St. Joseph County, Indiana - Chapter 10: The City of Mishawaka, 1907

Chapter 10: The City of Mishawaka

Unlike as they are in many respects, there is one thing in which Mishawaka resembles Walkerton. The town consisted originally of several towns, plats and additions, which, ultimately, were brought into a single municipal body. To this municipality was given the musical name of Mishawaka, a name which before the union did not belong in a distinctive manner to any of the divisions.

Sec. 1. - The St. Joseph Iron Works. - The first and principal of these minor divisix and the northeast part of lot number five, in school section number sixteen, township thirty-seven north of range number three east, called the town of the St. Joseph^ Iron Works.

"The exterior line of this village plat begins on the top of the bluff, on the south side of the St. Joseph river, and runs thence south seventy poles to a stake; thence west eighty and 1/1621 poles to a stake; thence north sixty-one poles to a stake ; thence west seventeen poles to a stake; thence north sixty-two poles to the river; and thence, as the river meandere, one hundred fourteen and one-half poles, containing fifty-two and seven-tenths acres. The subdivLsion is as this plat represents. Each lot is four by eight perches, containing, of course, thirty-two square perches each. The alleys are sixteen and a half feet wide, and the width of each street is marked in them respectively. This village is laid out on the north part of lot number

On October 23, 1835, a plat of out lots was filed by Mr. Hurd, lying on the west of the original town, and opposite the island in the river at that point. On this last plat the name of the principal east and west street is recognized as the "Vistula Road."

On 'August 17, 1836, Francis P. Taylor acknowledged and filed his plat as an addition to the town of St. Joseph Iron Works. This plat was surveyed by Thomas P. Bulla, and the road from the west is called "Vistula and Loteas Road."

The name St. Joseph Iron Works was taken from that of a company of the same name which Mr. Hurd, Mr. Earl and others had organized for the manufacture of iron at this point. Bog iron ore was found in considerable quantities in the swamp under the hills south of the town, being the same swamp around which La Salle was forced to find his way on the night in December, 1679, when he got lost in seeking for the portage to the Kankakee." Mr. Hurd and his company were of opinion that the ore in this marsh would prove inexhaustible and that his iron works would expand into a flourishing manufacturing town. The construction of a blast furnace for the reduction of the ore had been commenced the spring previous to the platting of the town, and was completed in 1834.

The company was duly incorporated by an act of the legislature, approved January 22, 1835. in which it was declared, "That Alanson M. Hurd, of the county of St. Joseph, John J. Deming and John H. Orr, and their associates, be, and they are hereby constituted a body corporate and politic, by the name and style of the president, directors and company of the St. Joseph Iron Works, for the purpose of manufacturing iron."^

By section 6 of the act, it was provided ' That the said corporation shall be and they are hereby authorized to erect a dam across . >- river St. Joseph, at the head of the Mishawaka rapids." The dam thus authorized was built by the iron company in 1835. It was the first dam across the St. Joseph river and is still in good condition.

The elaborate title of the company, being the "President. Directors and Company of the St. Joseph Iron Works," proved to be needlessly cumbrous, and the legislature, by an act approved February 1, 1836, shortened the name of the corporation to the "St. Joseph Iron Company."'^ Under this title the company continued to operate its furnaces and manufacture iron until 1856, when the bog ore was exhausted. The business of the corporation was thereupon changed to manufacturing. A foundry was put in opera. See Chap. 2, Subd. 2. 6. Local Acts, 1834, p. 79. c Local Laws, 1835, p. 206.

ation, and plows, cultivators and other like machinery were manufactured. In 1868 the name of the corporation was again change<l and it has since been known as the St. Joseph Manufacturing Company. This old corporation has been one of the effective forces in building up Mishawaka and in making it a great manufacturing center.

Alanson M. Hurd and other enterprising citizens, not content with the building of the dam and laying the foundation of great manufacturing industries, were desirous of having a bridge across the river. For this purpose a charter w^as obtained from the legislature by an act approved February 7, 1835,« in which it was provided, "That N. M. Wells, A. M. Hurd, John J. Deming, J. H. Orr and 0. Hurd, with their associates, be and are hereby constituted a body corporate and politic, by the name and style of the Mishawaka bridge company, for the purpose of constructing a bridge across the St. Joseph river at the Mishawaka rapids, in the township of Penn, in the county of St. Joseph." The bridge was finally constructed in 1837. It was built across the river at Bridge street and was a substantial structure creditable to the private enterprise of its builders. This was the first bridge to be placed across the St. Joseph river.*^

It will have been noticed that although the official name of the town was the St. Joseph Iron Works, yet the name Mishawaka persisted in indicating its presence, even before its time. In each of the acts of the legislature to which reference has been made the name Mishawaka appears; the president, directors and company of the St. Joseph Iron Works were authorized to build a dam "at the head of the Mishawaka rapids," and the company incorporated to construct a bridge over the river was styled "the Mishawaka bridge company," and was authorized to build its "bridge across the St, Joseph river at the Mishawaka rapids." Even earlier than this action on the i)art of the legislature of the state of Indiana, was the action of the United States government. In the spring of 1834 a post office was established for the new town and the name of Mishawaka was given to the post offiee at the suggestion, it is said, of Mr. Yerrington, the first postmaster. It is said, too, that this was the name of an Indian village formerly located on the site of Taylor's addition to the St. Joseph Iron Works. "^

Sec. 2. - Barbee's Plat. - The first recorded plat, however, on which the name of Mishawaka appears is that made by William Barbee and Henry Harman, April 2, 1835. For convenience, perhaps, this plat is usually referred to as Barbee's addition; but it does not appear to have been intended as an addition, but rather as an independent town. The name of the St. Joseph Iron Works nowhere appears, although the Barbee plat adjoins the "Original Town" on the east. The title is "Pla.t of the Town of Mishawaka," and it was acknowledged April 20, 1835, as the "Town Plat o£ Mishawaka," by the proprietors, "William Barbee and Henry Harman, by William Barbee as Agent." The description by the surveyor, Tyra W. Bray, reads :

"This plat represents the town of Mishawaka, in St. Joseph county, Indiana. Laid out by William Barbee and Henry Harman on the 20th day of April, 1835, on a part of the northwest fractional quarter of section fifteen, in township thirty-seven north, and in range three east (2 Mer.), and on a part of the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of the same section. The beginning point of this plat is the quarter section corner on the line dividing sections fifteen and sixteen, running thence north fifty-six poles to a stake ; thence east five poles to the northwest corner of lot number eleven, etc., etc."

plat laid out is entitled "Fowler's Addition to Mishawaka." The surveyor's description is as follows: "Town plat for G. W. R. Fowler, north side river St. Joseph, opposite St. Joseph Iron Works. First lot, No. 1, north of the southwest corner of section ten, 14^ rods, size of lots four rods in front, eight rods back. All streets four rods. Alleys one rod, running north and south, having eight lots in a block. T. P. Bulla, surveyor." The plat was acknowledged April 22, 1836, by "George W. R. Fowler, the proprietor of the above mentioned and described village. ' '

Sec. 4. - Indiana City. - During the same year another plat, called "Indiana City," was laid out on the north side of the river. This appears also as an independent town. The plat was acknowledged June 28, 1836, by the proprietors, Joseph Battell, James R. Lawrence and Grove Lawrence, and is described as follows : ' ' This is a plat of Indiana City, in St. Joseph county, Indiana, laid out on the south half of section number nine and the northwest fraction of section sixteen, in township thirty-seven north, in range three east." Between Joseph street and the river the plat shows a vacant tract marked "Reserved for water power," and a mill race is shown from the rapids along the north side of the river, down to the "Island." The mill race, however, was never dug along the plat of Indiana City, and consequently the vacant tract was never used "for water power." Years afterwards this sightly tract, high over the St. Joseph river, M^as presented by Mr. Battell to the city of Mishawaka, to be used as a public park. It has been kept up and maintained by the city, with walks and drives, greensward, flowers and shade trees. The delightful spot is known as Battell Park. The plat of "Indiana City" discloses another circumstance showing that Messrs. Battell and Lawrence were ambitious of great things for their town. Two large squares, of several acres each, are set apart for public purposes; one is marked "College Green,"' and the other "Court House Square." No college has been erected on the "College Green,'' nor has any court house been built upon the "Court House Square"; and "Indiana City" itself was destined soon to lose its own identity.

Sec. 5. - Other Additions. - On March 8, 1837, the plat of "H. H. Fowler's Addition to Mishawaka," also on the north side of the river, was acknowledged by Henry H. Fowler.

On April 19, 1837, Thomas P. Bulla surveyed a second plat for G. AV. R. Fowler, laid out on the southwest fractional quarter of section ten, township thirty-seven north, range three east, "Commencing eighty rods east of the southwest corner of section ten." There is nothing on this plat to show whether it was intended as an addition or not; there being no reference to any other plat.

Sec. 6. - Union op the Towns. - At the close of the year 1837, there were therefore no less than four independent town plats, besides the additions. On the south side of the river were the St. Joseph Iron Works, platted by Alanson ]M. Ilurd ; and Mishawaka, platted by Barbee & Harman. On the north side, were Indiana City, platted by Battell & Lawrence; and Fowler's village, platted by George W. R. Fowler. Taylor's, as well as Hurd's own additions, recognized the St. Joseph Iron Works; while the remaining additions seemed to recognize Mishawaka. The post office, as we have seen, was also called Mishawaka.

On February 17, 1838, an act of the legislature was approved, designed to bring the several towns and additions under one name."^ The act declared:

"That the name of the town of St. Joseph Iron Works and the name of the town of Indiana City, in St. Joseph county, be, and the same are hereby changed to that of Mishawaka ; and that all the lots now laid out on either side of the Big St. Joseph river, whether included within the towns of St. Joseph Iron Works, Indiana City, Mishawaka, or additions thereto, be included within the incorporation of the town of St. Joseph Iron Works (hereafter to be known by the name of Mishawaka)."

Thus was unity given to the several towns and their additions, gathered "at the head of the ]\Iisha^^'aka rapids, in the township of Penn, in the county of St. Joseph." For convenience of reference, the old divisions are still recognized as the "original plat," "Taylor's Addition," " Barbee 's Addition," "Lawrence & Battell's Addition," and the several "Fowler's Additions"; but all these, and many others since formed, are merged under the happily chosen name of Mishawaka.

The word Mishawaka is Indian, meaning, as it w^ould seem. Big Rapids; the etymology being similar to that of the word Michigan, signifying Great Lake. The town therefore took its name from the most remarkable natural feature of the locality, the great falls in the river at this point. This, too, gave to the citizens an indication of the fine water power that could be secured by throwing a dam across the river just above the rapids. The actual fall of the river for a few rods at the rapids has been found to be two feet and nine inches. Thus, Mishawaka 's future history as a manufacturing town was recognized in the very name given to the infant municipality, - the town of the big rapids, the town of the great water power. The iron ore which had suggested the name of the St. Joseph Iron Works has all been taken from the bog where it was once thought to be inexhaustible; but the water power of the rapids which suggested the name of Mishawaka remains a perennial boon to the town and to the city which has grown from the town.

Sec. 7. - Incorporation. - Even before the date of the act of the general assembly uniting the several divisions, the town, under the name of the St. Joseph Iron Works, had already been incorporated. On Monday, tlie first day of September, 1834, being the first daj^ of the September term, 1834, of the board of commissioners of St. Joseph county, the following order was entered:

"Now at this day comes in before the board Orlando Hurd and files a petition of the inhabitants of the town of St. Joseph Iron Works, praying for the said board to order an election in said town, that they may have the said to^^^l incorporated. And the said board, after examining the premises and the evidence adduced, order and direct that notice to the said citizens be given to meet at the house of Orlando Hurd on the last Saturday in this month, to elect trustees of said incorporation."

For some reason which does not appear of record, the election was not held as ordered: and, on Tuesday, January 5, 1835, being the second day of the January session of the board of county commissioners for that year, the following further order was made:

"It is ordered by the board that an alias notice be given to the citizens of St. Joseph Iron Works to meet at the house of Orlando Hurd and elect trustees for the incorporation of said town."

"At a meeting of the qualified electors of the village of St. Joseph Iron Works, held pursuant to publick notice given by the sheriff of the county of St. Joseph, at the house of Orlando Hurd in said village, on Saturday, the thirty-first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-five, for the purpose of electing five trustees in and for said village, Elias Smith was called to the chair and John J. Deming appointed clerk. And thereupon the said chairman and clerk were duly sworn to the faithful discharge of their duties respectively, in superintending said election, by Samuel J. H. Ireland, Esq., one of the justices of the peace in and for said county. The votes of the electors were then taken and canvassed, and the result of said election declared to be as follows: James White, Alexander Sandilands, John J. Deming, Samuel Stancliff, Henry De Camp, trustees.

Ii. Business Enterprises

From the beginning Mishawaka has been noted for its business enterprise. The founders and early settlers of the town were men remarkable for their public spirit. Thej'' were enterprising, pushing, persevering. They built the first dam across the St. Joseph, and likewise erected the first bridge, and both by private means. A mill race was dug on each side of the river; and early use was made of the unequaled water power at the rapids.

The St. Joseph Iron Works, the original corporation organized by Alanson M. Hurd to reduce the iron ore found in the bog south of town long continued to be the leading business corporation. Under the name of the St. Joseph Manufacturing Company, and engaged in the production of plows and other farming implements, it continues to this day as one of the business forces of the community.

Another company, organized under an act approved February 17, 1838,« was the Mishaivaka Iron mid Manufacturing Company, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, the incorporators being John N. Sherman, Orlando Hurd, George W. R. Fowler, Charles W. Pomery and Alonzo Delano.

In 1836, leading citizens of the town had taken a prominent part in organizing the first insurance company of St. Joseph county. The St. Joseph's County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. By an act approved Feba. Local Laws, 1837, p. 211.

"That Samuel Sample, Horatio Chapin, L. M. Taylor, A. Coquillard, John Brownfield, Elias Smith, Orlando Hurd, J. E. Hollister, J. H. Orr, Francis P. Taylor, A. M. Hurd, and all other persons who may hereafter associate with them in the manner herein prescribed, shall be a corporation by the name of the St. Joseph's County Mutual Fire Insurance Company, for the purpose of insuring their respective dwelling houses, stores, shops, and other buildings, household furniture and merchandise, against loss or damage by fire."

This company is of interest, if for no other cause, in that it brought together, seemingly for the first time, the prominent founders of South Bend and Mishawaka. It is of interest for another reason, that its organization and management seem to have been quite similar to those of the present St. Joseph County Farmers' Fire Insurance Company, which for many years has proved so successful and economical for the insurance of the propertj'' of the farmers of the county.

During the year 1834, Orlando Hurd opened a hotel for the accommodation of the traveling public ; and in the following year Francis P. Taylor erected the first flouring mill. The town at the rapids was thus fairly under way.

At this early date, after the St. Joseph Iron Works had been incorporated, but before the passage of the act of the legislature organizing the several town plats into the one town of Mishawaka, and before the erection of the bridge over the river, we have a ray of light thrown upon the condition of the enterprising community, in a record left by Dr. E. W. H. Ellis, one of the early settlers of St. Joseph county. Dr. Ellis tells us that he reached the north bank of the St. Joseph river, "opposite Mishawaka," August 7, 1836, and was taken across the river by the ferryman. He adds that the population was then not over five hundred; and that the population of South Bend at the same time, was not over eight hundred.

While the dam was built, the races dug and a number of manufacturing plants organized at an early day ; yet the greater number of the concerns that have given to Mishawaka its high place as a manufacturing center are of a later date. The most important step taken, perhaps, in giving stability and activity to the Mishawaka manufacturing industries, was the organization, June 28, 1867, of the Mishawaka Hydraulic Company. This company was made up ehiefiy of the manufacturers already engaged in using the water power of the river. The list of names of the incorporators alone is sufficient to show the importance attached to the proper management and care of the dam, races and other things connected with the use and protection of the invaluable water power, from the beginning regarded as the true source of the prosperity of the town. The incorporators of the Hydraulic Company were :

The subscribed capital of the company was fifty thousand dollars; and the objects stated in the articles of association were to keep up the dam, water power, races, banks and other matters connected with the power, and to sell and dispose of water power to other manufacturers.

On August 23, 1869, the famous Milburn Wagon Company was incorporated, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. The incorporators were : George Milburn, Thomas H. Milburn and John Milburn. The business of the company was the manufacturing of wagons, farm implements and other business incident thereto.

George Milburn was a man of extraordinary energy and force of character. His company at once entered upon a career of great activity and prosperity; and it seemed that Mishawaka was about to become one of the great wagon making centers of the world. The company reported the value of vehicles manufactured during the year ending July 1, 1873, at four hundred and fortysix thousand, six hundred and fifty-two dollars. During the same year, however, an unfortunate controverey arose between the company and the town. Mr. Milburn asked for certain facilities for side tracks along the sitreets from the factory to the Lake Shore railway which the authorities of the town felt unable to agree to. Instead of exercising a spirit of forbearance towards one another, the parties allowed the breach to widen until the Milburn "Wagon AVorks abandoned the town of Mishawaka where they had grown and prospered. Inducements held out to the company to locate in Toledo had perhaps something to do in completing the estrangement.

It was an unhappy quarrel for both town and company. A mammoth building in process of erection by the company at Toledo was blown down by a storm on December 4, 1873, entailing a loss of over twenty thousand dollars. In other respects it does not seem that the company prospered as it would have done in the town of its origin and vigorous youth. As for Mishawaka itself, the loss of the factory seemed almost irreparable. Coming as it did, so soon after the fearful conflagration that destroyed the business section of the town, on September 5, 1872,« the blow was such as might well stagger the energies of the people. For years, the silent walls of the Milburn wagon works were an unpleasant sight to those who had so long hoped and labored for Mishawaka's prosperity. But, by degrees, this loss, as well as that occasioned by the great fire, was overcome. The vacant buildings, one after another, were filled with new industries; until, finally, the wounds were all healed, and the good town went ahead and flourished as if no harm had ever been suffered. As in case of Chicago after its fire, or San Francisco after its earthquake, it was demonstrated that Mishawaka, by reason of her situation and surroundings, was destined to be a successful manufacturing center, so that even what appeared as overwhelming calamities could not destroy her.

Among the plants established in the early seventies and later that had very much to do in determining the success of Mishawaka as a manufacturing town were the following:

The Andrews ScJiool and Church Furniture Company w^as incorporated December 20, 1870, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars. The incorporators were: William W. Ferris, S. E. Wliite, J. Q. C. Vandenbosch, William N, Dunn, James Welliver, Henry G. Niles and Alfred H. Andrews.

The Hollow Axle Manufacturing Company was organized March 4, 1871, with fi capital of twenty thousand dollare; the incorporators being: George Milburn, William A. Lewis and William Mofiitt.

The Bostwick Refrigerator Company was incorporated August 10, 1873, with a capital of twenty thousand dollars. The incorporators were : Joseph Bostwick, Thomas A. Bless, Christian Bless and William Bostwick. They manufactured not only refrigerators, but also other house furnishing goods.

Company was incorporated January 31, 1874, with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars. The ineorporatore were: George Hartstein, Jacob Beiger, Martin V. Beiger, D. A. Dixon and George E. Wells. This company has become noted for its success in the manufacture of wool boots; the extent of the manufacture and sale of such wool felt boots having long since attained mammoth proportions.

On July 14, 1873, the Perkins Wind Mill and Ax Company was incorporated. The capital was fixed at forty thousand dollars. The incorporators were: Palmer C. Perkins, Pardon J. Perkins, Albert Hudson, Luther I. Clark, Bja'on C. O'Connor, Jacob C. Snyder and Reuben E. Perkins. By degrees the production of windmills engaged the attention of the company to such an extent, that, on September 9, 1902, on petition to the St. Joseph circuit court, the name was changed to the Perkins Wind Mill Company. The company has sold its products all over the United States. During the year preceding its incorporation, the concern made and sold over one hundred wind mills; and the production and sales have increased enormously since that date. Perkins' windmills are as well known in ]\Iichigan or Nebraska as they are in Indiana.

The MisJiawaka Wagon Company was incorporated January 18, 1876, Avith a capital of fifty thousand dollars; the incorporators being Robert Montgomery, De AA^itt C. Eggleston and Charles E. Sillsbee.

March 4, 1880. the Mishawaka Wood Pulp Company; capital, fifteen thousand dollars; incorporators, Lucius Clark, John F. Clark and Robert R. Clark.

April 21, 1881, the Mishawaka Paper Company; capital, fifteen thousand dollars; incorporators, George H. Taylor, Lucius Clark and Robert F. Fram.

April 1, 1887, the Misliawaka Pump Company; capital, nine thousand dollars; incorporators, William Miller, J. W. Vanden Bosch and AV. L. Kimball.

The Mishawaka Pump Company was incorporated February 27, 1883, with a capital of ten thousand dollars. The incorporators were James Dougherty, John H. Uline and George Dougherty.

The St. Joseph Milling Company was organized July 2. 1883, with a capital of sixteen thousand dollars. The incorporators were: Aclolph Kamm, Simon Yeun. John J. Schindler and Caspar Kuhn. The mill was erected in 1861 by George Kuhn, Caspar Kuhn and August Kellner. It was afterwards operated by George Kuhn; and finally by the corporation organized in 1883, as before stated.

Somewhat more than a quarter century ago, Wallace H. Dodge founded at Mishawaka, Ind.. what has since become known as the Dodge Manufacturing Company. The embryo was in the form of a little sawmill property for the production of hard-wood lumber. This industry prospered so well that on February 24, 1880, the Dodge Manufacturing Company was incorporated by Wallace H. Dodge, William W. Dodge and Elizabeth H. Dodge. The business continued to grow rapidly and steadily, with every indication of most gratifying prosperity. AVithin a year, however, in 1881, the little factory was totally destroyed by fire.

The loss of its uninsured plant was a sei-ious one for the young concern, but rebuilding was undertaken at once, on a larger and more substantial plan.

As an indication of the growth of the factory, it may be stated that the original capital was fixed at fifty thousand dollars, and that, in 1897, it became necessary to increase the capital to five hundred thousand dollars. Two products of this factory have" brought fame to it from all over the world. - one is the wood split pulley, designed to be clamped to iron shafts ; the other is the use of the continuous wrap system of rope transmission power, using a single endless rope, in successive wraps, to convey power, instead of the old plan of iLsing separate ropes. Wallace H. Dodge, the founder of the company and the perfecter of its notable inventions, was perhaps the most original mechanical genius produced by St. Joseph county. Unhappily, he died in 189-1, in the prime of his manhood. He was not only a genius, but a most amiable and lovable gentleman. His brother-in-law, the Hon. Melville W. Mix:, succeeded to the presidency of the company.

On November 27, 1885, the Power and Transmission PubUsJii)tg Company was organized by Wallace H. Dodge, Edward A. Jernegan and Alexander L. Thorp, with a capital of ten thousand dollars.

The purpase of this company was the "iNIanufacture, publication and sale of a series of mechanical journals in the interests of manufacturers, millers, master mechanics, aiul all interested in the use and transmission of power." The monthly magazine called Rope Transmission Power published by this company reached so large a circulation as to affect very sensibly the business and standing of the past office at ]\Iishawaka.

The first of these was the Mishawaka Water Works Company, incorporated September 9, 1890, with a capital of twenty thousand dollars. The incorporators were AVallace H. Dodge, Henry G. Niles and John J. Schindler. The town was in need of a system of water works, but financially unable to build them. The purpose of the organization, as stated in the articles of incorporation, was to "construct water works for the use of the town of Mishawaka, to rent to the town of Mishawaka for an annual rental, and after the payment of a given

Of like character to the water works coml)a.ny was the Dodge Electric Light and Power Company, incorporated November 29, 1890, with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars. The incorporators were: Wallace H. Dodge, William W. Dodge, W. B. Hosford, R. D. 0. Smith, .Charles Endlich, George Phillion and Melville W. Mix. The ob.ject of this organization was the production of "electric light, heat and power for commercial, domestic and manufacturing purposes. ' '

Mishawaka was thus supplied with water and light, and given easy terms of payment for utilities which had become absolutely necessary for the comfort and safety of the people. With the rapid growth of the town, however, there grew up a demand for the extension of water mains and electric light poles and wires, which the municipality found itself unable to supply. This need grew more acute from year to year; until finally a sentiment developed in favor of the formation of a private corporation by public spirited citizens, who, in the interests of the public welfare, should agree to take upon themselves the burden of sustaining the water works and electric light works, and issuing bonds to complete the payments still due the Dodge companies, and aLso in sufficient amount to procure means to extend the water mains and electric facilities so as to satisfy the wants of the people. This plan involved the sale of the water works and the electric light plant to the proposed company, reserving to the city the continued management together with an option to repurchase the same as soon as able to do so.

As there was some doubt whether the city had power to nuike such a sale, an act was passed by the legislatui-e, approved February 26, 1903, giving the necessary poAver."^ lie Utility Company, which was incorporated April 1, 1903, with a capital of ten thousand dollars. Carrying out the public character of this work, which was purely in the interests of the public, and without profit to the company, a large number of the most patriotic and public spirited citizens became ineorporatore, as follows: ]Martin V. Beiger, James A. Roper, E. Volney Bingham. Frederick G. Eberhart, Jr., Everett G. Eberhart, IManuel M. Fisher, Vincent Bruner, Melville W. ]\Iix, Nicholas Schellinger, Frank R. Eberhart, William B. Hosford, Henry G. Niles, James De Lorenzi, John A. Herzog, Adolph Kamm, William M. Clark, John E. Baker, Edward A. Jernegan, Francis X. Ganser, Charles Endlich. Simon Yenn, John J. Schindler. David A. Shaw. Albert Gaylor and William N. Schindler.

That list is Mishawaka's roll of honor. The water works and electric light plant were taken over by the Utility Company; bonds were issued for one hundred thousand dollars, the old debts were paid off; the water pipes and electric appliances extended for the accommodation of the citizens; a city hall was erected; the water works and electric light works meanwhile continuing to be operated wholly by the city. The stipulated rents have been paid to the Utility Company, and are applied by the company to the payment of interest on the bonds and the making of stated payments upon the principal. When the city becomes possessed of sufficient means to take up the remainder of the bonds, it has the option to do so, and will then be entitled to a deed back from the company. This arrangement has relieved the city of ]\Iishawaka of an exceedingly embarrassing situation; and has given to the inhabitants the facilities of a first class system of water works and electric light, bringing also in their train an extended sewer system and paved streets and sidewalks.

fifty thousand dollars, for the "manufacture and sale of felt goods." The incorporators were Dempster Beatty, Luthera Beatty and Emmett L. Beatty. The company is one of the strongest fn Mishawaka, and has built up a great plant for the manufacture of felt boots.

On ]\Iarch 7, 1887, the extensive Kamm & Schellinger Brewing Company was incorporated. The capital was fixed at sixty-five thousand dollars; the incorporators being, Adolph Kamm, Nicholas Schellinger and William Bender, Jr.

The Mishawaka Factory Company was incorporated July 4, 1887, with a capital of twenty thousand dollars, and with Frederick A. Rohleder, Joseph Bostwick and Jared R. Morse as incorporators. It was organized "For the purpose of inanufacturing various articles of wood and iron, furnishing motive power and factory buildings connected therewith, etc."

The Mishawaka Pulley Company was organized March 19, 1888, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. The incorporatoi*s were John J. McErlain, Frank A. Baker and Charles T. Lindsey.

On August 12, 1890, the Mishawaka Furniture Manufacturing Company was incorporated with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. The incorporators were : J. P. Creque, A. J. Wheeler and Leonard Adsit.

The Eberhart Milling Company, with a capital of fifteen thousand dollars, was incorporated June 25, 1891. The incorporators were : Henry G. Niles, Adolphus Eberhart and John H. Eberhart.

The Mishawaka Pad and Harness Company was organized, with a capital of ten thousand dollars, on November 27, 1893. The incorporators were : C. K. Beam, John INIay, Fred W. Shultz, H. A. Camfer and J. F. Tascher.

The Major Brothers'. Packing Company was incorporated February 10, 1906, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. The objects of the company are to buy, sell and slaughter cattle, hogs and sheep, and to vend meats and other products. The incorporators were : Ambrose J. Major, Frank T. ]\Iajor and Frederick Major.

While the date of incorporation is given as to each of the foregoing companies, yet it will be understood that in most cases the business was actually begun and under way before the organization of the corporation, in some cases for many years. As a rule, the manufactories that have made Mishawaka famous have grown from small beginnings. Indeed, that has been one source of their success. The proprietors grew up with their* business, and each member of the firm or corporation had the experience of years in building up the institution from its simple bC;>?inning until it had attained state and national reputaton.

The Mishawaka Mills, erected in 1836, were long operated by Joseph Miller and William Miller, and, with the St. Joseph Mills, long gave to Mishawaka a high reputation for the production of superior flour. The Uipple Mills, erected and long owned by A. Cass & Company, and afterwards by J. H. & A. Eberhart, added their share to this enviable reputation.

In addition to her manufactories, which have made the name of ]\Iishawaka a household word throughout the United States, all lines of business characteristic of a wideawake and progressive town have flourished in the busy town. Indeed, it is doubtful whether there is anywhere a city of the size of Mishawaka in which so large a business has been done for so many years. It is truly a hive of industry.

Iii. Religious, Educational And Social

The religious, moral, educational and social well being of Mishawaka has at all times kept pace with its business development. Churches and schools have been provided for from the beginning. The result is that the population of Mishawaka has at all times ranked high in morals and intelligence.

Sec. 1. - The Episcopal Church. - On January 25, 1907, the people of St. Paul's parish, Mishawaka, took part in a notable service, being the dedication of their fine new church by the Right Rev. John Hazen White, bishop of the diocese of northern Indiana. It was indeed a great day in the history of St. Paul's Church. The congregation left the old church, which had been attended by them for no less than seventy years, and entered tl;e new temple, one of the handsomest church edifices in the state. The following historical reminiscences were brought out in connection with the dedication of the new church :*

Just seventy years ago Friday, January 25, 1837, St. Paul's Day, there was organized in Mishawaka St. Paul's parish, and it was most fitting that the seventieth anniversary should be celebrated Friday evening in the dedication of the handsome new St. Paul's Episcopal Church on East Second street.

The old church vacated is noteworthy both as to history and tradition. It is located on Spring street between First and Second streets and stands on a high hill, which is said to have been the burying ground of the Indians many years ago. Tradition says that here the Indian chief, Elkhart, and his bride, Mishawaka, after whom this city was named, are buried. The hill is rich in gravel and a part of it has largely been sold. Nearly two years ago the site, a church and rectory Avere sold to Mrs. J. A. Roper, Harry Roper and

The church to the best knowledge of the members was erected in 1837. This is doubted by some who claim that in 1842 the lots were purchased of Sarah M. and N. S. Hollister, Troy, N. Y., by the vestrymen, Hiram Doolittle, John H. Orr, J. E. Hollister, Samuel P. Knight and Norman Eddy, afterward a colonel in the army, for "$100, good and lawful money," and that in 1843 lumber was purchased of Judge Deming, who then owned a saw mill south of the town. There is no positive record, however, of the building of the church, and as the Hollisters were members here it is possible that the structure was erected in 1837. Mrs. D. H. Smith, who is well along in years and has resided here a long time, says the church was erected in 1836 and dedicated January 25, 1837. The old bell now in the belfry cracked from hard usage was made in 1836. It has been suggested that the Historical society, of South Bend, should have this bell, on account of its historic associations and age.

The church is the oldest in the diocese, and one of the oldest in the state. The rectory was erected in 1876. Very little can be learned regarding the early history of the church or its rectors, but it is known that some of the most influential men of the country were baptized, confirmed and many of them married in this old house of worship which is still in a good state of preservation.

In 1860 Elias Birdsell was rector ; Joseph Adderly served in 1866. He was followed by Richard Brass. In 1872 J. Gierlow came and in 1874 M. C. Stanley was the rector. Other rectors were as follows: 1881, S. Rosevelt; 1883, A. Prentiss; 1886, J. G. Miller; 1888, Frederick Thompson; 1890, A Prentiss, followed by Rev. De Lou Burke ; 1899, H. D. B. MacNeil; 1902, the present incumbent. Rev. J. A. Linn.

in St. Joseph county, was constituted at a meeting held at the house of Eli B. Mead, a few miles south of Mishawaka, February 11, 1837. The meeting was presided over by the Rev. Mr. Price, of Edwardsburg, Michigan. Elan S. Colby, of Lockport, was present, and acted as clerk. Mr. Alger, of iMishawaka, was also present. Those examined by Elder Price and pronounced a church were : Isaiah Ferris, Jacob M. Gaylor. Jonathan Buck, John Barton, Lucinda Ferris, Sr., Elizabeth Ferris, Azubah Gaylor, Anna Buck, Belinda Barton and Parmelia Ferris. The church so organized was to be known as "The First Baptist Church of Penn Township." John Barton was chosen as the first clerk, and B. J. Ferris as first treasurer. Jacob M. Gaylor and Jonathan Buck were elected trustees. A small log church building was erected in 1838. The first pastor was the Rev. Adam Miller. In 1849 a large frame church building was erected about four and a half miles south of Mishawaka. By emigration and removals to Mishawaka, as well as by death, the membership declined, until the church became extinct; so that the story of this first Baptist church is now purely historical.'*

There was another organization of the Baptist church, in Mishawal^a, previous to 1840; but this also has become extinct. This was succeeded by the church organized May 14, 1867, by Elders T. P. Campbell, of South Bend, and B. P. Russell, of Niles, Michigan, and other brethren from the churches of South Bend, Niles and Penn township. There were eighteen charter members of this church. The Rev. M. T. Lamb was the first pastor. Palmer C. Perkins first clerk, and J. C. Snyder first treasurer. The first deacons were John Merriman, A. J. Ames and J. C. Snyder. Other pastors were the Rev. F. Moro. the Rev. H. H. Lipes, the Rev. B. P. Russell, the Rev. H. J. Finch and the a. For many of tlie facts relating to the early churches of Mishawaka credit should be given to Chapman's Hist. St. Joseph County, p. 798, and following.

New' York

See. 3. - The Christian Church. - About the year 1843, the Christian church was organized at Mishawaka. Harris E. Hurlbut, A. Alden and Morris Ilartwick were the tirst elders; and S. B. Hutchinson, A. L. Wripht and C. Hartman, the first deacons. Among the early ministers of this church were, R. Wilson, C. Martin, J. Martindale, P. T. Russell, H. E. Hurlbut, William T. Plorner: afterwards came Elders Lane, New, Beggs, men from Notre Dame. Among these first missionaries were, the Rev. Francis Cointet, the Rev.. J. F. Gouesse, the Rev. W. Masterson, the Rev. R. A. Shortis, the Rev. Alexis Granger and the Rev. Edward Sorin. The first regular pastor was the Rev. John Mayer, appointed in July, 1857. He was succeeded, in 1859, by the Rev. H. Koenig. In March, 1860, the little church was destroyed by fire; and during the same year a new church, of ampler proportions, was erected on the south side, at the corner of Third and Spring streets. Mr. George Milburn, though not a

St. Joseph'S Catholic Church, Mishawaka

Green, Shepard, Sutton, Ira J. Chase, William B. Hendrin, R. Fauret, S. K. Sweetman and C. P. Hendershot. Elder Ira J. Chase, who became pastor in 1867, and remained for two years, w^as afterwards governor of the state of Indiana, succeeding to that high office on the death of Governor Alvin P. Hovey, November 23, 1891.

Sec. 4. - The Catholic Church. - The first organization of a Catholic congregation in Mishawaka was in December, 1848, when a church edifice erected on the north side of the river, was dedicated. Previous to that date there were occasional services by clergymember of the church, materially assisted in this undertaking, and he is held in grateful remembrance by the congregation. In January, 1861, this church was dedicated as St. Joseph's Church by the Right Rev. John H. Luers, who in 1857 had been appointed as the first bishop of Fort Wayne. In 1865 a parochial school was built. In May, 1867, the Rev. Auguste Bernard Oechtering became pastor and remained in charge of the parish until his lamented death Sunday afternoon, December 27, 1902. The thirty-five years of the Rev^. Father Oeehtermg's pastorate were distinguished by extraordinary activity. As results of his labors, St. Joseph's congregation increased in a manifold manner. He left after him also one of the finest churches in northern Indiana, besides an excellent pastoral residence, and a school building and parish hall suitable to the needs of a city far larger than Mishawaka. Long before his death, Father Oechtering was universally looked upon as one of the representative citizens of Mishawaka, ever foremost in promoting the interests of the city of his choice. His successor was the Rev. Louis A. Moench, the present pastor, who is carrying on the good work of St. Joseph's congregation to the utmost advantage of the people and with the good will of all the people of Mishawaka. During the year succeeding Father Oechtering's death, the Flemish Catholics of Mishawaka formed a congregation of their own, under the efficient direction of the Rev. Charles L. Stuer. They have a neat church, under the name of St. Bavo's, and also an excellent parochial school.^ The corner stone of St. Bavo's church was laid May 8, 1904; and the church completed that year. It was solemnly blessed by Bishop H. J. Alerding, New Year 's Day, 1905.

St. Andrew's Evangelical Church was organized in 1864, with twenty-five members, by the Rev. Philip Wagoner. The congregation erected a church edifice the same year. This society differs in certain respects from the Evangelical Association, although some disposition has been shown to unite the two societies.

There have been two Evangelical Assoeiations. The Mishawaka Evangelical Association was organized in 1846, with fifteen charter members. The organizer of the association was the Rev. G. G. Platz, who was also the first presiding elder. The first pastor was the Rev. William Kolb. The association erected a house of worship in 1857, and another and finer church in 1872.

The Coal Bush Evangelical Association is located three and a half miles south of Mishawaka. It was organized in 1847, also by the Rev. G. G. Platz. A church was erected in 1856. The Rev. Henry Arlen held services for this assoeiation, and also for the association in Mishawaka.

M. E. Church, Mishawaka

Sec. 6. - The Methodist Church.^ - -This church has greatly prospered in Mishawaka. The Mishawaka Methodist Episcopal Church was organized iij 1835. The chartered members were Richmond Tuttle and wife, Joseph Skerritt and wife, Susan Hurd and brother. The society at first worshiped in a vacant store building, which was also used by the Presbyterians. The first church building was erected in 1836 ; another was built in 1844, which was afterwards sold and then used by a furniture store. In 1872, a large and elegant church was erected on West Second street, which is still occupied by a large and earnest congregation. The M. E. Church is also represented by another society in Penn township, the Tamarack Methodist Church, seven miles southeast of Mishawaka. This class was organized in a log school house, December 19, 1855. by the Rev. E. P. Church, with eleven charter nieiubei's, - A. B. Lamport, A. M. Lamport, Roxy Lamport, AVillard Rockwell, Deborah Rockwell, Elam Crouch, Benjamin Pickard, Isaac Ghrist, Esther S. Ghrist, Edwin Sawyer and Phoebe Sawyer. Services were held in the Tamarack school house until 1880, when a church thirty-four by fifty f'.^^t was erected.

Sec. 7. - The Lutheran Church. - The Lutheran church was organized at ]\Iishawaka prior to 1848, by the Rev. Philip Bernventher, with about twelve members. The luembership increased considerably during the following years, and a parochial school was established liy the congregation. Among tlie pastors was the Rev. Gustavus Rosenwinkel. -

Sec. 8. - The Presbyterian Church. - The Presbyterian church at Mishawaka was organized July 25, 1834, by the Rev. X. :\1. Wells, at the house of Philo Hurd. The charter members were ; The Rev. X. 'SI. Wells, Elias Smith. Alma Smith, Levi Dean, Polly Dean, Philo Hurd, Martha Hurd, Alanson M. Hurd, Sarah L. Hurd and Willis S. Garrison. The first elders were Philo Hurd and Elias Smith. The first deacon was Philo Hurd. On January 29, 1835. John J. Deming was received into the church as an elder, and was elected clerk. A chandelier now in the church was- presented to the society by Judge Deming's daughter, ^L-s. Charles Crocker, of San Francisco. The first church building was erected in 1837. Anothei' was erected in 1845. The latter was burned in the conflagration of September 5, 1872, by which no less than thirty-two buildings \vere destroyed in the business section of the city. The energetic membership of the church, consisting of some of the best stock of Mishawaka, with the courage of their fellow citizens, rebuilt their church at once; only making a greater and a better building, as their fellow citizens built up a greater and better Mishawaka.

Sec. 9. - ScHOOLS.^The architecture of the l^ioneer school house was a very simple matter. It w^as a small cabin, built up of round logs. The floors were made of puncheons ; that is, small logs split in halves, with the flat sides turned up. The doors were likewise of puncheons, as were the seats and desks. A huge fireplace occupied one end ol the room, and was piled with great logs cut Uesh from the woods. The roof wa.s made of clapboards, fastened by poles laid lengthwise, three feet apart, from the eaves to the ci'own of the roof. The chimney was liuilt lip of sticks, the chinks filled in with moistened clay. The windows consisted of a log removed from a part of one side of the building, the opening closed with greased paper. Often the pupils found the "window" well named, when the cold wind came sharply Ihi-ough the "eye" of the dark little building.

The revenues of the schools were at first supplied entirely hy subscription. Our school laws, as well as most other things relating to our social and industrial life, have greatly changed since 1832, when the first log school house in Penn township was built. The first school building in Mishawaka itself was a small frame structure erected in 1834. The first teacher in this school is said to have been a Miss Sheldon, of Wliite Pigeon, Michigan. Greater interest, perhaps, has been taken in the public schools by the people of Mishawaka than by those of any other community in this part of the state. One result of this interest is the existence of the fine school buildings of the city. The high school, with its fine grounds, is, as it may well be, the pride of the city. Prof. Elisha Sumption, remembered as one of the most painstaking and zealous educators of the state, did very much to place the schools of Mishawaka on the high plane which they have so long occupied. The several parochial schools, especially that built up by the Rev. A. B. Oechtering, are equally an honor to the good people of Mishawaka.

Sec. 10. - Reminiscences. - The following reminiscences of early life in Mishawaka are from the graceful pen of Mrs. ^Marion B. Vanpelt, daughter of Mr. John Niles, long a resident of Mishawaka and one of the earliest settlers of St. Joseph county. From the intimate relations of the Niles family with all the first residents of ]\Iishawaka, the opportunities enjoyed by Mrs. Vanpelt to obtain the multitude of facts here detailed were such as have been possessed by very few of those who have written of our early history. The paper was read before the Northern Indiana Historical Society, in the month of May, 1901. It will be found to refer to the names of many persons and places mentioned heretofore in this work, in treating of the history of Penn township and of Mishawaka : modern environment and if possible close our ears to the noise of the bustling present and take this ^lay ramble among the old homes of Mishawaka along grass grown streets and sunny lanes by the brookside and over the hills of the village, now nearly lost in the city of today. From the vigorous memory of the daughter of a pioneer settler in the little town, w^ho as a girl, was one of a merry company gathered at the home built by Mr. A. M. Hurd in 1834, we glean this word picture of that hospitable abode.

"Its one story and basement formed a commodious dwelling divided by a hall and having two rooms on either side. The location on the site of Dr. Grimes' residence probably favored a ground floor entrance to the kitchen and work rooms below. In those days houses were often built with a cellar kitchen and it is quite possible that a lift or sliding cupboard w^as used to convey the* savory dishes of that period of good oldfashioned cookery, to the dining room above at the end of the hall on the first floor, as there is one in existence in a house built on the same blufi". The furnishings of this home were good and substantial, the windows being curtained after the most approved fashion of the day, in drapery, half red and half white, and the whole effect of the establishment was considered elegant. Mrs. Wing, who has so kindly imparted much of this story of the past, was often a guest at this home and it was there that a spirited reply to a merry bantering challenge from n young man, the burden of whose song was, 'Westward Ho!' led to the marriage of Maria Tuttle and Andrew M. Wing. Fire was a fi-rim enemy as well as a useful servant in those early days. This home and the one built by Mr. John Orr, which stood where Mr. Fisher now lives, were burned.

Philo Hurd, the father of A. M. Hurd, probably stood near the site of Mr. Kamm 's house at the west end of Second street, and is said to have been built of wood and brick combined. Its beautiful garden within a prim hedge of box is one of the sweet memories of a lady who played as a child among the old-fashioned flowers.

"Beside another old home, 'remembrance wakes with all her busy train. ' Still sturdy and sound, a familiar landmark to the few remaining to tell us of its hospitality, an old friend to those of a later day, who can recall the story of the ghost in the garret and remember the luscious fruit on the big pear tree in the garden, stands the old Orr house on Main street. Built in 1835 by Mr. Asa Taylor, the father of Mrs. John Orr, its black walnut timbers, solid foundation walls of St. Joseph county granite, and massive chimney six feet wide, speak of the wisdom of one who builded better than he knew. ' A part of the chimney still stands in the big cellar. What mighty fires must have roared in its giant throat ! Wliat bed-time lullabies and cheery neighborhood chat enlivened the eventide in those old days in the spacious living room! The hall and staircase are on the south side, extending the length of the parlor with doors on the north opening into parlor and living room. A smaller room at the end of the hall and the kitchen and wash room in the wing at the back were included in the original structure. The wing on the north side of the house was added at a later period and was probably used for a nursery or family room. The upper story contains four bed rooms and an old-fashioned garret, where the heavy black walnut beams may still be seen. Upon the floor of this garret the children of the family spread their treasures of Indian relics, and not many years ago quantities of stone arrow heads were seen there. A part of the household once gathered about the hearth stone of this home, sleep in the plat of earth given to Indiana City for a cemetery by men who saw in a vision bright the fair and goodly proportions of that ambitious hamlet rise from the green sward.« And one comes now and then to look upon the scene where the days of boyhood slipped away and wonders why the old house seems small and plain. We, too, living in the opening era of an electric age, must sunnnon up the rural setting of the little village.

"The noble forests, the sweep of the river alive with the laden craft of the pioneer, the sunny brooks winding in and out of cottage gardens, the green slope of the gentle hills formed the scene, obscured now, it is true, by the mists of rolling years, but clear enough to enable us to realize the verdant beauty of the scene so inspiring to the pride which filled the hearts; the courage which strengthened the purpose of those early settlers and builders of homes in the little community.

"Directly across the street and attached to the Kuss grocery is a portion of one of the old dwellings, built by Mr. Henry Johnson in 1835, and on the southwest corner of the same block may be seen the old Delmo House, built by Mr. Zenas Dunbar at about the same time. It resembles the Orr house and is still a comfortable dwelling, having a central hall with square rooms on either side and a wing at the back. Mr. Dunbar having lost heavily by the washing out of the dam, sold this property to Mr. Delmo, who lived there a number of years. Of the Andrew Taylor house opposite, no especial details were learned. It must, however, have been built at an early day, and is now most interesting because of its unaltered appearance and the fact of having been the family residence since its erection. The quaint porticos are' a distinctive feature of the oldfashioned cottage, and as such it is hoped that it may be preserved. The small house on the corner of First and Spring streets was built by Edward Mulligan, one of the molders in the old bog iron furnace. In the parlor of this cottage mass was said by the Reverend Father Cointet, then a young priest at Notre Dame. The Reverend Father Sorin, of blessed memory, often held services there at a time when no church was available. An altar was raised on the parlor table and the small bedroom next the pa.rlor was used as sible to learn the order in which the early homes of the village were built, but very evidently a number were raised at nearly the same time. So, during our ramble past the portals of these simple homesteads and treading in the footsteps of those who lived and loved and toiled and hoped and prayed, so long ago, we reach the old Nicar house which might have been called Brook Side, so closely did the w^aters of the little stream in which all the children of the village played and paddled in by-gone summers past the door way. Robert Nicar, its builder, came from Virginia, and the broad chimneys of that little home were the "Golden Mile Stones" of his southern heart. In tbe kitchen fireplace swung the crane and the pot-hooks of a past regime. The house was low and wide, with two rooms opening from a small entry, fronting on First street, and was considered a roomy cottage.

"Up the hill, past old Saint Paul's, whose fluted pillars and hand-carved doors give silent testimony of the honest, patient work of men. not called contractors nor architects, l)ut carpenters, a calling dignified by the Master whose symbol gleams above the little steeple, we pass one or two old houses, an<l on the left hand side in the high bank, so says an 'oft-told tale' whispered among the children as they played on the hill side in the summer evenings, an Indian chief lies buried by the hands of those who found him on his rude bier.

"The house back of the church and fronting the high school, known for years as the James Smith property, was built by Mr. Wilson and is now owned by Mrs. Leonard Adsit, of^ South Bend. It probably dates from about 1839, and, though much enlarged, still preserves the harmonious lines of houses built at that time, having a story and a half upright, and one story wing, with pillared porch, giving a touch of the colonial to its exterior. The interior finish of handwrought doors and window casings is still sound and pleasing, but the great charm of this old home, and lovingly remembered by those who played in childhood beneath its trees, was the garden. The big grass plat in the northwest corner, completely shaded by an immense tulip tree, the long well-kept walks betw^een ti'im flower beds and leading from the house to the little gate opening into the church yard appeal to remembrance. Surely, such peonies - red, pink and white - never grew in any other garden. There honeysuckle and snowballs, i-ibbon grass and. roses nourished in profusion.

"On the spot now occupied by the high school building and grounds another old home and its well-kept boundaries was for many years one of the landmarks of ^Tishawaka. ]\Ir. Zelotes Bancroft Iniilt the house and his wife, one of j\Ir. Philo Hurd's daughters, more familiarly known in later years as ]\Irs. Edwin Hollister. played the little pipe organ in St. Paul's church. We feel the sweet spirit of those days unmarred by the vandalism of street connnissioners when told that an elevated Avalk leading from her gate to the church was built that the dainty lady might pass in stormy weather unharmed to liei' laboi- of love at the organ, brought from AVaterloo, N. Y., where it once stood in a hotel. Pathetic, indeed, is the little chant and hymn book marked Z. Bancroft and pnblished by Elam Bliss in 1836, now among the relics in the collection belonging to the Northern Indiana Historical Society.

"It is not possible to give more than a passing glance at some of the old homes, but we mnst linger for a little before two houses on West street near the spot once known as the Indian ])urial ground. The one now occupied by Mr. Samuel McQuillan was built by Levi Dean, a son-in-law of Mr. Philo Hurd. The second, near the corner, where steel rail and noisy engines have usurped the place once made lovely by the brook's song, was bnilt by A. M. Hurd, as a home for his father, Mr. Philo Hurd, who lived there until his death.

"The McQuillan home, known for many years as the Samuel Towle place, has been enlarged and changed somewhat, but the charm of the old time has been carefully preserved. The heavy cross-paneled door, made from l)la.ck walnut and having an iron knocker with a brass plate, was recently bronght from the garret and restored to its old place at the entrance to the hall. Tlie staircase and all of the woodwork is of the same dark material, the large fireplace in the sitting room having curious cupboards like doors below the mantel to enclose the hearth stone when not in use. An old painting below the parlor mantel piece and thought by one who has lived there for many years to have been an original decoration, is most interesting. All of the timbers in this house are of heavy walnut and a recent attempt to reduce the size of an exposed beam was found to be quite impracticable. In the door yard of this old home are many fine old trees, suVvivors of the forest primeval, which were probably cherished by the first inmates who were valued members of the community.

"Indeed, the very walls of these old homes seem reminiscent of the simple, cordial hospitality which x^i'pvailed during the early growth of the village, when singing schools and donation parties were the chief social functions. Fi-om letters written in 1837 and 1838, we learn that music and musical parties were the principal amusements. The village contained one piano and expected the arrival of another at that time.

"The Ireland house is another relic. It was built by Mr. Goodrich, but has for so many years been occupied l\v the Ireland family that it has become part and parcel of that name. One of the household treasures is a record of the firvSt marriage in the village, dated March 29, 1834, a faded reminder of one of the early duties of Squire Ireland.

"The Looman Smith house, now owned by Mr. Daniel Bieger, is one of the few brick houses built at an early day. and must have been erected during the forties. Like others of that era, it is solidly framed and finished in black walnut. The carving on door frames and window casings is very good and more elaborate and ornate than was usual at that time. There is a large fireplace in the sitting room, and a hall originally led from this room to a staircase on the other side of the main part. The designer must have conteml)lated the use of solitary confinement as a means of family discipline, as a small, dark room was formerly a part of the house. This home was rather gloomy in appearance at one time, but, although unchanged externally-, seems completely transformed.

"The home on the corner of Hill and Second streets was built by Mr. Colby at an early date and was originally, much like the Adsit house. It was owned for many years by Mr. John Niles. The increasing needs of the household and the numerous clan of kindred ever welcomed there caused its roof to widen over many additions extending on all sides and without regard for artistic appearance, hut was always essentially oldfashioned, roomy and comfortable. Divided and enlarged in late years, only the front of the main house and a portion of the wing remain the same. It was once famous for its rose garden and from the place in the days of its first ownership Gilbert Colby, afterward a successful manufacturer, moved all of his worldly possessions across the street in a wheelbarrow to his first home, having a cash fund of 25 cents as. a nucleus of his fortune.

"The home of Mrs. Marcella Terry was built by Robert Montgomery when he was a young man. The main part of the' house is said to have been rafted down the river from Michigan. An exposed beam gives a quaint look to the front room of the wing, and if the giant elm which shelters under its spreading branches the entire house could whisper tales of the men and women who have lived and died since that' old tree was young, we would need no better historian.

"Many points of interest must be passed unnoticed in this paper, but we must not miss the old house standing beside the Terry homestead. Its native heath was the high school playground and has been mentioned as the Bancroft cottage. It was, however, the home of Mr. Allan Sisson until moved to its present site, and stood back of another famous garden during the intervening years which link the old days to the present. Another old home near by recalls the builder, one of the men who helped to bring the cylinder for the furnace many weary miles, a kindly Scotchman, James Wliite by name. The house was surrounded by a fine orchard which was then at the west end of Third street. It was a pretty old place and was sold by Mr. White to Mr. Colby and afterwards became the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Oliver. One old apple tree marks the spot where many others made fragrant the Maytime of years long past, but a public highway has swept away all traces of the garden. The house, still used as a dwelling, was built in 1835.

"Gone is the little pink house which stood on the banks of the creek back of M. Tromp's home. It used to nestle under the trees at the foot of the garden, like a pink ladyslipper. There were bees and blossoms and happy children in that cosy cottage garden during many summers. In the little kitchen were baked the delicious tarts, always in demand for donation parties and made famous by the art of Grandpa Martling, who never parted with the recipe brought from 'Merrie England.'

"The house of Mr. Charles Towle, built by Judge Demming during 1835, is one of the veteran homesteads. Its present sound condition bears witness to the fact that sturdy hewn timbers and handmade nails were used by Mr. Wing and his fellow craftsmen who framed and finished the old landmark. In the parlor in the northeast corner of the house Mary Demming and Charles Crocker were married with not a soul among the wedding guests to dream of the golden dower to be won for the happy pair from the undeveloped resources of the far west. It became the home of Mr. Oilman Towle, who enlarged and improved it in various ways and is now an ample and dignified homestead. Here, too, was a dear old garden where, beneath the mould, a tiny bit of china was found not long ago which fitted the broken edge of an old colonial plate found between the walls of the house.

' ' The house built by Mr. Asher Miller some time during the forties and now the home of Mrs. Booth is in design and detail a most pleasing member of the group of old timers. The quaint look given by the projection of the center beyond the columned porches of the wings is unique and like the New England village homes. The roomy parlor has a beautifully carved mantle piece, supported by Ionic columns, and happily the ornaments so entirely in keeping with the design are old hand wrought candelabra purchased for the house by Mrs. Edwin Hollister when she was chatelaine of this old home. In this parlor she played upon the first piano brought to St. Joseph county while children and grownups stopped outside to listen to a novelty more wonderful in the western village than the large room at the back, evidently used the site of the old Barbee tavern, which, inoccasionally as a dining room, there is a slid- corporated into the modern residence of Mrs.

it as the Harris house. The old Si Burt "The Judsou home, built during the early house was once the residence of Mr. Doty years of Mishawaka's prosperous growth, was and here under her father's roof. Miss Susan a pretty place and intended by Mr. Judson Doty and Mr. James Oliver were married by to be the home of his old age. The material, the Rev. Norman Kellogg. Mr. George Mer- carefully selected, was the best to be had. ' I rifield was one of the wedding guests and pre- am building upon a rock, ' said the master sented the bride with a bouquet of roses from of that home. Alas ! that the adverse winds his garden. Transplanted to memories' fair of an unkind fortune should have swept him fields they still bloom, 'A thing of beauty from that haven. The house, completely reand a ,joy forever. ' The house has been modeled by its present owner, presents a new turned around and changed in appearance., face to the passer and as the home of Mr. The joist beams are round logs and all of the Martin V. Belger is one of the attractive timbers so heavy that alterations were dif- places of East Second street, ficult to make. Mr. George Merrifield is still "The house built by Mr. Albert Hudson growing roses on land purchased in 1838 and was the first brick dwelling erected in town, where, mid scenes of pastoral beauty on the and has always been a family possession. It grassy slopes of the lovely river valley, the looks quite the same, and though older and a lines of the old Indian trail may be traced, little worn is familiar as in the old time. The spring about which the red men camped "A late fire has changed the Henry Johnstill sends its waters, a tiny cress filled son house. Built in 1838, it was at that time stream, to the river and the lark spur which the finest dwelling in northern Indiana and grew about the cabin of Joseph Pemberton in presented the only colonial front in the vil- 1831 blooms as cheerily as ever. The house lage. With spacious double parlors and handbuilt by Mr. Merrifield now belongs to the somely finished interior, it was much admired Cass family. It was made after the good old by townsfolk and visitors. There was origfashion of thick timbers cut on the river inally a large, open fireplace in the kitchen bank; has large chimneys and once boasted and doubtless the cooking was done there, a huge 'dutch' oven, where 12 loaves of Much of the substantial mahogany furniture bread and numerous pies were baked at one placed in this home by Mr. Johnson was purtime and removed on a big shovel. The house chased by Mr. George Milburn, who bought occupied by the family at present was built the property many years ago and lived there by Mr. Jacob Merrifield somewhat later. The with his family until their departure to To-

"It is quite remarkable that so many of the old walls remain for us to ponder over, and enter today, when we consider that Mishawaka is a western town, not placed among the rocky hills of the East. The cottage built by Mr. Milburn on Fourth street is still a cozy dwelling standing in a large garden, and Mr. William Milburn built an old style house in the same block and lived there several years. It finally became the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. I\I. Wing and the latter resides there with her niece, Mrs. J. R. Hudson. The house has the same interior finish and much the same arrangement of the others described in this paper.

"On the north side of the river are many old homes, well preserved and worthy of description. It is not possible to mention more than one at this time. Mr. William Sisson built this home when Indiana City still preserved its identity and it is very little changed, the old hardwood finish and brass door knobs remaining intact. The property was bought by the order of the Sistere of the Holy Cross, and Mother Angela lived there for some time.

"A portion of Earl's tavern, built in 1833, still stands, and one room of the foundry boarding house is a part of Mr. Charles Sandilands' residence. A jolly set of moulders must have met around the table where Mrs. Ireland supplied the wants of the brawny workers. One of the pranks of those merry m^n, related by Mr. Merrifield. was a mad chase to capture a fat pig to grace the rousing supper always given in the old furnace after 'blowing out.' Foreman Lueas led his men eastward over the Barbee creek, en route over hill and dale, the odors wafted from a dutch oven suggested its savory contents. Having secured the pig and homeward bound, the foragers stole oven and all, to the utter bewilderment of the housewife, whose Saturday baking added zest to the feast of roast

"From pork to pictures is a wide digression, but that art and artists were not wanting in the village the portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Wing, exhibited by the historical society, give evidence. They were painted in 1847, by ]Mr. William Utley, afterwards a colonel in the civil war. where he became famous for conducting a negro boy who wished to join the Federal army into the l^nion lines in a hollow square formed of his men, with bayonets fixed, the rebels in full pursuit. Young Mr. ITtley was a nephew of Mr. Wing, wiio lived in IMishawaka for a time, painting other portraits of which little has been learned.

"The fact that 'a prophet is not without honor save in his own county' is generally found to be most unpleasantly true, but that Rose Hartwick Thorpe has written real poetry none will deny. She lived as a child in a little cottage near Barbee creek and spent hours dreaming by the brookside.

"Many years have passed since the old homes visited in this Maytime were new, but they served their day and generation well and from their doors the builders passed to rest, while many of the sons and daughters of those scattered households have won distinction in the fuller, more restless life of today."

Sec. 11. - ^SociETiEvS AND Clubs. - While, as might be inferred from Mrs. Vanpelt's reminiscences, Mishawaka has always been a home town, a city of homes; yet the friendly spirit of the people has, from the beginning, manifested itself also in the formation of social, benevolent and patriotic associations.

St. Joseph Lodge, No. 27, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organized about 1843. Among the members at that time were Dr., afterwards Colonel, Norman Eddy, John Niles, Albert Cass, Harris E. Hurlbut, A. H. Long and James Easton. This lodge was afterwards discontinued. I)ut on August 13, 1867, Monitor Lodge, No. 286. was instituted.

Tilt' charter members of Monitor Lodge were A. H. Long, James Easton, Washington Gibson, Philip McElvain and Thomas S. Long. On September 5. 1872. the great fire destroyed the lodge hall with all its costly fnrnitnre ; but very soon a new and finer hall in the Phoenix bnilding, took its j^lace. The lodge is still in a flourishing condition.

Sec. 12. - Soldiers' Monument Association. - On June 4, 1874, the Mishawaka Soldiers' Monument association was formed, for the purpose of erecting a monument to commemorate the deceased soldiers and sailors who enlisted in the war for the Union from Mishawaka and Penn township. The incorporators of this patriotic society were :

As the people of Mishawaka and Penn to\Miship had supported their first schools by voluntary subscriptions and had built the first dam and erected the first bridge across the river, in the same public-spirited manner, so now they began to solicit from one another the means necessary to do honor forever, both to their patrotic dead, and also to the patriotic living who thus generously remembered the heroes who had gone out from their neighborhoods to battle for the Union, the constitution and the laws.

For ten years the work of contribution and preparation went bravely on, until, in September, 1884, the people assembled in beautiful Battell park, to dedicate the noble memorial. The material selected was white bronze. The monument is surmoiuited by the figure of a soldier about to load his gun, and the w^hole structure is in harmonious proportion and with appropriate inscription. At the base, on the four sides, are read Shiloh, Vicksburg, Chickamauga and Mobile, while higher up, on the north and south sides, are the names of no less than fifty-eight other famous fields on which Mishawaka and Penn township boys did battle for their country.

Much praise is due those who had the good taste to cause the monument to be placed out in the heart of Battell park, not hiding it in among lofty buildings, nor crowding it out upon the street corners, but giving to it spacious grounds where its beauty may be seen and admired. This park, extending for a distance of three squares along the river front, and overlooking the whole city from the highlands between Joseph street and the water's edge, is. with its fine forest trees, one of the most attractive pleasure resorts in northern Indiana and forms a magnificent setting for the soldiers' monument.

Wilbur F. Storey, afterwards famous as editor of the Chicago Times. Mr. Storey remained in charge of the Tocsin for but a short time and disposed of it to George Merrifield. In 1845 Thomas Jernegan purchased the paper and removed it to South Bend, changing the name to the Indiana Tocsin. The Tocsin was no better sustained in South Bend than in IMishawaka and was soon discontinued.

In 1848 Dr. E. W. H. Ellis established a paper called the Free Democrat. It supported Martin Van Buren for the presidency against Lewis Cass. The paper did not survive the campaign of 1848. The Mishawaka Bee, started in 1846 by S. P. Hart, was also of short duration, being discontinued after two years.

In 1853 the people seemed to be ready for a permanent newspaper. In that year D. C. Ireland began the publication of the Free Press. After two years Mr. Ireland sold out to L. A. Elliott, who changed the name of the paper to the Mishawaka Enterprise and soon after disposed of it to Archibald Beal. In 1865 Norman V. Brower became the owner of the paper. Finally, in 1872, the Enterprise was purchased by Edward A. Jernegan, since which time the name of Jernegan has become almost synonymous with that of the Enterprise. The paper and its publisher suffered, in common with the rest of the city, in the calamity of September 5, 1872."' Both, however, rose nobly to the task before them and not only overcame that disaster, but, after that event, the Enterprise, more than ever, deserved its title. It is praise enough of the IMishawaka Enterprise to say that it has kept pace, step by step, with the progress of the good city of Mishawaka itself.

As for the enterprise of the city at this time, it may be noted, as stated by the press in the succeeding summer: "Outside the burnt district, more buildings have been put lip this season than ever before. This can be set down as Mishawaka 's most prosperous year." And that was written within less than a year after what seemed to be the complete destruction of the town. It was enterprise, not to say ' ' The Enterprise, ' ' that built up a new Mishawaka.

The plucky people had so far overcome their calamity that on the first anniversary they made up their minds to have a meeting to celebrate their victories of the year. This is what the South Bend Tribune said on the evening before the anniversary:

"One year ago tomorrow night Mishawaka was visited by the most destructive conflagration that ever occurred in this part of the state. Over sixty buildings were burned, at a loss of nearly two hundred thousand dollars, and many who were not animated with the pluck and enterprise of the citizens of ]\Iishawaka believed that the town had received its death blow. We wish that all such could be at the anniversary celebration tomorrow night, in Phoenix hall, and then take a glance over the rebuilt town - its solid brick blocks - and see how far they were from reading our plucky neighbors aright."

On July 4, 1891, there seemed to a young man an opportunity for another paper in IMishawaka, and the Mishawaka Democrat was launched upon the sea of journalism by William P. O'Neill. That his anticipations were well founded seems to have been justified by the event. The Democrat has continued to hold its place and has thus shown that there was room for two newspapers in Mishawaka.

Sec. 14. - MiSHAV^AKA Summary. - Mishawaka is beautifully situated on the St. Joseph river, one of the most picturesque streams in the world, in the center of a fertile valley, 90 miles east of Chicago. It is one of the most healthful and most charming places of residence. It has every modern convenience. While it is a manufacturing city with several of the largest plants of their kind in the world it has retained that simplicity which makes life worth the living. The Hen Island dam across the St. Joseph river a few miles above the city creates a lake 30 feet deep, nearly a mile wide at points and 14 miles long. Pickerel, bass, croppies, perch and other fish abound. Mishawaka is advertised world wide.

Iv. Town And City Government

From the election of the first board of trustees of the town of the St. Joseph Iron Works, January 31, 1835, and the act of the legislature, approved February 17, 1838, re-incorporating said town, together with adjoining towns and additions, under the name of the town of Mishawaka, as set out in the first subdivision of this chapter, the i>eople continued for over sixty years to be satisfied with their simple and inexpensive form of government. But as the town grew in population and as new and diversified interests manifested thenxselves with the years, it became apparent that a more efficient form of government was needed ; consequently, as the old century drew to a close the people prepared to take upon themselves the obligations and to secure the advantages of a city form of government.

On 'January 23, 1899, a petition, signed by five hundred and thirty-seven voters, being more than one-third of the voters of the town, was presented to the board of town trustees, asking for the incorporation of the town of Mishawaka as a city. The board fixed Febru- ary 20. 189!). as the day of election, when the peoph^ shoukl determine the question of incorporation. The opposition to the change was quite pronounced; but. at the election, seven hundred and two voted for incorporation, and only three hundred and thirty-six against it. On March 1, 1899. the board divided the new city into tive wards and ordered notice to be given for the election of city officers on the first Tuesday of JNIay, being May 2. 1899. After the election the board of town trustees met for the last time, on May 8, 1899, to close up town affairs and turn over the government to the city officers. The accounts showed tlie receipts of the treasuvy for the last fiscal year to be $38,11-1:. 76, and the expenditures $27,368.01. leaving a balance foi' flic new government to start out on of $10,746.75. ThenMi|)<)n tlie Ijoard of trustees of the town of Mishawaka, after a government extending from .January 31, 1835. to May 8. 1899, adjourned sine die, and Mishawaka entered upon its career as a

The hist boa I'd of town trustees, who elosed up the affairs of the old corporati<m and superintended the transfer of .Mishawaka from a town to a city government, were: John C. Protsman. Charles E. Drapier, John J. Sehindler, John \V. Zigler and Peter W. Ipes.

The new city council proceeded at once to elect a city attorney and other officers to be chosen by the council. The fii-st and third ^londays of each month were fixed upon for the regular meetings. At the next meeting. ^lay 15, 1899. the mayor appointed the council committees, -and the machinery of the city government was fairly started. The order adopting a seal for the city of Mishawaka was as follows :

"The seal of said city shall consist of a circular device, around the margin of which shall lie inscribed the words, 'City of Mishawaka. Indiana,' and in the center thereof the American flag, across which shall be inscribed the word 'Liberty.' "