A Twentieth Century History and Biographical Record of Laporte County Indiana, Part 135

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 135

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HISTORY OF LAPORTE COUNTY.

cultural pursuits until his death. His wife, who was born in Pennsylvania, died in Plymouth, Marshall county, Indiana, in March, 1901.

Upon the home farm of his father John P. Van Kirk spent his early boyhood days, and when a youth of sixteen he came to LaPorte to take his place in the business world. Gradually he has ad- vanced here to a prominent position in industrial circles. He began learning the brickmason's trade and has since followed this and kindred occupations. For some time he worked for others, and then in 1868 he embarked in busi- ness for himself as a brick and stone mason. He has been a very successful man. As a contractor he has erected a large part of the best brick buildings in the town, such as the city hall, the Swedish Lutheran church, Hall's Opera House, a part of the LaPorte Carriage Works, the Lonn block, the Ridgway block, the new high school building, and remodeled the Methodist church. Within the last three or four years he has taken some of the largest contracts for building cement sidewalks in LaPorte and has laid several miles of such walks. His business has greatly expand- ed, and besides taking and executing contracts in mason work and concrete building, he handles all kinds of building materials, doing a wholesale business in brick, lime, cement, etc. He has also established, two and a half miles north of the city, a large brickyard for the manufacture of brick, and turns out a product of superior quality which is largely used in the construction of buildings in this city.

In 1868 Mr. Van Kirk was united in marriage in Marshall county, Indiana, to Miss Mahala Wise, a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Harsh) Wise, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia. Leaving the south they removed to Ohio, where Mrs. Van Kirk was born and in 1865 they established their home in Marshall county, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Van Kirk now have two children, James O. Van Kirk and Mrs. Minnie Wright.

In his political affiliations Mr. Van Kirk is a Republican and socially, is connected with the Odd Fellows and several other societies, of which he is a valued and popular representative. There are no exciting chapters in his life history, but it shows what can be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do, accomplishment in business life being based upon determination, perseverance and indefatigable labor. Rich in the possession of these qualities, Mr. Van Kirk now stands among the leading business men and prosperous citizens of LaPorte.

WILLIAM H. HARRIS, who is filling the position of trustee in Wills township, resides on section 8, where he has a good farm. One of the native sons of LaPorte county, his birth occurred in Center township on the 28th of November, 1850. His father, David Harris, was a native of Canada, and as one of the pioneer settlers came to northwestern Indiana, casting in his lot with the early residents who were meeting the hardships and difficulties of frontier life while establishing homes in this portion of the state. Mr. David Harris secured a tract of land and engaged in farming throughout his busi- ness career. He wedded Rosanna Curran, a native of Ireland, who came to LaPorte county in her early girlhood and continued here up to the time of her death. Mr. David Harris passed away when about seventy-four years of age, and his wife died when about sixty years of age. His study of political issues and questions of the day led him to vote with the Republican party. Both he and his wife were members of the Baptist church of LaPorte, and enjoyed the good will and high regard of all with whom they were associated. In their family were six children, of whom three are now fiving: James, Charles and William.

Mr. W. H. Harris is the eldest of the family, and was reared upon the old home farm in Cen- ter township until about sixteen years of age, when the family removed to Wills township. He obtained his education in the district schools of Center and Kankakee townships, and also at Rolling Prairie. In his boyhood he became very familiar with farm work, for his assistance was given his father from the time he was old enough to handle the plow, and the practical training which he received as an agriculturist was of great benefit to him when he started out in life on his own account.

On the 26th of May, 1884, Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Miss Ella Gridley, a daugh- ter of Jabez and Maryett (Vorrus) Gridley. Mrs. Harris was born in Springfield township, LaPorte county, March 12, 1855, and was reared in Hudson township. Four children have been born of this union, and two are living, a son and a daughter, Ralph and Ada, both in the seventh grade of school.

In the year of his marriage Mr. Harris pur- chased his present farm, located thereon, and has since devoted his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits. His farm comprises two hundred acres of land, and his work is that of a general farmer, engaged in the tilling of the soil

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and in the raising of stock. He makes a special- skilled and thorough workman. He next secured employment in the yards of the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad, and soon worked himself into the position of foreman of the constructing department. ty of raising fine horses, and has sold many head which have brought to him very good prices. He finds time to devote to public affairs, and in poli, tics he is an earnest Republican. For three years, from 1894 until 1897, he served as county com- missioner, and in 1900 was elected township . a constructive business man and promoter of en- trustee, which position he is now filling, dis- charging his duties in a very capable, prompt and effective manner. Fraternally, he is con- nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows at Rolling Prairie Lodge, No. 774, and he takes an active part in its work. His entire life has been passed in this county, and he rejoices in what has been accomplished here, having a just pride in what has been done along the lines of material improvement and intellectual de- velopment.

ELLIS MICHAEL, deceased, who was for many years connected with the manufacturing and business activity of LaPorte, and by his strength of purpose, noble character and readi- ness to perform his part in all of life's demands earned the title of the "Grand Old Man of La- Porte," was born in Muncy, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, August 31, 1825, and on Saturday, October 16, 1897, quietly and peacefully left sud- denly vacant the place he had so long occupied in LaPorte and the world.

Mr. Michael was of excellent Pennsylvaina Dutch stock, endowed with the hardihood and determination of the race, and well for him that he was, for he had no advantages of a pecuniary nature when he began the struggle of life. His first venture for self-support was acting as mail carrier between two small towns of Pennsylvania. and then had a position on the Erie canal. When a young man he became interested in the dry- goods business in Danville, Pennsylvania, but he seemed to be in the path of misfortune, for only a few weeks after he started, and had just be- come nicely situated, a fire swept his property to the ground, and he was penniless and in debt. The clothes on his back were contributed by friends. Shortly after his marriage in 1850, he was elected auditor of Lycoming county, but re- tained his residence in Muncy. This is the only political office he is known to have ever held.

Mr. Michael had learned the cabinet-maker's trade, and in 1853, when he came to LaPorte at the solicitation of a brother of the late George C. Dorland, went to work at the carpenter's trade. He built several buildings in this city and the surrounding country, and was known as a

But it was as an originator of machinery and terprises that Mr. Michael is best known. In the woodshed in the rear of the little house at the corner of Monroe and Ludlow streets, La- Porte, he began the construction of the Michael fanning mill, which he had invented in 1858, and which at first he made entirely by hand. He would make a couple, take them to some little town .and sell them, and from the proceeds con- tinue the manufacture of others. In this way he developed the business which made him a wealthy man. P. G. Winn was afterward made a partner, and one horse furnished the power to manufacture the machines. E. F. Michael soon purchased Mr. Winn's interest, and the firm became E. F. Michael and Company. Ellis Michael afterward sold a portion of his interest to Henry Sands, and in 1887, when the concern had assumed large proportions, it was incorpo- rated as E. F. Michael Company. January 1, 1897, Charles Michael succeeded to the control of the entire business.

At the time of his death Mr. Michael was president of the LaPorte Gas and Coke Com- pany and president of the Crown Cycle Company. For fifteen years he was a member of the city school board, and was influential in promoting the interests of LaPorte schools. As mentioned. he never held any other public offices, but was just the same eminently public-spirited, and few have the honor of doing more for the welfare of LaPorte, in industrial, business, intellectual and moral lines than this old and esteemed citizen. In politics he was a Democrat, purely for princi- ple, believeing that that party was the best guide in national affairs.

Mr. Michael was a self-made man. He relied on his own exertions, his integrity, his energy and his honest and persevering endeavor to win, and he reached the goal before death overtook him. Few men in the community could compare with him. and his place is vacant forever. Young and old loved him and he was in every sense of the word a tower of strength, a magnificent example of the upright, honorable American.

In 1850 Mr. Michael was married in Orange- ville, Pennsylvania, to Miss Rosanna F. Reig- hard, a native of Pennsylvania, and still living in LaPorte. Five children were born to them:

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Charles H., Edward F., Anna J., and Mary L. Hoops, the last named in Kokomo, Indiana; the youngest child, Flora B. Mayne, died some years ago. All the children but the eldest were born and reared in LaPorte.

HARRY BLODGETT, who successfully car- ries on farming and stock-raising in Noble town- ship, making a specialty of fine horses, is one of LaPorte county's native sons, his birth having occurred here August 27, 1871. His father, James E. Blodgett, was born in Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, on the 18th of September, 1838, and was a son of Asahel and Mary (Lazarus) Blodgett, both natives of Kentucky, the former born in 1811, the latter in 1814. Asahel Blodg- ett died in Wilkesbarre, Pensylvania, March 12, 1893, and his wife passed away in 1896. In early life James E. Blodgett came to LaPorte county, Indiana, and here followed farming throughout the remainder of his life, his death occurring at Union Mills, November 28, 1891. He was married at that place on the Ist of Janu- ary, 1868, to Miss Jane Ann Miller, who was born June 7, 1842, and died June 27, 1887. This worthy couple were the parents of four chil- dren, namely : Harry; Grace Maud, born July 20, 1874; Herbert, who was born November 18, 1875, and died August 31, 1876; and Alma E., born April 11, 1883.

Harry Blodgett was reared to agricultural pursuits upon the home farm, and his early edu- cation, obtained in the common schools of this county, was supplemented by one year's attend- ance at a school in South Bend, Indiana. Throughout his business career he has engaged in farming with good success, being practical, progressive and industrious, and at present he is also extensively interested in the horse busi- ness.

On the 24th of January, 1895, Mr. Blodgett was married at Union Mills, by Rev. S. E. Smith, to Miss Jennie McCormick, who was born at that place April 1, 1875, and attended school there and at LaPorte. She is the older in a family of two children, the other being Harry Frederickson, who was born September 2, 1877. Her parents are Nathan B. and Malinda (Deets) McCormick, now living retired at LaPorte. As a Democrat her father has taken quite an active and influential part in local politics, and on his party ticket was twice elected sheriff of LaPorte county, which office he filled with credit to him- self and to the entire satisfaction of his constitu- ents.

Mr. and Mrs. Blodgett have two children : Mary Ruth, born March 22, 1896; and Lucile, born March 4, 1899. The family is one of prom- inence in the community where they reside. Mr. Blodgett gives his political support to the men and measures of the Republican party, and socially he is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Union Mills.

JAMES MAYES, who is residing on section 18, Galena township, is one of the native sons of this township, his birth having occurred here on the 23d of January, 1843. His father, Mathew Mayes, was a native of Pennsylvania, and when a young man came to LaPorte county, casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers of Galena township in 1834. This was then a frontier region, and he entered his claim from the gov- ernment. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he wedded Miss Mary Hurbert, a native of Ohio, who was brought to northwestern In- diana in her early girlhood. She lived to be more than eighty-three years of age, passing away in 1903. Mathew Mayes died in his sixty-ninth year. He owned about four hundred acres of land at one time, and was a prominent and in- fluential citizen of his day. His business career was characterized by untiring industry and per- severance, and it was due to these causes that he gained his success. He voted with the Whig party in early life, and when it ceased to have. an existence he joined the ranks of the new. Republican party, of which he was a follower until his death. An earnest and active member of the Christian church, he contributed liberally to its support and assisted largely in its growth and improvement. To Mr. and Mrs. Mathew Mayes were born six chil- dren, three sons and three daughters, and all are yet living, namely: Deborah, the wife of I. S. Voris, of LaPorte; James ; William, who is a prominent farmer of Hudson township; Mary, the wife of J. Mc- Duffy, of White county, Indiana; Sarah, the widow of Elicott Wilson, who is supposed to have been killed in the great railroad wreck at Ashtabula, Ohio; and Wesley, a retired farmer living in the city of LaPorte.

There was no event of special importance that occurred to vary the routine of farm life for James Mayes in his youth. He was taught to follow the plow and perform the other work of the fields and he was also accorded the privilege of acquiring a good practical education in the public schools. He continued upon the old home-

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stead until, desiring to establish a home of his own, he was married, on the 31st of August, 1865, to Miss Emily J. Jones, a daughter of James and Cynthia Jones. She was born near the city of LaPorte, and was related to the Stanton and Clark families, two prominent old families of this county. Her death occurred in June, 1900, and her loss was deeply mourned not only by her immediate family, but also by many friends. She had become the mother of six children, namely: Edwin W., who is now a resident of Michigan; Nora, the wife of Benja- min Wing, who resides near LaPorte; Norman, who was a twin brother of Nora and was killed in a sawmill when twenty-one years of age; Edith, the wife of M. L. Cooper, of Colorado; Harry L., who is also a resident of Colorado; and Maude, the wife of D. L. Parks, of Michigan City.

Mr. Mayes is now left alone, all of his chil- dren having married or gone from home into business life, while his wife has been called to her final rest. He has reared a family of six children who are a credit to his name. A resi- dent of Galena township throughout his entire life, he has become widely and favorably known, his many sterling traits of character winning for him the respect and confidence of his fellow men. He has traveled considerably in the western country, especially in Colorado. He to-day owns a farm of eighty acres, which is indicative of his life of enterprise and labor. In politics, he is a stanch Republican and has held a number of local positions. Socially, he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Buf- falo, Michigan, and his career has been in har- mony with the teachings of that splendid organ- ization.

EDWARD F. MICHAEL, a son of Ellis and Rosanna Michael, and who has continued along the commercial and industrial lines which his father originated and laid down in LaPorte, was born May 22, 1853, in LaPorte, on the corner of Monroe and Jefferson avenues, where the build- ing of the LaPorte Gas and Coke Company now stands. He received his education in the graded and high school of LaPorte, and then entered his father's fanning mill factory, where he mastered the business in principle and detail. He was em- ployed in the various departments until he had worked his way upward from the bottom, and at length entered the office as manager of the con- cern, and also become financially interested. For some time he traveled over a large territory, and

had charge of thirty crews of salesman who sold fanning mills to the farmers from the wagon. After fourteen years of service in the factory he organized the Crown Cycle Company, with Ellis Michael as president, E. J. Lonn vice president, Hallet Kessler secretary and treasurer. This company sold the plant to John Lonn and Sons, which afterward became the Great Western Manufacturing Company. In 1893 Mr. Michael formed a partnership with William A. Martin and Robert E. Morrison, and bought the plant of the LaPorte Gas and Coke Company. Mr. Michael was elected secretary of this company, which position he still holds, and Mr. Martin is president. This concern has always been known by its present name, and it furnishes the gas supply of the city. It was established by Benjamin Walker, who sold it to a Mr. Marsh, who in turn disposed of his interests to the Wrights. Later it was purchased by Martin, Morrison and Michael, and it is now owned by the firm of Martin and Michael.

In 1900 Mr. Michael was one of the organ- izers of the LaPorte Sash and Door Company, which bought the sash and door factory of A. Backhus and Company. The present officers are E. F. Michael, president; W. H. Rumely, vice president; J. Vene Dorland, secretary; Louis Schumm, treasurer and general manager. They have spent several thousand dollars in enlarging and perfecting the plant, and it is now one of the most important industries of the city, whose an- nual shipments into several states is very large. In connection with W. A. Martin and Emmett Scott, Mr. Michael has recently completed gas works at Petoskey, Michigan, and the plant there is now in successful operation.

In 1889 Mr. Michael was united in marriage to Miss Sarah F. Closser, a daughter of D. P. Closser and a member of one of the most promi- nent old families of LaPorte. In politics Mr. Michael is a Democrat, and fraternally, is a member of the Business Men's Club and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in the local lodge of which he was one of the governors for three years. He is one of LaPorte county's most enterprising citizens, and is one of the leaders in the movement which began three or four years ago to give a new growth to the city. In every capacity he has rendered important aid to LaPorte in her march of advancement.

JOSEPH OLIVER. When, after years of long and earnest labor in some honorable field of business, a man puts aside all cares to spend

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his remaining days in the enjoyment of the years, having charge of the blacksmithing de- fruits of his former toil, it is certainly a well de- served reward for his industry.

"How blest is he who crowns in shades like these

A youth of labor with an age of ease,"

wrote the poet, and the world everywhere recog- nizes the justice of a season of rest following an active period of business life. Mr. Oliver is now living retired at his home at 219 West Sixth street in Michigan City, and his history shows the accomplishment of well directed labor.

Born in Cambridgeshire, England, on the 2d of January, 1834, Joseph Oliver was a son of Garner and Mary Ann (Holmes) Oliver, who were likewise natives of England. His paternal grandfather, Joseph Oliver, was also born in that country and in early life prepared for the practice of veterinary surgery, which he followed throughout his business career. He reached an advanced age. The maternal grandfather of Joseph Oliver died in 1841, being at that time more than eighty years of age. He had a fam- ily of four daughters and throughout his busi- ness career engaged in general farming.

Garner Oliver followed the business foot- steps of his father, becoming a veterinary sur- geon, and because of his skill and ability in that direction gained a large practice. : His death occurred in England when he was but fifty-four years of age, after which his widow came to the United States and lived with her sons. Her last years were spent in Illinois, where she passed away about 1878, when sixty-seven years of age. Both Mr. and Mrs. Oliver were mem- bers of the Episcopal Church, and in the com- munities in which they lived they won many friends by reason of their genuine worth. Their family numbered three sons, of whom two are yet living: Garner, who is a resident of Iro- quois county, Illinois; and Joseph.

In the land of his nativity Joesph Oliver was reared and educated. He attended the common schools, and when he had mastered the branches of learning therein taught he began preparation for a business career by serving an apprentice- ship to the blacksmith's trade, which he made his life work, following that pursuit until 1889, a period of thirty-nine years. He came to America in 1853, that he might enjoy the broad- er business opportunities of the new world, and since that time has made his home in Michigan City, covering half a century. He was employed in the car shops of this place for about thirty

partment. Because of his own practical knowl- edge of the business he capably directed the labors of the men who served under him, and was a most trusted and efficient employe in the plant. His men never looked upon him as an overbearing taskmaster, but recognized the fact that fidelity to duty and good workmanship on their part meant promotion as opportunity af- forded.

On the 19th of October, 1852, occurred the marriage of Mr. Oliver and Miss Ann Rumble, a daughter of Robert Rumble, of Cambridge- shire, England. Four, children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Oliver: Mary Ann, Elizabeth Harriet, George Garner and Ida Belle. The eldest daughter became the wife of Sylvester L. Davis on the 3d of September, 1868, and they had one child, who is now Mrs. Hostrawser ; for her second husband Mrs. Davis chose John P. Dixey, and they were married February 16, 1875, and had two children. Elizabeth H., the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Oliver, was born February 8, 1856, and died July 29, 1858. George Garner, the only son, born December 28, 1858, was married to Miss Margaret Salina Quinn, and they reside in Michigan City. He was engaged in the grocery business for twen- ty-two years, but is now paymaster and time- keeper for the Lentz Dredging Company. To him and his wife has been born a daughter, Jessie, who is now the wife of John H. Onsted and resides in Indianapolis. Ida Belle Oliver, born July 1, 1861, is the wife of Stephen W. Lower, of LaPorte, Indiana, and they have two children, Leslie and Lotta.

Mrs. Mary A. Oliver was called to her final rest May 25, 1890, when fifty-six years of age, her birth having occurred on the Ist of Janu- ary, 1834. She was a member of the Episcopal church, and her loss was deeply mourned by her many friends as well as her immediate fam- ily. On the 4th of March, 1891, Mr. Oliver was married to Miss Betty V. Brown, of Ashe- ville, North Carolina, a daughter of James V. Brown.

Mr. Oliver holds membership in the Episco- pal church, and his wife belongs to the Pres- byterian church. He is a representative of Acme Lodge No. 83, F. & A. M., Michigan City Chapter, No. 25, R. A. M .; Michigan City Commandery No. 30, K. T., and Indianapolis Consistory, in which he has attained the thirty- second degree of the Scottish Rite. He has served altogether as high priest in the chapter

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A Twentieth Century History and Biographical Record of Laporte County Indiana, Part 135

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