A history of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Volume 2, Part 34

Author: Howard, Timothy Edward, 1837-1916
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Chicago, New York, The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 887

USA > Indiana > St Joseph County > A history of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Volume 2 > Part 34

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

up a large huang hops. It was ..... in Penn township. S Beph cole. Indiana. October 27. 15.31 F ww and Martha iMeant, frites, and a : of Themay and the (15 The for was born in England m 1-27. and was but four years of age at the ; the of the tre mon n of lo boats to this con t.s. ! tt . ndy fir . k .A. in New York. Thomas dr. les sale quietly removed to Huntington. indiana, and theus to St. I soph county in 1-18 purchasing a firm of eighty deres in Madison township, to which he later added a trace of forty aires. As the years passe by he si weded in clearing the most of his land, and was muubered among the leading gerionturists of the towns In the fall of 1×61 he enlisted for service a the Cwil war.

Digitized by Google

and for nine would 'te It

Finch

Digitized by

Google

805

HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

in Mishawaka, his energy and enterprise, capable management and honorable dealings having brought to him a comfortable compe- tence, and therefore he put aside business cares to rest in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.

Mr. Buchheit gives his political support to the Democratic party, and at one time was his party's candidate for the office of county commissioner, and although defeated by one hundred and eighteen votes, he carried South Bend and Portage township. His reputation in business has ever been unassailable, and in all the walks of life he is found true to duty and the trusts reposed in him.

FRANK J. FINCH. In connection with the undertaking business the name of Frank J. Finch is not limited to the confines of Misha- waka, but extends throughout the surround- ing country. When we trace the careers of those whom the world acknowledges as suc- cessful and of those who stand high in public esteem we find that in almost every case they are those who have risen gradually by their own efforts, their diligence and perseverance. These qualities are undoubtedly possessed by Mr. Finch, who is the acknowledged leader in undertaking circles in Mishawaka. His birth occurred in Penn township of St. Joseph county, three miles northeast of this city, August 13, 1876, his parents being Charles H. and Levina (Huntsinger) Finch, both also natives of St. Joseph county. The father claimed Penn township as the place of his nativity, and there he continued to reside until a few years ago, when he moved to Mishawaka and embarked in the grocery busi- ness, continuing in that occupation for about five years. At the close of that period he retired from active business cares and re- moved to South Bend, where he is spending the evening of a long and useful life. Mrs. Finch passed away at the early age of thirty- five years, and in their family were four sons and one daughter, but the latter died at the age of thirteen years.

Frank J. Finch, the second child and sec- ond son, remained on the old home farm in Penn township until about nine years of age, when he came to Mishawaka, and at the early age of thirteen years he began the battle of life for himself, working for a time at any occupation which would yield him an honest living. When he had reached the age of twenty years he entered upon an ap- prenticeship at the furniture and undertak-

ing business, at first receiving the munificent salary of three dollars a week and board, and for nine years he remained in the employ of J. S. Ellis. At the expiration of that period, in 1902, he engaged in business for himself, practically without capital, but gradually his indomitable perseverance and unfaltering energy enabled him to slowly mount the ladder of success and to become the proprietor of his former employer's busi- ness. Previous to this time, however, he had graduated from Dr. Myers' school of embalm- ing in Cincinnati, Ohio, and had received a state license. In addition to his extensive undertaking business he also conducts a hack line and livery stable, and is one of the enter- prising young business men of Mishawaka.

In 1900 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Finch and Grace Crooks, she being a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Crooks, of Penn township, St. Joseph county, Indiana. The only child of this union is a daughter, Emily Lovina. Mr. Finch holds membership relations with the Masonic, the Modern Woodmen, the Knights of the Maccabees, the Knights of Pythias and Odd Fellows frater- nities.

LAWRENCE W. CRAKES. The deserved re- ward of a well spent life is an honored retirement from business in which to enjoy the fruits of former toil. To-day, after a use- ful and beneficent career, Mr. Crakes is quietly living at his pleasant home in Misha- waka, surrounded by the comforts that ear- nest labor has brought to him. He is one of its most prominent citizens, winning this place by his commendable characteristics and busi- ness ability, through which he was able to build up a large lumber business. He was born in Penn township, St. Joseph county, Indiana, October 27, 1851, a grandson of Francis and Martha (Marshall) Crakes, and a son of Thomas and Mary Crakes. The father was born in England in 1827, and was but four years of age at the time of the emigration of his parents to this country, the family first locating in New York. Thomas Crakes subsequently removed to Huntington, Indiana, and thence to St. Joseph county in 1848, purchasing a farm of eighty acres in Madison township, to which he later added a tract of forty acres. As the years passed by he succeeded in clearing the most of his land, and was numbered among the leading agriculturists of the township. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted for service in the Civil war,

Digitized by Google

806

HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

entering the Forty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he served for three years and three months, entering the ranks as a corporal, and at the time of his discharge was serving as sergeant. During his army service he was severely wounded in the col- lar bone, and in compensation for his army life he afterward drew a pension. Mr. Crakes participated in many of the important bat- tles of the conflict, including the siege of Vicksburg, and after the close of the war he returned to the old home farm in St. Joseph county. He had been previously mar- ried to Mary (Moon) Hollingshead, a native of New York and at that time a widow. Her death occurred in 1868, and by her marriage to Mr. Crakes she became the mother of three sons and three daughters,-Francis M. (deceased), Lawrence W., Martha A., Mary J., George O. and Hattie H., all of whom were born and reared in St. Joseph county. Mr. Crakes affiliated with the Republican party, and also in later years upheld the principles of the Prohibition party, while religiously he was an active member of the Methodist church, in which he held the of- fice of treasurer. He gave his support to many of the leading business enterprises of St. Joseph county, but his principal occupa- tion was in connection with milling, having for many years been the proprietor of a saw mill in Madison township, while for three years he conducted a mill in Alabama. His life's labors were ended in death when he had reached the seventy-seventh milestone on the journey of life.

Lawrence W. Crakes, a son of this leading business man and pioneer citizen of St. Jo- seph county, received his education in the district schools of Madison township, and the early years of his life were spent on the old homestead farm, which he assisted in clearing and cultivating. In the fall of 1872 he went south with his father, making the journey with teams to Madison county, Alabama, where they engaged in farming for three years. Returning thence to St. Joseph county he engaged in the saw mill and lumber busi- ness with his father, but returned in 1885 to Alabama, to Jackson county, where he en- gaged in the saw milling business, coming again to St. Joseph county in 1888. He re- mained with his father until the latter's re- tirement in the fall of 1888, when he pur- chased the business and property and con-

tinued its conduct until his retirement in 1903.

On the 14th of September, 1881, Mr. Crakes was united in marriage to Carrie M. Sarber, born in Michigan City, Indiana, to William and Sarah (Hunstable) Sarber. Mr. S. P. L. Hunstable, the grandfather of Mrs. Crakes, was a shoe dealer in Niles for fifty years. During her girlhood days Mrs. Crakes came to St. Joseph county with her parents, where the father followed farming in Madison township, and after the mother's death they removed to South Bend, he there resuming his trade of carpentering. Four sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Crakes, namely : Willis Hunstable, Francis Willard, both now at Los Angeles, California; Clar- ence Sarber and Thomas Steele, all born and reared in St. Joseph county. Strictly tem- perate in all his habits, Mr. Crakes upholds the principles of the Prohibition party, and is also a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has won and retains the esteem of his friends and associates and the confidence of the business public.

L. E. HINER, a member of the firm of Hess & Hiner, general contractors and builders of Mishawaka, with offices at 517 Bridge street, was born in Madison township, St. Joseph county, Indiana, July 23, 1858, a son of Abraham C. Hiner, who claimed New Jer- sey as the state of his nativity. He was reared, however, in Pennsylvania, and in an early days came to St. Joseph county, estab- lishing his home in Madison township, where he was engaged in general agricultural pur- suits for many years. He now resides in Mishawaka, one of the honored old pioneer residents of the county. Mrs. Hiner, whose birth occurred in Ohio, is also living, and to this revered old couple were born seven chil- dren, all of whom are proving worthy repre- sentatives of the honored family name.

L. E. Hiner, their eldest child, spent the first seventeen years of his life on the old homestead farm in Madison township, assist- ing in its cultivation and improvement, and afterward learned and followed the milling trade for about four years, when he was com- pelled to relinquish its work on account of failing health. Since that time he has fol- lowed the carpenter's trade, and in 1906 a partnership was formed with Mr. Hess, whose history will be found elsewhere in this work. The firm of Hess & Hiner is well known throughout this section of St. Joseph county,

Digitized by Google

7.10

. :

PU ..

·Y

Agter

Digitized by

Google

Digitized by

Google

HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNT'

diact a and bmilder, they hav . mais of the permettent build nes, and "Homens with straightfor-

1. is. Mr. Hinter is also produitently web- "i the sweet life of the city. hold in tap relations with the order of tul , and the Maurice and r. and is a Republican in his pontual additions. is the regard af pis follow chezens. avecal's known in Mishawaka and & county.

During de long period hermosa Fra W. Kiss has been

with Batty of the interests the' Fave 'ted to os subs antial de vb p ment y ement. I probity. Hide and ' worth have won hin the noord byl .. of his fellow tow .... in. art I'" massas down the western alope of ! aniaway is pred sed by the respect and when ever to how an upright career. Wirth occurn I in Prusia, værmany. · ary ". 1845 and in tis native place red a4 ' : ttended seboot until fifteen is if we, after which he served in ap- weship of five years at the . here's trade. De to Amor'a in Ists, Mr. Kuss Best a Chicago, Illinois, where for the : - be blood be trade, and for two years Grey i Sam Band On the copia. * that perord. in 1-13. be read in banery and ur ry mas. sin that Is roginting for twelve years, and Jan resided. on a fam in Peru . oming theme to Maiavara. i. 1:

: his work of bading which has ever aimet his entire time and afterti 19 be viened kie prosent establish- a which be farribes employment to His name stands company .ely " the history of the berries after Wi-haw. ra. or through many years ", of its ladomy feeters pro- spring and pres mg Three stress, and to Mr. Kiss .. ... It. a handsome comprithe band of his wait directed + forts. Brith of March. 1871 he was unite 1 to Mary Wie, Whose doanh os- 11 the 27th of April. 1905, leaving

1.MAIren. ( haylie, Edward and Apia. For many years Me Kuss has "is part in local politics and for Represented the Second ward in

the city connell, wrt

boas. this fratet .... : Odd Follows. His useful and honorable has we'd agent life to of h > tellow men.

DAVID, MOORE. Am.

numbered Davit Moore, w. account of a hip which is " finnished by the most sie of character. The family s Ohio in a very vet's day I. of Based John. .. .. W .. . . M. m. and be ... Ale son cours. who. i'm latte

state whol save his birth at deve years. In his early lite h both Hage, a native dough. vania, but reared 9; Ohio inen Jesus and she lived to the .

ten Ii. three sous . Die !! of www www to years of water

L'And More att ing to years of .. .. in the Native state of Oh , and then ! :

af are in brand working is 1 . . .... .. theretop I was in June 1-13. that . arrived in Malawia. I . "apa. a. I for the

times of the way. In . he went to Vih

in the factory In 1-51 he ngan this con. acting as , Lapida .. operators, and sage test thee bas ereet .! muy of the box rand . a. p. Mishawaka and Was mone is this

the building in- teresa, and he has a' womens m this

banane la residence in Vihara, Iowa. . ISit. Vir. Moore was un' dir marriage to Envilla B Fdenfield. a native of Ohio and a daughter of William DaCor- Landthat Four th ldren have been born of this tran. names : Hay M., a resident of South Bend! Otto Go. who makes his har . in Misha the. Charles Allant attending a warning : d. log in South Bend: and With it are. "he died at the age of nineteen pas. Ofta

Digitized by

Google

Digitized by

Google

807

HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

for as contractors and builders they have erected many of the principal buildings, and their name is synonymous with straightfor- ward business principles and honorable methods. Mr. Hiner is also prominently iden- tified with the social life of the city, holding membership relations with the order of Odd Fellows and the Masonic order, and is a stanch Republican in his political affiliations. He enjoys the regard of his fellow citizens, and is favorably known in Mishawaka and St.Joseph county.

FRED W. Kuss. During the long period of thirty-three years Fred W. Kuss has been a resident of Mishawaka, and has been iden- tified with many of the interests that have contributed to its substantial development and improvement. His probity, fidelity and sterling worth have won him the unqualified confidence of his fellow townsmen, and now as he passes down the western slope of life his pathway is brightened by the respect and honor which ever follow an upright career. His birth occurred in Prussia, Germany, February 27, 1845, and in his native place was reared and attended school until fifteen years of age, after which he served an ap- prenticeship of five years at the baker's trade. Coming to America in 1868, Mr. Kuss first located in Chicago, Illinois, where for three years he plied his trade, and for two years was a baker in South Bend. On the expira- tion of that period, in 1873, he engaged in both the bakery and grocery business in that city, thus continuing for twelve years, and for three years resided on a farm in Penn township. Coming thence to Mishawaka, he resumed his work of baking, which has ever since claimed his entire time and attention, and in 1905 he opened his present establish- ment, in which he furnishes employment to nine men. His name stands conspicuously forth in the history of the business inter- ests of Mishawaka, for ,through many years he has been one of its leading factors, pro- gressive, enterprising and persevering. These qualities always win success, and to Mr. Kuss they have brought a handsome competence as the reward of his well directed efforts.

On the 26th of March, 1874, he was united in marriage to Mary Wies, whose death oc- curred on the 25th of April, 1905, leaving three children, Charlie, Edward and Anna, all at home. For many years Mr. Kuss has taken an active part in local politics, and for six years represented the Second ward in

the city council, while in 1905 he was elected councilman at large, which position he now holds. His fraternal relations are with the Odd Fellows. His career has been an active, useful and honorable one, and by reason of his well spent life he enjoys the high regard of his fellow men.

DAVID MOORE. Among those who have achieved success in their chosen calling is numbered David Moore, whose record is the account of a life which is uneventful, yet dis- tinguished by the most substantial qualities of character. The family was established in Ohio in a very early day by the grandfather of David, John Moore, who was a native of Maryland, and his son, Abraham Moore, the father of our subject, was a native of Harri- son county, Ohio. The latter was employed as a cooper, stone cutter and shoemaker, and his busy and useful life was ended in the state which gave him birth at the age of sixty- three years. In his early life he married Eliza- beth Hagey, a native daughter of Pennsyl- vania, but reared in Ohio from the age of six years, and she lived to the good old age of ninety-two years. In their family were thir- teen children, three sons and three daughters of whom grew to years of maturity and five are now living.

David Moore attained to years of maturity in his native state of Ohio, and when fourteen years of age he began working for himself, although he remained at home for some years thereafter. It was in June, 1873, that he arrived in Mishawaka, Indiana, and for three years he was employed in the furniture fac- tories of the city. In 1876 he went to Villis- ca, Iowa, but returned to this city in 1878 and resumed his employment in the factory. In 1881 he began his contracting and building operations, and since that time has erected many of the best residences in Mishawaka and surrounding country. His name is thus prominently associated with the building in- terests, and he has achieved success in this vocation.

During his residence in Villisca, Iowa, in 1877, Mr. Moore was united in marriage to Ervilla B. Edenfield, a native of Ohio and a daughter of William DeCorse Edenfield. Four children have been born of this union, namely : Guy M., a resident of South Bend ; Otto G., who makes his home in Mishawaka : Charles Albert, attending a commercial col- lege in South Bend; and William DeCorse, who died at the age of nineteen years. Otto

Digitized by Google

808

HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

G., the second son, served three years in the Twenty-eighth Regiment Infantry, spending over two years in the Philippines, and he now lives in Grand Rapids. He married Minnie McDougal and has a daughter, Helen Ervilla. Mr. Moore of this review holds fraternal rela- tions with the Knights of the Maccabees, and politically is allied with the Republicans. Although he has led a busy life he has yet found time to devote to those interests which develop the best interests of the community, and his many admirable characteristics have gained him a wide circle of friends.

A. S. HESS. During a number of years the subject of this memoir has been classed among the prominent and influential citi- zens of Mishawaka, and is now a member of the firm of Hess and Hiner, which has been an important element in this community, affording employment to many of the citi- zens and aiding materially in the prosperity of the town. A native son of the Keystone state, he was born in Evansville, Pennsyl- vania, August 27, 1869, a son of John I. and Sarah (Bowsher) Hess, also natives of that commonwealth. The father was employed as an iron worker, and his entire life was spent in the state of his nativity. Mr. and Mrs. Hess were the parents of four daughters and three sons, of whom their son A. S. was the fourth child in order of birth. After com- pleting his education he was employed at various occupations in Pennsylvania, and in 1888 he came to Mishawaka, Indiana, spend- ing the first year and a half here in the Dodge plant, and then began learning the mason's trade. So proficient did he become in his work that in the spring of 1896 he was able to begin contracting in masonry work, while in 1906 he formed a partnership with L. E. Hiner, and they conduct a general con- tracting and building business. many of the principal buildings of Mishawaka standing as monuments to their skill and ability. In addition Mr. Hess is also engaged to a con- siderable extent in the real estate and insur- ance business, his varied relations placing him among the leading business men of his adopted city.

In 1891 occurred the marriage of Mr. Hess to Clara E. Williams, but after a happy mar- ried life of twelve years the wife was called to the home beyond, passing away in Sep- tember, 1903, and in September, 1904, Mr. Hess married Della Margaret, the daughter of Anthony E. Keagy. Mr. Hess gives a

stanch support to the Republican party, and for seven years was its representative in the city council of Mishawaka, while for one year he was president of the board of city com- missioners. He was an intelligent and popu- lar official, systematic and careful in the dis- charge of his duties, courteous to all, and he won many friends while in office. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, the Masonic order and the Elks in South Bend. He is a broad-minded, pro- gressive man and public spirited citizen, and in all life's relations is found true to all the duties of business, public and social life which the day may bring forth.

CHARLES V. KORPAL. Among the citizens of South Bend to whom has been accorded a high place in business and social circles is Charles V. Korpal, who came to this city in 1870, and from that time to the present has taken an active share in the development of the resources of this locality. He was born in Poland, Germany, February 14, 1853, and in his native country received an excellent educational training, having studied for the priesthood and for a teacher, but not desir- ing to enter the professions he made the journey alone to the United States in 1870, when a lad of eighteen years, being the only representative of his family in this country. Making his way at once to South Bend he se- cured employment in the Oliver foundry, this being the first work he had ever performed, but he only remained there about one year and then went to Chicago and accepted a po- sition with the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company, with whom he remained for six months. Returning thence to South Bend Mr. Korpal spent one year with the Stude- baker Brothers, while for the following five years he was again with the Olivers, and on the expiration of that period was appointed a street commissioner, continuing to discharge the duties of that office with ability for a period of three years. His appointment as street commissioner was received from Judge Howard, and at the close of his term of office he was made a member of the police force, and after serving thereon for four years became a mail carrier under Cleveland's administra- tion. Thus for a long period Mr. Korpal re- mained in public service, and he was ever faithful to the obligations devolving upon him, winning for himself the high commenda- tion of his fellow citizens.

With a splendid official record to serve as

Digitized by Google

Chas. V. Normal.

Digitized by

Google

.1. Me Moss gives a.

JOSEPH COUNTY.

Vas president of .. .

: S.

It was a . 1

Val p my friends when i bet of the I.depende Bond. He Is a ban and pub 'e

it from that tens . it ative stare in il. "wyrus of this morality Poland, Germany. Foto: 14. 0

wat one traum. z having ....... then! and for a tracks . 1. 1 to cater to profession n. .

or to the United States . led af wichtig years, bringt

Is zap at once to South !! that in the Oliver io it the that work he had ever is i only remained there about Dan wery to Chicag , and a . : with the Olreago & Att . "s. with whom he remattl .f Returning the top in Soph . A mor spent one year with the - 1 Brothers, while for the following : he was ca. . with the Oli .... . expradon of that period was .

the dates of that other with all; .... .! of three years Das appet ··· metoder was made for das end and at the olie of fate !! ! No was make a member of the pe !. .. afterwe me heren for farver.

This for a long way od M. K. :

i Had to the obligations ..

haa winning for time if the he 1 . tion of his fellow citi ans.

With a splen did ationd' meet &

Digitized by Google

Chas.V. Korfbal. 1

Digitized by

Google

A. 16.

· KY

Digitized by Google

809

HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

a voucher for honorable and straightforward dealing Mr. Korpal then entered upon an independent business career, first on Duntum street and then at his present location, 1143- 1149 West Division street, where he has re- mained for twelve years and where he is well known as a general merchant. His political support is given to the Democratic party, and he is an active worker in its ranks. In 1892 he was the choice of his party for the posi- tion of councilman, in which he represented the Sixth ward.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

A history of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Volume 2, Part 34

Author: Howard, Timothy Edward, 1837-1916 Publication date: 1907 Publisher: Chicago, New York, The Lewis publishing company Number of Pages: 887

Author: Howard, Timothy Edward, 1837-1916
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Chicago, New York, The Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 887