USA > Indiana > St Joseph County > A history of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Volume 1 > Part 78
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Mr. Hudson was born in Middletown. Con- neetient, on the 1st of December, 1815, a son of Benjamin Hudson, also a native of that commonwealth and a member of an old New England family. In 1835 Albert Hudson came from Brockport, New York, where he had been living for some time, to the west, and in his journey hither visited Mishawaka. So pleased was he with the prospects of this future city that he returned to Brockport and in the following year came again to Mishawaka and engaged in the shoe business where the depot now stands. Ile erected the
first brick house in the town, on Second street, into which he moved in September, 1844, and he subsequently moved his shoe business to Main and later to Second street. About 1870, in company with P. C. Perkins, he organized the business which has since become universally known as the Perkins Windmill Company. However, it was first organized as an axe factory, but ultimately the product was changed to windmills. After a time Mr. Hudson abandoned his pioneer shoe business and threw his entire energy into the new corporation, continuing an active factor in its growth and upbuilding until his busy and useful life was ended in death in 1887. Many years of his life were thus spent in this county of his adoption, and in the work of development he ever bore his part. He was ever honorable in busi- ness, loyal in friendship. faithful in citizen- ship, and he commanded the respect of his fellowmen for his uprightness and splendid abilities.
Four children now survive this honored early pioneer, namely: Carrie, now Mrs. F. (. Perkins; Harriet, Mrs. Russell Hudson, of Mishawaka: Edward A., of Toledo, Ohio: and George, secretary of the Perkins Wind- mill Company. Mrs. Undson survived her husband until 1901, when, at the age of eighty-four years, she joined him in the home beyond. The loved and honored father and husband passed to his reward in 1887, aged seventy-two years.
JACOB WOOLVERTON. It has often been stated and commented upon that the United States has always presented great opportu- nities to men of industry, ability, honesty and integrity, and as long as men have the aspirations and the determination to improve their conditions of life and earn the success which it is possible to obtain the theme will never be exhausted. One of the' prominent business men of this community whose enter- prise and sound judgment have not only promoted their individual prosperity but have advanced the public welfare is Jacob Wool- verton. As a business man in many lines of endeavor. as a citizen and as a friend we would preserve the record of his career among a people who have learned to admire, respect and honor him.
Jacob Woolverton was born in Warren township, St. Joseph county. Indiana. Sep- tember 3, 1845, a son of Charles Woolverton,
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
of Hamilton county. Ohio, who came to War- ren township of this county in 1831, and was thereafterward prominently identified with its welfare and upbuilding, his name being well known in the buying and selling of farm lands. His life's labors were ended in death in 1852. His son Jacob supplemented the early educational training which he received in the distriet schools by attendance at the North- ern Indiana Normal College and the East- man's Business College. He was then for a short time thereafter associated with Colonel Norman Eddy, collector of internal revenue for this district, after which he traveled for an oil firm of Cleveland for a short time, while next he was with the Studebaker Broth- ers as bookkeeper in the counting room. Fore- seeing the great possibilities in the real estate business, Mr. Woolverton in June. 1869. be- came associated in partnership with W. L. Kizer in that occupation, and the firm of Kizer & Woolverton has been prominent and successful to a high degree. conducting ex- tensive loans on property in Indiana. Michi- gan and Ohio. However, the efforts of Mr. Woolverton have not been confined to one line of endeavor. IIe is now president of the St. Joseph County Savings Bank. a stockholder and vice-president of the St. Joseph Loan & Trust Company and vice-president and treas- urer of the Malleable Steel Range Company. He is a stalwart advocate of the principles of the Republican party, active and enthusiastic in its support and well being. and on several occasions has served as treasurer of the Re- publican Central Committee.
The marriage of Mr. Woolverton was cele- brated in October. 1870, when Miss Alice M. Rupel became his wife. He has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business, always known for his prompt and honorable methods of dealing. which have won him the- deserved and un- bounded confidence of his fellow men.
EDWIN R. DEAN, M. D. In the medical. profession advancement is not easily secured. It comes through true merit and cannot be obtained by gift or purchase. One must be well qualified in the profession, for in no other calling is pretense so easily discovered as among those who engage in the alleviation of human suffering. That Dr. Dean has a large patronage is indicative of his skill and ability. He is a native son of the southland, his birth having occurred in Mt. Sterling.
Kentucky, on the 27th of August, 1865, being a son of Ellis and Emma (Robinson) Dean, the former of Scotch-Irish and the latter of English descent. The parents were natives of Kentucky, but were of old Virginian families. The father was a farmer by occupation, but was well known in public life, having held various offices in his county for twenty-seven years. His death occurred on the 2d of Octo- ber, 1898, when he had reached the sixty- fourth milestone on the journey of life.
Edwin R. Dean received his preparatory education in the Harris Institute at Mt. Ster- ling. after which he pursued a collegiate course at Georgetown College, graduating therefrom in 1888 with the degree of B. S. His medical training was received in the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, in which he gradu- ated as a member of the class of 1890, and he immediately began the practice of his chosen profession in Mt. Sterling, where he remained for nine years. In 1899 he came to South Bend and opened an office, and he has re- mained here ever since engaged in the prac- tice of medicine. His long professional career has been attended with marked success. His promptness, his sympathetic nature and his generosity are well known factors in his make- up, and those who have known him longest esteem him most highly. As an instance of his early maturity he was appointed deputy tax collector of Montgomery county, Ken- tucky, at the age of thirteen years, and held the office for eight years under three different officials. having given a bond of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars for faithful per- formance of his duties, and before removing from Montgomery county he also served as president of the Montgomery County Medical Society. He is now a member of the medical staff of Epworth Hospital and the St. Joseph Hospital; is a member of the St. Joseph County and the Indiana State Medical Socie- ties, of the American Association and is exam- iner for a number of insurance societies.
Dr. Dean married Miss Emma Dunn. a native of South Bend and whose death occurred in 1903. The Dunn family is num- bered among the old and honored settlers of St. Joseph county. Three children were born of this union : Esther R., born April 6, 1895 : J. Edwin, born September 23, 1897; and R. Ellis, born January 5. 1899. The Doctor was married in 1905 to Miss Bessie Stover, a daughter of J. C. Stover. one of the old and
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
highly respected citizens of South Bend. To them have been born one son, William S. In his fraternal relations Dr. Dean is a member of the Masonic order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and other fraternal organiza- tions, while his religious connection is with the Baptist church. He is the proprietor of the Dean Building. a fine office building and the first of its kind in South Bend.
LUCIUS G. TONG, cashier of the St. Joseph County Savings Bank, has filled that position since 1882. He was born in Carroll, Fairfield county, Ohio. August 1, 1842, and was sent to college and received a thorough educational training, after which he served as his father's assistant in business. For a number of years following this he was numbered among the prominent educators of northern Indiana, filling the position of professor at Notre Dame University. Although being highly successful in that field of endeavor, he abandoned the educational profession for that of the law, having been admitted to the bar and practiced in South Bend for a number of years, win- ning for himself a name and place among the leading law practitioners of St. Joseph coun- ty. In 1878 Mr. Tong was elected mayor of South Bend on the Republican ticket, but he knew no party ties, his sole aim while fill- ing that exalted position being the welfare and advancement of the city, and at the close of his term was warmly endorsed by the Democratie press for renomination.
In 1882 Mr. Tong was made cashier of the St. Joseph County Bank, one of the oldest and most solid financial institutions of the city, organized on the 8th of December, 1869. with Dr. Lewis Humphreys as its first presi- dent. Mr. Tong was selected to succeed T. J. Sexias, the principal organizer of the bank, and he has worthily discharged the duties en- trusted to his care. The St. Joseph Loan and Trust Company is an important branch of that institution, and Mr. Tong is serving as its secretary and treasurer. He is one of the most popular and best known business men in the city of South Bend, and his straight- forward and honorable dealings in all the re- lations of life have won for him the confidence and respect of his fellow men. He is also interested in the insurance business, and in all his varied interests has met with the suc- cess which he so richly deserves.
In 1873 Mr. Tong was united in marriage to Miss Cecelia Ball. of Lafayette, Indiana,
and their family consists of four sons and two daughters.
JAMES A. ROPER. An honored citizen of Mishawaka for many years past, James A. Roper is entitled to a prominent place in the annals of St. Joseph county, the county of his birth. His natal day was the 15th of December, 1846, his parents being John and Cornelia (Youngs) Roper, the former a na- tive of England and the latter of the state of New York. The father, whose birth occurred in Bristol, came to the United States in the early 40's, taking up his abode in the state of New York, but a few years thereafter he came to St. Joseph county, Michigan. In 1847 the family home was established in Mish- awaka, but the father was only permitted to enjoy his new place of residence for a short time, as his death occurred in 1852. His widow continued to reside in Mishawaka until her death in 1862.
James A. Roper received his preparatory education in the public schools of Mishawaka, this being supplemented by an attendance at De Pauw University of three years. In 1861, when only fourteen years of age, he enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a mem- ber of Company F, Forty-eighth Indiana Regiment, which was recruited at Mishawaka and commanded by Colonel Norman E. Eddy. Mr. Roper enlisted as a private on the 19th of September, 1861, and was discharged on the 22d of July, 1865. After two years of service he was promoted to the position of corporal, and after Sherman's march was de- tailed as guard at General Clark's headquar- ters, while at the close of the march through the Carolinas he was given a sergeant's com- mission at Richmond, Virginia, and had full charge of General Clark's headquarters. He served in that capacity until mustered out of service, and participated in all the battles of the Army of the Tennessee. It was after returning from the army that Mr. Roper en- tered De Pauw, and after his three years of college life there he was employed as clerk in the post office and a dry goods store for two years for Colonel Newton Bingham. In 1872 he embarked in the lumber business in Cass county, Michigan, but after a period of six years returned to Mishawaka and formed a partnership with P. C. Perkins for the manufacture of furniture, theirs being the first factory on the north side of the river. In 1879 the St. Joseph Valley Furniture Con- pany was organized, with Mr. Roper as presi-
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
dent, and later they purchased the old Mil- burn Wagon Works and converted it into a furniture factory. In 1883 Mr. Roper sold his interest in that corporation to Frank Per- kins, and for one year thereafter conducted a furniture factory in South Bend. On the ex- piration of that period, in 1884, he organized the Roper Furniture Company, his associates being J. W. and J. Q. C. Vandenbosch, and after the death of J. W. Vandenbosch he pur- chased their interest, and the Roper family are now sole owners of the business. In ad- dition to his connection with this important industry Mr. Roper is also president of the First National Bank. a director of the First Trust and Savings Bank, president of the Public Utility Company, was formerly presi- dent of the City Electrie Light Company and was one of the organizers of the Public Util- ities Company. In an early day he also served as a member of the city council, while at the present time he is a member of the county couneil.
In 1868 Mr. Roper was united in marriage to Miss Ella M. Dowling, a daughter of Ed- ward and Margaret Dowling of St. Joseph county, and they have five sons. H. C., C. A., II. D., L. E. and J. G .. all of whom are hold- ing prominent positions in their father's busi- ness with the exception of L. E. Roper. Mr. Roper is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Houghton Post, of which he served as the first commander, holding that position for a number of years, and is also a member of the Methodist church, being now superin- tendent of its Sunday school.
JAMES M. DERHODES. Banking institutions constitute the heart of the financial body, in- dicating the healthfulness of trade. There are no other enterprises which so soon feel a depression in the market or a period of pros- perity, and banks which follow a safe, con- servative policy do more to establish a feeling of confidence in times of widespread financial panie than any other institutions in the world of trade. Mr. DeRhodes stands today at the head of one of the leading financial concerns of South Bend. being president of the Mer- chants' National Bank. With a thorough un- derstanding of his business, he has labored for the success of the institution along lines that have awakened public confidence, and made the bank one of the safe, reliable monied concerns of this portion of the state.
Mr. DeRhodes was born in Columbiana county. Ohio, on the 12th of November, 1853,
a son of David and Mary A. (Miller) DeRhodes, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father, who
was born in 1815,
removed to Ohio during his boyhood
days, where he was engaged in both farming and merchandising, and his death occurred in 1892. at the age of seventy- seven years. He obtained his early education in the country schools of his native county, and, after completing his studies, his father gave him a third interest in the home farm, under which arrangement he met with a high degree of success, making a specialty of the raising of grain. His desire to embark more extensively in the grain trade induced him to remove to North Dakota, in 1882. his part- ner in the enterprise being his brother. K. C. DeRhodes, now the cashier of the Merchants' National Bank of South Bend. They were engaged in both grain farming and merchan- dising on a large scale, also conducting an elevator and a wood and coal business; but. although their interests were varied, exten- sive and very profitable and the brothers rap- idly acquired wealth and a high position as citizens, they decided to return to Indiana where their children could enjoy better edu- cational advantages. In 1896 they therefore disposed of their interests in North Dakota, and located in Lafayette, successfully engag- ing in the wholesale grain trade in that city. .On the 21st of June, 1902, they settled in South Bend. erected the Merchants' Bank building on the corner of Michigan and Wayne streets and organized the Merchants' National Bank, of which James M. DeRhodes became president and his brother cashier.
In 1884 Mr. DeRhodes was married to Sarah E. Large, a daughter of Levi Large, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and they have three children-Guy L .. Emma G. and Alice. The family are associated with the Methodist church, and Mr. DeRhodes is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Although he has been identified with South Bend but a few years, he is highly regarded in all cir- cles-social, religious and business. He is a man of sterling worth and strong character, but affable and courteous in manner, and has a wide circle of friends, both social and busi- ness. He is a recognized anthority in the financial world, and has thoroughly identified himself with the leading interests and enter- prises of his adopted home. He is broad- minded and liberal, and while not seeking notoriety has a just pride in the development
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John J. Schindler
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IIISTORY OF ST. JOSEPHI COUNTY.
and progress of his home and his own success in life.
JOHN J. SCHINDLER. Since the days when Mishawaka was but a village the Schindler family have been influential in its develop- ment and gradually increasing prosperity, contributing to the establishment and mainte- nance of its institutions and upholding the law and the best interests of the public in general. The birth of Mr. Schindler occurred in Buffalo, New York, on the 11th of Febru- ary, 1851. His father, Andrew Schindler, was born in Baden, Germany, on the 16th of June. 1823, and his education was received in its schools. In 1838 he crossed the waters to the United States, and from the time of his ar- rival until 1864 was a resident of Buffalo, New York. In that year he removed to Dun- kirk. New York, and was there engaged in the hotel business until 1869, in which year the family home was established in Misha- waka. After coming to this city Mr. Schind- ler was engaged in both the grocery and hotel business, and he was very successful in both ventures, at the same time winning for him- self a high place in the estimation of the people with whom he so long lived. His busy and useful life was ended on the 25th of August, 1872. Hle married Rosa Kuhn. a native of Switzerland, and they became the parents of eight children, four of whom grew to years of maturity, namely : John J., An- drew J., William N. and Joseph J.
John J. Schindler, their oldest son, was a student in the St. Joseph Acadamy of Buf- falo, New York. until his thirteenth year. when he came to Mishawaka and entered the employ of his uncles, the Kuhn Brothers, proprietors of the St. Joseph flouring mills, with whom he remained for nine years, during that time obtaining a thorough knowl- edge of the business in every department. On the death of his father he assumed the man- agement of his business, which he successfully conducted until 1872, in that year opening a similar business of his own and conducting the same until 1887. In 1872 Mr. Schindler added fire insurance to his other occupation, while in the following year a steamship agency and foreign exchange was assumed. In 1876 he was made a notary public and conveyancer, while in 1888 he was elected township trustee, winning that election by only five votes, but so well did he discharge the duties entrusted to his care during his incumbency that in 1890, when his name was put forth for re-
election he received a majority of four hun- dred and nineteen votes. He was admitted as an attorney in the department of interior bureau of pensions in 1880, and many sol- diers and their widows have reason to thank him for the services he rendered them while serving in that important office. From 1890 until 1894 Mr. Schindler served as secretary of the county board of education, and was also the organizer of township libraries in distriet schools. He is now extensively en- gaged in the fire insurance and steamship business, in which he has won an excellent success, at the present time representing thir- ty of the largest companies in the world. He also represents eight steamship companies and issues letters of credit and exchange to all parts of the globe. The splendid success which has come to Mr. Schindler is directly traceable to the salient points of his charac- ter. With a mind capable of planning, he has combined a will strong enough to execute his well formulated purposes, and his great energy, keen discrimination and perseverance have placed him among the men of affairs in St. Joseph county.
On the 20th of May, 1879, he was married to Miss Christena Fierstos, and they have three children: Aloysius J., born May 4, 1880; John W., born November 7, 1884; and Clara M., born October 26, 1887. The family are members of the Catholic church, of which Mr. Schindler has been secretary and treas- urer for the past twenty years and was also secretary of the building committee during the erection of the St. Joseph school. Mr. Schindler gives his political support to the Democratic party, and is a member of the Catholic Knights of America. He is a di- rector of the First National Bank of Misha- waka, also vice-president of the First Trust and Savings Company, a director in the Mish- awaka Trust and Savings Company, a director in the Beiger Realty Company, and is also a member of the city council and secretary of public utilities.
B. F. DUNN. In the history of the indus- trial interests of South Bend the name of B. F. Dunn cannot be omitted, for through many years he has been one of the leading business men of St. Joseph county, progres- sive. enterprising and persevering. Such qualities always win success, sooner or later, and to Mr. Dunn they have brought a hand- some competence as the reward of his well- directed efforts.
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPHI COUNTY.
A native son of the county of St. Joseph, and one of which it may well be proud. he was born on the 14th of June, 1833, a son of Reynolds and Phoebe Dunn, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Greene county. Ohio. During his boyhood days, how- ever, the father went to Ohio, and shortly after his marriage he brought his bride to St. Joseph county, Indiana, where their hon- orable and upright lives won them the re- spect and confidenee of their fellow citizens. In the public schools of South Bend their son received his early educational training, and for a number of years after laying aside his text books he served as a elerk for John Brownfield, the then leading merchant of the city. In 1860 he made the trip to Pike's Peak, Colorado, with a party in search for gold, but not being successful in the finding of the precious metal Mr. Dunn returned to South Bend in the following year. In 1864 he was engaged in the dry goods business as a member of the firm of Dunn & Zimmerman, while later his brother was admitted to a part- nership, business being thereafter condueted under the firm name of Dunn Brothers. Sub- sequently, however, B. F. Dunn relinquished his interest in this enterprise and in company with his brother-in-law, Robert Myler, was thereafterward engaged in manufacturing pursuits until 1873, in which year he sold his interest. Since that time his time and attention have been given to the real estate business. In company with Mr. A. J. Horne he platted and laid out the town of River Park, one of the beautiful subdivisions of the North Side and which they now own. Mr. Dunn has been a potent factor in the success which has attended various enterprises. He is the trustee and vice-president of the St. Joseph County Savings Bank, and for eleven years was a member of the board of education, having also been actively interested in the establishment of the public library.
Mr. Dunn was married in 1864 to Mary V. Hamilton, of Ohio, and three children have been born to them: Mrs. J. G. Shurtz, of Michigan ; Mrs. F. A. Miller, of South Bend ; and Miss Blanche. The family affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Dunn is a member of the Commercial Athletic Club. and is accounted one of the prominent and progressive citizens of South Bend.
RICHARD H. LYON, for thirty-three years connected with the South Bend Tribune, was one of the pioneer newspaper men of
the city. He was born near Bridgeport, Conn., and in 1860 moved with his family to Ypsilanti, Mich. After a residence there of several years they moved to Van Buren county, that state. His early education was obtained in the public schools and was fol- lowed by learning the printers' trade in Decatur. Ill.
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