A history of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Volume 2, Part 42

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 42

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HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY.

has been spent in St. Joseph county. He gives his political support to the Democracy, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

WILLIAM CLENNY, deceased, was one of the sturdy pioneers of St. Joseph county, where for many years he was engaged in car- pentering, and for eight years afterwards he farmed and conducted a mill. His birth occurred in Randolph county, Indiana, Feb- ruary 8, 1824, his parents being Curtis and Mary C. (Milliner) Clenny, both of whom were natives of North Carolina. On the ma- ternal side he was descended from an old English family who lost their property in this country during the Revolutionary war. The parents were numbered among the earliest settlers of Randolph county, where they were well known farming people, and in their family were twelve children, three sons and nine .daughters.

William Clenny, their eldest son and fifth .child, was an invalid from his early youth, having been afflicted with hip disease, but bravely he surmounted all obstacles which barred his path to success, and at his death left a valuable landed estate. His first mar- riage was celebrated in Randolph county, Indiana, Miss Sarah Garrett becoming his wife, and the two children of this union are both deceased. Shortly after their marriage they came with team and wagon to St. Joseph county, locating in Union township, where Mr. Clenny secured two hundred and eighty acres of land. In 1860, however, he aban- doned the work of the farm, and from that time forward devoted his attention to his saw mills. About 1865 he sold the saw mills and bought a grist mill, and with his partner, Nelson Eldredy, who had been with him in the saw mill, conducted this until 1872. He gave a life long support to the Republican party, being an active worker in its ranks, and was a worthy member of the Masonic order.

Five years after their coming to St. Joseph county the wife died, and in 1859 Mr. Clenny married Mrs. Elizabeth (Brumfield) Bron- son, the widow of Nathan Bronson, who was a native of Ohio, but became a well known farmer in Randolph county, where his death subsequently occurred, leaving one daughter. Mrs. Clenny was born in Randolph county April 22, 1837. the daughter of Jesse and Sarah (Davis) Brumfield the mother having been a native of the Shenandoah valley in

Virginia. The father was a minister in the New Light Christian church, and in addition to his ministerial labors also worked as a millwright and farmer. In their family were ten children, six sons and four daughters, of whom Mrs. Clenny was the eighth child and third daughter in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Clenny became the parents of three children, two sons and a daughter, and wher- ever known the family is held in high regard. Mr. Clenny was a manly man, and the honor and esteem in which he was held by all who came in contact with him was but the just tribute to his worth. He passed away Octo- ber 2, 1890, loved and honored by all who knew him. His widow resides with her daughter, Mrs. Dr. F. M. Sawyer.

Mr. Clenny became a member of the Meth- odist church, as did his wife, in 1861. He was class leader and trustee for many years. Mrs. Clenny is still a member of that denom- ination.

GILBERT L. ELLIOTT. Although many years have passed since Mr. Gilbert L. El- liott was called from this life to the home beyond, his memory is still enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him, and his name was long and prominently connected with the. business interests of South Bend. His birth occurred in the far-off land of India, at Marut, on the 28th of February, 1837, and his father, Robert Elliott, was born in the north of Ireland, and was an officer in the English army. In that capacity he was sent to Marut, India, where he was married, and there his son Gilbert was born and was reared to the age of twelve years. Returning thence to England with his father, he was educated in a college of the mother country, from whence he came to America when he had reached his twentieth year, in 1857. Locating at Hamilton, Canada, he secured a position in the auditor's office of the Great Western Railroad, was also station agent at Bothwell, Canada, and later became agent of the Michigan Central Railroad at Kalamazoo, Michigan. After a five years' residence in that city he came to South Bend, where he was given charge of the freight and passen- ger department of the Michigan Central Rail- road, and continued to discharge the duties of that important position for twenty-five years, or until his life's labors were ended in death on the 19th of April, 1896. He became well known in the business and social life of this city, taking an active part in

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its public affairs, and his services were ever put forth for the betterment of mankind. In the beneficent and helpful order of Ma- sonry he also attained to a high position, reaching the thirty-second degree, and he was the incumbent of many of its most promi- nent positions.

Mrs. Elliott bore the maiden name of Anna McElroy, and was born in county Down, Ireland, May 21, 1839, the daughter of Wil- liam and Sarah (Lacock) McElroy, who came from their native land of county Derry, Ire- land, to America and established their home at Serell, Canada, during the early child- hood days of their daughter Anna. She was one of five children, four daughters and a son, the latter being James McElroy, also a native of Ireland, and he and Mrs. Elliott are now the only living members of the fam- ily. Mrs. Elliott has four sons and two daughters living: Robert R., of Springfield, Illinois, with the Beckwith Round Oak Stove Company; William H., a resident of South Bend; Henry, also of this city; Elizabeth, with her mother; Anna, the wife of Charles L. Spain, of Detroit, Michigan; and Hon. Gilbert A., a member at the present time of the state legislature, and a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Four. of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Elliott are deceased, Sarah, Gilbert and Garnet and Ruby, twins. Mrs. Elliott has made her home in the city of South Bend during the long period of thirty years, and she is hon- ored and revered by all who have the pleas- ure of her acquaintance.

LOUIS ALEXANDER ROSTISER. It is a well attested truth that the greatness of a com- munity lies in the sterling qualites of its in- dividual citizens, in their capacity for high and unselfish effort and their devotion to the public good. To this class belonged Louis A. Rostiser, whose influence for good was widely felt and whose memory is enshrined in the hearts of those who knew him. His birth occurred in Rome, New York, October 5, 1833, but his parents, Frederick and Kath- erine (Nicol) Rostiser, were both natives of Germany, and were married in their native land, the father there following the carpen- ter's trade. In their family were six chil- dren, five sons and one daughter.

Louis A. Rostiser, the fourth child in order of birth, remained in his native state of New York until his removal to South Bend in 1854, where during the long period of forty

years he devoted his time to the milling busi- ness, winning success in his chosen calling, and becoming well known throughout the county. He was a man of unquestioned integrity in all business transactions, was generous in his methods, and the success and prosperity he achieved was the deserved re- ward of honorable labor.

In this city, on the 14th of April, 1856, Mr. Rostiser was united in marriage to Mary Schmucker, who was born in Bavaria, Ger- many, May 12, 1841, the daughter of An- thony and Mary (Funter) Schmucker, who also claimed Bavaria as the place of their nativity, the father being a well known op- tician there. Mrs. Rostiser was the younger of their two children, and by her marriage has become the mother of two sons and a daughter, Frederick, Rosie M., wife of George Keisling, and Edward A., all born and reared in South Bend. The pleasant home in which Mrs. Rostiser now resides was erected by her husband on Michigan avenue, and is endeared to her through its associations with her happy married life. Mr. Rostiser gave a life-long support to the Democratic party, in which he was an active and valued worker, and in his death, which occurred on the 9th of Jan- uary, 1907, the community lost one of its revered and honored citizens.

JOSIAH G. KELTNER. The name of Josiah G. Keltner is closely associated with the early history of St. Joseph county, for he was but a lad when he came with his parents to South Bend, and is therefore numbered among the honored pioneers who have not only wit- nessed the wonderful transformation of the region but have been important factors in its progress and advancement. His birth oc- curred in the southeastern part of the state of Indiana on the 24th of September, 1828. His father, Samuel Keltner, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1795, removed to Ohio in 1813, and a few years later came to In- diana, taking up his abode in the southeast- ern part of the state, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his removal to St. Joseph county in 1844. He then estab- lished his home in German township, four miles northwest of South Bend, where his life's labors were ended in death in his ninety-fourth year. He was of German de- scent. In Kentucky he was united in mar- riage to Jane Hardman, a native of that commonwealth, and her death occurred at the age of sixty-seven years. They became the

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parents of eleven children, and the family name is an honored one in the communities in which it is represented.

Josiah G. Keltner, the sixth child in order of birth and the only one now living, was sixteen years of age when the family home was established in St. Joseph county. Al- most with the dawn of civilization in north- western Indiana he came, and the history of his life is to a great extent the history of the community. Remaining with his father until twenty-nine years of age, he then, in 1857, removed to a farm in German town- ship, where he became the owner of eighty acres of land, only ten acres of which had been cleared, and for this little homestead he went in debt twelve hundred dollars. As time passed, however, his untiring and well directed efforts enabled him to clear the in- debtedness, to place his farm under an excel- lent state of cultivation and to add. thereto until he was the proud possessor of three hundred and seventy-five acres, all of which he improved and the many substantial build- ings thereon stand as monuments to his ability. In 1889 Mr. Keltner laid aside the active cares of a business life and removed to his pleasant home in South Bend, where he owns property to the value of ten thou- sand dollars, while in addition he also retains the old homestead of three hundred acres, which is rented for cash rent, .

On the 7th of December, 1857, Mr. Kelt- ner was united in marriage to Elizabeth Gil- lette, who was born in Yates county, New York, July 17, 1831, and came with her parents, Joel Hoyte and Mabel (Bainbridge) Gillette, to Niles, Michigan, in 1844, when thirteen years of age, her education being ob- tained in the schools of that city and South Bend. They have become the parents of three children: Arthur, Charles C. and Helen M., all of South Bend, and the daugh- ter is the wife of Ezekiel Garwood. Mr. Keltner gives his political support to the Republican party, which he has represented in many of the local offices, having served as a justice of the peace, was appointed by the government to take the census of German township and is now a jury commissioner. For forty-three years he has been a devout member of the Baptist church, while during forty years of that time he has served as a deacon. Mrs. Keltner is also a member of that denomination. In the county in which they have so long resided they are held in

high regard, and those who know them best are numbered among their warmest friends.

WILLIAM GELTZ, the ex-assessor of St. Jo- seph county, was one of the prominent and well known officials in this section of the state. Throughout his entire life he has been a resident of South Bend, actively interested in all measures advanced for the good of the people, and has performed his full share in the development and improvement of the city. His father, George Geltz, was a native of Germany, but when a young man crossed the ocean to America and took up his abode in Ohio. In 1849 he made his way to South Bend, and after looking over the place he decided to make it his future home, and re- turned to Ohio for his family in 1852. The family home was established in Clay town- ship, but after a short time they returned to the city and the father entered the employ of the Studebaker Company as a blacksmith, and in 1853, in company with J. M. Stude- baker, went to the gold fields of California, where he remained for three years, returning thence to South Bend and resuming work with his former employers. Thus he con- tinued until his life's labors were ended in death in 1905, when he had reached the age of seventy-five years. His life history was thus closely identified with the history of St. Joseph county, which was his home for many years, and throughout all that time he was closely allied with its interests and up- building. Mrs. Geltz bore the maiden name of Catherine Kenk and was a native of Germany.

William Geltz, a son of this worthy pio- neer couple, after completing his education in the schools of South Bend, worked as a salesman in a clothing store for fourteen years, on the expiration of which period he embarked in the real estate business. Through his diligence, perseverance and business ability he made a success of his venture, and he now occupies an enviable position in the industrial circles of South Bend. An ardent advocate of the princi- ples of the Republican party, he does all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success, and in 1900 he was its choice for the position of assessor of St. Joseph county.

In 1888 Mr. Geltz was united in marriage to Miss Frances Keller, a daughter of James Keller, of Mishawaka, Indiana, and they have three children : Genevieve, born January 3, 1889; George, born October 2, 1892; and

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Dorothy, born October 21, 1903. Mr. Geltz holds membership relations with the Masonic order, Lodge No. 45, with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and with other orders. The family are Presbyterians in their religious affiliations.

JOHN T. NIEZGODZKI. Opportunity for advancement is never denied the business man. There is always room at the front, and it is toward that place that Mr. Niez- godzki has been steadily advancing until he now occupies a leading position. He was born in Poland, Germany, August 23, 1872, and in September, 1873, was brought by his parents to America, the family coming direct to South Bend, Indiana, where the son John T. was reared and received an excellent edu- cation in the public schools. When thirteen years of age he began learning the cigar business, and in January, 1898, engaged in the manufacture of that commodity with two employes, but step by step he has advanced in the business world until he is now the pro- prietor of a large manufactory, where em- ployment is furnished to twenty-two men. He makes a specialty of a ten cent cigar called the "J. N.," also "The Tramp," a five cent cigar. He is a thoroughly American citizen, and making the most of his own opportunities has steadily worked his way upward to success through wisely directed efforts. His political support is given to the Democratic party, in which he is an active and efficient worker, and for a period of eight years has served as commissioner of public safety, being the present incumbent.

In 1896 Mr. Niezgodzki was married to Tillie Buczkowski, and they have four chil- dren, Stanislow A., Edward L., Onupry K. and John T., Jr. In his social relations he is a member of St. Casme Society, the Polish Turners M. R., the Polish Turners Z. B. No. 1, the Polish National Alliance U. S. N. A., the Polish Protective Association of Chicago, the Knights of Columbus, the Eagles, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Polish Catholic Federal Society and is a retired member of the Cigar Makers' Union. He is also a stock- holder in several land companies and in many other ways is interested in the affairs of South Bend and St. Joseph county.

PAUL KOCHANOWSKI. One who has made for himself a place in connection with the activities of life and who has gained recogni- tion for true worth, is Paul Kochanowski, a prominent grocery merchant of South Bend.

He was born in Asha, Poland, March 15, 1853, and was reared and educated in his native country. But in 1879 he left the home and scenes of his childhood to come to America, making his way direct to South Bend, where he secured employment in the factory of the Studebaker Brothers, but a short time afterward transferred his opera- tions to the Oliver Chilled Plow Works, where he continued for four years. Returning thence to his former employers, the Stude- bakers, he was for eight years employed in their paint department. During all these years he had worked diligently and earnestly and had saved his earnings so that in 1891 he was able to engage in business for him- self, at that time embarking in the grocery trade, first on the corner of Chapin and Monroe streets, but in 1895 erected his two- story brick building at 522 South Chapin street, to which in 1905 he added a store adjoining on the south, and he now occupies both rooms. He also has other property in the city, including his pleasant and com- fortable home, and is one of the stockholders in the Cascasco Building & Loan Association.

Before leaving his native country Mr. Kochanowski married Salomea Nowrocka, and they have two sons, Stanley and Joseph. The Democratic party receives Mr. Koch- anowski's active support and co-operation, and he is also a member of three church so- cieties and the Modern Woodmen of America. In this free land of America he has risen by his own efforts to a place of prominence in the business circles of South Bend, and his creditable work thus far in life has won him the respect and commendation of his fellow citizens.

OSBORN RUPEL. It was during the pioneer epoch in the history of St. Joseph county that Mr. and Mrs. John Rupel, the parents of Osborn, made their way hither, and from that early day to the present the name has been identified with its history. The father was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in 1797, and in that state was reared and married, Miss Mary Peck, also a native of the commonwealth, becoming his wife. They subsequently removed to Stark county. Ohio. where the husband continued his agricultural labors until 1831. In that year, with ox teams and wagons, the family journeyed to St. Joseph county, Indiana, erecting a little log cabin in Greene township, and during the first day of their arrival, early in April, the

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snow fell to a depth of two feet. As there was no grass or hay to be had for the cattle, Mr. Rupel was obliged to cut down green trees and let them "brouse" the tops for their food. Such was the beginning of their subsequent successful life in St. Joseph county. At once he entered land from the government in Greene township, having been obliged to journey on horseback to Ft. Wayne to secure the signing of the deed by Jackson and Van Buren. His first entry consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, but as the years advanced he succeeded in adding three hundred and twenty acres thereto, and in time all was cleared and the fields placed under an excellent state of cultivation. The wife and mother was permitted to enjoy her new home but a short time, for death soon claimed her, and Mr. Rupel was afterward married to Mrs. Susannah Chord, nee Bow- man, who was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1807, and was reared on a farm in that state. A more complete account of her life will be found in the history of Lucretia Bowman elsewhere in this work. By her former mar- riage to Jacob Chord she became the mother of five children, three sons and two daugh- ters, while by her second union to Mr. Rupel she had three children, all sons, namely : Tyra B. and Tilman H., twins, and Osborn, but only the last named is living. By his for- mer marriage Mr. Rupel had four children, two sons and two daughters. He was a Dem- ocrat in his political affiliations and he was well and favorably known throughout the county, where his long and useful life was ended at the age of ninety years, while his wife had reached the age of ninety-one years ere she joined him in the home beyond.

Osborn Rupel, a son of this honored old St. Joseph pioneer, was born within its confines in Greene township, July 17, 1844, and re- ceived an excellent educational training in the university of Notre Dame. On the 14th of December, 1869, he was united in marriage to Josephine A. Coquillard, who was born in German township, St. Joseph county, Feb- ruary 5, 1849, and a more extended account of her family history will be found in the biography of Alexis Coquillard in this work. One son has been born of this union, Alexis C., whose birth occurred in Greene township on the 25th of January, 1877.

Mr. Rupel continued his agricultural pur- suits until 1890, at which time he was ap- pointed trustee of the Coquillard estate, con-

tinuing to successfully adjust its affairs for two years, and at the expiration of that time returned to his home farm of two hundred acres. But in December, 1905, he again left the homestead and is now connected with the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Rail- road Company. In politics he takes no active part, and in religion he conforms to no rit- uals, but believes in only one, God's written word. Loyalty to his duties of citizenship and straightforward business dealings have won him the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens.

ARTHUR C. NIBLACK, superintendent of the veneer department for the Singer Manu- facturing Company, with residence at 628 Portage avenue, South Bend, was born in Tecumseh, Michigan, May 3, 1872, a son of Lewis Cass Niblack. He was a native son of the Empire state, but removed to Michi- gan in an early day, and during the long period of twenty years was with the Grand Rapids Veneer Works. He was married to one of Grand Rapids' native daughters, Catherine De Blond, who is also living, and they have two children, the daughter being Lottie May, the wife of Bert Hazlewood, of Grand Rapids.

Arthur C. Niblack, the elder of the chil- dren and the only son, grew to years of maturity in his native commonwealth of Michigan, where he was a student in the schools of Marshall and Owosso, and for three years also attended a business college in Grand Rapids. With this excellent edu- cational training, he was then well fitted to engage in life's active duties, his first em- ployment being with the veneer works of Grand Rapids, with which he was associated when but a mere boy. He was later sent by the Frost Veneer Setting Company to their cutting mills at Antigo, Wisconsin, where he remained for five years, when he returned to Grand Rapids and for nine years was con- nected with the veneer works there. It was in 1904 that he came to South Bend, as su- perintendent of the veneer department for the Singer Manufacturing Company, the duties of which important position he has ever since continued to discharge with ability and true worth.

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A history of St. Joseph County, Indiana, Volume 2, Part 42

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