USA > Indiana > Elkhart County > A standard history of Elkhart County, Indiana : an authentic narrative of the past, with particular attention to the modern era in the commercial, industrial, educational, civic and social development, Volume II > Part 5
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57
In the boyhood days of Rev. Samuel Yoder the circumstances and conditions of time and place were such that he was denied other than meager educational advantages, but in his youth he was enabled to supplement his more rudimentary training by attending for a time a Mennonite school in Holmes County, Ohio. As previously stated, however, his broader education has been that gained through individual effort and through the lessons ever to be acquired under the direction of that wisest of all head-masters, experience. He was sixteen years old at the time of the family removal from Ohio to Elkhart County, Indiana, and he recalls in interesting and appre- ciative reminiscence that on this momentous overland trip it fell to his portion to drive a four-horse team, which was demanded in transporting the wagon over the poorly developed roads en route.
445
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
At that time the greater part of Elkhart County was still covered with the native timber of large growth, and the present Main Street of Elkhart was still filled with underbrush to large extent, while the forest remained virtually untouched in what is now the south part of the city. Mr. Yoder zealously aided his stepfather in the reclama- tion and other work of the home farm and later he purchased an un- improved farm in Elkhart County, worked for a few years, and then went to a farm in St. Joseph County, where he continued to reside several years. He then sold this property and returned to Elkhart County, and located in the City of Elkhart. He had been ordained as a clergyman of the Mennonite Church while he was a resident of St. Joseph County. Mr. Yoder continued his active and self-abne- gating labors as a minister of the Mennonite faith for many years, and his services in this high calling were extended over a broad field, in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan and Illinois, as well as in Missouri and Arkansas. He finally returned to Elkhart and he has here maintained his residence during the entire period since his retirement from the active work of the ministry. On Wagner Avenue is located his present dwelling, which is an attractive and modern building and equipped with the most approved appoint- ments and facilities, so that in his venerable years he finds that his lines are cast in pleasant places, for in addition to a home in which the associations are ideal he lives in a community where he is well known and where his circle of friends is limited only by that of his acquaintances. He is still active and zealous in church work of a general order and is a loyal and public-spirited citizen, his political allegiance being given to the Republican party.
At the age of twenty-two years Mr. Yoder wedded Miss Eliza- beth Woods, who was born and reared in Concord Township, Elk- hart County, where her parents were early settlers. She was a daughter of Alexander Woods and the maiden name of her mother was Aikens. Mrs. Yoder died while still a comparatively young woman and after having become the mother of two sons and three daughters, Elmer, Myra, Mary, George and Anna. Elmer married Miss Katie Lamidy and they have four children, Bernice, Elden, Raymond Woods, and Anna Mary. Myra is the wife of William Baker and they have one son, George. Mary, the widow of George Feerar, George and Anna, are all residents of California.
For his second wife Mr. Yoder wedded Mrs. Susan (Alsbaugh) Lehman, widow of John K. Lehman. She was born in Franklin County, Ohio, and is a daughter of John David and Hannah ( Rush) Alsbaugh. Mrs. Yoder has two sons by her first marriage, Samuel W. and John Lewis Lehman. Samuel W., M. D., is a representative
446
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
physician and surgeon in the City of Dixon, Illinois, and the maiden name of his wife was Bernice White; Rev. John L. Lehman, the younger son, is a clergyman of the Church of Christ, or New Men- nonite, as it is sometimes designated, and he is engaged in active pastoral work in Lima, Ohio; he first married Miss Mary Adeline Snyder, who is survived by four children, Milton Stanley, Edna Bernice, Amy Estelle, and Esther May. For his second wife he wedded Miss Lydia Huber and they have three children, Luella, Ray and Huber. Of the second marriage of the honored subject of this review no children have been born, but in their pleasant home he and his wife delight to extend welcome and entertainment to the young folk, who accord to them affectionate esteem, even as do the friends of mature years.
HARRY R. WHITMER. The Goshen Sash and Door Factory, of which Harry R. Whitmer is president, has had a long life and a varied experience, but from its inception in the year 1869 it has known the guiding influence of a member of the Whitmer family. The first of them was Reuben W. Whitmer who organized the business in the year already mentioned, and who conducted it for some years in association with his son Henry R. Whitmer. In 1903 Henry R. Whitmer died, whereupon the business was con- tinued under the management of S. H. Whitmer until 1912. In that year it was incorporated under the name of the Goshen Sash and Door Company, with Harry R. Whitmer in the office of president and treasurer, and Joseph M. Farrell as secretary and manager. Space is given elsewhere in this publication to a short exposition of the life of Mr. Farrell, so that further mention of him will not be made at this time. The plant is thoroughly modern since its reorganization, and the business is seeing a splendid growth in the past few years. A steam boiler of 150 horse power is a feature of the plant, while electric motors are employed in some parts of the factory. Three hundred people are employed in the works, many of them skilled workmen. The factory is especially well located on the New York Central Lines, so that its shipping facilities are particularly good.
Harry R. Whitmer was born in Goshen in 1891 and he is the eldest son of Henry R. and Mary Louise (Beane) Whitmer. The parents were early settlers in Goshen, and spent their lives for the most part within the boundaries of Elkhart County. Young Whit- mer was educated in the schools of Goshen and the State University of Michigan, his studies in the university covering a period of three years. He then returned home and entered the business with
447
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
which the family had long been connected, and took his place in the factory, beginning at the bottom and advancing in the works as he showed himself ready for promotion. In that manner he gained a thorough and exhaustive acquaintance with details in every department, so that he is admirably fitted for his present position as president of the concern. He has built up the business in many respects since taking his present office, and today the products of this factory are widely distributed throughout the middle West, a large force of salesmen covering several states in the interests of the business.
Mr. Whitmer is unmarried. He is a prominent Mason, with Ancient, Free and Accepted Mason and Royal Arch Mason affili- ations, and he is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Elks. He is a young man devoted to out-of-door pleasures, and his vacation seasons are spent in motoring and fishing trips. He is a leader in the younger set of the town, and is no less prominent in social circles than he is in the business life of Goshen.
WILLIAM S. BITNER. The active career of William S. Bitner is a part of the history of yesterday of Elkhart County, but his sub- stantial mercantile efforts are constantly brought to mind by his familiar presence at Goshen, where for years he was proprietor of a flourishing business and where he now resides in serene old age, en- joying the comforts obtained through a life of industry and sterling integrity.
Mr. Bitner was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, May 3, 1837, the second son of Adam and Fanny ( Smith) Bitner. His father was born in Pennsylvania and his mother in York County, that state, and in 1853 removed with their children to Canton, Ohio. There the family resided until November 1, 1854, when they came on to Fort Wayne, Indiana. Later the family residence was moved to South Whitley, they engaging in agricultural pursuits on a valuable farm in Whitley County, Indiana, where the Bitners made their home for a number of years. The mother died in Lima, Ohio, and the father died, in 1870, at the home of his son William, in Goshen. They were solid and substantial, God-fearing people, who lived in peace among their neighbors and well merited the esteem in which they were held by all who came in contact with them and learned to re- spect their many sterling qualities of mind and heart.
William S. Bitner received his early education in the public schools of Pennsylvania and also attended for thirty-two days a county school in Stark County, Ohio. He grew up on his father's farm, and in 1861 enlisted for service in the Union army during the
448
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
Civil war, joining Company E, Forty-fourth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, of which Col. Hugh Reed was the commander. The regiment was sent to Indianapolis and thence into Kentucky, where it began its active service and received its baptism of fire. The Forty-fourth saw some hard fighting, and among other engagements Mr. Bitner took part in those at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge. Soon after the last-named battle Mr. Bitner was commissioned second lieutenant and as such received his honorable discharge at Chattanooga, Tennessee. With an excel- lent record for bravery and faithful discharge of duty, Mr. Bitner returned to civilian life, locating at Whitley, Indiana. Later he be- came clerk in the American House, a hotel at Whitley, but in 1876 moved to Goshen, which city has continued to be his home. Not long after his arrival Mr. Bitner established himself in business as the proprietor of a modest mercantile establishment, which, during the years that followed, flourished and grew under his able manage- ment. With advancing years and the accumulation of a handsome competence, Mr. Bitner decided he had contributed his full share to the commercial advancement of his adopted city and accordingly retired from active business, his activities being confined to look- ing after his investments. His home is at No. III South Third Street. Mr. Bitner has maintained his interest in his old army com- rades and is a member of Howell Post No. 90, Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Indiana. His religious membership is with the First Brethren Church, Goshen.
In 1858, at South Whitley, Indiana, Mr. Bitner was married to Miss Louisa Koontz, who was born in Stark County, Ohio. Mrs. Bitner died in 1910, having been the mother of six children, of whom three are living : Louisa ; Charles, a railroad man of Chicago; and Wellington, who is a farmer by vocation and resides in Ohio. Mr. Bitner was again married, being united with Miss Louisa Fox, who has borne him two children : Jennie May and Boyd L.
HARRY C. DANGLER is a dealer in real estate and fire insurance, located in a business way at 220 South Main Street, Goshen, Indi- ana. He has been located in this city for a good many years, but it was not until 1912 that he became identified with his present busi- ness. Mr. Dangler was born in Massillon, Ohio, in August. 1866, and is a son of Henry B. and Mary Dangler, both native to that state, born in Stark County. They were farming people, prosper- ous and prominent in their locality, and Mr. Dangler was noted for the high grade of his cattle, sheep and hogs, and was in other ways a leader in his community.
449
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
Harry C. Dangler had his education mainly in the schools of Goshen, and when he had finished his high school training he went to work as a clerk in the general store of Kolb & Gross. This was a grocery and baking establishment, and Mr. Dangler was with the firm for five years. In 1888 he started a business of his own in the retail grocery line. He opened a place on North Main Street and there in a modest way he continued for twenty years. His next ven- ture was a tea and coffee store, and he had the best trade of Goshen for several years in that line. He disposed of the place, however, and engaged in the real estate business in the Dangler-Platt Build- ing, of which he is now the sole owner. This is a modern and ap- propriate business block for a town of the size of Goshen, two stories high, with a floor space of 22x165 feet, and built of brick. Mr. Dangler also owns a number of other properties in Goshen, and he is the owner of a fine farm of fifty acres in Concord Township, with modern buildings, and in a splendid state of cultivation and pro- ductiveness. It will be seen that his business ventures, though carried on quietly and unobtrusively, have yielded Mr. Dangler a nice return, and he is today one of the foremost business men in his town.
In 1887 Mr. Dangler was married to Miss Etta C. Hendricksen, of Kosciusko County, Indiana. She is the daughter of Joseph L. Hendricksen, an old resident and prosperous citizen of that county, where he gained prominence as a contractor and an extensive agri- culturist. To Mr. and Mrs. Dangler two children have been born, a son, Joseph H., a graduate of the Goshen High School, and now a student in Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, and a daughter, Mary H. Dangler.
Politically, Mr. Dangler is affiliated with the republican party, and he is a member of Goshen Temple No. 220 Knights of Pythias, as well as of Goshen Tent No. 4 Knights of the Maccabees.
The family have a fine home at 212 South Fifth Street, and they enjoy the unqualified esteem and confidence of their. fellow citizens in Goshen. Mr. Dangler is recognized as one of the most enterpris- ing and public spirited men of the town, and being well read and progressive in his ideas, is fit for the position of leadership he enjoys in his community.
WESLEY REAMS. One of the best known citizens of Goshen is Wesley Reams, now serving as city treasurer. His home has been in Elkhart County and his associations with the factory and busi- ness affairs of the county for a great many years, and he has a host of friends both in his own party, the democratic, and among all classes of citizens, who esteem him for his many excellent personal
450
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
qualities, as also for the efficiency with which he looks after every interest entrusted to him.
Born in Summit County, Ohio, October 14. 1859, he is the oldest son of Hiram and Sarah Kline Reams, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania and from that state moved to Ohio. The ma- ternal grandfather of Mr. Reams was David Reams, also a native of Pennsylvania, and of the old Pennsylvania Dutch stock. Hiram Reams, the father, was a blacksmith by trade, but after a number of years turned his attention to farming, and his death occurred in 1905. His widow is now living in Plymouth, Marshall County, and is in her seventy-eighth year.
Wesley Reams acquired his early education in district schools and also at Plymouth, Indiana, but left school at the age of seventeen to make his own way in the world, and has succeeded by much in- dustry and faithfulness to every obligation. For a time he was clerk in an establishment at Goshen, and has long been a resident of Goshen. In 1914 he was elected city treasurer for a term of four years, and is now giving a very capable administration of the city's financial office.
In 1903 Mr. Reams married Miss Della Shaver of Elkhart, In- diana. Mr. Reams is very prominent in the local order of Masons, being affiliated with Lodge No. 12 of that order, is a member of Lodge No. 34 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Encampment. His home is at 624 North Main Street.
WILLIAM A. BOOKS. A native son of Goshen, William A. Books is now city clerk, and his character and activities have been known to the people of this city for a great many years. Mr. Books is a hard working city official and has made a creditable record in every business or civic relationship.
Born at Goshen, July 5, 1866, he is a son of George J. and Mary A. (Potts) Books. His father, who was born in the vicinity of Dayton, Ohio, December 25, 1840, and died July 1, 1906, made a faithful record as a soldier during the Civil war, being for two years a member of Company K, Fifty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry. After gaining his honorable discharge he returned to Indiana and located at Goshen, where he married Miss Mary A. Potts. His father, George J. Books, was a miller by trade, and in early years had been a cooper, and in his home shop had made barrels of all kinds, for containing flour, whisky, and every container bound with hoops. George J. Books was a member of Howell Post No. 90, Grand Army of the Republic.
It was in the city of Goshen that William A. Books grew to man-
451
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
hood, attending the public schools, and after leaving school he was employed in the Hawks Furniture Company at Goshen, and still later with the firm of Nash, Knox & Hubbell, table manufacturers. He was also with the Banta Furniture Company.
In 1911 Mayor Spohn appointed him city clerk to fill out an unexpired term, and in 1914, on the democratic ticket, he was regu- larly elected to that office for four years, beginning the duties of his new term January 1, 1915. He is secretary of the Municipal League of Indiana. Mr. Books is especially well known in fraternal and other social organizations at Goshen. He is affiliated with Goshen Lodge No. 12, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; Goshen Lodge of Moose, No. 836; Calantha Lodge No. 41, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Goshen Tent No. 4 of the Maccabees; be- longs to both the subordinate lodge and the uniform rank of the Knights of Pythias, and is a member of the staff of Col. J. A. Jones of Kendallville.
On April 30, 1891, Mr. Brooks married Miss Margaret J. Card, daughter of Allen and Sarah Jane ( Souder) Card of Chicago. To their marriage have been born two children: Mildred B., who is a graduate of the Goshen High School and of Goshen College, and for the past three years has been a successful teacher in the county and city schools; Grover W., who also attended the Goshen High School, and is now employed by the Goshen Oil Company.
HUGO WINTERHOFF. Elkhart County has been fortunate in the securing of officials for the management of the county's business who have been eminently fitted for the performance of their official duties, and among these none has given a more satisfactory account of himself as a public servant than has Hugo Winterhoff, the in- cumbent of the office of county recorder since 1912. Prior to taking charge of the business of this important department of county gov- ernment, Mr. Winterhoff had enjoyed a long and practical experience in business affairs, and when he assumed the reins of office it was with a knowledge of men and affairs gained through personal con- tact with matters of importance.
Mr. Winterhoff was born in Witten, Germany, in June, 1864, and is a son of Henry and Ida ( Jaeger ) Winterhoff. His early educa- tion was secured in the public schools of his native land, and in 1881 he emigrated to the United States and located at Elkhart, Indiana, where he familiarized himself with the English language in the com- mon and select schools. Several years later, when he had made a home for them, his parents followed him to this country, and here the father died in 1912, while the mother still survives and makes
452
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
her home at Elkhart. When he had completed his studies, Mr. Winterhoff secured a position in the C. G. Conn factory, at Elkhart, his connection with this firm extending over a period of twenty years. During this period he had accumulated some capital, and with his brother, entered a retail grocery business, under the firm style of Winterhoff Brothers, an association that continued for three years, and was then mutually dissolved, Hugo Winterhoff disposing of his interest to accept a position as an engraver with the C. G. Conn Com- pany at Elkhart. This line occupied his attention until in the fall of 1911 he became the candidate of his party for the office of county recorder. He was duly elected and took charge of the office in 1912, his present term expiring January 1, 1916. Mr. Winterhoff has discharged his duties in an entirely capable and satisfactory manner, fully winning the commendation of the people.
In 1894 Mr. Winterhoff was married to Miss Clara Haslinger, of South Bend, Indiana, a daughter of John and Helen Haslinger, and a member of an old and honored family of that city. Mrs. Winterhoff, who was a devoted and faithful wife and kind and loving mother, died March 11, 1913, leaving two children : Frederick A., who is a senior of the Goshen High School, and Elsie W., who is a junior at the Goshen High School. The family home is at No. 803 South Sixth Street. Mr. Winterhoff has a host of acquaintances in political and official circles, and among them he numbers many warm, personal friends, who have been attracted to him by his genial, courteous manner and by his many sterling qualities of mind and heart.
GEORGE H. RIMPLER has been identified with the county clerk's office of Elkhart County since 1907. In that year he was appointed deputy, a position in which he so ably discharged his duties that in 1914 he was elected by the voters for the office of county clerk, and in the comparatively short period of his incumbency has fully vindicated the faith and confidence reposed in his ability and fidelity.
Mr. Rimpler is a native son of the city of Goshen and was born September 9, 1874, his parents being William and Caroline ( Rathka) Rimpler. His father was born in Germany, where he passed his boyhood and received his education, and there, also, he learned the trade of cooper. In 1850, seeking more favorable opportunity for advancement than that granted him in his native land, he emigrated to the United States and after landing at New York City made his way direct to Elkhart County, Indiana. Here he soon found employment at his trade, being a competent and industrious work- man, and for many years was engaged in making flour barrels, whis-
453
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
key barrels and beer barrels, and, in fact, any articles with hoops around them. During the long period that he was engaged in this business he became widely and favorably known. His death occurred 111 1897, while Mrs. Rimpler survived him five years, passing away in 1912. They were the parents of nine children, of whom six are living.
George H. Rimpler was educated in the graded and high schools of Goshen, and after leaving the latter found employment with the Hawks Furniture Company, a concern with which he continued to be connected for sixteen and one-half years. He was industrious and enterprising and loyal to the interests of the company, and from time to time was promoted, until he held a responsible position. On June 17, 1907, Mr. Rimpler was appointed city clerk of Goshen, by Hon. Charles Kohler, then mayor of the city, and when his term expired accepted an appointment as deputy county clerk under County Clerk Charles A. Aitken. He remained in that capacity until January I, 1915, at all times characterizing his service by a faithful performance of duty that won him the commendation of his superiors, as well as the confidence of the people. In the fall of 1914 he was nominated as the candidate of the democratic party for the office of county clerk of Elkhart County, and, being duly elected, assumed the duties of that position, January 1, 1915. for a period of four years. If his past performances may be taken for a criterion of the future, Mr. Rimpler will prove one of the best county officials Elkhart County has known.
On August 21, 1895, Mr. Rimpler was united in marriage with Miss Clara M. Dalka, a Goshen young lady, daughter of Edward Dalka of this city. They have had one child, a daughter, who died in infancy. Mr. Rimpler belongs to Calantha Lodge No. 41, Knights of Pythias, and, with Mrs. Rimpler, belongs to Trinity Lutheran Church. They reside at No. 324 North First Street. From his long service in the court house Mr. Rimpler enjoys an extensive ac- quaintance among the prominent and influential men of the county, all of whom unite in wishing him the success he deserves in his official capacity.
ALBERT A. RIETH. When he entered the office of county surveyor of Elkhart County, January 1, 1915, Albert A. Rieth brought with him an equipment gained through comprehensive training and prac- tical experience as a civil engineer and his record in office is an ex- emplification of the value of securing trained men for official service. He is a native son of Elkhart County, and was born on a farm in Vol. 11-4
454
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
Concord Township, September 16, 1883, his parents being Nicholas and Esther (Anderson ) Rieth.
Nicholas Rieth was born in Pennsylvania, and as a young man came to Elkhart County, settling on a farm in Concord township, where, through industry, enterprise and good management, he ac- cumulated a valuable property. He was an influential and prosper- ous member of his community, and when he died, in 1905, Concord Township lost one of its helpful and public-spirited citizens. Mr. Rieth married Miss Esther Anderson, daughter of William Anderson, an early settler of Elkhart County, where Mrs. Rieth was for several years a popular and efficient school teacher prior to her marriage. She died in 1903.
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.