St. Joseph County, Indiana - The City of South Bend, 1907 (part 10 of 11)

On November 18, 1854, Rev. Beck was united in marriage to Elizabeth Adair, of Putnam county, Indiana, and they were the parents of four children, three of whom are now living : Emma, the wife of Rev. J. W. Walker, D. D., presiding elder of the Green Castle district; James Watson, M. D., a practicing physician of Des Moines, Iowa ; Lillian, the deceased wife of Daniel Rich, a member of the firm of Rich & Rich, prominent attorneys of South Bend; and Bertha E., the wife of Horace Zimmerman, circulating manager for the South Bend Times. The mother of these children died in Green Castle, Indiana, in 1875, and in 1876 Rev. Beck married Harriet N. Dunlap, of Perrysville, Indiana, and their only child, Hubert, died at the age of two yeare. During his work in the ministry Rev. Beck has filled many pastorates, for many years labored as a presiding elder, and has served more years in the Methodist conference than anyone now living in the county. A strong and forcible speaker, earnest in the presentation of the truth, his efforts have been abundantly blessed, and although he has practically retired from the active ministry, he yet earnestly continues the work to which he devoted his life when in the prime of his early manhood.

Rev. Father Charles L. Stuer, pastor of St. Bavo's Catholic church, INIishawaka, was born at St. Gilles, East Flanders, Belgium, on the 11th of September, 1876. He was reared and educated in his fatherland, pursuing a course of six years at St. Anthony

St. Bavo'S Church, Mishawaka

College, Renaix, Belgium, after which he entered the College of Philosophy at St. Nicholas, a town situated a few miles southwest of Antwerp. He remained at that institution for about two years, after which he attended the seminary at Ghent, Belgiimi, until June 10, 1900. upon which date he was ordained priest of the diocese of Ghent. Following his first mass he became preceptor in a noble Belgian family, and at a still later date professor of French, Flemish and Commerce in St. Joseph Institute, at St. Nicholas. While he was thus engaged he received a visit from Bishop Theophile Meerschaert, of Guthrie, Oklahoma, who was so attracted to the personality of the priest that he urged him to come to the United States, but his own bishop prevailed on him to remain another year in Belgium, during which time he held the position of assistant at Wieze. During this year Father Oechtering of Mishawka interceded through Father Stuer's bishop at home in Belgium, for a priest to be sent here, and Father Stuer was thus prevailed on to come to Mishawaka instead of Oklahoma. His labors here have been such as to receive only words of praise from all denominations.

Father Roman Marciniak, C. S. C. One of the well Imown and most generally loved Polish citizens of South Bend is Father Roman Marciniak, pastor of St. Stanislaus church. He was born in the city of New York January 17, 1873, and was but a small boy when he came to South Bend, receiving his elementary education in the parochial school of St. Hedwig, after which he entered Notre Dame University and later the Washington Catholic University, remaining in the last named institution for two years. He was ordained at Notre Dame on the 12th of September, 1897, and was made assistant pastor at St. Hedwig 's for one year, while during the following two years he served in the same capacity at the Holy Trinity Polish church in Chicago, Illinois. At the end of that time he was made pastor of St. Stanislaus church, entering upon his duties in this charge in 1900. His parish consists of three hundred and sixty families, with a fine brick church and residence, while in 1903 he was instrumental in the erection of a school house in connection with the church. Father Marciniak is an efficient laborer in the cause of Christianity, and is proving a light to guide many to the better way.

Rev. John F. De Groote, C. S. C. It is of distinct value to the thoughtful reader to be able to scan the life history of one who not only has progressed through the unaided force of his own personality, but has achieved success according to a wisely matured plan in which the details seem to have been nicely calculated, each with reference to the other. As a noteworthy example of this rare and strong type of manhood is presented the honored subject named above.

The Rev. John Francis De Groote, pastor of St. Patrick's church of South Bend, is one of the most esteemed and able pastors the city has ever had. In seeking for the causes which have contributed to his success, they may be summed up by saying: The dignity of a moral leader, the literary ability of a teacher and the eloquence of an orator - a combination of qualities which are bound to produce highest results. It is no very rare thing for a poor boy in our country to become a prosperous man or occupy a commanding position in the world, but many who fought their way from poverty to wealth, from obscurity to prominence, retain some scars and marks of the conflict. They are apt to be narrow and grasping, even if not sordid and unscrupulous. Father De Groote, however, is an instance of a man who has achieved success without paying the price at which it is so often bought, for his prominence has not removed him farther from his fellow men, but has brought him into closer and more intimate relations with them; the more success he has had, the more he has done for those around him, for his congregation and city, and he is now numbered among its most prominent citizens. He is a native of Indiana, born in Mishawaka August 27, 1866, a son of Benjamin De Groote, a native of Belgium, and Catherine Woods, who was a native of Ireland. His father immigrated to America and became a prosperous farmer of St. Joseph county. Until he Avas fourteen years of age Father De Groote lived at Mishawaka and attended the parochial schools of his native city. In 1881 he entered Notre Dame University and worked his way through the preparatory courses, afterwards taking a classical course, with a view of preparing for the priesthood. He graduated from that famous institution with high honors in 1887. He later went to Austin, Texas, as prefect of discipline at St. Edward's College, where he remained one year, when he was called to Xew Orleans, Louisiana, as prefect of discipline at the Holy Cross College in the Crescent City. Here he remained four years. Father De Groote was ordained to the priesthood in 1893 at Notre Dame, by Bishop Rademaeher, of Ft. Wayne. While in New Orleans he was assistant pastor of the Sacred Heart church. In :\Iarch. 1899, Father De Groote was called to South Bend as pastor of St. Patrick's church, to succeed the late Father Clark. Under his careful and intelligent pastorate the church has advanced in usefulness, and Father De Groote has given to his charge , his earnest thoughts and unselfish labor. Each day witnesses the completion, as far as lies in his power, of the tasks assigned him. He does all things well and in perfect order, realizing that a power higher than his measures the extent of his work. He is a man of rare mental graces, a deep thinker, and forcible speaker, whose silvery, poetic eloquence voices eternal truths and points the way to practical, useful citizenship. Father De Groote is loved by all who know him, regardless of church ties.

Rev. Traugott Thieme. For many years an effective laborer in the cause of Christianity, Rev. Traugott Thieme has spent eighteen and a half years of his life as the loved pastor of the St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church of South Bend. He was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, October 27. 1857. a son of J. G. and Sophia (Bleeke) Thieme, the former a native of Saxony, Germany, and the latter of Prussia. In about 1847 the father left his native land for the L^nited States, locating in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, where he was engaged in the clothing business for fifty years, and his death occured when he had reached the seventy-eighth milestone on the journey of life. The mother was but thirteen years of age when she left her German home, and she is j^et living, having attained the ripe old age of seventy-seven years. In their family were seven children, two sons and five daughters, all of whom grew to years of maturity.

Rev. Traugott Thieme. the eldest son and fourth child in order of birth, spent the early years of his life in his native city of Ft. Wayne, and for six years he was a student in the Concordia College of that city, pursuing the study of languages. In 1877 he matriculated in a college in St. Louis, Missouri, in which he was graduated in 1880, and immediately thereafter he took up his abode at Tuscumbia, Colbert county, Alabama, where he remained for two years and four months, returning thence to Columbia City, Whitley county, Indiana. For six years he there labored as a minister of the gospel, and at the close of the period, in 1889, came to South Bend and has since been the loved pastor of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church. A strong and forcible speaker, earnest and eloquent in the presentation of the truth, his efforts have been abundantly blessed, for during his pastorate the church membership has doubled in numbers, the church now containing five hundred and thirty members. In connection with the church is a school, where all branches are taught as well as the Bible, and the pupils from this institution can enter the eighth grade of the public schools. The school is under the supervision of two competent teachei*s, and the teaching is performed in German and English, but mostly English.

In 1881 Rev. Thieme was united in marriage to Anna Roemer, who was born and reared in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of J. C. D. Roemer, a prominent merchant of that citj'. Six children have blessed this union: Rev. Traugott Thieme, Jr., a minister in the German Lutheran church of Saskatoon, Canada, and he is also a missionai:y ; Anna, the wife of Oscar Roeder, of Bremen, Indiana ; and Hattie, Beata and ]\Iartin. One little son. Otto, died at the age of four years. Rev. Thieme is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other states, and in its central district he is the visitator of its congregation and pastors.

Rev. Peter Lauth, C. S. C, pastor of the St. Joseph church of South Bend, Avas born at the bend of the Mosel river in Luxemburg, Germany, May 24, 1834, but just twenty years later, in 1854, he bade adieu to his boyhood's home and friends and came to the United States, landing in New York city on the 9th of ]May following. For a few years thereafter he was a resident of Illinois, and in 1859-60 was a student in St. Mary's College of Chicago, while on the 7th of September, 1861, he came to Notre Dame. On the 7th of March, 1869, he was ordained to the priesthood, and for a time thereafter served as assistant priest to Father P. P. Cooney. of St. Patrick's church in South Bend, going thence to the St. Joseph church, where he served as its pastor from 1872 until 1876. During the following year he served as presi- dent of the St. Joseph College of Cincinnati, during the following three years was engaged in missionary work with his former pastor. Father Cooney, and from 1887 to 1881 was the pastor of St. Patrick's church of South Bend. Going thence to California, Rev. Lauth then spent one year among the Indians there, from whence he journeyed to Austin. Texas, and after a pastorate in that city of sixteen years, went to New Orleans and served as pastor of the Sacred Heart church for one year. He then returned to Notre Dame, where for a similar period he served as pastor of the Sacred Heart church there, after which he again embraced the missionary work with Father Klein, and since the 5th of April, 1902, he has served as the loved pastor of the St. Joseph church of South Bend. Rev. Lauth has devoted himself without ceasing to the interests of humanity and to the furtherance of all good works, and there has not been denied him the full harvest nor the aftermath whose garnering shall bring the full reward in the words of commendation, " Well done."

Rev. ]\Iartin Goffeney is one of the best and most generally loved citizens of South Bend, many years of whose life have been passed in this city as pastor of the Zion Evangelical church, located at 235 South St. Peter street. He was born in Finance, July 11, 1858, but when seventeen years of age he went to Basel. Switzerland, and for six years was a student in a missionary college there. On the expiration of that period he was sent to Western Africa, on the Atlantic coast, where as a missionary and teacher he labored until the climate of that locality so impaired his health that a change became necessary. Coming to America in the fall of 1883. Rev. Goffeney's first field of labor was at Sand Lake, on the Hudson river, where he remained for six vears or until 1888, when he was called to South Bend. He entered upon his ministerial labors in this city in the Dutch Reformed church, with thirty families under his charge, but in the year follow^ing the Zion church was built, and in 1890 a school-house erected. During all this time, under his effective ministrations his congregation had increased rapidly in numbers, until in 1896 the church had to be enlarged to adequately accommodate its growing membership, but previous to this time, in 1894, a parsonage had also been built. The membership of the Zion church now contains two hundred and fiftv families. Rev. Goffeney has led a life of great activity in his holy calling, and to his unceasing labors are due the many improvements which have been instituted in the Zion church. He is thoroughly sincere in all his deeds, and his noble, manly life has proved an inspiration to many of his associates.

In 1886 Rev. Goffeney was united in marriage to Caroline Schnell, who was born in Stuttgart, Germany, and they have four children. Otto, Herbert, Waldemar and Irene. Rev. Goffeney is identified with many of the i^ligious organizations of South Bend, and is an active and efficient worker in the cause of his Master.

Rev. Louis A. jMoencii. Very few of the Roman Catholic clergy of the Ft. Wayne diocese are better known or more highly esteemed than Rev. Louis Aloysius Moench, irremovable rector of St. Joseph's church, Mishawaka, Indiana.

Father Moench is a native of Germany. He was bom in the beautiful little village of Freudenberg, Baden. January 25, 1853, on the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, who has ever been his inspiration and his model; and rarely does he ascend the pulpit without some loving reference to the "Apostle of the Gentiles." His early education was obtained in the schools of his native town, and under the wise instruction and counsel of the pastor of the parish church he gained the impulse to follow in the steps of his Divine Master. With this end in view, when but fourteen years of age, he came to the United States and took up his residence with Rev. D. Duehmig at Avilla, Indiana, whom he ever regarded with filial affection. In 1869 he entered St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he went through a thorough theological course. On the 10th of June, 1876. he was ordained priest for the diocese of Ft. Wayne by Rt. Rev. Joseph Dwenger, and at once began his labors as assistant pastor to Father Duehmig at Avilla.

Shortly afterward he was assigned to the cathedral in Ft. Wayne as assistant pastor, and in 1879 was sent to Lebanon. Boone county. In 1881 he returned to Ft. Wayne and took up the work of assistant at St. Mary's church, and in February, 1883, he was asked to go to Plj^mouth to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the good priest who had been pastor there for fourteen years. With trembling heart but with unbounded trust in the Providence of God, the young

Levite took up the responsibilities and cares that ever fall to the lot of those who will accept them. At Plymouth he spent the very flower of his life. He found the church sadly in debt, the school not up to the standard, and the congreaation in tears. He set himself the task, with never wearying zeal, of giving his people a standing in the community. He taught them by precept and by example (and as a teacher he has few equals) the trutlis of their holy religion, and knew no rest until the work of the parish school had attained a high degree of excellence. Under his direction St. Michael 's Academy came to be one of the strongest educational factors in the diocese. His maxim, "The best is not too good for my people," bore excellent fruit in the schools; and above all, his towering faith attracted many outsiders who came; through him, to find their true home. His sixteen years of devoted, persistent work in Plymouth is best illustrated in the intelligence, loyalty and zeal of the people of St. Michael's parish as Catholics.

Father Moench is not a dreamer of dreams. He is practical, far-seeing and his sound judgment has enabled him to transact the business part of his duty in a most gratifying manner. Indeed, so rare is it to find a priest who possesses the varied gifts that have enabled Father Moench to fill the difficult role of pastor, teacher and financier so effectively that he has always had his full share of the latter. Wherever he has been stationed he has been obliged to undertake the unpleasant task of removing debts. Plymouth was no exception. He found a small congregation, a debt of five thousand dollars and an annual interest of five hundred dollars. At the close of his sixteen years of labor he had the happines of seeing this entirely cleared, with the addition of many valuable improvements and four thousand dollars in the treasury. He was happy and content and came to look upon Plymouth as his abiding place during his earthly career. But God had ordered otherwise. There was a vacancy at Valparaiso and he was asked by the bishop to take up the work there.

Like a faithful soldier who knows no word but " obey," he went to Valparaiso in July, 1898, and found conditions similar to those of Plymouth in 1883. Although he remained there but four and a half years, he won the love and respect and esteem of all, irrespective of creed, race or party. He proved himself a pastor of whom his people were proud ; a sympathetic, true friend ; and a citizen and public benefactor of the highest type. On all important questions concerning the wellbeing of the community his wise counsel was sought. He improved the church, rectory and church property (which he found in a very dilapidated condition) until they looked like new. He purchased the school property from the Sisters of Providence and made it a permanent part of the church property. He reduced the indebtedness many thousands of dollars, and when he left, non-Catholics united with his own people in a loving tribute of esteem to the Right Reverend Bishop. In February, 1903, at the word of command, he took up the important work at INIishawaka, left incomplete by the death of the lamented Father Oechtering. Here he is following out the plan so dear to his heart, and is well fitted for the work.

He is a most convincing and persuasive speaker, an able theologian, a scholar of wide and varied culture. He has won for himself an enviable reputation as an educator of high rank. Under such guidance it is safe to predict that the parish and schools of St. Joseph's will rank among the first in the diocese. In all these things, however, he takes no credit to himself, humbly maintaining that,

Calvert H. Defrees. In connection with business interests the name of Calvert H. Defrees is not confined within the limits of South Bend or St. Joseph county, but is widely known through the northern portion of Indiana. He is a representative of one of the earliest families making permanent settlement within the borders of St. Joseph county, and throughout the many years which have since come and gone its members have aided materially in the development of the resources of the community and taken an active part in everything intending to promote the welfare of its people. As early as 1835 Arckibald Defrees located on a farm west of South Bend, being accompanied on his journey hither by his son, Joseph H., who was a native of Ohio and was seventeen years of age at that time. He was here subsequently married to Sarah Calvert, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but when a young lady in 1834 came with her father,

Isaac Calvert, to St. Joseph county, Indiana, where they were numbered among the early pioneers and where the father became well known as an agriculturist. Together Mr. and Mrs. Defrees lived and labored in St. Joseph county until their life work was ended in death, the father passing away at the age of seventy-five years, while the mother was seventy-six when called to join her husband in the home beyond. They became the parents of two children, a son and a daughter, the latter being Isabel, of South Bend.

Calvert H. Defrees, the elder of the children, was born in South Bend on the 5th of August, 1859, and during his youth and early manhood received an excellent educational training, having attended the high school of his native city. His first business venture was with the Stone & Pipe Manufacturing Company, and after severing his connection therewith was engaged in the laying of cement sidew^alks and in sewer contracting until embarking in the sale of cement, lime and mason's supplies. Later Mr. Defrees became well known as a contractor for brick pavements, having constructed many miles of those pavements in South Bend, and he is now extensively engaged in the manufacture of cement, building stone, sewer pipe, fire brick, etc. Thus he stands today at the head of one of the leading industrial concerns of the county, and his prestige has been won through marked executive force, keen discrimination and unfaltering energy. Many enterprises stand as the result of his splendid ability, one being the South Bend & Southern Michigan Traction Railroad, which he built from South Bend to Niles, Michigan, and he has also done much contract work in this city and in Niles, Mishawaka, Michigan City, St. Joseph and Knox. It is a master mind that can plan, execute and control large undertakings, and the man who stands at their head well deserves to be ranked among the most prominent business men of northern Indiana.

In 1878 Mr. Defrees married Ellen Curl, who died after becoming the mother of two children, William, a resident of Los Angeles, California, and Grace, who died at the age of twenty-one years. The father subsequently married Mary S. Brown, and they have four children, Victor, Frank, Inez, and Isabel. Mr. Defrees has given a life-long support to the Republican party, and is a prominent member of the Masonic order, in which

James Daugherty. One of the prominent and well-known citizens of South Bend and St. Joseph county was James Daugherty, who has long since passed away, but his influence for good yet remains with those who knew him, and his example is well worthy of emulation. Born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, March 28, 1824, he was of Irish parentage. His father, James Daugherty, Sr., was a native of the Emerald Isle, and was there married to one of its native daughters, Elizabeth McCloggan. After the birth of their first child they came to America, first locating in Pennsylvania, but later removing to Canton, Ohio, and for twelve years the father was a member of the teacher's profession. It was in the year 1850 that the family home was established on a farm in Penn township, St. Joseph county, Indiana, where the loving husband and father died just one year later.

Of their five children, three sons and two daughters, James Daugherty, Jr., was the eldest son. In Wooster, Wayne coiuity, Ohio, March 28th, 1849, he was married to Anna Elizabeth Stauffer, also a native of Pennsylvania, but when a little maiden of five years her parents came to Wayne county, Ohio, where she was reared to mature years, married and lived there until 1858. Her father was one of the well-known and prominent agriculturists of that county, as well as one of its leading public men. In 1864 he purchased a farm of eighty acres in Madison township, which he owned and operated until 1877, in that year, on the Democratic ticket, being elected the sherift' of St. Joseph county, in which he served for two years, while for two terms he was a county commissioner and for eight years a member of the board of trustees. He took an active part in the advocacy and adoption of all measures tending to prove of public benefit, and lived that practical life which teaches charity, kindness, sympathy and benevolence. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty were born eight children : Charles A., Alice M., Minnie E., John, Emma, Anna, Carrie, and George M. ; but three, Alice, Minnie, and John, are deceased. The three youngest were born in St. Joseph county, and all were reared and educated here. During many years Mr. Daugherty carried on his agricultural labors in St. Joseph county, winning for himself a name and place among its leading business men, and in addition to his farm he also owned a third interest in a sa^^-mill near by. Throughout the period of his residence here he was closely identified with the locality's leading interests, was successful in his business, and in his death, which occurred on the 20th of October, 1896, the community mourned the loss of one of its valued citizens. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity.

The N. p. Bowsher Company. This company, manufacturers of feed-grinding mills, mill cogs, conveyor flights, speed indicators, balancing ways and other like specialties, has done a large part in spreading abroad the reputation of South Bend for reliable goods and fair dealing. Their feed mills are perhaps their greatest specialty, and have brought the Bowsher name to the favorable attention of cattlemen throughout the United States and even in many foreign countries. The Bowsher Company serve a widely varied class of customers, from the fancy dairies along the Hudson where expenditures for equipment are sometimes on a prodigal scale, to the humble farm of the newly arrived emigrant on the extreme northwestern frontier, where the investment of every dollar must be considered and planned with care. The business was established in 1882 by the late N. P. Bowsher and removed to its present location, corner of Sample and Webster street, in 1894.

Nelson P. Bowsher, the founder of the company, was born in Noble county, Indiana, in 1845. He was the second son of Boston and Sophia (Koonce) Bowsher, who came from Virginia Dutch stock and reached Indiana by ox-team as the Pottawatomie and Miami Indians were leaving it. The youth early learned the trade of cabinet making, himself felling the walnut trees which he afterward worked into finished goods. After finishing a four years' apprenticeship at Ligonier, under W. A. Brown, he spent a short time in Cincinnati, which was then the center of the furniture industry, and followed his trade as a journeyman. In 1871 he walked into South Bend, a frail-looking young man of twenty-six, but charged to the brim with energy and dauntless spirit. He first secured employment in the overhauling of the Keedy & Loomis flouring mills, where his industry and mechanical skill and insight brought prompt recognition. Soon after he was employed by Bissel & DeCamp, machinists and millwrights, and his next engagement was in the pattern department of the Oliver

Plow "Works. The eight years of his association with the latter firm established his reputation as both an originator and an expert mechanic, but, to their mutual regret, ill health compelled him to sever these relations.

Several years before Mr. Bowsher had patented his speed, or motion indicator, and as his health compelled him to adopt an outdoor life he took a horse and wagon and commenced to install his devices in the small flouring mills of the country. Eight months each year he spent in travel and four months in the manufacture of goods. In this way he virtually covered the northwest, and in 1884, with restored vigor, located in South Bend, on the old West race, and opened a job machine and blacksmith shop there. Business continued, with varying seasons of growth and discouragement, until the close of the World's Fair year, 1893. By this time it had so expanded that Mr. Bowsher was justified in removing to the present location. The finest exclusive display of feed mills at the World's Columbian Exposition was made by Mr. Bowsher, and his company later maintained its reputation at the fairs held at Atlanta, Omaha, and St. Louis.

The death of Mr. Bowsher occurred in May of 1898, and during the last six years of his life he was a semi-invalid. During this period the responsibilities of the business fell upon his sons, D. D. and J. C, Who were thus trained to carry forward the work he had established. The company was incorporated in 1897. The business done today is c Juble what it was at the time of its founder's death, the works having been enlarged, new machinery installed and other changes brought about to make the plant an up-to-date concern.

The deceased was an active factor in the public improvements of South Bend. From 1884 to 1887 he was a member of its board of water works, and he was largely instrumental in establishing the city's fine supply of artesian water. In religious and charitable matters he was also a leader, being a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and one ,of its trustees. Generous hearted in all his dealing's with his fellows, by his will he left a thousand dollars to the Epworth Hospital building fund, which nucleus went far toward encouraging the active promoters and friends of this enterprise in renewed effort for the completion of the work. When building operations commenced his sons also contributed liberally toward its completion, and

In 1865 Mr. Bowsher married Clarissa Hostetter, whose family emigrated from Ohio about the same time as his own and settled on an adjoining section of land. Mrs. Bowsher's elder brother was the first white child born in Noble county. Mr. Bowsher 's first wife, who was a most earnest and loving helpmate, died in 1892, and the deep grief and shock caused thereby undoubtedly weakened his vitality to a point which brought about a recurrence of his former illness. His second wife was Miss Laura Caskey, of South Bend, to whom lie was married in 1897, but he survived her less than a year.

Delevan D. Bov^^sher, president and treasurer of the company, was born in Ligonier, in the year 1868, and his parents removed to South Bend upon his third birthday. In 188-1 he graduated from the High School, was connected for a short time with the Tribune Printing Company, and was then taken into his father's shop, where he worked as a mechanic in the day and as a bookkeeper at night. With the growth of the business all his time was given to the office and the advertising side of the business, and the success of the company is largely a testimonial to his efficiency in these departments. He resides in the old home at No. 805 West Washington street.

Jay C. Bowsher, the vice-president of the company, w^as born in South Bend in 1872, and. practically his entire life has been spent in the city. He was educated in the High School and through special studies. Travel from home, with business responsibilities laid upon him at an early age, rounded out the work of the class-room. He has always given special attention to the mechanical department of the business, has taken out a number of valuable patents, and in these regards has done credit, in a marked degree, to his father's name. Mr. Bowsher was married, in 1898, to Eva A. Spencer. They have two children and reside in a very comfortable home at No. 828 West Colfax avenue.

John C. Knoblock. No more honored family exists in northern Indiana than that of the Knoblocks, who from a very early day have been intimately associated with the development and increasing prosperity of South Bend and St. Joseph county, the name being inseparably interw^oven with the record of their advancement. The family was established here by John C. Knoblock, who came from Canton, Stark county, Ohio, where he was born November 3, 1830, to St. Joseph county, Indiana, in 1843, locating first near Bremen. In 1847 he came to South Bend, where he became one of its leading business men. He engaged in the grocery business in 1856, and originated the wholesale grocery trade of South Bend. He organized the South Bend Chilled Plow Company in 1875, and was its president until he sold out in 1890. He assisted in organizing the St. Joseph County Saving's Bank in 1869 and was its treasurer until he died.

He was married, July 12, 1853, to Lizetta Meyer, who died in 1897. He married Mrs. Rebecca Baer in 1905, who survived him. Mr. Knoblock died August 18, 1906. South Bend has had few more valued citizens, and by the pioneers who knew him, as well as the younger residents, his memory is revered.

Otto M. Knoblock, son of John C. and Lizetta (Meyer) Knoblock, was born in South Bend June 19, 1859, and has spent his entire life within the confines of this city. After completing his studies in its public schools he became a student in the Indianapolis Business College, in which he graduated in 1876. With this excellent educational training he was well fitted to engage in life's activities, and entering the manufacturing field, assisted to organize and was treasurer of the South Bend Chilled Plow Company, but in 1890 he sold his interest in that corporation and turned his attention to the manufacture of wagons as secretary of the Miller-Knoblock Company. In 1900 Mr. Knoblock engaged in the manufacture of electrical appliances as a member of the Knoblock-Heideman Manufacturing Company, of which he is now the president. He is also a stockholder in the Knoblock-Ginz Milling Company, of South Bend. As a representative of the manufacturing interests of South Bend he fills aji important place in its business life and has made the institutions with which he is connected the leading financial concerns of this section of the state.

On the 24th of November, 1887, Mr. Knoblock was united in marriage to Margaret Starr, who was born in Cass county, Michigan, of which her father was one of the honored early residents, and they have one son, J. Starr, a young man of seventeen years. Mr. Knoblock holds membership relations with many of the fraternal orders, including the Knights of Pythias, the Knights of the Maccabees, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Travelers' Protective Association. He is also a member of the Country Club, the Indiana Club, and is treasurer of the Northern Indiana Historical Society. He gives a stanch and unfaltering support to the principles of the Republican party, and as its representative served as the trustee of the city water works. Upright and just in all his relations, Mr. Knoblock has won the confidence and high regard of all who know him, and is a man of the most sterling worth.

Godfrey L. Poehlmax. From an early period in the development of South Bend and - St. Joseph county Godfrey L. Poehlman has been an important factor in their improvement and advancement, but he is now living retired from the active cares of a business life save his connection with the Muessel Brewing Company. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, June 5, 1835, and in 1853, when about seventeen yeare of age, he left his German home and came to America, coming direct to South Bend. For a short time thereafter he clerked in a dry goods store, after which he learned the tinner's trade in the hardware store of Massey Brothers, with whom he was connected for seven j^ears. In 1860 he joined the tide of emigration to Pike's Peak, Colorado, making the journey across the plains with a team, and after spending a short time in the mountains went to the city of Denver, where to him belongs the distinction of putting on the first tin roof of the first mint built at Denver. Remaining there for a time, he worked his way back, making the return journey via Council Bluffs and Iowa City to South Bend. For four years thereafter he was employed as a clerk in the dry goods store of John Brownfield, at that time the leading merchant in the city, and on the expiration of that period established in company with Godfrey Meyers a hardware store and tin shop, the firm being known as Meyers & Poehlman. They continued in business from 1864 until 1893, when Mr. Poehlman sold his half interest to his partner's son, John B. Meyers, the present proprietor of the business. Although Mr. Poehlman has retired from his mercantile interests, he is yet a stockholder and one of the directors in the Muessel Brewery Company, one of the large establislmients of the citv.

On the 10th of Jul}', 1864, Mr. Poehlman was- united in marriage to Anna K., a daughter of Christopher and Christene Muessel. The father is well known throughout St. Joseph county through his identification with the brewing business, and his residence here dates from 1852, during all of which time he has been prominently connected with the formative history of the locality. Two daughters have been born to brighten and bless this home: Hattie, the wife of John Ober, and Ottilia, wife of Homer Miller, both of South Bend, where ]\Ir. ]\Iiller is connected with the Stephensen Woolen factory. During the long period of fifty-three years Mr. Poehlman has been prominently identified with the history of South Bend, ever taking an active and commendable interest in its public life and ever honored for his integrity to every trust. He has given a life-long support to Democratic principles, and fraternally has been a member of the Odd Fellows for fifty years.

John N. Lederer. John N. Lederer, one of the leading business men of South Bend, was bom in Arzberg, Bavaria, Germany, on the 16th of November, 1833, a son of Frederick and Barbara (Kunstman) Lederer. He acquired a good education in his native country, first attending the public schools and then a gymnasium. In April, 1853, he left his little German home and sailed for the United States, and after his arrival came direct to South Bend, first securing a position in the office of Harper & Company, the leading manufacturers of this city at that time, and with whom he remained for one year. During the following year he was an employe of the Lake Shore Railroad Company, while from 1854 until 1860 he was a clerk in a grocery store, on the expiration of that period purchasing a meat market on W^est Washington street, which he conducted until 1871, being very successful in that venture. In the following year, 1872, Mr. Lederer returned to his old home in Germany to visit his parents and the scenes of his boyhood days, and on his return to this city he eng-aged in the grocery business with John C. Knoblock, for whom he had formerly clerked. So honorable had been his relations as clerk, and so diligently had his duties been discharged that Mr. Knoblock was anxious to admit him to partnership, and this connection was maintained until 1877.

Disposing of his interest in the business in that year. Mr. Lederer went to Nebraska to look after his landed interests there, but in 1880 returned to this city and opened a steamship agency, also a fire insurance business and was a notary public. He is still interested in these various enterprises, and as the years have passed he has enlarged their scope until they have assumed large proportions, and he has thus won for himself a name and place among the leading business men of South Bend. He is a man of more than ordinary- ability, and carries forward to completion whatever he undertakes.

In 1860 Mr. Lederer was married to Miss Antinetta Bauer, who died in 1871, and he was afterward married to Miss Margarette Kunstman, a native of south St. Joseph county and a daughter of Christopher Kunstman. who emigrated from Germany to the United States in 1849, and at once established his home in St. Joseph county. One daughter, Anna, was born of the first union, while by the second marriage there were three children : Herbert, who is engaged in business with his father, and Alma and Irma. During the early years of his residence in South Bend Mr. Lederer served as city and county commissioner and also as a member of the school board. Public-spirited and progressive in all his ideas, he lends his influence to all measures which he believes useful to the majority. and throughout his long connection with South Bend and St. Joseph county has ever been recognized as an earnest and patriotic citizen.

Willis A. Bugbee. Since the early days of South Bend's history the Bugbee family have occupied a distinctive place, and Willis A. Bugbee is a worthy scion of the name. His birth occurred in this city on the 17th of September, 1845, and is a son of Almond Bugbee, the history of whose life will be found in another part of this work. Willis A. attended the public schools of South Bend and Chicago, and in 1867 graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. After his admission to the bar he entered the law and abstract office of Andrew Anderson, with whom he was associated until 1880, when Mr. Anderson retired from the firm and Mr. Bugbee purchased the records and established the business on his own account. His office contains a perfect set of records of the title of every foot of ground in the county, and being a painstalving, particular and conscientious worker, his records are unqualifiedly accepted by every real estate man and attorney in the county. His real estate transactions cover millions of dollars, and the univereal satisfaction evinced by his clients speal^ for itself. When a man wins the high respect of those with whom business and social relations have brought him in contact it is by reason of his intrinsic honor and his worthy achievements. In addition to his large business interests i\Ir. Bugbee is secretary of the South Bend Building & Loan Association, also an official in the St. Joseph Loan & Savings Association, a trustee of the St. Joseph County Savings Bank and director of the St. Joseph Loan & Trust Company.

jNIr. Bugbee married j\Iiss Evelyn E. Badest, of New London, Connecticut, and they have two daughters. He is a worthy member and officer of the First Presbyterian church, and takes an active interest in the cause of Christianity.

George Wyman. Many years have been added to the past since George Wyman, a youth of twenty-one years, arrived in the city of South Bend, where he has won for himself a distinguished position in connection with its great material industries, being now the proprietor of the leading mercantile establishment of the city. His birth occurred in Painesville, Ohio, January 27, 1839, his parents being Guy and Rebecca J. (King) Wyman, the former a native of Manchester, Vermont, and the latter of Suffield, Connecticut. He had three sisters: Clarissa J., who became the wife of Byron Paine, the associate justice of the supreme court of Wisconsin; Ellen M., who died at the age of twentyone years; and Abby A., the wife of Professor D. H. Darling, of Joliet, Illinois.

George Wyman attended the public schools of his native city of Painesville until fourteen years of age, and at that early age began clerking in the store of Albert Gillett, with whom he remained for one year, while during the following year and a half he had charge of the store of Jarvis Howard at Madison, ten miles east of Painesville. At the close of that period Mr. Wjnnan was able to enter college, and accordingly matriculated in the Commercial College of j\Iilwaukee, where he continued his studies for several months. Returning thence to Painesville, he resumed his occupation of clerking in the store of George R. Cowles, more conunonly known as " Yankee " Cowles, where a line of notions, carpets and dry goods was carried, and there he remained until he had reached his twentyfirst year. It was then that he came to South

Bend, this being in the year 1860, and in August of the same year opened a store on North Michigan street, occupied until recently by T. F. Berkley, and on the 1st of December, 1865, removed to what was known as the Colfax Building in the Marble Block. Previous to this time, in January, 1865, he had admitted to a partnership in the business Henry H. Metcalf and Garland E. Rose, under the name of George Wyman & Company. Mr. Metcalf only continued with the firm for one year, however, his interest being then bought by Mr. Wyman, but Captain Rose continued his association therewith for about eighteen years. On the 17th of September, 1878, the firm moved to their present quarters, the building having been erected by them, and then consisted of a large double store room, forty by one hundred and five feet, two stories in height. In 1883 Captain Rose sold his interest in the business, and a few years later, in 1888, sixty feet was added to the rear two stories, the business having so increased in volume as to make enlargements necessary. In 1890 the store was rebuilt, also an addition of one store room on the south, twenty by eighty-five feet, while a third story was added to the entire building. With the passing years, however, the business continued to increase so rapidly that in 1904 another addition was made to the building, consisting of a store room on the second and third floors, and the first floor is leased by the South Bend National Bank. In 1898 H. W. Eldridge was admitted to a partnership in the firm. The growth of the business has been continuous and healthy from the start, and its importance to the city of South Bend places its proprietor, George Wyman, among the leaders in its industrial circles, and he has achieved that success which is the result of enterprise, resolute purpose and straightforward methods. These are the only qualities absolutely essential to development, and upon the ladder of his own building he has climbed to prominence and prosperity.

John A. Swygart, a prominent representative of one of the old and honored pioneer families of St. Joseph county, was born in Cleveland, Ohio, February 23, 1856. His father, George W. Swygart, was a native of Pennsylvania, and there continued to make his home until his removal to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1848, where he resumed his trade of a mason and contractor. In the early year of 1858 he made his way to South

Bend, Indiana, and here purchased sixty acres of land south of Sample street, which is now owned by the Studebaker Manufacturing Company. He took an active part in the upbuilding and improvement of South Bend and vicinity, and the home which he erected on West Washington street was considered at that time the finest building in the city. After the destructive fire he purchased the present site of the Oliver Hotel, or rather the corner lot on which the hotel now stands and occupied by the First National Bank, there erecting the three-story business block which he later sold. Subsequently he purchased the land and erected the buildings occupied by the Johnson meat market, but these he also later sold and then bought the property south of the city hall on Main street, this being still owned by his estate. Mr. Swygart continued the business of brick-making, real estate and contracting throughout the remainder of his active business career, his busy and useful life being ended at the age of seventy-nine years. He was an important factor in the improvement and advancement of this section of the state, and the part which he took in its development well entitles him to prominent mention in this volume. He was a Republican in his political views, was at one time a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was prominently identified with the Presbyterian church, having erected the building previously occupied by that congregation. Mrs. Swygart bore the maiden name of Caroline M. Moyer, and was born and reared in Pennsylvania. She lived to be seventy-three years of age, dying in Elkhart, Indiana, in 1896. In their family were nine children, five daughters and four sons, of whom seven are now living.

John A. Swygart, the fourth child and second son in order of birth, was about fourteen years of age when he started out in life for himself. He had previously learned telegraphy at the Lake Shore depot, and his first employment was as a brakesman for that company, his run being from Elkhart to Chicago. Subsequently he was promoted to the position of conductor, but five years later severed his connection with that company, and during the following eight years was a passenger conductor with the Wabash Railroad Company. On the expiration of that period he accepted the position of foreman in the machinery department, but fourteen months later removed to Palestine, Texas, to enter upon the work of a yard engineer, while three months later he was placed in the shops {IS a machinist's helper. Gradually, as he displayed his ability, he was promoted from one higher position to another, serving as foreman of the shops at Houston, Texas, as road engineer for the International and Great Northern for six months, and was then made traveling engineer, having charge of all engineers and firemen on the system. After one year in that high official position Mr. Swygart was placed in charge of the reconstruction of the San Jacinto river bridge and the road in that vicinity. He was next given charge of the International & Great Northern Railroad trains and engine men on the construction of the road from Rockdale to Austin, Texas, a distance of about sixty miles, and after the completion of this important work Mr. Swygart was offered and accepted the position of engineer for the Wabash Railroad Company, his run being from Springfield, and he remained with that corporation for eighteen years, filling the following positions: Freight engineer one year out of Spring-field, two years as engineer of the Kansas City and Chicago division on the mail train, after which he was transferred to the Chicago and Decatur division as passenger engineer. He was next placed on the St. Louis run, where for twelve years he had charge of the limited known as the Royal . Blue. On the expiration of that period he transferred his connections to the Rock Island Railroad, but a short time afterward was offered and accepted the position of trainmaster on the Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Road, where he remained for eight months, returning thence to the Wabash road as road foreman in charge of the engineers and firemen, while later he was made train-master, which he continued for three years. His next position was as superintendent of the Missouri Pacific, later was general superintendent of the Louisiana Railway & Navigation Company, and then severing all connections with railroad work, returned to South Bend to take charge of his father's estate. His record in the service, however, is one of which he has just reason to be proud, for he was ever prompt, vigilant and efficient, and one who could be trusted and relied upon on every occasion.

and reared in Hannibal, Missouri, a daughter of John and Emma Hollyman. The only child of this marriage, a daughter, died in infancy. Mr. Swygart is a member of the Masonic order, in which he has attained the Royal Arch degree, and is also a member of the order of Elks of South Bend.

Samuel C. Lontz. Of the pioneer families which have materially contributed to the prosperity of St. Joseph county, and particularly to South Bend, the one represented by Samuel C. Lontz occupies an important place. He is a member of the firm of Miller & Lontz, dealers in coal, wood, etc., in South Bend, and was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, March 14, 1847, his parents being Jonas and Hannah (Heck) Lontz, both also natives of that county. The father moved to Ohio in an early day, establishing his home in Summit county, where he was engaged in the milling business until his removal to St. Joseph county, Indiana, in 1861, where he found employment as a miller with the firm of W. Miller and Joseph Miller for some time. He lived to the age of about sixty-two years, and at one time in his active business career he represented the Fourth ward in the city council. With his old employer, Mr. Miller, he was one of the three organizers of the Grace Methodist Episcopal church, and continued as one of its most efficient and active workers until his life's labors were ended in death. Mrs. Lontz passed away at the age of sixty-eight years. In their family were eleven children, five of whom grew to years of maturity.

Samuel C. Lontz, the eldest of the living children, was fourteen years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to St. Joseph county, completing his education in the schools of South Bend. When seventeen years of age he began the milling business, serving for two years as head miller for Joseph Miller, and in 1886 was admitted to a partnership with his old employer, the firm of Miller & Lontz being now extensively known over northern Indiana. They are extensively engaged in the sale of wood, coal, l)uilding materials, farm implements, etc., and they are now the oldest merchants in their line in South Bend, twenty years having rolled their course since they established their business in this city. Mr. Lontz is also a member of the American Trust Company of South Bend, of which he is one of the directors.

In 1868 he was united in marriage to Henrietta Harris, and the only child of this union, Albert, is now deceased. In 1876 Mr. Lontz married Jennie Martin, and two sons have been born of this marriage, Daniel R., and Harley C, who are engaged in business with their father. Mr. Lontz has been a lifelong Republican, and has twice represented his w^ard in the city council and was also trustee of the water works. Fraternally he has attained the third degree in the Masonic order, and is also a member of the Elks and the Knights of Pythias. He takes a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his town and county, and contributes liberally to the support of all measures for the public good.

WiLLLUi I. Hunt. William I. Hunt may well be termed a representative citizen of South Bend, as well as one of its leading business men, for as proprietor of the Vehicle Exchange, located at 664 and 666 Laporte avenue, he is well known to its citizens. He was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, July 22, 1863, a son of W. D. and Diantha (Dunham) Hunt, both of whom are yet living and residents of this city. The father, a native of Tioga county. New York, w^as one of the early pioneers in Washington count}^, Wisconsin, having resided there as early as 1853. and became well known as a wagon-maker, following that occupation in the days when work was done by hand.

William I. Hunt, the youngest of his parents' four sons, inherited the love of his trade from his father, for when large enough to handle the tools he began working at the wagon-maker 's trade, becoming proficient , in the calling as the years grew apace and finally winning for himself a leading place in manufacturing circles. In 1903 the Hunt Brothers Manufacturing Company was formed, while three years later the brother George was admitted to the partnership, the name continuing the same until in 1905 William I. Hunt withdrew from the firm and in the following year built the plant of the Vehicle Exchange, of which he is the sole owner. His place is equipped with all the necessary appliances, and employment is furnished to a number of skilled worlnnen. From the inception of his business career until the present time he has been steadily advancing until he now occupies a very creditable and enviable position in the ranks of the business men of St. Joseph county.

In 1886 Mr. Hunt married Hettie Jewett, who died in 1898, leaving one son, Jay Jewett, at home with his father. In the following year, 1899, Mr. Hunt was united in marriage to Ida Barhardt, but no children have been born of this union. In his political views he is a supporter of Republican principles, and takes a deep interest in the issues and questions of the day, at the same time laboring earnestly to promote the growth and prosperity of the community in which he has so long resided.

, Francis M. Cald\nt:ll. The true measure of individual success is determined by what one has accomplished, and in connection with the industrial interests of South Bend, with , its real estate and loans, Francis M. Caldwell has gained recognition as one of the representative citizens of St. Joseph county. He born in Xenia. Ohio, March 12, 1851, and on the paternal side is descended from Mary Jackson, his grandmother, who w^as a cousin of Old Hickory Jackson and a sister of General Robert Jackson. The family is of Scotch- Irish descent. The parents of our subject are John M. and ]\Iary Ann (Nichol) Caldwell, both natives of Ohio. The father, who w^as a .farmer and stock-raiser by occupation, removed to Illinois in 1855. He left Xenia, Ohio, with one thousand sheep and one shepherd dog, and took them safely to Illinois. He took up his abode in Warren county of that state, and was there engaged in farming until his life's labors were ended in death in 1892, at the age of seventy-nine years.

After attending the public schools of Warren county, Illinois, Francis M. Caldwell entered Monmouth College, where he gained an excellent education. When the time came to enter upon a business life he embarked in the building, loan, real estate and insurance business, and during his connection therewith he held several important positions, having been the general traveling loan agent in Indiana and Michigan for the Indianapolis Loan Company. Many other positions of trust and responsibility were awarded him as he demonstrated his true w^orth and ability. In 1902 Mr. Caldwell became a resident of South Bend and took charge of the La Salle Building and Loan Company, and the St. Joseph County Real Estate Company, which are very successful corporations, and under his management they have achieved successes. In addition to his connection with these companies he is also engaged privately in the real estate business, and is numbered among- the representative business men of South Bend. The marriage of Mr. Caldwell was celebrated in July, 1904, when Anna Schmidt, of Burr Oak, Michig-an, became his wife. He is a member of the Masonic order. Lodge No. 294, also of the Chapter and Commandery, and is council commander of the Modern Maccabees of South Bend. He is a worthy and consistent member of the Congregational church.

James Q. C. Vanden Bosch. The late James Q. C. Vanden Bosch, who passed away at his home in South Bend, April 20, 1907, was a highly respected resident of that place for nearly half a century. Quite early in his industrious and useful life he amassed considerable wealth in western mining ventures, and, by far-seeing investments in various industries and property in St. Joseph county, added to his fortune so that the later years of his venerable life were spent in the repose which his long period of intelligently directed labors had justly earned him. He was a typical Hollander, of the higher class, intelligent and educated. His loss is deeply felt by loving relatives and many friends knit closely to him by his steadfast character and thoughtful acts. The deceased was also a man of remarkable determination, business ability and balanced strength of character.

James Q. C. Vanden Bosch was born in the Netherlands, on the 17th of October, 1824, and when ten years of age was sent to Germany to pursue his education at school at Neuwied on the Rhine, Germany. He completed his education at Lausanne, Switzerland, and he paid particular attention to chemistry and metallurgy. After completing his studies he made several voyages to the East Indies, but the climate of the tropics threatening his health he returned to Holland, and in 1848 emigrated to America. He first settled at Buffalo, New York, where he was bookkeeper in a hardware store. But, like other enterprising Europeans, the east was but a station for the collection of funds, for inquiry and investigation, in anticipation of a westward journey and final settlement. In 1849 Mr. Vanden Bosch started for what was then the west, and, arriving in South Bend, found a position there as clerk and bookkeeper in the general store of Leonard Harris, which position he held for about two. years. The excitement of mineral discoveries in the real west was then at its height, and.

having saved a tidy little simi, he joined the caravan of fortune-seekers wending their way toward the Pacific coast, his special destination being Oregon. For ten years he was actively and profitably engaged in mining in the vicinity of Roseburg, after which he headed his horse toward central Nevada. There he surveyed the site and founded the city of Austin, Lander county, and also discovered the Reese river silver mining country, which has since produced millions of dollars of that metal. For three years he continued his mining operations in that locality, being at one time at the head of the Oregon Mill & Mining Company, but at the expiration of that period he sold his interests to the Manhattan Company of New York, which corporation has since taken out twelve inillions of dollars from the mine.

From Nevada Mr. Vanden Bosch returned to South Bend, in 1866, being now in such comfortable circumstances that, accompanied by his wife and four children, he spent a year of rest and recreation in a European trip. He then located in South Bend as his home, established the first wood-pulp mills in that locality and invested largely in real estate throughout St. Joseph county. At the time of his death he owned two hundred acres of land five miles south of South Bend, and valuable property in the city, as well as at Mishawaka. The pleasant family home is located at No. 529 West Washington street.

In 1851 Mr. Vanden Bosch was married to Mary Jane Smith, daughter of Colonel John Smith, of St. Joseph county, Indiana, and their three living daughters are : Sarah Louisa, wife of Henry Beiger, of Mishawaka; Mary Alice, now Mrs. Clem W. Studebaker, of South Bend; and Cornelia Adrina, living at home. The oldest child was John Walter, who died April 22, 1899, leaving his wife and one son, James W. He was for many years engaged with his father in all his business enterprises. Mr. James Q. C. Vanden Bosch was a firm Republican and, in his fraternal relations, a prominent member of the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Following the lines of the national character he was domestic in his tastes, and, with the throwing aside of business cares, he had no inclination to assume any burdens in behalf of the public.

development may be mentioned the Harrises, who established their home within its borders during the pioneer epoch, and its township of Harris was named in their honor, as was also Harris Prairie. The grandfather of the subject of this review was the founder of the family here, and he was numbered among the honored, early pioneers of Harris township. His son, James Harris, was a native son of Pennsylvania, and he became the father of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, of whom Albert M. of this review, was the seventh child and fifth son in order of birth.

Mr. Albert M. Harris, one of the leading representatives of this honored pioneer family, is well known throughout St. Joseph county as the proprietor of the South Bend Spark Arrester Company. His birth occurred in Clay township, St. Joseph county, September 30, 1850, and he was about five years of age at the time of his parents' removal to Portage township, where he grew to years of maturity, and his educational training was received in the schools of South Bend. During his early business career he was engaged in the tin and general merchandise industry in company with Levi Steadman. In 1886 he turned his attention to his present industry, the manufacture of spark arresters, and in 1890 formed the company known as the South Bend Spark Arrester Company, but after the death of W. H. Kingsby Mr. Harris purchased the entire stock and has since been the sole proprietor of this large and constantly increasing industry. To his enterprise and thorough reliability the success of the business is largely due, and to his efforts may be attributed its high standing in financial circles.

In 1881 Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Elva Loutz, whose death occurred in 1893, leaving two children, Bessie and Jay. In 1896 Mr. Harris wedded Maggie Holem, and their only child is a daughter, Margaret. He is independent in his local political affiliations, voting for the men whom he regards best qualified for publie office, and he at all times takes an active part in the advocacy and adoption of all measures tending to prove of public benefit. He is now the only representative of the once large and happy family which gathered around the table of the pioneer settler, James Harris. He is a man of unquestioned integrity in all business transactions, is progressive in his methods, and the

Frederick W. Mueller. "When one is able to say of a grocery house that it has been in existence and doing an extensive business for the long period of twenty-seven years it must argue strong business vitality and the conducting of the establishment along established commercial lines. This is true of the well-known Mueller grocery house, and to its proprietor, Frederick W. IMueller, belongs the honor of being the third oldest grocer in point of years of continuous service in South Bend. His birth occurred in Jefferson, Wisconsin, October 2, 1853, a son of John Martin and Elizabeth B. (Meyer) Mueller, both natives of Germany. They came to America in 1847. making their way at once to South Bend, but after a residence in this city of six months they went to Jefferson. Wisconsin, where Mr. John M. Mueller, who was an agriculturist, took up land. Later, however, he began work at the carpenter's trade and in the hotel b^^siness, and his death occurred in Jefferson at the age of fifty-nine years. Mrs. Mueller survived him for many years, and died in Wisconsin at the age of seventy-five years. Of their children four sons and one daughter are now living.

Frederick W. Mueller, the second child and eldest son in order of birth, spent the early years of his life in the place of his nativity, receiving his education in its common schools. When he had reached the age of fifteen years he left home and served his time at the harness-maker's trade. It was in 1872 that he came to South Bend and worked at his trade as harness-maker until December, 1873. He served as a clerk for L. Nickel from 1874 until 1880, when he established his grocerv^ store on the corner of Jefferson and Michigan streets, continuing at that location for twenty-six years. On the 18th of November, 1906, he moved into his present handsome building, 217 East Jefferson street. He is one of the oldest grocery dealers and most highly esteemed citizens of South Bend, and one of its best-known business men. His interests here are many and varied, for in addition to being proprietor of one of its leading grocery houses he is also treasurer of the South Bend Wholesale Grocery Company, a stockholder and a director in the Citizens National Bank, and a stockholder in the Citizens Loan & Trust Company.

riage to Anna M. Sack, whose father. Dr. John C. Sack, was numbered among the honored, old pioneer physicians of St. Joseph county. She is a native daughter of South Bend. Six children have been born to bless their union, Edward, Thekla, E. Margaret, Gertrude A., Ella and Walter S. Mr. Mueller is a Democrat in his political affiliations, while fraternally he holds membership relations with the Masonic order, and the Odd Fellows of South Bend. He is an active, honorable and highly esteemed citizen and business man, and enjoys to the fullest extent the highest regards of the community.

Delmar C. Leer. Connected with the real estate business, Delmar C. Leer is well known in South Bend, where he has resided throughout his entire life and where the family have long been prominently identified with its interests. As early as 1830 his grandfather, Samuel Leer, journeyed to this city, where he built the little log hoiise which stands on Vistula avenue, one of the first houses erected on that street and one of the valuable old landmarks of South Bend. His son Jacob, the father of Delmar C. Leer, and who was born in Miami county, Indiana, was but a babe of tliree years when he was brought by his parents to this city, and he continued to live and labor on the farm now owned by his son Delmar until his busy and useful life was ended, death claiming him when he had reached the age of sixty-four years. Two of his children are now living, a son and daughter Kathryn.

The former, Delmar C. Leer, is a native son of the city of South Bend, his birth here occurring on the 3d of July, 1869, and in its public schools he received his educational training. Upon reaching the age of twenty years he embarked in the real estate business, having ever since been extensively engaged in the buying and selling of property, and he now owns about one hundred lots and has built about forty residences. He has platted two additions, known as First and Second Leer Additions to South Bend. In the line of his endeavor he has proved a valuable factor to the business life of South Bend, and is rapidly winning for himself a name in connection with its industrial interests that is widely known. His interests are many and varied, and include the vice-presidency of the South Bend Brick Company.

and Mary Denslow, and their only child is a son, Bertram R. Mr. Leer is prominent in the social as well as the business life of his community, and his fraternal relations connect him with the Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

W. K. McHenry. who is identified with the manufacturing and real estate interests of South Bend, was fcorn in county Antrim, Ireland. He received his education in Belfast, Ireland, where he attended a Methodist college. In 1892 he left his home in the old world and sailed for the United States, and after his arrival in this country went at once to Salina, Kansas, where for seven years he was successfully engaged in the dry goods business. On the expiration of that period, in 1899, he came to South Bend, and in company with his brothers, Daniel and John, engaged in the dry goods business under the firm name of McHenry & Company. In 1901, however, this firm dissolved partnership, the brothers engaging in the manufacture of roofing and machinery. About that time he also embarked in the real estate and insurance business, in which he has been successfully engaged to the present time. He is a business man of more than ordinary ability and carries forward to completion whatever he undertakes. In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Ell^, and is also connected with the Commercial Athletic Club.

William T. Wyant. One of the leading citizens and influential business men of South Bend during the past ten years, Mr. William T. Wyant is well known in industrial circles through his connection ^ with the South Bend Cold Storage Company, of which he is the president and manager. His birth occurred in Plymouth, Marshall county, Indiana, August 5, 1866, a son of William and Lydia (Clemens) Wyant, also of that county, where they reared their son William to years of maturity and gave to him the advantages of a common-school education. In his native city of Plymouth he began his business career as a butter maker, spending eight years in that occupation with the Plymouth Creamery, and in that long period he learned the business in its every detail. Seeking a field in w^hich to engage in business on his own account, he came to South Bend in 1897, and in 1904 organized the South Bend Cold Storage Company, dealers in butter, eggs and cheese, and in the same year the building in which this business is transacted was erected, located at 414 and 416 South St. Joseph street. They are exclusively wholesale dealers, and about four persons are associated in the business. Mr. William T. Wyant is at the head of this large industrial concern, and is numbered among the influential residents of his adopted city.

In 1888 Mr. Wyant was united in marriage to Sarah J. Lechlitner, of German township, Marshall county, Indiana. They are held in high esteem in the community in which they have so long made their home, and their kindly social qualities have won for them the friendship and good will of all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance.

Samuel W. Stark is conspicuously identified with the business life of South Bend as a contractor and builder, being associated in his work with H. G. Chrisman. Back to the land of G-ermany must we turn for the early ancestral history of the family, but long ago they left that country and crossed the ocean to the United States. There have been strong men and true as one generation has followed another, men leal and loyal to our national institutions and to the duties of citizenship. Mr. Stark's birth occurred in Prussia, Germany, November 9, 1843, and in the land of his nativity he received his education and learned his trade of a builder, having attended the Builder's High School in his native city, and from 1863 until 1866 he served in the engineering corps in the German army, while for twenty-six months he was secretary of the Engineer Guard. In 1866 he joined his parents in the United States, they having preceded him to this country, and made his way at once to Cleveland, Ohio, where he gradually worked his way upward as a contractor. After a residence in that city of five years he removed to Chicago, Illinois, in 1871, where he M^orked at the mason's trade until 1873, coming thence to South Bend and securing employment by the day with the Studebaker Brothers, where his ability soon became recognized and it was not long until he was made their boss mason. During his connection with the Studebakers he erected about one-half of their buildings, and he remained with them for ten years, a faithful and competent employe. At the expiration of that period Mr. Stark began contracting and building, on his own account, and among the many large structures which he erected may be mentioned the Grace M. E. church, the German Evangelical church on the east side of the river and the Presbyterian church, all of which were erected in the same year, also the school house on Lafayette street, the Studebaker school, the Manual Training school, the Christian church, the Joe Oliver residence on Washington street, the Y. M. C. A, building, the Russworm harness shop, and it is known that he has erected more school houses, churches and dwellings than any one man in South Bend. In 1898 he became associated in the work with H. G. Chrisman, and since that time has been identified with much of the building of the city. He is one of the oldest contractors in St. Joseph county, and his commendable efforts have made his success well merited.

The marriage of Mr. Stark was celebrated in 1868, when Caroline Wanner, a native of Wellersburg, Germany, became his wife, and they have had four children : Emma, who became the wife of Joseph Horenu, collector for the Mishawaka Brewing Company and a resident of South Bend and she died February 19, 1899 ; Bertha, musical director for the Olympic Theater of this city; Clara, ticket seller at that theater; and William S., who is associated with the Mineral Point Zinc Company in DePue, Illinois. Mr. Stark has given a stalwart support to the Democratic party, taking an active interest in the public affairs of his community, and is a prominent member of the Masonic order.

Frank Elmer MacDonald, secretary and general manager of the St. Joseph Lumber & Manufacturing Company, has been identified with the lumber interests since he was ten years of age, and as its representative he has risen to a place of prominence in the commercial world. He is also numbered among South Bend's native sons, his natal day being the twenty-eighth of September, 1873, and his parents. Joseph and Sarah H. (Smith) MacDonald, both of whom were born in the commonwealth of Ohio. The father was numbered among the earliest residents of South Bend, where he became prominently known as a contractor and builder, and many of the large and importa.nt buildings of this county were the result of his handiwork. The death of this honored South Bend pioneer occurred when he had reached the sixty-seventh milestone on the journey of life, but is still survived by his widow, who has returned to her native state of Ohio. They became the parents of four children, two sons and two daughters : Jennie B., the wife of W. H. Heck, of South Bend; Frank Elnier, whose name introduces this review; Cora, the wife of A. A. Waterfield, assistant manager of the Ct)lfax Manufacturing Company on East La- Salle avenue; and Joseph A., with the South Bend Engraving Company.

Mr. Frank E. MacDonald received his educational training in the public schools of this city, and at the early age of ten years he began to work with his father. During eighteen years of his early life he was associated with the Indiana Lumber company, working his way upward in that corporation from a humble capacity to the important position of manager of their east side lumber yard, and for seven years he continued in that capacity. In 1905 he organized the St. Joseph Lumijer & Manufacturing Company, with the following members: Mr. H. M. Kauffman, C. P. Greene and Frank E. MacDonald, the last named being made the manager. After a time Mr. Kauffman sold his interest to 0. S. Hans, and the present members and officers are: C. B. Greene, president and treasurer; 0. S. Hans, vice-president; and Frank E. MacDonald, secretary and general manager. The company operate a factory in connection with their lumber yard, and furnish employment to from ten to fifteen men. The long experience of Mr. MacDonald in the lumber business enables him to conduct the duties connected with his important position with ability, and his well directed efforts, sound judgment and ^capable management have brought to the company a gratifying success.

The marriage of Frank E. MacDonald and Miss Lida Harpster was celebrated on the twenty-fifth of June, 1902. She is a daughter of David and Amanda Harpster, and they have become the parents of two children, a son and a daughter, Horace E. and Helen Ruth. In national politics Mr. MacDonald casts his ballot with the Democracy, but in local affairs he is not bound by party ties. As a citizen he is held in high esteem, and as a business man he is rapidly winning a high place in life's activities.

George N. Whiteman has long been closely identified with the interests of South Bend, and today stands at the head of many of its leading indastrial concerns, being vice-president of the Whiteman Wholesale Grocery Company, president of the South Bend Paper Box Company, and is also serving as a councilman at large of this city. He was born in Portage township, St. Joseph county, Indiana, December 15, 1858, his father being Abram Whiteman, who came from his native connnonwealth of Pennsylvania to Indiana in 1854, locating on a farm in Portage township, St. Joseph county. His entire business career was devoted to agricultural pursuits, and he lived to the age of eighty-three years, passing away in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was long a faithful member. Mrs. Whiteman bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Beehler, and was a native of Germany, but came to America in her girlhood days and lived to the age of seventy-nine years. In the family of this worthy pioneer couple were nine children, seven sons and two daughters, all of whom are living at the present time.

George N. Whiteman, the fifth child and fifth son in order of birth, spent the period of his boyhood and youth on the old home farm in Portage township, early becoming inured to its varied duties, and when not thus employed attended the district school near his home. After attaining to years of maturity he began the business of teaming in South Bend, following that occupation for five years, while during the following four years he was engaged in the confectionery business. Selling his interest therein on the expiration of that period he embarked in the wholesale grocery business in 1891, at that time forming, a partnership with his brother William, while in 1906 the business was incorporated under the name of the Whiteman Brothers Company, wholesale grocers, of which George N. Whiteman is the vice-president. In the same year he also built the factory known as the South Bend Paper Box Manufactory, of which he is the president, and is also a stockholder in the Whiteman Land company. It is a master mind that can plan, execute and control large institutions, and the man who stands at their head well deserves to be ranked among the most prominent business men of his city, where only ability of a very superior order is now recognized.

In 1882 Mr. Whiteman was united in marriage to Mary Borough, but she died leaving one son, Warren, of Chicago, Illinois. He was afterward married to Annie Wagner, and they have two daughters, Edith and Esther.

In matters of public moment Mr. "Whiteman is deeply interested, giving his support to the Democratic party, and in 1900 he was elected to rejjresent his ward in the city council of South Bend, being returned to that office in 1906. He is a member of the Knights of the ^laccabees. the Elks and OwLs.

Henry Gardner Niles. The life history of Henry Gardner Niles is closely identified with the history of St. Joseph county, which has been his home for many yeai-s. He began his remarkable career in the early pioneer epoch of the county, and throughout the years which have since come and gone has been closely allied with its interests and upbuilding. His life has been one of untiring activity, and has been crowned with a high degree of success. He is of the highest type of business man, and none more than he deserves a fitting recognition among those whose enterprise and abilities have achieved results that awaken the admiration of those who know him. Mr. Niles was born in Geneva, New York, February 11, 1833, his parents being John and Catherine (Gardner) Niles, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of New York. In 1837 the father came to South Bend, Indiana, but after a short residence there, during \;hich he was connected with Alexis Coquillard as advisor in the buildins' of water power, he came to Mishawaka in 1838 and became connected with the St. Joseph Iron Company, the original works, and iMishawaka at that time was known only as St. Joseph Iron Works. In connection with this industry he also operated a smelting works and store. This company executed all the iron work done for hundreds of miles around. In 1855 Mr. Niles purchased the interest of the other partners, and until his death was president of that large corporation and had entire charge of its control. His busy and useful life was ended on the eighth of September, 187-4, when he had reached the seventy-first milestone on the journey of life. In the forties Henry G. Niles, a son of this honored old Indiana pioneer, came to Mishawaka, this being in the midst of the campaign of "Tippecanoe and Tyler too," and in its public schools and the University of Michigan he received his educational training. In the meantime his father and associates had purchased an iron mine and erected a blast furnace in Wisconsin, sixty miles from ^lilwaukee, and young Henry went there to take charge of the store connected with the works. Three years later he returned to Mishawaka, but two years afterward went to Watertown, Wisconsin, and was engaged in business there for himself for two years. During this time his father had purchased his partners' interest and the son then returned and assumed control of the mercantile department, thus continuing until his father's retirement ten years later, when he was given the management of the entire works. After the expiration of the old charter it was transferred to the new corporation, of which he became secretary. The new company manufacture plows. The company went out of existence in 1903, and since that time Mr. Niles has owned and conducted the entire plant. He is also president of the South Bend Woolen Company, of which he is the principal owTier, and he owns large landed interests in Mishawaka.

In 1857 Mr. Niles was married to Martha Spencer Drapier, a daughter of Ariel Drapier, publisher of the St. Joseph County Forum in South Bend. Five children have been born of this union: Josephine, the wife of W. W. Hubbard, of Indianapolis; Harry G., manager and treasurer of the South Bend Woolen Company; John, in business with his father; Stanley A., secretary of the South Bend Woolen Company: and Cathenne, now Mrs. Bressler. Mr. Niles is a member of Lodge No. 130, of the Masonic fraternity, also of the Chapter and Council, and is a worthy and acceptable member of the Christian church. He is thoroughly identified in feeling with the growth and prosperity of the county which has so long been his home, and in years past he served the town of Mishawaka as trustee and also as president of the board of trustees. As a business man he is upright, reliable and honorable. Few men have more devoted friends than he, and none excell him in unselfish devotion and unswerving fidelity to the worthy recipients of his confidence and friendship.

Adolph Kamm. One of the leading business men of ^lishawaka is Adolph Kamm, a man whose history furnishes a spendid example of what may be accomplished through determined purpose, laudable ambition and well directed efi'orts. Starting out in life for himself at an early age he has steadily worked his way upward and is now the senior member of the Kamm & Schellinger Brewing Company. He was born at Zoebingen Oberant Elevanger, Wurtemberg, Germany, June

13, 1842, a son of Frank J. and Antonia Maria (Wurstner) Kamm. The father came to the United States in 18-48, taking up his abode in Fryburg, Ohio, where the son Adolph remained until his sixteenth year. He then went to Delphos. Ohio, to become an employe of a brewing company, and also followed the same occupation in Fort Wayne and Toledo. Coming to JNIislmwaka in 1870, he became associated in business with Clemens Dick, purchasing the brewery (if John Wagner, who had established it as early as 1853. At that time the business was not on a very paying basis, but by hard and persistent labor and honest dealing the new firm soon placed it on the road to prosperity, equipping it with the best and latest improved machinery, and it soon became recognized among the leading breweries of Indiana. Mr. Dick subsequently sold his interest to his partner, who then admitted his brother-in-law, Nicholas Schellinger, into the firm, business being thereafter conducted under the name of the Kanm^i & Schellinger Brewing Company. Under the new regime the business has continued to prosper and grow, and in 1883 it was incorporated with a capital of sixty-five thousand dollars. Improvements are constantly being made, and a new ice plant of a most approved plan has just been added. The output of the brewery is thirty-three thousand barrels a year, and this is one of the largest industrial interests of the county.

In 1869 Mr. Kamm married Maria Weber, of Toledo, Ohio, whose death occurred in 1871, and he subsequently married Josephine Schellinger. They have become the parents of ten children, the eldest of whom, Rudolph, is associated with his father in business.

Nicholas Schellinger. Mishawaka includes among its leading business men Nicholas Schellinger, the treasurer of the Kamm & Schellinger Brewing Company. He was born in Muehlheim, Wurtemberg, Germany, November 4, 1847, a son of Xavier and Elizabeth (Huber) Schellinger. The father was a successful miller in his native land, and after coming to the United States took up his abode in ]\Iishawaka, where he became prominently identified with its bminess interests. The son Nicholas received his education in Germany, and, accompanying the family on their emigration to America, soon became connected with the business life of Mishawaka. In 1880 his brother-in-law, Adolph Kamm, admitted him to a partnership in the brewery, the firm then becoming known as the Kamm & Schellinger Brewing Company, of which Mr. Schellinger became the treasurer. His life has been characterized by industry, determination and ambition, and these qualities have enabled him to steadily work his way upward to success, and he now ranks among the prominent business men of St. Joseph county.

Mr. Schellinger married Amelia Kamm, a daughter of Frank J. and a sister of his partner, Adolph Kamm. Of their ten children five are living.

Otto E. Lang, to whom belongs the distinction of being the oldest hardware merchant in Mishawaka, was born in Penn township, St. Joseph county, Indiana, April 17, 1858. His father, Frederick Lang, was a native of Wurtemberg, Prussia, Germany, but when seventeen years of age he left his native land for America, first establishing his home in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, but in the fifties came to St. Joseph county, Indiana, where he purchased a farm in Penn township. In addition to his agricultural labors he was also employed as a lumberman and saw mill man, and his busy and useful life was ended at the age of sixty-four years. ]Mr. Langhad married in early life Ernestine Frank, who was born in Pennsylvania, and their marriage was celebrated in that commonwealth. She too was laid to rest at the age of sixtyfour years, after becoming the mother of four children, the three daughters being Emma, the' eldest dauahter, who died in 1892. wife of F. E. Milburn; Tillie D., wife of C. D. Hilderbrand, of South Bend; and Minnie, wife of Henry McKnight. of Toledo, Ohio.

Otto E. Lang, the eldest child, spent the early years of his life in Penn township and ]\Iishawaka, receiving his education in the common and high schools of the city. In 1886 he embarked in the hardware business in ^Mishawaka, and from that time to the present his name has been prominently associated with that line of trade, in which he has won an enviable reputation, and he now has the honor of being one of the oldest merchants in the city and its oldest hardware dealer. His interests, however, have been many and

In December, 1886, Mr. Lang was united in marriage to Martha, the daughter of L. T. and S. M. (Boyce) Booth and a native of Mishawaka. Their two children are Lewis and Helen. Mr. Lang has given a lifelong support to the Republican party, ever taking an active interest in the public affairs of his community, and for five years he was the incumbent of the office of township trustee. His fraternal relations connect him with the Masonic order of Mishawaka and the Elks of South Bend.