A history of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Volume 1, Part 92

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

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CHARLES G. FOLSOM is a man who has a remarkable record, and from the study of his life history one may learn valuable lessons. It illustrates in no uncertain man- ner what it is possible to accomplish when perseverance and determination form the keynote to a man's life. Depending upon his own resources, he has risen from com- parative obscurity to a place of prominence in the commercial world.

Mr. Folsom was born in Waterloo, Seneca county, New York, on the 2d of November. 1845. His father. Benjamin Folsom, was a native of Vermont and started upon his won-

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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

derful business career as a wagon maker. He subsequently rose to the position of a rail- road contractor, and removing to New York in 1823 he became a personal friend of De Witt Clinton, governor of that state. Dur- ing his residence there he was one of the promoters of the Erie canal, also the builder and contractor for the first line of telegraph from Albany to Buffalo, this important work being completed on the 1st of November, 1845. He was then awarded many important con- tracts on the New York Central, the New York & Erie, the Michigan Central, the Chi- cago, Burlington & Quincy, the Michigan Southern and Northern Indiana railroads. He was afterwards with the New York & Erie, where he was the right-hand man for Jay Gould and Jim Fisk. Coming to South Bend, Mr. Folsom resided on a farm in the western part of the county until 1863. when he went to Detroit, Michigan, and constructed the De- troit City Railroad, in which he was a stock- holder. The death of this great financier and business man occurred suddenly near La- porte, Indiana, while on a railroad journey from Chicago to the east. Mrs. Folsom bore the maiden name of Polly Sedgwick, and was a native of the state of New York, her people having been among the early settlers of the Mohawk valley.

Charles G. Folsom, whose name introduces this review, received his early educational training in the schools of Adrian, Michigan. while later he became a pupil in the South Bend public schools. His first employment after completing his education was at the tinner's trade in Adrian, Michigan, later fol- lowing the same occupation in Detroit, and in 1866 he came to South Bend. For some time after his arrival in this city he worked at his trade at St. Mary's, which was then built for the music hall, also assisting in the construction of the St. Joseph Academy of South Bend. In 1867 he removed to Cham- paign county, Illinois, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1872, when he returned to South Bend and started in busi- ness in a very small way at the tinner's trade. During the panic of 1873 he suffered in the general disaster, and he then removed to Roll- ing Prairie and was engaged in the hardware business for four years. Coming again to this city, Mr. Folsom became an employe of the Studebakers, Singler and Creviston in a hardware business, after which he was with the Miller Knoblock Company, and next with

the Lake Shore Railroad Company. His pres- ent business was commenced by pushing a hand cart on the streets of South Bend and doing odd jobs at the tinner's trade, and from that time to the present, as the years have grown apace, his business has enlarged cor- respondingly until it now occupies a place among the leading industrial concerns of South Bend, and the name of the C. G. Fol- som Manufacturing Company is well known throughout northern Indiana. The manufac- tory gives employment to fifty men and is a valuable adjunct to the business interests of the city. Mr. Folsom was the first manufac- turer of rural mail boxes in the United States. and still continues in their construction, and in addition manufactures all kinds of sheet metal and structural iron work. As a man his business ability has been constantly mani- fested, showing unlimited possibilities, noth- ing too great to grasp and master, and the - extensive concern of which he is now the head is a monument to his wonderful power.

Mr. Folsom married Miss Mary C. France. a daughter of Adam and Lydia France, of Rolling Prairie. They have five living chil- dren : Jonathan France, engaged in business with his father, Lydia Mary, Emma Lou, Charles R. and Nadine. Mr. Folsom is an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, and has been twice elected as a member of the city council, representing the fifth ward, which is one of the richest wards in the city, and is the present incumbent of the office. He is a member of Lodge No. 45 of the Masonic order, having been connected with that fraternity since 1871, and is also a member of the Chapter and Council, of which he is past high priest and a Knight Templar. He is vice-president of the County Humane Society.

F. A. BRYAN. Rising above the heads of the mass are many men of sterling worth and value, who by sheer perseverance and deter- mination, accompanied by unflagging effort, have risen from the ranks of the commonplace to eminence, and to occupy positions of re- spect and trust. Among this number may be mentioned F. A. Bryan, whose birth occurred in Carroll county, Ohio, on the 21st of De- cember, 1867. his parents being John Henry and Anna (Azdell) Bryan, both natives of Ohio. The father, who was a well known busi- ness man, passed away in death in 1872.

F. A. Bryan attended the public schools of Wellsville, Ohio, and the Pennsylvania

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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

State College, graduating in the engineering course in the latter institution. Thus having laid an excellent foundation for his future life work he became an employe as engineer of the Pennsylvania Railroad, the Edison Gen- eral Electric Company and Michigan Central Railroad. In May, 1901, he came to South Bend in the capacity of manager of the South Bend Electric Company, which was formed in 1884, and he is also vice-president and general manager of the Elkhart Electrical Company, the St. Joseph and Elkhart Electric Company and the Berrien Springs Electric Company. These companies own practically the entire water power along the river, and are under the management of Mr. Bryan. Since assuming charge of these concerns they have been greatly developed and improved, for previous to that time they were purely · lighting companies, while now the various cor- porations have secured rights and erected dams along the river, thus supplying prac- tically all the power used by the smaller man- ufacturing companies in South Bend. Wires have also been placed underground, and the service in every way has been vastly im- proved, being now one of the best organized systems in the state. The company owns the Elkhart dam, the Twin Branch dam, the Buchanan dam and has commenced construc- tion on the Berrien Springs dam, while in the near future they will have dams at the state line and Bristol, making six in all. It is a master mind that can plan. execute and con- trol a large institution, and the gentleman who stands at its head well deserves to be ranked among the most prominent business men of his adopted city, where only ability of a very superior order is now recognized.

In 1896 Mr. Bryan was united in marriage to Estella MeVicker, of Lisbon, Ohio. They are members of the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Bryan is also connected with the Country, Commercial and Indiana clubs.

CAPTAIN EDWIN NICAR. Its mission ful- filled in the union of its warring factions by a bond of common humanity, and, in place of a demoralized trade, the substitution of a commercial growth unparalleled in the his- tory of the world-the tragedy of the Civil war has become only an echo, a fading into historical mists of tented fields, glittering armaments, marching armies and waving ban- ners. Individual experience alone keeps a vivid remembrance of the desolation and un- certainty, carnage and heroism, of the great

struggle for unity of purpose and ideals, which animated the followers of the great Emancipator.

Yet among those who comprise the fast- thinning ranks of veterans a difference exists in impressions, influence and effect, and a perusal of the lives of these soldiers reveals stories of great human interest and import. To some the service was an episode, a fulfil- ment of duty as they saw it, and a subsequent return to accustomed tasks with little change save a broader conception of existence. To others the experience was a keynote, a magnet toward which seemed to gravitate their zeal- ous youth, and which mastered and deter- mined their entire future. In this class be- longs Captain Edwin Nicar.

Edwin Nicar, who is connected with one of the largest corporations in northern Indiana, the Oliver Company, was born in St. Joseph county, on the 1st of January, 1840, a son of Robert B. and Mary E. (Lewellen) Nicar, both natives of Lynchburg, Virginia. In 1833 the father came to Mishawaka, Indiana, mak- ing the journey by team across the Allegheny mountains. There he followed his trade of a miller and millwright until 1851, when he was elected treasurer of St. Joseph county and thereafter made his home in South Bend. He held the office mentioned for five years, after which, until 1865, he was engaged in the hard- ware business in that city, ill health then necessitating his retirement from active work. His death occurred in the year named. The deceased was a Whig and afterwards a Re- publican and strongly opposed to slavery, this attitude being the principal reason which in- duced him to leave his native state. He was both honored and beloved among the early pioneers of St. Joseph county.

After completing his education in the pub- lic schools of South Bend, Edwin Nicar went to Wisconsin to live with relatives, and there remained for four years. Returning thence to South Bend he joined his father in the hardware business and thus continued until the outbreak of the Civil war, responding to the first call of 1861 and, as a member of Company B, Fifteenth Indiana Infantry, serving as a private and non-commissioned officer until November of that year. He was then made second lieutenant and in Decem- ber, adjutant of the regiment with the rank of first lieutenant, while on the 26th of No- vember, 1863, he was promoted to the rank of captain. He served in western Virginia,

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under Rosecrans and MeClellan. and partici- pated in the battle of Rich Mountain. This was followed by sconting duty during the summer months, when his command, under General J. J. Reynolds, repulsed the rebels under General Lee at Cheat Mountain. On the third of October, 1861, he took part in the battle of Green Briar, while in November following he was ordered to Louisville, Ken- tucky, to join the army of General Buell, afterward organized as the Army of the Ohio and the Army of the Cumberland. In Febru- ary, 1862, a new division was formed com- manded by Brigadier General Thomas J. Wood, and in that command Mr. Nicar served until after the battle of Chickamauga. He participated in the battles of Shiloh and Per- ryville and in numerous skirmishes. and was afterward in the fighting ranks at Stone River and Murfreesboro, in the latter engagement the fragment of a shell injuring his horse and wounding him in the ankle-the only wound he received during his entire army career. At this battle, also, his regiment suffered severely in killed and wounded, as it did in many other engagements. His brigade was the first to cross into Chattanooga and was left there as a garrison during the progress of the battle of Chickamanga. Afterward the regiment was thrown into Sheridan's division and took part in the battle of Missionary Ridge, where it lost one hundred and ninety- nine out of three hundred and thirty-four en- gaged. Captain Nicar, then on staff duty. was with General Wagner during the Atlanta campaign, and in May, 1864, took part in the battles of Rocky Face Ridge. Dalton, Adairs- ville and Kenesaw Mountain, after which he rejoined his regiment, which had been ordered home on account of the expiration of service. and was mustered out at Indianapolis, on the 25th of June, 1864. His military career is one which will ever redound to his honor as a loyal and brave son of the republic, and as one whose courage was founded on the rock of his convictions.

Returning at once to South Bend. Captain Nicar remained with his father in the hard- ware business until 1865, when he was ad- mitted to a partnership, continuing to con- duct the establishment after his father's death, or until 1875, when for four years he assumed the responsible duties of clerk of the circuit court. He then entered the employ of the Oliver Chilled Plow Works, with which corporation he has ever since continued.

In 1884 Captain Nicar was married to Miss Cora A. Beckwith. of Michigan, and they have two sons-Edwin B. and Philip L. Lo- cally Mr. Nicar has held not a few positions of responsibility. He reorganized the volun- teer fire department of South Bend and was its chief from 1873 to 1876. In 1902 he was appointed minority member of the board of public works, and, whether as an official or a private citizen has always done his full share in advancing the best interests of his home city. In his fraternal connections he is a member of the Masonic order, the Grand Army of the Republic, the Indiana Com- mandery of the Loyal Legion and Anten Post of South Bend, No. S. Captain Nicar's char- acter and personality are as well known in South Bend as are his services in behalf of the Union. Kindly in manner, obliging at home and abroad, always ready to do a good turn for those less fortunate than himself, he embodies many excellencies of mind and heart, and enjoys the appreciation and good will of all.

SAMUEL A. HILLIER. For many years an active factor in the industrial interests of South Bend, Samuel A. Hillier, through his diligence, perseverance and business ability, acquired a handsome competence, and also contributed to the general prosperity through the conduct of a large enterprise, for until his death he was the leading lumber merchant of South Bend. His birth occurred in Bur- lington, New Jersey, October 30, 1850. His father, Richard Hillier, was a native of Eng- land, and after coming to America became an extensive shoe manufacturer of Burling- ton, New Jersey, where he was also extensively engaged in the real estate business. In Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania, he was married to Francis Stoll, who was born in Switzerland, but came to America when a child and was reared in the east. They became the parents of nine children, fonr sons and five daughters, of whom Samuel A. was the youngest in order of birth, and all grew to years of maturity.

After attaining to manhood's estate Samuel A. Hillier left his native city of Burlington and came to South Bend, being a lad of eighteen years of age when he arrived in this city, his only capital being his willing hands and willing heart. During a period of two years he was employed as a contractor, after which he launched out into the lumber busi- ness, organizing what is now known as the Indiana Lumber and Manufacturing Com-

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pany, and when death eut short his busy and useful life he was serving as its manager. In other fields of endeavor he also directed his energies, and his wide counsel and sound judgment contributed to the success of one of the leading concerns of the city. He erected his beautiful residence at 1104 South Mich- igan street, and also owned many dwellings at one time, in addition to valuable farming land.

On the 8th of February, 1872, Mr. Hillier was united in marriage to Martha E. Elder. who was born in South Bend on the 9th of January, 1851, her father, John Elder, having been numbered among the early pioneers of the city. He was born in Scotland November 11, 1808, and in 1838 came to America, lo- cating first in Buffalo, New York, where he followed his trade of tailoring. In 1839 he came to South Bend, and in 1847 purchased a small farm on South Michigan street, which is now a very valuable property. His politi- cal support was given to the Whig party, and he was one of the best known men in the city of South Bend in an early day. In 1842 Mr. Elder married Emily A. Sweet, a native of Connecticut, and they became the parents of nine children, five sons and four daughters, namely: Robert and Alexander, deceased ; John W .; Mary A. Whitten: William A .. Martha E .; Amanda A. Williams: Sidney : and Harriet E., deceased, all of whom were born, reared and educated in South Bend. The loving husband and father died on the 7th of October, 1895. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hillier were born six children : Ada A .: Edith E., the wife of H. C. Kreighbaum, of Tulley, New York; Forest, treasurer of the Indiana Lum- ber Company ; Glenn, a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah ; Samuel Dale: and Martha Fran- cis. Mr. Hillier held membership relations with the Royal Areanum, and was also a mem- ber of the First Methodist Episcopal church, in which he was an active worker and a gen- erous contributor. His political affiliations were with the Republican party, and he was one of the active temperance workers of the community. Death came to him while with his wife at Kingston. Ontario, whither he had gone to take a long needed rest, at the age of fifty-two years, when one more name was added to the list of honored dead whose earth- ly records closed with the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Mr. and Mrs. Hillier and son. Dale, left South Bend late Monday night, their objective

point being Portland, Maine, for an absence of two months. They left the train at Kings- ton, intending to take a boat for a trip down the St. Lawrence river to Montreal, Canada, and to there resume the journey by rail to Portland. Mr. Hillier had been in poor health resulting from heart troubles and when they arrived at Kingston Tuesday night he became very ill. A number of telegrams re- garding his condition were sent to South Bend and on Thursday his son, Forest, and daugh- ter, Miss Ada, were summoned.

Mr. Hillier was one of South Bend's best known citizens. He was an excellent business man, a man of high character and one who made and kept friends.

F. C. WINKLER. During a long period the name of F. C. Winkler has been prominently identified with the business interests of St. Joseph county, and as the president of the Winkler Brothers Manufacturing Company he is too well known to need introduction to the readers of this volume. A native son of South Bend, his natal day was the 10th of July, 1854, and he is a worthy representative of the sturdy sons of the fatherland, his father, Charles Winkler, being a native of Darmstadt, Germany. When eighteen years of age he left his little home across the sea and came to America, but three years later returned to his native land, where he spent one year, thence coming again to this coun- try and locating in South Bend. About 1856 he removed to Ohio, which continued as his home until 1862, and in that year returned to South Bend. During his residence in Ohio he was employed as a merchant, but on his return to Cass county, Michigan, he engaged in agricultural pursuits, thus continuing until his removal to St. Joseph county, Indiana, in 1891. Again he returned to South Bend, and is yet an honored resident in this city. In his native land Mr. Winkler married Barbara Brickman, a native also of Germany, and her death occurred when she had reached the age of sixty-eight years. In their family were six children, four sons and two daughters, all of whom grew to years of maturity and were an honor to the honored name.

F. C. Winkler, the eldest child in order of birth, was reared on a farm in Michigan, re- ceiving his elementary education in its com- mon schools and completing his training in Notre Dame University. He learned the wagon and carriage builders' trade at Niles, Michigan, and in 1877, with his brother Len-

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hart, engaged in the manufacturing business at what is known as Trutt Corners in Cass county, but three years later removed to South Bend and resumed their manufactur- ing, while in addition they also added the gro- cery, coal and wood business, admitting Charles H. Winkler to the partnership. The brother Lenhart died about 1897. After a time the grocery, coal and wood departments were abandoned, and in 1902 the firm was incorporated as the Winkler Brothers Manu- facturing Company, with F. C. Winkler, pres- ident; C. H. Winkler, vice-president; Will- iam Knobloek, treasurer, and John G. Grimm, secretary, these gentlemen also constituting the board of directors. In this large manu- factory are constructed business and delivery wagons of every description, and their plant has been constantly enlarged to meet the growing demands of the trade.

On the 6th of May, 1879, Mr. Winkler was united in marriage to Emma Jane Gardner, and their five children are Sada B., Jenevieve, Alfreda, Frederick Charles and Harold. Ever since attaining to years of maturity Mr. Winkler has taken an active part in the pub- lic affairs of his community, and has long been accounted one of the prominent and progressive citizens of South Bend, affiliating with the Democratie party. He has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a care- ful man of business, always known for his prompt and honorable methods of dealing, which have won the deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellow men. The family affiliate with the Catholic church, and he is also a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Paul's Benevolent Society.

JOHN C. WAGNER, who is now living re- tired from the active duties and cares of life, enjoying the fruits of his years of toil in the past, was born in Peru, La Salle county, Il- linois, on the 11th of September, 1849. Ilis father, John C. Wagner, a native of Prussia, Germany, came to America with his parents when about seventeen years of age, and after a residence in Maryland for a short time the family came to St. Joseph county in 1831. At that time John C. Wagner, Sr., entered the property which afterward became the county poor farm, on the Michigan road, which he owned and operated for about ten years, when he sold it and purchased the present Stover farm. At that time the property was owned by B. A. Birdsell, and Mr. Wagner subse- quently disposed of it to Jacob Stover, father

of Ex-Treasurer George H. Stover. Moving thenee to Mishawaka, he organized the first brewery in St. Joseph county, located on the present site of the Baker Wagon Works, but after conducting this for several years the brewery was converted into a furniture fac- tory. For a short time thereafter Mr. Wag- ner was a resident of Illinois, and returning to South Bend formed what is now known as the Kamm & Shellingar Brewery Company, which he conducted from 1849 until 1868. In the latter year he sold his interest therein and retired from the active cares of a business life, his death occurring when he had reached the age of eighty-two years. His name was inscribed high on the roll of St. Joseph coun- ty's honored pioneers, and he performed well his part in the further development of the community. Mrs. Wagner, who bore the maiden name of Barbara Meyer, was a native of Alsace, France, now a part of Germany, and was there reared and educated. Coming to America with her parents, the family home was first established in Ohio, but later in St. Joseph county, Indiana, and she lived to the age of seventy years. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Wagner were two children, the sis- ter of our subjeet being Rocelia, the wife of John Good, of Denver, Colorado.

John C. Wagner, the younger of the two children, was born during the sojourn of his parents in La Salle county, and when less than a year old they returned to St. Joseph county and he was educated in the schools of Mishawaka and the University of Notre Dame, in the latter institution taking the commercial course, while his preceptor in mathematics was Judge Howard, the editor of this work. During the long period of nine- teen years Mr. Wagner was proprietor of the Union House, and although retired from its active management, still owns the building in which it is located, on the corner of Michigan and Center streets. He also owns a business block at the corner of Main street and La Salle avenue, as well as the commodious home at 521 North Main street, in which he lives. A Democrat in his political affiliations, from 1884 until 1892 he was very active in the po- litical affairs of his community, having served as both city and county chairman and as a member of the State Central Committee of the Democratic party.

In 1870 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Wagner and Clara A. Meyer, a daughter of Jacob Meyer, late of Harris township, St. Jo-

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY As or Ler ax and Tildas I angations, 1909

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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

seph county. Six children have been born of this union, three sons and three daughters : J. Edward, of Chicago; Eba B., at home; Catharine B., wife of John Blakley, of South Bend; and Ada, Lulu and Fred, all at home.

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A history of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Volume 1, Part 92

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