History of Elkhart County, Indiana; together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history: portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 105

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, C. C. Chapman & co.
Number of Pages: 1192

USA > Indiana > Elkhart County > History of Elkhart County, Indiana; together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history: portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 105

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

the road, and had been at home at his father's, in Portage county, Ohio, about seven days, when he was taken with the small-pox, and was not able to return for 47 days. He then reported for duty at Indianapolis, and was sent to the soldiers' home in that city; here he soon came down with diphtheria, and lay in the hospital four weeks, very sick. When he again recovered lie was detailed as clerk of the ward of the hospital, which position he kept until he received his discharge May 25, 1865; with his discharge he received a certificate entitling him to a pension of $8 per month; this was increased in 1870 to $15 per month, and in 1872 to $18 per month. Mr. Yarian came to his farm in this tp. in 1870; he has 80 acres of well-improved land, mostly underdrained, and with good buildings. He has been a worthy member of the U. B. Church 20 years. P. O., Nappanee.

Daniel A. Young was born Dec. 11, 1853, in Ashland county, O., son of Samnel and Mary Young, of this county. They left Ash- land county when Daniel was about two years of age, going to Miami county, O., and a few years later they removed to this county, settling near Goshen. They have been living in the connty since then. The subject of this sketch was married May 22, 1873, to Miss Lucy Landers, of this tp., who was born in July, 1852. They have 2 children: Eva A., born Aug. 16, 1875, and Lanra Viola, May 4, 1879. Mr. Young is engaged in farming. P. O., Locke.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.

From the revered, honored and never-forgotten name of the great being who gave such towering strength to this weak people in their struggle for independence; him whose great and magnanimous heart ever beat in sympathy with those who songhit their liberty from the tyranny and dominance of the old world, and who, as even yet, the children of the schools are taught to call " the father of his country," this township of which we now write was early christened Washington. It borders north upon the State of Michi- igan. In its original or primeval life, before the hand of art had touched it with her charms and to it added wealth and beanty, it even then was beautiful. The forest and prairie and marsh and lake, and streams of water in abundance, the clearest of the clear, in but a single view the early traveler saw.

In a graceful bend in the Elkhart, where the town of Bristol now stands, and near the month of the Little Elkhart river, in the year 1829, the Nickolson family, who we are told were the first to locate here, stopped to make a home. The members of that family were: James, the father, and his sons Samnel V., David T. and George. About the same time came also Peter Marinen and Aaron Brown, relatives of Mr. Nickolson. All these now made pre-emption claims of land which had as yet belonged to Uncle Sam, and thus the actual settlement began. In 1830 came Reuben Bronson and his brother-in-law, James Cathcart. Mr. Bronson purchased some of the claims made by those who first came, and shortly afterward came into full ownership by Government entry. In 1834 Samuel P. Judson, a merchant from Buffalo, N. Y., came to this point and purchased the land entered and owned by Mr. Bronson; and soon thereafter Mr. Judson, in connection with L. M. Alverson and Hiram Doolittle, laid out and recorded the original plat of the pres- ent town of Bristol.

A postoffice was now established and Dr. II. H. Fowler, the first practicing physician, was the first postmaster. A weekly mail was the height of their ambition then for news, and was brought to Bristol in the coat-pockets of Jacob Evans, the first mail-carrier.

The first school-house was built in 1838; but previously school

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

had been held by Miss Philossa Wheeler, in a double log cabin which stood on ground now occupied by the Seely block.

The first religious meetings were held in 1837, by three Baptist preachers, who held a protracted meeting in the parlor of the hotel, before its completion, having a ground floor and rude plank seats. The first Methodist minister was Rev. Mr. Griffith, who in 1837 preached at the different points of his circuit. but it required about three months to " make the cirenit." One of the very first circuit ministers was Rev. Solomon Knapp.

The first church building was erected in 1849, by the Episcopal denomination, though principally through the energetic and untir- ing labors of Mrs. Jannette Judson. The following year the Methodist Episcopal church was completed and dedicated. largely through the efforts of John Maffit. the local minister at that time, and at this date the present postmaster at Bristol. The first minister duly appointed in charge here was Rev. Herman B. Ball. The Presbyterian church was in course of construction in 1850. under the management of Rev. Theron C. Depew, who died before the church was completed. The first regular minister after its comple- tion was Rev. Mr. Williams. The first hotel was built in 1536 by Delos Gannett, and the first landlord was Joseph Wheeler. The house has ever since been under the control of some member of the Wheeler family, being now owned and occupied by Joseph Wheeler, Sr .. son of the original proprietor.

The first merchants were Alverson & Doolittle, mentioned also as first in the organization of the town.

After the departure of the Indians, Dr. H. H. Fowler was the first physician. William Cowan was the first attorney at law. Alexander Bassett was appointed first justice of the peace.

The first dam was built across the St. Joseph river at Bristol in 1841, and mills erected thereon by Thomas Wheeler, the Hanchels. S. P. Judson and Sewell Thompson, the latter named being the proprietor of the first woolen mill erected here. In 1861 John Boyer and Simon Bickell improved water-power at the mouth of the Little Elkhart by erecting thereon flouring and saw-mills, of which Mr. Boyer is now sole owner. In 1868 "The Bristol Hydraulic Company" was organized for the purpose of constructing a dam across the St. Joseph river: a flonring mill was erected thereon, and a furniture factory built by the " Bristol Mannfact- nring Company." Both buildings were soon after destroyed by fire, but prior to this a litigation had grown out of the fact of the

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

dam backing water on the mill property owned by Mr. Boyer, at the mouth of the Little Elkhart. and who had obtained judgment for damages against the Hydraulic Company; and, pending the result of an appeal to the Supreme Court of the State. all further improvements on the part of the Hydraulic Company's works were suspended.

The soil of this township is, in the main, of a very sandy nature, yet generally quite productive, producing good crops of all kinds of grain and vegetables, and is easy of cultivation. A range of hills extends through the township, upon which are to be found the finest nurseries and the most extensive vineyards in the State. A. number of individuals here are engaged largely in fruit culture, prominent among whom are Hanford & Co., nurserymen, B. F. Cathcart, Samnel Pease, Dr. J. R. Congdon, Samnel Jarvis & Son, H. Hildreth, J. K. Lutherman, Mr. Krider. Nicholas Fisher & Son, and a number of others, whose lands in unrsery and vineyard comprise several hundred acres, and the estimate of fruit raised and shipped from here by these parties is immense. One firm has shipped as high as 1.000 bushels of plums alone in a single season. Strawberries are reckoned by thousands of crates, and grapes by hundreds of tons. This enterprise gives employment throughout a goodly part of the summer and fall seasons to a large number of women and children. to whom this kind of labor is peculiarly fitted.

MODERN BRISTOL,

the only town in Washington township, has a population of about 700, and is situated near the center of the township. on the south shore of the Elkhart river. Being a goodly distance from other business points, and situated in a well-settled and productive country, it is a town of more than ordinary business capacity. Dry goods and stores of general merchandise are five in number, kept by Wm. R. Merritt & Son, Nickolson & Chess. Wm. Goss. Thomas Hilbish and W. H. Lee. There are three grocery stores, kept by J. F. Cathcart, F. G. Romaine and Joseph Wheeler; two hardware stores. kept by C. E. Bickell and C'yrus Bertch; three drug stores, kept by Drs. L. A. Congdon, G. W. Seeley and G. J. B. Floyd. The boot and shoe trade is represented by B. F. Hattel. Samnel Sanders and J. H. Miller; two hotels. kept by Phinneas Clark and Joseph Wheeler: furniture manufacturing and sale is carried on by Dennis Sullivan; a jewelry and clothing store is nicely kept by

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

Mrs. R. Krug, who for her energy in seeking to maintain such a worthy occupation is entitled to the patronage of the good people of Bristol and community; harnesses are fitted to the horses of this section by Mr. John Trager; the meat market is kept by Frank Anderson; two restaurants, kept in good style by Mrs. W. B. Wise and Mr. S. B. Carpenter; billiard halls kept by Mr. Stone and Thomas T. Ward; also one saloon and billiard hall, kept by Isaac F. Alverson. Charles F. Siebert is a contractor and builder, and also proprietor of a lumber yard. Blacksmithing is well represented by W. M. Sanders, Darwin H. Johnson, Simon Haines and Mr. Panlus; wagons are made and repaired by IIomer Adams, Daniel C. Bishop, George H. Warren and Hiram Congdon. The two cooper shops are kept by Messrs. Cone and the " Hoop-pole Broth- ers;" millinery stores are kept by Miss Eliza Hill, Mrs. Baird and Mrs. Childs, the latter a daughter of that early settler, Mr. Bronson; dressmaking is carried on by Mrs. Mary A. Congdon and Mrs. Sarah Bassett, granddaughter of the first justice of the peace of Washington township. John Boyer is the miller.

Drs. Brazie & Barbonr, F. M. Aitken, C. C. Bowers, J. S. Dodge and J. R. Congdon constitute the medical faculty of Bristol.

The present postmaster is Rev. Jolin Maffit who figured con- spicuously in the earliest history of Bristol.

The Bristol Banner, a newsy, spicy, stalwart Republican paper, is owned, edited and published by C. F. Mosier.

Three religious denominations have each good and commodions church buildings. Rev. Mr. Lamport is the present minister of the Methodist Church, Rev. Mr. Stanley of St. John's Episcopal, and Rev. Mr. Fisher for the Presbyterian Church. The schools of the town are in a flourishing condition. A fair school building and an average attendance of from 150 to 200 pupils, with carefully conducted grading, gives Bristol good educational facilities.

A magnificent iron bridge spans the river here, which, together with the approaches thereto, cost about $16,000.

The Lake Shore & Michigan Southern R. R. passes through Bristol, which aids in giving life and animus to the place and ren- dering it quite a shipping point.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

The following are brief personal sketches of a number of the citizens of Washington township.

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

Aaron E. Adams, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Bristol; was born in Jefferson tp., this county, Feb. 20, 1848. His parents, early settlers of the county, are still living. He received his education in the common schools; taught school some years previous to his mar- riage in 1866; was married to Ella J. Paxson, who was born in this county. They have 3 children: Arther E., Frank P. and Clarrie E. He owns 198 acres of land, well cultivated, and worth $60 per acre; they are both members of the M. E. Church. Politically, he is Republican.

Elijah Adams, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., Bristol; is a native of In- diana county, Pa., and was born Jan.13, 1815. His parents were also natives of Pennsylvania, who moved to Wayne county, Congress tp., O., when the subject of this sketch was only five years old, Mr. Adams being the ninth voter in that tp. at that time. His mother dicd in Ohio in 1837, in her 45th year, and his father in Indiana in 1843 in his 65th year. The subject of this sketch received his education in an early day by his mother's assistance, which in those days, was somewhat of an undertaking, to study and work at the same time, but he had a determination to have an education, as well as a farm, which kept his mind busy as well as his hands. At the age of 20 years his father gave him $200 and with the $100 that he had saved, he came to this county and entered three 80's of land in Jefferson tp. in 1835. He then returned to Ohio, and engaged in teaching school and going to school until 1839. He was married to Susan Herr. She was born in Pennsylvania in 1819. He continued to teach school until 1840. He came to Indiana and commenced to farm on his own land, teaching school dur- ing the winter months, until the fall of 1855. He sold his farm and moved over into Washington tp., where he now resides on 176 acres of land, well cultivated and worth $60 per acre. Their family consisted of 6 children. The living are: Aaron E., Ambrose I. and Martha A. (now Mrs. Henry Menges); the deceased are: Eva R. and one in infancy, and Arthur A., in his 21st year. Arthur was a bright and good boy, and bid fair to make a man of good and useful habits. He had tanght school and was educating himself when taken sick and thus all was ended. Mr. A. had done well by all his children, giving each a good start, in which they might make homes for themselves. IIe has held the office of Justice of the Peace 12 years, and Real Estate Appraiser one term in Jefferson, and appointed Real Estate Appraiser in Washington, which he held three years. They are now living, both well along in years; they are members of the M. E. Church and politically he is a Re- publican.

Frederick M. Aitken, M. D., of Bristol, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., Sept. 19, 1846, the son of Andrew and Sarah E. Aitken. His father removed from Buffalo to Bristol April 20, 1850, by railroad and stage to Detroit, from Detroit to Niles by water ronte, and from there to Bristol by stage. His father was a merchant in Bris- tol. His mother died April 3, 1864, and his father Ang. 12, 1869.

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools in Bristol. At the age of 18 he began the study of medicine under Drs. Congdon & Echleman, of Bristol, and continued with them three years. He then attended a medical college in New York city. In 1868 he began the practice of medicine in the town of Bristol, where he soon attained a good practice and took a front rank in the profession. He was married Sept. 8, 1874, to Margaret Marth Rough, who was born Sept. 4, 1853, in Snyder county, Pa. Their family consisted of 1 son, Charles Andrew. He has now established a good and lucrative practice, in the town of Bristol and surrounding country. At the present time Dr. Aitken holds the office of School Trustee. He is a Democrat, and himself and wife are members of the P. E. Church.

Isaac N. Alverson, proprietor of billiard hall and saloon, Bris- tol, was born in Utica, N. Y., Jan. 2, 1825, son of William and Ellen Alverson. His father came to this county in 1836, and was one among the few to help make the town of Bristol. He engaged in farming, which occupation he continned until his death, April 27, 1878, in his 80th year. His mother is still living with him. He learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed a few years. In 1850 he went to the gold regions of California, and was there 21 years. He then came back to Bristol and engaged in his present occupation. He was married in 1873 to Catharine Fnlk, a native of Pennsylvania. They have 2 children, Irene and May. He owns property in the town of Bristol to the value of $2,500. Politically, he is an advocate of the Greenback Labor Reform.

J. E. Barbour, M. D., was born in Romeo, Macomb county, Mich .. in 1848; his father died at this place seven years later; after his father's death he went to Pontiac, Mich., living with his grand- parents until 1862, when he enlisted in the 9th Mich. Vol. Inf., which regiment then proceeded to Nashville, Tenn., and joined the command of Gen. Geo. H. Thomas. The command marched from Murfreesboro, Tenn., to Chattanooga, and from there to Atlanta, Georgia, being engaged in the battles of Murfreesboro, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Buzzard's Roost and the siege of Atlanta, at which place the enemy separated their command. Gen. Thomas pursued Gen. Hood in his movement upon Nash- ville, where the last great battle of Nashville was fought, resulting in the annihilation of Hood's army. A few months after this, at the close of the war, Dr. Barbour was mustered ont of the service and returned home, where he remained; he attended school during the winter, until he was 20 years of age; at this time he determined to study medicine, and, to prepare himself more fully, attended the Pontiac high school for two years, and attended a course of lectures at the Detroit College of Medicine the following year; was passed under the instruction of Dr. Arnold, of Detroit; the next winter he attended a course of lectures at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and graduated at the Homeopathic Hospital College at Cleve- land. Ohio, in the spring of 1877; then returned to Bristol, Ind., where

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he is associated with his brother-in-law, Dr. Brazie, in practice, where for four years they have prospered, diligent in business, devoting their energies to the great aim of making life a success. Dr. Barbour was married to Emma A., daughter of Samuel Rhine- hart, Esq., of Cass county, Mich., Jan. 1, 1879; they have 1 child, Harry Arnold. The Doctor has always been a Republican.

Peter S. Bardo, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., Bristol; was born in Northumberland county, Penn., Oct. 13, 1837; his father and mother were natives of Pennsylvania and both deceased. He was raised on a farm and received what education he has in the com- mon schools. He was married in 1856 to Rebecca Gortner, who was born in Lycoming county, Penn., and they have had 9 chil- dren; the living are Anna C., Guy, John M. and William A. The family came to Indiana in 1865, locating in Washington tp. Mr. B. now owns 120 acres of land, which he has under a fair state of cultivation, and worth $50 per acre. They are members of the Lutheran Church, and in politics he is a Democrat.

C. H. Bertch, hardware merchant and express agent. Bristol; born in Snyder Co., Pa., Apr. 18, 1852; mother died in 1871; father living; they came to Indiana in 1865, when C. H. commenced to work for S. B. Romaine, clerking in store until Mr. R.'s death, and after that for the estate, until July, 1879; then commenced busi- ness for himself; after the death of Mr. R. he received the appoint- ment of express agent. He was married in 1872 to Patience Hendershott, born in Warner county, Ohio, in 1844; they have 3 children: William H., Charles C. and Julia O. Mr. Bertch is a Democrat.

Charles E. Bickel, dealer in stoves and tinware, Bristol; was born in this tp. Dec. 16, 1844; his father and mother were natives of Pennsylvania, and came to this county in 1843. In 1872 his mother died; father is still living in Bristol; in 1869 he lost his sight by sun-stroke and heat; although completely blind, he can walk the streets by the assistance of his cane, day or night, and enjoys the social gatherings of his family. At the age of 17 he commenced to learn his trade, and continned it up to 1878; he then commenced business in this tp. for himself; he now keeps a full supply of all kinds of goods in his line of trade, and does all kinds of work in the line of tinware and stoves, supplied on short notice. IIe was married in 1877 to Harriet Wirebaugh, born in Ohio Dec. 26, 1848; they have 4 children: Jennie, Charles E., Nellie and William W. Mr. B. is a member of the Bristol Silver Cornet Band, and his wife is a member of the M. E. Church; politically, he is a Republican.

Jacob Bickel, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., Bristol; was born in Union county, Penn., May 17, 1817; father and mother were natives of Pennsylvania; father died in 1824, mother in 1823. He was raised on a farm and received what education he has by attending the cominon schools of Pennsylvania. He started in life without any assistance. In 1840 he married Louisa Ortz, born in Union county,

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

Penn., Oct. 24, 1818; they have had 7 children; the living are: Thomas J., John P., Mary C., Sarah J .; the dead are: Margaret L., William H. and Andrew J. Mr. B. came to this county in 1861, and rented for a few years; he located on the present farm in 1865, which consists of 159 acres under a good state of cultivation, and worth $75 per acre, all of which he made by his own hard work and close' attention to business. He and his family are all mem- bers of the German Lutheran Church; politically, he is a Demo- crat.

C. C. Bower, M. D., Bristol, was born in Middlebury, Snyder Co., Penn., Nov. 27, 1850; he is the son of Hon. Thomas and Catherine Bower, nee Kreemer. His parents also were natives of Pennsylvania and are living in Middlebury; his father was formerly a merchant. He attended the common schools of his native town during his boyhood days, and as he began to reach the years of maturity, sought better to educate himself. At the age of 15 he attended school one year at Thompsontown, living with his uncle; after which he attended the Union Seminary one year in New Berlin, formerly the county-seat of Union county. He then attended the State Normal School at Millersville, Lancaster Co., Penn., for a term of three years, receiving his diploma from said institution with high honors. He then filled his brother's chair as teacher of natural science in the Keystone Academy of Pennsylvania one year, then took charge of the public schools, as principal, in Middlebury one year. Hc next taught the unexpired term of the grammar department in the Milroy graded schools in Mifflin county, Penn., and at the expiration of the term, started a teachers' Normal school in the same town during the summer months. In the following winter he became principal of the schools one year, then attended medical college, having previously studied under Drs. Harshberger & Son. He attended the Univer- sity of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, two years, graduating March 17, 1877. He then took charge of the practice of the Palmer (N. Y.) Lead. Mining Company, situated at Palmer, Washington county, Mo. Many and long were the rides he had while in that place. He then settled in this tp., where he continued the practice of medicine. Dec. 12, 1878, he was married to Ella Wilson, daughter of Elizabeth McManigal, of Logan, Hocking Co., O .. who was born in Milroy, Mifflin county, Penn., Dec. 12, 1856, and died at their home in Bristol, July 12, 1879. He now has attained a lucrative practice in the town and surrounding country.

Joseph Bowers, farmer, Bristol, was born in Windham, N. Y., Sept. 1, 1806. His parents died while he was a child, and he was left to shift for himself. At the age of seven years he was bound out and he learned the wagon-making trade; after remaining 11 years he ran away and went to sea, which he followed for two years and received what education he got in life. We again find him in New York, where he engaged as a farm hand, working by the day and month for four years. In 1828 he was married to Sarah Aus-

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tin, who was born in Dutchess county, N. Y., in 1808, and died in 1871. They had 8 children; the living are Hoyt, Adaline (now Mrs. Sample), Joseph F. and Harriet A. (now Mrs. Russell). Those deceased are Jane, Susan Emily, Clarissa and IIenry H. After his marriage he and his brother started a cabinet-making shop and engaged in that trade two years, when their building was burned. The subject of this sketch then went to work at his first trade and continned until 1836. He came to Detroit, Mich., where he engaged in the mechanical and land-office business. He next engaged in chopping and closing up a new farm. In 1861 he came to Bristol and lived two years, returning to Michigan upon his farm, remaining until 1867. He then came back to Bristol to stay. He lost his wife in 1871, who had helped to make and share the toil of the labors on the farm. In 1872 he married Ellen Goodspeed, who was born in Nantucket, Conn., in 1837. Mr. Bowers is one of those who commeneed in life without a dollar or a friend, and, assisted by his first wife, he had obtained and owned over 700 acres of land in Michigan. He sold and gave to his children 400 acres and now owns 300, which is well cultivated. His property in Bristol and Michigan is worth at a fair valuation $30,000. Politi- cally, he is a Greenbacker.

John Boyer, miller and farmer, Bristol, was born in Union, now Snyder county, Penn., Feb. 6, 1823. His father died in Freesburg, Penn., his native town, being the first child born in that town. He was consumptive and died in his 48th year. Ile was a tinner by trade, as was also the subject of this sketeh. He moved to Northumberland county, McEwensville, where he continued to carry on his trade part of the time. He was also connected with a foundry. He was married in Snyder county, Penu., to Hannah Rantz, who was born in the same county in 1820. They had 4 children: Mary J., now Mrs. Culbertson; Emma Louisa, now Mrs. Seiler; Florence A., now Mrs. Catheart, and John C. Boyer, who lost his life in the explosion of the Minneapolis mills. He was born Sept. 18, 1853, at McEwensville, Northumberland Co., Penn. In 1861 he moved with his parents to Bristol, Ind. Here he early acquired a thorough knowledge of the "milling business " in his father's mill. He received a good common-school education in Bristol, and afterward attended the Commercial College at Kala- mazoo, Mich. In May, 1876, he was married to Miss Annabell E. Robinson, a very respectable young lady of Mishawaka, Ind. Being desirous to acquire a more thorough knowledge in the art of milling he went to Minneapolis, and on account of his reputation and excel- lent skill, he soon obtained a situation in the Minneapolis mills, where he labored until his tragieal deatlı. He seemed to have had a presentment of this calamity; for he had his life insured for $1,000 for his wife's benefit, and he often spoke to his intimate friends in regard to some gloomy presentiments that seemed to be oppressing his mind.

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History of Elkhart County, Indiana; together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history: portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 105

Author: Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, C. C. Chapman & co. Number of Pages: 1192

Author:
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, C. C. Chapman & co.
Number of Pages: 1192