USA > Indiana > Elkhart County > A twentieth century history and biographical record of Elkhart County, Indiana > Part 80
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Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wyland has been born one son. Ralph, whose birth occurred in August, 1890. Mr. Wyland votes with the Repub- lican party but has never sought or desired office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs. He now owns two hun-
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dred and thirty-five acres of land on section twenty-six, Jefferson town- ship and in the operation and control of his agricultural interests is meeting with signal success.
WILLIAM E. GRINER.
William E. Griner, a member of the firm of Griner Brothers, deal- ers in lumber, coal, salt, cement and general building materials in Mid- dlebury, is a native of Middlebury township, born February 6, 1864. He comes of German lineage. His father, Simon Griner, was born in Wayne county, Ohio, in 1843, and is now living in Middlebury. In 1853 he arrived in Indiana in company with his father, Phillip Griner, his mother having died during his infancy. Phillip Griner purchased land on section twenty-seven, Middlebury township, and there carried on agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death. Simon Griner was reared to the occupation of farming and devoted his entire busi- ness life to that vocation, but in 1901 retired from active business cares and is now living in Middlebury in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. He is a member of the Lutheran church and he exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy. He married Miss Adeline Wert, who was born in Ohio in 1844 and is a daughter of John Wert, who was likewise a native of that state and was of German descent. He came to Indiana in the 'sos, locating in Middlebury township, and here he followed the blacksmith's trade. It was upon her father's farm here that Mrs. Griner was reared, spending her days under the parental roof up to the time of her marriage. She is a member of the Lutheran church and a most estimable lady. By her marriage she became the mother of five children: William E .: John, who is in partnership with his brother, Valentine, who is em- ployed by the firm of Griner Brothers; Oscar, a merchant of Middle- bury; and Frank, who previously followed farming and is now living in Middlebury.
William E. Griner attended the district schools in his early youth and afterward pursued normal courses in Elkhart and Goshen. He taught for three terms and then entered mercantile life as a salesman for the firm of Stutz & Son, with whom he remained for five years. In 1893 he embarked in the lumber business with his father, under the firin style of S. Griner & Son, but in 1895 the senior partner withdrew and was succeeded by John Griner, the present firm of Griner Brothers being then organized. They handle lumber, coal, salt, cement and gen- eral building materials and have secured a liberal patronage by reason of business methods which neither seek nor require disguise.
In 1885 Mr. Griner was united in marriage to Miss Frances Bed- ford, a daughter of Henry and Mary Bedford and a native of Washing- ton township, born in 1864. Her father was a farmer by occupation and was of English birth. He came from Pennsylvania to Indiana
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with his parents in his boyhood days and was one of the early residents of this state. Mr. and Mrs. Griner have become the parents of a daughter and two sons: Myrtie, Otis and Harley. Mrs. Griner is a member of the Lutheran church. In his political affiliations Mr. Griner is a Democrat and has served as president of the town board for two years, while for more than four years he was trustee of the township. John Griner married Effie Shutt, a daughter of John Shutt, and they are also members of the Lutheran church. He likewise belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity and the Good Samaritan lodge and in his political views is a Democrat. The brothers are enterprising business men, prominent and widely known in the enterprising town of Middlebury. Their popularity is well deserved. for they display the characteristics of unbending integrity. unabating industry and energy that never flags. Moreover they are public spirited and thoroughly inter- ested in whatever tends to promote the moral, intellectual and material welfare of Middlebury.
HARVEY W. KANTZ.
Harvey W. Kantz. of Bristol, is devoting his attention to a pro- fession wherein influence or financial assistance avails little or naught but where advancement must be secured through individual merit. close application, a thorough understanding of the principles of jurisprudence and correctness in their application to the points in litigation. Well equipped in these necessary qualifications for the practice of law. Har- vey W. Kantz has gained for himself a prominent place as a member of the bar of Elkhart county. Moreover he is very popular in his home district, as shown by the fact that when elected township trustee, which office he is now filling. he polled the largest vote ever received by any candidate for the position.
Mr. Kantz is a native of Snyder county, Pennsylvania, born on the 31st of October. 1863. His father, Samuel B. Kantz, was likewise a native of Pennsylvania and was of German lineage. The great-great- grandfather was John Kantz, a soldier in the colonial army, fighting for the independence of the nation. Sammel Kantz devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and passed away in the place of his nativity on the ist of May, 1872. His wife bore the maiden name of Sarah Wetzel and was a native of Pennsylvania. Her grandfather. Henry Wetzel. was a nephew of Lewis Wetzel, a famous Indian fighter, trapper and huntsman, who was a companion of Daniel Boone in his explorations and discoveries in Kentucky and the west. Mrs. Kantz still survives her husband and is now living in Freeburg, Pennsylvania. By her mar- riage she became the mother of eight children, six of whom are yet living.
Harvey W. Kantz, the fourth in order of birth, was reared in his native county and pursued his education in the schools there. being
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graduated with honors from Freeburg Academy in the fall of 1882. HIe had determined to seek a home and business opportunities in the western country and after his graduation he completed his arrangements to leave Pennsylvania and in the fall of the same year took up his abode in Danville, Indiana. After attending the Indiana Normal School for a short time he removed to Bristol and the following spring he went to Valparaiso, Indiana, where he attended school for one year, thus becoming better equipped for life's practical and responsible duties. ()n the expiration of that period he returned to Bristol, where he taught school for three terms and in the meantime also continued his studies in the Indiana State University at Bloomington. In 1886 he went to Flor- ida, locating at Bartow, where he was engaged in teaching school, and when he had spent two years in the sunny south he returned to Bristol, whence he afterward went to Goshen, Indiana, where he became a law student in the office and under the direction of the firm of Wilson and David, well known attorneys. Having mastered the principles of juris- prudence he successfully passed an examination that admitted him to the bar and he subsequently located in Bristol, where he has since been engaged in successful practice, gradually building up a business that is now of a very extensive and important character. Following his return to this place he again engaged in teaching for two terms but his entire time and attention are now given to his professional services and his devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial. He has been very suc- cessful in his practice and has achieved prominence and distinction as a member of the bar. He throws himself easily and naturally into the argument with a selt-possession and deliberation that indicates no strain- ing after effect. There is, however. a precision and clearness in his statements and acuteness and, strength in his argument which speaks a mind trained in the severest school of investigation and to which close reasoning has become habitual and easy.
Mr. Kantz is not only well known professionally but has also fig- ured prominently in political circles in his community. He was elected township trustee in 1890 and re-elected in the fall of 1904. so that he is now serving in that capacity. He has also been city treasurer and in 1893 he was appointed and served as postmaster, filling the office dur- ing President Cleveland's second administration. On the occasion of his second election as township trustee he polled the largest vote ever given to any candidate for that position, overcoming a Republican ma- jority and winning the election by a majority of one hundred and six. while in the same township Roosevelt received a majority of one hun- (red. This is a fact of which Mr. Kantz has every reason to be proud and it indicates in unmistakable manner his personal popularity and the confidence and trust reposed in him by his fellow townsmen.
On the 5th of March. 1884, Mr. Kantz was united in marriage to Miss Laura B. Mitchell. They have one child. Ruth V. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the
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Knights of Pythias. His religious faith connects him with the German Reformed church, while his wife is a member of the United Brethren church. They enjoy the hospitality of the best homes of Bristol and are well known in social circles here, while in business and professional circles Mr. Kantz occupies an enviable position. He is a gentleman of genial manner and unfailing courtesy, who has gained personal popu- larity and at the same time has won the admiration of his fellow men by what he has accomplished in the business world. Ile is largely self educated and self made and his inherent strength of character and the development of his latent talents have made him a man of ability, whose efforts are crowned with success.
MICHAEL MITCHEL.
Michael Mitchel was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, October 30, 1820, and was there reared by his parents until he reached manhood. when he turned his face westward to the then new and undeveloped valley of the Mississippi. Going first by wagon to Illinois with an uncle, he then visited parts of Iowa, from thence walking nearly all the way back to his birthplace, passing through the northern part of Elkhart county. Indiana. Again turning westward, he went to Stephenson county, Illi- nois again passing through the St. Joe River valley, but not being satis- fied with Illinois he started to return to his native state, but when he reached Elkhart, then a very small village, and meeting old Doctor Beardsley, the founder of this village, who advised him to locate in this county, he selected a farm four miles east of the village on the south bank of the beautiful St. Joe river, known as the Mitchel homestead.
On the 16th of March, 1848, he was married to Elizabeth Ann Mid- dleton, whose birth occurred February 9. 1826, in Franklin county, Ohio. five miles north of Columbus. She is the daughter of John and Eliza- beth (Downing) Middleton, who were pioneers of Franklin county. Ohio. Mrs. Mitchel was only four years old when brought to Elkhart county by her parents in 1830, at which time the family home was estab- lished on the east edge of "Two Mile Plain," east of the now city of Elkhart, which at that time was an unbroken wilderness and the haunts of the red men. Mrs. Mitchel enjoys the distinction of being one of the few pioneers who are left to tell of the early trials of settling and making out of Elkhart county the third in rank and first in many things in the great state of Indiana. Her early home was the first to be established in the north part of the county, and was the scene of many pioneer inci- dents, such as Indian gatherings, at which times the good mother of the little family would dread for fear of some harm to the father or children ; also the headquarters for prospecting and home-seeking parties: of the religious meetings in the days of the circuit rider that would last for weeks, when the scattered settlers would gather from twenty to thirty miles to pay homage to their Creator: and many incidents during the
Mrs. Elizabeth A.Mitchel
Michael Hitched. July the 4 1845
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Black Hawk war and subsequent removement of the Pottawottomie Indians from the county and northern Indiana and southern Michigan. Mrs. Mitchel has now lived in Concord township for seventy-six years, is in good health and in possession of all her faculties, is widely and favorably known, and has the esteem and good will of all with whom she has been associated. By this marriage were reared to man and womanhood four children, all still living: Sarah E., widow of John Hass of Clarion, Charlevoix county, Michigan; Rhoda 1., wife of Edmond Eby, of Concord township, Elkhart county, Indiana ; William M., who occupies the old Mitchel homestead ; Eudora V., wife of Francis R. Light ; and another, John C. F., who died at the age of seven years.
Mr. and Mrs. Mitchel after their marriage set about clearing and making a home on the land acquired by purchase, and built them a small house near the mouth of Pine creek, where they continued to live and prosper until 1856. They built what was at that time the largest dwell- ing house and barn in the north end of Elkhart county, located on the south bank of the beautiful St. Joe river in section 36, Concord town- ship. There they continued to live and enjoy the fruits of honest toil, tilling the soil and rearing the domestic animals best adapted to the successful operation of a first class grain and stock farm. Here in the shadow of the only natural growing pine in Elkhart county Mr. and Mrs. Mitchel lived and reared their family, saw the eldest daughters married and listened to the prattle of their grandchildren.
Mr. Mitchel was a Whig and later affiliated with the Republican party, of which he was a staunch supporter of its founders and princi- ples, especially of its protection to American industries. He never aspired to any public office, nor would he accept any, much preferring the quiet of his home to the bustle of public life. He accumulated con- siderable land and property, owning at his death nearly four hundred acres of the best and most desirable land in Concord township. which was well improved and in a high state of cultivation. He enjoyed the good will and esteem of all with whom he came in contact, and by his reputation for truth and honesty in all business transactions won for himself and family a place among the first families of the community in which he lived. He became a member of the Methodist church in early life and always remained a firm believer in its teachings.
Mr. Mitchel died September 10, 1890. in his seventieth year, after a long illness of Bright's disease. His remains were followed to his last resting place by his entire family and hundreds of neighbors, friends and promment people of the community. His remains were laid to rest in the family lot in the Rowe cemetery, which he assisted to found and maintain. His grave is marked by a very substantial monument erected by his son William and bearing this inscription :
"Dear father is gone, his trials all are o'er, his Triumps have begun."
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WILLIAM M. MITCHEL.
William M. Mitchel was born July 22, 1867, in Concord township, Elkhart county, Indiana. His was the fourth birth and only son to grow to manhood born to Michael and Elizabeth A. ( Middleton) Alitchel, who were among the pioneer settlers of the township, and whose grandparents on the mother's side were the first white family to settle in what is now Concord township, coming to the county in 1829 and making a home on the east edge of what is known as " Two Mile Plain," just east of the now industrious city of Elkhart and within one mile of the birthplace of the above descendant. Mr. Mitchel was reared on the farm of his father and attended the public schools of his township until in 1885 and '86 he took a course in the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, Indiana, completing the business course with credit to the institution and himself. Throughout his entire life he has carried on general agricultural pursuits, yet finding some time to devote to other business. He is the owner of the original Mitchel homestead of one hundred twenty-four acres, and has added to it until he is the possessor of two hundred fifteen acres of rich and arable land along the beautiful St. Joe river, and which he keeps under his direct supervision. Here can be found all of the latest up-to-date machinery and tools for carrying on general farming, stock raising and dairying. Mr Mitchel is one of the incorporators and promoters of the Bristol Creamery and Manufacturing Company of Bristol, Indiana, and owns considerable stock. He is also an active worker and co-operator in the work of Purdue University, also of the State Agricultural Experiment Station and the Elkhart County Farmers' Union, under whose direction the Annual Farmers' Institute is held, having been its secretary for two years and a member of its important committees since its organization. He has always been active in any enterprise that will enhance the growth and value of the resources of the St. Joseph valley. Besides his farm he has property interest in Elkhart and also in the oil fields of central Indiana.
On the 7th of June, 1893, Mr. Mitchel was wedded to Miss Myrtle 1. Stutsman, a daughter of Edward C. and Elizabeth ( Mitchell ) Stuts- man and a nitive of Jefferson township. Elkhart county, born August 15. 1873. She is the eldest of three daughters and pursued her educa- tion in the public schools of the county. There are three children liv- ing of this marriage: Nellie May, born April 17, 1894: Beulah E., born July 9, 1898; and Alice I., born March 15, 1903. The daughter Flossie died November 18, 1896, at the age of four days. Mr. Mitchel was reared in the faith of the Republican party and has seen no reason to transfer his allegiance to other political organizations where national issues are involved. but at local elections he votes independently, and in 1896 was a candidate for county treasurer on the independent ticket. His long resklence in Concord township and his activity in agricultural
Cours truly Myrtle & Mitchel,
Very truly yours Spy M. Mitchael.
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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
circles have made him well known through northern Indiana and south- ern Michigan, while the sterling traits of his character have been such as have gained for him uniform confidence and trust, making him a citizen well worthy of representation in this volume.
JOSEPH HASTINGS CAINON.
Joseph Hastings Cainon, one of the oldest engineers, in point of service, connected with the Lake Shore Railroad, for many years a well known and prominent citizen of Elkhart, was born in Richland county, Ohio, on a-farm near Mansfield, June 1, 1848. His parents, John and Catherine ( Bairns) Cainon, were born in Ireland and were brought to this country when children. The father was a soldier in the Sixty-fourth Ohio, in Sherman's brigade.
Mr. Cainon, like all the rest of his parents' children, was reared on the homestead farm in Richland county, Ohio, but practically all his adult life has been devoted to railroading. He was nineteen years old when he left home in 1867 and went to Toledo, where he began his railroad career as a fireman on the Lake Shore. In 1869 his ability and diligence had won him promotion to yard engineer, and in 1871 he became a resident of Elkhart and has since been one of the trusted and capable engineers of the great Lake Shore road. There are very few men who can point to a longer or better record than that of Mr. Cainon. It is with such men that the lives of thousands are entrusted every day, and in view of this there are few positions of greater trust and therefore of greater honor than that occupied by the railroad engin- eer. Mr. Cainon is a charter member of the Brotherhood of Locomo- tive Engineers, and has been active in the same for many years.
In politics Mr. Cainon is a Republican, and in November. 1902. was elected county commissioner of Elkhart county, an election which indicates the esteem in which he is held throughout his part of the county. Fraternally he is a Knight Templar Mason, and he has long been one of the influential members of the First Congregational church of Elkhart, at this writing being president of the board of trustees.
Mr. Cainon married, in Elkhart. Miss Theodosia Menges, whose father. George Menges, is a prosperous and well known farmer of this county. They have one son. Cutler J., who is in school.
JOHN F. WALMER.
John F. Walmer, following the occupation of farming in Middle- bury township, was born in the village of Middlebury in 1850 and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of this part of the state. His parents were John and Magdalena ( Hoff ) Walmer. The paternal grandfather, George Walmer, was a blacksmith and farmer, and while living in Pennsylvania he was married to Miss Sarah Fisher, by whom he had six children: Joseph, George, John. Lydia, Catherine and Eliza-
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heth. The mother died when her son John, the father of our subject. was a small boy and George Walmer afterward married Catherine Shuey, nce Mills, who died April 7. 1877, at the age of ninety years. There were three children by the second marriage: Maria, Mattie and Benjamin. George Walmer. the grandfather, settled on a farmi in Wayne county, Ohio, where he died in February, 1856. at the age of sixty-eight years. He was a man of unblemished reputation, re- spected by all who knew him. He left a family who were a credit to his name, including John Walmer, father of our subject.
John Walmer was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, Sep- tember 26, 1817, and was of German lineage. His educational privi- leges were quite limited, but he learned to read in both the German and English tongues. He learned to count after attaining manhood by splitting rails by the hundred, it being necessary that he keep track of his work in order that he might know if he was receiving the correct price for his labor. The first work which he did on his own account was the clearing of land. In 1844 he removed to Elkhart county in company with his young wife, traveling through the black swamp of Ohio. Eventually he reached his destination and settled on section thirty-three, Middlebury township, about a mile south of the farm on which John F. Walmer now resides. There the father at once began clearing and cultivating the land and to his original tract he added eighty acres. In the winter months when he could not work in the fields he engaged in the manufacture of brooms. He possessed much mechanical ingenuity and could perform almost any service along me- chanical lines. His chief attention, however, was given to his agricul- tural interests and he became the owner of two hundred and eighty-six acres of very fine and productive land. Upon his place he also had a sawmill which was operated by water power and in addition to his farm- ing property he owned a residence in Elkhart and a store building in that city. He was a man of good physique and strong constitution and he led a most useful and active life. Although his business cares made heavy demands upon his attention he yet found time to broaden his mind in the acquirement of useful knowledge through reading and study at home. He always kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day and his political support was given to the Democratic party. He held membership in the Reformed church. His wife, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, March 10, 1819, was a daughter of George and Catherine ( Hess) Hoff, both of whom died in Wayne county, Ohio. Her father was a blacksmith and farmer. Mrs. Wal- mer was also a member of the Reformed church and her death occurred August 11, 1887. About ten years later John Walmer departed this life. being called to his final rest October 15, 1897. They were the parents of two children, the daughter being Amanda E., the wife of Aaron Work, an insurance agent of Middlebury, who has also been township trustee. They became the parents of four children: Luetta.
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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
George, John and Charles, but the last named died at the age of six years. Luetta became the wife of William Barger, a box manufacturer, and they have one son, Everett. His father is proprietor of a garage at South Bend, Indiana. John Walmer, Sr., also had an adopted daugh- ter. Idella J. Poorbaugh, who has been a member of the family from the age of eight years. She too belongs to the Reformed church.
John F. Walmer, whose name introduces this record, is indebted to the district schools of his native county for the educational privileges he received. He was reared upon his father's farm and it is yet his place of residence. He owns here eighty acres of land on section twen- ty-six, Middlebury township, and he also has one hundred and twenty- five acres on section thirty-three and forty aeres on section twenty-nine. so that his possessions aggregate two hundred and forty-five acres. His farming property is valuable and his carefully directed labors bring to him very gratifying success. He works along progressive lines and has a farm well equipped with modern accessories. He raises stock in addition to the cultivation of the fields and this branch of business like- wise proves profitable. In politics he is a Democrat and he holds mem- bership in the Lutheran church.
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