USA > Indiana > Cass County > History of Cass County, Indiana > Part 18
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In 1870, he was called from La Porte to the city of Logansport to take charge of St. Vincent de Paul Church, which at that time was the only Catholic congregation in the city. Under Father Lawler's administration, and the power and force of his ministry, he has so largely increased the membership that there have grown two other prosperous societies from his charge, a conclusive evidence of the reverence his people repose in him for his ability and teachings, and venerate him for his piety and kindly offices when the hours of trouble and affliction come. His life has been fraught with good works, and the future awaits him with bounteous and abundant rewards.
A. E. TAYLOR, LOGANSPORT.
" Fame looks to the clash of resounding arms, and the smoke and carnage of the battle-field, for its trophies ; but true worth is demon- strated by a patient and persistent course of honest industry," and the record of a life well spent, of triumphs over obstacles, and per- severance under diffiulties, when imprinted on the pages of history, presents to the youth of rising generations an example worthy of their emulation. In the following sketch we endeavor to give an out- line of a remarkable life.
Allen E. Taylor was born in the city of Baltimore, Md., on the 19th day of September, 1817. While quite young, he moved, with his parents, to the State of New York. At a proper age, he was ap- prenticed to a merchant in Balston Spa, with whom he remained four years. In 1836, he went to Yates County, N. Y., and accepted a position as clerk in a mercantile establishment, at Starkey. He continued in this capacity one year, and at the end of that time he removed to Licking County, Ohio, where he engaged his services as salesman in a store. He remained thus engaged, until the Fall of 1839. At that time, he removed to Jeffersonville, Ind., where he again engaged in mercantile pursuits. Two years later, he removed to New Albany, Ind., and, with a change of location, changed his business. Having a desire to see more of the world than could be seen within the narrow sphere of a clerk's life, he accepted a position as clerk on a steamboat, plying the waters of the Lower Mississippi and its tributaries. From this position he worked his way to the office of Captain, and pursued the life of a river-man, until the Spring of 1846. He then returned to New Albany, and opened a retail. grocery. On the 13th day of April, 1848, he was united in the sacred ties of matrimony, with Miss Julia L. Tuley, of Louisville, Ky. Soon after his marriage, he removed with his young bride, to Covington, Ind., and again embarked in the retail grocery enterprise, After a residence of one year in that place, during which time he was very successful in his business, he again changed his location, and removed to Terre Haute, Ind. In the Spring of 1856, he was elected Treasurer of that city, and served one term in that capacity. He continued to do business in Terre Haute, until the year 1860. He then removed to Fulton County, Ind., and opened a general merchan- dise store in Rochester, at which place he continued to sell goods un til 1864. Closing out his establishment there, in that year, he came to Logansport, and since that time, has been one of her honored and respected citizens. Here he engaged in the livery and omnibus busi- ness and continued in that line for a period of four years. In 1868, he again embarked in the mercantile enterprise, and for a period of six years, was thus engaged. In the year 1874, he determined to try the part of host, and, accordingly, purchased a half interest in the Murdock Hotel, of Logansport. Becoming dissatisfied with this
mode of life, he disposed of his interest to his partner, Mr. Jones, and again assumed control of the omnibus line, in which business he is now engaged. During his residence in Logansport, his superior qualities have been repeatedly recognized by his fellow citizens, by whom he was elected to the office of Councilman from his ward, and later, to the office of City Treasurer, in which capacity he served two consecutive terms. Throughout a long and checkered life, during which he passed through many vicissitudes, his energy, industry and honesty have been the ruling elements in his character; and these qualities have made themselves apparent to all with whom he has been associated. And now, in the sixty-first year of his age, he is still engaged in active life, in the possession of a vigorous constitution, and enjoying the fullest confidence and respect of all his friends and acquaintances.
JOSEPH B. MESSINGER, CITY TREASURER.
Mr. Messinger was born at Long Island, N. Y., in the year 1835. While he was quite young, his parents removed to the western part of the State, and located in Wayne County, where the subject of this sketch acquired his early education at the district school. His school life was limited to this period, and his education is due to a patient and persistent course of study, out of school hours, and since the close of his school life.
At the age of nineteen years, he determined to seek his fortune on life's highway, and believing the West to be the most inviting field, left his home, with that end in view. He first located in Hills- dale County, Michigan, where he accepted employment with his brother, who was engaged in the manufacture of fanning-mills. During the time he was thus employed, he accumulated a capital of several hundred dollars, and with the means thus acquired, embarked in business for himself. He located in Monticello, Indiana, where his business improved rapidly, and yielded handsome returns. In 1861, he came to Logansport, and opened an establishment for the manufacture of fanning-mills and pumps. He conducted this enter- prise successfully, and with financial profit, until the year 1873. In that year, his establishment was destroyed by fire. This misfortune, although it crippled him, did not disable him, financially, and he im- mediately adopted measures for the re-establishment of his business. He again put his factory in operation, and conducted the business, in persou, until the year 1875.
During his residence in Logansport, his strict attention to business and probity of character gained the confidence of all; and, in 1875, when his party awarded him the nomination for City Treasurer, the opposition refused to nominate a candidate for the same office. He served faithfully, in this capacity, for a term of two years, and at the expiration of his term, was again nominated, and re-elected without opposition.
This is the only public office he has ever held, and the fact that he was twice elected to such a responsible position, without opposi- tion, is a high testimonial to his integrity and business ability.
C. H. RANDALL, CITY MARSHAL.
Charles H. Randall was born in Dover, N. H., March 24, 1828. He is a son of Charles Randall, a veteran of the war of 1812. His mother, whose maiden name was Abigail Dame, was a native of Lee, N. H., which was also the native city of his father. His parents remained in that city until their decease. Their son, Charles H., was engaged as a farmer boy, until sixteen years of age. He then learned the trade of house-carpenter, and was engaged as journeyman, n that branch of industry, for a period of five or six years. He subsequently removed to Massachusetts, and was engaged as pattern maker in a machine shop, in the city of Boston.
He then experienced a desire to move beyond the boundaries of New England, and see something of the Great West. After an ex- tended tour through a number of Western cities, he located in Logans- port, in the year 1865. He accepted a position with Mr. Charles B. Knowlton, in whose employ he remained eight years.
At the end of that time, he accepted employment with the Eel River Railway Company, as inspector of pumps and bridges. In the Spring of 1862, he married Mrs. Augusta J. Thissell, a native of the State of Massachusetts. By this marriage, he is the father of two children-Charles A. and Hattie J. In 1871, Mr. Randall was elected to the City Council, from the First Ward, and was one of the first Councilmen elected from that ward. In 1875, he changed his vocation, and for a period of two years acted as Captain of Police. His faithful discharge of duty in this position led to his election (in May, 1877) to the office of City Marshal, for a term of two years.
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
Politically, his principles are in accord with the doctrines advocated by the Democratic party. He has never identified himself with any religious denomination, and, being a member of none, contributes toward all with equal liberality.
HAGENBUCK & PARKER, LOGANSPORT.
The gentlemen constituting the above named firm are both what may justly be termed "self-made" men, and to this class we may accord more praise than to any other.
When men of ability, energy and determination embark in an enterprise, with few advantages and many discouragements, and, by their own exertions, succeed in elevating themselves to a first-class position in the commercial scale, the city or town wherein they reside is certainly benefited, and they feel a degree of pride in adding to the wealth of the city which has seen their rise and prosperity.
Such is the case with the gentlemen above named. As young men, with comparatively nothing except their knowledge of the business which they had selected, they opened a small shop, in the year 1871, near the Pan Handle freight depot, where they engaged in the manufacture of bent carriage work and moldings, doing nearly all the work themselves, and economizing in every way to avoid unnecessary expense. Since that time, they have gradually increased their facilities, and have added other branches of industry to their business, increasing the number of their employes. Thus, from a very small beginning, has grown an establishment which stands sec- ond to none in the list of Logansport's manufacturing enterprises.
They now own and occupy a large stone building, on the corner of Spear and Berkley streets, filled with the latest and most approved machinery for the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, moldings, brackets, etc., and for doing all kinds of planing and dressing of lumber. Connected with this, they have an extensive lumber yard, and are prepared to fill any lumber bill, complete, on short notice. They have, also, a large two-story brick wareroom and office building, where, at all times, may be found a complete stock of their manufac- tured goods. In addition to this, they have erected eleven large, commodious dwelling houses, from which they derive a handsome revenue.
That they have made wonderful progress there is no question, and that they will eventually become one of the leading institutions in this community, their past record is a sufficient guarantee.
JOHN H. PECK.
Among the "self-made" men of Logansport, we may class the gentleman whose biography is herewith presented.
The monument may crumble, the descendants may move to dis- tant regions, and the resting place of honored remains may become a matter of indifference or oblivion; but the story of a life, impressed in print, remains a lasting monument and a frequent reminder of good deeds accomplished in preceding generations, stimulating the youth of other generations to similar good deeds and accomplishments. In the following sketch, we present a brief outline of one who, by his own energy and persistence, has conquered difficulties and gained for himself a competence and the esteem and good will of his fellow citizens.
John H. Peck was born in Fairfield, Greene County, Ohio, on the 19th day of April, 1835. He attended the common school until eleven years of age, and then entered upon an apprenticeship as a cigar maker. After acquiring proficiency in the trade, he started on a tour, and after working in many different towns and cities throughout the West, finally decided to make Logansport his future home and place of business. With a borrowed capital of $360.00 he opened a small cigar store in this city, on the 29th day of October, 1860. By economy and close attention to business, he accumulated some means, canceling his obligation to the friend who advanced the money where- with to open the establishment.
On the 1st day of April, 1858, Mr. Peck and Mrs. Maggie E. Whiteside were united in marriage, at the house of Rev. Dr. Ryder, Pastor of St. Paul's Church, Chicago.' Two children blessed this union, named respectively Pearl, born May 4, 1869, and Daisy Agnes, born Aug. 19, 1872. On the 30th day of April, 1870, little Pearl died, and loving hands laid her tenderly to rest. Daisy is still living.
In the Spring of 1873, Mr. Peck built the handsome stone front storeroom which he now occupies, at No. 424 Broadway, and which we may justly style the handsomest front in the city. No establish- ment in the city more fully illustrates the truth of the Scotch proverb
that "mony a miekle makes a muckle," than his. By the faithful and persistent exercise of the virtues of industry and economy, he has been able to add to Logansport one of its handsomest business structures. He sells a superior quality of goods, and by upright dealing with all men has won the public confidence, and enjoys a lucrative trade.
On the 23d day of December, 1873, he became a member of Eel River Lodge, No. 417, I. O. O. F., and on the second Thursday of April, 1874, was elevated to the Royal Purple Degree of Cass En- campment, No. 119, and has passed the chairs of both institutions. He was a charter member of Omega Lodge, No. 108, Knights of Honor, instituted April 30, 1875, and attended the first session of the Grand Lodge of the World, held at Indianapolis, in May, 1875, as Representative from his lodge. This lodge soon after surrendered its charter, and ceased to exist. He was also a charter member of Apollo Lodge, No. 62, Knights of Pythias, instituted June 30, 1875. He was elected First Chancellor Commander of this lodge, and received the Grand Lodge Degree, at Richmond, Ind., on the fourth Tuesday of January, 1876. In all these relations he has sustained the reputation which has characterized him through life-an upright, honest man.
GEORGE P. WASHBURN, LOGANSPORT.
Among the various enterprises which go to make up the prosper- ity of the city of Logansport, the sewing machine interest is one which deserves notice. This labor-saving invention has become deservedly popular among the people, and its popularity does not diminish with time. Foremost among the requirements of this enter- prise is the necessity of an able man to superintend the details and supply the demands of the people. We feel warranted in stating that this requirement is met by the gentleman who presides over the interests of the Singer Sewing Machines in this city.
He was born in Clermont County, O., on the 29th day of August, 1850. During his boyhood and early youth he was engaged on his father's farm; and, until nineteen years of age, remained thus em- ployed.
In the year 1869, he left his home and went to the State of Illinois, where he engaged his services as teacher in a district school. By this means he obtained a sufficient amount to enable him to spend one year in Abingdon Seminary, at Abingdon, Illinois.
At the end of the year, he removed to Indiana and located in the city of Logansport.
In the Fall of 1871, he engaged as agent for the Singer Manu- facturing Company in the sale of their machines, and remained in their employ until the 23d day of May, 1877. On that day, he purchased the company's office at this place, and engaged in the bus- iness on his own account. On the 25th day of September, 1873, he married Miss Mary F. Fancher, who came with her parents from Ohio to Cass County, when quite young. One child, Roscoe, has blessed this union.
Mr. Washburn is a wide-awake, energetic man, always alive to the interests of his business, and the general prosperity of the city. He controls the sewing machine interest of this city, in a great degree, and sells a machine of acknowledged superiority.
FRANCIS S. MARTIN, WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
About the year 1780, Peter Martin, at the age of 18 years, emi- grated from Germany to the United States, and first settled in Penn- sylvania, near the city of Philadelphia, whence, after a few years, he removed to Somerset County, in the same State, where he married, and settled down to his life-long occupation-farming. Here he lived and reared a family of four children-three sons and one daughter. At the age of 80 years, he was gathered to his father's, leaving his wife to walk the balance of life's journey alone. She survived his death fifteen years, and then departed to join him in "the Summer Land." The names of their children were Jacob, Peter and David. Peter, the third child, was born at the old home, near Berlin, Somerset County, Pa., in the year 1803. He, in com. mon with the other members of the family, was reared a farmer, and received a limited common school education, remaining at home, assisting in the farm labors, until he attained his majority. After becoming of age, he still continued on the old place, and, in fact, never left the old people, but remained with them until their death, taking care of them, and having charge of the farm, until the year 1849. At the age of 25, he was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Long, of the same town.
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
In the year 1848, the desire to secure homes and lands for his children prompted him to emigrate to a new country, where land could be purchased cheaply. He came to Indiana, and located some wild lands in Washington Township, Cass County, about eight miles southeast of Logansport; and, in the following year, removed his family to their new home in the wilderness. The family, which con- sisted of himself, wife, five sons and three daughters, were all strong, robust and healthy ; and, with brave hearts and willing hands, they all took hold of the pioneer work of felling trees, logging, and clearing off their new lands. Peter and his family, by dint of hard labor and persistent effort, managed to live through all the hardships and priva- tions incident to pioneer life, and became one of the "solid " farmers of Cass County, and, as his children grew to maturity, was enabled to assist each one to a farm of their own. He was known and recognized among his many friends and acquaintances as a man of unblemished reputation and integrity. Both himself and wife were members of the German Reformed Church until they came to Cass County. They then united with the Presbyterian Church. It was largely due to his aid and influence that the Union Church of Washington Township was erected. He was a quiet, unostentatious man, who attended strictly to his own business. His wife died in the year 1863, at the age of 58 years. Peter Martin died in the year 1872, at the age of 69 years. Of the children, Simon is married, has a family, and owns and occupies a farm near the old homestead. Jesse is also married, and has a family of seven sons and one daughter, and owns and occupies a large farm near the old homestead. Herman is married, and has a farm adjoining the homestead. Katie died several years ago. Caroline is married to John Martin, Esq., and owns the homestead. Matilda is married, and lives about three miles from the old home.
Francis S., the eldest child, was born at the homestead of bis grandfather, in Pennsylvania, on the 22d day of October, 1830. He, in common with his brothers and sisters, assisted in clearing up the new farm in Cass County, attending the common schools of the day (such as they were) until he became of age, after which he worked, at alternate times for five years, as a carpenter. At 23 years of age, he formed the acquaintance of Miss Carrie Sine, daughter of Jacob Sine, Esq., of Washington Township. This acquaintance ripened into courtship and marriage. The marriage ceremony was performed on the 29th day of November, 1855.
They at once began keeping house, and clearing up the farm upon which they now reside. He began on eighty acres of wild land, the gift of his father, and to that he has added, by purchase, eighty acres more, so that his home-farm now consists of 160 acres-the larger portion being cleared and improved, and is known as one of the finest farms in Cass County. He also owns other farms in Washington Township, to the amount of 240 acres. His occupation, thus far in life, has been strictly farming. He has never engaged in specula- tion, or uncertain projects. He has a beautiful farm, with convenient and comfortable barns, and out-buildings, for stock and grain.
Mr. Frank Martin (as he is known) is esteemed one of the solid men of Cass County, respected by his acquaintances and loved by his friends and relatives. A man of irreproachable character ; a sympa- thizing friend ; a tried husband and indulgent father. His family consists of his excellent wife and an interesting group of ten children- three sons and seven daughters ; all bright, healthy and intelligent, and all living at home with their parents, in one happy family. The names of the children are as follows: Charles H., Mary H., Herman E., Rebecca A., George W., Harriet M., Ella V., Lucy D., Carrie V. M. and Elsie J.
It is with much pleasure that we present our readers with a view of the residence and property of this pioneer family, and this brief sketch of their history, as a monument to their memory, and a tribute of respect to their character and worth.
STEPHEN EURIT, ADAMS TOWNSHIP.
Mr. Eurit is the son of John Eurit, who was born in the State of Virginia, where he married Miss Mary A. Martin, a native of the same State. In the year 1828, he moved to Indiana, bringing his wife and four children with him. The children were Stephen, William, Joel and Susan. They located in Park County, where they remained until the year 1833. In that year, they removed to Cass County. Pleased with their location, they decided to make this their future home, and accordingly remained here, until the date of their decease.
Mrs. Eurit died in the year 1853. Her husband survived her seventeen years, when, in the year 1870, he, too, was called away
beyond the cares of earth. Six children were added to the family, after their arrival in Indiana-Nancy, Maria, Catharine, Decatur, Isaiah W. and Rachel. Of this number, Nancy and Catharine are deceased.
Stephen, the elder of this family, was born in Lewis County, Virginia, in the year 1821. The days of his boyhood and youth were passed in the ordinary routine of farm life, and alternate attend- ance at the district school. He has been a citizen of this State, since the 7th year of his age, having removed here with his parents, in the year 1828. On the 19th day of June, 1847, he married Miss Ellen Jane Dalzell. Her father, John Dalzell, was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to Pennsylvania, when 20 years of age, located in Washington County, where he married Miss Lucy Crooks, a daughter of Gen. Richard Crooks, who figured prominently in the war of 1812.
They subsequently removed to Ohio, and remained in that State five years at the end of which time, they removed to Cass County, Ind., where they remained until their death, leaving seven children to mourn their decease.
Their daughter, Ellen, as previously stated, became the wife of Mr. Eurit, and, through the years which have followed her marriage with him has been his constant companion and helpmeet. Eight children have blessed their union, three of whom have passed beyond the tender love and care of their parents, to the embrace of the Tender Shepherd above. Those living are Martha, Mary A., Sarah F., Ida M., and Charles M., and the names of those deceased are William, Lucy E. and Alice.
Mr. Eurit and his estimable wife have been identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church for a period of thirty-five years. They were among the earliest members of the church in Cass County.
Mr. Eurit is one of the substantial citizens of Cass County ; reared to farm life, he has always followed that occupation. He is universally recognized as a gentleman of integrity and sterling quali- ties. He is the possessor of more than 200 acres valuable land in this county, the greater portion of which is cleared and in a fine state of cultivation. He does not rank as a politician, but is a cordial supporter of the doctrines of the Republican party.
By honest toil and frugality, he has accumulated a goodly portion of this world's goods, and by careful attention to the science of agri- culture, has become one of the most successful farmers of Cass County.
JOHN COSTENBORDER, TIPTON TOWNSHIP.
About the year 1808, George Costenborder emigrated from Ger- many to the United States and located in the State of Pennsylvania, where he engaged in farming and weaving. He married Miss Eliza- beth Stout, a native of Berks County, Penn., in the year 1821. Soon after his marriage, he removed to Lebanon County, Penn., where he remained until 1833. In that year, he removed to Greene Co., O. From thence he removed to Champaign County, O., in the year 1848. He remained there several years, and then removed to Indiana, locat- ing in Wabash County ; ten years later, he came to Cass County, where he resided until his death, which occurred in the year 1869. He was 78 years of age at the time of his de- cease, and lived to see his children all happily married, and settled in life. His wife died in the year 1866, at the age of 68 years. They were the parents of four children, named respectively- John, Mary, Daniel and Joseph.
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