started the i)usiness of V. 11. I'ratt and Son, manufacturingcarriages. He has been coiiliniiou.~ly identified with this industry to the present time, and has been jiresident ni the Elkhart Carriage and Harness Manufacturing (\)inpany f( .r t\>enty years. He has also been connected with several other manufacturing comjianies for a number of years.

The Elkhart Carriage and Harness Manufacturing Company, of which Air. I'ratt is president, lias tlie beginning of its history at a date about thirty years prior to this writing, when I*'. 1!. I'ratt and Stm commenced making carriages in Elkhart. This business has since grown and prospered, being " the largest manufacturers of vehicles and harness in the wr.rld selling to consumers e.xclusiveh.'" Their metiiods of transacting business does away with the jobber, their dealings being directly with the consumer, wlierexer he may be located, to whom the desired goods are shii)])ed and their (|uality and excellence thus become, on examination, their own salesman. The nresent extent of the business is familiar to the citizens of Elkhart, there being two large, factories, one at Beardsley avenue and Michigan street, and the other at Pratt and East streels. Mr. William B. Pratt is president and secretary of the compan\'. and Cieorge 1!. Pratt, \ice ])resident and treasurer.

Mr, Pratt has been a member of the Presbyterian church since the age of sixteen, and a trustee since he was twenty-one. Always interested in the religious, moral and educational advancement of his community, he was for several years president of the local Young Men's Christian Association, and for a number of years was a member of the Y. M. C. A. state board.

Mr. Pratt is a memljer of several local clubs, is a memljer of the National Association of Carriage Manufacturers, a member of the National Association of Implement and X'ebicle Manufacturers and of the National Association of Advertisers.

Mr. Pratt married, in 1880, Miss Crace .\. Tutt, a daughter of Hon. Francis R. Tutt, of South Bend, Indiana. They ha\e one daughter. Alarv Brooks Pratt, born in Elkhart. October. 1884.

1'. A. Earl}-, dejjuty prosecuting attorne}' of Xa])]janee, is a native of Gerniantown, Montgomery county, Ohio, born on the i3tb xA July, 1854. His ancestral history can be traced back to Virginia where lived his grandfather. John Early. The latter, a native of the Old Dominion, removed to Montgomery county. Ohio, where he spent his remaining days, following the occupation of farming. His son. Joseph B. Early, who was also born in Virginia, v.as a young lad at the time of the estab- lisliment of the laniily home in (Jhiu. He was married in Montgomery count}' to Miss Lydia Myers, who was there Ixirn and is now living in Ashland, Ohio, at the age of seventy-four years. In early life Joseph B. Early engaged in teaching school and also followed agricultural pursuits. Ahdut 1857 lie removed to Wabash county, Indiana, but was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, his death occurring there ni i860. His widow afterward brought her familv to Elkhart county. The} were the parents of four children, two sons and two daughters, but one son and one daughter died when about six vears of age. The surviving daughter is Sarah, the wife of (iuilford Leslie of .\shland, Ohio.

P. .\. b-arly, the eldest member of the familw was onlv alxiut three years of age when taken by his parents to Wabash county, Intliana, and when a youth of six years his father died and the mother removed to Elkhart county wltere she was again ntarried. He remained with her until he had attained his majority and his education was acquired in the public schools. \\ ben be had sufficiently mastered the branches nf English learning in order to pass an examination he secured a certificate and began teaching, this profession being followed in Waljash county for two years. He also engaged in farming in Wabash county for seven years and in 1883 came to Nappanee. Here he turned his attention to merchandising, first as a dealer in hardware but at this writing is proprietor of a drug store. He employs a man to conduct the busmess, while he gives his attention largely to the practice of law. He entered upon the stud\ of law in 1888 and in 1892 was admitted to the bar, since which time he has been in active practice with a constantly growing patronage. He is now deputy prosecuting attorney of Elkhart county and also state attorney, occupying the latter position for about ten years. The public and the profession accord him a leading place in the ranks of the legal fraternity, and be is known as a conscientious, earnest and painstaking la\\ yer, whose devotion t(i his clients' interests is proverbial.

On the 15th of October, 1875. Mr. Early was married to Miss Eliza Gill:)ert, a daughter of Israel and Mary (Horning) Gilbert. The}' became the parents of three children, but Maud, the eldest, is deceased. Nora M is at home and Clyde is an undertaker of Chicago.

In his fraternal relations Mr. Early is a Mason and a Knight of Pythias and is true and loyal to the teachings and tenets of these organizations. Since age gave to him the right of franchise he has given his political supjxirt to the Rejiublican party, takes an active interest in its work and has served on the town board and in other local offices aside from those in the direct line of his jirofession. His devotion to the public welfare is above c[uestion and the qualities of his manhood aside from his jirofessional and official relations are such as commend him to the confidence and good will of those with whom he is associated.

(ie()ige L. Lamb, pmminentl}- known in Nappanee and throughout the ciiiinty as proprietor of the large noveUy furniture manufacturingplant in that city, was horn in Alliance, Stark county, Ohio, February i8, 1862. His parents were David W. and Ann (Zelly) Lamb, both born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The father, who was a mechanic and cabinet-maker, came to Elkhart county in 1864, locating on a farm in Locke township and identifying himself with the agricultural interests of the county. He is still living, and makes his home with his son George : the mother is deceased.

Having lived in this county since he was two years old, Mr. Lamb IS both well known and has made himself an important factor in the industrial affairs of die count}-. He was reared and educated in Locke township, and began his business career in Goshen, where the firm of Chaniberlain and Lamb were formerly well known manufacturers of brushes. This became later the Latta-Lai-nb Company, which continued the n-iaking- of Inrushes and furniture imtil 1895, '^t which date Mr. Lamb became the sole proprietor of the plant at Goshen. Li 1900 he came to Nappanee and established his present business, which has since gnnxn to \ery large and jjrofitable ])roportions, with a large annual output rnid with a force of employes nunibering about thirty-five. Novelty furniture and brushes are the principal articles of manufacture, and their wholesale trade covers a very large territory. Mr. Laml> is progessive and enterprising to an unusual degree, as his business record would indicate, and stands among the men of that class who have been responsible for the very rapid growth and de\-elopment of Nappanee as a manufacturing and business center.

. Essentially a business man, he has never, however, neglected the other interests which claim the attention of every man who occupies a worthy place in his community. He is a public-spirited citizen and a stanch Republican, has fraternal affiliations with the Knights of Pythias, and is a trustee and elder in the Presbyterian church at Nappanee.

Mr. Lami) married, in 1872 at Goshen. Miss Carpenter, who was taken away by death in 1881. Three daughters were born to them: Anna Grace, Lulu May and Mabel Irene. Mr, Lamb married for his present wife Clara Warren.