LaPorte County, Indiana - Chapter 36: Religion, 1904 (part 20 of 23)

HENRY A. ROOT. As the years advance business is becoming more complicated and en¬ terprises more extensive. The day of small un¬ dertakings, especially in cities, seems to have passed, and the era of gigantic concerns is upon us. In controlling large enterprises there are men of great ability, of sound judgment and keen dis¬ crimination, and it is to this class that Henry A. Root belongs. He is now controlling a bus¬ iness of far-reaching magnitude as the president of the Root Manufacturing Company, manufac¬ turers of lumber and builders' supplies.

Mr. Root was bom in Hebron, Connecticut, June 27, 1845, being one of the four children of Austin and Marina (Post) Root, who were also natives of Connecticut. The grandfather, Joshua Root, was bom in Hartford, Connecticut, and was a farmer by occupation. To him and his wife Esther were bom several children. He served in the war of 1812, and died at the ad¬ vanced age of eighty-six years. The family of which Mr. Root is a representative is descended from one of three brothers who came from Eng¬ land to the new world at a very early day. The maternal grandparents were Asahel and Anna (Ingram) Post, and they too were natives of Connecticut. Mr. Post responded to the call of his country for service in the war of 1812. and after returning from military duty devoted his energies to farming. Upon the home farm members of the Methodist church, and in their in early manhood followed agricultural pur- suits, but later became connected with the Hay¬ ward Rubber Company. Subsequently, how¬ ever, his health failed, and he then resumed farming. His death occurred in Rockville, Con¬ necticut, in 1891, at the age of sixty-six years, and his wife has also passed away. They were members of the Methodist Church, and in their family were the following children : Esther A., the widow of Allen Lewis, of Stafford Springs, Connecticut; Ellen E., the wife of Frank Cul¬ ver, of North Manchester, Connecticut; Henry A. Root; Emma, who is the deceased wife of W. L. Latham.

Henry A. Root spent his early boyhood days in Connecticut, and acquired his preliminary education in the schools of Tolland county. He also attended Bacon Academy in Colchester, Connecticut, and at the time of the Civil war he responded to his country's call for aid, don¬ ning the blue uniform as a defender of the stars and stripes. He enlisted in the Third and Twen¬ ty-second Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, and served throughout the war.

After the close of hostilities Captain Root began working at the trade of carpenter and builder, and in 1867 commenced contracting along that line at Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he made his home until the spring of 1872. In October, 1873, he became a resident of White Cloud, Michigan, and was the vice president and general manager of the Wilcox Lumber Com¬ pany until the spring of 1881, when he removed to Michigan City. Here he embarked in busi¬ ness as a wholesale lumber dealer, the firm being Rawson, Root & Company, which connection was maintained for several years. A change in partnership then resulted in the organization of the Rawson & Root Lumber Company, and a few years later, following the death of Mr. Rawson, the Root Manufacturing Company was formed, being incorporated in June, 1894. This has become one of the extensive manufactur¬ ing concerns of northern Indiana. The planing mill and interior finishing factory was built by the Rawson, Root Lumber Company. The com¬ pany now employs fifty men in the manufacture of all kinds of interior wood finishings, and does a large amount of work on public buildings. The company has furnished the finishings for a num¬ ber of state and association buildings for the Lou¬ isiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis, among them the agricultural building, which is the largest structure in the world, covering over twenty-two acres of ground; the Horticultural building; the Galveston Flood building, which is a grand theater; the Indiana state building, and the Kentucky, New York and West Vir¬ ginia state buildings. The company also fur¬ nished the supplies for seven state buildings at Gallipolis, Ohio, for the gymnasium building of the University of Chicago, four large buildings in the Boston navy yard, the court house at Greencastle, Indiana, and the capitol building at Little Rock, Arkansas. For years the business has continually grown in volume and importance, and to-day the firm ranks among the foremost! in this line in the entire country.

On the 3d of April, 1864, occurred the mar¬ riage of Mr. Root and Miss Clara Eaton, a daughter of Dr. J. C. Eaton, of Tolland, Con¬ necticut. Three children were born of that union, but all died in childhood, and Mrs. Root passed away on the 9th of April, 1903, at the age of fifty-seven. She was a member of the Episcopal church, and a most estimable lady. Mr. Root belongs to Acme Lodge No. 83, F. & A. M., Michigan City Chapter, No. 25, R. A. M., Mich¬ igan City Commandery No. 30, K. T., and has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottist Rite in Indianapolis Consistory, and likewise belongs to the Murat Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the George V. Rawson Post No. 46, G. A. R., of which he has been commander for many years, being the incum¬ bent in that office at the present writing. In politics he is a Republican, but has never aspired to public office, preferring to live a quiet life, directing his attention to his manufacturing in¬ terests.

He is truly a self-made man. He started out out in life a poor boy and with but limited edu¬ cational advantages. However, he possessed an earnest purpose to succeed, unflagging indus¬ try and laudable ambition, and these served as the foundation upon which he has reared the superstructure of prosperity. There have been few idle moments in his life, and he has indeedbeen a very busy man, as one may judge when viewing the vast enterprise that he has built up. He is, however, a gentleman of unassuming man¬ ner, entirely free from ostentation and displav, of pleasing address, unfailing courtesy, unflinch¬ ing principle and unquestioned integrity. He adds to these the common sense that never runs to the extreme, and it is no wonder that wher¬ ever he goes he wins friends. His life has been well spent, and his honorable and useful career is worthy of emulation.

SAMUEL WEBSTER LARSEN. No citi¬ zen in Michigan City, LaPorte county, enjoys the confidence and high esteem of his associates in a greater degree than does Samuel Webster Larsen, the manager of the Greer-Wilkinson Lumber Company. He was born in Winchester, Wisconsin, on the 12th of September, 1859, he" ing a son of Gunder and Marv Jane (Rogers) Larsen, the former a native of Christiania, Nor¬ way, and the latter of Syracuse, New York. Five children were born to these parents, three sons and two daughters, and three of the number are now living. Samuel W. ; Florence, the wife of L. Cole, of Clintonville, Wisconsin; and Arthur T., a resident of Winchester, Wisconsin. Their father followed farming as a life occupation, and about 1848 came to America, locating at Win¬ chester, where he still makes his home, although he is now retired from the active cares of busv^ss life. Some years after his arrival in this country he was joined by his father, Torger Lar¬ sen, who died at Winchester at the age of eightyfour years. The later did not engage in business after coming to America. He was the father of five sons and two daughters, and the family wore among the early pioneers in Wisconsin. Gunder Larsen, the son of this worthy old pion¬ eer, served as a soldier in the Civil war, in Com¬ pany B, Thirty-second Wisconsin Volunteer In¬ fantry, his military career covering a period of three years, during all of which time he served as a private. He participated throughout the en¬ tire Atlanta campaign, and took part in many of the hard-fought battles of the war. His political support is given to the Republican party, and at one time he served as register of deeds of Win¬ nebago county. He maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades by his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. and Mrs. Gunder Larsen are members of the Metho¬ dist church. She is a descendant in about the eleventh generation from the martyr John Rog¬ ers, and is a daughter of Samuel and Mary (Enos) Rogers, the former a native of the state of New York and of English descent. He, too, was among the early settlers of Winchester, Wis¬ consin, and his death there occurred when about eighty-two years of age.

Samuel W. Larsen spent the days of his boy¬ hood and youth in the place of his nativity, re¬ ceiving his elementary education in its public schools, and was also a pupil in the high school at Neenah, Wisconsin- After completing his education he became deputy register of deeds at Oshkosh, that state, thus continuing for five years, and on the expiration of that period he engaged in the furniture manufacturing business at Oshkosh. After about two* and a half years spent in that occupation he entered the employ of Hoxie & Miller, lumber dealers at Antigo, Wisconsin, and in the winter of 1890 became con¬ nected with the Interior Lumber Company of Interior, Michigan, serving as their assistant manager until 1896, after which he spent a short time at Waldo, Arkansas. In the fall of 1897 Mr. Larsen came to Michigan City, Indiana, and for two years was engaged in the wholesale bus¬ iness for himself, after which he sold his inter¬ est to the Greer-Wilkinson Lumber Company, but remained a stockholder in the concern and became manager of the business, which position he still retains. *

Mr. Larsen is also vice president of the In¬ diana Transportation Company and secretary and treasurer of the Michigan City Navigation Company, and also administrator in the Hermit Company.

On the 24th of June, 1884, Mr. Larsen was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Sabra Slosson, a daughter of Joseph and Celestia B. (Mey¬ ers) Slosson. In his fraternal relations Mr. Lar¬ sen is a member of Washington Lodge No. 94. Knights of Pythias, and the Benevolent and Pro¬ tective Order of Elks. He gives a stanch sup¬ port to the principles of the Republican party, and while living in Michigan was the recipient of many public offices at the hands of his fellow

PETER MILL is the owner of a fine farm of two hundred acres situated near Union Mills, LaPorte county. He was born March 15, 1840, at Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Line) Mill. The father was a native of Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, born in the year 1812, and the mother's birth oc¬ curred in 1814. The former died in 1888, and the latter passed away in 1894. To them were born six children: Mary, born in 1835; Henry, in 1837 ; Peter, in 1840 ; Sylvester, in 1842 ; Frank Hamilton, in 1848; and Charles Fremont, about

As a student in the district schools near hi§ boyhood's home in Pennsylvania, Peter Mill began his educaton, and after the removal of the family to the west he continued his studies io the high school at Union Mills. He was also a student in the Valparaiso Methodist College, where he completed his education in 1861. He was a youth of ten years when he accompanied his parents from Pennsylvania to LaPorte coun¬ ty, at which time the family home was estab¬ lished on section 14, Noble township. It is the old homestead which is now in possession of Peter Mill, a tract of two hundred acres of rich farming land. After leaving school he con¬ tinued to engage in farming for three years, and then went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he secured a position as traveling salesman for the Monitor Flour Company, which he represented for two years in that state. He then returned to LaPorte county and purchased a farm in 186b. This he operated until 1875, when he entered the services of the Marsh Harvesting Company and also of J. D. Easter & Company, selling farm machinery. Mr. Mill represented both of these houses at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876, and after the close of the fair he returned to Chicago and continued in the employ of J. D. Easter & Company until the failure of the firm in 1877. Mr. Mill next entered the Appleby Binder Company as an ex¬ pert, and built their first thirty-two binders at their factory at White Water, Wisconsin, in the year 1877. For two years he was connected with that house, and in the fall of 1879 ac~ cepted the position of state agent for the Min¬ neapolis Harvester Works, with which he re¬ mained for three years, representing that house in Indiana and in the southern part of Michi¬ gan, also in the northern part of Kentucky. He made his headquarters at Indianapolis and on the expiration of his three years' connection with the house the president of the company said that the books showed a net profit of over a half mil¬ lion of dollars. Mr. Mill remained with the firm, but ceased to occupy the old position, and became more of a general man, superintending the general agents in the different states and also settling up a business which was left by a de¬ faulter in Ohio. He also settled up an exten¬ sive business in Rochester, New York, where the agent of the company had died. Later he re¬ turned to the general office at Minneapolis, Min¬ nesota, where he remained for eight years as a general manager. The business then changed hands, and Mr. Mill returned to LaPorte, living in the county seat for two years. He next pur¬ chased the old home farm of the heirs and lived upon it for four years, after which he sold it to Allen Chaney. He then purchased the Lemming farm three miles from LaPorte and was engaged in its operation for three years, after which he sold that farm to Frank Osborn and was again a resident of LaPorte for two years. . On the ex¬ piration of that period he once more purchased the old homestead, and has since made it his place of residence.

Mr. Mill has been twice married. He first wedded Miss Adeline Wilmot, of Elyria, Ohio, who died in 1897 in LaPorte county. In 1899 he was married to Mrs. Mary A. (Stroud) Guth¬ rie, a widow. Mr. and Mrs. Mill hold member¬ ship in the Adventist Christian church at Union Mills, and in his political faith, he is a Repub¬ lican, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day so that he is enabled to support his position by intelligent argument. In business life he became well known, and that he was one of the most capable representatives of the different firms with which he was connected is shown by the fact that as the years advanced his salary was increased from seventy-five dol¬ lars per month to twenty-five hundred dollars per year. Failing health then caused him to abandon the work in which he was engaged, and at the present time he is owning and operating the old family homestead, which is a valuable and well improved property. -

THEODORE H. WELLS is an honored veteran of the Civil war, who, when the call to arms came, offered his services to the govern¬ ment in defense of the Union and valiantly fought for its preservation, never faltering in the performance of any duty that was for the welfare of his country. He is now engaged in farming and grain dealing and makes his home in Wellsboro. Mr. Wells was born December i, 1833, in Austinburg, Ohio, and when a babe of about fourteen months was brought to LaPorte* county, Indiana, by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Theodore (Weed) Wells. His father was born May 31, 1800, and died March 3, 1842, while his mother, whose maiden name was Jane A. Weed, died in 1864. This worthy couple were the parents of twelve children : Abbie, Mary, Margaret, Louisa, Alice, Henrietta, deceased, Harriett, Henrietta, Theodore H., Lewis P., Charles F. and Theodore. Only three are liv¬ ing.

In the common schools of Wellsboro Mr. Wells began his education, and at an early age started out in farming, having been reared to that occupation from his boyhood days. When quite young he began on the farm and thus early became familiar with agricultural life. August 28, 1861, however, he put aside all business and personal considerations and enlisted for three years or during the war as a member of the Twentieth Indiana Infantry, joining the regi¬ mental band, but was discharged by an order from the war department. I11 July, 1862, he re-enlisted for three years' service, becoming one of the boys in blue of the Eighty-seventh In¬ diana Infantry, and served in this regiment till its time expired. In July, 1865, he was trans¬ ferred to the Forty-second Indiana Infantry, and received an honorable discharge July 21, 186^, at Louisville, Kentucky. He made a creditable military record and rendered valiant aid to his country in the preservation of the Union.

On again reaching home Mr. Wells resumed the occupation of farming, which he followed continually until 1875, when he was appointed agent of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Com¬ pany at Wellsboro. In 1877 he also accepted the agency for the Grand Trunk Railroad and the Chicago & West Michigan Railroad com¬ panies, retaining that dual position until 1888., Since that time he has engaged in the purchase and sale of grain, and is well known as a grain dealer of his part of the county. His business methods are honorable and will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny, and he is now enjoy¬ ing a good annual return from his labor.

In Wellsboro, December 8, 1870, was cele¬ brated the marriage of Theodore H. Wells and Miss Elizabeth McLane. who was born in Noble township, LaPorte county, May 28, 1845. She was reared and educated in LaPorte county, and was a student under Professor Laird. She traces her ancestry back to Scotland. In October, 1871, they became the parents of a son, George F. Wells, who was educated at Lake Forest, Illi¬ nois, and after leaving school was employed as a clerk in the railroad office of the Baltimore & Ohio road at Wellsboro. He served in that capacity until 1897 when he accepted a position as traveling expert for an electrical company, and he still represents this company. Mr. and Mrs. Wells are members of the Presbyterian church at Union Mills. Mr. Wells is identified with the Masonic fraternity, with the blue lodge at Union Mills, LaPorte Chapter No. 15, R. A. M., and LaPorte Commandery No. 12, K. T. He is a worthy follower of the craft, exempli¬ fying in hs life its beneficent spirit. Much re¬ spected in the community in which he has long lived, he is widely known as a sincere Christian gentleman and honored veteran of the war and a reliable business man. Mr. and Mrs. Wells have in their possession two parchment deeds, executed November 7, 1837, and March 20, 1837, by President Van Buren, and still in a good state of preservation, being among the very few documents of the kind to be found in western LaPorte county.

JOHN P. VAN KIRK, a brick, stone and cement manufacturer and contractor of LaPorte, is classed among the leading business men of the city whose enterprise, energy and capability form the basis of the city's commercial and industrial activity. Alert, far-sighted and progressive, he has so controlled his business, affairs and guided his course that he is now prominent in trade cir¬ cles here, and gratifying success has attended his efforts.

Mr. Van Kirk is a native of Logansport, Cass county, Indiana, bom in 1848, and a son of John and Mary (Coulter) Van Kirk. The paternal ancestry is Holland Dutch, and the family was founded in America by the great-great-grandfather of Mr. Van Kirk, who came from Holland and settled at New Amsterdam, now the city of New York. He was very prominent and influ¬ ential among the Hollanders of that period in the embryo city, and aided in shaping its early policy. John Van Kirk was born in Harrisburg. Penn¬ sylvania, and in 1843, when a young man. went to Ohio, where he lived until about 1846. He afterward came to Logansport, Indiana, settling on a farm near there, and in 1855 he removed to Marshall county, where he carried on agri-

Upon the home farm of his father John P. Van Kirk spent his early boyhood days, and when a youth of sixteen he came to LaPorte to take his place in the business Svorld. Gradually he has ad¬ vanced here to a prominent position in industrial circles. He began learning the brickmason's trade and has since followed this and kindred occupations. For some time he worked for others, and then in 1868 he embarked in busi¬ ness for himself as a brick and stone mason. He has been a very successful man. As a contractor he has erected a large part of the best brick buildings in the town, such as the city hall, the Swedish Lutheran church, Hall's Opera House, a part of the LaPorte Carriage Works, the Lonn block, the Ridgway block, the new high school building, and remodeled the Methodist church. Within the last three or four years he has taken some of the largest contracts for building cement sidewalks in LaPorte and has laid several miles of such walks. His business has greatly expand¬ ed, and besides taking and executing contracts in mason work and concrete building, he handles all kinds of building materials, doing a wholesale business in brick, lime, cement, etc. He has also established, two and a half miles north of the city, a large brickyard for the manufacture of brick, and turns out a product of superior quality which is largely used in the construction of buildings in this city.

In 1868 Mr. Van Kirk was united in marriage in Marshall county, Indiana, to Miss Mahala Wise, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Harsh) Wise, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. Leaving the south they removed to Ohio, where Mrs. Van Kirk was born and in 1865 they established their home in Marshall county, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Van Kirk now have two children, James O. Van Kirk and Mrs. Minnie Wright.

In his political affiliations Mr. Van Kirk is a Republican and socially, is connected with the Odd Fellows and several other societies, of which he is a valued and popular representative. There are no exciting chapters in his life history, but it shows what can be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do, accomplishment in business life being based upon determination, perseverance and indefatigable labor. Rich in the possession of these qualities, Mr. Van Kirk now stands among the leading business men and prosperous citizens of LaPorte.

WILLIAM H. HARRIS, who is filling the position of trustee in Wills township, resides on section 8, where he has a good farm. One of the native sons of LaPorte county, his birth occurred in Center township on the 28th of November, 1850. His father, David Harris, was a native of Canada, and as one of the pioneer settlers came to northwestern Indiana, casting in his lot with the early residents who were meeting the hardships and difficulties of frontier life while establishing homes in this portion of the state. Mr. David Harris secured a tract of land and engaged in farming throughout his busi¬ ness career. He wedded Rosanna Curran, a native of Ireland, who came to LaPorte county in her early girlhood and continued here up to the time of her death. Mr. David Harris passed away when about seventy-four years of age, and his wife died when about sixty years of age. His study of political issues and questions of the day led him to vote with the Republican party. Both he and his wife were members of the Baptist church of LaPorte, and enjoyed the good will and high regard* of all with whom they were associated. In their family were six children, of whom three are now living: James, Charles and William.

Mr. W. H. Harris is the eldest of the family, and was reared upon the old home farm in Cen¬ ter township until about sixteen years of age, when the family removed to Wills township. He obtained his education in the district schools of Center and Kankakee townships, and also at Rolling Prairie. In his boyhood he became very familiar with farm work, for his assistance wa§ given his father from the time he was old enough to handle the plow, and the practical training which he received as an agriculturist was of great benefit to him when he started out in life on his own account.

On the 26th of May, 1884, Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Miss Ella Gridley, a daugh¬ ter of Jabez and Maryett (Vorrus) Gridley. Mrs. Harris was born in Springfield township, LaPorte county, March 12, 1855, and was reared in Hudson township. Four children have been born of this union, and two are living, a son and a daughter, Ralph and Ada, both in the seventh grade of school.

In the year of his marriage Mr. Harris pur¬ chased his present farm, located thereon, and has since devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits. His farm comprises two hundred acres of land, and his work is that of a general farmer, engaged in the tilling of the soil and in the raising of stock. He makes a special¬ ty of raising fine horses, and has sold many head which have brought to him very good prices. He finds time to devote to public affairs, and in polir tics he is an earnest Republican. For three years, from 1894 until 1897, he served as county com¬ missioner, and in 1900 was elected township trustee, which position he is now filling, dis¬ charging his duties in a very capable, prompt and effective manner. Fraternally, he is con¬ nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fel¬ lows at Rolling Prairie Lodge, No. 774, and he takes an active part in its work. His entire life has been passed in this county, and he rejoices in what has been accomplished here, having a just pride in what has been done along the lines of material improvement and intellectual de¬ velopment.

ELLIS MICHAEL, deceased, who was for many years connected with the manufacturing and business activity of LaPorte, and by his strength of purpose, noble character and readi¬ ness to perform his part in all of life's demands earned the title of the ''Grand Old Man of La¬ Porte/' was born in Muncy, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, August 31, 1825, and on Saturday, October 16, 1897, quietly and peacefully left sud¬ denly vacant the place he had so long occupied in LaPorte and the world.

Mr. Michael was of excellent Pennsylvaina Dutch stock, endowed with the hardihood and determination of the race, and well for him that he was, for he had no advantages of a pecuniary nature when he began the struggle of life. His first venture for self-support was acting as mail carrier between two small towns of Pennsylvania, and then had a position on the Erie canal. When a young man he became interested in the drygoods business in Danville, Pennsylvania, but he seemed to be in the path of misfortune, for only a few weeks after he started, and had just be¬ come nicely situated, a fire swept his property to the ground, and he was penniless and in debt. The clothes on his back were contributed by friends. Shortly after his marriage in 1850, he was elected auditor of Lycoming county, but re¬ tained his residence in Muncy. This is the only political office he is known to have ever held.

Mr. Michael had learned the cabinet-maker's trade, and in 1853, when he came to LaPorte at the solicitation of a brother of the late George C. Dorland, went to work at the carpenter's trade. He built several buildings in this city and the surrounding country, and was known as a skilled and thorough workman. He next secured employment in the yards of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad, and soon worked himself into the position of foreman of the constructing department.

But it was as an originator of machinery and a constructive business man and promoter of en¬ terprises that Mr. Michael is best known. In the woodshed in the rear of the little house at the corner of Monroe and Ludlow streets, La¬ Porte, he began the construction of the Michael fanning mill, which he had invented in 1858, and which at first he made entirely by hand. He would make a couple, take them to some little town .and sell them, and from the proceeds con¬ tinue the manufacture of others. In this wav he developed the business which made him a wealthy man. P. G. Winn was afterward made a partner, and one horse furnished the power to manufacture the machines. E. F. Michael soon purchased Mr. Winn's interest, and the firm became E. F. Michael and Company. Ellis Michael afterward sold a portion of his interest to Henry Sands, and in 1887, when the concern had assumed large proportions, it was incorpo¬ rated as E. F. Michael Company. January 1, 1897, Charles Michael succeeded to the control of the entire business.

At the time of his death Mr. Michael was president of the LaPorte Gas and Coke Com¬ pany and president of the Crown Cycle Company. For fifteen years he was a member of the city school board, and was influential in promoting the interests of LaPorte schools. As mentioned, he never held any other public offices, but was just the same eminently public-spirited, and few have the honor of doing more for the welfare of LaPorte, in industrial, business, intellectual and moral lines than this old and esteemed citizen. In politics he was a Democrat, purely for princi¬ ple, believeing that that party was the best guide in national affairs.

Mr. Michael was a self-made man. He relied on his own exertions, his integrity, his energy and his honest and persevering endeavor to win, and he reached the goal before death overtook him. Few men in the community could compare with him. and his place is vacant forever. Young and old loved him and he was in every sense of the word a tower of strength, a magnificent example of the upright, honorable American.

In 1850 Mr. Michael was married in Orange¬ ville, Pennsylvania, to Miss Rosanna F. Reighard, a native of Pennsylvania, and still living in LaPorte. Five children were bom to them:

Charles H., Edward F., Anna J., and Mary L. Hoops, the last named in Kokomo, Indiana; the youngest child, Flora B. Mayne, died some years ago. All the children but the eldest were born and reared in LaPorte.

HARRY BLODGETT, who successfully car¬ ries on farming and stock-raising in Noble town¬ ship, making a specialty of fine Morses, is one of LaPorte county's native sons, his birth having occurred here August 27, 1871. His father, James E. Blodgett, was born in Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, on the 18th of September, 1838, and was a son of Asahel and Mary (Lazarus) Blodgett, both natives of Kentucky, the former bom in 1811, the latter in 1814. Asahel Blodg¬ ett died in Wilkesbarre, Pensylvania, March 12, 1893, and his wife passed away in 1896. In early life James E. Blodgett came to LaPorte county, Indiana, and here followed farming throughout the remainder of his life, his death occurring at Union Mills, November 28, 1891. He was married at that place on the 1st of Janu¬ ary, 1868, to Miss Jane Ann Miller, who was born June 7, 1842, and died June 27, 1887. This worthy couple were the parents of four chil¬ dren, namely: Harry; Grace Maud, born July 20, 1874; Herbert, who was born November 18, 1875, and died August 31, 1876; and Alma E., born April 11, 1883.

Harry Blodgett was reared to agricultural pursuits upon the home farm, and his early edu¬ cation, obtained in the common schools of this county, was supplemented by one year's attend¬ ance at a school in South Bend, Indiana. Throughout his business career he has engaged in farming with good success, being practical, progressive and industrious, and at present he is also extensively interested in the horse busi¬ ness.

On the 24th of January, 1895, Mr. Blodgett was married at Union Mills, by Rev. S. E. Smith, to Miss Jennie McCormick, who was born at that place April 1, 1875, an<3 attended school there and at LaPorte. She is the older in a family of two children, the other being Harry Frederickson, who was born September 2, 1877. Her parents are Nathan B. and Malinda (Deets) McCormick, now living retired at LaPorte. As a Democrat her father has taken quite an active and influential part in local politics, and on his party ticket was twice elected sheriff of LaPorte county, which office he filled with credit to him¬ self and to the entire satisfaction of his constitu¬ ents.

Mr. and Mrs. Blodgett have two children: Mary Ruth, born March 22, 1896; and Lucile, born March 4, 1899. The family is one of prom¬ inence in the community where they reside. Mr. Blodgett gives his political support to the men and measures of the Republican party, and socially he is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Union Mills.

JAMES MAYES, who is residing on section 18, Galena township, is one of the native sons of this township, his birth having occurred here on the 23d of January, 1843. His father, Mathew Mayes, was a native of Pennsylvania, and when a young man came to LaPorte county, casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Galena township in 1834. This was then a frontier region, and he entered his claim from the gov¬ ernment. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he wedded Miss Mary Hurbert, a native of Ohio, who was brought to northwestern In¬ diana in her early girlhood. She lived to be more than eighty-three years of age, passing away in 1903. Mathew Mayes died in his sixtv-ninth year. He owned about four hundred acres of land at one time, and was a prominent and in¬ fluential citizen of his day. His business career was characterized by untiring industry and per¬ severance, and it was due to these causes that he gained his success. He voted with the Whig party in early life, and when it ceased to have an existence he joined the ranks of the new Republican party, of which he was a follower until his death. An earnest and active member of the Christian church, he contributed liberally to its support and assisted largely in its growth and improvement. To Mr. and Mrs. Mathew Mayes were born six chil¬ dren, three sons and three daughters, and all are yet living, namely: Deborah, the wife of I. S. Voris, of LaPorte; James; William, who is a prominent farmer of Hudson township; Mary, the wife of J. Mc- Duffy, of White county, Indiana; Sarah, the widow of Elicott Wilson, who is supposed to have been killed in the great railroad wreck at Ashtabula, Ohio; and Wesley, a retired farmer living in the city of LaPorte.

There was no event of special importance that occurred to vary the routine of farm life for James Mayes in his youth. He was taught to follow the plow and perform the other work of the fields and he was also accorded the privilege of acquiring a good practical education in the public schools. He continued upon the old home- stead until, desiring to establish a home of his own, he was married, on the 31st of August, 1865, to Miss Emily J. Jones, a . daughter of James and Cynthia Jones. She was born near the city of LaPorte, and was related to the Stanton and Clark families, two prominent old families of this county. Her death occurred in June, 1900, and her loss was deeply mourned not only by her immediate family, but also by many friends. She had become the mother of six children, namely: Edwin W., who is now a resident of Michigan; Nora, the wife of Benja¬ min Wing, who resides near LaPorte; Norman, who was a twin brother of Nora and was killed in a sawmill when twenty-one years of age; Edith, the wife of M. L. Cooper, of Colorado; Harry L., who is also a resident of Colorado; and Maude, the wife of D. L. Parks, of Michigan City.

Mr. Mayes is now left alone, all of his chil¬ dren having married or gone from home into business life, while his wife has been called to her final rest. He has reared a family of six children who are a credit to his name. A resi¬ dent of Galena township throughout his entire life, he has become widely and favorably known, his many sterling traits of character winning for him the respect and confidence of his fellow men. He has traveled considerably in the western country, especially in Colorado. He to-day owns a farm of eighty acres, which is indicative of his life of enterprise and labor. In politics, he is a stanch Republican and has held a number of local positions. Socially, he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Buf¬ falo, Michigan, and his career has been in har¬ mony with the teachings of that splendid organ¬ ization.

EDWARD F. MICHAEL, a son of Ellis and Rosanna Michael, and who has continued along the commercial and industrial lines which his father originated and laid down in LaPorte, was born May 22, 1853, *n LaPorte, on the comer of Monroe and Jefferson avenues, where the build¬ ing of the LaPorte Gas and Coke Company now stands. He received his education in the graded and high school of LaPorte, and then entered his father's fanning mill factory, where he mastered the business in principle and detail. He was em¬ ployed in the various departments until he had worked his way upward from the bottom, and at length entered the office as manager of the con¬ cern, and also become financially interested. For some time he traveled over a large territory, and had charge of thirty crews of salesman who sold fanning mills to the farmers from the wagon. After fourteen years of service in the factory he organized the Crown Cycle Company, with Ellis Michael as president, E. J. Lonn vice president, Hallet Kessler secretary and treasurer. This company sold the plant to John Lonn and Sons, which afterward became the Great Western Manufacturing Company. In 1893 Mr. Michael formed a partnership with William A. Martin and Robert E. Morrison, and bought the plant of the LaPorte Gas and Coke Company. Mr. Michael was elected secretary of this company, which position he still holds, and Mr. Martin is president. This concern has always been known by its present name, and it furnishes the gas supply of the city. It was established by Benjamin Walker, who sold it to a Mr. Marsh, who in turn disposed of his interests to the Wrights. Later it was purchased by Martin. Morrison and Michael, and it is now owned by the firm of Martin and Michael.

In 1900 Mr. Michael was one of the organ¬ izers of the LaPorte Sash and Door Company, which bought the sash and door factory of A. Backhus and Company. The present officers are E. F. Michael, president; W. H. Rumely, vice president; J. Vene Dorland, secretary; Louis Schumm, treasurer and general manager. They have spent several thousand dollars in enlarging and perfecting the plant, and it is now one of the most important industries of the city, wThose an¬ nual shipments into several states is very large. In connection with W. A. Martin and Emmett Scott, Mr. Michael has recently completed gas works at Petoskey, Michigan, and the plant there is now in successful operation.

In 1889 Mr. Michael was united in marriage to Miss Sarah F. Closser, a daughter of D. P. Closser and a member of one of the most promi¬ nent old families of LaPorte. In politics Mr. Michael is a Democrat, and fraternally, is a member of the Business Men's Club and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in the local lodge of which he was one of the governors for three years. He is one of LaPorte county's most enterprising citizens, and is one of the leaders in the movement which began three or four years ago to give a new growth to the city. In every capacity he has rendered important aid to LaPorte in her march of advancement.

wrote the poet, and the world everywhere recog¬ nizes the justice of a season of rest following an active period of business life. Mr. Oliver is now living retired at his home at 219 West Sixth street in Michigan City, and his history shows the accomplishment of well directed labor.

Born in Cambridgeshire, England, on the 2d of January, 1834, Joseph Oliver was a son of Garner and Mary Ann (Holmes) Oliver, whg were likewise natives of England. His paternal grandfather, Joseph Oliver, was also born in that country and in early life prepared for the practice of veterinary surgery, which he followed throughout his business career. He reached an advanced age. The maternal grandfather of Joseph Oliver died in 1841, being at that time more than eighty years of age. He had a fam¬ ily of four daughters and throughout his busi¬ ness career engaged in general farming.

Garner Oliver followed the business foot¬ steps of his father, becoming a veterinary sur¬ geon, and because of his skill and ability in that direction gained a large practice, l His death occurred in England when he was but fifty-four years of age, after which his widow came to the United States and lived with her sons. Her last years were spent in Illinois, where she passed away about 1878, when sixty-seven years of age. Both Mr. and Mrs. Oliver were mem¬ bers of the Episcopal Church, and in the com¬ munities in which they lived they won many friends by reason of their genuine worth. Their family numbered three sons, of whom two are yet living: Garner, who is a resident of Iro¬ quois county, Illinois; and Joseph.

In the land of his nativity Joesph Oliver was reared and educated. He attended the common schools, and when he had mastered the branches of learning therein taught he began preparation for a business career by serving an apprentice¬ ship to the blacksmith's trade, which he made his life work, following that pursuit until 1889, a period of thirty-nine years. He came to America in 1853, that he might enjoy the broad¬ er business opportunities of the new world, and since that time has made his home in Michigan City, covering half a century. He was employed in the car shops of this place for about thirty years, having charge of the blacksmithing de¬ partment. Because of his own practical knowl¬ edge of the business he capably directed the labors of the men who served under him, and was a most trusted and efficient employe in the plant. His men never looked upon him as an overbearing taskmaster, but recognized the fact that fidelity to duty and good workmanship on their part meant promotion as opportunity af¬ forded.

On the 19th of October, 1852, occurred the marriage of Mr. Oliver and Miss Ann Rumble, a daughter of Robert Rumble, of Cambridge¬ shire, England. Four* children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Oliver: Mary Ann, Elizabeth Harriet, George Garner and Ida Belle. The eldest daughter became the wife of Sylvester L. Davis on the 3d of September, 1868, and they had one child, who is now Mrs. Hostrawser ; for her second husband Mrs. Davis chose John P. Dixey, and they were married February 16, 1875, and had two children. Elizabeth H., the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver, was born February 8, 1856, and died July 29, 1858. George Garner, the only son, born December 28, 1858, was married to Miss Margaret Salina Quinn, and they reside in Michigan City. He was engaged in the grocery business for twen¬ ty-two years, but is now paymaster and time¬ keeper for the Lentz Dredging Company. To him and his wife has been born a daughter, Jessie, who is now the wife of John H. Onsted and resides in Indianapolis. Ida Belle Oliver, born July I, 1861, is the wife of Stephen W. Lower, of LaPorte, Indiana, and they have two children, Leslie and Lotta.

Mrs. Mary A. Oliver was called to her final rest May 25, 1890, when fifty-six years of age, her birth having occurred on the 1st of Janu¬ ary, 1834. She was a member of the Episcopal church, and her loss was deeply mourned by her many friends as well as her immediate fam¬ ily. On the 4th of March, 1891, Mr. Oliver was married to Miss Betty V. Brown, of Ashe¬ ville, North Carolina, a daughter of James V. Brown.

Mr. Oliver holds membership in the Episco¬ pal church, and his wife belongs to the Pres¬ byterian church. He is a representative of Acme Lodge No. 83, F. & A. M., Michigan City Chapter, No. 25, R. A. M. ; Michigan City Commandery No. 30, K. T., and Indianapolis Consistory, in which he has attained the thirtysecond degree of the Scottish Rite. He has served altogether as high priest in the chapter for fifteen years, and is an exemplary member of the fraternity. His admiration for its teach¬ ings is manifested by his exemplification of the principles of the craft in his daily life. Politi¬ cally, he is a Republican, and for four years served as a member of the city council, while for five years he was police commissioner. He owns a fine home at 219 West Sixth street and two store buildings in Franklin street. He has reached the Psalmist's span of threescore years and ten, and he can look back without regret over a life that has ever been useful, active and honorable. He made no mistake in chosing America as a place of residence, for here he found the business opportunities he sought and gained the advancement which comes in recog¬ nition of true merit and capability.

FRANK M. HOBART, a dealer in cigars, tobacco and smokers' articles in Michigan City, was born here on the 16th of January, 1865. The family is of French lineage, and his paternal grandfather, Christopher Hobart, was a native of France. Becoming the founder of the family in the new world, he settled in Detroit, Michigan, where he died at the very old age of ninetyfive years. His son, Francis Hobart, the father of Frank M. Hobart, was likewise born in France, and when about three years of age was brought by his parents to America. He was then reared in Detroit, Michigan, and in early life learned the shoemaker's trade. He remained a resident of Detroit until twenty-five years of age, when he came to Michigan City, arriving about 1855. Here he worked at his trade and also conducted a shoe store, being for a time in partnership with Addison Phillips. In business circles he became a well known and respected factor, and contin¬ ued as an active representative of commercial and industrial interests here until 1877, when he passed away at the age of forty-seven years. He had wedded Miss Elizabeth Seeger, a native of Germany, who still survives him. She is a mem¬ ber of the German Lutheran church.

Mr. Francis Hobart was reared in the Catho¬ lic faith, but left that church and united with no other denomination, but became a prominent Odd Fellow, and his life exemplified the beneficient and helpful spirit of that fraternity. At the time of the Civil war he served his country for three years as a member of the Twelfth In¬ diana Cavalry. He acted as harness-maker in the army. His political allegiance was given to the Democracy. To Mr. and Mrs. Francis Ho¬ bart were born six children, two sons and four daughters, of whom two are living: Man, the wife of Fred Dennison; and Frank M. The father of Mrs. Francis Hobart was Jacob Seeger, who was born in the province of Wurtemberg, Germany, and in early life learned the butcher s trade. About 1850 he crossed the briny deep to the land of the free and located in Michigan City, Indiana, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing away in 1873, when well ad¬ vanced in years. His wife, Mrs. Mary Seeger, also lived to a good old age and died about ten minutes after the death of her husband. They had a family of thirteen children. Mr. Seeger at the time of the war of the rebellion joined the northern army in defense of the Union cause.

Frank M. Hobart was reared in Michigan City and attended the public schools. When his education was completed and his text books were put aside he began learning the machinist's trade, which he followed for seventeen consecutive years. In 1889 he accepted the position of a fire¬ man on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Rail¬ road and was there employed for three years. During that time he lost his left leg through necrosis of the bone. After his recovery he engaged in business on his own account, open¬ ing a cigar store and poolroom, which he has conducted for the past eight years.

On the 21st of September, 1891, Mr. Hobart was married to Miss Mary Felton, a daughter of John and Dorothy (Arndt) Felton. Four chil¬ dren have been born to them: Katie, Esther, Elmer and Ruth. The family home is at 303 West Market street. Mr. Hobart holds mem¬ bership relations with the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Modern Woodmen of Amer¬ ica, while politically, he is an earnest Republi¬ can.

JAMES POWELL, who for many years has filled the office of postmaster at Rolling Prairie and is also engaged in general merchandising at that place, was born in Springville, Erie county, New York, on the 22d of March, 1833. His father, Joseph Powell, was a native of the same state, born at Port Edward in 1801, and was a son of Joseph Powell, Sr., who was also born in New York. It is supposed that the great¬ grandfather came to this country from Ireland. In the state of his nativity the father of Mr. Powell grew to manhood and married Miss Anna Osgood, who was born at Port Ann, New York. In 1839 they removed to Jackson county, Mich¬ igan, where he followed farming until called to his final rest, when in his eighty-seventh year.

He was an earnest and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he served as trustee, and his wife also held membership in that church. She died when about seventytTiree years of age. This worthy couple had seven children, all born in New York. One of the, number died at the age of thirteen years, but the others reached years of maturity.

James Powell is the fifth child and third son in this family. He was only six years old when he accompanied his parents on their re¬ moval to Michigan, and in the district schools ofr that state he acquired his education. When not in school he assisted in the work of the home farm and remained under the parental roof until eighteen years of age, when he commenced work¬ ing by the month, doing anything which he could find to do.

In 1856 Mr. Powell first came to LaPorte, Indiana, and was in the employ of the Lake Shore Railroad for about three months, after which he was night watchman for the same railroad for a year and a half, and for the following two years bought grain for various firms. About this time he was married, in i860, to Miss Delilah B. Pro¬ volt, who was bom in Kankakee township, La¬ Porte county, a daughter of Ezekiel and Eliza Ann (Ireland) Provolt, early settlers of this locality. After his marriage Mr. Powell re¬ turned to Michigan, but in 1861 again came to LaPorte county, and this time settled at Roll¬ ing Prairie. He was appointed postmaster here during President Lincoln's first administration, and served for four years, after which he re¬ turned to Michigan. One year later we again find him in Rolling Prairie, where he engaged as a laborer until 1869. The following six years were spent in Michigan, and during four years of that time he served as postmaster of Francisco. In 1875 he returned to Rolling Prairie and bought property, making his home here uninterruptedly ever since. He embarked in general merchandising at that time, and has since carried on business with good success. On the 1st of July, 1875, he was again appointed postmaster, and held the office until 1885 J wa9 reappointed in 1897 during the McKinley ad¬ ministration and is still the incumbent. It is needless to say that his official duties have al¬ ways been most promptly and satisfactorily dis¬ charged, as his long retention in the office plainly indicates that fact. He has filled the position for twenty-four years, and the people of the town have never yet had occasion to regret their choice.

To Mr. and Mrs. Powell were born four chil¬ dren, as follows: Effie, now the wife of E. E. Reese, a hardware merchant of Rolling Prairie; Anna, wife of F. L. Strutz, of Chicago ; George, who married Ethel Maunder and resides in Niles, Michigan; and Grace, at home with her parents.

Since attaining his majority Mr. Powell has affiliated with the Republican party, supporting Fremont for the presidency in 1856 and Lincoln in i860. He is one of the leading members of the Christian church of 'Rolling Prairie, with which he has been connected for a quarter of a century, and during that time he has never missed but three regular church services. His upright, honorable life has gained for him the confidence and respect of all, and it is safe to say that no man in the community is held in higher regard than James Powell.

HIRAM P. BARNES is the owner of a unique business which has taken an important place in the line of productive industries and has become a very profitable venture. He is a scenic artist, and has in LaPorte a studio in which he paints scenic backgrounds for photog¬ raphers. Alert, enterprising and progressive, he is recognized as one of the leading business men of LaPorte, and is meeting with well merited success.

Mr. Barnes was born in Union township, La¬ Porte county, in 1862, a son of S. D. and Susan (Joslin) Barnes. His father was born in Oneida county, New York, in 1816, and came to this county in the early forties, during the formative period in the county's history, when this section of the state was just emerging from frontier conditions. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade, but on coming to LaPorte county he pur¬ chased a tract of land and devoted his remain¬ ing days to farming, save that at the time of the Civil war he served for two years as a car¬ penter in the quartermaster's department. He died in 1877, and his widow, who was born in Oneida county, New York, near Syracuse, is now making her home with her son Hiram.

In taking up the personal history of Hiram P. Barnes we present to our readers the life record of one widely and favorably known in LaPorte county. He was reared upon the home farm in Union township, remaining there until his father's death. In April, 1879, he came to LaPorte, where he has resided continuously since. Here he entered the employ of J. W. Bryant, the owner of a papier-mache factory.

manufacturing photographic supplies. Later Mr. Bryant entered a new field of business, the painting of scenic backgrounds for photograph¬ ers, and with him Mr. Barnes thoroughly learned the art, his natural talent in that line making his progress more rapid. In 1895, in partner¬ ship with E. G. Wair, Mr. Barnes bought out his employer's business, and the firm of Wair & Barnes was formed. This partnership continued until December, 1900, when Mr. Barnes pur¬ chased his partner's interest, and since that time has conducted the business alone, with ever in¬ creasing success. He has a well equipped studio, and among photographers and artists every¬ where his work, which is done in both water colors and oils, takes highest rank, being con¬ sidered second to none. For this reason his trade has become world-wide. He has recently made shipments of scenic backgrounds to pho¬ tographers in England, Denmark, Australia, the Strait settlements and Nicaragua, and he has a very extensive domestic patronage, shipping to all sections of this country.

The lady who bears the name of Mrs. Barnes was in her maidenhood Miss Adele Thompson* She was born in this county, a daughter of Joseph Thompson. They have one son, Lynn LaMotte Barnes. Both Mr. Barnes and his wife have a large circle of friends in this county, and the hospitality of the best homes in extended to them. Fraternally, he is connected with the Elks and the Maccabees, and he also has mem¬ bership relations with the Tribe of Ben Hur. Genial and cordial in manner, his deference for the opinions of others and his loyalty to his own honest convictions are qualities which have gained for him friendship and favor in both business and social circles.

A. G. TILLOTSON, M. D. The world in¬ stinctively pays deference to the man whose suc¬ cess is worthily achieved and whose prominence is not the less the result of high professional skill than of an irreproachable private life. Dr. Tillotson stands to-day as one of the leading residents of Michigan City and ranks second to none in the medical fraternity, his skill and abili¬ ty having long since gained for him a distin¬ guished position as a medical practitioner of northern Indiana.

He was bom at Crown Point, Lake county, on the 15th of April, 1847, and is a son of James and Melissa (Hall) Tillotson, who were natives of New York. The ancestral history of the fam¬ ily is traced back to Bishop Tillotson, of the

Canterbury cathedral, one of the most distin¬ guished divines ever connected with the Church of England. In colonial days the family was founded in America, and the paternal grand¬ father of the Doctor was bom in the Empire state. The maternal grandfather was a native of Pennsylvania and became a carpenter by trade. Removing westward he located in Mer¬ rillville, Lake county, Indiana, being one of its pioneer settlers.

James Tillotson, the father of Dr. Tillotson, engaged in agricultural pursuits in early life and subsequently conducted a hotel at Crown Point. He had come to Indiana about 1845 and located near Crown Point, and in or near that city he spent his remaining days. He died about 1869, - when fifty-two years of age, and his wife de¬ parted this life about 1865, when fifty years of age. She was an earnest Christian woman and held membership in the Methodist church. To them were born two children, both of whom have become physicians, the younger son being Dr. Homer J. Tillotson, of Chicago.

Dr. A. G. Tillotson was reared in Lake county and pursued his early education in the country schools, while later he continued his studies in Crown Point, and was graduated on the comple¬ tion of the high school course, about 1864. He afterward engaged in teaching school in differ¬ ent parts of Lake county for several terms, and as an instructor he was very capable. To fit himself for the successful conduct of business interests he attended Bryant & Stratton's Com¬ mercial College, of Chicago, from which he was graduated with the class of 1865, and having de¬ termined to make the practice of medicine his life work he matriculated in Bennett's Medical Col¬ lege, of the same city, from which he was gradu¬ ated in 1870, being the first person to receive a diploma from that institution.

Dr. Tillotson entered upon his professional career as a practitioner in Toleston, Indiana, where he remained for two years or more, and then came to Michigan City, where he has since remained. He has been connected with the med¬ ical profession here for a longer period than any other practitioner of Michigan City, and easily maintains a foremost place in the ranks of the fraternity, for his efforts have been attended by excellent results, and he has kept fully abreast with the progress of the times, his reading and investigation, as well as his broad experience, adding continually to his knowledge. He is now the senior member of the firm of Tillotson & Blinks, who are conducting a splendidly equipped hospital here. They opened this in 1898, and it has since been necessary to enlarge it in order to accommodate the patients who come not only from the city but also from long distances. The building is commodious, light and airy, and is surrounded by beautiful grounds, the well kept lawn, flowers, shrubs and trees giving the ap¬ pearance of a beautiful home rather than a hos¬ pital. The institution is provided with private rooms for patients, as well as the men's and women's wards, diet kitchen and nurses' apart¬ ments. The entire building is lighted by gas and electricity and heated by warm air. There is an emergency ward for the treatment of cases demanding immediate attention, and in addition to the operating room there is an electrical de¬ partment for the treatment of diseases by gal¬ vanic, faradic and statical electricity. All the latest electrical appliances, including X-ray gen¬ erator, are to be found here, and the hospital has been accorded a most liberal patronage.

On the 9th of June, 1871, Dr. Tillotson was married to Miss Frances Amelia Combs, a daugh¬ ter of David and Eliza (Scribner) Combs. One child was born to them, Florence, now the wife of Dr. E. G. Blinks, of Michigan City, and they have two sons, Harold T. and Edward T. Mrs. Frances A. Tillotson died on the 23d of October, 1898, at the age of fifty-eight years. She was a member of the Presbyterian church and a lady whose many excellent traits of heart and mind endeared her to a large circle of friends. On the 18th of June, 1901, the Doctor was married to Mrs. Celia A. Mannheimer, the widow of Sig¬ mund Mannheimer and a daughter of Andrew and Rose (McDonald) McLaughlin.

Dr. Tillotson belongs to the Presbyterian church, his wife to the Methodist church. He belongs to Acme Lodge No. 83, F. & A. M. ; Michigan City Chapter, No. 25, R. A. M. ; Mich¬ igan City Council, No. 56, R. & S. M. ; Michigan City Commandery, No. 30, K. T. ; and Lake Michigan Chapter No. 98, O. E. S. All this indicates his close connection with Masonry in its various branches, and to the teachings and tenets of the craft he is most loyal. In 1902 he was elected most excellent grand high priest of the most excellent grand chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Indiana, which office he most acceptably filled until October, 1903. He has been honored with the highest offices in these various bodies at different times ; and he also belongs to Indiana Consistory, S. P. R. S., and to Murat Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. Politically he is a Democrat and has served as coroner of the county. He was also a member of the city council, has been president of the school board and was its secretary for one term, the cause of education finding in him a warm and helpful friend. In the line of his profession he is con¬ nected with the Michigan City Medical Associ¬ ation, of which he was the president from its or¬ ganization until July, 1903. Aside from his practice he has some business interests, being the second vice president of the Indiana Transporta¬ tion Company and the owner of some good city property. He has a fine home of his own at the corner of Sixth and Washington streets, which he built in 1892. Honored and respected by all, he occupies a most enviable position in professoinal, business and social circles.

WILLIAM H. HECKER, who was formerly identified with educational work, but is now liv¬ ing a retired life at Rolling Prairie, was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, October 2, 1839. His father, Jesse Hecker, was born in Northamp¬ ton county, Pennsylvania, and was reared and married there. In 1852 he came to LaPorte county, locating in Kankakee township, upon a farm. There he was engaged in agricultural pursuits, and spent his last days in Rolling Prairie in retirement from business cares. He lived to be seventy-two years of age. His father, John Hecker, was also born in Pennsylvania and was a carpenter by trade. Emigrating to the west, he established his home in Kankakee town¬ ship, LaPorte county, where he died about 1865. The mother of William H. Hecker bore the maiden, name of Abigail George, and she, too, was born in the Keystone state, and was of Ger¬ man lineage. Her death occurred in LaPorte county when she was about seventy-three years of age. By her marriage she became the mother of three children, a daughter and two sons: Sarah A., who resides at Rolling Prairie; Frank¬ lin J., a resident of South Bend ; and William H.

The last named was a youth of twelve years when he came with his parents to Indiana, and his early education, which had been acquired in the common schools of Pennsylvania, was sup¬ plemented by study in the district schools of Kankakee township. His father received as¬ sistance from him in the work of the home farm until after the inauguration of the Civil war, when, in September, 1861, he offered his ser¬ vices in the defense of the Union and joined Company G of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry. He served as the company bugler for about three years, and in 1864 he re-enlisted in the same command and was promoted to the rank of first sergeant. His regiment was attached to the Wetesrn Army and he received an honorable dis¬ charge in November, 1865. He participated in the battles of Franklin, Nashville and in many minor engagements, and throughout the four years of his connection with the army was never absent from any battle in which his command participated nor did he receive a single wound in all that time.

When the country no longer needed his aid Mr. Hecker returned to his home in LaPorte county, and soon afterward became a student in Hillsdale College at Hillsdale, Michigan. He then engaged in teaching school, which profes¬ sion he followed until 1885, covering a period of nineteen consecutive years. He was principal of the school at Walkerton for one year, at Un¬ ion Mills for one year and for five years was principal of the high school of Rolling Prairie. He was a most capable educator, imparting clearly and concisely to others the knowledge that he had acquired and under his direction the schools of which he had charge made rapid and satisfactory advance. Since putting aside his work in the schoolroom he has given his time to the supervision of his business and invested in¬ terests, and he makes his home at Rolling Prairie.

Mr. Hecker has been twice married. In 1867 he wedded Miss Olive Goit, who traveled life's journey with him for about eighteen years, pass¬ ing away in 1885. For his second wife he wedded Miss Alzora Shead. They have a pleas¬ ant and attractive home in Rolling Prairie and enjoy the hospitality of all the homes of the com¬ munity. In addition to his property there he owns land to the amount of three hundred and forty-five acres in Galena and Kankakee town¬ ships, which he rents. In 1891 he built his pres¬ ent residence, and is now enjoying a well merited rest. He is a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to Hathaway Post No. no, G. A. R., of which he is now the commander. He has taken a very active part in the work of the post, and also belongs to the Masonic fraternity at Rolling Prairie. A stanch Republican through many years, he has served as township trustee for several years, and in mat¬ ters of citizenship is loyal and progressive. He is likewise a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and made liberal donations for the erection of the house of worship. He has always taken an active and helpful part in its work, and was instrumental to a larger de¬ gree than any other man in the building of the church. His influence has ever been given on the side of the right, justice, reform and im¬ provement, and his labors have been an import¬ ant factor in advancing the general welfare.

JOHN N. McCURDY. On the roster of county officials of LaPorte county appears the name of John N. McCurdy, who is now filling the position of county recorder for a four years' term, and in this incumbency he is proving him¬ self a faithful official, prompt, accurate and re¬ liable in the discharge of his duties. He has spent his entire life in this county. His birth occurred in New Durham township, April 7, 1843, h*s parents being John and Rhoda (Lucas) McCurdy. His father came from Ohio to La¬ Porte county about 1834, and lived in this and in Porter and St. Joseph coun¬ ties up to the time of his death, which occurred in St. Joseph county in 1891. He followed farming throughout his entire life, with the exception of the last few years, when he lived retired. A stanch Union man at the time of breaking out of the Civil war, in i86r he went to Chicago, where he enlisted in the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, but after six months' ser¬ vice he was discharged on account of illness. Later he re-enlisted in Porter county, becoming a member of the Twelfth Indiana Cavalry, in which his son John N. also enlisted. He served for two years with this command, and then re¬ sumed farming. His wife died during the in¬ fancy of John N.

John N. McCurdy was reared upon his fath¬ er's farm, and spent his boyhood days in the manner of most farmer lads of that period, his time being alternated between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields upon the home farm. The first very important event which occurred to vary the routine of life for him was his enlistment at Tassinong, in Porter county, in 1862, as a mem¬ ber of Company B, Sixty-third Indiana Infantry, from which he was discharged about seven months later because of sickness. When he had recovered his health he again joined the army, this time as a member of Company M, Twelfth Indiana Cavalry, being enrolled at Wanatah, La¬ Porte county, where the company was organ izcd. He first went to Michigan City and thence to Kendallville, and from there the command pro¬ ceeded to the front in Tennessee, joining the Army of the Cumberland. The regiment was commanded by Colonel Williams and was in sev¬ eral engagements in Tennessee and northern

Alabama. After the battle of Cool Springs, Ala¬ bama, the surgeon sent Mr. McCurdy to Nash¬ ville, because he had again become ill. Although eager to rejoin his regiment, by the advice of his physician he took lighter duty, remaining as one of the force of guards at Nashville until about the close of the war. He was mustered out at Indianapolis, in July, 1865.

Returning home, Mr. McCurdy located at Wanatah, LaPorte county, where he went into business with his brother, Frank McCurdy, who was then station agent for the railroad there. They began dealing in grain and general pro¬ duce, and after a few years devoted to the grain trade John N. McCurdy became a live-stock dealer at Wanatah, in which business relation he continued up to the time of his election to office, meeting with fair success in his undertakings, and making large purchases and sales.

On the 17th of February, 1865, Mr. McCurdy was united in marriage to Miss Mima Lamoreaux, who died January 22, 1873. His present wife bore the maiden name of Blanche C. Farm¬ ington, and they were married July 2, 1878. They have six children: Frank, Louis N., Al¬ len M., Joseph E., George O. and Robert M. Socially Mr. McCurdy is connected with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Tribe of Ben Hur and the Grand Army of the Republic, Patten Post No. 179. In his political views he is an earnest Democrat, and in 1898 was elected county recorder, entering upon the duties of the office April 16, 1900, for a period of four years. In this official position he won high encomiums by his faithful and reliable dis¬ charge of public duties. He is to-day as true and loyal to his country and her welfare as when he followed the old flag in the south and respond¬ ed to the calls of battle.

Rev. William Harbison Wilson

REV. WILLIAM HARBISON WILSON, pastor of the First Presbyterian church in Michi¬ gan City, is descended in the paternal line from Thomas Wilson, his great-great-grandfather, who, with his wife, was a Puritan and came from Scotland to America before the Revolutionary war, settling in South Carolina. His son, Rob¬ ert William Wilson, a native of South Carolina, became a large landowner, being the possessor of what is now the Vanderbilt estate in Baltimore. He died soon after the close of the Revolutionary war, of which he was not a participant. His wife* Mary Armstrong, was a niece of the first secre¬ tary of state under Washington, and her father was a captain in the colonial army. Their son,

Abner William Wilson, the grandfather of Rev. Wilson, was born in North Carolina, April 7, 1801, but in an early day removed with his par¬ ents to Indiana.

John Armstrong Wilson, the father of Wil¬ liam H. Wilson, was born in Jackson county, Indiana, May 12, 1840, where he was reared in the home of Rev. Mr. Milligan. During the Civil war he enlisted in Company H, Twenty- fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, his regiment being later consolidated with the sixty-seventh, and he entered the service as a first sergeant. He took part in many of the hard-fought battles of the war, and at its close received an honorable dis¬ charge as a lieutenant. When a young man he learned the carriage-maker's trade, and a few years after the close of the war located in Des Moines, Iowa. Mr. Wilson married Mary Bell, a native of Wisconsin and a daughter of Chris¬ topher and Mary Margaret (Cassiday) Bell, the former a native of England and the latter of Lan¬ caster county, Pennsylvania, and whose mother, Nancy Adams, was a daughter of Charles Ad¬ ams, the founder of Adams Express Company. Her grandfather Adams came to this country from Ireland, and surveyed the state of Ohio for the government. Five children were born to John A. and Mary (Bell) Wilson, three sons and two daughters, and three are now living, William H., J. Archie and Bessie C. The parents are members of the University Avenue Reformed church of Des Moines, and the father is also a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fra¬ ternities, and of the Grand Army of the Repub¬ lic. His political affiliations are with the Re¬ publican party.

Rev. William Harbison Wilson was born in Des Moines, Iowa, August 2, 1873, there attend¬ ing the public schools and Woodland College. He left school at the age of seventeen years, being called to the assistant secretaryship of the Young Men's Christian Association at Pittsburg, Penn¬ sylvania, but a year and a fialf later resigned to prepare himself for the ministry, entering Baker University in Kansas. His course in that uni¬ versity, however, was interrupted for a year while serving as secretary of the Young Men's Chris¬ tian Association at Kansas City, Missouri. On the 25th of June, 1896, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Mae Blanche Hooper, of Kansas City, and in the year following his mar¬ riage he engaged as an instructor in mathematics in Des Moines College. He subsequently enterd upon a theological course in the McCormick

Theological Seminary, of Chicago, from which institution he was graduated in May, 1900, and was then called to the pastorate of the First Pres¬ byterian church in Michigan City, of which he is still the pastor.

JOHN G. MATHEWS, chairman of the Democratic county central committee and now serving in his fourth term as deputy sheriff of LaPorte county, is the son of one of the well known pioneers of northern Indiana. John G. Mathews, Sr., was born in Prussia, Germany, October 19, 1819, and took up his residence in Michigan City, LaPorte county, in 1836. His first employment was as porter in the old or¬ iginal Lake House, and. afterward he was con¬ ductor on the Monon Railroad for twelve years. Two years were then spent bn a farm in Cass township, LaPorte county, after which he once more entered the employ of the Monon at Michi¬ gan City. About a year and a half later, how¬ ever, he gave up railroad work for good, and came to the farm in Essex township, Porter county^ where he lived the remainder of his life, his death occurring October 3, 1893. He was well known in Porter and LaPorte counties, and was an upright and worthy man in all his rela¬ tions with his fellows. His wife was Henrietta 'Henslin, a native of Prussia, and she died April 9, 1903, when sixty-seven years old. They were the parents of six children, Alvina, Amelia, Lot¬ tie, Dora, John G. and William R.

John G. Mathews, Jr., who is the fifth child in this family, was born September 13, 1868, in Essex (now Morgan) township, Porter county, Indiana, and remained there until he was twentyone years old. In addition to his education in the public schools, he attended school at Val¬ paraiso. He has been an active and energetic man, and has been popular in his dealings with men. For the past eight years he has been actively interested in local politics, and in 1898 was appointed deputy sheriff under Mr. Mc¬ Cormick, and is now holding the same office under Mr. Craft. He has proved himself a very efficient officer, and his genial ways and popu¬ larity with all classes of citizens assure his suc¬ cess in whatever activity he may engage in the future. He received his fourth appointment to office on January 1, 1903. As chairman of the Democratic central committee of the county he has large responsibility in the safe and wise di¬ rection of party affairs, and he has* 'demonstrated the wisdom of his choice for the place.

Ernestine Krueger, the daughter of Frederick and Henrietta (Long) Krueger. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mathews : Wil¬ liam, Grace and Edwin. The family are esteemed residents of Wanatah, and their home is one of the delightful places for their many friends to congregate and spend an hour of good cheer.

CHARLES G. POWELL, editor of the Re¬ publican at LaPorte, was bom in Monroe count}', New York, on the 1st of December, 1829, a son of Isaac and Anna (Heaton) Powell. His fath¬ er, who was bom in the year 1785, died in La¬ Porte county, Indiana, in August, 1863, while the mother, who was born in 1792, died in this county in August, 1871, in her eightieth year. In February, 1835, the son Charles removed with his parents from Monroe county to Cattaraugus county, New York, the family there remaining until June, 1837, when they again sought a change of location and took up their abode in Erie coupty, that state. There they remained until August, 1840, when they again moved. Coming west they located in Clinton township, LaPorte county, Indiana, thus making their son a citizen of the county at the age of ten years, and for sixty-three years this has continued his home.

The early educational advantages of Charles G. Powell were such as the public schools of New York and Indiana afforded during the years of his boyhood, and his literary and journalistic career was begun by writing for the papers when quite young. As early as 1854 he wrote, espec¬ ially for the Indianapolis papers, during the ex¬ citement consequent upon the agitation of the Kansas and Nebraska question. This correspon¬ dence gave him a free hold upon his pen and confidence in its ultimate power. In November. 1856, he assumed the control of the Westville Herald, from which period until now his life is sketched in giving the outline of the papers with which he has been connected.

Mr. Powell is of strong Republican convic¬ tions as to politics, and his papers have always defended its principles. He has maintained the confidence of those with whom he has affiliated, and twice have the Republicans sent him to the national convention, first to the convention in Chicago in 1868 and second to the one held at Philadelphia in 1872, at both of which General U. S. Grant was nominated as the candidate for president. He has also served as president of the Northern Indiana Editorial Association for four years, from 1872 to 1876, was postmaster of the city of LaPorte from 1877 until 1882, and for nearly twelve years after retiring from the postmastership Mr. Powell held an official posi¬ tion in the pension office at Washington. While there he wrote regularly for Indiana papers. Re¬ turning to this city in 1894, he established the Republican , which he has since conducted.

MARTIN PASH, one of the very oldest resi¬ dents of Wanatah, and well known there both on account of his good citizenship and because of his handiwork which is in so many of the buildings of this town, was born in Austria, No¬ vember 11, 1841. He came to America at the age of eleven, coming at once to LaPorte, Indi¬ ana, where at this early age he began to earn his daily bread. He worked for a butcher by the name of Heggin for two years, and in 1854 came to Cass township and for the next three years was principally engaged in driving six yoke of oxen to a plow, breaking up the prairie for culti¬ vation. This was not easy work, but he was of that vigorous type which has the strength of manhood in boyhood, and he waxed sinewy and large at the work, and at the same time gained a thorough knowl¬ edge of farming. At the age of seventeen he was employed by Joseph Unruh to farm the latter's land, and remained with him for ten years. Mr. Pash then gave up farming as an occupation and learned the trade of brick and stone mason, and for the following thirty-six years has been stead¬ ily engaged in that business in Wanatah. He was one of the first to locate where the town now is, and the foundations for many of the early as well as later buildings are the work of his skilled hands. He has always been known for his efficient work, and men have come to rely on him when they wish a first-class piece of stone or brick work. A man engaged in a trade must be skillful and thorough in order to retain his cus¬ tomers, and the fact that Mr. Pash has been in constant demand in his neighborhood for over thirty-five years is the highest testimonial that could given to the regard his fellow citizens en¬ tertain for him.

Mr. Pash has been married twice, tKe first time in March, 1866, to Miss Mary E. Bryant, a native of Clinton township, LaPorte county. She died November 25, 1893, having been the mother of one son, Loran N., who is now at home. April 16, 1895, Mr. Pash married Martha Hundt, who was born in Germany. One son was born of this union, Richard M.

stantial progress. He is a stanch Democrat and has been an intelligent voter for forty years. He is also rigid in his adherence to the temper¬ ance cause, and has worked zealously for * pro¬ hibition both locally and nationally. He served as trustee of Cass township for five years and three months, and in that capacity as well in many other ways has done all in his power for the advancement of the material, intellectual and moral life of the community. He is an attendant at the services of the Methodist Episcopal church.

PETER FUDENSKI, who is the pioneer merchant of the thriving town of Wanatah, and during his residence there of a third of a century has been instrumental in many ways in building up and improving the village, was bom in Prus¬ sian Germany, June 28, 1829. He spent the first twenty-one years of his life in his native country, where he attended school to the age of fourteen, the age required by law, and then learned, after the thorough fashion of the old country, the trade of nail-maker. He followed this occupation dur¬ ing the remaining years of his residence in the fatherland.

Mr. Fudenski came to America in 1850, and located at Albany, New York, where he learned stove moulding and engaged in that trade until January, 1855. For the next fourteen years Mr. Fudenski had an adventurous life in the far west, in the romantic and thrilling scenes of mining on the Pacific coast. He went by way of Greytown whence he crossed the Isthmus, and from there up the coast to San Francisco. He at once went to the mines, where he remained until June, 1858, and at the time of the Fraser river excite¬ ment in British Columbia he followed the rush and was there until 1869. In the latter year he came across the continent to Chicago, and thence to Cass township, LaPorte county, where he bought a farm and was engaged in the quiet pur¬ suit of agriculture for four years. He had nearly reached the prime of life, and from the years of excitement and constant movement he welcomed a settled occupation in the beautiful country of northern Indiana. In 1873 he sold his farm and opened up a general store in the village of Wana¬ tah, erecting his own store building, and during the thirty succeeding years he has been prosper¬ ous and has enjoyed an ever increasing trade with the surrounding country.

Mr. Fudenski was married in 1870 to Miss Magdelana Casmienkiewicz, who is also a native of Prussia. The following children have been born to them : Felix, John, Charles and Mary.

Mr. Fudenski has always been recognized as one of the progressive men of this county, and has performed a good citizen's part in advancing the interests of his community. He held the office of trustee of Cass township for many years, and was postmaster of Wanatah for four years, proving in public and private life his integrity and solid ability.

MRS. SUSAN C. STONER, who resides in Rolling Prairie, was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, on the 30th of December, 1838. Her father, Joseph Rynearson, was like¬ wise a native of the Keystone state, while his father, Rynear Rynearson, was a native of Hol¬ land. Crossing the Atlantic to the new world, he settled in Pennsylvania, and it was in that state that Joseph Rynearson was reared and married, his home being in Northumberland county. There he carried on blacksmithing business for a num¬ ber of years or until 1848, when he came to La- Porte county, Indiana, locating in Kankakee township, where he purchased a tract of land and improved and developed a farm, making his home thereon until his life's labors were ended in death when he was seventy-one years of age. He be¬ longed to the Presbyterian church, and in his political faith was a Democrat. Widely known as one of the leading and influential farmers of the community, he enjoyed the regard and re¬ spect of a large circle of friends and was classed among the substantial residents of this part of the state. He married Miss Elizabeth Webster, also a native of Pennsylvania, and with her hus¬ band she came to LaPorte county in 1848. For twenty years she survived him, and passed away at the very advanced age of eighty years. She was a daughter of Abram Webster, a native of England, who together with three of his sisters was captured by the Indians when the family re¬ sided in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and taken to Niagara Falls, New York, where they were held as captives for seven years.

To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rynearson, the pa¬ rents of Mrs. Stoner, twelve children were born, and all reached manhood or womanhood, while nine are still living. The family record is as follows: Ann, now deceased; Rebecca, the wife of Joseph Miller, one of the old settlers of La¬ Porte county; Lemuel, a resident of the state of Washington; Abraham, who has passed away; Elenora, the wife of John Kisstead : John, who is living in LaGrande, Oregon ; David, of Kankakee township; Mrs. Stoner; Elizabeth, the widow of Perry A. Derr, of Oregon; Julia, the wife of

Mrs. Stoner is the eighth child and fourth daughter in the family, and was a maiden pf about ten summers when brought by her parents to LaPorte county. She pursued her education in the common schools of Byron, and in early womanhood gave her hand in marriage to P. Darrow, the wedding being celebrated in 1863. He was born in Bristol, Connecticut, and came to LaPorte county about 1843, settling in Kanka¬ kee township. There he engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death. By this marriage there were born two children : Anna, now the wife of Jacob Grove, who is living in North LaPorte, Indi¬ ana ; and Lemuel Darrow, who is a prominent at¬ torney of LaPorte and the mayor of that city. In 1886 Mrs. Darrow became the wife of David Stoner, who was born in Ohio in 1803 and came to LaPorte count in 1832, being one of the oldest settlers of this part of the state. He died in 1893. His first wife had borne the maiden name of Margaret Shelby and had died in 1871, and by that marriage there were seven children: David, Sarah, Catharine, Jacob, Lovina, Henry and Mary Ann.

Mrs. Stoner has lived in Kankakee township for about fifty-five years, and is well known throughout the county. She owns here a fine farm of one hundred and twenty-six acres, and the rental from this place supplies her with all the necessities and many of the comforts of life. She holds membership with the Presbyterian church, and has long been a witness of progress and improvement here, her mind bearing the im¬ press of many of the historic annals of this section of the state.

CLAYTON S. GOODWIN, a well known farmer of Clinton township, is a veteran of the Civil war and bears an honorable record for brave service in the cause of freedom and union, and likewise in the paths of peace has won an en¬ viable reputation through the sterling qualities which go to the making of a good citizen.

His parents, Dr. John M. and Sarah (Biggs) Goodwin, were natives of New York, the former born at Cuba Lake, June 5, 1812, and the latter at Lodi, January 1, 1819. He was a physician and a man of prominence in his community. In his familv were four children : Anna Louise, who was born in 1841 and died in 1894: Clayton S. ; William H., born in 1846; and Elizabeth P., born in 1850.

Clayton S. Goodwin was born in Aurora, Illi¬ nois, July 15, 1844. He spent the first four years of his life in Illinois, and then went with his par¬ ents to New York, where he began his education ; the family came to La Porte county in 1856, and his education was completed in the schools of Westville. When the country became involved in Civil war lie manifested his patriotism by en¬ listing, in July, 1862, in the Seventy-third Indi¬ ana Volunteer Infantry, at Michigan City. He took part in a number of engagements, and was wounded in the right arm and shoulder at the battle of Stone river. On Colonel Stuart's raid all the officer's of his regiment were taken pris¬ oner's and the privates were sent to Indianapolis and exchanged, and there Mr. Goodwin received his discharge in August, 1863. On his return home he resumed the quiet duties of farm life, and has since been carrying on that occupation with good success. He has an excellent place of two hundred and fifty acres, and in 1894 he erected his beautiful country residence, which is a credit to the community. He and his wife began their married life in Pine township, Por¬ ter county, and in that place he was justice of the peace for two years.

April 20, 1868, Mr. Goodwin married Miss Jennie Pinney, who was born in Clinton town¬ ship, April 20, 1850, and their marriage was cele¬ brated on her father's farm. She was reared and educated in LaPorte county, where her father was a successful farmer. Her parents, Horace and Angeiine (Haskell) Pinney, were natives of Ohio, and the former was a pioneer of La¬ Porte county, where he became prosperous, al¬ though he began as a poor man. He was a Jackson Democrat, and he and his wife were members of the Baptist church. They were the parents of five sons and four daughters, eight of whom are living, three in Indiana. One of Mrs. Good¬ will's brothers. Jay Pinney, is in the real estate business in Macksville, Kansas ; Erastus is a con¬ ductor on a railroad in New Mexico; Emma, who for seven years was a missionary in India for the Baptist Association, is now a teacher near Albuquerque, New Mexico; Loie is matron in the Methodist Hospital of Chicago.