A biographical history of eminent and self-made men of the state of Indiana : with many portrait-illustrations on steel, engraved expressly for this work, Volume II, Part 99

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Cincinnati, Ohio : Western Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1006

USA > Indiana > A biographical history of eminent and self-made men of the state of Indiana : with many portrait-illustrations on steel, engraved expressly for this work, Volume II > Part 99

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In the fall of 1874 Mr. Robinson received several votes in the independent convention of the Twelfth Dis- trict for Congress, although he had explicitly declined to be a candidate, in the following characteristic note to the Fort Wayne Journal, which appeared in that issue on the 19th of September, 1874: " A seat in Congress from this important district implies broad qualifications, which I am not disposed to claim by any apparent can- didacy; nor am I eager for a nomination from any source to oppose a gentleman whose political advantage is figured by thousands of votes. I am neither vain

Congress should be, nor so visionary as to regard my choice as an independent candidate within the limits of probability. I take occasion, however, to make a cordial and public return for the manner in which you volunteered to name me in your last issue, and to add my tender of service (whatever it may be) for the honest and perpetual rule of the people." As a mark of public favor he soon after received the nomination of prosecuting attorney for the judicial cir- cuit composed of the counties of Allen and Whitley, upon the people's ticket, which was defeated by the vote of Allen, the "banner Democratic county " of the state. In the fall of 1875 Mr. Robinson was a member of the famous editorial excursion to Arkansas. He represented the Fort Wayne Gazette, and wrote a series of attractive letters, filling, in all, eighteen columns of that paper, which were highly appreciated and widely copied. He is esteemed in Arkansas as having given a fuller and juster summary of its varied interests than any other visitor. Mr. Robinson responded to the wel- come to the editorial party at Little Rock, and was a fre- quent spokesman during their five days' excursion. Feb- ruary 1, 1876, Mr. Robinson closed his law office to enter upon his duties as manager of the Robinson House, in which position he has remained ever since, winning golden opinions from the traveling public.

OBINSON, JAMES HERVEY, late of Fort Wayne, was born near Morristown, New Jersey, January 31, 1802. His immediate ancestors had lived in New Jersey for more than a century-in- deed he was a lineal descendant of Rev. John Robinson, the noted pastor of the Pilgrims. When sixteen years of age, he went to Newark, where he learned the trade of tanner and currier. He was industrious and frugal, and when quite young formed a partnership with Caleb B. Shipman, wholesale boot, shoe, and leather dealer in Newark. Their business rapidly extended until the firm of Shipman, Robinson & Co. was one of the largest es- tablishments of the kind in the country. They had an exceptionally large Southern trade, which was attended to by Mr. Robinson, who traveled through that rough country by stage and steamboat, before the days of rail- roads. He retired from that business at the age of thirty-five, having been very successful. He then built for himself a handsome residence in Newark, now owned by ex-Governor Marcus L. Ward. His means were in- vested in various enterprises, and in the great panic of 1837 he lost most of his possessions. He then engaged in the wholesale dry-goods business in New York City until 1843, when he removed to Fort Wayne, and pur- chased the tan-yards at the head of Columbia Street, on

(

James H. Nolineon,

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the site of the present Robinson House. For some years he carried on the business of tanner and currier, and then engaged in the boot and shoe trade, erecting the large buildings which have since been converted into a hotel. His establishment was an extensive one, and, being the pioneer wholesale merchant of Fort Wayne, he was very successful. About 1868 he retired to enjoy the fruits of a busy and industrious life. In 1872 the property was converted into a hotel, which was from time to time extended and improved, so that to-day it is the most commodious as well as the most popular hotel in the city. Early in 1876 he was compelled by cir- cumstances to assume the control of his hotel, where he resided until his death, which occurred very suddenly, on the evening of May 2, 1878, at the ripe age of seventy- six years. Mr. Robinson, although not a politician, took a deep interest in public affairs. He was chosen, by his fellow-citizens of Newark, a member of the New Jersey Legislature in 1840, and again in 1842, serving two terms, with credit to himself and to his constituency. He was leader of the Whig majority in that body, and was nominated by them for speaker, but with character- istic modesty declined the honor. Governor Pennington was also a resident of Newark, and a warm personal friend of Mr. Robinson. He took occasion to say pub- licly, during what was known as the "Great Seal " con- troversy, "Mr. Robinson, New Jersey has reason to be proud of you." Mr. Robinson enjoyed the personal friendship of Theodore Frelinghuysen, Samuel L. South- ard, and others equally distinguished. It is an inter- esting fact that, while a member of the Legislature, Mr. Robinson was a room-mate of Hon. Joseph P. Bradley, the famous Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, who was then a young lawyer of Newark, and acting as correspondent, at Trenton (the capital), of the Newark Daily Advertiser. Mr. Robinson acted with the Republican party from its organization. During his residence in Fort Wayne he never aspired to any polit- ical position. He was frequently solicited by his friends in both parties to be a candidate for mayor, but always refused to allow his name to be used in that connection. He was twice married-the first time, in 1822, to Miss Mary Crane, of Newark, New Jersey. The fruits of this union were four children, three of whom died in child- hood, and the other at the age of eighteen. Mrs. Robin- son died in the latter part of 1835, in Savannah, Georgia. In the spring of 1837, Mr. Robinson was again married, in Newark, New Jersey, to Miss Mary C., daughter of Hon. Obadiah Meeker, of Essex County, New Jersey, who sur- vives him-having been his devoted companion for forty- one years. Their union was blessed with two sons : James H., junior, of Chicago ; and Henry H., present proprietor of the Robinson House, at Fort Wayne. Mr. Robinson identified himself with the First Presbyterian Church when he settled in Fort Wayne, and became a ruling elder.

During the pastorate of the Rev. Charles Beecher, Mr. Robinson was connected with the Second Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder. When Mr. Bee- cher left Fort Wayne, Mr. Robinson resumed his rela- tions with the First Church, of which he was after- wards an active and faithful member. The pastor of the Church at the time of his death paid this tribute to his exemplary life : " He was a man of strong con- victions and positive opinions, and although in follow- ing his convictions he sometimes differed from his brethren, yet no one could ever question his integrity of purpose. The uprightness and purity of his charac- ter commanded the respect, not only of his brethren, but of all who knew him. Noble and princely in his personal appearance, there seemed to one at first ac- quaintance a certain severity of character, which, upon a nearer view, was seen to dissolve in the benevolence, gentleness, and tenderness of a beautiful Christian spirit. IIe was especially gifted in prayer, and the gift came from the fact that he was a constant and diligent stu- cent of the Word of God, and spent much time in the contemplation of Divine things. Ile took delight in the contemplation of the Divine character and attributes ; and the great truths and facts of redemption. His natural modesty and the unobtrusiveness of his piety prevented all display of his inner life. Another marked characteristic was his humble and cheerful acquiescence in the will of God. Though he passed through deep trials in his life, yet he never questioned the righteousness and the grace of God. He was an intelligent Christian. He not only believed but knew whom, what, and why he believed. Ile was also an intelligent Presbyterian, well acquainted with the doctrines and policy of the Church he loved. The Sabbath to him was a delight. Until within the last year, when infirmities of age be- gan to hinder, he was always in his place in the sanctu- ary, morning and evening. The rest of the day was spent in private devotion, meditating on God and God's word, and Christ and his redemption. He leaves be- hind the memory of an example of an upright, pure, intelligent, strong, yet unobtrusive, Christian character, which even the world is bound to respect." Mr. Robinson led a singularly pure and blameless life. His integrity was unblemished and his habits irre- proachable. He was a man of sagacity and intellect, possessing a large fund of useful information, gained by a long course of reading, reflection, and observation. His temper was mild and amiable, and he bore the smiles and frowns of fortune with unvarying equanimity. Very domestic in his tastes, he mingled little with men ; but he had no enemies, and no person in the community enjoyed a larger share of popular esteem. He was a remarkably well preserved man, of fine appearance, stately carriage, and dignified and polished address-in fact, "a gentleman of the old school." The

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accompanying portrait represents him at the age of sixty. During the last fifteen years of his life he wore a full beard (except on the upper lip), which gave a mellow and patriarchal expression to his vigorous face. His death, from heart disease, startled the community. He had complained of restlessness for a few days, but there was no premonition of the sudden change which ended his useful life. His loss was felt as a public ca- lamity, and his funeral was marked with expressions of universal respect and sympathy. His remains were taken to Elizabeth, New Jersey, and now rest in beau- tiful Evergreen Cemetery.

ALSTON, SAMUEL W., a merchant, of Auburn, De Kalb County, Indiana, was born December 12, 1807, in Washington County, Pennsylvania. He is the son of Robert and Jane ( Woodburn ) Ralston, who were of Scotch descent, and natives of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. When seven years of age he removed, with his father's family, from Wash- ington County, Pennsylvania, to Richland County, Ohio, at that time an almost unbroken wilderness, with no opportunities for educational instruction. Consequently, the boy Samuel was deprived of such advantages. In 1817, however, a district school was organized, which he attended during three winter terms, the remainder of his time being devoted to hard work on his father's farm. In 1823, when he was sixteen years of age, he was apprenticed for three years to learn the carpenter and joiner's trade. He afterwards continued the busi- ness as contractor and employer. In 1842 he removed to Indiana, and located in Auburn, De Kalb County,

where he resumed his former vocation as a joiner. In 1844 he engaged for two years in mercantile business, opening a store of general supplies. Having been elected sheriff of the county, in 1846, Mr. Ralston closed up his business, and devoted himself to the duties of his office. In 1848 he was re-elected to the same office, serving four years. In 1850 he was elected by his party county treasurer for three years. In 1853 he resumed his mercantile business, continuing it until 1856, when he was again elected sheriff, being re-elected in 1858. In 1861 he again re- sumed his former business, which he has conducted un- interruptedly to the present time, with marked success. In his business Mr. Ralston is prompt and methodical ; not given to speculation, being satisfied with gradual but sure gains ; in short, possesses those correct business principles which generally insure success. He is a pro- nounced Democrat, having been reared in the old Jack- son school of politics. Ile gave his first vote, in 1828, for Andrew Jackson as president. In his official posi- 'tions he was energetic, and conscientiously discharged his

duties. Mr. Ralston has been actively interested in the prosperity of his town for many years. He is a liberal contributor to and an attendant upon the First Presby- terian Church, of which his wife is a member. He was married, January 30, 1834, to Eliza Jane Brink, of Plym- outh, Richland County, Ohio, a lady of more than or- dinary excellence of character. They have had four children, two daughters and two sons, three of whom are living. Mr. Ralston is now seventy-three years old, but remarkably well preserved both mentally and phys- ically. He has been the architect of his own fortune, and well deserves a place among the records of self-made men of Indiana.

OSE, JAMES E., a lawyer, of Auburn, De Kalb County, Indiana, was born December 22, 1832, in Mecca, Trumbull County, Ohio. His parents, John and Sarah (Coats) Rose, were of English descent. His grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and his father in the War of 1812, having been in the command of General Hull at the surrender of the United States forces to the British, at Detroit. James removed with his father's family from Ohio to De Kalb County, Indiana, when only four years of age, and thus became early acquainted with the hardships of pioneer life. His early instruction was mostly given to him by his mother and elder brother. Between the age of twelve and nineteen, however, he succeeded, by means of hard study in the district schools, in acquiring sufficient knowledge to enter the Wesleyan University at Leoni, Michigan, where he remained for six summer terms, teaching school during the winter. In 1857 he returned to De Kalb County and engaged in farming, teaching school through the winter months. In October, 1862, he removed to Auburn, and accepted the position of principal of the union school, remaining there until the spring of 1863, when he entered the office of J. B. Morrison as a law student, for one year. He then removed to Butler, and practiced law in part- nership with Hon. E. W. Fosdick. In the spring of 1870 this partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Rose con- tinued the practice alone. He subsequently removed to Auburn, where, in July, 1873, he formed a law partner- ship with Hon. E. D. Hartman. This relation still ex- ists, and the firm of Rose & Hartman is well and favor- ably known ; indeed it stands among the first in Northern Indiana, and controls a large and lucrative practice. As a lawyer Mr. Rose occupies a distinguished position. As an effective speaker before the court or jury he has no superior in the county, for he expresses himself with an earnestness that is convincing. Mr. Rose is an uncom- promising Republican, liberal with both time and money in the service of his party. He is not an aspirant for office, preferring his more genial and lucrative profession

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to the uncertainty and strife of public places. In | 1876 he was named for the position of Circuit Judge of the Thirty-fifth Judicial District, but was defeated. Mr. Rose is a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church of Auburn, and is also a member of the Ma- sonic Fraternity, having attained the Knight Templar Degree. He is an earnest advocate of temperance, and of all reforms tending to promote the material and moral interests of the community in which he lives. He was married, May 27, 1858, to Miss Mary J. Moss, of Leoni, Michigan, who died February 5, 1872, leaving three children, two sons and a daughter. He was again married, May 26, 1872, to Miss Ellen D. Aldrich, of Butler, De Kalb County, Indiana, who died March 20, 1873. September 28 he married Miss Mary F. Nim- mons, of Butler, Mr. Rose is now in the prime of life and gives promise of many more years of usefulness.

OSE, SOLOMON, a prominent citizen, and a leading merchant and produce dealer, of La- grange, Indiana, was born November 2, 1833, in Naumburg, Hesse-Cassel, Germany. His par- ents, Isaac and Eliza (Blum) Rose, were also natives of Germany, and of Hebrew ancestry. Isaac, the father of Solomon, was, in his life-time, engaged in mercantile af- fairs, and died when his son was a small child. Solo- mon, during his early boyhood and youth, enjoyed the advantages of the common schools of Germany. At fourteen years he had acquired a good practical educa- tion. At that age he abandoned school and engaged as clerk in a mercantile house, where he remained for three years. In 1850, unaccompanied by relatives or friends, he emigrated to the United States, landing at New York. He proceeded to Little Falls and engaged as bookkeeper in a store, remaining for about one year, when he went to Plattsburg, New York, where he resumed book- keeping for the same length of time, continuing it for a year in Worcester, Massachusetts. Subsequently, in 1853, he came to Indiana and located at Laporte, where he remained until 1856, when he removed to Lagrange, and engaged in selling goods on his own account. He has since remained there, as a business man steadily growing in popularity with the public, and his sales rapidly increasing in magnitude and extent. In 1865 he associated his brother Silas with him in business. Upon the completion of the Indiana and Grand Rapids Railroad, he constructed the grain elevator at La- grange-the first one built on the line of the road-en- gaging extensively as a dealer in grain, and always af- fording a ready and favorable market for all cereals, wool, etc. This, with its rich and productive surround- ing country, is regarded as one of the most desirable

and extensive markets in Northern Indiana. Among the valuable business improvements of Lagrange is the magnificent brick block he has built on the corner of Detroit and Spring Streets, which is constructed in the most substantial and approved manner, supplied with all the modern appliances of an extensive city store, and thoroughly stocked with a full assortment of carpets, boots and shoes, cloths, ready-made gar- ments, and all the varieties of goods to be found in a first-class city establishment of the kind. Here the Rose Brothers are doing an extensive and lu- crative business, and, in connection with their large grain trade, take the lead among the active busi- ness men of the county of Lagrange. In 1874 Mr. Solomon Rose, with others, organized the First National Bank of Lagrange, of which he was elected a director and vice-president, a position he filled for three years, when he was chosen its president, since holding the office. Probably no man in the town of Lagrange, or in the county, occupies a better posi- tion as an active business man than Mr. Rose. He is extensively and favorably known in the business centers of his own state, as well as in the commercial marts of the country. In his business ventures his financial suc- cess has been marked. Ile has acquired an ample competence, and is, with perhaps one exception, the largest tax-payer in the town of Lagrange. In politics Mr. Rose is conservative, but in national questions usually sympathizes with the Democratic party. He is never obtrusive with his political views, and is tolerant of the opinions of others not in accordance with his own. When his support is given at local elections, it is gen- erally for men rather than for party. Mr. Rose is an honored member of the Hebrew Church, with which he has been associated from childhood. He was married, April 10, 1861, to Miss Caroline Myer, then a resident of New York City, but a native of Wurtzburg, Bavaria, Germany, who possesses education, intelligence, and personal attractions. They have eight children, three sons and five daughters. Mr. Rose is a pleasant and agreeable gentleman, a kind and liberal husband, and an indulgent and considerate parent. He is a man of strong domestic habits. As a citizen and business man he is respected and thoroughly believed in by his neighbors and acquaintances. Mr. Rose began life, if not in the field of adversity, at least unaided, and de- pendent wholly upon self-effort. His capital consisted of a full share of brain power, energy, and an inbred determination to succeed among men. Possessing a strong appreciation of the value of integrity and jus- tice and well defined purity of purpose, it has won for him an enviable distinction in the business circles of the country rarely attained by a man of his age. He is now in the prime of manhood, with his position assured in business.

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CHIMITZ, DOCTOR CHARLES A., a retired phy- sician, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was born Novem- ber 24, 1809, in Osnabruck, Hanover, Germany. He received his medical education in his native land. He emigrated to the United States in 1836, and located at Philadelphia, where he began the practice of his profession. In 1838 he removed to Fort Wayne, In- diana, which was then a mere trading-post. In his new and contracted field of labor, he prepared and dispensed his prescriptions with his own hands. As Fort Wayne increased in population and importance, Doctor Schmitz's practice enlarged in proportion. Although a strong and energetic man, his arduous and successful labors for many years undermined his health, and in 1872 he was obliged to publicly announce his retirement from the active duties of his profession. The much-needed rest which he craved has been denied him, as his coun- sel and advice are much sought after, and he gives atten- tion to the care of his large property. Doctor Schmitz was married, in September, 1840, at Fort Wayne, Indi- ana, to Henrica Lans, a native of Lingen, Hanover, Germany. Ile is the father of three children : one son, Charies F. Schmitz, Lieutenant-commander in the United States navy, and two daughters, both of whom are mar- ried. He has never sought or held a political office, be- ing devoted to his profession. He has affiliated with the Republican party from its birth. Removing to Fort Wayne in its infancy, he has witnessed its steady growth for forty years, and is now one of the few sur- vivors of the sturdy, hard-working, honest Germans who have fostered the development of the straggling village to the prosperous city of to-day.

TOUGII, SOLOMON, physician and surgeon, of Waterloo, De Kalb County, Indiana, was born Feb- ruary 14, 1820, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. His parents, Samuel and Susan (Kinsely) Stough, were natives respectively of Virginia and Pennsylvania. The maternal parent was of Scotch descent, and the father of German extraction. The ancestor of this family in America was John Stough. IIe landed at Plymouth about the year 1740, and located somewhere in the state of Vermont. Samuel Stough was a man of marked ability, and always leader in the communities where he lived. Ile was born in 1790, and is now in his nine- tieth year of age, and in the full possession of his fac- ulties. His mind is strong and active and his memory fresh and retentive. He practiced his profession of medicine for over half a century, retiring many years since on an ample competence, although m the full enjoyment of his physical powers. He now at his advanced age exhibits much of that activity which characterized him forty years ago. Solomon, the subject

of this sketch, enjoyed good common district school advantages, until at the age of sixteen years his father moved with the family to Gambier, for the purpose of giving the children the benefit of attendance at Ken- yon College, which Solomon attended for three years. When at the age of nineteen he went to Mt. Vernon, and began to read medicine in the office and under the instructions of Doctors Russell and Thompson, with whom he remained for about two years. In 1841 he entered the office of Doctor Hattic, of Bucyrus, Ohio, with whom he remained until 1843. He began the practice of medicine near Gambier, remaining until the fall of 1844, when he attended a course of lectures at the Rush Medical College, Chicago. In the spring of 1845 he came to Indiana and located in Troy Township, De Kalb County, resuming the practice of his profes- sion. As soon as his finances would permit, soon after, he bought a tract of forty acres of timber land, which he improved and subsequently added to, until there are now about three thousand acres in all. Hiring his farm work done he devoted his own time to his profession. Doctor Stough remained upon the place for about fif- teen years, having made both his profession and farming a success. His was regarded as the model farm of the neighborhood for its thorough tillage, modern im- plements, and superior stock, while he had won for himself in the practice of his profession a reputation much more than local. In 1860 Doctor Stough re- moved to Waterloo, and is still engaged in practice, with increasing popularity, and is in the enjoyment of an extensive and lucrative business. Doctor Stough stands at the head of the physicians in this part of the state. He is a man with a full and well-balanced brain, good sense, and sound judgment, coupled with quick perceptions and a thorough devotion to science. As a surgeon Doctor Stough has always met with good suc- cess, fully understanding the principles and being also a skillful operator. But his chief merit lies in the prac- tice of physic. His heart is sympathetic, and he is al- ways quiet in the sick-room. He is an excellent family physician, and enjoys in a marked degree from his nu- merous patrons that confidence which should rightfully be his. As he struggled for his own advancement in a field of adversity, his feelings are drawn out towards those to whom fortune has been more sparing in her favor. Ilis manner is kind and genial to those in strait- ened circumstances. It is his wont to extend his serv- ices to the poor and friendless, from whom no compen- sation can be expected. Doctor Stough has pursued his practice in this and adjoining counties from the begin- ning of its settlement, suffering the hardships and pri- vations cheerfully and uncomplainingly, pursuing his way through the forest by trails, and many times by the aid of the blazed trees, across unbridged rivers and through almost impassable sloughs and swamps. On

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A biographical history of eminent and self-made men of the state of Indiana : with many portrait-illustrations on steel, engraved expressly for this work, Volume II, Part 99

Author: Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Cincinnati, Ohio : Western Biographical Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1006

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Cincinnati, Ohio : Western Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1006