USA > Indiana > St Joseph County > A history of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Volume 1 > Part 55
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That list is Mishawaka's roll of honor. The water works and electric light plant were taken over by the Utility Company ; bonds were issued for one hundred thou- sand dollars, the old debts were paid off; the water pipes and electric appliances ex- tended for the accommodation of the citi- zens; a city hall was erected; the water works and electric light works meanwhile continuing to be operated wholly by the city. The stipulated rents have been paid to the Utility Company, and are applied by the company to the payment of interest on the bonds and the making of stated payments upon the principal. When the city becomes possessed of sufficient means to take up the remainder of the bonds, it has the option to do so, and will then be entitled to a deed back from the company. This arrangement has relieved the city of Mishawaka of an ex- ceedingly embarrassing situation; and has given to the inhabitants the facilities of a first class system of water works and elec- tric light, bringing also in their train an extended sewer system and paved streets and sidewalks.
fifty thousand dollars, for the "manufacture and sale of felt goods." The incorporators were Dempster Beatty, Luthera Beatty and Emmett L. Beatty. The company is one of the strongest fn Mishawaka, and has built up a great plant for the manufacture of felt boots.
On March 7, 1887, the extensive Kamm & Schellinger Brewing Company was incorpo- rated. The capital was fixed at sixty-five thousand dollars; the incorporators being, Adolph Kamm, Nicholas Schellinger and William Bender, Jr.
The Mishawaka Factory Company was in- corporated July 4. 1887, with a capital of twenty thousand dollars, and with Frederick A. Rohleder, Joseph Bostwick and Jared R. Morse as incorporators. It was organized "For the purpose of manufacturing various articles of wood and iron, furnishing mo- tive power and factory buildings connected therewith, etc."
The Mishawaka Pulley Company was or- ganized March 19, 1888, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. The incorpo- rators were John J. McErlain, Frank A. Baker and Charles T. Lindsey.
On August 12, 1890, the Mishawaka Fur- niture Manufacturing Company was incor- porated with a capital of one hundred thou- sand dollars. The incorporators were: J. P. Creque, A. J. Wheeler and Leonard Adsit.
The Eberhart Milling Company, with a capital of fifteen thousand dollars, was in- corporated June 25, 1891. The incorporators were: Henry G. Niles, Adolphus Eberhart and John H. Eberhart.
The Mishawaka Pad and Harness Company was organized, with a capital of ten thon- sand dollars, on November 27, 1893. The incorporators were: C. K. Beam, John May, Fred W. Shultz, H. A. Camfer and J. F. Tascher.
On June 24, 1902, the Roper Furniture and Carpet Company was incorporated, with
The Beatty Felting Company was incor- porated January 2, 1886, with a capital of a capital of fifty thousand dollars. The in-
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
corporators were: C. J. Wenderoth, J. A. Roper, H. C. Roper, L. E. Roper, C. A. Roper and N. E. Roos.
The Major Brothers'. Packing Company was incorporated February 10, 1906, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. The objects of the company are to buy, sell and slaughter cattle, hogs and sheep, and to vend meats and other products. The incorpora- tors were: Ambrose J. Major, Frank T. Ma- jor and Frederick Major.
While the date of incorporation is given as to each of the foregoing companies, yet it will be understood that in most cases the business was actually begun and under way before the organization of the corporation, in some cases for many years. As a rule, the manufactories that have made Mishawaka famous have grown from small beginnings. Indeed, that has been one source of their snc- cess. The proprietors grew up with their business, and each member of the firm or corporation had the experience of years in building up the institution from its simple beginning until it had attained state and national reputaton.
The Mishawaka Mills, erected in 1836, were long operated by Joseph Miller and Wil- liam Miller, and, with the St. Joseph Mills, long gave to Mishawaka a high reputation for the production of superior flour. The Ripple Mills, erected and long owned by A. Cass & Company, and afterwards by J. H. & A. Eberhart, added their share to this enviable reputation.
In addition to her manufactories, which have made the name of Mishawaka a house- hold word throughout the United States, all lines of business characteristic of a wide- awake and progressive town have flourished in the busy town. Indeed, it is doubtful whether there is anywhere a city of the size of Mishawaka in which so large a business has been done for so many years. It is truly a hive of industry.
III. RELIGIOUS, EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL.
The religious, moral, educational and so- cial well being of Mishawaka has at all times kept pace with its business development. Churches and schools have been provided for from the beginning. The result is that the population of Mishawaka has at all times ranked high in morals and intelligence.
Sec. 1 .- THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH .- On January 25, 1907, the people of St. Paul's parish. Mishawaka, took part in a notable service, being the dedication of their fine new church by the Right Rev. John Hazen White, bishop of the diocese of northern Indiana. It was indeed a great day in the history of St. Paul's Church. The congregation left the old church, which had been attended by them for no less than seventy years, and en- tered the new temple, one of the handsomest church edifices in the state. The following historical reminiscences were brought out in connection with the dedication of the new church :«
Just seventy years ago Friday, January 25, 1837, St. Paul's Day, there was organ- ized in Mishawaka St. Paul's parish. and it was most fitting that the seventieth anniver- sary should be celebrated Friday evening in the dedication of the handsome new St. Paul's Episcopal Church on East Second street.
The old church vacated is noteworthy both as to history and tradition. It is located on Spring street between First and Second streets and stands on a high hill, which is said to have been the burying ground of the Indians many years ago. Tradition says that here the Indian chief, Elkhart, and his bride. Mishawaka. after whom this city was named, are buried. The hill is rich in gravel and a part of it has largely been sold. Nearly two years ago the site, a church and rectory were sold to Mrs. J. A. Roper, Harry Roper and
a. From the South Bend Tribune, January 26, 1907.
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
other members of the Roper family, who will move the church to First street and remodel it into a house.
The church to the best knowledge of the members was ereeted in 1837. This is doubted by some who claim that in 1842 the lots were purchased of Sarah M. and N. S. Hollister, Troy, N. Y., by the vestrymen, Hiram Doo- little. John HI. Orr, J. E. Hollister, Samuel P. Knight and Norman Eddy, afterward a colonel in the army, for "$100, good and law- ful money," and that in 1843 lumber was purchased of Judge Deming, who then owned a saw mill south of the town. There is no positive record, however, of the building of the church, and as the Hollisters were mem- bers here it is possible that the structure was erected in 1837. Mrs. D. H. Smith, who is well along in years and has resided here a long time, says the church was erected in 1836 and dedicated January 25, 1837. The old bell now in the belfry cracked from hard usage was made in 1836. It has been sug- gested that the Historical society, of South Bend, should have this bell, on account of its historic associations and age.
The church is the oldest in the diocese, and one of the oldest in the state. The rec- tory was erected in 1876. Very little can be learned regarding the early history of the church or its rectors, but it is known that some of the most influential men of the country were baptized, confirmed and many of them married in this old house of worship which is still in a good state of preservation.
In 1860 Elias Birdsell was reetor: Joseph Adderly served in 1866. He was followed by Richard Brass. In 1872 J. Gierlow came and in 1874 M. C. Stanley was the rector. Other rectors were as follows: 1881, S. Rosevelt; 1883, A. Prentiss: 1886, J. G. Miller; 1888, Frederick Thompson: 1890, A Prentiss, fol- lowed by Rev. De Lou Burke : 1899, II. D. B. MacNeil; 1902, the present incumbent, Rev. J. A. Linn.
Sec. 2 .- THE BAPTIST CHURCH .- What is said to have been the original Baptist church
in St. Joseph county, was constituted at a meeting held at the house of Eli B. Mead, a few miles south of Mishawaka, February 11, 1837. The meeting was presided over by the Rev. Mr. Price, of Edwardsburg, Michigan. Elan S. Colby, of Lockport, was present, and acted as clerk. Mr. Alger, of Mishawaka. was also present. Those exam- ined by Elder Price and pronounced a church were: Isaiah Ferris, Jacob M. Gaylor. Jona-
than Buck, John Barton, Lucinda Ferris, Sr .. Elizabeth Ferris, Azubah Gaylor. Anna Buck, Delinda Barton and Parmelia Ferris. The church so organized was to be known as "The First Baptist Church of Penn Township." John Barton was chosen as the first clerk, and B. J. Ferris as first treasurer. Jacob M. Gaylor and Jonathan Buck were elected trustees. A small log church building was erected in 1838. The first pastor was the Rev. Adam Miller. In 1849 a large frame church building was erected about four and a half miles south of Mishawaka. By emigra- tion and removals to Mishawaka, as well as by death, the membership declined. until the church became extinct: so that the story of this first Baptist church is now purely historical.ª
There was another organization of the Bap- tist church. in Mishawaka, previous to 1840; but this also has become extinct. This was succeeded by the church organized May 14, 1867. by Elders T. P. Campbell, of South Bend, and B. P. Russell, of Niles, Michi- gan, and other brethren from the churches of South Bend, Niles and Penn township. There were eighteen charter members of this church. The Rev. M. T. Lamb was the first pastor, Palmer C. Perkins first clerk, and J. C. Snyder first treasurer. The first dea- cons were John Merriman, A. J. Ames and J. C. Snyder. Other pastors were the Rev. F. Moro, the Rev. II. H. Lipes, the Rev. B. P. Russell, the Rev. H. J. Finch and the
a. For many of the facts relating to the early churches of Mishawaka credit should be given to Chapman's Hist. St. Joseph County, p. 798, and following.
THE NEW YORK PUEL . LIBARY Astor, Lenax and Tildon Foundations. 1909
Rev. Auguste B. Oechtering
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
Rev. Fred A. Lankin. In the northeast part of Penn township is still another society, the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church.
See. 3 .- THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH .- About the year 1843, the Christian church was or- ganized at Mishawaka. Harris E. Hurlbut, A. Alden and Morris Hartwick were the first elders; and S. B. Hutchinson, A. L. Wright and C. Hartman, the first deacons. Among the early ministers of this church were, R. Wilson, C. Martin, J. Martindale, P. T. Rus- sell, H. E. Hurlbut, William T. Horner : afterwards came Elders Lane, New. Beggs,
men from Notre Dame. Among these first missionaries were, the Rev. Francis Cointet, the Rev. J. F. Gouesse, the Rev. W. Master- son, the Rev. R. A. Shortis, the Rev. Alexis Granger and the Rev. Edward Sorin. The first regular pastor was the Rev. John Mayer, appointed in July, 1857. He was succeeded, in 1859, by the Rev. H. Koenig. In March, 1860. the little church was destroyed by fire; and during the same year a new church, of ampler proportions, was erected on the south side, at the corner of Third and Spring streets. Mr. George Milburn, though not a
ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, MISHAWAKA.
Green, Shepard, Sutton, Ira J. Chase, Wil- liam B. Hendrin, R. Fauret, S. K. Sweet- man and C. P. Hendershot. Elder Ira J. Chase, who became pastor in 1867, and re- mained for two years, was afterwards gov- ernor of the state of Indiana, succeeding to that high office on the death of Governor Alvin P. Hovey. November 23, 1891.
Sec. 4 .- THE CATHOLIC CHURCH .- The first organization of a Catholie congregation in Mishawaka was in December, 1848, when a church edifice erected on the north side of the river, was dedicated. Previous to that date there were occasional services by elergy-
member of the church, materially assisted in this undertaking, and he is held in grateful remembrance by the congregation. In Jan- uary, 1861, this church was dedicated as St. Joseph's Church by the Right Rev. John H. Luers, who in 1857 had been appointed as the first bishop of Fort Wayne. In 1865 a parochial school was built. In May, 1867, the Rev. Anguste Bernard Oechtering beeame pastor and remained in charge of the parish until his lamented death Sunday afternoon, December 27. 1902. The thirty-five years of the Rev. Father Oechtering's pastorate were distinguished by extraordinary activity. As
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
results of his labors, St. Joseph's congrega- tion increased in a manifold manner. He left after him also one of the finest churches in northern Indiana, besides an excellent pastoral residence, and a school building and parish hall suitable to the needs of a city far larger than Mishawaka. Long before his death, Father Oechtering was universally looked upon as one of the representative citi- zens of Mishawaka, ever foremost in promot- ing the interests of the city of his choice. His successor was the Rev. Louis A. Moench, the present pastor, who is carrying on the good work of St. Joseph's congregation to the ut- most advantage of the people and with the good will of all the people of Mishawaka. During the year succeeding Father Oechter- ing's death, the Flemish Catholics of Misha- waka formed a congregation of their own, under the efficient direction of the Rev. Charles L. Stuer. They have a neat church, under the name of St. Bavo's, and also an excellent parochial school." The corner stone of St. Bavo's church was laid May 8, 1904; and the church completed that year. It was solemnly blessed by Bishop H. J. Aler- ding, New Year's Day, 1905.
Sec. 5 .- THE EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION .-- There have been two Evangelical Associations. The Mishawaka Evangelical Association was organized in 1846, with fifteen charter mem- bers. The organizer of the association was the Rev. G. G. Platz, who was also the first presiding elder. The first pastor was the Rev. William Kolb. The association erected a house of worship in 1857, and another and finer church in 1872.
The Coal Bush Evangelical Association is located three and a half miles south of Mish- awaka. It was organized in 1847, also by the Rev. G. G. Platz. A church was erected in 1856. The Rev. Henry Arlen held services for this association, and also for the associa- tion in Mishawaka.
The rules and regulations of the Evan- a. See St. Joseph County Atlas; Higgins Bel- den & Co., Chicago, 1875, p. 21.
gelical Association resemble those of the Methodist church; and consequently they are sometimes called German Methodists.a
St. Andrew's Evangelical Church was or- ganized in 1864, with twenty-five members, by the Rev. Philip Wagoner. The congrega- tion erected a church edifice the same year. This society differs in certain respects from the Evangelical Association, although some disposition has been shown to unite the two societies.
M. E. CHURCH, MISHAWAKA.
Sec. 6 .- THE METHODIST CHURCH .- This church has greatly prospered in Mishawaka. The Mishawaka Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1835. The chartered mem- bers were Richmond Tuttle and wife, Joseph Skerritt and wife, Susan Hurd and brother. The society at first worshiped in a vacant store building, which was also used by the Presbyterians. The first church building was erected in 1836; another was built in 1844, which was afterwards sold and then used by a furniture store. In 1872, a a. Known also as Allbrights.
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
large and elegant church was erected on West Second street, which is still occupied by a large and earnest congre- gation. The M. E. Church is also repre- sented by another society in Pen township. the Tamarack Methodist Church, seven miles southeast of Mishawaka. This class was or- ganized in a log school house, December 19. 1855. by the Rev. E. P. Church, with eleven charter meinbers,-A. B. Lamport, A. M. Lamport, Roxy Lamport, Willard Rockwell, Deborah Rockwell, Elam Crouch. Benjamin Piekard, Isaac Christ, Esther S. Ghrist, Ed- win Sawyer and Phoebe Sawyer. Services were held in the Tamarack school house until 1880, when a church thirty-four by fifty feet was erected.
The Free Methodists are also represented in Mishawaka. Their society was organized in 1877. They have not a large membership.
Sec. 7 .- THE LUTHERAN CHURCH .- The Lutheran church was organized at Misha- waka prior to 1848, by the Rev. Philip Bern- venther, with about twelve members. The membership increased considerably during the following years, and a parochial school was established by the congregation. Among the pastors was the Rev. Gustavus Rosen- winkel.
Sec. S .- THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI .--- The Presbyterian church at Mishawaka was organized July 25, 1834. by the Rev. N. M. Wells, at the house of Philo Hurd. The charter members were: The Rev. N. M. Wells, Elias Smith, Alma Smith. Levi Dean, Polly Dean. Philo Hurd. Martha Hurd, Alan- son M. Hurd. Sarah L. Hurd and Willis S. Garrison. The first elders were Philo Hurd and Elias Smith. The first deacon was Philo Hurd. On January 29, 1835, John J. Dem- ing was received into the church as an elder, and was elected clerk. A chandelier now in the church was presented to the society by Judge Deming's daughter, Mrs. Charles Crocker, of San Francisco. The first church building was erected in 1837. Another was erected in 1845. The latter was burned 22
in the conflagration of September 5, 1872, by which no less than thirty-two buildings were destroyed in the business section of the city. The energetic membership of the church, consisting of some of the best stock of Mishawaka, with the courage of their fel- low citizens, rebuilt their church at once; only making a greater and a better building, as their fellow citizens built up a greater and better Mishawaka.
See. 9 .- Schools .- The architecture of the pioneer school house was a very simple mat- ter. It was a small cabin, built up of round logs. The floors were made of puncheons;
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HIGH SCHOOL, MISHAWAKA.
that is, small logs split in halves, with the Hat sides turned up. The doors were like- wise of puncheons. as were the seats and desks. A huge fireplace occupied one end of the room, and was piled with great logs out fresh from the woods. The roof was made of elapboards. fastened by poles laid length- wise, three feet apart, from the caves to the crown of the roof. The chimney was built up of sticks, the chinks filled in with moist- ened clav. The windows consisted of a log re- moved from a part of one side of the build- ing. the opening closed with greased paper. Often the pupils found the "window" well named, when the cold wind came sharply through the "eye" of the dark little building.
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
The revenues of the schools were at first supplied entirely by subscription. Our school laws, as well as most other things relating to our social and industrial life, have greatly changed since 1832, when the first log school house in Penn township was built. The first school building in Mishawaka itself was a small frame structure erected in 1834. The first teacher in this school is said to have been a Miss Sheldon, of White Pigeon, Mich- igan. Greater interest, perhaps, has been taken in the public schools by the people of Mishawaka than by those of any other com- munity in this part of the state. One result of this interest is the existence of the fine school buildings of the city. The high school, with its fine grounds, is, as it may well be, the pride of the city. Prof. Elisha Sump- tion, remembered as one of the most pains- taking and zealous educators of the state, did very much to place the schools of Mishawaka on the high plane which they have so long occupied. The several parochial schools, espe- cially that built up by the Rev. A. B. Oech- tering, are equally an honor to the good peo- ple of Mishawaka.
Sec. 10 .- REMINISCENCES .- The following reminiscences of early life in Mishawaka are from the graceful pen of Mrs. Marion B. Vanpelt, daughter of Mr. John Niles, long a resident of Mishawaka and one of the earliest settlers of St. Joseph county. From the intimate relations of the Niles family with all the first residents of Mishawaka, the opportunities enjoyed by Mrs. Vanpelt to obtain the multitude of facts here detailed were such as have been possessed by very few of those who have written of our early his- tory. The paper was read before the North- ern Indiana Historical Society, in the month of May, 1901. It will be found to refer to the names of many persons and places men- tioned heretofore in this work, in treating of the history of Penn township and of Mishawaka:
"In looking backward more than three score years it is best to forget for a little our
modern environment and if possible close our ears to the noise of the bustling present and take this May ramble among the old homes of Mishawaka along grass grown streets and sunny lanes by the brookside and over the hills of the village, now nearly lost in the city of today. From the vigorous memory of the daughter of a pioneer settler in the little town, who as a girl, was one of a merry company gathered at the home built by Mr. A. M. Hurd in 1834, we glean this word picture of that hospitable abode.
".'Imagination fondly stoops to trace The parlour splendours of that festive place.'
"Its one story and basement formed a commodious dwelling divided by a hall and having two rooms on either side. The loca- tion on the site of Dr. Grimes' residence probably favored a ground floor entrance to the kitchen and work rooms below. In those days honses were often built with a cellar kitchen and it is quite possible that a lift or sliding cupboard was used to convey the' savory dishes of that period of good old- fashioned cookery, to the dining room above at the end of the hall on the first floor, as there is one in existence in a house built on the same bluff. The furnishings of this home were good and substantial, the win- dows being curtained after the most approved fashion of the day, in drapery, half red and half white, and the whole effect of the es- tablishment was considered elegant. Mrs. Wing, who has so kindly imparted much of this story of the past, was often a guest at this home and it was there that a spirited reply to a merry bantering challenge from a young man, the burden of whose song was, ' Westward Ho!' led to the marriage of Maria Tuttle and Andrew M. Wing. Fire was a grim enemy as well as a useful servant in those early days. This home and the one built by Mr. John Orr, which stood where Mr. Fisher now lives, were burned.
"Very dimly remembered and a somewhat misty tradition, the first home built by Mr.
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
Philo Hurd, the father of A. M. Hurd, prob- ably stood near the site of Mr. Kamm's house at the west end of Second street, and is said to have been built of wood and brick com- bined. Its beautiful garden within a prim hedge of box is one of the sweet memories of a lady who played as a child among the old-fashioned flowers.
"Beside another old home, 'remembrance wakes with all her busy train.' Still sturdy and sound, a familiar landmark to the few remaining to tell us of its hospitality, an old friend to those of a later day, who can recall the story of the ghost in the garret and remember the luscious fruit on the big pear tree in the garden, stands the old Orr house on Main street. Built in 1835 by Mr. Asa Taylor, the father of Mrs. John Orr, its black walnut timbers, solid foundation walls of St. Joseph county granite, and mas- sive chimney six feet wide, speak of the wis- dom of one who builded better than he knew. "A part of the chimney still stands in the big cellar. What mighty fires must have roared in its giant throat ! What bed-time lullabies and cheery neighborhood chat enlivened the eventide in those old days in the spacious liv- ing room! The hall and staircase are on the south side, extending the length of the par- lor with doors on the north opening into parlor and living room. A smaller room at the end of the hall and the kitchen and wash room in the wing at the back were included in the original structure. "The wing on the north side of the house was added at a later period and was probably used for a nursery or family room. The upper story contains four bed rooms and an old-fashioned garret, where the heavy black walnut beams may still be seen. Upon the floor of this garret the children of the family spread their treas- ures of Indian relics, and not many years ago quantities of stone arrow heads were seen there, A part of the household once gatlı- ered about the hearth stone of this home, sleep in the plat of earth given to Indiana City for a cemetery by men who saw in a
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