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 69

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 69

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Charles B. Brodrick was born in Elkhart Nov. 16, 1846, and is a son of Nehemiah and Mary L. Brodrick: father was born in

CALVIN BEEBE

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

Sussex county, N. J., April 30, 1805, near the site of the present town of Lafayette. His early educational advantages were lim- ited. At the age of 11 years he went to Piqua. Ohio, and entered the store of William Johnson. He soon after went with his father to Allen county, where the latter was employed as blacksmith at the Shawnee Indian agency for 12 years. After residing awhile in Piqua county, again Mr. B. returned to the Indian agency at Wa- pankonetta and engaged in selling goods to and trading with the Shawnee Indians, whose language he learned to speak flu- ently. He was married in 1831 to Margaret Herry, by whom he had 5 children. The subject of this sketch, Charles B., is a leading merchant in Elkhart; he was in Colorado at one time with neither friends nor moncy, and when he engaged in business, he had no capital, save what he had earned by his own efforts. He is now a prominent stockholder in the Excelsior Starch Factory at Elkhart, a history of which is given elsewhere in this work. He and his brother own a half interest in a business house of Elkhart, known by the firm name of Broderick Brothers & Hazelton. He was married Sept. 5, 1870, to Miss Henrietta Daley, by whom he has 1 child, Pearl.

Henry T. Browning was born in Columbia county, N. Y., Sept. 10, 1846. He was the son of Thomas Browning and Eliza (Butts) Browning; his father was a physician in Chatham and prac- ticed there for 25 years. The family emigrated to Kalamazoo, Mich., when Henry was 10 years of age. He attended the city schools of Kalamazoo and spent a year of study in the State University at Lansing, passing through the chemical course of that institution. In 1864-'5 he was in the commissary depart- ment of the army, and was mostly stationed at New Orleans. On leaving the army he engaged in the drug business at Howell, Mich., first being employed as clerk, then taking a half interest, and finally buying the entire stock. In 1876 he removed to Elkhart and bought ont Isaac Bneklen & Sons, druggists, and has continued business in the same line ever aince. He occupies a fine store on the northeast corner of Jackson and Main streets, one of the most centrally located in the city. Mr. Browning was married in 1874, to Miss Mary L. McPherson, of Holland, Mich., and has a son and daughter, Mac and Bessie. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and is one of the Board of Trustees of the Elkhart schools. He is a director of the St. Joseph Valley Building and Loan Association and treasurer of the Elkhart Lecture Association.

Isaac Bucklen was born in the town of Winfield, New York, Ang. 30, 1816, and is a son of Simeon and Mary (Southwick) Buck- len, natives of Worcester, Mass. He was reared on a farm, and his early education was received in the common schools. He farmed the liome place until 1859, when he removed to Coldwater, Mich. He came to Elkhart and engaged in the drug business for 15 years, being very successful. He has since sold the stock of drugs and rented his store room, and is now a member of the firm of II. E.

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

Bucklen & Co., Chicago and Elkhart, manufacturers of Dr. King's New Discovery. Electric Bitters, and Bucklen's Arnica Salve. He was married in September. 1542. to Miss Olive Wilcox, by whom he has had 4 children, 2 of whom are living, Mary and Herbert E. The latter is the head of the firmn just mentioned.

Henry Burgess was born in Napierville, Canada. Nov. 3. 1841, a son of Julian Burgess. and was reared and educated in his native town. He came to Valparaiso. Ind., in 1861, where he remained in the employ of the Pittsburg & Fort Wayne Railroad Company for about seven years. He then came to Elkhart, where he has ever since been in the employ of the L. S. & M. S. R. R. Co., occupying the situation of conductor. He was married in 1872 to Mrs. Susan Look, daughter of Conrad Koeller. She was born in Goshen. this connty. They have had + children. 3 of whom are living. viz .: Harry. Merton and Guy Garfield. Mrs. Burgess was first married to Leri Look, by whom she had 3 children: Libbie, Addie and Levie. Joh. H. Butterfield. a prominent liveryman of Elkhart, was born in Erie county, N. Y., Sept. 1. 1830. and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Fairchild) Butterfield. Mr. B. was brought up on a farm and educated in the common schools. He came with his par- ents to Washtenaw county. Mich., in 1831. He engaged in the livery business in different places in Michigan, and in 1860 located in Elkhart, and consequently is the oldest liveryman in this place. He is doing an extensive business in his line. He was married in 1853 to Miss Mary C. Tuttle. in Livingston connty, Mich. They have 1 child. Frank W. Mrs. Butterfield died in 1857, and he again married in 1861, this time Miss Alzina Manchester, of Niagara county, N. Y., by whom he also had 1 child, Clara. His second wife died in 1862. and Mr. Butterfield again married in 1866. this time Mrs. Ann M. Burns. This union was blessed with 3 children. namely: Mary. Hattie and George. Mr. B. is a member of the Knights of Honor and of the Royal Areanum.

Dr.Frank S. Carlton, dentist, was born in Cleveland tp., this county, May 18. 1840, and is a son of Jacob D. and Lucy S. Carlton, natives of Cleveland, Ohio. His grandfather, Ahimiah Sherwin, now resides in Cleveland, at the age of 92 years. Our subject spent his early days upon the farm of his father in Cleveland tp., and re- ceived a common-school education. He also attended school in Hillsdale, Mich. At the sound of the war trumpet he stepped boldly to the front, and was the first to enlist from his tp., in the three months' service. He served the time in Co. C. 9th Ind. Vol. Inf., and then re-enlisted for three years in Co. C. 74th Ind. Vol. Inf., but was discharged in about nine months on account of disa- bility. In 1873 he established a dentistry office, and has built up a large practice. He was married in 1863 to Miss Carrie M. Kellogg. by whom he has 2 children. Charley and Byron.

Geo. Cole is the fourth son and fourth child of a family of 5 chil- dren; was born Feb. 18. 1833, in Huron county. O .; his parents were Edward and Mary Cole. He was reared on a farm and his

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

education was received in a common school. He came to this county in February. 1559, where he has since resided, engaged in farming and stock-raising on a farm of 145g acres. He was married Dec. 31. 1 63, to Anetta Walker, daughter of Lucins and Lydie Walker. natives of Orange county, Vt. They have had 1 child, Arthur Walker. Mrs. Cole was born in Vershire, Vt., Ang. 27. 1837. Mr. Cole is a hearty supporter of the principles of Democracy.

G. E. Compton was born in Osolo tp., this county, Ang. 5, 1849, and is a son of Ezekiel and Franees ( Ward) Compton, who came to this county during the pioneer days of 1833. He was brought up on a farm and educated in Elkhart and the county schools. He came to Elkhart in 1865: was in the employ of Davenport & Hope for five years. and with A. A. Beardsley for four years. He then, in 1874, formed a partnership with Mr. Meader in the dry-goods and boot and shoe trade. He now carries a stock valued at $15,- 000, and his annual sales amount to 840,000. He was married in 1577. to Miss Lizzie. daughter of Samnel Ames. They have 1 child. Ilerman. Mrs. Compton is a member of the Congregational Church.

Crocker Cone. florist, was born in Cayuga county, N. Y., in 1820. He was the son of Birthday C'one, who was a farmer in the town of Lock. and moved to Ohio in 1836. and in Woodbury, Delaware county, opened a store, and prosecuted the mercantile business at that place, and afterward in Knox county and Fredericktown. Crocker left home when he was 19, and, as a peddler and collector, traveled through the Western States. This devions life he contin- ned till he was 32 years of age. when he returned to Knox county, and engaged in farming a year and a half. In 1852 he removed to Indiana, and bought 95 seres of land within the corporate limits of the town of Elkhart. This tract was then covered with forest. and Mr. Cone has cleared the land since it came into his possession. selling it off. piece by piece, as the town expanded in that direction, till now he has but 31 acres of the original 98. This he has brought to a high state of cultivation as a market garden, having followed that industry since he first came to Elkhart. About five years ago he made a beginning as a florist on a small scale. This branch of culture has grown under his careful and intelligent management, until now he has the most substantial and completely appointed propagating honses in Northern Indiana. His establishment is the only one of the kind in Elkhart county, and consequently his busi- ness is very large, and constantly increasing. He practices his own method of propagation, and has made of it a flattering success. His plants are all hardy and healthy. His establishment is an interesting feature of northeast Elkhart. Mr. Cone was married in 1549 to Miss Ann E. Reed, who died in 1851. He was mar- ried to his present wife, Eleanor Kelsey Cone, in 1853. They have 5 living children.

Charles L. Cook was born in Philadelphia county. Pa., March 16, 1821. and is a son of Stacey and Martha Cook, natives of New

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

Jersey. He was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. He removed to Columbiana county. Ohio, in 1836; he there engaged in farming and blacksmithing until 1561, when he came to Elkhart, where he engaged in blacksmithing until 1878. He is now proprietor of the Pacific Dining-Hall, corner of Main and High streets, Elkhart. He was married in 1852 to Miss Julia Mowry, by whom he has 2 children. C. Franklin and Alice M.

John Cook, one of the leading manufacturers and capitalists of Elkhart. was born Dec. 3, 1826, in Ross connty, Ohio. He was the son of James and Annie (Winder) Cook. His father was a farmer. and the family removed to this county and settled in Goshen when John was 6 or 7 years of age. He attended school in that place, and learned the compositor's art in the office of the Goshen Demo- crut: his father being in trade, John at length became a elerk in his father's store, and remained there 10 years. Afterward he became cashier in the Salem Bank, Goshen, a position that he oceu - pied 13 years. himself and Thomas G. Harris being proprietors of that institution. In 1865 he went to New York city, and was for some time engaged in the commission business there. He re- turned west in 1867, and located in Elkhart, becoming cashier of the First National Bank. a position which he now holds. His business and financial relations now consist of his connection with the First National Bank and the Elkhart Print Paper Company. He was married in October, 1848, to Miss Martha Winder of Goshen. He has one son, who is now assistant cashier in his father's bank. Mr. Cook is a Democrat in politics.

Stephen M. Cummins. D. D. S., was born Ang. 22, 1839, of Scottish ancestry on his father's side, and of Irish on his mother's. The first immigrant of the family to America eame about the time of the Revolution, and settled in Eastern Pennsylvania, and many of the descendants still reside in Dauphin county, in that State. The Doctor's father was born in Indiana county. Pa., where he re- sided until he was of age, when he removed to an adjoining county and engaged in carpentering. He married Isabella MeComb George. daughter of Wm. George, and had 5 children. The Doctor's mother died when he was about 12 years of age, and is buried in the United Presbyterian Church Cemetery. in Armstrong county. Pa. The sub- ject of this sketch passed his youth in Pennsylvania, attending the common and high schools in his native village. In 1855 he went to an nnele's to learn the molder's business, but abandoned it on account of ill health. At the age of 17. he entered a dentist's office, and by close application soon made himself familiar with the business. He opened his first office in Dayton, Pa., but after- ward went to Bluffton, Ind., and thence to Warsaw, in the same State.

When Dr. Cummins came first to Elkhart, in the month of May, 1862, then a village of 1,700 inhabitants, there was not much in the field to promise success. He was a young man of 22, a native of Pennsylvania and the son of poor parents. He

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

brought with him a young wife, and was withont money or friends in the place; but he had energy. perseverance and industry, and. what is quite as necessary to success in the dental profession, the faculty of winning friends. He opened a small office in More- house's Bloek, on Main street, and the first few years thereafter were years of struggle and discouragement; he had to contend not only with financial difficulties, but with sickness. Perseverance, however, brought sneeess, and Dr. Cummins is now among the first men of Elkhart county. His office rooms, for elegance and com- pleteness. have few equals anywhere in the country, while his praetiee is probably the largest in the State. Such success conld only have been attained by the most careful attention to business, industry and honorable dealing. Dr. Cummins received his degree of D. D. S. from the Ohio College of Dental Surgery in 1869. He has three brothers who are also dentists.

April 14, 1561, Dr. Cummins married Miss Helen M., daughter of Almon Case, an influential farmer of Bluffton. Ind., and they have now a family of children.

In this volume, on another page, we give a lithographie portrait of Dr. Cummins.

Benjamin L. Davenport was born in Shelby county. Ohio, July 2. 1824: died at his home in Elkhart. Ind., of pneumonia. April 23, 1880. He was one of the most prominent and honored citizens of the State and his loss is deeply deplored. His edneation was of the common-school order, and he worked on a farm until he was 16. At the age of 19 he came to the then small village of Elkhart, with nothing but his own energy to give him a start in the world.

That the poor farmer lad should have risen, by industry, honesty, and close application to business, to take rank with the leading manufacturers of this country, and assume the position of a leader in public enterprises, is a flattering evidence of the manner of man he was, who so nobly acquired this prominence.

For 23 years he was a merchant, and at the time of his death was President of the First National Bank of Elkhart, having held that position since 1×68. besides being largely interested in milling and manufacturing.

Ile was married July, 1850. to Sarah Frances Beardsley. daugh- ter of the late Dr. Havilah Beardsley, who with 5 daughters sur- vives him.

Mr. Davenport was a man above reproach in his publie and private life, of aeute judgment, publie-spirited and generons to a fault; he always encouraged with voice and purse those social, busi- ness and moral enterprises which build up a community.

The following extraets are taken from the address of Hon. M. F. Shney, delivered at the memorial meeting of the citizens of Elk- hart the day after Mr. Davenport's death :

* * * " His many other publie enterprises should not be forgotten ; such as the building and rebuilding of the Clifton Honse, his dona- tions to secure the Railroad Eating House, machine shops, ete. It is

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

a pleasing fact that those who did the most business with him were his warmest friends.

"Many of his friends will always remember with pleasure the firm- ness with which he supported the Union canses during the war. * *

* * In 1876 he was a delegate to the National Convention that nominated Mr. Hayes. In 1878 he was elected State Senator, to succeed his deceased brother-in-law, Charles Beardsley. It is not saying too much to remark that no senator ever made a better record in a first term, in procuring valuable legislation, and in not casting a vote to which any honest man could object. He has also just been appointed a delegate to the Republican National Con- vention, both of which positions are made vacant by his death. To those of you who have known him for the past 35 years, as I have, I need not speak of his private character; yon have all witnessed his public spirit, his great charities; his love of friends and family. his unsurpassed social qualities, his pleasant greeting. All these are firmly stored away in our memories, which we will all read over and over when we think of our departed friend."

We give a portrait of Mr. Davenport in this volume.

Samuel Daub, architect and builder, was born in Pennsylvania in 1822. His father's name was also Samuel. When he was 16 years old he began to learn his trade in Bucks county, Pa., and served three years. When he was 24 years of age he went to Philadelphia and engaged in building. For four years he acted as foreman. He held contracts in a company that in one season built 240 houses, three stories in height each, the buildings covering an entire square. Mr. Danb had a contract to finish the interior of these houses. At the same time he was building Fillmore's Hotel, Philadelphia. He was in that city about 20 years. When 27 years of age he was married to Miss Matilda Myer, who died in Elk- hart May 26, 1877. She left 2 children, Kate and Emmanuel. When Mr. Daub came West he located in Elkhart and began car- pentering and building. He has erected some of the better buildings. in the city. He built his own dwelling, and all the others on the same block. Main street, three of which he now owns. He is one of the best builders in Elkhart, and is constantly employed, with a large force of men, in erecting many of the first-class business and residence structures of Elkhart and vicinity,

William Davis was born in Springfield, Vt., Dec. 22, 1818, and is a son of Joshua and Mary Davis. At the age of 15 he learned the tailor's trade, in which he continued until the breaking out of the late war. He then sold goods abont a year. In 1862 he went to Titusville, Pa., and engaged in the oil speculation, and soon grew very wealthy, until his profits in the traffic amounted to $300,000; but he was soon stripped of this all by Wall-street shysters. He came to this county in 1868, and farmed for five years, when he removed to Elkhart and opened a merchant tailor shop; is a fine workman, and has a good business. Was married in 1839 to Miss Amelia M. Bissell, sister of the noted Geo. W. Bissell, of New York

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

city, who is a nephew of ex-Governor Bissell, of Illinois. They had 5 children of whom 3 are now living: Clarence E., Francis L. and Henry B. Mrs. Davis died a number of years ago.

Asa. J. Dennison is a machinist by occupation. He was born in Herkimer, N. Y., June 12, 1830. His parents, Geo. and Sarah ( Ven- allen ) Dennison, were natives of N. Y. Mr. D. was reared in Herkimer till 10 years old, then went to N. Y. city, where he re- mained for two years. His education was obtained in that city. He was there during the great millennium excitement of 1843. Afterward he was at Waterton one year, then worked in the ship yards at Clayton for a while, then went as a sailor boy on the lakes, where his first boat life was spent as folks' boy; then as sailor, then as second mate, afterward as first mate, then finally as captain. He followed the lakes for 19 years, and many were the dangers and hardships that he encountered during this time. In 1859 he went to Califorina and returned within a year. In April, 1865, he enlisted in the army, Co. D, 9th Mich. Inf. Vol. He was ordered to Nashville, Tenn., where he remained till the war closed. At this time he returned to Manchester, Mich., and resumed railroad- ing. In August, 1872, he came to Elkhart, where he now resides; was engaged as machinist till quite recently; is now acting as yardmaster.

May 12, 1855, he married Martha A., daughter of Simeon and Jane ( IIill ) Spencer. Mrs. Dennison was born in Scottsville, N. Y., Oct. 11, 1835.

Leonard Dinehart .- Among the leading farmers of Concord tp. we find the name of Leonard Dinehart. He was born May 6, 1818, in the town of Copake, N. Y. His parents, Peter and Margaret Dinchart, were also natives of that (Columbia) county. He was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools of the county. Jan. 15, 1842, he was married to Miss Chloe, daughter of Hender- son and Betsey Cole, natives of Connecticut. Mrs. D. was born Dec. 16, 1817, in Italy, N. Y. September, 1847. Mr. Dinehart, with his wife and two children, started for the West, coming by water on the boat "Commodore Perry," which wrecked near Huron Harbor; but all escaped to land. They remained there three days on account of the intense wind and storm, then boarded the Robert Fulton and steered for Toledo, where they arrived some days after. Then they went to Ft. Wayne on the canal. . Mr. Dinehart left his wife and children at Columbia city and walked to Elkhart, and after prospecting awhile, procured a team and went for his family and goods. After returning to this county he purchased 49 acres of land for $400; paid $100 cash, and the remainder on time; after a reasonable space of time he paid the debt and then bought and sold land as he saw fit; and by thus doing, with his own industrial efforts he accumulated considerable property, now owning a farm of 250 acres, one-half mile south of Elkhart, valued at $100 per acre. His residence is a very fine structure, with beautiful sur- roundings, well showing the taste and enterprise of the possessor.

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

This family was blessed with 10 children, 9 of whom are living, viz. : Anrilla; Bessie, who is a teacher in the high schools of Elkhart, and has held that position for seven years; Louisa, also a teacher; Samantha, now Mrs. Win. A. Decamp; Harmon, who married Miss Mary Upp; Jennie, now Mrs. Chas. Deeamp; Charles, a grad- uate of the Elkhart schools; Harvey; Martha, also a graduate of the Elkhart schools; and Frankie P., deceased. Mr. D.'s grand- father Dinehart served in the Revolution under Gen. Washington. While on duty at one time he was standing near one Mr. Living- stone, and, without warning, a British officer stepped in front of this gentleman and deliberately raised his gnn intending to do the deadly work; but just at that crisis Mr. Dinchart gave Mr. L. a sudden push and thus he narrowly escaped his terrible fate; for this Mr. L. bestowed upon his benefactor a fine farm lying on the border of Lake Copake, N. Y. Mr. D., the subject of this sketch, in politics is a " stanneh Republican."

William N. Drake, harness dealer and manufacturer in Odd Fel- lows' Block, Main street, Elkhart, was born in Sparta, Rockaway county, N. J., in 1835. He was the son of Cornelius and Mary A. (Tunis) Drake. His father was a shoemaker, and William worked with him at the same trade till he was 17, when he began to learn the harness-maker's trade. The family had taken up their residence in Rochester at this time. During his 17th year he went to Cold- water, Mich., where he completed his apprenticeship. He worked as a journeyman two years, and then opened a shop of his own in Hamilton, Steuben county, Ind. This was in 1856. He was mar- ried in 1861 to Miss Mary Parmater, and went into business the following spring at Concord. Jackson county, Michigan. After- ward he was established at Constantine, Mieh. In 1866 he tried his fortunes in Chicago, and opened a harness shop on South State street. The great fire swept away his business and left him with crippled finances. Hle was in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1875, remaining there a year. IIe worked in Angola, Ill., one winter, afterward settling in Elkhart, removing his family here in 1878. He first opened a harness establishment next door to the postoffice, and formed a partnership with Henry Neal, one of the oldest inhab- itants of Elkhart. He did business with him four years. Mr. Neal retired in 1879, since which time Mr. Drake has carried on busi- ness on his individual account. He carries a fine stock, manufact- uring his own goods, and deals in all articles for sale in a first-class harness store.

A. W. Dunbar was born in Chautauqua county, N. Y., Feb. 16, 1818. His parents were William and Mary (Pickett) Dunbar, the former a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of New York. His grandmother. Polly Purcell, was born on Nantucket Island. Mr. Dunbar was reared on a farm, and received a common school edu- cation. He came to St. Joseph county. Mieh., in 1>36, and engaged in farming. In 1857 he came to this county, and resided on a farm two and a half years, when he removed to Elkhart. He was sales-

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HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

man in the lumber yard here for five and a half years. He served over three years in the late war, in Co. A., 48th Ind. Vol. Inf., and participated in the battles of Champion Hills, siege of Vicksburg, Iuka, Corinth. Raymond, Jackson, Miss., and others, 10 in all. Holes were shot in his hat at Inka. Ile was married in March, 1839, to Miss Phoebe C. Studley, by whom he had 6 children; of these, 5 are living, namely, Mary A .. Harriet N., Helen M., William H., and Frank M. The deceased's name was Clarinda C. In 1876 Mr. Dunbar engaged in the sale of lime, coal, cement, feed, etc., in Elkhart, and is now doing a large business.

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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 69

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