Elkhart County, Indiana - Tue Churches, 1905 (part 6 of 15)

J. M. Cover

J. M. Cover, a veteran school teacher of this county and now the proprietor of a wagon manufacturing, blacksmith and general repair shop in Goshen, was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, October 22, 1858. A man of self-achievement, who has progressed on the road to success only by the concentration and exertion of all his native and acquired ability, unaided by ad\-antages of inheritance or chance, he therefore stands on his own foundation and is deserving of the e.steem and respect which are accorded him b}- all his friends and business associates.

A son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Berkey) Cover, his father a blacksmith and who died when his sou was but three weeks old. Mr. Cover was reared in the family of his maternal grandfather. Joseph Berkey. during the first ten years of his life, and since then he has shifted for himself, experiencing many of the upS and downs which are the usual lot of one thus early thrown on his own resources. The first two years after leaving his grandfather he spent working for his board and clothes in the employ of an uncle. Then going tO' Johnstown, Pennsylvania, he secured employment in one of the rolling mills there, becoming well versed in mechanical pursuits and at the same time saving his money until he had enough tO' continue his schooling, which had hitherto been \'ery meager. Securing a license to teach 1>efore he was sixteen years old, teing at the time the youngest teacher in the state, he therepfter spent the winter in instructing" the children of the people in the mountain districts of w'estern Pennsylvania and during the summer was employed at his regular trade of carpenter. In the meantime he also had the opportunity of attending the State Normal school for twelve weeks. Fr(jm Pennsylvania Mr. Cover came to Elkhart county, in 1876, when about eighteen years old, and then for nearly twenty years he was one of the Ijest known and most successful teachers of this county, his work l>eing mainly in Clinton township. The editor of this volume was at one time a pupil of his and can testify to his ability as an instructor. About 1892 Mr. Cover went into his present business of manufacturing wagons and Ixiggies and conducting a general blacksmitli and re]>air shop, an enterprise which he has made very successful.

Well known in (ioshen and acti\ely interested in all mo\-ements for the welfare of the city, Mr. Cover at this writing represents liis ward in tlie city council, and is always ready to consider a measure or enterprise which will mean a better city and will make for its permanent de\elopment. He is a Republican in politics, fraternally is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the Maccabees, and is a member of the Methodist church.

In 1882 Air. Cover married Miss Nancy L. Weaver, daughter of Joseph and Ann (Hoover) Weaver. Mr. and Mrs. Cover are i)arents of six children, three sons and three daughters. Myrtle. Zii)porab, Edith. Ceorge. James and Jay.

Charles G. Conn

Charles (jerard CCnn, whose career in its many phases has been identified with gallant service in the Civil war, manufacturing and large business enterprises, journalism, citv, state and national politics, and with many other interests of society in general, was born in Ontario county. New ^'ork, JanuarA^ 29, 1844. Plis grandfather, James Conn, was of Irish stock and a New York state farmer. His parents were Charles J. and Sarah (Benjamin) Conn. The father moved from his nati\e state of New Y"rk to Three Rivers, Michigan, in 1850, and a year lat-er identified himself with Elkhart. Well educated, broad-minded, and a man of culture and ability in many directions, on coming to Elkhart he transferred his attention from agricultural life to the field of education, becom- ing city superintendent of schools. For t\venty-li\e years he was Ijest known in northern Indiana for his successful work, as an educator, and only retired from the profession on account of failing hearing. He was at one time superintendent of the La Porte city schools. He died in' 1888. having followed photography diu-ing his later years. His wife passed away a year previously, and they were parents of two sons and two daughters.

A boy of six years when the fajuily nio\-e(I tn Michigan, an<l only a year older when he first knew h^lkhart as his home town, Mr. C. G. Conn has spent practically both the formative and the active period of his life in this city. He had scarcely finished the training which the public schools of Elkhart furnished when he was called,, yet a boy of seventeen, into the sternest field of human action. May 18, 1861, against hi.s parents' wishes and protests, he volunteered his services in belialf of the Union of States, and on June 14, 1861, was mustered in as a i>rivate in Company B. Fifteenth. Indiana Regiment, soon thereafter becoming a member of the regimental band. After participating in the engagement at Greenbrier, West Virginia, in the Elkwater Valle)- campaign, in the federal mm-ements through Kentucky and Tennessee lo Nashville: in the second day's battle at Shiloh ; at Corinth, Tuscumbia, Florence, Wartrace, McMinnville, Vervilla. from Nashville he returned to Indiana to re-enlist. A fine regiment of sharpshooters was just lieing or.ganized at Jackson, Michigan, and ether ])oints of the state, and he therefore enlisted, for this service, at Niles, Michigan, in Company G. First Michigan Sharpshooters. Enlisting" on January 12, 1863, he was soon made first sergeant, w-as promoted to second lieutenant on August 8, 1863, and a little later, when only twenty years old, became captain of his company. It was faithful an<l conspicuous service of the highest order of merit that thus i>lace(I him. before attaining his majority, in command of men who were mostly his seniors, and the ability and "nravery he displayed throughout his soldier career gave liis comrades ever increasing confidence in their }Oung leader. From the time of his re-enlistment until his final discharge he was in constant arduous service. He was in the movement which drove Morgan out of Indiana ; four months assisted in guarding prisoners at Fort Douglas, Chicago, after which he joined Burnside's cor]:)s, .\rm}" of the Potomac; at the battle of the Wilderness received a flesh wound, Init continued his command, and was at Spottsylvania, North Anna, Bethesda church. Cold Harbor, and all the encounters about Petersburg, and in the assault, Jul}' 30, 1864. was wounded and taken prisoner. As a prisoner he was sent first to Danville, Virginia, and then to Columbia, South Carolina. At Goldsboro he and a fellow officer made an unsuccessful attemi^t to escape, being pursued by bloodhounds and recaptured. Another attempt, while at Columbia, resulted in like failure. On the approach of Sherman through the Carolinas the prisoners were moved to safer quarters, but Captain Conn and two other ofiicers bad themselves liuried. This artifice, too, failed of success, and he was compelled to languish in captiv- it_\- ur.til the end of tlie war. After intense hardships and sufferings he was released with thousands of other ijrisoners and returned to ln(Hana. where, on July 28. 1S65, he receix-ed an honorable discharge.

For a short while after the war Mr. Conn conducted a bakery and gT'^cery establisliment in Elkhart. Being what might be called a ]irac- *ical musician, with great natural gifts in that art and greatest fondness for all its manifestations, he soon liecamc identified with the line of manufacture which has made his name more familiar to the world at large than any other piiase of his \'ersatile career. He invented his famous " elastic face ni()utli]jiece " for cornets, which became so popular that he could not manufacture them fast enough. Beginning his manufacturing with himself as ]3racticall\- the i-nly workman and with a lathe made from a sewing machine table, he was soon comjielled by rush of orders to expand e\er\' ]iail cf the industry and become the directing head of a force of empiiiyes. The story of his persistent efforts and .struggles to make financial ends meet while he was getting started as a manufacturer has often been told and is familiar to all his friends and acquaintances in northern Inchana. Having- effected a wonderful improvement on the old-style cornet by means of his mouthpiece and bv dint of shrewdest sort of business management getting a foothold in the uncertain field of manufacturing enterprise, he then set himself to the study of the cornet with a view to bring'ing out the highest latent powers of that instrument. He secured ])atent after patent, each one representing some advance toward ])erfection in the cornet, and in time he produced what is known to the world of nnisic as the " Conn Cornet," undoubtedly the instrument nearest to ]jerfection in sonority, strength and quality of tone and in ease of mechanical manipulation. All the other modern brass band instruments are now^ manufactured in Mr. Conn's establishment, and their supremacy of excellence may be gauged by what would be, to all unprejudiced persons, the last and final judgment - the fact that they are used by Sousa's Band and have received the highest honors at all the recent world's expositions. The manufactiu'ing establishment for the production of the Conn instrunienf; is mentioned in the hist(;ry of manufacturing elsewhere in this work, and at this i:)oint it is only necessary to state that this industry has become, during the last quarter of a century, one of the foremost sources of the industrial prosperity which has marked the city of Elkhart.

Tliis alone would entitle him to distinction and would be regarded a sufficient accomjilishment to be called a life work by any man; yet Colonel Conn has extended his efforts to the great ]niblic questions which concern the welfare of the countr)-. to the social and economic problems of America, and to ])ractical humanitarianism. In the early days when his business was just emerging" from a small factory into one where success seemed sure, the Democratic partv at Elkhart nominated him for mayor. Contrarv to the general course of municipal politics up to that time, he was elected, anfl gave the citv such a practical, ]irogressive and beneficial administration that it is still a liigli standard for others to be nieasurecl by. He was re-elected to the nflice, and was soon slated for turtlier advancement in DoHtical honors. A normally Republican district gave him a seat on the Democratic side of the lower house in Indianapolis, where he was connected with important constructive legislation and gave much .attention to the solution of the labor problems. In 1892 the thirteenth district, through its representatives assemliled in convention at Michigan City, placed his name on the Democratic ticket as nominee for Congress. In James Dodge, also a pri>minent Elkhart citizen and one of the most influential Remiblicans of the district. Mr. Conn had an opiionent worthy of his steel, but the result of the hotly contested campaign was that Mr. Conn went to Washington to represent the people of this district.

.\s congressman (Colonel Conn was a man of mark from the time he took his seat, and both as a legislator and reformer left a lasting influence. It was in the field of journalism that he found the ])ower needed in his assault upon some of the strongholds of municipal mismanagement which he found fixed upon the capital city. He i^urchased the \A'ashington Tii.'ii's. the morning newspaper now owned Iiy Frank .\. Munsey, and instituted a campaign against vice and crime which for years had run riot in the cit}-. Directing his attack first upon the police association and the police force, he aroused ]>ublic attention to the existing conditions, and. after bitter conflict, overcame the inertia of the powers for law and order, caused the dens of \-ice to be \acated. the gamblers dri\-en from the citv and crime reduced to a minimum. The se\-ere strictures made upon the police force bv the Times resulted in an indictment for libel against Colonel Conn, but the forces of persecution failed in their purpose and the Colonel was acquitted at the trial. Having accomplished for the capital city what he started out to efifect, he then sold his newspaper and returned to Elkhart.

Before going to Washington he was well known in journalistic circles of northern Intliana. for in Se])tember. 1890, he founiled the Daily and Weekly Tnttlh, which now for fifteen years has held an enviable position among the newspapers of this county and state. Mr. Conn is still identified with this enterprise as proprietor, and the history of the Tni.f/i will be found elsewhere in these pages. Since his retirement from Congress he has sought no further political honors. In 1900 he supported with personal effort and money the candidacy of McKinley for president, and did much to get out the biggest Republican vote in the history of Elkhart county. He is a man of independence of thought and action, but when any cause appeals to his judgment he gives it such loyal and able support that tliere can be no questioning the sincerity of his motives or the effectiveness of his efforts in the final results. He is a man of great strength of character, positive in his convictions and strong in his individuality, and never fails to follow a course which he believes to be right. This was demonstrated in his own career. At one time realizing that the fondness for intoxicants was growing upon him, he considered the question as he la_\- in a sleeiiing car. tra\'eling westward from Boston. He thought to himself. " ^^'hat'^ the use? What else does it liring hut shame and miseiy? 1 am never going to drink another drop." Raising himself from his berth he threw his hottle out of the window, anil to the resolution thus made he has strictly adhered.

A philanthropist, hut always keeping his own i>ersonality in the sha.dow behind his generous acts, he lias directed his efiforts and the wealth wiiich represents his life work into various channels of humanitarian uplift, but paramount with his desire to aid others has always been his wish that the recipients of his kindness should remain in ignorance of the giver. He is particularly helpfid to those in his employ when they need his assistance, Ijut does not believe in indiscriminate gi\-ing. the result of which would merely promote mendicanc\-.

'J hroughout almost his entire life Colonel Conn has retained his residence in Elkhart, and his love for his home city is indicated by a rem;'.rk which he once made: " And just to think I left this place to go to Congress." He is pre-eminently an Elkhartian, and no locality is so dear to him as this city, which has witnessed his many successes from the days when friends and all predicted failure for his ventures until the time when the support of C. G. Conn beliind an enterprise is almost a certain guarantee of final success.

James S. Drake

James S. lJ)rake, one of the aljlest representatives of the Elkhart county bar, for many years a fellow practitioner with present Attorney General Miller, was born on a farm in Holmes county. Ohio, February i8, 1852, a son of James L. and Susan (Hayward) Drake, his father a native of Ohio and his mother of New York.

The father was a prominent man. A farmer by occupation, he followed that calling" for many \ears. During the golden daA's of 1849 he went to California, and remained there three years. When the Civil war broke out he was living in Holmes countA'. and there organized Company H of the Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, of which he was chosen captain. This was a regiment famous for its eminent commanders. Rosecrans. afterward general, was its first colonel. Stanley Alatthews was lieutenant colonel, Rutherford B. Hayes was mnjor, and ^Villiam McKinley was a ]>riA'ate in its ranks - all of whom rose to high distinction both during and .after the war. Captain Drake was wounded at Antietam, so severely that he resigned his commission. He was made provost marshal of the fourteenth Ohio district, and during his service in that capacity commanded the \-olunteers who put dow'n the famous Holmes county reliellion. After the war. in 1866. he mo\ed to LaGrange, Indiana, where he lixed till his death in 1S86, w'hile his wife jiassed awa\' in the same \-ear. He was a stanch Repulv lican and supiMi'ter of his party and his country. This intrepid soldier was the father of a large family, and seven children are still living,. Tavo of the sons were in the war. Levi starved to death in Andersonville prison befoi-e he was seventeen years old, and Francis M., who died in 1903, served four years in the war and for a time was confined in Libby prison.

Mr. Tames S. Drake was fourteen years old when the family moved from Ohio to LaGrange, Indiana, where he continued his education in the high school. He spent three years. 1870-72, at Hillsdale (Michigan) College, and lea\'ing there in his junior year spent the next two years at the L'ni\'ersity of Michigan, graduating from the law department in 1874, when twenty-two years old. He at once began practice at LaGrange in partnership with Judge Ferrall of the circuit bench. In 1878 he was elected prosecuting attorney for LaGrange and Elkhart counties, and by re-election held that office four years. In 1884 li« was elected to the state senate, serving four years. At LaGrange he served a number of years on the board of education and took prominent part in educational affairs. In November, 1898, Mr. Drake came to Goshen and began practice with C. W. Miller, the firm later becoming Miller, Drake and Hubbell.

A stanch Republican. Mr. Drake was a delegate to the Chicago convention in 1888 which nominated Benjamin Harrison, and has always taken an active interest in politics. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and a Royal .\rch Mason, and has meinbership in the Presbvterian church. January 2. 1877. he married Miss Amanda Clugston, of La- Grange. He lost his wife in February, 1904.

Orrin \\atts. practically a lifelong resident of northern Indiana, a Civil war veteran, a worthy and industrious citizen in all the departments of a busy career, is now serving his second term as citv treasurer of Goshen, where he has lived for nearly thirty years.

Mr. Watts was torn at Milford, Indiana, May 5. 1841, a son of Nelson and Ann H. (Farrington) Watts.- These worthy parents came from \''ermont and settled at Milford in 1839, and later moved to Leesburg, also in Ko.'-ciusko county, where the father, who- followed the occupation of carpenter and joiner, died.

Reared and educated at I.eesburg, Mr. Watts worthed at the trade of carpenter with his father, and for two years was in the furniture business in Leesbui\g. He was just entering manhood when the Civil war broke out, and on April ig, 1861. a few days after Fort Sumter was fired upon, he enlisted in Company E, Twelfth Indiana Infantry, for one year, and served in the .'Knny of the Potomac until his honorable discharge on May 7, 1862. He is now a charter member of

Cliarles W. Howell Post Xo. 90, at Goshen, and is acti\-ely interested in G. A. R. matters. In 1867 Mr. Watts was elected county surveyor for Kosciusko county, at which time he mo\'ed to \Varsaw. ?Ie later resigned this office and went to Topeka. Kansas, where he lived a short time. He located at (inshen in [873, and with the exception of four years spent at Paitler, this slate, has resided here ever since, following the vocation of cabinet making. In the spring of 1902 he was elected city treasurer of Goshen, and after one term of very satisfactory service in this office his fellow citizens showed their confidence in him by re-electing him in May, 1904.

Mr. Watts is a stanch Repul>lican. and fraternally is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, for which order he was record keeper seven years. January 29, 1863, he married Miss Sarah E. Raff, who was born in Ohio. They have three children, Qiarles D.. Maud E. Davis and Bessie D.

Dr. \\'illiam A. Xeal is, so far as is known, the oldest native-born resident of Elkhart still living in the_^ city. This is a noteworthy distinction for record in this history of the county, not to mention the fact that Dr. Neal is also entitled to recognition as one of the oldest physicians of the county. He himself has been identified in many ways with the life and affairs of his city and county, and furthermore is a member of a family whose connection with the county dates back to the very pioneer jieriod.

When Dr. Neal was Ixirn in Elkhart on January 29. 1836, there was little more than a collection of log houses to mark the site of what was destined to be a thriving city of twenty thousand. Nearly three score and ten years have passed since he was born, and it has teen his lot to witness in the meantime almr>st countless changes in the physical feattires which once marked the spot and a development of civic and industrial resources which the present generation can hardly realize.

Dr. Neal's father was Henry Neal, a native of Hagerstown, Marxland, and a son of Welsh parents. \\'hen a bm- the father accompanied his parents to Ohio, and in 1835 came out to the wilderness of northern Indiana and located in the little village of Elkhart. .\ harnessmaker by trade, and a skilled one at that, he had the honor of startin.g the first harness shop in the county, in partnership with his brother-in-law, G. L. Kiblinger. He continued in business until his death in 1884. A pioneer of the county, he was identified in many ways with its civic affairs. He served as a constable, and in politics was first a Whig and then a Republican, and was a prominent member of tlie ATethodist Episcopal church. His wife. Rebecca Kiblinger. a native of Ohio, died in 1841 at the age of twentv-fnur, and they had only two children. The dau.ghter, Margaret, became the wile of Russell Davis, and died in 1900.

Dr. Neal. the older oi the chilch'cn am! the only one left to represent _ the family, began his independent career when a Ixiy of thirteen by learning the printer's trade, and for a time worked on the Elkhart Express and the Goshen Democrat. Cjiving up the printer's trade at the age of fifteen, he learned the drug business and at the same time carried on the study of medicine. He completed his preparation for a jirofessiona! career at Rush Medical College in Chicago, and began practice in New London, Iowa. In October, 1861. he joined the Union army as assistant surgeon, and served three years and ten months, until his discharge in July. 1865. He afterward located at Dayton, IMichigan, and practiced there fourteen years. Dr. Neal returned to the city of his birth in 1870 and has ever since been conducting an active practice in this city. He is a member of the Elkhart County and the State Medical societies and also the American Medical As.sociation. He affiliates with Elmer Post of the G. A. R. and is surgeon for the same. He has been a member of tlie Masonic order since he was twenty-two years old, and has taken the Royal Arch degrees.

In 1857 Dr. Neal married Miss Elizabeth L. Lamb, and they are parents of two children. Harry, the son, is in the printing business in Elkhart. The daughter Eva is the wife O'f W. N. Sawyer. There is a grandson. Glen R. Sawyer, who is a practicing attorney of Elkhart, so that four generations of the family have been identified with this city in useful and honorable acti\-ities.

Elmer E. .\sh, M. D., has practiced medicine and surgery at Goshen since 1889, during which time he has built up a reputation as one of the ablest an<l most skillful practitioners of the city. He is constantly busy, has a large general practice both at his office and from house to house, and is one of the wide-awake men of his profession who keep thoroughly abreast of all impnnements and scientific progress.

Dr. Ash was born January 3, 1863, on a farm in Wayne county, Ohio. His parents, Josiah and Nancy (Bidler) .\sh. Ixith natives of Pennsylvania, were married in Ohio, and for many years lived in Wayne county, where the father was a prosperous farmer. In later years they moved to .Vshland, Ohio, ^^herc first the mother and later the father passed away in death.

Reared on a farm. Dr. Ash began his schooling in the countryschools, and his opportunities were afterward broadened by the pri\ilege of attending the normal school at Ada, Ohio, and later he attended the Dunkard college at .Ashland. Obtaining a teacher's certificate, he taught school five years, thus laying the same basis for professional life which so manv successful men ha\e. Erom his earnings as a teacher he defrayed his expenses in gaining a medical education, and while he was teaching he was engaged in the study of medicine. He later entered the

Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville, and was graduated from that excellent professional school in 1885 '^^'th the degree of M. D. A short time after graduation he was appointed assistant superintendent of the insane hospital at Toledo, Ohio, a position he held for eighteen months, and then located ai; Norwalk, Ohio, and practiced until he came to Goshen in 1889. Here he has made the scene of his endeavors ever since, has found an excellent iield for his activity, and the patronage which has been gi\'en him is the best proof of his ability. With a large medical library, with a modern and well equipped office suite, with several operating rooms in which to care for his surgical practice, he has all the accessories which are needed by the modern physician and surgeon. With progressiveness a keynote of his character and ground for his large success, he has never been content with present accomplishment. In 1898 he took a iwst-graduate course in the Chicago Post-Graduate School of Medicine. He is a member of the Elkhart County Medical Society, of the Tri-State Medical Society, and of the American Medical Association. .\lso active in fraternal orders, he affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, with the Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, is a Master J\'Iason, and in politics is a Repul> lican.

Elmer Ellsworth Mummert, of Goshen, is one of the best known and most prominent men in this county. An able lawyer, honored by his fellow citizens with election to the general assembly of the state, a man of affairs, he has in many ways left the impress of his indi\iduality and action upon his county.

-\ native of Goshen, where he was liorn February 14, 1863, Mr. ]\Iummert belongs to a family which has Ijeen resident in this country for two centuries and which has included among its members men who have proved stanch and honorable at every post where the destiny of human life has stationed them. The main trunk of the Mummert family tree as it has grown and flourished on American soil originated in Jacob Alummert, who was born in the famous old province of Alsace Lorraine, Germany, in 1650. and who sometime in the course of that century came to America. .\t Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, his .son Adam was born in 1700. Adam in turn had a son Jacob, born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, in 1745, and who, among the earliest pioneers, crossed the Alleghanies and settled at Canton, Ohio, where, on June 2. 1801, was born his son Adam Mummert, the grandfather of Elmer E. of Goshen.

Also in Canton, Ohio, was born George W. Mummert, on August 6. 1836, the father of Mr. Mummert, subject of this ske1x:h. From Ohio he came to Goshen, and after a residence here of twelve or fifteen vears moved to Millersburg, Elkhart county ; from there to Wawaka, in Noble count)', where his last days were spent and where his death occurred on August 6, 1893. just as he had completed his fifty-se\-en years of life. He had, about 1870, in partnership with the late Dr. E. W. H. Ellis, built and operated a mill at jVIiller.sburg and one at Wawaka. The latter mill being destroyed by lire some eight }-ears later, Mr. G. W. Mumniert purchased his partner's interest and rebuilt the Wawaka mill, which since his death has been operated by his son, William C. Mummert. W'hile living at Goshen he was manager of the Stauffer flouring mill and later in life was engaged in manufacturing railroad supplies. He was a good business man and in all circles had the respect and esteem of everyone, being well remembered by the early settlers of Elkhart county^. In politics he was a Republican and for two terms commissioner of Noble county. A consistent Christian, he was a member of the Methddist b^])iscopal church.

George W. .Mummert married Louisa J. Zinn. a sister of the late George W. Zinn, who was an early settler of this county and who at one time served as county commissioner of Elkhart county. Louisa Zinn was born in Clark county, Ohio'. May 17, 1835. and died at Wawaka, Decemlier 30, 1887. She too was a member of the Methodist church, a woman of strong force of character and beloved b}- all who had the good fortune of an acquaintance with her.

Of such excellent parentage and ancestry, Hon. E. E. Alummert has led a life in keeping with the solid worth and integrit}' of the past and has maintained his career in accordance with the high standards of the present day. Entering William Ta_\-lor University at the youthful age of fifteen, he was graduated therefrom in 1881, the youngest member of his class, five years later being honored with the degree of .\. M. from his alma mater: matriculated in the University of Michigan and was graduated from its law department in 1885 with the degree of LL. 15. He at once began practice in Goshen, in partnership with \\'ilber L. Stonex, and soon rose to prominence in Iiis profession and in politics. In 1889 he was appointed to the position of deputy prosecuting attorney, serving as such four years ; was later elected city attorney for Goshen. While prosecuting, attorney many important cases were tried, among them two murder cases. In igoo he became the nominee of the Republican partv for state representative, was successful at the polls in that fall, and two years later was re-elected. He represented this count\- w ith great credit in the si.xty-second and si.xty-third sessions of the general assemlolv, and as a member of important committees and taking a leading part in the discussions and deliberations be left his impress on the legislation effected during tliat period. During his first term he introduced the general library bill, since known as the " Mummert Law." which is considered one of the best acts of its kind in any state, and upon the strength of which .\ndrew Carnegie has given between forty and fifty liliraries tn Indiana. During his sccinid term Reiiresentati\e ?ilumniert introduced some of the most impoi'taiit bills considered during the session, among them the general iniprovement law for cities and towns, and also the Jaw that made possible the magnificent new high school building in Goshen, which, considered both from an architectural standpoint and as an institution, is a lasting credit to this city and one of the finest schools of the kind in this state. .1 le has for years lieen acti\e in local and state politics.

Mr. jMummert did iiiucli Id estalilish the Goshen public library in his home cit}-. h'or a }ear he imp<.irtune(l Air. Carnegie to make a contribution for that ]>urpose to Goshen, altliough none but the librar)- committee knew of the c^uiet and efifective efforts being made by him. until the gift was secured and public announcement given to the city. This successful initial step was followed by his securing the library legislation already mentioned, and a sbnrt time later he made a second trip east to interview I\Ir. Carnegie, by which twenty-five thousand dollars in all was secured for a public library in Goshen. This gave Goshen the distinction of being the first city in Indiana to recei\-e recognition in this manner at tiie hands of the great pliilanthro]3ist. He was appointed to serve on the lirst lil)rar}- b'oard. Mr. Mumniert. besides being acti\-e in promoting puljlic afifairs. was for fi\e years secretary of the Commercial Exchange of Goshen, and in this capacity gave much time and effort to the enterprises planned and undertaken during that period. He is a member of the First Methoilist Episcopal church of Goshen, and one of the official board for the ])ast fifteen or twenty years. In all things an indefatigable worker, it is to this excellent characteristic that is attributed his rise to his present prominence and usefulness to state and community.

May 14. 1890, Mr. Mummert married I\Iiss .Mice N. Nusbaum, a lady of rare accomplishments, prominent in local and state club circles, and an influence for sweetness and light at home and in society. Born in Middlebury township, this count)', July 30. 1865, the eldest of four children born to Da\'id P>. and Idarriet Xusbaum. of Swiss-German descent, she receixed her early education in the common schools of Midfllebury township and \-illage, and for eiglit \'ears was one of the successful and jxipular teachers of this count\. She tauglit her first term in Clinton township, in the s])ring of iSSj, .and from that time until her marriage taught continuously except one term - teachnig from seven to nine and a half months each year and going to school most of the A-acation seasons, her later schoohng being obtained in the Valparaiso Normal School. Four vears of the eight spent in teaching were spent in the Goshen cit\' '-chools. her duties lieginning there in the fall of 1886.

A woman of rare range of abilities, Mrs. Mummert has accomplished much in more than one sphere of activit}'. In i()02 she was vice presideiit of the Indiana State Federation, of Women's Cluljs, in 1903 was chairman of the legislative committee, and as such was instrumental in securing some valuable legislation in the session of the general assembly in 1903 affecting movements in the interests of women's clubs. In

October, 1904, at the comciition liekl in the city of Elkhart. ]\Irs. Alummert received further honors by being elected president of the Indiana Federation of Women's Clubs, and was re-elected to that iX)sition at the Sixth Annual Con\ention held in \^incennes on October 11, 12 and 13, 1905.

As a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Goshen she has served m every capacity, as steward, president of the Ladies" Aid, assistant Sunday-school superintendent, teacher in the Sunday-school, and as a member of important committees. She has been associated with organizations for mutual impro\ement and for the benefit of the pulilic ; has been a member of the executive board of the Woman's Musical Club of Goshen ever since its inception, and is now first vice president of the club, her acti\-e interest in music and musical affairs being still maintained in spite of the engrossing nature of her other duties. She cherishes most of all her church and home relations, and when these responsibilities have been met she offers her time and talent for the welfare of the community, especially along educational lines. She possesses an excellent private library, and art. music and literature have each foimd their proper place in the formation of her character and the rounding out of her life work.

Mr. and Mrs. Mummert Iiave one child, Maurice M.. torn September 13, 1892, who served as a page in the house during the sixty-third general assembh .

George W. F.Vrrell

George ^^^ Farrell. ex-probate commissioner of Elkhart county, has, during the sixty odd years of his lifetime, had a career of singular interest, hecause of its worthy activity, his patriotic service during the war of the rebellion, his constant striving and ambition looking beyond present attainment to higher reaches of fortiuie. and the honor and dignity which have graced his life in all its phases.

Born in Ashland county. Oliio. September 28, 1843, ^^^ ^^'^^ ^ son of Joseph A. and Ruth (Fowler) Farrell. the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Maryland. Married in Pennsylvania, from that state the parents came to Ohio, settling in Ashland county ; went back to Pennsylvania, again rettu'ned to Ohio, whence they moved to the father's native county. Lawrence c<iunty. Pennsylvania, and in 1871 came to DeKalb county. Indiana, where the mother passed away in the following year. The father was married a second time, and finally moved to Waterford. Elkhart count}", where he practically spent the rest of his life, although he died in Nebraska, \\hile on a visit there, in 1887.

Passing his youth lui the \-arious places where iiis parents sojourned, Mr. k'arrell grew up without special educational advantages Init with an active and energetic spirit. He was living in Pennsylvania when the Civil war came on. and April 26, 1861, he enlisted in Cooper's Battery B, First Light Artillery of the Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps.

which was organized at Mt. Jackson, Lawrence county ; entered the state service June 8, 1861, and was mustered into the United States sei-vice June 28. He was mustered out June 9. 1864, term of three years expiring, and re-enhsted February 26, 1865, in the Second Hancock Regiment, Company G, and was mustered out June i-/, 1865. The total enronment of Battery B was 332, and of these 283 were enhsted for three years, and 49 for one year. There were 83 transfers to the Ijattery, and 43 transfers from the battery. The men transferred to the battery were for the purpose of keeping tlie organization to the full battery complement. The casualties were: 21 killed and died of wounds received in action (which is a greater loss than that sustained by any other volunteer Ixittery in the sen-ice) : 17 died of disease, etc.. and the different men wounded were 52. Several men were wounded more than once, which makes the number of wounded loi. Some of the men who were transferred back to their regiments were afterward killed and their death noted in the roll. The batten' served in the First and Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac, but. was temporarily attacherl to the Third Coi-ps of the Army of Virginia during the battles at and in the vicinity of Rull Run. Tlie total ammunition expended during the entire service was over 11,200 pounds. Mr. Farrell was a member of this Battery B, and the engagements in which lie participated as a member of the battery were : Dranesville. Mechanicsville, Gaines Mill, Charles City Cross Roads or Glendale, Malvern Hill, Gainesville, Groveton, second Bull Run, Chantilly. South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh's Crossing or second Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Laurel Hill or Alsop's Farm, Po River, Spottsylvania Court House. North .\nna River or Jericho Ford. Totopotomy, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor. Mr. Farrell followed the fortunes of this battery to the close of his term of enlistment. Fie entered the Second Hancock Army Corps, Februarv 26, i86s, from which he was honorahlv discharged Tune 2"]. 1865.

Mr. Farrell look up his residence in Elkhart count}- in December, 1868. I'or a time he was in the merchandise business at the old town of Waterford, Silver Lake, Three Rivers, Warsaw and other places in this section of the state. In 1879 ^e began farming near \\'aterford. and was known as an enterprising and successful farmer there until 1886.

.A natural fitness led him to the study and practice of the law, although the course that his life had taken prevented him from following his bent. But when his mind was made up to a legal career all ordinary obstacles were as nothing in his path. Having left school when fourteen years old. he had not a very satisfactory literan^ basis. Therefore, in 1885, when nearing the meridian of his years, he re-entered school, attending the same school in Waterford and being in the same rooi-n where his children were pupils. In 1887 he graduated from the law school of ' the Northern Indiana Normal College at Valparaiso, and on his admission to the bar soon afterwarrl he located at Goshen. In October, iqot, he was appointed probate commissioner, and held that responsible county oftice over three years. Always an active Republican, in 1894 he was elected a member of the lower liouse in the General jXssemljIy. and ga\e his constituents capable service during one term.

In 1870 Mr. Farrell married Miss Susan Matilda Latta. Mrs. Farrell was born in this county, being a daughter of William and iNIatilda (Layton) Latta. Three children have been l)orn of tlieir marriage, namely, Aionzo M., Joseph M. and Porter M. Farrell.

Francis E. Baker

Francis E. Baker, for twenty years ]M'(.iminent as lawyer and judge and since January, 1902, occupying the high position of judge of the United States seventh judicial circuit, is a son of the well known and long honored jurist. Hon. John H. Baker, now living retired in Goshen, in which city Francis E. was born October 20, i860. His mother, Harriet E. (DeFrees) Baker, is also still living, and the family in its connections and activities has lo^ng been one of the most prominent in Elkhart county. The career of Hon. John H. Baker has been sketched on other pages of this \'olume.

Judge Baker went to school in his native city until he was ready to enter college. At the age of sixteen, in 1876, he became a student in the L^niversity of Indiana, and two years later entered the Lhiiversity of Michigan, where he was graduated in 1882, after having completed a five years' course in four yejirs. His scholastic career was noteworthy as a brilliant entrance into the larger field of activity in later life. He was class historian in 1880, and during the last year of his course was the literary editor of the college paper, the Chronicle, and was class poet at the commencement exercises of bis class, honors bestowed upon him in recognition of his literary ability displayed during four years of constant association with his classmates. Following his graduation he read law two. years under his father and his father's law partner, the late Judge Mitchell, of Goshen. In 1885 Judge Mitchell became a judge of the supreme court of Indiana, and the firm of Baker and Mitchell was succeeded by Baker and Baker, father and son. Seven years later the father became judge of the LInited States district court, and at that time Charles W. ^Miller (now attorney general of the state) became a member of the firm, as Baker and Miller, which firm is now continued as Miller, Drake and Hubbell.

.'Vlthough an active Republican since casting his first vote, Mr. Baker was never an aspirant for political honors outside the direct line of his profession. His career on the bench, which has been replete with well merited distinction, began in 1898, when he was elected to the supreme court of Indiana, taking his seat on January 2, 1899. Three years later, in December, 1901, he was nominated and in January f(illnw-

Judge Baker married, Fel>ruary. 21, 1888, Miss Mary Irwin, of Goshen, and ;i daughter of one of the Elkhart county pioneers and lionored citizens.

Mrs. Hannah Brothers

Mrs. Hannah Brothers, of Jackson township, is entitled tO' distinction in more ways than one. She is one of the oldest ladies of the county, and for over half a century has resided in Elkhart county ; both her oi\\'n fajnily and those of the name she bears have played a conspicuous part in affairs Ixjth in this county and elsewhere, and her life has partaken of those qualities of sweetness and light which are the highest expressions of woman's character.

Mrs. Brothers was born in Stark county, Ohio, September 22, 1827, being the third in a family of twelve children, four sons and eight daughters, whose parents were Manassa and Sarah (Creighton) Baer. She is the oldest of the three yet living, her two sisters being". Sarah, wife of L. J. Dyke, who lost an arm in the Civil war and is now a retired resident of Union City, Pennsylvania: and Eliza, wife of H. H. Shaler, a real estate dealer of Saginaw, Michigan.

Manassa Baer, the father, was born in Ohio in 1800, was reared in his nati\-e state, recei\-ing the education afforded by the poor common schools of that period, and after a successful career as a farmer he passed aw^ay May 2, 1857. Coming to Elkhart county in 1851, when much of the county w as still in its primitive condition, he purchased land in Jackson township near the Benton township line, and it was there he made his home till death. He was a Whig in politics, and lived long enough to vote for the hrst Republican ticket. Both he and his wife were members of the German Baptist church. The latter was born in Ohio about 1804 and died June 8, 1873.

RecU'ed in her native county of Stark, the daughter Hannah was married there on April 10. 1846. to Stephen Brothers, and the large family born to them consisted of thirteen children, five sons and eight daughters, of Avhom seven are living at this writing. Byron, who had a public and normal school education, is a resident of Wichita. Kansas, - and by his marriage to Miss Cora Umbenhour has two children, Lois and Gordon. ]\Iary, who, after attendance at the common schools and the Go.sben high school, was a teacher in New Paris a number of terms and alsd one vear in Kansas, is now the wife ni F. M. Rohrer, a carpenter and i( liner at (ioshen, and they lia\ e one child, Romain. Chloe, born a mute and graduated from the Deaf and Dumb Institute at Indianapolis. is the wife of j. \\". Priestly, a mechanic residing in Goshen, and has one child, Clarence. Marjarah resides in Jackson townshi]> on the old homestead with her venerable mother. Elizabeth, a graduate of the Goshen high school and for eleven and a half years a successful teacher in this county, lives with her mother; she is tiie widow of the hite Dr. Albert Eisenbeiss. who was a graduate of Indiana Medical College in the class of 1886 and who died in 1895. Albert, who completed his education at Purdue University and is now a practical farmer in Elkhart township, married Miss Lovina Rodabaugh and has three sons, Chester, Walter and John. The last of the living children is Dr. G. M. Brothers, whose life history immediately follows this sketch.

Stephen Brothers, the late husband of Hannah Brothers, was born in Stark county, Ohio, November 15, 1819, and died March 29, 1892. He recei\ed a common school education and followed the occupation of farming. A Whig during his early voting years, he became a Republican on the birth of that party, and cast his ballot for all the candidates from Lincoln until his death. He was often chosen a delegate to the county and district conventions, and was a loyal supporter of the Grand Old Part)'. He and his wife were members of the German Baptist church, and at his death the township and county suffered the loss of a man who had been faithful to all the obligations imposed by church, state, society and the countless relations of life. The estate which this pioneer built up by his labor and diligence is known as the '"Wayside," and is the beloved old home where children, relatives and friends still delight to linger and enjoy the rich associations of the past and present.

The pupil of Aesculapius as exemplified in the graduate of our modern medical college is a factor that plays a most cdnspicuous part in home, community and nation. For, as Pope has expressed it :

The genial, sympathetic and skilled doctor, bringing sunshine into the sick chamber, is ever welcome to suffering humanity, and the ideal physician can never be too highly exalted in our minds. The oldschool doctor, more potent for healing by reason of his svmjiathv than through knowledge or skill, thongli still beloved and fondly remembered, is giving place to the modem graduate, well ecpiipped by studv and experience and bringing to his work the vast sum oi knowledge accumulated through years of experience and co-operati\-e practice in this great field of applied science.

It is a physician an,d surgeon of the modern type whose career is presented in the following brief sketch of Dr. Brothers. A representative of one of the most prominent old families of Jackson township, he needs no further introduction to the readers of this history-, and a short history of his career finds a most fitting place in the annals of the county as found recorded in this year 1905.

Born on the old homestead in Jackson township, Septemljer 15. 1873, the youngest of his parents' thirteen children, whose more detailed history is given alxive. Dr. Brothers spent his youth on the farm, receiving liis diploma from the common schools in 1889. and finished his public school course by two years in the New Paris schools and two years in the Goshen high school. In 1893 he continued his studies in the X'alparaiso College, where he studied until he received his diploma for the Cdurses in pharmacy and literary departments. This scholastic career h.e completed so successfully only by relying upon his own efforts for the means of accomplishment, and he can be proud of the title of self-made man. On his return home from Valparaiso he took the examination fdr .1 teacher's license, obtained one, and for six years shaped the ])lastic minds of many boys and girls in his home district, where lie is rememl)ered as one of the veiy successful teachers.

In the meantime he had resolved upon the profession of medicine as his life work, although the law had also appealed to him strongly, and in the fall of 1900 he entered the medical department of Butler College, now the University of Indiana, and after pursuing the full course was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1904. During his period of preparation he was associated with Dr. Erastus M. Eisenbeiss, one of the most noted surgeons of the state, and from him gained much both in the way of inspiration to the highest ideals and also in direct practical benefit. After his graduation he passed the examination set Ijy the state board, Ijy which he was licensed to^ practice in twelve states of the Union, and in 1904 he located for active practice at New- Paris, where he has already gained a very high place in his profession and is recognized as one of the most thoroughly equipped and able voung practitioners in the county. Anxious to achieve success of a substantial and permanent character, and success measured from professional ideals rather than from a financial standpoint, he is as enthusiastic a student now as when in college, and grasps every opportunity to better perfect himself for his life work. While the opportunity has been given him to enter practice in a large city, many reasons have persuaded him to begin his career in his home township, and here his influence and patronage have already becom.e widespread. He is a member of the Marion County Medical Society, as also of the similar professional organization in this county, and is connected with the well known literarx- and medical bodw the S\'dneyham Society. Politically he is a Republican, having cast his first A-ote for McKinley, and his religious preference is for the Methodist faith. Much travel through the states of the Mississippi valley, as also continued and intimate contact with affairs and men, have contributed much to breadth of mind anrl universal sympathy which are characteristic of Dr. Brothers, imiuediatelv observable on brief acquaintance with the doctor, and his al^ilit\- goes unquestioned throughout his native county.

Dr. James A. Work

Dr. James A. Work, one of the a1>lest representatives of the medical profession in Elkhart, who has practiced in that city for over thirt}' years, was born in Middlebury township of this county, Eebruar}- 15, 1845. ^-^ 's a son of Abel Everett Work, who was born in Lancaster county, Ohio, and came to Elkhart county in 184J. .V blacksmith by trade, he followed that occupation in connection with fanning, and had a shop for many years on his farm in Middlebury township. He was a respected and well known resident of the county for over fifty years, and died at an advanced age in .1898. A Presbyterian, lie was one of the founders of the Little Elkhart church, and its deacon many years. He was of Scotch-Irish descent through his father, Aaron Work, who was a native of Mifflin county, Pennsylvania. Dr. W'ork's mother, Cynthia H. (Larimer) \\'ork, a native of Ohio and who lived to her seventieth }ear, was also of Scotch-Irish ancestry. The parents had eight sons, and all grew to manhood. Aaron is in the real estate and insurance business in Elkhart. Isaac L. and John W. l^oth died in the service of their country during the rebellion, the tormer in 1863 and the latter in 1864. Dr. Samuel A., who died at \"andalia, Michigan, in 1902, aged sixty years, had been a prominent physician there for twenty years. James A. is the subject of this sketch. William C. is a retired farmer living in Elkhart. Rolv ert W. is a blacksmith at Fawn River, ^lichigan. Rev. Abel "SI. is a Presbyterian clergyman at Brookings, South Dakota.

Dr. Work was reared on his father's farm in Middlebury township, and the first schooling he had was in the Forest Grove district. He later attended the La Grange Collegiate Institute and the Goshen high school, and, obtaining a certificate, taught school three years as a means to entrance upon a professional career. He finished his education in the University of Michigan, graduating from the medical department in 1870. In the same year he located m Elkhart, and here for the subsequent thirty-five }'ears has had a large general and surgical practice. Though never restricting his practice to one department, he has given special attention to surgical cases and also to pediatrics. He is one of the best known and considered one of the most reliable physicians in the county. He has maintained ven' extensive professional connections, being a member of the Elkhart County, the Indiana State Medical societies, and the American Medical Association, and was the Elkhart representative to the international medical congress which met at Washington in 1887. there being twenty-seven hundred delegates from all over the world at the congress. Dr. Work has twice served as president of the Elkhart County Aledical .\ssociation, and has been secretary of the citv board of health three times. He is a member of the L'^niversal church, and is a strong Prohibitionist in political views.

Dr. W'nrk married. Octoher lo. 1872. Miss Emma Barthdlomew, a daughter of Henr}- and Ann Bartholomew. Seven children have ]ieen born tO' their union: Lydia V... the wife of Prof. D. F. Jantzen, a professor in the Central Mennonite College at Blufifton. Ohio; Henry Everett, who died at the age of tweKe; Madge J\l.. who is the wife of O. A. Kem]). a grocer of Elkhart: Ruth 1{.. a teacher in the Elkhart ])uljlic scliools : James A., Jr., graduated from the literary course at jNIichigan Cniversity, and is now studying medicine there; Paul B.. who is a gratluate of the Elkhart high school and has also taken courses at the University of Michigan, is now teaching in the La Grange high school; Catherine V... who is a pupil in the Elkhart high school.

Abner Holdealvx

An able representative of the agricultural class which forms the foundation of Olive township's material prosperity, Mr. Holdeman has for a number of years held an honored position among his fellow citizens. Born in Elkhart count}', August 13, 1863, he has spent his lifetime in this county, and by diligence, attention to business and careful management and foresight, has achieved a very considerable success.

Mr. Holdeman was the oldest of eight children, three sons and five daughters, born to Abraham B. and Mary (Kilmer) Holdeman. B)- his previous marriage his father had a daughter Emma, who is the wife of Erank Girl, of Lorain county, Ohio, and has three children, Edna, Chloe and Walter. Mr. Abner Holdeman has four sisters living, namely : Anna E. is the wife of Daniel Wenger, a farmer of Olive township; Alice is the wife of .\bram E. Wenger, a farmer of Baugo township; Priscilla is the wife of Irvin A. Long, of Baugo township ; and Martha is the wife of William Delbert Cook, an agriculturist who resides on the old homestead in Baugo township.

Abraham B. Holdeman. the father, who was born in Ohio. April 4, 1834, and till recentlv lived in Baugo townshi]), came to this county with his parents when he was fifteen years old. That was still during the log-cabin epoch, and deer and wolves were frerpiently seen about the family's earlv home. By attending the common schools and applying himself to studv in private he became a well educated man. such that he became a school teacher himself and taught awhile in this county. His first home in this county was a log cabin on the one hundred and sixtv acres purchased bv his mother. He was a Republican in politics, having supported that ])arty since its organization. He and his good wife," who was born in Ohio IMay 24, 1841. and is still living. were members of the Mennonite church and people of eminent worth who had been held in high esteem in this county for many years. Abraham Holdeman died on June 18, 1905, and the following obituary describes his life in greater detail :

Elkhart cuunty. Indiana, died on Snnday exening, June i8, 1905. For lifty-six years he resided nn the same farm where he died. He was born in Wayne county, Ohio, .Vpril 4, 1834, and was the youngest of twelve chil(h-eii. and the last one to die. All of the twelve lived to raise families and three of them died at the age of seventy-one years. At the age of fifteen he removed with his mother to the farm on which he died. On May 4, 1S56, he was married to Elizabeth Weed of near Goshen, Indiana, \\ho died May i r, i860. To this marriage were born two children, one of whom, Mrs. Emma Girl, survives him. On September 15. 1861, he married Mary Kilmer. To this union were born seven children, five of whom, with their mother, survive him - Abner, Anna (wife of Daniel Wengerj, Alice (wife of Abraham Wenger),'Priscilla (wife of Irvin Long). Martha (wife of Delbert Cook) ; also Louisa Easier, an adopted daughter, whom he loved and respected as one of his own children. He leaves also twenty-eight grandchildren and a large circle of relatives and friends. Fi\t years ago Ero. Holdeman was badly injured by his team running away in the city of Elkhart, and for weeks his mind was a blank. Since that time his health was greatly impaired, but he so far recovered from it that he could go about and attend to business to some extent. During this time he was still much interested in the subject of religion and the advancement of the cause of Christ. On February 26, 1905, he had a stroke of paralysis and since that time was confined to his bed. He was very patient and never complained or murmured, and seemed to be unwilling to cause any unnecessary trouble, and often suffered the want of some things rather than ask to have them brought to him. On June nth he grew worse and continued sinking until June i8th, when he gently fell asleep in Jesus. He was a firm believer- in the Mennonite faith, though for many years not a member of the visible church. He was active as a Sunday school teacher and also used his pen to i^romote the interests of the kingdom, and in his views on the doctrines and practices of the church he was strictly orthodox, and remained faithful to the end. He was a kind husband, a loving father and a good neighbor, and gave many kind and good admonitions to his family during his days of suffering". He was buried at the Olive M. H., where serxices were conducted on the 21st of June by John Blosser of Ohio, and J. S. Shoemaker of Illinois, from i Cor. 3:21-23. His departure made a very marked impression on the family and especially on the sorrowing companion. ^Iny God comfort and bless both the mother and the children."

Mr. Holdeman spent his early years in Eaugo township, where the common schools afforded him his education, and the years up to his majority were passed under the parental roof. Without capital with which to begin life independently, he hired out to his father at eighteen dollars a month, and so continued until his marriage. He was fortunate in finding a helpmate who has been all that a wife should be - kind and !ielpful in all his undertakings, an affectionate mother, an excellent ntighbor am! esteemed member of the community. Eight children have been born during their wedded hfe. and seven are hving : The son, Warren, who is now in high school, -took his diploma in the common schools in 1904 and his ranking average of scholarship was ninety-two per cent, as high as any in the township; Roscoe, who in his studies is mathematically inclined, will finish the common schools in 1906; Walter is in t!ie fifth grade, Florence in the fourth, Vera in the second, and Martha and Nelson have not yet been sent to school.

Mrs. Holdeman is herself a native of Elkhart county, born June 3, 1868, being the fifth in eight children, equally divided iDCtween sons and daughters, whose parents were James C. and Harriet (Terwilliger) Dodge. The five children yet living are: Jasper, who is married and is a farmer at Sand Lake, Michigan; Derrick C, who resides in New York state; Lee, who is married and is a barber in Mendocino, California; Emma S., who is Mrs. Holdeman, their marriage having been celebrated December 6, 1885 ; and Nellie, wife of Levi Burkett, who is a mail carrier and lives in Baugo township. James C. Dodge, the father, who was an uncle of Judge James S. Dodge of this county, was born in New York state and for many years farmed in Elkhart county, wliere he died. He was a Jackson Democrat in politics. His wife, who also came from New York, is now living at Sand Lake, Michigan. Mrs. Holdeman was reared in this county and gained her education in its common schools.

Relying upon their industry and economy, Mr. and Mrs. Holdeman after their marriage went to work to make a home and place in the world for themselves, and it is due to their persistency and faithful efforts that they have attained the culmination of their desires. On October 13, 1893. they located on their present farm, where they lived several vears as renters. In 1898 they bought a farm, going in debt for most of it, but by capable management closed up the transaction with a profit, and in 1899 bought his present farm of one hundred and thirty-eight acres, where they have a comfortable home and are making a success of their operations. Mr. and Mrs. Holdeman are erecting a ]M-ett\- and comfortable brick veneer residence twenty-eight by fortyfeet, two stories, which will be a credit to the township of Olive. Honestv and uprightness they have considered as not less important factors in their life work than diligence and shrewd management, and the place they occup}' in the community ';hows how well they have wrought along the lines which lead to success.

A stanch Republican, Mr. Holdeman cast his first vote for James G. Blaine and has always upheld the principles of the Grand Old Party. He is well known in this part of the county for the interest he takes in first-class stock, especially horses, and he raises and sells each year some very excellent specimens of heavy draft horses. INIrs. Holdeman is a member of the Mennonite church.

Edward Carlyle Crow, D. O., who for the past four years has been numljered among the successful practitioners of Elkhart and as a representative of the modern osteopathic school has achieved a very notable success, was born in Pike county, Missouri, Januaiy 24, 1862, a son of Martin and Louisa (Hendrick) Crow. His father was born at Harrodsburg, Kentucky, and his mother in Pike county, Missouri, and both are still living, though in advanced age. His father has been one of the successful farmers and stock-raisers of Missouri, and has been unusually prosperous in financial matters. He is one of the prominent men of Pike county, and ser\-ed four years as county judge. He has been a resident of that county se\'enty-four years, being ik^w a venerable man of eightyfour years.

Dr. Crow, who is the third child and second son of seven children, grew up on his father's farm. His early school days were passed in a countr}' school, and he then attended \Vatson Seminary at Ashley, Missouri, and, in 1882-83, the commercial department of the Missouri State University at Columbia. He first devoted his attention to a business career, conducting a furniture and carpet house in Bowling Green, Missouri, for nine years. He then matriculated at the well known American School of Osteopathy at Kirksville, Missouri, and after successfully pursuing the courses of study and investigation graduated in June, 1901, with the degree of Doctor of Osteopathy. He practiced for a brief time at Petoskey, Michigan, and in September, 1901, located in Elkhart, where he has built up a thriving practice. He is a member of the National Association and the Indiana State Association of Osteopathy.

Eraternallv Dr. Crow is a Master Mason, an Odd Fellow and an Elk. .\ Republican in politics, while a resident of Bowling Green he served as councilman and has always taken a public-spirited interest in the affairs of his community.

Dr. Crow married, in 1883, Miss Elizabeth Marzolf. who also graduated from the same school in 1901, and is in active practice with her husband. They have one son. Martin E. Crow, who is assistant manager of the Fldme Telephone Company at Elkhart.

Leander Anderson, who was born" in Harrison township, Elkhart countv, July 12. 1848, has been throughout his active career prominently identified with, the agricultural and ci\ic afifairs of the county and is also entitled to especial distinction in this work as being the son of one of the very oldest pioneer settlers of the count} .

tlis father, the Hon. Noah .\nderson, who died in 1874. in his sixtysecond vear, was a native of Delaware state and had come to this county as earlv as 1832, which is one of the early dates in the coun,ty's histoi-y. He chiise the fertile region of v>hat has since become Harrison township, taking up a quarter section of government land, and cleared it up and made a beautiful farm, on which he lived till his death. His trade was that of millwright, and at one time he was in the employ of the Hawks Milling Company and in a plow factory. In i860 he was a member of the state legislature and, from the org^anization of the party a stanch Republican, he was identified in many ways with the public life of his county. He served as county commissioner several terms and in other local offices. He married Mary Ann Hay, a native of Pennsylvania, who died in 1885 at the age of seventy-four. She was of German stock, while his ancestiw was English and Scotch. They were parents of six sons and four dang'htei's, two of whom died in infancy, while the rest grew to adult years.

Leander Anderson, the eighth child and fourth son, was reared on his father's farm in Harrison townshi]), where the public schools furnished him his education. By choice of occupation an agriculturist, and one of the most successful of those who have followed that calling in this county, until within the last ten years his attention was devoted entirely to that line of business. He farmed on the home place until 1885, then was located on his farm just south of Elkhart until 1893, ^'""^' i" that year retired from active participation in farming and moved to Elkhart. He had been interested to a considerable extent in city real estate, and in 1901 built the Anderson block in Elkhart, a three-story office and business structure which forms one of the best modern additions to the business district. Besides other property in Elkhart, he is the owner of a good farm in Harrison township and also one in Concord township.

A strong Republican in his political affiliations, Mr. Anderson has held the office of justice of the peace and for ten years has been city commissioner. He is a member of the Century Club, and in business and social circles has long been one of the popular and influential men of Elkhart.

Sol Miller

A practical education and business acumen, coupled with integrity of character, are the cardinal qualifications for a successful Ijusiness man. .\mong the younger element of our people, upon whom has fallen the robe of responsibility in directing the affairs of commerce, will be found in each community one or more possessing these characteristics and by the very nature of their talents taking a foremost place in the business and social activities of their home community. Such a person is Mr. Sol Miller, whose permanent home is at Svracuse. but who has been identified for some time with the business affairs of the town of Wakarusa. Coming of a family which has figured very conspicuously in the early histoiy of southeastern Elkhart county, he is a grandson of that Solomon Miller who finds a ]>rominent place in this history as the founder of the town of Millersburg.

1874, he was the third in a family of five children, two sons and three daughters, whose parents were Andrew U. and Charity J- (Showalter) Miller. All the children are living at tlie present time, as follows: Harr}' D., a graduate of the University of Indiana and formerly principal and superintendent of the puhlic schools of Cromwell, Millersburg and Topeka, is now a student in the theological department of the University of Chicago, being a member of the class of 1906. He is a young man of ripe scholarship and broad ability in his chosen fields of work. He married Miss .\ddie Piper, of Noble county, and they have one son, George. Leila Ada, the second child, who received excellent educational advantages and a three years' course in music, is the wife of John W. Smith, who is connected with the W. B. Burford Stationery Company at Indianapolis, the head of the firm being state printer. Luann, the next daughter, was educated in the Ligonier schools, is the wife of Ross A. Skinner, who was formerly associated with her l>rother Sol in merchandising at Syracuse. Jessie I'., the youngest, is at home with her parents in Noble county.

Andrew U. Miller, the father, who was born in Ohio and is now one of the prominent citizens of Noble county, has spent his acti\-e career in farming and milling, he and his brother operating a grist mill for many years. LIis father Solomon, the pioneer founder of Millersburg already mentioned, was probably a native of Tennessee, and, coming to Elkhart county- at an earlv date, became owner of much of the land where Millersburg now stands. He participated in the Black Hawk war, and aiuong the earlier members of the famil\- were several who served in the Revolutionary war. Andrew INliller also served his country during the C'wil war, enlisting, at the age of sixteen, in 1862, and serving altogether three years and one month. He was a member of Company I, Seventy-fourth Indiana Infantry, which was assigned to the western department of the F.ederal army, and his service was under the noted leaders, Sherman and Thomas, and he was with the former on the march to the sea. Mrs. Charity Miller, the mother, was born m the beautiful Shenandoah valley of Virginia, in Rockingham county, but, coming to Indiana when a little girl, has spent practically all her life in this state.

Reared in his home county, Mr. Sol Miller, after completing the course in the common schools and a three years' course in the Ligonier high school, then entered the educational ranks and taught school three years in Noble county. During the four years' term of his father as county treasurer of Noble county, in 1897-1900, he served as deputv treasurer. In 1902 he was appointed deput)' treasurer of LaGrange county, at the same time serving as deputy county auditor, and. held these positions until 1903. After 1)eing connected with the bankinghouse of Sol Mier and Company at Ligonier for some months he and his brother-in-law. on August i. 1903. entered into a partnership for conducting a general store at Svracuse. Kosciusko count\-. This enter- prise was disposed of in March, 1905, and since then, up to the date of tliis writing, I\Ir. Miller has been manager of a hardware store owned by his father-in-law in Wakarnsa.

August q, 1904. Mr. ]\Iiller married Miss Georgiana Leone Ketring, daughter of Silas L. Ketring. the laanker of Syracuse. Mrs. Miller was born April 12. 1882, in Kosciusko county, was educated in the Syracuse high school and the Tri-State Xormal at Angola, and for one year taught school in Porter county. She is a bright, resourceful and talented little woman, has studied music and is a member of the Shakespearian Club at Syracuse. Her father, who was born in Stark county. Ohio, March 14, 1845. i.s a successful business man who has attained prominence by persevering effoi-t and reliance on his own strength and ability from youth up. He studied at the business college at Xotre Dame, Indiana, and began his career as a salesman in a general store at Milford, this state, being, sixteen years old when he began this connection with mercantile life. He has since reached many higher rungs on the ladder of success. He began merchandising on liis own account at Syracuse in 1870, and continued in business for thirty years, from a modest start increasing the scope and value of his enterprise until he had become a man of means and large influence in his home town. In 1900 he engaged in the banking inisiness in Syracuse, founding the Bank of Syracuse with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars. His wife, who was born in Kosciusko county June 22, 1853, was a daughter of Thomas Kirby and Hester A. (Baneford) Warner, her mother being still alive at the age of eighty-three years. Airs. Ketring, of excellent Pennsylvania Dutch stock, was reared and educated in her native county and became one of the successful teachers in that and Elkhart counties. Mrs. Miller has four sisters : Adah is the wife of J. H. Miller, postmaster at Syracuse, and has a little daughter aged seven, Frances Helen. DeEarle, who was a student in the Goshen high school and the school of oratory at Northwestern L^niversity, is the wife of O. ^^'. Roberts, a resident of Enid, Oklahoma, and a commercial salesman for Marshall Field and Company of Chicago. Jessie is her father's assistant in the bank at Syracuse. Blanche has her diploma from the common schools and is now a student in the high school, and has also taken both vocal and instrumental music.

Mr. ]\Iiller is a stanch Republican, having cast his first vote for Mc- Kinley. and fraternally is aftlliated with the Masons and the B. P. O. E. Lodge Xo. -^51 at Lignnier. Mrs. ]\[iller is a member of the Alethodist Episcopal church.

]\Iajor James D. Braden, who was born in Hardin county, Ohio. April 27, 1839. has lived in Elkhart county for over fifty years and has been prominently identified throughout his acti\-e career with this count\' and the cit\' of Elkhart in particular. He. as was also his fatlier, is a most cap.'ible lilacksmith. and these twn h.a\'e carried on the trade in tin's county for fully sixty years. Major Braden is also entitled to distinction as one of the }oung' men who went from this county during" the Civil war and h}- gallant conduct \V(.>n promotion from the ranks to a regimental office.

AJajor Braden's father, Robert U. Braden, who was born in Ohio in 1810, came to Elkhart in 1844. He conducted a very successful business as blacksmith in Elkhart from 1S44 until about 1885, Ijeing in that pursuit for a longer continuous period than any other man in the county. He did the ]>lacksmith work on one of the early grist mills of Elkhart as also on many public buildings. It is worth noting in this history of the comity that his old sign is still hanging in front of the sliop where his son carries on the trade and where it has swung in the breezes of over sixty winters and summers - ah item of antiquarian interest which might provoke many memories in the breasts of the old-timers of* Elkhart. The father was past ninety years old when he was called from his earthly activity-. He was a son of a native Irishman. Jane (Walace) Braden, the mo'ther of Major Braden, was born in Ohio and died when about forty \ears old, ha\-ing been the mother of four children.

Major Braden, who is the second child, was about five years old when he came to this county, Elkhart being only a small village at the time. He grew up in this city, got his education in the common schools, and as soon as he was large enough he began learning the trade which his father was following so successfully. His peaceful career as a blacksmith was interrupted by the outbreak of the rebellion in 1861, and, entering the army in that year, he continued in the service of the country four years and se\en months, imtil receiving an honorable discharge at the end of the war. He enlisted as a private in Company C, Ninth Indiana Infantry, for three months" service, and later re-enlisted in the same company and regiment; was promoted to first lieutenant in 1861 and to captain of Company C in 1862, and in 1864 was made major of his regiment, which position he held till the end of the war. He participated in many of the most famous battles of the war, cunong others being Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga, Perryville. the Atlanta campaign with Sherman, and battles of Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee. He was wounded at Stone River, and still carries the minie ball in his Ixidy.

The war over he returned to Elkhart, but for the subsequent ten years followed his trade in southern Kansas and in Kansas City, and also did some farming. He then returned to Elkhart and has since conducted a thriving business at his father's old stand. Besides his honoral)le and successful career in industrial affairs. Major Braden has identified himself with many phases of social and public life. He is a member of Elmer Post No. 37, (j. A. R.. and has been commander of the same for five years at different times. He is a member of the Loyal Legion, the military organization which includes in its membership the officers of the Civil war. He also affiliates with the Masonic order in Elkhart. A lifelong Republican, he has served as a member of the police board of Elkhart six years, for two- and a half years was superintendent of police, and in general has taken an active interest in every movement pertaining to the welfare of his city and count}'.

Major Braden married, in 1867, Miss Almeda Bowen, and they are the parents of six children, namely, Harry M., Edith, Jessie, Katie, Grace and Charles.

Jacob Eby

Jacob Eby. much of whose useful career was passed in northern Indiana, where he is remembered among the early settlers, was a man of advanced thought and progressive action, and for that reason left his impress upon the life and affairs of his community, wherever any of his years were spent. The early progenitors of the Ebys came from the little republic of Switzerland and were Catholics. A well defined tradition \\as that there were five brothers, all of whom were of that faith but one, who was a Mennonite, which sect was greatly persecuted in Switzerland as in other countries of Europe. ]\Iany Mennonites. on this account, found refuge in the wilds of Pennsylvania, and among them was the founder of the present branch of Ebys. The immediate progenitor was David Eby, who was born in Canada, whither his parents had migrated, settling near Berlin in the province of Ontario.

Jacob Eby was born in Canada, October 18, 1815, and owing to the primitive condition of the country received only the rudiments of a common school education, doing his studying by the light of an oldfashioned fireplace. By natural aptitude a mechanic, he became very skillful in the trades of blacksmith, carpenter and mason. He was also an ardent Ximrod, and his methodical disposition led him to keep account of the game that fell before his trusty rifle, a summai^y of which account shows forty-six deer, seven wolves, two bears, and one hundred foxes shot and trapped. Many incidents are told in his family concerning his iiunting prowess. On one occasion, as he was going to the woods to split posts, he saw a full-grown wolf aslee]) in a fallen treetop, and, hurling" his ax. by a fair and well aimed stroke, killed the animal.

Jacob Eby married Polly Bingaman, a daughter of John and Hannah (Berkey) Bingaman. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, and was killed by a falling tree while clearing up a hundred acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Eby had eight children, namely : Enoch, Simon, who died at the age of twenty-one. Seth, Cyrus. Jacob. John. Joseph and Noah.

After his marriage, which occurred April 7, 1840. Mr. Eby settled seven miles north of his father's homestead, on a two-hundred-acre tract of wild land, for which he paid seven hundred and fifty dollars, and there he resided until i860, in which year he came to St. Joseph county. Here he bought two hundred and eighty acres, eightv of which was already cleared, and he set himself to its improvement and continued to add to it by purchase until he was at one time owner of seven hundred acres, lieing one of the largest landholders in the county. Before his death, however, he had distributed all of this except two' hundred and eighty acres among his children. He and his wife were devout '.nembers of the Mennonite church, and he assisted in the erection and support of other churches besides his own, especially the Baptist and the Catholic churches in Mishawaka. Before his death he saw all his children nicely located as prosperous farmers and honest and industrious citizens, .\fter coming to this country Jacob Eby gave his political support to the Republican party.

Noah Eby

Noah Eby, of Olive township, now one of the most prosperous and enterprising agriculturists of his neighborhood, began his career at the bottom of the ladder and has risen from one round to another by the exercise of the qualities of diligence, thrift and keen foresight, which, when coupled with experience, bring success in everv vocation of life.

Mr. Eby, who was born in St. Joseph county, Indiana, March 4, 1863, is the youngest of the eight sons of his father Jacob, whose life is sketched above. Reared in his native county until past his majority, with his education acquired in the common schools, and also as a student in the Northern Indiana Normal at Valparaiso, he has spent all his active career as a practical farmer and stockman and has attained success by continued application of his energies to this occupation. His first venture in lousiness, although lie now remembers it in a humorous aspect, was a failure of considerable magnitude to him just then. He had saved one hundred and fifty dollars from his earnings on his father's farm, and he was persuaded to invest this, along with his father and a brother, in a high-grade cow, which cost one himdred and thirty dollars, and the transportation of the animal from Canada took twenty dollars more. This valuable live stock was duly received, was admired by the purchaser, and carefully tended for a while, and then lay down and died without repaying a cent of the original investment.

Mr. Eby then began as a renter, and soon after, as another preparation for a successful career, got married. September 21, 1886, he wedded Miss Laura Moon. Four sons have been born to them, the eldest of whom, Willis, graduated from the public schools in 1904 and is now in the high school. His father intends to place this son in Notre Dame University and give him the very best of training for his life career. The boy is musically inclined, and has studied the violin. Irvin, the second son, is in the sixth grade and has also taken music. Ellis B. is in the third grade, and the youngest of the family is Charles V. Mrs. Eby was torn in St. Joseph county, Indiana, August 5, 1867, a (laughter 'of Solnmon aiul Chaiiiitte { Hollingshead) 2^Ioon. There were seven cliildren in the Alcjun family, and Mrs. Eijy has a brother and a sister living: Annis, wife of John Parett. a farmer of St. Joseph county: and (ieorge. who is married and living in St. Joseph county. Mrs. El)}- lust her father when she was four years old, but her mother is still li\-ing. both parents l>eing members of the Methodist church. She was educated in the common- schnols.

When Mr. and ]\Irs. Eby Ijegan their wedded life it was as renters in St. Joseph count}-, but after continuing that way three years they bought eighty acres of their present farmstead. There was a very indifferent burn on the place, and the only house was of logs, and so loosely ci'ustructed that severe weather was a time of much discomfort. These facts concerning their early state of fortune are given only that the reader may appreciate how thoroughh- they have taken advantage of opportunities and how capably they have managed their affairs, with the result thai they are now considered among the well-to-do people of their neighborhood. They paid three thousand dollars for their first eighty acres, and went in debt for part of it. but now in the year 1905 they possess a fine estate of one hundred and sixty acres, half of which lies in Olive township and half in St. Joseph county. In 1890 they rem.odeled the barn into a fine farm structure forty by eighty-four feet in ground dimensions, with eighteen foot posts, and stone basement. In 1893 they also rebuilt their dwelling and now have a pretty cottage home, cosy and comfortable. J^Ir. Eby has excellent grades of stock, and is a progressive and business-like farmer.

[^"ormerly a Republican. Mr. Eby has of recent years given his support to the Democracy, as embodying the elements of political philosophv and practice which most appeal to his judgment and reas(->n. In igoo he was elected trustee of Olive townshij). and during his trusteeship he erected the beautiful brick schoolhouse known as Olive Center. This is one of the superior country schools of the county. It contains two rooms, and two years of advanced studies are taught. The cause of education has always found in Mr. Eby a strong friend and advocate, and his work in this direction has resulted in much good in his community. While trustee he also caused the construction of seven stone and brick arches and .several bridges, besides keeping up the roads in his township. He did all this and still left the township finances in splendid condition at the clo'^e of his term.

The qualities of German-. \n-ieric;u-i citizenship have loi-ig proved the most valuable and beneficial in the upbuilding of the countrv' and in all the departments of American civic life which are most essential to the integrit\- and permanence of state and nation. Their industry has transforrncd wildernesses into paradises, their business acumen has built up great industries, tlieir Ijrnad intelligence has always supported the publicschool system, ami their public spirit and patriotism have never failed whether in the arts of peace or those of war. 1^'or fifty years a resident of Elkhart county, a practical and successful farmer, a veteran still left in the ranks of those who defended the Union, a strong advocate of schools both as a private citizen and in oi'ficial capacity, and a forceful and energizing personality in all the relations of life, Mr. Henry Bechtel, the well known citizen of Harrison township, lias played a part in the history of the count}' which deserves more than casual attention to his career.

A native of Blair county, Pennsylvania, wiiere he was born April 6, 1847, '""s was the third of eight children, equally divided between sons and daughters, whose parents were Daniel and Sarah (Neterer) Bechtel. The grandfather came from Germany, settling in Pennsylvania, where the family long held its residence. Of the three sons and two daughters still living, Henry is the eldest, the others being: Jeremiah, the banker of Wakarusa ; Sarah, wife of Martin McDonnel, on the old Bechtel homestead in Harrison township; Amanda, wife of Wilson Slabaugh, a farmer in Kosciusko county: Da\id. in real estate business at Goshen.

When the son Henr\ was eight years old his father brought the family to Elkhart county, and on section 36 of Harrison township, m that year, 1S55, the Bechtels became acquainted with priniitive conditions of existence as dwellers in a cabin built of round logs. Henry, young and impressionable as he was at the time, well recalls this home and remembers how the first night was passed in it without a door to protect them from the outside elements. Tlie father first bought eighty acres, but by subsequent additions brought his estate up to six hundred and sixty acres, all located in Harrison township.

The first schoolhouse that Mr. Henry Bechtel attended was of logs, having slab seats, and all the other primitive equipments w'hich have been so minutely described in the general history portion of this work. He used to write W'ith a goosequill pen, and can therefore appreciate fully the changes that have come about in education in the past fifty years. A boy in his teens, but with the courage and patriotism of full manhood, when the Civil war was raging he could not remain at home, but, enlisting from his home township in Company D, Thirty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, went away to serve his country in this veteran regiment. His enlistment took place January 31. 1865. His colonel was August G. Tassel and. his first lieutenant Gabriel Coojier. Mr. Bechtel "was made a corporal. He joined the regiment at Columbia. Tennessee, and as a portion of the Army of the Cumberlanfl his regiment soon afterward took part in the terrible battle of Franklin, followed up by the two days" conflict at Xashvdle which resulted in the complete defeat of Hood's forces and the disorganization of tlie rebel army in the west. The reginrcnt was at Johnsonville. Temiessee. when the news of Lee"s surrender came, and five days later their joy was saddened by the tidings of Lincoln's assassrnation. 'i'lie Thirty-fifth Indiana was a part of the federal forces which were sent to Texas to conckide the war and hold tliat state in subjection. The regiment w'ent by way of the Mississippi and the gulf, many hardships being encountered and many lives lost l>efore their destination was reached, and after forty days spent in that state the order for mustering out w-as given. INIr. Bechtel received his final discharge May lo, 1865, and then returned home an.d remained there until his majority. He had saved the money which was given him for his soldier services, and this was the capital on which he started in life.

Mr. Bechtel's marriage to Miss Mary M. Otto occurred in 1868, and of this union six children were born, three sons and three daughters. Alice May, the only one not living at the present writing, was educated in the common schools and became the ^\-ife of John Schank. of Harrison township. Charles, who owns and conducts a sales stable at South Bend, received a common school and business education and for a w-hile was employed in his father's bank at Nappanee : he married Miss Alva Harrington and has a son. Sarah Janetta is the wife of Charles Ulery, dealer in coal, lime and cement at Goshen. Nora is the wife of Ora Tove. a farmer at Concord. Indiana, and they have fo'ur living children. Daniel, a farmer in Harrison township, is married and has one little son. John is engaged in the hardware business at Los Angeles. California. The mother of these children was taken away by death in May. 1888. She was a member of the Evangelical church, and a w"oman of many lovable characteristics both at home and in her community.

December 19, 1891, Mr. Bechtel married Miss Amanda J. Nusbaum, who was born in Elkhart comity and w'as educated in the common schools. Her parents, Peter and Barbara ( Moyer) Nusbaum, are residents of Elkhart. By his second wife Mr. Bechtel has one son, Hariy P., in the first grade at school.

A Republican in politics. Mr. Bechtel cast his first vote for Grant, and the public affairs and political interests of his township, county and state have always elicited his attention. By the choice of his fellow citizens he became trustee of Harrison townshij) in 1904. As the incumbent of this important office, one in \\'hich the interests of more people are bound up and vitally concerned than is true of any other local office. he has the supervision of the ten l.irick schools in the township, besides the care of bridges and other local improvements. No better friend of education could have l^een selected in this township, and he has already proved the wisdom of his choice. It is his aim to pay the highest wages consistent with circumstances, his ten teachers receiving from $2.24 to $2.90 a day for their services. The schools are furnished with good libraries, all kinds of apparatus, and such equipment in the way of furniture and comforts as. could he have had them when; he was a schoolboy, w ould have seemed a sublimation of luxury.

ship, besides city property in Nappanee. His home estate is situated in section 21. Mrs. Bechtel is a member of the Alennonite Brethren in Christ.