USA > Indiana > St Joseph County > A history of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Volume 1 > Part 96
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Frederick W. Mueller. the second child and eldest son in order of birth, spent the early years of his life in the place of his nativity. receiving his education in its common schools. When he had reached the age of fifteen years he left home and served his time at the har- ness-maker's trade. It was in 1872 that he came to South Bend and worked at his trade as harness-maker until December, 1873. He served as a clerk for L. Nickel from 1874 until 1880, when he established his grocery store on the corner of Jefferson and Michigan streets, continuing at that location for twen- ty-six years. On the 18th of November, 1906, he moved into his present handsome building, 217 East Jefferson street. He is one of the oldest grocery dealers and most highly esteemed citizens of South Bend, and one of its best-known business men. His interests here are many and varied, for in addition to being proprietor of one of its leading grocery houses he is also treasurer of the South Bend Wholesale Grocery Company, a stockholder and a director in the Citizens National Bank, and a stockholder in the Citizens Loan & Trust Company ..
In 1880 Mr. Mueller was united in mar-
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riage to Anna M. Sack, whose father, Dr. John C. Sack, was numbered among the hon- ored, old pioneer physicians of St. Joseph county. She is a native daughter of South Bend. Six children have been born to bless their union, Edward, Thekla, E. Margaret, Gertrude A., Ella and Walter S. Mr. Muel- ler is a Democrat in his political affiliations, while fraternally he holds membership rela- tions with the Masonic order, and the Odd Fellows of South Bend. IIe is an active, hon- orable and highly esteemed citizen and busi- ness man, and enjoys to the fullest extent the highest regards of the community.
DELMAR C. LEER. Connected with the real estate business, Delmar C. Leer is well known in South Bend, where he has resided through- out his entire life and where the family have long been prominently identified with its in- terests. As early as 1830 his grandfather, Samuel Leer, journeyed to this city, where he built the little log house which stands on Vistula avenue, one of the first houses erected on that street and one of the valuable old landmarks of South Bend. His son Jacob, the father of Delmar C. Leer, and who was born in Miami county, Indiana, was but a babe of three years when he was brought by his parents to this city, and he continued to live and labor on the farm now owned by his son Delmar until his busy and useful life was ended, death claiming him when he had reached the age of sixty-four years. Two of his children are now living, a son and daugh- ter Kathryn.
The former, Delmar C. Leer, is a native son of the city of South Bend, his birth here occurring on the 3d of July, 1869, and in its public schools he received his educational training. Upon reaching the age of twenty years he embarked in the real estate business, having ever since been extensively engaged in the buying and selling of property, and he now owns about one hundred lots and has built about forty residences. He has platted two additions, known as First and Second Leer Additions to South Bend. In the line of his endeavor he has proved a valuable fac- tor to the business life of South Bend, and is rapidly winning for himself a name in con- nection with its industrial interests that is widely known. His interests are many and varied, and include the vice-presidency of the South Bend Brick Company.
In 1892 Mr. Leer was united in marriage to Elnora Denslow, the daughter of Robert
and Mary Denslow, and their only child is a son, Bertram R. Mr. Leer is prominent in the social as well as the business life of his community, and his fraternal relations con- nect him with the Elks and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
W. K. MCHENRY, who is identified with the manufacturing and real estate interests of South Bend, was born in county Antrim, Ireland. He received his edu- cation in Belfast, Ireland, where he at- tended a Methodist college. In 1892 he left his home in the old world and sailed for the United States, and after his arrival in this country went at once to Salina, Kansas, where for seven years he was successfully en- gaged in the dry goods business. On the ex- piration of that period, in 1899, he came to South Bend, and in company with his brothers, Daniel and John, engaged in the dry goods business under the firm name of McHenry & Company. In 1901, however, this firm dissolved partnership, the brothers engaging in the manufacture of roofing and machinery. About that time he also em- barked in the real estate and insurance busi- ness, in which he has been successfully en- gaged to the present time. He is a business man of more than ordinary ability and carries forward to completion whatever he under- takes. In his fraternal relations he is a mem- ber of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is also connected with the Com- mercial Athletic Club.
WILLIAM T. WYANT. One of the leading citizens and influential business men of South Bend during the past ten years, Mr. William T. Wyant is well known in industrial circles through his connection with the South Bend Cold Storage Company, of which he is the president and manager. His birth occurred in Plymouth, Marshall county, Indiana, Au- gust 5, 1866, a son of William and Lydia (Clemens) Wyant, also of that county, where they reared their son William to years of maturity and gave to him the advantages of a common-school education. In his native city of Plymouth he began his business career as a butter maker, spending eight years in that occupation with the Plymouth Creamery, and in that long period he learned the busi- ness in its every detail. Seeking a field in which to engage in business on his own ac- count, he came to South Bend in 1897, and in 1904 organized the South Bend Cold Stor- age Company, dealers in butter, eggs and
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cheese, and in the same year the building in which this business is transacted was erected, located at 414 and 416 South St. Joseph street. They are exclusively wholesale deal- ers, and about four persons are associated in the business. Mr. William T. Wyant is at the head of this large industrial concern, and is numbered among the influential residents of his adopted city.
In 1888 Mr. Wyant was united in marriage to Sarah J. Lechlitner, of German township, Marshall county, Indiana. They are held in high esteem in the community in which they have so long made their home, and their kindly social qualities have won for them the friendship and good will of all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance.
SAMUEL W. STARK is conspicuously iden- tified with the business life of South Bend as a contractor and builder, being associated in his work with II. G. Chrisman. Back to the land of Germany must we turn for the early ancestral history of the family, but long ago they left that country and crossed the ocean to the United States. There have been strong men and true as one generation has followed another, men leal and loyal to our national institutions and to the duties of citizenship. Mr. Stark's birth occurred in Prussia, Germany, November 9, 1843, and in the land of his nativity he received his educa- tion and learned his trade of a builder, hav- ing attended the Builder's High School in his native city, and from 1863 until 1866 he served in the engineering corps in the Ger- man army, while for twenty-six months he was secretary of the Engineer Guard. In 1866 he joined his parents in the United States, they having preceded him to this coun- try, and made his way at once to Cleveland, Ohio, where he gradually worked his way upward as a contractor. After a residence in that city of five years he removed to Chi- cago, Illinois, in 1871, where he worked at the mason's trade until 1873, coming thence to South Bend and securing employment by the day with the Studebaker Brothers, where his ability soon became recognized and it was not long until he was made their boss mason. During his connection with the Studebakers he erected about one-half of their build- ings, and he remained with them for ten years. a faithful and competent employe. At the expiration of that period Mr. Stark began contracting and build- ing, on his own account, and among
the many large structures which he erected may be mentioned the Grace M. E. church, the German Evangelical church on the east side of the river and the Presbyterian church, all of which were erected in the same year, also the school house on Lafayette street, the Studebaker. school, the Manual Training school, the Christian church, the Joe Oliver residence on Washington street, the Y. M. C. A. building, the Russworm har- ness shop, and it is known that he has erected more school houses, churches and dwellings than any one man in South Bend. In 1898 he became associated in the work with H. G. Chrisman, and since that time has been identified with much of the building of the city. He is one of the oldest contractors in St. Joseph county, and his commendable efforts have made his success well merited.
The marriage of Mr. Stark was celebrated in 1868, when Caroline Wanner. a native of Wellersburg, Germany, became his wife, and they have had four children : Emma, who became the wife of Joseph Horenn, collector for the Mishawaka Brewing Company and a resident of South Bend and she died February 19, 1899; Bertha, musical director for the Olympic Theater of this city; Clara, ticket seller at that theater; and William S., who is associated with the Mineral Point Zine Company in DePue, Illinois. Mr. Stark has given a stalwart support to the Democratic party, taking an active interest in the public affairs of his community, and is a prominent member of the Masonic order.
FRANK ELMER MACDONALD, secretary and general manager of the St. Joseph Lumber & Manufacturing Company, has been identi- fied with the lumber interests since he was ten years of age, and as its representative he has risen to a place of prominence in the commercial world. He is also numbered among South Bend's native sons, his natal day being the twenty-eighth of September, 1873, and his parents. Joseph and Sarah H. (Smith) MacDonald, both of whom were born in the commonwealth of Ohio. The father was numbered among the earliest residents of South Bend, where he be- came prominently known as a contrac- tor and builder, and many of the large and important buildings of this county were the result of his handiwork. The death of this honored South Bend pioneer oc- eurred when he had reached the sixty-seventh milestone on the journey of life, but is still
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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.
survived by his widow, who has returned to her native state of Ohio. They became the parents of four children, two sons and two daughters: Jennie B., the wife of W. H. Heek, of South Bend; Frank Elmer, whose name introduces this review; Cora, the wife of A. A. Waterfield, assistant manager of the Colfax Manufacturing Company on East La- Salle avenue; and Joseph A., with the South Bend Engraving Company.
Mr. Frank E. MaeDonald received his edu- cational training in the public schools of this city, and at the early age of ten years he began to work with his father. During eigh- teen years of his early life he was associated with the Indiana Lumber company, working his way upward in that corporation from a humble capacity to the important position of manager of their east side lumber yard, and for seven years he continued in that ca- pacity. In 1905 he organized the St. Joseph Lumber & Manufacturing Company, with the following members: Mr. II. M. Kauffman, C. P. Greene and Frank E. MaeDonald, the last named being made the manager. After a time Mr. Kauffman sold his interest to O. S. Hans, and the present members and of- ficers are: C. B. Greene, president and treasurer; O. S. IIans, vice-president; and Frank E. MaeDonald, secretary and general manager. The company operate a factory in connection with their lumber yard, and furnish employment to from ten to fifteen men. The long experience of Mr. MacDonald in the lumber business enables him to conduct the duties connected with his important posi- tion with ability, and his well directed ef- forts, sound judgment and capable manage- ment have brought to the company a gratify- ing suecess.
The marriage of Frank E. MacDonald and Miss Lida Harpster was celebrated on the twenty-fifth of June, 1902. She is a daughter of David and Amanda Harpster, and they have become the parents of two children, a son and a daughter. Horace E. and Helen Ruth. In national politics Mr. MacDonald casts his ballot with the Democracy, but in local affairs he is not bound by party ties. As a citizen he is held in high esteem, and as a business man he is rapidly winning a high place in life's activities.
GEORGE N. WHITEMAN has long been closely identified with the interests of South Bend, and today stands at the head of many of its leading industrial concerns, 38
being vice-president of the Whiteman Whole- sale Grocery Company, president of the South Bend Paper Box Company, and is also serv- ing as a councilman at large of this eity. He was born in Portage township, St. Jo- seph county, Indiana, December 15, 1858, his father being Abram Whiteman, who came from his native commonwealth of Pennsyl- vania to Indiana in 1854, locating on a farm in Portage township, St. Joseph county. His entire business career was devoted to agricul- tural pursuits, and he lived to the age of eighty-three years, passing away in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was long a faithful member. Mrs. White- man bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Beeh- ler, and was a native of Germany, but came to America in her girlhood days and lived to the age of seventy-nine years. In the family of this worthy pioneer couple were nine children, seven sons and two daughters, all of whom are living at the present time.
George N. Whiteman, the fifth child and fifth son in order of birth, spent the period of his boyhood and youth on the old home farm in Portage township, early becoming in- ured to its varied duties, and when not thus employed attended the district school near his home. After attaining to years of maturity he began the business of teaming in South Bend, following that occupation for five years, while during the following four years he was engaged in the confectionery business. Sell- ing his interest therein on the expiration of that period he embarked in the wholesale gro- very business in 1891, at that time forming a partnership with his brother William, while in 1906 the business was incorporated under the name of the Whiteman Brothers Company, wholesale grocers, of which George N. White- man is the vice-president. In the same year he also built the factory known as the South Bend Paper Box Manufactory, of which he is the president, and is also a stockholder in the Whiteman Land company. It is a master mind that can plan, exeente and control large institutions, and the man who stands at their head well deserves to be ranked among the most prominent business men of his city, where only ability of a very superior order is now recognized.
In 1882 Mr. Whiteman was united in mar- riage to Mary Borough, but she died leaving one son, Warren, of Chicago, Illinois. He was afterward married to Annie Wagner, and they have two daughters, Edith and Esther.
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In matters of public moment Mr. Whiteman is deeply interested, giving his support to the Democratic party. and in 1900 he was elected to represent his ward in the city council of South Bend, being returned to that office in 1906. He is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees. the Elks and Owls.
HENRY GARDNER NILES. The life history of Henry Gardner Niles is closely identified with the history of St. Joseph county, which has been his home for many years. He began his remarkable career in the early pioneer epoch of the county, and throughout the years which have since come and gone has been closely allied with its interests and upbuild- ing. His life has been one of untiring ac- tivity, and has been crowned with a high degree of success. He is of the highest type of business man, and none more than he de- serves a fitting recognition among those whose enterprise and abilities have achieved results that awaken the admiration of those who know him. Mr. Niles was born in Geneva, New York, February 11. 1833. his parents being John and Catherine (Gardner) Niles, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of New York. In 1837 the father came to South Bend, Indiana, but after a short resi- dence there, during which he was connected with Alexis Coquillard as advisor in the building of water power, he came to Misha- waka in 1838 and became connected with the St. Joseph Iron Company, the original works, and Mishawaka at that time was known only as St. Joseph Iron Works. In connection with this industry he also operated a smelt- ing works and store. This company executed all the iron work done for hundreds of miles around. In 1855 Mr. Niles purchased the interest of the other partners, and until his death was president of that large corporation and had entire charge of its control. His busy and useful life was ended on the eighth of September, 1874, when he had reached the seventy-first milestone on the journey of life.
In the forties Henry G. Niles, a son of this honored old Indiana pioneer, came to Mishawaka, this being in the midst of the campaign of "Tippecanoe and Tyler too." and in its public schools and the University of Michigan he received his educational train- ing. In the meantime his father and asso- ciates had purchased an iron mine and erected a blast furnace in Wisconsin, sixty miles from Milwaukee, and young Henry went there to take charge of the store connected with
the works. Three years later he returned to Mishawaka, but two years afterward went to Watertown, Wisconsin, and was engaged in business there for himself for two years. During this time his father had purchased his partners' interest and the son then re- turned and assumed control of the mercantile department. thus continuing until his father's retirement ten years later, when he was given the management of the entire works. After the expiration of the old charter it was trans- ferred to the new corporation, of which he became secretary. The new company manu- facture plows. The company went out of existence in 1903. and since that time Mr. Niles has owned and conducted the entire plant. He is also president of the South Bend Woolen Company. of which he is the prin- cipal owner, and he owns large landed in- terests in Mishawaka.
In 1857 Mr. Niles was married to Martha Spencer Drapier, a daughter of Ariel Drapier, publisher of the St. Joseph County Forum in South Bend. Five children have been born of this union: Josephine, the wife of W. W. Hubbard. of Indianapolis; Harry G., manager and treasurer of the South Bend Woolen Company : John, in business with his father: Stanley A., secretary of the South Bend Woolen Company : and Catherme, now Mrs. Bressler. Mr. Niles is a member of Lodge No. 130, of the Masonic fraternity, also of the Chapter and Council, and is a worthy and acceptable member of the Christian church. He is thoroughly identified in feel- ing with the growth and prosperity of the county which has so long been his home, and in years past he served the town of Misha- waka as trustee and also as president of the board of trustees. As a business man he is upright, reliable and honorable. Few men have more devoted friends than he, and none excell him in unselfish devotion and unswery- ing fidelity to the worthy recipients of his confidence and friendship.
ADOLPH KAMM. One of the leading busi- ness men of Mishawaka is Adolph Kamm, a man whose history furnishes a spendid ex- ample of what may be accomplished through determined purpose, laudable ambition and well directed efforts. Starting out in life for himself at an early age he has steadily worked his way upward and is now the senior mem- ber of the Kamm & Schellinger Brewing Company. He was born at Zoebingen Ober- ant Elevanger. Wurtemberg. Germany, June
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13, 1842, a son of Frank J. and Antonia Maria ( Wurstner) Kamm. The father came to the United States in 1848, taking up his abode in Fryburg, Ohio, where the son Adolph remained until his sixteenth year. He then went to Delphos, Ohio, to become an em- plove of a brewing company, and also fol- lowed the same occupation in Fort Wayne and Toledo. Coming to Mishawaka in 1870, he became associated in business with
Clemens Diek. purchasing the brewery of John Wagner, who had established it as early as 1853. At that time the
business was not a very paying basis, but by hard and persistent labor and honest dealing the new firm soon placed it on the road to prosperity, equipping it with the best and latest improved machinery, and it soon became recognized among the leading breweries of Indiana. Mr. Dick subsequently sold his interest to his partner. who then ad- mitted his brother-in-law, Nicholas Schell- inger, into the firm, business being thereafter condneted under the name of the Kamm & Schellinger Brewing Company. Under the new regime the business has continued to pros- per and grow, and in 1883 it was incorporated with a capital of sixty-five thousand dollars. Improvements are constantly being made. and a new ice plant of a most approved plan has just been added. The output of the brewery is thirty-three thousand barrels a year, and this is one of the largest industrial interests of the county.
In 1869 Mr. Kamm married Maria Weber, of Toledo, Ohio, whose death occurred in 1871, and he subsequently married Josephine Schellinger. They have become the parents of ten children, the eldest of whom, Rudolph. is associated with his father in business.
NICHOLAS SCHELLINGER. Mishawaka in- eludes among its leading business men Nicho- las Schellinger. the treasurer of the Kamm & Schellinger Brewing Company. He was born in Mnehlheim. Wurtemberg. Germany, No- vember 4. 1847, a son of Xavier and Elizabeth (Hnber) Schellinger. The father was a suc- cessful miller in his native land, and after coming to the United States took up his abode in Mishawaka, where he became prominently identified with its business interests. The son Nicholas received his education in Ger- many, and, accompanying the family on their emigration to America, soon became connected with the business life of Mishawaka. In 1880
his brother-in-law, Adolph Kamm, admitted him to a partnership in the brewery, the firm then becoming known as the Kamm & Schell- inger Brewing Company, of which Mr. Sehellinger became the treasurer. Ilis life has been characterized by industry, deter- mination and ambition, and these qualities have enabled him to steadily work his way upward to success, and he now ranks among the prominent business men of St. Joseph county.
Mr. Schellinger married Amelia Kamm, a daughter of Frank J. and a sister of his part- ner, Adolph Kamm. Of their ten children five are living.
Mr. Schellinger is a member of the Catho- lic church, the Catholic Order of Foresters, Elks, Turn Verein and the Maennerchor.
OTTO E. LANG, to whom belongs the dis- tinetion of being the oldest hardware mer- chant in Mishawaka. was born in Penn town- ship. St. Joseph county, Indiana, April 17, 1858. His father. Frederick Lang, was a native of Wurtemberg, Prussia, Germany, but when seventeen years of age he left his native land for America, first establishing his home in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, but in the fifties came to St. Joseph county. Indiana, where he purchased a farm in Penn township. In addition to his agricultural labors he was also employed as a lumberman and saw mill man, and his busy and useful life was ended at the age of sixty-four years. Mr. Lang had married in early life Ernestine Frank. who was born in Pennsylvania, and their mar- riage was celebrated in that commonwealth. She too was laid to rest at the age of sixty- four years. after becoming the mother of fonr children, the three daughters being Emma. the' eldest daughter, who died in 1892. wife of F. E. Milburn: Tillie D., wife of C. D. Hilderbrand, of South Bend; and Minnie. wife of Henry MeKnight. of Toledo, Ohio.
Otto E. Lang, the eldest child, spent the early years of his life in Penn township and Mishawaka, receiving his education in the common and high schools of the city. In 1886 he embarked in the hardware business in Mishawaka, and from that time to the pres- ent his name has been prominently associated with that line of trade. in which he has won an enviable reputation. and he now has the honor of being one of the oldest merchants in the city and its oldest hardware dealer. His interests, however. have been many and
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varied, and at the present time he is serving as a director in the Mishawaka Trust and Savings Bank.
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