LaPorte County, Indiana - Chapter 36: Religion, 1904 (part 22 of 23)

John F. Tilden, grandfather of Walter S. Tilden, was born and reared in the state of Vermont, and was an early settler in Ohio. He died in Beaverdam, Wisconsin, at the age of seventy-two years. His son, Dr. John F. Til¬ den, was also born, reared and educated in Ver¬ mont, and moved to Ohio when a young man, locating near Sandusky. He engaged in rais¬ ing sheep there for some years, and while there studied medicine. In 1846 he drove fifteen hun¬ dred sheep through to LaPorte county, Indiana, and after remaining in this county for two years went back to Ohio and brought his family, locating in Center township. He farmed and raised sheep after coming to this county, and then devoted himself exclusively to the prac¬ tice of medicine, which he continued for forty years, until his death, April 3, 1897. He was one of the best known physicians of LaPorte county, and was one of the successful business men of the county. He was a life-long Demo¬ crat, although he had six Republican brothers. He was a trustee of Cass township for seven years, and could be relied upon for assistance in all public movements.

dusky, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth Lockwood, a native of Canada and a daughter of Eleazer Lockwood, who came to Ohio at an early day, and afterward moved to LaPorte county, where he died at the age of eighty- four years ; he was one of the old-school Methodists, and a man who was esteemed by everyone. Mrs. Elizabeth Tilden was educated in Ohio, and she lived to be seventy-two years old, passing way in LaPorte county in 1874. She was the mother of three daughters and two sons, all of whom grew to maturity. Sarah Ann died in Nebraska in De¬ cember, 1892; Jerome B. resides in Schuyler, Nebraska; Sabra Ann is the wife of Aaron Pepple, of North Liberty, Indiana; Walter S. is the next in order of birth ; and Charlotte is the wife of William Irwin, of Schuyler, Nebraska.

Walter S. Tilden was bom in Erie county, Ohio, November 26, 1844, and came to LaPorte county when he was about two years old. His education was received in the log schoolhouses of that day. He remained on the home farm and assisted his father until the latter's death. He is now the owner of two hundred and fiftyfive acres of some of the' best land in the town¬ ship. He does general farming, raises some stock, and is a progressive and successful man.

September 11, 1866, Mr. Tilden was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Lawrence, the daughter of John and Agnes (Lawrence) Law¬ rence, who were natives of England and came to LaPorte county in 1842. Mrs. Tilden is the third daughter, and was bom in LaPorte county. April 15, 1844. She received her education in the county, and taught school here for three years before she was married. Seven children were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Tilden: John Franklin, who married Miss Mary Conboy and lives in Noble township, LaPorte county ; Emma, the wife of Robert Marks, who resides on one of Mr. Tilden's farms; Geneva, deceased; Gifton, deceased ; Lenora, deceased ; Byron Elmer, living at home, single; and Gorver C., who is a teacher in Cass township, having graduated in class of 1903 of the Wanatah high school.

Living, as he has, in LaPorte county since he was two years old, it is but natural that Mr. Tilden should be one of the citizens most interested in everything pertaining to its wel¬ fare, and he has always been willing to put his shoulder to the wheel in any movement requir¬ ing united effort. He has always been Demo¬ cratic in politics, and was at one time county ditch commissioner.

sion one of the old parchment deeds, executed April 1, 1848, and bears the signature of Pres¬ ident James K. Polk and is the tenth deed of the kind found in LaPorte county. It is a valuable souvenir in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Tilden.

JESSE OGLESBY has made farming his life occupation and still follows that pursuit on sec¬ tion 12, Wills township, to the extent of super¬ vising his farm. He has now passed the sev¬ enty-fifth milestone on life's journey, and his ca¬ reer of usefulness, activity and integrity is one that furnishes an example worthy of emulation. He was born in Greene county, Ohio, October 11, 1828, a son of Jacob and Edith (Wollman) Oglesby. His paternal grandfather was a native of Virginia and a pioneer of Greene county, Ohio. Jacob Oglesby was born near Winchester, in West Virginia, and when a young man accompanied his parents on their removal to the Buckeye state. There he met and married Miss Wollman, whose birth oc¬ curred in New Jersey and who went to Ohio in early life. In the year 1849 Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Oglesby removed to LaPorte county, Indi¬ ana, taking up their abode in Kankakee township, where they remained until 1856, when they went to Plymouth, Marshall county, Indiana. There the father followed merchandising, although in early life he had carried on agricultural pursuits. He died in Plymouth when about sixty-seven years of age, and his wife lived to be seventy years of age. They were the parents of eight children, two of whom died in childhood.

Jesse Oglesby, the third child and third son, was reared in his native county until about twenty years of age, and his education was ob¬ tained in a log schoolhouse, in which he spent about three months each year. The school was conducted on the subscription plan, the expenses of keeping up the building and paying the teacher being met in this way. Throughout the remainder of the year he was busy with the duties of the farm, which more and more devolved upon him as his age and strength increased. He remained with his father until he had attained his major¬ ity, and in 1848 went to St. Joseph county, In¬ diana. He drove a team from Ohio to this state, and in the following year came to LaPorte coun¬ ty, where he has since made his home. Here he began farming his father's land on the shares, and was thus engaged for about two years. In 1851, hoping that he might benefit his financial condition and more rapidly acquire wealth than he could in the Mississippi valley, he made his way to California by way of the water route and Grey town. At length he arrived at San Fran¬ cisco and spent about six months engaged in min¬ ing on the Pacific coast. On the expiration of that period he sailed for Australia, where he re¬ mained for six years, devoting his energies to mining. On the expiration of that period he boarded a vessel which sailed around Cape Horn and on to Liverpool, England. Mr. Oglesby re¬ mained for a short time in London and in Liver¬ pool, and thence took passage on a westwardbound vessel which eventually dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. Continuing on his way to LaPorte county, he established a general mercantile store in New Carlisle, where he con¬ ducted business for about four years and then sold out. On the expiration of that period he purchased the farm upon which he now resides, and has since been engaged in general agricul¬ tural pursuits. He owns ninety acres of land upon which he lives, in section 12, Wills town¬ ship, and he also has one hundred and sixteen acres of land in Kankakee township.

On the 30th of November, 1859, Mr. Oglesby was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Drum¬ mond, who was bom in Wills township, August 19, 1836, being the second daughter of James and Amy J. .(Bownell) Drummond. Her pa¬ rents settled in LaPorte county in February, 1835, removing from Clark county, Indiana. They lo¬ cated in Rolling Prairie, where Mr. Drummond carried on general farming. In their family were three daughters : Mrs. Anna E. Foster, who was bom in LaPorte county, May 9, 1835, and died September 2, 1903 ; Mrs. Oglesby ; and Mrs. Marietta Roe, who was bom July 25, 1839, and is now a resident of Chicago. In the early days here Mr. Drummond served in the Indian war, and took an active and helpful part in the pio¬ neer development of this portion of the state. He was a member of the Christian church at Rolling Prairie for many years, and his life was honorable and upright, serving as a source of inspiration and encouragement to those who knew him. His father, Thomas Drummond, was a na¬ tive of Scotland, and[ when a child came to America. While crossing the Atlantic his par¬ ents died, leaving four children, but after reach¬ ing the new world he never saw any of his brothers or sisters.

To Mr. and Mrs. Oglesby were bom two chil¬ dren : Lot V., who is engaged in the grocery business in LaPorte city ; and Orret D., at home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Oglesby enjoy the friendship of many of the leading residents of their part of the county. He is an early settler and represen¬ tative citizen, and in many ways has been identi¬ fied with the substantial development of this por¬ tion of the state. He rode on the first train that ran over the Lake Shore Railroad to Rolling Prairie, and he has witnessed many changes here, taking an active interest in all that has been accomplished. In politics he has been a life-long Republican, and for two terms served as trus¬ tee of Wills township. He was also postmaster while living at Carlisle, Indiana, and has ever been most faithful and loyal to the trust reposed in him. In all life's relations he is strictly hon¬ orable, and. has made for himself a creditable record, one which has gained for him the respect and unbounded confidence of those with whom he has been associated.

CARL PIETZ. From the study of the life history of Carl Pietz one may learn valuable lessons, as he is an example of the boys who have educated themselves and have secured their own start in life. Born in Prussia, Germany, on the 27th of April, 1850, he came to America with his parents when nine years of age, and on their arrival in this country the family took up their abode in Cass township, LaPorte county, Indiana. Throughout the entire period of his youth Carl was given but three days of school¬ ing, for he was always kept hard at work on the farm, but by his own noble exertions he has now become a well educated and well in¬ formed man. He has often sat up as late as two o'clock in the morning studying, being willing to work for the advantages which others have secured through inheritance, and his life has thus been a constant illustration of what it is posisble to accomplish when perseverance and determination are the keynote to a man's life.

Mr. Pietz remained with his parents until their death, and after his marriage he located on his present homestead, which he has im¬ proved in many ways, having erected a good, substantial residence and bams, and is now the owner of two hundred and thirty-seven acres. The land is now under an excellent state of cul¬ tivation, and Mr. Pietz is numbered among the progressive agriculturists of Cass township. He was married on the 18th of March, 1875, t0 Matilda Madaus, who was born in Wisconsin, September 27, 1852, a daughter of Ludwig and Sophia Madaus. She was reared in Cass township, LaPorte county, having been brought to this locality by her parents when only two years old. Five living children are the result of this union, - Otto, Eddie, Sophia, Amanda and Mary. They have also lost three children, two of whom passed away in infancy, and one, Lena, became the wife of Gust Col witts and at her death left two childern, Laona and Esther, the last named being reared in the home of our subject. The Democracy receives Mr. Pietz's active support, and religiously, the fam¬ ily are members of the Evangelical church, in which he has held several offices in the church and is a trustee of the church property.

EMIL JOHNSON, the president of the La¬ Porte Harness Company, comes from the land of Sweden, and he brought to the new world the sterling traits of character of that national¬ ity, perseverance, enterprise and absolute honesty, which are marked elements in the lives of the sons of Sweden are manifest in his career, and have been the foundation upon which he has builded his success and gained a place as a representative of the industrial life of LaPorte.

Mr. Johnson was bom in Ostergpthland, Swe¬ den, June 18, i860, and spent eight years in learning the hamessmaker's trade in a country where absolute thoroughness is demanded of the boy who undertakes to master any pursuit. When twenty-one years of age he bade adieu to his native country and came to America, hoping and believing that he would find better business op¬ portunities on this side of the Atlantic. He lo¬ cated first in Chesterton, Indiana, where he fol¬ lowed harness-making for two and a half years, on the expiration of which period he removed to LaPorte, where he established a small retail har¬ ness-making shop of his own on Main street. In this work he prospered, and his trade gradu¬ ally increased as his proficiency was recognized. In 1896 he admitted Charles F. Peterson to a partnership in the business, which had been con¬ tinually growing, and the firm name of the John¬ son Harness Company was then adopted. They began to do a wholesale business on a small scale, in addition to their retail, and the John¬ son Harness Company maintained a prosperous existence until 1902. The rapid expansion of the business up to that time seemed to justify still larger operations and Mr. Johnson therefore organized and incorporated the LaPorte Har¬ ness Company to succeed the old firm. The of¬ ficers of this company are : Emil Johnson, presi¬ dent ; Frank C. Mann, vice president : and Oliver Ludlow, secretary and treasurer. This company controls one of the important industries of the city. Their establishment occupies three stories and the basement of the building at 913 Main street, which was purchased by Mr. Johnson in 1894. The retail department occupies the first floor, and the factory, which is equipped with the best machinery for manufacturing harness, is on the third floor, while the remainder of the building is utilized by the wholesale department. The building is heated by steam and equipped with an electric elevator and all modern improve¬ ments. The company manufactures and sells at retail and to the trade a full line of harness, saddlery and horse goods, and does a large busi¬ ness in both the retail and wholesale departments.

In 1893, in LaPorte, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Emma C. Peterson. They belong to the Swedish Lutheran church and Mr. Johnson holds membership in the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks and the Business Men's Club. Coming to this country empty-handed, but with firm resolution and determination to succeed, he has steadily worked his way upward, his capability and honorable business methods gaining for him a constantly increasing patron¬ age. An analyzation of his character and life work shows that he belongs to that class which has won for Sweden the term of "the home of the honest man."

JESSE HAINES. LaPorte county fur¬ nishes excellent opportunity to the agriculturist, for the land is rich and arable and returns excel¬ lent crops to the tiller of the soil. Jesse Haines has long been connected with farming interests in this section of the state, his home being in Hudson township. He was born in Greene coun¬ ty, Ohio, May 10, 1829, and belongs to an old American family, of French origin. His pater¬ nal grandfather, Joseph Haines, was a native of Burlington county, New Jersey, and died in Fred¬ erick county, Virginia. In religious faith he was a Quaker or Friend.

Nathan Haines, the father of Jesse Haines, was born in Frederick county, Virginia, and when a young man emigrated westward to Ohio, set¬ tling in Greene county. There he was married and established his home, and in 1830 he came to LaPorte county, Indiana, locating upon the farm on which Jesse Haines now resides. He was one of the first settlers of the county. He found here a district wild and unimproved, the prairie tracts were largely uncultivated add the forests stood in their primeval strength. There were no railroads, and few wagon roads had been made. Mr. Haines took up land from the gov¬ ernment, and also bought land from the Indians, for the red man had not yet left this part of the country for reservations farther west. He began the development of a pioneer farm, and at first lived in a little log cabin. He drove oxen to his breaking plow, and in primitive manner began the development of this place, and as the years advanced he secured the improved farm imple¬ ments which greatly facilitated his work. He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Woolman, a native of Burlington county, New Jersey, born about 1799. In 1812 she removed with her parents to Warren county, Ohio. Her father, Eben Woolman, was also a native of Burlington county, New Jersey, and was a descendant of the renowned John Woolman, of England. To Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Haines were born eight children, who reached years of maturity, but only two are now living, the brother of our sub¬ ject being Nathan Haines, a resident of Kansas. The father passed away in 1858 when seventyseven years of age, and his wife died at the age of sixty-one years. He was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends, and always adhered to that religious belief. In politics he was a Jackson Democrat, but was also a great admirer of Henry Clay, with whom he had a personal acquaintance.

Jesse Haines was about a year and a half old when brought by his parents to LaPorte county, and the farm upon which he now lives was his playground in youth. Indians were frequently seen in the neighborhood, and he can relate many interesting incidents concerning the red men and their ways of living, gleaned from personal knowledge of the subject. In his boyhood he pursued his studies in a log schoolhouse and his training at farm work was begun at an early age. He con¬ tinued to assist his father upon the home farm until about twenty-three years of age, when he began the operation of a sawmill and also did general farm work. Later he engaged in clerk¬ ing in a general store in New Carlisle, and for one year followed school teaching. He then re¬ sumed farm work, and was thus engaged until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when, in 1862, he offered his services to the government, enlisting in Company M, Third Indiana Cavalry, with which he remained for a year as private. On the expiration of that period he returned to his home and purchased a portion of his fathers farm. On this tract he erected a house, planted trees and made other substantial improvements.

which in due course of time have been followed by still others, until his farm is to-day one of the valuable properties of this portion of the state. It is pleasantly located on section 28 Hudson township, and its richly cultivated fields form an attractive feature in the landscape.

Mr. Haines has been twice married. He first wedded Lauretta Murray, who died two years later, and in 1871 he was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Grover, by whom he had two chil¬ dren: Wade, who is at home and assists in the operation of the farm; and Laura, who is a teacher in South Bend, Indiana.

Mr. Haines owns eighty acres of land, and in his business has prospered as the years have gone and gained a comfortable living as the re¬ sult of his untiring industry and perseverance. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day. Great, changes have been wrought by time and man since his arrival here, and he has co-operated in measures for the general good so that as a citizen his record is above reproach. In private life and business circles he is also known for his sterling worth, and he well de¬ serves honorable mention in this work.

JAMES H. TAYLOR. The pioneer epoch of LaPorte county is an interesting period, as well as instructive to the younger element of the pres¬ ent era. Reminiscences of the early times, woven into the lives or life memories of citizens who have been born or reared here since 1835 or '38, tell fully of the hardships and privations they underwent.

Mr. James H. Taylor, born and reared in LaPorte county and a resident of sixty years, can relate many scenes which are indelibly stamped on his memory. The red men of the forest, the Pottawottomie Indians, were plenti¬ ful, and their tepees or wigwams were staked upon his father's farm, just east of Fish Lake, in Lincoln township. The bounding and fleetfooted dear were numerous, and many a venison steak has graced his father's table. The howl of the wolf was a common occurrence, as he says, at the midnight hour, and many a hapless pig or lamb was carried off by the vo¬ racious animals. The roads amid the dense forests of Pleasant and Lincoln townships were blazed ways only, and the screech of the loco¬ motive was not dreamed of. The now popu¬ lous cities of LaPorte and Michigan City were but hamlets, while now they have respectively eight and ten thousand population. The tele¬ phone, the interurban and the great trunk lines of railroad, of which thirteen cross the county, - all the great civilizers were unthough of when he was a boy.

Mr. Taylor has grown up in LaPorte county and has witnessed all these remarkable and won¬ derful developments, which have been perfected since his boyhood. Where the little log cabin schoolhouse stood, now the modern and well equipped school building is erected. The col¬ lege, university and high school are now com¬ mon in northern Indiana, while in the early thir¬ ties the northwest was devoid of any institu¬ tions of learning with a classical or scientific curriculum of study. In that era it was com¬ mon for the whites to see bands of Indians, with ponies, ready for the chase or warlike excursions.

Mr. Taylor relates an incident worthy of recounting, which came under his father's obser¬ vation. When his father resided in his little log cabin on the east bank of Fish Lake, Lincoln township, one hundred Pottawottomies were camped on his farm. The old Indian chief's son came to his home one day and wanted to barter for fire-water, but he was refused and became obstreperous and impudent, when Mr. Taylor grabbed up a hoe, broke off a piece of the handle, and delivered a telling blow which laid out the young brave. After the latter became con¬ scious he went to the near-by camp and related the occurrence. Mr. Taylor foresaw trouble, as he thought. The Indian squaws came to the cabin and took the old gentleman in camp, and there they had a powwow and Indian dance. They would step up to Mr. Taylor, pat him on the shoulder and exclaim in the Indian tongue - "Me-an-et," meaning "no good Indian," pointing to the young Indian ; then again they would pat him on the shoulder and say, "Good Shee-mor-kee man." So he escaped, and always afterward the Indians were friendly to him. Many has been the time when Mich-sa-ba, the Pottawottomie chief, has slept by the fireside in Mr. Taylor's humble cot.

Mr. James Taylor has used the old-fashioned four-fingered cradle and the scythe of the pio¬ neer age, when the reaper and mower were not thought of.

James H. Taylor, who is now serving for the sixth year as county commissioner, and who has both farming and mercantile interests in LaPorte county, resides in Stillwell. He was bom in PleaAnt township, April 11, 1843. at which time the district was yet largely an un¬ improved region, although it was some time be-

His father, John W. Taylor, was a native of England, born and reared in Devonshire. He was married ere he emigrated to the new world in 1832, crossing the Atlantic in a sail¬ ing vessel which was six weeks upon the voyage. Four years later he traveled from New York to Indiana by team, locating in Pleasant town¬ ship, LaPorte county, which was then a wild region, much of the land being in its virgin con¬ dition, the settlers in the township being very few. John W. Taylor built the first house upon his place, turned the first furrows in the fields, and as the years progressed developed an ex¬ cellent farm property, upon which he made his home until his death, which occurred when he was seventy years of age. He was well and favorably known throughout the township and county. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Deborah Amor, and was reared in England, her native country, also died in Pleasant town¬ ship, when about seventy-three years of age. In the family were three sons and two daugh¬ ters: Harriet, who was bom in England, No¬ vember 11, 1831, and is now the wife of Charles P. Smith, of Pleasant township; Caroline C., who was born in New York and is the widow of W. S. Phillips, a resident of Pleasant town¬ ship ; John H., who was born on the old home¬ stead in Pleasant township and now resides in Lincoln township, LaPorte county ; James H. ; and William H., who was a resident of the city of LaPorte and died when about fifty-five years of age, for many years having been proprietor of a meat market.

James H. Taylor, the fourth of the family, was reared on the old home farm, and attended the early schools of the county, acquired a good practical educaton. He assisted his father until his marriage, which occurred December 19, 1867, the lady of his choice being Eliza J. Dair, a native of Lincoln township, St. Joseph county, Indiana, and a daughter of William Dair, one of the old settlers of that township and a native of England, coming to America in the same year in which the Taylor family crossed the Atlantic. After his marriage James H. Taylor continued to reside on the old homestead and greatly improved the property by building a house and other buildings, and by adding modern equipments. He remained there until June 21, 1885, when he turned his attention to merchan¬ dising in Stillwell, where he has conducted a general store for seventeen years, enjoying a large trade that is constantly increasing and is therefore bringing to him a good profit. He likewise operates a farm, owning eighty acres of good land, but he makes his home in Still¬ well.

To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have been born three sons: Frank L., who is janitor of the courthouse at LaPorte; Albert H., a clerk in his father's store; and Arthur W., who is in partnership with his father. The family is well known in the county, where the Taylors have been prominent, honorable and useful citizens through almost seventy years. Mr. Taylor served as township trustee for four years in Pleasant township, and although a Democrat living in a Republican district, he received a good majority when a candidate for office. He has been elected twice as county commissioner, and is now serving his sixth year in the office - one of the leading, active and worthy members of the board. Fraternally, Mr. James Taylor is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel¬ lows, LaPorte Lodge No. 36, Encampment No. 23, and Canton No. 10; he was one of the twelve charter members of the canton, which was organ¬ ized about 1884. He is also a member of Lodge No. 396, B. P. O. E., of LaPorte. He and his wife are members of the Rebekah lodge at La¬ Porte. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. To the tenets of the dif¬ ferent fraternal organizations and the teach¬ ings of the church he has conformed his life, and through an active career has commanded the respect of his fellowmen, while winning for him¬ self a handsome competence.

JEHU L. WOODMANSEE, a prominent and respected citizen of Galena township, well deserves representation in the history of La¬ Porte county. He took up his abode here in an early day, and for many years followed general farming, and is now in possession of a handsome competence gained through his earnest labor, which enables him to live a retired life. He was born in Highland county, Ohio, March 9, 1834, a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Lewis) Woodmansee.

The paternal grandfather, Isaac Woodmansee. is supposed to have been a native of Wales, and on coming to this country located in New Jer¬ sey, whence he afterward removed to Highland county, Ohio, where he died. The grandparents of Mr. Woodmansee, on the Lewis side, were stanch Quakers. Daniel Woodmansee was born in New Jersey on the 21st of February, 1808, and when about eighteen years of age removed to Highland county, Ohio, where he was married on theiith of January, 1832, to Miss Elizabeth Lewis. Her birth occurred in that county, Sep¬ tember 17, 1812, her parents being Jehu and Eleanor (Cadwallader) Lewis. Her father was an early settler in Highland county, Ohio, and also became a pioneer resident of LaPorte county, where he made his home for more than a half century, not only witnessing its progress during this period, but also aiding in its development. At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Woodmansee settled upon a farm in Highland county, Ohio, where they remained for many years. His death, however, occurred in Clinton county, Ohio, on the 18th of March, 1848. In politics he was a Whig, and in religious faith was a Methodist. Mrs. Woodmansee passed away in April, 1889. To them were born four sons and two daughters, of whom one died in infancy, while another died at the age of three years. The others of the family were Wesley, now deceased; Leonidas M. C., a resident of California ; Jehu L. ; and Isaac D., who is living in Galena township.

Jehu L. Woodmansee is the second in the family, and was reared on the place of his na¬ tivity until eighteen years of age. In 1852 he came to LaPorte county with his widowed mother, locating on section 19, Galena township. He had obtained his education in the district schools of Ohio, and for a short period was a student in the district schools of Galena township. At the time of his arrival here he began clearing land and making a good farm. Later he pur¬ chased a tract of land with the money which he had made on his first farm. From early morn¬ ing until late at night he labored in the fields, and his career has ever been characterized by un¬ flagging industry and perseverance. He was married on the 19th of August, 1854, to Miss Martha M. Heckman, who was born in Galena township, LaPorte county, on the 1st of January, 1838, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Dodd) Heckman. "Her father was born in Virginia, April 8, 1794, and died on the 5th of March, 1886. He held membership in the German Baptist church. He was one of the pioneer residents of LaPorte county, coming to this district from Niles, Michigan, where he had resided for about two years. He then took up his abode in Galena township and purchased large tracts of land, afterward giving to each of his children a quar¬ ter section and retaining one for himself. His wife was born in Virginia near Richmond, March

18, 1800, and died April 24, 1864. She, too, was a consistent member of the German Baptist" church. By her marriage she became the mother of thirteen children, of whom Mrs. Woodmansee is the tenth. Her girlhood days were spent in Galena township, and, acquiring a good edu¬ cation, she thus prepared for teaching. She is particularly well read in the scriptures, and can repeat from memory long passages frorni the Bible. In her life she exemplifies the Christian spirit, and her kindliness, charity and good deeds are indications of her belief in the teachings of the Holy Word.

After his marriage Mr. Woodmansee located upon the farm which has since been his home. It is on section 19, Galena township, and when it came into his possession it was largely covered with timber, but soon the sound of the wood¬ man's ax was heard in the forests, and tree after tree fell before his sturdy strokes. He first built a log house, later erected a part of his present residence, and to it he has added from time to time until he has an attractive and commodious home. He owns two hundred acres of land, and at one time was the owner of three hundred acres, but in 1901 sold one hundred acres of this. On account of his health he has retired from active business, but for many years was a most pro¬ gressive, enterprising and industrious agricul¬ turist.

To Mr. and Mrs. Woodmansee were bom four children, but all are now in the spirit land. These were Daniel J., David Q., Annie E. and Purity M. Annie E. passed to the spirit land November 18, 1890. She was devoted to her parents and lived up to the highest dictates of her conscience, which were noble. The other chil¬ dren passed to the spirit land in infancy, and Mr. and Mrs. Woodmansee are now waiting to join their family in the spirit land. Their golden wedding will come in 1904, on August 19. Mr. Woodmansee is one of the prominent Spiritual¬ ist of this locality, and for forty-eight years has been a follower of its faith. He has in his house a rare collection of portraits of his children, taken through the spirit agency of the noted mediums, the Bangs sisters, of Chicago. Mr. Woodmansee is well known in the county, where for fifty-two years he has resided. He has con¬ tributed to the upbuilding of this portion of the state, and as a business man has been success¬ ful, winning the reward of earnest, persistent labor. In politics he has always voted with the Republican party, but takes no active interest in political work as an aspirant for office.

SIMEON S. BOSSERMAN. As one reviews the history of the county and looks into the past to see who were prominent in its early development, he will find that from an early pe¬ riod the name of Bosserman has been closely con¬ nected with the progress and advancement of this section of the state. The life history of Simeon S. Bosserman is also closely identified with the history of LaPorte county, which has been his home for over fifty years, and through¬ out all these years he has been closely identified with its interests and upbuilding.

Simeon S. Bosserman is a native of the coun¬ ty, for his birth occurred in Pleasant township, LaPorte county, March 7, 1847, being a son of George and Minerva (Walker) Bosserman. The former was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, of German ancestry, and as early as 1834 came to LaPorte county, Indiana, purchasing an un¬ improved farm in Pleasant township. He then returned to his home in Pennsylvania, but in 1836 came again to LaPorte county, and here he con¬ tinued to make his home until he was called to his final rest, his death having occurred in 1888. He became a prominent factor in the early his¬ tory of this section, and for several terms served his township as its trustee, while in his business affairs he also rose to a position of prominence. His wife, who was a native daughter of Ken¬ tucky, also passed away in death in 1888. They were people of the highest respectability, -and will long be remembered as prominent and worthy old pioneers of LaPorte county.

Simeon S. Bosserman was reared to years of maturity on his father's farm in Pleasant town¬ ship, and in the district schools of the neighbor¬ hood he received his elementary educational train¬ ing. In 1869, at Stillwell and LaPorte, he estab¬ lished the business which has ever since con¬ tinued to be his prinicpal occupation, embarking at that time in the grain trade, with his main of¬ fice in LaPorte. In addition to this he has also given considerable attention to the stock busi¬ ness. For a few years he was one of the heaviest live stock dealers in this section of the state, hav¬ ing in 1893 purchased twenty-eight thousand sheep in the west and shipped eighteen thousand of them to Europe. Mr. Bosserman is the own¬ er of a fine farm of four hundred acres in Pleas¬ ant township, and one of two hundred and forty acres in Johnson township, both of which are rented, and he devotes nearly his entire attention to his grain business in LaPorte. His is truly a successful life, and the extensive business inter¬ ests of LaPorte county place him among the leaders in industrial circles. He has always been a man of large affairs.

The marriage of Mr. . Bosserman was cele¬ brated in 1873, when Miss Elizabeth Smith be¬ came his wife. She, too, claims this county as the place of her nativity, and by her marriage she has become the mother of two daughters and one son : Mrs. Lillian Bass, Minnie and George W. Although his father was a Republican, Mr. Bosserman has given his political support to the Democracy, and in 1888 he was elected to the of¬ fice of county treasurer, to which position he was re-elected in 1890, on both occasions running far ahead of his ticket. In every position which he has been called upon to fill he has been highly successful, and few men have more devoted friends, while none excel him in unselfish de¬ votion and unswerving fidelity to the worthy re¬ cipients of his confidence and friendship.

JAMES EDWIN BOWELL, a farm owner, capitalist and secretary of the LaPorte County Agricultural Association, residing in the city of LaPorte, was bom in Kankakee township, this county, December 15, 1851. He is a rep¬ resentative of two of the county's most promi¬ nent, active and honored pioneer families, and his own history has been in harmony with the family record, being characterized by excellent business ability and by devotion to the welfare and pro¬ gress of this section of the state. His parents were Absolam C. and Sarah A. (Ireland) Bowell. His father was born in Clark county, In¬ diana, in 1821, a son of the Rev. John and Eliza¬ beth (Carr) Bowell, who were natives of Penn¬ sylvania and came to Indiana in the early part of the nineteenth century, settling in Clark coun¬ ty. The Bowell family is of English-French-Huguenot ancestry, and the Carrs are of Welsh de¬ scent. The paternal grandmother of Mr. Bowell was a member of the Carr family which took such an important part in the organization and early development of the territory of Indiana and in the formation of the state, having settled in Clark county before the constitution was adopted. Some of the representatives of this family were soldiers in the Mexican war.

Rev. John Bowell left Clark county in 1834 and brought his family to LaPorte county. He pitched his tent within thirty feet of where the Bowell burying ground is now located, and there he began the development and improvement of a farm. He was a minister of the Christian church, but followed farming during the great part of his life. He left his impress upon the moral progress as well as the material upbuild¬ ing of the county. The Bowells were among the most prominent pioneer families of this lo¬ cality, and aided largely in laying the founda¬ tion for the present progress and prosperity of this portion of the state.

Absolam C. Bowell was about thirteen years of age when the family removed to LaPorte county, and here he aided in the arduous task of developing a new farm. Later he became an extensive landowner and prosperous farmer, and he also devoted much of his time and at¬ tention to the operation of a sawmill in Galena township, this enterprise proving to him a profit¬ able source of income. He gave his political sup¬ port to the Democracy. His death occurred in 1895, and his wife, who was born in New Paris, Ohio, died in this county, in August, 1893. Thus passed away two of the worthy pioneer people of the county. His business activity and honor¬ able career made him a very valuable citizen, and his friends throughout the community were many.

Upon the home farm James E. Bowell was reared, and easily became familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. His preliminary educational privileges were sup¬ plemented by study in the Rolling Prairie high school, long noted as one of the best in the county, and later he attended Eureka College, at Eureka, Illinois. After completing his college course he successfully engaged in teaching for a number of years, and in the meantime became interested in the sawmill business and in agri¬ cultural pursuits. He was known as a most able teacher, maintaining discipline and imparting knowledge with clearness, brevity and thorough¬ ness. As a partner in his father's sawmill busi¬ ness he also met with gratifying success. As his financial resources increased he made judi¬ cious investments in real estate, and he owns several hundred acres of valuable farming land in Kankakee and Galena townships, the cultiva¬ tion of which he personally superintends, al¬ though maintaining his residence in the city of LaPorte. He has now discontinued the manu¬ facture of lumber, and in 1900 he removed to LaPorte, where he owns a fine residence property on Michigan avenue.

Mr. Bowell has been three times married. He first wedded Alice Anderson, a native of Virginia, and to them were bom three children: Mrs. Benjamin, of Battle Creek, Michigan: Carr and Edna, at home. April 4, 1895, he married Mary Etherington, who died March 22, 1898* In 1901 he married Anna Savage Rogers, a popu¬ lar member of society in LaPorte county, who graciously presides over their hospitable home.

In public affairs Mr. Bowell has been quite prominent. He was elected and for five years served as a trustee of Galena township. He has been a director of the LaPorte County Agri¬ cultural Association for five years, and for the past two years has been its secretary. In addition to his farms Mr. Bowell owns valuable real estate interests in LaPorte and at Pine Lake Chautau¬ qua, and a part of his time is spent in supervising these investments. He is prominent in Free¬ masonry and has always taken an active and help¬ ful part in the work of the order, has filled different offices in the chapter and council, and at the present time is junior warden of Excelsior Lodge, F. & A. M., of LaPorte. In all life's relations he is found true to the trust reposed in him, and as a business man, a citizen and a friend he is loyal and faithful. In politics Mr. Bowell has been a life-long Republican.

JAMES A. BARNES. In a record of the leading farmers and old settlers of Galena town¬ ship mention should be made of James A. Barnes, who is now living on section 25, where for many years he has devoted his attention to the tilling of the soil. He was born in this township Aug¬ ust 10, 1847. His paternal grandfather, Elijah Barnes, was born in Onondaga county, New York, and in pioneer times established his home in LaPorte county, settling first near Westville. He afterward went to Kosciusko county, Indiana, where he improved a tract of land, but subse¬ quently returned to this county and spent his last days in Wills township.

His son, Ezra H. Barnes, the father of James A. Barnes, was a native of Onondaga county, New York, and about 1836 came to LaPorte county, locating in Galena township, where he improved a farm, first clearing the land of the timber with which it was covered. This tract of land was on section 25, and he soon built a log cabin, in which the family lived in true pioneer style, while he further continued the work of developing his property. He was engaged in the sawmill business in partnership with Samuel P. Southerland for many years. In 1849 he went to California, attracted by the discovery of gold in that state, and for a year remained on the Pacific slope. Returning then to Indiana, he spent his remaining days in LaPorte county, where he died at the age of sixty-six years. He was a life-long Democrat and in matters of citi¬ zenship was progressive, earnestly desiring the welfare of the county and aiding in its progress along many lines. His wife bore the maiden name of Catherine Blaney, and was born near Dayton, Ohio. She died when very young, pass¬ ing away on the 8th of September, 1847, at the age of twenty-two years.

* James A. Barnes is the youngest of four chil¬ dren, and was only four weeks old when his mother died. He then lived in various families until his father married again, after which he remained at home until thirteen years of age, when he started out to make his own way in the world. He worked bv the month as a farm hand for nine years in Indiana, after which he went to Nevada, where lie remained for two years, being employed upon a dairy farm. On the expiration of that period he returned to Ga¬ lena township, where he was again employed by the month through one summer. He made arrangements to have a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Ada R. Southerland, the wed¬ ding being celebrated on Chirstmas Day of 1872. The lady was born in Onondaga county, New York, a daughter of S. P. and Elizabeth South¬ erland, who were early settlers of LaPorte coun¬ ty, Indiana, where they arrived in 1836. They returned to New York on business, and it was during their temporary residence in Onondaga county that Mrs. Barnes was born, her natal year being 1851. Mrs. Barnes' father was one of the old settlers, and he and Ezra H. Barnes were engaged in the sawmill business for many years in Galena. Theirs was one of the first mills of the township. They ran the mill together about thirty years. Mr. Southerland was first in the mill, and Mr. Barnes bought in afterwards. In their thirty years of partnership there was never a word of contention.

At the time of his marriage Mr. Barnes lo¬ cated upon a farm in Galena township, where he has resided continuously since, in fact, he has spent his entire life in this township with the exception of two years passed in Austin, Nevada. To him and his wife have been born four chil¬ dren, who are yet living: Claude, who married Alta Couchman and resides upon his father's farm on section 16, Galena township; Samuel, at home; Elizabeth C., who is attending school in LaPorte ; and Harley, who completes the fam¬ ily.

The home farm comprised one hundred and fifty-eight acres, and thereon Mr. Barnes is en¬ gaged in raising the crops best adapted to soil and climate. He also raised considerable stock, and is one of the representative agriculturists of the community, his work being carried forward along progressive lines. He has always given his political allegiance to the Democratic party, and at one time served as assessor of his town¬ ship. He belongs to Rolling Prairie Lodge No. 679, I. O. O. F., and has filled all the chairs in the order and has been sent by his brethren of the fraternity as a delegate to the grand lodge, a fact which indicates his high standing in the order. He is also actively interested in the tem¬ perance cause, and his belief has been embodied in his life, never using either intoxicants or to¬ bacco in his career. At the age of thirteen he started out in life for himself, and well has he earned the proud American title of a self-made man. Working continually, persistently and hon¬ orably, he has gradually advanced on the road to prosperity, and is now in the possession of an excellent farm.

JAMES F. QUINN is one of the sons of Erin who have made many portions of America prosperous and wealthy. The sons of the Emer¬ ald Isle who have exchanged the shamrock for the goldenrod, the national emblems of the two nations, have as a rule never regretted the change. Among the thrifty and well-to-do citi¬ zens who are of Irish birth is the subject of this sketch, Mr. Quinn.

Mr. Quinn is a native of Westmeath, Ire¬ land, born October 17, 1851, and is the third in a family of five children, four sons and one daughter, born to Thomas and Mary (Shields) Quinn. There are three yet living. John J. is a resident of LaPorte and section foreman on the Lake Erie and Western Railroad; he is mar¬ ried and has four children. James F. is the next. Thomas, a resident of Stillwell, Indi¬ ana, is section foreman on the Lake Erie and Western, and is married and has nine children. Mr. Quinn's father was a native of the same locality in Ireland, and was reared in his native land, receiving his education in the national schools. He was a farmer by occupation. It was in the year 1853 that he concluded to bid adieu to his loved Erin and came to free America, where he found a home for himself and family. They sailed in one of the old sailing vessels bound for New York, and the voyage was of eleven weeks' duration, and in the course of it they were shipwrecked and the poor passengers thought many times that they would go to the bottom of the sea, but God in his infinite good¬ ness carried the ship safely into harbor. He remained in New York about one year, and then moved to LaPorte county, where was his residence until his death. He came to this county a poor but honest man, and reared his children to the principles of honesty and in¬ dustry, which was a noble heritage to present his children. He was a Jackson Democrat in politics. He was one of the founders of the St. Peter's Catholic church at LaPorte. He died when about sixtv-five years of age. His wife, Mary (Shields) Ouinn, was a native of the same locality as her husband. She was a kind and affectionate mother, and she died when her son James F. was six years old. She was like¬ wise a devout member of the Catholic church.

saw the shores of Amreica, so he is a genuine American citizen. In 1875-76 he was a section foreman on the Grand Trunk Railroad, and since that time he has been a fanner and stockman. He was educated in the public schools and by personal application. He is a gentleman who has been industrious and frugal in his life labors, and has always practiced economy. When he was nineteen years old he began life with not a ten-doliar bill to his name, so it will be seen that he has made a success of his life. The first wages he ever earned was seventy-five cents a day.

Mr. Quinn married, February 5, 1880, Miss Rose A. Curran, and three children, two sons and one daughter were bom to them, but only the two sons are living. Francis D., the elder, finished the common school course and is now a student in the commercial course at the Val¬ paraiso normal. Leo Edward has finished the eighth grade of the schools, and is at home with his parents.

Mrs. Quinn was born near Cool Spring, Long Island, March 29, 1856, a daughter of Bernard and Ellen (McBrien) Curran, natives of Ire¬ land. She was a little girl of six months when she came with her parents to LaPorte county, and was educated in the St. Rose Academy, La¬ Porte. Mr. and Mrs. Quinn were confirmed by Bishop Leuers in the Catholic faith, and their patron saint's church is St. Peter's at LaPorte. Mrs. Quinn was the fifth child in a family of six children, two sons and four daughters, and three are now living: Mary, the widow of Thomas Daly and a resident of New Durham township, has six children ; Mrs. Quinn is the next; Ellen, the wife of Maurice Heatherson, of Mill Creek, Indiana, has one child. Father Curran was born in county Leitrim. Ireland, and died when Mrs. Quinn was but four years old, in i860. He was a molder by trade. He was a Democrat and a Catholic. His wife was a native of the same locality, and she died in 1877, aged fifty-four. Mrs. Quinn is a cordial, genial lady, and graces her cozy, comfortable home with true ladylike hospitality. She has been an able assistant to her husband in the es¬ tablishment of their home.

The first land that Mr. Quinn purchased was thirty acres, and it is a part of the home¬ stead. He went in debt for part of it, but he has been adding constantly to it until he and his wife are now owners of a good farm in Lincoln township. Their first home was a log cabin, and now, in 1904,, a pretty, comfortable resi-

Mr. Quinn has always been a stanch Demo¬ crat, and he cast his first presidential vote for the Hon. Samuel J. Tilden, the sage of Gramercy Park. He has always been true to his party ond the fundamental principles of Democ¬ racy. He has been chairman of his party's town¬ ship conventions and often a delegate, which shows his popularity as a true partisan. Offi¬ cially, he has been a valuable citizen. It was in 1888 when the people of his township elected him as trustee of Lincoln township, and he filled the office most acceptably to all, and was again elected in 1893 for four years, and in 1900 was elected to the same office, which shows that he has been a painstaking official. His first elec¬ tion was by forty majority, the second by fortyone, and the third by forty-two, a majority unique and probably unexampled in the history of LaPotre county politics. During his incum¬ bency he erected the nicest schoolhouse in the township, and at the present time he has charge of five good schools, with good buildings and well kept up. He has a good corps of instruct¬ ors. He is a member of the Benevolent Society of St. Peter's. The family are all members of the St. Peter's Catholic church, and Mrs. Quinn is a member of the ladies' sodality. Mr. and Mrs. Quinn are people of high social standing and are held in high repute by all who know them. We are pleased to present this brief re¬ view of the lives of Mr. and Mrs. James Quinn to be preserved in this beautiful and valuable volume, entitled the Twentieth Century His¬ tory of LaPorte County.

RICHARD H. HOLLAND. Among the prominent agriculturists of LaPorte county, In¬ diana, is Richard H. Holland, who well repre¬ sents an old and honored pioneer family of this section. He was born on the homestead farm where he now resides, on the 23d of August, 1852, and is a son of John B. Holland, who though a native of Ireland is now a typical American citizen, thoroughly in harmony with the spirit of the republic. He came to this land of the free prior to his marriage, about 1840, and nine years later, in 1849, crossed the plains to California. His residence in the Golden state covered a period of two years, on the expiration of which he came to LaPorte county, Indiana, locating on the farm on which Mr. Holland now makes his home. This land was purchased in

1851 and there this honored old pioneer con¬ tinued to reside, devoting his attention to its cultivation and improvement, until 1884, when he removed to the city of LaPorte, where he has since lived in retirement, his earnest efforts in the years gone by enabling him to put aside the active duties of life and enjoy the comforts he had so nobly earned. He has now reached the ripe old age of eighty-five years. After coming to this country Mr. Holland married Ellen Pen¬ ney, who was also born in Ireland, and she was called to her final rest in 1894. To this worthy couple were born two children, one daughter and one son, and the daughter, Anna, became the wife of Sylvester Griffin, and resides in Cool Spring township, LaPorte county.

Richard H. Holland, the elder child and only son in his parents' family, was reared and has spent his entire life on the old homestead farm on which he now resides, receiving his education in the common schools of Center township. This farm, which consists of two hundred and eighty acres of well improved and fertile land, is lo¬ cated on section 31, Center township, LaPorte county, and to its cultivation and development Mr. Holland is now giving his entire time and attention, his efforts being attended with grati¬ fying success. In his methods he is very prac¬ tical and progressive, and his correct business habits and enterprise have enabled him to gain prosperity. Politically he is a Republican, and although not a practical politician or an officeseeker, is a stanch and active supporter of its principles.

LEWIS M. SHURTE, the owner of a fine farm of three hundred and fifteen acres in sec¬ tion 2, Cass township, has been a resident of La¬ Porte county for nearly sixty years, long enough to entitle him to a place among the representa¬ tive citizens. Many changes have taken place in northern Indiana since he was a boy, and it is an honor to him that he has been in the forward movement, and as a public-spirited citizen has done his part in development and progress.

Samuel Shurte, his father, was a native of New Jersey, and after arriving at majority moved with his parents to Ohio, in 1825. In 1826 he married Miss Jennctte Melville, who was born in St. Andrews, Scotland, May 9, 1809, and came to America in 1819, locating in Ohio, where she remained until her marriage. They then located on a farm, and in 1830 moved to Cass county, Michigan, and to LaPorte county, Indiana, in 1832, making their home for a time in Scipio township. They returned to Ohio in 1836, where Samuel Shurte died ten years later, in 1846, and his wife then took up her perma¬ nent residence in Cass township, LaPorte county, where she lived until her death, April 4, 1889. She was the mother of eleven children, nine of whom reached maturity, and the four now living are: Mary A., the wife of James Meeker, of Oregon; Andrew J. ; Lewis M.; and Olivia, the wife of Benjamin Skinner, of Fort Wayne, In¬ diana.

Lewis M. Shurte, the ninth in order of birth, was born in Butler county, Ohio, Febru¬ ary 14, 1842, and was about five years old when he came to LaPorte county. His schooling was obtained in a log schoolhouse in Cass township, where he devoted a few months each year to the mastery of things intellectual, while the remain¬ der of the time was spent on the farm of his mother. Since taking up farming on his own account he has made a record of steady progress toward material prosperity, and, starting with no great amount of capital, has increased his property until he stands well to the front among the successful men of the township.

May 8, 1875, Mr. Shurte was united in mar¬ riage to Miss Sarah Smith, who was born in England, July 21, 1855, the daughter of Wil¬ liam and Sarah (Talbert) Smith, also natives of England, but came to LaPorte county in 1858. Mrs. Shurte's father died in 1866, and her mother is still living at the age of eightyfour, bright intellectually. Mrs. Shurte was reared in Cass township. She has become the mother of nine children, and the parents may well be proud of these young men and young women, several of whom have already made a successful start on the independent way of life. Ada, the eldest, graduated in the Wanatah com¬ mon school in April, 1887. She taught school six years in Cass township, and in 1893 was married to H. G. Wojahn, a druggist of Wana¬ tah ; to their union were born two sons, Eddie and Elmer. Alta graduated from the Wanatah common schools in April, 1889, taught school four years, and, May 30, 1893, was married to James Osborn, a farmer of Clinton township, LaPorte county. They have one daughter, Eva Marie. Cora Belle, who was a student in the Wanatah high school, also a student in the Val¬ paraiso normal and taught four years in Cass township, is now the wife of James Anderson, a prosperous agriculturist of Clinton township, and they have one little daughter, Mabel Eva, was a member of the class of 1897 in the Wan¬ atah high school, was also a student at the Val¬ paraiso normal, and has taught five years, now teaching the home school. Grace was a member of the graduating class of 1898 of the Wanatah high school and was a student at the Valparaiso normal, and is now in charge of the primary department at LaCrosse. Andrew, who is a teacher, is now a student in Purdue University at LaFayette, taking the pharmacy course. Samuel is a graduate of the Wanatah high school in the class of 1902. Lewis was in the class of 1904 in the public school. The youngest of the family is Benjamin Harrison, in the eighth grade in school.

Mr. Shurte gives his political support to the Republican party, and cast his first presidential vote for Lincoln. He is always willing to lend his aid to movements for the general welfare of his township and county.

JOHN H. TAYLOR, who follows farming on section 32, Lincoln township, was born in Pleasant township, LaPorte county, on the 29th of May, 1839, being the oldest son of John W. and Deborah Taylor, who came from Devonshire, England, to the United States in the year 1832, while in the year 1839 they settled in LaPorte county, Indiana. They were among its pioneer resi¬ dents, this portion of the state being wild and unimproved to a large extent. Three years after their arrival John H. Taylor was added to the family circle, and upon the home farm in Pleas¬ ant township he was reared. As he advanced in years he assisted more largely in the work of field and meadow, while through the winter sea¬ son he attended the public schools and thus acquired a good practical education.

He remained at home until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when, his patriotic spirit being aroused by the attempt of the south to overthrow the Union, he offered his services to the gov¬ ernment, enlisting in Company I, Eighty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry as a private. He served for about seven months, and was hon¬ orably discharged on account of disability, after which he returned to his home. He then en¬ gaged in farming, and for a few years he was in business with his brother, James Taylor, in the ownership and conduct of a general mer¬ cantile store in Stillwell. At the same time, however, he carried on his farm, and throughout his entire life has been identified with agricul¬ tural interests.

was united in marriage to Miss Laura Jane Di¬ vine, a native of St. Joseph county, Indiana, and a daughter of John Divine, who was one of the old settlers of that county. The marriage has been blessed with six children, two sons and four daughters : James, who was bom in Lin¬ coln township, January 16, 1867; Fannie, whose birth occurred in the same township May 8, 1870, and is now the wife of Ray Burson, of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Clarie, born September 10, 1874; John F., born on the old home place, December 4, 1876 ; Emma, bom in Lincoln town¬ ship, August 25, 1883 ; and Effie, bom May 21, 1885.

Mr. Taylor located in Lincoln township in 1865, and has since been engaged in general farming here. He owns two hundred acres of rich and arable land on sections 32 and 33, and has greatly improved the place by the erection of a good residence and substantial outbuildings. He has made most of the improvements upon his property, and is well known throughout the county as a leading agriculturist, his methods being practical and progressive. He also owns a half interest in a store building in Stillwell.

His political allegiance has ever been given to the Republican party, but at one time he was elected to the position of constable on the Dem¬ ocratic ticket. On several other occasions he has been elected to office, but would never accept. He belongs to the United Brethren church, with which he has been identified for over thirty years and his wife and children are also members of this church. He has taken a leading, active and helpful part in its work, and he has even lived an upright life, well entitling him to the respect and confidence which are so uniformly given him in this community.

FREDERICK W. MEISSNER, the lead¬ ing pharmacist of LaPorte, has a record in his chosen profession and as a business man and citizen such as any man might be proud to pos¬ sess. He not only has a broad, comprehensive and accurate knowledge of the nature and art of compounding all the materials of the pharmacopia, but has been most prompt and reliable in all trade transactions. He never incurs obli¬ gations that he does not meet, and has a reputa¬ tion for integrity and worth in all relations be¬ tween man and man. In citizenship he is equal¬ ly progressive, and as president of the board of education of LaPorte is now rendering valuable service to his fellow townsmen.

Porte in 1859, a son °f Frederick W. and Caro¬ lina (Meinn) Meissner. His father was born at Schwelm, near Elberfeld, province of Westphalen, Prussia, and came to the United States in 1854. In the same year he located in LaPorte, where he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred September 20, 1897. He was a furniture manufacturer, and was a suc¬ cessful business man and through his enterprise contributed much to the commercial prosperity of the city. His wife, who was born in the province of Mecklenburg, Germany, came to the United States in her girlhood days, and was married to F. W. Meissner in LaPorte. She followed her husband to the future world Febru¬ ary 28, 1904. Because of her genuine worth of character, she had always occupied a high posi¬ tion in social circles.

Mr. Meissner laid the foundation for a suc¬ cessful business career by gaining a good prac¬ tical education in the public schools of his native city. He determined to become a pharmacist, and served an apprenticeship in the store of Dr. E. E. Eliel's Sons, the leading drug house in LaPorte. He also worked in Chicago and other cities, and later, in connection with his brotherin-law, purchased a drug store in LaPorte, which was conducted under the firm name of Kuehne and Meissner. In 1885 he sold out his interest in the business, and in the same year entered the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy for the purpose of increasing his knowledge and consequently his proficiency in his chosen pro¬ fession. With twelve years of previous prac¬ tical experience, he possessed a mind fertile and ready for theoretical study, and he continued in the further preparation for his calling until his graduation in 1888. He then returned to LaPorte, and in the fall of the same year em¬ barked in business on his own account, establish¬ ing the Meissner pharmacy. He has a splendidly equipped store, complete in modem appoint¬ ments and attractive in its arrangement and appearance. He has gained the reputation of being the most skillful pharmacist in LaPorte county, and because of this many patrons come to him from all over the county. He has the confidence of the entire medical profession as well as that of the public, and as a representa¬ tive of the commercial life of his native town bears a most enviable reputation. He has for years been an active member of the American Pharmaceutical Association, and also of the Na¬ tional Association of Retail Druggists.

to Miss Alice Grace Clement, a native of Rising Sun, Indiana. They now have four children. Clement, Roger, Virginia and F. W., Jr. Mr. Meissner affiliates with the Masonic fraternity, with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a charter member of the Elks lodge, No. 396, at LaPorte. For four years he has been a member of the board of education, and is now its president, in which capacity he has done effective and valuable service in behalf of the public schools. The board also has charge of the LaPorte public library. Mr. Meissner is in¬ terested in all that pertains to the advancement of the city along lines of culture and moral and intellectual development. Where questions of national interest are involved he gives his sup¬ port to the Democracy, and as a member of the Business Men' Club labors for local progress and improvement. He is in all respects an enterpris¬ ing citizen, and one that stands for all that is elevating and progressive in matters pertaining to the public welfare.

JOHN W. HEWSON. In a history of the men who are to be depended upon to conserve the best interests of LaPorte county and faith¬ fully perform their duties of citizenship, John W. Hewson deserves mention. He is a well known agriculturist of Union township and one of the early settlers of LaPorte county. His home is now on sectoin 32, where he has a good tract of land.

Mr. Hewson was born in Lincolnshire, Eng¬ land, December 29, 1842. His father, Charles Hewson, was a native of the same locality. There he followed farming, becoming foreman of a large estate of several thousand acres. Thinking that he might improve his own finan¬ cial condition in the new world, however, he severed his business relations on the "merrie isle," and in 1845 crossed the Atlantic to New York, arriving on the 4th of July of that year. He did not tarry long in the eastern metropo¬ lis, however, but came direct to LaPorte county, Indiana, landing at Michigan City. At that time there was no railroad in this county. For a short time he resided on Door Prairie and then removed to Kingsbury, where he worked for Jacob Early, who owned and operated a grist mill and distillery at Belmont. For four years he remained with that gentleman, and then pur¬ chased the farm upon which John W. Hewson now lives. There he continued to reside until he retired from active business life and removed to a place about one-half mile north of Kings¬ bury, where his remaining days were passed, his death occurring when he had reached the age of eighty-six years. He was a member of the Baptist church of Kingsbury and was a life¬ long Republican. He was well known in the county as one of its worthy pioneers, and was a man whom to know was to respect and honor. His wife bore the maiden name of Sabina Oliver, and was also a native of England, spending the greater part of her girlhood days in London. Her death occurred in LaPorte county when she was more than eighty-three years of age in the same residence as her husband's death occurred. To Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hewson were born seven children, three of whom died in childhood, while four reached adult age.

John W. Hewson is the second child of the family, and was about three years of age when his parents came to America, continuing their journey onward to LaPorte county. He was there reared on the home farm, and acquired his education in the common* schools of Union township. To his father he gave the benefit of his services until twenty-one years of age, and gained practical knowledge of farming methods in all departments of agricultural life. After the outbreak of the Civil war Mr. Hewson be¬ came a defender of the Union cause, and in 1865 enlisted as a private of Company F, Twen¬ ty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He thus served until the close of the war, after which he returned to his home in LaPorte county and re¬ sumed his farming operations. With the ex¬ ception of one year spent in Nebraska, he has > continually been a resident of LaPorte county since 1845.

On the 26th of February, 1879, Mr. Hewson was united in marriage to Miss Mary L. Smith, a daughter of Alexander Smith, who went to California when Mrs. Hewson was but a child. She was bom in LaPorte county about 1845. an(^ has spent the greater part of her life here. At the time of their marriage the young couple began their domestic life on the old Hewson homestead, where they have since continued to live. They are the parents of two sons: Ralph W., who is now an insurance man of Michigan City, Indiana, and was a student in Purdue University two years; and Earl G., who is a student of medicine in the University of Chicago.

Mr. Hewson owns over five hundred acres of valuable farming land in Union township, divided into two farms, and one-half section near Larned, Paunee county, Kansas. The home place comprises two hundred and twenty acres.

He now rents his farms and lives retired from active business life, save the management of his interests. In former years he worked earnestly at the plow or in the harvest fields, and as the years advanced the money which he was enabled to save from his earnings kept growing until he is now the possessor of a handsome competence sufficient to supply him with all of the necessi¬ ties and many of the comforts of life. He votes with the Republican party and is a member of the Masonic Lodge, order No. 222, of Kings¬ bury, also of Patton Post No. 147, G. A. R., of LaPorte. He is now serving as senior warden in the Masonic lodge, and was at one time master of the order. His success in business is at¬ tributable entirely to his careful management and his untiring labor, and now he is enjoying the fruits of his former toil.

THE HATFIELD FAMILY. No history of LaPorte county would be complete without mention of the Hatfield family, for from an early day its members have been valued and esteemed residents of this part of the state and have borne an active part in promoting material upbuilding and in upholding the educational and moral status of the community.

John Hatfield, now deceased, was born in Hardin county, Ohio, on the 3d of March, 1822. Samuel Hatfield, his father, was probably a na¬ tive of Ohio and was there married the first time. By that union he had five children. His first wife died in Ohio and after his second marriage he came to LaPorte county, Indiana, in 1838, locating in Rolling Prairie, where his death oc¬ curred. He was one of the pioneers of the coun¬ ty, interested in its early development and he co¬ operated in many measures for the general good. Mary Zane, the young girl who carried powder in her apron from the store house to the fort under the fire of Indians in order to assist the soldiers in the war of 1812, was the great-grandmother of John Hatfield. John Hatfield was the third son of his father's first marriage. In 1838, when a youth of sixteen years, he came to LaPorte county, finding a district which was largely un¬ improved. Much of the land was still unculti¬ vated and although pioneer conditions existed on every hand Mr. Hatfield settled here and as¬ sisted materially in the upbuilding and growth of this portion of the state. Mr. Hatfield worked by the month as a farm hand in Wills township and thus gained a start in business life. In Oc¬ tober, 1848, he was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Sweet, who was born in Jennings coun¬ ty, Indiana, December 22, 1826. She was a daughter of George and Polly (Magness) Sweet. Her father was born in Canada and when a young man came to Indiana, where he was mar¬ ried and followed the occupation of farming. His wife was a native of North Carolina and was one of the heirs of the large Magness estate in Shelby county, North Carolina, being the sec¬ ond child in a family of seven children, one son and six daughters. Her death occurred on the 6th of December, 1902.

After his marriage John Hatfield located in Kankakee township, where he resided for more than fifty years. Unto him and his wife were born six children : Eliza J., who was born De¬ cember 22, 1849, became the wife of O. F. Stew¬ ard in June, 1871, and they had three children, Clifford, Bert and Mabel. Burnett B. was born June 2, 1851, and was educated in the blind asy¬ lum in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he was graduated in. 1875. Amie F., born September 12, 1853, was married September 20, 1893, to W. H. Collins, who died on the 16th of March, 1903. Noah, born June 27, 1854, married Dora Allison in February, 1879. Anna Lendora, bom March 25, 1857, is the wife of J. H. Caldwell and their marriage, which occurred July 30, 1884, has been blessed with two daughters, Gladys and Annabel. Willis, born January 13, 1861, married Nora Warrick on the 21st of April, 1890.

LOUIS G. PAUL. For a number of years past Louis G. Paul has been engaged in the mer¬ cantile business in Michigan City, and is ac¬ counted one of the leading and substantial mer¬ chants of the city. He was bom on a farm south of Valparaiso, Indiana, on the 20th of May, 1870, and is a son of Louis and Julia (Werdin) Paul, natives of Germany, as were also their par¬ ents. The maternal grandfather made the voyage to America, but died soon after his arrival. He was a carpenter by trade, and was the father of five children, one son and four daughters. The paternal grandfather lived and died in Germany. Louis Paul, Sr., who was a blacksmith by trade, came to America and located in Michigan City, Indiana, about 1854, there following his trade, but later became a farmer in Porter county, In¬ diana. Remaining there until June, 1903, he then removed to Chicago, in which city he yet makes his home. His wife died in 1899, at the age of sixty-six years, dying in the faith of the Lutheran church, of which Mr. Paul is also a faithful member. During the period of the Civil war he served as a private. Lffito Mr. and Mrs.

Paul were born nine children, as follows : Wil¬ liam; Henry; Fred; Mollie, the wife of Charles LaCount, the present sheriff of Porter county, Indiana; Emma, the wife of Henry Dreblow; Julia, the wife of Charles Matt, of Chicago ; Louis G. ; Minnie, the wife of Edward Haller, of Mich¬ igan City; Ida, the wife of William Matt, of Chicago.

Louis G. Paul was reared to years of maturity on his father's farm, six miles south of Valpar¬ aiso, Indiana, during which time he attended the district schools and later became a student in the Northern Indiana Normal School. For two years thereafter he taught short-hand and book¬ keeping at Gibbon, Nebraska, and, returning to this state, again entered the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, graduating in the pharmaceutical department in 1894. One year later, in 1895, Mr. Paul came to Michigan City and engaged in business with Ernest Krueger, who died two years ago. They were engaged in the sale of house furnishing goods until March, 1899, and then they removed to 519 Franklin street and established a furniture and carpet business. Since 1901 Mr. Paul has been alone in the business. He is now the proprietor of one of the largest and best equipped furniture stores in the city, and located at 621 Franklin street in April, 1903. He has been very success¬ ful in his operations, owing to his straightfor¬ ward business methods, his close application and the excellent stock of goods which he carries.

On the 27th of June, 1900, Mr. Paul was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Hillman, a daughter of Fred and Fredericka (Voss) Hill¬ man. They have one son, Harold Reynolds Wayne Paul. Mrs. Paul is a member of the Lu¬ theran church, and in his fraternal relations Mr. Paul is a member of the Benevolent and Protec¬ tive Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, the Royal Arcanum, the Maccabees and the Nation¬ al Union. In political matters he supports the principles of the Democracy. The family reside in a pleasant residence at 417 East Eighth street, and in the social circles of Michigan City Mr. and Mrs. Paul occupy a leading position.

J. J. KEWLEY is engaged in general farm¬ ing on section 16, Union township, and as an honorable business man and early settler of LaPorte county well deserves representation in this volume. He was born in Franklin county, Vermont, in the town of St. Albans, on the 14th of December, 1825. His father, John Kewley, was a native of the Isle of Man and there re¬ mained until about 1820, when, crossing the Atlantic to the new world, he took up his abode in Vermont. By occupation he was a farmer. He married Miss Isabella Cowley, also a native of the Isle of Man, and in 1837 they came to LaPorte county, establishing their home in beau¬ tiful Scipio township, but Mr. Kewley was not long permitted to enjoy his new residence, his death occurring in 1838. His wife passed away in 1847. They were the parents of five sons and a daughter who grew to years of maturity.

As is noticed in this review of this worthy gentleman, he has been a resident of LaPorte county for the long period of six decades, and has witnessed the wonderful transformation of a virgin and primitive country to a beautiful and populous, wealthy county. When he came into the borders of this county there were few laid-out highways, not a railroad in existence and the little villages or hamlets of LaPorte and Michigan City were merely trading points. What has been accomplished in that time ! The magician's wand, as it were, Aladdin-like, was waved, and presto - beautiful and highly cul¬ tivated homesteads, pretty country residences, enterprising cities and towns have sprung into existence, and the locomotive's shrill whistle is heard on thirteen different trunk lines crossing the county.

He remained with his mother after the death of his father and assisted in the operation of the farm. He was the youngest of the family, and for many years was his mother's mainstay and support. He afterward went to learn the mason's trade under the direction of Ashley Wilson, serving an apprenticeship of about three years. He then started out in business for him¬ self, working by the day at the mason's trade, which he followed for about twenty "years. He also engaged in plastering and in lay¬ ing foundations, together with work as a gen¬ eral builder. When two decades had thus passed he located on what is called Crow island, in Union township, where he purchased a small tract of land and began farming. For three years he remained in that place and then pur¬ chased the farm on which he now resides, in section 16, Union township. He at once be- came owner of forty acres, to which he has added as his financial resources have increased until he now has one hundred and twenty-six acres.

On the ist of February, 1858, was celebrated the marriage of J. J. Kewley and Miss Mary E. Tennis, who was born in Whitley county, Indiana, February 13, 1839, a daughter of

Samuel and Jane (Crow) Tennis, who came from Whitley county to LaPorte county in 1844. Mrs. Kewley was then a little maiden of five summers and was the fifth in order of birth in a family of nine children. Her girlhood days were largely passed in Union township, where she was carefully trained in the duties of the household. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children, two sons and two daughters: Fay, who married Ada Peterson and now lives on the old homestead and has one little daughter ; Donn, who was a student at Valparaiso, and who is located at South Bend, Indiana; Carrie, the wife of John Ellis, of Union township, has two children, Blanche and Frank; and Dean, the wife of LeRoy Collings, a resident farmer of Union township, has two little sons, Grover and Gary. The grand¬ daughter Blanche is the wife of William Pointon, a resident of St. Joseph county, and they have one little son, Charlie.

Mr. Kewley has been a life-long Democrat and has filled the office of trustee for eight years. He has likewise served in other local positions and has taken an active part in public affairs. He has been a resident of LaPorte county for sixty-six years, and has contributed to its upbuilding and progress, taking an active interest in everything pertaining to its welfare as it has emerged from pioneer conditions to take its place with the leading counties of this great commonwealth. Fraternally, he is con¬ nected with the Masonic Lodge, order No. 222, in Kingsbury, in which he has filled some of the chairs.

JOHN McLAUGHLIN, who died January 7, 1896, was the purchaser and owner of the well known Runnymede Meadows, in Dewey township, near LaCrosse, LaPorte county, and this estate to-day, under the manage¬ ment of his widow, Mrs. Ella McLaugh¬ lin, presents a fine example of what the drainage and reclamation movement (as set forth in detail in the general history of this vol¬ ume) has accomplished for the so-called marsh lands of southern LaPorte county. During the eight years of her bereavement Mrs. McLaughlin has devoted her attention mainly to the produc¬ tion of hay on the nineteen hundred and sixtythree acres which make up her LaPorte county farm.

The Runnymede Meadows were named af¬ ter the famous stream of England, on the banks of which the immortal Magna Charta was signed by King John, on June 15, 1215. Mrs. Mc¬ Laughlin, with her son and daughter, resides at 898 Walnut tsreet, Chicago, but makes frequent trips from the city to see after her farm, and as she has a railroad station on the place, for con¬ venience of shipment, it is a very easy matter to go and come. The marsh grass that grows on the land is a favorite rough feed for stock, and she has reduced to a system the harvesting and baling of two thousand tons each year of this valuable wild product. She has two immense hay bams, capable of containing four or five hundred tons each, and the dwellings and various other buildings make her estate look like a villa on the marsh. The Runnymede Meadows have un¬ til recently been mainly valuable for this prairie hay, but Mrs. McLaughlin has already paid out five thousand dollars toward the construction of the big ditch which has reclaimed thousands of acres in this district and for the straightening of the channel of the sluggish Kankakee river. The effect of this drainage has rendered her land fit for diversified farming, and she is now prepar¬ ing to enter upon the cultivation of corn and other more valuable crops, which have a yield of a hundred-fold in this favored spot.

John McLaughlin, who left to his wife this princely estate of LaPorte county, was born in Stark county, Indiana, December 28, 1855, a son of Dennis and Anna (Byrnes) McLaughlin. His father died at San Pierre, Indiana, December 24, 1900, where he had resided for forty-five years, and his wife still lives in that town. They were natives of Ireland, and had come to this country and settled first in Massachusetts, thence removed to Richmond, Indiana, and then to northern Indiana. John McLaughlin had a common school education, and in 1881 became a partner with his father in the general mercan¬ tile business at San Pierre, and in the following year purchased his father's interest. He sold out this business in 1893, and in June, 1895, moved to Chicago, where he lived in easy cir¬ cumstances until his death in the following year. He was a popular and highly esteemed gentle¬ man in every community where he made his home, and his progressive spirit and honorable methods of dealing made him a factor for good

Mr. McLaughlin married, May io, 1881, Miss Ella Fitzgerald, of Chicago. She was born in the province of Munster, Ireland, and came to Chicago from her native country in 1872. Both her parents lived and died in Ireland. Mrs. McLaughlin has two living children : Nona M., born May 4, 1883, and George G., born February 5, 1885.

H. H. MARTIN, the owner of over three hundred acres of land in New Durham township, LaPorte county, and one of the enterprising far¬ mers and substantial citizens, has been a resident of the county for over fifty years. He is the son of Joel and Elizabeth (Anglin) Martin, both natives of Virginia and now deceased. The for¬ mer followed farming in the main, although he was an ordained minister of the Methodist church. He came to LaPorte county in 1847 and purchased one hundred and eighty-four acres in New Durham township, on which he resided until his death, which was caused by lightning. He was a Democrat in politics. These parents had five sons and six daughters, of whom five are living, four in Indiana. The son Adrian A. is a farmer of Iroquois county.

H. H. Martin was born April 25, 1843, in Kosciusko county, Indiana, and was therefore but four years old when he came to LaPorte county. He received a common school educa¬ tion, and, beginning life with very little capital, has earned by his own efforts a place among the most enterprising farmers and stockmen of LaPorte county. His progress toward prosperity has more than once been checked, his most seri¬ ous setbacks being in the nature of fires, but on the whole he has little fault to find with fortune's treatment of him, and his place in the business and social circles of New. Durham township is just reason for entire contentment with the world's lot. His farm is first class, has most of the improvements needed for the best returns for labor, and its products are up to the LaPorte county standard.

ing children of Charles and Lydia A. (Martin) Dowd, old residents of LaPorte county. Mrs. Martin was educated in the Westville high school, and was one of Professor Laird's pupils. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin, and two are living : Lydia May, the wife of Wil¬ liam E. Lamb, who is in the mail service and a resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan ; and Mertie Bell, the wife of Charles Garwood, of West¬ ville, Indiana.

Mr. Martin has always been a Democrat, and cast his first vote for General McClellan for the presidency. He has often been selected as a dele¬ gate to the county and district conventions of the party. He is a member of the Masons at West¬ ville and also of the Knights of Pythias, Lodge No. 1 12, and Mrs. Martin has passed all the chairs in the Eastern Star and is a member of the Rathbone Sisters.

It will be appropriate to close this sketch with some extracts from the press concerning the sad bereavement which recently befell Mr. and Mrs. Martin in the death of their son Earl : -

The sad news which swept over our little village last Thursday morning softened many a heart. Once more has the death angel entered our community and taken one whose young life was ful of hope and promise, one who was the joy and pride of his parents and sisters and one who was ever kind and gentle among his asso¬ ciates.

Hiram Earl Martin, Jr., only son of Mr. and Mrs. H.. H. Martin, was bom October 1, 1881, and departed this life April 15, 1903, thus making him twenty-one years, six months and fourteen days old at the time of his death.

The funeral took place at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Martin, and was largely attended, the house and lawn being crowd¬ ed with tearful, sympathizing friends. Rev. W. Davis, of Door Village, officiated. Mrs. Dr. Kellie presided at the organ, while Mrs. Mattie Weed sang several beautiful solos accompanied by Dr. Campbell, E. T. Scott and Mrs. Hatton in the chorus. The minister spoke briefly with a few well chosen words, reading a few excellent passages of Scripture and a beautiful poem, sav¬ ing that he could not add anything to the tribute of respect which was shown the deceased by the largest congregation of young men being in attendance he had ever met upon such an occa¬ sion, and the numerous and beautiful floral offer¬ ings spoke for themselves. Two long boquets of roses, one pink and one white, with twenty-one roses and one bud in each, representing the years and a half he had enjoyed life, the pink from a friend in Grand Rapids and the white from Miss Phillips, of Door Village, were draped over the life-sized portrait of the deceased. .Floral offer¬ ings covered the casket, the carpet underneath.