LaPorte County, Indiana - Chapter 36: Religion, 1904 (part 5 of 23)

Sidney Beatty was reared as a farm boy. In retrospect one can see him as he performed the minor duties upon the farm in early boyhood and attended the district schools. He continued his studies until he had largely mastered the common branches of English learning, and while not en¬ gaged with the duties of the schoolroom he was busy in field or meadow, aiding his father in the development of the home farm and the care of grain and stock. He followed farming and lum¬ bering until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when, his patriotic spirit being aroused in the at¬ tempt of the south to overthrow the Union, he enlisted on the 4th of August, 1862, as a member of Company K, Seventy-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered in on the 16th of the same month at Louisville, Kentucky, and was mustered out on the 1st of July, 1865, after al¬ most three years of service, reaching home on the 9th of August, a victor as well as a veteran. He participated in the siege of Decatur, Alabama, and the battles of Perry villc and Walnut Grove, Ken¬ tucky, and was ever a follower of the old flag and the cause it represented. Being an excellent penman, he was detailed to act as report clerk in the adjutant general's office, and served in that

After his return home Mr. Beatty was unable to do any great amount of work for four or five years on account of the effects of a sunstroke which he sustained while in the army. He be¬ came a constable and deputy collector for the county treasurer, and served from 1865 unt^ 1869, when he accepted the office of guard in the state prison, remaining there until 1876. In the latter year he began working convicts in the yard, and received and shipped goods. On the 6th of November, 1886, he accepted his present position as bookkeeper with the firm of Winterbotham & Sons, and has remained in this capacity continu¬ ously since, covering a period of seventeen consecutive years in the office, having entered the employ of the firm, however, in 1876.

On the 10th of August, 1862, Mr. Beatty was united in marriage to Miss Eliza J. Burnham, and to them were bom four children : John B., who is a guard at the prison and wedded Mary Ritter, by whom he has three children, Earl, Daisy and Ralph ; Carrie E., the wife of Fred C. Johnson, by whom she has one son, Arthur ; Emma May, who died at the age of fourteen years; and one that died in infancy. The mother of these children passed away in September, 1873, at the age of thirty-two years. She was a member of the Methodist church and was an estimable woman. Many excellent traits of heart and mind endeared her to those with whom she came in contact.

On the 30th of May, 1876, Mr. Beatty was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth R. Andrews, a daughter of John and Lucina T. (Smith) An¬ drews. To them were bom five children, but two of the number died in infancy; Myrtle T., the eldest, is now the wife of William Porter, a resi¬ dent of Montgomery, Michigan; and Elmer D. and Pearl E., are at home. The family occupy a pleasant residence at 619 Willard avenue, where they have remained for the past twenty-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Beatty attend the Congregational church, and he belongs to Michigan City Lodge No. 265, I. O. O. F., to the Royal Arcanum and to George V. Rawson Post No. 46, G. A. R. In politics he is an earnest Republican. No higher testimonial of his efficiency and helpfulness in business could be given than the fact that he has been retained in his present position for almost two decades. In matters of citizenship he is as true and loyal to his country as when he followed the old flag upon southern battlefields of the south.

CALEB HARVEY. Death often calls from our midst those whom we can ill afford to lose, and when it claimed Caleb Harvey the community mourned the loss of a representative citizen, widely and favorably known in agricultural com¬ munities. He resided upon section 26, Kankakee township, where for many years he had carried on general farming. He is one of Indiana's na¬ tive sons, his birth occurring in this state at a very early period in its pioneer development. He first opened his eyes to the light of day in Wayne county on the 22d of November, 1827, his parents being John and Christina (Hunt) Harvey, who later became pioneer residents of LaPorte county, Caleb Harvey being but eight years of age at the time of their arrival here.

The family home was established in Kanka¬ kee township, and he attended the common schools of the neighborhood through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he worked in the fields and assisted in the operation of the farm upon which he was reared and upon which his widow now resides. He always gave his time and energies to the cultivation of the soil and to the raising of stock, and after arriving at years of maturity he carried forward his farm work in such a capable manner that he annually harvested good crops. He took great pride in keeping his farm in excellent condition, and it was a most attractive feature of the landscape, being neat and thrifty in all departments. As an agriculturist he won very desirable and gratifying success.

In 1874 Mr. Harvey was united in marriage to Miss Margaret C. Sleight, who was bom in Ulster county, New York, September 22, 1835, a daughter of Adam and Jane (Burger) Sleight, who were natives of New York. They came to LaPorte county in 1844 and settled in Kankakee township. The work of progress and improve¬ ment here had not been carried forward many years, and Mr. Sleight therefore became a parti¬ cipant in the work that led to later development and upbuilding. Mrs. Harvey was the eldest daughter in a family of seven children, and was a maiden of nine summers when she came to this portion of the state. Her education was acquired in the public schools, and on the nth of Novem¬ ber, 1874, she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Harvey. Both had been reared in Kankakee township, and were known people and representa¬ tive citizens of the community.

tegrity and fidelity characterizing his conduct at all times. He gave a strong support to the Re^ publican party, took an active part in politics and public affairs, and was ever generous in his contributions to benevolent causes and to church and public schools. He died September 26, 1901, and the work which he had done for LaPorte county made his death deeply mourned through¬ out this portion of the state. He had endeared himself to many friends, and his memory is yet cherished by those who knew him. Mrs. Harvey now owns a farm of three hundred and eighty acres, to the supervision of which she devotes her energies. She, too, is well known in the county and like her husband is deserving of prom¬ inent mention in this volume.

JOHN RILEY, whose capacity and efficient sendee have won him the important and respon¬ sible position of superintendent of the LaPorte Woolen Mills, at LaPorte, Indiana, was born in Bradford, England, a son of Owen and Mary (Bowen) Riley. His father was a native of Ireland, and in early life engaged in the opera¬ tion of a hand loom in the weaving of cloth, but wishing to extend the field of his operations he removed to Bradford, England, the great center of the woolen and worsted manufacturing indus¬ try, becoming a manufacturer in those lines. There he spent his remaining days, active in his chosen field of labor until called to his final rest in 1880. His widow, who was also born in Ire¬ land, still survives him and yet makes her home in Bradford.

It was in the schools of his native city that John Riley acquired his education, and when he had put aside his text-books he entered upon his business career in the woolen mills, learning the business to which his father had ever devoted his energies. His ambition was to become an expert workman, and this led him to investigate and study woolen-mill construction, operation and management, not only in England but also on the continent. His knowledge became very broad an 1 thorough, and thinking to utilize it in the business fields of the new world, he crossed the Atlantic in 1886 and established his home in Phil¬ adelphia, where he embarked in business as a man¬ ufacturer of woolen goods. He conducted his en¬ terprise successfully until 1890, when he sold out to the Canton Mill Company, and for eight years managed the business for the company, after which he became connected with the Ed¬ ward Mills in Philadelphia, which city remained his home until 1901, when he came to LaPorte to superintend the construction and install the machinery in the new plant of the Laporte Woolen Mills Company, owned by Samuel Fox's Sons. He was retained as superintendent of the mills, and under his guidance the business has since been conducted. He is an expert in the manufacture of fine woolens and worsteds, being familiar with the business in all its departments and in both principle and detail. He was selected for his present position by reason of his skill in management and his ability to maintain a high standard in the quality of the manufactured product.

Mr. Riley was married in Bradford, England, to Miss Mary McNulta, and they have six chil¬ dren: Mary, Margaret, Katharine, Agnes, Ther¬ esa and Sarah. Although residents of LaPorte for but a brief period, the family have already won many friends here, and Mr. Riley has gained for himself an excellent position in business cir¬ cles as a representative of the manufacturing in¬ terests of the city.

JOHN A. WANBAUGH, a dealer in grain and seeds at Rolling Prairie, and also to some ex¬ tent in real estate, is a native of Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio, his birth having occurred on the 2d of October, 1856. The family was estab¬ lished in the Buckeye state in pioneer days by his grandfather, who was a farmer by occupation. He married a Miss Forbes, who was a member of the historic family, of that name.

Their son, John Wanbaugh, the father of Mr. Wanbaugh, was born in Ohio, and was reared there, becoming a conductor on the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad, after attaining years of maturity. In this connection he had charge of the run between Chicago and Crestline, Ohio. At the time of the Civil war he had charge of horse corrals at Nashville, Tennessee. His death occurred when he was forty-eight years of age. In early manhood he had wedded Miss E. S. Mentzer, a representative of an old family of Pennsylvania. Her father became one of the pioneer settlers of Wooster, Ohio, and there en¬ gaged in the manufacture of brick, making the brick which was used in the building of the first brick house in that city. As his commodity was in great demand by the people of the district, his business steadily increased, and he became wellto-do, so that he was enabled to retire from further business when a comparatively young man of forty years. A long life was vouchsafed him, he passing the ninety-eighth milestone of life's journey. To John Wanbaugh and wife were

John A. Wanbaugh, the elder son, remained with his parents during the period of his boyhood and youth, and when a lad of eight summers ac¬ companied his father and mother to Indiana. He had begun his education in the public schools of Crawford county, Ohio, as a student in Gabon and he later spent two years as a pupil in Notre Dame. At the age of fifteen years he started out upon an independent business career and went to Standing Rock, North Dakota, acting as a clerk* in the Indian Agency. For four years he occu¬ pied that position and then returned to Indiana, where he became a contractor for the building of railroad beds. He was thus engaged in connec¬ tion with the Chicago & Atlantic Railroad, now the Chicago & Erie Railroad. In 1884 Mr. Wan¬ baugh arrived in Rolling Prairie, and for a year thereafter was engaged in agricultural pursuits. In the fall of 1884 he began dealing in grain, buy¬ ing and shipping the farm products raised in this locality, and for nineteen years he has continued in the business, making large purchases and profit¬ able sales. He also follows farming, owning some rich and arable land in this section of the state. About 1899 the elevator owned by the railroad company was burned, but with characteristic en¬ ergy he rebuilt the elevator at his own expense. He is now associated as a partner of J. B. Ruple & Company in his business enterprises, and is well known in his part of the county as a repre¬ sentative and progressive business man.

In 1883 Mr. Wanbaugh was united in mar¬ riage to Miss Ida M. Camp. She was born in Wayne county, Indiana, and by her marriage has become the mother of one son, Ed M., who is in California. They reside in Rolling Prairie amid pleasant surroundings and agreeable social con¬ ditions and the circle of their friends is large. Mr. Wanbaugh gives his political support to the Republican party.

WILLIAM C. BUSH, a prominent farmer residing on section 18, Kankakee township, has from an early period in the development of La- Porte county resided within its borders. In fact, he is one of its native sons, his birth having oc¬ curred in Scipio township on the 12th of August, 1851. His grandfather, John Bush, was bom in New York and came to LaPorte county about 1838. He had married Lydia Clearwater, also a native of the Empire state, and they were of Mohawk Dutch and of German descent. They became the parents of three sons : Isaac, who died in 1864; Abram, who died in February, 1893 ; and David, who died May 16, 1888. All became pio¬ neer settlers of Kankakee township, Laporte county, and were prominent farmers, actively identified with the upbuilding of the county. All became well-to-do and were recognized as valued citizens. They gave their political support to the Republican party and were consistent members of the Christian church. The name of Bush was originally Ter Bush, but the first syllable was dropped after the emigration of the family to the western country.

David Bush, the father of William C. Bush, was a native of New York, and there spent his early youth. When a young man he came to LaPorte county as one of its pioneer settlers, mak¬ ing the journey in company with his father, mother and his two brothers, Abram and Isaac Bush. They settled in Kankakee township, tak¬ ing up their abode there in 1838. With the early development of the county they were closely con¬ nected, David Bush bearing his full share in the work of progress and improvement. He assisted in reclaiming the wild land for purposes of civili¬ zation, and was ever a loyal and progressive resi¬ dent of his community. His entire life was de¬ voted to agricultural pursuits, and in this way he provided a comfortable living for his family. In politics he was a Whig and afterward a Republi¬ can, and he held membership in the Christian church. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Elizabeth Miller, was born in Virginia, and in her girlhood days came to Indiana in company with her parents, who were among the early set¬ tlers of LaPorte county. She was a daughter of Jacob Miller, who settled in Kankakee township and bore a helpful part in the pioneer develop¬ ment of this section of the state. He not only carried on general farming, but was proprietor of the Kankakee flour mills, located four miles east of LaPorte. At that time all of the farm products were hauled to Michigan City for shipment, and there were no railroads in this part of the state. He died in 1851, and his family afterward re¬ moved to California. David Bush passed away when about sixty-seven years of age, and his wife died in Center township, LaPorte county, at the age of seventy-6ne years. They were the parents of four sons, the eldest being J. Miller, who died in July, 1892; while the others are John A., a resident of Great Falls, Montana; William C. ; and James I., who is living in Kankakee township.

schools. He began his studies in the district schools and continued his education in the city schools of LaPorte. As a boy he worked upon the home farm and remained with his father until he had attained his majority.

When about twenty-one years of age Mr. Bush was married, on the 1st of October, 1873, to Miss Hattie J. Callison, a daughter of Joseph M. and Maria E. (Booth) Callison, who were natives of Ohio and became early settlers of Noble town¬ ship, LaPorte county. Mrs. Bush is of Welsh, Irish and English descent, her father being of Irish and Welsh lineage, while her mother was of English extraction. Their respective ancestors came to America at a very early day, and later representatives of the family lived in Ohio, and afterward came to LaPorte county, Indiana, among its pioneer settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Callison located here about 1837, establishing their home in Noble township, where they were engaged in farming. In 1850 Mr. Callison went to Cali¬ fornia, remaining there until 1854. He died near LaPorte in 1895, and his wife is still living, her home being at 809 Rose street, LaPorte. Mrs. Bush, their only child, was born in Noble town¬ ship, February 18, 1848, and there spent her girlhood days, obtaining her education in the dis¬ trict schools and in the seminary at LaPorte. She gained broad general knowledge, and for seven years successfully engaged in teaching in the dis¬ trict and city schools.

At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bush took up their abode upon a farm in Kan¬ kakee township, and in February, 1880, they re¬ moved to Allen county, Kansas, there remaining for about ten years. Mr. Bush was engaged in the dairy and livestock business there. In 1889 he returned to Kankakee township, locating on the old homestead, buying out the other heirs of the property. Here he still lives, carrying on gen¬ eral farming. He has one hundred and thirteen acres of good land, rich and well improved, the fields yielding to him golden harvests as a re¬ ward for the care and labor he bestows upon them.

To Mr. and Mrs. Bush was born one son, Lynn C., but they had the misfortune to lose him in infancy. Mr. Bush and his yife are well known people of this community and enjoy the respect and high esteem of many friends. In politics he has always been a stanch adherent of Republican principles, and has taken an active part in the work of the organization. While in Kansas he held the office of trustee in his township for two terms and is now serving for the second term as road supervisor in Kankakee township. He be¬ longs to LaPorte Tent No. 25, K. O. T. M. and his wife is a member of LaPorte Hive No. 1, the first lodge of the ladies auxiliary. She has been honored with office and is now a past com¬ mander. Both are well known people of the community and their circle of friends is exten¬ sive.

J. Miller Bush, the eldest brother of William C. Bush, was born in Scipio township, February 27, 1845, and was united in marriage, on the 28th of May, 1865, t° Catherine Harris, by whom he had one daughter and two sons: Alice, William J. and D. Walter. J. Miller Bush died on the 17th of July, 1892. He was well known in the county, took an active and helpful part in pub¬ lic affairs, and his loss was deeply regretted by many who knew him. His eldest son now resides in Center township, where he follows gardening. John A. Bush, the second brother of William C. Bush, was born December 9, 1848. He married Ellen Wagner on the 30th of September, 1874, and now lives at Great Falls, Montana.

BENAJAH S. FAIL has the distinction of being the first white male child born in LaPorte county, Indiana, his natal day being October 30, 1830, and he has always lived in his native county, becoming a factor in its business and public life as the years advanced. He has now long been numbered among the practical, enterprising and successful farmers of his community, his home being in Kankakee township.

His father, Philip Fail, was a native of Mary¬ land, born in Hagerstown, in 1797. When he was quite young he was left an orphan and re¬ moved to Virginia when about fourteen years of age. There he remained for a number of years, and in Palatine, that state, he was married to Miss Sarah Nuzzum, who was born in the Old Dominion and there spent her girlhood. After his marriage Mr. Philip Fail made a raft which he poled down the river, and in this primitive man¬ ner journeyed westward, and established his home in Union county, Indiana. In the spring of 1830 he came to LaPorte county and settled in Kanka¬ kee township, where he bought eighty acres of land. As the years passed he prospered in his undertakings, although surrounded by pioneer conditions during his early residence here. He bravely met the hardships and difficulties inci¬ dent to frontier life, and overcame all the obsta¬ cles in his path to success. Gradually he worked his wav upward and as his financial resources in¬ creased lie invested in property, becoming the owner of six hundred and forty acres. Of this he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of the Indians. He figured prominently in early events which constituted the formative period in the county's history, and he was known by everybody living in this section of the state, being a promi¬ nent and well known pioneer. He lived to the advanced age of eighty years, two months and twelve days, and when he was called away the community mourned the loss of one whom to know was to respect and honor. He belonged to the Disciples church, and in his political affilia¬ tions was a Democrat. Among the substantial acts of his life was the assistance which he gave in laying out the roads of the county, and he also performed an important part in reclaiming the wild land and utilizing it for purposes of civili¬ zation. His wife passed away long prior to his death, dying in 1856, when about fifty-eight years of age. They were the parents of fourteen chil¬ dren, three sons and eleven daughters. All of the daughters have now passed away with the ex¬ ception of Mrs. Elenaor, who is now eighty-two years of age. The sons are Benajah S. ; John N., who is a resident farmer of Kankakee town¬ ship; and D. Philip, who still resides on the old family homestead.

Mr. B. S. Fail is the eldest, and was reared as a farmer lad upon the old homestead, where he assisted in the work of field and meadow or in¬ dulged in the pleasure of the playground as op¬ portunity offered. His early education was limited because of the unsettled condition of the country, which caused the schools to be of a very primitive character. He pursued his studies sit¬ ting on a slab bench in a log schoolhouse and had the opportunity of attending for only a brief per¬ iod during the winter seasons. Through his youth he assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm, and remained on the old place during the greater part of the time until his marriage.

On the 14th of October, 1854, Mr. Fail was married to Isabel Galbreath, who was bom in Ohio and came to LaPorte county with her par¬ ents, who were pioneer settlers of northwestern Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Fail established their home upon the place that he still owns, northeast of the city of LaPorte, being distant from the county seat about four miles. Forty-eight years have come and gone since he located thereon, and as the years have passed he has continuously followed farming. He owns two hundred and forty-seven and a half acres of land, most of which, however, he rents, and is thus relieved of the care and responsibility connected with its cultivation. To Mr. and Mrs. Fail have been born four children: James P., who is an engin¬ eer and farmer; William O., who carries on agricultural pursuits; Theodore, also a farmer; and George C., who died in 1862.

Politically Mr. Fail is a Democrat, earnest in his advocacy of the party, and he served as county commissioner for three years. He was also ap¬ praiser of school lands for four years. He has been connected with his county agricultural asso¬ ciation, and is a faithful member of the Christian church. No native citizen of LaPorte county can claim a more extended knowledge of events form¬ ing the history of this portion of the state, for he has the honor of being the first male child bom in the county. His youth was passed here when there were many Indians still in the neighborhood and when the work of improvement and progress seemed scarcely begun. He has witnessed many wonderful changes since that time, and has taken a deep interest and a just pride in what has been accomplished in the county.

JOHN W. SMITH, who carries on general farming on section 13, Galena township, and is serving as township trustee, was born in Cass county, Michigan, August 8, 1845, his parents being Asa M. and Henrietta (Dennis) Smith, both of whom were natives of Delaware. There they were reared, and in 1833 they removed to Cass county, Michigan, becoming early pioneer settlers of that locality. Asa M. Smith bore his part in the work of improvement and develop¬ ment, and as a farmer aided in reclaiming the wild land for the uses of civilization. In 1865 he came to LaPorte county, settling in Kankakee township, where he died at the age of seventysix years. He voted with the Republican party from the time of its organization, and was always deeply interested in everything pertaining to gen¬ eral progress and improvement. His wife died in Cass county, Michigan, in 1852. In their fam¬ ily were five children, two daughters and three sons, of whom John W. Smith was the fourth child and second son.

When a lad of but nine years John W. Smith became a resident of Berrien county, Michigan, his home being near Niles. His education was obtained in the common schools, and he continued under the parental roof with his father until the time of his enlistment for service in the Civil war. In January, 1864, when about nineteen years of age, he joined Company E of the Twelfth Michigan Volunteer Infantry as a private, and remained with the armv for two years and one month, receiving an honorable dis¬ charge in 1866. He then returned to his home, but soon afterward came to LaPorte county and located in Galena township.

On the 26th of March, 1872, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Lucetta Paddock, a daughter of James Paddock, who was born in Galena township and has spent almost her entire life here. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith : Dennis W., of Chicago, a mechani¬ cal engineer ; and Kelly P., who is now a student in the Michigan University at Ann Arbor.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith have continued to reside upon the home farm on section 13, Galena town¬ ship, since their marriage, and he has always carried on general agricultural pursuits and stockraising. That he is thoroughly conversant with the best methods of conducting his work is indi¬ cated by the fine appearance of his farm and by the excellent crops which he annually harvests. He has always given his political allegiance to the Republican party, and is a member of Charles Woodruff Post, G. A. R., of the department of Michigan. In 1900 he was elected township trus¬ tee, and is still filling that position, but whether in office or as a private citizen he is always found loyal to the best interests of his community, and is to-day as true to his country and her welfare as he was when he wore the blue uniform of the na¬ tion and followed the old flag through the south.

JULIUS M. WHITE, one of the native sons and old residents of LaPorte county, is a re¬ spected and progressive farmer of section 11, Cool Spring township. He is the second son of J. H. and A. C. White, who were pioneers of LaPorte county and were married in Door Vil¬ lage. From 1854 to 1863 they resided in Will county, Illinois, but then returned to LaPorte county, where they passed the remainder of their useful and honored lives.

Julius M. White was bom in LaPorte county, December 14, 1844, and lived with his parents in Will county, Illinois, and came back to LaPorte county with them in 1863, and has made this county his home ever since. After his marriage he located on a farm in Cool Spring township, and has been engaged in its cultivation up to the present time. He does general farming, raises good crops, has the better grades of stock, and is in every way one of the representative farmers of this section.

ter of D. L. and A. C. Jackson, old settlers of Cool Spring township, and the former a cooper and farmer. One son has been born of this marriage, S. M., who is a traveling man, residing in An¬ derson, Indiana. Mr. White has been a life-long Republican, and has taken an active interest in affairs of public moment. He has been a mem¬ ber of the Methodist Episcopal church for twentyfive years and has been steward, class-leader and trustee. He is a public-spirited and energetic citi¬ zen, and has retained the esteem and confidence of those with whom he has grown up and whom he has known since childhood.

VICTOR V. BACON, M. D., a representa¬ tive of the medical profession in Michigan City, was born in Towanda, Bradford county, Penn¬ sylvania, on the 26th of December, 1862. His paternal grandfather was Septimus Bacon, also a native of Pennsylvania and of English lineage. He became a minister of the gospel, devoting many years of his life to that holy calling. He died at the age of fifty-four years, but the influ¬ ence of his upright life was long a potent factor for good among those who knew him.

Among his children was Roland S. Bacon, the father of the Doctor. His birth also occurred in the Keystone state, and after arriving at years of maturity he became a weighmaster on the Erie canal. Later, however, he turned his atten¬ tion to farming, which he followed at Frenchtown, Bradford county, Pennsylvania, where he still resides. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Huff, whose father was of German lineage, and was a contractor and builder, fol¬ lowing that pursuit throughout his entire life, and his death occurred when he was more than eighty years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Roland S. Bacon have been born eight children, five sons and three daughters, of whom five are now living, namely : Festus, Lenora and DeWitt C., all of Pennsyl¬ vania ;Victor V.; and Flora, the wife of Seward McNitt, a resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan. The parents hold membership in the Presbyterian church and are people of the highest respecta¬ bility. Mr. R. S. Bacon gives his political alle¬ giance to the Democracy.

Dr. V. V. Bacon spent his boyhood days in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and was reared upon the home farm, aiding in the labors of field and meadow through the summer months and thus acquiring a practical knowledge of agricul¬ tural work. He began his education in the dis¬ trict schools near his home, and later continued his studies in the Susquehanna Collegiate Insti- tute. He remained under the parental roof until his majority, when he took up the study of med¬ icine, and was graduated from the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College with the class of 1887. After receiving his diploma he began practice in Dorr, Michigan, where he remained for seven years, and a general practice greatly broadened his knowledge and experience. On the expiration of that period he returned to Chi¬ cago, where he pursued a regular course in the medical department of the University of Illinois, and was graduated in the class of 1898. He then came to Michigan City, where he opened an office and has since remained in practice. He has gained here gratifying success, and now has a very lib¬ eral patronage, which is indicative of the con¬ fidence reposed in him by the general public.

In 1888 Dr. Bacon was united in marriage to Miss Alice Dewey, a daughter of Charles and Prudence Dewey, and they now have three chil¬ dren : Lucile, Harold and Helen. In social circles they are well known and occupy an enviable posi¬ tion. The Doctor is a Democrat in his political affiliations, and is now serving as a member of the board of health of Michigan City and is at present the health officer. He was a pension ex¬ aminer under President Cleveland, but he has sought no office outside of the path of his profes¬ sion. He belongs to the city, county and state medical societies, and through the interchange of thought and experience therein he is continually adding to his knowledge and promoting his effi¬ ciency as a practitioner.

GEORGE H. WOLFE, who was born and has lived almost all his life on the fine old home¬ stead farm in section 12, Cool Spring township, is the son of a former well known farmer and stock-raiser of LaPorte county, Allen B. Wolfe, who was born in 1817 in Ohio, the son of George and Hannah Wolfe, natives of Pennsylvania, but who came to Ohio in 1805, thence to Elkhart county, Indiana, in 1835. Allen B. Wolfe lived in the latter county until 1855, when he came to LaPorte county, living at Beatty's Corners until 1862, when he located on the farm in section 12, Cool Spring township, where he remained till his death, at the age of sixty-eight years. In 1847 he married Miss Lucy G. Rowley, who was born in Yates county, New York, in 1826, and became the mother of eight children, five of whom are liv¬ ing: Martha A., Walter, George, Frederick and Florence.

and was reared on the home farm. All his life has been spent on the old place with the excep¬ tion of two years. For one year he conducted a lunch counter and restaurant in Chicago, and for one year was employed by the Pullman Car Com¬ pany. He and his sister Martha live on the farm and keep things going in all departments. He has done general farming and stock-raising, and under his careful management the one hundred and ten acres are made to produce as bountiful crops as any similar piece of farming land in the township. He is a well known citizen of the county, and counts many friends among those whom he has known since childhood and those who have located here since. He affiliates with the Democratic party, and fraternally is a member of Lodge No. 265, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Michigan City, and of the Knights of Pythias, Castle No. 94, at the same ' place.

Mr. Wolfe's brothers are all filling honorable places in the business world. James Walter is a resident of Portland, Oregon. Frederick is con¬ nected with the National Sewing Machine Com¬ pany at Belvidere, Illinois, and the other sister, Florence, is the wife of R. W. Nordyke, also a resident of Belvidere, Illinois.

ABRAM WING. Back to the land of Eng¬ land must we turn for the early ancestral history of the Wing family, but in a very early day they left that country and crossed the ocean to the United States. There have been strong men and true as one generation has followed another, - men leal and loyal to our national institutions and to the duties of patriotism. The paternal grand¬ father of Abram Wing, David Wing, was bom in the state of New York, and was a farmer by occu¬ pation. In that commonwealth Israel Wing, the father of Abram, also had his nativity, and there he was reared, educated and married. During the war of 1812 he served the government as a team¬ ster, and in 1847 he came to LaPorte county, In¬ diana, where he made his home until his life's labors were ended in death, when he had passed the seventy-fifth milestone on the journey of life. In his early life he gave his political support to the Democracy, but later affiliated with the Re¬ publican party. For his wife he chose Alice Sherman, a native of Rhode Island and a daugh¬ ter of John Sherman, who was a member of the same family as General Sherman. Her father served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and her grandfather, Rodger Sherman, was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

The Sherman family were also of English de¬ scent. The union of Israel and Alice Wing was blessed with ten children, five sons and five daugh¬ ters, who grew to mature years, but only two of this number are now living, the sister of Abram being Mrs. Eliza Reynolds, a resident of Minn¬ esota.

Abram Wing, the sixth child and fourth son in order of birth of the above family, was born in Otsego county, New York, on the 25th of Janu¬ ary, 1825, and in the town of Cherry Valley of that county he was reared to years of maturity. In 1846, by the Lake route, he came to LaPorte county, Indiana, being at that time twenty-one years of age. He immediately turned his atten¬ tion to farming in Pleasant township, where he remained for four years, three years of the time being spent as an agriculturist on his own ac¬ count and one in work for others. He then pur¬ chased a farm in Center township, which he later sold, and then became the owner of a small tract of sixty-two and a half acres, a part of his present possessions. Here he first erected a little log cabin, fourteen by twelve feet, which was called the Rosebud Cottage, and there he was often vis¬ ited by the hunters. His land was situated in the dense woods, but as the years passed he succeeded in clearing the place, and from time to time added to his possessions until at one time he was the owner of three hundred and forty-two and a half acres, but he has since divided his land be¬ tween his two sons. His farm is now under an excellent state of cultivation, is improved with a good residence, commodious barns and well kept fences, and everything about the place indicates the supervision of a progressive owner.

The marriage of Mr. Wing was celebrated on the 1 6th of March, 1865, when Miss Hettie Rhodes became his wife. She is a native daugh¬ ter of LaPorte, her birth having occurred in this city on the 17th of November, 1844, her parents being Benjamin and Lutecia (Miller) Rhodes, the former of whom was a native of of England and the latter of Pennsylvania. They were num¬ bered among the early pioneers of this county, dating their arrival here as early as 1833, and her father erected a grist mill and brewery at LaPorte, also a brewery at Springville, and as¬ sisted materially in the upbuilding of LaPorte county. He was seventy-six years of age when called to his final rest, and the mother passed away at the age of forty-three years. They were the parents of ten children, seven sons and three daughters, of whom Mrs. Wing was the fourth child in order of birth. She was reared in La¬

Two children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Wing, the elder of whom, Benjamin, married Dora Mays, and has two children, Earl and Lottie. The second son, Abram C., married Lena Ewalt, and they also have two children, Elsworth B. and Amilda Bell. During the long per¬ iod of fifty-seven years in which Mr. Wing has made his home in LaPorte county he has been prominently identified with its leading interests, and has given a stalwart support to the principles of the Republican party. The social standing of the family is high, and they are active in all good work looking to the material and substantial bene¬ fit of the community.

ENOCH L. PRESTON. The student of his¬ tory cannot carry his investigations far into the annals of LaPorte county without learning of the Preston family, for at a very early day in the development of this section of the state the family was established here, and its representatives have been substantial citizens, taking an active and helpful part in the progress and welfare of the community. Mr. Enoch L. Preston resides on section 8, Kankakee township, and was but a boy when brought to LaPorte county. His birth occurred in Union county, Indiana, February 13, 1828.

His father, Zenas Preston, was born in Penn¬ sylvania, but when about twelve years of age was taken by his father, John Preston, to Virginia. The latter was killed by accident in that state. The former was reared to manhood in the Old Dominion and in the year 1824 he came with his father to Indiana, establishing his home in Union county, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until 1833. He then came to LaPorte county and made a home in the midst of the green forests in Kankakee township. From the government he secured a claim and improved a farm, meeting all the hardships and trials of pioneer life, in which his family also shared. He passed away when about seventy-nine years of age, and his wife died at the same age. She bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Stanton and was a native of North Carolina. Both were members of the So¬ ciety of Friends, active in church work, honorable in all life's relations, and throughout the county they were widely and favorably known. Of their family of seven children, six were sons, and the only daughter died in infancy. The others are: Albert, Vickers and Urbin, all now deceased;

Enoch L. Preston is the youngest of the fam¬ ily, and was but six years of age when he arrived in LaPorte county. Upon the home farm in Kan¬ kakee township he was reared, and in his early youth pursued his studies in a log school build¬ ing. It had primitive furnishings, including slab benches, an immense fireplace and a writing desk which was made by putting a board upon pins that were driven into the wall. He worked on the home farm throughout the period of his boy¬ hood and youth and gave to his father great as¬ sistance.

In 1847 Mr. Preston was united in marriage to Miss Martha Cooley, who was born in Indiana and died in 1896. She was an estimable lady, de¬ voted to her family and faithful in friendship, and thus her loss was deeply mourned throughout the neighborhood. By her marriage she had five daughters : Angeline, who is the wife of Charles Carpenter, of Kankakee township; Emma, the wife of Albert Pease,,* of Kankakee township; Ella, the wife of J. C. Taylor, of the same town¬ ship; Adelia, the wife of W. O. Fail, of Kanka¬ kee township ; and Alice, who became the wife of Dr. Smith, of LaPorte city, and died in 1898. All were bom in Kankakee township, and those who are still living reside there. For his sec¬ ond wife Mr. Preston chose Isabel Chafin, the wedding being celebrated January 23, 1900. She was born in Greene county, Ohio, and was a daughter of Seth and Nancy (Clemonds) Smith. Mrs. Preston was reared in Ohio, and first gave her hand in marriage to Buris Chafin, by whom she had two children : Rosa, the wife of Milton A. Thomas; and Albert, who married Victoria Stanbaugh. Both are residents of Indiana, the son residing in Rensselaer and the daughter in Monticello.

Mr. Preston is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and his political allegiance is given to the Republican party. He cast his first presidential ballot for Martin VanBuren, and in i860 gave his vote to Abraham Lincoln, since which time he has been a follower of Republican banners. He has held a number of local offices, to which he has been called by his follow towns¬ men, who recognized his worth and ability. He owns a farm of two hundred and sixty-four acres which is well improved, and the splendid condi¬ tion of the place is due to his own efforts. He has lived a life of thrift and industry, and has carried forward to successful completion what¬ ever he has undertaken. Great changes have oc¬ curred in the county since his arrival here. Time and man have wrought a wonderful transforma¬ tion, and long since have all the evidences of frontier life disappeared, being replaced by the conditions of an advanced civilization. Mr. Pres¬ ton takes pride in what has been accomplished, and in many instances has assisted in the material upbuilding of this portion of the state.

DR. JOHN J. STEDMAN, at present a South Chicago dentist and capitalist, was for a number of years engaged in the practice of his profession at LaPorte, and is well remembered there as one of the prominent citizens and suc¬ cessful business men. Dr. Stedman was bom at Ontario, Wayne county, New York, in 1831, the son of Benjamin and Abigail (Sheldon) Sted¬ man, the former of whom was born in Rhode Island and came to Wayne county in 1820, settling on a farm, and the latter was bom in Vermont. The father died in Wayne county, New York, and the mother at Edgewood, Illinois.

Dr. Stedman had a district school education, and later worked in a flouring mill owned by members of his family. He took up the study of dentistry while still a young man, attending pro¬ fessional schools at Rochester and Syracuse, New York. Dental colleges were not so elaborately equipped then as they are now, and Dr. Stedman thought it well to do considerable study in the office of a general physician, which he did, and in this way gained a well rounded preparation for his calling. In 1852 he made a trip to the west, but did not remain. He came out again in 1855 and located for the practice of dentistry at Hillsdale, Michigan, where he lived for five years, and was subsequently at Edgewood, Illinois, for four years, and also at Mattoon, Illinois, and later in Ohio. In 1879 he came to LaPorte anu estab¬ lished himself and got a good patronage, remain¬ ing there till 1895, when he came to South Chi¬ cago. His office is at the comer of Ninety-second street and Commercial avenue, but, in addition to his professional work, he has of late years de¬ voted considerable attention to real estate invest¬ ments, business buildings and flats, in South Chi¬ cago, which have been made with such good judgment that they are now very valuable and bring in large rentals.

Dr. Stedman has been married twice. He mar¬ ried Miss Varina E. Thompson in Hillsdale, Michigan, and from this union there are two children, Mrs. Frances M. Denby, and Mrs. Lou¬ ise Finley, the latter being the wife of Dr. C. A. Finley, a native of LaPorte and Dr. Stedman's partner in dental practice. Dr. Stedman after¬ ward married Mrs. Nettie (Love) Chapman, who is still living. Dr. Stedman is a member of the Masonic order, and belongs to the commandery at LaPorte, where he has a large and pleasant acquaintance, owing to his activity in social and political affairs while there.

JOHN TAYLOR, Sr., was bom in Liver¬ pool, England, September 30, 1825, and is a grandson of William Taylor, who was bom in the north of Ireland. After arriving at years of maturity his grandfather wedded Catherine^Taylor and they reared a large family. In order to provide for their support William Taylor follow¬ ed the occupation of farming. Among his chil¬ dren was Thomas Taylor; who was born in Eng¬ land and became a cooper by trade. He followed that pursuit in early manhood and later secured a position as local inspector in the revenue depart¬ ment of the English government. In i860 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, but re¬ turned to England in the following year, and died there some years later, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years. His wife bore the maiden name of Nancy Patterson, and was also a native of England. She survived him for some time and departed this life at the ex¬ treme old age of ninety-five years. Both were members of the Church of England, and they so lived as to win the regard and confidence of all with whom they came in contact. Mrs. Nancy Taylor was a daughter of William Patterson, a native of Scotland, who spent the greater part of his life in the land of the heather and died in Glasgow. Mrs. Taylor was his only daughter, but there were two sons in the family. By her marriage she became the mother of four children, three sons and a daughter, and two are now liv¬ ing: John and Agnes, the latter a resident of Liverpool.

John Taylor, Sr., resided in the city of Liver¬ pool until twelve years of age, and acquired his elementary education there. It was then that he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, landing in New York, in 1837. For eight or ten years he remained a resident of the eastern metropolis, and then went to Onondaga county, New York, where he resided until 1850. In that year he made his way westward to Chicago, where he lived until 1852, and for more than a half century he has resided in Michigan City. He was employed at coopering in the Empire state, and also followed that pursuit to some extent after coming to the west. Later, however, he began dealing in real

In 1848 Mr. Taylor was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Gardner, a daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Truax) Gardner, who were natives of New York, living in Schenectady for a num¬ ber of years. In 1853 they came to Indiana, set¬ tling in Michigan City, and here her father died in the year 1861, at an advanced age. -His wife survived him until 1865. In their family were four children, but only two are now living : Cath¬ erine, the wife of C. W. Palmer, a resident of Waterford, Indiana; and Joseph Gardner, Jr., who is engaged in the real estate business in Ot¬ tumwa, Iowa. The father of Joseph Gardner,. Sr., was named Martin Gardner and was born in: the Empire state and made his home in Syra¬ cuse. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Taylor was Edward Truax, who was a resident of Schenectady, New York, and some of his descend¬ ants are still living there. To Mr. and Mrs. Tay¬ lor were born five children, three sons and two^ daughters, but Ellen and John, the first two, died1 in infancy. Thomas is engaged in the plumbing; business in Michigan City. John, the second of the name, is also in Michigan City; he married Miss Mary Voss, and they have two children, Carl and! John. The youngest member of the family is Katie. The wife and mother died March 11,. 1901, at the age of seventy-three years. She was most devoted to the welfare of her husband and children, and was a consistent and faithful mem¬ ber of the Methodist church. Mr. Taylor belongs to the Odd Fellows society, and he votes with the Republican party. For some time he served as deputy marshal in the city and for one term was constable, but during the greater part of his life he has neither sought nor cared for political office, preferring to give his attention to his business affairs.

ISAAC HOOVER. For many years Isaac Hoover has been prominently identified with the business interests of LaPorte county, and in this time has become recognized as one of its most valued and useful citizens. He was born in Leb¬ anon county, Pennsylvania, on the 3rd of August, 1830, and in that state his father, John Hoover, was also born. After his marriage the latter removed from Center county, Pennsylvania, to Indiana, first taking up his abode in Porter coun¬ ty, and later coming to Center township, LaPorte county, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing away in death when he had reached the age of eighty-two years. His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Doonen, and she, too, was a native of the Keystone state, and there she also paseed to her final reward. The union of John and Mary Hoover was blessed with two sons, the brother of Isaac having been John D., who died in La- Porte county.

Isaac Hoover, now the only living representa¬ tive of this family, was twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Indiana, and with the exception of three years which he spent in Kansas, he has ever since made his home in this state, his education being prin¬ cipally received in the public schools of Porter county, in a little log schoolhouse in Center town¬ ship, furnished with slab benches and boards for -desks. Until reaching mature years he remained with his father, asisting him in the work of the farm, but he then decided to begin the activities of life on his own account, and accordingly en¬ gaged in agricultural pursuits in Center township, UaPorte county. In addition to this pursuit he was also for a time engaged in the lumber busi¬ ness and the manufacture of brick in partnership with his brother, continuing in the former occu¬ pation for twenty -one years. When Mr. Hoover arrived here there was not a brick house in the county, and many of those now standing are made of brick of their manufacture, while in many other ways he has proved an important factor in the upbuilding and development of the locality in which he has resided for so many years.

The marriage of Mr. Hoover was celebrated Tin 1855, the lady of his choice being Leah Hoover, and to this union five children, four sons and one -daughter, have been born, namely: John H., a successful farmer of Center township; Benjamin F., who is in Oregon; Eli, a fanner and brick manufacturer of Center township; Elmer F., who is also engaged in agricultural pursuits and brick-making in this township ; and Sarah E., the wife of B. F. Bowen, of Oregon. In his political affiliations Isaac Hoover has been a life¬ long Republican, and farternally is a member of the noble order of Masons. His religious prefer¬ ence is indicated by his membership in the Bapt¬ ist church.

JAMES R. DeWOLFE, of Michigan City, and interested in agricultural pursuits in LaPorte county, was born in Valparaiso, Indiana, Febru¬ ary 27, 1844. Although the ancestral history can¬ not be traced back in direct line by Mr. DeWolfe, it is a well authenticated fact that the family to which he belongs was connected with one of the old and distinguished families of Saxony, con¬ nected with the nobility. In the genealogical his¬ tory of that country mention is made of many eminent and honored representatives of the family.

Charles E. and Mary (Baum) DeWolfe, the parents of Mr. DeWolfe, were natives of Nova Scotia. The maternal grandfather was a fanner and owned a tract of land which is now in the very center of the city of Pittsburg, but, selling his property he removed to Canton, Ohio, at an early day, and thence went to White Pigeon, Michigan, where he died when past the age of sixty years. He made the journey to Ohio and also to Michigan by team and wagon, and was a pioneer settler of .both districts. In his business he prospered, and was well to do at the time of his death. His wife survived him several years, and died in Valparaiso, Indiana, when more than eighty years of age.

Charles E. DeWolfe was a merchant and came to the United States at about twenty years of age and in the early 30's went to Valparaiso, Indiana, casting in his lot with the pioneer set¬ tlers there. He gave his attention to merchandis¬ ing in the embryo city, and also entered large tracts of land from the government, which he afterward sold as an increased population created a demand for more property. In 1848 he re¬ moved to Michigan City, and in 1850 brought his family, making a permanent location. For twenty years he engaged in merchandising here, and was a leading business man, his enterprise and energy adding to the commercial activity of the place and thereby promoting the general progress. He died in Michigan City on the nth of September, 1894, at the age of eightv-two years and thus passed away one of the honored pioneer settlers of Indiana. His wife died in 1889. They attended the Congregational church, and Mr. Charles DeWolfe gave his political support to the Republican party.

James R. DeWolfe was only six years of age when his parents removed to Michigan City, and there he was reared to manhood, while in the public schools he acquired his primary education, which was supplemented by study in Wabash College, of Crawfordsville, Indiana, where lie was graduated with the class of 1868. Returning to his home, he then engaged in clerking in Michi¬ gan City, and after two years thus spent he en¬ gaged in merchandising on his own account, dealing in hardware for thirteen years. On the expiration of (that period he disposed of his store, and has since been interested in fanning, owning at the present time a valuable farm of three hundred acres in Cool Spring township and also an interest in other lands, from which he derives a good income. He is also a stockholder in the Michigan City Ice Company.

On the 22d of May, 1876, Mr. DeWolfe was married to Mrs. Annie E. Stimpson, the widow of Lawrence Stimpson. Mrs. DeWolfe is a mem¬ ber of the Congregational church, and they both have many friends in this city. Politically Mr. DeWolfe is a Republican, keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but has never been an aspirant for public office.

SAMUEL S. HAY is living on a farm on section 8, Union township, and is one of the early settlers of LaPorte county, his identification with agricultural interests here dating from an early day. He was born in Schoharie county, New York, October 10, 1829. It is supposed that his paternal grandfather, Daniel Hay, was a native of Scotland and that he came with two brothers from the land of the heather to the new world. One of these settled in New York, the second in Pennsylvania and the third in Ohio, (this is tra¬ dition). James Hay, the father of Samuel S. Hay, was born in the Empire state, and there re¬ mained throughout his entire life. He devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits, thus pro¬ viding for his family. He married Miss Eliza Brand, who was bom in New York and reached the very advanced age of eighty-seven years. Her father, Samuel Brand, was a native of America, his birth having probably occurred in the Empire state, where his last days were also spent. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. James Hay was blessed with seven children, four sons and three daugh¬ ters, all of whom reached adult age.

Samuel S. Hay was the second child and son of this family, and in the county of his nativity his boyhood days were passed. His early educa¬ tion was acquired in the common schools, and he continued his studies in the high school of Schoharie county, New York. To his father he gave the benefit of his services until about the time he attained his majority, after which he worked at the laying of stone walls and later en¬ gaged in teaching school through the winter months, while in the summer seasons he assisted in the farm work. In 1856 he came to LaPorte county, Indiana, arriving on the 19th of March, of that year.

In his native county Mr. Hay was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Emma J. Richtmyer, the wedding being celebrated January 19, 1854. Mrs. Hay was born in New Y"ork, August

25, 1835, and was a daughter of Andrew and Abigail (Wilsey) Richtmyer. On their removal to the west they located on a farm in Union town¬ ship, and the same spring Mr. Hay purchased land on section 17, Union township. It was wild and unimproved, and was largely covered with timber. He built a log house in the midst of green woods, and with characteristic energy be¬ gan to clear away the trees, to fence the place, to operate the fields, and, in fact, to make a model farm out of it. To this he added until he owned one hundred and forty acres, and the splendid appearance of the place indicates his carful sup¬ ervision and practical methods.

To Mr. and Mrs. Hay have been born two children, who are yet living: Eva, the wife of August Kregle, of Stillwell Prairie, a prominent farmer ; and Norman L., who married Grace Hall of Wisconsin, and now resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Hay also have two grandchildren: Percy Kregle and Cressy Hay. Mr. and Mrs. Hay hold membership in the Meth¬ odist church at Tracy, Indiana, take an active in¬ terest in its work and assist materially in its advencement. He has always been an earnest Re¬ publican since the organization of the party, and previous to that time he took an active part in the circles of the Whig party. He was appointed a trustee and was the first Republican who ever held that office in the township. He has also filled other local positions, and was appointed register of elections at one time. He has now reached the seventy-fourth milestone on life's journey and he can look back over the past without regret and forward to the future without fear. His career has ever been energetic, guided by manly princi¬ ples and actuated by true motives, and through an active business career he has won the success which should ever crown persistent effort.

THOMAS MARR, a veteran of the Civil war who rendered service to the nation, a busi¬ ness man of energy, activity and prominence, and now practically living retired from business cares - such in brief is the life record of Thomas Marr, of LaPorte. He is very well known in this city, and in his wide circle of acquaintances he numbers many warn friends, who entertain for him the highest regard.

He was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, October 22, 1840, and his parents were William F. and Marv (Reader) Marr. The Marr family is of Scotch-Irisli lineage. His fa¬ ther was a native of Northumberland county, and in the spring of 1845 came to LaPorte coun- ty, Indiana, settling upon a farm which he con¬ tinued to cultivate and improve until his death, which occurred in 1865. His wife, who was also born in Northumberland county, died in La Porte in 1889. A sister of Thomas Marr is the wife of Professor Isaac P. Roberts, who for thirty years has been a leading instructor in Cornell College, in Ithaca, New York.

The boyhood days of Thomas Marr were spent after the manner of most farmer lads of the period, and he assisted in the cultivation of the fields until his twenty-first year, when, in 1861, he enlisted at LaPorte in response to his country's call for aid to crush out the rebellion that threatened the destruction of the Union. He became a private of Company C, Twenty-ninth Indiana Vounteer Infantry, and from that time until mustered out in December, 1865, he was never away from his regiment. He served on the staffs of commanding officers almost from the beginning until after the battle of Chickamauga, being first orderly and later aide. He did staff duty with General Kirk, Colonel Dodge, and General Steadman and General A. D. McCook. The regiment went first to Indianapolis and thence to Camp Nevin, Kentucky, where they joined the Army of the Cumberland, participat¬ ing in all of its battles in Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia, including the engagements at Shi¬ loh, Stone River, Chickamauga and Nashville. The regiment was with ^Steadman's corps during the Atlanta campaign, and after the fall of the city of Atlanta was sent back to assist General Thomas at Nashville. Mr. Marr was wounded thr.ee times, and at both Shiloh and Chickamauga he had his horse shot from under him. After the battle there he was promoted to the rank of lientenant, and from that time until the close of he war had command of Company E. After the close of hostilities he was retained on garison duty in northern Georgia until mustered out at Marietta, Georgia, December 2, 1865. He then returned home with a record that stands the test.

After the war Mr. Marr engaged in farming, and later turned his attention to the livery busi¬ ness in LaPorte. Subsequently he went to Chi¬ cago, where he lived for about eighteen years, being engaged in business in that city. He then returned to LaPorte. Of recent years he has been largely engaged in the real estate and loan busi¬ ness, dealing in Chicago property as well as city and country realty in Indiana. He spends most of his time in Chicago, although he regards La¬ Porte as his home and always spends his Sundays in this city. He is now practically retired from active life, spending his time merely in looking after his own property interests and superintend¬ ing his own investments. His activity in former years, his careful expenditure of his money for property that rose in value and his profitable sales brought to him a good income, and now he is one of the well-to-do men of LaPorte.

He belongs to the Odd Fellows society and is also a prominent member of Patton Post No. 147 Grand Army of the Republic, of LaPorte. From his boyhood days he has been known to the resi¬ dents of this city and county, and that his staunch¬ est friends are numbered among those with whom he has been associated from early youth is an in¬ dication that his life record has been well written. In politics he has always earnestly supported the principles and policies of the Republican party.

DUDLEY K. BRICKETT, who represents a stanch and well remembered family of LaPorte county, Indiana, is at present a prosperous hard¬ ware merchant of Chicago, the firm of Brickett & Glass having a fine store of general hard¬ ware at 10026 Ewing avenue, now a thickly popu¬ lated community south of the Calumet river.

Mr. Brickett is of New England ancestry. His father, Squire Dudley K. Brickett, was a native of Londonderry, New Hampshire, but emi¬ grated to the west and settled in LaPorte county, Indiana, in the early thirties, only a short time after its wildness had been penetrated by the civilizing pioneer. He was a shoemaker while in the east, but after coming to LaPorte county branched off into several lines of usefulness,, especially as a general trader and storekeeper. His first location was in the village of Springville, in Springfield township, but he afterward moved nearer to Michigan City and kept a hotel on the old Union plank road east of that town. He was a prominent man in his township, and held the offices of justice of the peace, township trustee and was also postmaster. He kept in his store, touse his own words, "everything from a jewsharpto a threshing machine." At one time he moved to Elkhorn Grove, Carroll county, Illinois, and lived there for awhile. He was a quick, alert man,, retaining his fine physical constitution until his death, in 1871, at the age of sixty-four. His sister, Katharine Brickett, married Asa Stearns^ and she died in Springfield township about 1888.

Squire Brickett's wife was Sophronia Gould, who was a native of New Hampshire and of an old New England family. Her father, Amos Gould, was born December 12, 1761, and was a soldier in the war of the Revolution. Her brother,.

John Gould, was bom May 2, 1798, and died in 1877, at the home of the subject of this sketch, then in New Carlisle, Indiana, where he had made his home for several years previously. Mrs. Brickett spent her last years with her son Dudley K. in Chicago, where she died in 1896, at the age of eighty-six. Of her other children, James and Alonzo Batchelor Brickett and Helen Brickett are dead, while Alonzo Morse Brickett lives in La Porte county, north of LaPorte.

Dudley K. Brickett, whose middle name, Kim¬ ball, was given to him in honor of his paternal grandmother, was born in Springfield township, LaPorte county, September 23, 1848, and re¬ ceived his education in the township schools. He worked on the farm during part of his spare time, but at the age of seventeen began to learn the trade of miller, which he followed, with the ex¬ ception of thirteen months as a locomotive fire¬ man, for nearly fifteen years. He afterward be¬ gan the hardware business as a clerk, but in 1877 became a partner in the firm of Smith & Brickett at New Carlisle. In 1884 he sold out his share in this business and came to Chicago, and in part¬ nership with another LaPorte man,- David Ander¬ son, established a hardware store south of the Calumet river, that part of Cook county not yet being included within the limits of the great Illinois metropolis, and most of its rapid growth having taken place since Mr. Brickett took up his residence there. In 1885 Mr. Anderson retired, and John W. Glass, Mr. Brickett's brother-inlaw, came into the firm, these two still constitut¬ ing the firm. They have a prosperous and grow¬ ing business and have won a splendid reputation for square and honorable dealing among the resi¬ dents of that part of the city.

Mr. Brickett was married at New Buffalo, Michigan, November 15, 1874, to Miss Jennie E. Glass, a native of Fulton county, Pennsylvania, whence her parents removed to LaPorte county and settled in New Durham township in 1852. The only child of this marriage, Nora Brickett, died at New Carlisle at the age of three. Mr. Brickett is a member of Harbor Lodge No. 731, F. & A. M.f and is popular both among his fra¬ ternity brethren and among all with whom he comes in contact in business or social life. In politics, Mr. Brickett has always supported the principles and policies of the Republican party.

JOHN MOYER, one of the respected and worthy citizens of Union township, living in Union Center, is a native son of Richland county, Ohio, his birth having occurred in Mansfield,

Ohio, on the 9th of June, 1826. His father, John Moyer, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was reared and married there. He was of German lineage and possessed many of the sterling traits of his ancestors, who came from the fatherland. About 1819 he left Pennsyl¬ vania and removed to Richland county, Ohio, where he engaged in business as a miller, distiller and farmer. He was one of the leading and repre¬ sentative men of his county, and died in Ohio when about fifty years of age. He wedded Eliza¬ beth Smithley, also a native of Pennsylvania, and she, too, was of German lineage. Her death oc¬ curred in LaPorte county, Indiana, when she was about sixty years of age. In the family were nine children, all of whom grew to man and woman¬ hood with once exception. These are Jasper, Elizabeth, Jacob, Michael, Mary, John, Sophia, Silas and Delilah.

John Moyer is the fourth son and sixth child of this family, and like the other members of the household he assisted in the labors of the farm as age and strength permitted and pursued his education in the public schools. When nineteen years of age he came to LaPorte county, Indiana, arriving in 1845, *n company with his mother. They established their home in Union township near the place where he is now living, and he re¬ mained with his mother for four years, largely relieving her of the care and supervision of the farm. In 1849 ^le started out in life for himself, purchasing a tract of land which he began to cultivate, while his sister acted as his housekeeper for about three years. He was then married, in 1853, the lady of his choice being Miss Martha Jane Chamberlin, a native of Randolph county, Indiana, born May 31, 1836. She was reared there until fourteen years of age, when, about 1850, she came to LaPorte county with her mother. Her parents were Thomas and Hannah (Cox) Chamberlin, but her father had died in Randolph county ere the removal to this county. Mrs. Chamberlin spent her remaining days in LaPorte county, and here reared her family, of whom Mrs. Moyer is the sixth and youngest.

Mr. Moyer then took his bride to his farm in Union township, and wdth renewed energy con¬ tinued to w'ork at breaking the land, clearing the fields and developing a good home. He at first owned forty acres of land in connection with his brother, but subsequently he sold his interest to his partner and became the owner of forty acres of land himself. To this he has added from time to time as his financial resources have increased until he now has two hundred and sixtv acres of well improved and valuable land in addition to his property in Union Center. The secret of his success lies in his industry, his strong determina¬ tion and his honorable business methods, and his example is one well worthy of emulation.

Mr. and Mrs. Moyer have no children of their own, but they reared an adopted son, Edward P., who is now a general merchant of Union Center. Mr. Moyer is one of the old settlers of the county, and can remember when the greater part of the land was still in its primitive condition, while but a few of the now thriving towns and villages had been founded. He has cleared and developed two farms, thus taking a very active and helpful part in the advancement of the county along agricultural lines. Recently he has sold one of his farms, comprising three hundred and twenty acres, but he still retains possession of the old homestead of two hundred and sixty acres. His career has been crowned with success, for he started out in life with nothing but his willing hands and gradually he has worked his way up¬ ward, his close attention to business and persist¬ ent energy winning him a handsome competence. His political support was given to the Democracy until Abraham Lincoln was made the nominee of the Republican party, since which time he has voted for all its presidential Candidates, never missing a single election. In the early days he served as supervisor of his township. He and wife belong to the Seventh Day Adventist church, and have lived honorable lives in consistent har¬ mony with Christian principles. In 1878 Mr. and Mrs. Moyer took a trip to the Pacific slope and visited San Francisco, Suisun City, Fairfield and Sacramento, California, and were there two months enjoying the beauties of the western scenery.

"1853 - Mr. and Mrs. John Moyer - 1903. Surrounded by relatives and friends Mr. and Mrs. John Moyer, respected residents of LaPorte county to-day (November 17, 1903), celebrated the golden anniversary of their marriage at their home at Union Center. The celebration took the form of a reception which was largely attended, for the couple are well known throughout the county, especially among the older inhabitants. John Moyer was born in Richland county, Ohio, June 9, 1826, and came to LaPorte county in July, 1845. On November 17, 1853, he was united in marriage to Miss Martha J. Chamberlin, who was bom in Spartanburg, Randolph county,

Indiana, May 31, 1836. At the time Mr. Moyer came here much of LaPorte county was unculti¬ vated and so from 1846 to 1857 he had charge of a breaking team. The couple have twice resided in LaPorte, but now live at Union Center, where their only son, Edward P. Moyer, is associated with Samuel A. Lambert, formerly of this city, in conducting a general merchandise store."

SEBASTIAN FABIAN LAY, who passed away on the 28th of July, 1901, was bom in Boetzingen, kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, Jan¬ uary 20, 1829, and when seventeen years of age came to the United States, landing in New York penniless and with no knowledge of the English language. While in that city, by a somewhat re¬ markable coincidence, he met an aunt from San¬ dusky, Ohio, who advised him to go there, which he did, and after his arrival in that city he se¬ cured employment in a bottling concern. He was thus engaged until 1849, the year °f the great gold excitement in California, when he joined the tide of emigration to the Golden state, going thither by the Panama route. After his arrival there he worked but a short time in the diggings and then embarked in a small way in the mercan¬ tile business, selling the little necessities of life to the miners. This means of livelihood proved much more to his taste than mining, as he had a preference for trade and was of such a disposition that he would rather make a little money slowly but surely rather than engage in the speculating of gold prospecting. Being an industrious young man, his business grew and prospered, and he ac¬ cumulated some money during his stay in the Golden state, which covered a period of three years.

During his residence there he became ac¬ quainted with Judge William P. Andrew, of La¬ Porte, Indiana, who was at that time, as he now is, a devoted adherent of the New Jerusalem church, and through his earnest exposition of its doctrine Mr. Lay became greatly impressed with its principles. Like so many Germans, he had an idealistic temperament, and the philosophy and spiritual possibilities of the New Church system of theology appealed strongly to his nature. In fact he became so thoroughly impressed that he determined to return to LaPorte with Judge An¬ drew and learn more of the religion, and in 1851 he arrived in this city. After listening to a ser¬ mon preached by Rev. Mr. Weller, the pastor of that denomination at that time, Mr. Lay decided to remain in LaPorte, and he accordingly secured employment in a hotel on Main and Clay streets.

the present site of Lay's Opera House, and later established a bottling works on a small scale in the basement of what is now Davidson & Porter's store. This business prospered to such an extent that he soon had two wagons employed in driving through the country delivering bottled goods. As the years passed by Mr. Lay accumulated suf¬ ficient capital to purchase a farm two and a half miles west of the city, now occupied by a Mr. Peters, and about this time he was united in mar¬ riage to Miss Laura P. Huston, of Elkhart, In¬ diana. They began housekeeping on this farm, where they remained until i860, in which year Mrs. Lay died, and he then decided to return to the city. While residing on the farm he made a specialty of raising maple trees, and many of the most beautiful trees seen along the streets of LaPorte to-day were brought from his farm.

After his return to city life Mr. Lay secured work with William Irving, who was engaged in the restaurant business on Main street, but while, thus engaged the Civil war was inaugurated, and putting aside all personal considerations, he offer¬ ed his services to the Union cause, enlisting in Company B, Seventy-third Indiana Volunteers, in April, 1861, under Colonel Hathaway, of La¬ Porte, who was killed at the battle of Stone River. In that engagement Mr. Lay was taken prisoner, and for several weeks endured the hor¬ rors of Libby prison. His military services cov¬ ered a period of three years, during most of which time he served as assistant quartermaster, and in all the engagements in which his command took part he was always found at his post of duty, loyally upholding the starry banner and tne cause it represented.

Returning to LaPorte after hostilities had ceased, he continued business relations with Mr. Irving until 1866, when he purchased his em¬ ployer's interests, and so successful was he in this undertaking that in 1871 he was able to erect a fifteen thousand dollar building on Main street, while two years later, in 1873, he erected another brick structure, and in 1876, after the burning of Huntsman's Opera House, he erected what is nowr known as Lay's Opera House, on the comer of Main street and Clay avenue, a two-story brick structure with the opera house on the second floor. Mr. Lay continued in the restaurant busi¬ ness with success, until 1882, when, having be¬ come so thoroughly interested in the literature of the Swedenborgian or New Church, he decided to discontinue business relations and devote his entire time to its study. But he soon found, however, that he could not be thoroughly con¬ tented without some active employment, and ac¬ cordingly returned to the restaurant business,, which he continued until August of 1896, when he retired from active life to enjoy the competence which he so truly earned and richly deserved^ With all the activity, earnestness and seriousness, of his nature, he was, notwithstanding, a genial spirit, and had a reputation over the county as a practical joker.

In 1867 Mr. Lay was again married, his sec¬ ond union being with Bertha Harvey, who still survives him, and with her youngest son, Arthur C. Lay, she resides in a commodious brick resi¬ dence at 808 Michigan avenue. She was born in the state of New York, in 1835, subsequently accompanying her parents on their removal to Marshall county, Indiana, and after their death she was adopted by Chamberlain Andrew, of the noted Andrew family.

Arthur C. Lay, was bom in LaPorte, in 1869, and to the excellent public school system of this city he is indebted for the educational advantages he received in his youth. After putting aside his text books he became interested in his father's business, in which he continued until 1895, when he went to Chicago and entered a school of art. In 1898 he joined his brother, Harry M. Lay, in a manufacturing business in that city, in which he is still interested, but he still maintains his home in LaPorte.

HARRY M. LAY, who is president and owner of the Miller Ladder Company in Chicago, and the son of Sebastian F. and Laura (Huston) Lay, whose biographies are given above, was bom in 1859, on his father's farm, now occupied by Mr. Peters, two and one half miles west of La¬ Porte, Indiana. He received his education in the LaPorte public schools, and was with his father in the restaurant business until he was twentythree years old, when the restaurant was sold.

Mr. Lay then decided to venture on a new tack, and, learning shorthand, came to Chicago in 1882 and secured employment in a railroad office as a stenographer, at which employment he continued for two years. In 1884 he became a retail salesman of pianos for the firm of Estey & Camp, Chicago, with whom he remained till the spring of 1885, when he returned to LaPorte to assist his father, who had once more embarked in restaurant business in that citv. Three years were spent at that work, and he came back to Chicago and was again employed by his old firm Estey & Camp, with whom he remained as sales¬ man until 1893. Following that he was with the

Pease Piano Company in the same capacity until 1896, was with George P. Bent, in the same line, until i8gS? and then started the business on which he is at present so successfully engaged. He bought out a ladder factory, and his establishment is now manufacturing ladders and also a general line of kindred articles and does various kinds of wood work. Although he is himself the owner of the concern he has had it incorporated as the Miller Ladder Company, of which he is the presi¬ dent. The extensive plant occupies all the large three-story brick building at 68-72 Ogden place, and it has a large and modern equipment in every thing necesary for turning out first-class work. The business is growing, and Mr. Lay has proved himself an energetic, enterprising manufacturer, with a large future before him in that line.

Mr. Lay was married in the fall of 1888 to Miss Della A. Lehr, who was a school teacher of LaPorte and is a native of New York state. They have three children, Landon, Catharine and Jeanette. Mr. Lay still feels at home in La¬ Porte, and he is remembered in an especially pleasant way for the part he took in the cam¬ paign of 1880, when Major Calkins ran for Con¬ gress. He was a member of the Republican male quartette, of which the other members were Henry Petrie, Hiram Harrison and Arthur Paul, and their singing created much enthusiasm and was no doubt an important factor in the election results.

WILLIAM H. BECHER, a real estate, ab¬ stract and insurance agent of LaPorte, who is classed among the energetic, enterprising young business men of the city, was born here in 1867, a son of Conrad and Minnie (Peach) Becher. His father was born in Bavaria, Germany, and, thinking to enjoy better opportunities in the new world, he sailed for the United States in 1863 and took up his abode in LaPorte, where he con¬ tinued to make his home until his death, which occurred in 1896. He was engaged in various business enterprises until 1872, when he founded the real estate and insurance business now carried on by his son William. In this he succeeded and gained a comfortable competence. Of the Odd Fellows society he was a prominent, active and valued member, and was also a progressive and public-spirited citizen of LaPorte, whose efforts in its behalf were effective and beneficial. His wife, who was also born in the fatherland, died in LaPorte in 1887.

tional privileges he enjoyed, and later he attended the Holmes Business College. About 1889 he went to Chicago, and for seven years was actively engaged in different lines of business there as bookkeeper, office man and in other relations. He was employed by well known firms, including Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett Company, the Western Rubber & Belting Company and the Empire Rubber Company, and for a time he owned and conducted a steam laundry. Upon his father's death he returned to LaPorte and took charge of the business in which he has since been actively and successfully engaged. He handles much real estate and has negotiated many important realty transfers. He is a general insurance and loan agent and does a large abstract business as well. He is the president of the local board of fire under¬ writers. A pushing, enterprising young business man, he is wide-awake and enterprising, and is a representative of the progressive element in LaPorte's citizenship.

Mr. Becher was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Martinsen, of this city, and they have one son, Walter W. Both are well known young people of LaPorte and have a wide circle of friends here.

BISHOP JOHN HAZEN WHITE, D. D. The founder of the White family in America was William White, who was born in 1610, and in 1635 landed at Ipswich, Massachusetts, tradi¬ tion says from county Norfolk, England, but this has not been ascertained with certainty. In 1640 he removed to Haverhill, Massachusetts, of which he was one of the first settlers, and was one of the grantees of the Indian deed of Haverhill, dated November 15, 1642, which instrument was both written and witnessed by him. From him the line of descent is traced to Major Moses White, the great-grandfather of the Bishop, who served as a major during the war of the Revolu¬ tion. The latter's son, John Hazen White, was a native of New Hampshire, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits near Lancaster. His wife, Roxanna Robinson, was born on the 19th of November, 1792. His death occurred from apoplexy when he had reached the age of sixtyfour years, and his wife survived him a number of years. A family of five sons and four daugh¬ ters was born to this worthy couple. The ma¬ ternal grandparents of Bishop White were James and Candace (Billings) Williams, who became the parents of three children - James, Auburn and Mary.

was a native of New Hampshire, and in 1842 became a graduate of Dartmouth College. His special work thereafter was the preparing of young men for college, during which time he maintained his residence in Cincinnati. He re¬ moved to that city immediately after his marriage in 1846, and there he continued to make his home until his life's labors were ended in death, when he had passed the sixtieth milestone on the journey of life. At the breaking out of the Civil war he enlisted in the Twenty-second Ohio In¬ fantry, which was merged into the Thirteenth Missouri at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, and Colonel Crafts J. Wright became the colonel of the regiment. Mr. Moses White served through¬ out the entire period of hostilities, his services beginning at the siege of Fort Henry, and his first battle was at Fort Donelson, after which he participated in the engagements of Shiloh, Iuka, Corinth and Vicksburg. He entered the ranks as first lieutenant, but ere his services had ended this brave and fearless soldier had been promoted to the rank of major. During nearly all of his sendee he was on the staff of General Reynolds. His brother John was killed at the siege of Vicksburg. After the close of the struggle Moses White returned to Cincinnati and was made librarian of the Young Men's Mercantile Library, which position he held from 1865 until his death, in 1877. In 1846 he was united in marriage to Mary Miller Williams, a native of Vermont, and they became the parents of five children, two sons and three daughters. The mother survived her husband until October, 1891, when she, ;too, was laid to rest, being seventy-two years of age at the time of her death. She was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Moses White was a member of the Unitarian church, having served for twenty-eight years as superin¬ tendent of its Sunday-school in Cincinnati. In his political affiliations he was a Republican.

John Hazen White, the only survivor of his parents' five children, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the 10th of March, 1849, and in that city he was also reared and educated, graduating from Woodward high school in 1866. After three years spent in mercantile life, in the employ of David Banning & Company, wholesale com¬ mission merchants, he then decided to study for the ministry, and entered Kenyon College, at Gambier, Ohio, in which institution he was grad¬ uated with the class of 1872. During the three subsequent years he pursued a theological course at Berkeley Divinity School at Middletown, Connecticut, under the preceptorship of Bishop

John Williams. His first official position was as curate in St. Andrew's parish at Meriden, where he remained for two years, from 1875 unt^ l&77> being assistant to Dr. Giles Deshon. He then be¬ came the vice-rector and instructor in Latin in St. Margaret's School, Waterbury, Connecticut, serving as such for eighteen months. At the ex¬ piration of that period Bishop Williams pursuaded Mr. White to take the rectorship of Grace church at old Saybrook, Connecticut, where he remained from November, 1879, until January 1, 1881, when he became rector of Christ church at Joliet, Illinois.

From a weak and struggling parish at that point Bishop White soon gathered together a large congregation, erected a fine church building and increased the membership from fifty-two to nearly five hundred, all this taking place within a period of ten years. From Joliet Mr. White went to Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he became rector of the Church of St. John the Evangelist, and there he built from a small congregation one of the largest parishes in the diocese, and this was accomplished in the almost incredibly short space of two years. He was then elected warden of Seabury Divinity School at Faribault, Minnesota, serving in that position from September, 1891, until 1895.