Union Township (part 2 of 2)

Henry Hanford Fowler, M. D., deceased, one of the pioneer settlers of the St. Joseph valley, was born in the town of Washington, Conn., Feb. 21, 1804. His father was a physician aud a professor in the !New Haven Medical College. As the son came to years of maturity, he chose his father's profession and attended lectures at New Haven, until his father's death. Soon after that event he went to the medical college at Fairfield, Conn., where he finished his medical course and received his diploma. Although solicited to settle in his native town and take his father's place, he thought best to do otherwise, and began his practice in Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence Co., IS^. Y., where he remained for a short time only. In 1828 he made an extensive tour through the Western country, which at that time was very thinly settled, and in many places, a sandy barren or primeval forest. He went to Detroit on the lake, purchased a pony, and made the journey on horseback all through Southern Michigan to the lake; returning to Detroit, he sold his pony to the same man from whom he bought him and returned to the East; purchased a stock ot medicines, and after other preparations made his way back to Western Michigan, where he settled in 1329. Aug. 9, 1830, he married Miss Betsie A. Frisbie, of Connecticut, and immediately after came West and settled in Niles, Mich., for a short time, where he began his practice; was also at that time surgeon of a regiment in the Black Hawk war. From Niles they removed to a farm which the Doctor owned in Cass Co., Mich., situated on a beautiful lake, which the Doctor named Diamond lake because of its sparkling water. Here he practiced his profession amid all the dilficulties and privations of life; many and long were the rides of many miles in every direction which he took when he was called to minister at the bed-side of the sick and dying. Late in the year of 1834 he removed to this county and located on the bank of the St. Joseph river, where he helped to lay out the town of Bristol. He continued to practice for a good many years with good repute,' until his sudden death, which took place on Sunday Sept. 2, 1S77, in his 7-±th year. The last 30 years of his life he did not practice his profe^-sion to any great extent. He passed his time in various literary pursuits.

His family consisted of 1 son, George W., now a resident of Missouri, and 2 daughters, Mary and Ellen, deceased. His wife is living on the old home farm. Dr. Fowler was a man fond of literary attainments, well read and intelligent. He had the reputation of being one of the best educated men in the county; was a good writer and labored much with his pen; he delivered many addresses on various occasions, before lodges, pioneer societies and temperance meetings. He was an earnest and consistent temperance man, and seldom, if ever, prescribed any liquors. He is supposed to have delivered the first temperance address west of Toledo. He was a man of generosity and benevolence, a good neighbor, a kind father, a tender and loving husband.

George Franh, farmer, sec. 14; P. O., Bristol; was born in Springfield, Ohio, in 1823. He was raised on a farm, with little or no schooling. In 1841 he married Christenia Punches, a native of the same place. Mr. Frank followed farming until 1860, then came West and located in this tp. ; he owns 100 acres of land, under a fair state of cultivation, worth $50 per acre. They have had 6 children; 3 are deceased ; the living are Saloma, Lena E. and Eliza Ann. Both are members of the United Brethren Church. Mr. F. is a Democrat.

Edson Gregory, farmer, sec. 32; P. 0., Bristol; was born in Danbury, Conn., Kov. 3, 1816. and resided in a house deserted by the rebels during the Bevolutionary war. His father was a hatter. Edson followed various occupations; he came to Goshen in 1837, and clerked for his brother for one and one-half years, then commenced farming on his brother's farm. He then returned to Connecticut, and visited friends several months; finally settled in Washington tp., where he now resides, and owns 226 acres of good land, worth $60 dollars per acre. His father and mother came to this county in 1841, and located on the farm with him; in 1850 his father died, and in Sept. 4, 1862, his mother died. Mr. G. was married in 1847 to Lucinda A. Hunn,born in Canandaigua county, N. Y., in 1815, and died July 15, 1876; they had 5 children: Eliza H., Margaret M., Francis E., Joseph E. and James G.; 2 are married.

natives of Pennsylvania, who moved to this tp. in 1856, where the father died in Jnly, 1858; his mother still resides in the tp. and lives vfith her daughter, Mrs. Cox. He received a common-school education, and in 1871 he was married to Mary Ann Kinney, who was born in this county in 1850. They have 2 children, JSTettie Lorrena and Lucy May. He owns 120 acres of land, which is worth $75 per acre. He is a Republican and both himself and wife are members of the German Reformed Church.

A. P. Messier, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Bristol; was born June 12, 1816; his parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and were very poor, so that the subject of this bi-.graphy, like many others, was obliged to work by the day for his living. At the age of 18 years he commenced to learn the tanner's trade, bj' which to help support his parents. When he was 21 years old he went to Summit county, Ohio, where he continued to work at his trade two years; he then bought out the property and machinery of John Biekel, where he continued to work with a will, to have something in his older days and to provide for his parents, who soon came to Ohio, where he had settled.

April 21, 1842, he was married to Mary L. Wirt, who was born in the town of Milton, Penn., May 2, 1819, and they have had 4 children; the living are Thomas J., William H. and Elizabeth N., now Mrs. W. G. Coramins, of Chicago. The one deceased was Clara A., who died Oct. 1, 1860.

In 1847 he sold out his tannery and located in this tp. on a small farm. He has continued to add to it until he now owns 185 acres, which is well improved and is worth $75 per acre. His father and mother came to this county and lived with their two sons until their death, the former July 14, 1856, in his 79th year, and his mother July 14, 1863, also in her 79th year.

Since Mr. K. came to the county he has become one of the County Commissioners; he was elected in 1876 and served until 1879. They now have in the family a young lady, Miss Elsie F. Houtz, which they have reared from childhood. They are all members of the Lutheran Church. Politically, he is a Republican.

W. W. Lee, merchant, was born in Bristol Dec. 7, 1851; his father, Joseph W. Lee, was a native of Canada; came to this county in an early day and followed farming until his death, which occurred in 1858. His mother was a native of jSTew York; after the death of her husband she married S. B. Romain, and resided in Bristol. The subject of this sketch was married in 1879 to Dinomis 0. Dolph, born in Sylvania, Ohio, March 9, 1851. He commenced business in Bristol the same year, where he yet continues, carrying a good stock of dry goods and general merchandise, and has gained for himself a flourishing trade, to which, by general consent, he is justly entitled. He is a Democrat.

Andrew J. Menges, farmer, sec. 28; P. O., Bristol; he was born in Snyder county, Pa., Sept. 5, 1846; his father and mother were natives of the same State, and came to this county in 186i; he was raised on a farm and received his education in common schools. He was married in 1873 to Sarah Heintzelman, born in Pennsylvania in 1848; they have 3 children: E. Rineholt, Lotta M. and Eva. He owns 67 acres of land in this tp., where he resides, worth $60 per acre; he is a Democrat.

Elias JR. Menges was born July '[Q, 1816, near Freeburg, Union (now Snyder) Co., Pa., son of John Jacob and Catharine (Ronsh) Menges, the former a native of Lancaster (now Lebanon) county, Pa., and the latter a native of jSTorthumberland (afterward Union, now Snyder) county, same State; father died in his 73d year, and mother in her 79th; they had resided on the same farm since 1822. In 1864 the subject of this sketch sold the farm on which he was raised and came to this county, bnying a farm of 67 acres in sec. 28, this tp.; in the spring of 1865 he bought another farm of 157 acres, mostlv in the same section, on the St. Joseph river road from Bristol to Elkhart. Mr. Menges was educated in the old-time subscription schools, chieiiy in German; in 1843 he was instrumental in carrying his tp. into the acceptance of the common-school system; acted as Secretary of the Tp. Board of School Directors six years; in 1843 iie was also commissioned by the Governor of Pennsylvania as Adjutant of the 1st Battalion, 1st Division, of the State Militia, which position he held seven years; in the fall of 1856 he was elected Associate Judge of the Common Pleas Court in his native county.

June 16, 1842, the day he was 26 years of age, he married Henrietta Ziegler, and they have had 3 sons and 3 daughters: Mary Catherine, Andrew Jackson, John Jacob, Amelia Matilda. Martin Luther and Anna Maria. The family are all members of the Evangelical Liitheran Church, of Zion's congregation. Mr. Menges is naturally very liberal and benevolent, - too much so for his own good, as he has lost a great deal by the greed of dishonest parties. In political matters he is a Jeifersonian Democrat.

Cyrus F. Mosier^ Jr., editor and publisher of the Bristol Banner, was born in Rush, Monroe Co., N. Y., June 24, 1840, and is a son of Cyrus F. (deceased) and Rebecca Mosier, natives of New York. When Mr. Mosier was two months old his father died and left his mother in rather limited circumstances. She soon removed to Corning, Steuben county, N. Y., where she lived till 1846, then came to iNoble county, Ind., and afterward to DeKalb county. In 1848 she married Rufus K. McDonald, a prominent man of Allen county. Cyrus F., then but a boy, began to grow tired of domestic life, and wishing to learn and know something of the '' outside world," left his mother's pleasant home at the age'ot 15, and went to Newville, in that county; there, with his own personal resources and the aid of his mother, ne attended school most of the time for six years. In 1856 his stepfather died and left his mother in no- wise favorable circumstances. She then removed to Newville, Ind., where Cyrus was attending school. At the expiration of his school life the war broke out, and he, seeina; the imminent peril of his country, volunteered April 19, 1861, in Co. F, 1st 12th Eeg. I. V. I. to go and light for liberty. Before going, he went to see his mother; being her only support, felt unwilling to leave her; but there was true patriotism in the words of this noble woman as she said, "Go, my boy, the country calls you;" and faithfully did he obey her; oif he went to the battle-fields that were already crimsoned by the soldiers' blood, not knowing but that his own blood might stain the " field of conflict." He served one year and was discharged at Washington city; three days after arriving at home he re enlisted in the service, this time in Co. E, 55th Reg.; was mustered in as 1st Sergeant, and subsequently was given the rank of recruiting officer; after a month's service in that capacity he, with his regiment, moved southward to Richmond, Ky.; at the close of his term (three months) the commanding officer entreated the regiment to remain, as the Union forces numbered only 7,000, and the enemy, under command of Gen Kirby Smith, 30,000 strong, were advancing upon them ; they all consented to stay and the next day, Aug. 30, they fought in six standing battles, which lasted from daybreak to sunset, at which time they were captured by the " Rebs;" but of the 55th Reg., 130, headed by Col. Geo. Humphrey, of Fort "Wayne, Ind., made their escape. Among the number was Mr. Mosier. He then came to Indianapolis and was mustered out, and soon returned home; but his soldier spirit allowed him to remain only a short time; he enlisted in Co. D, llSth Reg.; was elected 1st Lieutenant of this command, and after five months honorable service resigned his commission and returned home and commenced school- teaching, which he followed for five years; was engaged in brick manufacturing nearly three years, and May 12, 1876, he assumed journalism by starting an auxiliary paper entitled the " Maysville Reporter^'' at Maysville, [nd. He edited this paper till July, 1S76, then started a printing press, in company with G. F. Shutt, then of Maysville, and continued its publication till March, 1877, when he came to Bristol and started the Bristol Banner^ which he still publishes. It is a real spicy little sheet and has quite an extensive circulation. It was edited as a neutral paper till Sept. 21, 1880, when it was changed to Republican. Mr. Mosier practiced law for a time in New Haven, and also held the office of Town Prosecutor in that place for two consecutive terms. He took a very active part in the political campaign of 1880, for the promotion and success of the Republican party. He was married May 24, 1863, to Miss Drusilla L., daughter of Jonas H., M. D., and Alice A. (Barber) Roe; the former born in Sussex county, N. J., Aug. 3, 1819, and the latter near Cleveland, Ohio, Jan. 26, 1824. Mrs. Mosier was born in Orangeville, Ind., March 18, 1815. Mr. and Mrs. Mosier have had 3 children, only 1 living: Horace H. Irtis V. and Ines Bell are deceased. Mr. Mosier's venerable

William Palin, farmer, sec. 2Y; P. 0., Bristol ; was born in Bickerton, Cheshire, England, Sept. 8, 1822, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Palin, also natives of England. His mother died in England Sept. 15, 1822, and his father died Oct. 6, 1873, at his home in England. He was deprived of his mother by her death, when he was but one week old. A.t the age of nine years, in company with his uncle, Geo. Moss, with whom he was living, he came to America and located at i^ewton, Trumbull county, Ohio. He there labored on the farm with his uncle for 12 years. He then returned to England to visit his father and remained there two years. He then returned to Trumbull county, O., and engaged in the mercantile trade in the city of Warren, continuing in that business eight years. He then started on a trip, by the Nicaragua route, to California, remaining in the gold fields of that region two years, returning by way of Panama. On his return to "Warren, 0., he again resumed the mercantile trade, which he continued two years. In 1862 he again visited England and took a journey to the borders of Europe, via France, Belgium, Germany and Holland, returning via Scotland, Ireland and Wales. He removed to Bristol here in the spring of 18.56, purchased a farm, and now, Z^- after many long years, resumed the occupation of his boyhood, and was again a farmer. He is the owner of 93 acres of land, worth $100 per acre, and 40 acres on the Hill, valued at $50 per acre.

He formerly owned the land on which the race and dam were built for the hydraulic water-works, an enterprise of great value lying in waste. In 1868 Mr. Palin raised probably the largest crop of wheat ever grown in the county. It averaged 60 bushels per acre, by accurate measure, notwithstanding a storm just previous to harvesting had blown down and so tangled the grain that a goodly quantity was lost in harvesting the crop. So great was the waste that the volunteer crop the next season produced 15 bushels per acre. The wheat was known as the Springdale variety. He was married in Warren, O., Sept. 14, 1864, to N"ancy Harsh, who was born in the same place in August, 1830. Their 3 children are Wm. K., Anna and John H. Mr. Palin is an ardent supporter of the Republican party

Joseph Rieth, farmer, sec. 31; P. O., Elkhart; was born in Berks county, Penn., Oct. 16, 1820; father was a farmer and a native also of Pennsylvania. He remained with his father until he was about 25 years old, when he married Susan Wenger in 1845, who was Born in Lancaster county, Penn.; they have had 5 children: Isaac, Daniel, Samuel W., Mary and Ellen; 4 of these are married. In 1852 he came West and located west of Goshen, where he rented a farm, remaining two years; then he moved upon the Basco farm, where he remained nine years; then upon the Keller farm, where he remained until he bought in Middlebury tp. and lived 10 years; he then sold out and bought his present farm, consisting of 170 acres of land, under a fair state of cultivation, wortli $75 per acre all of which he attained by his steady attention to business, having only $50 to begin v^ith when first married and started out for himself. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church at Elkhart. Politically, he is a Democrat.

Mrs. E. P. Rolf, widow of the Rev. E. B. Eolf, deceased, who was born in Vermont in 1812, and died Nov. 16, 1872. At au early day Mr. Rolf moved from Vermont to New York, where he was educated for the ministry, and from there he came to Indiana, where he married Mrs. E. P. Brown, who was born in Columbia county, N. Y., Jan. 25, 1818, and had by her former husband 2 children: Freeman M. and "William D., both deceased. The latter enlisted in the late war of 1861 and died while in the service at Camp White, Tenn., and her former husband died in 1859. He was a native of Vermont. She owns 120 acres of land, worth $70 per acre, and she resides on her farm. She is a member of the Communion Baptist Church.

EranMyn G liomain, books, stationery, groceries, etc., Bristol; was born in New York city Aug. 20, 1818. - His father came to Indiana in 1859 and located near Biistoi, and soon after moved into the town of Bristol and sold goods until his death in 1861; his mother is still living in Bristol. The subject of this sketch was married in 1871 to Marv A. Salsbury, born in Indiana; they have 4 children : Forance M., Theodore K., Benjamin and Anna. Mr. R. clerked in a hardware store in Elkhart six 3'ears, and since his marriage he has continued to carry on his present business; has held the office of Town Clerk tlaree consecutive terms, and Tp. Treasurer two terms; tliey are members of the Episcopal Church: he is a Republican.

Jonas Sassaman, farmer, sec. 31; P. O., Bristol; was born in Snyder county. Pa., Aug. 23, 1838; his parents were also natives of Pennsylvania. His father died Sept. 1S78, and his mother still resides in Pennsylvania. He was principally raised on a farm and educated in the old way of attending school. He was married in 1865 to Mary Jane Bertch, also a native of Snyder county, Pa., born in 1815. They have had 9 children; the living are: Oliver, Franklin, Noah, Eva and Mary Susan (twins), and Byron ; those deceased are: Emma, Anna and 1 in infancy. In 1866 Mr. S. came to Indiana and farmed one year; he then moved up into Michigan, where he farmed for five years; he then came back to Indiana, where he bought a farm consisting of 80 acres of land, worth $60 per acre. He was one of the lucky ones in the wheel of fortune, and drew a card which took him into the late war, where he remained nine months. They are members of the German Lutheran Church and politically he is a Democrat.

Charles T. Seibert, carpenter and lumber dealer, Bristol, was born in Northumberland county, Pa., Sept. 22, 1830, son of John and Magdalena Seibert, nati\es of Pennsylvania; father died in June, 1846, in his 56th year, and his mother died in 1861 in her

66th year. The subject of this sketch was raised apon a farm and received a common-school education in the district schools. At the age of 20 he began his trade, following it in Pennsylvania for his support; in 1861 he came to this county and began to carry on his trade. In 1S61: he married Mary E. Kessler, who was born in Ohio in 1817. They have 4 children: Charles K., Mary Emma, Mary Magdelena and Bertha. In April, 1877, he added to his business the Inmber trade, which he carries on for Maxon, Parmeter & Co., of Elkhart. They handle from 200,000 to 250,000 feet of lumber each year, and he also has a full supply of lime and cement. He owns a neat and comfortable residence in the town of Bristol. They are members of the Presbyterian Church, and politically he is a Republican.

i?. J. Sherwin, farmer, sec. 32; P. 0., Bristol, was born in Bristol, Ind., Dec. 25, 1848. His parents were natives of Canada, and came to this county in 18-1:0 and located where the subject of this sketch was born, and educated in the common schools. The latter was principally brought up on a farm; dealt in live stock in Kansas six years; then in a grocery at South Bend four years, and he came to the farm he now owns, March 25, 1880, which consists of 123 acres of land, and worth $60 per acre. He was married in 1872 to Clara Paxson, who was born in this county in 1853, and thej' have 1 cliild, Ada May, who was born in 1878. Politically, Mr. S is a Democrat.

Ananias Stom, barber and hair-dresser, Bristol; was born in Stark county, O., Nov. 21, 1815; his parents were natives of Ohio; father deceased. He came to this county in 1873 and located in Bristol. He was married Feb. 5, 1880, to Intha M. Ernsberger, born in Ohio in 185S. In connection with his trade, Mr. S. keeps first-class cigars, also billiard and pool tables. He respectfully asks the patronage of the citizens, and guarantees satisfaction. He is a Democrat.

Dennia Sullivan, cabinet-maker and joiner, Bristol; was born in Ireland April 1, 1828; his father emigrated to America in 1834, landing in Quebec; from there he went to Bangor, Maine, where the subject of this sketch commenced for himself, working on a farm for Mr. Reed; he then went to New York and worked in a tobacco factory, then to Connecticut, where he again followed farming with Mr. Smith. At the age of 17 he commenced to learn his trade, which he followed four years, then moved West and located in Batavia, 111., where he engaged in business, working at his trade. He then moved to Indiana and located in Bristol, where he followed his occupation, working part of his time in Elkhart and Constantine; finally he opened his present business, and has since continued to follow it. He was married in 1852 to Mary A. Hall, born in New York, 1826, and died May 17, 1870; they had 5 children, 3 of whom are deceased; the 2 living are Hattie, now Mrs. Kline, and William.

with nothing but his own hands: has earned all by his own labors and attention to business; they are members of the M. E. Church; Mr. S. is a Eepublican.

Thomas Wells, farmer, sec. 20; P. O., Bristol; is the son of Charles and Mary Ann Wells. His father died in December, 1852. and his mother is now living, part of the time with him. He was born Feb. 2. 1844, in this tp., and was reared on a farm ; received his education in the common schools, and was married in 1868 to Caroline Shadle, who was born in Fulton county, Ind., in 1848. He now owns 58 acres of land, well cultivated, and worth $70 per a,cre. He is a Kepublican, and his wife is a member of the Lutheran Church.

Joseph Wheeler, keeper of a hotel and grocery store, Bristol, was born in Genesee county, IST. Y., Feb. 16, 1816. His father and mother were natives of Vermont and moved to jSTew York in 1815,. locating in the town where the subject of this sketch was born and raised. At the age of 17 years he learned the carpenter and joiner's trade^ working only eight months as an apprentice, and followed the same until 1835. He came West and located in this tp., where he commenced to carry on his trade and engaged in the construction of railroad eating-houses and railroad bridges. He built the eating-house in Elkhart on the line of the L. S. & M. S. R. R., which took him three mouths, and he says it was the only one he built that he lost money on. He married for his tirst wife Cordelia Clark, who was born in Vermont, and died in 1847. They had 3 children, of whom only 1 is now living: Charles M. For his second wife Mr. W. married Mrs. Francis Blair, who was born in Ohio in 1848; she had by her former marriage 4 children; the living are: Francis and Walls. She died in 1852. Mr. W. married for his third wife Marilla M. Canvass. She was born in the city of Erie, Penn., and died in 1860. They had by this marriage 5 children; the living are: Homer C. and Herbert H. ; the 3 deceased were: Henry H., Milard and Joseph. For his last wife he married Jane M. Pierson, who was born in Ohio. He owns the property he occupies, and we can say that not many have undergone as much as he as and stood the storm. Politically, he is a live Republican.

Harrison Zeigler, farmer, sec. 28; P. O., Bristol; was born in Union county, Penn., Januarj', 1820. His parents were natives of the same State; father died in 1866, and mother in 1871. He was raised on a farm in Pennsylvania among the hills and rocks, and received his edncation in a common school; at the age of 21 he commenced with $50 on a farm, and continued there 11 years; in 1858 he came West and located in this county on his present farm, which consists of 105 acres of land, well improved, and worth $85 per acre. In 1846 he married Catherine Snyder, born in Snyder county, Penn.; they have had 5 children ; the living are: Elraira, now Mrs. Cox; Lucretia, Samuel W. and Amanda; lis deceased: William A. Mrs. Z. is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Z. s a Democrat.

Prior to the final division of the northern part of this county this had been a portion of the territory comprising Middlebury. The soil of this township is sandj, of medium fertility and easy of cultivation. A continuation of the hills spoken of in the Washington township history extends into this township, and are used in the cultivation of fruits, which are abundant. The people, as a class, are industrious, contented, and from these qualities is always derived a bountiful supply of happiness.

The first settlement, with the intent of actual improvement, is said to have been made by Wm. Hunter in 1833, who located in the southern part of the township near the Little Elkhart river. In ' . 1834 this adventurous pioneer received a considerable reinforcement when came J. I^. Brown, J. and Wm. Cummins, Wm. Hall, Friend - '.: .^%il|

Curtis, David Ebi, Hiram Chase, E. Bonney, John and Ruby Van- Frank, Edward Joyce and A. Arnold, and settled on the Vistula road. They soon were convinced of their numerical powers, and the combined in the petition for an organization of a new township, which petition was granted; and from the fact of a majority of the citizens having come from the State of 'New York, the appropriate conclusion is easily drawn why the newly organized domain should, by common consent, receive the lasting title of "York."

farms were opened up with all that steady, healthy rapidity characteristic of the determined minds of those who fearlessly, resolutely and manfully place themselves in that sometimes unenviable position to fulfill, or fail in the attempt to fulfill, the resolution to " grow up with the country."

About the time of the organization of the township Samuel Ebi started a distillery in the northwestern part of the township, which was continued in operation for about 30 years, or until 1865, when the demand for spirits was found to be not so great as when log-rollings were more numerous and revenue was not so high. (1171)

In April, 1837, an election was held at the residence of Friend. Curtis, which resulted in the choice of Wm. K. Cummins as Justice of the Peace, Jedediah Cummins as Constable, Daniel Ebi as Supervisor of Roads, and John Shelhamer and Mr. Williams for Overseers of the Poor. And as none could rightly lay claim to be considered rich, i.though not absolutely poor, these men could almost claim by virtue of honest election to have the entire citizen ship under their jurisdiction.

Lake and Mark Sanker, Samuel Ebi and ITathan Whipple came in 1837. Mr. Whipple and Edward Bouney built a flouring mill and saw-mill on the Little Elkhart in 1837, which were the iirst mills erected in the township. These mills are situated about three miles east of the town of Bristol, and are, after a lapse of 43 years, yet doing service for the community.

It is somewhere written that the first school was taught by Miss Melinda Bliss, in an old cooper shop; but later investigation develops the fact that there were no old cooper shops at that time, and that the first school was taught by Maro Wheeler, then but 15 years of age, later a member o± the firm of Secor, Berdan & Co., wholesale grocerymen of Toledo, Ohio. A school-house was built on sec. 21, in 1837, which was the first school building erected in the township.

The first religious services were held by a Mr. Depew, a Presbyterian who did missionary work near a place called Bonneyville. Services were held in a school-house at that place. In 1836 Rev. Eli Garrison came to this township and organized a Baptist Church, which was the first Church organization here of which we have any knowledge. He died in April, 1837, and his is said to have been the first death to occur in the township.

The carpenter and joiner's trade was first represented by David Ebi, who also attended the duties of undertaker. He did the work of his trade in his dwelling.

During the autumns of 1837 and 1838 the fever and ague raged among the people with great distress, and even in this sparsely settled communit3^ Mr. Ebi had orders for three coffins at one time, all for grown people.

The L. S. <& M. S. railroad passes across the northwestern part of the township. During its construction a wood-shed was built at a point along the track, where the people of this community and of Middlebury made an effort and were successful in securing a depot at the same point. It answered to the name of " Middlebury

Station " imtil the place was granted a postoffice, when it -was given the name of " Vistula." The place was laid out in 1865, and receives the freight for Middlebury.

The town of Vistula now has two churches, - Disciple and Lutheran; also a Methodist organization, which holds services in the Lutheran church. The present minister in the Disciple church is the Eev. Mr. Kershner, who was formerly a minister among the Mormons. It has one dry -goods store, kept by Smith & Patterson; and a grocery store, kept by Shellenbarger & Son, who also denl largely in lumber and Grand Rapids land plaster. Blacksmith and wagon shops are in operation by Seymour & Seybert, and a wagon shop by Edwin Corp, who also is engaged extensively in apiary husbandry. There is also one hotel.

This quiet precinct was once, in its early history, the scene of a very e.xciting tragedy, which for a time kept the inhabitants supplied with conversational material, and was the occasion of not a little nervouisness. It seems that one Samuel Miller began a series of strange pastimes which betokened an approaching fit of insanity or ungovernable madness, by walking the road, unoccupied, and curiously passed one of his neighbor's houses and threw down a . package of small papers, which, when afterward examined "by a friend and returned to his wife, were found to be notes and valuable papers of upward of $100 in value. He then went to his home, procured a large knife, sought his wife and informed her of his intention to kill himself, yet also horrifying her with the statement that his purpose was to take her life first, and without further warning plunged the blade of steel into her breast while she was sitting with her babe in her arms. He then without pausing to know the result of his attempted murder upon his wife, stabbed himself, infiicting a wound that in a few hours caused his death. Surgical aid was soon obtained, the wounded wife was well cared for and finally recovered. She was a very estimable woman and afterward married a worthy man, Aaron Brooks. They now reside in the edge of the State of Michigan within a mile of the scene of the bloody tragedy.

in his native State until 21 years old ; then moved to ISTew Jersey, where he resided 29 years; thence to this county, where he is now located on a farm, consisting of 240 acres of land under good state of improvement, with good substantial buildings, and well supplied with frait, which he values at $70 per acre. He married for his first wife Charlotte Purdy, in 1841; she was born in New Jersey in 1819, and died Dec. 12, 1852, leaving 2 children: Henry P., born in 1843, now living in New York; and John H., born in 1846 in New Jersey. He enlisted in the war of the Eebellion, where he died June 13, 1862, at Pialeighville, Tenn. Mr. C. married for his second wife Phebe Mathers, who was born in 1816 in jSTew York State, and died in Indiana March 21, 1873; she left 1 child, Charles E., born May 4, 1858, in New Jersey. For his third wife Mr. C. married Miss Lydia Brown Burridge, born in this county in 1842. Mr. C. is a Democrat.

David -Ebi comes of an old and respectable family, his grandfather, David Ebi, having served as a soldier in the Revolution, in a Virginia regiment of volunteers, through the entire war, when he was honorably discharged, but never claimed the pension allowed the old veterans of 1776. He of whom we write was born near Canton, Stark county, Ohio, Dec. 19, 1813, and was one of a family of 17 children, of whom 14 survive. The first 19 years of his life he remained at home, assisting his father on the farm. At this however, he evinced a desire to learn the carpenter's trade, and stipulated with his father for the remaining years of his minority, agreeing to pay him $.50 therefor, which contract he faithfully fulfilled, much to the satisfaction of the father. In 1831 he shouldered his knapsack and left his father's roof to begin life for himself, and was domiciled for that year with his uncle, David Ebi, during which time he attended school. In 1832, with his brother Michael, he was apprenticed to a carpenter, but worked so hard that at the end of the second year he was obliged to return to his uncle's house to recuperate, availing himself of the opportunity, in the meantime, to again attend school, and resumed his apprenticeship in the spring.

Aug. 30, 1835, he engaged in a business espeditiou to Michigan, for a brother, and walked to Akron, Ohio, the first day; he arrived at Mottville Sept. 6, walking from Detroit since the 2d of the month. On arriving at Mottville he found his brother, Daniel Ebi, living witii his father-in-law, Daniel Shellhammer. Here he met his future wife, Catharine Shellhammer, to whom he was married March 30, 1837. Mrs. Ebi was born in Schuylkill county, Penn., Nov. 11, 1817, and died Sept. 26, 1858. Mr.' and Mrs. Ebi had 8 children, of whom 5 still survive. Among their greatest trials was the loss of three of their older sons, who died at a time when they were just developing into interesting youths. An unfortunate financial transaction, caused by the delinquency of another, cost Mr. Ebi the loss of all his hard-earned property, at a time when he was laying the foundation for future competence. His life-history is a chequered one, experiencing all of the vicissitudes of a pioneer existence. He has at last, aft'er many wanderings and changes, returned to the township, where he made his first s"tay in Michigan of more than a single night.

He came to this tp. the day after he was married, a one-horse wagon sufficing to transport his wife and all of his household effects. He^bought 10 acres of land and built a small board house, without doors, windows or chimney; the cooking was done out of doors, a stump being utilized for a stove, and thus they passed the honey- moon ; it would scarcely come under the head of '' love in a cottage," . ' _ .

and yet love was not wanting, though the cottage was yet to be huilt. It came in good time, however, and was all the better for being the sole handiworh of the master of the house himself. He resided here 12 jears, when his wife's health failing, he changed his location to the village of Bi-istol, in which place he built two cottages for his own use, residing there many years.

On the 10th of April, 1S60, in company with one A. P. Wright, " he went to Colorado, where, after prospecting for a time, he settled in Gilpin county, and engaged in mining. At intervals he worked at building himself a house, which, on completion, he converted into a provision-store, and succeeded well in the business of merchandising in that line. In 1866 he returned to Bristol, where he met Mrs. Barbara Koehler, a widowed lady whom he had known for 20 years, and April 15 following they were married. He subsequently purchased the farm of his wife's former husband, on which they' resided two years, and then sold the same and moved to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where they resided five years. In 1873 Mr. and Mrs. Ebi paid a visit to his sous living in California, where they remained nearly a year, and returned to Elkhart July 6, 1874, and on the 18th of the same montli fixed their residence, as at present, in Mottville. Mr. Ebi, while in Colorado, assisted in framing the territorial laws and regulations, and was a delegate to the first territorial convention, in 1860, from Gilpin county. ^ He is a member of the M. E. Church, which he joined, with his wife Catharine, in 1838.

The present wife of Mr. Ebi has 2 children by her former husband, Conrad Koehler (a native of Germany), a son and a daughter. \'r^ She was born in Lancaster county. Pa., in 1821, her maiden name i''-^) being Barbara Whitman. She was first married when 19 years of .:-'1 age. ' r-; J Samuel Ely, farmer, sec. 8, was born in Stark county, O., / ,;';'j March 31, 1807; was raised on a farm under his father's care, and '--,.') at the age of IS years, set out to work by the day and month, pay- ' ,- ing one-"half of his earnings to his father until he was 21 years old; ^ --^i, worked in a brick yard, and learned the distilling trade; at the age ' of 28 he married Elizabeth Kessler, who was born in Pennsylvania " .. r| Aug. 20, 1810; they lived several years in Ohio, and continued to _r";-^| farm until the tall of 1837; Sept. 14 he and his tamily landed in - -j^ this county, where he purchased a farm of 176 acres, on which he - now lives. They have raised a family of 10 children, 6 of whom are now living, namely: Caroline. Delilah, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Edmond and Mary Ellen; the deceased are William, Samuel, Harrison and Sylvester. Coming to this county in an early day Mr. Eby has seen many changes and suffered many disadvantages; he is now in his Tith year, and his wife is in her 71st, and they enjoy good health. Politically, he is Democratic.

Monies Everingham , farmer, sec. 13 ; was born in Lycoming county, Pa., April 14, 1S27; his parents^are deceased. He was married in Pennsylvania to Mary Ann Hitesman, who was born in New Jersey. They have had 9 children, 8 of whom are living; 3 are married and the balance remain at home. Mr. E. came to this county in 1863 and purchased the farm he now lives on, consisting of lO acres of land in a fair state of improvement, and worth $50 per acre. He is a Democrat.

George G. Gveiner, M.D.^ physician, Vistula, was born in Snyder county, Pa., May 29, 1843, son of William and Margaret Greiner; father died in 1850, in Pa., when George was only seven years old. He was principally raised on a farm until he was 16 years old; his mother moved to town to give her children a better education. George commenced to study medicine at 20 years of age, and continued to study and attend lectures at the State University, Philadelphia, at which school he graduated in the winter of lS65-'6; after graduating he came West in 1866, and located in Vistula in 1877, where he began his practice of medicine. He was married to Sarah C. Hass, who was born in Pa. in 1838; they have had 6 children; the living are: William li., Alfred, Stilla and LulaMay; those deceased are Maggie May and Edith; one died in infancy. The Doctor has worked up a practice in the vicinity of Vistula and also has the good will and confidence of all. He owns a neat residence in which he lives, his mother living with him. Politically, he is Republican and is Justice of the Peace.

Harrison G. Hodges, farmer, sec. 27, was born in Oneida county, jS". Y., April 6, 1815; father died in Knox county, Ohio, in his 83d year, and mother in Indiana. He was married to Elizabeth Vanloon in Ohio, and they had 9 children. Mrs. H. died of insanity at Columbus, Ohio. Mr. H. married fpr his second wife Mrs. Eliza (Push) Martin, in 1861. She had 4 children by her former marriage. Mr. Hodges owns 40 acres of land under a fair state of cultivation, on which he lives and farms; he is Republican.

Eleazar Ivms, farmer and fruit-grower, sec. 24; was born in Stark county, Ohio, April 21, 1830; is the son of Isaac and Mary Iviiis; he came to Indiana in 1841 with his parents; worked at home until 18 years old, then began for himselt; at the age of 20 years had earned enough to purchase 40 acres of land. He was married Oct. 10, 1858, to Elizabeth Dean, born near Columbus, Ohio, in 1839; they have 5 children: Dale, S. V., Owen, Ida M. and Ralph. Mr. Ivins owns 121 acres of land, well improved and

History Of Elkhart Countt

Isaac Ivins, retired farmer, sec. 23; was born in Mansfield, Eurlington, Co., N. J., Sept. 30, 1806. He moved to Ohio in 1824, where he married Mary "Woods.who was born in Colnmbiana county, Ohio, Sept. 5, 1813; they have had 16 children, 10 of whom are living; 6 of his sons enlisted in the war of the Rebellion; 1 died in Anderson vi lie prison, and 1, soon after coming home. Mr. Ivins came to this'county in 1841 and located on the land he now lives on. He and his wife are past doing for themselves, and have to depend on the children; he still owns 153 acres of land, on which he first settled. He is a free thinker and a Republican.

J. Zee, farmer, sec. :32; P. 0., Middlebury; was born in Middlebury tp., this county, March 1, 1840, son of Thomas and Sarah S. Lee; father died in 1849; mother living now with him. He was raised on a farm, and by careful attention to farming he has made for himself a good home, consisting of 120 acres of land, worth $40 per acre. He was married in 1863 to Alvira Camp, born in this tp.; they have 2 children: William A. and Charles C. Mr. L. has held the office of Justice of the Peace, and is now School Trustee of this tp. Politically, he is a Democrat.

Lyman R. Lowdl, deceased, was born in Vermont in 1802, and was married May 12, 1844 to Mercy Crownover, who was born in Pennsylvania in^lSOe; they had only 1 child, John Moralivo, whq now resides on the home farm and lives with his family in part of the house with his mother. In 1864 Mr. Lowell died, leaving his wife and son a good farm of 96 acres, worth $50 per acre; he came to this State in 1850, and located on the west side of the river, and in 1859 to this county.

John Nihart, farmer, sec. 33, was born in Northumberland county. Pa., May 23, 1826. His parents moved to Indiana when John was nine years old, and located five miles east of Goshen; the father died in 1873; mother in 1866. Mr. N. was married in 1854, to Elizabeth Myers, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1824; they have 7 children, all living, namely: Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Jacob Henry, Ella May, John Winfield, William Sherman, Clara Elizabeth. His son, Benjamin F.. is now conducting the Normal school at Atchison, Kansas, and George W. is in Cass county, Mich., engaged in the practice of medicine. Mr. Nihart commenced his married life with nothing, and for 11 years farmed in Middlebury tp., after which he moved to this tp., and now owns one of the finest farms in the tp. It consists of 185 acres of land, worth $75 per acre, on which he has good buildings and an abundance of fruit; his wife is a member of the Lutheran Church . He is a Democrat.

William Overleese, tenant farmer, sec. 21 ; was born in Ohio in 1843; his parents are both deceased; he came West and located in Indiana in 1860, and in 1864, enlisted in the 13th Ind. Regt., and served until the close of the war; then returned to Goshen where he teamed and fanned; was married in 1870 to Eliza J. Carev, who was born in this county; they have 4 children: Letta, Delia, Sybil and Forney.

David Patterson, merchant, Vistula; was born in Northumberland county, Penn., June 7, 1811; his father was a soldier of the war of 1812, and died with camp fever; his mother moved to Stark county, O., where she married Samuel Nash, and moved to this county. His step-father was killed while walking on the railroad track in Michigan; in 1873 his mother died, in the 81st year of her age. Mr. Patterson was married in 1833 to Kebecca Thomson, who was born in Ohio, and died in August, 1875; they had 6 children, 3 boys and 3 girls: Aliiion Gr. enlisted in the late war of 1861, and died at Gallatin, Tenn., with the typhoid-pneumonia; Elizabeth S. married Lucius H. Knapp, who also enlisted Aug. 20, 1861, and was killed in November of same year in battle; she died March, 1862; Eleanor H., now Mrs. S. W. Wickham; Alpheus J., Alvira T. and Elma. Mr. Patterson married, for his second wife, Jane Hutchison, born in New York in 1822. Since he came to this county he has worked, and by his labor and toil has earned 312 acres of land, worth $50 per acre; he rented his land and is engaged in merchandising in Vistula, in connection with Job Smith, where they keep all kinds of goods necessary to supply the trade; they have a good share of the country patronage. They buy grain for commission men and pay in cash. In early life while on the farm Mr. P. kept a travern, what was known as the "Patterson Corners;" also was Postmaster for six years at the same place; has held the offices of Justice of the Peace and Supervisor of the town; politically he is a Democrat.

Jos'iah D. Fierson, farmer and fruit-grower, sec. 24; was born in Monroe county, N. Y., May 12, 1821. In the earlier part of his life he followed various occupations, such a? keeping store, and practiced dentistry for a number of years; coming "West in 1854, he located on the present farm he now owns, consisting of 95 acres, which he has under a good state of cultivation; has a good house and barns, and an abundance of fruit of all kinds, which is of the choicest varieties, and all budded; his grapes and peaches can not be excelled in the county. He was married March 13, 1843, to Cornelia Hart, born in New Hartford, N. Y., in 1818; they have had 7 children; the living are: Hart E., J. De Forest and Mary Augusta; those deceased are: Anna A., Cornelia F., Charles H. and Duane K. Mr. P. is one of most influential citizens in the tp.,anda man of good principles; he and wife are members of the Methodist Church at Wliite Pigeon, Mich.; he is a Republican.

L. M. Sanger, farmer, sec. 32; was born in Connecticut March 29, 1809; his parents moved to Genesee county, N. Y., where they lived 16 years; from there to Allegany county, where they lived prior to his coming "West; in June, 1836, Mr. S. settled in Middlebury tp., where he entered land at Fort "Wayne, and still holds the patent issued by the Governor. He returned to New York in 1845, and married Laura Morton, born in New York State; they have 6 children: Phebe, now Mrs. Gregory; Laura, Morton, Marcus, Emelineand Henry. Mr. Sanger owns 120 acres of land; he is one of the oldest settlers of the tp., which he helped to organize; he is a Republican.

Charles P. Van Frank, farmer, sec. 19; is the son of next mentioned, and was born in New York State June 11, 1833; coming West with his parents he grew up with the State in the improvements of the county, his father being one of the first settlers in this tp. ; was married in 1859 to Amelia Bickel, born in Ohio in 1836; they have 3 children: "William Walter, Frederic Charles and May. Mr. V. owns 108 acres of land under a good state of cultivation; he is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a Republican.

John Van Frank, retired farmer, sec. 19; was born in Oneida county, N. Y., May 10, 1803; was on the farm with his father until of age, when he began life for himself, continuing his vocation in his native State. In 1832 he married Miss Harriet Whipple, who was born in North Providence, R. I., Jan. 7, 1808, and they had 2 children: Charles P. and David P., both born in New York. In the spring cf 1835 they came via Buiialo steamer to Detroit, and ox-team thence to what was then Middlebury tp., this county, a wilderness, where Mr. V. entered 10 acres of land. At that time there were but 20 or 25 settlers in the township. In answer to a petition of the citizens, the fractional tp. of York was set off from Middlebury, named after the State of New York, and they immediately elected their justice of the peace, school trustees, supervisors, road commissioners, etc. Since coming to Indiana Mr. V. has had 1 children, only 2 of whom are now living: James D., who lives with his father on the home farm, and Hannah Maria, now Mrs. John A. Hogan, Wyandotte county, Kan. The 3 deceased are: Edward P., who died March 1, 1838; Mary Elizabeth, who died July 24, 1851; and David Branerd, who enlisted in Co. I, 8Sth Ind. Vol. Inf , in 1861, and died at Bowling Green. Ky., Dec. 7, 1862, of pneumonia. He and his wife joined the Presbyterian Church at Mottville, Mich., and when the Church at Bristol was organized, they united with it, where is still their place of worship. In 1842 Mr. V. was elected Elder. He and his wife are now very aged, yet they enjoy good health. They have endured the hardships of frontier life, and by persevering toil they have made homes for their children and laid deep the foundations of good society. Charles V. Van Frank and Harriet A. Bickel were married August 10. 1859, and they have 3 children: William Walter, Charles Frederick and Mary Maria. James D. VanFrank and Susie Analinda Fowler, were married Jan. 7, 1869, at Peekskill, N. Y. ; they have 1 son, Lewis Hiram. Hannah Maria and John A. Hagan were married Sept. 26, 1871; they live at Armstrong, Kansas; they have 2 children: John Van and Lawrence D. Mr. J. Van Frank united with the Congregational Church in

Alfred P. Wright, a prominent and well-known farmer and stock-raiser, now residing in York tp., is a native of !N"ew York city, and was born Dec. 23, 1832; in 1S35 his parents removed to Monroe couuty, jST. Y., near Rochester, where Mr. "Wright received a very liberal education. In his youth the common schools were steadily attended ; afterward he was a pupil at the Henrietta (]Sr. Y.) Academy for several years, and in 1852 entered the Lima (X. Y.,) Wesleyan Seminary, remaining in this institution some two years. At the completion of his studies in 1854, he removed to Bristol, this county; in 1S55 he returned to Monroe count}', N. Y., where he was married Jan. 23, 1855, to Caroline Fargo; they had 1 child, Carrie F., born February, 1856, now residing in New York State. Mrs. Wright died in 1856. Mr. "W. remained near Bristol until the spring of 1855, when lie disposed of his property in Elkhart county, and traded quite extensively in Kansas, Missouri and Iowa, and in the spring of 1859 went to Pike's Peak, Col.; conducted a party across the plains and first discovered the Gunnell Lode in EurekaGulch, Gilpin county. Col., which developed into afirst-class mine, and is still being worked. Mr. W. also built the first steam apparatus for hoisting ore, put up in the mountains. He returned to Indiana in 1860, and March 8 was married to Mary C. Yirgil, born in this county in 1836; they have 6 children, of whom 5 are living, viz.: Jennie J., born Feb. 16, 1863; Ida S., March 23, 1865; Alfred P., Jr., March 16, 1868; Harry G., Jan. 20, 1870; and Arthur G., May 17, 1875. After his marriage Mr. W. returned to Colorado, where he was very successful; himself and Mrs. W. traveled through the Eastern States for about one year, and finally located on the site of their present home in this tp. Mr. W. has been County Commissioner one term; his success in life is due principally to his own industry and perseverence.

Joseph A. T'oder. farmer, sec. 27; was born in Wayne county, Ohio, May 29, 1849; he moved with his father to Indiana in 1850, when he was only two years old. He was married in 1868, to Mary Prough, who was born in Indiana; they have now 3 children: Ada C, Sophronia E. and EUaF. ; he owns 40 acres of land in this tp., under a good state of cultivation, worth $50 per acre; politically, he is a Kepublican.

Noah B. Metzler was born in Mahoning county, O., Aug. 30, 1840, being one of a family of 10 children, of whom 4 sons and 4 daughters are still living. His ancestry were German, and came to America before the Revolution. His father, Samuel Metzler, was born in Lancaster county, Pa., Dec. 1, 1817. His grandfather.

David Metzler, and family moved to Mahoning county, 0., when Samuel was but a boy. His mother, Susanna, nee Burkholder, was born in _Rockingham county, Va. Noah's early life was spent on ' his father's farm, where he worked during his boyhood, at the same - ,;- a district school, which he attended during the winter terms until he was about 18 years old; at the age of 19, in October, 1859, he was apprenticed to John Winch, carriage- maker, of Columbiana, Ohio; after serving his apprenticeship he went home, where he ,. "' remained until October, 1862, when he came to this county. The ...,^-tt' following !N^ovember he went to work with Sliively & Co., manu- ,- facturers of agricultural implements; while in their employ his principal work was that of making rake-wheels. In 1866 he went to work for Wharton & Sons, carriage-makers, of Warsaw, Ind.; _ ' after working for them a few months he returned to New Paris, '' ..: where he and Mr. Ettlein started a small wagon-shop; the first two . ^ vears they worked in a small building on Main street, north of the Blanchard House; during that time they were chiefly employed in doing repair vvork, bur, found time to turn out a few wagons and buggies each year. In 1868 they erected on Market street, a two-story frame building 22 x 32, the lower story for the manufacturing of wood-work, and the upper for a paint shop; they also built a blacksmith shop the same year. They carried on the business in the new shop until .Jannarj', 1S69, when Mr. Ettlein sold his interest , on under the firm name of Metzler, Landgreaver & Zigler; they were -, / doing a good business until August, 1S7J:, when their work-shop '-'-" (the main building) with all its contents was destroyed hy fire, and also a repository which they built a ^qw years before, and a lot of lumber, etc. Their loss was several thousand dollars. They picked up courage and proceeded immediatelj' to build a temporary shanty, in which to make the wood- work for vehicles which were ordered. The following October Mr. Landgreaver retired and the firm of ;, .- Metzler & Zigler was formed, which exists at the present time. In 1875 they erected a good, substantial, two-story building 32x46 "~- feet. A good trade has been carried on by this firm since then; they developed a high grade of work, having built up that reputation for durability and style whicli classed them among the leaders ill the business in Elkhart county. In 1879 they fitted up a nice repository.

Jan. 14. 1868, Mr. Metzler was married to Mary Wantz, and they have 2 children, both girls: Clara Bell, who was born Nov. 3, 1868, and Amy Myrtle, Feb. 3, 1876.

Source changes here: from A Twentieth Century History and Biographical Record of Elkhart County, Indiana, by Deahl, Anthony, published 1905; 2,265 words in this source stream.

Union Township

Union township is pre-eminent for its agriculture. Much of it is parl-c-like in its landscapic beauty, and the fertihty of its soil is known far and wide. If we except the city of Nappanee, part of which lies in section 31 of this township, there was no community center of any importance until recent years. The observer is struck by the number of churclies which can be found along the highways, so that at least one is in sight at almost e\er_\- point in the township. This suggests that the worthy people of this part of the county, being entirely rural in their occupations and manners of living, have relied upon the commercial centers outside of the township for material supplies, while their social and spiritual needs have all been satisfied by their churches. Certainly one would go far to find a more generally intelligent and progressive class of people than those in this township, and homes, schoolhouses, farmsteads and every other factor that would furnish a basis for judgment indicate their prosperity and material welfare.

To single out only one of these rural localities for specific mention at this point, there is in section 22 a little rural community which has long been know-n as Stumptown. This appellation has nothing to do with the material appearance of the place, but was given in honor of Abram Stump, who, some sixty years ago, taking advantage of a small watercourse in that \icinity, constructed a dam and built a mill. A sawmill is still maintained at this point, though run by steam power. Several old buildings survive from the era of prosperity, among them a log house of hewn timbers, plastered chinks and clapboard roof, which dates back to the real pioneer period. An old store building still stands on the west side of the road, a weather-dimmed sign in front indicating a commercial enterprise under the title of " Union Valley Groceries, Dry-goods, Boots and Shoes Store." The sawmill is now operated by P. \Y. Hollar. At the crossroads north of the mill stands the Dunkard church, across the road from which the city of the dead tells, by its large number of mounds and many crumbling headstones, the long-continued existence of this community center better than more vital facts could.

In 1892, when the Wabash Railroad cut through the northeastern corner of Union township, two enterprising business men - Messrs. Blosser and Bechtel, the former of Waterford and the latter of Wakarusa - began the promotion of a new business center in that portion of the township. The name given to this village was Foraker, and it has enjoyed, during the thirteen years of its existence, a very consideraljle degree of prosperity and will no doubt in time be one of the important towns of the county. The village was platted on the land of Samuel Yoder, and there are now about twenty-five families who claim residence in Foraker. There is one general store, P. B. Bollinger, proprietor; M. T. Miller has a store and the postoffice; there is a creamery station, a branch to the Freese creamery in Nappanee; two blacksmith shops; Dr. M. T. Brumbaugh is the physician. Three trains stop at the station, and there is unusual business activity for a place of the size.

Locke township, which was not organized until the forties, Init which in the character of its citizens has long since made up for its tardy beginning, has experienced considerable diversity in the movement of its population toward community centers. The records mention a union church, built on section 22, which served as a focus for the people of the surrounding region. Another center was the first store, which was established by John Wolfe where the village of Locke is now situated. As to the first postoffice the records are not clear. In December, 1847, the Goshen Democrat has an item which states the establishment of a new office in Locke township, called " Locke," and Daniel McCov postmaster. The postoffice was known also as " Five Points " and under different postmasters had dift'erent locations. Previous to its removal to the village of Locke the ( iffice was occupied by Solomon Berlin, who was the incumbent from 1861 to 1869. The Berlin homestead is situated half a mile east and one mile north of the present village of Locke.

The village of Locke tells another story of vanished prestige and the sur\-ival of the fittest." Laid out about 1867 in section 24 by George W. Eby, ]\I. H. Morlan and L. B. Winder, its history for several years was that of a flourishing town, with a future which would place it among the leading towns of the county. At one time its business interests were substantially these: Three dr\--goods stores, one drug store, one grocerv store, one hardware store, one tin shop, one furniture store, two l:)oot and shoe shops, two sawmills, one shingle mill, one wagon shop, one steam grist and flouring mill, three blacksmith shops, a hotel, iniblic school, a church, three i^hysicians, and about forty dwellings. I.X)cated on high and rolling land, it nr. doubt seemed the acme of eligibility as a site for a large center.

When the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was constructed the advantages that might accrue to the road from having a station at Locke were disregarded, and the line was built two miles to the south. Nappanee was laid out, and with the help of the railroad grew rapidly and soon overmatched its ri\-al on the north. Locke could not hold its own even as an agricultural town, and its business interests soon were attracted to Nappanee or quietly passed away where they were. Twent)- five years ago Locke was still regarded as a commercial center of some importance. Now there are perhaps twenty-five or thirty people residing within the original limits of the village. At the date of this writing a small store building had just been erected by E. J. Pippenger. who accordingly has the honor of being the sole representative of business activity in the place. With the establishment of rural delivery the postoffice also was taken away. A part of the old flour mill still stands, but many of the business houses were moved away entire. Religious and educational advantages still make the locality somewhat of a center. The United Brethren church holds services every two weeks, and there is an excellent district school, in which many of the best teachers in the county have obtained their education. There are two teachers, Miss Catherine Chamberlain having been principal of the school during the past vear. The pretty brick school building was erected in 1890. The oldest resident of Locke community at the present time is Martin Robinson. Locke used to bear the name of Whistlertown.

The history of the city of Nappanee, which appropriately could be considered in the centers of Locke township, is deserving of such extended notice that place will be given for that purpose on later following pages.

\\'akarusa has for half a century I)een the principal center of Olive township. During the greater part of this period it existed as a " country town," without railroad advantages, and the fact that it grew and prospered and was a ixisy trading and industrial village even without a railroad indicates the enterprise of its citizens and the hig-h character of its surrounding population. Nearly twenty-five years ago the directory of the town's institutions contained the following: Four churches, Methodist, Lutheran. Christian, Baptist; two-story brick schoolhouse; one stave and heading factory ; one saw and planing mill ; two wagon and carriage factories; two harness shops, two drug stores, three shoe sliops, two dry-goods stores, one liardware and implement, one furniture store, one grist mill, two blacksmith shops, a meat market, a hotel, a millinery store, barber shop, saloon, two physicians, \eterinary surgeon, and nearly four hundred people.

During the first ten years after Olive township was organized there were no centers of population other than the log schoolhouses. [n 1849 a postoffice, known as Mt. Olive, was established in Harvey Bly"s logcabin, two and a half miles north rif the present Wakarusa. In that primitive postoffice \\as born th.e wife of Mr. George Nusbaum, the present postmaster of \\'akarusa, and as Mrs. Xusl)aum is her husband's assistant the Bly family has been identified, first and last, witli Uncle Sam's affairs in this vicinity for o\-er fifty-five years.

In 1S52 a village was platted where Wakarusa now stands, and was given the name of Salem, the nrigiiial plat being m.ide 1)\' Messrs. Holdeman, Smeltzer and Fletcher. When the .Mt. 01i\e postoffice was moved tn this place, there at once aro^e difficulties in consequence of there being another Salem in the state, .\fter a period of confusion in postal matters, the citizens assembled in town meeting ;nid \-oted a new name. .\t this meeting, which was held in i83<). Mr. Jacob Dell, then a boy in his teens, was ])resent, and he remembers nian\- of the ])ros and cons of the discussion which preceded the cliange of name. Mr. Woijlverton finally proposed the name of Wak.nrusa. which \\as the name of a place in Kansas of which he had liecn ;i resident, and this designation was finall}" adopted. \\'akarusa is an Indian word wh<ise meaning, according to the Ijest authorities, is "knee deep in mud." It was owing to the consistencv of this name with the nature of the soil on wdiich the village was located tliat the decision of the majority of the citizens finally favored the present title.

William Moon was the first settler nn the site of Wakarusa. building his house near what is known as the " fish iioud." Thomas Inks and Jackson Woolverton are mentioned as the first uicrchants. the Lutherans built the fi.rst church, and the first public school was erected about iS^d. subscription schools having been in vogue up to that time. (.)f the oldest residents who are still li\ing. it is fitting to mention Samuel Kline, wdio is now- past eighty and has li\-ed here o\er fifty \ears; ^Irs. Lucinda M. (Stevens) Woolverton, the mother of Dr. \\'oo]verton, is now in her eighties, and it w-as her husband who nruned the town. Mrs, Pamelia (Pitts) Grove has the double distinction of being one of the oldest women in the countv and of living in the oldest house in \\'akafllSTORV OF ELKHART COUNTY 127 rusa - the frame structure on the west side of Elkhart street near tlie business section. She was the first child born in Locke township, about seventy-five years ago. Other old-timers are Anthony Myers. David H. Fletcher. Mrs. Mary A. Young. Mrs. Abraham Lechlitner. Abraham W'eldy, Isaac Letherman.

The twentieth century Wakarusa affords many attractions as a [jlace of residence and is a business center whose importance is growing every year. The census of 1900 gave 917 inhabitants, and it is nowestimated that there are not many short of twelve hundred. To- afford permanent representation of the business activity as found in 1905, we make a list of the persons and firms who are identified with the various phases of business, professional and industrial affairs :

Civic enterprise is noticeable on every hand in this town. .Miout three years ago a first-class fire department was organized, and the drill is a regular feature of the municipal program. There are three tire companies, with chemical engine, hook and ladder, and plenty of hose. The pond and level-full cisterns afford a never-failing water supply, and it is hardly possible that Wakarusa could ever again suffer such a destructive fire as visited her a few years ago. The present town board has the following members : B. F. Lutz, president, Fred Trisinger, secretary; John Fink, treasurer; Jeremiah Bechtel and Howard Elliott. The town was incorporated in 1898.

The citizens take just pride in their public schools. The school building, wliich stands on the east side of town, was practically rebuilt some twelve years ago. being a two-story brick structure with nine rooms. Superintendent A. C. Steele and Principal L. M. Gulp have five other teachers to assist in the work, and so well is the institution graded and so efficient are all departments of the work that in 1905 the high school v>-as accredited with the State University. There were four graduates from the high school in 1905.

Wakarusa is a religious town and has a full quota of churches. The beautiful Christian church is mentioned elsewhere. The Methodists are under Rev. Earl Parker, the United Brethren have a non-resident minister, the German Baptists have E. J. Swartz as their pastor, and there is also a congregation of the Mennonite Brethren in Ghrist. There are also a Ghristian Endeavor, Epworth League, Home jNIissionaiy Society, Ladies Aid, and the Band of Willing Workers of the Ghristian church.

Of the fraternities, \\'akarusa has a lodge of the Masons and an Eastern Star chapter; the Knights and Ladies of the Maccabees, and there is a Grand Army post of some forty members, with a Woman's Relief Gorps as auxiliary. The Search Light Glub, an organization of ladies wlio devote themselves to different lines of study in literature and art. is one of the leading clubs of the county. 'Sirs. Gharles Frash is president, and Mrs. H. j\L Freed is secretary.

Wakarusa is now a fourth-class postoffice, but the present postmaster, who is a man of enterprise and public spirit, hopes soon to bring it into the third class. There are three rural delivery routes that center here.