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 72

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 72

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).

Ira G. Hubbard was born in Oswego county, New York, Feb. 24, 1814, and is a son of Thomas Hubbard. He was raised on a. farm, and received a limited common-school education. He learned the cooper trade when young; came to this county in 1842, and farmed until 1875, when he removed to Elkhart. March 20, 1839, he married Miss Catharine M. Sandhovel. She was born on the Mohawk river, Montgomery county, New York. They had 2 chil- dren: Andrew P.(deceased) and Mary J. (now Mrs. John W. Field- house, of Elkhart).

Justice James H. Hutchison was born Nov. 2, 1810, in Colum- bia county, Pa., and though he is now threescore and ten years of age, he is yet liale and hearty, and his countenance sheds the beam of youth upon all who behold it. He was the son of Andrew and Peggy (Irwin) Hutchison. His mother's father was killed in the Wyoming massacre, and the family scattered for refuge in the forest, the children being found, one after another, as they hovered under the friendly leaves like birds seeking protection from the

826

HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

relentless storm. Mr. Hutchison's father died when James was but three years of age. There were 3 sons and 2 daughters in the family. Of these Joseph was Postmaster of Sterling. Ill., under James Buchanan, and John K. Hutchison became a Presbyterian clergyman, and died in Texas. Mr. Hutchison was kidnapped from his guardian, James Beyer, an Irishman of great wealth, by one Clark, who thus desired to spite Mr. Beyer for some alleged wrong. The boy was conveyed many miles away. and left with one Hurst, where he was for some time lost to his friends, and where he remained until he was 17 years of age. His guardian had begun a suit of habeas corpus against the kidnapper, the costs of which Mr. Hutchison was obliged to settle after he reached his majority. At the age of 17 he left Hurst, and apprenticed himself to a hatter. He remained with him four years, and afterward worked at the trade till it became unprofitable; then engaged in painting till he was so seriously poisoned that he was obliged to desist from that. Then he was clerk in a store for a while, and was thus engaged in Kendallville, Ind., when he began to preach, having received a license to exercise that function from a presiding elder of the M. E. Church. He held a protracted meeting at Kendallville, and a revival followed; a Church has grown np in that place as a conse- quence of his labors. In 1854 Mr. Hutchison joined the North Indiana Conference at Peru. having previously preached under the elder as a supply. He then began the career of a Methodist traveling preacher, which he continued for 20 years. During this time he was stationed at Orland. Angola. Leo, Bluffton, North Manchester, Columbus City, Lagrange, Wolcottville, and lastly Ligonier. After settling in Elkhart he was Marshal of the city for eight or nine months; was active in the work of suppressing the rough and gambling dens that too much abounded at that period. In 1876 he was elected Justice of the Peace, and was re-elected in 1880 for another four years' term. Mr. Hutchison was married the first time in 1832 to Miss Maria Musser, of Louisburg. Pa., and they had 10 children, 6 of whom are dead. The first wife having died, he was in 1830 married again, to Lavina Heater. of Bucyrus. Ohio. She died in 1854. leaving 2 daughters. He was married a third time, to Miss Mary Kiblinger. and a son and daughter resulted from this union. Both these children reside at home. Esquire Hutchison is 70 years of age, but is still strong and vigorous. He has been a man of remarkable experience, and his life has been crowded with events that tried the endurance of his mind and body. He belongs to that massive and courageous type of pioneers that are fast passing away. When he was a boy he had his skull broken: he has had both legs fractured, and at the time of this writing he is recovering from a fracture caused by a fall; he has had many severe periods of sickness, but surmounting all, he is still a man of youthful appearance for his years. Since his residence in Elkhart Mr. Hutchison has procured a list of names of residents over 60, 70 and 80 years of age. This he did to refute statements

837

HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

that had been made that Elkhart county was an unhealthy locality. He found 14 persons over 80 years old, 50 over 70, and 112 over 60. These lists were published in an Elkhart paper, and caused much comment.

Austin D. Joy was born in Cass county, Mich., Sept. 30, 1853, and is a son of Nelson and Maria Joy, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Tennessee. Our subject received his educa- tion in Hillsdale College, Michigan. He came to Elkhart with his parents in 1862. His father was a prominent livery man of Elk- hart, and died in 1874. Austin then took charge of the business, which he has since conducted with the best of success. He carries a capital stock of $6,000, besides barns. He was married in 1876 to Miss Irva E. Simonton, daughter of A. P. Simonton, of this city, and one of the oldest settlers of the county. Mr. Joy is a member of the Knights of Honor, and of the Royal Arcanum.

D. S. Kahler was born in the town of Lancaster. Pa., Nov. 7, 1825, and is a son of Jonas and Sophia Kahler, also natives of Pennsylvania. He was reared and educated in his native town. He learned the cabinet-maker's trade, while yet a boy. He came to Canton, Ohio, in 1846, where, in 1851, he married Miss Catharine Sanders, a native of Stark county, Ohio, and a daughter of George Sanders. They have had 3 children, 1 living, Ida. The de- ceased's names were Amanda and Rennie. Mr. Kahler removed to South Bend in 1853, and in 1867 he came to Elkhart, where he engaged in shipping fruit, potatoes, etc., for some time, and was very successful. He then engaged in merchandising until 1878, when he retired from active life, and now resides in Elkhart.

James Kavanagh, of Kavanagh & Pollard, grocers, "Palace Store," Main street, was born in Wyoming county, N. Y., May 26, 1842. He was the son of Charles and Ellen (Murphy) Kav- anagh. Ilis father was once in the boot and shoe trade in the city of Brooklyn, N. Y. The father died in 1859, the mother still re- siding on the homestead farm in Wyoming county. James settled in Elkhart in April, 1872. He worked in a machine shop till 1877, when he engaged in the grocery business with A. V. Good- speed, who was shortly after succeeded by John B. Pollard, and Kavanagh & Pollard have continued the business to the present time. The " Palace Store" is a landmark on Main street, and is a favorite resort of a long line of customers. Mr. Kavanaghı has always been a strong temperance man, and was a candidate for the office of Treasurer at the first city election, but was defeateil by the license party. At the nominating convention he received the unanimons vote, though be was opposed by several young men who had resided in the city much longer than he. Hle was mar- ried Oct. 8, 1873, to Miss Maria Ordell Goodspeed, of Elkhart. They have 3 children : Charles II., Ellen Maria and John M. Kav- anagh.

Geo. W. Keely, farmer, sec. 37; P. O., Goshen; is a native of Snyder county, N. Y., and was born April 24, 1829. His parents,

838

HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

Peter and Sophia, were also natives of New York. Geo. W. was reared on a farm. His advantages were very much limited. He was married in March, 1854, to Sarah Neimand, and they have had 4 sons and 1 daughter: John, Robert (married to Miss Alice Row), William, a school-teacher, James and Catharine. Mr. Keely is a farmer by occupation, and owns a farm of 93 acres, worth $100 an acre, with a cosy little residence.

Dr. A. F. Kelley was born in Massillon, Ohio, Jan. S. 1849. He was the son of James S. and Annie E. (Van Stavoren) Kelley. His father was a hardware merchant during the latter years of his life. In the early period of Massillon's history he was much in office, and was known by the familiar title of "Judge " Kelley. Dr. Kelley spent his boyhood and younger manhood in Massillon, and attended the public schools at that place. At the age of 17 he entered Kenyon College, and remained in that situation for some time. When he was 19 he began a course of study in Hobart College, Geneva, New York, and gradnated at that institution in 1870. He began the study of medicine in the medical department of Wooster University. He passed one year at the Cleveland Marine Hospital as house physician, after which he located in Massillon for the practice of medicine. His health having become impaired he came to Elkhart in 1873, and engaged in the drug business. He at first purchased Mr. Miller's interest in the firm of Hill & Mil- ler, and continued with Mr. Hill three years, at the end of which C. H. Leonard bought Mr. Hill's interest, aud the firm name has since been Kelley & Leonard. They conduct one of the leading drug stores of Elkhart county, the prescription business being a principal feature. Dr. Kelley is a member of the Episcopal Church, is a Mason, and belongs to the Knights of Honor.

Joel W. Kellogg, dealer in house-furnishing goods, Elkhart, was born in Ontario connty, N. Y., in 1841. His father's name was Daniel H. Kellogg, and his mother's maiden name was Mary Ann Neal. His father was a farmer, and reared 3 children, 2 sons and 1 daughter, Joel being the eldest son. The family emigrated to Elkhart county, Ind., when Joel was four years old, and settled on a farın in Cleveland township, four miles north of Elkhart. Mr. Kellogg spent his boyhood on his father's farm, obtaining an Eng- lish education in the district schools. When of sufficient age he left the farm and engaged as clerk in a grocery store owned by H. H. Allen, Elkhart. After a lapse of time he engaged in the crockery and house- furnishing line with E. A. Drake. At the end of 15 months he bought Mr. Drake's interest, and has continued the business on his individual account till the present. On July 12, 1880, the St. Joseph Valley Building and Loan Company was organized, in which Mr. Kellogg took a leading part. He was elected Secretary of the association, and in that capacity opened the first subscription books, then proceeded to conduct the business of the company. He still holds the office of Secretary of the asso- ciation, and is also a Director. He is a member of the order of

839

HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

Chosen Friends, and is the Recorder of the lodge in Elkhart, and a Director. Mr. Kellogg was married to Emma E. Jacobus in 1863. They have 3 children, Edwin P., Arthur F. and Elton F., all of whom are attending the public schools of Elkhart.

Edmund R. Kerstetter is a native of York tp., Elkhart county, and was born Oct. 23. 1840. His parents were Peter and Mary Kerstetter, who came to this county about 1837. They removed to Goshen in 1841, where our subject was reared and partially edu- cated. His collegiate education was received at the Hillsdale Col- lege. Michigan. He served three years in the late war, in the 172d Vol. Inf. He entered the service as Adjutant, with the rank of 1st Lieutenant, and after one year was promoted Assistant Adju- tant-General, with rank of Captain, which position he held until he resigned in 1864. He afterward served the people of Elkhart county as Sheriff for four years. He then, in 1871, came to Elk- hart, and established the St. Joe Valley Bank, which he ran for six years, and then sold out. He was married in August, 1877, to Miss Alice M. Lee, by whom he has 1 child, Edgar L., born Nov. 12, 1878. Mr. Kerstetter is one of the founders of the Elkhart State Bank, which was established in April, 1879, and is president of the same. The directors are: E. R. Kerstetter, T. F. Garvin, Mr. Strong, Rev. J. B. Fowler and E. P. Willard. T. F. Garvin, cashier; J. D. Wood, assistant cashier.

John S. Kinzy, of the grocery firm of Kinzy & Manchester, was born in Lancaster city, Pa .. Nov. 19, 1845. He was the son of Beneville and Elizabetlı Kinzy. The family removed to Stark county, O., in 1853, where they remained till John was of age. In 1861 the father and two sons enlisted in the 16th Ohio Regiment. The father was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, and died in eight days thereafter. Emmanuel, one of the sons, was taken pris- oner in the same battle, and Isaac, the other son, took part in the same engagement. The latter, afterward being sick at Vicksburg during the siege of that place, was brought home, and died soon after. At 21 Mr. Kinzy engaged in carpentering and undertaking, and followed that occupation 10 years in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, when his health failed. He arrived in Elkhart in 1868, and in 1870 went to Crawford county, Ill. Returning to Elkhart in 1873, he followed his trade till 1875, when he took a new departure and became a clerk in a carpet and paper store carried on by A. C. Post. He opened a grocery store in October of the same year, E. K. Boyer being his partner. Mr. Kinzy finally sold his interest to M. L. Stevenson and went to Cliicago, where for some time he was in the meat market business on State street. A winter's experience persuaded him that he could do better in Elkhart, and he returned to this city in 1879, and engaged in the grocery trade on Feb. 14, since which time he has continued in the same line. Mr. Kinzy was elected a member of the Common Council in 1874, and was the first Councilman from the fifth ward, and served one term. He is a member of the Evangelical Association. £ He was married in

840

HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

1868 to Lizzie A. Rowland, of Stark county, Ohio. They have I daughter.

John Krau was born in Germany Dec. 25, 1827. His father was a butcher, and he early learned that trade; but this did not suit his taste at that time, and he therefore learned to manufacture paper, and traveled over Germany, France and Italy, working at his trade in various places nntil 1855, when he came to America. He got as far as Detroit, and there sold his watch and some of his clothes to procure money to complete liis journey to South Bend, where he remained eight months and worked as a common laborer. He then went to Three Rivers, Mich., and worked as engineer in a paper-mill for 18 months. He also worked at the same business in Illinois, Milwaukee and Beloit, Wis. He remained at the last named place in charge of the engine at the paper-mill for four and a half years. He then, in 1862, removed to Goslien, where he remained but six months, when in the autumn of the same year he came to Elkhart and engaged in the butchering business, which he carried on with success until 1866, when he went to Michigan and engaged in the real-estate business for two years. He then returned to Elkhart, and re-established a meat market, which he still owns, and has a large trade. He started with nothing, and now is considered one of the wealthy citizens of Elkhart. He was married in 1857, to Miss Christina Dick, and of their 7 children + are living, viz .: Johnnie. Willy. Charlie and Georgie. Mr. and Mrs. Krau are worthy members of the Lutheran Church.

Henry J. Kremer, grocer, 151 Main street, was born in Snyder county, Pa., Dec. 25, 1849. He was the son of Beneville and Eliz- abeth ( Plasser )Kremer. They resided on a farm where Henry spent his boyhood. Besides his common schooling he attended two terms in the Labanon Valley Seminary. At the age of 20 he came to Elkhart county, and remaining a year he returned to Pennsylvania and was married to Miss Elizabeth Luse, by whom he has 4 children, whose names are Elmer Engene, Charles Clarence, Nellie Mand and Carrie. He returned from the West for the second time in 1872, and was employed in a planing mill for three months, after which he engaged as clerk in a grocery store, which he followed for two years and a half. He then worked for the rail- road company for six months. and in 1877 he ventured in the gro- cery trade on his own account, and has continued the business with success ever since. He is a member of the Evangelical Church and a Sunday-school Superintendent. He at present is a member of the Elkhart City Council from the fifth ward, is serving the second term in that capacity. This year he is a member of the Committee on Ordinances. He took an active part in the contest concerning the water-works, and strenuously opposed the projected scheme on account of the insufficient nature of the contract offered by the railroad company.

Lewis H. Ley. forcman in the boiler department in the round- honse at Elkhart, Ind., was born in Lebanon county, Pa., March

841

HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

15, 1839, and is a son of John and Mary Ley. In 1852 he went to Monroe county, Mich .; he learned the blacksmith's trade at White- ford, that county, and in 1862 went to Adrian and engaged in boiler- making for the L. S. & M. S. R. R. Co. He continued at this till 1863, then shoved off to Nashville, Tenn., and pursued the same craft in the employ of the Government till the close of the war, then returned to Adrian, Mich., and resumed the same vocation. In 1871 he removed to Elkhart and followed the same business for the same company. In 1873 he was appointed foreman of the boiler department, which charge he still retains. He was married Oct. 24, 1866, to Miss Ann E. Downing, a native of Liverpool, England. She was born April 16, 1841, and in 1852 came to America with her parents, James and Jane Downing. They have had 2 children, viz .: Minnie J. and Starr D. Mr. Ley is a Sir Knight of the Masonic order. He has taken 13 degrees, and was a participant in the Sir Knights' Triennial Conclave at Chicago, Aug. 26, 1880. Mrs. L. is a member of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Ley's grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.

John Linderman, son of Christian Linderman, was born in Elk- hart county in July, 18 -. His father came from Germany about 50 years ago, and is now 80 years of age, and still living in Bango tp. John remained on his father's farm till he was past 20, when he began to learn the blacksmith's trade in Elkhart, his employers being Landin & VanSickle. After three years he began business for himself on Main street. About this time he was married to Miss Harriet Melissa Dodge, daughter of J. C. Dodge, Elkhart. Mr. Linderman has conducted the blacksmith and carriage-making business almost constantly since he first opened a shop for himself. He is located nearly opposite the Eagle Knitting Works, High street. He is a member of the Odd Fellows' order, and belongs to the Encampment.

Human Little, of the firm of Little & Forward, iron founders, Elkhart, was born in Orleans county, Vt., where he remained till he was 16 years of age. He was the son of James and Rosetta (Knight) Little. His father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was captured by the British, but was released by the re- nowned Ethan Allen. Mr. Little had a dubious experience when he was a boy, and early learned that the world has a cold and un- friendly side. Thrown on his own resources when a mere lad, he drifted about Vermont, and through uncharitable and harsh treat- ment acquired a profound dislike for the people of his native State. When he was 16 years of age he resolved to go West, and started with but 50 cents in his pocket. He first went to Whitehall, and took the tow-path of the Champlain canal for Troy. As he was trudging along he was hailed by a boatman on a passing canal packet, who asked him to ride. He replied that he had no money. The boatman told him to come aboard, and he did so, and was treated in a generous manner all the way to Troy. Mr. Little said this boatman was the first Christian he had found in his life.

842

HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

Reaching Albany he started along the tow-path of the Erie canal, and soon hired out as a teamster for $10 a month. Thus he worked his passage to Buffalo, and had money left when he arrived. From Buffalo he took steamer for Detroit, Mich., and eventually reached Marshall, where the first job he secured was one of husking corn. He finally found employment in a foundry, and remained in Marshall a year, when he went to Detroit. Once in his Michigan experience he made a trip from Detroit to Ann Arbor with bare feet, a distance of 40 miles, which he walked in one day. He was a yonth of rare pluek and endurance, and feared nothing so much as his whilom perseentors in Vermont. He would encounter any- thing in the Western wilds rather than go back to them. In 1843 he went to Mishawaka, Ind., where he was employed in a foundry. Afterward he went to South Bend, where he remained eight years, and then spent. some time in Mishawaka again. At both these places he was employed in the foundry business. In 1864 he set- tled in Elkhart, entering a foundry. He bought an interest in a foundry, and continued to develop the enterprise until the large iron works of Little & Forward were established. This foundry is the only industry of the kind, with the exception of the railroad shops, in the city of Elkhart. Mr. Little is eminently a self-made man, having had next to no early schooling, and making every step of his way over great difficulties and against disheartening odds.

Abraham Livengood, deceased, was born in Somerset county, Pa., Jan. 14, 1806. He is a son of Peter and Barbara Livengood. At the age of nine years, he went with his parents to Darke county, O .; there he was reared to manhood; his education, which was limited, was attained in the common district schools. In 1828 he came to this county, settling near Elkhart; soon afterward he en- tered the homestead that his family now occupies; being a lover of fruit he planted apple seeds, and by and by he had a very admirable orchard, yielding abundant crops of fruit, which were exceeding great luxuries in those early days. Elkhart city was "nowhere ; " then only one small, rnde log cabin marked the place. To the widow it seems as if the city had sprung up by magic. Then the Indian light birch canoe shot down the river like a bird upon the wind. But few white settlers had effected settlements. Mr. Livengood married April 27, 1826, Catharine Noffsinger, and had 7 children, 5 of whom are living, viz .: Isaac, Christopher, Ira, Ann and Joseph. Mrs. L. died Sept. 21, 1841, and Mr. L. again mar- ried Nov. 6, 1842, Mary Whitting, by whom he had 13 children ; the following are the the names of the living : Charles E., Wm. F., Ellen, Rebecca and Alma, Albert, Frederick, Martha, and Edith. Mr. Livengood was a man of serious convictions, and was a lover of society. He aided in organizing the U. B. Society, whose church is located near the old homestead. This church was built principally by himself. IIe endeavored to the utmost of his ability to establish a religious society that would re-

Jacob Metzger

845

HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY.

main after his departure, and in this he was not disappointed. His house was the home for the preacher and for the orphan. He lived to a good old age. His death occurred July 7, 1879, in his 74th year. He was a cordial supporter of the doctrines of Republican- ism, yet not radical. In few words, he was a very estimable neigh- bor and citizen.

John Lusher .- This enterprising merchant is a native of Switzer- land, and was born in November, 1840. His parents were John and Mary Lusher, also natives of Switzerland, who emigrated to Clyde, Ohio, in 1850. Our subject there clerked three years for B. R. Bacon & Co. He came to LaPorte, Ind., in 1860, where he worked in the railroad shops for 10 years He then went to Salem Cross- ing, a few miles west of LaPorte, and engaged in the mercantile business nearly two years in the same building that Snyder now oc- copies. He came to Elkhart in 1873, and purchased the grocery store of Simon Stetney, which he continued and increased the capital. He added crockery and glassware to his business in 1875, and in the spring of 1876 added boots and shoes, and in the fall of the same year, added dry goods and carpets. He employs four clerks besides himself and wife. and does a business of $50,000 annually. He was married first in 1859 to Miss Cynthia Garland, by whom he had 6 children; of these, 5 are living, viz .: Sarah, Mary, Emma, John and Charles. Mr. Lusher married a second wife in 1874 in the person of Miss Rhoda Herrold, a native of Athens county, O., and a daughter of David Herrold, who came to Indiana several years ago. Mr. L. is a worthy member of the Lutheran Church.

John S. Maloon was born in New Hampshire Oct. 27, 1827. and is a son of Waldo and Abigail Maloon, also natives of New Hamp- shire. He was brought up on a farm and educated in the common school. Mr. Maloon engaged in farming for the most part until 1867, when he emigrated to Omaha, Neb. In 1871 he returned as far as Elkhart. He soon went back to Nebraska and located at Grand Island, where he remained for eight months. He has worked in the railroad shops of the L. S. & M. S. Co., for eight years, as locomotive carpenter. He was married in 1850 to Miss Tamar H. Webber, a native of Woodbury, Vt., who was born Nov. 26, 1830, a daughter of John C. Webber. They have had 5 children, viz .: Abbie and Charles, living; and Daniel, Sarah and John, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Maloon have been connected with Baptist Churches for 26 years, and Mr. M. is at present one of the Deacons of the Elk- hart Baptist Church.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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 72

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