A Twentieth Century History and Biographical Record of Laporte County Indiana, Part 125

Author: Rev. E. D. Daniels
Publication date: 1904
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1273

USA > Indiana > LaPorte County > A Twentieth Century History and Biographical Record of Laporte County Indiana > Part 125

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Fitzpatrick Austin, of Scotch descent, was born in Virginia, and died in 1864.

Hilary Early, the son of these parents, was born in Bedford county, Virginia, in 1834, the year before his father set out for Indiana. He obtained some education in the LaPorte schools, and at the age of seventeen went to Albion Col- lege, Michigan, where he studied for some time. But when still a boy he began working for his father in the store, mill, and a very little on the farm. In 1860 he went to Constantine, Michi- gan, and ran a mill there. In 1862 he returned to LaPorte, but soon went to Columbus, Ohio, where he obtained a position in the quartermas- ter's department at Camp Chase, but later began contracting to furnish supplies, principally wood for fuel, to Camp Chase. He remained at Col- umbus throughout the war, and when peace came, as he had a large supply of fuel wood on hand. he continued in business there until he closed out his stock. Following this he was in the life insurance business for a few years, but in 1872 began handling real estate in LaPorte, which has been his principal occupation to the present. His largest operations in this line have been in his own properties. One of his most import- ant enterprises both from his own stand- point and because of the benefit and wealth it conferred on the county, was the re- clamation of large tracts of the swamp lands in the southern part of the county, along the Kan- kakee river. His views as to the feasibility of draining and making these lands fit for agri- cultural purposes were hooted at by the practi- cally wise, but he finally interested some German farmers, and carried into execution his project, with the result that this land now produces more corn to the acre than any other section of the county. He has since disposed of most of this class of property.

Mr. Early cast his first vote for Republican candidates, and adhered to that party for some years. While living in Hudson township he was elected township clerk by both parties, without an opposing vote. Later he became a convert to Prohibition views, and since 1884 has several times been his party's candidate for county of- fices, and once for representative, making many sacrifices for the sake of principle. In May, 1862. Mr. Early was married to Miss Katharine Wes- tervelt, of the well known LaPorte county fam- ily of that name. This union was terminated by the death of his beloved wife in the fall of the same year.

Digitized by Google

Hilary early

Digitized by Google

697

HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.

DR. FRANKLIN T. WILCOX, a leading physician of LaPorte, was born in Minonk, Illi- nois, in 1866. Environment and inherited ten- dencies may both have had their effect in shaping the career of Dr. Wilcox, as he comes from a family of physicians. His paternal grandfather was a native of Chautauqua county, New York, was a member of the medical fraternity and prac- ticed his profession throughout his entire life. His son, Edward A. Wilcox, was born in Penn- sylvania, but in his early boyhood accompanied his parents on their removal to Minonk, Illinois, where he was reared to manhood. Determining to make the practice of medicine his life work, he prepared for his chosen calling and for many years followed it with success, having a liberal patronage which indicated his high standing in the profession. He is now living retired in the en- joyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. Well fitted for leadership, he has left the impress of his individuality upon public thought and feeling. He is recognized as a very prominent and influential citizen of Mi- nonk, and has been honored with a number of public offices. He served as mayor for a num- ber of years, and has also been state senator. He wedded Miss Carrie Mathis. Her death occurred in Minonk at forty-two years of age.

In the public schools of his native city Dr. Wilcox acquired his preliminary education, and was the first graduate of the high school after its establishment there. He then entered the Wes- leyan University at Bloomington and was gradu- ated with the degree of Bachelor of Science, while later the institution conferred upon him the degree of Master of Science. Following the completion of his classical and scientific courses, he took up the study of medicine in Rush Medi- cal College, of Chicago, from which he was graduated with the class of 1890. During the summer of that year he practiced his profession in his native town, and in September, 1890, came to LaPorte, where he has since lived, and con- tinued the active practice. He is a physician of broad knowledge and one who is constantly studying and reading in order to increase his efficiency as a member of the medical profession. Dr. Wilcox has been the presiding officer of the LaPorte county board of health for several years, and has also served as a member of the city board of health. In 1902 he was nominated for mayor of LaPorte on the Republican ticket, but was defeated because the city is strongly Democratic. His attention, however, has been chiefly given to the practice of medicine. He is recognized

as a skilful surgeon and is surgeon to the Inter- laken Sanatorium. His knowledge of the science of medicine in all its departments is broad and comprehensive.

In Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1892, Dr. Wil- cox was united in marriage to Miss Helen Byers, and to them have been born two sons: Edward Byers and Robert Franklin. They are prominent members of the First Methodist church, in which he is serving as a trustee, while fraternally, he is connected with the Elks. It is well that the Doc- tor has a deep and abiding interest in his profes- sion for his practice makes such heavy demands upon his attention that he finds little time for social life. However, he is a man of genial, so- cial disposition, and his kindliness, sympathy and deference for the opinions of others have ren- dered him popular with a large circle of friends.

HENRY EDGAR SMITH. Among the residents that Ohio has furnished to Indiana is numbered H. E. Smith, who is a successful and progressive farmer living on section 20, Galena township. He was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, on the 5th of October, 1831, his parents being Robert K. and Ruth (Stull) Smith. The paternal grandfather, John D. Smith, was a na- tive of Holland and came to America in colonial days. He served as a Revolutionary soldier, was at Valley Forge during the memorable winter in which the American forces suffered so greatly at that place. His death occurred in Ohio, and for many years he had lived to enjoy the fruits of his valiant service as a member of the con- tinental army.

Robert K. Smith was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, on Christmas day of 1797, and was a little lad of seven summers when he accom- panied his parents on their removal to Trumbull county, Ohio, the family home being established in Brookfield township. There he was reared and married. He wedded Miss Ruth Stull, whose birth occurred in Washington county, Pennsyl- vania, on the 31st of August, 1797. She was reared in Trumbull county, Ohio, from the age of three years, removing to the Buckeye state with her parents, who were of German descent. Her father was also a Revolutionary soldier.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Smith came to La- Porte county, Indiana, traveling across the coun- try with an ox team, in 1835. In the same year they took up their abode on section 20, Galena township, where Mr. Smith secured land from the government, and upon the wild and unim- proved tract he built his first home. a little log

Digitized by Google

698

HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY:

cabin sixteen by twenty feet. He continued to reside upon that farm until his eighty-seventh year, when he was called to his final rest. He was a member of the Baptist church in early life, and after coming to LaPorte county joined the Freewill Baptist church. In his political views he was a Democrat, and cast his first presidential ballot for Andrew Jackson. His wife died in her seventy-eighth year, and thus passed away two of the honored pioneer settlers,of LaPorte county, who had long been respected and worthy resi- dents of this section of the state.

H. E. Smith is the only surviving member of the family of five sons and one daughter. He was a lad of four years when he came to LaPorte county with his parents, and in Galena township on the old family homestead he was reared, his education being begun in a log schoolhouse not far distant. He also attended school for one sum- mer in Trumbull county, Ohio, and in the school of experience he has learned many valuable les- sons and has added to his knowledge through reading and observation. He remained at home until he had attained his majority and assisted materially in the work of the home farm. In 1854 he crossed the plains with an ox team to Oregon, and thence proceeded to the mines on a pony. For four years he continued to reside in the far west, and while there engaged in the war with the Rogue River Indians. He experi- enced all of the hardships of life in the west with its excitement, its dangers and its pleasures, and at length returned by the Isthmus of Panama and New York city to his home in Indiana and has since engaged in farming and stock-raising.

On the 24th of June, 1865, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Emma V. Hess, who was born in Delaware county, New York, on the 6th of February, 1842, a daughter of Peter M. and Almira (Allerton) Hess. The father was of German descent and the mother was of Welsh lineage. Mrs. Smith was the third of their five children, and is the only surviving member of that household.

At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Smith located upon the farm where they now reside, and they never moved from that place. He owns two hundred and forty acres of land in the old homestead and another farm of one hundred and twelve acres in Galena township, together with a tract of forty acres of timber land. His property possessions have come to him through persistent and earnest effort. He is a life-long Democrat, and. while having firm faith in the principles of the party has never

sought. or ,desired office, preferring to give his attention to his business affairs, in which he has met with signal success. With the exception of the period of his residence in the far west he has always lived in Galena township from early boy- hood, and his friends and neighbors know him as a man of many sterling traits of character, well worthy of honorable mention among the pioneer settlers of the county.

ORLANDO L. SUTHERLAND, M. D. In the history of Dr. Orlando L. Sutherland we find many elements worthy of commendation and emu- lation. An analyzation of his character shows strong intellectuality, marked individuality and unfaltering perseverance, and upon these he has based his success. . No fortunate environment encompassed him in his youth, nor did special pecuniary relations aid him in gaining an edu- cation and making a start in life. He owes all to his own efforts, and he certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, be- ing now. one of the most successful and capable physicians of LaPorte.

Dr. Sutherland was born near Rolling Prairie. in LaPorte county, Indiana, December 16, 1859. His father, Charlton O. Sutherland, was born in the state of New York and was of Scotch ances- try. In 1852 he came to LaPorte county and set- tled on a farm in Galena township, north of Rolling Prairie, where he is still living, being a successful and well-to-do farmer of the com- munity. He served for two terms as township trustee, and in matters pertaining to the public welfare he has always been progressive and helpful In early manhood he wedded Phebe Martin, who died in 1890. She was a daughter of Abram Martin, also of Galena township and a representative of an old and prominent family whose history is closely associated with the early settlement of this county.

Having mastered the common branches of English learning in the district schools. Dr. Sutherland continued his education in the high school of Three Oaks, Michigan, and of Rolling Prairie, while later he became a student in the Northern Indiana College, at Valparaiso, where he was graduated on completing the scientific course, in the class of 1885. During the time he was obtaining his education, he taught school at intervals all through LaPorte county, and thus earned the money which enabled him to prose- cute his own studies. After his graduation he engaged in teaching in the Westville high school and in the high school at Three Oaks. from

Digitized by Google

Quando 2 Lectures.

Digitized by Google

:STORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.

He contint . 1 to

eighty -with

A the

:10

1.1

1 - ith

h was

.r 41 i of

art is the on' i their five

ember of . the title of their me. : :

Mbit ; & they now - moni . 1 " place. a ovo hun broj and i .... .....

.. and twelve actes in talen money. I with a trust of fort. arres + timber Ins property produits have come to I persistent al : earnest giant. He

principles of the party has never

weight of desiel attention to be- be: nat with semi - the period of his to ·ways lived in Im. iv .1, and his iii . 4. a man of 2 wenche of howers

ORLANDO L. " History of Dr. Otisak; !. Pe WS dl Dients word ar com An analyze: wrong intellectuality

forty wacompassed kom in ins s. pecuniary relations and his cuon and making a want it to bi. can efforts, all' la mach credit for what he has 30.

ph: Svans of Lal'orte. D- Sutherland was bom bea: 1. " in Laporte cama. Indi. na. D .- His father, Charter ( Sup. :

try. In 1852 he came to Dal thed on a farm in Galera tom

Reling Prairie, where he

He served for :

welfare he has alway. it In early nih

Mier, who died in 1800 of Abram Martin, aby of th D.

wie history is de . .. settlement of this com:

Having mastered the :

Fogli h learning in the Shetland continue ! ! chool of Three Oaks Ferie while later he but Northern Indiana Call he was graduated on col course. in the class of it he was obtaining bis edu. at intervals att through I : 1. earned the money which . cute his own states. ... engaged in teaching in the it and in the high school at

Digitized by

Google

Orlando. L Sutherland M. D.

Digitized by

Google

Digitized by

Google

699

HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.

which place he went to Ann Arbor and entered the medical department of the University of Michigan, in 1888. Three years later he was graduated with the class of 1891, and for a year longer he remained at Ann Arbor as hospital physician and surgeon. He then came to La- Porte, where he opened an office for general prac- tice, and in his chosen calling he has gradually advanced until he now occupies a position in the leading ranks of the medical fraternity here. He has long since left the ranks of the many to stand among the successful few, and the extent and character of his business is a criterion on his ability. His business now makes very heavy demands upon his time and attention, and leaves him very few leisure hours. After eighteen months he bceame a partner of Dr. Whiting, one of the old-time physicians of LaPorte, with whom he remained for three and a half years, when Dr. Whiting passed away. In 1897 Dr. Sutherland built the fine stone front residence and office on Jefferson avenue that he now occu- pies. This location has grown familiar to the public as a physician's residence, for Dr. Whit- ing long resided here before entering into part- nership with Dr. Sutherland. The latter engages in the general practice of medicine and surgery, and in both departments shows marked skill, which arises from practical experience and broad research.

In 1886 Dr. Sutherland was united in mar- riage to Miss Lillie Goit, a daughter of R. B. Goit, one of the pioneer settlers of Galena town- ship. Socially, he is connected with several fra- ternities and is a valued representative of these orders. In politics he is a Democrat, and is now representing his ward in the city council, where he exercises his official prerogatives in support of many progressive measures. For ten years he was the secretary of the coun- ty board of health, and his loyalty in citizenship equals his efficiency and skill in the profession in which he has gained marked distinction. Dr. Sutherland owns what is known as the Goit farm, containing two hun- dred and forty acres, of which forty acres is in fruit. The apple orchard is the largest in La- Porte county. He is the owner of the Sutherland stables, besides extensive real estate interests : he is a large stockholder in the Rustic Hickory fur- niture factory.

LOUIS FREDERICK SCHAEUFFELE. now retired and living at his residence at 621 Washington street, Michigan City, has been a

citizen of this northern Indiana city for fifty years, and for many years successfully followed the trade of blacksmith and was kept in the re- sponsible position of city treasurer for seven- teen years. He is a fine representative of the German Americans of Michigan City, and his record in private industry and public activity makes him one of the most esteemed of those who have given time and effort to the development and progress of this enterprising city of LaPorte county. ·

Mr. Schaeuffele was but a boy when his grandfather died, so that he remembers little about that worthy man, except that he was a blacksmith and died past middle life, the father of four sons and three daughters. John Conrad Schaeuffele, the father of the subject of this biography, was also a native of Germany, where he died at the age of sixty-nine years, and he fol- lowed blacksmithing, so that this occupation is al- most a legitimate inheritance in the family. His wife was Rosina Fredericka Saussele, who was a native of Germany, and her father was a farmer, wine gardener and fisherman, and died well ad- vanced in years, having been the father of three sons and three daughters. John C. and Rosina Schaeuffele, the latter of whom lived to be eighty- four years old, were .Lutherans in religion, and were the parents of three sons and two daughters, Louis Frederick and John Conrad being the only ones now living.

Louis Frederick Schaeuffele was born at the home of his parents in Wurtemberg, Germany, September 19, 1830. He remained there till he was twenty-three years old, receiving his educa- tion and learning his trade. He left home on his twenty-third birthday and sailed for America. From New York city he came to Detroit, Michi- gan, and in March 1854, arrived in Michigan City, which has been his permanent home ever since. He was a blacksmith in the car shops until 1857, for the following three years and a half was employed in the shops of the Louisville and New Albany Railroad Company, for six months worked for the Lake Shore Company at Adrian, Michigan, and on September 19, 1861, his birthday, returned to his native country for a visit and returned to Michigan City in May, 1862. He then entered the employ of the Michi- gan Central Railroad Company, which he con- tinued till September, 1881. He was then elected city treasurer and gave seventeen years of credit- able service in that office, and since September, 1898, has lived retired.

June 9, 1856, Mr. Schaeuffele married Miss

Digitized by Google

700

HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.

Anna Miller, of Detroit, Michigan, who came to America at the same time and on the same boat that he did, and who was a daughter of Gott- fried and Christina (Meier) Miller. Charles Frederick, the only child of this union, died at the age of three years, and his mother had died the year before. She was a member of the Lutheran church .. In September, 1862, Mr. Schaeuffele married Mrs. Ernestina Nagle, the widow of Simon Nagle and a daughter of Mr. Schneider. Three children have been born of this second union, Louis Frederick, a tinsmith ; Carl Edward, an engineer in Joliet, Illinois ; and Louisa Fred- ericka, the wife of Robert Normoyle, a machinist of Chicago.

Mr. and Mrs. Schaeuffele are members of the Lutheran church, and he affiliates with Acme Lodge No. 83, F. & A. M., with the German Union Odd Fellows Lodge No. 229, and in poli- tics is a Democrat. He is treasurer of the Michi- gan City Building and Loan Association, which office he has held for eighteen years, and he owns some business property in the city besides his comfortable residence, which he erected in 1873.

DR. HENRY LENNARD BYE COOTE, a prominent veterinary surgeon of Michigan City, and well known throughout this portion of the state, was born in London, England, on the 23d of October, 1860, and in that country both his maternal and paternal grandfathers lived and died. He is a son of Holmes and Georgina (Lor- rimer) Coote. His father was a surgeon, and his death occurred in England, when nearly sixty years of age, but his wife is still living, and now makes her home in western Canada.

Henry Lennard B. Coote, the only survivor of his parents' four children, received his early educational training in Epsom, England, and when seventeen years of age made the voyage to Canada, locating in the province of Manitoba, where he followed agricultural pursuits. In 1893 he graduated from the Toronto Veterinary Col- lege, and immediately thereafter began the prac- tice of his profession in Minnedosa, Manitoba, where he continued to reside until 1898. In that year he came to the United States, and for a time traveled in the search of health, and in 1901, took up his abode in Michigan City, where he has ever since continued the practice of veterinary surgery. He has built up a large and constantly increasing patronage, and has won success in his chosen profession.

On the 22d of June, 1900, Dr. Coote was uni- ted in marriage to Miss Hilda Floyd, a daughter

of Charles and Fannie (Crockford) Floyd, and they have one child, a daughter, Margaret Len- nard. Both the Doctor and his wife are mem- bers of the Episcopal church, and he is a mem- ber of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the order of the Sons of St. George, of Chicago, while his political support is given to the Republican party.

WILLIAM A. BOHLAND is now serving his second term as county treasurer of LaPorte county, his re-election being a tribute to his ability and fidelity during his first years of ser- vice. He was previously identified with indus- trial affairs in LaPorte county. and is yet inter- ested in agriculture, being the owner of a good farm in Clinton township.

Mr. Bohland was born in the town of La- Porte, in 1865, and is a on of Adam and Saloame (Kouts) Bohland. His father was born in Frankfort-on-the-Main, in Germany, and when a young man came to the United States. Making his way into the interior of the country he became an early settler of LaPorte, where he engaged in the butchering business in connection with Mr. Steigley, one of the pioneer settlers of this city. He later went into business for himself, and for several years conducted a meat market at La- Porte. In 1865 he removed to Bigelow's Mills. in Clinton township, where he purchased the flour mill that had been established by Elijah Bige- low in 1835. He continued to operate the mill until almost the time of his death, which oc- curred in the year 1888. His wife, surviving him for some time, passed away in March 1903.

To the public schools of his native county William A. Bohland is indebted for the early educational privileges he enjoyed. He afterward pursued a course in the Northern Indiana Nor- mal College at Valparaiso, and when not en- gaged with the duties of the schoolroom his time was largely spent in his father's mill, where he learned the trade, becoming a practical workman. After his father's death he continued to operate the mill, conducting the business for seventeen years, or, until 1900, when he was prevailed upon to become a candidate for the office of county treasurer on the Democratic ticket and was elected. He entered upon the duties of the office in January, 1901, which he discharged with such capability and promptness that in 1902 he was re-elected to serve a second term, which will ex- pire January 1, 1907. He still owns the mill, but it is not in operation at this time.

Digitized by Google

Nm a Bohland.

Digitized by

Google

Digitized by

Google

701

HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.

In October, 1888, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Bohland and Miss Eliza H. Osborn, a member of the well known Osborn family, of La- porte and Porter counties. They have two chil- dren : Frank and Eldon. Mr. Bohland is a val- ued member of the Masonic fraternity, and also has membership relations with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a very popular man, genial and kindly in nature, social and cordial in dis- position. His friends are legion, and all who know him entertain for him a warm regard. As an official he has made a most creditable record, and his course should serve as an example for his successors to follow.

JOHN JACOB HALLER, who is filling the position of township trustee and resides at 314 East Eighth street in Michigan City, was born here on the 30th of July, 1861. He is a son of Jacob and Johanna (Miller) Haller, both of whom were natives of Wittenberg, Germany. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Haller died in that country when seventy-nine years of age, and his wife died within three days of his death. He was a game warden, and never left his native country. In early life Jacob Haller learned the trade of a carpenter, joiner and cabinet-maker, and after hearing favorable reports of the United States and the business opportunities afforded here he resolved to seek a home and fortune in the new world. Accordingly he crossed the briny deep and became a resident of Michigan City among its early settlers. Here he followed con- tracting and building for many years, and became a leader in that line of business, erecting some of the stores and other public buildings together with a large number of the residences of Michi- gan City. For the past three years he has lived retired at 1015 South Franklin street, and his wife is spared to him yet. This worthy couple are members of the Lutheran church and enjoy the high regard of many friends. Mrs. Haller was a daughter of Fred Miller, whose death re- sulted from an accident in Germany when he was twenty-six years of age. His wife survived him, however, for a long period and was called to her finai rest when well advanced in years. To Jacob and Johanna Haller were born children as fol- lows: Fred ; Sophia, the wife of William Hauser, of Fargo, North Dakota : Pauline, the wife of John Frey, of Helena, Montana; John Jacob; Edward; and Henry.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

A Twentieth Century History and Biographical Record of Laporte County Indiana, Part 125

Author: Rev. E. D. Daniels Publication date: 1904 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1273

Author: Rev. E. D. Daniels
Publication date: 1904
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1273