USA > Indiana > St Joseph County > A history of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Volume 1 > Part 87
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
south portion of the Frantz addition to South Bend, also the Peterman addition, and he has five hundred and thirty acres of land in the coal regions of Somerset county, Pennsyl- vania, also four hundred and eighty acres of the finest timber land in Pennsylvania, con- sisting of poplar, basswood and oak timber. This tract is located on the Raystown branch of the Juniata river. Thus as a physician and business man, Dr. Miller has made of life a grand success, and South Bend is fortunate that he has allied his interests with her.
In September, 1856, the Doctor married Susan Kimmel, whose death occurred on the 16th of November, 1886, aged forty-five years. She was the mother of fourteen children : Clara, born June 27, 1857 : Horaee M., March 4, 1858; Isaac N., August 2, 1859; Elmer E., Jannary 30, 1861; Edward S., August 8, 1862; one who died in infancy; Frank D., born March 4, 1866; Anna A., May 28, 1869; Nora A., March 29, 1871; Mary M., April 28, 1872; an infant born January 15, 1874; Cora E., February 2, 1875: Charles H., August 1, 1877 : and an infant who was born and died in 1880. On the 21st of March, 1888, Dr. Miller married Jennie E. Sanderson. During his residence in the east the Doctor held mem- bership with all the leading medical societies. IIe is well known throughout the state of Indi- ana in connection with the medical profession, for he has been eminently successful in his ehosen field of endeavor, and the fraternity places him in its front ranks.
IION. WILLIAM WEBSTER BUTTERWORTH, M. D. Possibly there are no names upon the pages of the history of St. Joseph county that are more worthy of special mention in a work of this character than that which forms the caption of these memoirs. A name which was a household word in hundreds of homes- the name of Dr. W. W. Butterworth, which stood for all that was grand and noble. In fact the name of Butterworth has been con- nected with affairs of the state and nation for over a century past, and the subject of this sketch was a most creditable representa- tive of that grand old pioneer family. of Quaker stock.
William Webster Butterworth, M. D., (de- ceased) was born in Waynesville, Warren county, Ohio. His father, Benjamin Butter- worth, was born in Campbell county, Virginia, and his father, Benjamin Butterworth, was a native of the same county. His father, Isaac Butterworth, was born in England and came
to America in Colonial times and settled in Campbell county. where he spent the re- mainder of his days. His son Benjamin, grandfather of our subject, was reared and married in his native state, but in an early day removed from there to Ohio and settled on the Miami river in Warren county, where he was one of the first settlers. He purchased abont one thousand five hundred acres of timbered land and first erected a log house, but later erected a commodious stone house, a large frame barn and other farm buildings. Hle and his sons were Abolitionists, and his home was a station on the "Under ground" railroad through which many a dusky slave passed en route to Canada. IIe resided here until his death, and the old homestead is now owned by his great-grandson, Professor Engene Foster. The maiden name of his wife was Aravilla Gilbert, also a native of Virginia and of English ancestry. She reared the following children : Moorman, Benjamin, Polly, Millie, Betsy, Nancy, Samuel, Rachel, William and Thomas. The parents were members of the Society of Friends, and reared their children in that faith. Their son Benjamin was reared in his native state, and went to Ohio with his parents. His father gave him land in Waynesville, and his wife inherited land adjoining. so that he had an extensive farm. While living there he went to Michigan and bought government land in that state, and also came to Indiana and pur- chased land in St. Joseph county. In 1835 he sold his possessions in Ohio and emigrated to Indiana, accompanied by his family. mak- ing the entire journey with teams. He lo- cated about three miles south of LaPorte, where he purchased a tract of land and later added thereto until he owned nearly one thousand acres. and there he made his home till his death in 1869, aged seventy-four years. The maiden name of his wife was Judith Weleh. She was born in Iredell connty, North Carolina. Her father, Gilbert Welch, a na- tive of Virginia. married Chloe Hendricks. She was one of seven sisters and was of Swedish ancestry, a lineal descendant of Gustavus Adolphus. Samuel Gilbert Welch re- moved with his family from North Carolina to Hillsboro. Ohio, and later to Waynesville. From there he came to Indiana and lived for a time, then returned to Waynesville and spent his last years there. IIe and his family were also members of the Society of Friends. Mrs. Benjamin Butterworth died at the
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
homestead in LaPorte county in 1880. She reared eight children: Mary, William Web- ster, Isaac, Ruth, Moses, Sarah E., Benjamin Thomas and Turner.
The subject received his early education in the public schools of Waynesville and La Porte county, and supplemented this by a course in an advanced school at Greencastle, Indiana. He studied medicine at a medical college at LaPorte, and later graduated from a medical college in New York city, after which he commenced practice at Mishawaka. At the first call for troops in 1861 he was called upon by Governor Morton to go to the front as surgeon of the three months regi- ment. After the expiration of that term he was appointed surgeon of the Ninety-ninth regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry. and was with the regiment in all its marches, cam- paigns and battles, including Sherman's march to the sea. He served until after the close of the war, and then returned to Mishawaka. He served for two terms as a member of the state legislature and during that time was instrumental in framing and passing many bills of general good. He was a personal friend of Governor Hendricks. He resumed his practice and continued until his death in 1888. December 7. He was twice married, first to Sarah J., a daughter of Elias Smith, of Mishawaka, who died five years later. He was married to his second wife. Mrs. Eugene Kennedy. daughter of Milo Whitney and Sarah ( Hall) Smith, and widow of Eugene Kennedy, in 1859. Milo Whitney Smith was born in Benson, Vermont, and his father Judge Smith, was a native of Eng- land and on removing to America settled in Benson, where he spent the remainder of his days. The father of Mrs. Butterworth at- tended the State University at Burlington, and later went to Richmond, Virginia, and attended the State University there. While in Rich- mond he married Sarah Thorston Hall, daughter of William Hall, a native of England. who on emigrating to America settled in Hanover county. Virginia. where he bought a
plantation which he operated by slave labor. After his marriage Mr. Smith returned to Benson. Vermont. and entered into the practice of law. He became prominent in public affairs and served as a representative in the state legislature. About 1854 he came to Indiana and located at Plymouth. where he practiced for a time, and then removed to Mishawaka
and resided there until his death in 1860, aged sixty-two years. His wife survived him several years. She reared six children : Carrie Virginia, widow of E. A. Sherwood ; Mrs. Butterworth: Melvina A., who married David Smith of Mishawaka; Milo Agustus; Mary Louise, who married Jerry L. Taylor ; and Ella, who married Dr. W. H. Hanford, of South Bend.
To Dr. and Mrs. Butterworth there were born three children, William Eugene, deputy postmaster at Mishawaka: Dr. Charlie M., a practicing physician of South Bend; and Camilla, superintendent of the kindergarten at the Laurel school.
Dr. Butterworth had a winning personality, a genuine appreciation of manly principles, a noble purpose and a pure heart. He was generous, and his innumerable acts of kind- ness were unostentatiously and quietly per- formed. Of a philosophical turn of mind. he saw the best in his friends and life in general, and thus brought the best of friends to him. He was all that can be termed a manly man ; large in sympathy. the depth and wealth of his friendships. and above all the love of his fellow men, most applicable to him is "IIomer's Requiem to a Departed Hero :" * Ne'er to the chambers where the mighty rest Since their foundation came a nobler guest : Nor e'er was to the bowers of bliss conveyed A fairer spirit, a more welcome shade."
WILLIAM E. BUTTERWORTH, the deputy postmaster of Mishawaka, is one of the native sons of this city, his natal day being the 17th of October. 1860. His father, W. W. Butter- worth, was a native of Virginia. but in an early day he removed with his parents to La Porte, Indiana, and later came to Mishawaka, where he was one of the best known physi- cians of the early days, practicing his profes- sion here for forty-six years. It was in this city that he was married to Sarah M. Smith, by whom he had one daughter. now deceased. and after the death of the wife and mother he married Sarah E. Smith, the widow of Eugene Kennedy. Their union was blessed by the birth of three children: William E., -whose name introduces this review : Dr. C. M. Butterworth, of South Bend: and Camilla, a kindergarten teacher in the Laurel school of. South Bend.
After completing his education in the pub- lie schools of Mishawaka, William E. Butter- worth engaged in the drug business. thus con- tinuing from 1880 until 1892. while for three
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
years he was also engaged in the wood and coal business. In 1898 he became the deputy postmaster of Mishawaka, first under Mr. Gaylor and later under Mr. Shaw, the present postmaster. Ile is a popular official, systema- tic and careful in the discharge of his duties, courteous to all, and no man connected with the office has a greater number of friends than has he. IIe is also connected with the agricultural interests of the county, and is the owner of one hundred and forty acres of land in the eastern part of Mishawaka.
In 1887 Mr. Butterworth was united in marriage to Ella, the daughter of William and Emily (Griffin) Skerritt and a native of Mishawaka. Mr. Butterworth is a stanch Re- publican in his political affiliations, and, a life-long resident of Mishawaka, he is well and favorably known to its citizens.
GEORGE A. OSBORN, M. D. During many years Dr. Osborn was engaged in the practice of medicine in South Bend, and in that time endeared himself to many friends, so that his death was deeply mourned throughout this section of the county. He was born on the Ohio river in Madison county, Indiana, February 28, 1823, his father, Isaac Osborn, having been extensively engaged in shipping on the river. The son, however, was reared in Clinton county. Ohio, receiving his early literary training in its public schools, and later pursued a scientific and medical course in Indianapolis, Indiana. For about fifteen years after leaving college he was engaged in the practice of his chosen profession in La- fayette, Indiana, and in 1886 he arrived in South Bend. resuming his medical practice, which was continued until within a few years of his death. His busy and useful life was ended on the 5th of November, 1903. His long professional career was attended with marked success, while in private life he gained that warm personal regard which arises from true nobility of character, kindliness and geniality. He exemplified in his life the beneficent spirit of the Masonic order, of which he was long a faithful member, and he was also a member of the Medieal Society of Indiana.
On the 22d of December, 1846, Dr. Osborn was united in marriage to Dr. Margaret A. Fannon, who was born in Clinton county, Ohio, April 30, 1827. the daughter of John and Helen (McGrath) Fannon, both also na- tives of that commonwealth. The father. who was an agriculturist. moved to Pickaway
county. Ohio, about 1827, while six years later, in 1833, he took up his abode in Clinton county. that state, where his death occurred in 1834. Mrs. Fannon was but thirty-six years of age when she was called to the home beyond, the husband and wife dying on the same day, leaving their three little children, two sons and a daughter, homeless and parent- less. Their daughter Margaret was then but seven years of age, and she was bound out to a family named Hoblit, with whom she lived until eighteen years old, in the mean- time pursuing her education in the public school until she had reached her fourteenth year. She later graduated at the Ladies Com- mereial College of Xenia, Ohio, and after her marriage began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of her husband and a Pro- fessor Brown. She practiced during the war of 1860-65, and had been actively engaged in the profession for ten years before she re- ceived her license, but in the meantime had attended the Indiana Medical College. Dur- ing a long period of years she has continued the practice of medicine in Lafayette and South Bend, in the time winning for herself a name and place among its leading practi- tioners. and she now confines her duties to office work. She is the mother of eight ehild- ren, namely : Eugene B., of Milwaukee. Wis- consin ; Stephen P., a farmer of St. Joseph county ; Sarah E .. the wife of David M. Reed, of Lafayette. Indiana; Georgiana, the widow of F. W. Brown and a resident of South Bend; Chase S., a prominent journalist of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; IIorace E., at home; Charlie, of Jackson, Michigan; W. D .. a plumber of South Bend. Dr. Osborn and his wife took up their abode in South Bend during an early epoch in its history. and during the intervening years which have since come and gone they have witnessed many changes, while they also performed their full share in its wonderful development and im- provement. During many years they con- tinued the journey of life together until one, tired and worn, lay down to rest, while the other continues on alone until she too shall be called to lay aside the burdens and re- sponsibilities of this life and join her husband in the home beyond.
W. H. HANFORD, M. D. For many years Dr. Hanford has traveled life's journey, and now in the evening of a long. useful and honorable career, he is enjoying a well earned rest, relieved of the burdens and responsi-
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
bilities of a professional life, for through many decades he was engaged in the practice of both medicine and dentistry. He was born about seven miles from Springfield, in Clark county, Ohio, August 15, 1825, his parents being Henry and Harriet (Chamberlain) Hanford, the former of English and the latter of Welsh descent. The father was reared in his native state of Connecticut, where he fol- lowed the dual occupation of farming and coopering, and at one time was engaged in business in what is now Cineinnati, Ohio. When a boy he was associated with the Beecher family, and he often held the little daughter Harriet upon his lap. He continued to make his home at Lewistown, Logan county, Ohio, for many years, his death there occurring when he had reached the eighty- second milestone on the journey of life, but his wife preceded him to the home beyond, dying at the age of seventy-five years. In their family were seven children, all of whom grew to years of maturity, but all have now passed away with the exception of a son and daughter, the latter being Lottie McKennon, of Lewistown, Ohio.
Dr. Hanford, the sixth child in order of birth, was about twelve years of age at the time of the removal of the family to Logan county, Ohio, receiving his education in both Springfield and Lewistown, and he was early inured to the work of the farm. After com- pleting his education he was engaged for about three years in the printing business, but on the expiration of that period began the study of medicine at Bellefontaine, Ohio. Coming to Indiana when about seventeen years of age, he resumed the study of medi- cine at Lebanon, Boone county, and after eom- pleting his studies began the practice of medi- cine at Republic. Ohio, where he remained for about two years. For some time following Dr. Hanford was engaged in the practice of his profession at Elgin, Illinois, and he then entered upon the dental profession, thus con- tinuing in that city for about two years. He then moved to Syeamore, Illinois, and in 1865 eame to South Bend, Indiana, where for a long period he was engaged in both the prac- tiee of medicine and dentistry, being without doubt the oldest practitioner in the state of Indiana. He gained an enviable reputation as a successful practitioner, the result of thorough technical information and skill, for he made deep and careful research into the
two sciences to which he devoted so many years of his life.
Dr. Hanford was married in 1864, but his wife has preceded him to the home beyond. Their three children are Carrie, a music teacher of ability and organist of St. Paul's church, and William Arthur and Chester O., of South Bend. The doctor is independent in his political affiliations, preferring to east his ballot for the men whom he regards as best qualified for their respective positions, and at all times he has been safely relied upon to use his influence in the advancement of whatever has been for the good of the eom- munity.
RYAN T. VAN PELT, M. D. In the medical profession advancement is not easily secured, but the high position which Dr. Van Pelt now occupies in the medieal fraternity demon- strates the fact that he is well informed con- cerning the principles of the seienee, and has therefore been accorded a liberal patronage. He was born in LaPorte, LaPorte county, Indiana, on the 4th of May, 1852. His father, Ryan Van Pelt, Sr., was a native of Pennsyl- vania, but was reared in Ohio and was a farmer by occupation. In an early day in its development he came to Indiana, and although removing to Illinois in 1861, he afterward returned to this state, and here the remainder of his life was spent, passing away in death at the age of eighty-seven years. He was of Holland descent. Ere his removal from Pennsylvania he married Catherine Van Pelt, and she, too, passed away at the age of eighty-seven years. In their family were twelve children, namely: Mariah; Elizabeth, who died in infancy : Mary; Sarah; Amanda ; Abner; Aaron, who laid down his life on the altar of his country in the Civil war; Jacob, also deceased: Eliza, the wife of Reese Stephens, of South Bend; John, who served four years in the war of the rebellion and is now a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Catherine, the wife of Henry C. Wheeler, of South Bend.
Dr. Ryan T. Van Pelt, the youngest of the twelve children, was reared in both Indiana and Illinois, having been about eight years of age when he accompanied his father on the removal to Kankakee of the latter state, where he continued his edneation in the city schools. Returning thence to LaPorte in 1865, he com- pleted his literary training, graduating from the high school with the elass of 1869.
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
Shortly thereafter he took up the study of medicine in the Rush Medical College of Chi- cago, where he completed the course and was graduated in 1877, after which for a short time he served as interne in the Cook County Hospital, one of the largest hospitals of that city. From 1878 until 1890 Dr. Van Pelt was engaged in the practice of his chosen pro- fession in Mishawaka, Indiana, after which he returned to Chicago and opened an office in the Lexington hotel, Twenty-second street and Michigan avenue, as a house physician. After a continuous and lucrative practice of thirteen years in Chicago the doctor came to South Bend, his pleasant and well equipped office being located at 222 South Lafayette street. He is a member of the American Medi- cal Society, the St. Joseph County and the Indiana State Medical Societies and the Rush Alumni. Throughout the long period in which Dr. Van Pelt has been a representative of the medical profession he has maintained his position among the leaders of the frater- nity and has won a large and lucrative prae- tice.
In 1885 was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Van Pelt and Mrs. Hattie L. Simpson, the widow of Col. John E. Simpson, of St. Louis, and a daughter of Dr. M. G. Sherman, of Michigan City, Indiana. Mrs. Van Pelt was born in Ogdensburg, New York, and received her education in the eastern states. The Doctor married for his second wife, Miss Mary A. Goggin, of Chicago, June 26, 1907. He is a stanch Republican, and fraternally is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Eagles.
E. M. DROLLINGER. Many years of self- denying labor in the service of suffering humanity is the resume of the life of this honored physician of South Bend. Being of broad and liberal mind, and having enjoyed the advantages of a good education, he has had the interests of the people deeply at heart, and his influence has been exerted at all times as the champion of progress. He was born in Laporte county, Indiana, on the 6th of June. 1853, a son of Gabriel and Mary E. (Chapman) Drollinger, the former a native of South Carolina and the latter of New York.
The literary training of their son, E. M. Drollinger, was received in the excellent pub- lie schools of Laporte, and after completing his studies there and having decided upon the medical profession as a life work he entered
the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical Institute, where he was graduated in 1878. In the fol- lowing year, 1879, he came to South Bend and opened an office for the practice of medi- cine, where he has practiced for many years and is the loved family physician in many a household.
In 1878. the year of his graduation from his medical college, Dr. Drollinger married Miss Mary A. Jarrell, of Marshall county, In- diana, and they have one daughter.
N. G. BORISOWICG, M. D. In the medical profession advancement comes only through true merit, and that Dr. Borisowicg has a large and representative patronage is indica- tive of his skill and ability. He was born in Russian Poland, February 14, 1852, and after completing his literary education in his na- tive country began the study of medicine, graduating from the medical department of the Imperial University of Harkow, Russia, in 1886. From the time of his graduation until his emigration to America in 1889 he was engaged in practice in the province of Kursk, Poland, and after his arrival in this country he located at Toledo, Ohio, and re- sumed his profession. On the 27th of Novem- ber, 1892, the Doetor arrived in South Bend, Indiana, where he has ever since been engaged in the active practice of his profession. In his long identification with this city he has gained distinction in the line of his ehosen calling, for he has ever been an earnest and discriminating student, and now holds a leading place among the medical practitioners of northern Indiana.
Dr. Borisowieg was married in Pennsyl- vania to Clementena Dydzinska, also a native of Russian Poland, and their pleasant and at- tractive residence is located on Chapin street. which was built in 1904 and where the doctor also has his well equipped office.
JOHN CASSIDY, M. D. A man's worth in the world is determined by his usefulness and by what he has accomplished for his fellow- men, and he is certainly deserving of the greatest honor and regard whose efforts have been of the greatest benefit to humanity. And to none is there so great an opportunity given as to the physician and surgeon, and a work of this character would certainly be incom- plete did it not enroll on its historical pages the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this article. In private life he is disting- uished by all that makes the true gentleman, one that subordinates personal ambition to
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
publie good, and seeks the benefit of others, -morally, physically and intellectually ---- rather than the aggrandizement of self. En- dowed by nature with high intellectual quali- ties to which may be added years of practical experience as a physician and surgeon, Dr. Cassidy needs no introduction, for he has been the well known and loved family physi- cian in the homes of St. Joseph county for a great many years.
Dr. John Cassidy was born in Linden town- ship, Washtenaw county, Michigan. His father, John Cassidy, was born in county Monaghan, Ireland, where his parents were life-long residents. His brothers, Hugh, Cornelius and Michael, and sisters, Mary, Ellen and Catherine, all came to America, and in due time settled in Michigan. The father of our subject was the youngest, and the last to come to America. He joined his brothers and sisters in New York, where he lived for a time, and then went to Chatham, New Jersey, and lived there until 1836. He then started for the territory of Michigan, having been commissioned by his brothers and brothers-in-law to buy land for them. He located in Linden township, Washtenaw county, and entered several tracts of govern- ment land, making the journey to Detroit and return on horseback. At this time and for some years after there were no railroads in Michigan. Deer, wild turkeys and other kinds of wild game were plentiful. He immediately commenced improvements by building a log cabin and then commenced to improve the land. In 1838 his wife and child joined him in their western home. He engaged in general farming and stock raising and was the first to introduce sheep into Linden. He was successful, and in due time erected a brick house, a commodious barn, and other farm buildings, and resided there till his death, at a good old age. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Rose Tim- mons. She was born in county Fermanagh, Ireland. A brother, Michael, and two sisters, Margaret and Susanna. came to America. Their mother also eame and spent her last years with her children. and died at the ad- vanced age of ninety-eight years. The parents of our subject reared seven children, named : Margaret, John, Thomas, William, Mary. Rose and Susanna.
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