LaPorte County, Indiana - Chapter 36: Religion, 1904 (part 9 of 23)

In buying, selling and trading property Amenzo Mann has also been very successful. For about seven years he was engaged as a grain dealer in Westville, and he has engaged in buying and shipping live-stock for ten or fifteen years. At one time he drove seventy-five head of cattle to the Chicago market. He and his family re¬ sided in LaPorte city for five years in order to educate his son Frank, and while there he con¬ ducted a livery business, in which he met with a fair measure of prosperity. It was in 1890 that he began the undertaking business in Westville, in which he has since continued, and he is widely recognized as one of the substantial business men of this place. He also has about two hundred acres of good land in Clinton township, and to¬ day there is not a dollar of indebtedness upon it.

Mr. Mann was married in July, 1861, to Mrs. Mary C. (Graham) Long, who was born in Wythe county, Virginia, November 11, 1827, and was reared and educated there. She is a member of the Christian church, is a lady of a kind and affectionate nature and has done everything to make hers a happy home. They now have one son, Frank C., who is one of the leading and in¬ fluential business men in LaPorte, Indiana. He was educated in the common schools of Clinton township and the high schools of LaPorte, after which he pursued a business course in Holmes Business College. He likewise took a course of study in the Valparaiso normal school, and was thus well equipped by education to meet life's responsible duties. He is a young man of strict honesty and of good capability, and in 1896 he was elected upon the Democratic ticket to the position of county treasurer by a majority of three hundred. At the next election he was chosen by a majority of nine hundred, and he gave a personal bond of three hundred and fifty thou¬ sand dollars. He is one of the native sons of La- Porte county, of whom the district has every rea¬ son to be proud. In politics he is a stanch Demo¬ crat. He wedded Miss Alta Small, a native of LaPorte county, and they have three children: Marjory, who is now in the eighth grade at school, and Ruth and Mary A., who are also students in the public schools of LaPorte. Frank Mann is a member of the Masonic fraturnity; the Benevo¬ lent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias lodge, while his wife is con¬ nected with the Order of the Eastern Star.

Amenzo Mann is a stanch Democrat, and cast his first presidential ballot for Franklin Pierce, since which time he has been unwavering in sup¬ port of the principles of his party. He has been a delegate to represent his party in the district and county conventions, and in 1870 he was a candidate for the office of county sheriff, coming within one hundred and two votes of election, although his opponent was a strong candidate of the Republican party and an ex-soldier. Mr. Mann is one of the oldest members of the Masonic order in Westville, and has served as worshipful master for more terms than any other representa¬ tive of the craft here. He is also connected with the Order of the Eastern Star. He has been a delegate to the grand lodge for four or five terms, and in his life he exemplifies the worthy spirit of of the Masonic order, which tends to inculcate brotherly kindness and mutual helpfulness among its members. His life has been upright and hon¬ orable, and his career has ever gained for him the warm regard and unqualified esteem and con¬ fidence of those with whom he has been asso¬ ciated.

CHARLES W. WING, a retired farmer and one of the leading landowners of Pleasant town¬ ship, was born in Pennsylvania, on the 17th of May, 1830. His father, Josiah W. Wing, was a native of New Hampshire, and there remained until about seventeen years of age, when he bought his time of his father and started out upon an independent business career. Making his way to Pennsylvania, he remained in that state for a while, and then removed to Ohio, while later he took up his abode in Muncie, Indiana. He spent one summer in LaPorte county, and about 1836 located in Pleasant township, where he remained until his death, which occurred when he was about seventy-three years of age. In politics he was a Whig in early life, and upon the dissolution of that party he joined the ranks of the new Republican party. Faithful to its inter¬ ests and loyal in its defense he was honored with election to several local offices and was found re¬ liable in the discharge of his duties. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church, and was well known as one of the leading and representative pioneer settlers of LaPorte county. His wife bore the maiden name of Harriet Bear and was a na¬ tive of Pennsylvania, where her girlhood days were passed. She died when past fifty years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Josiah W. Wing were born two sons, but Alfred died in early manhood. He had been married and left two children.

Charles W. Wing, who was the senior brother, is now the only living representative of the fam¬ ily. He was reared in his native township upon the old homestead farm, and assisted in its culti¬ vation through the months of summer, while in the winter season he pursued his education in a log schoolhouse, with slab seats, while the desks were formed by placing boards around the room resting upon wooden pegs driven into the wall. His educational training was not nearly so great as was his training at farm labor. He remained at home up to the time of his marriage, which important event in his life occurred April 4, 1856, when he was joined in wedlock to Miss Amanda Van Pelt, who was born in Ohio and died April 16, 1899. This worthy couple were the parents of three children : Walter R. ; Arthur L., and Effie, the wife of A. C. Travis.

After his marriage Mr. Wing located on the old homestead, where he engaged in farming for many years. That he was industrious and ener¬ getic is indicated by the success which attended his efforts. He has a farm of six hundred and thirty-eight acres, all well improved, the greater part of this having been placed under cyltivation by Mr. Wing and his father, for it was a new and undeveloped tract of land when he first located thereon. To-day it is one of the best farming properties of the county, being devoted to the raising of stock and grain. In the boyhood days of Mr. Wing there was no market at LaPorte city and he and his brother hauled all of the provisions raised on the farm to Michigan City, makiitg the trips with ox teams. The county was wild, and the work of civilization seemed scarcely begun. There were many wolves upon the prairies, and herds of deer were frequently seen. Indians, too, still visited the neighborhood, and there was every indication of the pioneer condition of this section of Indiana. Mr. Wing has watched with interest its development and progress, and has taken an has taken an active part in its improvement. As a Republican he has never faltered in his allegi¬ ance to the party since its organization. He and his children are members of the Methodist Epis¬ copal church, and he has ever endorsed measures for the progress of the county along material, social, educational and moral lines. No man is more worthy of representation in this volume than Mr. Wing, whose life history has ever been com¬ mendable and straightforward.

J. C. PARKER. Farming claims the time 2nd attention of J. C. Parker, who resides on sec¬ tion 31, Hudson township, and is num¬ bered among the early settlers of LaPorte county. He has always lived in the west, and early became imbued with its spirit of enterprise and of determination. His birth occurred in Randolph county, Indiana, on the 7th of November, 1836. His paternal grand¬ father, Joseph Parker, was a native of New Jer¬ sey, and he, too, followed the occupation of farm¬ ing. His son, John Parker, was born in New Jersey, and there remained until after his mar¬ riage. He wedded Miss Beulah Cramer, who was likewise born, reared and educated in that state. In the year 1833 they came to Indiana, establish¬ ing their home in Randolph county, and in 1840 removed to LaPorte county. Here John Parker was engaged in farming for a number of years, but subsequently took up his abode in LaPorte city. In the early days he conducted a hotel at Boot Jack, living there for about thirty years. He be¬ came widely known, his hotel being the place of entertainment for all who traveled through this part of the state until the building of the railroad. His life was characterized by industry, and his integrity was above question. He was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends, and many of the sterling principles of that religious sect found exemplification in his life. In politics he was a Whig until the dissolution of the party and then joined the ranks of the Republican party. He lived to be more than eighty-four years of age, while his wife died at the age of sixty-eight years. To them were born seven children who

J. C. Parker, who is the youngest of the fam¬ ily, was but four years of age at the time of the removal of his parents to LaPorte county, and in Wills township he spent his childhood, thus en¬ joying the sports in which lads of that period usually indulged, if his time and attention were not occupied by the duties of the school room or of the fields. Early he began to assist in the operation of the home farm, and gave his father the benefit of his services until about twenty-seven years of age. He was then married, on the 31st of December, 1863, to Miss Caroline Shaw, who was born in Rolling Prairie on the 13th of March, 1842, a daughter of Andrew and Nancy (McClel¬ lan) Shaw, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Ohio; They became pioneer settlers of LaPorte county, establishing their home within its borders about 1833, their place of location being on Rolling Prairie. At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Parker located at what is called Boot Jack in Wills township, but in 1882 he removed his house to section 31, Hud-> son township. He has added to the building until he now has a commodious, comfortable and attractive residence, in the rear of which stand good and substantial bams, and these in turn are surrounded by well kept fields. The farm com¬ prises one hundred and twenty-five acres, but most of this Mr. Parker now rents in order that he might rest from active labor.

To Mr. and Mrs. Parker have been born five children: Minnie, now the wife of LeRoy Gro¬ ver, of Three Oaks, Michigan, by whom she has two sons, John A. and Carroll; Charles A., of Bradley, Illinois, who married Alta Hewlett and has four children: Arthur, Mary, John O. and Joseph W. ; Lydia Ellen, the wife of Albert San¬ born, of Los Angeles, California, by whom she has one daughter, Ethel B. ; Lynda Annette, the wife of Walter Copeland, of Bradley, Illinois; Bessie J., the wife of Clarence Pratt, who is prin¬ cipal of the schools of Union Mills, and by whom she has one daughter, Ruth E.

Mr. Parker has been a resident of LaPorte county for sixty-three years, and Mrs. Parker has spent her entire life in this county, now cov¬ ering a period of sixty-one years. They are well known and highly esteemed people, and have reared a family who are a credit to their name. They belong to the Christian church, and most of their children are identified with the same religious denomination. Mr. Parker is a Repub¬ lican in his political views, and cast his ballot for Abraham Lincoln in i860 and again in 1864. Since that time he has never failed to support a Republican candidate for the presidency. In his business career he has been active and honorable, aftd as the years advanced he gained a comfort¬ able competence through his industry and capable management* until he is now enabled to live a re¬ tired life, enjoying the fruits of his former toil.

JOSEPH DOLMAN, who is actively identi¬ fied with manufacturing interests in Westville, is a progressive citizen, active in business and reliable in all life's relations, and to-day he is one of the leading representatives of the community in which he makes his home. He was born in Derbyshire, England, June 13, 1848, and is a son of Joseph and Maria (Faulkner) Dolman, whose family numbered nine children, four sons and five daughters, Joseph being the fourtn in order of birth.

His father was born in Derbyshire, on the 3d of September, 1817, and lived to an advanced age, being called away April 7, 1895. He followed the lumber business in England, and after cross¬ ing the Atlantic to America engaged in teaching, being a well informed man whose qualifications fitted him for educational work. Resolving to try his fortune in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic in the spring of 1849, landing at Quebec, and the voyage was a very stormy one of six weeks' duration. He did not tarry long in the Canadian metropolis, however, but proceeded by way of the Great Lakes, reaching Buffalo, New York, on the 3d of October, 1849, and going thence to Chicago. This trip was also a stormy one. He took up his abode in Bureau county, Illinois, near Princeton, purchasing a quarter section of land from the Illinois Central Railroad Company. This was wild and unimproved, and the arduous task of developing a new farm de¬ volved upon him. He built a home and remained upon this property for about two years, after which he sold out to good advantage and made bis way to Dubuque, Iowa, where he resided for about four years. On the expiration of that per¬ iod he returned eastward to Michigan City, In¬ diana, and located in Coolspring township, La- Pbrte county, where he purchased the old Stan¬ ton Mills, which he operated for thirteen years. It was in this establishment that Mr. Dolman, Jr., obtained a practical knowledge of the milling business. The latter's father continued in this industry in Michigan City until about the time of his death. He was a Republican in politics for a period of eight years, after which he espoused the principles of the Democracy, which he con¬ tinued to advocate until his life record was ended. In manner he was kind and benevolent arid gave generously of his means to the poor and needy. His wife, also a native of England, was bom February 25, 1821, and is still living, her home being in Michigan City. She retains her faculties to a remarkable degree. Her Christian faith is that of the Episcopal church.

In the Dolman family there are six of the sons and daughters who still survive: Edward, who is a miller and is married and resides in Wanatah, Indiana ; Harriet, the wife of J. H. McDonald, a mechanic, who resides in Michigan City ; Helen, the wife of Charles Gifford, whd makes his home in Michigan City and is employed as an engineer on the Michigan Central Railroad ; Joseph ; Maria, the widow of J. N. Smith, who was a politician and resided in Chicago; and Herbert, who is agent for the Pillsbury & Washburn Mills and resides at Columbus, Ohio.

Joseph Dolman was only nine months old when brought by his parents to America, and his life has been largely spent in LaPorte county with the exception of a period of seven years passed irr Illinois and Iowa. He remembers of being lost in Chicago while the family were en route to LaPorte. He received a common school educa¬ tion, to which he has largely added through read¬ ing, investigation and experience. His life has been that of a practical miller, and he took entire charge of the mill at the age of eighteen years. No other representative of this line of business has been so long connected therewith in LaPorte county as has Mr. Dolman. On attaining his majority he practically started out on his own ac¬ count without a dollar, and what he now possesses has since been accumulated by presistent effort and industry. On attaining his majority, how¬ ever, he was admitted to a partnership with his father, with whom he continued for a year, after which he began working by the month. He was thus employed for two months, when, becoming dissatisfied with his business relations, he rented his father's mill and continued its operation until 1878. In April of that year, he came to West¬ ville and erected his present mill, which he has since conducted, having been thus associated with the industrial interests of Westville for more than a quarter of a century. He manufactures a high grade of flour, and his business has long since become profitable and extensive. He also owns one hundred acres of good land in Clinton town¬ ship, which is well improved, and the farm prop¬ erty likewise returns to him a gratifying income.

In October, i87fo, Mr. Dolman was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Henry, who was born itr Rochester, New' York, in September, 1852. She' is of Highland Scotch lineage dn the^ paternal side, while in the fraternal -line she is of English de- ' scent. Her father - was a carpenter and j piner. Mrs. Dolman was reared in Vkn Bureri courity, Michigan, and dbtained her education in its publif schools. She is a strict Methodist in religious' faith, closely adhering to the teachings of the church, and is an affectionate and loving wife and mother who has indeed been an able helpmate to her husband during the years in which they have traveled life's journey together. To this marriage have been bom four children, a son and three daughters, and the family circle yet remains un¬ broken by the hand of death. Grace, the eldest, is the wife of Dr. J. F. Roemer, who is a graduate of the Hahnemann Medical College and is now a successful physician and surgeon of Wauke¬ gan, Illinois. They have two children - Bernice and Agatha. Mrs. Roemer was a successful teacher in her own township and in the Westville high school prior to her marriage. Lulu, who was educated in the Westville high school, is now the Postal Telegraph operator- at Westville. Jesse, the only son, is a farmer by occupation. He wedded Miss Pauline Jessup, and they have a little son, Donovan Herbert Dolman. Zella, the youngest, is now a student in the public schools.

Mr. Dolman is a stanch Democrat in his poli¬ tical sentiments and has been chosen as delegate to the county conventions of his party, but has never aspired to public office, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business affairs, which have been capably managed and have brought to him well merited success. His pros¬ perity may certainly be attributed in part at least to his persistency of purpose and to the fact that he has always directed his energies along the line of the trade in which he embarked when a young man. Becoming very familiar with the business, he has so conducted his affairs that his labors have brought to him a very gratifying financial return.

HON. EUGENIUS W. DAVIS. ! No his¬ tory of LaPorte county would be complete with¬ out mention of the Hon. Eugenius W. Davis; who for many years has resided within its borders and has played an important part in its development arid progress. He has been active in public af¬ fairs, representing his district in the state legis¬ lature, and has left the impress of his individual¬ ity upon local advaricement. His life, tod, in a business way has been1 an' eminently useful' and successful one, and althpugh he started out* efrpty handed he has steadily * woVked' his' Way ' lipWard and is to-day one of the pr6spei*ous agriculturists of this portion of the state; his home bei rig on section 29, Galena township.' '

- Mr. Davis was born in 'Moncfngsft& cbuiity. West Virginia,' ort the 20th of- Dfccefrl&r, *1832. His paternal grandfathef, John' Dkvis, ;was like¬ wise a native of West Virginia, and by occupa¬ tion was a farmer. He died in the place of his nativity when about sixty years of age. There were five brothers who* m£de their way across the mountains by way of Harper's Ferry through Maryland, and all served aS soldiers of 'the Re¬ volutionary war, being valiant defenders of the rights of the colonists. The family is of either Welsh or English lineage.

Caleb B. Davis, the father of Eugenius W. Davis, was bom in Monongalia county, West Virginia, in 1809, and there obtained his educa¬ tion. In 1831 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Wagner, also a native of Monongalia coun¬ ty, her birth occurring on the 15th of April, 1812. Her father, Jacob J. Wagner, was bom in Penn¬ sylvania and came to LaPorte county in pioneer times. Hfc purchased land in 1831 and took up his abode thereon in 1835. The Wagners were of German lineage, the grandfather of Sarah Wagner having been Caspar Wagner, who was born in Germany and sailed from that country to Pennsylvania. Jacob J. Wagner was the youngest of twelve children, and in his youth was bound out to leam the tanner's trade. He could not speak a word in English until he was twelve years of age, but he soon mastered the language, and by his industry and perseverance in his busi¬ ness career won success. As time advanced he made judicious investments in real estate, and became the owner of seventeen hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in LaPorte and adjoining counties. He also engaged extensively in loaning money, and his business operations were of an im¬ portant nature. He was truly a self-made man, for all that he has he accumulated through his own exertions. He was also, well read, and kept informed on all subjects of general information. As a very prominent pioneer settler of LaPorte county he deserves mention in this work and his efforts were of marked value in advancing pub¬ lic improvement and progress.

In the 'year of his marriage Caleb B. Davis came to Indiana on horseback, intending to lo¬ cate in the central part of the state, but he did not like that district and continued on to LaPorte county, which was known as the lake region. He then returned to Virginia, but in 1833 again came to LaPorte county, this time accompanied by his family. The journey was made with a team and covered wagon, and he reached Kan¬ kakee township on the 10th of September, 1833. There he lived for one year upon land belonging to his father-in-law, now known as the J. J. Wag¬ ner place, and later removed to his own farm in the same township, where . he resided until September, 1835. He then removed to Springfield township, where he entered one hundred and twenty acres of land. The following years he built a sawmill, and in addition to agricultural pursuits engaged in the manufacture of lumber. In February, 1838, he traded his mill for two hun¬ dred acres of wild land in sections 29 and 20, Galena township, and, removing to this farm, made it his home for forty-one years. In 1879 he removed to Michigan, where he spent his last days, his death occurring in 1891, when he had reached his eighty-third year. From 1842 up to the time of his death, covering a period of fifty years he was a preacher of the Christian or New Light church. Honorable principles and the true spirit of Christianity permeated his entire life and made him a man whom to know was to respect and honor. In politics he was a life-long Democrat and took an active part in political affairs, serving as trustee and as justice of the peace. His wife lived to be seventy-six years of age and passed away in Michigan in 1888. In their family were ten children, of whom two died in infancy, while eight reached mature years and are still living, namely : Eugenius W. ; Josephus, who is a practicing physician of New Carlisle, Indiana; Alpheus W., a retired farmer living in Three Oaks, Michigan ; Benjamin F., who is liv¬ ing in New Buffalo township, Berrien county, Michigan ; Caleb, a resident of Mears, Michigan ; Jacob J.,who is living in Fremont, Newaygo coun¬ ty, of the same state; Sarah E., the wife of Thomas Evans, who resides near Stockton, Cali¬ fornia ; Hattie E., the late wife of William Beals, of Rolling Prairie, Indiana, and who died Octo¬ ber 21, 1903.

Eugenius W. Davis was less than one year old when his parents came to LaPorte county, and his memory forms a connecting link between the pioneer past and the progressive present with its splendid improvements and opportunities. In his life, however, advantages were much more meager. His education was acquired in the log schoolhouse, and he was only able to attend school through the winter months, for in the summer seasons he assisted his father in clearing the land and improving the home farm. He was thus engaged until he became seventeen years of age, when, having formed a strong desire to enjoy better educational privileges, he began educating himself through reading and study at home* Thus he became qualified for teaching, and for several years followed that profession with ex¬ cellent success. He now has a teachers' certifi¬ cate received from the first one authorized to grant such a document in the county, but he chose to devote his attention to agricultural pur¬ suits. However, he taught in the winter months for about ten years, and in the winter of 1852-3 his school was held in a log building. When he started out for himself he bought eighty acres of land in Galena township, for which he incurred an indebtedness of seven hundred dollars. He had no teams, there were no buildings upon the place, no orchard and no tools of any description. He left his father's home at noon on a May day in 1854, and cut every log used in building his first cabin in that afternoon. In that pioneer home he remained from the 2d of June, 1854, until the 22d of October, 1862, when he removed into the house he now occupies. He has always carried on agricultural work, and now owns a splendid improved farm well supplied with modem farm implements and tools of any description needed upon his place. He has also erected good build¬ ings, placed his fields under a high state of culti¬ vation, and does not owe a dollar upon his farm. Early in life he practiced economy, industry and perseverance, and these sterling traits of charac¬ ter have enabled him to advance steadily upon the road of prosperity. He is now the owner of two* farms, one consisting of two hundred and twenty acres, and the other, about a mile distant on sec¬ tion 19, Galena township, comprising two hun¬ dred and forty acres, so that his landed posses¬ sions aggregate four hundred and sixty acres, all of which is valuable and well improved. He has, however, not confined his activities entirely to agricultural work, for he is now the vice presi¬ dent of the LaPorte Savings Bank, and has often been called upon to settle up estates and look after other business of a public nature.

Mr. Davis has always been known as a Demo¬ crat and in 1881 was elected to the state legisla¬ ture and re-elected in 1883, serving for four years. To every question which came up for settlement he gave his careful and earnest con¬ sideration, and his was a loyal support to all measures which he believed would contribute to the general good. He has also filled some local offices, including that of justice of the peace, and he has long been recognized as a prominent and valued citizen of his community. Since 1865 he has been a prominent Mason, and now holds membership in Excelsior Lodge No. 41, F. & A. M., of LaPorte, and filled every chair except that of tyler. A member and elder of the Christian church, he has been a regular teacher in its Sun¬ day-school for many years. He is deeply inter¬ ested in everything that tends to promote its growth and extend its influence. .

On the 9th of October, 1853, Mr. Davis was united in marriage to Miss Betsey Barnes, who was born in Onondaga county, New York, Janu¬ ary 30, 1835. Her father, Cyrus Barnes, was bom April 11, 1808, in Onondaga county, was there reared, and in the year 1826 was married there to Eliza Elliott, who was likewise a native of that district. She was bom April 23, 1809, and they took up their abode in Onondaga coun¬ ty, New York, where they remained until the spring' of 1839, when they came to LaPorte county and settled in Galena township. There Mr. Barnes carried on general farming until his death, which occurred in 1883, while his wife survived him until 1887. They lived in one house in Galena township for exactly forty-four years. Of their eight children, one died in infancy while the others reached adult age. The father was a farmer and also pioneer nurseryman of north¬ western Indiana, and all of the orchards for miles around were planted with trees from his place and many were grafted by him. Phineas Barnes, the grandfather of Mrs. Davis, was united in marriage to Lois Foster, who was born in New York and there passed away. The grandparents on the maternal line were John and Hannah Elliott, the former bom June 6, 1777, and the latter on the 17th of February, 1780. They were natives of New York, and were of English line¬ age, while the Barnes family was of Irish descent. The children of Cyrus and Eliza Barnes were as follows: Avery I., who is a resident of Galena township ; Lois D., the wife of V. F. Smith, who died in 1864; Hannah, who died in 1834; James A., who is editor of the Auburn Courier , a daily and weekly paper published in DeKalb county, Indiana; Betsey A. ; Charles O., who is a farmer of Galena township ; and Lydia, who was a teach¬ er and died in 1864. Dr. C. 'G. Barnes, another member of the family, is a resident physician in Nebraska and was a pioneer settler of Boone county, that state. He served on the staff of Governor Poynter, as colonel and surgeon gener¬ al, and is very prominent in political circles. He

Mrs. Davis, the fifth child of this family, came to LaPorte county in the spring of 1839, when a little maiden of only four summers. She was educated in the schools of Galena township, the little temple of learning being a log structure. She never went for one day to a frame school. In 1863 she joined the New Light church, and in 1870 became a member of the Disciples church, of which she is still an adherent. She has been a very active and earnest worker in the church and Sunday-school, teaching in the latter for many years. She possesses considerable literary talent, and in 1853 began writing poetry, much of which displays considerable merit. She has also been the correspondent for many papers, and in 1850 published her first article, which ap¬ peared in the Genesee Farmer , of Rochester, New York, of which Joseph Harris was the editor. Since that time she has contributed to many pa¬ pers, and is now writing for five different journ¬ als. Her poems have been published in the papers of Indianapolis and of Illinois, and she has received some very flattering notices from the press. Another side of her nature is manifested in her great interest in growing plants. She not only raises fine flowers, but also produces excel¬ lent fruit, and is a member of the Indiana State Horticultural Society. She has taken many first premiums in that society because of the excellent fruit which she has displayed and she is also a member of the American Foresters' Association.

To Mr. and Mrs. Davis have been born three children, of whom one died in infancy. The others are Arthur C. and Fannie E. The former was born December 31, 1854, and on January 23, 1896, was killed by the bursting of a balance wheel on a wood-sawing machine. He married Hannah D. Maass on the 1st of January, 1881, and they had three sons and a daughter: Ed¬ ward L., Lester C., Elsa A. and Ernest R. The daughter Fannie is the wife of William J. Finley, and has eight children : Forest F., Eugenius W., Winnie, Nellie B., John H., Avery R., Grace D., and Bessie O. Mrs. Finley, like her mother, is also a correspondent of various newspapers, and has written for the Ladies' Home Jorunal and other publications besides the local press.

Mr. Davis and his family are prominent in LaPorte county and well deserve mention in this work. He has carried on his business affairs along legitimate lines, has prospered in his under¬ takings, and is to-day the owner of valuable in¬ terests here. On the 9th of October, 1903, they

OTHIE WAY, the proprietor of a fine stock farm in Noble township, and whose beautiful homestead "Wayside Farm," is known as a model throughout the township, belongs to a family of pioneers of this county, and one that has also furnished, honorable and useful men and women to various places of activity in the American re¬ public. The ancestry is English, and one of the early, progenitors was Captain John Way, of Roxbury, Massachusetts, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, thus entitling his descendants in this county to membership in the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution.

Isaac. Way, the father of Othie Way and the son of Samuel and Betsy (Preston) Way, was born in Meriden, Connecticut, August 11, 1816, and died in LaPorte . county, March 23, 1893. He was reared in his native state, and received such , educational advantages as the common schools afforded. He came to LaPorte county in 1836, when all the present flourishing towns and cities and highly developed agricultural communi¬ ties were in their infancy or wildernesses. He drove through Michigan with a horse and buggy and in 1837 returned to Connecticut . for a short time. .He purchased eighty acres of land in Noble township, and f rpm one large tree on the land built a frame dwelling, which was his abode for some years. He^ was a successful man, as is shown by the fact that at his death he was the owner qf fifteen hundred acres of land, all in -Noble township. He voted with the old Whig party, and later espoused the cause of Republi¬ canism. He was one of the trustees of the town¬ ship for. a number of years, being identified with its leading interests, and his name is found among those .who laid out the tQw,n of Wellsboro.

In 1842 Isaac Way married Miss Rosanna Wellmap who was born in Pennsylvania in 1823 and died in . 1 876, being also of English ancestry. She was* a member of the Presbyterian church, and a very jidble woman of high ideals. She was th§ mpther of, fpur sops and two daughters, three of., whom , are living: Ada is the wife of Charles prederickson, a salesman of LaPorte ; Ella.i$ the yrife of Robert Crawford, a farmer of Noble township; and Othie is the youngest.

Othie. .Way was bom in LaPorte county, De¬ cember .8, *86o, and has spent , nearly his entire life in tbe county.. After a common school train¬ ing he took a commercial course at Valparaiso, and then took up farming. He has three hundred and fifty acres in the "Wayside Farm," and he has so combined intelligence and labor that he has been successful to an unusual degree. His speci¬ alty, and the part of his business in which he takes most pride, is the raising of fine Galloway cattle, which he considers the best breed for all purposes. He has about thirty-five head of these fine regis¬ tered animals.

In 1882 Mr. Way was united in marriage to Miss Cornelia. Drom and of their three children two are living: Irene is a student in the Michi¬ gan Agricultural College at Lansing, and will graduate in 1905: Dena is in the sixth grade of the public school. Mrs. Way died September 3, 1891, and on January 4, 1893 Mr. Way married Miss Inez Drom, a halLsister of his former wife. She was born in New Durham township, LaPorte county, December 1, 1874, a daughter of John and Agnes (Callum) Dorm, the former a native of Pennsylvania and a farmer of LaPorte county, now deceased, and the latter, a native of Toronto, Canada, now resides in Chicago. Mrs. Way was educated in the public schools of Michigan City.

Mr. Way is a Republican in political principles and has represented his party in county conven¬ tions. In 1900 he was elected trustee of Noble township, and in this important office is the con¬ servator of the best interests of the people, and can be relied upon to promote educational stand¬ ards and public improvements. He has been one of the directorate of the LaPorte Savings Bank for the past six years. His individual success has been such as to class him among the leading men of the county, and at the same time he has done his share in the development and upbuilding of those things which pertain to the good of his fellows.

GEORGE W. ALLEN, a well known archi¬ tect and merchant of LaPorte, was bom in Dover, New Jersey, in 1864, a son of Charles and Sarah (Allison) Allen. Charles Allen was a native of Morris county, New Jersey, and for several gen¬ erations representatives of both the Allen and Allison families had resided m Dover and in Morris county. None have come to the west save the subject of this sketch.. Charles Allen en¬ gaged in teaching school in early life, but after¬ ward learned the mason's trade and became a contractor. He spent his entire life at Dover, and there passed away in 1882. His wife was bom in Morris county and is still living at Dover.

putting aside his text bodes began to learn the trade of a brick and stone mason, which he mas¬ tered thoroughly. This did not satisfy his ambi¬ tion, however, as he wished to become an architect and in. 1884 he began studying architecture at home, availing himself of every opportunity for advancement in that direction. He improved by the instruction of a number of teachers and among his tutors was C. Powell Carr, the noted architect and civil engineer of New York.

In 1885 Mr. Allen came to the west and lo¬ cated at Three Oaks, Michigan, where he re¬ mained for seven years as a mason and stone contractor. In 1891 he went to Valparaiso, In¬ diana, for the purpose of pursuing special courses in architecture and engineering in the Northern Indiana College at that place. He remained there for three years, pursuing his studies during the college sessions and working at his trade during the periods of vacation. He was employed on the construction of the new auditorium of the college, which has the largest seating capacity pf any permanent building in Indiana outside of the city of Indianapolis. After completing a three years' course of study in Valparaiso, he came to LaPorte in 1894 and began business as an archi¬ tect. He also extended the field of his labors by establishing a dry-goods store on Main street, which has become one of the largest and most prosperous mercantile concerns of its kind in the city, having a large patronage, which is annually increasing. He has always continued his archi¬ tectural work, and has designed some of the finest structures in this city, which is noted for its beautiful homes. In 1902 he remodeled the Frst Methodist church, making it one of the most at¬ tractive pieces of ecclesiastical architecture in this part of the state, it having awakened wide atten¬ tion and elicited much favorable comment. He also designed the beautiful residence of Dr. Dutherland on Jefferson avenue and many other lovely homes, and built the new school building at Hanna, LaPorte county, which was erected at a cost of thirteen thousand dollars.

In Three Oaks, Michigan, in 1884, Mr. Allen was happily married to Miss Ida Love, and they have two children : Willie and Clara. Mr. Allen attends the First Methodist church, of which his family are members, an<J fraternally he is con¬ nected with the ^Jasons and the Tribe of Ben Hur. Mediocrity is abhorrent to him, and in the world of business he has therefore advanced to a leading position in his chosen lines of activity, being both a successful merchant and architect.

WILLIAM S. PHILLIPS was an honored and representative farmer of LaPorte county, liv¬ ing in Pleasant township, and although he has now passed away he is yet remembered by many who enjoyed his friendship, while he was an ac¬ tive and representative agriculturist here. He was born in Monroe county, New York, March 24, 1828, a son of Cyril Phillips, who was also a native of the Empire state and was of Irish line¬ age. Reared in his native place until fourteen years of age, William S. Phillips then accom¬ panied his parents to LaPorte, Indiana, where he became connected with his father in the shoe business, following that pursuit for many years* He afterward went to Michigan City, where he was in business with his brother for a long period but later he came to Pleasant township, where he engaged in farming, continuing in that pursuit until his demise. }

Mr. Phillips was united in marriage to Miss Colista C Taylor, who was bom in the Empire state, January 4, 1834, a daughter of John W. Taylor, who was born in England and came to America about 1832, arriving in LaPorte county about 1836. (See sketch of James H. Taylor for family history.) Mrs. Phillips was his second child and second daughter, and was about two' years of age when she accompanied her parents to Indiana, where she has resided the rest of her life. She first became the wife of Alvin Vanderwarker, and by that marriage had one daughter, Alice, who is now the wife of Henry Amor, of Kingsbury, LaPorte county. It was on the 22d of April, 1858, that Mrs. Vanderwarker gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Phillips, and this union was blessed with two daughters: Colista, now the wife of Dr. James Cooper, a practicing phy¬ sician of LaPorte ; and Phebe, the wife of Oscar Johnson, a resident farmer of Pleasant township* Mrs. Phillips has eight grandchildren: Cora, Willie, Ed and Dan Amor, and Willie Riley, Emily, Alice and Florence Johnson.

It was on the 7th of November, 1901, that Mr. Phillips was called to his final rest. He was a life-long member of the Baptist church, and his political affiliations were with the Democracy. He held a number of local positions, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity, and he en¬ joyed the favorable regard of a very large circle of friends, being well-known in the county in which he had made his home from the age of fif¬ teen years. In business affairs he was always prompt, energetic and notably reliable, and as a merchant and an agriculturist met with success.

Mrs. Phillips still owns the farm, which she conducts with the assistance of a hired man. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Salem, and is true to its teachings and its pre¬ cepts. Almost her entire life has been passed in Pleasant township, for she came when but two years of age, and now she is very widely and favorably known here, her many excellent quali¬ ties of heart and mind having endeared her to those with whom she has been associated.

GEORGE McMANIS DAKIN, M. D. There are few men whose lives are crowned with the honor and respect which are universally accorded George McManis Dakin ; through more than half a century's connection with LaPorte's history his has been an unblemished character. With him success in life has been reached by his sterl¬ ing qualities of mind and a heart true to every manly principle ; he has never deviated from what his judgment would indicate to be right and hon¬ orable between his fellow men and himself; he has never swerved from the path of duty, and now after a long and eventful career he can look back over the past with pride and enjoy the re¬ maining years of his earthly pilgrimage with a consciousness of having gained for himself by his honorable, straightforward career the confi¬ dence and respect of the entire community in which he lives. Dr. Dakin has for years been a distinguished physician of Indiana, practicing at LaPorte, and has been the associate, co-worker and counsellor of many of the distinguished men of the nation in connection with affairs bearing upon the national history.

Dr. Dakin was bom upon a farm at Oakland, Clinton county, Ohio, about forty miles from Cin¬ cinnati, on the 13th of May, 1827. The Dakin family is of English lineage and comes of dis¬ tinguished ancestry, the line being traced back to the time of William the Conqueror, and on through that line to early French kings, including Charlemagne and others who ruled the French nation. The name, of Dakin is inscribed on a tablet in Battle Abbey, Hastings, England, to comemorate the services of those who bore it in connection with the military conquests of William the Conqueror, at the battle of Hastings. The inscription being "Strike Dakin, the devil is in the rye." It was at that battle that William, Duke of Normandy, afterward King of England, gave the motto to the Dakins for their coat of arms, expressing bravery in battle.

Timothy Dakin, the great-grandfather of Dr. Dakin, resided near the Hudson river in the vicin¬ ity of New York city, where was the early home of the family in America. He had a family of seven sons, namely : Paul, Joshua, Preserved, Wooster, Timothy, John and Zebulon. Several of these were soldiers in the Revolutoinary war, and Joshua Dakin presented to the Doctor's fa¬ ther an old flint-lock gun and powder horn which he had used in the continental army.

Zebulon Dakin, the grandfather of Dr. Dakin, was a native of New York and in the Empire state was married to Miss Thankful Briggs. In the early part of the nineteenth century they re¬ moved with their family to what was then the far west, settling in the midst of the wilderness in Clinton county, Ohio, where Zebulon Dakin clear¬ ed a tract of land and developed a farm that re¬ mained the family home for many years.

Perry Dakin, the father of Dr. Dakin, was born in Columbia county, New York, in 1798, and was a youth of sixteen years when he accom¬ panied his parents on their emigration to Ohio. Reared to the occupation of farming, he made it his life work, although he learned the tanner's trade when a young man, and to some extent did work in that line for the neighbors in the absence of the regular tanner. He was united in mar¬ riage to Miss Phebe McManis, who was bom in Kentucky in 1806, and who died in May, 1904, at the age of ninety-eight years, her home having been in Princeton, Bureau county, Illinois. When a child she accompanied her parents on their re¬ moval to Clinton county, Ohio, where she met and married Perry Dakin. Her husband died in 1846, and in later life she removed to Princeton to live with her daughter, Mrs. Margaret Dakin Trimble, the wife of Judge Trimble, ex-commander of the Illinois Grand Army of the Repub¬ lic and a distinguished lawyer of that state. Mrs. Trimble is the Dakin family historian and is com¬ piling a complete genealogy of the representa¬ tives of the family in America. There is another sister living, the widow of Judge Cochran, who was a well known lawyer of Ohio and also a prominent member of the Grand Army of the Republic in that state. The sons of the family became physicians, and the sisters married law¬ yers, thus showing a predilection for professional life. Two of the brothers, James Briggs Dakin and Philip Rockefeller Dakin, were Union sold¬ iers throughout the Civil war.

In this connection it will be interesting to note something of the maternal ancestry of Dr. Dakin. His mother was a daughter of Judge George

McManis, who was bom in Kentucky, whence he removed to Ohio at an early period in the de¬ velopment of Clinton county. He was a farmer by occupation, but after removing to Clinton county was elected associate judge of the first circuit court which was held in that county. He became a very prominent and influential man there, aiding largely in shaping the early history of his locality and leaving the impress of his in¬ dividuality for good upon its development and progress. His father was a native of Ireland, and on crossing the Atlantic to America settled in Philadelphia, subsequent to which time he re¬ moved to Kentucky, where he was engaged in the Indian wars that made the state known as the dark and bloody ground because of the hostil¬ ity manifested by the red men against the white lace.

Dr. Dakin spent his boyhood and early man¬ hood in a locality and during a period in which strong characters were developed and history was made, for Clinton county, Ohio, was at that time a hotbed of abolition sentiment and his par¬ ents, their relatives and other intimate friends were strong anti-slavery exponents in practice as well as theory. The Doctor's father took a deep interest in the movement which became known as the underground railroad, and on his first trip, while aiding negroes who were making their way from the Ohio river to Canada, he was accom¬ panied by his son George, who was then but a boy and who afterward made several trips of this kind on his own account. They experienced many stirring difficulties in secreting negroes from their pursuing masters, and in getting them to their destination. From the Doctor's earliest boyhood up to the time the Civil war was in¬ augurated, life in Clinton county was attended with excitement and momentous events, presagin the great coming conflict. He took a great interest in these affairs and eagerly read such papers as the.V ational Intelligencer , National Era, National Anti-Slavery Standard , Boston Libera¬ tor and the Cincinnati Philanthropist . In addi¬ tion to the knowledge he thus gained he met and heard some of the noted abolitionists of that day, including William Lloyd Garrison, Salmon P. Chase and the members and students of the fac¬ ulty of the Cincinnati Theological Seminary, who were very prominent in the anti-slavery crusade. In fact, it was Dr. Dakin's good fortune to be con¬ stantly associated with great minds, and it is not surprising that under such influences he devel¬ oped a sturdy character and strong mentality to¬ gether with habits of thought and life that have

His primary education was acquired in the district schools, supplemented by the knowledge which he gained from a good home library. Later he attended Wilmington Academy at Wilming¬ ton, Ohio, now Franklin College, and subsequent¬ ly pursued a course of study in the academy at Waynesville, Ohio, under the preceptorship of Professor David S. Burson, a noted educator and mathematician. During all his school days Dr. Dakin displayed splendid talent in the line of physics and physiology. The first money he ever earned, obtained by dropping com for a neigh¬ bor, was invested in a copy of Comstock's Phy¬ siology. He took a leading part in the country lyceums of those days, and in one of these lyceums he became a teacher of physiology, instruct¬ ing a class of boys of his own age in that science. That marked the beginning of his medical studies and thereafter all his efforts in an educational line were spent in the direction of acquiring a medical training as a preparation for the practice of the science as a life work.

He began seriously the study of medicine with Dr. J. W. Scroggs in Warren county, Ohio, in 1846. The death of his father in that year greatly interfered with his plans, as much responsibility in connection with the household devolved upon him, but he was an intensely earnest and ambi¬ tious young man, determined to achieve success, and the difficulties in his path only served as an impetus to make him work the harder. He be¬ came a great favorite with his preceptor, Dr. Scroggs, who intrusted him with the com¬ pounding of medicines and pharmaceutical pre¬ parations, for there were no drug stores in those days at which physicians purchased their sup¬ plies, all medicines being compounded in their own offices. Dr. Dakin also visited patients of Dr. Scroggs, and in these and other ways obtain¬ ed excellent training and fine practical experi¬ ence in medical practice. During these years he also worked hard on a farm, and engaged in teaching school in order to gain the money nec¬ essary to enable him to pursue his professional studies. He worked night and day with little thought of rest, and in 1850 found that he had earned enough to enable him to enter the Cincin¬ nati Eclectic Medical Institute, where he com¬ pleted a two years' course of study. He was graduated in 1852, and in 1853 decided to re¬ move to Bureau county, Illinois. Accordingly he located in Princeton and entered upon the practice of medicine, meeting with success from the beginning. He also acquired an interest in a drug store in the adjoining county of Lasalle and later lived for a time in Lasalle county.

Dr. Dakin's ability and general worth as manifested during his residence in Princeton brought him to the attention of some of the noted men of that day. It was there that he became acquainted with Owen Lovejoy and other famous abolitionists, including the four brothers of Will¬ iam Cullen Bryant. He heartily endorsed the principles which they advocated, and at the be¬ ginning .of the wax he devoted much of his time as a . physician to the care and treatment of wounded soldiers brought home to Illinois from the battlefields of, .the south. , 4

. In 1862.be was induced to come to LaPorte and take up the, practice of Dr. Teegarden, who wished tp retire. Dr. Teegarden had heard , of Dr. Dakin!s success as a follower of the medical profession and urged his .removal: to this city, so that on. his axrival the latter immediately stepped intp! a lucrative practice, which has continued with -unvarying success and with the unwavering confidence of a large number of patients to the present day.. In recent years Dr. Dakin has had to give up country practice to a large extent, be¬ cause of the long drives and the arduous labor involved, but as far as possible devotes his time to office practice at the present time and is still an honored and valuable member of his , profes¬ sion. He has been the physician to * 'The Ruth C. Sabin Home for. Elderly Ladies** since 1885. He was also physician, to the northern Indiana Or¬ phans' Home from 1891 tp 1899*

Dr. Dakin was married on the 13th of Septem¬ ber, 1852, to Martha W*. Alien, a, daughter of Abraham Allen,, of Clinton county, Ohio, and a prominent abolitionist of those days> They be¬ came the parents of two sons: [Norman a resident of LaPorte* and Alfred M,, who is a successful business man in Mexico City, Republic of Mexico. The Doctor has always been devoted to his family, his deepest interests . centering in his home life.

Dr. Dakin is probably best known as the fa¬ ther of the LaPorte Public Library. During the war he and a few other prominent , men of La¬ Porte arranged for a course of lectures to be given in this city by such people of distinction as William Lloyd Garrison, Horace Greeley, Bay¬ ard Taylor and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Meeting with splendid success in this undertaking, the promoters decided to establish a library fund with the proceeds of their lectures, and accordingly in 1864 the LaPorte Library and Natural History Association was organized and a number of books purchased. The name was afterward changed to the LaPorte Public Library, and to-day there is a fine building belonging to'the association, erected at a cost of about eight thousand dollars. In con¬ tains reading and reference rooms and over nine thousand volumes. Dr. Dakin has been the presi¬ dent of the library board almost continuously since the inception of this splendid public insti¬ tution, and has given largely of his time and money for its advancement and has made many donations of books to it. It has been the thing which has elicited his deepest interest and most active co-operation outside of his professional life. A more detailed account of the library will appear in the historical section of this volume.

Dr. Dakin has often been solicited to accept public office, but would never consent to become a candidate. Naturally he joined the Republican party upon its organization to prevent the further extension of slavery. His first presidential vote was cast for Martin VanBuren, at which time Charles Francis Adams was running as the can¬ didate for the vice presidency on the Free-soil ticket. This was in 1848. In 1852 he voted for John P. Hale for president and George W. Julian for vice president, and in 1856 for Fremont, while in i860 he supported Abraham Lincoln, and has since been an unfaltering Republican.

Since 1856 he has been a Master Mason, and for a number of years was master of his local lodge. He has also been high priest of the Royal Arch chapter and eminent commander of the Knight Templar organization, while since 1866 he has been a member of the Indiana Consistory, in which he attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. A life-long member of the Unitarian church, he has been presiding officer of the local society for twenty years. In the line of his profession he became a .charter member of the Indiana State Eclectic Association.

The keynote of his character is contained in the word "helpfulness." His life has been devoted to his family, his friends, to young men who start out in, life dependent upon their own efforts, and to the support of those principles which he be¬ lieves to be right. His unswerving purpose, his unquestioned fidelity, his unfaltering honesty and his unchanging will have commanded the highest respect of all. He has been a leader in the cause of liberty, of freedom and of progress, and his hearty co-operation has ever been given to that which tends to elevate mankind.

HENRY E. KOCH, who is conducting a photographic studio in LaPorte, has attained dis¬ tinction in his art, ranking now with the most skillful photographers of the state. Long since he has left the ranks of the many to stand among the really successful few, having acquired not only a thorough knowledge of the mechanical and scientific sides of his art, but also possessing the real artistic sense without which the photographer can never win distinction.

Mr. Koch is a native son of LaPorte, his birth having occurred in the western part of the city, known as Camp Colfax, in 1873. His parents were France Henry and Sophia (Spier) Koch. His father was bom in Hanover, Germany, ^nd in 1848 bade adieu to his native land and sailed for America, settling first at Hanging Rock, Ohio. In 1870 he came to LaPorte. He was only fourteen, years °f age when he came to the United States and learned the cooper's trade in Cincin¬ nati, Ohio, which he followed to a limited extent. He also followed brick-laying, but for the past twenty-one years has been employe in the threshing machine factory of the Rumely Com¬ pany. His wife was a maiden of sixteen summers when she crossed the Atlantic, settling in Cincin¬ nati, Ohio, where she met Mr. Koch.

Henry Koch acquired the greater part of his education in the parish school connected with St. John's German Lutheran church, which is noted for the extent of its curriculum and the thoroughness of its methods of instruction. With a natural artistic taste and talent, he determined t6 take up the study of photography, and in 1893 entered the studio of L. A. Kraft, in LaPorte. Later he went to St. Joseph, Michigan, where he continued his studies with H. E. Bradley, a pho¬ tographer of that city, and subsequently he re¬ ceived more advanced experience with J. B. Wil¬ son, a photographer, at 389 State street, Chicago.

Returning to LaPorte Mr. Koch again spent a few months with Mr. Kraft, and then purchased his studio and business, continuing its conduct on the third floor of the Crane building on Mich¬ igan avenue. Later be purchased the business of W. E. Dolk and consolidated it with his own, removing to th$ studio formerly occupied by Mr. Dolk, at 803 Michigan avenue. He ha£ made re¬ markable progress for a young mam and his work is of such superior character that he practically has no opposition in .LaPorte. In 1901 he joined the Indiana Association of Photographers, and in the annual convention of . 1902, held at Winona Lake* he carried away two medals, winning one as the first prize in the cabinet class and the other as the third prize in the panel class. This seems highly creditable in view of the fact, that his work was brought in competion with that of the entire state of Indiana, some of the most talented pho¬ tographers of the United States being represented in the convention.

Mr. Koch is constantly striving for improve- . ment in his work, and is an earnest student, in¬ defatigable in his labors. His photographs are noted for artistic merit, and he enjoys a very large and constantly increasing patronage. He is also a member of the American Association of Pho¬ tographers, a national organization.

In LaPorte Mr. Koch was united in marriage to Miss Edith Fritzen, a native of this city and a daughter of Charles Fritzen. They have a little daughter, Linda. Mr. Koch is a prominent and active member of St. John's Lutheran church, deeply interested in its growth and the extention of its influence. He is now erecting a new resi¬ dence on D street, between Sixth and Seventh streets, which will be one of the finest houses in the fifth ward, and the artistic sense of Mr. Koch and the cultured taste of his estimable wife, should make it one of the most attractive resi¬ dences of the city.

JOHN A. WOOD, A. B., A. M., fpr the past five years superintendent of the schools of La¬ Porte, Indiana, has devoted his enfjre life to edu¬ cational work, and has taken rank among the leading representatives of the profession in this state, and, through his articles on <edqcational sub¬ jects in magazines and school, journals, his repu¬ tation has extended throughout th£ country. His enthusiastic interest in his work, supplementing broad and thorough perpfwation, has made his labors most effective in advancing the standard of education wherever his work has been centered, and he has left the impress of his. individuality upon every locality in which he has remained for any length of time.

John A. Wood, son of Captain William Smith and Louisa H. (Anderson) Wood, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, August 14, 1865. He taught school before he was sixteen years old, and his aptitude for the calling was manifest even at that time. He and his wife were students together both, before and after their marriage, and they graduated from the Indiana State Normal school in 1889, and in 1897 from the State University of Indiana, at which time the degree of Bachelor of Arts was conferred upon them. In 1902 the University gave him the degree of Master of Arts and honored her with the same degree in the fol- lowing year. Mr. Wood has also pursued post¬ graduate work in the University of Chicago and in Clark University. His school work in Indiana has been passed - four years at Cortland, two at Clinton, two as superintendent at Charleston, seven as high school principal at Frankfort, one as high school principal at LaPorte, and since 1898 he has served as superintendent of the La- Porte city schools. His work has won for him high encomiums, and he has gained distinctive precedence as an educator.

Professor Wood i9 an active member of the National Educational Association; is vice presi¬ dent of the North Central Association of Second¬ ary Schools and Colleges; is president of the Town and City Superintendents' Association of Indiana ; is a prominent institute lecturer in In¬ diana, Ohio and Michigan ; is a member of var¬ ious state educational committees, and has taken an active part in securing the passage of legisla¬ tive measures through the general assembly fav¬ orable to the public schools. His many articles upon educational matters have been published in leading periodicals and journals and have awak¬ ened much interest and comment.

In 1891 Mr. Wood was married in Brookville, Indiana, to Miss Louise Meyer, a daughter of Edward and Mary Robeson Meyer. Mr. and Mrs. Wood have two children, Paul Meyer Wood, born at Frankfort, Indiana, June 8, 1894, and John Meyer Wood, born in LaPorte, January 10, 1901. Mrs. Wood occupies a leading position in educational and literary circles. She, too, be¬ gan teaching at the age of sixteen. She was prin¬ cipal of the schools of Falmouth, Kentucky, for three years, and was at the head of the depart¬ ment of literature in the high school of Frankfort, Indiana. In 1890 she was principal of the high school in Plymouth, Indiana, and was teacher of science in the Frankfort high school in 1892. While living in Frankfort the Louise Wood Lit¬ erary Club was organized and named in her honor and she still directs the work of the club. In LaPorte Mrs. Wood has taken a prominent part in stimulating literary interests, and is now direc¬ tor of the Shakesperian Round Table, of the Woman's Literary Club, and of the Realistic Novel Club. She is also a member of the West¬ ern Writers' Association. Her literary proclivi¬ ties are inherent in her family.

Professor Wood and his wife hold member¬ ship in the Presbyterian church, and he is a mem¬ ber of the Masonic lodge, also a member of the board of charities and corrections and of the chil¬ dren's board of guardians of LaPorte county.

Mr. Wood has a strong individuality, and never lacks the courage of his convictions, but at the same time possesses a lively human sympathy and an abiding charity, and these qualities, with his sterling honor and integrity of character, have gained for him, in all life's relations, the esteem and unshaken confidence of his fellow men.

ALBERT T. VREELAND. The name of Albert T. Vreeland is one well known in Michi¬ gan City and throughout LaPorte county, for he has long been a leading and influential citizen of this part of the state. Throughout his business career he sustained an unassailable reputation, and his careful direction of his business affairs brought to him the success which now enables him to live a retired life. His home is at 306 East Michigan street, and there in the midst of many friends he is spending the evening of his days in quiet retirement from further labor.

Mr. Vreeland came to Indiana from the east, his birth having occurred in Union county, New Jersey, in the city of Springfield, January 1, 1831. His paternal grandfather died in that state, and there is little known concerning the ancestral his¬ tory of the family. Aaron B. Vreeland, his fa¬ ther, was bom in Essex county, New Jersey, May 4, 1800, and was a farmer by occupation and died in Springfield, New Jersey, October 10, 1849. when forty-nine years of age. In early manhood he had wedded Miss Jane D. Stevenson, also a native of New Jersey, and she survived him for a number of years. Her birth occurred in Essex county on the 27th of July, 1803, and she de¬ parted this life in Milbum, New Jersey, April 8. 1871. Her religious faith was that of the Pres¬ byterian church and her life was in harmony with its teachings. Aaron B. Vreeland served in the war of 1812, and at all times was a loyal and de¬ voted citizen interested in the progress and wel¬ fare of his country. To him and his wife were born three children, two sons and a daughter, but Albert T. is the only one now living.

No event of especial importance occurred to vary the routine of life for Albert T. Vreeland in his early youth. He was reared in New Jersey and obtained his education in the public schools there. After putting aside his text books, he learned the machinist's trade, which he followed for seven years, becoming an expert workman. With the growth of the country and the extension of civili¬ zation and business interests into the west, he became interested in the middle section of this land, and in 1855 made his way to Indiana. For one year he resided in Michigan City, after which he returned to the east, but in 1857 again came to Michigan City. The second period of his resi¬ dence here, however, was but a brief one, and it was not until 1859 that he made a permanent set¬ tlement here. He was at first engaged in the real estate business in connection with his fatherin-law, Offley Leeds, and throughout the greater part of his life since that time he has dealt in realty, although he is now largely living retired. For many years he handled much property here and negotiated many important real estate trans¬ fers. He and his wife are the owners of the Vreeland Hotel, which they enlarged and rebuilt in 1888, and Mr. Vreeland still includes that prop¬ erty in his realty possessions. He is likewise a stockholder in the First National Bank,

On the 4th of October, 1859, in Michigan City, Mr. Vreeland was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Carrie Leeds, a daughter of Offley and Charlotte (Ridgeway) Leeds. Her father was born September 9, 1798, and died at LaPorte Indiana, on the 10th of March, 1862, while his wife was born on the 9th of January, 1797, and passed away at Michigan City on the 8th of Janu¬ ary, 1858. Mrs. Vreeland was born at Tuckerton, New Jersey, March 9, 1831, and after trav¬ eling life's journey happily with her husband for more than three decades she passed away at their home in Michigan City on the 8th of December, 1892, when about sixty-one years of age. She belonged to the Friends Society and was a lady of kindly nature, generous heart and true. Her many excellent qualities endeared her to all who knew her, and her death was therefore deeply mourned. To Mr. and Mrs. Vreeland were born four children : Independence, who was born July 4, i860, in Michigan City, died on the 4th of Au¬ gust of the same year; Albert, bom August n, 1863, died December 17, 1898, when thirty years of age ; Walter, bom January 15, 1866, is engaged in the real estate business in Michigan City ; and Frank, born February 15, 1868, is also a real estate dealer here.

Mr. Vreeland is a well known and prominent Mason, holding membership in Acme Lodge No. 83, F. & A. M., and Michigan City Chapter No. 25, R. A. M. His political allegiance is given to the Democracy, and upon its ticket he has been several times elected a member of the city council. While serving in that office he put forth every effort in his power to promote material improve¬ ment and enhance the permanent development of the city. Here he has lived for more than forty years, and throughout this period has been a man of unfaltering honor and of marked fidelity to principles which command respect. His lifie, therefore, is worthy of emulation, his success has been gained through straightforward, honorable business methods, and for many years he has been classed among the leading men of the north¬ ern section of LaPorte county. .

JEROME B. ATKINS, a retired farmer now living in LaPorte, was bom in Union township, LaPorte county, in 1847, a son of Isaiah and Har¬ riet (Butterfield) Atkins. His father was a native of Phillipston, Massachusetts, and in 1835 came to this county, casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers who were reclaiming this region for the uses of the white race. He located in that part of the county which in 1840 became Union township, and the year following his ar¬ rival he returned to the Bay state, where he wed¬ ded Miss Butterfield. With his young bride he then again came to LaPorte county and turned his attention to farming. During nine years of his early manhood he engaged in teaching school, and then devoted his energies entirely to agricul¬ tural pursuits, which he followed continuously until after the death of his wife in 1884. He was an active, leading and well-to-do farmer of Union township for nearly half a century, and was one of the best known and most highly respected citi¬ zens of LaPorte county. His death occurred in Minneapolis, Minnesota, March 5, 1890. His wife, who was bom in Kingsbury, Washington county, New York, died on the old homestead in Union township, LaPorte county, in August, 1884. She was well known and greatly esteemed and her death was mourned by many friends. The Butterfield family, of which she was a mem¬ ber, is prominent both in Indiana and Ohio, several of its representatives having become dis¬ tinguished people, while many have been success¬ ful in business life.

In the usual manner of farmer lads Jerome Atkins was reared, and to the public school sys¬ tem of this county he is indebted for the educa¬ tional privileges he enjoyed. He early assisted in the operation of the home farm, and on at¬ taining his majority began farming on his own account. He still owns the farm which his father formerly owned in Union township and which he himself operated for many years. It is known as the Atkins farm and is regarded as one of the best in this rich agricultural region. Mrs. Atkins has in her possession the deed signed by Martin VanBuren for the land, deeded to the Atkins fam¬ ily. The place comprises about two hundred acres. Mr. Atkins was known as a most prosper-

Otis, energetic arid practical farmer, his operations being guided by practical experience and 'by knowledge which came as the result of his own observation. He brought to bear upon his work strong intelligence and sound judgment and, moreover, he was very industrious and persever¬ ing, qualities which are indispensable elements in winning success. In April, 1902, having ac¬ quired a sufficient competence, he put aside the active duties of the farm* and removed to the city of LaPorte, where he is now living retired in a very comfortable and attractive home at 1407 Monroe street.

Mr. Atkins was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Hinks, a native daughter of LaPorte coun¬ ty. Her father, John C. Hinks, was bom in London, England, and her grandfather was the organist in the Needingworth cathederal. John C. Hinks wished to learn landscape gardening, and, failing to get parental permission to do this, decided to leave home and come to America. In 1832, at the age of eighteen years, he arrived in the new world, spending some years in Canada. After settling here he became a farmer, making his home in LaPorte county until his death in June, 1875. He was quite prominent and in¬ fluential, and that he enjoyed the public confidence and regard is shown by the fact that he was often called upon to act as administrator of estates. To Mr. and Mrs. Atkins have been born three sons, Clifford, Charles and Berlin. The family are well known in this county and have many friends.

AUGUST KREGLE, who devotes his time and energies to agricultural pursuits, his home being on section 27, Union township, is a native of Germany. He was born the 17th of Septem¬ ber, 1848, and for about four years remained in that country, and then his parents, John and Mary Kregle, came to America, bringing with them their family. They landed in New York city and remained there for some time, the moth¬ er's death occurring there. The father after¬ ward came to LaPorte county, Indiana, when the scfn was but six years of age, and here August Kregle was reared by George Hall, with whom h£ went to live soon after reaching the west. He continued a member of Mr. Hall's family until twenty-one years of age, and his youth was large¬ ly spent in the usual manner of farmer lads, working in the fields in the summer months and attending school in the winter. On attaining his majority he began working as a farm hand for Julius Winchell, and was thus employed for four

At that time Mr. Kregle was married, the tady of his choice being Miss Eva Hay, a 'daughter of Samuel S. and Emma J. (Wrichtmyer) Hay. Thus he completed his preparations for having a home of his Own. He rented the farm upon Which he is now livihg, and after about nine years he purchased the place, consisting of one hundred arid sixty acres of rich land, which is now well improved with modem equipments and f accessor¬ ies. He carries on general farming and although he started out in life empty-handed, dependent entirely upon his own resources, he now has a valuable property and is classed with the well-todo agriculturists of his community.

Mr. and Mrs. Kregle have one son, Percy Am¬ brose. In the community where they reside they are widely and favorably known. Mr. Kregle is in¬ dependent in his political views, voting -for the men rather than the party. He belongs to the Adventist church at Union Mills, and is well known in this county, where he is regarded as a representative citizen well worthy of mention in this volume.

FRANCIS M. MERRILL, who for fifteen years has held the important position of foreman in the boilermaking department of the shops of the M. Rumely Company, ot LaPorte, was bom in this city in 1858. His father, James Dwight Merrill, was bom in Columbia county. New York, and came to LaPorte in 1850, here engaging in merchandising for many years. He wedded Ellen SKumway, also a native of Columbia county, and both are now deceased, the father having passed away in 1892, after forty-two years' residence in this city.

At the usual age Mr. Merrill entered the pub¬ lic schools and therein familiarized himself with the common branches of English learning. He afterward partly learned the printer's trade in the office of the old LaP6rte Chronicle, of which Mr. Packard was then the editor. After a year spent in railroad work, he entered the boiler shop bf the M. Rumiey Manufacturing Company, of LaPorte, manufacturers of threshing machines, one of the largest and most important industrial establish¬ ments in Indiana. He began his apprenticeship here in 1878, and completed his trade in Chicago, where he utilized every opportunity to become an expert boilermaker. In 1883 he returned to the Rumely Company and in 1808 his efficiency won recognition in the appointment to the position of foreman of the shops in which the boilers are manufactured. He has now served in this posi¬ tion for fifteen years, and his connection with the company covers almost , a quarter of a century, a fact which is unmistakable proof of his excellent workmanship and reliability.

- In 1877 Mh Merrill was married to Miss Isabelle Rheutan, and they have two living chil¬ dren: William Merrill ^nd Mrs. May Fox. Mr. Merrill is very prominent in the Odd t dlows society. He has held all the chairs in the sub¬ ordinate lodge, encampment and Patriarch Mili¬ tant, is a past grand and at the present writing is captain of the Patriarch Militant. The beneficent teachings and tenets of the order find exemplifi¬ cation in his life, and make him well worthy the friendship and favor of his brethren. In politics he is an earnest Republican.

HENRY H. YOUNG. The fitting reward of an active, useful and honorable business career is a period of rest in which to enjoy the results of former toil and the things which add to the com¬ fort and pleasure of living. This has been vouch¬ safed to Henry H. Young, who for many years was a leading and prosperous merchant of La- Porte, but who since 1892, has lived retired amid pleasant surroundings made possible by his own labors. His business record was such as any man might be proud to possess, for not only did he manifest energy and enterprise in his mer¬ cantile life, but also closely adhered to principles which in every country and clime command re¬ spect and beget confidence.

The Young family is of English origin and was founded in America at an early period in the colonization of this country, representatives of the name locating in New York. Lawrence Young, the father of Henry H. Young, was bom in Esopus, opposite Poughkeepsie, New York, and when a young man he weht to New York city, where he engaged in merchandising. In 1846 he returned to Poughkeepsie, that state, re¬ maining a resident of the east until 1855, when he removed to Aurora, Kane county, Illinois. There his sons embarked in mercantile business, while he turned his attention to farming, being engaged in agricultural pursuits for eight years. On the expiration of that period the family re¬ moved to Chicago, where Latwrence Young re¬ tired from business life, to spend his remaining days in retirement and in the enjoyment of the competence whicfh he had acquired. His sons, however, engaged in merchandising, as dealers in dry-goods. In the fall of 1879 the family came to LaPorte,1 where the father spent his remaining days; his death occurring in 1881. In early man-' hood he had wedded Miss Sarah Hull, who was born in Stanfordville, New York, and died in LaPorte in 1880.

Henry H. Young is a native of New York city, where his birth occurred in 1837. He acquired his education in its public schools and received his business training in the east. When he was nine years of age he accompanied his parents on their removel to Poughkeepsie, where he re¬ mained until seventeen years of age, and after the removal of the family to Aurora and in Chi¬ cago he joined his brother Charles Young in the conduct of a dry-goods store, under the name of Young Brothers. They carried on this business with success for ten years, coming thence to La¬ Porte. Here they established the Young Brothers general dry-goods store in the Teegarden Hotel block, carrying a large and well selected line of goods, which they sold at a price fair alike to merchant and customer. Their business methods were strictly honorable, and in their work they were systematic and progressive. Their store continued to be one of the leading mercantile establishments of LaPorte until 1892, when they sold out and retired from business. Since that time Henry H. Young has devoted his attention to looking after his real estate interests in La¬ Porte, having in previous years made judicious investments which make him one of the well-todo men of the city, his property returning to him good income. Mr. Young's brother Charles with whom he was so long and harmoniously asso¬ ciated in business, departed this life in 1895.

Henry Young is a birthright member of the Society of Friends. In his political views he is a stanch Republican, but has never sought or de¬ sired office as a reward for party fealty. He is a broad-minded man, public-spirited and enter¬ prising, and has been a co-operant factor in manay measures for the benefit of his fellowmen, both in LaPorte and in other communities where he has lived and labored to goodly ends.

MATHIAS R. FORNEY. More than half a century has passed since Mathias R. Forney became a resident of LaPorte, and few men are so familiar with' its early history and the events which shaped its destiny as is Mr. Forney. He was actively identified with its improvement as a contractor and builder, and along lines which did not return to him personal profit, he labored for the progress, improvement and prosperity of La¬ Porte. He is now living retired here, one of the

HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTYvenerable and honored pioneer settlers whose name deserves a prominent place on the pages of the country's history.

Mr. Forney was born in the historic city of Chambersburg, in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in July, 1824. He was the eighth son of Jacob Forney, who was also an eighth son in the grand¬ father's family. Jacob Forney was born in Lan¬ caster county, Pennsylvania, followed the occu¬ pation of a farmer and died in early manhood, before the birth of his son Mathias. His wife who bore the maiden name of Catherine Richards was also a native of the Keystone state. John W. Forney, an uncle of Mathias R. Forney,, be¬ came a prominent figure in Philadelphia and at one time served as secterary of the United States senate. His son, Edward Forney, is now a well known publisher.

Since thirteen years of age Mathias R. For¬ ney has been dependent upon his own exertions, the widowhood of his mother making it neces¬ sary that he begin the battle of life early. He was variously employed until eighteen years of age, when he left home and started for what was then the far west. Reaching Wooster, Ohio, he became apprenticed to a brickmason and there mastered the trade. He then made his way to Michigan, where he met his brother, Henry For¬ ney, with whom he continued his journey, arriv¬ ing in Plymouth, Indiana, in the fall of 1844. After assisting his brother to get started in busi¬ ness there, Mathias Forney decided to resume his westward travels, his destination being Chicago, but the precarious state of his finances >made it impossible for him to journey beyond LaPorte, as he had but two dollars when he reached this place. Seemingly trivial incidents often shape the destinies of man. Forced to remain in La¬ Porte, Mr. Forney was so well pleased with the little Jown that he decided to remain. In getting a start here he received valuable assistance from Harvey Truesdell, a pioneer, whom he has ever held in grateful remembrance. Mr. Forney be¬ gan work at his trade, and for many years was a prominent brick mason and contractor of this city. Indeed he had assisted in the construction of one-half of the buildings in this city at the time of his withdrawal from the contracting business. In 1873 he purchased a farm a few miles north of town and established there a brick-yard, which he suc¬ cessfully operated for over twenty years. He still owns the farm and also has some valuable town property, having placed his surplus earn¬ ings in the safest of all investments, real estate.

He is now retired from active life, or rather from further business cares, for he is still actively interested in the city, its welfare and advance¬ ment.

Mr. Forney was united in marriage to Miss Flora T. Hammond, a native of Genesee county, New York, and they now have one daughter, Mrs. Katharine H. Dickey. Mr. Forney is one of the oldest members of the Masonic fraternity here, belonging to blue lodge, chapter, council and commandery, and he has- ever exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the craft and squared his conduct by its teachings. He served for three years as a trustee of the municipal waterworks, and as a private citizen has done much valuable service for LaPorte. He is con¬ sidered one of the best authorities on dates and events connected with the early history of the city and county, and is often consulted concern¬ ing such matters. He can relate many interesting incidents concerning the early days here, his mind bearing the impress of the historic annals of pio¬ neer times. In his business career he prospered, winning the success which is ever accorded effi¬ cient workmanship, energy and sound business judgment, and now he is the possessor of a com¬ petence for the evening of life.

BENJAMIN W. HOLLENBECK, M. D. The medical profession has made rapid advance in the last half century, indeed, its progress seems almost marvelous when we compare the present methods of practice with those of fifty years ago. Mr. Hollenbeck, who for a quarter of a century has been identified with the medical fraternity, has kept abreast with its progress and improve¬ ment, and is to-day one of the capable physicians of LaPorte county, enjoying a large patronage. He was born in Geauga county, Ohio, on the 19th of June, 1849, and was the elder of two sons whose parents were Horace and Hannah C. (Wells) Hollenbeck. His brother, P. G. Hollen¬ beck, is a resident of Center township, LaPorte county, where he successfully follows farming.

His father was born in Geauga county, Ohio, in 1824 and died in 1879. He traced his ancestry back to Holland, whence two brothers of the name came to the new world at an early period in the colonization of this country. The original Dutch form of the name was "Hollenbach," but recent generations have anglicized it in its present form. In 1852 Horace Hollenbeck removed to the west and purchased two hundred and forty acres of land in what was then Springfield town¬ ship, but is now Center township, LaPorte coun- ty. It was wild and unimproved, but his labors soon wrought a transformation in its appearance and he continued to remain upon the old home¬ stead until his death. His early political allegi¬ ance was given to the Whig party, and upon the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks and became an ardent advocate of its principles. He was especially strongly opposed to slavery and did everything in his power to advance abolition ideas. His character was up¬ right, his life in harmony with his profession, and he was a man of gentle manner and kindly disposition and also manifested unfaltering in¬ tegrity. His wife, likewise a native of Geauga county, Ohio, was bom January 17, 1823, and yet resides upon the old homestead. She is an adherent of the Episcopalian faith.

Dr. Hollenbeck was but three years of age when brought by his parents to LaPorte county, and in the usual manner of farmer lads he was reared, assisting in the work of the fields through the summer months, while in the winter seasons he pursued his studies in the public schools. In 1864 he entered the LaPorte Academy, of which Professor T. L. Adams was principal. He com¬ pleted his literary course of study there, and about that time formed the determination to be¬ come a member of the medical profession. Ac¬ cordingly he entered the office of Dr. George M. Dakin, a well known physician and surgeon of LaPorte, under whose direction he read medicine for about three years. In the fall of 1874 he matriculated in the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, where he pursued a full course and was graduated with the class of 1876.

Almost immediately thereafter Dr. Hollen¬ beck entered upon the practice of medicine at New Carlisle, Indiana, where he remained from May, 1876, until September, 1880. He then re¬ moved to Westville, Indiana, and became the suc¬ cessor of Dr. Charles P. Cathcart, who had been located here for six years. Dr. Hollenbeck soon became thoroughly established in the pro¬ fession, winning the confidence of the peo¬ ple of Westville and vicinity through his excellent methods of practice, his close fidel¬ ity to the ethics of the profession and his genial, cordial manner, which inspired con¬ fidence. He soon showed himself worthy of the trust imposed in him, and he has been an important factor in professional circles here, do¬ ing much to alleviate human suffering. His prac¬ tice extends into Porter county and much terri¬ tory adjacent to Westville, and he compounds

Dr. Hollenbeck was married to Miss Louise M. Davidson on the 29th of July, 1874. She is a daughter of Niles and Caroline (Bliss) David¬ son. Her father was bom in New York in 1821 and is still living on the old family homestead in Springfield township, LaPorte county, being now an octogenarian. He came from the land of "hills and heather" and was a carpenter and joiner by trade. In his business life he met with a fair degree of success. Religiously he has long been a free-thinker, and in politics is a Democrat. His wife, who was a native of Barry county, Michigan, was bom in 1827 and died in 1881. Her girlhood days were spent in her native state and throughout the greater part of her life she' was a member of the Methodist church. By her marriage she became the mother of twelve children, of whom ten are living, four being residents of Indiana, three of Illinois, one of Oklahoma, one of Michigan and one whose resi¬ dence is not known.