Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 85

Author: F.A. Battey & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : Battey & Co.
Number of Pages: 976

USA > Indiana > Noble County > Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 85
USA > Indiana > LaGrange County > Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 85

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).

G. W. CARR, M. D., began life during the pioneer days of Stark County, Ohio. His parents, Benjamin and Mary (Jennings), were early settlers of Stark

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County, and farmed there for many years. The mother died there in 1852, and the father subsequently remarried. He came to Ligonier in 1856, where he died in 1861. Of their children, twelve attained maturity, and ten are now living. Our subject, who is next to the youngest child, assisted on his father's farm in Stark County until seventeen years of age. He then went to Navarre, and commenced reading medicine with Dr. Leeper, under whose tutelage he remained three years. In 1850, he came to Ligonier, and for two years studied medicine with Dr. Wellman. He then established an office, and prac- ticed his profession for four years, when he went to Cleveland, and in 1856 graduated from the Cleveland Medical College, returning at the end of that time to Ligonier, where he has since been in practice, with the exception of three years' service in the late war. He went out in 1862 with the Forty- fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and remained with them as Assistant Surgeon until March, 1864, when he was appointed Surgeon of the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served in this capacity until the war ended. He has established a large and successful practice. His popularity as a physician is well deserved, and he is well-informed on the science of med- icine and surgery. Since the year 1880, he has been in partnership with William A. Shobe, who, since fourteen years of age, has been with Dr. Carr, having made the study of medicine a pursuit. He graduated from the Detroit Medical College in 1880. Dr. Carr is a Royal Arch Mason, and was married to Miss Dulcina Teal, daughter of Joseph Teal, of Perry Township, in 1852. She died in 1862, leaving two children-Wallace W. and Denoyer P. In 1864, he was united in marriage with Sarah McMillan, a native of Rochester, N. Y.

WILLIAM CULVEYHOUSE, gunsmith, is a native of La Porte County, Ind., and lived at home on his father's farm until thirteen years of age, when he was crippled, and went to Plymouth, Marshall Co., Ind., where he commenced learning the gunsmith's trade, finishing it in Indianapolis. He spent four years in the different States ; then, in 1859, he enlisted on an English man-of- war at Baltimore, but failed to go with them. For two years, he was connected with the hydraulic water-works of Annapolis Naval School. In 1862, he went to La Porte, Ind .; remained nine months, and in 1863 came to Ligonier, where he conducted a gun and sporting store, and followed his trade until in March, 1880. He then went to Easton, Md., returning to Ligonier in August, 1881, where he is permanently located in his old business calling. He was married in 1862 to Miss Eliza A. Stewart, of Annapolis, Md. Their children are William H., Maretta V., Elizabeth and Vesta A.

L. J. DUNNING is the eldest of five children born to Jesse and Lorinda (Lawrence) Dunning, natives of New York, and was reared on his father's farm in the place of his nativity, Dutchess County, N. Y. At the age of twen- ty-one, he went to Fairfield County, Ohio, where he practiced farming, teaching school winters. He came to this county in October, 1859, and entered a farm in Perry Township, which he managed one year. He then went into the gro- cery business with J. E. Braden, in Ligonier. This partnership lasted until 1867, when Mr. Braden retired, Mr. Dunning continuing the business alone. In 1865, his parents left their farm, and came from New York to Ligonier, residing with their son until their deaths ; that of the father occurred in 1866, and the mother in 1880. In 1873, Mr. Dunning's son, Jesse L., became a partner in his store, and in 1881 they associated with them Frank Jackson, mak- ing the firm of Dunning, Son & Co. Their stock consists of general groceries,

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produce, tobacco, cigars, crockery, lime, salt, cement, etc. Mr. Dunning's wife was Anna Huber, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio. They have four children living-Jesse L .; Lucinda, wife of W. A. Jackson, of Ligonier ; Emma, wife of Frank Jackson, of the firm Dunning, Son & Co .; and Libbie, at home ; and two deceased-Mary Miller and Jacob. Mr. Dunning has been Township Trustee four years, and the Dunning family are all members of the Disciples' Church.

C. ELDRED, druggist, lived on a farm in New York, his native State, until about sixteen years of age, when he went to Akron, Summit Co., Ohio, where he learned the tinner's trade. To Stark County he next went, where he was employed at Navarre, in the hardware and tinning business, until 1854. The following eleven years, he followed his trade in Huntington County, Ind., and in 1865 began his present business in Ligonier. He first formed a partnership with P. Serbert, which existed only a few months, Mr. Eldred conducting the business alone until in 1872, when his son became a partner, and the firm has remained to the present C. Eldred & Son. Mr. Eldred was married to Miss Eliza Hawk, a native of Pennsylvania and resident of Stark County, Ohio, in 1845. They have three children-S. T. Eldred, druggist; John H., a printer at La Porte; and Mary Hoffman, of Ligonier. They are both members of the Methodist Church and Mr. Eldred is a Knight Templar.

S. T. ELDRED, junior member of the firm of C. Eldred & Son, was born in Stark County, Ohio. In 1865, he began his business experience in Wabash, clerking in a drug store, then was in his father's store at Ligonier until he be- came a partner in 1872. They are both courteous gentlemen and progressive business men. The son is also a Mason, and was married, in 1873, to Miss Elizabeth Randall, a native of Indiana. They have one child-Frank.

S. B. ENGLE, son of Andrew and Ann R. (Conrad) Engle, was born in Perry Township. His parents were there engaged in farming, and came at an early day. The subject's younger days were associated with farm life, and his educational facilities were up to the standard, which sufficiently warranted him in teaching school during the winters. He officiated three years as a preceptor in the public schools at Ligonier, to which place he came in 1877, where he he formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss M. E. Myers, who was a resident of Illinois at the time of her marriage, but originally came from Ohio.

J. F. GARD, M. D., one of Ligonier's prominent professional men, was born in Preble County, Ohio, where he was reared on a farm. In 1859, he began the study of medicine with A. D. Potts, and continued it until the open- ing of the war, when he enlisted, in May, 1861, in the Sixteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was with this regiment for one year, and during the remainder of the war and until January, 1866, he served in the First Indiana Heavy Artillery, thus making over four years' service, during which time he acted chiefly as Assistant Surgeon. After the war closed, he commenced the practice of his profession in Miami County, Ind., where he remained six years. He named the town of North Grove, in Miami County, Ind., where he went in 1866, succeeded in establishing a post office, and when he left the place numbered 300 inhabitants. Mr. Gard came to this county in October, 1871, and remained at Wawaka, where he built up a large practice, until he came to Ligonier and located in 1877. He lias secured an extended and lucrative practice, and is well known as an able physician. Mr. Gard is a graduate of Bennett Medical College of Chicago and is a Knight Templar. He was married to Miss Mary J. White, a native of Ohio, in 1867. They have two

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children living-Ettie B. and Addie. Albert L. died in 1870, aged eighteen months.

W. G. GARDNER, merchant tailor, was born in Germany, March 10, 1833, is the youngest of five children, and the only one of the family that came to this country. His parents, Alexander and Regene Gardner lived and died in Germany. The subject emigrated to New York City in 1854, and after four months went to Newton, N. J., remained six months, then returned to New York City. He then went to Burlington, Va., and after returning, spent some time in New York, and after an extended trip throughout the Western States and Canada, returned again to New York, subsequently going to Connecticut, where he stayed until 1862. In that year he enlisted in Company F, Nine- teenth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, and served until July 17, 1865, then returned to Connecticut ; he received two wounds while in the army. He came to Ligonier in 1877, and was employed for some time by Jacob Straus & Co., as cutter and fitter in their clothing establishment. In 1879, he established a business of his own and has been very prosperous ; he employs from five to seven workmen. Mr. Gardner was first married in Connecticut, July 3, 1860, to Louisa Kohlor, who was born in Germany in 1842. She died in 1861, May 18, and he married January 1, 1862, Mary A. Commings, a native of Connec- ticut, born February 25, 1838. By his first wife Mr. Gardner had one child, W. F., and the remaining children are Phebie A., Sophia J., Nellie M., and an infant as yet unnamed. Mr. Gardner is a Mason, and owns town property in Ligonier ; he is a popular citizen as well as an honorable business man.

E. B. GERBER, hardware, etc., a genial gentleman and an energetic, thrifty business man, was born in Stark County, Ohio, one of eleven children, whose parents were David and Susanna (Buchtel) Gerber, early settlers of E. B.'s native county. The father was a persevering farmer, who, with his family, removed to La Grange County, Ind., in 1855, settling in Eden Township, where he died in 1872. In 1876, the mother moved into Ligonier, where she still resides, in the conciousness of a well spent life and with the respect of her many acquaintances. Eight of the children are now living-Eliza Shrock and Abraham, in La Grange County ; Lydia Yoder and Daniel, in Perry Township ; and E. B., Sarah Bruner, Tena King and Christopher W., of Ligonier. In 1861, Jacob J. entered the army for the suppression of the rebellion, as a member of Company C, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until he was taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga. He was then taken to the rebel prison at Andersonville, where he died September 2, 1864. Benjamin F., the youngest of the family, was a tinner by trade, and had charge of that department in E. B.'s hardware store until the 5th of June, 1881, when he and his wife were drowned in the Reservoir at Rome City. They were married in 1878. Her maiden name was Maxwell. E. B. Gerber, in his early manhood, learned the carpenter trade, also civil engineering, in addition to) which he commenced teaching school whilst yet in Stark County, Ohio. In 1855 he came to La Grange County with his parents, but went to Nebraska the same year. Here bringing into requisition his knowledge of engineering, assisted in laying out Omaha City. After about eight months, having visited other parts, he returned home and resumed school-teaching and carpentering. In 1857, Mr. Gerber was appointed Deputy County Surveyor of Noble County under William Dowling, and in 1858 was elected County Surveyor, serving until 1865, with his residence in Ligonier. Was engaged in publishing town and county maps, from 1864 until 1867. The real estate business then en-

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grossed his attention for one year. In January, 1869, he purchased the interest of Mr. Wadsworth, of Wadsworth & Parker, hardware, and one year later bought Mr. Parker's interest, thus succeeding to the proprietorship of the whole establishment. He carries a full line of hardware, stoves, tinware and agricultural implements. This business is conducted in a progressive manner characteristic of the man. In 1871, Mr. Gerber, in connection with Mr. Treash and Kirchbaum, established a foundry in Ligonier, which business, in 1880, was changed to a carriage manufactory. In 1874, he, with Carlton Jones, started a handle manufactory, but is not now connected with that busi- ness. In political positions, in addition to that of Surveyor, Mr. Gerber has served in nearly the whole line in his town and township. In 1856, he was elected as Trustee of Eden Township, La Grange County, and served as first Assessor of Ligonier after its incorporation. Has been City Councilman for several terms ; has also filled the office of City Clerk, and is now President of the City Council, and has served several years as School Trustee. He is a Knight Templar, and now Master of the Ligonier Lodge, No. 185, F. & A. M. In October, 1857, Mr. Gerber was married to Miss Mary Moses, of Perry Township. They have four children-Owen F., Delta, Minnie and Dwight. The honorable and active career of Mr. Gerber, as summed up in his record, is a higher commendation of his usefulness as a citizen than can be bestowed upon him by any words of praise.

D. W. GREEN, of Green & Bothwell, attorneys at law, was born in Stark County, Ohio, son of John F. and Christina (Bowers) Green, natives of Germany, and early settlers of Stark County, where they resided up to 1860, the father engag- ing in blacksmithing, being a mechanic by trade, learned edge tool-making in the old country. They moved to Wayne County, Ohio, where they lived one year ; then, in 1861, came to Ligonier. While in Noble County, he followed farming ; then, in 1875, removing to Jasper County, he engaged in the hardware trade, in connection with his son, which still occupies his attention. They had six children, the subject being the fourth. He had a good education, and after com- ing to Noble County, with parents, attended Wittenburg College, at Spring- field. In 1862, he enlisted Company B, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and soon after was appointed Steward of No. 1 Hospital, at Louisville, Ky. When this was closed, he was transferred to Crittenden Hospital, where he was connected until 1865. He returned to Ligonier, and attended com- mercial college at Fort Wayne one term. He then spent a short time at Kendallville, in the grocery business, with Albert Banta, subsequently farming two years in Perry Township, where he was elected Justice of the Peace. Moved to Ligonier in 1870, and served eight years. Previous to this, he had been studying law, which he has been practicing since 1876, when he was admitted to the bar. In 1878, he formed his present association with Frank P. Bothwell. He is now serving as City Attorney, and is an eminent lawyer, and progressive citizen. He was married, in 1867, to Miss Ellen Banta, daughter of Albert Banta. In 1872, she died, leaving a child, Lulu M. Mr. Green married again, in 1874, Ladora D. Dodge, of Elkhart Township; she died in 1875. His present and third wife was Mrs. Electa W. Fleming, whom he married in 1877. They have one child, Charles F. Mr. Green belongs to the Methodist Church.

A. C. HARDENBROOK, grocery and saloon, is a native of Elkhart Town- ship, this county. His father, Ralph Hardenbrook, was a native of Virginia, and his mother, Eunice (Carr), was a native of Ohio. They left Richland County,

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Ohio, in 1835, and came to Noble County, locating in Elkhart Township. Here they passed their remaining days on a farm ; the mother died in 1849, and her husband in 1862. Of nine children, there are now living-Freman, Harriet Hardenburgh and Emily Gibson, of Iowa ; Solomon, of Albion, Ind. ; Francis, of Michigan, and the subject. The latter's early life was passed on a farm, until he reached his majority, when he went West, and passed nine years among the mountains in Idaho, Montana and Nevada, engaged in packing and min- ing. He returned to Ligonier in 1866, and engaged in the livery business ; subsequently starting a grocery and saloon, which he has since continued. Mr. Hardenbrook has crossed the plains seven times, and has been once by water to California. He has served on the City Council, and is one of the oldest citizens born in the county. He possesses a fine library, is a well-read man and a progressive citizen. He was married, in December, 1866, to Miss Melinda Hathaway, native of Ohio. They have five children-Harry, Lora, Vernon, Allie and James.

J. W. HIGGINBOTHAM, jeweler, passed his early life in Ohio, Stark County. where he was born. He came to Ligonier with his parents. His father, Mark B. Higginbotham, was a native of Ireland, and was married in Stark County, Ohio, to Jane Scott, who was a native of Scotland. He was a jeweler by trade, and followed it throughout life, working at the bench for over half a century. They remained in Ohio until 1857, when they came to Ligo- nier, and he commenced his trade with a small stock of goods, that he afterward enlarged, his son, J. W., being the manager. He died in 1876, and his wife in 1881. They were both Episcopalians, and had two children, the subject, and Elizabeth Miller, of Bloomington, Ill. The former learned the jeweler's trade of his father, and was in partnership with him, making the firm of Higgin- botham & Son. Since his father's death, he has conducted the business alone ; through constant practice, has become a superior workman ; makes repairing a specialty ; and carries an extensive stock of watches, clocks, silverware and jewelry. He has been a member of the City Council one term ; has served as Town Clerk one term; and is a member of I. O. O. F. In 1864, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Fisher, of Stark County, Ohio, daughter of Henry C. Fisher, an early settler of Noble County, and now a resident of Kan- sas. They have four children-Harry M., Maud, Pearl and John J.

J. H. HOFFMAN, books, stationery, news, wall paper, etc., an ener- getic business man. He is a native of De Kalb County, Ind. His par- ents, George R. and Sarah (Cramer) Hoffman, came from Pennsylvania to De Kalb County about 1837, being pioneer settlers and residents there until their death. They located in Butler Township. His father was a prominent citi- zen and served that county as Recorder several years. Our subject was asso- ciated with his father on the farm until 1861, when he enlisted in Company K, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was in active service about one year, being wounded at the battle of Pittsburg Landing. Returning to his home, he engaged at school teaching, using the money earned in attaining a higher education. , In 1867, he came to Ligonier and embarked in his present business, also teaching in the public schools for three years. His stock is varied and extensive, and embraces everything in the line of a first-class book and stationery store. He is the agent for various makes of cabinet organs and the Weber piano. Mr. Hoffman has served in the City Council one year, and as Town Clerk three years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. In 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary C. Eldred, daughter of C. Eldred, druggist, of Ligonier.

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HON. HENRY HOSTETTER is the present Representative to the State Legislature from Noble and La Grange Counties, to which position he was elected in 1880. He is a native of Chillicothe, Ohio, where he was born July 14, 1813. His parents, Henry and Catherine (Maughmer) Hostetter, were natives of Virginia and Maryland, and of German and Scotch descent. Ulrich Hostetter, the grandfather of our subject, emigrated to this country from Ger- many at the close of the Revolutionary war, and located in Greenbrier County, Va., afterward removing to Rockingham County, same State. Henry Hostetter, at the age of fifteen, was apprenticed to the tanner and currier's trade, but was compelled to abandon that occupation on account of failing health. In the spring of 1831, he came with his father's family to what is now Perry Township. Here they began clearing a large tract of land. His father was a representative man, serving as one of the first County Commis- sioners, and as Township Trustee several terms. They had a family of twelve children, five of whom are now living-John, Benjamin, Henry, Joel and Mrs. Mary A. Walker, a widow living in Goshen. The parents remained here until their death, the father, in 1847, and the mother in 1855. After coming here, Henry served for a time on the home farm and then entered the employ of Spenser & Dawson, of Fort Wayne, as a salesman. After two years in that capacity, he attended school for four months at Goshen, after which he taught school four months in the year and worked at common labor the rest. July 5, 1839, he married Miss Margaret Ann Harsh, whose parents, with their family, came to Ligonier, in 1837, from Hocking County, Ohio, she, then only fifteen years old, walking the whole distance, over three hundred miles. Mr. Hostetter and wife settled on the Haw Patch and cleared a farm. In 1853, they moved into Ligonier, where he entered upon the practice of the law. Mr. Hostetter is a Republican in politics ; he filled the office of Justice of the Peace for fourteen consecutive years, and Township Assessor for twelve years ; in 1840, he was elected County Sheriff, and, in 1842, was defeated for re-elec- tion by only three votes, the Democratic majority for other candidates being about 350. In 1840, he was also appointed County Appraiser by the Legisla- ture. His long continuance in official position by the people is a fitting tribute to his efficiency and moral worth. In religious views, Mr. Hostetter is liberal, though he and wife both were reared under strict orthodox teachings. He is an active Mason, having joined that fraternity in 1853. His business enter- prises have been so successful as to place at his command an ample fortune which he and wife are enjoying in their home in Ligonier. They have four children-Dewitt Clinton (agent of the B. & O. R. R. at Milford Junction, Ind.), Mary W., Alma E., Barney (of Elkhart), and Alice E. Sandrock, of Ligonier.

DAVID HOUGH, farmer, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., and was brought up on his father's farm. He remained in Pennsylvania, farming in Westmoreland and Allegheny Counties for himself until 1864. In this year, he came to Indiana, locating in this township, where he still resides. In 1852, he was married to Miss Amanda Guffey, of Westmoreland County, Penn. They have four children-Mary Wade (who resides in Ligonier), Ben- jamin, Margaret and Andrew. Mr. Hough owns eighty acres of well-improved farming land situated on Section 19, and is one of the prominent and practical farmers of Perry Township. From 1871 to 1875, he filled the office of Coun- ty Sheriff and creditably discharged the duties assigned him.

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J. E. HUFFMAN is a contractor and builder, resident of the city of Ligonier, which has been his home since the close of the war, and where he has prosecuted his business with success. Mr. Huffman was born in Stark Coun- ty, Ohio, September 20, 1840. He remained with his parents until he was eighteen years old; then learned the carpenter's trade. In 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which regiment he served with bravery. Returning home, he subsequently entered the Thirteenth Indiana Infantry, and served until the close of the war, sharing in the cam- paigns and battles of his command. Mr. Huffman, at the termination of his service, settled in Ligonier, and commenced work at his trade. November 28, 1869, he was married to Miss M. B. Smith, native of York State, born Jan- uary 18, 1840. The parents of Mr. Huffman were Frederick and Elizabeth Huffman, he a native of Switzerland, and she of Pennsylvania, both born in 1808. He came to this country in 1816, remaining in Pennsylvania until 1834. In the meantime, learned the shoemaker's trade. He then came to Stark County, Ohio, and was married in 1835 to Elizabeth Simmons. In 1848, he moved with his family to De Kalb County, this State, where the old people still reside. The father and mother have been members of the Christian Church upward of fifty years. Their family of children consisted of Adam L. (who was killed in the army), Ann, J. E., A. C., Elizabeth, Almira (de- ceased) and Frederick. J. E. Huffman owns some property in the city ; be- longs to the Masonic Order, having passed through the Grand Lodge, and is a member of the Christian Church.

C. V. INKS, importer and dealer in granite and marble, is an active busi- ness man of Ligonier. His parents, Joseph and Louisa (Vinson) Inks, were early settlers of Elkhart County. In 1846, they removed to Noble Township, where they resided until 1868, when they became residents of Ligonier. Here the mother died in 1869; the father is still living. Two children are descend- ants, John F., connected with the marble works, and the subject of this sketch, who was born in Goshen, Elkhart Co., Ind., in 1836. When seventeen years of age, he commenced to learn his trade with his uncle, Beecher Inks, of Elkhart, with whom he remained one year, subsequently going to Goshen, where he finished. In 1855, he embarked in the marble business at Wolf Lake, prosecuting the same for two years. He then removed to Goshen, where he remained in business until 1860, returning at that period to Wolf Lake, and resuming his business connections there. In 1868, he removed to Ligo- nier, establishing his present works. He executes artistic and substantial de- signs, and besides supplying an extensive local trade, has extended his sales to the adjoining States of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois. For several years he has been importing granite from Scotland, also dealing in the best American grades. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and at one time was a candidate for Representative on the Democratic ticket. Mr. Inks, in 1860, married Miss Caroline Myers, of Medina County, Ohio. They have four chil- dren, Harry, William B., Albert and Rosa.

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Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 85

Author: F.A. Battey & Co Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago : Battey & Co. Number of Pages: 976

Author: F.A. Battey & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : Battey & Co.
Number of Pages: 976