USA > Indiana > LaPorte County > History of La Porte County, Indiana, and its townships, towns and cities > Part 36
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Like nearly all opium caters, I first believed your remedy resem- bled the * a sort of humbug,-but to my surprise and great joy I found it to be a perfect cure for the accursed habit.
If any person desires to know more of this wonderful remedy by corresponding with me on the subject of my cure, I will cheerfully answer every question, and give all information in my power con- cerning the action of the remedy in my own case.
I have lived in La Porte county for thirty-nine years, and had used morphine for about eight, at the time I commenced taking your remedy, consuming one bottle of it in from eight to nine days; but since taking the first dose of your medicine I have had no desire for any preparation of Opium whatever, and I now pronounce my- self entirely cured. I am confident that if any opium eater will write to Dr. Collins, giving him the exact amount of the drug used for a certain length of time, whether morphine, gum opium or laud- anum, and will follow the directions given upon the label of the bottles, he, like myself, will be delivered from the opium hell that no man can describe.
I have a near neighbor who, after taking a few bottles of your remedy was entirely freed from his terrible bondage, but like many others who have been cured by you, will not allow his name to be made public.
Thanking you for the many favors you have conferred upon me and the great good you have done, and wishing you and your inval- uable remedy unbounded success, I remain very respectfully.
JOHN MCLAIN.
Amount of Opium used per month, 1920 grains: cured since July, 1872.
A few other brief testimonials are selected and presented here : April 23, 1874.
When I first went to you for consultation and conference with reference to my case, and after a full statement of facts, you did not promise to cure me under twelve months, and with that infor- mation I went under your treatment, and I gave you an exact and truthful statement of my case; and commenced to take your medi- cine as directed. The result was, you completed a permanent cure
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INVENTIONS AND DISCOVERIES.
in a little over eight months time. Almost five months have now passed since I left off taking your medicine, and I am a well, happy and prosperous man once again. Joy and gladness have come once more to our family circle, and driven forever away that sadness and grief and deep sorrow that had settled there because of my illness and bondage to that great task and slave-master, morphine. For eight long, weary, sorrowing years, it led me day by day for all that time, to satisfy the demands of habit entailed upon me by the doctors who attended me during my long illness in the summer and fall of 1864.
Since the first Tuesday in October last, I have been in court every day here, and there, with but one or two exceptions, and I have had full strength of mind and body to enable me to conduct the matters and business there demanded of me. But for your aid, your skill, and your medicine, I never could have done such work. I tell you doctor, I am well again, I am what I have written you I am. You have done for me all and more than I have ever written you. That awfully heavy weight or load of profound grief and apprehensive sorrow that had for so long a time settled upon the hearts of dearly loved ones in my own loved home, because they saw through morphine the surely and swiftly coming of the sleep of death during the long night of the grave, has been completely removed, and now with light hearts and joyous, happy spirits, they move on and on through the hours of this life, never forgetting my great emancipation from the long and terrible bondage of that cruel but seductive poison-morphine.
MARCUS P. NORTON.
P. S .- When your treatment commenced, I weighed 184 pounds, now I weigh 220 pounds, in all 36 pounds of square and healthy gain. M. P. N.
Amount of opium used per month, 1200 grains; cured since January, 1874.
NAPOLEON, OHIO, December 10, 1874. DR. S. B. COLLINS, La Porte, Ind .:
Dear Sir :- It is now more than a year since I ceased to use either your antidote or opium in any form. My general health is greatly improved and improving.
At a former time you published a statement of my case under the title of "Water Cure versus Home." I was certain then that your antidote would accomplish all that you promised. I have only now to say that this has been done in my case; also that it will do this
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
in every case when it is taken according to directions. Sympathy and duty require me to make, and authorize you to' use this state- ment.
Yours Truly,
WM. SHEFFIELD, Banker.
Amount of opium used per month, 7200 grains; has been cured since November, 1873.
FRANKLIN, GA., January 24, 1875. DR. S. B. COLLINS, La Porte. Ind .:
Dear Sir :- It affords me great pleasure to say to you that you have cured me of eating opium. I had been eating it about three years. I used your Antidote about three months. I have used neither the Antidote nor any morphine in about three months. and now have no desire for either. Very Respectfully,
MOLLIE E. DUKE.
P. S .- You can use the above in any way you please.
Amount of opium used per month, 1200 grains; cured since October, 1874.
Hundreds of such testimonials could be presented, but these must suffice. They abundantly show that Dr. Collins' discovery for the cure of the opium habit is no quack nostrum, but a veritable reme- dial agent, which does the work it professes to do, and which has already brought sweet relief to many a one who had fallen into the lowest depths of horrid despair.
The pecuniary returns of Dr. Collins have been commensurate with the importance of his discovery, and he spends his means freely among the people where he toiled as a laborer. He erected a few years ago, an elegant marble front building in La Porte, the third story of which he generously donated for five years to the Library association. He has advertised freely, and has met and still continues to receive his just reward.
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PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESS.
CHAPTER XXVII.
PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESS.
In the preceding chapters, the beginning, growth and devel- opement of La Porte county have been stated. This chapter will present a general view of the business of the county, as it now exists. The number of those engaged in the various trades and professions in the villages throughout the county, has already been shown in connection with the history of the townships in which they are severally located. It has been found impracticable to obtain even an approximate estimate of the amount of the business transacted throughout the county, and it is impossible to do much more than state the number of business houses of the various branches of trade, and of those who are engaged in professional employments.
The agricultural products of the county may be stated in round numbers at about the following: The number of acres of land in cultivation is 87,000; head of cattle, 19,000; horses, 8,000; mules, 500; sheep, 10,500; hogs, 18,000; bushels of wheat raised, 485,- 000; bushels of corn, 920,000; bushels of rye, 3,000; bushels of oats, 185,000; tons of hay cured, 5,000; bushels of barley raised, 27,000; bushels of potatoes, 64,000. These amounts must be taken as an average for several years past, excluding the year 1875, as to wheat; for in that year there was perhaps less than one-third of a fair crop, the severity of the preceding winter having utterly destroyed many thousands of acres.
THE BUSINESS OF LA PORTE.
In the city of La Porte, there are three firms dealing in agricul- tural implements, two of whom sell most kinds of farm machinery, and do a large business in this line. The other firm manufactures and sells separators which are extensively used, and continue to have a large sale. Besides these several other parties manufacture various articles of farm machinery, such as gang plows, cultivators, rollers, &c.
444
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
La Porte contains two book and stationery stores, and books are kept also in connection with two of the drug stores. Of the latter there are five.
FRED'K WEST keeps the drug store in the Alexander block on Indiana avenue, also a large assortment of books, stationery and many fancy articles, besides wall paper and curtains. Mr. West came to La Porte county in 1851, and engaged in teaching in Gale- na and Hudson townships. In 1852 he came to La Porte and entered the store of P. King, then on Main street. In 1853 he conducted Mr. King's branch store at. Kingsbury, and remained with him until 1857, when he became one of the partners in the firm of L. C. Rose & Co., druggists, whose store was on the corner now occupied by Vail's jewelry store, where he continued until the destruction of the building by fire in the year 1870. Mr. West is now the oldest druggist in the county. (See advertisement.)
JOHN H. BUGGIE & COMPANY, established the business of drug- gists in December, 1875, and have met with very encouraging suc- cess. Their place of business is on West Main street in Allen's block, the interior of which has been fitted up and furnished so as to present a very neat and tasteful appearance. Mr. Buggie came to La Porte in 1873, but did not go at once into a business of his own. His experience in his business dates back ten years, covering nearly the whole of his active life; and his experience has been a thorough and valuable one. It is his earnest desire to build up an hon- orable reputation, and already his personal attention, which is unre- mitting, and his fair dealing, have borne fruit in a trade that has gone quite beyond his expectations, giving evidence that these char- acteristics will receive their due reward. (See advt.)
In the line of dry goods there are no less than eight large and successful establishments, some of which have been in existence many years.
JULIUS BARNES, "BEE HIVE." This well known house was established in 1855, by James Lewis, who was succeeded in 1857 by James Lewis & Company, and by the present proprietor in 1865, He has kept the "Bee Hive" ever since, always having a large stock of dry goods and fancy goods at the lowest prices.
DEWITT C. DECKER, The firm of J. F. Decker & Son com-
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PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESS.
menced business in La Porte in the Fall of 1861. The Senior partner was connected with the firm nearly ten years, when he withdrew, leaving the business wholly in the hands of his son. From the beginning the business has been attended with marked prosper- ity. Mr. Decker has fully earned the reputation which he enjoys of being one of La Porte s most reliable and successful business men. This reputation has been earned by personal industry, and by hon- est and straight-forward dealing. His stock of dry goods is large, and in addition to this he keeps an extensive stock of crockery and glassware, which is fully up to the times in all its requirements, from that which is cheap to that which is most elegant in style and foremost in quality. In each department of his extensive business he is always able to accommodate every class of his customers, whatever their tastes or the quality of the goods they wish to pur- chase. (See advertisement.)
THE PIONEER STORE OF P. KING. This is one of the oldest business houses in La Porte, having had its origin in 1845, through a branch at La Porte, of the Michigan City firm of Holbrook and King. The La Porte branch was under the supervision of Mr. A. D. Porter. The firm dealt in dry goods, groceries, hats and caps, millinery, &c., and they had a branch also at New Buffalo. In the Spring of 1849 this was sold, and Mr. King came to La Porte and took charge of the store here, while Mr. Holbrook retained the one at Michigan City. A year later, Holbrook sold to King, and re- tired from the mercantile business. Thus Mr. King's career as a merchant in La Porte county dates from 1845, making him the oldest merchant now in the county. He came to Michigan City in the year 1835, when but twelve years of age, with J. S. Castle, and worked in the office of the Michigan City Gazette, the first paper published in La Porte county. From 1836 to 1838 he at- tended school and clerked in the store of Mr. Chittenden and Mr. Field, where he received a thorough mercantile education, fitting him for his life work. He was employed in the house of C. B. & L. Blair during parts of the years 1838-39, and from 1841 to 1845, when he formed the partnership with H. P. Holbrook.
Mr. King built the store room now occupied by D. C. Decker, and occupied it twelve years, when having built the large double
446
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
store on the post office corner, he moved his place of business to that locality, where he still remains, and is one of the most prosper- ous and succeesful merchants in the State, a prosperity which has been attained by steady industry, honest dealing, and wise manage- ment. He has now associated with him in the business, his two efficient clerks, S. N. Haines and C. W. Kaber. (See advt.)
Four stores keep crockery and glass-ware.
WM. CRAWFORD, whose store is on Main street in Allen's block. commenced business in April, 1858, in a small building near the CHRONICLE office. He keeps a large stock of every variety of crockery and glassware, and lamps and lamp fixtures.
DEWITT C. DECKER. This gentleman is the successor of J. F. Decker and Son, he having been the junior partner of that firm. He deals in crockery and glassware, and dry goods, doing a large business in each. His business is noticed elsewhere at greater length and more in detail. (See advt.)
Grocery stores abound in La Porte, there being altogether twenty- five, many of them having a large trade.
WM. H. SEWARD, who was engaged in this trade many years, in Allen's block, on Main street, closed out his stock and retired from the business in April. 1876.
I. M. MILLER. occupies the corner store room in Allen's block, where he commenced the grocery business in February. 1870. having purchased in connection with Willard P. Allen the stock of Henry & Orr, who preceded him. He afterwards bought out Allen and is now sole proprietor. He receives a large share of custom.
In the boot and shoe trade there are seven firms, each doing quite an extensive business.
CLOSSER & NELSON. The firm of Heston & Closser commenced business at the present locality of Closser & Nelson, the 28th day of October, 1868. Heston went out in August. 1872. and Wm. C. Nelson became a partner with Mr. Closser. the latter having exclu- sive control of the business. He has had a large share of success in the trade, and the establishment has become well known, for reliable, fair and honorable dealing. (See advt.)
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PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESS.
There are four clothing merchants, several merchant tailors, and six who deal largely in gents' furnishing goods. These three branches of trade are combined in the large store of J. HAMBURGER & Co., a firm which was established in April, 1875. The senior member of the firm began business in La Porte twenty-two years ago. He continued about thirteen years, and was then out of business until his formation of a partnership with Mr. Henoch, and the opening of their present store. It has been their intention from the beginning to be able to supply this city and county with every article needed for gentlemen's wear, either ready-made, or made to order. The merchant tailoring department is in charge of a cutter who has no superior in his line. The firm have been emi- nently successful in their first year of business, and the prospect for a greater amount of business in the future is very encouraging. (See advt.)
There are ten stores dealing in millinery and fancy goods. One of the most successful is that of H. W. JOSEPH & Co., who com- menced business in January, 1874, and directly afterwards moved into their present store on Main street, opposite the court house. The principal branch of their business is that of millinery. Even during the hard times of the last year, their sales have been large. They have lately added to their business the sale of the Victor sewing machine, and have already had a good run of trade. Doing a strictly cash business and thus being enabled to sell at the lowest possible prices, they are fast receiving from the public the favor which they merit. (See advt.)
There are six flour and feed stores, though most of these are connected with groceries, only one being devoted exclusively to this trade; two or three coal dealers; six furniture dealers, some of whom manufacture largely for this and other markets; four bake- ries; ten butcher shops and meat markets ; four hardware merchants and dealers in stoves; three ice dealers ; five dealers in clocks, watches and jewelry; twenty-six dealers in tobacco and cigars, either alone or in connection with some other trade, two of whom are extensive manufacturers of cigars; four dealers in pic- tures and picture frames, two large dealers in leather and findings ; two dealers in lime; four sewing machine dealers; nine milliners
448
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
and dress makers; seven restaurants; one eating house at the depot; nine boarding houses; twenty-four saloons; three under- takers; one firm of whisky rectifiers; one brewery ; six billiard rooms; six barbers; two telegraph offices; two ladies' hairdressers; seven livery and feed stables; one express office; one gas and steam fitter; four harness makers; two coopers; two tanneries; four planing mills ; one marble cutter and dealer in tomb stones; one portrait painter: two photographic establishments; three sign painters; three manufacturers of a cure for the opium habit. There are four dealers in lumber. The oldest establishment is that of WILSON & FRASER. The business was commenced by W. Wilson & L. Eliel in the year 1859. This partnership continued until the Fall of'71. when Mr. Eliel withdrew having some time previously gone into business in Chicago. Upon the dissolution of the partnership, Mr. Wilson continued the business alone, until February, 1873, when having become associated with the La Porte chair company, he was elected its president; and this position requiring a consider- able portion of his time, Mr. S. P. Fraser became associated with him in the lumber business, and is now its manager. The trade of the old firm was always successful, and under the present arrange- ment it has assumed still larger proportions. It is a fair example of what industry and wise business methods, such as constant vigi- lance and attention and fair dealing, will accomplish. In the Spring of 1874, Mr. Wilson formed a copartnership with R. S. Morrison in the coal trade, thus assuming additional responsibili- ties, all of which are fully met and mastered. Every different enterprise in which he has engaged has become prosperous, the three different interests in which he now has a share all being in a flourishing condition; and each of them is worthy of high commen- dation for the efficiency, industry and integrity of all who are con- nected with them. (See advt.)
There are four hotels, the oldest and best known of which is THE TEEGARDEN HOUSE, kept by V. W. Axtell. This house was built by Dr. A. Teegarden. It was completed, and opened in the year 1852 by Capt. Levi Ely, who remained in the house two years. He was followed by James Lougee, and he in turn by Lawson & Phelps. They were in it a short time, when they were succeeded,
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PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESS.
in 1856 by the present proprietor, who, with an exception of a single year, has kept it ever since. Under bis administration the Teegar- en has reached and maintained a fine reputation as a first-class hotel, not second to any in the country in cities the size of La Porte. (See advertisement.)
Three newspapers are published in La Porte, a further account of which is given in another place. Of these THE CHRONICLE is the latest established, but has already secured a large circulation.
There are three book and job printing establishments. Of these the latest established and that which does the largest business is the house of
S. E. TAYLOR & Co., which was established in February, 1874. This firm does a large amount of book printing in addition to the usual job printing. They keep constantly on hand a full line of card board, ruled letter and bill head papers, and colored jobbing papers. This house is one of the most complete in the State, and their facilities for doing all sorts of work in their line are unsur- passed. The work done by them is always first-class in every res- pect. (See advt.)
La Porte contains two establishments which deal in musical in- struments, pianos, organs, &c.
ROBERT SCOTT has been engaged in this business since the year 1872, and has succeeded, by his energy and activity in building up a large trade. He is able to furnish pianos and organs of all styles and prices, and of any manufacture, to order. His facilities for purchasing are such that he is able to sell on the most reasonable terms. Persons accustomed to the catalogue prices of the various houses throughout the country that manufacture musical instru- ments, will, if they consult Mr. Scott, be surprised at the figures he will show them, and the exceedingly liberal terms on which he deals. They will learn that these instruments can be purchased right here at home at a discount from catalogue prices that is simply aston- ishing. (See advt.)
The manufactures of La Perte are considerable, though there is room for more. There are several cabinet makers; eight or ten wagon and carriage makers, some of whom turn out a great deal of work; an establishment for the manufacture of sash, doors and
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450
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
blinds ; one pump manufacturer; two makers of farm rollers: one saw mill : three flouring mills ; one broom factory ; the La Porte wheel company, for the manufacture of agricultural implement wheels, and other work: an extensive bedstead factory: the La Porte chair company, for the manufacture of cane seat chairs; one car manu- facturing company ; an extensive manufactory of separators, steam engines and other machinery; an establishment for the manufacture of castings and all sorts of mill machinery; two large woolen facto- ries; a fanning mill factory ; a maker of wire fences; gas company and works, and the Holly water works. All the different mechan- ical employments are well represented.
By the census of 1870, La Porte county employed in her manu- factures 883 hands; the capital invested was $653.340: wages paid $260,655: the value of materials used $699.841. and the value of productions $1,234,366. These have considerably increased since that time, but to what extent it has been impracticable to ascertain.
E. MICHAEL & Co., manufacture the MICHAEL FANNING MILL. Mr. Michael commenced the manufacture of these mills in March, 1859, and in 1869 Mr. G. P. Winn became associated with him under the firm name of E. Michael & Co.
In the year 1874, they made eight hundred of their mills, in 1875, one thousand, and will probably make eleven hundred during the year 1876. Their sales for the year 1875 amounted to $33,- 000, and the present year will no doubt exceed that figure.
The enterprise of Mr. Michael and his partner is a most com- mendable one, and has deservedly been very successful. A large part of their sales are made out side of La Porte county, hence it is one of those means so much needed for bringing money from abroad into this county. Every work of this kind adds largely and con- stantly to the material wealth of the county. It is only the simple truth to say that this fanning mill has no superior, and wherever known it finds ready sale. The firm have not tried to extend their sales much outside of the State, but they could easily do so, for the merits of the mill are such that a vastly increased number might be placed on the market. It will be a source of gratification to all who know them, if their increase of products in the future shall exceed that of the past.
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PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESS.
J. L. BOYD commenced the business of making light wagons, carriages and buggies in 1864. and has continued the work ever since. Always turning out work of the best quality, his orders have been equal to his ability to fill them. No one is ever disap- pointed in his work, as he uses none but the best material, and gives every piece his own constant care. It is much to say, that a man's customers are always honestly served, but it is perfectly true of Mr. Boyd. (See advt.)
THE LA PORTE WHEEL COMPANY. This company was organized in 1870, by Gregory, Turnbull & Griffin, and occupied the building where it is now located, the same which was built for a paper mill nine years ago. In 1872, Mr. Wm. Niles, having taken a large interest in the company, was elected president, and has given the enterprise a degree of prosperity that is very satisfactory. The products of the factory are about $75,000 annually, and they con- sist of agricultural and buggy wheels, wagon and buggy spokes, woods for agricultural implements ; hammer, sledge. ax and plow handles; neck-yokes; single and double trees; Grape Vine and Turkey Wing cradles ; "Clipper" combined corn plow, walking corn plow, cultivator and double shovel plow; files, and machine and blacksmith work, &c. The factory employs about seventy-five hands. (See advt.)
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