A history of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Volume 1, Part 76

Author: Howard, Timothy Edward, 1837-1916
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Chicago, New York, The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 826

USA > Indiana > St Joseph County > A history of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Volume 1 > Part 76

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however, the brave little band reached their destination in Hangtown, California, after five months and eight days spent on the road, Mr. Studebaker's cash capital at that time consisting of but fifty cents. He at onee found employment at his trade of a wagon maker with H. L. Hines, who in after years became a stockholder in the Studebaker Company and superintendent of the factories. There he battled earnestly and energetically, and by indomitable courage and integrity soon be- came a partner in the business. By practicing the strictest economy he was while thus con- nected enabled to save enough funds at the close of five years with which to return to South Bend and also to purchase a half in- terest in the business of the Studebaker Brothers. At that time the brother Henry retired from the business and engaged in farming, and the firm name was then changed to C. & J. M. Studebaker, Clem doing the blacksmith work and J. M. the wood work. Both were skilled artisans in their respective trades, were ever faithful in the performance of their duties and success attended their ef- forts. They subsequently took into the firmi Peter E., the next younger brother in age to J. M., while later Jacob F. was admitted into the partnership. These brothers have by their own energy and ability built the wonderful business which is known all over the world as the Studebaker Manufacturing Company. The men of influence in this enlightened age are the enterprising, progressive representa- tives of commerce, and to such ones advance- ment and progress are due. Although having reached the seventy-fourth milestone on the journey of life J. M. Studebaker still takes an active interest in the business, and is fami- liar with its every detail. Ilis son, J. M., Jr., and two sons-in-law. F. S. Fish and H. D. Johnson, are also actively associated with the firm, as are also the young men of different branches of the family and by their ability and industry. are keeping the firm to the front.

Mr. Studebaker's beautiful home. Sunny- side, is one of the beautiful sights of the city. His name figures conspicuously in the history of St. Joseph county from the period of early development to the present time.

JACOB F. STUDEBAKER. Practical ability of the highest order, combined with the warm traits of humanity and an invariable consid- eration for the rights and feelings of others, are qualities which mark the Studebakers as

a family; and the late Jacob F. Studebaker inherited these family traits in their full strength. He was therefore a large factor in the erection of the splendid industrial monu- ment which his kindred have erected to the glory of themselves and their descendants. The Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company is one of the distinctively great in- dustries of the world, and none of its depart- ments are better or more favorably known than that devoted to the output of carriages, with which Jacob F. was so long identified as manager.

Jacob F. Studebaker was born in Ashland county, Ohio, May 26, 1844, the son of John Studebaker, a sketch of whom appears else- where in this work. The old family home- stead was near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, a change of location to the Buckeye state being made in 1835, and, in 1852, to South Bend. At the old seminary there and at the Notre Dame University, the boy obtained the bulk of his education, and early displayed those strong family traits which marked him as a valuable future element in the fortunes of the Studebaker company. His brothers Clem, J. M. and Peter E. were proud to give him full credit for his admirable business and per- sonal qualities. Methodically and surely he advanced from post to post until as manager of the carriage department he was one of the most important personal forces connected with the great industry. Under the stimulus of his practieal knowledge and keen foresight the branch of the business under his direet supervision reached mammoth proportions. He was energetie and straight-forward, at the same time kind and considerate to those in his employ.

The nature of Mr. Studebaker's specialty in the business of the company necessarily brought him in contact with the owners and lovers of horses. and he himself became one of the most enthusiastic horsemen in the coun- try. He possessed some of the stars of the turf, but his particular admiration was the Percheron, and he organized the great Perche- ron Horse Company of Colorado, which has been the means of importing some of the fin- est specimens of that breed ever brought to the United States.

Jacob F. Studebaker found vent for his large activities in other channels than those of business, and in connection with his ab- sorbing duties connected with the Studebaker company, he was interested in the organiza-

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PG Studebaker

Jacob F. Studebaker

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tion of the Agricultural Association, and identified in the leadership of many public enterprises of city, county and state.

In 1864 Mr. Studebaker was united in mar- riage to Harriet Chord, a daughter of Sam- uel Chord, a prominent citizen of South Bend, and two daughters have been born to them. The widow has occupied their beauti- ful home at "Sunnyside" since the death of her husband December 17. 1887. The fu- neral sermon of the deceased was preached by the Rev. G. E. Farr, and the opening of his address well expresses the sentiment of this review-"Know ve not that there is a prince and a great man fallen." In the field of labor to which he was called Jacob F. Stu- debaker was truly a prince, and a figure of national importance, while among his inti- mates his character was but another name for strict reliability and unimpeachable honor.

PETER E. STUDEBAKER. For more than a quarter of a century treasurer of the great Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Com- pany, the deceased and prominent member of the family mentioned above was long aeknow !- edged to be one of the most far sightel finan- ciers of the country. By virtue of his posi- tion with the company he could have been nothing else but a financial leader. He was energetic. a close observer of industrial and commercial conditions, and always prepared for financial depression or booms, guiding the finances of the immense enterprise thus con- trolled by him according to his wise forecast.

Peter E. Studebaker was a native of Ash- land county, Ohio, born April 1, 1836, the son of John Studebaker, who is elsewhere mentioned in this volmne. He was educated in the public schools of that seetion, and in 1852 came to South Bend, Indiana, soon se- curing employment with Kingsley and Beach. then the leading dry goods merchants of the place. From his elerk's salary of fifteen dol- lars a month he finally saved one hundred dollars and began business for himself. He thus continued until 1856. when he was mar- ried to Dora Han, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and removed to Goshen. Indiana, where he was associated with Joseph H. Defrees. a dry goods merchant of that city, who used to send Mr. Studebaker out with a peddling out- fit and in later years he often told how one day while peddling through the country he rapped at a farm house door and the lady of the house came out and informed him she

did not want anything to do with peddlers. Ile told her he was not a peddler, but a trav- eling merchant and sold her quite a large bill of goods.

In the connection named, Mr. Studebaker was profitably engaged until 1860, when he began handling his brothers' goods, and made such a success of it that they offered him a partnership in the business. By the accep- tance of their proposition he became a mem- her of the firm of Studebaker Brothers, in 1864. and in the following year he established a branch warehouse at St. Joseph, Missouri, at that time an important ontfitting town for miners, plainsmen and emigrants. He soon extended their trade over the entire western country, but in 1872 relinquished the St. Jo- seph office, as his serviees were in imperative demand as general officer of the company.

In the year named Mr. Studebaker assumed the highly responsible duties of the treasurer- ship of the company. which he retained until his death at Alma, Michigan, October 9. 1897. During that period there was never a time when the brothers doubted his ability to meet any crisis, industrial. commercial or financial, and their confidence in his good judgment was never displaced.

Mr. Studebaker's first wife died in 1865, his second wife, whom he married in 1871. being Mrs. M. L. Guthrie, daughter of Charles W. Ewing, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. and the widow still survives him. Besides Mrs. Studebaker, the members of his family were William F. Studebaker. deceased, and two daughters, Mrs. Nelson J. Riley and Mrs. W. R. Innis.

JAMES OLIVER. A great inventor in the field of agriculture and a real benefactor to mankind, the venerable and venerated James Oliver, the discoverer of the chilled-plow process. stands out pre-eminently among the practical geniuses of the United States, and is at least one striking exception to the sweeping biblical statement that "a prophet hath no honor in his own country." So secure, in fact, is he in the affectionate honor of his neighbors of South Bend and Indiana, and his admirers throughout the west and the United States, that the very warmth with which he is regarded may detract somewhat from a calm consideration of his greatness as a benefactor to the world through his con- tribution to the progress of the primal and cosmopolitan industry of agriculture. With such men as Fulton and Morse he stands as

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one of the historic inventors, who has perse- vered in the development of his original idea and its application to the good of mankind. There is also one feature in his life in which his family and widely scattered admirers take a well grounded pride, and that is that no suspicion has ever been cast upon the origi- mality of his invention. Perhaps the history of invention furnishes no case like his-un- less it be that of Edison-in which the real inventor, fighting for many years against ridicule and ignorant criticism, has emerged triumphant from the long and bitter conflict and enjoyed the legitimate satisfaction not only of seeing his invention recognized by the authorities of the world, but of profiting by it even to the point of opulence. Locally. James Oliver is admired and revered as a public spirited. liberal minded gentleman-practical, but open hearted and warm-and, having passed his more than fourscore years of great and useful toil. the sunset of his life is aglow with the rich colors of a fair western sky.

James Oliver is a Scotchman by birth, or it may be that the discouragements of his earlier years would have completely over- whelmed him. His native place was Rox- buryshire, and he was born amid humble cir- cumstances on the 28th of August, 1823. Early in life he learned the value of honest and unremitting labor, and his remarkable success has never weakened his respect and warm regard for the conscientious workman. At the age of twelve years the boy came with his family to the United States, and, after living for one year in Seneca county. New York. they located at Mishawaka. St. Joseph county. Indiana. James at once put his shoul- der to the family wheel and became one of the supporters of the household. and in 1840. then seventeen years of age. entered into in- dependent work.

In the year mentioned Mr. Oliver under- took a contract for the Lee Company, of Mishawaka. to lay pump logs in trenches for the purpose of carrying water from a brook, through Vistula street to the race and still house. He was successful in this undertaking and soon after bought his first house and lot in Mishawaka. The still house. however, was later destroyed by fire and it was necessary to seek a new occupation. Soon after the manly youth learned the cooper's trade. get- ting out his own timber and making his own barrels. sometimes as high as eleven per day. From 1845 to 1855 he was in the employ of

the St. Joseph Iron Works. Mishawaka. where he acquired that practical knowledge of the foundry business which became so useful to him in after years. Prior to this time-May 30. 1844 he had married Miss Susan Doty. of Mishawaka, and commenced housekeeping in the modest cottage which he owned.

In 1855. while waiting at South Bend for a train to Goshen on · a matter of business, Mr. Oliver met a Mr. Lamb, who was part owner of a small foundry in South Bend -- the first of its kind. The attraction was so mutual that the young man purchased an in- terest in the enterprise, and thus became a permanent fixture and force. It is by such accidents as this that the destinies of men and the progress of communities are de- termined.

The little foundry. with its additions. which became the foundation of the mammoth es- tablishment of the present day. was first known as the South Bend Iron Works. the plant being located on Mill street near Wash- ington. not far from the site now occupied by the Coquillard Wagon Works buildings. In a few years Mr. Oliver bought the interest of his partner, and among his first contracts se- cured the iron work for the new St. Joseph Hotel. which was then being built where the stately Oliver House now stands. While the enterprise was rapidly advancing a flood washed away his water power, and, although he was obliged to install horse power. he com- pleted his contract according to stipulations. On Christmas eve. 1859. a portion of the works was destroyed by fire, but was prompt- ly rebuilt and operated on a larger and a more modern scale. Later. Mr. Oliver was associated with T. M. Bissell, of South Bend. and George Milburn, of Mishawaka, who be- came heartily interested in the bright pros- pects and substantial interests of South Bend. In 1864 another fire wiped out the plant. but it was promptly rebuilt and increased in capacity. If ever there was a heroic cam- paign conducted against adverse circum- stances it was this which Mr. Oliver bravely fought. marshalling his forces with masterly skill and unflinchingly advancing toward the triumphant future.

In the new and enlarged works Mr. Oliver continued his experiments which resulted in the perfection of the chilled plow-a plow which is self-scouring. with share and mold- board of chilled cast iron. In spite of ig- norant pleasantry of friends and bitter at-

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taeks of eritics, he patiently labored night and day to prove that his ideas were prac- ticable. The agricultural world knows the result, as the plow trade of the globe was revolutionized. At the Centennial Exposition, held at Philadelphia in 1876, the Oliver Chilled Plow received the encomiums of the expert agriculturists of the world, and the West Raee works soon proved too small to meet the demands of the host of converted farmers. Foreseeing this, Mr. Oliver had pur- chased the Perkins farm of thirty-two aeres southwest of the city, and in 1875 commenced the great Oliver Chilled Plow Works which are there located and whose produets go to every part of the civilized globe. They are considered in the light not only of one of the greatest publie benefits of this section of the state, but among the leading industries of the world.

In 1885, with his son, Joseph D., Mr. Oliver completed a handsome opera house, conceded to be one of the best equipped play houses in the west. It was dedicated, October 26, 1885, by the rendition of the drama. Louis XI, by the great aetor, W. H. Sheridan. In December, 1899, the magnificent Oliver Hotel was thrown open to the public. It is one of the finest hostelries in the country, and but another monument to the public spirit and liberality of James Oliver. At his own ex- pense he also erected South Bend's beautiful city hall, generously agreeing to await the pleasure of tax payers for repayment. It is little wonder that the citizens of South Bend take an attitude of deep gratitude and profound veneration toward James Oliver.

The home of this revered citizen is a beau- tiful residenee on West Washington street, and for many years was presided over by his estimable wife, who departed this life on the 13th of September, 1902. In the ealm eve- ning of their lives they were dispensers of numberless charities and benevolenees, and were blessed with abundant and well merited rewards. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Oliver are: Joseph D., associated with his father in his large interests, and Josephine, wife of Hon. George Ford, a prominent at- torney of South Bend and congressman from this distriet from 1885 to 1887.

WILLIAM W. DODGE. The one whose name forms the caption of these memoirs was one whose labor, influence and co-operation was a strong moving element in the business, in- tellectual and moral development of St. Jo-

seph county, Indiana, who rose to promi- nence through the inherent foree of his char- acter, the exercise of his native talent and the utilization of opportunity, and the high regard in which he was uniformly held came through the fact that his was largely an ideal American manhood. While he controlled im- portant and extensive business enterprises, they were largely of the character that pro- mote publie progress as well as individual prosperity, and his efforts were directed along many lines in which the community was the sole recipient of benefit. His connec- tion with the manufacturing interests of the state was of the most practical and helpful character, for he aided in shaping the indus- trial interests and in promoting the eduea- tional, æsthetie and moral development of his city, eounty and state. Aside from his great manufacturing interests, his patriotie citizen- ship and interest in community affairs found manifestation in his zealous labors for im- provements along many lines, and through the institutions of many trade interests. af- fecting the material growth of this part of the state and nation.

William W. Dodge was born in Mishawaka, January 18, 1861, and was a son of Harlow and Elizabeth Dodge. As a boy he attended the publie schools of his native city, and completed his education in the University of Notre Dame. In 1878 Mr. Wallace H. Dodge, his brother, founded the Magic Jaek Com- pany, and began the manufacture of a su- perior wagon jack, and Mr. William W. Dodge became interested in the business. In 1879 the Dodge Manufacturing Company was organized and our subject became the treasurer, and held that position at the time of death, September 1, 1899. About this time the company began to manufacture saw frames, door stops and a line of wooden hard- ware. On July 10, 1881. the plant burned down and the Dodge Brothers rebuilt and continued the business, and then commenced manufacturing a wood split pulley. In 1884 they disearded all else and confined them- selves to the manufacture of The Dodge In- dependenee Wood Split Pulley, and in 1886 they perfeeted the great system of power transmission by means of manila rope. Through their energy and ability they have built up the great plant that will ever stand as a monument to their progressive business methods and which has branches in all parts of the eivilized world. Mr. William W. Dodge

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directed the financial affairs of the great en- terprise, and the impress of his methods will ever remain with the company. It was his foresight that built up great system in many ways, and his master mind handled the fin- ances of all the branches in all parts of the world. Mr. Dodge was one of the best known and most highly esteemed men that St. Jo- seph county ever produced: he organized the Western Gas Engine Company. and was its president at the time of his death. During his ever active and useful life. his many ex- cellent virtues endeared him to a constantly growing circle of friends here and abroad.

to Miss Nettie Ford, a most estimable and cultured lady of Mishawaka who, with his son, William Wallace, was left to mourn his loss. Of Mr. Dodge it may be said, in his private life he was distinguished by all that marks the true gentleman; his was a noble character, one that subordinated personal ambition to public good and sought rather the benefit of others than the aggrandizement of self. When those who needed assistance came to him, his aid was never withheld, if it could be rendered, and many a business man and firm of St. Joseph county owes its prosperity in a large measure to the generous

A Corner of the Parlor, Dodge Engineering Association.

He was prominent in church, social and fra- ternal life. and was a member of the Indiana and Commercial Athletic clubs of South Bend, and the 20th Century Club of South Bend and Elkhart. He was a member of Mishawaka Lodge No. 130, F. and A. M., Mishawaka Chapter No. 19. R. A. M., Sonth Bend Commandery No. 13. Knights Templar, and a member of the Mystic Shrine. His funeral was conducted with impressive cere- monies of his lodges.

Mr. Dodge was married November 26, 1890.

assistance of Mr. Dodge in time of need. His own business career was unassailable. Honor and integrity characterized his every act. He enjoyed to the fullest extent the love and es- teem of those with whom he was associated.

WALLACE H. DODGE. Deeds are thoughts crystallized. and according to their brilliancy do we judge the worth of a man to the coun- try which produced him, and in his works we expect to find the true index to his character. The study of the life of the representative American never fails to offer much of pleas-

Library, Dodge Engineering Association Rooms.

Dodge Engineering Association Dining Room.

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY Astor, Lenex a d l, don

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ing interest and valuable instruction, devel- oping a mastering of expedients which has brought about most wonderful results. The subject of this review was a worthy repre- sentative of that type of American character and of that progressive spirit which promote publie good in advaneing individual pros-

EUREKA WATER SOFTENER DODGE MFG.CO. MISHAWAKA, IND.

perity and conserving popular interests. He was long prominently identified with the busi- ness interests of Mishawaka and St. Joseph county, and while his varied affairs brought him suecess they also advaneed the general welfare by accelerating commercial activity.

Mr. Dodge was a representative of an hon- ored pioneer family in St. Joseph county, and he was one of Mishawaka's native sons, born on the 10th of July, 1848. His father, Har- low Dodge, who is remembered as one of the leading hardware merchants of Mishawaka, was a native of Booneville, New York, but when a young man he came to St. Joseph county, Indiana, this being in the early '40's, and he was first employed as a contractor and builder for the railroad. Subsequently however, he embarked in the hardware busi- ness, and as such will be well remembered by the early residents of Mishawaka. During his residence in Mishawaka he was married to Elizabeth knee, a native also of the Empire State, and they became the parents of four children, two sons and two daughters, all of whom elaimed St. Joseph county as the place of their nativity.

Wallace II. Dodge, the eldest son and sec- ond child in order of birth, spent the early years of his life in St. Joseph, and received an excellent educational training in the Uni- versity of Notre Dame. His first employment was in the hardware business. continuing in that line of activity for twelve years. In 1881 he founded what is now the Dodge Manufacturing Company, and to that large corporation he gave the benefit of his time and abilities until his busy and useful life was ended. A history of this manufactory appears on other pages of this work.

For his wife Mr. Dodge chose Hattie E. Vesey, who was born and reared in Michi- gan. where her father, Madison Vesey. was an agriculturist, having removed to that com- monwealth from Vermont. In life Mr. Dodge exercised his right of franchise for the benefit of the Democratic party. Not only in busi- ness affairs was he well known, but he was active and earnest in his advocacy of all measures for the publie good, and was a worthy and consistent member of the Masonic order. He did all in his power to promote sobriety. morality and godliness among men. and his own npright. honorable life formed an example well worthy of emulation.

MELVILLE W. MIX. For a number of years Melville W. Mix has been prominently identi- fied with the business interests of St. Joseph county as president of the Dodge Manufac- turing Company, of Mishawaka, and in that time has beeome recognized as one of its most valued and useful citizens. Mr. Mix was born in Atlanta, Illinois. November 16, 1865,

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his parents being Walter W. and Mary E. (Dodge) Mix. The mother was a native of Mishawaka and a daughter of Harlow Dodge. The father, who was a native of New York, journeyed west in 1859, and at that early day took up his abode in St. Joseph county, being accompanied on the journey hither by his mother and one brother. the former hav- ing conducted a millinery store in Mishawaka, the first in the county. In 1863 Walter W. Mix removed to Illinois and resumed his for- mer occupation of a tinner and hardware merchant. having learned his trade in Mish- awaka. He is still a resident of Atlanta, Illinois.

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A history of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Volume 1, Part 76

Author: Howard, Timothy Edward, 1837-1916 Publication date: 1907 Publisher: Chicago, New York, The Lewis publishing company Number of Pages: 826

Author: Howard, Timothy Edward, 1837-1916
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Chicago, New York, The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 826