Noble County, Indiana - The whole text, 1902 (part 18 of 21)

To write the biography of Mr. Newnam one must needs begin with his immediate antecedents. His father, Nicholas B. Newnam, was born about the year 1801 in England, and when a young man came to the United States, settling in Maryland; the mother, Mary Pickering, first saw the light of day in 1809, and is of Scotch ancestry. The sterling characteristics of those two nationalities are combined in an individual progeny of sturdy, vigorous manhood, such as has marked the career of the subject from his boyhood to the present time. Nicholas B. Newnam and Alary Pickering lived for a number of years in Talbot county. Md., and it was in the town of Easton, in that part of the state, where the birth of the sub- j the familiar scenes of his childhood home, and he still reverts with fond recollections to the spot endeared by so many early associations. In the fall of 1836 Mr. Newnam's parents planned to move to what was then the far west, Indiana. After disposing of their interests and loading on a wagon what household effects they thought necessary to take, the}' set out on the long, tiresome and what in the end proved to be a somewhat hazardous journey. The family at the time consisted of seven persons in all, including hve children, who were too young to render any assistance on the trip. Ow- ing to the almost impassable condition of the roads after reaching Ohio, the traveling was slow, and at times progress was greatly impeded and not infrequently delayed altogether. By the beginning of winter the emigrants reached the boundary line between Ohio' and Indiana, where they encountered what was known as the Black Swamp, a large area of exceedingly marshy land, lying partly in both states. There being no defined roadway around this swamp, the father concluded to wait until it froze over, as it was found utterly impossible to cross to the other side by reason of the depth of the water and mud. Fortunately he found a vacant cabin near by. which he rented for a trifle, and. moving his family and goods therein, he prepared to pass the time until the swamp was frozen sufficiently to bear his team. The month of December was comparatively mild, but with the advent of January cold weather set in. and by the second week the ice was firm enough to admit of crossing. Bidding adieu to their temporary home, the family again proceeded on their way in the depth of winter, and on the ist dav of February, 1837, the little hamlet of Kendallville was reached. Dr. Newnam remembers their arrival there on account of having his father and mother speak of the dav as "Ground Hog," a fact which indelibly stamped the occasion on his memory. To the best of his recollection there were but three families then living on the site of Kendallville, namely: William Mitchell, George T. Ulmer and a man of the name of Beedle. After staying over night with one of the above gentlemen Mr. Newnam started on his journey, his objective point being somewhere in the present county of Lagrange. Reaching that county, he located on the southeast quarter of section 36, in what is now Springfield township, a tract of land he subsequently purchased and upon which he spent the remaining years of his life. In the course of time the elder Newnam cleared and developed a fine farm and reared his family of three sons and two daughters to manhood and womanhood. He was a true type of the sturdy pioneer of sixty years ago, lived a quiet, uneventful life and died at a good old age in the month of December, 1876. His wife did not long survive after reaching the new home, laying down her earthly burdens on the 10th day of June, 1840.

Nicholas B. Newnam being the eldest of the children, to him fell much of the toil and struggle necessary in clearing" the land and fitting it for tillage. Hard work with the ax, mattock and other implements formerly used in preparing the soil for the plow developed strong muscle and hardy endurance, and before reaching his majority he was able to perform a man's task in all the labors of the farm, whether in wood or held. Reared amid the stirring scenes of pioneer times, he also learned the valuable lessons of self-reliance and manly independence, and the training thus received was an excellent preparation for the career of use fulness upon which he entered in after year?. What educational privileges he enjoyed were confined to a couple of months' attendance each winter upon the old-fashioned subscription schools, but at best his experience in obtaining a knowledge of books was very meager. Later in life he made up this deficiency in part by a wide course of reading-. and having always been a close, intelligent observer, he became in the course of time a remarkablv well-informed man.

Mr. Newnam remained under the parental roof until his twenty-first birthday. The morning following he tied up what clothing he possessed in a red bandanna handkerchief and with this little bundle in hand, bade farewell to his father's house and started into the great world to make his own way and if possible to realize his fortune. After traveling some distance, making inquiries for work, he finally secured employment with Messrs. Henry and Cochran, who were then constructing the old Ft. Wayne and Sturgis plank road through Lagrange and other counties of northern Indiana. After working for these parties ten months, he invested the little means he had in a piece of unimproved land adjoining his father's farm, going in debt for the greater part of the purchasing price, which was nine hundred and sixty dollars, or twelve dollars an acre. He immediately went to work on his place and in due season had twenty acres cleared and fenced. He sowed every acre available in wheat and was looking forward to an abundant harvest when a favorable opportunity to sell presented itself. He parted with his land at a handsome advance over the purchase price, and after his marriage a little later engaged in the pursuit of agriculture on a rented farm.

Mr. Newnam's marriage took place on the 17th .lay of February, 1852, his wife being Miss Nancy Cochran, a sister of his former empli >yer - the contractor who had in charge a section of the plank road referred to. Mr. and Mrs. Newnam began housekeeping on land leased for the purpose in Milford township, and after farming the same for about one and a half years it came in his possession by purchase. Originally this farm consisted of one hundred and nine acres, but by subsequent additions it was increased to two hundred acres. Under Mr. Newnam's labor and successful management the farm became one of the best places in the township of Milford. After making the farm his home until 1868, he disposed of it at a good figure and invested the proceeds in two hundred and eighty acres in the same part of the county; upon the latter he lived and prospered till 1880. In that year Air. Newnam and family took up their residence in Kendallville where he has since lived, and four years later he disposed of his farm and made other judicious investments. For some time after purchasing a home in the city, Air. Newnam devoted his attention to his agricultural and other interests, all of which grew in importance with each year until he became one of the most enterprising and successful business men of Noble county. In 1882 he was elected a member of the county board of commissioners, the duties of which responsible trust he discharged to the satisfaction of the public for a period of nine years and three months, during which time much important business was transacted by the court. It was during his incumbency that the present court house, a model of convenience and architectural beauty, was erected ; this is considered by all who have seen it to be one of the most complete public edifices of the kind in the state, and it stands to-day a monument of Mr. Newnam's interest, as he personally superintended its construction, besides modifying and adding to the beauty of the original plans.

Iii 1891, Mr. Newnam was further honored by being elected vice-president of the Noble County Bank, a position he still holds. He is also vice-president of the Flint &

Walling Manufacturing Company, of Kendallville, one of the leading industrial establishments of the city, much of the success of which is directly attributable to his efforts.

Financially Mr. Newnam's success has been most encouraging. Seldom, if ever, have any of his undertakings resulted in anything but liberal returns, his judgment in business matters being sound and his forethought remarkably keen and shrewd. His well-directed efforts have borne ligitimate fruitage in the handsome competence he today enjoys, not one dollar of which has been acquired by any method save that consistent with the most scrupulous integrity. Besides valuable city property, including a fine home and other buildings and lots, he owns some of the richest agricultural land in Noble county, two hundred acres in all, which has been brought to a high state of cultivation.

In all business transactions Mr. Newnam is the soul of honor and he considers any promise he makes sacred. He is proud to say that never in the course of his life has he violated an obligation nor failed to keep faithfully his word when once pledged to his fellow men. Wherever he is known his word is as good as his written obligation, fully secured, and in any part of Noble county it would be taken as such without a moment's hesitation. Public spirited in all the term implies, he has contributed largely to the material prosperity of his city and county ; he is foremost in every enterprise for the common welfare and an earnest advocate and liberal patron of all movements for the moral advancement of society and the building up of a higher grade of citizenship. Few men have lived as wisely and as well and none have exceeded him in his influence for noble aims and high ideals. His long continuance in important official position is a sufficient tribute to his efficiency and fitness for public station, and the high place he occupies in the hearts and affections of his fellow citizens is an eloquent testimonial to his sterling worth as a man.

As one of the pioneers of northern Indiana, Mr. Newnam has witnessed the almost magical transformations of its forests into farms, its plains into sites for villages and towns, and its woodland paths into high roads of traffic. From an insignificant hamlet he has seen Kendallville gradually grow to become a populous and' wealthy center, abounding in pretentious building blocks, stately public edifices, handsome temples of worship, banks, newspaper offices, schoolbuildings and all the other accessories of an advanced civilization. He has borne his part in these wonderful changes and fully appreciates the proud position Noble holds among her sister counties of the commonwealth.

Mr. Newnam has been an earnest supporter of the Democratic party ever since its organization and has never swerved in his allegiance to its principles. While a political worker, he is not a partisan and looks with disdain upon the methods and disreputable practices of the curbstdne politician, who makes ends justify means. Fraternally he is a member of Kendallville Lodge, No.' j7(,. F. & A. M.. Kendallville Chapter. No. 64, R. A. M.. and Apollo Commandery, No. 19, K. T. His name also adorns the charter of Lodge No. 109, K. of P., meeting at Kendallville, and in both fraternities he is an earnest worker. The Presbyterian church embodies his religious creed.

Mr. Newnam owes much of his success to the noble woman who has been his able adviser, comforter and efficient co-laborer, since first she united her fortunes with his. nearly half a century ago. She is a lady of many fine qualities, and popular with a large circle of friends and acquaintances in Kendallville, and wherever known; no woman in the city has a higher reputation for words of cheer, kindly deeds and tender ministrations in behalf of the poor and unfortunate.

Mr. and Mrs. Newnam have had three children, only two of whom are living: Mary, wife of C. M. Case, a well-known citizen of Kendallville, and Homer D., of Akron, Ohio, a traveling salesman for a hardware house of that city. The name of the child deceased was Addie M.

Frederick Kriw'Itz

The opportunities offered by the increase of the industrial enterprises in the state of Indiana have induced many young men of other countries to seek homes within the limits of the Hoosier state to find vent for their overflowing business impulses and to add their quota of skill and energy in the development of the natural resources of the country. A large proportion of these useful citizens have come from Germany, and among these is the subject of this brief biographical notice.

Frederick Kriwitz. of the firm of Kriwitz Brothers, proprietors of the City Flouring Mills at Kendallville, Xoble county, Ind., was burn in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Hohenmisendorf, by Teterow, Germany, April 3, 1845, aild was Dut twelve years of age when brought to America by his parents, who at once settled in Kendallville, in 1857, and here Frederick grew to manhood. Ludwig Kriwitz, the father of Frederick, was a native of Klabow, Mecklenburg- Schwerin, and died in Kendallville, Ind., in 1858, when fifty-six years old, and the mother of Frederick, whose maiden name was Christina Martz, was born in Klinewoken, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, and died in Kendallville, Ind., in 1868, at the age of about fifty-seven years. These parents had. borne to them two children, Frederick and Ernst W., who are now among the most respected business men of Kendallville.

In 1859 Frederick Kriwitz entered the employ of F. & H. Tabor, proprietors of a flouring and sawmill, and was next employed by A. Brillhart & Bro. from 186.2 until 1868. His next employment was i with Andrew Brillhart, with whom he re- I mained about two years, and was then employed by S. B. Brillhart. anil with this gentleman, of whom a notice is made in another page, Mr. Kriwitz maintained his business relations until 1887.

The time had now come when Mr. Kriwitz thought it to be the proper thing to turn his attention and his business talents and long experience to a line of trade and manufacturing industry more closely connected with his individual interests, and therefore, in company with his brother, Ernst W. Kriwitz, purchased the old Tabor flour and sawmill, and this mill the brothers together conducted with flattering success from 1887 to 1897, their previous knowl-

April 24, 1897, tn's prosperous business met with a sudden and disastrous but nevertheless temporary check by a conflagration that lay the plant in ruins, and the most unfortunate feature of this disaster was that the proprietors carried no insurance on their property. They were undaunted, however, and with renewed energy at once laid the foundation of their present mill, which was put in full operation October 28, 1897, and this, the City Flouring Mill, has a capacity of seventy-five barrels of A No. 1 flour per day. besides which it turns out bolted meal and feed of all kinds.

The marriage of Frederick Kriwitz was solemnized at Kendallville. August 16, 1866, with Miss Fredericka Loth, who was born in Prussian Germany, June 22, 1845. This union has been graced with four children, viz : Charles YW, Zoe E., Frank and Nellie, and of these Zoe is happily married to Boyd Keen.

In his political affiliations Mr. Kriwitz is strongly Democratic, and while he uses all his influence in bringing about the triumph of his party at the polls, he never asks its franchise for his personal gain. Fraternally, he has been a member of the I. O. O. F. since 1871, has been permanent secretary of Kendallville Lodge. No. 316, for many vears, and has likewise, at different times, filled every office in his lodge ; at present he is also a member of Kendallville Encampment, No. 157, and is besides, a member of Star Tent, No. 52, of the K. O. T. M. Religiously Mr. Kriwitz and family are members of the German Methodist church and liberally contribute to its support, as they do to the promotion of all projects designed or represented to be for the good of the public, when such projects are manifestly worthy of consideration.

Among business men Mr. Kriwitz stands foremost with a reputation of upright dealing as well as for genuine enterprise, and in the social circles of Kendallville he and family are most esteemed and welcome visitors, while their own hospitality has a hand outstretched to all who are disposed to avail themselves of it - and that "all" is a very comprehensive one.

James N. Childs

With comparatively little early education and few advantages in life except those wrung by his own force of character from his surroundings, no man in Noble county has been more prominent as a successful agriculturist and none occupies a more conspicuous place in the esteem of the public as an intelligent and progressive citizen than the well-known gentleman whose brief biography is herewith presented.

James N. Childs is one of the many sturdy men Ohio has contributed to the Hoosier state, and his life forcibly illustrates what energy and well-directed efforts can accomplish even when opposed by unfavorable environment. He was born twelve miles west of Wooster in the county of Wayne, March _>g. 1832, and at the age of twelve years accompanied his parents, John and Diantha Childs, to Noble county, Ind. Mr. Childs recalls with much interest the trip from his childhood home to the new home in the wilds of northern Indiana and recounts the many incidents and adventures experienced before reaching their destination. The journey was undertaken in the spring of ](S44 with two wagons, one drawn by oxen and the other by a team of good, strong horses. Owing to the absence of anything like well-defined roads the travelers were frequently obliged to go long distances out of the straight course, in consequence of which a much longer time was required to make the trip than first appeared probable ; for instance, in crossing the Black Swamp the family rested in the same house two successive nights, although they traveled or tried to travel all day. After a long and exceedingly tiresome journey, occupying a little over four weeks, the family finally arrived at the site of the future home on the border of Noble and Dekalb counties, where the father at once purchased a tract of unimproved land.

Like the majority of boys reared in a new country, young James was soon obliged to bear his full share in the clearing and developing- of the farm, and the lessons of independence and self-reliance learned while thus engaged amply compensated him for the hard labor and privations he was compelled to undergo. He grew to manhood on the home place in Wayne township and on the 25th of December. 185 1, entered into the marriage relation with Miss Mahala L. Whitford, whose birth took place in Wayne county, Ohio, on the 22A day of March, 1833. Mrs. Childs was a daughter of the late Alonzo D. and Louisa (Webster ) Whitford, and proved a faithful and self-denying companion to her husband until called from the scenes of this life on the 9th day of April. 1894. Three children resulted from this union, namely: John \\\, a resident of

Kendallville; Willie W., who died at the age of three and a half yrears; and Minnie L., who is now the wife of Rufus Jones, of Garrett, Ind.

Mr. Childs' second marriage was solemnized April 27, 1895, when Mrs. Rana A. Daniels, widow of the late Samuel S. Daniels and daughter of Stephen and Laura (Palmer) Calvin, became his wife. The parents of Mrs. Childs were natives, respectively, of New Jersey and Vermont, but in an early day moved to Portage county, Ohio, where the mother died when thirty-five years of age. The father subsequently migrated to Steuben county, Ind., where his death occurred at the age of seventy-nine. Mrs. Childs' first husband, Samuel S. Daniels, was a native of New York, and departed this life in Fort Wayne, Ind., April 18, 1890. She was born Sqjtember 6, 1841, in Portage county, Ohio, and when a small child accompanied her parents to the county of Williams, at that time a comparatively new and undeveloped country, making the trip with an ox-team. Later she came with the family to Steuben county, hid., but of recent years she has made her home in the county of Noble, in many parts of which, particularly Wayne township, she is widely and favorably known.

Mr. Childs is essentially a self-made man and has always been engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. He is a model farmer and by diligently prosecuting his chosen calling has amassed a liberal share of this world's goods, owning valuable lands in different parts of the country, property of considerable magnitude. Formerly he was the possessor of three hundred and ninety acres of finelyimproved land, but at the present time his holdings do not represent that amount, as

Air. Childs has made a careful study of agriculture and understands thoroughly how to obtain the best results from different crops. He also pays much attention to advanced methods of farming and has devoted much time to the soils and their relative values as adapted to the various grains grown in this latitude. He believes in progress and improvements, and by example, as well as by precept, has done much to advance the standard of living in the rural districts, besides keeping alive an interest in the true dignity of the husbandman's vocation. The beautiful farm upon which he lived and which contains some of the best improvements in the township was cleared and developed by his own labor, and every dollar he now possesses is the fruit of his own industry and economy. While thrifty and energetic, he is also liberal in the expenditure of his means for the furtherance of all commendable objects, every movement calculated to promote the best interest of the community or in any way benefit the public finding in him not only an earnest patron but also a generous giver. Air. Childs is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Blue Lodge in Kendallville, Kendallville Chapter, No. 64, R. A. AI., Commandery No. 19. Knights Templar, and Noble Chapter. No. 122, Order of Eastern Star. In the public affairs of his township and county he has always taken a lively interest and in the discharge of the duties of citizenship he is as earnest and conscientious as when prosecuting his own private concerns.

is now enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life, in which, by industry, perseverance and judicious investments, he has acquired a comfortable fortune, and a reputation for integrity and unwavering principles that is of far greater value than large wealth. In his beautiful home, surrounded by everything calculated to make life pleasant. In- enjoys the companionship of his devoted wife and children, conscious at the same time of possessing the unbounded confidence of his friends and fellow-citizens of Kendallville and Noble county. Although having reached the hilltop of life, and his course now toward the setting sun, he bears upon his face few indications of the decay of ins bodily powers, while his mental faculties retain all the vigor and keenness of his more active days. He has borne well his part as a citizen, and in the future his name will occupy a conspicuous place upon the roster of Noble county's representative men.

Airs. Childs is a lady of excellent parts and has been her husband's faithful colaborer in much that he has accomplished of recent years. She possesses many admirable traits of character, is intelligent beyond the average, and as a devout member of the Christian church has endeared herself by reason of noble deeds and great activity in behalf of the poor and unfortunate. She is one of the popular women of the community and endeavors always to do the right as she sees and understands it.

John Childs, father of James X., was a native of England, but became a resident of the United States while young. He married Diantha Wells, of Vermont, and settled in Wayne county, Ohio, where he lived until his removal in the spring of 1844 to Noble county, Ind. As already stated, he pur- chased a farm in Wayne township, adjoining the county line, and made the place his home until his retirement from active life, when he took up his residence in Kendallville. He died in this city in 1872, at the age of sixty- four; his wife survived him a number of years, dying in Minneapolis, Minn., aged seventy-nine.

John and Diantha Childs had a family of seven children: William, deceased; James X., the subject of this review; Rachel, widow of the late A. P. Warner; Johanna, deceased wife of Alfred Cummings; Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife o>f James Collier; Mary and Martha, the latter two named marrying A. D. Conrad and Joseph Conrad, brothers.

John S. Hooper

The Keystone state has given to Indiana some of its most prominent citizens and some of its best agriculturists, and among these is the Hooper family, of Swan town ship, Noble county, Ind., who came here in 1857 from their native state of Pennsylvania, which state was named in honor of Admiral Penn, the father of William Penn. the historical apostle of brotherly love, to whom the province, now state, was granted by the British government in 1681, it having previously been under the rule of a colony df Swedes, in 1643, and of the Dutch of New Amsterdam ( New York) in 1655, and then under British domination from 1664 until granted to William Penn and finally admitted as the second of the thirteen original states that formed the American Union when its first constitution was adopted as such in 1776.

William Hooper, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Allegheny county, Penn., in June, 1803. was there reared to farming and there also he married Miss Susan Springer, a native of the same county, born June 12, 1808. Mr. and Mrs. Hooper continued to reside on their farm in Pennsylvania until October, 1857, when they came to Noble county, Ind., and settled in Swan township, where the mother died January 18, 1881, and the father June 15, 1883, when eighty years old. They were a very highly respected couple and reared a family of six children, who were born in the following order: John S., the subject of this sketch ; William ; Susan, who is the wife of Samuel P. Stewart, of Avilla ; James ; Levi ; and George.

John S. Hooper, the eldest of the above family, was born on the farm in Allegheny county, Penn., November 30, 1835, and in 1857 came to Noble county. Ind., with his parents. He continued to reside with his parents, earnestly and willingly assisting his father in labor on the farm, until his own marriage, which took place in Swan township, April 19, 1866, when he settled on the farm he still occupies. The lady whom Mr. Hooper led to the marriage altar bore the maiden name of Eliza Jane King, and was a daughter of the late Hiram and Catherine King, whose biography will be found in the sketch of Hiram L. King on another page of this work. Of the six children born to Hiram King and wife Mrs. Hooper was the fifth child and youngest daughter, and was born in Great township. Portage county, Ohio. October 17, 1833, and was but four years of age when brought to Noble county, Ind., by her parents. She was reared to wo-

Mr. Hooper lias always been engaged in farming and stock raising and is one ,of the most successful men in these lines in the township. He has a fine farm of three hundred and seventy-five acres, improved with excellent buildings, and is one of the representative men of Noble county. It will be noticed that he is connected with some of the best families in the township and that his wife is a sister of Ira M. and Hiram L. King, whose biographies may be found on other pages of this work.

In politics Mr. Hooper is a Republican, cast his vi te for the first Republican candidate, John C. Fremont, and in the fall of 1888 was elected county commissioner, an:! it was during his incumbency of this office that the beautiful court house was erected and paid for in cash.

Henry Gardner

of the world is an axiom demonstrated by all human experience. The laws of nature are such as to render complete isolation im- [k ssible. Every human being submits to the controlling influence of others, or as a master spirit wields a power for good or evil on the masses of his fellows. "No man liveth unto himself" is not only scriptural but is found tot embody a true ami most profound philosophy. Conceding the truthfulness of this statement, there can be no impropriety in scanning the actions of any man as they affect his public and business relations. If he is honorable and eminent in his chosen field of labor investigation will brighten his fame and point out the path which others may follow with like success. From the ranks of the common, quiet, yet prominent, citizens who have done so much in an unobtrusive way to promote the growth and development of the great middle west comes the well-known and popular gentleman to the leading facts of whose life the following lines are devoted.

Henry Gardner, retired farmer, is an lndianian by adoption, having been born in Westmoreland county, Penn., Februarv 14, 1830. His father, John Gardner, was also a native of the Keystone state, and the mother, whose maiden name was Barbara Camp, was descended from an old and prominent family that settled many years ago in the same part of the,country. These parents reared a family of nine children and departed this life in Holmes county, Ohio, where they located when the subject of this sketch was an infant two months of age.

Reared on a farm in the county of Holmes, young Henry grew up a strong, rugged lad, capable while still young of doing almost a man's work with all the implements of husbandry. The subscription schools ci mmon in the country districts of Ohio in an early day afforded him the means of obtaining a fair knowledge of such branches as were then taught, and as soon as old enough he chose the ancient and timehonored calling of agriculture as the work to which his energies should be devoted. He grew to manhood on the paternal estate in Holmes count}', and in the month of April, 1854, was there united in marriage to Miss Eliza Swihart. whose parents were among the early settlers of that section of Ohio.

Mr. and Mrs. Gardner began housekeeping- in the above county and there remained about four years, migrating in 1858 to Dekalb county, Ind., and purchasing a farm in what is now the township of Fairfield. At the time of his removal to Indiana Mr. Gardner's family consisted of one child, and during a residence of six years where he originally settled three more children came, to gladden his home. On the 4th of April, 1864, the wife and mother answered the summons that sooner or later must come to all, leaving, besides her husband, three children to mourn her loss, namely : Sarah Ann. now Mrs. Daniel Steele; John O. ; and William H. Gardner; George W., another son, died at the age of twenty-two in Richardson county, Neb., whither he had gone to engage in agricultural pursuits.

On the 4th day of October, 1865, Mr. Gardner entered into the marriage relation with his present wife, Mrs. Sarah Dunn, widow of the late George W. Dunn, of Dekalb county, and daughter of Jacob and Sarah Miller. Mrs. Gardner was born March 18. 1836, in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and by her former marriage had one child, George H. Dunn. Her first husband, a well-known and highly respected citizen, departed this life on the 4th day of April, 1862. The Millers are of German descent, and were among the pioneers of Tuscarawas county, where Mrs. Gardner's father grew to maturity. He there married Sarah Ash, a native of Pennsylvania, who bore him but one child, the wife of the subject of this sketch.

Mr. Gardner continued to live in the county of Dekalb until 1899, in October of which year he rented his farm and removed to Kendallville, where he is now passing his time practically retired from the active duties of life. By thrift and economy he became the possessor of a comfortable competence, owning at this time in Dekalb county a beautiful farm consisting of two hundred acres of very fertile land, nearly all of which is in a high state of cultivation. His improvements in the way of fences, drainage, in fact, everything upon the premises rank with the best in the community, and as a successful farmer and stock raiser Mr, Gardner has long enjoyed much more than a local reputation. He has made a careful study of the nature of soils and their adaptability to the different crops, with the result of always obtaining the largest possible returns for the amount of time and energy expended. By close attention he has maintained and even enhanced the original fertility of his lands, and a fine system of drainage has enabled him to reclaim and place among the most productive portions of his farm ground that in an early day would have been considered practically useless for agricultural purposes. Mr. Gardner always aimed to keep abreast with the times in all things pertaining to the tilling of the soil, and until his retirement he sustained the reputation of a most careful, painstaking and in every respect an up-to>-date farmer. While excelling in his chosen calling, he also took a leading part in the public affairs of bis township and county and was justly considered one of Dekalb's most intelligent and worthy citizens.

A devout Christian, he was for many years an active and influential member of tne English Lutheran church and still maintains his connection with that body, his wife also belonging to the same and demonstrating; by her daily life and conduct the gen- uineness of the religion which she professes. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner were highly respected in the community where they lived so long, and since taking up their residence in Kendallville the high christian character which they sustain has won an abiding place in the hearts of many friends who have learned to love and respect them for their many acts of henevolence and charity.

In all matters of business Mr. Gardner has been nobly seconded by his good wife, who has proven herself a true helpmeet, contributing much to his success, and by her wise counsel prompting him to noble deeds and great activities in behalf of his fellowmen. None stand higher in the esteem and confidence of the public than this worthy couple, whose influence has always been for good and whose kindly words of admonition have been the means of winning many from the downward course to the pathway of correct and honorable living. Kendallville is proud t<> number them among its most trustworthy residents, and they in turn have added luster to the beautiful city where they propose to remain until called to the higher life.

Mr. Gardner's second marriage has been blessed with five children : Clarence E.. a clergyman of the English Lutheran church, with a charge at Bucyrus, Ohio; Harvey E. ; Cvrus A., a student of Rush Medical College, Chicago; and Irvin H., a farmer of Dekalb county. David S., the first born, died at the age of twenty-one. He was a young man of brilliant intellect and at the time of his deatli was pursuing his studies in Wittenberg College, Spring-field, Ohio, with the object in view of entering the ministry. He had already reached the sophomore year and for some time prior to his decease was a member of the faculty as teacher of penmanship and drawing. By his untimely death a bright and promising career was abruptly terminated, while a dark cloud of sorrow spread over the home which will require years to drive away.

Frank E. Johnson

While electricity is one of the most subtle as well as mysterious and powerful of nature's powers, its management seems to be well under the control of the subject of this sketch, who- is the superintendent of the City Electric Light and Water Works at Kendallville, Noble county, Ind.

Frank E. Johnson was born in Chicago, 111., January 9, 1809, and soon after the great fire in that city (October, 1871) his parents removed to Lockport, Will count}-, in the same state, where, at the age of nine years, he was thrown upon his own resources. Under such circumstances he started to earn his support by picking berries on a farm in his vicinity for the Chicago market. He lived in Lockport and at Joliet, 111., until he was about fourteen years old, when he went to Chicago and found employment in a grocery and meat-market combined, in which he worked until about 1892, and then entered upon his career as an electrician by finding employment as an assistant in electric light plants at different places. and found that the business exactly suited his taste and he soon became an adept.

July 1. 1893, he came to Kendallville and was here employed as city electrician until June 1, 1900, when, having in the interval been elected to his present position, he assumed the duties of the office at the date mentioned, which duties he has ever since performed with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public. Mr. Johnson is an energetic and progressive young man and has the full confidence of the people of Kendallville, not only in his business qualifications but in his individual merits and moral character. He is a member of the K. of P. lodge and captain of Noble Company, No. 20, Uniform Rank, K. of P., and other marks of respect have been shown to him by his fellow-townsmen.

Herman Krueger

The fine type of American citizenship which has been so generously furnished this by the fatherland has an instructive history for a large class o>f American youth with fortunes yet to make and names to reflect credit upon the community wherein their lot may be cast. Few men can point to a. better record than Mr. Krueger has earned since leaving his native land, and Kendallville, Ind., is not only proud of his citizenship but is indebted to him for the progressive spirit he has shown in all matters that would advance her interests and add to the general prosperity.

Herman Krueger was bom in the city of Berlin, February 24, 1835. There he received the benefits of an excellent education, remaining until the age of nineteen, when he determined upon seeking his fortune in America, where he believed better opportunities prevailed for a young man than existed in his native city, although he had there enjoyed some experience in a mercantile house. In March, 1854, he took passage in a sailing vessel at Hamburg bound for New York City, the trip across the Atlantic requiring six weeks, landing in New York in the latter part of April. There he made efforts to obtain employment, but after three days spent in fruitless search he went to Buffalo^. After a week's time he found employment in a brickyard, but being physically unable to1 endure the hard labor incident to such work and unable to speak English, which shut him out from any clerical position, he was forced to seek other employment. His capital was reduced to one dollar and ten cents when he went into a bakery to obtain something to eat. While there he picked up a German newspaper, and learned therefrom that men were wanted to work on the Air Line Railway, then in process of construction in Indiana. He paid his remaining dollar for his transportation from Buffalo to Monroe, Mich., and from that point to Sturgis he was furnished further transportation by the railroad company. The remaining distance, from Sturgis to Kendallville. Ind., was made on foot, and he arrived there in the evening of May 22, 1854. Having a lone English shilling, he paid it cut for his supper and took shelter for the night within the friendly walls of a barn which .stood in those days on the present site of the block of buildings which he has since erected.

The following morning he started without breakfast for the railroad, then in Elkhart township. The boss of the gang saw at once that he had not been accustomed to such labor and kindly favored him whenever possible. The boss was the late Joseph Stewart, of Elkhart township. Young Krueger worked on the road until the fol- lowing winter, when Mr. Stewart took him to his home, the latter remaining" with the Stewart family for eight months, attending school and doing chores, being in every way treated as one of the family. Through the influence of Mr. Stewart and his teacher he obtained employment in a general store in Kendallville, owned by Wiildman & Crawford, remaining with them until they sold out. He clerked for several different firms in Kendallville until 1857, when, having by bis economical habits accumulated sufficient means, he started in business for himself.

From that early beginning Mr. Krueger remained in business and became actively identified with the growth and prosperity of Kendallville for a period of nearly thirty years, retiring with a handsome competency in 1882. In 1880 he had built the block which bears his name, one of the landmarks which stand as evidence of what can be done by these who have an ambition to become identified with the progress of the community wherein they reside. In 1879 Mr. Krueger was elected a member of the city council, served three successive terms, and gave to the city the same careful consideration to all matters affecting its interests which characterized the conduct of his personal affairs. He was superintendent of the city water works for several years, and general manager of the electric light plant for seven years. He also served two years as a member of the comity council.

On November 15, 1857, Mr. Krueger was wedded in Kendallville to Miss Mary C. Bow-en. They became the parents of three children. The eldest son, Scott Krueger, was married in British Columbia and was employed by the Canadian government as a driver of engine horses and was killed while on duty in 1880. The other two children died in infancy. Mrs. Mary Krueger died in Corunna, Ind., while on her way home from a visit to her brother. Mr. Krueger was married to his present wife in Cleveland, Ohio, in December, 1864, the lady being Miss Amelia Betha, a native of German}-. Six children have been born to them, four of whom are living, namely : Louis E., Anna, Minnie and Blanche. Those deceased are : Ida, who died at the age of nineteen ; and Martha, who died at the age of nine years. Mr. Krueger, while not a member of any denomination, is a liberal supporter of the churches and entertainments for all worthy objects, and his open-handed liberality to all movements which will elevate and benefit mankind or advance the moral welfare of the community is always to be relied upon. His fine property in the business part of the city, his large real estate holdings and the fine residence wherein he and his amiable wife dispense a cordial hospitality to their numerous friends, bespeak a career it will he well for others to emulate.

John Haas

The people of Noble county are well aware of the immense moral influence exercised by the clergy of this and other lands over the population, not only through precept hut by practical example. At the call of the invalid the clergyman is at the bedside to reiterate the lessons inculcated from the pulpit when the sick man was in health, and often he acts as nurse and brings with him condiments and delicacies, and frequently cash collected from fellow-members of the congregation to which the sufferer may belong, but his moral influence is ofttimes as efficacious as medicine itself, and at times more so, as it extends to affecting frequently the domestic and industrial conditions of his hearer.

John Haas, the present city treasurer of Kendal lville, as a son of a Methodist clergyman, is aware of the facts above noted and of the enforced migratory life of an itinerant clergyman, whose son he is. He was born in Vanderburg county, Ind., December 8, 1837, but al the age of two years was taken by his parents to St. Louis, Mo., where he lived several years, and then from state to state, according to the situations of the various stations to which his father was assigned for the performance of his sacred duties. While thus shifting about he grew to manhood, and in Iowa followed different occupations until i860, when he joined the Minnesota Annual Conference and for three years was engaged in preaching through the state. He was then transferred to the Southeast Indiana Conference and later became a member of the Central German Conference, in which he still holds membership as a superannuate, but was retained in the ministry until 1891.

In July, 1892, Mr. Haas was appointed by the city council of Kendallville, to which city he came in 1886, to the office of city treasurer; was elected to the same office in 1895, ancl re-elected in 1898, and this is his present position, his long tenure showing how well he has performed his duty, responsible as it is.

John Haas was married in Minnesota, September 17, 1863, to Miss Valeria Reitz, a native of eastern Pennsylvania, and this happy union has been blessed with eight children, born in the following order: John Wesley; Frank; Emma, wife of P. C. Conlogue; George L. ; Oliver M. ; Irvin W. ; Ella A. ; and Edward L., who died in Kendallville when thirty-two years of aee.

William T. Holsinger

Since early in the 'forties the Holsinger family has been connected with the history of northern Indiana, and one of its most esteemed representatives is the gentleman whose name introduces this review. He has figured prominently as one of the leading agriculturists of Noble county, but at the present time is enjoying the fruits of a very active and well-spent life in his beautiful home in the thriving city of Kendallville. He has contributed in no' small measure to the industrial advancement and material prosperity of the section of country which has so long been his field of operations, and it is hoped that the study of such a life may be a lesson and an incentive to the young men of the rising generation. The Holsingers are of German descent and were first represented in America at a period antedating the war of the Revolution. William Holsinger, the subject's grandfather, was an early settler of Stark county, Ohio, and a man of many marked characteristics. He married Susan Raum, also of German lineage, and reared a family among whom was John Holsinger, whose birth occurred in Stark county, January 9, 1817. John came to Indiana in 1841, settling in Johnson township, Lagrange county, where on June 3 of the same year he was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Sherman, whose parents were among- the earliest pioneers of that section of the state. She died in the above township, July 27, 1847, leaving three children: Angeline, wife of C. C. Cain, a farmer of Noble county; William T., the subject of this mention; and Albert, who died when about thirty-five years of age. On the 25th day of December, 1847, Mr. Holsinger married his second wife, Miss Mary Ann Stroman, who bore him eight children, six of whom grew to maturity, namely : John F., Francis F., Adrian, Dora, William and Ida. The mother of these children departed this life in Noble county, July II, 1871, and later Mr. Holsinger entered the marriage relation with Mrs. Susan (Demmon) Nichols, the union resulting in two children, Henry and Walter T., the former dying in infancy.

Walter T. Holsinger is a man of splendid mental endowments, which have been thoroughly developed by careful intellectual training. After completing the high-school course at Kendallville he entered the University of Michigan, from which in due time he was graduated with honors, taking high rank as a classical scholar. Subsequently he took up the study of law, and the better to prepare himself for the profession became a student in the law department of Harvard University, from which he received his degree.

In March, 1877, John Holsinger moved from his farm to the city of Lagrange, where he lived for several years, retired from active partnership in business affairs. Later he took up his residence in Kendallville, where the remainder of his days were passed, dying there July 19, 1886. His wife died in Mexico.

Mrs. Holsinger, was a native of Massachusetts, and was born June 19, 1814. His wife, Nancy Boughey, was born July 18, 1820, in the state of Ohio. They came to Noble county as early as 1844 or 1845, and settled in Allen township, where Mr. Demmon purchased a tract of wild land, from which he cleared and developed a farm. This place was the family home for a period of thirty years, at the expiration of which time the father and mother moved to Kendallville, «where the former's death occurred on the 9th day of February, 1899. The following are the names of the children born to Leonard and Nancy Demmon : Isaac N., Sylvia Ann, Olivia, Josephine, Roselda, Gertrude, Lenna, Leonard W. and Elwood F.

William T. Holsinger was born April II, 1845, m Johnson township, Lagrange county. At the age of four years he was taken by his parents to Iowa, but they did not long remain in that state, returning to Indiana and purchasing a farm in Orange township. Noble county, about one mile north of Rome City. On this place young William lived till his twelfth year, and then the family removed to another farm three miles further west in the same township, where he remained until reaching manhood's estate. He was reared a farmer, and when a young man decided to devote his life to agicultural pursuits, a resolution which he carried out with results most gratifying in their nature. In common with the great majority of country boys, he was educated in the public schools, and like them, also, he learned on the farm the lessons of industry, thrift and self-reliance which educational institutions fail to impart.

place until his marriage, which was solemnized on the 7th day of March, 1867, with Miss Lucinda Dyer, daughter of the late H. F. Dver, of Orange township. Immediately following his marriage he began farming in the above township on land leased for the purpose and three years later purchased a small place of sixty acres in the same part of- the county, which he made his home for about one and a half years. Disposing of his farm, he invested his means - which, by tne way, were considerable - in two hundred and forty acres lying in the township of Elkhart. This farm, which adjoins the line between Noble and Lagrange counties, he retained two years and then sold at a liberal advance upon the purchase price, investing the proceeds in a fine place two miles west of Kendallville in the township of Allen. All of Mr. Holsinger's trades and purchases redounded to his great financial advantage, and on removing to Allen township he found himself the possessor of one of the most fertile and highly improved farms in Noble county. A careful and thorough agriculturist, acquainted with the nature of soils and knowing how to increase their productiveness, he made a decided success of farming and in the course of about twenty-eight years was in a condition to retire from the active duties of life. He enhanced the value of his place by a number of substantial improvements in the way of buildings, fencing, tile drainage, etc., and made the place in many respects a model country home. After living thereon and prospering until 1895 he retired from the farm to Kendallville, where he purchased a beautiful and comfortable home and where he is now spending his time in the enjoyment of the peace and quiet which long and active contact with the world

By his first marriage, mentioned in a preceding paragraph, Mr. Holsinger had three children, namely : Charles, a resident of Kendallville ; William F. ; and one that died in infancy. Mrs. Holsinger died at the home in Allen township, December 14, 1884. She was an estimable lady, a kind mother and proved a valuable assistant to her husband when he first started in life upon his own responsibility. On the 25th day of May, 1887, Mr. Holsinger married his present companion, Mrs. Roselda A. Pike, widow of L. E. Pike and daughter of Leonard Demmon, one of the early pioneers of Noble count}-, who died in Kendallville at the age of eightyfour. Mrs. Holsinger was born December 6, 1849, m Allen township and has spent all her life in her native county. By her former marriage with Mr. Pike she had four children : George L., who died September 1 1, 1874, when quite young; Lottie A., who died February 1, 1884, in her eighth year; Bertha, who died February 2, 1884, when four years old ; and Linus E., who died February 6 of the above year, at the age of three.

Mr. Holsinger has always manifested a lively interest in the development of Noble county and is justly entitled to the appellation of a public-spirited man. Ranking with tne most progressive agriculturists of the country, and enjoying the reputation of a successful financier, he is also one who takes the lead in all measures for the common welfare and supports every laudable enterprise whereby his city or county may be benefited. He is an honest man. honorable in all his business transactions, and not a dollar in his possession but has been earned by legitimate and straightforward methods. In Kendallville and throughout Noble county he is held in high esteem and his career as a neighbor and citizen has always been above reproach. He studies carefully every issue of whatever kind and only after mature deliberation does he give his support to any measure, political or otherwise. His aim is to be on the moral side of every question, and to the best of his judgment and ability he has exerted his influence with this end in view. Kendallville can boast of no better citizen, and the county of Noble has been greatly benefited by his long period of residence therein.

Air. Holsinger is a Mason of high degree, belonging to both chapter and commandery. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, being a charter member of the lodge at Kendall ville. In religion he subscribes to the belief of the Christian church. of which both he and wife are active members. Mrs. Holsinger joined the church in her thirteenth year and lias been a faithful and devout Christian from that time to the present.

Many of the eaily settlers of Noble county, those hardy pioneers who wrought so faithfully and well in the early development of its material and industrial resources, have passed from the stage of action and their places have been taken by men and women of a younger generation. The people of the present day are indebted for much thev enjoy to the strong arms and determined wills of those early comers who. breaking loose from the ties of home and putting behind them the blessings of civilization, boldly set their faces toward the setting sun and in the face of difficulties many and formidable and dangers not a few, penetrated the wilderness and with determined purpose set to work to carve out new homes and new destinies. In many ways they builded more wisely than thev knew, and the work they did served as a foundation upon which the present prosperity of this section of the comonwealth rests, and the memory of their lives and achievements is .destined to remain as far more enduring than any monument or mausoleum. Conspicuous among the substantial settlers of Noble county, who came to pave the way of civilization to this highly enlightened section of Indiana, was Daniel Portner, to a brief review of whose life and family history this sketch is devoted. Mr. Portner was one of the strong and sturdy characters that the little republic of Switzerland contributed to its sister republic of the United States. He was born among the mountains of that country on the 10th day of September, 1814, a son of Daniel and Christina (Feller) Portner, both parents natives of Switzerland, as were their ancestors for many generations before them. In the year 1823 Daniel and Christina Portner, with their family, immigrated to the United States, landing at Xew York; thence, after a brief sojourn proceeded westward as 1>- as Pennsylvania, in which state they lived until 1840. In that year they disposed of their interests there and mined to Richland county, Ohio, where they purchased a farm on which they remained until called to the other life. They had a family consisting of the following children: Christian, Daniel, John, Alary. David, Christina, Jacob. Barbara and Isaac.

Daniel Portner, Jr., was a lad of nine years when the family came to America, and from that time until reaching manhood he lived in the state of Pennsylvania. He was reared a farmer and when a young man chose agriculture for a vocation and continued to follow the same with varying success the remainder of his days. He began life for himself in Pennsylvania, and in 1831, went to Richland county, Ohio, where, on the 5th day of February, 1843, ne was tmit" ed in marriage to Miss Jane Dye, daughter of Daniel and Jane (Mclntyre) Dye, the father a native of New Jersey and the mother of Maryland.

Daniel Dye, whose birth occurred in the year 1775, was a son of Enoch Dye, a Welsh immigrant, who came to the United States .at an early period and settled in New Jersey, when lie married Rebecca Leet, a member of one of the oldest families of that colony. Subsequently he migrated to Washington county, Penn., where he engaged in farming, and there spent the remainder of his life, dying at a ripe old age. Enoch Dye was a man of striking personality and strong mental and intellectual attainments. He took a prominent part in the growth and development of the different localities in which he lived, and at the breaking out of the war of the Revolution, entered the Colonial army as captain, and, as such, served with distinction throughout the struggle, participating in some of the most noted campaigns and battles until independence was achieved. He reared a family of eight children, whose names are as follows: Daniel, Enoch, Isaac, Eunice, Rebecca, Sarah, Mary and William.

there, in 1796, Miss Jane Mclntyre, who, as already stated, was a native of Maryland, born in the year 1778. Her parents were William and Margaret (Harris) Mclntyre, the former born in Scotland and the latter in Ireland. These parents immigrated to America in the time of the colonies and settled in Maryland, where their marriage was solemnized, and from which state they moved to Washington county, Penn. They spent the remainder of their lives in the latter county and state, dying many years ago, honored and respected by all who knew them for their many sterling qualities of head and heart. They had six children, namely: Jane, Nancy, Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine and William.

In the year 1822 Daniel Dye and family moved to Richland county, Ohio, where he purchased land and became a successful tiller of the soil. He was a man of excellent character and achieved considerable local repute, not only as a substantial farmer and enterprising citizen, but also by reason of the wholesome moral influence he exerted in the community. Daniel and Catherine Dye had the large family of fourteen children, whose names are as follows : Vincent, Eliza, Drusilla, Abraham, Valerian, Enoch, Aaron, Rebecca, Isaac, Daniel, Mary, William, Jane and John.

Shortly after their marriage Daniel and Jane Portner located on the latter's old homestead in Richland county, Ohio, where they continued to live and prosper until 1853, at which time Mr. Portner disposed of his interests there and moved to Noble county. Ind., settling on land in Orange township, four miles north of Albion, which he had previously purchased. No improvements worthy of note had been made on the place prior to the family's taking possession, the land being almost an unbroken wilderness covered with tall timber and a dense undergrowth, to remove which a prodigious amount of hard and continuous toil was required. Here Mr. Portner labored hard to get a start, and possessing but little means and the country being new, unhealthy and thinly settled, he experienced all the disadvantages and unpleasant features common to pioneer life, but full of energy and animated by a determination to succeed, he addressed himself manfully to the task before him and by diligent application in due time made an opening in the forest and had a goodly number of acres in cultivation. He was a man of great industry, and perhaps overtaxed his energies in the vast amount of work he performed, for it was not long until his strong physical frame began to succumb to exposure and hardship, and he was taken with an illness which finally terminated in his death, which took place on the 13th day of July, 1858. He left a widow and eight small children to mourn his loss, none of the latter being large enough to render any material assistance towards obtaining a livelihood. The mother was indeed left in most trying and embarrassing circumstances, the farm being but partially cleared and the little means at her command was very soon practically exhausted. With a large family dependent upon her, the youngest a babe in the cradle, her condition can better be imagined than described. She did not as most women similarly placed would have done, sell the land and use the proceeds as a present means of support, but, animated by a laudable determination to keep the place, and. if possible, clear and make of it a home for herself and family, but made everv reasonable sacrifice within her power to retain it, disposing of her live stock and other salable personal property on hand, and settling in full a large doctor's bill and meeting other expenses which had accumulated during the period of her husband's illness. This done, she rented the farm, and with the means thus derived, together with the sewing, spinning and knitting which she did for her neighbors, she succeeded by close economy and well directed industry in -making a comfortable living and in rearing her children until they were old enough to relieve her of some of the burden resting upon her shoulders. Later she purchased a yoke of oxen and a few necessary agricultural implements, and with the aid of the older sons took charge of the farm and for a number of years thereafter managed the place successfully. In due season she found herself in comfortable circumstances with a sufficiency of this world's goods at command to render further anxiety about the future unnecessary. As years went by she continued to add to her means, exchanging the oxen for horses, replacing the few simple utensils with a plentiful supply of implements of the latest pattern, and improving the place until it became one of the best tilled and most valuable farms in the township. There is probably not one woman in a thousand who, under similar circumstances, would have as resolutely faced the future, overcome the many obstacles by which she was surrounded, and eventually win success as did Airs. Portner.

Too much praise cannot be accorded her for the part she bore in taking up the burden where the devoted husband left it, and battling long and patiently to keep the hungry wolf from the door, and rear the chil- dren dependent upon her to habits of industry and economy. She labored hard to keep the little family together, and in after years enjoyed the satisfaction of knowing that her efforts were not in vain, as all her children grew up to be useful men and women in the world. Her whole life has been a series of rugged, toilsome duties, faithfully and uncomplainingly performed, and now. at the age of eighty-two, a venerable silver-haired mother in Israel, retaining to a remarkable degree the possession of her faculties, physical and mental, she goes in and out among her neighbors and friends, loved and revered by her immediate family and honored by all who know her. She has long been a zealous member of the German Baptist church, and her beautiful Christian character has had its influence in molding for the better not only the character of those under her immediate care, but those with whom she has come in contact are ready to acknowledge the debt of gratitude which they are under to* her for the gentle words and kindly ministration which have had a tendencv to direct their lives to noble purposes. Daniel and Jane Portner's family consisted of the following children: Louisa, who was born March 28, 1844, and is the wife of Dr. M. C. Bonar; Mary A., born June 30, 1845. married to William Gouser; Henry D., born March 22, 1847, is married to Alma Snyder; Susan L., born June 30. 1848, is the wife of Anthony Deffenbaugh ; William A., born June 30, 1850, married Ruth Schoonover and departed this life on the 22(\ day of August, 1896; Samuel M., born January 10, 1852. married Isabelle Steward. All the above were born in Richland count}-. Ohio. Those born after the family came to Noble county are: Daniel

W., whose birth occurred December 21, 1853; he married Sophia Chaffee and is still living in the county of his nativity : the youngest, Albert F., was bon> January 18, 1858, and is unmarried. For a number of years past he has been a traveling salesman, in which capacity he has traveled over nearly every state of the Union, doing a successful business for his several employers and making: friends wherever he e;oes.

Sumner K. Randall

This successful and prosperous merchant and farmer is a native of Allen township, and was born upon his father's farm May 2, 1843. His parents were Edwin and Mary A. ( King) Randall, the latter a sister of Hiram L. King, a sketch of whom will be found on another page in this volume.

Edwin Randall was born in Bridgewater Oneida county, X. Y., May 18, 1809. He was reared on a farm, receiving a common school education. When a young man he taught both singing and! day school, and while yet young left home and went to live with an uncle, who was a lawyer, residing at Manlius, Onondaga county. There he has access to a splendid law library, and by applying himself he obtained quite a knowledge of law. In j 835 he went to Toledo, Ohio, and the year following made a trip through Indiana and Michigan, entering four hundred and eighty acres of land near where Avilla now is, and tracts near South Bend, and also lands in Shiawassee county, Mich. He then returned to Toledo, where he remained until 1841, when he went to Allen township, where he made his home. The children born to Edwin and Mary A. ( King) Randall were as follows : Sumner K. ; Perry A., born July 24, 1847; and Amy C, born August 23, 1853, became the wife of G. W. Seavey. These children were all born in Allen township and are now- married. Mr. Randall was a Democrat, was associate justice of the circuit court for a number of years, and held various other positions of honor and trust. He was a Universalist in his religious belief and took an active part in the good work of the church and in extending the influence of the Sunday-school. He died September 14. 1873. The marriage of Edwin Randall and Mary A. King took place in Swan township, June 16, 1S42, and they settled in Allen township in April, 1843, on the farm now owned by their son, Sumner K., where they lived until their deaths. Mrs. Randall survived her husband nearly twenty years, passing away September 24, 1892.

Sumner K. Randall received a good common school education in his native township and made his home upon the old homestead. On the death of his father the control and management of the farm fell to him, and this he has successfully operated from that date. Septeml>ei- 12, 1876, he wedded Miss Loretta M. Stahl. a daug-hter of John and Anna ( Reiling) Stahl, who was born in Allen township, April 21. 1856. They are the parents of four children : Amy J., now the wife of Albert E. Thomas; Mary Annee. wife of Wallace E. Wheeler; Edwin J., who died when but fourteen months old; and Edna Agnes.

in agricultural implements and has handled the Deering harvesting machinery from 1875 t0 the present time. Subsequently he bought the mercantile establishment of Baum & Haines, of Avilla. He carries 3 large and very complete stock, which is kept to the average value of about $20,000, and is rated one of the best general stores in Noble county. He also deals largely in grain, seeds and all kinds of 'produce, and it would be difficult for a customer to fail in obtaining almost any article desired. Since engaging in business he has added to the homestead valuable additions, and with the improvements made in recent years has now one of the most valuable estates in Noble county, with an area of three hundred and seven acres.

Fraternally Mr. Randall is a member of Avilla Lodge. No. 460, F. & A. M., Chapter No. 64, Appollo Commanclery, No. 19, Kendallville; and Lodge of Perfection. Scottish Rite, bodies of Fort Wayne and Indianapolis: Murat Temple. Indianapolis, and also the B. P. O. E., No. 155, at Fort Wayne, Ind.

The well-known gentleman to whose career attention is directed in the lines that follow is a dstinctively original and individual character, who has attained pronounced prestige by reason of his ability and original and resolute business methods. Mr. Mc- Cray is one of the representative citizens of Kendallville and enjoys the distinction of being one of the city's most energetic and wide-awake men of affairs. For some vears he has held the dual position of secretary and treasurer of the McCray Refrigerator & Gold Storage Company, one of northern Indiana's most important industries, and as a business man has contributed more to the: success of the enterprise with which he i:'. identified than any other member of the firm. Mr. McCray is a native of Ohio, and waa burn in the town of Reynoldsburgh, Franklin county, on the 20th day of July, i860. "When seven years of age he was brought by his father, Hon. Hiram McCray, to Noble county, Ind., from which time until his young manhood he lived in the city of Kendallville. During his boyhood and early youth he attended the city graded schools, and, possessing a strong and alert mentality, his progress in his studies was rapid and in every respect commendable. On leaving school he became associated with his father in the butter and egg business and in buying and shipping general produce, a branch O'l trade to which he devoted his time and attention principally until 1 89 1. In connection with the above enterprise he also operated the McCray & Kessler Creamery Company, of Kendallville. from 1884 to 1889, and in the year 1891 disposed of bis interest in the produce business to organize the McCray Refrigerator & Cold Storage Company. Being of limited mean;; and realizing the possibilities of the future in the manufacture of refrigerators, in 1890 he organized a company composed of members of the family, and began business in the old skating rink on Mitchell street and there remained until 1891, when they built the first building. 48x90 feet, where the plant now stands, and since that time, except two years, have added largely

As stated in the initial paragraph, the McCray Refrigerator & Cold Storage Companv is one of the leading industries of Kendallville, employing from one hundred and fifty to two hundred men every working day of the year and doing a business which has gradually increased in volume until at the present time its product is shipped to all parts of the United States, besides its large export trade to various countries of the old world. The plant, occupying several acres of ground, is furnished with the latest and most improved machinery and devices necessary to the successful prosecution of the business, while every detail of the enterprise is under the watchful eye of the able and energetic secretary and treasurer, who, as financial manager, is watchful and untiring in his efforts not only to maintain the prestige of the concern, but to build up and enlarge its future operations. ,

As a business man, well acquainted with the laws governing the commercial and industrial world, Mr. McCray is thorough in everything he does, and, by adopting methods peculiarly his own, has added materially to the growth and efficiency of the enterprise with which he is officially connected. Sound judgment, clear foresight and a ready determination to reduce to practice his well-defined ideas of business policy, are among his prominent characteristics, while his actions have ever been in strict accord with the highest principals of integrity and honor. He has done much to further the development and substantial upbuilding of the city of his residence and is a public- spirited and progressive man, alive to all that tends to elevate the material and moral status of the community; he is distinctively entitled to a foremost rank among- the representative citizens of Kendallville and Noble county. A Mason of high standing, Mr. McCray has held important official positions in the lodge meeting in Kendallville. and in 1885 received the Scottish rite degrees in the city of Indianapolis

Mr. McCray was married in Union City, Ind., November 8, 1894, to Miss Stella Harris, a union rudely severed by the death of the devoted wife on the 30th day of May, 1896.

By his ballot Mr. McCray supports the men and measures of the Republican party, but has never taken a very active part in politics either as a worker or office-seeker, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to the business in which he has met with such signal succcess. Of a genial nature, he not only makes friends, but has the faculty of retaining them, and it is a. compliment worthily bestowed to say that few men in Kendallville are held in as high esteem by the public His career throughout has been that of a dignified, courteous gentleman, while his strong mentality, scrupulous honor and notable popularity, together with the marked success he has attained in the business world! will cause him to be long remembered as one of the Noble county's most substantial and progressive men.

The father of Elmer E. McCray was Hon. Hiram McCray, a native of Wheeling, Va. (now West Virginia), and for many years a leading business man of Kendallville, Ind., and popular politician of the county of Noble. He was born August

20, 1833, and in 1857 entered into the marriage relation with Miss Amanda Reynolds, a native of Pennsylvania, by whom he had five children: Homer, Elmer E., John, Cora and Lena. In early life he learned carpentering; and followed that trade until 1868, when he came to Kendallville, and engaged in the produce business, to which his attention has since been devoted. Shortly after organizing this business he erected a mammoth refrigerator with a capacity of several thousand dozen eggs, to which additions have been made from time to time as the demands of the trade have required. In partnership with his son, Elmer E., he carried on an extensive business in shipping, making eggs a specialty, and by continually enlarging the facilities of his business, his house became in turn the largest and most successful trader in the line in the northern part of the state.

Additional to' the claims of his business enterprise, Mr. McCray took an active interest in the public affairs of Noble county, which he represented in the lower house of the State Assembly in 1886, having been elected as such on the Republican ticket. He also' served two terms in the common council of Kendallville and in a number of other ways brought himself prominently before the people. He was active in Masonic circles, in which he was advanced to the degree of Knight Templar, and became a leading spirit in the subordinate lodge of Kendallville, earning an enviable reputation in the order throughout the state. Progressive and energetic, he did much to promote the business interests of his adopted city, and his death, which occurred October 3, 1888, was a great loss not only to his family and immediate friends, but to the public as well. Mr. McCray was a man of the people and ever had their best interests at heart. He left nothing undone to advance the standing of citizenship, and by his integrity and upright conduct endeared himself to all with whom he had relations, business or otherwise, and at the time of his death was a candidate for re-election to the legislature. His memory will long be cherished in Kendallville, where his actions constitute his enduring monument.

Col. John A. Jones

The popular gentleman whose name opens this review is well known throughout Noble county by reason of his business relations, and has a state reputation on account of his prominent official connection with one of the largest and most papular fraternal orders in America. John A. Jones is one of Noble county's native sons and a citizen in whom it takes a just pride. He was born on a farm in Jefferson township, November 27. 1862, and is a son of Pomeroy E. and Luthenia Margaret Jones. The paternal grandfather was Rev. Cornelius Jones. for many years an earnest and successful minister of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Pomeroy E. Jones married in the month of May, 1855, ^Iiss Luthenia Margaret Gallup, a native of Livingston county, X. Y., where her birth occurred on the 31st of January. 1838. About eleven years after her husband's death, which took place at Kendallville. April 12, 1880. Mrs. Jones became the wife of Tames Tatr a farmer of

Orange township, this county, where she now lives. Pomeroy Jones was a business man of excellent standing and for a number of years carried on the manufacture of lumber, drain-tile and brick in Noble county and various other parts of the state. He was successful in hisi undertakings, stood high in the esteem and regard of his neighbors and fellow-citizens, and left to his descendants a character above reproach

When John A. Jones was one year old, his father moved to Wawaka, Ind., where he conducted a mercantile business two years, changing his residence at the expiration of that time to Kosciusko county, which was his home until 1876. In that year, when. John A. was a lad of fourteen, the family returned to Noble county, and settled on a farm in the township of Wayne. There he lived till 1887, meanwhile receiving his preliminary training in the district schools and later pursuing the more advanced branches of. learning in the high school of Kendallville. The knowledge thus received was afterward supplemented by a course in a normal institute at Ligonier which he at-« tended one session, making rapid progress in several special lines of work He assisted his father in his mill and other vocations, until the latter's death, which occurred when John A. was seventeen years of age. After this sad event the latter was thrown largely upon his own resources. He continued sawmilling and in different lines of wood manu* facturing until 1887, when he came to Kendallville and opened an insurance office, tc which business he has since devoted his timq and attention.

ness from a modest beginning has steadily increased in volume and importance to the present time. It takes a wide range, including both city and country, in the line of property insurance, and has a larger list of patrons than any other in the county similarly engaged. The companies he represents are among the oldest and most reliable also among the most popular, and the promptness of Mr. Jones in transacting business intrusted to him, and the satisfactory manner in which he adjusts losses, have been factors in the wonderful success which he has met. Mr. Jones is an affable gentleman, possesses a pleasing personality, and his fluent command of good English makes him almost an ideal solicitor. A fine judge of human nature, he knows when and how to present the claims of his business, and his clear insight enables him to press arguments which seldom fail of accomplishing the results intended. His patronage, already large, is constantly increasing, and his high standing wherever he has extended his operations is an earnest of what he may still do in the future.

As stated in the initial paragraph, Mr. Jones has a state reputation as a secret society worker. He joined the Pythian order, Kendallville, Lodge, No. 109. in 1883, and two years later became a member of the Uniform Rank, No. 20, in' which he was soon elevated to an important official position. For one year he served as first lieutenant and during the succeeding three years was captain of the company, his ability as such bringing him to the favorable notice of leading members of the order throughout the state. From the captaincy he was promoted to junior major in which capacity he served with signal success for five years, when he was elected, February 3, 1899, colonel of the Second Indiana Regiment, composed of thirteen well drilled companies. Mr. Jones takes great interest and pride in the splendid organization of which he is the head and as drill master has few equals and no superiors among the leaders of the order in Indiana. He is well schooled in military tactics, familiar with every detail of the fraternity and knows well how to handle his men to secure the best service and produce the most pleasing effect.

Additional to the Knights of Pythias, he is also a Mason of high degree, belonging to Kendallville Lodge, No. 276: Kendallville Chapter. No. 64, R. A. M.. and Apollo Commandery. Xo. 19, K. T. He has held nearly if not quite all offices in the blue lodge and chapter, and by reason of his military training, which well fitted him for the place, he was selected, in 1897, eminent commander of the Sir Knights in Kendallville. He is well posted in Masonry and his services in this and the other order to which he belongs have been exceedingly valuable to new and recently initiated members.

Mr. Tones has a pleasant home in Kendallville with a household consisting of two inmates besides himself, a wife and a son, Ronald H. Jones. Mrs. Jones was formerly Miss Celia E. Hall and her birth occurred in Lyons, Ohio, on the 13th day of July. 1866; the ceremony by which her name was changed from Hall to Jones was solemnized in Kendallville, September- 22, 1886.

boys in their teens, which he calls the Jones Cadets. He takes great interest in this company, and by drilling the young men at stated times and instructing them in military tactics has brought them to a high state of efficiency- Under his leadership they perform the most difficult and intricate evolutions with ease and go through the manual of arms with the alertness and dignity of trained veterans.

Mr. Jones' life has been one of great activity and his career presents much that is pleasing as well as profitable to young men just starting out upon the world's great highway. Genial and courteous, he makes friends wherever he goes, while his industry and sound business methods have won him success and a sufficiency of worldly wealth to place him in independent circumstances. Personally he is a warm and true friend, while fearlessness is one of the most marked traits of his character. He occupies a conspicuous place in public esteem and tries to live up to his ideal of citizenship.

Ax Address By Hon. Harrison Wood

Response to the address of welcome, delivered by Hon. Harrison Wood at the annual meeting of old settlers, held at Albion on June 5th. 1890.

On behalf of the old settlers I have been requested to respond to the very flattering address of welcome just delivered on this occasion. It will not be expected or desired that I shall make any extended remarks at this time, only to say that we, the old settlers of Noble couny, sincerely thank you and the citizens of this place for this most generous welcome.

It is true, Mr. President, o-ur numbers are getting quite small, and in the near this society of old settlers, or pioneers of this county, must become extinct. Yet such is nature's law, and we bow in submission. Mr. President, in speaking of the hardships we had to undergo, and the sacrifices made by the old pioneers, they seem to me largelv overdrawn. You seem to forget to mention the enjoyments, the pleasures, and the happy hours of the early settlers. Perhaps the young man of today thinks it was all hardships and no pleasure. But I tell you that it is a mistake. There is a novelty and something exciting in pioneer life can only be understood by the old settlers themselves, and I will say right here, and I believe my old friends will corroborate me in saying that the happiest days of our lives have been spent in the "log cabin." I tell you, Mr. President, as the saying is, we had "lots of fun" that the man of today knows nothing about.

The only real drawback in the early settlement of this county, in my estimation, was sickness, or what was termed the sickly season, which can never be exaggerated or overdrawn, as all the old settlers very well know, especially the season of 1838.

It is true that society was not classed off as now ; no "upper ten" then existed, and refined society had not made its appearance. We were all poor in this world's goods, and generally met on a level at all gatherings, dances, etc.

I presume, appear a little rough, but true generosity, hospitality and neighborly acts of kindness extended on every hand, and a willing disposition to help each other on all occasions where help was wanted.

Pardon me if I mention one or two cases in point, to prove to my young friends here todav the truth of my assertion - the old settlers need no proof.

I, myself, borrowed of old Mr. Hostetter, who settled on Perry's prairie at an early date, one hundred dollars in silver, to complete the purchase of my land, and it was, I think, the second time I ever saw the man in my life. I gave my note with ten per cent, interest, which was the usual rate, or custom of the country. When my note was due I paid him all in silver coin, as per agreement, and he would only take six per cent, interest, saying that was enough.

Mr. President, what would be thought of a man doing that kind of business today? Everybody would say "he is crazy," and perhaps he would be hustled off to the insane asylum ; and I would not be much surprised if his own children were the instigators in having the old man shut up to prevent him doing the like in the future.

I very well recollect of two men, after finishing quite a large harvest with the cradle and rake, going about six miles through the wilderness to help a poor neighbor secure his crop. I would not mention this circumstance, it seems so absurd, if I were not able to prove it right here on the spot.

Our wants were few and easily supplied. Economy was the rule with us all. But how is it now? Selfishness, greed, and "get all you can" is the practice of today, with perhaps rare exceptions.

Churches are being built all over the county, with their spires pointing upward' almost to the clouds, yet in their very shadows misery, want and suffering are found on every hand.

How is it now? Your records will answer this question. The allowance made for this one item is simply enormous. I say right here, I am not complaining or finding fault with the allowance made, and no one else is, so far as I know. It is better to err on the side of mercy, if to< err at all. 'We want no one to freeze or go hungry in this country.

But times have changed, sure enough. But few work on Saturday now. Old and young go to town and spend the day; and not only the day, but money besides; and places of vice and immorality, the doors of which are wide open, do a thriving business . in these davs. Everything seems to be going wrong. The whole country is being ruled and run by monopolies, trusts and combinations of every kind. The rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer, and God only knows what is yet in store for the poor farmer, laboring man. and mechanic.

ing hard for the good of all to-day, and it is generally thought the world is growing better. I. however, do not share that ophv ion myself. You have to-day many evils in society that the old settler knew nothing about, and the responsibility resting upon this generation, or those in authority, to me seems appalling, and I leave this part of my remarks right here and turn over to the brighter side.

Mr. President, in regard to the debt of gratitude, or any other debt owing by the present inhabitants to the old pioneers, I can only say for myself, as 1 have had no consultation with my old friends here about ! it, I am willing to call it even and give a clean receipt. I don't consider you owe us a single cent. We only did our duty, and what we were obliged and ought to do, and some. I am sorry to say, hardly did that. Yet pluck, energy and self-interest accomplished a great deal in the way of improvement up to 1850.

My bid was accepted for building the first court house on that very ground, in the fall of 1846. I think. It was a wilderness then, and not a stick cut or any improvements made within three-quarters of a mile of here. My partners in the job. Harriman and Clapp, the county commissioners and county agent, are all dead. I alone am left to tell the tale. Great changes, indeed, since then.

The old court house first built gave place to another and that to the present noblo structure, with which the old settlers had very little to do.

In conclusion, Mr. President, we, the old settlers, most heartily congratulate and thank you and your co-workers on the stage of action to-day, for carrying out the work of improvement so faintly begun by the old pioneers. And again we thank you for this most generous welcome.

This address is not only interesting as portraying sterling traits in Judge Wood's character and enlightening our ideas of pioneer life and conditions then existing, but, as well, in unfolding to us the true ideal of life's problem - love of duty - as entertained and practiced by the very best element of that noble band of men and women through whose instrumentalities great achievements were consummated and made possible in the grand old clays of the long ago.

John D. Kelly

The term Boniface, as it has been applied to keepers of inns or hotels from time immemorial, is founded on the fact that a landlord is, as a rule, a genial, pleasantfaced gentleman ; the derivation of the word "bon." good, in the French tongue, and the English word "face" thus makes the word applicable to hotel-keepers, who. as hinted, are pleasant in their countenances and civil, in their deportment. And of this class of

The father of John D. Kelly was James B., and the mother, before marriage, was Nancy Willard. The former was a native of New York and the latter of Pennsylvania. Mrs. James B. Kelly died in Kendallville, Ind., in 1862, but James B survived until October, 1884, when his death occurred in the same city, of which he had become one of the most prominent and respected citizens.

James B. Kelly had purchased in Kendallville three brick buildings, which he later converted into one, thus establishing the present Kelly House, now owned by John D. Kelly. Prior to coming to Kendallville^ however, James B. Kelly had a hotel in Wolcottville, Ind., which he conducted in conjunction with his business as a gunsmith, which was his proper trade, and later he was proprietor of a hotel in Rome City for six years, and hotel-keeping was his' occupation at the date of his lamented death.

John D. Kelly was born in Wolcottville, Ind., February 7, 185 1, but was educated in the schools of Kendallville, to which city he came with his parents in 1861. From the age of ninteen until thirty-two years he was employed as a brakeman on the L. S & M. S. Railroad. In 1876 he opened a public resort and has been in the business ever since, being one of the most popular men in his line in Kendallville.

The first wife of John D. Kelly was ,1 Miss Addie M. Xewnam. who bore him one child, James N., who died when about nine months old. His present wife was formerly Mass Emmma Giant, who is a native of Ohio and has borne Mr. Kellv two children.

Mr. Kelly has erected a very fine residence in the heart of the city, where he and family enjoy the companionship of their friends and share with them a broad hospitality.