St. Joseph County, Indiana - Chapter 9: Some of St. Joseph Countt's Illusteious Dead. Alexis Coquillaed, 1880 (part 1 of 2)

Alexis Ooquillard

" Honor to whom honor is due." One deserving special mention in tlie History of St. Joseph County is the subject of this slvetch, the iirst man to settle in the county with the intention of making it a permanent abiding place.

Alexis Coquillard was born in Detroit, Sept. 28, 1795. Detroit at this time was but a mere frontier settlement, and fortress life in garrison had much to do with the morals of its society. There were here no schools of importance for the training of its youth, and beyond the limits of the village and garrison the unbroken wilderness stretched miles away - its solitary paths known only to the savage and the trapper, no ax of the pioneer making civilizing music among the forest echoes; in short, Detroit of that day was not the grand emporium of commerce and refinement it is to-day, and so the early boyhood of young Coquillard was passed among scenes and events ail too exciting and present to admit of that system of mental culture out of which the men of to-day are fashioned. He was emphatically a child of nature, and through her teachings, and his own God-endowed instincts, became what he was - a great and good man.

When about 17 years of age, the ardent spirit of Alexis lonced for active and manly emplo_yment, and the fortunes of the period favored him. The army of occupation, under General Harrison, was in a state of defense at Fort Stephenson. Shut out from direct communication with their friends, in consequence of the vigilance of the English enemy, and the wily savage allies of Great Britain, with whom this country was at war, their messengers generally captured, tlieir stronghold being menaced by the enemy, that degree of gloom that even infects the bravest when doomed for a time to inactivity, hung over the minds of all. At this crisis, young Coquillard ai'rived at the camp and profferd his services as mail carrier. His uncouth originality, his French accent and his youth (462) made him at first a bntt for ridicule of the soldiers; but that ( impressive demeanor that so marked him as a boy and man soon won a more serious consideration of his proposition. He was employed, passed through all the privations and dangers of a formidable journey, and returned successful, bearing back information of great importance to the beleaguered. So valuable were his services considered, that the commander personally thanked and complimented him, and the officers made up a purse of $50 and gave it to him in addition to the compensation promised. He continued in the employ of the Americans during the war, discharging liis arduous duties in a satisfactory manner.

When about 20 years of age he made an application to Hunt, Brewster & Co., of Detroit, who were then extensive dealers in Indian goods, for so much of a stock as would enable him to traffic with the tribes of the peninsula and the country of St. Joseph river. He told tlie circumstances of the case with that clear, nnvarnished, natural rhetoric that ever distinguished liim conversationally, and so won upon the confidence of the merchants to whom he applied, that without a friend to recommend him, and personally unknown to the firm, they let him have the desired assortment of articles, and he started forth a trader. From the day he left Detroit his course was upward and onward. Fortune tavored him in a special manner. With a herculean form, an open countenance with truth stamped indelibly upon it, always joyous and fearless in its every lineament, by his natural shrewdness and skilled by contact, he was enabled to properly appreciate character, whether of the French trapper and trader, or the aborigines. He mingled with all in a frank and cheerful manner more markedly conspicuous in Alexis Coquillard than in any other man who ever roughed it in the wilderness, or sought an exchange of notions for pelfries in the lodges of the natives of our American forests.

His promptness in his dealings soon made him extensively known, and his name became a synonym with all for honesty, sagacity and truth. His reputation was such that he was, in a short time after beginning business for himself, appointed agent for the American Fur Company, established by John Jacob Astor, which connection necessarily extended the theater of his business territory, and multiplied his already ample resources.

In the year 1822, in connection with Francis Comparet, of Fort Wayne, he purchased the extensive agency of the American Fur Companj' for all the region of the upper lakes. Subsequently he and Mr. Comparet bought the exclusive control (including the property and debts due the post), for which they paid about one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. Mr. Coquillard established a post at Soutli Bend which he operated alone, while Mr. Comparet remained in charge of the Fort Wayne post. The former was soon known as the Big St. Joseph station, and the latter as the Little St. Joseph. These posts were the grand rendezvous of all who traded with the Indians in Indiana and Michigan.

During all this time Ale.xis Ooquillard was considered the pioneer introducer of civilized customs among the Indians in Northern Indiana. It is true that the missionar}' efforts of the French had effected something in " blazing the way " of the path of white settlement; but in such a man as the subject of this sketch, cause was only the lever to direct effect; his enthusiastic energy breasted and threw aside ever}' obstacle as a boy lashes away a summer ripple, and immediately after constructing his cabin for trading purposes on the waters of the St. Joseph, his mark became perceptible upon the surrounding region. This building was the first one erected by a white man in this section of Indiana, and his nearest civilized neighbors were residents at Bertraud, or Gary's Mission. He next constructed a log residence, which remained for some time the only evidence of the abode of white men, and this where now stands the busy, thriving city of South Bend.

By a charter granted by the Legislature in the session of 1835- '36, opportunities were offered for the establishment of flouring mills, in and along the water courses of the north part of the State. In ls3!t Mr. Coquillard, in connection with John A. Henricks and John Rush, built the first flouring mill in South Bend. It was known as the Kankakee Mill. He had previously constructed a saw-mill on the same water-power. In addition, he subsequently built a second large flouring mill, which was afterward removed and converted into a woolen factory. These were the first flouring mills (aside from those built for custom work) wliich were started in Northern Indiana. But this was not all. He built extensively in other parts of the town, both for residence and business, and it may be said, without doing discredit to the enterprise of others, that mainly to his eftorts and to his inducements and material aid is South Jjend indebted for its good start, which has resulted in such a satisfactory manner.

His regard for the advancement of his townsmen was one of the noblest of his many noble characteristics. To see South Bend prosper and enlarge was the pi-ompting motive for which he toiled; so that buildings went up and a wholesome population gathered here, it mattered not to him materially whether his personal fortunes remained intact or depressed. He ever welcomed, and was ready to assist, the incomer who brought intelligence and industry' wherewith to make himself a useful citizen. All the improvements of the place were the result of his counsel, for all knew that his advice was to be relied on, that he would counsel nothing that he did not think was for the best. To notice the advance made by his neighbor was as much a source of satisfaction to him as if he were the immediate gainer. If a general evil afllicted the business interests of his neighbors, no one felt it more acutely than he did. If his own nffairs became embarrassed - and such proved to be the case at times, owing to the financial revolutions of the country - his stock of philosophy enabled him to bear his reverses unmoved.

Histoey Of St. Joseph County

His thorough knowledge of the Indian character, his perfect Tinderstanding of the several languages spoken by the different tribes, combined with the unlimited contidence in his honor and good faith, made him admirably fitted to discharge the duties of interpreter and Government agent in adjusting tiie difficulties and carrying into effect the various treaties made with the Pottawatomies, Ottowas, Ciiippewas, Miamis, Chicagos and Sandusks. He acted prominently in conducting the treaties at Tippecanoe, Chicago and other places subsequent to the peace of ISl-i, and was in high favor with Governor Cass, Agent for Indian Affairs, Commissioner McCoy and George Crawford, Secretary of the Indian Agency.

Having been appointed in 1840 to carry through a Pottawatomie emigration, he established a rendezvous at Potato creek, and succeeded in effecting his object at a very heavj' outlay. He was to have received $40,000, the drafts for wiiich amount were forwarded by the Government, but these fell into the hands of one Alverson, who converted over $40,000 to his own use, leaving Coquillard not only to suffer the consequence of the whole defalcation, but with heavy and crushingliabilities,cripplingand jeopardizing his personal estate. This Alverson was with liiin when he effected the removal of the Indians to their reservation, which had been agreed upon, west of the Mississippi. The Government had received the required assurance of the completion of all the conditions by Mr. Coquillard, but Alverson pocketed the" promise to pay," and also retained certain sums held subject to the terms of former treaties. For a time these misfortunes and this breach of integiity weighed sorely on the spirits of the "Pottawatomie Chief," as Mr. Coquillard was frequently called, - but only for a limited season, when he was again at work repairing damages with his usual indomitable energy.

In the year 1824 Mr. Coquillard married Miss Frances C. Comparet, at Fort Wayne, Indiana. One child, Alexis Theodore, was born unto them, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this work. The union of Mr. Coquillard and Miss Comparet, founded by strong mutual regard, was in all respects a happy one, lasting unchanged through all the vicissitudes of life, and grow- ' ing more affectionately interblended as time told of the coming on of the autumn and winter of lite. One of the most painfully effecting incidents connected with the death and burial of the departed was tlie ebullition of wild sorrow with which his aged consort clung to his form, strikingly manly in its last sleep, - "the sleep that knows no waking," - and the heart cries that told her soul's deep agony, as that form was shut forever from the gaze ot one who had so long shared in his contidence and confided in his unspeakable tenderness. Bitter, indeed, was the parting to the wife of his youth and age; for no man was ever better qualified, by the excellent traits of his heart, more truly to win, or more permanently to retain the love of woman.

On Monday afternoon, January 8, 1855, Mr. Coquillard was examining the ruins of his flouring-mill, which had burned the Saturday previous, and accidentally fell from abeam on which he was walking some IG or 18 feet below, striking with liis whole weight on the front part of his skull, cruuhing it in, so that he lived but about one hour. Tie did not speak after his fall, or give any evidence of being sensible. The funeral concourse which followed his remains to the chapel of Notre Dame showed how extensively he was respected when living, and how sincerely all mourned for him in death. All classes of citizens left all other duties to be in attendance on the sad occasion. The friends of his business life, the intimates of his conversational hours, the hundreds wliom he had aided to commercial positions, tlie poor whose necessities he had ever unsparingly relieved, and to whom he was an almoner and father, all were in the throng that lined the roads leading to Notre Dame; and all liearts were touched with sentiments of woe, as the sacred melody filled the building from dome to architrave, wherein the servants of Christ ]irononnced over his bier the last solemn rites of the Holy Catholic Church, of which through all his life he iiad been a sincere and unwavering member - squaring liis conduct in accordance with its purest and most charitable teachings The funeral service was performed in a fervent manner by Rev. Father Shortess, and was in every way worthy the officiating clergyman and the marked virtues of the deceased. During the day the places of business in South Bend remained closed, and in all respects those tokens of mourning were exhibited that are bestowed when a good and great man dies.

As showing the estimation in which Mr. Coquillard was held by those who knew him best, the following is extracted from a series of reminiscences of the early times in South Bend, by one who was an active participant: " One of the leading men in South Bend in 1830 was Alexis Coquillard. At that time he had charge of an Indian store, wliich was successor to the American Fur Company. He was a very remarkable man - large in person, of aconmanding presence, magnificent head and piercing eyes. Taking him altogether he impressed me as a man of very great natural endowments, both mental and physical. When he walked he moved as if he was impelled by some irresistible force. In his younger days he was known to have walked eighty miles in a day. The power and rapidity of his movement gave him the name of ' Old Steamboat.' He had no book education. He could not read or write except to sign his name, but his association with intelligent business men, and his very retentive memory and keen observation of every thing passing around him made him a very intelligent man in the every da}' practical affairs of life. "When angry he made everything blue around him, and yet when unexcited he was as tender and sympathetic as a child. No man's heart would melt quicker in the presence of an object of sympathy, but while posthese tender feelings of compassion he was a man of daring and reckless bravery. He seemed to have no conception of personal danger. In his early life, while engaged in trade among the Indians, he passed through startling and thrilling adventures, such as men of common prudence would have avoided. One of these adventures was related to me by a man who was present and saw the aflair take place. It was at an Indian payment more than fifty years ago. There were a great many Indians present, among the rest a noted Miami chief, who liad been in debt to Coquillard for a good while. He was regarded as a vain, brutal and murderous savage - feared by both white people and Indians. On public occasions, to impress people with his dignity, he wore suspended from his neck down his breast a broad band of silver ornaments in the shape of quarter moons hung together. After having received his annuity and being fixed up in his best rig, Coquillard came across him and dunned him for his pay. His majesty was not in a paying humor at that time, and gave Coquillard an insulting reply, whereat he sprang at the chief and stripped him of his ornaments and finery in a minute, and. strode off with them to his tent. This was done in the presence of hundreds of Indians and a few white men. It was a mortal insult; blood only could atone for it. The Indians were soon in an uproar. The white people present were greatly alarmed for their own safety. They thought Coquillard could not stay and live, but he refused to leave. While at dinner in a log cabin, he was notified that the chief with a party painted up in their war paint were approaching the cabin. Everybody trembled with fear but Coquillard. He got up, opened the door, and stepped behind it, and as the chief entered the room knocked him to the floor senseless, and the followers slunk back as if they had just escaped a stroke of lightning. After the chief came to !iis senses he went back to the camp and gave Coquillard no farther trouble. Coquillard's early life was full of sucli scenes of reckless bravery. As a business man, he was always enterprising and liberal, ready to do anything he could to advance the growth of the town."

Many anecdotes might be given illustrating his noble charities and the benevolence of all his impulses. When applied to for aid for some philanthropic enterprise, or to relieve individual distress, he paused not to inquire into the antecedents of the applicant. "I have nothing to do with your religion," he remarked on one occasion, " I only know that 1 have the means of assisting you, and of course it is my duty to do so." The golden rule ever governed his actions.

Hon. Mark Whineky

Mark Whinery was born in Clinton county, Ohio, Sept. 1, 1812, and removed to this county in 1834. For several years he worked at his trade of carpentering in South Bend, after wiiich lie was employed as a salesman by the firm of E. S. Reynolds & Co. Mr. Whinery remained witli tiiis firm nearly ten years, and it was in tins capacity that he formed an acquaintance that included nearly every person in the county at that day. He became very popular with all classes. This popularity caused liim to be nominated by the Whigs for the I;egislature as the man best calculated to beat Lot Day, Sr., one of the most popular Democrats in the county. The canvass was an exciting one, and Mr. Whinery was elected by a large majority, and served with satisfaction to his constituency.

\Ylien G. W. and John Keynolds took contracts for building sections of the Lake Shore railroad, they employed Mr. Whinery, and he remained in their service until the road was completed to South Bend, when he was made the first agent of the road at that place. In 1S56, on the completion of the original St. Joe block, a union store was organized, and when the stockholders met to elect some one to take charge of it, Mr. AVhinery was unanimously chosen. When the war broke out he entered the pay department and remained there until the close, and then went into the cotton-raising business in the South. This venture proved very unprofitable and stripped him of a handsome competence. He returned to South JBend and was elected City Judge, and afterward Justice of the Peace. Mr. Whinery died in Indianapolis, Feb. 21, 1879. His body was taken to Soutii Bend for burial, and was tenderly laid away by South Bend Lodge, No. 29, I. O. O. F., of which he was a charter member.

Hon. William Millek

William Miller was born in Franklin connty April 1, 1809, and died at Soutli Bend May 2, 1879. He was the son of Tobias and Sarah Miller, and the si.xth of a family of 13 children. AVhen a year and a half old ]\Ir. Miller's parents moved from Virginia to Union county, Indiana. When 24 years of age he was married to Miss Marj' Miller, daughter of John Miller, also a Virginian, and an officer in the war of 1812. Four years after this marriage, in May, 1833, he moved to this county and settled on Portage Prairie, in what is now German townshij), and engaged in farming. He was a practical and enthusiastic farmer, and probably did more to advance the agricultural interests of the county than any other single individual. His farm became noted as one of the most productive on the prairie, and was ricli in fruits, trees and hedges, the best stock and agricultural implements.

In his enthusiasm for agriculture Mr. Miller did not forget the large family growing up around him. Of the nine children born to him six are yet living, and they were given the best educational advantages tlie times afforded. The oldest of these, John F., became an attorne}' in South Bend and served one term in the Senate. On the breaking out of the Rebellion he threw down his law books, raised the 29th Regiment, and entered the arm^' as its colonel, serving through the entire war. He made a brilliant officer, possessing all the dash and daring ol" a Sheridan, and for his bravery was made a Major-General. He participated in severalof the most important engageiueuts of the army of the Tennessee, had his left eye shot out, and was also shot in the ueck. Added to his daring was a splendid administrative capacity, on account of which he was at different times placed in command of Nashville, and afterward Mobile. At the close of the war he was made Collector at the Port at San Francisco, and is now president of the Alaska Fur Coinpany. Another son, Henry Clay, is also in California, cashier in the custom house, and one of its most valuable officials. Two others of the sons, William H. and H. G., are well-known business men of St. Louis. The remaining one, and second in order of age, I. N., follows his father's occupation of farming, in Olive township, this county. The only daughter, Martha, is the wife of M. Butterworth, of Kingsbury. Reference is thus briefly made to Miller's family to show, that laboi'ing under the disadvantages of pioneer life, he always remembered that his first duty was the culture of his family, and that the result shows the correctness of his views.

Naturally so active and enterprising a man as Mr. Miller would soon have his merits recognized in the community. He had been in this county but a short time when he was called to serve as Justice of the Peace, which he did for many years, and with the same thoroughness that distinguished all his aflairs. In 1844 he was elected to the Legislature, and made such an acceptable member that he was returned for a second and a third term. He made himself very active while in the Legislature in establishing asylums for the deaf and dumb, the blind and the insane.

In 1858 Mr. Miller, having a competency, moved into the city of South Bend, partly that his wife and himself might rest from the arduous duties imposed by active farm life, and partly to give his younger childi-en the benefits of the city schools. He purchased a handsome residence on Lafayette street, where he resided to the time of his death. He was several times elected to the City Council, and took an active interest in city affairs. He labored incessantly to establish manul'actories in the city, his judgment showing him that in them lay the future prosperity of the city.

Mr. Miller was all his life, and up to the death of that party, an uncompromising Whig. He was one of the organizers of the Republican party in this county, and was one of its most steadfast supporters.

William Miller was a powerfully built man, with a personal appearance that would command respect anywhere. He was over six feet in height, symmetrically built, a graceful carriage, a leonine face, with long, wavy, iron-gray beard, and a large forehead, set off by masses of crisp hair.

Mr. Miller had been gradually failing for six weeks, but it was not thought his end was near. On the mornincr of the second day of February, 1879. he was attacked with a sinking spell, his physician was sent for, but when he arrived he discovered hip o.itient was dying. He passed peacefully away without a struggle or a groan. He was buried by the Odd Fellows fraternity of South Bend, he being a member of that order.

De. Louis Humphkets

Was born in Springfield, Ohio, Sept. 21, 1816, and died in South Bend,^ Sunday evening, May 9, 1880, in his 6ith year. He was of Irish descent on liis father's side, and of Virginian on his mother's. His father came to this country from Ireland before the Eevolutionary war and took part in that contest which gave this country itsinde])endence. Dr. Humphreys' education was received at an academy in Franklin, Ky., and at the high school in his native town of Springfield. At the age ot 22, in 18o8, he came to this city, wliere his older brother. Dr. Harvey Humphreys, was already establislied in a successful practice. He read medicine with this brother for a short time, then went to La Porte, where a medical department liad been organized in the La Porte University, with Dr. Daniel Meeker at its head. Here young Humphreys pursued his medical studies until this department of the college suspended, and iie then went to the college at Keokuk, Iowa, wliere he completed his studies and received his diploma in ISH. He returned to Suuth Bend and entered into partnership with his brother in the practice of medicine, and this partnership was only dissolved by the death of liis brotlier, whose remains rest in the city cemetery. On April 4, 1844, Dr. Humphreys married Miss Margaret Pierson, a native of Cooperstown, New York. She survives him with their two daughters, Mary and Eva.

Dr. Humphreys was a close student and thoroughly in love with his profession. He soun became one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan, and his fame extended all over the State. Ho early saw that a medical association would be beneficial, not only to his brother physicians, but to the community, and in 1855 he organized the St. Joseph Count}' Medical Society and was elected its president and lield the ofiice for three terms. At the same time he took a great interest in the literary, musical, social and religious affairs of South Bend. He was interested in organizing a literary society, and was one of its best contributors. In the Presbyterian Church he was a leading member, and did all in his power for its advancement and particularly for its Sunday-school. He was for many years its Superintendent, and conducted a large and very interesting Bible class. Much of the success of the school connected with the Church is due to his untiring and unselfish eflforts. Dr. Cassady, a brother physician, reports that he has gone to Dr. Humphreys' office near the midnight hour, when he knew the doctor was nearly exhausted with the day's work, and found him preparin'g the lessons for his Bible class. In this work as in all other housed the same exactitude and promptness that he did in liis profession.

Amid all the laborious duties of his profession Dr. Humphreys found time to devote to literature, and he was one of its most ardent students. To him the study of belles-lettres was a pleasant duty rather than the pastime that so many make of it, and he kept it up to the latest weeks of his life. There are few whose minds are laden with learning's richest store as his was; and with it, too, he had the knack of imparting his knowledge to others. Dr. Humphreys was also an accomplished musician. In his early days here he was a member of tlie band. Later he organized several musical societies, the last being the Philharmonic Club. His criticisms on books, music or pictures were rarely at variance with the best criticisms in the country, and as a writer he stood high, whether on matters connected with his profession, on literary subjects or on local afl'airs. The local papers of South Bend have published much that he has written, and in a war of words it can truly be said that his keen and cutting satire made any man who crossed pens with him regret afterward that he did so. Those who knew how much Dr. Humphreys' time was occupied in attending to the duties of his profession wondered when he acquired so many accomplishments, for with all the rest he was a brilliant and entertaining conversationalist, and in his demeanor toward all a Chesterfield could not have been more courteous or dignified, or placed one at greater ease.

When the war of the Rebellion broke out all the latent patriotism of Dr. Humphreys was aroused. He had the opportunity to take command, but his better judgment told him that he could do the cause more good in his profession, and when the 29th Indiana Regiment, under Col. John F. Miller, went into active service. Dr. Humphreys was made its Surgeon. This was in Jul}', 1861. On the March following he was made Surgeon of a brigade, and served as such until June of the same year. At that time the medical department of the army had become so unwieldy that the rules laid down in the army regulations were insuiiicient to handle it. There were thousands of surgeons and their suboidinates to look after, numerous quantities of medical stores at the diflferent depots of supply, an interminable hospital service that all requii-ed looking after. There was needed a connecting link between the Surgeon- General of the army and his highest subordinates. A corps of eight Medical Inspectors was appointed and commissioned by President Lincoln. These men were selected through no powerful political influence, as too many of the army appointments were made. They were chosen rather for tlieir eminent fitness for the responsible position, as shown by their record in the profession at home and in the army. One of the very first appointed was Dr. Humphreys. He was taken from his brigade in the army of the Cumberland and placed on duty in the army of the Potomac, with his headquarters at Washington. In less than six months he had brought order out of chaos, the incompetent were weeded out, and he was then ordered to the "West, with his headquarters at Louisville. His duties were very arduous, but he performed them faithfully and unflinchingly. They took him often with the advance of the army and he was in several battles. He remained in the army as Medical Inspector until June 1, 1S66, when he was mustered out and returned home. His army duties wei'e so hard that they undermined his health, and laid the foundation for the complication of diseases which eventually killed him.

On his return home he resumed the practice of medicine and his interest in the aft'airs of South Bend. From the time he set foot in it when a young man he believed Soutii Bend had a brilliant future, and no man did more in his way to make a brilliant future for it. He bought property and laid out an addition to the city; he wrote in favor of and talked for every improvement which would benelit it. In 1S6S he was elected Mayor to succeed the first Mayor, Hon. W. G. George, and in 1870 he was elected his own successor. He filled both terms with great credit to himself and benefit to the city, and retired with the good will of all parties. During these four years he was one of the commissioners of the Indiana hospital for the insane. He v;as one of the founders of the St. Joseph Valley District Medical Society, and its president for two terms. At the same time he was an officer of the Indiana State Medical Association and a member of the Ajnerican Medical Association. When the St. Joseph County Savings Bank was organized he was made its president and continued in the position until his death. He was a charter member of the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias lodges in this city, and a member of the Grand Army of the Eepublic, and had held offices in all these societies. In the Presbyterian Cliurch he filled the positions of trustee and elder, and was for several years superintendent of its Sunday-school, and for many years a teacher there. He was a man who never sought an oflice, and yet few men had more of them thrust upon them than he, and few were as competent to fill them.

Dr. Humphreys, or Col. Humphreys, as President Lincoln's commission titled him, was the youngest of a family of 14 children. His ancestry were noted for being long-lived.* His father reached the age of ninety odd years and was a splendid specimen of manhood. Those who knew Dr. Humphreys can well believe that this physical trait of the father descended to his youngest son. Dr. Humphreys was a trifle above six feet in height, handsomely proportioned, and had an easy, graceful carriage and a courtly dignity that is rare to see. He had a military bearing that was " to the manner born," and many a time was he seen passing along the streets of Nashville in his uniform, and exciting the inquiry if he was Gen. Eousseau, who was to the soldiers of that army the embodiment of the ideal general in all that made up dignity of bearing, grace of manner, and the inbornness of a gentleman.

although the congestion of the lungs passed off it was followed by this paralysis. Three or four days ago he began failing rapidly and it was easy to see by those intimate friends who visited him every day that the end of a long and useful life was near. The tinal struggle came last evening. In the presence of his loved family, his pastor, Rev. Geo. T. Keller, his physician, Dr. Cassadv, Hon. T. S. Stanfield and Mrs. Stanfield, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Reynolds, Mr. and Mrs. Gushing, Dr. Dayton, W. A. Bugl)ee, and a i'ew other near and dear friends, he passed away peacefully and to the acceptance of that reward which is in store for all who faithfully practice the teachings of Him who died upon the cross. His last moments were unconscious, but before they came he had recognized those about him, and fully realized that he was going out upon the long journey which all humanity must sooner or later take.

Jacob Harris

Among the early settlers of St. Joseph county, few men were better known than Jacob Harris, the first settler of the prairie which bears his name. He was a native of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, and in early life moved to Starke county, Ohio, and in the spring of 1829 came to this part to see the countiy. He immediately returned for his family, and the same season removed to the place on which he lived until the time of his death. Jacob Harris was a man of indomitable will, together with an iron constitution, and scarcely knew what sickness was until the latter part of his life. The early settlers of this county, as well as many others, will remember the first " stop " in this county at Mr. Harris,' where the stranger as well as relatives and friends, all found a home. There are few men who took more interest in that direction than he did. It seemed to him good to be a father to the fatherless and a friend to the friendless and the stranger. Mr. Harris had been sick several weeks previous to his death, but one prior to that time he was so much better he arose from his bed, walked out to the kitchen and had a favorite dish prepared, eating and relishing it very much. He was at the time very cheerful, and could hardly be prevailed upon to return to his room. When he did so he was suddenly taken worse, and in a remarkably short time passed away, as " one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams." Death called him home Monday, March 5, 1860, in the 76th year of his age.

Solomon W. Palmer

Solomon William Palmer was born at Davenport, New York, Nov. 3, 1814. Both of his parents died before he was three years old. He lived at the place of his birth the greater portion of the time until shortly after he was of age, when he removed to Bruneraburg, Ohio. About six months later he was married to Sarah

D. Allen, which event occurred Dec. 31, 1837. In 1843 they removed to Indiana, settling; in Mishawaka, where Mr. Palmer engaged in tlie lumber trade. After a three years' residence in Mishawaka, the family removed to South Bend.

"While living in Mishawaka, Mr. Palmer united with the Presbyterian Church, but finally ceased his attendance on that denomination in consequence of the pro-slavery sentiments among the members. In South Bend he was a constant attendant of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, of which the other members of the family were members, and in January, 1877, he, too, united with that body. For upward of twenty years lie was a member of the Odd Fellows of South Bend. He loved the order and all its associations, and was a frequent attendant at its meetings. The temperance movement early attracted his attention, and his influence and labors were always at the service of the cause, and especially was this the case when the Temple of Honor, of which he was a member, was in a flourishing condition.

In politics Mr. Palmer was originally a Whig, but after his removal to South Bend he became a strong Abolitionist. He was one of the little band of nine men in South Bend, who, in those early days, braved public odium and reproach for conscience' sake, and maintained that human bondage was accursed of God, and a blot on the fair fame of the Republic. The old and middle-aged men that are now living well remember that the avowal of being an Abolitionist was to invite general ostracism even in the North.

Mr. Palmer was one of the number who in 1849 rescued a party of colored people, a mother and her three children, who had been kidnapped in Micliigan, and were being taken to Kentucky. His participation in this act cost him nearly every dollar of his worldly possessions, suit being brought against him in company with several others, for the recovery of the value of the slaves together with the penalty attached to the rescue of slaves under the law of 1793. For years the case dragged along in the courts, and was final]}' decided against Mr. Palmer and his associates.

To illustrate the character of the man, and to show that dollars and cents would not infiuence him in an act against his conscience, it is related of him that when engaged in the lumber trade at Mishawaka, he assisted a man to load up some building material, when the person procuring it incidentally made known that it was to be used for a distillery. Immediately Mr. Palmer proceeded to unload the lumber, saying to the astonished customer, " You can't use my lumber for such a purpose." His convictions were always on the side of truth, justice, and the oppressed, and he was faithful to his convictions. Dignified, afi^able, gentle-mannered, firm in his beliefs but tolerant of the views of others, he lived a true man, and died universally respected.

On the organization of the Republican party in 1856, Mr. Palmer identified himself with it, and was elected by that party to the oflice of SheriflF of the county in 1864, and re-elected in 1866.

Histokt Of St. Joseph County

On Wednesday, March 12, 1S79, lie was on the street in his apparently nsual health, and that night attended a meeting of the Odd Fellows lodge that he might witness the initiation of his son, Orlando H. Palmer, his only surviving child. Thursday morning he arose as usual, but not long after had a hard chill. Medical aid was summoned, and every aid rendered. During the day he kept his bed, taking the medicine left him, continuing the same during the niglit. At 7:45 a. m., on Friday morning, March 14, he breathed his last. The funeral services were lield in tlie Metliodist Episcopal church Sunday afternoon, and were largely attended. He was laid away to rest by the Odd Fellows, with which order he was so long identified.

Col. Nokman Eddy

Norman Eddy was born in Scipio, Cayuga county, New York. His father was one of the earliest settlers of that part of the State. In 1836, having studied medicine, he removed to Misiiawaka, in this county, for the practice of his chosen profession. In 1847 he removed to South Bend, where he resided, except when temporarily absent in the discharge of public duties to which lie was called, till the day of his death. In the practice of medicine he was very successful, but feeling a strong desire to become a lawyer, he accordingly prepared himself by a thorough course of study, and was regularly admitted to the Bar of this county on tiie first day of April, 1847. After he had pi-acticed three years lie was elected State Senator on the Democratic ticket. In 1852 he was elected to Congress, having Schuyler Colfax as a competitor, but in 1854, was himself defeated by the latter on the Nebraska issue. In 1855 he was appointed United States District Attorney for Minnesota, by President Pierce, and in 1856 Commissioner of Indiana Trust Lands in Kansas, wliich office he held until the fall of 1857. At this time he again commenced the practice of law, associating himself with the late Judge Egbert, but two years after was appointed by the Legislature on a commission to settle claims due tlie State.

When the war cf the Pebellion broke out he zealously took his stand on the side of the Union, and in 1861 organized the 4Sth Indiana Regiment, of which he was appointed Colonel. He fought with great bravery in the battle of luka, where he was severely wounded; also at Corinth and Grand Gulf and the siege of Yicksburg, until its surrender, when he resigned, being disabled by his wounds from further serving his country as a soldier. Resuming the practice of his profession, he continued in it until 1865, when he was appointed Collector of Revenue for the Ninth District, by President Johnson.

In ISIO he was elected to the office of Secretary of State, which office he held at the time of his death, which took place Sunday' morning, Jan. 28, 1872, in the city of Indianapolis, of enlargement of the heart, aged 62 years.

Commencing late in life as a lawyer. Colonel Eddy never achieved that success in his profession to which his legal accomplishments entitled him. The reason for this is obvious. His professional life was not continuous enough to build up a large and lucrative practice. The law, like the other professions, demands all of one's energies, and Colonel Eddy, who at various periods gave it up to accept office at the hands of the public, could not, with all his abilities, attain that success which his brother attorneys were devoting their lives to attain. He was not a custom-seeking lawyer, any more than he was an office-seeking politician. He was one of the most impressive speakers in the northern part of the State. His delivery was dignified and graceful. His voice was deep and full. He never seemed to liave taken the infection common to young men of giving great importance to me7'e speech. He possessed that justness and beauty of diction, that happiness and grace of figures, and that facility of expression which never failed to attract and delight his hearers. Though a lawyer he never confined himself to that contentious style which breathes nothing but war and debate. Politically he was a Democrat of the old school, and while he earnestly advocated the doctrines that he espoused, he did it in such a manner as to gain the respect and good will of his opponents, even though he did not convince tliem of ihe justness of his cause. He was never an office-seeker. In his case the office sought the man, and not the man the office.

He was during the greater portion of his life the victim of ill health. He had the head to manage, but not the constitution to bear, the affairs of State. Had he possessed a strong and healthy body, coupled with higher aspirations, his splendid abilities might have earned him a much wider reputation. To know him was to love and respect him. It was in the sacred precincts of the domestic circle, or when surrounded by faithful and admiring friends, that the fine gold in his nature came out with its richest effects. To the friend who entered his residence or place of business, he gave a frank and cordial reception, stretching forth that pui-e hand which had never been soiled by a mean act. His conversation was rich in political and moral instruction; rich in anecdote and character of times that were past. His address, politeness and knowledge of the world qualified him to wield a powerful influence over the minds of others. It was to him a source of pleasure to impart to the young that best of wisdom which is learned from real life. Lord Bacon has somewhere written that "a good man is like the sun, passing through all corruption and still remaining pure." In no way can this be applied with greater justice than to the career of Colonel Eddy. During a quarter of a century, at various times, he

Uistoky Of St. Joseph County

His was the white page in the blotted volume of politics. Such is the example Norman Eddy has bequeathed to the young men of Indiana. He was a lover of his kind, a friend to the friendless, the outcast and forlorn. Right royally could he forgive an injury. A faithful public servant, a considerate patriot, a true man and friend, a loving husband and affectionate father, has gone to his reward. The Bar of this county held a meeting and passed a series of resolutions of respect,''which resolutioiis were reported to the Circuit Court and Court of Common Pleas and transcribed upon their records.

Mrs. Hannah D. Matthews

Mrs. Matthews was born in the city of New York, March 21, 1805. Her maiden name was Stryker, and her grandfather, Samuel De Lamater, was one of the old Knickerbocker families of that city. At the early age of fifteen she married Schuyler Colfax, her first husband, who was a son of General William Coltax, of New Jersey, and whose mother was a Miss Schuyler, cousin of General Philip Schuyler. Mr. Colfax was teller of the Mechanics Bank of New York. Three years after his marriage to Miss Stryker, he died of consumption, leaving her a widow with one little daughter, who died the year following. Soon after his father's death, Schuyler, the second child of this marriage, was born. She remained a widow, living with her mother, Mrs. Stryker, and assisting her in keeping a boarding-bouse, until her son became 11 years of age.

During this time, and although in straitened circumstances pecuniarily, she strove to give her son the best education the common schools of New Y''ork afturded, and by example and precept to give him that best of all gifts, ciiaracter. Often in his speeches he has casually remarked that such and such a rule in life he had learned in his youth from maternal instruction, and he has always in social conversation attributed his success in life to the impress of his mother's mind and teaching on his youthful years, when widowed, and fatherless, they were all in all to each other.

In 1834 she married George W. Matthews, then a commission merchant in New York. By this marriage she had 5 children, one of whom died in childhood, the others living to man's and woman's estate.

In 1836 she removed with her husband and little family to New Carlisle, this county, where Mr. Matthews opened a store and sold goods for several years, Schuyler serving as clerk and deputy post- a school which prospered greatly under her fostering care. She obtained a library for the school from New York, and her son was made librarian. Some of these books are yet found in that locality, treasured as mementoes of what one woman's energy did for the Christian cause in a new country.

In 1841 Mr. Matthews was elected Auditor of this county, and the family removed to South Bend, the county seat. Here Mrs. Matthews was largely instrumental in organizing the Reformed Church Sunday-school, and every member of her family was connected with it either as teacher or scholar. After Mr. Colfax's election to Congress, Mr. Matthews received an appointment at Washington, and during the sessions of Congress was there with his wife. For nine years they formed part of Mr. Colfax's family there, residing with him, and during five of the six years of his Speakership, Mrs. Matthews "received" with him, acting as the head of his family, he being a widower. Though 60 yeai's old then, her vivacity, as well as her genial manners, was remarkable, and in a great measure served to make her son's receptions the most popular in Washington. Her popularity in social circles was universal. President Lincoln had a deep and abiding friendship for her, and a great respect for her judgment on important public questions which came up in his administration, and in which she took all the interest of a statesman. Frequently at her son's receptions, she was the recipient of the most flattering attentions from the martyred President.

Shortly after the war, that terrible disease, cancer, commenced its ravages upon her system. Five times extirpated, it returned each time with increased violence. Once it was thought the disease was mastered, and her family were quite hopeful; but while returning from California, in 1869, she was attacked with mountain fever, and came near dying at Cheyenne. From that time she failed, and although every efl"ort was made to destroy the disease, it became evident, in time, that the cancer had obtained absolute mastery of the system, and that nothing could longer hold it in bay.

Her sufferings for several years were indescribably great, and but for her strong hold on life, and the most faithful, affectionate and devoted nursing by her husband, she must have sooner succumbed to the intense agony she otten endured, in addition to the terrible drain upon her system. She bore it all, however, with Christian resignation, illustrating that profession in which for forty years she had never faltered, and with abiding faith that beyond this life she would be free from pain and anguish.

After her return from Washington, in the spring of 1872, she steadily grew worse. As long as she could keep up her husband took her riding daily, but daily these rides were made shorter, until at last her vital forces were so sapped and weakened she was compelled to keep lier room and finally her bed. For two or three years previous to her deatii she scarcely saw any company, and her family had but little lest it might weary her.

On Sunday afternoon, Aug. 11, 1S72, she peacefully died, and with but little suflering, recognizing her family most lovingly to the very last. Noble in all her traits of character, ciieerful in her disposition, carrying sunshine and gladness wherever she went, it is seldom that death finds such a shining mark.

Brother Laurence, a well-known and po]iular steward of Notre Dame University, died in the infirmary attachment to that institution, Friday evening, April 4, 1S73. Brother Laurence was named '- in the world,"' Jean (John) Menage, and was born March 1816, at St. De Gatines, in France. He was induced by Father Sorin, while giving a mission in that locality, to enter the Congregation of the Holy Cross, in the year Ls-tO. Pie made his religious profession in 1841, at the Mans. His death, therefore, took place in the fifty-seventh year of his age, and in the thirty-second of his profession. He was one of the six original companions who came with Father Sorin to the United States, landing at New York on the 14th of September, 1841. The little colony settled first at St. Peter's, near Yincennes, in this State, but the year following they moved to Notre Dame, where they arrived on the 30th of November, 1842. From that time Brotlier Laurence was closely identified with the growth of the institution, and contributed not a trifle to its prosperity. He filled for many years the responsible office of steward, and was three times deputed to the General Chapters of the Congregation, where his voice was always listened to with marked attention.

Father Sorin, founder of the University, and Superior General of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, in a circular letter issued on the death of Brother Laurence, thus speaks ot him: '- Brother Laurence carries with him the deep and unfeigned sentiment of respect and esteem, not alone of his entire congregation, but of all with whom he came in contact, either as a "religious", or as the agent or steward of the institution. For more tiian thirty 3'ear8 he spent here, he was always, as every one knows, foremost among those who sought honestly and earnestly to promote the interests of the community; and if any one is to be named as having contributed more than otheis by earnest and persevering exertions, botli of mind and body, to the development and prosperity of Notre Dame, if I did not do it here, the public voice would declare it, and name Brother Laurence. No religious in our family ever possessed and retained more constantly the confidence of his superiors and the community at large. In the death of Brother Laurence we sustain a serious loss, which none can better appreciate or more keenly feel than myself, however much his memory may be held in gratitude and love among those who knew him best, or whom he assisted most in advice or example, or in pecuniary transactions. It was myself whoj brought him to the community thirty-three years ago; and although I have seen more than any other men of my age, religious of undoubted fidelity, of great zeal and admirable devotedness, I can remember none whom I would place above our departed one on these various points. He leaves behind him not only a long, but also a stainless record, such indeed as would honor the memory of the most ambitious among us. Not onl}' will you not perceive in the entiemhle of his religious lite none of those blemishes that paralyze the eftect of the best qualities; not only was he remarkable by a clean negative of serious defects, but he was really prominent by the strength of his mind, the freshness and often the originality of his inventions and resources in general, of which he always had some in reserve. Directly or indirectly he has benefitted persons and things here more than any one of us. May all whom he leaves in justice obligated to him, acknowledge it now by the fervor of their supplications in his behalf The community loses in Brother Laurence one of its first pillars; but his spirit will not die away with him, or disappear; his virtues and examples shall live forever on the spot where his name is identified with every acre now cleared, and every building erected with his personal assistance. Tiie neighborhood itself loses one of its hardiest pioneers, and one of its most etficient and honest citizens. As to myself, I lose a friend who never refused me any sacrifice, who for thirty-two long years kept himself, without a moment excepted, ever ready and willing for any call of obedience. Never can I forget his devotedness."

Augustus Lemonnier was born April, 1839, at Ahuille, France. His boyhood and early youth were passed amid the enjoyments of a happy home, and in preparing himself for college by the elementary studies pursued in tlie common schools. At the age of nineteen he entered the College of Precigne, in the diocese of Mans. Here he sjient seven years, during which time he completed the full collegiate course of that institution. On his departure from college, he entered upon the study of law, not having any idea at the time of studying for tlie sacred ministry. For one year he prosecuted his study in the office of Monsieur Hontin, and the 3'ear following in the ofiice of Monseiur Dubois, at Laval, France.

After two years' experience in a law office, he began to look upon the world in a far different light from that in wliich other young men in similar circumstances usually view it, and after a few months of serious reflection, and consultation with judicious friends, he abandoned the bright prospects of distinction which then smiled upon liim, and rejoined his brother and college classmates, at the Theological Semi"nai-y at Mans, where he passed one year in the study of pliilosi>])hy. Tiie deatli of his motlier, about this time, removed the only obstacle to the execution of a project which he had entertained from the time of his determination to studv for the ministry, namely, to enter the Seminary of Foreign Missions, at Paris. However, Father Sorin, his uncle, induced him to come to America, and, with this understanditig, sent him to Rome, to study theology in the Roman College. While in Rome, he entered tlie Congregation of the Holy Cross, in October, 1800, being received by Father Dronelle, then Procurator General of the Congregation. In 1861 he was called to America, and arrived at Notre Dame in February of that year, where he completed his theological studies and after making his profession as a member of the Congregation, was ordained priest on the fourth of November, 1863.

Soon after liis ordination. Father Lemonnier was appointed Prefect of Discipline, in which office he continued until May, 1865, when lie was appointed by the Provincial Chapter, which met at that time. Prefect of Religion. In July, 1866, he was appointed Vice President and Director of Studies in the University, and afterward succeeded Rev. W. Corby as President, which position he occupied at the time of his death, which occurred at Notre Dame, Oct. 30, 1S74.

Father Lemonnier displayed'a great deal of natural energy in the discharge of his otRcial duties, and gave evidence of considerable ability of a literary character. His almost complete mastery of the English language, within one year after his arrival at Notre Dame, showed a decided aptitude for languages, and several very fine dramatic productions, written amid the cares and annoyances of his office, gave evidence of literary talent of a high order. It is seldom that nature combines in one the polished gentleman, the scholarly professor, the religious teacher and correct business man as she did in him.

Eev. N. H. Gillespie

N. H. Gillespie was born at Brownsville, Pennsylvania. His early years passed without incident, beyond the usual catalogue of events common to youth whose chief occupation is to attend school and prepare themselves for nseiulness in after-life. He was sent to Notre Dame to complete his studies, having accomplished which, he received the degree of A. B. in June, 1849, being the first graduate, in course, of the University. In 1851 he entered the Novitiate of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, and began his theological studies, fulfilling, at the same time, the duties of Professor of Mathematics in the college. In 1854, having made his religious profession in the preceding year, he was sent by his Superior to Rome, to complete his theological course in the celebrated schools of the Eternal City. This he did in the following years, and was ordained priest on the 29tli of June, 1856.

Returning to Notre Dame, Father Gillespie was appointed Vice- President in 1856, which position he occupied till 1859, when he was appointed President of St. Mary's College, Chicago, Illinois. In 1860 he was recalled to Notre Dame, and again filled the post of Vice-President. In 1863 Father Gillespie was sent to Paris where he remained a year, and then being summoned to the Mother House of the Congregation at Mans, remained till the summer of 1866, when he returned to Notre Dame. For several years after this, he performed the duties of Master of Novices, and -was for some time editor of the Ave Marie, one of the leading Catholic magazines of the country.

Father Gillespie, after an illness of several months, died at Notre Dame on Thursday morning, Nov. 12, 1874. A peculiar interest centers around his death from the fact of his being the first graduate of the university, whose interests he afterward did so much to promote.

Pe0Fe880K Benjamin Wilcox

Benjamin Wilcox was born in Connecticut in the year 1816., His early life was spent in an earnest attendance of the schools of his native place, and until the age of 16, in assisting his father in the duties of his farm. At that age his career as a teacher began. Later he entered Williams College, and graduated with high honors in 1841 at the age of 25 years. With a strong inclination for the study of medicine, a careful review of his qualifications convinced him that his widest and most natural field of usefulness lay in the onerous but noble duties of a teacher. He consequently adopted it as his life profession, entering it with his soul full of purpose and determination to succeed. His wide-spread fame, and the manifest good results of his life's labor, have demonstrated with striking force the wisdom of his choice. His life as a professional teacher began at Yates, New York, soon after his graduation; subsequently he taught at Wilson, New Y^ork, for 11 years, and then removed to Wisconsin, from where he was called to take charge of the high school at Valparaiso, in 1864. During his residence in Wisconsin misfortunes overtook him by an almost wholesale destruction of his property by fii-e, so that he came to Indiana in rather limited circumstances. He remained at Valparaiso until 1S70, when a more advantageous offor from the School Board of South Bend induced him to come here and assume the preceptorship of the high school, a position he filled with great public satisfaction and personal gratification until his untimel}- and lamented death. In his professional life he was always thorough, earnest and energetic. He was a most perfect disciplinarian, and knew no higher ambition than that which prompted him to become one of the best and most distinguished instructors in the country. His schools were governed, not by the chafing power of an iron will, but by the unbounded love and respect which his treatment of pupils invariably commanded. Under his loving rule it was easy and pleasant to conform to the ever strict regime of the school, for love was the controlling power, and self-respect tlie guardian angel. In evidence of the high esteem in which he was held wherever he has lived, the family archives contain columns of notices of presentations of beautiful and valuable gifts by his pupils and others. In lifehekepta list of all persons who had received instruction from him during his professional career, and a correct record, as far as possible, of their whereabouts and condition. When it is known that this list contains between nine and ten thousand names, the magnitude of his life-work will be comprehended. This labor extended through a period of 42 years in all, and 34 as a professional teacher.

Professor Wilcox was twice married, his first wife being a sister of his bereaved widow. Five children were the issue of these marriages. His home was a happy, peaceful one; his private life pure, joyous and undisturbed. Nothing rutfied his even temper; oflense svas unknown to him. There was a quiet, impressive dignity u]ion his face, in his speech and daily walk which forbade offensive approach, and silenced importunity. lie was a professed and earnest Christian, a Mason and an Odd Fellow, an elder iu the First Presbyterian Church, and so zealous in his labors that a furmer pastor remarked on leaving that he was consoled with the thought that the Church could not go down so long as Professor Wilcox lived.

With health impaired by long continued labor, he left South Bend in the summer of 1875, to seek its restoration in the salubrious air of the Atlantic coast. But the continued wet weather and dense fogs during tliat season afiected him so unfavorably that it was deemed best to return. While on the boat he was taken seriously ill, and while on the cars grew rapidly worse, necessitating a stop at Le Boy, New York, where his only sister lived, and where he breathed his last, on Monday afternoon, Aug. 16,1875. His remains were brought to South Bend for interment. Rev. Mr. Morey preached his funeral discourse, taking for his text 2d Timothy, iv: 7, 8, 9: ''For I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them also who love His appearing." Mr. Morey spoke of the dead with great feeling. All might say of him that " he had fought a good fight." He had kept himself humble, steadfast and true in a world full of selfishness, deceit and trickery. His lite had never been marred by a single underhanded blow. He was pre-eminently a man of faith, and had the utmost reverence for the Bible as the word of God, and implicit confidence in Jesus Christ as a divine Savior. His faith was absolutely royal, or rather it was the child-like faith that asks not sight. It colored the whole atmosphere of his life, and gave to his character manliness, purity and tenderness, making a perfect whole, commanding and receiving the homage of all. His appreciation of the true and beautiful in character, in thought or nature, M-as marvelonsly keen, and his power of expression was something wonderful.

Mr. Morey closed his address with an exhortation to the pnpila of the dead professor, to cherish his memory and teachings, by quoting his parting words to the graduating class of 1875. " We hope that the moral precepts that you have received in connection with your daily lessons will not be altogether fruitless; but that you will ever be found identified with the friends of truth, morality and religion. We hope it will ever be yours to walk in the light of the wisdom that comes from God, and in the personal assurance of His approving grace. And now, commending you to God as your protector, and His word as your guide, I bid you an afl'ectionate farewell."

Elder C. Wengee

One of tha early st-ttlers of this county was Elder Wenger, of Sumption Prai-ie. Mr. Wenger was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, Dec. 10. 1814. In the spring of 1837 he emigrated to St. Josep!' county, Indiana, stopping for awhile with the family of Samuel Studebaker. In the fall of 1S3S he wai; joined in wedlock to Esther, eldest daughter of Samuel Studebaker, and for several years ran rhe little saw-mill that used to stand near the Wenger br'dge, on the road from Mishawaka to South Bend. In 1843 lie moved to a piece of land on tht Turkej' creek road. Here his wife died, leaving 4 children. In 1852 he married Esther Ullery, who survives him. From tiiis marriage he had 2 children. On Thursday morning, Nov. 2, 1876, lie died i.i the full assurance of faith. Elder Wenger was widelj' known through this section of country, and was a minister of tne German Baptist Church for over thirty years, and an elder for over twent\' years, and in the early days he had to travel long distances to till appointments, and very often through the most inclement weather, but so zealous was he in the Master's cause that he did it cheerfully. In the death of Elder Wenger the community lost one of its most useful, honorable and energetic iriembers; the Church, an honorable counselor, and an industrious, faithful, and able minister of the gospel ; the bereaved family, an ati'ectionate husband and kind father. In his sicknesf of twenty-five days of intense suffering, he never murmured, but patiently resigned his will to God, bid farewell to his family and friends, and died without a struirgle or a groan.

Judge Powees Geeene

The subjpct of this sketch was born in Eensselaer county. New York, Jan 1, 1793. Hemoved with his parents, when a boy, to Oneida county, in the same State, and in 1837 came to St. Joseph county, settling first at Mishawaka, where he remained two years, engaged in liottl-kcepincr. and then moved to Portage Prairie, where he had purchased a farm in German township, on which he set out a large orchard of nothino: but Northern Spy apple-trees. He remained on this farm until 1S6.5, when he removed to South Bt^nd, where lie resided until his death, which took place IMonday evening, July 2, 1877. Judge Greene was twice married and twice bereaved. The first wife was buried in Oneida county, a"d the second in Herkimer county. New York. By his first wife he had one child, now Mrs. Harriet C. Hills, of Waukegan, Illinois. In early life, before coming to Indiana, he sold r.iaps of various kinds in the South, principally in Tennessee, and in that w&y laid the foundation for the large fortune which he left to his daughter. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, a pri'/ate in Captain William Hubbard's company of militia volunteers, and for several j-ears previous to his death, drew an annual pension from the Government.

For several years Powers Greene was an associate judge with E. B. Chamberlain, of Goshen, who at one time occupied the Bench of the Circuit Court. He also served as County Commissioner, and in other ways has been identified with public life in St. Joseph county. He was a man of strong, positive mind and more than ordinary intellect; a wide and deep reader and thinker, and a fine conversationalist on almost any subject. Naturally enough, with so strong and -positive a nature, considerable eccentricity was interwoven with it. Powerful in mind, his physical development was in fine proportion, presenting a rare and beautiful combination. A short time before his death he visited his old homes in Oneida and Rensselaer counties. New York, and spent a number of happy days in living over again a veiy happy period of his life. While visiting a cousin in Canada, he caught cold while sitting on the verandah, exposed to the evening air. He at once returned to his home in South Bend, and in forty-eight hours after his arrival his spirit returned to God who gave it. His remains were taken back to New York State and placed beside that of his first wife, who years before had preceded him to that " better land."

John Studebakek

John Studebaker was born in York, Pennsylvania, Feb. 8, 1799. His father was a farmer, and until fifteen years of age he assisted in the farm work. At that age he was apprenticed to his brotlierin-law, a wagon-maker and blacksmith, with whom he completed his trade, and made himself a skillful worker in wood and iron, being able to construct a wagon entire. On the 19th of October, 1820, he was married to Miss Rebecca Mohler, of Lancaster county, the same State. He soon afterward bought a farm in Adams county, Pennsylvania, and in connection with it conducted a wagon and blacksmith shop. In 183.5 he sold his farm and shop, and, in wagons of his own construction, crossed the Alleghenies into Wayne county, Ohio, where he |)urchased a farm and engaged in the same Jusiness he had carried on so successfully on the eastern side of the mountains, and in addition ran grist and saw mills. But here a reverse came to liiin, his tirst and hardest. Before leaving Pennsylvania he had endorsed for a friend, and being compelled to pay the amount for which he had become securit}', tiie whole of his little property was swept away. There was no exemption law in those days. At this time Mr. Studebaker had ten children living, five sons and live daughters, the oldest of the sons being Heni-y and Clement. His stringent circumstances called these two oldest from their country school-room to a little shop which their father had managed to fit up with tools. Here they learned their trades and laid the foundation for the great success which has rewarded their labors in later years, in the building up of the largest wagon factory in the world. The father and sons labored early and late, and in the course of a few years redeemed their fallen fortunes, and placed themselves once more in comfortable circumstances.

In ISIS Mr. Studebaker, seeing no prospect in the future for the advancement of liis sons in the quiet precincts of Wayne county, set out on horseback to prospect the Western country. He traveled over a large portion of Indiana, but finally settled on South Bend as the most advantageous location, the excellent water-power being the main attraction. He returned to Ohio, and having arranged his business and disposed of his property, again fitted himself out with and in 1851 moved to that place, bringing with him two sets of tools, with which Henry and Clement went to work on the present site of the Studebaker Carriage Factory and formed the nucleus of the present extensive works. Mr. Studebaker engaged in no business, except to aid all in his power his two sons. He located his residence on the lot where he resided at the time of his death, though a new and handsome building has taken the place of the old one.

Mr. Studebaker and his wife, who survives him, had lived together fifty-seven years. Thirteen children had been born to them, nine of whom are living, five sons and four daughters. At the time of his death there were also forty-three grand-children, and eighteen great-grand-children, of this aged couple. They united with the German Baptist Cliurch, 1829, and for nearly half a century iiad lived consistent Christian lives togetlier, beloved by all who knew them. On leaving the home of his father, when a j'oungman, his father gave him this injunction: " John, remember the poor." And he alwaj's obeyed it, remembering them often, even when it took that of which the need was felt by himself. He was public-spirited in his nature, the friend of the young man struggling for a place in life, the benefactor of the widow, the fatherless, and all in need. He leaves a name rich in the memory of good deeds, and an example the emulation of which by all would lead the Avorld to better things.

John Mack

dondcrry, Ireland, in 1732, settling at Londonderry, New Hampshire, llis father was born in Vermont, April 2, 17(J2, and in 1788, six years before the birth of the sn])ject of this sketch, moved to Ontario connty, New York. In 1S04 his father moved to Hamburg, Erie count}-, but in 1806 removed to Hanover, Chautauqua county, in the same State, where there were but three white men at the time, and where his sister was the bride in the iirst marriage ever celebrated in that county. At this time tiiere were but two'houses on the site of the present great city of Buffalo. In 1844 he moved to La Porte county, Indiana, but being highly pleased with the location of South Eend on passing through', returned and settled here in the fall of that year. At an early day liis father kept a tavern at Cattaraugus, New York, which was long and deservedly popular, and the subject of this sketch, inured to the privations and sacrifices of pioneer life, both by personal e.xperience, as well as constant and intimate association with the moving multitudes, with whom he daily mingled, as he assisted them on their way, or provided for their comfort, his courteous and dignified manner, his genial and obliging disposition, made him a favorite with the traveling public during the years of his youth and early manhood. Many offices of trust and honor, both civil and military, were conferred upon him by his friends and neighbors, the duties of which were discharged with scrupulous fidelity and faithfulness. He held a commission in the war of 1812, and often related an incident of his experience in that war. Two English vessels chased a small transport into the mouth of a creek within a short distance of his father's house, and had sent a boat armed with a howitzer up the creek a short-distance. Aforce of men was collected, however, and the boat retired after firing a few rounds, which compelled the removal of their family and goods. One of these vessels was the " Queen Charlotte," and both wore afterward captured by Commodore Perry.

Mr. Mack spoke the language of the Seneca Indians quite fiuently, and was frequently called upon by the Government to act as an interpreter and as an arbiter between the Indians themselves. He was Adjutant of the 162d Regiment and 43d Brigade of New York militia, and in 1824 was apjiointed Adjutant General of the militia detailed for the reception of the Marquis de Lafayette, on his visit to this country, and escorted that distinguished ally of our country from Fredonia to Dunkirk, where he took ship tor Buffalo. In 1814 he was appointed postmaster at Cattaraugus. In 1838 he was engaged in filling a Government contract for timber for harbor improvements on Lake Erie. After that he was agent of the Erie railroad in the settlement of claims with property owners along the line, and the agent of Ogden & Fellows, part owners of the Holland purchase. He was made a Mason, at Buflalo, shortly after reaching his majority, and was consequently one of the oldest members of the order in the United States at the time of his death. He became a member of St. Joseph Lodge, No. 45, at South Bend, Dec.

20, 1844, and in 1862 demitted to become one of the cliarter members of South Bend Lodge,']Sro. 294. He was twice married: First, in 1819, to Clarissa W. Ilanford, who died in 1811, leaving four children. He was married the second time, in 1813, to AchsahM. Leland, who died April 6, 1875, leaving one child.

Having lost all his property in New York, he emigrated to South Bend at an early day, in the hope of recuperating his shattered fortune, and at first engaged in hard labor, doing whatever his hands found to do. By the second or third year, however, of his stay in that place, he entered the service of the pioneer Indian agent, Alexis Coquillard, acting as bookkeeper and general secretary. He accompanied Coqnillard to the western reservation when he removed the Indians under authority of the general Government, in 1851, and during his life related many interesting incidents of the trip. He was with the Indians when the cholera broke out among them, and was unceasing in his efforts to relieve their sufferings. He was afterward engaged in the mail service on the Lake Shore railroad, and during his later years acted as bookkeeper and accountant for a number of persons and filled the office of Assessor. He erected the first house on the east side of the river, after the platting of Lowell, and aided materially in building up that partof the present city of South Bend. He joined the Baptist Church in 1846, and during the remainder of his life lived a consistent Christian.

Ariel E. Drapiee

Ariel E. Drapier was born Aug. 31, 1808, in Sempronius, Cayuga county, New York. From the time he was 10 years of age he was a resident of this State, in the counties of Clarke, Perry, Posey and St. Joseph, his connection with the press sometimes carrying him out of the State for longer or shorter periods. In 1825-'6 he commenced a weekly paper, the Western Comj/der, in Hardinsburgh, Breckinridge county, Kentucky, in the days when it was required in that State for a newspaper to be " authorized" by law. The two years following he occupied in law and general reading in the office of Hon. Willis Greene, in Hardinsburgh, and in the McClure School of Industry, New Harmony, Indiana, dividing his time in the latter place between reading and the general management of a semi-monthly scientific journal of that institution, The Disseminator of Useful Knowledge. This work preserves the letters and lucubrations of the Hon. William McClure, the liberal but eccentric i)atron of the McCluran Workingmen's Library Associations, in so many townships in Indiana. The succeeding year he was again a journeyman printer a second time in Natchez, Mississippi, and then a schoolmaster in Southeastern Louisiana, where some fishing and hunting was attended to by him in companionship with his early friend. Dr. John A. Veatch, since distinguished as a naturalist in California. In 1830-'31 he was "at the case" in Louisville, Kentucky, where, in September, 1831, he was married to Miss Martha

Histoby Of St. Joseph County

M. Spencer. By this marriage he had three children. In 1832 he served as foreman of the Boston Dally Atlas. In 1833 he typed the tliird and fourth volumes of Bowditch's Laplace's jr<'ca/(/(^«e Celeste. In lS3-l-'35 he published the Louisville iV^o^'^/ry (weekly), and the Louisville Daily Transcript. In 1836 he published the St. Joseph Herald, in Southwestern Michigan, and the next year he essayed farming. Soon failing in means, and losing health in his family, he repaired again to the printing business, taking charge of the State printing in Indianapolis for the session of 1S37-'3S of the General Assembly. In 1839-'40 he published the Equator, a literary weekly, at Bloomington, Indiana. In 1841-'42 he was again connected with the Louisville (Kentucky) press, pultlishing with the Popes and William H. Johnson, the last year of the daily Louisville Pallic Advertiser. He was afterward interested in a general job office in that city with John C. Noble. About this time, in his thirty-fourth year, he assumed reporting as a profession. Three sessions he served in the Kentucky Legislature for the Frankfort and Louisville press. In 1843-44, with M. T. C. Gould, he reported the Campbell and Hice debate, in Lexington, 1,312 pages, 8vo. Before this time he had reported a theological debate in Bellville, Hendricks county, which was printed in Indianapolis. Afterward the Weinzophfleu Catholic priest case, in the Gibson Circuit Court, at Princeton, Indiana, with other court trials in Louisville and Frankfort, Kentucky, and in Knoxville, Tennessee.

In 1845 he compiled the "Elements of Swift Writing, after Taylor and Gould" - E. Morgan & Co., Cincinnati, Ohio; Morton & Griswold, Louisville, Kentucky, Publishers - adapting movable types to the short-hand symbols. In lS46-'7 he wrote for the Ohio Statesinnn., in that State Legislature. In 1847 he was engaged in the Tennessee Legislature. Then for two years he was in the first effort made by the Washington press to establish verbatim reports in Congress, which resulted in giving the contract to John C. Hives. In 1850-'51 he wrote in the Ohio and Indiana Constitutional Conventions. In 1852 he was again in the corps of reporters for the Daily and Congressional Glole. In 1853 he established the St. Joseph County Forum, a Democratic weekly newspaper, in South Bend. In 1855-'56 and in 1857-'58 he was engaged in the Tennessee Legislature, for the Legislative Union and American, two volumes of which were autliorized as the authentic records of that body. He also reported the proceedings and debates in the Southern Methodist General Conference, at Nashville, in May of that year. He wrote in the Minnesota Constitutional Convention in 1857, and was official reporter to the Kansas Constitutional Convention in 1859. In 1858-'59 he instituted the first professional reporting for the Indiana Legislature, under the title of the " Brevier Legislative Reports."

As a citizen, Mr. Drapierwas very modest and retiring. Had he pushed himself forward, a very prominent position in public life might have been his, but he was too pure a man to stoop to the arts of a politician, and too dignified a man to be popular with the rabble. Twice he was the nominee, against his own wishes, of the Democratic party for the Legislature, but was defeated with his party, which was in a hopeless minority. He had a most commanding presence, being over six feet in height, and shapely as an Adonis. He was very frank and cordial in his greeting to friends, and courteous to all. He was grave and dignifaed in manner, and to some may have seemed stiff and cold, but his heart was always warm; it was the dignity of an old style gentleman. He was al. his life a Christian, and was one of the founders of the Christian, or Disciple Church in South Bend, and at times, in its early days, officiated as a lay preacher. Editor or politician, preacher or citizen, he was always the same quiet, unostentatiousraan, whose real worth was not justly estimated by the stranger, but which had a warm appreciation by the many who knew him well. Death called him home Saturday, May 26, 1877. His remains were interred in the South Bend cemetery, there to await the resurrection morn. His last days were full of pain, for his affliction was one of the most painful the human system can bear; but under all he bore himself with courage and Christian resignation. He heard the summons and he answered the call:

Geoege W. Matthews

George W. Matthews was born in Baltimore, Maryland, Jan. 17, 1810. He was married to Mrs. Hannah D. Colfax, mother of Hon. Schuyler Colfax, in New York, November, 1834. Their children numbered five, four of whom are yet living. In October, 1836, he moved with his family to New Carlisle, this county, and remained there five years, engaged in the mercantile business, until he was elected Count}^ Auditor, when he removed to South Bend. He held this office two terms, Mr. Colfax serving part of the lime as his deputy. Afterward Mr. Matthews was appointed Special Agent of the Postoffice Department, by President Taylor. For twelve years he served as priuting clerk of the House of Representatives, with i-are ability, resigning in the latter part of the year 1878. The long illness, and finally the painful death of his wife, with the unremitting care bestowed by him toward her, told upon his own health. In the spring and summer of 1873 he was thought to be in better health than he had been for years, but in August of that year, while superintending the erection of a building being built for himself, he was prostrated by a sunstroke, from which he never fully recovered. In November, 1873, he went to Buchanan, Michigan, to visit brothers residing there, hoping the change would be beneficial to his health, but he steadily failed so he could not return to his home in South Bend. He died very easily and quietly on the 15th of January, 1S74, aged 64 years. Mr. Matthews was held in great esteem by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, and in South Bend, where he was so well known, and in Washington, where he was so long in public life, he made many friendships, deep and lasting, and he will long be remembered by all for his many good qualities, which made his friendship desirable and his companionship valuable.

Oolonel A.Lfred B. Wade

Alfred Bryant "Wade was the youngest son of Judge Robert Wade, and was born in South Bend, Indiana, on the 28th of December, 1S39. His father died when he was quite young, and he was left to the charge of his mother, who reared him with all the care a fond, religious mother could bestow. He received his education in the "old seminary," in South Bend, and although betook great interest in athletic sports was noted for his close application to study. At 16 he was the readiest off-hand speaker and most forcible debater of his age in that city. His facility in drawing and lettering led him to learn the marble-cutting trade, but he followed it only a few years, as the dust affected his lungs. After abandoning it he went to Pike's Peak, but soon returned and began to read law under Judge Stanfield. When the war broke out, he enlisted in the 9th Eegiment. When the 73d Regiment, Indiana Volunteers was rendezvoused at South Bend, he joined it as Adjutant, and was with it at Lexington, Chaplin Hills, in pursuit of Bragg to Wild Cat, and the fight at Gallatin, Tennessee.

In the terrible fight at Stone River, Adjutant Wade's regiment took a prominent part. It was the first of tlie whole army to cross Stone river under the enemy's fire on the event of the first day's battle. Its brigade there encountered Breckenridge's whole division and was obliged to recross. The next day it passed in skirmishing, and then on the 31st of December, 1S62, it participated in the most terrific fighting that occurred during the whole war. When the right wing of our army was beaten back two miles, the 73d was double-quicked a mile and a half to reinforce it, and taking a position on the extreme right engaged two rebel brigades. In 20 minutes, fighting at close range, the regiment lost one-third of its entire number engaged, but checked the enemy's advance and saved the right wing of the arm}'. After the fight Gen. Rosecrans complimented the regiment in person for its bravery. Through all this fighting Adjutant Wade was with the regiment as cool and collected as on dress parade. Ilis horse was shot from under him and he fought on foot. In one of the attacks, when the storm of rebel bullets became so thick that no force could withstand them, and a retreat was ordered, Adjutant Wade tripped twice on his sword and fell. " The second time he fell," said an eye witness, "he got up, stopped, unbuckled his sword and walked after the retreating regiment as collectedly as if be were going out to drill." When Colonel Streight organized his Independent Provisional Brigade to penetrate the enemy's country and cut his communications, the 73d, which seemed to be doomed to do hard fighting, was assigned to it. Two days after it left Tiiocumbia, Alabama, 1,500 sti'ung, it was attacked by 4,000 rebel cavalry under Forrest and Koddy. The 73d was on the left flank, where it gallantly repulsed a tierce charge of the cavalry within 20 feet of its colors, and the enemy was eventually repulsed with the loss of two pieces of artillery. In another tight the same day the enemy fared no better. On the 2d of May the 73d bore the brunt of "the fight at Blount's farm, and there lost its commander, Colonel Hathaway. On the next day, out of ammunition, exhausted by incessant traveling and fighting, and surrounded by superior forces, the brigade surrendered, and Adjutant Wade, with the rest of the ofiiccrs, was taken to Libby prison, where he was confined for nearly two years, and received such injuries from close confinement that his naturally strong constitution never recovered from them. His exchange was finally secured through the influence of Schuyler Colfax, who had been his Sabbath-school teacher for many years, and who had always taken a great interest in him. He was promoted to Major and sent to take command of the 73d at Nashville, and with it picket a portion of the Tennessee river. As usual there was a great deal of fighting to do, and General Granger several times complimented Major Wade and his boys for their bravery and efiiciency, and he was made Lieutenant-Colonel. In the latter part of 1864 the 73d was sent to Athens, Alabama, which Forrest had captured a few days before with 600 men, and then abandoned it. Colonel "Wade's orders were to hold the place, and he did it most successfully. He constructed a bomb-proof of his own invention inside the fort. On the 1st of October Gen. Buford, with 4,000 cavalry and a few pieces of artillery, appeared before Athens, and a skirmish was kept up all that day. Col. Wade having but 500 men and two pieces of artillery'. At six o'clock the next morning Gen. Buford opened a fire, but owing to the bomb-proof Col. Wade sustained no loss, though he managed to inflict a serious one on the enemy. After two hours' hard fighting Gen. Buford sent in a flag of truce and demanded a surrender, " to stop the efi'usion of blood," and wound up by saying that he would not be responsible for the action of his men if Wade did not surrender. Col. Wade replied that he had been ordered to hold the fort and intended to do it, and as to stopping the efi'usion of blood, there had been none among his men to stop. As soon as the bearer of the flag of truce reached Buford's lines, and before the rebel general had time to recover from his surprise at the audacity of a Yankee boy who was nut afraid to fight 4,000 trained cavalry with a handful of men. Col. Wade opened a fierce fire among the enemy's ranks and Buford and his men precipitately retreated with great loss. The loss to Colonel Wade's men was so slight as to attract special mention. For his gallantry at Athens Lieutenant-Col. Wade was promoted to the Colonelcy of the 73d, which was the only Indiana regiment whicli went through the war with but two Colonels. On his muster out with the regiment, he went to Ann Arbor and graduated; then returned to South Bend and opened a law office and practiced his profession until the accession of Grant to the Presidency, when he was appointed postmaster. He was re-appointed in 1873.

Colonel Wade was a member of the Presbyterian Church. His mother, who was a member of that Ciiurch from its organization, named him after its first minister, Rev. Alfred Bryant. "

In the fall of tiie same year tiiat he was mustered out of the service (1865) he was married to Miss Jennie Bond, of Niies, Michigan. The union was a very happy one, and was blessed by four children.