Noble County, Indiana - The whole text, 1902 (part 17 of 21)

Mr. Keller was born in Weyerbach, Germany, October 26, 1838, where his hoyhood days were spent, receiving the benefits of a common-school training. Laying aside his text-books at the age of sixteen, he determined to secure the fortune it was said awaited the thrifty young man with honest impulses and determination in the world beyond the sea. That youthful age found him, in 1854, a stranger in a strange land, seeking honorable employment in the city of New York. His first engagement brought him the munificent sum of one dollar per week, a position he retained until a clerkship was secured at Newark, X. J., which he held for three years, when he returned to New York for a short time. Believing the western and southern states were more favorable for him, he concluded to try his fortunes in Texas. There, in i860, he obtained a position as bookkeeper and salesman in a mercantile house. In 1862 be formed a partnership and purchased the business, conducting it for one year, selling out in the fall of

1863. Owing to the unsettled condition of the country and the shrinking of values, be determined to return to New York. To accomplish this was somewhat difficult, but in company with three others he went to Mexico, and from there obtained passage to Xew York. Then, after careful study, he determined to move to Indiana. He arrived in Kendallville during the spring of

1864, where be immediately engaged in business with .Messrs. Kaufman & Jacobs, merchants. They continued together for several years. Since that date Mr. Keller has been actively engaged in mercantile pursuits, the basis of bis other operations.

In September, 1889, Mr. Keller opened for business a private banking house, known as the Noble County Bank. Two years later. 1 89 1, the bank was incorporated under the state laws of Indiana, with Mr. Keller as its president, a position he has held ever since; and the conservative lines upon which it is conducted has placed it among the sate and reliable institutions of the state. Its present capitalization is $50,000; surplus and profits, $40,000; deposits, $350,000. Its loans and discounts are $200,000 ; bonds and real estate, $150,000; cash and exchange, $95,000. Its business connection with the great trade center of New- York is through the Hanover National, and in Chicago through the First National and the American Trust and Savings Bank, thus enabling all classes of business of Kendallville and vicinity a ready and reliable means for the adjustment of mercantile matters with the utmost speed and reliability.

Mr. Keller was married October 26, 1875, to Miss Pauline Hyman, an estimable lady of Ligonier. They are the parents of four children, namely: Nannetta, the wife of A. M. Jacobs, cashier of the Noble County Bank ; Louis, now in the newspaper business in Chicago; Cecelia, who became the wife of L. S. Loeb, of Duluth, Minn.; and Ralph J.

The parents of Mr. Keller are Carl and I Rebecca (Hyman) Keller, who came to America in 1857 and located in New York City, where they both died.

Owing to impaired health, in 189 1 Mr. Keller was obliged to leave Kendallville, and, believing the pure air of the lake would be beneficial, made his home for several vears in Chicago, where he became interested in the ornamental glass business. In 1888 he visited Europe, where he saw many of the places familiar in his boyhood days. That the)- awakened pleasant memories is not to be denied; but while the scenes were familiar, the associations were only recalled by memory, with no former comrade to tell of the days of long ago. He returned to his home after a six months' stav, benefited

Mr. Keller has served two terms in the city council, in which he gave his best care and profound thought to every measure which would advance the material or moral prosperity of Kendallville or add to the welfare of her people and his neighbors. Mr. Keller is a Freemason and a member of Blue Ledge, No. 276; also' a member of Chapter No. 64, and is likewise a Knight of Pvthias.

Edmund A. Locker

A veteran and honored ex-soldier of the Civil war, now a prosperous farmer of Orange township, Noble county, Ind.. the life-record of Edmund A. Locker presents those features which usually mark the early of many men who have overcome adverse circumstances and uniform conditions by inherent determination and continued application.

He was born in Livingston township, Essex county, N. J., December 4, 1832, a son <f Abraham and Kitty (Green) Locker, also natives of New Jersey, both deceased. The father died when Edmund A. was an infant but six months old. and the mother died about five years later. They were the parents of five children, three sons and two daughters, Edmund A. being the youngest. The early education of Edmund A. was obtained in his native state and two terms comprised his schooling. At the age of eighteen he started west, and made his first stop at Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained but a short time, going thence to Cuyahoga

Falls, where he obtained employment in a factory at making bandies tor axes, hoes, forks, etc. Here he remained for two years, when the company failed, and he went to Pittsburg, Pa., followed the same employment for one year and then returned to Cuyahoga Falls and entered the employ of the old company, which had adjusted its affairs and resumed business. He remained with them one year, going thence to Ravenna, Ohio, where he learned the trade of a cooper in the establishment of David Hawn, remaining one year; thence went to Pioneer, Williams county, Ohio, where he worked at his trade for two years. Having become quite proficient in the business, with the savings of former years he determined to engage in business for himself, and in 1857 came to Kendallville, Noble county, Ind., and bought the cooperage works of Capt. William M. Barney, which he successfully carried on until 1862, notwithstanding the destruction of his plant by fire in 1860, but which was immediately rebuilt. August 12, 1862. having disposed of bis business, he enlisted for service in Company E, One Hundredth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three years, and was honorably discharged in May. [865, being mustered out at Washington; 1 >. C, and then returned to Kendallville in June.

Mr. Locker's army experience is a record any gentleman may well be proud of. He passed through all the trials incident to active campaigning, and participated with his regiment in twenty-six battles, some of which now form an important part of the history of the Civil war. He took part in the memorable engagement of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, November 25, 1863, which culminated in the utter de- feat of Bragg's army, which was driven into Georgia. Mr. Locker was unfortunately taken prisoner during this engagement and for four months was confined at Belle Isle, on the James river oppposite Richmond, Va. He was paroled, and joined his regiment June 14, 1864, in time to take part in one of the grandest campaigns of modern warfare - Sherman's Atlanta campaign and his celebrated "March to the Sea," made famous in poetry and song. The series of brilliant engagements (commencing with the battle of Rocky-face Ridge) Resaca, Adairsville, Calhoun, Kingston, I'umpkinvine Creek, Dallas, New Hope Church, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw Mourn tain, Peachtree Creek, the siege of Atlanta, and the battle of Jonesboro, immediately preceding the evacuation of the city, are all familiar to the student of American history during Ihe momentous years of 1861-5, and in which Mr. Locker was engaged with his regiment. On the division of the forces of Genera! Sherman, then known as the Military Division of the Mississippi, embracing the Army of the Tennessee, the Army of the Cumberland and the Army of the Ohio, General Thomas was left to take care of Hood in his efforts to force Sherman from a further advance into the Confederacy by a movement into Tennessee. General Sherman, with two columns of infantry, the right wing under Gen. O. O. Howard, the left wing under General Slocum. with a division of cavalry under General Kilpatrick, started in November, 1864, on the "March to the Sea." The One Hundredth Indiana became a part of this advancing and triumphant army and participated in the various engagements up to the fall of Savannah ; took part in the campaign through the Carolinas and was present at the closing scenes of the great Rebellion at Dunham Station, where the terms of surrender were signed by General Sherman and Gen. Jos. E. Johnston.

The war being practically over, the armies of the Union moved north through Virginia and assembled in Washington, D. C, where the grand review of the victorious, hosts was held and many of the old veteran regiments were mustered out and its members returned to' the peaceful pursuits which they had temporarily abandoned to render heroic service to a government they dearly loved, and whose grand principles were thus perpetuated to future generations for all time to come.

It is sufficient meed of praise to have been a part of that great army of patriots, and Mr. Locker may well feel proud of the part he performed in the terrible struggle, while his children can now. and in future years their children's children, can look upon the deeds of that grand army and say, my ancestor, Edmund A. Locker, was not found wanting in that hour when his stricken country cried to her sons for help.

In 1869 Edmund A. Locker purchased sixty-nine acres in Orange township, whereon he settled and which has since been his home. Good, commodious buildings have been erected, and the entire farm has attained under his efforts that condition of improvement which marks the thrifty husbandman and intelligent proprietor.

Mr. Locker was married before the war, the event taking place in Orange township, November 22, 1857, when he led to the altar Sarah Ann Wolf, a native of Stark county, Ohio, born April 24, 1835. To them have been born four children, namely :

Minnie I., now the wife of C. M. Hoklen, of Jefferson township; Kittie M., who married E. L. Stew art, of Marquette, Mich. ; Ellsworth L., a farmer of Lagrange county, Ind.; and Dilla V., the wife of Arthur \Y Blanchard, of Wayne township. In addition to their own children, Mr. and Mrs. Locker raised to useful womanhood Aha B. Dyer, an orphan, who is now the wife of John Helm, of Orange township One child, Cora A., died when but two years and fiiur months old.

Politically Mr. Locker is a Republican, casting his first vote for General Scott, a Whig, and for Gen. John C. Fremont, the first candidate, and a strong advocate of the principles (if the former party. He and his estimable wife are members of the United Brethren Church in Christ, and are regular attendants of the congregation at Oak Grove. Air. Locker is the only living charter member of the church and has been a trustee since its organization. Few men have a finer record to transmit to future ages, and his posterity may well feel that pride which comes from a knowledge that his life is worthy of emulation.

In his soldier's record he remembers two distinct dates, including the surrender of Lee to' Grant. He was then on the field near Raleigh, N. C, and this good news was received with joyful acclaims, but in just five days came the sad intelligence of the assassination of the great and good Lincoln. Mr. Locker was reared in Orange township, and educated in the common schools.

John M. Schermerhorn

Chairman of the board of county commissioners of Noble county, Ind., and an efficient official, is a prominent farmer of Orange township and is well calculated to look after the interests of his constituents. He was born on a farm in Lagrange county, Ind., April 20, 1S43, and was there reared to manhood. His father was Ernestus Schermerhorn, a native of the .Mohawk valley, N. Y. His mother was Ann Johnson, a native of Massachusetts. They were early settlers of Lagrange county, Ind., where they engaged in farming operations until their death. The mother passed away when in her fifty-eighth year and the father at the age of seventy-three. They had seven sons and two daughters.

In July, 1862, John M. Schermerhorn enlisted in Company G, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Regiment, at Lagrange, Lagrange count}', Captain Joe Webster, and began his career as a soldier in some of the fiercest battles of the Rebellion. He served three years until the close of the war, took part in all the battles of the Atlanta campaign and accompanied Sherman on his famous march to the sea. He was mustered out at AYashington and at once returned to his native county, where he again took up his studies and engaged in teaching for three years. At the expiration of that time he purchased land in Orange township, Noble county, upon which he settled and which has since been his home. He has added to Ins j first purchase until he now has ab ut i< ur hundred acres. He believes in using his means for the comfort and pleasure of family and friends, and to this end has erected as good a lot of buildings as it will be possible to Hud in the township. His home is convenient and commodious and is the scene of unlimited hospitality.

Air. Schermerhorn was united in marriage .March 17. 1868, to Miss Jane E. Atwood, who was born in Geneseo Valley, N. Y., March 12, 1849. She was brought up in Lagrange county, where her father, the late Jackson Atwood, was a prominent resident and at one time a member of the board of county commissioners. He died at the advanced age of eighty-three years. Three children have been born to Air. and Mrs. Schermerhorn : Blanche, the eldest, is deceased; the survivors are Ernest G. and John H. Ernest graduated in the class of 1899 of Rome City high school and one year attended the National Business College at Fort Wayne. He is engaged in agricultural pursuits with his father. John H. is in the seventh grade of the Rome City public scm 1 Is. Mr. Schermerhorn is an industrious and persevering worker and has accumulated considerable property through hard work alone. He is a man of strong principle, papular with all classes, yet shrewd and careful in all business transactions. For seven years, from 1888 to 1895, he was the efficient trustee of Orange township, and so faithfully did he perform the obligations of his office that, in 1896, his name was placed on the Republican ticket as commissioner, the splendid run he made showing the popularity of the man. Not 'only that, but he was returned in 1898 and is now In lding the important post of chairman of that body. He has discharged his duty as he sees it without fear or favor, and the probity of his acts is ever open to the searchlight of truth. Although not a member of he is one of its strongest sup- 1 liberal contributor. He is also fraternal orders, being a member of the F. & A. M. lodge at Rome City and the chapter at Kendallville, and the K. of P. lodge, also at Rome City. Mrs. Schermerhorn is a member of the Eastern Star lodge, also at Rome City. Mr. Schermerhorn is also a member of the Knights of Pythias order and member of the Charles Tyler Post, G. A. R., of Woleottville.

Mr. Schermerhorn traces his lineage to three brothers who came over from Holland during the reign of King James about 1756, and by tradition the)' were heroes of the Revolutionary war, which entitles the Schermerhorns to be members of the Sons and Daughters of the Revolution, and they are true descendants of the old Mohawk Dutch. His own soldier record is an horiorable one. He participated in the battles around Atlanta and was under fire almost one hundred days. At the battle of Bentonville, N. C, Mr. Schermerhorn's messmate, Dunkmate and schoolmate, from the same locality, was shot in his ankle joint, and Mr. Schermerhorn bore him from the field ; from this wound he died. He was on the long march through the Carolina^ on to Washington, D. C.j and was present at the grand review. When General R. E. Lee surrendered to Grant, April 9, 1865, Mr. Schermerhorn was near Raleigh, N. C, and when this joyful intelligence reached the poor fellows it seemed like all were crazed with joy. But five days snbsecpient was the assassination of the good President Lincoln. These two dates Mr. Schermerhorn will never forget. He received his honorable discharge at Indianapolis. 1865. and came home to d n the civilian's erarb.

Mrs. Schermerhorn's parents were of Puritanical stock and early progenitors were from the English. Several of her early progenitors figured during the Revolutionary period. She was a maiden of four years wnen she became a resident of Lagrange county, and here she was reared and educated till her marriage. Mr. Schermerhorn lias attended the old-fashioned log school houses, 20x24 feet, covered with "shakes," and mud and stick chimney, and the room was heated by the old-fashioned fireplace. It was seated with split logs, with wooden legs to stand on. The desk for the big boys and girls, to write on, was a board resting on wooden pegs driven in the wall, and he had learned to write with the old-fashioned goose-quill pen. The rule in those days was dr each hoy to take his own part. This school was kept up by private and public funds. Mr. Schermerhorn has seen the remarkable advancement in the education;;! circles from the log cabin to the modern buildings of to-day.

Mr. Schermerhorn's paternal grandmother was a Putnam, of Revolutionary war fame, she being a niece of General Putnam, who left his plow standing behind his oxen to take part in the same war.

Theodore P. Kesler

Probably the west owes its rapid growth to the energy that has been displayed by the railroads, but any individual who has helped in building up this grand country of ours is deserving of great commendation and special mention.

county. Ohio, November 3. 1837. There he spent his early days and considered it his home till he removed to Bronson, Mich., and there built two mills and also engaged in merchandising. He then came to Noble count v. Ind., to assist in the construction of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, then known as the Michigan Southern & Northern Indiana Railroad. Here he remained for several months, when he went to Fulton county, Ohio. From there he moved to Michigan, where he remained several years, engaged in contracting work for the railroad company before mentioned. His work for the company must have been of the most satisfactory character, for he i continued with them for thirty-five years. In fact, it was not till the year 1888 that he finally severed his connection with this rich and prosperous railroad. Since that time he has lived a life of a retired nature.

| vious to that date. His connection with the railroad company enabled him to obtain information of great pecuniary value to himself, and he has been the owner at different times of large tracts of land in Noble county, which have yielded him great profit.

He was first married in Bronson, Branch county, Mich., to Miss Fliza Keys. She was a native of Adrian. Lenawee county, Mich. Three children were born to this union, but to the great sorrow of their parents they were all called to the home above in their early days. Mrs. Eliza Kesler died in Branson, Mich., in April. 1879. September 9, 1880, Mr. Kesler married Miss

Ella Smith. She is a native of Williams countw Ohio. Five children have been born to Mr. and Airs. Kesler, of whom four are still living: Alta M., who is the wife of Harry Boran; Theodore P., Jr., in the seventh grade; Glenn W., fourth grade, and Ethel, third grade in school.

The name of Kesler is of clear German origin, although Theodore P. is of Pennsylvanian ancestry. He is a son of Andrew and Maria (Boyer) Kesler. There were about eleven children in the family and there are five yet living. He attended the old log cabin school-house, with the slab benches and the old-fashioned fire-place, and he has used the old goose-quill pens. He is a high Mason, a member of Lodge No. 276, at Kendallville, and Chapter No. 64, and he has been a Mason for over half a century; also Apollo Commanderv, No. 10, K. T.

Mr. Kesler is an advocate of Republican principles, and was a warm supporter and advocate of the lamented McKinley. He has been selected as delegate to state conventions four different times and also to his county conventions.

When he had reached his majority he had no cash capital, but instead he had that energy and determination and business acumen which had made him an important factor in the annals of Noble county's history.

He was one of the brave men who1 offered bis life and his service in defense of his nation's honor. He entered as second lieutenant in Company D, Eleventh Michigan Volunteer Infantry, at Bronson, and bis regiment was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee. On account of ill health he was forced to resign, and received an honorable discharge February, 1862. He is a member of Nelson G. A. R. Post at Kendallville, Ind., and his is the only soldier on record where he was initiated at his own residence, on account of his physical disability, which was done under special dispensation. There have been three reunions at the residence of Mr. Kesler, and the old camp-fire stories and war songs were told and sung.

Mr. Kesler's father was a Methodist minister. His grandfather, Boyer, was a hero in the Revolutionary war, and this fact entitles any descendants of the Kesler family to be members of that great social order known as the "Sons and Daughters of the Revolution." Mr. Kesler is known for bis strict integrity of character and his resignation to disability is something he should receive great commendation for, being of so cheerful a disposition.

Mrs. Kesler was born September 8, 1857, and is a daughter of William and Mary A. (Saunders) Smith. There were three children born to this worthy couple and Airs. Kesler is the only survivor. She was educated in the common schools and also took a course at Hillsdale College. Father Smith was a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, was born in 1820, and lived the life of a farmer. He was a Democrat, and died in Noble county, Jefferson township, in 1899, where he had resided almost fnrty years. Mother Smith was born in Devonshire, town of Stratton, England, March 23, 1831, and is well preserved physically. Mrs. Kesler's second cousin, Charles Saunders, is one of the leading tenors in the concerts given in England. He sang in the Queen's Court Palace three years. His home is Castlewood Place, and Ashton-Under-Lvne. Mrs. Saunders' fa- ther, Rev. Nichols Saunders, was pastor in the Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal church for forty years in Stratton, England. Mrs. Kesler is a member of the Eastern Star Lodge, No. 122. She is a devoted wife To her husband and by- her love and devotion has demonstrated what a true and lovely wife can do. The daughter, Mrs. Alta M. Boran, is a resident of Cincinnati, and she and her husband are students at the college of that city.

Rufus B. Gallup

Rufus B. Gallup, deceased, was a prominent, influential citizen of Noble county, Ind., for a quarter of a century while this state was in its childhood, and he is well remembered by many of our citizens to-day as an honorable, upright. God-fearing man, win ' was generally esteemed and beloved. Rufus B. Gallup was born in Otsego county, N. Y.. October 16, 1809, and after living a life of usefulness, replete with good works, he was called to his reward June 26, 1876, in the flowery month of the year, when nature, arrayed in her most gorgeous robes, speaks from every opening leaf and bud and flower of a higher resurrection in the springtime of eternity. Mr. Gallup passed his boyhood and youth in his native county and then went to Albany, N. Y., where he engaged in carpenter work, remaining there for a number of years. He then located in Saratoga county, where he continued to work at his trade until October, 1850. when he came to Indiana and bought a farm in Wayne township, Noble county. From that time until his death he was a tiller of the soil and took an active interest in all things pertaining to the community in which he had cast his lot. He was of a bright, cheerful and loving disposition and stood high in the estmation of every one.

He was married in Saratoga county, N. Y., April 22, 1835, to Miss Abigail Reynolds, who was born in that county, April 18, 1 8 1 3 , and who survived him many years, passing away June 10, 1893, in Kendallville, Ind. She became the mother of five children, of whom two died in infancy and three grew to adult years, viz: Luthena M., the wife of James Tate; John L. ; and Mary Adeline, who is the wife of J. W. Wright, of Kendallville. Mr. and Mrs. Gallup are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and in its teachings found the inspiration of their pure and noble lives.

Jacob C. Fetter

This pi eminent and active gentleman, the junior member of the well-known firm of Campbell & Fetter, merchants and bankers .if Kendallville, Noble county. Ind., was born in Richland county, Ohio. March 21, 1 86 1, the son of Jacob and Rosa (Slauch) Fetter. Jacob Fetter was horn in Germany in 1825, and came to America when a young man. settling in Pennsylvania; his wife (Rosa Slauch). also a native of Germany, came to this county with her parents when a girl, the family settling in the same state, where she was married, and the young couple moved to Ohio and settled in Richland county on a farm, where Jacob C. was born, moving thence to Dekalb county, in i8r>4, when he was about three years of age. They became the 'parents of nine children, seven 1 f whom are living, namely; Lena,

Jacob C, John S., Christopher H., Augustus, William and Rosa. The father of these children passed away in Dekalb county, February 26, 1 90 1, having reached the age of I seventy-six years ; the mother is still living | at Butler. Ind.

Jacob C. Fetter remained upon the home farm with his parents, and like all farmers' sons of those days, assisted in the work thereon during the summer months, attending school in the fall and winter, until he. reached the age of sixteen, the later years of his home life being given to school privileges in Dekalb county. Being well qualffied by his earnest labors he successfully taught school for three terms in Dekalb county, but gave up the profession of a teacher to accept a position in a store in Butler, where he- was engaged until July, 1884. Having taken good care of his earnings he concluded to make a start in life as a merchant and located in Kendallville and engaged in business in that city with H. D. Ward, the firm being known as Ward & Fetter. The business was continued for two vears, when the firm suffered the loss of their entire stock by fire and the partnership in consequence was dissolved. January 1, 1887. however. Air. Fetter' again embarked in business, forming a partnership under the name of Campbell & Co., which proved successful, and in 1894 they engaged in banking, opening a private bank under the firm name of Campbell & Fetter, with F. L. Bluhm as cashier.

The new venture has fully warranted the expectations of its proprietors and their business in this line is progressing on those conservative principles which impart confidence among its patrons with a constantly increasinq- volume of business. The success which has rewarded Mr. Fetter in all his business transactions comes from those qualities which underlie and are the foundation of every business man's career who secures a competency - honesty of purpose and unremitting application of well directed energy. Among the business men of the city of his adoption and in all circles of society he enjoys a high reputation as a progiessive and honorable business man and gentleman, ever ready to assist by his influence and means all measures calculated to advance the educational, moral and material prosperity of the city and county.

October 15, 1891, Mr. Fetter -led to the altar Miss Flora E. Park, a daughter of the late Amos B. Park. The wedding ceremony was performed in Kendallville, at the home of the bride, and was witnessed by a select number of friends of the bride and groom. Mrs. Fetter is a native of Indiana, having been born at Auburn, August 18, 1862.

Mr. and Mrs. Fetter are members of the First Presbyterian church and take an active part in all the good works of the congregation, of which Mr. Fetter is one of its trustees. Their delightful home is frequently the scene of those social gatherings which lend to the advancement and well-being of a community, and their gracious hospitality is much enjoyed by a wide circle of appreciative friends.

Isaac Barber

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch, but who is now deceased, was born in Stark county. Ohio. August 17, 181 5, was reared to manhood on a farm in his na-

Isaac Earlier and his wife, after marriage, began housekeeping on a farm just south of Rome City, Ind., and in 1842 set- | tied in Orange township, where Mr. Barber resumed his occupation of farming, and which lie followed until his decease, June 19, 1890. To the marriage of Isaac Barber and Sarah Conlogue were torn four [ children, of whom two died in infancy; of the two who were left, Emily attained the age of eighteen years and was then called away ; Effie, the surviving child, was horn on the farm on which she still lives. November 16, 1863. and was married June 10, | 1888, to Timothy C. Watkins, who was born in Orange township and is a son of the late Clark Watkins, who was one of the old settlers and died here on the 10th of March, 1891. To the marriage of Mr, and Mrs. Timothy C. Watkins have been born two children: Mildred and Russell B., who still live to bless and brighten the home of their parents.

At the date of his death Isaac Barber was the owner of one hundred acres of choice farming land, on which he had made many valuable improvements, and he was himself classed among the leading and substantial agriculturists of Orange township. He was a gentleman who enjoyed without exception the unfeigned friendship and regard of his neighbors and left to his surviving children, by his first wife, the priceless heritage of an unsullied name. His second marriage was to Laura Bidlack. a native of Ohio, who died in Orange township. Noble county, August 19, 1882, and to this union were born two children who died in infancy.

Mrs. Timothy C. Watkins. formerly Miss Effie Barber, is the present owner of the old Barber homestead, and, with her husband, stands very high in the esteem of her friends and neighbors, and is a worthy representative of her late lamented father, Isaac Barber.

Chauncy G. R. Waterhouse

Among the worthy citizens of Noble county is Chauncy G. R. Waterhouse, who commands the respect of friends and neighbors by an upright, honorable life, and whose interest is the vocation of agriculture has brought him to the front as one of the leading farmers of northern Indiana, and who has been identified with the industrial development of this section of the state since 1869. Mr. Waterhouse was born on the 2.8th day of March, 1S27, in the town of Fulton, Oswego county, N. Y.. and is the son of Benjamin B. and Harriet ( Rust) Waterhouse, both natives of Connecticut. After their marriage these parents settled in Oswego county, X. V.. and subsequently, in June, 1837. migrated to Lagrange county. Ind.. where their respective deaths afterwards occurred, the father dying at the age of sixty-six and the mother when eightyeight years old. They reared a family of eight children, Chauncy G. R. being the sixth in order of birth.

Chauncy G. R. Waterhouse was a lad of ten years when his parents moved to northeastern Indiana, and he grew to maturity on the home farm in Milford township, Lagrange count}-. The country being new at that time educational advantages were exceedingly limited, but in such schools as were then common he obtained a knowledge of the elemental-)' branches. While on the farm he learned, by practical experience, the nature of honest toil and the lesson of selfreliance. He continued on the homestead, looking after his own and his father's interests until his marriage, which was solemnized on the 31st day of December, i860, with Miss Harriet Vine, of Summit county, Ohio, where her birth occurred December 21, 1837. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Waterhouse took charge of his father's place and continued to farm it until 1869, in the spring of which year he changed his residence to Kendallville, where he made his home for a period of four years. At the expiration of that time he purchased a fine farm about four miles east of the city, and there resided eight years, meanwhile greatly improving the place and making it one of the most valuable rural homes in that section of the country. He then erected the beautiful and commodious dwelling where he now lives in the township of Wayne.

The home of Mr. Waterhouse is in many respects a model, being finely finished and furnished and supplied with many modern conveniences, such as are usually found in city dwellings of the better class. He has spared neither pains nor expense in beautifying his premises with trees yielding both fruit and grateful shade, while every part of the farm bears evidence of the presence of a master hand and a mind of taste and refinement. All of these improvements are first class, and as a farmer familiar with every department of agriculture, he easily ranks with the most intelligent, progressive and successful men of the county of Noble.

Mr. Waterhouse is endowed with superior financial abilities, as is attested by the fact of his having become the fortunate possessor of two thousand acres of as fine land as is to be found in the northern part of the state, all of which represents the results of his well-directed efforts as a tiller of the soil.

He has always devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, but unlike the majority of farmers, he has seldom had a failure of crops ; on the contrary, by a careful study of the soil and systematic methods of tillage, has invariably been rewarded by large and liberal returns. He believes farming to be a science worthy of the most profound stud}-. By taking this view and reducing his theories to practice, he has done much to elevate the standard of husbandry in his community and his example has been wisely imitated by many of his neighbors and friends. He is thorough in all he does, and believes that what is worth doing at all is worth doing well. By acting upon this principle he has always met with success, and today he occupies a conspicuous place not only among the leading agriculturists and stock raisers of the county but also as a business man and broad-minded, intelligent citizen, with the welfare of the community at heart. At the present time he is one of the largest land owners in Noble county, and also one of its heaviest taxpayers. His has been a remarkably busy life, and throughout his long and active career his name has been above reproach, while his character as an honorable, upright man in all of his relations, business and otherwise, has been such as to stimulate others just starting in the world. He has always taken a lively interest in public and political affairs, being one of the substantial Republican workers in Noble count}-. He espoused the tenets of the party at its organization, and since casting his first Republican ballot for John C. Fremont for president has never j swerved in his allegiance to his political principles.

Mr. Waterhouse has always been an advocate of whatever tends to improve the moral condition of his neighborhood, and his influence is invariably exerted in the right direction. While not identified with any religious body, he is a warm friend of the church, and for years has been a liberal contributor to the local Methodist congregation, of which his wife is an earnest and zealous member. Mrs. Waterhouse became a Christian when twenty years old, and ever since uniting with the church her life has been shaped according to the standard as lain down in Holy Writ. She is foremost in all good work of the society with which she is identified, and is known far and wide for her many kindly acts of charity and benevolence.

The father of Mrs. Waterhouse was William Vine, a native of New Jersey, and her mother's name before marriage was Margaret Horn ; these parents were married in Pennsylvania, the mother's native state, and later moved to Summit count)-, Ohio, thence about the year 1844 to Lagrange county, Ind., where the father departed this life in 185 1, at the age of seventy-two. Mrs. Vine survived her husband a number of years, dying in 1871, when seventy-five years old. The Vines were eminently worthy people and are remembered in the community where they formerly lived for their sterling qualities and for the wholesome influence thev exerted upon all with whom they came in contact; the family consisted of six children, Mr. Waterhouse's wife being next to the youngest.

Mrs. Waterhouse has been her husband's valuable assistant in all of his business transactions and much of the success which he has attained is directly traceable to her sound judgment and well-timed advice. She possesses strong mental powers and a sweet and tender moral nature that never fails to win and retain warm personal friendship. Her life has been consecrated to the welfare of humanity, and in carrying out her purposes she hesitates at no obstacles, and cares little for the world's opinion when conscious of doing the right. She has borne her husband four sons, three of whom are living : The first born, Albert B., is a well-known and popular citizen of Kendallville ; Frank R., the second, is a successful farmer of Wayne township; John C, the third, died at the early age of nine years; Homer G., the youngest member of the family, is a prosperous farmer and stock raiser of the township of Wayne.

William Almond Axtell

William Almond Axtell, a successful farmer in Jefferson township, Noble county, Ind., was born August 11, 1850. on his father's homestead in this township, where he grew to manhood and settled down to the sterner duties of life. His father, Jesse Axtell. was born in 1816, probably in the state of Pennsylvania. He moved with his parents to Knox county, Ohio, at two years of age where he grew to manhood. His schooling: was very limited. At the break- ing out of the Texan war, lie enlisted, served two years, and suffered many privations and diseases, contracting a fever which ruined his health. The mother, Mrs. Mary (Brewer) Munger Axtell, was horn in York state in 1809, and ' was first married to Oliver Munger, who died in this county, where she was later married to Jesse Axtell. Their home for some time was near Kendall ville, hut later they moved to Jefferson township, which was their home during the remainder of their lives and where he passed away in the fall of 1 87 1 and she in April, 1887. Four sons and one daughter were born to them. William A. being next to the youngest.

William Almond Axtell was reared to agricultural pursuits and has devoted his life to that business, becoming one of the leading farmers in this section of the county. He owns one hundred and thirteen acres of land which he has improved and in every way converted into a pleasant borne. His buildings are neat and substantial and everything about his premises bespeaks the careful, painstaking farmer. That he has been successful is due to his industry and energy. In the month of June, 1874, he was married to Miss Elverda Singrey, daughter of the late Jacob and Sarah (Cockley) Singrey and a native of Ohio. She died October 30, 1882, aged thirty-three years, leaving two children : Minnie P., wife of Thomas Feightner, and Foy. The second marriage of Mr. Axtell took place in Kendallville, in the fall of 1883, to Miss Sarah 1'. Singrey, a sister of his first wife. This union resulted in the birth of a daughter. Letha A., who was left motherless in 1890. The third marriage of Mr. Axtell was celebrated April 18, 1893, when he was joined in wedlock to his present wife, whose maiden name was Eva Waterman. Her parents were David and Elma (Malcolm) Waterman, who were well known residents of Henry county, 111., where the father passed to his reward in 1893. The mother had died in 1878 during their residence in Poweshiek county, Iowa. Mrs. Eva Axtell was born in Cambridge, Henry county, 111., April 9, 1858, and lived there for many years until her parents moved to Iowa, where she accompanied them. She was first married to Frank Wykel, who left her a widow with one child ; Harriet, who- grew to womanhood and became the wife of Frank L. Hooper, of Noble county, Ind. It was while a resident of Poweshiek county, Iowa, that the present Mrs. Axtell met and became the wife of this gentleman, returning with him to his home in Indiana, where she has won many friends by her many excellent qualities. They are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and their lives are governed by the dictates of their religion, and they have the respect and esteem of all who have come within the radius of their influence.

Christopher Columbus Simon

Noble county, Ind., has in its time been favored with some very able and capable officials who were seemingly qualified by nature itself for the important positions they have filled with a special gift of physical and moral courage, and of this class of citizens is the gentleman whose name opens this brief biographical sketch - a native-born Hoosier.

C. C. Simon Group

Christopher C. Simon, ex-sheriff of Noble county and an ex-soldier of the volunteer army of the United States, was born in Butler township, Dekalb county, Ind., March 15, 1846, was reared on a farm until about eighteen years of age and then enlisted like many brave Indiana boys whose blood had been fired with patriotism at the dastardly conduct of the pro-slavery leaders of the South in their attempt to disrupt the American Union for the express purpose of securing the permanency of the oligarchy of slavery then existing in their section. March 10, 1864, seeing that the Rebellion was a fixed fact and had already advanced too far, Mr. Simon entered Company K, Fortyfourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and bravely bore a manly part until long after the victorious triumph of the Union arms, serving until honorably discharged September 14, 1865.

On his return from the army Mr. Simon engaged in farming and dealing in stock at his old home in Dekalb county, and was thus engaged when his congenial marriage took place, January 1, 1868, with Miss Lois O. Broughton, who was born in Swan township, Noble county, September 8, 1849, arRl of whose parents full mention will be made as an addendum to this biography.

Mr. and Mrs. Simon continued their residence in Dekalb county until October, 1871, when Mr. Simon, with his usual sagacity, perceiving the advantages to' be derived from living in Noble county, came with his bride to Swan township and entered into the lumber and sawmill business, in which he was profitably engaged for ten vears. He then resumed his favorite vocation of farming and stock raising, and in

Mr. Simon lias ever been interested in the politics if his country and early became identified with the Republican party, with which he is one of the most popular men in northern Indiana. He is a hard worker in its cause and always greatly interested in its triumphs at the polls. In the local caucuses las counsel is eagerly sought and his voice therein a power of no small force. He has the full confidence of the local element, and in the fall of 1894 was elected on the Republican ticket, by a handsome majority, sheriff of Noble county - a position for which his undeniable courage and tenaciousriess 1 E purpose fully qualify him. So effectively did he perform his duties that he was re-elected in the fall of 1896, and thus served two consecutive terms.

Fraternally Mr. Simon is a member of Avilla Lodge. No. 686, I, O. O. F., and also. of Nelson Post, No. 69, G. A. R., of Kendallville, and is equally popular with both brotherhoods, and in the Odd Fellows lodge has filled the exalted position of first noble grand.

To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Simon have been born eight children in the following order: Clara L., who is the wife of Albert Hamlin, of Wolcottville, Ind.; Harry O. : Clarence C. ; Curtiss C. ; Florence O., who. is married to Samuel Kniss;. Maud A., wife of Charles Sturgis; Pearl M.. now Mrs. Karl Miller: and Jennie, unmarried.

Mr. Simon is the owner of a fertile farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which is well improved in all respects and gives palpable evidence of the push and energy of the proprietor. It is cultivated with an eve to profit, and it is very doubtful whether there be another farm of its dimensions in the township that yields better returns, for the care bestowed upon it. Besides this farm he also owns considerable town property.

Always of a liberal and public-spirited disposition, Mr. Simon is ever ready to lend a helping" hand and voice toward the instituting of such improvements in the township as will be of lasting benefit to the people and consequently most economical on account of their permanency He is an admirer of the public-school system and favors the employment of the best teachers, advocates good roads as a blessing to the farmer and the general public and also strongly pleads for a pure and plentiful water supply _ wherever practicable and for all other improvements calculated to promote the comfort and sanitary condition of his fellow-men; and, what is more, he is ever ready to bear his full proportion of the cost.

The father of C. C. Simon was the late John Peter Simon, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, and who died in Dekalb county, Ind., when sixty-four years of age. The mother bore the maiden name of Louisa Fair, was born in Maryland, and also died in Dekalb county when in her eighty-first vear. These parents had a family of eight children, O'f whom Christopher Columbus was the fifth born and was the eldest sou. Samuel Broughton, the father of Mrs. C. C. Simon, was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., August 4, 1819. He married Miss Almira Cummings, who was born in Logan county, Ohio, February 29, 1820. This marriage t 00k place in Maroin county, Ohio, November 7, 1839, and later in thti same year the young couple came to

Noble county, Ind., and settled in Swan township, of which township, however, Mr. Broughton has been a resident since the fall of ,1858, with the exception of two year.'j passed in Iowa and two years in Ohio, and he has been among its most useful, influential and respected citizens. Here he los. one of the most amiable of helpmates thafl ever blessed man, as Mrs. Broughton was called away December 7, 1899, in her eightieth year. T01 their union were born seven children, viz : Delmar ; Bela ; Lucy A., who is the wife of James Bolton; Lois O., wife of Christopher C. Simon; William, who died in infancy; Samuel M. ; and Oliver P. Morton. Mr. Broughton, now eighty-two years old, is one of the most venerated of Swan township's citizens, and his surviving children are equally respected with himself.

[Note. - After the above paragraph in relation to Mr. Broughton was prepared for publication in this work that venerable gen- , tleman was called to his final rest, as will be seen by a perusal of the following obituary, published in the Kendallville Standard of September 20, 1901 :]

"Samuel Broughton was born August 4, 1819, in Jefferson county, New York. Departed this life September 14, 1901, at his home with his son. Bela Broughton, aged j eighty-two years, one month and ten days. In 1834 he moved with his parents to Clark county, Ohio, thence to Champaign county, where his father died in 1838. In the fall of 1838 he moved with his mother to Swan township, Noble county, Indiana, where he had resided continuously, with the excqjtioi' of four years. In 1839 he was married to Almira Cummings in Urbana, Ohio. He leaves to mourn his loss six children, his companion and one child having preceded him to the spirit world. He also leaves one brother and two sisters. During- the Civil war he was a member of the Fifth Indiana Battery for a short time. Funeral services were conducted at the M. E. church, September 1 6, by Rev. R. Jones. Interment at Swan cemetery."

John Shifalv

An interesting fact connected with the biographical histories that have been issued by the publishers of this work is particularly impressed on the mind of the writer, and worthy the attention of the readers of this volume. In all the numerous life-histories which have come under his observation, the records of that distinctive class of citizens who have in early youth left their native homes for the new world and by years of industry gained not only wealth but high standing in the community wherein they located, none enjoy so enviable a place as the sons of Germany. Coming to America without capital other than determination and well-defined purposes, more frequently landing upon our shores with empty purses and unable to speak the language of the country, the obstacles to their advancement can only be understood and fairly appreciated by those who have passed through the trying ordeal ; and it is to this class that the subject of this review belongs. John Shifaly was born in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, one of the southern principalities of the German empire, on July 17, 1838, a son of Gottfried and Mary (Vobler) Shifaly, both deceased, the father at the age of sixty-five

The boyhood days of John Shifaly, until he reached the age of fourteen, were passed in his native country, his education being commenced at the youthful age of six years, which were diligently pursued until a short time prior to his coming to America. An elder brother, who had finished his period of service in the German army some years before, had come to the States and was living in Mahoning county, Ohio, and this was an incentive to the younger brother to also seek his fortune in the western world. Accordingly, November 23, 1852, unaccompanied by friends, he left home and made the trip across the Atlantic in a sailing vessel, the voyage occupying forty-two days, landing in New York City January 9, 1853. He remained in the city about three weeks, and then started to join his brother in Ohio, but owing to some misunderstanding was somewhat delayed in reaching his destination. Shortly after reaching Mahoning county he hired out to work on a farm, remaining until the spring of 1S54. The immediate cause of his subsequent removal to Kendallville was the presence in that city of two of his former friends and neighbors in the old country. In the neighborhood where he lived in Ohio most of the people were Germans, and John was exceedingly anxious to learn and speak English ; hence that was one of the reasons why he desired a change, and the acquaintances in Kendallville encouraged him to try that locality.

Shifaly obtained a clerkship in the grocery store of J. Kime, at a salary of three dollars per month with hoard and washing for the first month. The store stood where now is located the Noble County Bank. He remained with Mr. Kime for three months; the second month his salary was increased to four dollars and the third to five dollars. Not being able to command a better salary on account of his inability to understand and speak English fluently, he obtained employment on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway, then in process of construction, being led to this course by acquaintances with some of the employees. For a time he drove a one-horse dump cart and was thus employed for two months, when he was obliged to quit through an aggravated attack of ague.

Returning to Kendallville. he secured a clerkship in a grocery store at a salary of eight dollars per month, where he remained for several months. His chief anxiety, however, was to obtain a situation in the country, where he could work and have the privilege of attending school. This was finally accomplished, and on December 24, 1854, he obtained a place in the home of Thomas B. Weston. It is here appropriate to state that Mr. Weston is a lineal descendant of Thomas Weston, one of the colony of emigrants who came to America in the Mayflower. The first winter at the home of Mr. Weston young Shifaly enjoyed the benefit of three weeks in school, and through his characteristic perseverance in studying at home at nights by the flickering light from the fireplace he so mastered his studies as to be able to read quite well by spring. Air. Weston being a gentleman of fine education and much interested at the energv and determination displayed by young Shifaly, he was of great assistance to his protegee in his studies. Home study has been the chief source of his English education. As evidence of his attainments, he has been identified with school interests for several years as director, and there is to< be found in his home one of the best libraries owned by any fanner in Indiana. Among his many volumes can be found the Encyclopedia Britannica. Appleton's Encyclopedia, Bancroft's History, the works of Edward Everett, David Hume and most of the standard works of noted authors.

Mr. Shifaly continued to work for Mr. Weston until January 2, 1859, when he was united in marriage with Miss Emily Pauline Amelia Weston, only daughter of his employer. He then took entire charge of the farm, making improvements, building, clearing land, etc., which continued until I the death of Mr. Weston. To the original tract - inherited by his wife - he has added by purchase two hundred and forty acres, the estate now comprising five hundred and ten acres, constituting one of the best stock and grain farms in northern Indiana. Mr. Shifaly has made this his home from the elate of his marriage, but, owing to an injury received by a runaway team, made his home in Rome City for a time, and also visited his native home in Germany, beingthere for about three months - his entire absence from the farm being about eighteen months, - when he resumed the management of the estate, much benefited in health. Mrs. Shifaly was born in Plymouth. Wayne county, Mich., August 30, 1838, and has lived on their present farm for nearly sixty years. Mr. and Mrs. Shifaly were the parents of three children: Mary Pauline, born May 5, i860, married Albert Chaffee, September 16, 1877, and is the mother of five children. Of these, Charlotte Josephine, born August 18, 1862, became the wife of Andrew J. Teidy; Grant Thomas, born May 7, 1864, died July 21, 1872. Andrew J. Teidy, the husband of Charlotte Josephine, was fatally injured while working on a railroad in Wisconsin, and Mr. Shifaly went to Wisconsin to bring the remains home. The funeral was to take place at the German Methodist church in Wayne township, known as the Western Chapel. This was in December, 1897, and when they arrived at South Milford Mr. Shifaly advised his daughter, Mrs. Teidy, to remain there with a friend of the family until he could go home and return for her later in the day, it then being very early in the morning; this was deemed advisable on account of Mrs. Teidy's ill health, she suffering from that terrible malady, consumption. To this she consented and Mr. Shifaly returned home. While hastily partaking of a lunch preparatory to returning to' South Milford for his daughter, a messenger drove suddenly to his door and announced that Mrs. Teidy was dying. Shocked as they were by the sad and unexpected news, Mr. Shifaly and his wife immediately started for South Milford, but the daughter's spirit departed within an hour after the arrival of the sorrow-stricken parents. Funeral services were held over the remains of husband and wife at the same time and place; they were interred side by side in the same grave. While a sad closing to two young lives, let us hope that the broken tie of life was speedily united beyond the shores of eternity.

and entertains for them the highest appreciation for their kindness to him. It will always be remembered as equaling parental affection. Mr. Shifaly is a true representative of perseverance, energy, thrift and integrity.

In physical endurance during his younger days and prior to injuries sustained, already referred to, Mr. Shifaly had but few equals, having performed an amount of labor that would have broken down a man of ordinary physique and average constitution. Much of this ability to endure is attributed to correct habits and his temperate mode of life. For nearly forty-six years he has abstained fr< ui the use of tea or coffee, neither has he used tobacco in any shape or manner; never drank spirituous liquors, beer nor cider. This is more remarkable when his nationality is taken into consideration, a large majority of whom do not believe that beer is harmful to the constitution. The good judgment he has displayed and the labor bestowed in the management of his farm is marvelous in its results. Two thousand bushels of corn have been marketed in a single season as the result of a single crop, besides the amount necessary to feed his stock: another year one hundred and eighty-eight bushels of clover seed, and another of two thousand bushels of wheat, will convey some idea of the magnitude of production from this superior estate. Some years ago from this farm he sold v od, making it a practice for nearly twenty-five years during each winter. It was not an uncommon thing for him to dispose of three and four loads per day. hauling a distance of six miles, his first load being- delivered as early as four o'clock in the morning'. Mr. Shifaly is also much in- terested in stock and usually has a herd of sheep numbering four hundred to five hundred head, forty to fifty head of cattle and a number of horses.

The father of Airs. Shifaly, whose ancestry has already been partially referred to, comes from the Westerns of Buckinghamshire, in the north of England, Thomas B. Weston, of Indiana, being a lineal descendant and namesake of the Thomas B. Weston who landed at Salem, Mass., in 1644. The Westons are a numerous family, those bearing the name and tracing their ancestry to the Buckinghamshire family being distributed quite generally throughout the eastern, western and northwestern states. Mrs. Shifaly says her father, Thomas B., often remarked in conversation that he could travel on foot to his birthplace in New York state and stop every night but one with those belonging to the Weston family. As a whole, those of the name are found to> be ecpial to any in the land in the possession of sterling qualities - morality and integrity. Thomas B. Weston was a native of Pompey, Onondaga county, N. Y., where he was born October 13, 1799, and was among the earliest pioneers of Wayne township. When a boy he moved with his parent, Nathan Weston, to Monroe county, N. Y., where he worked on the home farm until his father's death, August 26, 1823, from which time the care of the family fell upon his shoulders. In 1836 he came to Indiana, and in after years took delight in recounting his experiences while hunting land. Returning to the Empire state, he married, on September 7, 1837, Miss Pauline Maxfield, of Copake, Columbia count)-, moving the next spring to Plymouth, Wayne county, Mich., where their only daughter, Emily Pauline Amelia (Mrs. John Shifaly), was born, August 30, 1838. June 20, 1 84 1, he was called upon to mourn the loss of his estimable wife. Left with the care of his young daughter, with home broken up, in 1842 he moved to Wayne township, Noble count)', Ind., making a permanent settlement. Mr. Weston married a second time, the lady being Miss Catherine Anderson, who was born in Huntingdon count)-, Penn., January 6, 1802, immigrated with her parents to> Licking county, Ohio, and from there to Lagrange county, Ind., in 1838, her father being one of the first settlers on Pretty Prairie. July 16, 1844, Mr. Weston, with his wife and daughter, Emily Pauline Amelia, by his first wife, moved into the log cabin which was to be their future home, situated on the northwest corner of section 11. Here Mr. Weston and his family passed through those trying scenes incident to pioneer life and the making of a new home out of the forest wilderness, and laid the foundation for the fine estate whereon his son-in-law and daughter now reside. He was a man of fine social qualities and a scholar of marked ability, while his strict sense of honor and justice made him deservedly popular. He was a Whig until the birth of the Republican party, and followed the standard of the latter on all national issues, but cast his vote for the best man in local elections. He served as town clerk for six years, and in 1855 was elected as justice of the peace, serving for the long period of twenty-four years. In 1862 he had declined to be a candidate, but being pressed, finally consented to his name being presented in the caucus by certain parties, who turned against him and nominated a teetotaler in his stead.

This aroused the old pioneer, and at the earnest request of the leading men in the township he came out as an independent candidate and was triumphantly elected, only lacking' six votes of beating- both the Republican and Democratic candidates combined.

Just thirty-four years to a day from the time they moved into their log cabin Mrs. Weston died, July 16, 1878. Air. Weston retained his mental faculties in his old age to a remarkable degree; he excelled in penmanship, and a letter written just before his death was a piece of art worthy of a writingmaster. After an illness of only thirty-six hours he died, July 26, 1881, at the advanced age of eighty-one years, nine months and thirteen days. His funeral was attended by the largest concourse of people that ever assembled in this part of the country. The last twenty years of his life he made almost daily rounds among his neighbors for a social chat, and "Uncle Tommy," as lie was familiarly called, was ever welcome. With the closing of this noble life we can appropriately say with the poet :

Mr. Shifaly is one of Noble county's most progressive and spirited citizens, and is always deeply interested in its affairs, taking an active part therein. Articles from his pen frequently published in the Kendallville Standard show the quick grasp and clear analysis by his active mind of the question under discussion. The delightful home of Mr. and Mrs. Shifaly is one of the most attractive in the count}-; to enjoy their generous hospitality is a pleasure their numerous friends can never forget.

Mr. Shifaly has traveled over 51.320 miles by rail, steamer ami by sailing vessels, and also seven hundred miles in prairie schooners, through Kansas, Colorado and Okalahoma, and was chief cook on the "schooner," which was named "Hardscrabble."

An ancient relic owned by Mr. Shifaly is a small barrel which was brought t>> the United States by one Thomas Weston from England in 1620 and which had been in the family long previously, - perhaps fifty years, - and this has been handed down through the American generations to the present time, Mrs. Shifaly being one of these. In addition to his valuable library Mr. Shifaly owns a set of scrap-books, which for a long series of years he has utilized for preserving newspaper and other articles relative to science, art and literature, all arranged in a most systematic manner and furnishing most instructive as well as entertaining reading matter.

Hexry M. Grossman

of the citizens who till the -,,jl and furnish those elements of commerce which create trade between the consumer and producer, and it is of this class that Henry M. Grossman is an honored and prominent member.

He was burn in Franklin county, Penn., December 22, 1844, where lie grew to young manhood, passing his years on a farm. In July. 1865, he entered the army under the last call, and was assigned to Company I, Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry, commanded by Colonel Hombright, and was mustered out in August following. He returned to Franklin county and there remained until 1 87 1, when he removed with his wife and three children to Lagrange county, lnd., settling on a farm in Johnson township, where he remained for two years. Believing Noble county offered better opportunities, be moved thereto in the spring of 1873, and settled on a farm in Orange township, his present home.

In the years which have elapsed he has made extensive improvements, having cleared the land from its original wilderness and brought it to a high state of cultivation, the acreage being one hundred and fifteen. Mr. Grossman was first married in Franklin county, Penn., November 2, 1865, to Mary Jane Powell, also a native of Franklin county. She died April 16, 1872, in Johnson township, Lagrange county, at the age of thirty-four years. Four children were born of this union, namely: George M., born October 19, 1866. was unfortunately killed by a runaway team on the farm in Orange township, February 25, 1887. The second child was Mary Catherine, the wife of Henry Edmunds, of Orange township; Charles H. died in childhood, February 16, 1872. when not quite two years old; Lizzie died in infancy, August 25, 1872; and Mrs. Grossman died March 16, 1872.

came with her parents to America when she was about eleven years of age, and settled in Johnson township, Lagrange county, where she was reared. Six children have been born to this union, namely: William H. ; Lewis V. ; Jennie N., the wife of Frank Garmier, of Petoskey, Mich.; Rosa S., who became the wife of William Shroyer. a resident of Gaston, lnd.; Flora; and Harvey E.

The father of Henry M. was Michael Grossman, who was born in Franklin county, Penn., December 26, 1800, and his mother was a Miss Mary Ann Stair, also a native of Franklin county, born April 14, 1806, where she passed away at the age of sixty-two years, November 2, 186S. The father, who had come to Indiana with his son, Henry M., died March 2$, 1876, at the age of seventy-six years. They were the parents of teii children, of whom Henry M. was the ninth. There are five children -living, three in Indiana, one in Baltimore, Md., and the other in Greencastle, Penn.

Mr. Grossman, by his close application to those duties of life which the successful man is bound to observe and practice, has accumulated a handsome property, and bis home, brightened by the presence of his estimable wife and children, contains everything which can be desired in the declining years of a life that has been devoted to honest pursuits. Enjoying the esteem and confidence of his numerous friends and acquintances throughout the county, Mr. Grossman can well look back over the years agone and feel that satisfaction of duty well and thoroughly' done which his fellow-man recognizes, with the assurance that bis life has not been fruitless, and that in after years his children will emulate his worthy example and seize that chance to occupy a promi-

Mrs. Grossman was born June 2, 1843, in Rhenish Prussia, about twelve miles from the beautiful city of Strasburg. Her parents came from Havre, France, in a sailing vessel and were thirty-six days in crossing the Atlantic ocean. She received a good German education and can well remember the journey across the rough sea. Her father. Valentine Groh, was born February 2, [800, and died October 29, 1889. The mother was Siville Hassinger, horn March 25, 1801, and died March 6, 1871. The parents were Lutherans in religion. There are five daughters living; three are residents of Indiana, one of Xew York and one of Brooklyn.

Mason Morgax Bowen

It is seldom that one of such advanced age as Mason M. Bowen, now in his seventyninth year, is an active factor in worldy affairs, but this well-known and deservedly popular gentleman is still energetic and manages successfully large agricultural interests. His career has indeed been a varied one, and in his record there are no blotted pages, for his work of life will bear the Closest and strictest scrutiny. Mr. Bowen' s father was Jeremiah Bowen, a native of Wales, and his mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Lowry, was born in the state of Kentucky. The former was hom March 29,

1787, and the latter first saw the light of day on the 22d day of January, 7,Xo_>. They came to Indiana as early as May 2, 1830, settling in Fort Wayne, where the father died December 25, 1845, the mother departing this life in Kendallville, August 18, 1876. The following are the names of the children constituting the family of Jeremiah and Sarah Bowen : Maliuda. Marvin L., Mason M., Eliza E., Jeremiah, Nancy, Ira \\\. Milton and Mary C.

Mason M. Bowen was horn near Urhana, Champaign count}-, Ohio, November 30, 1823, and in his seventeenth year bade farewell to the familiar scenes of his childhood preparatory to making the long journey to the new home in northern Indiana. Jeremiah Bowen, with his wife and six children and an outfit of two teams, one of horses and the other a yoke of oxen, loaded the needful articles of household furniture and si me other necessary implements on the wagon and turned the face toward what was at that time considered the far west. The journey, made in the face of numerous obstacles, not the least of which was the almost impassable condition of the roads, and many places where there were no roads at all, was necessarily very slow and attended with difficulties, some of which were well nigh unsurmountable. Nearly six weeks were required to make the trip, but at las'. on the 7th day of May, 1830, the little town of Fort Wayne was reached and there Mr. Bowen and family took up their temporary residence. Young Mason was by no means a strong or robust lad. and he experienced much suffering during the progress of die journey. In the summer of 1833 he was emploved as water and general chore boy on the Wabash & Erie (.'anal, then in process of construction, and while thus engaged was known among the workmen as the "jigger : boss," a somewhat inelegant but by no means an offensive term. He continued on the canal for a considerable length of time, and then accepted a position in a store in Fort Wayne. Not being able to stand the hard work required, he was soon obliged to give up the place, and by reason of continued ill health was for some time thereafter not engaged in any kind of employment. Subsequently his father secured a contract for carrying the mail from the city of Fort Wayne to Denmark, Ohio, and at the suggestion of a physician Mason was induced to undertake the task of seeing the pouches safely delivered. He was informed that the exertion of carrying the mails would result in one of two things, either "kill or cure," and with the hope of being benefited he entered upon his duty as his father's deputy. From the beginning the healthful out-door exercise on horseback resulted beneficially, and it was not long until he became active and vigorous and capable of discharging the duties of his position with ease and dispatch.

Mr. Bowen continued to carry the mails between the two places mentioned for a period of twelve years, meantime devoting a part of his time to similar work on other routes. Flis father having obtained other mail contracts, Mason was employed for some years as Uncle Sam's representative between Fort Wayne and White Pigeon, Mich., Columbia City, Ind., Van Wert, Ohio, Elkhart, Ind., and a number of minor points on the different routes. At the age of twenty the subject himself became a mail contractor, his first route being the one between Fort Wayne and White Pieeon. One year later he engaged with his father in the manufacture of brick, a business which proved very remunerative, as there was at that time a great demand for such buildingmaterial in Fort Wayne; meantime he continued to look after the mail route, in addition to which he also turned his attention to dealing in real estate and personal property. Later he ran a boat for two years on the Wabash & Erie Canal, and was also engaged for some time in the shipping business on a canal in the state of Ohio. The various enterprises to which Mr. Bowen addressed himself were, in the main, quite successful, and while still a young man he found himself in possession of a handsome competence. He continued to reside in Fort Wayne until 1851, in July of which year he moved to White Pigeon, Mich., where he

! engaged in the hotel business. This venture did not long engage his attention, for within the short space of six months he disposed of his building and furniture, clearing one thousand dollars cash in the

; ceeded in building up a satisfactory trade, and the house under his personal supervision and management soon became a favorite resort for the traveling public. Seeing a favorable opportunity to dispose of his property to advantage, Mr. Bowen, in November, 1854, sold out at a handsome margin and took up his residence in Kendallville, November 30, 1854. The next day after removing to the latter place he engaged in the grocery trade, to which line of business he devoted his attention from the latter part of 1854 to 1857. Disposing of his stock, he next embarked in merchandising as a dealer in dry goods, and for a period of about two years his success was most encouraging.

Air. Bowen's natural desire to trade led him to exchange his dry-goods stock for a hotel in Kendallville, but this be operated for a short, time only, disposing of the furniture at the first favorable opportunity, renting the building and again purchasing a full line of family groceries. He conducted a fairly successful grocery trade until 1863, when he again sold out and invested the proceeds in a stock of hardware, continuing the latter enterprise about one and a half years. He then found a buyer who paid only a part of the purchase price, failing to meet the other payments when they became due. Mr. Bowen was obliged to take back the stock. After running the business several years he succeeded in selling at a bargain, after which he turned his attention to various kinds of business, chiefly in the line of real estate. It is stated that he has bought and sold more property, in Noble county than any other real estate dealer, in addition to which he has also carried his operations into a number of states and many cities throughout the country. Perhaps no better judge of the relative value of real estate ever lived in Indiana, and so clear is his judgment that he seldom, if ever, makes an error, while his patrons always repose the most implicit confidence in his integrity.

Mr. Bowen continued to make Kendallville his home till November, 1886, when he disposed of his interests in the city and sought the quiet and content of rural life. Purchasing a beautiful farm in Wayne township, Air. Bowen has since been engaged in the pursuits of agriculture, not as an active worker but rather in the capacity of a manager. He has greatly improved his place, and amid the quiet beauty of his comfortable home he is enjoying the rest which only those who have long and earnestly battled with the world fully appreciate. Additional to the different lines of business alluded to, Mr. Bowen has been called to fill varii ius official positions, in all of which he proved himself able to discharge worthily important trusts. In the year 187 1 he was appointed United States ganger, which position required a considerable portion of his time for eleven years, and for a period of two years he served as assessor of the township of Wayne. For six months prior to his removal to the country he conducted a general store in the town of Corunna, but disposed of the stock in order to devote his entire attention to the interests of the farm.

Mr. Bowen was married, April 23, 1840. to Miss Mary Ann Browand, whose birth took place in Erie county, Penn., on the 22d day of August, 1829. This union has been blessed with three children, John P., Harriet H. and Miles A. Bowen. All died in infancy.

Thus briefly have been set forth the leading facts in the history of one of Noble county's most energetic men. Never content to eat the bread of idleness and scorning inactivity, his career presents a series of constant endeavors, some unfortunate, but by far the greater number resulting in encouraging financial success. Wherever known this sterling citizen is respected and l;on,ix'd in all the words imply, and has always maintained a character above repn ach. Noble county has been bettered by his citizenship and his wholesome moral in- flueuce in the county has had a tendency to elevate the standard of manhood. Remarkably hale and hearty for one of his years, he still manifests a lively interest in current events, and, a reader and close observer, he keeps alive to a marked degree his mental strength'and activity. Mr. Bowen is one of the few left to connect tne past to the present in Noble county, having' been an eyewitness and active participant in the many remarkable changes which have transformed northern Indiana from an unbroken wilderness to its present position as one of the most advanced and enlightened sections of the commonwealth. He has lived up to the full measure of noble, unselfish manhood, and as a factor in the country's growth and prosperity has withheld nothing calculated to make his fellow-citizens wiser and better fitted to perform their allotted life work. Possessing the confidence and esteem of all who know him, he has well earned the reputation of a self-made man, and in the future he will be remembered as one of Noble county's representative citizens.

As an evidence of Mr. Bowen's virility, it may be mentioned that in January. 1902. he recited at a social gathering, in a clear, strong and sonorous tone, with appropriate gestures, the following poem, much to the delight of his hearers :

This New Country

The pig was in the sty: The rattlesnake our children dread; Oft times the fearful mother said Some beast of prey will take our babe In this New Country.

For well we all knew how; We cleared the land for rye and wheat For strangers and ourselves to eat; From maple trees we drew our sweet In this New Country.

Good company to meet: And when a visit we would pay, On winter's night or winter's day, The oxen drew the ladies' sleigh In this New Country.

Captain Eden H. Fisher

Notwithstanding the death of Captain Eden H. Fisher, which occurred at his residence in Rome City. Noble county, Ind., April 1, 1892, his name and the record of his heroic sacrifices and gallant conduct on the held of battle are so inseparably linked with the history of Noble county and the state of Indiana that no volume of an historical character would be complete without proper mention being made of him. He was a son of Henry C. and Mary Ann ( Eckert) Fisher, and was born April 20, 1840, in Portage county, Ohio. His parents were residents of the village of Navarre, Stark county, but at the time of his birth the mother was visiting her parents in Portage county. The father was a merchant of Navarre, but moved to Ligonier, Ind., in ( >ctober, 1848, where he again embarked in mercantile pursuits, continuing therein until i860, when he retired from business and engaged in farming. In 1869 he removed to Douglas county, Kan., where he died in 1 89 1. He was a prominent citizen there and was elected a representative to the legislature of that state by the Republican party. Eden H. Fisher was the eldest of a family of fourteen children ; when about eight years old he accompanied his parents to Indiana, and from that time until the breaking out of the war attended the schools of Ligonier, supplementing it with a course at Hillsdale College, Hillsdale. Mich. June 6, 1861, lie enlisted in Company A, Twenty-first Regiment Indiana Infantry, and being mustered into service at Indianapolis July 24, 1861. This was one of the first regiments sent out underPresident Lincoln's three-year call, and it was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. In November, 1861, the regiment accompanied General Lockwood on the Eastern Shore campaign, which command penetrated Virginia for the purpose of breaking up and dispersing some rebel camps. After thoroughly scouring the peninsula the troops returned to Baltimore, but in February. iNi,_>, were ordered to the front, assigned to the command of General Butler and were engaged in the celebrated campaign around the gulf coast. For a time they rendezvoused on Ship Island, and then removed in time to be present but not participate in the bombardment of Forts St. Philip and Jackson On the .Mississippi river. From there Mr. Fisher, with his regiment, went to New Orleans, and later participated in the battle at Baton Rouge. Previous to this time Mr. Fisher had been appointed orderly sergeant, but owing to the resignation of the second lieutenant, and the first lieutenant, who commanded the company, being ill. Air. Fisher, who had been commissioned as second lieutenant, was then acting as first lieutenant. In this engagement Acting Captain Seely was killed and the command of the company devolved upon Liuentenant Fisher, who remained at the head of the company until wounded on Atchafalaya river. After the battle Captain Fisher was ordered out under a hospital flag by his colonel to take charge of the field and look after the dead and wounded.

In October. i,Xo_\ the command moved to Berwick's bay, where they remained for several months, and in 1863 embarked on gunboats and began clearing the channel of the Atchafalaya. On their way up the river they were met by a rebel gunboat, and in preparing for the attack a shell from the cannon on the hurricane deck of the boat on which Captain Fisher was stationed prematurely exploded and killed Lieutenant Wolf, Captain Fisher losing- both legs. In mentioning this event Indiana's Roll of Honor says: "The loss of two such gallant officers by accident was a terrible calam- ily." After lying in a hospital for several months he was sent home on recruiting service under orders of General Banks. While on his way home he stopped in New York City, and there attended the theater at which Miss Caroline Richings was to sing. As he was carried into the densely-filled hall by officers, Miss Richings was standing beneath the old stars and stripes singing "We are coming, Father Abraham," and the sight of a crippled officer just from the front enthused the audience to such a pitch that they rose in a body, cheering loudly and waxing their hats and handkerchiefs.

In November, 1863, he was elected auditor of Noble county and re-elected, serving, in all, eight years. He received the nomination for county treasurer, but was defeated. Captain Fisher at one time was a prominent candidate for state auditor, but was defeated in the nomination by a small majority. In January, 1873, he removed to Rome City, where he had charge of the woolen mills until 1878. when they were burned. From that time to his untimely death he lived a retired life in Rome City. He was married to Jennie M. Skillen, daughter of Judge Skillen, September 11, 1864. They were the parents of five children: Milan W., Mortimer H., Clarence B., Mabel and Buelah. Mortimer and Clarence died of diphtheria in October, 1874; Milan W. died in 1890, and Beulah in 1882.

Hon. W. W. Skillen. father of Mrs. Jennie M. Fisher, widow of Captain Eden H. Fisher, was born in Shelby county, Ohio, January 31, 1825. Her mother was Susanna Method, who was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, and became the wife of W. W. Skillen in Shelby county, Ohio, March 2, 1844. He was elected probate judge of that county and served two terms - first elected in 1854 and re-elected in 1857. He was an old-line Whig, but on the organization iif the Republican party, like the great majority of Whigs, gave adhesion to the new party and cordially endorsed its principles. He was engaged in the dry-goods trade in Sidney, Ohio, until the spring of 1862, when he moved with his wife and six children to Noble county, Ind., and settled on a farm in Perry township, but shortly afterward moved to Ligonier and engaged in the drug business for three years. In 1868 he removed to Chicago and took a position on the Chicago Republican as its solicitor. During the great fire which destroyed that city he lest all his effects. In 1S71 he returned to Ligonier, and in 1872 moved to Rome City, where he made his home. He was employed as traveling salesman with Clapp, Fisher & Zimmerman, who were engaged in the sale of woolen goods, remaining in that capacity until the- destruction of the mill by fire in 1878. He was then engaged in other affairs and later accepted a position as engrossing clerk in the Indiana legislature, after which he was employed as a clerk in a railroad office at Council Bluffs, la., but returned to Rome City and engaged in the grocery business, in which he continued until his death, which occurred November 1, 1885. Judge Skillen was a member of the Masonic fraternity, under whose auspices the funeral was held, and his remains escorted to their last resting place. His widow survives him at an advanced age. They were the parents of seven daughters : Jennie, widow of our subject; Sarah, Mary, Margaret, Emeline, Melissa and Florence.

Shelby county, Ohio, June 22, 1845. She was educated in the public schools and was a graduate from the high school at Sidney. She is the mother of five children, of whom Mabel is now the only living child, and is the wife of Burton Burnett, of Chicago, a traveling salesman for the Woolson Spice Company, of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Ernst W. Kriwitz

The German element in the population of the United States, extensive ar.rl divergent as it is over the whole face of the country, has always been recognized as a factor in the highest professions and in the most laborious industries - in the designing as well as in the execution of the exalted schemes of progress and civilization, in the monetary or financial ventures which have enriched the country, in the educational and in the mechanical interests, in the mining and the engineering progress, and in the agricultural development of the vast fields with which the surface of the land is so bountifully supplied - and in all these, as well as man}- others, has this element acted well its part, and of this element, also, Ernst W. Kriwitz, the subject of this sketch, is no inferior constituent - if elements in the strict sense of the word have constituents.

Ernst W. Kriwitz, of the firm of Kriwitz Brothers, proprietors of the City Flouring Mills at Kendallville, Noble county, Ind., was born in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, at Hohenmisendorf, Germany, August 12, 1848, and is a son of Ludwig and Christina (Martz) Kriwitz, the former of whom was bom in Klabow, Mecklenhurg-Schwerin, and the latter in Klinewoken, in the same province, were the parents of two children, Frederick and Ernst, and in 1857 came to America and settled in Kendallville, where their respective deaths took place - that of the father in J 858, when fifty-six years old, and that of the mother in 1868, at the age of about fifty-seven years.

Ernst W. Kriwitz was about eight years of age when his parents located in Kendallville, and here he has lived ever since. When he became old enough he was apprenticed to the printing business in the old Journal office, of which Judson Palmiter was the proprietor, and served three years. He next was employed by C. O. Myers in the office of the Standard for five years; he then went to Waterloo, Ind., where he worked one year in the Air Line office, and then at Lagrange, Ind., was employed in the Democrat office for six months ; for three years following he was employed in the office of the Osceola Outline, at Hersey, Mich., and after leaving the Outline office was employed in a flouring mill in the same town for two and a half years, of which trade he had learned considerable in the flouring mill of Freeman Tabor, in Kendallville, in 1865 and 1866. This "new departure" seemed to be pleasing to him, as all who have been employed in a printing office will readily concede would likely lie the case, and is confirmed by the fact that Mr. Kriwitz next went to work in a flour-mill at Reed City, Mich., where he remained for three years.

In 1887 Ernst W. Kriwitz returned to Kendallville, here entered into a partnership with his brother Frederick, and founded the City Flouring Mills, a full account of the management of which will be found in the sketch of the latter gentleman on another page.

Ernst W. Kriwitz was joined in marriage in Hersey, Mich., May 28. 1875, witn Miss Mattie Ross, who was born in Stratford, Out.. November 15, 1858, and is a daughter of Hopkins Ross, of that city. This marriage has been blessed with two children - Fred R. and Pearl. Mr. and Mrs. Kriwitz and family are members of the First Presbyterian church at Kendallville, and Mr. Kriwitz is a member of Star Tent. K. O. T. M., and the National Union.

The sterling business qualifications of Mr. Kriwitz have placed him in the front rank of the enterprising citizens of Kendallville. and the many accomplishments of Mrs. Kriwitz have aided in placing the family in the best of social circles of the city.

Nicholas Benson Newnam

More than sixty-four years have come and gone since the well-known gentleman whose name appears above set his foot upon the present site of Kendallville. and during the last twenty-t>ne years he has been an honored resident of Noble county, occupying a conspicuous place among its most enterprising business men and reliable citizens. Time has but brightened his reputation in business circles and given him a prestige that is indeed enviable. His interest in all matters pertaining to the public welfare has made him a forceful factor among the people, and not to know Mr. Newnam is to argue yourself unknown in Kendallville and throughout the county of Noble. The history of the city, therefore, would be incomplete without the record of his life, for his name is indelibly engraved high on the rolls of those whose energies, efforts and directing power have advanced the material, social and intellectual interests of the community. Seventy-two years have passed since he started on life's journey, yet he is fairly vigorous and active, having neither abased the laws of nature nor neglected the principles of correct living, which are conducive to longevity.