Elkhart Township (part 3 of 5)

Dw/'ght H. Hatuks, a leading druggist of Goshen, was born in Waterford, this county, Jan. 19, 1852. His father was Joel T. Hawks, his mother's maiden name being Sarah Brown. Mr. Hawks' boyhood was spent in Waterford, his father being engaged in milling and trade there, and since a member of the well known firm of Hawks Bros. & Co., of Goshen. His parents moved to Goshen when D wight was 10 or 12 years of age. Mr. Hawks' early schooling was obtained in the district schools of Waterford. After the family had taken up their residence in Goshen he attended high school, and subsequently took a course in the Northwestern Business College, at Madison, Wis., and graduated at that school in 1871. During the years that this educational process was going forward he had been somewhat employed in his father's store. He formed a partnership with John Mayberry, for the purpose of carrying on the drug trade, in 1872. At first the firm did business in the Xoble building, jSTorth Main street, but later in the building on Hascall's corner, Main and Market streets. In September, 1879, Mr. Hawks purchased the interest owned by Mr. Mayberry, and since has conducted the business individually. He has a thriving trade, and the best location for his line in town.

He is a Royal, Select and Council member of the Masonic order. He is a Republican in politics, and belongs to Hose Company No. 3j of the Goshen Fire Department.

History Of Elkhart Couktt

Joliii D. Hehert, who has for many years been prominently identified witli the him ber- producing interests of Goslien, was born in Watertown, Jefferson Co., N. T., Feb. 14, 1825. He was the son of John and Mary (Weeks) Hebert. The family resided on a farm near Watertown, and there John spent his childhood and youth until his majority, and, like other farmers' boys, his days alternated between work on the farm and attending school. His education was further enhanced by a period spent at the academy in Watertown. After he was of age he sought his tbrtune in what was then regarded as the West, and stopped first at White Pigeon, Mich. He subsequently went to Mishawaka, this State, and engaged in the lumbering business. Pie spent the year 1S57 in St. Louis, returning to Mishawaka and remaining through 185S. Eventually he settled down in Goshen, where he had previously lived a year. Here he engaged in the saw- mill business, and has continued in that line until the present. In 1872 he organized a stock company for the purpose of manufacturing hard-wood lumber, the members being himself, Oscar Dewey and James L. Kerstetter. Mr. liebert had purchased the establishment called the " Globe Wood Works," owned by jSlelson, Ferris & Co., and had run the mill for 15 years. When the new company was organized a new mill was built, 40x60 and three stories in height, which was filled with different kinds of wood-working machinery. This was burned down in 1875, but it was rebuilt the following spring, though with reduced capacity. In the spring of 1875 the company was reorganized, and was then composed of J. D. Hebert, Eaton Hahn and Jacob Wogomen, and these gentlemen own the mill at the present time, Mr. Hebert being the manager.

Mr. Hebert was married in 1861 to Miss Mary Cooh', of Goshen. They have 3 sons. The eldest is at school in Jacksonville, 111. Mr. Hebert is a Freemason, and a charter member of Fravel lodge, Goshen, having been a prime mover in its organization. lie is a Republican in politics, and his fellow-citizens have manifested their confidence in his ability and integrity by appointing him for many years consecutively Inspector of Election, and for five years in succession Clerk of the Board of Inspectors.

Israel Hens, a prominent farmer and well-known old settler of Elkhart county and of Elkhart Prairie, was born in Franklin county, Ohio, Sept. 28, 1818. His parents were Balser and Sarah (Immel) Hess, who removed with their family to Elkhart Prairie, this county, in 1829. At that time there were but few settlers, but many Indians in this locality. Mr. Hess had the Indian boys for his playmates, and many times he wrestled with them, and, as he says, received his education among them. He does not mean, however, to convey the idea that the Indian boys attended school. He attended the old-time school, which was taught by subscription, in a log cabin. The seats were of puncheon, as well as the floor and writing desks. The latter were fastened up by means of pins in tJie walls. Mr. Hess owns an excellent farm on Elkhart Prairie, which we describe, with the rest of this locality, elsewhere in this work.. He feels tiie necessity of an artesian well in the neighborhood, and proposes to organize a company soon to prosecute the work. He was married Jan. 24, 1853, to Miss Kosanna Gripe, daughter of John Gripe, an early settler of this county. They have had 10 children; of these, 7 are living; jVIary E., Seymour, Moses, - Cassins M., Martha, Kancyand Ida L. The deceased were: Susannah and 2 infants. Mrs. Hess is a member of the Dunkard Church. Mr. Hess is a staunch Republican. His position is that where there is no devil there is no danger; and that when two leading political parties are nearly equal in strength, both are in danger. He thinks the country is now in danger of passing into the hands of its enemies. He believes in a true and living God."

John 2£. Hoover, school-teacher, Goshen, was born Aug. 29, 1850, in Stark count}', Ohio. His parents, John A. and Susanna Hoover, were natives of Pennsylvania. At the age of two years he came with his parents to this county, settling in Clinton tp., where he was reared to maturer years. He received his education in the common schools and also tlie high school at Goshen, and has for 10 j'ears followed school- teaching. Dec. 17, 1874, he married Miss Josephine S., daughter of Samuel and Martha Rensberger, of Ohio. Mrs. H. was born March 3, 1855. They have had 1 child, Lawrence Montgomery. Mr. Hoover's grandfather, Balser Hess, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and his father fought in the Revolutionary war.

Clayton Huff was born in Kosciusko county. Ind., June 28, 1846, and is a son of George and Belinda Huff, who came to Indiana at an early day. His grandfather, Enoch Wright, was one of the pioneers of Elkhart county, and laid out the town of New Paris. Mr. Huff was reared on a farm, and being the only son, had to work very hard, and had but limited educational advantages. He came to this county in 1850; was married in April, 1871, to Miss Lovina, daughter of Edward Clark. They have 3 children : Edward, Herbert and Nellie. Mr. Huff helped run the Union Mills, near Waterford, for five years, but now is engaged in farming.

R. D. Inoin. - Among the enterprising farmers of Elkhart tp. is the subject of this sketch. He was born July 30, 1824, in Allegheny county. Pa. His parents were Alexander and Elizabeth Irwin, natives of Pennsylvania. In 1832 they came to this county and settled on Elkhart Prairie. At this time there were but few settlers there; all was wild and was but the borders of a " large wilderness extending far westward." On this barren prairie the subject of this sketch was reared to maturity. His education was received in log houses, where he had to sit on slab benches. Dec. 29, 1853, he married Catharine Osborn, who was born in New York Aug. 19, 1832. To them were born 3 children; 1 is living, viz. : Albert J., an eminent physician in Goshen. Mr. Irwin's grandfather v/as a soldier in the American Revolution.

6, 1837. His fatlier's nanne was Peter Kerstetter, and his mother's maiden name Mary Eo_^ers. His parents moved to Elkhart county in ISiO, when he was two years of age. He passed his boyhood in ,; - school and "boarded round." At length he went to Lagrange Center and was employed as clerk in the stove of King & Cnmmings. In 1861, his father having enlisted in the- array. Mr. - .

Kerstetter returned to Goshen to supervise his father's aifairs during his absence. When he was relieved of that duty he engaged in the grocery business with A. L. Hubbel, and continued that . relation for four years. His brother returned from the war in 1865, and desiring to go into business, the two brothers bought a stock of goods belonging to the Barnes estate, and began a busines _ which they continued a year and a half, when Mr. Kerstetter's brother was elected Sheriff, and he, James, became Deputy, and the brothers conducted the sheritfalty while they ran the store for six . - - / with John D. Hebert and 0. F. Dewey, and engaged in the woodworking line, which was continued for two years, when, in the fall : of 1871, the mills were burned up. Losing heavily by this misfortune, in the following January he went to La Porte and engaged . ' with King & Fildes to work in their woolen mills. He remained there five years, when the owners of the Goshen Woolen Mills, desiring a competent manager, requested Mr. Kerstetter to take .: charge of the factory. A partnership was formed by King & ' Fildes, J. M. Noble and Mr. Kerstetter, under the firm name of > ,^^i| Kerstetter, Noble & Co., by which arrangement the mills were ^ - ^i renovated and made one of the flourishing manufactories of Goshen. .''.ii The capacity of the mills has recently been increased by the ---L^''.:] addition of another set of cards and spinning machines. The ., . ;j company are now principally engaged in the manufacture of flan- ^ ,. "-ji nels. The mills are provided with both water and steam power, so '. ';^ that wlien the water is low and inadequate, steam can be used as a -. - motor, and thus obviate delay. . Mr. Kerstetter was married in the fall of 1861 to Miss Susan E. , .- W\.ns!^, oilsiw F. C. King. One son and two daughters ' - '- are the fruit ot ^the alliance. He was elected Alderman in 1861. . He is a Freemason, and a Republican. - l- T. J.Kessler, one of the most spirited and liberal-minded of the ^i,- : younger citizens of Goshen, was born in Summit county, Ohio, -"-^i-r"" --,. in 1813. He was the son of Abraham P. and Mary (Wirt) Kessler. , , - 'V, The family came to Elkhart county to reside when the subject of 56 this sketch was five years of age. They settled on a farm in "Wilmington tp., where Mr. Kessler performed the duties of a farmer's boy, and attended common school. In the spring of 1863, he enlisted in the First Kegiment of Michigan Sharpshooters. The regiment was assigned to the second brigade, first division, of the army of the Potomac, Gen. "Wilcox commanding. He was in the battle of Petersburg, when his command captured that place. "When the war closed Mr. Kessler returned to Goshen, and was employed as clerk by Defrees & Co. He was married in the fall of 1867 to Miss Hattie C. Barnes, by whom he has had 1 son, who is now 10 years of age. Through the influence of Hon. "Wm. "Williams, member of Congress for this district, Mr. Kessler, in 1872, was appointed to the United States railway mail service, with a route on the Michigan Southern road. He has been engaged in that employment ever since. As would be natural, Mr. Kessler is true to his "cherishing mother," and is a staunch Kepublican. He occupies a handsome and commodious residence on Market street, opposite the court-house, and has the finest and best appointed stables in Goshen. Mr. Kessler is one of the gentlemen whom it is a pleasure to meet, and being still young, can look forward to a future of prosperity and honor among his fellow citizens.

Joseph L.Kindiij was born in York county, Pa., Sept. 21, 1830. His parents were Joseph and Salome Kindig, also natives of Pennsylvania, and the latter still lives on the old homestead. Mr. Kindig was brought up on a farm, and was educated in Litez Academy, and York County Academy. He came to Goshen in 1854, and engaged in the mercantile business the same year, in which he remained till 1S68; and was eminently successful. He was married in 1857, to Miss Laura A., daughter of Joseph D. Knox, of Goshen. They had 2 children, both deceased. They are worthy members and pillars of the Baptist Church in Goshen.

Dr. Martin K. Krider, homeopathic physician, was born in Milton, Wayne Co., Ohio. His father was Jacob Krider, and his mother's maiden name was Anna Overholt. Both parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Dr. Krider began his education in the primary schools of his locality. During his youth he attended a high school in Smith ville, near his native town. Ills school days were ended in 1865, when he was 18 years of age. He removed to Indiana in 1865 and began teaching school at the age of 19. He had an inclination to anatomical and medical studies at an early age, and began a systematic reading on those subjects at the age of 15. Teaching and studying, he prepared himself for medical lectures, and took a course of that kind of instruction at Hahnemann Medical College,Chicago, in 1875, and graduated at that school in 1878. He opened an olfice in Goshen soon after, and has continued to practice here ever since, having secured an enviable reputation and lucrative business. Dr. Krider has been cheered and encouraged in his arduous endeavor bv an excellent helpmeet, whom he married in 1S69. His wife was Miss Saloma Hoover, a farmer's daughter, of Harrison tp. Four children were born of this marriage, all daughters. Dr. Krider has taken an active part in social matters, especially those promotive of temperance reform. He is a member of the order of Knights of Honor, and Dictator of the Goshen subordinate lodge. He is a Republican in politics. The present year, owing to an overburden of professional work, he formed a partnership with a younger brother. Dr. W. B. Krider, so that the firm is now known as " Krider Brothers," and promises to grow in the favor of the community.

William E. Manroiu, a prominent dealer in stoves and tinware, on the corner of Eiu;lith and Jefferson streets, Goshen, was born near Massillon, Ohio, May 23, 1S35, and is a son of M. H. and Orra (Eldridge) Manrow. He spent a portion of his early days on a farm. At the age of 16 years he returned to Massillon, laboring on the farm one season, when he went to Canton, Ohio, and there learned the tinner's trade, remaining here three years. In 1854 he went to Cleveland, Ohio, and worked at his trade seven months, then at Findlay,Ohio, one year, and then went to Geneseo, 111., where he kept books and worked in a hardware store for one year. He then spent a short time in the towns of Muscatine and Davenport, Iowa, and East Paw Paw and Earlville, 111. He then returned to Massillon, Ohio, and married Miss Nancy H. Sjiillino-, Feb. 10, 1859. They have had 6 children, viz.: Isaac N. (dec), William S., Nathan W., Charles O., M)ron W., and Archibald (dec). Mr. Manrow engaged in the sale of stoves and tinware in New Philadelphia, Ohio, for six years. He then formed a partnership with two other parties, and engaged in stamping tinware and the sale of stoves for 15 months. lie came to Goshen in 1876, where he engaged in selling stoves and tinware for one year, when he took A. A. Norton as his partner. He then received Mr. Brubaker as a partner, to whom he sold out in about four months. He then did journey work for some time. In 1878 he obtained a patent for his noted " Universal Eave-Trough Hanger." This had been rejected five times by the examining committee, from which decision his attorney appealed to the Examiner-in-chief, who reversed the decision and granted him a patent. Mr. M. has sold about iO.OOO of the hangers, and his trade is increasing. He is a tine workman, and is doing a good business. He is agent for the noted Rathbone stoves.

John Mayherry is a fiourishing druggist of Goshen, doing business on Main street. He was born in Medina county, Ohio, his parents being Joseph and Eliza (Jones) Mayberry. They removed from Ohio in 1849, and settled in Harrison tp., Elkhart Co., when the subject of this sketch was an infant. They remained on their farm about four years, and then removed to Goshen, when Mr. Mayberry's father engaged in trade. John attended the village schools, where he acquired a good English education. When he was sufficiently advanced in years he entered the drug store of Geo. Manahan as clerk, and remained in that employment for five years.

Wheu Marsh & Hill succeeded Mr. Manahan he contiuued with that firm for two years and a half. After this he went to Elkhart, and was for three years in the employ of Isaac Bnckland. Keinrningto Goshen, hu worked for Hawks Bros. & Co. five months, and succeeded Beyerle & Barber as proprietor of a drug business on Main street. He was married while at Elkhart to Miss Emma Hawks, and they have had 2 sons and 2 daughters. When he went into the drug business in 1873 he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, DwightH. Hawks, and the firm did business on the corner of Main and Market streets, where Mr. Hawks is now located in the same trade. In December, 1879, he sold his interest to Mr. Hawks, and began the drug business, where he is now located, on Main street, and he has secured a flourishing trade. Mr. May berry is peculiarly fitted for his vocation, and by his affability and close attention to the wants of his patrons is making troops of friends.

James IT. Mayfield was born Jan. 1, 1S21, in Washington, D. C. He was the son of Henry and Betsey (Shields) Mayfield. His father emigrated to America from London, Eng., in 1819, and located at Washington, where he was engaged in the boot and shoe business for five years, after whicli he took up his residence in Baltimore, and there was engaged in the same trade that he pursued in Washington. Mr. Mayiield during his boyhood attended the city schools of Baltimore, and thus acquired a good English education. At length the parents sought the betterment of their fortunes by removal to Ohio, and eventually settled on a farm in Knox county. There they remained about five years, when they again moved westward, stopping till 1834 at Mottville, Mich., and then removing to York tp., this county. In 1843 Mr. Mayfield, having arrived at manhood, was engaged in making fanning-mills with Peter Kerstetter. The firm of Kerstetter & Mayfield made fanningmills for six years, and were about the first manufacturers of this kind of machinery in the place. In 1S52 Mr. Mayfield went to California, and remained there three years. He accumulated in half of this period $3,000, and lost it in the memorable failure of Adams & Co.'s bank. Recovering somewhat from his loss, Mr. Mavfield returned to Goshen, and, his father dying, he came into possession of his property, which was, in part, land in the northern portion of the city of Goshen. He utilized this land for some time as a market garden, and subsequently converted it into an addition to the city, and, by the proceeds of the sale of town lots, accumulated funds for the purchase of a fine farm on the west side of Elkhart river, below Goshen. Mr. Mayfield was the pioneer market gardener of Goshen, and still makes this branch of industry a specialty. Socially he is interested in the Methodist society of Goshen, and contributes both labor and money for the promotion of religion and morals. He has, during his residence in Goshen, been honored for twelve years with the office of Councilman. He is a member of the Odd Eellows order, and votes the Republican ticket. Mr. Mayfield has a tasteful residence in the southern part of the city, on Main street, and is spending his time in the management of his line farm.

Wm. A. McAllistei^ was born in Elba, Genesee county, J^J^. T., March 20, 1817. His father was William McAllister, his mother's maiden name being Annie Snyder. Mr. McAllister spent his chilhood at his birth-place, and at nine years of age he went with his family to reside in the city of Buffalo. There his father died when William was 1-i years of age. xVbout this time he was apprenticed to the harness-maker's trade, and began business in this line on his own account when he was 26 j'ears of age. During the following year he was married to Miss Eleanor Stevens, of Buiialo. They had 1 child, a son, now a physican of large practice in South Bend. Mr. McAllister and family came to Goshen from Buffalo in 1853: and soon after established a harness store and manufactory, which business he has continued ever since. He has been in his present location on Main street for five years past, and keeps a large stock of excellent goods in his line, employing several men in the manufacture of harness. His is one of the oldest and best established houses of the kind in Elkhart county. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and also is a Freemason and an Odd Fellow. He was once a member of the Goshen Common Council, and is now on his second term of three years as School Director. In the latter capacity he has done much toward the present perfection of the Goshen school system.

Alex. McConanaughy, deceased, was born in Ireland in 1820. He came to Canada with his parents in 1834, and prior to 1810 he came to Elkhart county. He worked for James Frier three years, then married his daughter, Jane, June 2, 18-44. This union was blessed with 9 children, viz.: James, Clarinda (dec), William (dec), Charles, Leonard, David, Elizabeth, Austin (dec), and Isadora. Mr. McConanaughy was an honest man and a good neighbor. He died Oct. 22, 1866.

Dr. Bwrt P. McDonald was born in Adams tp,, Allen Co., Ind. His father was W. H. McDonald, and his mother's maiden name was Nancy E. Palmer. He passed his boyhood in Adams, and attended district school. When he was 19 years of age he began a commercial course at Fort Wayne, and graduated in 1866. After that he entered Dr. S. B. Brown's office, in Fort Wayne, for the purpose of learning dentistry, and remained there three years. Looking about for a place to practice the dental art, he selected Goshen, and located here in 1869. He opened an office over the present location of the Salem Bank, and there he had continued to practice to the time this sketch was written, a period of nearly 12 years. During almost this entire period he remained the master of the dental situation in Goshen, there being no rival in the place to share the labor and the profits with him. The consequence has been a successful career. He has been an honored member of the State Dental Association, and was elected secretary of that body in

ISli, aud re-elected in 1ST5. In 1S71 he married Miss Sarah A. Mather, daughter of Judge Joseph H. Mather, of the Circuit Court. His household has been brightened by 2 daughters. Dr. McDonald is yet iu the prime of life, and has the cheerful appearance of a gentleman with whom time and fortune has dealt with a gentle hand.

Francis A. Merriman was born in Sangamon county, 111., Sept. 5, 1830, aud is a son of Keuben and Betsey i\lerriman. He was raised on a farm, and was educated in the common schools and the S})ringfield, 111., high school. He came to this county in 1868, and carried away one of Elkhart tp.'s fair damsels, in the person of Chloe Sparklin, daughter of Azel Sparklin, one of the first settlers of Elkhart Co. Mr. Merriman had, however, been married previous to this, in 1858, to Miss Emma Bishop (now deceased), who bore him 5 children; of these 2 are living, Eddie and Mary.

Thomas Miller was born in German^' in December, 1818. His parents were also Germans. He came to Lancaster, Pa., in 1831, and to Kichland, Ohio, in 1833. In 1836 he came to this county, where he has since resided. He early became accustomed to hard work, and enjoyed but limited educational advantages. He is therefore a self-made man. He was married in ISil, to Miss Susannah Ulery who came to this county in 1830. They have 7 children, viz.: Margaret, Sophia, Caroline, Mary, Sarah, Lydia and Franklin T. Mrs. Miller died in lS5i, and he again married in 1871, this ^time Catharine Ferguson, a native of Dublin, Ireland, who came to this county in 18i4, all alone. In 1842 Mr. Miller opened a farm on sec. 5, which he still owns. He is the present Tp. Trustee for Elkhart tp..and in politics is Democratic. Mrs. Miller is a member of the Episcopal Church.

Hon. Joseph A. S. Mitchell, fanailiarly known by his townsmen as -- Capt. Mitchell," was born in Franklin count}', Pa. His father, Andrew Mitchell, was a farmer by occupation and died in 1840; respected and esteemed by all who knew him. His mother's maiden name was Sarah Lecron, and died in July, 1880, in the 76th year of her age. His father was of Scotch descent, and of Presbyterian proclivities. His mother was a French lady, born and raised in the State of Maryland. Capt. Mitchell exhibits striking characteristics of both nationalities. That sterling integrity and steadfastness to his opinions and convictions, which have given him a name to live among his fellow citizens, is eminently Scotch; that courtes}' of manner and cheerfulness and elasticity of temper which have distinguished him as a genial gentleman among his fellow men he undoubtedly owes largely to his mother. Capt. Mitchell came to Indiana while he was comparatively a boy. His education was Ijegun in the common schools of Pennsylvania. At the age of 17 he went to Illinois and attended college at Blandinsville, where he was also tutor for one year. In 1856 he returned to his native State, and began the study of the law, at Chambersburg, in the office of Piley & Sharp. He was admitted to the Bar in 1859. Dnriag the following summer he traveled through the South, and, having finislied his tour, came to G-oshen in the autumn and began the practice of the law. His professional career at that period was of short duration, for soon his country's peril called him to arms. He enlisted in the 2d Indiana Cavalry, and served in that regiment two years. He was immediately made First Lieutenant of Co. M, and subsequently was promoted to the Captaincy, and assigned a position on Gen. McCook's stafl' as Inspector-General, which position he held until the close of the -war. "When the war closed, and the Army of the Cumberland, to which his, the First Division, belonged, was disbanded. Captain Mitchell returned to Goshen an'd resumed the practice of the law, for which his subsequent career showed that he was eminently fitted, the firm of Baker & Mitchell being one of the most prominent and successful in Elkhart county. Capt. Mitchell was elected Mayor of Goshen in 1872, and served his term with acceptability. He has always been a Democrat, and active for the promotion of his party's views and measures, though he has eschewed office-seeking, choosing to promote his professional interests rather than to squander his energies in a scramble for official position.

In November, 1865, he was married to an estimable lady. Miss Marj' E. Defrees, daugliterof Hon. Joseph II. Defrees of Goshen, and their children were a son and a daughter. Ilecently a cloud of bereavement has overshadowed Capt. Mitchell's household by the death of his son. Capt. Mitchell is yet in the prime of his manhood, and occupies an enviable position in his profession and in society.

Dr. John K. Mulholland, homeopathic physician, has experienced a life of such noteworthy character as particularly entitles it to be recorded in this volume. He has made manifest the fact that enthusiasm in a life purpose is the great requisite for success, and that when this element is present seemingly impossible departures from a beaten track of habit and pursuit can be made with fortunate results. There seems to be no congruity between the character and habits of a merchant tailor and that of a physician; 3'et Dr. Mulholland has shown his capacity to change from the former to the latter, even in middle life, when age and practice should seem to make such a right-angled departure very difficult, if not impossible. Dr. Mulholland was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1832. He was the son of Francis and Cecilia (^Kelley) MnlhoUand. His father was of pure Irish descent, while his mother was of Scotch-Irish parentage. The elder Mulholland was a gentleman of competence, and was able to give his son good opportunities for early schooling. The Doctor's mother died when be was young. At the age of 18 he left his native land, following the example of so many of bis countrymen by coming to An?erica. He landed in New York and remained there 12 years. In 1860 he sought his fortune in the West, and located in Goshen. At length he engaged in the clotliing and merchant tailoring business on Main street, a business which he successfully pursued for 11 years. In 1872 he sold his stock in trade to parties from Soutli Bend. The desire to study the homeopathic system of medicine had taken possession of his mind, and after he had sold his business lie prepared to satisfy that desire. In due process of time he took a course of lectures at Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, and graduated in 187S. Soon afterward he began practice in Goshen. Some of his friends advised him to seek another location, on the grounds that a prophet hath no honor in his own country and among his own kindred; but he was actuated by much enthusiasm in his calling, and seeming to think that a steadfast, honest purpose and devotion to his work would win at home if anywhere, he set to work, opening, an office in Masonic block, Main street. His experience as a homeopathic physician has only added to his zeal in the profession, and success has repaid him for his effort.

Dr. Mnlholland was married to Miss Anna Hill in ]S'"asliville, Tenn., in 1S59, where he had spent a period before coming to Goshen, in 1859. This lady died at Goshen in 1866. He was again married in 1868, the wife of his second choice being Mrs. L. E. Knapp, a widow with 1 daughter. Dr. Mnlholland is a Knight Templar and Master of Bashor Council, Goshen.

t/. -3/. iVoSZe, one of Goshen's leading manufacturers and most enterprising citizens, was born in ISForwich, Muskingum Co., Ohio, in 18i5. His father is Louis H. jSToble, a well-known citizen and manufacturer of Goshen. His mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Motte. Both parents are of English descent. Mr. Noble spent his childhood until he was four years old in ISlorwieh, when, in 1849, he removed with his parents to Goshen. He attended district school until he was 14 years of age, when he went to Evanston, 111., and passed through a course of instruction in the Northwestern University, remaining there one year. He afterward attended a commercial school in St. Louis and graduated there. On his return to Goshen he engaged in the hardware business as clerk for one year, when he embarked in the same line ou his own account in Bourbon, this State. At the end of one year he returned to Goshen and engaged in the hardware trade with his father, the relation being maintained till IST-S. During this year, the firm embarked in the hard-wood lumber ti'ade, which soon developed into large proportions. For three years the company furnished all the black- walnut lumber used by the Singer Sewing- Machine Works at South Bend. During this time the Nobles handled more black-walnut lumber than any three firms in the State, and dealt in other hard-wood lumber besides. At length the firm launched into the manufacture of school furniture, an industry that has developed into one of the most important in Goshen. Mr. Noble was at the same time individually engaged in the Goshen Woolen Mills. He is still connected with all these lines of business.

have been born to them. Mr. ISToble has taken great pains to beautify and adorn his home on Market street. Its exterior is a model of residence architecture, but its interior is andoubtedly the finest in the State or the West. It is finished witli a great variety of woods, selected with great care as to beauty and variety by Mr. N. himself. Mr. jSToble is a member of the M. E. Church. In politics he adheres to the Democracy, and he is a Master Mason. He is a remarkably successful man in business, having never taken hold of an enterprise of which he did ijot make a success. Already a wealthy man, he has not yet reached middle life, and if fortune smiles upon him in the future as in the past, still greater achievements await him. See pages 917-'S.

L. H. Nohle is one of the leading manufacturers of Goshen. He is the senior member of the firm of Noble & Son, manufacturers of school furniture and dealers in hard-wood lumber, an account of whose large business appears in another place in this history. He was born in Brownsville, Fayette Co., Pa., April 7, 1816. His father was Joseph T. Noble, and his mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Turner. His parents moved during his boyhood to Zanesville, Ohio. His early education was obtained in district schools. Tlie elder Mr. Noble was engaged in the hotel, business in Zanesville. When Mr. N., the subject of this sketch, was 22 years of age he engaged in the dry-goods trade in Ohio which he continued until he came to Goshen in 131:9. Here he established himself in the same line of trade and did business for eight years thereafter. For some time he had a partner named Ma.xfield. At lengtli he engaged in the hardware trade, with Charles E. Lawrence as partner, and during this time branched out in the hard-wood lumber business, an enterprise that eventuated in the present lumber and furniture establishment of L. H. Noble & Son.

Mr. Noble was married at the age of 22 to Miss Elizabeth Motte, by whom he has had 2 sons and 2 daughters. Both sons are engaged with him in the fnruitureand lumber business. One of the daughters married Mr. Joseph Jenkinson, a lawyer of Fort Wayne, and the other, Mr. F. A. Hascall, brother of the noted Gen. M. S. Hascall, of Goshen. Mr. Noble has been a man of remarkably successful career, and now resides in a pleasant home on Fifth street, where himself and his estimable lady can, with satisfaction, reflect upon their past life of industry and usefulness, and comfort themselves with the knowledge that the competence that their own hands have brought them shall cheer them in their declining years.

Wm. M. Norton, of the Goshen Democrat, was born at Penn Yan, Yates Co., N. Y., March 4, 1836. He was the sou of Asa A. and Mary E. (Stokes) Norton. His parents removed to Goshen when he was a small child, and settled on a farm one and a half miles from town. At the age of 15 he went to Indianapolis to learn the printer's trade, and was employed iu the office of the

Statesman, then under the control of Dr. Ellis, who was at that time Auditor of State. He remained there three years, when he returned to Goshen, attended school a while, and afterward went to Chicago. He was employed in the Chicago Democrat oifice when '- Long " John Wentworth controlled that paper. When the Pike's Peak fever broke out Mr. Norton was swept away by the wild rush and remained out at the mountains two years. He seems to have struck something of a lead, for he returned to Goshen in 1861, bought the Democrat office, and conducted the paper till 1S63. He then sold it to Hon. Robt. Lowry, and removed to Fort Wayne, wdiere he purchased a job-printing establishment and continued business there till 1S69, when he sold out and returned to Goshen. Since that time he has mostly been connected with the Deviocrat. He was married in 186i to Miss Eliza J. Foote, of Hillsdale, Mich. They have 4 children. Mr. J^orton is a member of the Masonic order, and votes the Democratic ticket.

^-1. M. Parsons, Esq., member of the Common Council of the city of Goshen, was born in Lewis coimty, IST. Y., in 1831. He was the son of Aaron and Lucina Parsons. He lived at home till he was 19 years of age, attending district school, and also the academy at Denmark, N. Y. At 19 he went to Pome, N. Y., and made an engagement to learn the sash, blind and door-making trade. From 1856 to 1860 was in Chicago, and in September of that year he returned to Goshen. He here engaged in the liquor trade, and has remained in that vocation until the present time. Mr. Parsons made money rapidly, and at one period was the possessor of an ample fortune. He erected the finest building in Goshen, namely, Masonic Hall, on Main street, which stands to-day a monument of his enterprise and good taste. Mr. Parsons was elected a member of the Common Council of Goshen, from the first ward, in 1878, and is now serving the third year in that capacity. He is a member of the order of the Knights of Pythias. He has the advantage among his fellows of being a man of tine personal appearance and of urbane and generous nature, qualities that make him popular as a purveyor in his particular line and among the constituents of his ward . His place is the resort of the respectable and order-loving portion of the citizens of Goshen and vicinity.

Hev. IF. 0. Pierce, D. D., was born at New Haven, Hamilton Co., Ohio, Oct. 28, 1835; entered Wilmington (Ind.) Seminary in 1855, and graduated at the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1859; was engaged in teaching up to 1865, in which time he was President of Morris Hill (Ind.) College; entered the ministry of the M. E. Church in 1865, in which relation he filled the oflice of Pastor until 1875, when he was elected Professor of Greek and Hebrew in the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, which position he resigned to re-enter the work of the regular pastorate. He is now (lb80) stationed as Pastor over the Goshen M. E. Church.

History Of Elkhaet Countt

French, Spanish and Italian; and five ot- the Shemitic languages, Hebrew, Arabic, Syriac, Chaldee and Samaritan. He received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Cornell College in 1S78.

William D. Platter is a native of Koss county, Ohio, and was born Sept. li, 1832. His parents were George and Ann (Andrews) Platter, who removed with their family to this county in 1835. They settled 12 miles from Goshen; for five miles of that distance they were obliged to cut a road through the heavy timber. Their first house was made after the fashion of an Eastern sugar camp, with one side open, and a large log heap in front by which to warm themselves and do their cooking. Their bedstead consisted of poles placed the entire length of the cabin, a little above the floor, answering for two pair of beds, the parties lying feet to feet. This was in the thick timber, and grubbing, picking, chopping, etc. must be done before a hill of corn could be planted. This they did by toilsome labor. After working in various Hues of business, Mr. Platter in 1854, originated the Goshen Pump Manufactory. His first pumps were made as follows: He would go out, cut down a tree and hew it to the proper size, and bring it to his little shop and bore it. In this way he would make two or three pumps, and then proceed to sell them. His trade increased, and he employed some hands to assist him. It grew better and better, until when he sold ont in 1879, his annual sales amounted to $90,000. He now owns 972 acres of valuable land, besides a magnificent residence in Goshen, and a great deal of other property in the city. He was married June 15, 1852, to Miss Mary Stutsman, a very estimable lady, who died Oct. 8, 1879. Mr. Platter is a worthy member of the Reform Church of Goshen. In politics he is a Republican.

Perry C. Purl, who with his brother owns a fine farm on the outskirts of the city of Goshen (his residence being in the city), was born in Goshen Jan. 2i, 1842. He is thus one of the few natives ofthe place who have arrived at manhood and are now actively identified with the business and interests of the locality. He was the son of Elias and Lavina (Francisco) Purl. His father came to Goshen about 1834, and stopped here the first winter. He afterward settled on the fiirm the sons now occupy. The original farm comprised 157 acres, to which the sons have added sufficient to make a domain of 175 acres. Mr. Purl remained on the farm with the father till he died in 1872, and then assumed the management ofthe property with his brother, Wm. W. Purl, the mother remaining with them. The brothers began the improvement of horse-stock in January, 1879, an enterprise that has made them well known throughout the county. They imported the first Clydesdale stallion owned in this vicinity. This tine animal, who bears the suggestive cognomen "Time of Day," was reared by John Henderson, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and cost $2,000. The Purls have several other fine stallions, and are doing much for the improvement of horses in Elkhart and the surrounding counties. They also are contemplating the introduction and breeding of fine-blood sheep

P. N. Reitzell was born in Franklin county, Pa., Feb. li, 1824-. His parents died when he was but five years old, and he was then " tossed from pillar to post," with no guardian or friends. He attended school but 90 days, and then paid his board and tuition. He learned the blacksmith trade when quite j'oung. He soon after learned the art of boring rifles in guns, which he followed until the war. He is also a natural machinist. He was married Oct. 18, 1848, to Miss Elizabeth Hentzell, by whom he has had 5 childi'en; but 1 is living, Clara. Mr. R. now works in the Walker manufactory . Mr. Eeitzell's family are members of the Baptist Church.

Samuel A. Rod'ibaugh. - This enterprising 3'oung farmer is a native of this county, and was born Oct. 24, 1850. His parents were Samuel and Anna (Bowman) Kodibaugh, natives near Dayton, Ohio. Mr. E.. was raised on a farm, and now resides on the old homestead, sec. 33, Elkhart tp. His parents were early settlers here. There was an Indian camping ground just in front of the house which he now occupies. He was married, Sept. 24, 1874, to Miss Martha Leedy, daughter of John Leedy. They have 4 children, Edith, Blanche, Florence and Vera.

Ernst A. Satathee was born in Ebersdorf, near Lyons, France, May 25, 1829. His father's name was Ernst "W. Salathee and his mother's maiden name was Adelaide Hess. He was two years of age when his parents moved from France and settled in Newsalz, Silesia, Germany. There he attended school, and entered Hildersheim College when he was 1.5 years of age, and graduated at that institution at the age of 17. At this time he began employment in a store in Newsalz. In 1846 he came to this country, his father having preceded him. He landed in jSTew York, and from there went to Bethlehem, Pa., a Moravian town. He remained there three or four years, and taught school, and was employed for some time in the deputy recorder's oiEce in Easton. From there he went to Akron, Ohio. At this place he was employed as clerk in a store, and tauglit penmanship. At length he took up the art of ornamental painting. This he continued for several years, both in Akron and after he came to Goshen. Since arriving here he has, besides ornamental painting, followed the employment of clerk, and also has been engaged in the drug business. At this writing he occupies the position of deputy recorder, having filled that office for several months past. He owns 40 acres of land outside the city, which employs the interims of oificial labor. Mr. Salathee was married about 20 years since, in Ohio, to Miss Ann K. Latimer, by whom he has 5 children now living, 2 sons and 3 daughters. Only one of these children is married, a daughter, to Mr. Geo. Inbody.

Christian H. Schaefer is one of the most prosperous merchants in Goshen. He was born in Ottenstein, in the Dukedom of Brunswick, Germany, July 14, 1826. His father's name was Frederick Schaefer, and his mother's name before marriage was Wilhel- miua Giesman. Mr. Scliaefer spent his boyhood at home, and attended the primary schools of his native place. Id his lith year he was coniirmed in the Lutheran Church. Before he was 18 years of ao-e he served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade; after that he traveled as a journeyman blacksmith, and thus visited diiTerent parts of Germany and England. During the revolution of 1S4S Mr. Scliaefer joined the fortunes of the revolutionists of Germany, and was taken prisoner by the Prussians, but was released the same year, when he enlisted in the regular army. He was a soldier from ISIS to 1851, and experienced much campaigning and hard fighting in Schleswig-PIolstein. He was discharged from the service in 1S5.3, and soon thereafter emigrated to America. Landing in jSTew York, he remained there a short time, and then journeyed westward, stopping at Ft. Wayne, where he found employment in a hotel. He also worked there at his trade a portion of the time during his stay. Pie came to Goshen in 18.55. In 1856 he was married to Miss Christiana Gall, who has presented him with 2 sons and 1 daughter. He worked at blacksmithing till 1861, when his health failed and he embarked in the grocery and produce business. He is now doing a thriving business in the dry-goods line. He is a member of the Masonic order, and in politics is a Democrat. He was elected a member of the Common Council in 187i, and City Treasurer in 1880, and the latter office he now holds. Mr. Schaefer is one of the substantial and enterprising men of Goshen, a man of liberal and kindly impulses, and in all respects an excellent citizen.

Isaac A. Simmons, attorney at law, of Goshen, was born Dec. 28, 1845, in Miami county, Obio. He was the son of Andrew and Mary A. (Weatherhead) Simmons. His father was a farmer, and came to Elkhart county in 1847, who, after several years of industrious management of his farm and nurture of his family, departed this life in 1861. Isaac remained at home until 1863, when he enlisted in the First Indiana Regiment, which was ordered to the Department of the Gulf, and went first to New Orleans, and was placed under command of Gen. iST. P. Banks. With his regiment Mr. Simmons accompanied the Red River expedition, and was in all the engagements and captures of towns along that stream toward Shreveport. He was also in Arkansas, and participated in the battles of Marksville Plains and Yellow Bayou. On Jan. 10, 1866, he was honorabh' discharged, and returned to Goshen. He soon after entered the Goshen Collegiate Institute as a student, of which Prof. Butler was principal and Prof. EUwood associate principal. He spent two years here, when he became a student of the law department in the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He had previously read law under the preceptorship of Wilson & Osborn, and had taiiirht schools in the intervals of study at the Collegiate Institute. He returned from the universitj', and was married in June, 1869, to Miss Jennie McKibben, of Goshen, who has presented him a son and a dauffliter. About this time he was admitted to the Bar, and went into law practice in Goshen, and has since continued Iiis professional labors here. He was Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for this district during six years, closing in the spring of ISSO, and during his terms of service managed the State prosecutions and legal business connected therewith in Elkhart county. Mr. Simmons i~s a member of the Odd Fellows order, and also that of the Knights of Honor. He has recently had the misfortune to lose the estimable partner of his joys and sorrows, who died Jan. 13, ISSO, an affliction which has drawn a dark zone across his life pathway, and tinged his future with a somber shade.

John B. Slav'ghter, the only marble dealer in Goshen, was born at Eavenna, Portage Co., Ohio, March 3, 1831. He was the son of Solomon and Ruth (Burdick) Slaughter. He passed his boyhood on his father's farm, and attended common school. When he had arrived at a sutficient age he was apprenticed to the marble cutter's trade, his employers being Jones & Sons, of Cleveland, Ohio. One of the sons of Mr. Jones at this date is United States Senator from Ohio. Mr. Slaughter finished his apprenticeship in three years, and then traveled throughout the West as a journeyman marble cutter, working by intervals in various places, among them Chicago, Toledo, Huntington and Ligonier. In the latter place he carried on the m.arble business for three years. In 1S59 he came to Goshen, and established himself in marble cutting and dealing, since which time he has commanded that trade in Goshen, being the only proprietor of marble works here. Having been so many years in the business, and having begun in his present location so early, he can justly claim to have erected more tombstones and cemetery monuments than any other marble dealer in Elkhart county, or probably in Northern Indiana. He has been engaged in the trade on his own account for 21 years, and has been a marble cutter for 31 years, - a length of period passed in this branch of industry that few men of his craft can claim. Mr. Slaughter in 1861: was married to Miss Lydia M. Dean, by whom he has had 2 sons and 1 daughter. Mr. Slaughter is an ardent Republican in politics, and a Freemason, holding in the order the office of Scribe in chapter 45, and has belonged to the mystic brotherhood 'I'd years. He has been honored by his fellow citizens with an election as City Councilman for two successive terms. The gravity of Mr. Slaughter's occupation does not prevent his being a cheerful gentleman, and one whose every-day life is characterized by kindness and fair treatment of his fellow men.

Zdw iSmiiSA. deceased, was born in Rockdale county, Ky., near the town of Crab Orchard, Feb. 8, 1815, and is a son of Jonathan and Barbara Smith, natives of Tiger's Valley, Va. His mother was a daughter of Col. Crow, of Revolutionary fame. His father died when he was but three years old, and consequently he was compelled to work assiduously and undergo many hardships, as his mother was poor. He removed to Clarke county, Ohio, with his motheiv in 1S20. He aftei-ward served three years' apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade, in Logan county, Ohio. He came to this count}' in 1S34 and established a distillery in company with Samuel Barns, near Watertbrd. He was married j^ov. 9, 1837, to Miss Polly McDowel, by whom he had 1 child, James A., now in Elkhart. Mrs. Smith died in June, 1840, and he returned to Ohio in 1842, and engaojed in the distillery business. In May, 1843, he returned to this county, and Aug. 21 following he married Miss Elizabeth W. McDowel by whom he had 10 children; of these, 6 are living, viz.: John H., Levi M., Rebecca R. , William P., Lovina C. and Carrie L. He engaged in farming one mile south of Elkhart for several years, and grew wealthy. He died July 26, 1880, loved and respected by all. He was a very benevolent and kind man. He left 92J acres of land to each of his 7 children, and the same to Mrs. Smith.

Wm. M. Starr was born in Mitiiin county. Pa., April 16, 1837. His father's name was Geo. L. Starr, who married Lucinda Ratter. The family removed to Ohio when William was an infant, locating in Williams county, and settling on a farm, where they remained till the fall of 1855. In the spring of 1856 Mr. Starr entered the office of the Hepuhlican Standard as an apprentice, and remained there two years. After an interval of one year he resumed the art preservative and traveled as a journeyman. When the war broke out he enlisted in the 13th Indiana Infantry, at Peru, prompted by the first call for troops after the fall of Fort Sumter. He served 13 months and was captured in the Shenandoah valley when on the skirmish line. He was taken to Libby Prison, but was confined there but a few hours, when he was paroled and sent to Washington. Tliere, in due course of time, he was honorably discharged. Returning to Bryan, Ohio, he purchased a partnership in the Press and Leader, with S. L. Hunter, and was connected with that paper for five years. He removed to Goshen and assumed control of the Times in August, 1867. He continued in the editorship of the paper and management of the Times printing establishment till the summer of 1880, when he sold his share of the property to Dr. Beyerle, the present proprietor, who had owned an interest in it since 1877. Since his disposition of the Times he has bought a half interest in a printing establishment in Jacksonville, 111., Joseph J. Ironmonger being the original owner and his present

Sartner. Mr. Starr also owns 160 acres of land in Emmet county, [ich. He was married in Bryan, Ohio, May 8, 1S66, to Miss Aggie E., daughter of Rev. Thos. Tanneyhill. Mr. Starr is a member of the Methodist Church, also of the Masonic order, and of the Odd Eellows. He is a Republican in politics. At this writing, he intends soon to depart from Goshen and take up his residence at Jacksonville, the scene of his future labors.

Samuel Strirklerv;&s born id Pennsylvania. When he was six years of age his parents moved to Canada, and resided near the JSTiagara river till after the war of 1812, when they removed to New York, and resided 18 miles east of Buffalo until 1826, when the family returned to Canada. Benjamin W. Strickler, son of Samuel Strickler, came from Canada to Indiana with his parents when he was 12 years of age. His father lived in Goshen one year and a half, when he settled on a farm of 160 acres, in sec. 7, this tp. He improved and cultivated this farm till 1868, when he died, at the age of 58, leavino- a widow and 5 children. The north half of the farm fell to the share of Benjamin, and he cultivates this estate at the present time. In 1860 he was married to Miss Eebecca Shunk, who had recently come from Pennsylvania. They have 3 children, George Allen, John Henry and Mary Alice.

Samuel Stutsman was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, Oct. 11, 1821, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Stutsman, natives of Pennsylvania. He came with his parents to this county in 1833, when there were many wild Indians here. He has played and shot with bow and arrows " many a day with the Indian boys." Plis father settled on the east side of the Elkhart river, and the school was on the west side, and he could attend school only when the ice was thick enough to allow him to cross on it. As this was only a portion of the winter, and the school taught by subscription, his early educational advantages were very limited. His school-house, of course, was of the pioneer class, viz. : a little log cabin furnished with slab seats, and boards supported on pins in tlie wall for a writing desk. He was married in 1845, to Miss Caroline Swinehart, by whom he has had 11 children; of these, 7 are living, viz.: Benjamin, Amanda, Amelia A., Martha, Sarah, Sealon and Delilah. Mr. Stutsman resided in Concord tp., and still owns the same farm of 170 acres. He grew feeble, and in 1874 removed to Goshen, where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. S. are members of the United Brethren Church in the locality where they formerly resided, Mr. Stutsman having served as Church Trustee for some time.

William A. Thomas, banker and capitalist and a leading manufacturer of flour, was born in Monroe county, Va., March 3, 1816. His father's name is Thomas Thomas. He still resides in "Warsaw, this State, and is 88 years of age. His mother's maiden name was Mary Kelley. The family remained in Monroe county, Yirginia, until William was 10 years of age, during which time he had some tuition in a subscription school. Leaving Virginia in 1826, the family removed to Kichmond, Ind., and settled there. William enjoyed the advantage of such tuition as the district schools afforded at that early day. In 1828 the family again struck their tents, and this time drove their stakes in the then famous St. Joseph's valley, but not " flnding anything to live on" there, as Mr. Thomas expressed it, they finally sought a resting'place in Elkhart county. This was in the spring of 1829. The family settled on a farm, which was located on what was called "Two-Mile

Plain." There the}' remained until the elder Mr. Thomas was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, when they changed their residence to Goslien. For some time afterward William worked on a farm near town. In 1S35, his father having opened a store in Leesbarg, William became a clerk in it, and remained in that occupation till 18-37, when he returned to Goshen, and was employed in his father's store as salesman here. This was continued till 1S3S, when he went into the Circuit Clerk's otKce as deputy to his father. This employment lasted until the close of his father's term of service, which e.xtended over 1-1 years. In 1844 Mr. Thomas was a candidate for clerk on the Whig ticket. His was the losing party that year, and he was consequently defeated. After this campaign, and until the spring of 1845, Mr. Thomas was not particularly employed. Daring the last-named year himself and Milo Mercer engaged as partners in the dry-goods trade. Their store was on Main street. On October of the same jea.r Mr. Thomas was married to Miss Sarah McKenney, by whom he had 1 daughter. The firm sold goods till the spring of 1848, when the partnership was dissolved, after which Mr. Thomas continued the dry-goods business alone. Pie sold goods for 20 consecutive years without the intermission of three days. He was burned out in 1872, but this did not materially interrupt his business. He closed up his drygoods trade in 187.5. In 1809 he established a Hour mill on the hydraiilic canal. This enterprise is still in a flourishing condition. In September, 1876, Mr. Thonuis opened the Farmer's Bank on Main street, Goshen, and that enterprise is still maintained under' his management. The first Mrs. Thomas having died, Mr. T., in 1850, was again married, to Miss Eliza McKenney, sister of his former wife. She has presented her husband 3 daughters; 2 of these are married : one to C. M. Harris, and the other to Laporte Eaton. Mr. Thomas is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics he is a Republican.

Benjamin F. Toms was born in Ashland county, Ohio, in 1838; came to this State in 1860 and located in Goshen, where he has since resided, and for the greater part of this time has been in the employ of Mr. Hawks as miller. Mr. Toms was married to Miss Matilda Price Feb. 22, 1866, who was born in this county, and there have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Toms 6 children, of whom there are 5 living: Benjamin F., Alpheus, Emily, Ellen, Lizzy and Jasper. Mr. John T. Toms, father of the subject of this sketch, is a native of Pennsylvania, as is also his wife. Mr. Toms is a very energetic man and a good financier, as his present circumstances indicate, having had but a limited education, such as could be obtained in the common schools of Ohio 30 years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Toms are members of the Baptist Church.

Wm. Twomey is of Irish descent, having been born in Killarney, county Kerry, about 1824. His father's Christian name was Thomas, and his mother before marriage was Miss Catharine Mc- Sweeney. His parents were Catholics, and William attended parish school in his native place until he was 16 years of age, when he went to London to finish learning the shoemaker's trade, which he had parti}' learned under an apprenticeship to his brother. He worked in London about seven years, when he and his brother resolved to come to America. In the month of January they embarked in the ship Fi'anklin, commanded by a Swedish captain, which was in the American trade. The passage over was a stormy one, and consumed six weeks before the rugged coast of New England was descried. Unfortunately the Captain missed his reckonings, and the vessel was grounded on a sandbank near Cape Cod. The peril was imminent, as the sea ran high and was pounding against the vessel fearfull\-, and threatening to break her in pieces. The Captain had concluded that the tide would soon be at the ebb and thus the ship would be floated off the bank; but again he had miscalculated, for the tide began to flow, bearing the vessel still deeper into the fatal bank, and making her total loss certain. The sea continued to dash upon the ill-fated bark until she went to pieces. All the crew and passengers but four, of which number our hero was one, were swept off by the waves, or were lost by attempts to launch the life boats. The four clung to the bowsprit until they were rescued by a party of wreckers. Mr. Twomey's brother was among the lost. After l)is escape from a watery grave he was hospitably treated by the inhabitants of Cape Cod, where he worked for some time at his trade, thus procuring means to purchase clothes and tools. He went to Boston and there worked at his trade for 18 months; thence he went to Worcester, Hartford, New Haven and New York, finding employment for a time in each city. While in Hartford he was married to Miss Mary Kough, by whom he has had 6 children. He removed to Goshen in the summer of 1855, where he was employed as a journej'man for about 18 years; he opened a shop on Market street, opposite the postoffice, about six years ago, and has kept it ever since. Mr. Twomey is a genial gentleman, and vividly recites the story of his shipwreck to his friends.

Rev. H. L. Vannuys, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Goshen, was born in Kentucky Nov. 3, 1829; his father, Tunis Vannuys, was a native of New Jersey, and his mother, Kate (Demaree) Vannuys, was a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. Vannuys is a graduate of Hanover College, and also of the Theological Seminary of Princeton, New Jersey; he came to Goshen Oct. 21, 1852, where, in March, 1853, he organized the Presbyterian Church, with fifteen members; he is still the pastor, and his is, perhaps, the longest pastorate in Indiana; the summer of 186T he spent in Europe; during his labors in Goshen, nearly five hundred have been added to the Church. He was united in marriage with Miss Pebecca H., daughter of S. P. Williams, of Lima, Lawrence county, Ind., and they have had 1 child ^deceased). Mrs. Vannuys died in 1869. and in 1872 he married Miss Lillie W. Loring, by whom he had 1 child, which is also deceased.

Maj. W. H. Venavion was born in Piqua, Ohio, in 1836; his father was Harvey Venamon, and his mother's maiden name was Margaret Barnes; they were both Kentuckians, and of English descent. When JVIr. Y. was six months old, his parents moved to Koscinsko county, Ind., where they remained till 1849; they then made another remove, this time locating at Goshen, this county. Maj. Venamon, when a boy, attended the district schools of his neighborhood, and in 18.51 he began to learn the cabinet maker's trade; he worked at this occupation until 1859, when he attended Bi'yant & Stratton's Commercial College, in Chicago. In 1862 he enlisted in the 100th Ind. Reg., and performed three years of service; he followed the illustrious Sherman from Vicksburg to the sea, and was in 47 battles; he entered the army as First Lieutenant, and was promoted through the regular gradation to the rank of Major; he served as Quartermaster and Adjutant; when he was Captain he took his company into the battle of Mission Ridge, 32 strong; when the carnage was over, only seven men answered the roll-call; 25 had been either killed or disabled. On June 18. 1865, Maj. Yenamon was honorably discharged, and returned to Goshen; soon after, he went into the boot and shoe trade with Jacob Ilattel; in about a year from that time he was appointed County Treasurer, in place of Hiram Morgan, deceased. lie served in this capacity for one year, and when election recurred, he was voted into office for another term, and reelected for the ensuing term. After the expiration of his last terra, he spent two years in traveling through the Eastern and Western States; returning from this diversion, he settled down in Goshen. Five years since he engaged in the sash, blind and door manufacture with Mr. W. R. Whitmer, and has since continued this business relation. Maj. Yenamon is a genial gentleman, of excellent physical propoi'tion, and is yet untouched by time and the vicissitudes of experience through which he has passed. He belongs to the Masonic order, being a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery.

John B. Vesey was born in Cayuga county, Ohio, May 22, 1836 ; in 1838 the family moved west to Indiana and settled in Middlebury tp., this county, then a very new country. The howling of wolves could then be heard often at night. As the country improved they removed to Elkhart tp. and bought a farm one mile northeast of Goshen, tlien a small village of 800 or 1,000 inhabitants. Here the subject of this sketch worked on a brick yard and farm, as necessity directed (his fether trying to attend to both), the most of the time until he was of age, attending the common subscription school then in vogue from three to four months a year. At the age of 16, however, he attended for a year the Ontario Collegiate Institute. Lagrange county, then the best school in this part of the country. In the mean time he had some experience in business. He rode considerable as Deputy Sheriff for C. W. Seely, collected taxes, etc.; also taught a number of terms oi common school, witli good success. His services were considerably sought after, and he always received the highest wages paid in the tp. where he taught at that time. Aug. S, 1S60. he was united in marriage to Miss Alice JSTeweli, of Jefferson tp., Elkhart county. He had by strict economy and iudnstry saved up about $1,200, and after buying a team and farming utensils, household goods, etc., he had $700 to pay on a farm of S5 acres. He soon sold the first farm, being unable to pay the balance of payments as they came due (^for §300 more than he gave, however), and bought a large farm of 205 acres, for which he went in debt for more than two-thirds of the price paid, and paid every dollar he owed in three years. He owns the same farm yet and a part of his father's small farm, for which he paid the money. He never received anything from home. He also has property in Goshen, where he now lives.

He followed the pursuit of a farmer, mixing a little other business with it, mainly stock, until 1875, when his wife's health became very much broken, and he was advised to change climate. He was with his wife and two children in Minnesota, then through the West to San Francisco ; after remaining there a few days they started down the coast and went as far as Los Angeles; returning to Indiana, the}' went to Michigan near Detroit, thence to New York, Philadelphia and Washington. After about IS months, Mrs.Vesey's health being much improved, he returned to Goshen and engaged in the lumber trade ; after continuing in this business two years his health failed and he was obliged to sell out, since time he has been looking after his tarms and attending to some otlier business.

Jsaiith Violett, son of the well-known and prominent John W. Vioiett,deceased, was born in Elkhart in 1S35; he received his education in the public schools of Goshen; was married in 1862 to Miss Helen C. Hale; is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and lends his aid to all charitable institutions. He resides on the old homestead sec. 27, owns 1-10 acres of valuable land and is engaged in genera} farming. In politics Mr. Yiolett is a staunch Kepublican.

John H. Yiolett^ a wealthy farmer and a prominent citizen ot this tp., was born Nov. 22, 1S29, at a point about two miles south of what is now the city of Goshen, and was the first child of white parents in Elkhart county. They were among the earliest settlers of the county. The father, John Wesley Violett, was a native of Virginia, but of French descent, his ancestry having emigrated to America in the earl\' days of this country's settlement. He was born Aug. 29, 1795, near Harper's Ferry, where he lived until he was about seven years of age. His father having died, his raotlier, with her fan:ily, emigrated to Ohio and settled on Buck creek, about 10 miles from Springfield, where he was engaged in assisting his mother on the farm, when not attending school, until he reached the age of IS. He enlisted in the army during the war with England in 1S12. serving about two years. When Fort Meigs was besieged he v/as at Fort Finley. For bis services in the army be was granted a Government land warrant in after life. In politics he wasaWbigof the Henry Clay school, and he was a great admirer and ardent snppoi'ter of '' Harry of the West," for whom he cast his first ballot for President, a copy of which he carefully preserved. la 1S20 he went to Missouri, where he remained about three years, receiving an appointment as Justice of the Peace. In 1S23 he returned to Ohio and purchased a farm in Clarke county. Aug. 31, 1S'21, he was elected Sergeant-major of the 2d Regiment, Fifth Brigade, Fifth Division of the Ohio militia. Mr. Yiolett was a man of close observation and good judgment, and methodical in all his business habits. He kept a memorandum of passing events, and bi;t a few months prior to his death he collected from his diary an account of his journey from Ohio to Indiana. In the spring- of 1S2S, he sold his farm in Clarke county, Ohio, with a view of removing west of the Mississippi to procure a larger tract of land. Having heard favorable reports of the country in Indiana, watered by the St. Joseph of Lake Michigan and its tributaries, he concluded to look at it. Oct. i, 1S38, he set out, accompanied by his fatherin-law, each being supplied with a good stock of provisions for the trip, knowing they would be obliged to camp out a part of the ti)ne -during their explorations. They went to Fort Wayne, then but a hamlet, and the following day they proceeded as far as Wolf lake, where they camped over night. Leaving this desolate place, they found a better country for the next 80 miles. They soon struck the Elkhart bottom, a rich expanse of timber land. After crossing the river they discovered Elkhart Prairie, which they thought the most beautiful tract of land they had ever seen. They came to a spring at the Elkhart river, wliere DeCamp afterward built a mill, and remained over night. The next morning they crossed the St. Joseph river near the mouth of Elkhart. Here they found tlie first settler since leaving the neighborhood of Fort Wayne. In about nine miles they reached Beardsley's Prairie, a beautiful rolling plain with a few squatters, and put up with Mr. Beardsle}*, where they found good accommodations. ITere they found the first crop of growing corn, and investigation showed it to be good, both in quality and quantity, for sod corn. The blades were yet green, no frost appearing that fall until Oct. 9. In this place they became acquainted with Hon. George Crawford, now of La Porte, and his partner, Mr. Meacham, who gave them satisfactory information in regard to the country and its probable wealth and productiveness. The following day they visited Young's Prairie, a rich and beautiiul tract of land, where the]'' put up with a squatter for the night. He claimed a large amount of the prairie for himself and friends. In this place was another crop of good corn. JN'ext day they went to White Pigeon Prairie and stayed over night with Judge Winckel. He also had a good crop of corn. In the morning they left for Elkhart Prairie. Major Violett had concluded to settle there, and wished to further examine the prairie and its surroundings. Arrived there they camped for the night at Elkhart river, where Benton now stands. The following day was spent in looking over the prairie. They found the prospect for a settlement very flattering, a plentiful supply of good water, and an abundance of valuable timber. They were soon joined by Messrs. Crawford and Meacham, on their way South to purchase stock-hogs; about the same time Matthew Boyd arrived at their camp. He afterward became a resident of Benton . Oct. li, they started for home. That evening they met Elias Kiggs and his son-in-law, with their families, moving to the Elkhart Prairie. They first built a house on the land afterward owned by Colonel John Jackson, and were the first settlers on the plain. During the winter Major Violett made preparations to move to Elkhart Prairie, and March 3, 1S29, he started with an ox team loaded with provisions, farming utensils, and their heavy furniture, leaving his family with his friends for a time. He was accompanied by two other men with ox teams and by two young men, William Chance and James Bishop, whom he had hired to assist him in starting his farm. They were 1'2 days on thejourne}'. He made a squatters claim on the prairie running through the timber lands to the river. Here he built a cabin and soon after began making rails for fencing. During the spring he put in cultivation S2 acres of corn, inclosing with a substantial rail fence 50 acres of his land. This was the first crop of corn raised in the vicinity, and proved of great use the following winter and spring to families and stock that had come into the country without sufficient grain. In July, Major Violett moved his family to his Indiana home.

He was a pioneer of the county, and among the first of the settlers who are entitled to the credit of opening up this beautiful region. He was a man of marked ability, a pungent writer, a ready, pleasing and convincing speaker, and his intellectual superiority made him respected and influential. In religious matters he was unorthodox in belief, always entertaining a high respect for Church organizations, religious rites, and the convictions and opinions of others, but unable to accept many of the creeds and practices of the Churches. He was firm in his political position, and active in the support of his convictions, but was in no sense a politician. In 1S30, upon the organization of the county of Elkhart, he was elected Pecorder; his commission being signed by James Morrison, Secretary of State, and James B. Ray, Governor of Indiana. He held this oQice seven successive years. In 1830 he was appointed Major of the S2d Pegiment of Indiana Militia; in 1S40 he was a candidate for Associate Judge, but his party being largely in the minority, he was defeated, and in 1842 he was appointed Commissioner for the Erie & Michigan canal, and subscribed SI, 000 toward its construction. He was a candidate of the Whigs for State Senator in 184i, bnt was defeated, although securing more than his regular party vote. In ISoi-'S he built the Yiolett House in Goshen, which stands to-day as a monument of his public spirit.

During his life-time be was a model and enterprising farmer, and engaged extensive!}' in a nursery, supplying the county with fruit and ornamental trees, in which he was the pioneer of this section. Major Violett in private life was a cordial, genial gentleman. His home was the center of a free and hearty hospitality, dispensed without ostentation by himself and family. Here, surrounded by a loving family and kind friends, endeared to him by long years, he passed the remainder of his days. His character was above reproach. He died Oct. 24, 1S71, in the 76th year of his age. lamented by a large circle of relatives and friends. The subject of this sketch, JohnH. Violett, as we have before said, was the first white child born in Elkhart connty. The old cabin, which his father built in the spring of 1S29, in which the family lived at the time of his birth, was afterward sold to Daniel Hess, but the outside door, being the only one in the cabin, and the first one hung on hinges in the county, is still perserved by the family as a relic of value.

His early educational advantages were extremely limited. The log cabin in which John received his first school experience was built on sec. 27, near where Waterford now stands, and was constructed with one log left out on the side, with strips of wood nailed across, over which oiled paper was pasted, serving as a window. At the age of 15 he closed his school-going daj'S, and devoted his time exclusively to hard farm labor for about six years. In the spring of 1850, in company with others, he went by the overland route to California, where he engaged in mining with satisfactory success, remaining there until the following March, when he set out for home from San Francisco, by way of Panama and New Orleans. Unfavorable winds and weather drove them hundreds of miles south of the equator in the first part of the return trip, and they ran near the Marquesas Islands, arriving in port after a V03'age of 74 days. He soon afterward bought a farm of his father not more than 100 rods from where he was born, upon which he built a substantial and commodious brick dwelling. He also purchased a saw-mill on the Elkhart river, and engaged in farming and the manufacture and sale of lumber, continuing both until 1853, when he sold the mill, and gave his attention entirely to his other interests. At the opening of the war of the rebellion he at once set about arranging his affairs so that he could leave home, and on Sept. 2, 1861, he enlisted as a private, refusing promotion, in Co. E, ythliegiment Indiana Infantry, in which he served faithfully for three years. Among the sanguinary battles in whicli he was engaged were the two days" confiict at Pittsburg Landing, April 6 and 7, 1862; Stone Piver fought, Dec. 31, 1863, and Jan. 1 and 2, 1863; Chickamauga, of June 19 and 20, 1863; Lookout Moimtain, on the occasion of the great achievement of General Hookers division, by which the summit was reached, and the rebels were charged and defeated by the boys in blue, that memorable conflict known in history as the battle fought " above the clouds," which occurred ^Slov. 24 and 25, 1863; and was in nearly all the severe engagemeuts in which. Ids regiment participated. He was made prisoner in Tennessee and taken to Libby prison, but was immediately e.xchanged. being among the last of the captured who received that favor from the hands of the rebels. At the expiration of the term of enlistment of his regiment, and after having experienced three years of active duty in the service of his country, he was with his regiment ordei'ed to Indianapolis, where they were mustered out Sept. 6, 1864, since whicli time he has devoted himself chiefly to farming until the spring of 1S7S, when, his wife having died, he rented his farm for two years. He has now practical!}' retired from active business; but his inclinations having always been for agricultural pursuits. His habits of active business life make him await with niucii anxiety the time when he may again assume control of his farm. In ail his transactions he is methodical, prompt and energetic. His farm, which we have before referred to, consists of 170 acres, mostly prairie land, with a valuable tract of timber extending west to the river, which gives a delightful view. lie prides himself on keeping his farm in a high state of cultivation. In the fall of 1864, before Mr. Violett returned from the army, he was placed in nomination by his friends as a candidate for Sheilfl:'. The Goshen Times in reference to his nomination said:

"John H. Violett was nominated for Sherifl' without his knowledge or consent, while he was manfully doing his duty as a private soldier ''way down in Dixie,' and that, too, over other worthy men, who were present in the convention working for the place."

He was elected by a gratifying majority, and held the oifice for two years. In politics Mr. Yiolett is an uncompromising Republican. He was a Whig until the breaking up of that organization in 1S54. He is earnest in the support of his political convictions, as well as a liberal contributor. Mr. Yiolett is an extensive reader, being familiar with the general news of the day, as well as with present and past matters of litei-ature. He is a clear thinker, a close observer, and a sound reasoner, and acts upon his own jadgment. He is a good and pleasing converser. His contributions to the press are clear, comprehensive and forcible, and he is especially strong in sarcasm and pungent humor. In religion he is entirely unorthodox in belief He was reared in a strong moral atmosphere, although not under Church discipline. In early youth he began his reflections, and soon became doubtful concerning theological dogmas, and may now safely be termed a radical. Mr. Violett was married April 28, 1852, to Miss Catherine, daughter of David Eodibaugh, of Elkhart tp., an esteemed lady, and a woman of marked ability. She died July 16, 1^77. They had 4 children, 1 of whom is living: Mariet J., born Oct. 11, 1853, died June 2, I860; Horace E., born IS^ov. 2, 'l855. died April 23, 1859: Chios, born Aug. 11, 1857, married Charles A. Irwin, son of E. D. Irwin, of Elkhart Prairie, Oct, 14, 1873; Florett.born April 21. 1860, died Oct. 16, 1863. He was married ISTov. 28, 1878, to Melissa Leedy, of Elkhart tp., a ladj of pleasing presence, of good parentage, cultivated and refined in appearance, and highly respected. They have by this marriage 1 child, Ethel May, born Jan. 26, 18S0. Mr. Violett is of the usual stature, squarely and solidly built, stands erect, and possesses a robust constitution and good health. His character is above reproach. A portrait of him is given in another part of tliis volume.

William N. Violett (deceased) was born in Ohio Oct. 25, 1S26; his parents, John W. and Chloe Violett, came to this county in 1S29, and it being a new and wild country, he had but limited educational advantages; he managed, however, to acquire a good education, and became a good writer and autlior; many of his articles and excellent poems have found their way into the newspapers. He was married in 1852 to Miss Eliza A. Haney, daughter of Joseph Haney, of St. Joseph county, Ind. They had 4 children: Frank S. (dec'd), James E., Byron H. (dec'd), and Mary E. Mr. Yiolett died Feb. 27, 1873, loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a zealous worker in the cause of temperance, and labored for the promotion of morality and good society. He was a great lover of home and family.

Henry Wanner was born in Kutztown, Berks Co., Pa., March 28, 1832. His father was John Wanner, and his mother's name, before her marriage, was Elizabeth Behiel. He passed his childhood in his native place, and attended subscription school; when he was 16 he was apprenticed to his brother to learn the tanner's trade; he served at this three years, and afterward worked as a journeyman three years; he then went on a tour of observation, traveling through Pennsylvania, Ohio and other countries. Returning to Berks county he engaged in the tanning business with his brother, which he followed for six years; then went to Ohio and worked at his trade in Canton, Wooster and Mansfield, and afterward in Ft. Wayne, Ind. He again went to Canton, Ohio, where he engaged in the leather trade and currying business; remained there one year, and then, in 1860, removed to Goshen, where he located, starting in the tanning business again, and continued in it for five years. Latterly he has been engaged in the manufacture and sale of composition stone, and laying sidewalks; he also combines with this a trade in coal, lime and cement; he has experimented largely in the making of composition stone, and has brought his work to perfection. He makes an article as enduring as the natural rock, avoiding all cheap material that would injure the stone which he turns out. The large amount of wide and handsome stone sidewalks that beautity Goshen, and give it such an unusually mature and substantial appearance, can be attiibuted to Mr. AVanner's enterprise and perseverance. He is thus leaving a record of himself in enduring stone that shall last through many future generations, and should thei-efore rank among Goshen's benefactors. Mr. Wanner is a Mason, an Odd Fellow and a member of the order of Knights of Pythias. He adheres to the Democratic political faith.

J . M. Wanne?', one of the substantial citizens of Goshen, was born in Kutztown, Pa., Jnly 6, 1S57. His parents were P. C. and Sarah (Moyer) Wanner; he remained at Kutztown durino- his boyhood, leaving that place and coining to Goshen in 1S76; he attended jSTormal school in his native place, beginning at the age of 10 years; he was six years in the model department of that institution; he taught school two terms. After arriving at Goshen he worked for his uncle, who was in the leather trade, until July, 1879, when he bought his iincle's interest, and has since continued the business on Main street; he deals in hides and leather, and has the only establishment of the kind in Goshen, and probably the largest in the county. Mr. Wanner belongs to the Peformed Church, is a Democrat in politics, and being still young gives promise of success as a business man, and usefulness as a citizen.

Lou Wanner, Esq., is one of the younger attorneys of Goshen, yet he has had a large experience in public and professional life, as the following sketch will show. He was born in Berks county. Pa,, in IS-iG; his father was David Wanner, and his mother's maiden name was Miss Elizabeth Bower; he attended common school in Reading, Pa., he spent 12 years at the AUentowa Seminary, and hniahed his school days there in the fall of 1861. During that fall he entered Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa., and graduated from that institution in 186i. After a course of legal studies he was, in 1868, admitted to the Bar, and began to pi-actice in Peading. Fortune seemed to favor him, and he was made Deputy Register of Berks county, and served in that capacity in 1S6S, 1869, 1870 and 1871. Fie was a member of the City Council of Reading 1871-2, and presided over that body. Thinking that he could better his fortune in the West, he prospected in Kansas and I'Tebraska in 1875. Returning eastward, he iianlly located in Goshen, and opened a law office the same fall; here he has since practiced his profession with increasing success. Being an active Democrat, he was the candidate of that party for District Attorney in 1876, but failed of an election through the numerical weakness of his supporters; he has been City Attorney since the spring of 1878. In 1866 he was married, in Allentown, Pa., to Miss Kate M. Deck and they have 4 children, 3 daughters and a son. During the last presidential campaign Mr. W. was actively engaged in making speeches at political meetings, and did much to further the success of his party.

Hev. Luther M. C. Weicksel, the Reformed clergyman of Goshen, was born in Venango county. Pa., April 30, 1853; he was the son of Rev. Henry AVeicksel, a Bavarian by nativit}', and Angelina Crager Weicksel, a native of Maryland. There were 6 children in his father's family, 4 sons and 2 daughters, one of the latter a half sister to the other children. Two of the sons are now studying for the ministry. The boyhood of Mr. Weicksel was principally spent in Warren, Warren Co., to which place his father removed when Luther was about live years of age. The father had a pas- torate at "Warren, and remained there until Luther was 11 years of ao-e. His education was begun in the common and graded schools of the place. In 1864 he removed with his parents to "Wilmington, Del., and in 1S67 was placed at school in Thiel Hall, an academylocated at "Water Cure, Pa., and which has since been removed to Greenville, is now called Thiel College, and is under the control of the Reformed Church. Mr. Weicksel remained at Thiel Hall two years, when he entered Muhlenberg College, Allen town, Pa. , and graduated at that institution in 1873. He afterward took a three years' course in the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, and was ordained as a Reformed minister at Reading, June 14, 1876, by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania. In March of the same year he received a call to the pastorate of the Reformed Church in troshen, accepted it, and began his labors here in the June following. The congregation was then just organized. The German Methodist church building was purchased and refitted for a place of worship. A charge was also established in Benton, of which Mr. Weicksel became Pastor, and so remains to the present time. Under Mr. "Weicksel's ministration these two congregations have steadily prospered, and the outlook for the future is encouraging. Lately the church building at Benton has been considerably improved, and both that and the parent organization at Goshen are free from debt.

John Werner is a native of Saxony; was born on that noted day July 4, in the year 1825, and is a son of Godfrey and Christiana "Werner, who were also natives of Saxony. John was yet an infant when his father died, and his mother died when he was only five years old. In 1849 he came to America, landed at New York city Aug. 28. His vocation is masonry, having learned it in the old country. For some time after he came here he was engaged as a day laborer. In 1850 he moved to Goshen, where he followed his trade. In 1858 he moved west of Goshen, and for two years pursued brick-making. In 1860 he purchased the farm where he now lives, which contains 250 acres. Since his residence here his occupation has been brick-making. He manufactured the brick for the present court-house, which required 1,200,000. He also superintended the building of this edifice. He also furnished the brick for the Presbyterian church, which took 250,000, and for the Episcopal church and the new school-house. In June, 1848, he was married to Caroline Saxon, who was born in Saxony. To them were born 2 children, both now deceased. Mrs. "VVerner died April 20, 1S65, and Mr. "W. married again, jSFov. 19, the same year, Frances, daughter of Samuel and Susanna Cripe, of Ohio. In 1878 Mr. Werner built a very fine residence, at a cost of $5,000. In politics he is a Democrat.