LaPorte County, Indiana - Chapter 36: Religion, 1904 (part 8 of 23)

In 1888 Mr. Hutchinson came to La Porte, In¬ diana, to accept a position as instructor in Par¬ son's Horological Institute, but after two months withdrew from that institution and established a watchmaking school of his own. Its beginning was humble, having but one student, but since that time he has had as high as sixty-five students at one time. In the early history of the school, increasing patronage seemed to justify the organ¬ ization of a stock company, and in August, 1892, this was done. In May, 1894, the school was moved to its present fine quarters and in October, 1896, the stock company was dis¬ banded and a private corporation formed, containing a few of the old stockholders.. The institution at that time was known as the LaPorte Watch School. Since Octo- ber i, 1899, Mr. Hutchinson has been conduct¬ ing the school alone, having purchased the stock of the others, so that he is now the sole proprietor. The institution is known as the Hutchinson School for Watchmakers, Engravers and Opti¬ cians, and since its establishment it has sent out into the business world many men well trained for watchmaking and repairing. The school fur¬ nishes a course of instruction that is broad and thorough and such as could not be obtained in a shop in long years of work. Success is attend¬ ing the school, and Mr. Hutchinson deserves credit in being one of the pioneers in founding a school of such value. His example has since been followed by others, and now there are a number of such schools in the country, giving scientific as well as practical instructions in the work.

While in Northampton, Massachusetts, Mr. Hutchinson was married, in 1875, to Grace A. Phillips, and they have four children: Annabelle, Harry A., John Edwin and Mary Phillips. Mr. Hutchinson is a prominent member and a steward of the First Methodist church of LaPorte, and belongs to the Tribe of Ben Hur and the Royal Arcanum, thus maintaining fraternal rela¬ tions which are for mutual helpfulness and bene¬ fit. He is a thoroughly earnest, conscientious and capable man, always actuated by honorable prin¬ ciples, and wherever he has gone he has left with his friends the memory of pleasant companion¬ ship.

CHARLES E. HERROLD, one of the lead¬ ing men engaged in the mercantile business in Westville, LaPorte county, was bom in New Durham township, LaPorte county, December 24, 1863, the son o£ Henry and Lucy (Herrold) Herrold, whose full life history is given on other pages of this volume. Mr. Herrold was reared to the life of a farmer, and followed that pursuit in the main till he was twenty-seven years old. He was educated in the common schools and also took a business course in the Valparaiso business college. March 18, 1891, he began busi¬ ness with his father under the style of Herrold & Son, conducting a meat market and shipping live-stock to Chicago. He was in this business until 1895, when, with a small stock of general merchandise and a small amount of capital, he opened up on his own account. He has steadily prospered in this undertaking, and at the present his large and complete stock of fancy and staple groceries, dry-goods, boots and shoes, and a full line of fine furniture, attract trade of about twenty-seven thousand dollars annually. This success has been largely won by his fair and honorable dealing, which has gained the confi¬ dence of the people of Westville and vicinity, and he is accounted one of the most reliable and able business men in the western part of LaPorte county.

December 17, 1884, Mr. Herrold was united in marriage to Miss Emily E. Reynolds, and they have had seven children, six of whom are living, as follows: Winnifred B. is a graduate of the Westville high school with the class of 1903, and has also taken instrumental music; Alta P., in the eighth grade, is also taking music, from Pro¬ fessor Wolfe; Ross K. is in the sixth grade; Audrey R. is in the fourth grade ; and Lucy and Raymond complete the family circle.

Mrs. Herrold was born in Westville, Indiana, May 23, 1865, the youngest of three children, of whom her brother Emerson and she survive. Emerson Reynolds is a resident of Westville, was an operator on the Monon road, and is now a pharmacist. He married Miss Alta B. Webster, of Westville, and they had two children: Wes¬ ley A., deceased, and Mildred, now in school. The father of Mrs. Herrold was bom in Wayne coun¬ ty, Indiana, June 16, 1828, and died August 22, 1901. He was a machinist of more than ordinary ability and skill. He made over a hundred watches during his lifetime, and also made the first trac¬ tion engine in LaPorte county. He is classed as one of the pioneers of this county, and he was here when the Indians were still as numerous as the whites. In politics he was a Whig and later a Republican, and in religion he belonged to the Society of Friends, as did also his wife in her earlier years, although she afterward be¬ came a Baptist. Mrs. Herrold's mother, whose maiden name was Lucinda Williams, was bom in Wayne county, Indiana, December 9, 1832, and died March 27, 1888. Mrs. Herrold was edu¬ cated at Westville and graduated from the high school in 1882. She is a most genial and pleasant lady, whose forte is her home, and she has assisted her husband very much by her ready counsel and encouragement.

Mr. Herrold cast his first presidential vote for Cleveland in 1884, and has since supported that party, having been a delegate to the county conventions. He takes an interest in affairs af¬ fecting the general welfare, and is a member of the school board of Westville. He holds the office of master of exchequer in Lodge No. 309, Knights of Pythias, and is keeper of finance in Tent No. 31, K. O. T. M. Mrs. Herrold is ex¬ cellent senior in the Rathbone Sisters, No. 273, and was keeper of finance in her lodge of the Lady Maccabees. They are both members of the Methodist church, and are highly esteemed in social circles of the town.

HIRAM B. HERROLD is the efficient and capable trustee of New Durham township and belongs to that class of men who devote their energies and better judgment to the interests of their county and state as well as to the promotion of their individual business enterprises. He is a representative of one of the old families of Pennsylvania, and his birth occurred in Ohio, he being a native of Vinton county, born near Athens on the 3d of August, 1851.

His parents were Jacob and Sarah (Minton) Herrold. His father was bom in Pennsylvania in 1804, and died on the 9th of February, 1877. He was of German lineage and possessed many of the sterling traits of character of his ancestors who came from the fatherland. When but a boy he removed to Ohio, and there he resided until 1854, when he started westward, his destination being LaPorte county, Indiana. He purchased a tract of land in New Durham township, cover¬ ing about one hundred and eighty acres. All this was prairie land but a small portion, which was covered with timber. His first residence was of frame, and the barn which he built upon his arrival in the coOnty is still standing. Ere com¬ ing to Indiana, however, Mr. Jacob Herrold had gone to the far west, for, following the discovery of gold in California, he made his way to that state by the isthmus route and along the Mexican coast. The vessel on which he sailed was ship¬ wrecked, and for eight days he had nothing to eat but beans, which were cooked in sea water. He was only one of five survivors who came to shore. Finally, however, he reached California and remained for a year in the Golden state. He was quite successful in his mining operations, but he had ten thousand dollars stolen from him at one time. When he returned from California he left property which he had accumulated there. Cholera broke out in the ship on which he was making the return passage, and as many as nine died in a single day, but fate was kind to him and he did not contract the disease, but returned to his home and from 1854 until his death was a respected and valued resident of LaPorte countny.

In politics he was a stanch Democrat, and advocated the principles set forth by Andrew Jackson. At the time of the Civil war, however, he was an earnest defender of the Union cause. Both he and his wife were consistent members of the Methodist church, and he was found re¬ liable and trustworthy in all his business rela¬ tions, for he detested dishonesty and was never known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellow men in any trade transaction. He reared his children in habits of frugality, industry and honesty, and while he depended upon his own labors for all that he possessed and enjoyed in life he yet gave freely to the poor and needy, turning none from his door empty-handed.

His wife, who was a native of Ohio, was born in 1813 and died in 1895. She was a most in¬ dustrious woman, and proved to her husband an able assistant and helpmate. The family to which she belonged was of Scotch lineage, and in her life she exemplified many of the sterling traits of her Scotch ancestry. Deeply religious by nature, she lived in harmony with her professions as a member of the Methodist church, and put forth every effort in her power to impress lessons of Christianity upon her children. She had three brothers who were all ministers, and her parents had been deeply religious people.

By her marriage she became the mother of twelve children, of whom Hiram B. was the tenth. There were nine sons and three daughters, and of this number eight are now living, namely : John, who is a prosperous farmer, married and living in New Durham township ; Henry, who is married and is a stockdealer and agriculturist of the same township; Joseph, who is married and follows agricultural pursuits in McCracken county, Kentucky; Elizabeth, the widow of John R. Brooks and a resident of New Durham town¬ ship ; Jacob, who is married and conducts a meat market in the village of Westville; Hiram B. ; Franklin P., who is married and is a prosperous merchant of South Bend, Indiana, but was formerly a farmer of New Durham township ; and Thomas M., who resides in Cool Spring town¬ ship, LaPorte county. Thomas M. Herrold pur¬ sued his studies in the Valparaiso normal school, completed his education in Chicago and is now a leading and influential agriculturist of his com¬ munity. He is a stanch supporter of the Demo¬ cratic party, and has represented his county in the state legislature.

Hiram B. Herrold was but three years of age when brought by his parents to LaPorte county, and therefore almost his entire life has been spent in this locality. He pursued his education in the common schools, and through his close application to his books, and thorough reading and experience he has gained broad practical and valuable knowledge. He is a strong advocate of universal education, and has always put forth every effort in his power to advance the cause of the schools. His training at farm work was received on the old homestead, and he continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits until thirty-five years of age. On the 4th of February, 1887, he entered into partnership with his brother, F. P. Herrold, in the hardware business in Westville, Indiana, and soon they secured a large and profitable trade. Their friends pre¬ dicted that they would meet with failure in this venture, but they were determined and resolute and readily adapted themselves to the conditions existing in commercial circles. The business in¬ stead of proving a failure became a very profitable venture. Mr. Herrold sold out his interest in 1893 to his brother, and the business was con¬ tinued until the 1st of March, 1902.

- Mr. Herrold started out in life for himself with no capital when twenty-one years of age, and during the first year which he operated his father's farm he made six hundred dollars as his share. Of this he invested four hundred and fifty dollars in ten acres of land, and within three months he sold that property for six hundred dollars. He next purchased fifty acres of land in New Durham township,' and after disposing of it at a later date he bought one hundred acres. He has dealt very extensively in real estate, and has usually realized a very desirable financial re¬ turn upon his investments. At the present time he owns two hundred acres of rich and arable land in LaPorte county, but resides in the village of Westville. He has engaged quite extensively in raising stock and has found that a profitable source of income.

Mr. Herrold has always been a supporter of the Democratic party, believing in its principles and has frequently been a delegate to the state and county conventions. He is popular as a citi¬ zen and has the unqualified trust of his fellow men. In March, 1899, he was appointed by the county commissioners as trustee of New Durham township, and took charge of the affairs of that office when its finances were in a terrible condi¬ tion, but through his business ability the township has been placed on a strong financial basis. He has since been elected to the office of trustee by the largest majority ever given a candidate for that position in the township. In this office he has supervision over nine schools which are now in a flourishing condition, while an excellent corps of teachers is employed. He also has super¬ vision of the poor of the township and of the highways, and in all of his official service he is

On the 23d of December, 1875, Mr. Herrold was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Geist, who was bom in Clinton township, LaPorte coun¬ ty, January 23, 1855, and is a daughter of Ezra and Louisa (Bradley) Geist, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New York. Her father is still living. Mrs. Herrold was educated in the public schools of Westville, and like her husband is a consistent member of the Methodist church.

Mr. Herrold is now the secretary of New Durham Cemetery Association, and although when he assumed this office the organization was in debt it now has money in the treasury. Many excellent improvements have also been" made in the cemetery and this city of the dead is a beauti¬ ful one. Fraternally Mr. Herrold is a member of Daniel West Lodge No. 136, I. O. O. F., and of Encampment No. 147. He is also a past noble grand and past chief patriarch of the order, and has been a delegate to the grand lodge at Indianapolis. He likewise belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity at Westville, of which he was a charter member, and he holds a notable place in the regard of his fellow citizens because his life has been upright and honorable and be¬ cause his labors have been efficient in promoting public welfare as well as individual success.

HARRY E. MORRISON, M. D., one of In¬ diana's native sons, was born in Lake county on the 22d of August, 1876. His parents were Charles B. and Mary A. (Billings) Morrison, also natives of Indiana. His paternal grandfather was Ezekiel Morrison, who was bom in Vermont and became an early settler in LaPorte county, emigrating westward when this section of the state was largely an undeveloped region. He was a farmer and also was actively connected with financial interests in the county and became one of the prominent and leading citizens of LaPorte. He was twice married and had a large family, and it was not until he had passed the eightieth mile¬ stone of life's journey that he was called to his final rest. His career was, therefore, a long, use¬ ful and honorable one, and his labors were of benefit to his community in which he established bis home. The maternal grandfather of Dr. Mor¬ rison was Enoch Billings, who lived and died in Porter county, Indiana, having settled there at a very early period. He, too, was a farmer by oc¬ cupation, and died at an advanced age.

county at an early day, and afterward removed to LaPorte county, being a resident of the city of LaPorte at the time of his death, which occurred in 1885, when he was about thirty-five years of age. His widow still survives him and now re¬ sides in LaPorte, having married again, her second husband being William L. Andrew, of LaPorte. She is of the Presbyterian faith, while Mr. Mor¬ rison was a member of the Episcopalian church. To them were bom two children : Harry E., and Thomas E., who is assistant superintendent of the Singer Company at South Bend.

Dr. Harry E. Morrison was a lad of eight summers when he accompanied his parents on their removal to LaPorte and there he was reared to manhood, no event of special importance oc¬ curring to vary the routine of life for him in his youth. He attended the public schools, and later was a student in Hartford, Connecticut, and in Lima, Indiana. He entered the Vanderbilt Medi¬ cal College, at Nashville, Tennessee, from which he was graduated with the class of 1900. He began practice in that year in LaPorte, and in September, 1902, came to Michigan City.

On the 25th of April, 1900, Dr. Morrison was united in marriage to Miss Libbie H. Miller, of LaPorte, a daughter of William C. and Martha (Gruver) Miller. Dr. and Mrs. Morrison are members of the Presbyterian church. Dr. Morri¬ son belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and his political allegiance is given to the Republican party.

JACOB EICHSTAEDT, a prominent old settler and farmer, residing on a well improved and valuable farm in section 27, Cass township, has been a resident of America and LaPorte county for nearly fifty years, and during that long period has nobly performed his duties as a citi¬ zen, having the honored name of a veteran of the Civil war.

Mr. Eichstaedt was bom in Germany, July 12, 1829, and lived in the fatherland for the first twenty-seven years of his life. * He attended school until he was fourteen years old, and then learned the wagonmaker's trade, at which he worked until he came to America. He left his old home and came directly to LaPorte county, Indiana, in 1856, locating in Cass township. He was by no means a capitalist when he arrived in this country, and all that he has is the result of hard and intelligent work. He began on a small basis, and kept increasing his amount of worldly property until he is now the possessor of a splen¬ did farm of two hundred acres, one of the best in the township, and its improvements and gen¬ eral appearance show how well its owner has learned his business. Strict attention to the work in hand and carefulness about details have been principal factors in making Mr. Eichstaedt one of the leading farmers of Cass township.

Mr. Eichstaedt had not been in this country ten years when he performed the highest service that can be asked of any citizen - the risking of life on the battlefield as a means of preserving the integrity of a nation. He enlisted in Com¬ pany H, Seventeenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in 1864, and served till the end of the war, Being present on some hard-fought battlefields. He lost his eye while in the service, and now draws a pension of twenty dollars a month.

Mr. Eichstaedt was married in 1861 to Miss Caroline Wagner, who died April 14, 1899, hav¬ ing been the mother of ten sons, seven of whom are living: Herman, Julius, Henry, Amel, Al¬ bert, Otto and Edward. Mr. Eichstaedt affiliates with the Democratic party, and in religion is a Catholic, but does not attend any church.

HON. URIAH CULBERT. Prominent among the energetic, far-seeing and successful business men of northern Indiana is the subject of this sketch. His life history most happily illustrates what may be attained by faithful and continued effort in carrying out an honest pur¬ pose. Integrity, activity and energy have been the crowning points of his success, and his con¬ nection with industrial interests has been a de¬ cided advantage to this section of Indiana, pro¬ moting its material welfare in no uncertain man¬ ner. He has has also gained distinction in con¬ nection with the legislative history of the state, and for six years was an active member of the general assembly, serving for two years in the lower branch and four years in the senate, with honor and dignity to the district which honored him with election to those high offices.

Mr. Culbert is a native of the Empire state, his birth having occurred in Nunda Valley, Alle¬ gany county, New York, on the 5th of January, 1834. His parents were Thomas and Martha (Baker) Culbert, also natives of New York. The paternal grandparents were Thomas and Mar¬ garet Culbert, and the former, a native of Ireland, established the family on this side of the Atlantic, settling in the state of New York, where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring when he had passed the sixtieth milestone on life's jour¬ ney. The maternal grandfather also spent his entire life in his native state of New York.

Thomas Culbert, the father of Uriah Culbert, was a farmer and also engaged in the manufac¬ ture of woolen goods while in New York. At a very early period in the development of the west he came to Michigan and settled in Shiawasse county, where he carried on general farming till his death, in 1873. He was then sixty-six years of age. His wife survived him for about a de¬ cade, and died in 1883, at the age of seventy-six years. Both were devout members of the Meth¬ odist church, and Mr. Thomas Culbert served as one of its officials. His political allegiance was given to the Democracy, and upon its ticket he was elected to a number of positions of trust and responsibility. In the family of this worthy couple were nine children, eight sons and a daughter, but only two are now living, Uriah and Mary, the latter the wife of Isaac Joslin, of Mar¬ quette, Michigan.

In the state of his nativity Uriah Culbert spent the first ten years of his life, and began his education in its public schools. He then accom¬ panied his parents on their removal to Michigan, and was reared upon the home farm near Byron, attending the district schools and assisting his father in the cultivation of the fields when not engaged with his text books. He entered upon an active business career when about eighteen or nineteen years of age, by working in a sawmill in Saginaw, Michigan, where he was employed for a number of years. During almost his entire (career he has been connected with the lumber industry or some of its kindred branches of labor. He was employed in the manufacture of lumber in Muskegon, Michigan, and in 1859 went to California by way of the overland route, working in the mines of the Golden state for four years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Muskegon, where he was engaged in lumbering, steamboating and in operating a stage line, utiliz¬ ing about fifty horses in that way for seven years. There was no better known man on the lakes than Captain Culbert. He later began contract¬ ing and building, and has since followed this line of business. He held the offices of alderman and city treasurer while a resident of Muskegon, and was always foremost in the advance of the city.

About 1875 Mr. Culbert came to Indiana, locating at Michigan City, where he has since made his home, taking and executing government and general contracts. He has been largely en¬ gaged in the marine contracting business, and in government arid private improvements of the harbor. He built the breakwater and cribs in the outer harbor and the docks and piers on the inner harbor, and it is very largely through his efforts that Michigan City enjoys the lake shipping fac¬ ilities that she does to-day. He has always been a strong advocate of the lake shipping and water¬ way improvements, and has taken a personal in¬ terest in the harbor of the city of his adoption. Mr. Culbert built the world-famous "lagoon" at the Columbian Exposition, the naval pier, the foundation of the Ferris Wheel, and the cele¬ brated electric fountain which delighted the eyes and senses of countless thousands. The firm of Culbert & Son, of which he is the head, is widely known in the line of government and marine contracting. Mr. Culbert is also vice president of the First National Bank of Michigan City, and is connected with the Alaska Refrigeator Company, Muskegon, Michigan.

On the 2 1 st of February, 1865, Mr. Culbert was united in marriage to Miss Mary Augusta Noble, a daughter of William and Bessie (Sher¬ man) Noble. Her paternal garndfather, Will¬ iam Noble, was of English lineage, but at the time of the Revolutionary war he espoused the cause of the colonies, joining the patriot army. He was,the first man behind Ethan Allen at the taking of the fort of Ticonderoga when the latter exclaimed "in name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress, I will take this fort." William Noble wedded Cynthia Blackwell, and among tffeir children was William Noble, Jr., the father of Mrs. Culbert. He was bom in Vermont, and for many years lived at Sodus, Wayne county, New York. He married Bessie Sherman, who was born in Massachusetts, a daughter of Nathaniel Sherman, who was also a Revolutionary soldier and died in 1810. To William and Bessie Noble were bom fourteen children, of whom six sons and six daughters reached mature years, while six are now living: Althina, the wife of Philip Polhamus; William: Julia, the wife of Benjamin Polhamus; Mary A., the wife of Mr. Culbert ; Alice, the wife of Hon. J. W. Moon, of Muskegon, Michigan : and Frank, also of Muskegon. Their father died in Sodus, New York, in 1838, aged sixty-six years, and the mother's death occurred in 1863, when she was fifty-nine years old. Both were members of the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Noble had served his country as a soldier in the war of 1812.

Four children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Culbert : Florence Belle, the eldest, died at the age of twenty years ; George Estabrook, who is the partner of his father in the contracting 'firm of Culbert & Son, married Miss Grace Wilcox, and they have one daughter, Belle; Fannie Noble

Culbert is a graduate of Wilson College and was engaged in teaching school in Michigan City for some time; Kitty Alice is the wife of A. R. Carney, a resident of Exeter, California, and they have one son, Alexander Raymond.

Mr. Culbert belongs to Acme Lodge No. 83, F. & A. 51., Michigan City Chapter No. 25, R. A. M.; Michigan City Commandry No. 30, K. T. ; Indianapolis Consistory; and is a Noble of .Murat Temple of the Mystic Shrine. He is also an Elk, and is vice president of the Hermit Club. Politi¬ cally an earnest Republican, he has long labored for the welfare of his party, and is accounted one of its leading members in northern Indiana. He was chosen to represent his district in the lower house of the state legislature and was then elected state senator for a four years' term, prov¬ ing an influential member of both branches, his support being given to many measures which have proved of value to the state. About 1883 he built his beautiful home at the corner of Pine and Eighth streets, and he also owns other city property. He is a man of broad general informa¬ tion and of liberal, progressive views. He has made a fine reputation as a business man and as a public official, and in all places and under all circumstances he is loyal to truth, honor and right,' valuing his own self-respect as infinitely prefer¬ able to wealth or position, and yet, because of this very fact, he has won both.

ORA BOSSERMAN. The German lineage is shown so conclusively and energetically in many of the worthy industries and active citizens of the United States, that it is a pleasure for the biographer to bring forth in history a record of their life and ancestry for the future.

Mr. Bosserman is one of the worthy scions of La Porte county, who is of German ancestry, born, reared, and educated in LaPorte county, so he is bone and sinew of this individual terri¬ tory. The robe of responsibility lightly rests upon the shoulders of the younger element of to-day, and it is seen by the date of his birth, that he comes in the class of young, energetic men. He was born October, 18, i860, in Pleasant township, and is the youngest of ten children, five sons and five daughters, born to George and Minerva (Walker) Bosserman. There are eight yet living, namely ; Carrie, the eldest, is the wife of Bishop J. W. Joice, the celebrated bishop of the Methodist Episcopal church, now of South America, but resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota ; Oliver E. is a resident of LaPorte, a merchant, and is married ; S. E., represented elsewhere in this book; Clorinda, widow of A. L. Collins, a resident of Pleasant township; William H., re¬ siding in LaPorte and engaged with his brother in the grain business and is married; Hatti^, widow of William H. Taylor and also a resident of LaPorte, Indiana; Nettie, wile of John W. Whitmore, resident of St. Joe county and a farmer ; and Mr. Bosserman is the next.

Mr. Bosserman's father was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, and came from Pennsyl¬ vania German stock. He was born in 1816, and died October 18, 1888. He was an agriculturist by choice, and was educated in the common schools. He came to LaPorte county in 1832, the year of the Black Hawk war, and came to this county in true pioneer style, in wagons. He was in Chicago when it was called old Fort Dearborn and rode through the city on horseback, and at that time he was offered one hundred and sixty acres of land there at fifty cents an acre. Mr. George Bosserman purchased at first one hun¬ dred and sixty acres in Pleasant township, and the land was not improved. He was a very success¬ ful man, and ere he died he had in his name four hundred acres of land. He had been a success¬ ful and economical man all his life. Politically he was an old-line Whig, and afterwards affiliated with the Republican party till his death. He and his wife were members of the Salem Chapel Methodist Episcopal church in Pleasant township, and he was one of the founders of the society. Mrs. Minerva Bosserman was born in Tennessee, and died February 21, 1886, aged sixty-eight. She was a little girl of twelve when she became a resident of LaPorte county. She traced her lineage to the Irish.

Mr. Ora Bosserman was born and reared in LaPorte county, and was educated in the common schools of Pleasant township. He has been reared as a stockman and tiller of the soil. He wedded Miss Della Jones, December 6, 1880, and to them two children, both daughters, have been born, but only one is living, namely : Mary, who is now in the Stillwell high school and is a mem¬ ber of the tenth grade. She has also taken mu¬ sical instruction. Mrs. Bosserman was born in Pleasant township, June 16, 1864, and is a daughter of Enoch and Mary (Wolcott) Jones. There were five children, three sons and two daughters, in her father's family, and four are living and are residents of this county except the brother Monroe, who is a resident of California. Mrs. Bosserman was educated in the common schools of the township and came from one of its prominent families. The young couple began

Mr. Bosserman is a stanch and uncompromis¬ ing Democrat and sticks to the text. He cast his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland. He has been selected at various times to serve his people as delegate to the county conventions. He was elected in 1886 to the office of trustee, which we all know is one of the most responsible in the county. The duties are multitudinous and many. He was re-elected in 1888 to fill the same office and again in 1900. He has six schools in his jurisdiction besides the other affairs of the township. Mr. Bosserman is a young man of much energy, and for integrity of character and honesty of purpose none stand higher in the esti¬ mation of the public. He is well known in the political arena of the county of LaPorte and has the confidence of the people regardless of politi¬ cal sentiment, and is worthy of the gift of any office he may see fit to ask of the county in his sphere.

Mr. and Mrs. Bosserman are people of high social prestige in the county, and we are pleased to present this review of this worthy couple to be presented and preserved in the beautiful and valuable volume entitled "The Twentieth Century History of LaPorte County.,,

CHARLES EDSON MARTIN, proprietor and editor of the Westville Indicator, and a well known native son of LaPorte county, is the youngest of two children of Sloan and Mary J. (McGinley) Martin. Sloan Martin was born in Indiana in 1833, and during the Civil war en¬ listed at South Bend, Indiana, in 1862, in Com¬ pany H, Eighty-seventh Indiana Volunteer In¬ fantry, and was made first lieutenant. He parti¬ cipated in the battle of Stone River, and at the battle of Chickamauga, September 19, 1863, while acting as captain of his company, was killed by a ball through the head. He had been a firm supporter of the Republican party, and he and his wife were members of the Methodist church. His wife was born in Ohio in 1835, and died in 1887; before her marriage she had been a teacher in Kosciusko county, Indiana.

Charles E. Martin was bom in LaPorte coun¬ ty, October 8, 1862, and was reared and educated in the county, graduating with the class of 1881 from the Westville high school. In 1882 he be¬ gan his career as a typo with the LaPorte County Times , at Westville, and a year later worked on the Michigan City Dispatch, a daily. While there he and M. T. Stokes conceived the idea of start¬ ing a paper on their own account, and began the publication of the Monon Times, at Monon, In¬ diana, but after three months Mr. Martin was taken sick and was compelled to return to West¬ ville and give up his interest to another party. In the spring of 1885 he purchased a half interest in the Westville Indicator, and a year later be¬ came sole owner. He has ably published the journal down to the present time. He erected the building in which his paper is at present lo¬ cated, and his equipment consists of a Potter Junior press, thirty-six by fifty-two, capable of running off two thousand sheets an hour, also a quarter medium Gordon hand press for the job work, and all of the other numerous accessories of an up-to-date printing office. His job depart¬ ment has as complete facilities for handsome and expeditious work as any in the county seat, and would compare favorably in its work with that done anywhere. The present circulation of the Indicator is fifteen hundred copies, and it has al¬ ways had the name of being one of the most in¬ fluential organs of the Republican party in north¬ ern Indiana as well as newsy and interesting in personal and general news. Mr. Martin is him¬ self an ardent supporter of Republican principles and has fraternal relations with the Odd Fellows lodge of Westville. During the two years pre¬ vious to his taking charge of the Indicator , he conducted a paper in Towanda, Butler county, Kansas.

July 16, 1889, Mr. Martin married Miss Roxanna M. Culbertson, who was bom in Indiana, October 27, 1869, a daughter of Abram and Rachel J. (Saunders) Culbertson, and of Scotch and Welsh origin. Her father was a native of Ohio, a son of a Methodist clergyman, and him¬ self a successful minister of the gospel, holding a prominent place in the Central Iowa and the Southern Indiana conferences. He was a preach¬ er of extraordinary power and conviction, and this combined with his sweet singing led him into the evangelistic work, which he continued for eighteen years, with remarkable success, in differ¬ ent parts of the country. His wife, a native of Indiana, was a lady of culture and womanly graces, and was a teacher in Porter county, In¬ diana, previous to her marriage, having received her professional training in the normal school at Valparaiso, Indiana. Mrs. Martin is an invalua¬ ble assistant to her husband in the editorial work, and her ability in this directon has materially promoted the advancement of the Indicator into the popularity of its readers. She is a leading member and has filled many of the offices in the Rebekah lodge at Westville, as well as state treasurer and other offices in the state assembly of the order, and has gained a state reputation for her work. She and her husband are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are worthy members of Westville social circles.

WILLIS B. WILSON, M. D., a pioneer physician of Rolling Prairie, was born in Chau¬ tauqua county, New York, August 3, 1828. His has been a life of usefulness devoted to his pro¬ fession, whereby he has done much for his fellow men. His father, James Wilson, was a native of Pennsylvania, and was reared and married there. After arriving at years of maturity James Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Porter, a native of Pennsylvania. About 1810 he removed to New York, where he followed the occupation of farming, and he was also a raftman and pilot on the Susquehanna river. He served as a soldier of the war of 1812, and was wounded at the battle of Black Rock. In recog¬ nition of the aid which he rendered the govern¬ ment he was afterward granted a pension of four dollars a month, which continued up to the time of his death, which occurred when he had reached the ripe old age of eighty-one years. In July, 1837, he emigrated westward and established his home in Wills township, LaPorte county. In 1843 he removed to Galena township, where he remained until called to the. home beyond. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, served as one of its class leaders for two years and took a very active and helpful part in its work. In politics he was a Whig until the disso¬ lution of the party, when he joined the ranks of the new Republican party, which he continued to support until his demise. As one of the well known pioneer settlers of the county and one who assisted materially in its early progress and upbuilding, he well deserves mention in this vol¬ ume and should be held in grateful remembrance by later generations. He was of Irish descent, while his wife was of Scotch lineage. She, too, lived to an advanced age, passing away after reaching the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey. This worthy couple were the parents of nine children, five sons and four daughters, all of whom reached years of maturity, while only two of the family are now living, the sister of Dr. Wilson being Mary, the widow of Charles Williams, who is living in Osage county, Kansas, at the very advanced age of eighty-five years.

and was only about nine years of age at the time of his parents* removal to LaPorte county. Not long after this he became a resident of Galena township. His education was obtained in the primitive log schoolhouse, such as was common at that early period in the development of the west. In one end of the room was an immense fireplace, and the windows were formed by removing one log from the side of the building and filling the aperture with glass or greased paper. The chil¬ dren sat upon rude benches and conned their lessons from primitive text books. Dr. Wilson's training at farm labor, however, was not meager, for as soon as old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields and continued to assist his father until twenty-one years of age. He then engaged in teaching school, and with the de¬ sire to enter professional life, took up the study of medicine. For four years he followed teach¬ ing and devoted his leisure hours during that period to reading works upon the medical science. In 1852-3 he was a student in the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, and in the winter of 1854-5 he engaged in teaching again. In the month of March of the latter year he came to Rolling Prai¬ rie, purchasing the site of his present home, and began the practice of medicine. Here he has since remained as a member of the medical fra¬ ternity, and his long residence has made him one of the best loved family physicians in the county. He has always been a student of his pro¬ fession, interested in the advancement made in the medical science, and has kept informed con¬ cerning the progress in methods of practice.

In i860 occurred the marriage of Dr. Wilson and Miss Helen L. McHenry, a daughter of John McHenry. She was bom in Chautauqua county, New York, and there spent her girlhood days. By her marriage she has become the mother of one daughter, Maude E., who is now the wife of Eugene R. Adams, a merchant in Rolling Prairie. They have two children : Morris E. and Wilson A. Adams. The father of Mrs. Wilson was the first white child bom in Chautauqua county, New York. He was bom at Westfield, that county, August 28, 1802, and died in that county at more than threescore and ten years.

Dr. Wilson is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, and for many years has held member¬ ship in the Christian church. For forty-nine years he has practiced his profession in Rolling Prairie. In 1899 he was appointed pension ex¬ aminer. He is also medical examiner for the Maccabees. In politics he was a Whig during the existence of the party, and upon its dissolu- tion he joined the ranks of the new Republican party and has since continued to follow its ban¬ ner. Few men have a wider acquaintance in La- Porte county than has Dr. Wilson, both because of his life residence and his calling, which has brought him into contact with many families. He has always had strict regard for the ethics of his profession, and has accomplished great good among his fellow men.

JAY W. TRAVIS is one of the leading and representative fanners of Pleasant township, his home being on section 20. He is also a represent¬ ative of one of the old families of the county, for he was born in this township April 8, 1850. His father, Curtis Travis, was a native of New York and became one of the pioneer settlers of Indiana. Emigrating westward, he took up his abode in Pleasant township in the thirties and found here a district which was largely unimproved, the land being wild and uncultivated. There was also much wild game in the neighborhood, and Indians still visited the locality. Mr. Travis, however, bravely set to work to overcome the hardships and difficulties incident to the establishment of a home on the frontier, and as the years passed he developed several farms. He was united in mar¬ riage to Miss Mary A. Miller, who was born in Pennsylvania, February 20, 1814.

Under the parental roof J. W. Travis was reared and in the district schools of Union town¬ ship he pursued his education, being a student in what is known as the Travis schoolhouse. There he mastered the common branches of Eng¬ lish learning and laid the foundation for a suc¬ cessful business career. His training at farm labor was not meager, for as soon as old enough to handle the plow he began work in the fields. He assisted his father until twenty-one years of age, when he began farming on his own account by renting his father's farm.

As a companion and helpmate on life's journey Mr. Travis chose Miss Jennie Ward, and they were married on the 5th of December, 1876. She was bom in Saratoga county, New York, on the 22d of November, 1850, and is a daughter of Ezra and Margaret (Showers) Ward, who were both natives of New York state, the latter born at Columbus. In their family were eleven children, of whom Mrs. Travis is the seventh in order of birth. She Was reared in the place of her nativity and was educated in the Forestville Academy and in Mrs. Willard's Seminary at Troy, New York. She gained superior knowl¬ edge, and for three years was a successful teacher

At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Travis located upon the farm where they are now living and where they have remained con¬ tinuously during the intervening period. Three children have been born to them: Ward, who married Lola Replogle, by whom he has two daughters, Leona and Ruth, and he is a resident farmer of Union township ; Florence E., the wife of Dr. George W. Kimball, a practicing physician of Steward, Illinois ; and Curtis, who died at the age of one year. The daughter Florence was a member of the graduating class of 1898 in the LaPorte high school, and was a teacher four years in the county. Her husband is a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Chi¬ cago and he is a successful physician. *

The home farm comprises one hundred and sixty acres in Pleasant township, and sixty acres in Union township. Mr; Travis has spent his entire life in LaPorte county and has always engaged in farming. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church at Kingsbury and are people of genuine worth, enjoying the high regard and confidence of all with whom they have been asso¬ ciated. Mr. Travis is a stanch Republican and a member of Odd Fellows Lodge No. 36. He is well known in the county, where some of his stanchest friends are those with whom he has been acquainted from boyhood, a fact which in¬ dicates that his career has been straightforward and honorable.

LEROY T. SMITH is a representative of the farming interests of Lincoln township and resides in section 20, on a farm upon which his grand¬ father lived for sixty-five years. Mr. Smith was born in Rockford, Michigan, on the 8th of No¬ vember, 1858,' and is the eldest living son of Charles P. and Harriet E. (Taylor) Smith. The family history is given on another page of this work. Mr. Smith was about three years of age when he came to LaPorte county with his parents and in his youth he assisted in the labors of the farm and pursued his education in the public schools. At the age of nineteen, however, he left home and started out in life for himself. For about four years he was employed' as a farm hand in Bureau county, Illinois, and then returned to LaPorte county, settling in Pleasant township, where he began farming for himself. He made his home On the Stephen Wing farm for four years, and thert removed to the George Seymour place in Lincoln township, which was also his home for four years. He next took up his abode on the old Robert Armstrong farm, which he now owns, and here he has engaged in general agricultural pursuits. He raises some stock and cultivates his place, annually planting the crops best adapted to soil and climate, while in the au¬ tumns he gathers rich harvests.

Mr. Smith has been twice married. In 1886 he wedded Miss Emma Kissel and to them were bom four children: Priscilla, who is now de¬ ceased ; Frona ; Wright, and Ernest. The mother passed away in 1896, and on the 3d of January, 1899. Mr. Smith was married to Blanch M. Pearson, by whom he has one son, Rupert.

Mr. Smith now owns about three hundred acres of valuable land, in Lincoln township with the exception of a tract of eighty acres which lies \n Pleasant township. His home stands on the bank of the lower Fish lake, and in this connec¬ tion he has a boat livery, furnishing boats and fishing supplies for the people who visit this dis¬ trict. He has spent the greater part of his life in La Porte county, and his career has been char¬ acterized by unflagging industry, strict integrity and faithful performance of all the duties that have devolved upon him. He is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees of LaPorte, and has been a stanch Republican in his political views since casting his first presidential ballot for James A. Garfield. An active worker in Republican ranks, he is now serving as chairman of the Re¬ publican committee in his township.

HENRY S. CANNON, who is numbered among the prominent agriculturists of LaPorte county, and whose farm is located on section 14, Cass township, is a native son of this county, where his birth occurred on the 4th of July, 1836. His father, James Cannon, claimed Ohio as the state of his nativity, his birth occurring near Dayton, but he was numbered among the early pioneers of LaPorte county. He, too, chose the occupation of a farmer, and after residing in this locality fort a time returned to Ohio, there spend¬ ing three years, on the expiration of which period he again made his way to LaPorte county. Here he spent the remainder of his life, passing to his final rest when he had reached the age of eightyfour years, after a life well spent in useful activ¬ ity. For several terms he served his township as a trustee, and of the Methodist Episcopal church he was a worthy and acceptable member. For his wife he chose Mary Jackson, who was

Henry S. Cannon, the third in order of birth of his parents' ten children, spent the early years of his life in this his native county, being indebted to its early school facilities for his elementary knowledge. Until his eighteenth year he remain¬ ed with his father, assisting him in the work of the home farm, and at that age he started out in life for himself, first working by the month. On reaching his twenty-seventh year he embarked in railroad work in Chicago, attending to the train switches and other occupations, and in that city he remained for fourteen years, while the. two subsequent years were spent in Lansing, Illi¬ nois. While residing in Chicago, Mr. Cannon was married to Emma Alvis, who was an English lady and a widow at the time of her marriage. She was born in London, and her death occurred after a married life of seven years, in Ohio, where Mr. Cannon had spent two years engaged in farming. Returning thence to LaPorte county he located on his present farm in Cass township, which now constitutes a fertile and well improved tract of one hundred and sixty-five acres, and there he is engaged in general farming and stockraising.

In 1884 Mr. Cannon was united in marriage to Martha F. Redinbaugh, who was bom in Shel¬ by county, Ohio, November 22, 1847, and was there reared and educated. She is a daughter of Jones and Elizabeth (Baker) Redinbaugh, also natives of that commonwealth, her father hav¬ ing been born in Hamilton, and both died on a farm in Shelby county, Ohio. They were num¬ bered among the early pioneers of that county, and there her father was engaged in farming. In political matters of national importance Mr. Cannon votes with the Democracy, but on local issues he is independent, voting for the man whom he regards as best qualified for public office. He is a member of and an active worker in the Chrisian church. As the greater portion of his life has been spent within the confines of LaPorte county, Mr. Cannon is identified with much of its history, and is numbered among its public-spirited and progressive citizens.

CHARLES A. MILLER, one of the promi¬ nent farmers and early settlers of LaPorte coun¬ ty, now living on section 30, Lincoln township, was born in Mecklenburg. Germany, on the 5th of September, 1830. He was a son of Louis Mil¬ ler, also a native of Germany, and a farmer by occupation, and Who died when thirty-one years of age, leaving his family in straitened circum¬ stances. Charles then started out in life for him¬ self, when only nine years of age. He worked among strangers and did anything he could get to do.

He remained in that country until 1857, when he crossed the Atlantic to America, hoping that he might benefit his financial conditions in the new world. He had been reared to farm life, and when twenty-one years of age he became a soldier in his native country, serving for two and a half years. He then devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits until he crossed the Atlantic in 1857. He made his way to New York and lived there for one year, after which he removed to Illinois, where he remained for six months. On the expiration of that period he came to La- Porte county, Indiana, to secure a position as a farm hand, working by the month for Josiah Wing for about two years. He then began farm¬ ing on his own accouifii, renting ground from Mr. Wing, but after a time he ceased to engage in agricultural pursuits and removed to LaPorte, where he engaged in railroading for seven years, being connected with the Lake Shore Railroad Company. On the expiration of that period he again removed into the country and rented a farm, which he operated for two years. With the capital he had acquired through his industry and economy he purchased his present farm and at once began its improvement, building a good house, substantial barns and adding other modern equipments as the years have passed. His resi¬ dence on this farm covers about thirty years and well may he be numbered among the leading agriculturists of Lincoln township.

In 1859 Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Rotkey, also a native of Germany. They have become the parents of seven children : Amanda, Matilda, Ida, Emma and Harmon, twins, Louisa and Ella. All were born in this county.

Mr. Miller deserves great credit for what he has accomplished in life. He came to America a poor young man, and has made all that he has through his individual efforts and untiring labor. To-day he owns a valu¬ able property of two hundred and fifty acres of well improved land as the visible evidence of his life of thrift and industry. He has become a loyal American citizen, true to his adopted country and her institutions, and in cast¬ ing his ballot he votes for the men whom he thinks best qualified for office, regardless of party affiliations. He and his family are all members of the Lutheran church. He takes an active in¬ terest in everything pertaining to the good of the county in which he lives, and his active co-opera¬ tion has been given to many measures for the public welfare.

MORRISON PADDOCK, who carries on general farming on section 13, Galena township, where he has one hundred acres of rich land care¬ fully cultivated and well improved with modem equipments, was bom in Onondaga county. New York, on the 22d of April, 1835. His father was James Paddock, also a native of the Empire state. The paternal grandfather, James Paddock, Sr., was born in New England and was of Welsh lineage, the family having been founded in the new world at an early period in the colonization of this country. After arriving at years of ma¬ turity James Paddock, Jr., was married to Miss Charlotte Tappen, who was born in Onondaga, New York, and was there married. Her father was Stephen Tappen, who was a native of New England and was of Scotch lineage. Mr. and Mrs. Paddock became the parents of twelve chil¬ dren, eight sons and four daughters, and with one exception all reached years of maturity.

Morrison Paddock' was the fourth child and son. When he was about a year old his parents came to LaPorte county, Indiana, establishing their home on section 13, Galena township, in 1836. Here the father purchased a tract of wild land, upon which he built a log house, and after installing his family in their new home devoted his energies to clearing and cultivating the land. At first his farm comprised eighty acres, but as his financial resources increased he added to this property until at his death he had two hundred and sixty-one acres, most of which he had cleared and developed by himself with the assistance of his sons. He lived to be eighty-two years of age, and his wife reached the age of seventy-three years. In politics he was a Whig until the disso¬ lution of the party, when he joined the ranks of the new Republican party. For several years he served as township trustee and took an active part in public affairs. He was liberal in his con¬ tributions to all good causes, and earnestly de¬ sired the substantial improvement and permanent development of the county.

Morrison Paddock was reared on the old fam¬ ily homestead in Galena township, and at an early age began his education in a log schoolhouse such as was common at that day. He attended school there about three months during the year, and the remainder of the time was spent upon the home farm, where he assisted in the arduous task of clearing the land and developing crops.

In September, 1861, however, there came a great change in his life. The Civil war had been inaugurated, and his patriotic spirit was aroused by the continued attempt of the south to over¬ throw the Union. Accordingly he went to its defense, enlisting in Company G of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry as a private. He thus served for three years, receiving an honorable discharge on the 9th of October, 1864, after which he re¬ turned to Galena township. Resuming his work as an agriculturist he has since carried on farm¬ ing with good results.

As a companion and helpmate for life's jour¬ ney Mr. Paddock chose Miss Amanda Tuttle, and their marriage was celebrated on the 25th of November, 1866. She was bom in Milwaukee Wisconsion, December 7, 1840, and is a daughter of Joseph E. and Harriet (Fay) Tuttle, the former a native of Ver¬ mont, and the latter of Ohio, and they were the parents of five children, of whom Mrs. Paddock is the third . She was reared in Milwaukee until nine years of age when her parents removed to Ozaukee, Wisconsin, where the succeeding five years of her life were passed. She then came to LaPorte county with the family of Mr. Godfrey. At the time of her marriage she went with her husband as a bride to the farm upon which they now reside, and as the years passed two children were added to the house¬ hold : James, who is yet at home ; and Annie, who is now the wife of Fred Russ, a resident of South Bend, Indiana.

At the time they located on the farm it was a tract of wild land without improvement, but Mr. Paddock at once began to clear it, and as the years have passed has made it a splendid property. His first house was a little building containing but one room, but to this they have added from time to time until they now have a fine residence. The farm comprises one hundred acres of rich land, and annually golden harvests are garnered because of the care and cultivation he bestows upon the fields. He has lived in the county for sixty-seven years, watching with interest its de¬ velopment and aiding with zeal in its progress. In politics he has been a stanch Republican since casting his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont, the first candidate of the party. He supported Lincolfl in i860 and 1864, and has never yet failed to cast his ballot for the Re¬ publican candidate who has headed the national ticket. As the years have come and gone he has labored earnestly for the general welfare and in the interest of his business, and is known as a representative citizen as well as a successful farmer.

CHARLES TRAVIS, who is engaged in general farming on section 18, Lincoln township, was bom in Scipio township, LaPorte county, September 4, 1857. His father, Nelson A. Tra¬ vis, was born in New York, and when a young boy came to LaPorte county with his parents, Curtis and Phebe Travis, who were pioneer set¬ tlers of this portion of the state. They located, on Still prarie, where the grandfather pur¬ chased seven hundred acres of land from the gov¬ ernment. It was entirely undeveloped, but with characteristic energy the work of improvement was begun and in due course of time the raw prairie was converted into rich fields. Upon the old family homestead Nelson A. Travis was rear¬ ed, and after arriving at years of maturity he wedded Minerva Blake, a native of Ohio. He lived to be sixty-two years of age, while his wife passed away at the age of sixty-seven years. They were the parents of three children, of whom Charles Travis is the eldest.

When Charles Travis was but a year old his parents removed to Wyanet, Illinois, where they remained for six years and then returned to Sci¬ pio township. He was with this exception reared in LaPorte county, and in the public schools ob¬ tained his education. He was well trained at farm labor, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agri¬ culturist, and he assisted in the cultivation of the home place until twenty-seven years of age.

Mr. Travis was united in marriage on the 22d of December. 1883, to Miss Hattie G. Wilson, a daughter of John D. Wilson, one of the early settlers of the county. She was born in Pleasant township and spent her girlhood days in LaPorte county. At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Travis located on the farm where they now reside, and he has since devoted his energies to general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of the latter. He now owns one hun¬ dred and ninety acres of rich land where he re¬ sides, and his wife has a valuable farm of one hundred and thirty-eight acres. He likewise has property in Stillwell and fifty-two acres of land adjoining the homestead place. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Travis: John R., Alice M., Hazel, Martha M., Gertrude and Ralph W. . [

In his political views Mr. Travis is a stanch Republican. He is well known in . the county, and his upright life has won for him the re¬ spect and confidence of his fellow men. He is a strong temperance man, and his influence has been a potent factor in the development of tem¬ perance sentiment in his locality.

ALBERT COE, a prominent and honored citizen of Galena township, now successfully en¬ gaged in farming on section 35, is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Will¬ iamsport, that state, in 1832. His early life was spent in the east, and at the age of twenty-one he came to La Porte county, Indiana, his home be¬ ing in the city of LaPorte for eleven years.

Before turning his attention to agricultural pursuits Mr. Coe engaged in railroading, and was an engineer on the Michigan Southern Rail¬ road for thirteen years and on the Chicago, Bur¬ lington & Quincy Railroad for two years, running between Council Bluffs and Burlington, Iowa. He wras also with the Niagara Falls Railroad for a time, and on leaving the road settled perma¬ nently in LaPorte county, on the farm in Galena township where he now resides. Here he owns one hundred and eighty acres of well improved land, on which is a fine residence and a good set of farm buildings. In his farming operations he has met with the success which usually attends well directed efforts along any line.

During his early residence in this county Mr. Coe was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Patrage, who was born in Lockport, New York, and they became the parents of three children, one son and two daughters, namely : Harriet, Mary, and Willis. Since attaining his majority Mr. Coe has affiliated with the Republican party and taken an active interest in political affairs. Al¬ though not a member of any religious organiza¬ tion he contributes liberally to church work and has assisted in building two churches. His life affords an example to the young in that he started out without capital, but having a determination to succeed he industriously applied himself until he has acquired a good property. He is well known throughout his adopted county for his sterling character and worth.

ALBERT M. LONG, who resides on a farm in section 18, Cass township, is a native son of this township, where his birth occurred on the 31st of August, 1850. His father, Hiram N. Long, claimed West Virginia as the state of his nativity, but when a boy he came to LaPorte county, Indiana, and was here married to Mary J. Charles, whose parents were numbered among the early pioneers of the county. This union re¬ sulted in the birth of five children, four song and one daughter, but only two of the number grew to mature years, and Albert is now the only living representative of the family. His brother, Wash¬ ington A., died in August, 1901.

When but seven years old Albert M. Long was deprived of a father's loving care, and when eight years of age his mother was taken from him by death, thus leaving him an orphan at an early age. He was reared by an uncle and aunt, Abra¬ ham and Mary Burner, on a farm in New Dur¬ ham township, -and to its common schools he is indebted for his early educational training, while later he became a student in the high school at Westville, Indiana, taught by J. G. Laird. After reaching mature years he was engaged for a time at farm labor by the month, and when nine¬ teen years of age went west, spending two years in Nebraska and Kansas, after which he returned to his native county of LaPorte, being then about twenty-one years of age. After his marriage Mr. Long located on the old farm which had been the home of his father in the early days, and here he has resident for thirty years. His homestead con¬ sists of one hundred and sixty acres of well im¬ proved and fertile land, and here he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising.

In 1874, in New Durham township, LaPorte county, Mr. Long was united in marriage to Martha J. Evans, who was there born and reared. She is a daughter of William and Rachel (Mar¬ tin) Evans, who were numbered among the early settlers of LaPorte county. Two children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Long, a son and a daughter, Lennie Blanch, the wife of Will¬ iam G. Osborn, of Wanatah; and William N., who married Lillie Anderson, but he died in 1903, leaving one daughter, Bessie W. The Democracy receives Mr. Long's hearty support and co-opera¬ tion, and the family are members of the Christian church at Wanatah, in which he is a deacon.

FRED FENKER has for a number of years been a representative of the furniture trade of LaPorte, and is now engaged in business on his own account as the senior member of the firm of Fenker & Company. He was born in Cincin¬ nati, Ohio, in i860, and is of German lineage. His father, Henry Fenker, was born in Germany and came to the United States in the fifties, settling first in Cincinnati. He was a planer by occupation and followed that pursuit for many years. In 1867 he removed to LaPorte, where he followed the same pursuit for several years, but now is living retired, having put aside busi¬ ness cares in order to spend the evening of life in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He still makes his home in this city.

Fred Fenker was but a boy when brought by his parents to LaPorte, and in its public schools he acquired his education. At a very early age, however, he began to earn his own living, and since that time has been dependent upon his own efforts for all that he has possessed and enjoyed. He was first employed as a gardener by Johnny Brown, the old-time and well known gardener on Stone Lake, with whom he remained for seven years. He then began farming on the Michael Brand farm, in Kankakee township, a short dis¬ tance east of LaPorte, remaining there for two years. On returning to the city he entered the employ of Mrs. Niles, having charge of her place for two years, after which he worked on the rail¬ road for two years. He next entered the retail furniture business in the employ of George J. Hoelocker, who is now deceased. For fifteen years, however, he remained in the employ of that gentleman, and during the last two and a half years was manager of the establishment. He gained a thorough knowledge of the furniture business and enjoyed the unqualified confidence and trust of the man whom he served. On the 1st of April, 1903, he purchased the furniture store of W. O. Nanscawen, at 709-711 Main street, and continued the business under the firm name of Fenker & Company. There has been a first-class furniture store at this location for many years, and the citizens of LaPorte still have under the new management and ownership a splendid furniture emporium in which to purchase highgrade and artistic furniture. LaPorte is noted for its beautiful and finely furnished homes, and Mr. Fenker caters to the best trade and receives a large patronage from the leading people. He has already filled contracts for furnishing homes and hotels outside of LaPorte, and is rapidly building up an extensive business.

Mr. Fenker was married in LaPorte to Miss Anna Smith, and to them have been born nine children: Louisa, Frederick, Katharine, Louis, Julia, Martin, Emma, George and Charlotte. The parents and children belong to the Lutheran church and are widely and favorable known in this city where they have long resided. That many of Mr. Fenker's stanchest friends are those who have known him from boyhood is an indica¬ tion that His has been an honorable career, well worthy the regard in which he is uniformly held. He well deserves the success which he is now en¬ joying, for his business record has ever been char¬ acterized by fidelity to duty, by enterprise and by a progressive spirit.

JULIUS P. LINARD, who, though a resL dent and business man of Chicago, is closely con¬ nected by many ties with LaPorte county, and, as president of the LaPorte County Colony in Chi¬ cago, does much to keep alive the home senti¬ ments of the county transplanted sons and daughters, was born at New Market, Virginia, January 24, 1836, the son of Joseph and Mary (Tidier) Linard.

Joseph Linard was born in the state of Penn¬ sylvania in 1800, but married in Virginia, whence he migrated to LaPorte county, Indiana, in September, 1841. He settled in Noble township, on a farm a mile and a half from Union Mills. Although he owned and operated this farm, he was by trade a brick and stone mason and con¬ tractor, and in that early period of the county's upbuilding his services were in great demand, there being scarcely any other skilled workmen for carrying on building operations. He was a fellow worker with Addison Ballard in the con¬ struction of the court house in LaPorte in 1848, and also built the First Methodist church in the early fifties. He was a well known and promi¬ nent man in his community, and served as town¬ ship school trustee. He died in 1873. His wife, who was a native of Virginia and of good south¬ ern stock, died in 1845.

Julius P. Linard was reared on a farm until he was twenty years old, at which age he went to Racine, Wisconsin, and attended commercial col¬ lege. He then returned to LaPorte and with his brother-in-law, Harry Robinson, took a printing outfit to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and established a weekly newspaper there, which was continued for about a year, Dan Linard, his brother, also being associated with the enterprise. Mr. Linard then returned to LaPorte, and in the fall of 1858 engaged in the grocery business on Main street, which he continued with success for nine years. He was constable for the following eight years, during which time, through his association with the officers of the court, he was led to study law, and was admitted to practice in LaPorte county. His terms as constable were under Sheriffs Cap¬ tain Phelps and Dan Brown. Mr. Linard then became engaged quite extensively in the collec¬ tion business and kindred occupations, and his excellent qualifications in this line led him to fol- iow it ever since. He remained in LaPorte until 1890, when he came to Chicago, and for nine years was in the law office with Dan W. Munn. In 1899 he became connected with the law office of Alderman William M. Butterworth, where he is now located.

Mr. Linard knows nearly everyone in LaPorte county, and is very energetic in arranging the annual picnic of the Chicago Colony and in other ways promoting an interest in old times in La¬ Porte county. He is remarkably well posted on all early history, and is the proper man for presi¬ dent of the LaPorte County Society. He was a fireman twenty-four years, of the Rough and Ready hook and ladder No. 1, and was its trainer seven years. For his good work as such the men gave him a beautiful and expensive silver water pitcher.

Mr. Linard was married in i860 to Miss Frances H. Egner, a daughter of John Egner, an old settler of LaPorte county. They have six children: Nellie, John P., Flora, Landon C., Morton C. and Frances.

EDWIN TRAVIS. Among the practical and energetic farmers of Pleasant township is Edwin Travis, who resides on section 20. He was born in Bureau county, Illinois, on the 20th of June, 1864, and is a son of Albert Travis, whose birth occurred in LaPorte county, Indiana, where he remained until after his marriage. He then disposed of his business interests in this state and removed to Illinois, where he spent about eight years. On the expiration of that period, however, he returned to LaPorte county, settling in Scipio township, where he purchased a farm. At a later date he sold that property and bought the farm upon which his son Edwin is now living. He was married in early manhood to Miss Minerva Blake, a native of Ohio, and reared there. Albert Travis passed away in Stillwell January 16, 1892, and his wife died in Pleasant township, LaPorte county, December 27, 1892. They were the parents of three children : Charlie, who is living in Lincoln township and is repre¬ sented elsewhere in this volume; Frank, who is a resident of Kingsbury, Union township ; and Ed¬ win Travis, who is the youngest of the family. After the death of his first wife Albert Travis was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Snyder, and had one daughter, Alta, who now resides with her brother, Frank.

Minerva Blake, a daughter of John and Helena Blake, was bom in Jackson county, Ohio, Octo¬ ber 22, 1824, being sixty-eight years, two months and five days old, when she died. She was one of eleven children, seven of whom are living. She was long a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, joining the same in her younger days. In the year 1848 her parents moved to LaPorte county, Indiana, where she was married to Nel¬ son Albert Travis September 18, 1853. She was a wise and loving mother, a true and tender friend, and well may it be said of her, "everybody loved her."

Edwin Travis was but two years of age at the time of his parents' return to LaPorte county, and he has been a resident of Pleasant township almost continuously from the age of four years. He acquired his education in the common schools of LaPorte county and city schools and started out upon an independent business career when he attained his majority. He first earned his liv¬ ing by working as a farm hand by the month, and after his mother's death he purchased the old homestead upon which he now resides and upon which he has remained continuously since. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, on which he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He has a good grade of cattle, horses and hogs, and has the latest improved machinery and many modem equipments upon his farm.

Mr. Travis belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 36, at LaPorte, and is a stanch Republican, taking an active part in political affairs and in measures of public interest. He earnestly desires the welfare and upbuilding of his county, and his efforts have been effective and far-reaching in promoting the general prog¬ ress along substantial lines of improvement.

H. F. DRAVES is a dealer in agricultural implements in Westville and is a man of excellent business ability, of keen discrimination and of en¬ terprising spirit. His business career has been attended by success, and he stands today as one of the strong men of his community, strong in his honor and his good name and in the respect of those with whom he has been associated.

Mr. Draves comes of a family that is of Ger¬ man lineage, and the name was originally spelled Drews, but later generations have changed it to its present form. He was bom in Mecklenburg, Germany, September 24, 1861, his parents being Christian and Mary (Zam) Draves. His father was a native of Meck¬ lenburg, bom in the year 1833, and his death occurred in 1890. By trade he was a weaver, fol¬ lowing that pursuit in his native country. He was educated in the German tongue and served in the German army under Emperor William I. It was in 1865 that he determined to try his for¬ tune in America, and with his family sailed from Hamburg, landing at New York in the month of July. He was then a poor man, having no capital and in fact he incurred some indebtedness in order to make the trip, but with indomitable spirit and firm resolution he undertook to gain a living in this country. Making his way to Peotone, Illinois, he there worked as a laborer. He lived a life of industry until called to his final rest. In 1865 he came to LaPorte county, In¬ diana, and established his residence in Holmesville. In politics he was a stanch Democrat^ and he and his wife were members of the German Lu¬ theran church, in which all of their children were confirmed. Mrs. Mary Draves was also born in Mecklenburg, Germany, in the year 1829, and her death occurred in 1871. She was a devoted wife and mother, putting forth every effort in her power to advance the welfare of her children. In the family were three sons and two daughters, of whom three are yet living: Minnie is the wife of F. H. Englehardt, who is a painter by trade and resides in Michigan City ; H. F. is the next younger ; and Tillie, the youngest, is the wife of Frank Bedenkop, who is a fireman on the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad and re¬ rides in Burdick, Indiana.

H. F. Draves was but a small boy when brought by his parents to the new world, and his boyhood days were largely passed in LaPorte county, where he obtained his education in the public schools. He also learned to read and write the German language. At the age of nineteen he started out to make his pwn way in the world. He had no capital but he possessed energy and perseverance, and with these as a basis for suc¬ cess he entered upon his business career. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Minnie Powell, and they were married in 1885. Mrs. Draves was born in Porter county, Indiana, September 26, 1866, a daughter of Charles and Mary (Ahlgrim) Powell. Her girl¬ hood days were largely passed in her native coun¬ ty, and she obtained her education in its public schools. She was a lady of refinement and cul¬ ture, respected by all who knew her. By her marriage she became the mother of one son and a daughter: Clara M., who has completed the work of the ninth grade in the Westville schools and Has been a student of instrumental music; and Otto C., who is now a student in the Westfield high school. The wife and mother was called to her final rest February 8, 1888, and on the 10th of December, 1902, Mr. Draves was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Hilda (Pearson) Nelson. She was bom in the province of Wauva, Sweden, and is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church. She first married a Mr. Nelson, and by that union had one son, Clarence, who is now attending school.

Mr. Draves began life as a day laborer, work¬ ing for a dollar and a quarter per day, but he possessed ambition, determination and diligence and gradually accumulated some capital until his financial possessions were sufficient to enable him to embark in business as a merchant. He became a .dealer in agricultural implements at Westville, Indiana, and in 1891 he began shipping dynamite, representing the Aetna Powder Company for eight years. His business as a dealer in agri¬ cultural implements has gradually increased from 1899 to the present time. He handles the cele¬ brated Deering harvester and mower, the Oliver chilled plows, the Birdsell wagon, the Kiblinger buggies and carriages and the Black Hawk com planter. He carries all kinds of repair work in this line, and likewise deals in hard and soft coal. His patronage has become extensive and his busi¬ ness has now reached a large annual figure.

Mr. Draves is a Democrat in his political affili¬ ations, and cast his first presidential vote for Cleveland. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, connected with Tent No. 33. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church and he contributes liberally to its support. A self-made man, his success is the direct result of his own labors.

He has worked his way steadily upward, and the obstacles and difficulties in his path have served but as an impetus for renewed effort on his part. He has placed his dependence upon the sure foundation of energy and determination, and to-day he is a leading representative of the busi¬ ness interests of Westville.

MICHAEL AIGNER, who has been a resi¬ dent of LaPorte county since boyhood, for a period over fifty years, is one of the best known representative of farming interests in Cass town¬ ship, where he cultivates a productive piece of land on section 32. He is one of the numerous self-made men of this part of the county, and very little has come to him except through his own efforts. Fifty years is a long enough period of residence in one community to class one among the old-timers, and as such Mr. Aigner is con¬ sidered. He has borne his share of the public

Mr. Aigner was born in the empire of Aus¬ tria, September 24, 1837, and lived there until he was thirteen years of age, up to the age of twelve enjoying a few years of schooling. In 1850 he came to America with his mother, and they at once took up their residence in LaPorte county. In 1852 they took up their home in Cass township, where Mr. Aigner has lived ever since. In his younger days he worked on a farm and on the grading of the Panhandle Railroad, by the day and by the month. The farm on which he located on first coming to Cass township has been in his possession ever since, and much of its present improvements and productiveness is due to the hard labor he placed upon it from youth up. There are at present two hundred and twenty-eight acres in the farmstead, and to have seen its condition fifty years ago and to see it now would present as great a contrast as one could imagine. The industry and intelligence of the leading Indiana agriculturists are capable of producing a garden out of a desert and making it blossom as the rose.

Mr. Aigner was married in 1867 to Miss Catherine Marks, who was born in Germany and came to America when a child, being reared in LaPorte county. Due credit must be given to Mrs. Aigner for the part she has taken in increas¬ ing the family fortune, and she has proved a worthy helpmate to her husband as well as a tender and good mother to her children. Eight children were bom to them, all in LaPorte county: Mich¬ ael, William, John, Emeline, Albert, Henry, George and Lottie. Mr. Aigner is an adherent of the Democratic party, and was at one time supervisor of roads. He and his wife are mem¬ bers of the Lutheran church at Wanatah, and oc¬ cupy a place of esteem among their fellow citizens and many friends.

The son Albert died October 9, 1897, aged about twenty-two years. He was a practical ag¬ riculturist and a young man who was held in high esteem. Michael wedded Miss Anna Theden and they have four children : Phoebe, Milton, Lillie and Edna Belle. He is a mason by trade in Wanatah, Indiana. Emeline wedded Ferdinand Mitzner, a resident of Porter county and an agriculturist and they have two children, Mabel and Gracie. William wedded Miss Lena Steinberg and he is an agriculturist. Three chil¬ dren are at home, Henry, George and Lottie, and the latter is in the fifth grade.

The sojn John C. met his death by accident on December 24,' 1903. He was a young, active man and one who loved machinery and mechanics. He was a mason and plasterer by trade. His loss is a sad one to the parents, as well as the community.

"Thursday afternoon the sad news was re¬ ceived here that John Aigner had fallen from- the Bailey, Bunnell & Company grain elevator at LaCrosse and was instantly killed. As Aigner Brothers are doing the mason work on the ele¬ vator, which is just under construction, it was at first supposed that John Aigner had met with the accident while at work, but later advices proved that the masons were not at work that day, but that Aigner had gone up into the upper part of the building on the inside with one of the carpen¬ ters to see how the work was progressing. After chatting with the man he had started down the stairs unaware of the carpenter. Soon after the man was startled by hearing something falling down stairs and upon going down to investigate the cause of the noise, he found Aigner lying on the bottom floor. Calling others they examined the body and found that life was extinct, as the fall had broken both arms and one leg besides bruising up the body in a horrible manner other¬ wise. It is not known exactly how far he fell, but the carpenter said that to his judgment the man had only had time to go down one flight of stairs from the time that he had missed him until he heard the fall and if so, he had fallen the dist¬ ance of about thirty-five feet."

AMENZO MANN. Through almost three quarters of a century Amenzo Mann has been a resident of LaPorte county, and has, therefore, been a witness of the greater part of its progress and development. In all things pertaining to its welfare he is deeply interested, and his eftorts in business life have been attended with a fair meas¬ ure of success.

Mr. Mann was born in Broome county. New York, near Owego, October 25, 1830, a son of Jacob J. and Clarissa (Rowe) Mann, in whose family were three sons and three daughters, Amenzo being the fourth in order of birth. Only four are now living. The father was a native of New York, and was a mechanic and inventor. In early life he learned the wagon-maker's trade, and he afterward traded a wagon of his own mak¬ ing for a Seth Thomas brass clock which was valued at twenty-five dollars. It was in 1836 that he came to what w^s then the far west, making the journey by wagon in order to lay the founda¬ tion of his fortune in a new country. When he arrived in LaPorte county, Indiana, he had but seventy-five cents in money. His first home was a log cabin in Scipio township, and there he established his family and began working at his trade. He first purchased twenty-five acres of land in Clinton township, and afterward added to this an additional twenty-five acres. In poli¬ tics he was a Jackson Democrat, but he never cared for office, although at one time he served as justice of the peace. His membership was with the Methodist church. His wife died when their son Amenzo was but eight years of age.

It was two years before this time that Amenzo Mann became a resident of LaPorte county, and here he was reared and educated. He had the privilege of attending school, however, for only three months in the year, for he had to chop wood and perform other work of the farm, and it has been through practical experience and observa¬ tion that he has largely acquired his education. For many years he has carried on business as a grain rperchant. At an early day he went to a school teacher, stating to her that he had a cer¬ tain number of bushels of grain, also told her the freight to Chicago, what commission had to be paid and told the price he received per bushel, asking her then what would be his profit on the amount of which he had. The teacher, nowever, was unable to answer him, but Mr. Mann figured out the problem for himself, showing that he had a practical knowledge of business aflfairs.

He can well remember when the Pottawottomie Indians were numerous in this region, and he has ridden behind the red men on their ponies. They were then encamped near the present site of Westville, this settlement including three hundred Indians. They did not molest the white settlers but were great beggars, incessantly asking for donations of various kinds. Mr. Mann has also seen herds of deer in this portion of the state, and not a one of the thirteen railroads of the county was built at the time of his arrival here. After the construction of the Michigan Central Rail¬ road he and several companions took a ride upon it to New Buffalo. Michigan City was the market in" that early period, and oftentimes Mr. Mann has tramped out the grain with horses on the barn floor, and then hauled his product to Michigan City with a four-horse team, being able to carry only twenty bushels to the load and because of the sloughs and ponds he had to drive around a long distance to reach his destination. He once hauled a load of fruit trees to Chicago to ship to

Wisconsin, and he can remember the great west¬ ern metropolis when there was not a good street in the place and when only one street was* lighted by lamps.

He was reared as a farm lad, and has lived a life of activity and industry, winning all that he possesses through his own labor and persever¬ ance. About 1845 bis father invented a reaper, making a belt to carry the grain, while the Mc¬ Cormick people of Chicago manufactured a reap¬ er that cut the grain, but had to have a man to rope it. Mr. Mann's idea was a practical one, and is to-day in use in the manufacture of reapers. Perfecting his idea on his farm, he purchased a lot and erected a shop in the village of Westville in order to engage in the manufacture of reapers, and in the enterprise was associated with his sons at that place for five years. Mr. Amenzo Mann went upon the road to sell the reapers, and was traveling through Kentucky and Tennessee in that business in 1856 when Buchanan was making his race for president. The Manns continued in the business of manufacturing reapers until i860, and were reasonably successful, shipping their machines to California and distant parts of the United States, as well as selling to the local trade.