Whitley County, Indiana - The whole text, 1907 (part 15 of 28)

Robert F. Hood was born in Columbia City, January 12, 1862. At the age of sixteen he began an apprenticeship at the carriage-painting trade, and subsequently opening a shop, contracted to do all kinds of painting. He painted the court house, as well as scores of other buildings, public and private, until his health being injured through the affliction to which painters are subject, he removed to a farm three miles south of the city and remained there until 1902. Returning to Columbia City he soon purchased from George D. Ramp the furniture business established by him in 1893 on a small scale, but which has now assumed handsome proportions. It occupies a building twenty-two by one hundred and fifty feet, including the rear half of the second floor, all closely packed with a well selected stock of up-to-date furniture, including the latest patterns in all standard articles and representing a value of several thousand dollars. The annual sales have grown satifactorily, showing a constant increase and proving that strict attention to business with a liberal sales method will yield suitable returns. Mr. Hood is a Mason and an active lodge worker, also a member of the Modern Woodmen, and he is a Republican in politics.

January 13, 1886, Mr. Hood married Miss Minnie A., daughter of Jeremiah S. Hartsock, of Whitley county. The children are Thomas, Ellen and Robert. Mr. Hood is fond of out-door sports and usually spends his summer vacation on the lakes when his inclination to lure the finny inhabitants may be fully satisfied.

James S. Collins

James S. Collins, deceased, late a resident of Columbia City and a distinguished and venerable member of the Whitley county bar, is eminently worthy of representation in this volume, and the work might well be considered incomplete were there a fail-' ure to direct specific attention to his life and its accomplishments.

Coming of one of the earl)' pioneer families of the Hoosier state, and himself to be considered as a pioneer resident of Whitley county. Mr. Collins was born in Wayne county, Indiana, on the 24th of December, 1819, being the son of John and Jane (Holman) Collins, the former of whom was a native of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky, both being of the stanch old English stock. The father of the subject settled in Wayne county very early in the present century, purchasing a tract of land from the government and devoting himself vigorously and successful- ly to its reclamation. There he continued to abide until 1836, when he removed to Whitley county and settled in Cleveland township, where he purchased a tract of land upon which some slight improvements had been made. There the family home was maintained for many years. John Collins was a member of the state militia during the war of 1S12, and the Mexican war, and he weiit forth to aid in preventing an uprising among the Indians, whose insubordination was a feature of the memorable conflict. He was the first treasurer of Whitley county, becoming the incumbent in this office at a time whene there was no cash represented in its exchequer. His son, Richard, was the first sheriff of the county, and soon became clerk, auditor and recorder, all of which offices were combined so far as their executive was concerned. The father and mother of the subject both died in Columbia City, each having lived to a ripe old age. They became the parents of ten children, only two of whom are living at the present : Martha and Eliza.

The subject was reared under the sturdy discipline of the pioneer farm, aiding in the work of clearing one hundred acres, and never having been enabled to attend school for a day after he had attained the age of sixteen years. There had been enkindled in his mind, however, an appreciation of the privileges which were of necessity denied him, and though his mental horizon was circumscribed, still he spared no effort to gain the knowledge, which, in an obscure way, he knew would be so essential to his' success in life. He had a few books, and to these he devoted his spare moments at home. The intrinsic capacity of his mentality was shown forcibly in the fact that in the winter of 1843 ne boldly waded into the pages of Blackstone's commentaries, with a dictionary beside him as an aid to ascertain the meaning and pronunciation of the "big words." Such was the power of assimilation that he possessed, that we find a most notable victory achieved by the young man within a year's time, since in the fall of 1844 lie passed an examination and was admitted to practice at the bar. Such accomplishment at so great odds reads almost like a romance in these latter days when privileges are to be had for the acceptance, and when the way is made so smooth to the feet of the average searcher after knowledge. It is a significant circumstance that the honored subject began the practice of his profession in Columbia City, which point was the scene of his consecutive endeavors as an attorney at law from that early day to the day of his death. His title to the rank as the pioneer lawyer of that city is unquestioned, and his name is honored by the members of the bar to-day. as it has been through all the days of the past. The lot of the young lawyer was not one of sybaritic ease or one that yielded much financial return for a long time, but his perseverance and his ability eventually won him merited recognition in the according to him of representative clientage. In [860, a distinguishing honor was conferred upon Mr. Collins in his election to the state senate, which preferment was accorded him without the formality of having intimated or suggested to him his candidacy. He was a member during the special term of 1861, - the war legislature, - and his efforts were marked by a lively appreciation of the nation's peril and by an earnest effort to sup- port her time-honored institutions. In 1868 the demand for a new railroad was recognized by the citizens of Whitley and other counties, and of the company which was organized to bring the project to a focus, Mr. Collins was made president. This corporation completed what is known as the Eel River Railroad in 1873. and the subject retained the presidency until after the road had been brought to completion. After that time he devoted his attention entirely to his profession, although he withdrew to a large extent from the practice in the courts by reason of the fact of his advanced age rendering such service too burdensome. .This phase of the work lie relegated almost entirely to his associate in business, Benjamin E. Gates.

Air. Collins owned a large tract of land contiguous to the city, and also had some valuable realty within the corporate limits. During all the long years in which he was a witness of the advancement of Columbia City from a straggling village to its present flourishing status as a progressive and modern city, the subject manifested a hearty interest in the affairs of the place and the welfare of the county and was a prime mover in every enterprise which had as its object the benefiting of the community. In political matters he was a stalwart Republican, and was an active and zealous worker in the party ranks.

Turning in conclusion to the more purely domestic phases of Mr. Collins' life, we find that on October 24, 1841), was consummated ln's marriage to Eliza J. Fleming, a native of Londonderry, Ireland, and the daughter of John and Frances Fleming. The offspring of this most happy union were six children, namely: Jane H.. city librarian; Reginald Heber. in Seattle. Washington : Dora, deceased: Howard, deceased: Sophia, wife of John Wilson Adams, of Columbia City: and William J., also of Seattle, Washington.

Even this brief reyiew will be sufficient to afford an idea of the accomplishments of our honored subject, who is well worthy of the title of a "self-made man." and whose actions ever stood in evidence of his sterling integrity and of high principles which shaped his career. Among the people who knew him so long and so well he passed the golden autumn of his life, secure in their esteem and confidence.

The close of this honorable and eventful life crowned with long years of successful service for the development of his country and the elevation of mankind, came like a gentle evening breeze, and the noble and courageous spirit answered the angel call and crossed the mystic river into the great beyond August 22, 1898. Mrs. Collins still resides in the old home, though since Mr. Collins' death, Mrs. Collins has laid out ten acres in citv lots.

Eliza J. Collins

Eliza J. Fleming-, wife of James S. Collins, was born at Londonderry, Ireland, November 22. 1822. She was the youngest daughter of John and Frances Fleming. In 1826 she came with her parents to America, thev located in Philadelphia, where she resided until 184S. when she came to Indiana to visit an older sister living there. October 24, 1849. s':e married James S. Collins in

St. Paul's Episcopal church, Richmond, Indiana, and immediately came as a bride to Columbia City. To this union were born six children: Jane H., of Columbia City; Reginald Heber, of Seattle, Washington ; Dora A. (Mrs. Samuel Fleming), deceased; Howard, also deceased ; Sophia D. (Mrs. W. J. Adams), of Columbia City; and William J., of Seattle, Washington. She has always been actively interested in everything for the advancement of the town. During the Civil war she engaged in the work of the sanitary commission. She has been a lifelong member of the Episcopal church and while she did not always have the church of her choice she freely helped in one and all of the churches, doing much in early days to build them up. From its formation she was a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and all her life an advocate of temperance. She is also a member of the Woman's Relief Corps but of no secret order.

Daniel Daniel

A creditable representative of the sterling German nationality in Columbia City is Daniel Daniel, who has for many years been actively identified with its varied interests, and who has attained a standing and influence second to none. Mr. Daniel was born February 18, 1844, in the kingdom of Bavaria, and there spent his early life and received his education. At twenty-two years of age he left his native land and came to the United States, sailing from Havre de Grace, France, for New York, and proceeding direct to Columbia City, where his brother Leopold already was. For one year he traveled in Whitley and bordering counties as a peddler, carrying a pack of miscellaneous merchandise, and learning the language as well as adding materially to his meager finances. In January, 1868, he and Mr. Levi became partners in a meat market, which they conducted for little more than a year, when he became sole owner, though his brother, Leopold, was soon taken in as a full partner. They thus operated for a period of seventeen years, during which time the brothers built up an extensive trade, becoming the largest dealers in their line of business in Whitley county. In 1882 the large brick building now owned by Daniel Daniel was erected at a cost of ten thousand dollars, one room being devoted to the meat business, which grew rapidly in magnitude and importance and in connection with which the firm also did a large and thriving business buying and selling live stock.

At the expiration of seventeen years the meat market was sold to F. G. Binder, but the brothers continued their partnership as stock dealers, becoming the largest buyers and shippers in this part of the state. They also dealt quite extensively in wool, their combined business frequently amounting to over one hundred thousand dollars annually.

Mr. Daniel and his brother were associated for twenty-six years, when the firm was dissolved by mutual consent, since which time, 1894, they have carried on the stock business separately.

In addition to handling live stock, in which his yearly sales run from seventy-five thousand to one hundred thousand dollars, Daniel Daniel deals extensivelv in various cither lines, buying and shipping most any kind of produce or merchandise for which there is demand and in connection conducts a larg'e and well assorted shoe store, which, like his other enterprises, has proven successful.

Financially his success has been commensurate with the intelligence, sound judgment and wise forethought displayed in his various undertakings, and he is to-day one of the substantial citizens of the city and county, owning in addition to a fine residence and other property, a valuable farm, which is devoted to grazing.

Mr. Daniel takes a living interest in local affairs and, though never an aspirant for official preference, he accords staunch allegiance to the Democratic party and by reason of his eminent fitness has been twice elected to the city council, serving six years in that body. He is also jury commissioner, a position he has held continuously for twenty years and frequently he has been chosen delegate to county, district and state conventions. He is a Mason.

March 19, 1873, Mr. Daniel was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Levi, of Fort Wayne, the union resulting in the birth of the following children : Hattie, wife of S. A. Myers, of Ligonier, Indiana ; Sarah, wife of L. N. Allman, of Plymouth, Indiana; Bertha, who married Benjamin Etlinger, of Chicago ; Josie, wife of I. N. Baum, of Ligonier; Albert, associated with his father; Maurice, who is with his father, being in direct charge of the boot and shoe trade; Lewis, a traveling salesman representing the Myer Carriage Works, of Ligonier, of which his brother-in-law is the head.

with the business interests of Columbia City since 1868, and, with the single exception of F. H. Foust, is the oldest business man in the place. He has led a busy life, as useful as it has been active, and as a result occupies an influential place, not only in business circles and public affairs, but in the hearts and affections of the people, with whom he has been so intimately associated.

Asher R. Clugston

This representative business man and respected citizen was born in New Castle county, Delaware, December 26, 1839. His father, Asher Clugston, a farmer by occupation, was of Scotch descent, while his mother, whose maiden name was Catherine Rittenhouse, was of German lineage. Mr. Clugston was reared and educated in his native commonwealth, remaining on the home farm until about twenty-two years of age. In 1862 he came to Whitley county and soon entered upon a mercantile career, to which his life has since been almost wholly devoted, he now being reckoned one of the county's oldest merchants. For the past six years he has not been in direct management, though retaining his interest in the establishment with which he has so long been connected.

Mr. Clugston has achieved distinct success in his various enterprises, being classed with the financially substantial men of Whitley county, Owning in addition to his interest in the mercantile business, valuable real estate ah uie and in association with his brother and brother-in-law, Henry McLallan. He owns personally a fine farm of two hundred and sixty acres, three miles northwest of Columbia City, in a rich agricultural section, where he was actively farming for some years, and which continues to yield a handsome return. That Mr. Clugston is public-spirited is amply shown by his being ever found ready to invest in anil encourage any enterprise that promises lasting benefits to the community. He was one of the promoters and is vicepresident of the cupboard factory, and by voice and influence has encouraged various other objects making for the city's welfare. He has always been a loyal supporter of the Democratic party, in defeat as in victory, but beyond voting his principles and maintaining the soundness of his opinions, has taken little interest in politics, having never aspired to leadership nor sought the honors and emoluments of office. He devoted his energies to the building up of a great mercantile interest, his establishment developing gradually till it far exceeds his fondest anticipations and giving him much more than a local reputation in commercial circles. He is a Mason of exalted rank, having advanced to the thirty-second degree in the Scottish Rite, has been accorded positions of honor and trust in the order and is widely and favorably known among his brethren of the craft.

Mr. Clugston's domestic life dates from the year 1867, when he entered the marriage relation with Miss Man* A. Mattoon, of Northfield, Franklin county, Massachusetts, the native place of Dwight L. Moody, between whom and Mrs. Clugston a warm friendship long obtained, the two having been pupils in the same school. Mrs. Clugston taught school, a work for which she was eminently fitted and in which she attained creditable distinction. Possessing intelligence and culture, she presides with grace and dignity over the beautiful and attractive home in which her domestic tastes shine with peculiar luster, and which through her winning personality has become a popular resort for the best society. Mr. and Mrs. Clugston have had three children, namely : Lucia E. married Dr. O. V. Schuman, of Columbia City ; Gertrude M. is the wife of Charles H. Snyder, who is in the employ of the American Express Company in Chicago; Arthur W. died April 12, 1904. at the premature age of twenty-seven. He was a young man of fine mind and promising business ability, who, after finishing his education had been in the store with his father, succeeding to the latter's interest in the establishment a short time prior to his death. Popular with all. and a general favorite in the social circle, his life was full of promise, his future bright with hope, but the "King of Shadows" touched his brow with a merciless finger, the response taking from the family an only son and brother and from his associates and the community a keen and brilliant intellect, a genial companion and a promising citizen.

Clinton Wilcon

Clinton Wilcox is a native of "Old Whitley" and within her borders has spent all his thirty-three years. Identified with her interests, connected through his parents with her growth and development and enjoying a wide acquaintance, there is good reason why he should enjoy general esteem. It was during the pioneer days that Gideon Wilcox came from Columbus, Ohio, to become a citizen of Indiana. He bought a small farm in Troy township, where by dint of industry and good management he not only made a living for those dependent upon him, but left a fine estate at his death in 1890. He had married Mary Aston in Ohio and she proved a most suitable colaborer and companion.

Clinton Wilcox was born in Troy township, December 25, 1873. He received a good education in the schools of the neighborhood, besides becoming inured to the exacting but health-giving labor of the farm. At his father's death, when Clinton was but seventeen years old, he had the necessary experience and ability to enable him to take charge of and manage the farm. His only duties aside from this were connected with the office of justice of the peace, which he was called on to fill for a while in his township.

In 1893 Mr. Wilcox was married to Miss Ruby, daughter of Thomas C. and Mary (Noble) Havens, who also came from Ohio to Troy township at an early day. Mrs. Wilcox was born at the paternal homestead, December 25, 1871, and it is something of a coincidence that both she and her husband first opened their baby eyes when Santa Claus was delighting older children with the gifts peculiar to Christmas Day. Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox have three children : Paul C. W., Mary Ruth and Leland Stanford. He owns a valuable farm which was their home until his election to the treasurership in 1906. He is a Republican and a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian church.

August Erdmann

The mechanic deserves much credit for the part he plays in the growth of States and nations, as without his constructive work, aided by the engineer, there could be no railroads, no canals, no electric lines and no cities. Any one looking over Columbia City will perhaps be surprised when told that nearly all the brick houses have been built by one firm, of which August Erdmann has for years been ruling spirit. Such, however, is the fact and no apology is necessary to justify a few biographical facts in outline of his useful career. Indiana is indebted to Germany for this contributor to her industrial life, Mr. Erdmann being born in Hanover, February 1, 1844. His parents, August and Louisa (Shoultz) Erdmann, were both natives of the same section of the "Faderland," where the father was first engaged in hotel keeping and afterwards in stone-quarrying. They were members of the Lutheran church and after fulfilling all the duties incident to rearing a large family, they passed peacefully away with the Christian's hope of happiness in the life to come.

As August grew up in his native home, he secured a fair education in the excellent schools for which Germany is noted. These have industrial departments, known here as manual training, and by taking advantage of this feature young Erdmann was enabled to qualify himself as a brick-layer. He worked at this trade in the old country until twenty-four years of age, when he determined to try his fortunes in the great Republic. Taking passage in 1868, he landed at the port of Baltimore, but soon made his way to Forty Wayne, Indiana, where he put in one year in such irregular employment as he could obtain. Being favorably impressed with what he heard of Columbia City as offering opportunities in his line, Mr. Erdmann came to this place in 1869. He soon found employment and worked steadily at his trade during the next nineteen years. In 1881 he purchased a local brick-yard and entered actively into the business of manufacturing building material and contracting. He is justly proud of the fact that most of the fine brick buildings that now grace the streets of Columbia City were erected under his supervision and out of the material made in his busy yards, in partnership with Charles Wynkoop. Mr. Erdmann's political affiliations are with the Democratic party, and he is at present serving his second term as a member of the city council.

In 1870 Mr. Erdmann married Wilhelmina, daughter of William and Johanna Luecke, of Whitley county, and to this union have been born nine children : Johanna, wife of William Kuhne; Louisa, deceased wife of William Bruggeman ; August, also a brickmason ; George, in business at Chicago; Minnie, wife of Ash Clugston ; Edward, Emma and Amelia. The parents are members of the German Lutheran church and are much esteemed in the social circles of the community.

William Henry Hildebrand

The subject of this sketch is a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he was born August 2, 1846. His parents, Dewalt and Margaret (Huffman) Hildebrand, came to Columbia City in 185J, and here he followed his trade of cabinetmaker and carpenter until his death in April, 1857. He was a member of the Lutheran church and an unobtrusive, industrious man, who made and kept many warm friends. He left five children, William H. ; Elizabeth, wife of John Fullerton, of Columbia City; Joseph, deceased ; Mary Margaret, and Jane, wife of Benjamin Flora, residents of Kansas. Mrs. Margaret Hildebrand later married Peter Hartman, by whom she had two children, Abraham L., deceased, and Hugh \\'., a resident of Kansas. Again left a widow, Mrs. Hildebrand chose as her third husband Levi Gilliland, by whom she had one child, Bartlet. and became a widow for the third time, surviving Mr. Gilliland and now living in Kansas with her daughter Jane. William Henry Hildebrand was six years old when brought to Whitley county. In 1865 he went to Missouri, and five years later to Kansas where he spent two years. His next step was to Colorado, where he put in another two years, and then "took the back track" as they say out west, revisiting the same states ami places. Remaining- in Kansas until 1876 and in Missouri from that time until 1885, he concluded that Columbia Citv was good enough lor him and returned to Whitley county. He had worked as a carpenter for several years and until 1878, when he began to learn the wagon- maker's trade and in 1892 established his present business. He manufactures buggies and wagons besides doing general repair work, horseshoeing and blacksmithing. His business has prospered as the result of much hard work, patient industry and ceaseless attention to the details incident to his occupation.

In 1874 Mr. Hildebrand married Emma Cross, of Illinois, who bore him one child, named Nellie, who died in infancy, the mother also dying" after a companionship of ten years. Mr. Hildebrand married Dolly A. Fullerton in 1886. They are members of Grace Lutheran church and have hosts of warm friends in Columbia City. Mr. Hildebrand is a Republican and has served in the city council for two years, where he made a record for careful attention to the city's interests. He is a firm believer in and advocate of the municipal ownership of public utilities, the soundness of such opinion being supported by actual experience in his own city.

John Hanson

As far back as records show, members of this family have been engaged in agriculture pursuits, and are excellent types of the class of men who rescued Indiana from the wilderness and made her one of the great farming states of the Union. Charles and Nancy (Garlan) Hanson, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter a Pennsylvania, formed part of the pioneer army that invaded the state of Ohio when it was still struggling with all the difficulties of the earl) .settlement. Having been married in the Keystone state, they settled for a while in Fayette county, Ohio, but about 1845 sought a home in northeastern Indiana, when that section was still filled with wild game and Indians. Residing temporarily in Kosciusko county, they removed later to Noble, where their remaining years were spent on a farm. He died at the age of eighty years. This pioneer couple reared twelve children, whose names are as follows : Julia, Samuel, Isaac, Elizabeth and Sarah, all now dead : Rebecca Jane, John, Joseph, Margaret, Mary, Charles ( deceased ) and Malissa.

John Hanson, who was number seven of this list, was born in Fayette county, Ohio, January 2, 1841. He went through the usual experience of a farmer's boy. doing farm work in summer and attending school irregularly until he reached legal age. He then rented for some years till he became a land-owner himself. After buying and selling several tracts, he eventually purchased eighty acres in Thorncreek township, which he still retains. In addition to this, he owns five acres of land adjoining Columbia City, and here he makes his home, having retired from active farm labor. He leads an unobtrusive life, votes the Republican ticket, attends services at the Methodist church and has a wide circle of acquaintances.

In [86] Mr. Hanson married Nancy Moore, who died in 1891. In 1901 lie chose a second wife in the person of Mary ( .Miller) Hively, widow of George 1 lively, by whom she had two children. Lovina, who married William Humbarger, and died leaving one child named Canova. Ira Hively, the only son, is a professional cartoonist and caricaturist formerly connected with the Davenport (Iowa) journals. Mrs. Hanson's parents were Solomon and Malinda (Unspaugh) Miller, the former one of the first settlers of Whitley county and still living in Thomcreek township. Mr. Hanson is not affiliated with any fraternities.

Joseph H. Ruch

This name has been a familiar one in Whitley county, and especially in Columbia City, for more than half a century. Those who bore it have been engaged in a wide variety of business pursuits, from farming to livery and from mechanic arts to participation in many lines of modern industry. As is usual in wide family connections, some have failed, some have partially succeeded, some have "merely made a living." while others have much to show as the result of lives of energetic endeavor, wisely directed toward the accomplishment of results. As these brief biographical details will show, the immediate subject of this sketch belongs in the last mentioned class and may look back on a life well spent, which has brought that competence and ease without which the evening of one's days will be a time of trial.

It was in 1845 that Charles and Sarah (Firdig) Ruch, natives of Pennsylvania, settled in Fort Wayne. The former was a cabinetmaker by trade and depended upon this work for his livelihood. After spending a few years in Allen county he came to Whitley county, and located on a farm in Smith township, and later engaged in painting; in Columbia City, but this in turn was abandoned to take up the livery business, which he conducted until a year or two before his death. His marriage resulted in the birth of eleven children, Sarah Jane, Mary, Margaret, Joseph., George, Jacob, Albert. Elizabeth, and three who died in infancy. Joseph H. Ruch, the fourth, was born at Fort Wayne, January 26, 1847, and received what schooling he obtained after coming to Whitley county. He learned the painter's trade with his father, and, in company with his brother George, followed that trade for eighteen years. At different times he was engaged in the drug trade and in the grocery and in lumbering and electric lighting. In company with his brother George, he erected an electric lighting' plant, operating this and the saw-mill at the same time. After operating the electric plant for eleven years he sold it and installed the present city lighting plant under contract. They then engaged in buying and shipping' horses until 1906. In partnership with his brother, George, he owns one hundred and fifteen acres of farm land in Union township, besides several rental properties in Columbia City. At present he resides in a commodious resilience on East Van Buren street, whose surroundings are among' the most beautiful in the city. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Masonic order.

In 1868 Mr. Ruch married Adriena Alebaugh, a native of Columbia City, and they have two children: Samuel, married Jennie Alwine, and operates a hoop and stave mill at Dexter. Missouri. lone is a bookkeeper. Mrs. Ruch and daughter are members of ( irace Lutheran church as well as of the Eastern Star.

Oliver H. Diffendarfer

It was in 1873 that Harry and Hannah (James) Diffendarfer came from their native state of Pennsylvania to seek a new home in Indiana. They settled in Kosciusko county, where the former engaged in teaching, supplementing this by clerking in stores during vacations. His career in the state, however, was short-lived, as he met an untimely death in 1876. His widow survives, and is a resident of Denver, Colorado. The children, three in number, are Clarence, a resident of Glenwood Springs, Colorado ; Oliver H., and Mary, the wife of Herman Wilier, at Denver.

Oliver H. Diffendarfer was born at Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, October 20, 1863, and hence was twelve years old when his parents removed to the west. The death of his father not only deprived him of his only support, but threw him on his own resources at the tender age of thirteen. He faced the situation bravely, however, and did such work as he was able to secure until, at sixteen years of age, an opportunity was afforded that promised better results. I. N. Smith, who was in the produce business at Warsaw, Indiana, offered him a clerkship that was gladly accepted. That determined his business for life, as after remaining at Warsaw a few years he came to Columbia City, and opened up in the same line on his own account. It was only in a small way that he began in 18S3, but, backed by resolution, industry and natural turn for trading, he is now able to show much accomplished in (he twenty-three years.

In the busy season he employs about twenty hands at his place on South Chauncey street, and he handles most all the poultry, butter and eggs that are produced in the country tributary to Columbia City, his annual business amounting to about one hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Diffendarfer has made hosts of friends and we find him influential in the councils of the Republican party. He served four years in the city council, besides being active in fraternal circles, as a Knight of Pythias, a Maccabee, and a Woodman.

In 1885 Mr. Diffendarfer married Miss Minnie A., daughter of Isaac N. and Christiana (Grindle) Brady, old settlers of Kosciusko county. The former at one time owned one thousand two hundred acres of land near Winona lake, and was a man of note in that section of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Diffendarfer have four children, Earl,. Vern, Nadene, and Zoe.

John W. Waterfall

In the early half of the nineteenth century there was born in the canton of Berne, Switzerland, a boy christened Samuel Waterfall, who married a neighboring girl by the name of Mary Helbling, and this couple, in 1847, crossed the ocean and took up their residence in Fairfield county, Ohio. They were poor, and the husband had to work for his daily bread, in this way supporting his family until 1854, when he came to Whitley county. For a while he rented land, but in 1869, having saved sufficient money, he bought a small farm in Thorncreek township on which he lived until hisretirement from active business in 1901.

His wife died in 1893, but he survives at the age of eighty-eight years, making his home with his children. These were five in number : Mary, widow of Jacob Phiested, now living in Columbia township ; Elizabeth, wife of Daniel Poulus, of Noble county ; John W. ; Ann. wife of William Kessler, of Columbia City, and Samuel, who died in infancy.

John W. Waterfall was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, September 22, 1847, soon after his parents' arrival from Switzerland, and since coming to Whitley county he has spent within its borders all the intervening years. He obtained but a meager education, but learned all about hard work on the pioneer farms of the county's formative period. He learned the carpenter's trade, and in a few years began contracting and building, which he has followed for more than thirtyfive years, meeting with a success insured by experience and attention to details, many of the finer residences of Columbia City stand ing as monuments to his capacity, skill and supervision.

In 1873 Mr. Waterfall married Caroline, daughter of Frederick Humbarger, an early settler of Thorncreek township, who was born in 1854. Her demise occurred March 27, 1906. They had eight children, William H., Frederick S., Irene Elizabeth, Carl, Mabel, Catherine, Mary and Paul. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Waterfall is a Knight of the Maccabees. He has ever been a strict advocate of temperance, his decided aversion to the liquor traffic leading him to abandon the old parties twenty-four years ago, since when he has been an untiring advocate of the principles of prohibition, a cause to

John F. Lawrence

John F. Lawrence, proprietor of the Hoosier Foundry and machine shops of Columbia City, is a native of Wayne county, Ohio, and the son of John and Sarah Elizabeth (Rouch) Lawrence, he born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the mother in Hagerstown, Maryland. They grew to maturity and were married in Wayne county, Ohio. Mr. Lawrence was a farmer and civil engineer, a profession he followed until his eighty-sixth year, having often served as surveyor of Wayne county. He possessed sound judgment combined with practical ideas and wide information and during a long and useful life exercised a wholesome influence. He lived to the ripe age of ninety-three years, being well preserved to the last. His wife died when eighty-five years old and of their eleven children, none died under the age of forty. George W., excounty commissioner, is a successful farmer of Union township ; Mary Ann married William Mowery, and died some years ago in this county; Malinda, also deceased, was the wife of S. L. Rouch; Sarah, Mrs. J. D. Wagoner, lives in Warsaw, Indiana ; Margaret J. is the wife of James E. Kelly; Priscilla is Mrs. Austin McMannis ; Henry H. resides in Union township; Lehannah is the wife of Elmer McMannis; Isaiah E. is a doctor of Columbia City, and Levi is a farmer of Union township.

counties. August 14. 1862, he enlisted at Wi m ister, Ohio, in Company A, One Hundred and Twentieth Ohio Infantry, with which he shared the fortunes and vicissitudes of war for three years and five months, participating in a number of battles, among them being an attack on Red River, where his regiment lost two hundred and thirty-six men. The regiment was on a boat going up the river to join the command and the one boat was attacked by five thousand of the enemy. The boat was disabled and floating to the opposite shore the survivors managed to escape, but one hundred and eighty-six of the four hundred and four men getting away. He was also in the attack on Mobile besides numerous skirmishes and minor engagements. He returned to Indiana and engaged in the manufacture of lumber. in which he continued until 1885, when, in partnership with Frank Mossman- he established the foundry and machine shop in Columbia City of which he is now sole proprietor. The Hoosier Foundry and Machine Shop is one of the largest establishments of the kind in northeastern Indiana.

On the 3d day of October, 1867, Mr. Lawrence married Miss Eliza J. Penland, who was born in Elkhart county, Indiana. October 7, 1 847, being the daughter of John and Eliza (Abshire) Penland, early settlers of that county. The father, a soldier in the late civil war. lost his life in the battle of Chickamauga. Air. and Airs. Lawrence have had seven children: Erne May, wife of George L. Padgett: Charles C, an attorney by education, hm now a traveling salesman for a Chicago publishing house: Myron,

(deceased), was in the United States mail service, Pittsburg to Chicago, till his death, February 17, 1895, aged twe.nty-three : James A., of Portland, Oregon; Sarah E., wife of D. F. Alain, of Toledo. Ohio; Blanch, now Mrs. Christian D. Meyer, living at Redland. California, was a teacher for several years in Whitley county; and Walter I. Air. Lawrence and wife are members of Grace Lutheran church. Politically he is a Republican and fraternally belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, being a past commander and present quartermaster. Financially Air. Lawrence has been fortunate, owning in addition to his beautiful home and business interests in Columbia City, a two-hundred-acre farm in Union township.

Eaiile Doriot

The subject of this review was born September 28, 1840. in the canton of Berne, Switzerland. His parents, Gustavus and Amelia ( Leshah) Doriot, emigrated to America in 1850. and settled in Wayne countv. Ohio, removing five years later to Williams county, their permanent home, however, being in Fulton county, where both died. Thev were the parents of sixteen childied. Thev were the parents of sixteen children.

Emile Doriot grew to maturity on a farm in Ohio and received a limited education. He was earl}- taught the necessity of honest toil, working almost incessantly to help support the large family.

for a period of eleven months, re-enlisting in Company G, Sixty-fourth Regiment, serving until the close of the war. His military experience included hard service in several campaigns, he participating in the battle of Stone River, McMinnville, Spring Hill and Franklin, and many others. He was severely wounded in the last engagement, being confined to the hospital from November until the following June, a gun-shot wound in the throat rendering treatment exceedingly difficult, a permanent disablement of his right arm resulting. He fell into the hands of the enemy during the battle of Franklin, but after three weeks was re-captured, the confederates leaving their hospital when retreating from Nashville. He returned to the farm in Ohio and was married at Columbia City in 1866, to Miss Elizabeth Pfiester, who was also a native of Switzerland. Their children are Alice, wife of Theodore Mosier, of Anderson, Indiana ; William, who married Jessie Peltcher and lives in Peru ; Elmore, a resident of Michigan City ; Charles G., the fur dealer in Columbia City, and Edward, deceased, a twin brother of William.

The mother died in 1873, and in July, 1878, Mr. Doriot married Alice Mettert, who was born June 4, 1858, in Preble county, Ohio, being the youngest of the three children of David and Elizabeth (Banfield) Mettert, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. They also had five children, of whom two survive: Harry is still with his parents and Ransom living in Columbia City.

Mr. Doriot came to Fort Wayne in 1866, and in 1870 purchased a farm in Thorncreek township, removing later to Columbia township, where he bought eighty acres of wild land which he converted into a fine farm. He made valuable improvements, including substantial buildings, good fences and an extensive system of tile drainage. In 1902, he retired to Columbia City, residing in an attractive home which he built on West Van Buren street. Selling his old farm, he has invested in another wild tract two miles west of Columbia City, and is actively engaged in the improvement of a third farm in Whitley county.

Mr. Doriot was reared a Democrat, but after the war transferred his allegiance and has since been one of the most loyal and uncompromising supporters of Republican doctrine. He belongs to Post No. 181, Grand Army of the Republic, taking an active part in its deliberations and keeping in touch with all matters relative to the old soldiers. He is a wide-awake, public-spirited citizen, keenly alive to whatever tends to benefit the city of his residence and the county and with his family is widely known and possesses the esteem and warm regard of all who are favored by his acquaintance.

Benjamin Raupfer

Benjamin Raupfer was born in Baden. Germany, November 3, 1838. His father, Peter Raupfer, died in 1851, when the boy went over to Switzerland and worked at the teaming and selling silks until 1865, when he embarked for the Xew World at Havre-de-Grace, in the English ship "Belonia." After a stormy voyage of twentytwo days he arrived safely at New York.

He soon after located at Columbia City and ran an engine for three years. He then opened a saloon, which he ran till 1879. He then, with Ford Walter, of Mansfield, Ohio, bought the Eagle Brewery in Columbia City, and at once put life, ability and business tact into the concern and transformed it from a languishing and low rate institution to one of the best of its kind in the country. In September, 1889, Mr. Walter sold his interest to Mr. Raupfer and his brother-inlaw, Anton Meyer, who still runs it and holds it in the front rank, fully competing with the large breweries of the cities. It has a capacity of nine thousand barrels per annum. In September, 1859, Mr. Raupfer bought with R. J. Jontz, the stock of hardware of George W. North and soon thereafter moved into his new building, subsequently acquiring Mr. Jontz's interest. The new building which he erected at the corner of Line and Van Buren streets is the handsomest in town. It is three stories and a basement thirty-nine by one hundred and fifty feet. The first story and basement, as well as all three stories of the rear part, are occupied with the immense hardware store, carrying a large stock including building material. The second story is occupied by the Free City Library, and the third by the lodge of Ben Hur. Finding even these commodious quarters too small for his growing business, in 1904. he joined the Free Masons in building the Masonic block, the west part of the building belonging to Mr. Raupfer. It is eighty-nine by one hundred and forty-five feet. The first story is occupied with machinery and implements, the second is the armory of the local company of National Guards, the third is occupied by the Modern Woodmen. Mr. Raupfer also owns the brick block on Van Buren street, built by William Meitzler, and known as the Meitzler building. He also owns a fine residence on Line street, another on North Elm street, and several other pieces of property.

In addition to his business capacity Mr. Raupfer has found time to assist the community in other ways. He has been a large stockholder and director of the Harper Buggy Company, almost from its beginning, and was for many years a member of the councilmanic board under the old town government. When the city government was installed he was again called upon and served several years as a councilman from the second ward, in which ward nearly all the business of the town is conducted. He was a chairman of the finance and other important committees during the digging of the sewers, the putting in of water works and the taking over by the city from private parties of the electric light plant and also during the paving of almost four miles of streets. He has been identified with all the improvements that brought Columbia City from a backwoods town to a modern little city, giving his valuable services for the pittance of a salary. Though himself one of the heaviest tax payers, he has always advocated improvement, though on a conservative business basis. He has been one of the directors of the Whitley County Building and Loan Association and is director of the Huntington, Columbia City & Northern Electric Railway and was its first president. His faith in the enterprise, backed by his money and work, is about to bear fruit to the satisfaction of the public.

Mr. Raupfer is an ardent and unwavering Democrat, faithful to his party in defeat as well as success, and was eight years treasurer of the Democratic county committee. He is a member of the Catholic church and one of its stanchest supports. He is also a member of the Marquette Club.

Mr. Raupfer married Mary Meyers, November 9, 1869. and four sons are the fruit of their union, all of them able assistants of their father in his business. Joseph and John, the oldest and youngest, are looking after the brewery interests, and William and Jerome have charge of the immense hardware store, which employs a number of men in the mechanical and sales departments.

Two years ago Mr. Raupfer for the first time visited his old home, remaining several months, coming back more satisfied than ever with the country of his adoption and its social and financial systems.

Samuel S. Miller

In 1833 Peter Miller, born in York county, Pennsylvania, November 11, 181 1, walked across the mountains towards the west with a pack on his back containing all his earthly possessions, and eventually found a home in Clarke county, Ohio. There he married Sarah Snyder, with whom, in August, 1864, he removed to Thorncreek township, Whitley county, where the wife died at the age of sixty-nine. He survived until January 25, 1887, being in the seventy-fifth year of his age. He was successful and died possessed of a large farm, which he liad improved and developed into a valuable estate. Both were long members of the Lutheran church. Of their children, three sons and one daughter grew to maturity and two. a son and a daughter, died in Ohio. Henry W. came to Whitley county with his parents and at present lives on the old homestead. Mary E. is the wife of William Miller and a resident of Whitley county.

Samuel S. Miller was born in Clarkcounty, Ohio, April 30, 1844. and grew to manhood on his father's farm. In 1862, when eighteen years old, he enlisted in Company A, Ninety-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war. He was engaged in thirteen prominent battles, including Perryville. Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Chickamauga, and Kenesaw Mountain, and he accompanied Sherman on the famous "March to the Sea." After receiving his discharge at Columbus, Ohio, he came to Whitley county, where his parents had removed in the meantime. December 27. 1868. he was united in marriage with Anna Z., daughter of Gideon T. and Elizabeth (Hornaday) Klinck. the latter a native of Randolph county, North Carolina, where she was born December 21,, 181 6, and when six year old was brought to Favette county, Indiana. Gideon Klinck was born near Buffalo, New York, in 1812, and when the latter city was burned by the British, his mother fled and shortly afterward settled on a farm of General Harrison's in Ohio, but later came to Connersville. Indiana. When fourteen years old Gideon learned the saddler's trade and at the age of twenty-two married at Shelbvville and went to Illinois, where his wife died. Returning to Indiana lie was married, August 6, 1839. to Elizabeth Hornaday, after which he went back to Illinois to enter a tract of government land, which subsequently was traded for a farm in Whitley county, where he lived until his death. November 6, 1893. His wife survived until December 30, 1901, when she passed away in the eighty-fifth year of her age. In early life a Methodist, Mr. Klinck had for fifty years been a member of the Universalist church, while she for a time belonged to the "New Lights," but was not a communicant in later life. After his marriage Mr. Miller settled on his farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Thorncreek township, on which he built a fine barn and made other extensive improvements. His health, which had been failing for some years, eventually became so poor as to compel him to retire from active business. He removed to Columbia City, supervising the farm in a general way. but in 1902, hoping a change of climate would bring benefit, he purchased a farm of two hundred and thirty-six acres in Benton county, Missouri, residing at Windsor, a near-by town. The change bringing no improvement, he longed to return and spend the few remaining months near old friends. The family accordingly returned to Columbia City. The touch of the Death Angel could not be delayed and on the 1 2th of December, 1906, his spirit took its flight. He had ever felt a warm interest in his old soldier comrades and the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic, assisted by the Rev. Dr. Porch, paid the last sad rites to their departed friend. Mrs. Miller, as also three of the fi »ur children. Murray, Ocie and Ethel, reside in Columbia City, Marl Miller is a resident of

Redlands, California. Mr. Miller was reared in the Lutheran faith, and after coming to Columbia City,' became a member of Grace church. Quiet and unobstrusive, his greatest pleasure was found in the midst of his family, though he retained a warm friendship for all with whom he had ever been on terms of intimacy. With a keen sense of citizenship, he was alive to the advancement of the county's interests, though never an aspirant for public honor, and in his death the community lost a loyal citizen.

Franklin H. Foust

In modern times banks have constituted a vital part of organized society and governments have depended upon them for material aid in times of depression and trouble. Their influence has extended over the entire world and their prosperity has been a barometer which has infallibly indicated the financial status of all nations. Of this important branch of business. Franklin H. Foust is a worthy representative. The story of his success is instructive as well as entertaining, dealing as it does with a gradual rise from unpromising beginnings to a position of commanding influence in the financial world.

Franklin H. Foust was born in Delaware county. Ohio, January 10, 1825. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Foust, was born in Germany, and when a youth accompanied his father to the United States, settling in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, where the family became tillers of the soil. Jacob Fousl removed to Delaware county, Ohio, being one of the first settlers in that section.

He located where the city of Delaware now stands and constructed the first bridge across the river between that point and Columbus. The family lived in their wagons until they could hew timbers and complete the erection of the primitive log cabin which served as their domicile. The land was wild and the Indians still disputed dominion with the incoming pioneers. Jacob Foust bore arms in the war of the Revolution and in recognition of his services was awarded a pension, which he continued to draw until the time of his death. His son, Henry, who was born in Pennsylvania, married Mary Olds, of the same state, in 1812, and settled ten miles north of Delaware where they began housekeeping in a log cabin, typical of the place and period. He' enlisted as a soldier in 1812, while his wife contributed what she could to the cause by doing camp work at Fort Norton. After the war they were reunited and for more than sixty years lived happily on the farm which they had reclaimed from the wilderness, where both eventually found graves. Henry Foust was a successful farmer and accumulated a competency. He was a man of strong individuality and integrity of character and served many years as a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church. He had nine children who grew to maturity, but the only survivors are Solomon and Franklin, the former a resident of Atlanta, Kansas. Franklin Foust was reared on the old homestead in Ohio and bore his part in its reclamation and cultivation. Schools were scarce and poor in those days, but he managed to acquire an elementary knowledge of the ordinary English branches and arithmetic. In his boyhood he partially learned the shoemak- er's trade at which he frequently worked until twelve o'clock for the compensation of fifty cents a night. The frequent want and need of a dime taught him to realize the value of money, a lesson never forgotten during his subsequent career. He made most of the footwear worn by the members of the family, and in every way did his part toward their support. He hauled wheat from Delaware county to Sandusky City by team, a distance of seventy-five miles, and sold it at sixty cents per bushel. In 1848, when unable to command a single dollar, he hired to Adam Wolfe to peddle fanning mills, retaining the position for two years, receiving for the first year eight dollars per month and expenses, which was increased to fifteen dollars the second vear. Even at this small compensation he managed to save some money, and in the fall of 1849 formed a partnership with his employer under the firm name of F. H. Foust & Co., for the manufacture of fanning mills. This association was maintained without interruption until the death of Mr. Wolfe in 1892 at Muncie, Indiana.

At the time the above mentioned partnership was consummated, Mr. Foust came to Columbia City, rented a room and began the manufacture of fanning mills, the firm continued this enterprise for three years. In 1852 the firm purchased a stock of dry goods, valued at about ten thousand dollars, and opened a store which the partners operated about nine years. Mr. Foust hired an experienced buyer to accompany him to New York to purchase the original stock, but subsequently attended personally to all purchases. The firm retired from the mercantile business to engage in other lines in which the senior partner, Franklin H. Foust, especially was destined to achieve a notable success. Mr. Foust for some time did a collecting and banking business of a modest order. During the war he received deposits, and the confidence which was placed in him is shown by the fact that his system of accounts consisted in merely making a note of how much he received and from whom, making no charge for his services. In this way he had in his old-fashioned, large, fireproof safe at one time deposits aggregating sixty thousand dollars. Realizing the necessitv as the town grew, he opened a private banking house in 1867 in partnership with Mr. Wolfe. This enterprise prospered and became in time one of the most reliable financial concerns in northeastern Indiana, its conservative management gaining public confidence and making it widely known. The firm acquired ownership of about one thousand acres of land contiguous to the city, of which three hundred acres were brought under cultivation, the remainder being devoted to pasturage. In April, 1904, the bank was organized as The Columbia City National Bank, Mr. Foust being made president. About this time the properties of Foust & Wolfe were divided, Mr. Foust retaining about seven hundred acres of land, all personal property, and the banking building for his share, the balance going to the Wi .1 fe estate. Later he sold the bank building to the bank. He still continues to take much interest in agriculture.

In 1850, Mr. Foust was married- at Columbia City to Maxia Jones. They have no children. Mr. Foust is a Republican and although never a seeker of official preferment, has rendered hearty support to the party whose principles he advocates.

As a pioneer banker of Whitley county, within whose limits no man is better known, and enjoying the confidence and respect of men. a particular interest attaches to the career of Mr. Foust. At the age of sixteen he was found buying and selling with as much confidence as a man of the world, exercising his mental powers to a proportionate degree in the little sphere within whose narrow limitations his life was bounded at the time. Finally, overwork told upon a constitution none too rugged, and on the advice of a kindly physician who told him his only hope for life and health laid in abandoning the farm, he contracted with Mr. Wolfe to peddle fanning mills and continued to work under this contract for one year. Before taking' a position with Mr. Wolfe for the second year, he contemplated g'oing to California, but afterward gave up this idea. He had also been offered thirty dollars per month by one Bohart, of Mansfield, Ohio, to enter his employ in the fanning mill business ; but notwithstanding the temptation of this offer and looking to the future and placing implicit confidence in the honest)- of Mr. Wolfe, Mr. Foust accepted his terms, fifteen dollars per month, a decision he has never had cause to regret. The two gentlemen in their long and pleasant business associations accumulated a fine property, including four fine business blocks, besides much other property in the line of suburban and farm realty. To such men all honor is due and to them it is seldom denied.

Isaac Mason Swigart

seat towns to ascertain the manner in which they enforce laws and order. Columbia City has been able to stand this inspection reasonably well and much of the credit for this is given to the gentleman above named, who for nine years has acted as night policeman. His official duties are so performed that the city is known as a peaceable, lawabiding place, where tough characters are repressed and all are expected to lead the lives of good citizens. In 1885, A. Y. and Margaret (McCuen) Swigart. natives of Ohio, settled on a farm two miles north of Columbia City and lived there until the former went to the war as a member of the Eighty-eighth Regiment Indiana Infantry, with which he served until the close of hostilities. Returning to his farm, he was engaged in its cultivation until 1901, when he retired to live with his son, Christopher M., in Columbia City. He died January 2, 1904, having survived his wife five years. This couple has a family of ten sons, seven of whom grew to maturity, and five are living in 1907. John, eldest of the survivors, is a watchman in the Harper Buggy Works ; Henry is a physician at Hastings, Nebraska : and Frank is a railroad employe at the same place; Isaac, subject of this sketch, and Christopher M., a barber at Columbia City. Isaac Swigart was born in Richland county, Ohio, October 8, 1855, and was brought an infant to Whitley county. After he grew up he worked for some years on the farm and at a later period became a commercial traveler for a firm in one of the large cities. He made an enviable record as a salesman, leading the entire force employed by his house in the amount of sales. In 1897 he accepted his present position as night-watchman in Columbia City, and has administered that important office so well as to seem to have been especially cut out for this line of work. For nine years he has been on tint}', constantly without a break, and, while not popular with evil-doers, is pronounced by citizens generally an affable and most pleasant gentleman. Air. Swigart is a Democrat and has been a lively participant in state and county conventions of his party. His fraternal connections are with the Odd Fellows and Modem Woodmen of America. May 25, 1882, he married Alice Welch, who died in 1888, at Mentone, Indiana, without issue. December 21, 1892, Mr. Swigart took a second wife in the person of Mis:- Mariah Flaharty, of Mansfield, Ohio. Her father having died when she was two years old Mrs. Swigert was reared by an uncle at Mansfield, and after she grew up became his housekeeper. She learned dressmaking and now has a high reputation in that line of work so dear to woman's heart. Mr. and Mrs. Swigart have one child, a daughter named Ercia Mav.

James M. Harrison

Prominent among the leading business men and representative citizens of Whitley county is James M. Harrison, to a brief review of whose family history the reader's attention is respectfully invited. Samuel Harrison, his father, a native of county Down, Ireland, emigrated to America about 1814 and settled in Virginia. He had one brother by the name of Alexander and a sister Tane. who married Tohn Bovd, also of

Ireland, where his family remained and where his descendants still reside. The parents of Samuel Harrison were Adam and Martha ( Mc Williams) Harrison, the former born in England, from which country he went to Ireland, where he married and became a well-to-do landowner, prominent in the affairs of the community in which he lived.

Samuel Harrison was married March 12, 1X20. in Greenbrier county, Virginia, to his cousin, Polly McDowell, daughter of John and Esther Ann (Harrison) Mc- Dowell. Samuel and his wife were either first or second cousins of William Henry Harrison, the hero of Tippecanoe, first governor of Indiana territory and afterward President of the United States.

James M. Harrison was born in Beaver county. Pennsylvania, August 8, 1837, and in 1855 came to Indiana, settling in Noble county, where, during the ensuing seven years, he devoted the winter seasons to teaching and the rest of the time cultivated his farm of forty acres, meeting with gratifying success as educator and agriculturist.

On March 15, i860, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Richards, daughter of Joseph Richards, a old-time resident of Churubusco and for a number of years one of its leading merchants. Six children were born to this union, three dead and three living, the latter being Joseph R., William and George F. Joseph R. Harrison is now serving his second term as mayor of Columbia City: William A. is engaged in the mercantile business at Argos, Indiana, and George F. is a member of the firm of Clugston Brothers & Comapny. in Columbia City. Mrs. Mary J. Harrison died at Churubusco. in 1873, and in August of the following year Mr. Harrison entered the marriage relation with Jennette. daughter of John J. and Delilah DePoy. the union being blessed with two children, Mary lone, and Jesse W. Mary lone Harrison, after receiving- a liberal scholastic training, took up the study of music, in which she acquired great proficiency, graduating from The American Institute of Music, in the state of Massachusetts, after which she became supervisor of music in the public schools of Columbia City. Miss Harrison did not live long to enjoy the marked success which she attained in her profession, dying after a sickness of a week's duration, at the age of twenty-three years, her sad premature taking" off proving a severe blow to the family and being profoundly lamented by the large circle of friends with whom she has ever been a favorite. She was a young lady of many estimable qualities, cultured and refined, and had her life been spared she doubtless would have achieved marked distinction in the calling to which her time and talents had been devoted. Jesse W. Harrison is in the Boyd- Harrison Company, dealers in automatic musical instruments at Chicago. Mr. Harrison's second wife, who was prostrated on account of the death of her daughter, never recovered from the blow and soon followed the latter to the land of silence, departing" tin's life on December 12. 1904.

James M. Harrison became a resilient of Whitley county in 1862, from which time until 1874 he was engaged in farming and merchandising, being associated in the latter years with Joseph Richards, his father-inlaw. Subsequently in 1879, he was elected clerk of the Whitlev countv circuit court and discharged the duties of the position with eminent fidelity for a period of eight years, retiring from the office in 1887 with an honorable record. From 1893 to 1898 he served as mayor of Columbia City, proving an able, conscientious and exceedingly popular executive, and since the latter year has devoted his time and attention to the real estate and loan business, in which his success has been gratifying, as is attested by the large and lucrative patronage he now commands. He is a Democrat and for many years held active relation to his party. He is a pleasant, well-informed gentleman, especially well liked in Columbia City by all classes of people. He has indicated great interest in advancement of his county. While mayor, the city water system was installed, by which the community was supplied with pure water. A system of sewers -was also constructed, and the city now owns all the public utilities, including" an up-todate fire department and electric light plant. Many cement and brick sidewalks were made and arrangements were put under way for the excellent paving now found on the streets. Mayor Harrison at first encountered great opposition to his progressive measures, even amounting" to threats of personal violence and destruction of his property, but the results of his policy eventually gained him many friends and increased his popularity.

Frank Meitzler

The location is the best in the city and for more than a generation it has been occupied by a drug store and the change to anything else would mark the loss of a landmark. The first proprietor was Dr. Clingerman. probably the first druggist in the town and he was succeeded by Dr. A. L. Sandmeyer, who. after long possession, sold out to W. H. Beeson. It was in the latter's hands until purchased by the eldest Tyree and eventually we are brought up to date by the subject of our sketch succeeding" W. J. Tyree. which occurred June 12. 1905. It is only under the present owner that it assumed the captivating designation of '"Red Cross." under which it seems destined for a new lease both of fame and fortune.

Frank Metzler was born in Columbia City, Indiana, January 31. 1873. His father. Willliam Meitzler. was a native of Germanv and came to Columbia City in 1865. When twenty-six years old he was married in Huntington county to Elizabeth Dexheimer and conducted the business of a baker and lunch room proprietor, but is now retired. When sixteen years old, or in 1889. Frank entered the drug business with E. J. Mowry, who subsequently became his brother-in-law. and when the latter sold his interest to W. H. Carter. Mr. Meitzler remained in charge of the store two years, till his own purchase. He took a course in pharmacy at Purdue University and is well qualified in every respect as a dispenser and compounder of medicines. He handles drugs, wall paper, paint, and all other articles appropriate to the trade and the "Red Cross" has all the outward indications of the prosperity that comes from a liberal patronage, insured through capable management anil courteous treatment.

In his political affiliations Mr. Metzler is a Democrat, and his fraternal connections are with the Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen, he being' a charter member of the latter order and for ten years clerk of the local camp.

June 19, 1894, Mr. Meitzler was married tn Miss Grace B., sister of E. J. Mowry, who was born at Roanoke, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Meitzler have two children, Esther and Edwin. Mrs. Meitzler is active in social affairs, being a member of the Ladies' Aid Society and of the Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal church.

John D. Sherwood

From reliable data the branch of the Sherwood family to which John D. belongs appears to have descended from one of three brothers who came to America from England prior to the war for independence. His direct ancestor entered the American army in the Revolution and was either killed in battle or died in the hospital, as nothingdefinite could afterward be learned concerning him. His son, Adaiah Sherwood, settled in Virginia, where he reared sixteen children, one of whom was David, whose birth occurred in 1802, and who in 1829, settled in Delaware county, Ohio, where he died January 23, 1873. James J. Sherwood, son of David, was born in Delaware county, Ohio, February 27, 1829, and at seventeen learned the tanner's trade. Later he started a tannery of his own in his native county, but in a few years closed out the business and in the fall of 1871, moved to Thorncreek township, Whitley county, buying a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, where he died January 29, 1873. Caroline Seaman, wife of James D. Sherwood, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, came to America with her parents when thirteen and was married in Ohio. She died August 30. 1875. Their four children living" are John D.. Lewis Edwardv Margaret, who married James Maine, of Morrow county, Ohio, and Presley R., a farmer of Union county, Ohio.

John D. Sherwood was born August 24," 1853, m Delaware county, Ohio, and at the age of nineteen came with his parents to Whitley county, where he has since lived. He taught school during the four years after his arrival, and subsequently, in 1875. he purchased the interests of his brothers and sister in the homestead and for thirty years thereafter devoted his attention wholly to the operation of the farm, meeting with the success that generally comes to intelligently directed effort. The better to devote his attention to the manufacture of brick and drain tile, in which he and his son had become interested, he. in 1905, removed to Columbia City. As manufacturers of brick and tile the Sherwoods have achieved wide repute, there being but few farms within Whitley count}- that have not profited by the product of their kilns, the local demand exceeding their capacity. Mr. Sherwood is an enterprising, wide-awake business man of progressive ideas and as manager of the oldest and largest industry of the kind in Whitley county has done much to advance the country's material interests.

the same family, their grandfathers having been brothers. Mrs. Sherwood was an efficient and popular teacher and a lady whose urbanity and culture have made her highly esteemed by a large circle of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Sherwood have one son, Justus J., who was born July 22, 1876, and who is a partner in the brick and tile business. Justus J. Sherwood graduated from the Columbia City high school and taught school in Thorncreek township, when he took charge of the tile factory, having since devoted himself to that work, proving a capable, straightforward business man. Actively interested in public matters, he visited the Republican national convention in Chicago that placed Mr. Roosevelt in nomination for the presidency. Mr. Sherwood is a Republican, and in 18S8, was chosen township trustee though in a normally strong Democratic township. But one trustee before him had been a Republican and none has been so chosen since. He is a Methodist and a contributor to the support of the church.

Heber A. Beeson

The subject of this sketch is a native of Whitley county, his birth having occurred February 10, 1878, and he is the son of H. H. Beeson, one of the county's substantial farmers. After attending the country schools he finished his academical education in the Columbia City high school, meantime spending vacations on the farm, thus securing a "sound mind in a sound body," which is the most valuable of all possessions. At the age of seventeen he entered the hardware store of William A. Tulley as clerk, but after three years returned to the farm for two years. He then entered the business college at Fort Wayne, and after a special course in bookkeeping, secured employment with the Provident Trust Company, but at the end of a year became bookkeeper in the Columbia City Bank, and in six months was made clerk and general assistant.

December 24, 1904, Mr. Beeson was married at Peru, Indiana, to Miss Lutrella Love, who was born in Kosciusko county, being the daughter of Rev. L. W. Love, at present minister of the United Brethren church, at Frankfort, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Beeson have an only daughter, LaVon Edna. Mr. Beeson is a Republican, a Maccabee and a Knisrht of Pvthias.

Frank E. Kenner

Among the younger generation of business men in Columbia City, few are better or more favorably known than Frank E. Kenner. who is a native of Whitley county, and son of Andrew Kenner. and has spent his whole life where the name has long- been familiar by reason of the family's identification with the county's interest. His birth occurred November 13. 1876, and from the time he reached school age he was busy with his studies in local schools, until in 1901, when he became a student in the business college at Fort Wayne, taking a course in bookkeeping. He soon secured a position as bookkeeper in the City National Bank, though in November, 1905, he was made general assistant. He is regarded as

April i, 1904. Mr. Kenner was united in marriage with Miss Addie K., daughter of David Hyre, of Thorncreek township. They have one child. Helen. Mr. Kenner owns a pleasant home on North Line street. The family attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church and in his political affiliations Mr. Kenner renders allegiance to the Republican party.

Thomas R. Marshall

In glancing over the biographical history of the western states, any man who has not thought upon the tendencies of our popular institutions would be astonished at the number of prominent men who have raised themselves to high places of power and usefulness by their unaided energies. This fact, whil it is a source of honest pride in every American heart, also teaches a lesson of deep philosophy. It enables every right thinking man to rise in his own estimation and to put a juster estimate upon his own intrinsic worth. It proves to him that the seeds of ability and virtue have not been hoarded up for a favored few, but have been sowed broadcast among the people. Though all cannot gain the highest point, every effort to attain it is an advance towards the great end of individual and national prosperity and a benefit alike to the public, as well as to the individual that makes the effi irt.

The subject of this review has earned a place in the honorable company of selfmade men and stands four square to all the world, with a true conception of the responsibility of citizenship and a comprehensive grasp of those great questions and issues which test the standing of men in a free and enlightened commonwealth. When a mere boy he learned the great truth which so many fail to grasp, that energy is talent and time is capital, and throughout a long and satisfactory career he has acted upon this knowledge with constant and unvarying success.

Thomas R. Marshall occupies a position in the front rank of the northern Indiana bar, while his eminent legal abilities and long and distinguished service in the practice of his profession have won for him an endearing fame throughout the state in which he has achieved such signal honors. Long a member of the leading law firm of Columbia City and ever active in promoting measures for the public good, he has become widely and favorably known among the people of his own and neighboring counties.

Mr. Marshall is a native of Indiana and dates his birth from the 14th day of March, 1854, being a son of Daniel M. and Martha A. ( Patterson) Marshall, who were both descended from ancestry which has been illustrious in the country since a period antedating the war for American independence. Indeed some of his antecedents were quite prominent in colonial affairs and later a distinguished member of his family, John Marshall, who served in the Revolutionary struggle, became chief justice of the United States and one of the world's greatest and most honored jurists. The paternal grandfather of the subject was Riley Marshall, who came to Indiana from Greenbrier coun- ty, Virginia, in an earl}" day and settled in Grant county, where he acquired six hundred and forty acres of land, on which the city of Marion now stands. He was an honored pioneer, took an influential part in the growth and development of the above county, after the organization of which he was elected the first clerk of the circuit court. The mother's family also includes the names of a number of men who achieved honorable distinction, among them being Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, a hero of the Revolution and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Rev. Charles Elliott, D. LL. D.. president of the Western Theological Seminary in the city of Pittsburg, was her uncle and one of her cousins. Rev. Lynn Milligan, chaplain of the state prison of Pennsylvania, has earned world-wide repute as a reformer, spending his entire salary to advance the interest of the work in which he is engaged. Daniel M. Marshall, the subject's father, a native of Indiana, studied medicine when a young man and in 1849 located at Wabash, this state, where he practiced for a short time, and then moved to Lagrange. Missouri. He was a politician of more than local repute, a firm and unwavering Democrat of the Jeffersonian school and after changing his residence to Missouri became actively interested in public and political affairs and made his influence felt as a zealous and efficient party leader. As the result of a personal altercation, with a man by the name of Duff Green, he was forced to leave Missouri and, returning to Indiana, took up his residence in Kosciusko county, where he lived until his removal to Columbia City in 1874. He retired from the practice of his profession in that year and spent the remainder of his days in honorable retirement, departing this life in i8<)J. Dr. Marshall was not only a learned and successful physician, but stood high in the esteem of the public in his different places of residence. Personally he enjoyed great popularity, and by his pleasant, genial manner won and retained many warm friendships among those with whom he associated. In addition to his activity and influence as a politician, he was long deeply interested in the Masonic fraternity, with the sound and sublime principles of which his daily life harmonized. Mrs. Marshall was a native of Pennsylvania and a lady of refinement and varied culture. She was also noted for rare beauty and for those charms of person and manner that made her a favorite in the high social circles in which she moved and which her graces adorned. Even at the time of her death, which occurred on December 9, 1894, at the age of sixty- four years, she had lost little of her prepossessing appearance, and her beauty of face and form were rivaled only by her nobility of character and sterling worth. The family of Dr. and Mrs. Marshall consisted of only two children, a daughter who died in infancy in Wabash county, and the gentleman whose name furnishes the caption of this article.

Thomas R. Marshall grew up under the sturdy and invigorating discipline of an excellent home and, being blessed with superior parentage, his life earl}- received the correct bent and impetus which in due time developed into a symmetrical, well-rounded character. In the public schools which he attended during the years of his boyhood he received his elementary education, but possessing a positive and self-reliant nature.

and not being satisfied with the limited opportunities thus afforded him, he subsequently entered Wabash College at Crawfordsville. where he prosecuted his studies until completing the full course, graduating in 1873 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. Three years later the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him. Having early manifested a decided preference for the law, Mr. Marshall began his preliminary study of the same at Columbia City in the office of Hon. Walter Olds, late of the supreme bench, under whose instruction he continued until his admission to the bar in 1875, Ine day he was twenty-one years old. He at once entered upon the active duties of his profession and soon made his presence felt as a learned, able and discriminating lawyer, receiving in due time his full share of legal business, besides winning a conspicuous place among his fellow attorneys of the local bar. During the first two years he was alone in the practice, but in 1877, he became a member of the firm of Marshall & McNagny, which rapidly forged to the front as one of the strongest legal partnerships in northern Indiana, and which in point of continuous existence is now the oldest, as well as one of the most successful firms of the kind in Indiana, its style at this time being Marshall, McNagnv & Clugston, the last named gentleman becoming a member a short time after the year indicated above. The practice of this old and reliable firm takes a very wide range and the patronage, which is large and lucrative, is confined principally to the best class of people of Whitley and adjacent counties. in addition to which the different members arc not infrequently retained in important cases in other and more remote parts of the state. For a number of years no case of importance has been tried in the courts of Whitley county in which they have not appeared as counsel, and among litigants there has long been a rivalry as to who should be first to arrive at their office. Mr. Marshall has served both as city and county attorney and by reason of his high professional standing" and eminent fitness, he was universally recommended by bench and bar to succeed Judge Olds on the supreme bench, but matters over which his friends had no control prevented him from being chosen to this high station. As a lawyer sufficient has been stated in the foregoing lines to indicate Mr. Marshall's strong mentality, ripe scholarship and thorough mastery of the basic principles of legal science and the ability to apply the same to successful practice. He is easily the peer of any member of the Indiana bar. has long been recognized as a master spirit among his professional brethren of Columbia City and Whitley county, and by reason of his distinguished career he has achieved marked prestige in legal circles and reflected honor and credit on the state of his nativity. Personally Mr. Marshall is a gentleman of unblemished reputation and strict integrity and bis private character, as well as his public and professional record, has ever been above criticism. He is a vigorous as well as an independent thinker and has the courage of his convictions upon all subjects which he investigates. He is also strikingly original, prosecutes his researches after his own fashion and cares little for conventionalism or for the sanctity attaching to person or place by reason of tradition, artificial distinction or accident of birth. He is essentially cosmopolitan in his ideas, a man of the people in all the term implies and in the best sense of the word a representative type of that strong virile Americanism which commands and retains respect on account of inherent merit, sound sense and correct conduct. He has ever been a close student, not only of his profession, but of all the leading questions and issues before the people, while his knowledge of the world's best literature is both critical and profound. As an advocate he is strong, masterful and not infrequently eloquent and before court or jury he presents the merits of his case in clear, concise, logical arguments and with a command of pure, vigorous English. He makes a careful analysis of his cases, familiarizes himself with their every detail before going to trial and by his thorough preparation and skill in conducting causes, as well as by his logical and powerful appeals to juries, has made himself a formidable antagonist and one to be feared. He attributes much of his success at the bar to his uniform popularity with courts and juries and to a strict adherence to the rules of conduct he prescribed for himself at the beginning of his professional career, which are, never to misrepresent the facts of a case, never to speak unless he has something of importance to say, and never repeat what has once been said. He has ever kept in mind that although courts and juries are compelled to listen, persuasion is impossible when compulsion is permitted to be felt. Hence he takes pains not to wear)' their patience, but addressing himself at once to the strong points of his case, which he marshals in logical order, he makes his arguments clear, explicit and forcible, and when the storv is told he is done. In this respect, as well as in earnestness of manner and form of thought, he follows in the walk of some of the most illustrious members of the American bar. Mr. [Marshall has substantial interests in a number of the leading industries of the city and count}-.

In Masonic circles Mr. Marshall is an honored and esteemed member and has risen to the highest standing in the order, receiving the thirty-third degree on September 20, 1898. He has served as presiding officer in all the local bodies and as grandmaster of the grand council of Indiana, and grand high priest of the grand chapter of Indiana, in all of which high and honorable positions he has discharged his duties ably and faithfully. He also belongs to the Greek-letter society. Phi Beta Kappa, which was originally organized in 1770 by the subject's granduncle, John Marshall, and associates.

Mr. Marshall was married in Steuben county. Indiana, to Miss Lois Kimsey, October 2, 1895. She was a daughter of William E. and Elizabeth (Dole) Kimsey, prominent citizens of Steuben county. The family are Presbvterians in church relations.

Arthur S. Nowels

As early as 1828 David Nowels came from Virginia to Jasper county, Indiana, with his father, who settled on land purchased from the government. The former amassed a competency as a fanner and a stock-dealer and is now. at the age of eightyfive, a retired capitalist residing at Rensselaer. His son, Charles D. Nowels, became a retail lumber dealer at Rensselaer, but subsequently removed to Parsons. Kansas. His son, Arthur S. Nowels, was born at Rensselaer, Indiana, August 2, 187 1. He graduated from high school, and immediately thereafter entered his father's yards, becoming a partner within a year, and remaining such until 1898. He then went to Hammond, Indiana, spending a year and a half clerking for a retail lumber company. Subsequently he owned a yard at Geneva, Indiana, but came to Columbia City March 1, 1902, and purchased the lumber business of L. E. Humerickouse, which the latter had established some years before. Under his management the business increased largely, the sales being thirty thousand dollars the first year. January 4, 1904, the business was incorporated as the Columbia City Lumber and Coal Company with Charles D. Nowels as president, Arthur S. Nowels as secretary-treasurer and manager, with a capital stock of twenty thousand dollars. The firm handles all kinds of building material, employs five men and enjoys a fine trade, the annual sales amounting to fifty thousand dollars. . Arthur S. Nowels was a member and treasurer of the school board for two years. The high school buildingwas completed during the first year of his incumbency and his administration met with general approval. Though a Democrat, Mr. Nowels is no politician much less an office seeker.

September 14, 1892, Mr. Nowels was married at Rensselaer, Indiana, to Miss Cora Wasson, also a native of Jasper county. They have two children, Russell and Helen. Mr. Nowels' fraternal connections are with the Royal Arch Masons and the Knights of the Maccabees.

John Edward North

The subject of this sketch is a son of Arthur J. and Louise M. North, the former a native and lifelong resident of Columbia township. Mr. North's birth occurred at the old home place December 9, 1876, and his boyhood career differed little from that of the usual boy. Being ambitious of obtaining a good education, he succeeded in graduating at the age of fifteen. In 1896 he began teaching in Union township and having a natural adaptitude for this calling, he met with such marked success that he continued to teach for five years. To further prepare himself he became a student at the Valparaiso Normal School, and also attended the State University, besides taking the Chautauqua course for two seasons at Winona Lake. At the present time Mr. North is a bookkeeper in the Columbia City National Bank. He makes his home with his parents. He is a Republican in politics.

Benton Eli Gates

The crowning glory of this Union is that the paths to wealth and to political, social and professional distinction are open to all. and there are few whose careers better illustrate what can be accomplished by industry, energy and integrity than the gentleman whose brief history is herewith presented. Benton Eli Gates, attorney at law, is descended paternally from old English stock, but American in sentiment, as is attested by the gallant part taken in the war of 1812 by his great-grandfather. Thomas Gates, who fell in the attack on Baltimore while up- holding the rights of his adopted country. He left his native land in 1805 and in due time acquired all the rights and privileges of American citizenship. He joined the army in 1S12 and bore the part of a brave soldier, sealing with his blood his devotion to the American cause. Eli S. Gates, son of Thomas, was born in Baltimore, in 1810, and when young emigrated to Hancock county, Ohio, where he died in 1843. His wife was Eleanor Ann Gorsage. Their son, John T. Gates, was born in Hancock county, in 1839. and is bv occupation a plasterer. He married Sarah J. Eckert, born in Ohio, and of Scotch descent. Sullivan Eckert. the father of Sarah J. Gates, was born and reared in Hancock county, Ohio.

Benton E. Gates was also born in Hancock county, Ohio, on the first day of December, 1863, and in 1872, came to Whitley county, Indiana, with the history of which his life has since been very closely identified. He attended school in Columbia City and also at Findlay, Ohio, later taking a course in the Methodist college in Fort Wayne. At the age of eighteen he began to teach in Kosciusko count}-, and followed this occupation for several years, earning recognition as an efficient and painstaking instructor. Mr. Gates was attracted to the law as best suited to his tastes, and accordingly, in 1885, entered the office of Haymond & Royse at Warsaw, and was admitted to the Kosciusko county bar in June, 1888. In April the year following he came to Columbia City and formed a partnership with John C. Wigent. In 1894 the firm was dissolved, Mr. Gates succeeding to the business. Later Mr. Gates and Judge James S. Collins became associated, which partnership continued until the death of the senior member in i8q8.

In January, 1904. the firm of Gates & Whiteleather was formed. Air. Gates served as deputy prosecuting attorney from 1890 to 1892, and from 1895 to 1898, and from 1902 to 1905, inclusive, he was county attorney. He is careful and painstaking and well versed in the fundamental principles of his profession. His achievements have been the result of untiring industry, strict integrity and economy both of time and means, and he is therefore what may truthfully be termed the architect of his own fortune. A Republican, he has rendered valuable service in a number of campaigns. In 1902 he became a candidate for the judgeship. Whitley county remained loyal to him throughout the contest during twenty-eight ballots, and he also succeeded in securing a number of delegates from Noble county, but failed of the nomination by the vote of but a single delegate. Mr. Gates is now serving his third term as chairman of the Republican central committee of the county, and as such has devoted much time and means in furthering the party's interest. He is a skillful organizer, and leader, his ability along this line being cheerfully conceded by all of his political associates. In 1893 Mr. Gates assisted in organizing the Whitley County Building-Loan Association and was made its secretary, which position he has since held. In 1904 he helped organize the Columbia City National Bank, of which he has remained a stockholder and director.

On April 18, 1888. was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Gates and Miss Alice C. Fesler. daughter of George and Sarah Fesler, of Kosciusko county, the father a popular local minister of the Methodist church and a pioneer of Troy township, Whitley county, where he settled in 1843 and lived