USA > Indiana > LaPorte County > History of La Porte County, Indiana, and its townships, towns and cities > Part 37
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In the immediate vicinity of La Porte there are several nursery- men, market gardeners and florists, whose industry has met with a fair reward.
R. B. ALLEN, whose gardens and green-houses are handsomely located on the bank of Pine lake, commenced the business of gar- dening ten years ago; and four years ago, he established the green houses. With every year of his labors, he has added to his grounds and methods of cultivation, until now, he has in great abundance all kinds of small fruits, many apples and pears, a large and pro- lific vineyard, and every kind of early and late vegetables in their season. His green houses are crowded with plants and flowers, in almost endless variety, and he is able at the proper seasons to sup- ply almost any product that anyone is likely to desire, in the line of vegetables, fruits or flowers, whether bedding plants, or cut flowers, in bouquets, wreaths, crosses or any sort of floral design. (See adv.)
452
HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
There are five banks in La Porte, each one of which is a sound institution.
THE LA PORTE SAVINGS BANK. This institution was organized in the month of August, 1871, under and by State authority. It is regularly inspected by the auditor of State as required by law; and all investments are made strictly according to the law of the State for the regulation of Savings banks. Every depositor becomes a stock holder to the extent of his deposit; and all net earnings are divided among the depositors. In framing the law on the subject, every precaution seems to have been taken by the Legislature. to render the Savings bank as near perfection in security for the deposit of money as 'it is possible for any institution to be made. The names of the officers and trustees of this bank are a guarantee that the provisions of the law will be strictly observed. These consist of the following well-known citizens: Trustees. John Suth- erland. Dr. T. Higday, Benajah Stanton, T. W. Butterworth, F. Baumgartner, Samuel Downing, and Shepherd Crumpacker. Offi- cers-President, John Sutherland: Vice Presidents. Dr. T. Hig- day and Benajah Stanton; Cashier, J. H. Vining. It is not easy to compute the benefits to individuals and the community of a well- conducted Savings bank ; affording as it does a convenient deposito- ry for money : and a method for safely and profitably investing it, and yet retaining it in a taxable and available condition. It is not flattery, but the simple truth to say that this bank under its wise management, has fulfilled all the conditions for the convenient and safe investment of surplus income. (See advt.)
The banking house of A. P. ANDREW. JR. & SON was organized in the month of December. 1869, and in November. 1>75, the banking office was established in its present location on Main street, opposite the court house. A. P. Andrew. Jr., or Capt. Andrew. as he is generally known, is one of the first settlers of La Porte. being one of the original "proprietors of the site of the city. He was editor of the La Porte County Whig in 1839 and 40, and was afterwards engaged in the banking business at Michigan City. He has always been successful in business, his ventures being marked by wisdom and prudence. Capt. Andrew. the younger. is the man- ager of the banking business. and he seems to have inherited the
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PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESS.
prudent carefulness of his father. Together, they have made the bank an eminently safe and sound financial institution. They transact all' parts of a general banking business, and have the confi- dence of all who do business with and through them. (See advt.)
The professions are ably represented in La'Porte, in theology, law and medicine. The number of those in the clerical profession and the success of their labors will be learned from the chapter on the history of the churches of the county. Those engaged in the practice of the law number not less than twenty. Four of these, Andrew L. Osborn, John B. Niles, James Bradley and Mulford K. Farrand were among the earliest, as well as the ablest practitioners at the bar of La Porte.
WM. E. HIGGINS. ATTORNEY AT LAW. was admitted to the bar at La Porte, May 5, 1860. He practices in all the courts of the State, and gives prompt and special attention to collections and probate business, also deals in real estate.
SAMUEL E. WILLIAMS, ATTORNEY AT LAW. He was admitted to the bar in La Porte. March 14, 1843. He transacts business in all the State courts, gives prompt attention [to collections in this and adjoining counties and States, and settles estates and guardian- ships.
DAN. BROWN, ATTORNEY AT LAW. Was admitted to the bar of La Porte in 1874. He was sheriff of La Porte county from 1870 to 1874, having been twice elected to that office. He makes the col- lection of doubtful claims a specialty. Money to loan and all busi- ness of the profession attended to with promptness.
A. T. BLISS, ATT'Y AT LAW. He was admitted to the bar in April, 1859, and has made a fine reputation for industry and the honest care which he bestows on all business and cases entrusted to him. He now has a fine practice. which he has secured by his own personal merits, and steady devotion to his profession. Since his admission to the bar he has been steadily engaged in his profession, except during several years of the war, when he was in the service of his country, where he held the rank of Captain. (See advt.)
IRVIN VAN WIE, ATT'Y AT LAW. He was admitted to the bar of La Porte in April, 1872, and is rapidly building up a fine prac- tice. He is earnestly devoted to his profession, which he pursues with an assiduity that is sure to win success. All persons who
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
entrust business to him will have it attended to with industry and faithfulness, and with careful attention to the interests of the client. For a lawyer who has so lately begun the practice, and where there is so much competition, Mr. Van Wie has had far more than ordi- narv success. (See advt.)
MORTIMER NYE, ATT'Y AT LAW. Mr. Nye was raised in La- Porte county, of which he is a native. He was admitted to the bar in the year 1862, and has acquitted himself in such a manner as to build up a good practice. He was elected Mayor of the city on the Democratic ticket in 1873, and again in 1875, holding that office at the present time. Besides his law practice, he is engaged in the real estate trade and deals extensively in lands, having always on his books a large amount of city and country real estate for sale. 'Those who become his clients in the law, or have land transactions with him will be certain to secure an honest and faithful attention to their business. (See advt.)
There has recently been established here a
BOOK BINDERY by Mr. Chas. Bard. a needed enterprise, and one that is worthy of encouragement and liberal patronage. Mr. Bard has done the work of binding this history, and will no doubt give full satisfaction to those who give him work of this kind to do. He is an industrious young man and hopes to build up here an institu- tion that shall be permanent. This will be a benefit and conve- nience to the city, and it would be well for those who have binding to do, to consult their best interests and have it done at home rather than to send it away. (See advt. )
There are ten or twelve insurance agents in La Porte, represent- . ing more than forty fire and life insurance companies, and half a dozen or more who furnish abstracts of title to real estate. Some of these agencies are held by attorneys at law, others follow exclu- sively the business of insurance.
THE STATE FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY. This Company is lo- cated at LaPorte, it was organized in October 1875. and its charter bears date, January 26. 1876. It is a LaPorte enterprise. and its officers hope to build up here a company that shall take rank with the foremost of the great insurance organizations of the country. Their success thus far has been all that could reasonably be expect-
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PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESS.
ed. The business has been increasing rapidly, the most rigid econ- moy prevails in the management, and the prospect for future vigorous growth is clear and encouraging.
GEORGE C. DORLAND, real estate and insurance agent, and con- veyancer. Mr. Dorland commenced his present business in the the Spring of 1874. His previous training had been such as to qualify him for it, in more than an ordinary degree, he having been deputy recorder from 1866, until near the time when he went into business for himself. Thus he has been educated by years of training to the work in which he is now engaged, which in- cludes the making of deeds and mortgages, and furnishing abstracts ·of titles. He will soon have completed a set of abstract books for all the lands in La Porte county. He was appointed a notary public, February 23, 1874. Those who entrust business to him will find it in safe hands.
The medical profession is represented in La Porte by some accom- plished practitioners. One who was eminent especially as a surgeon, and who had been longer in La Porte than any other, Dr. Daniel Meeker, has recently died. There are now here about twenty phy- sicians, five of whom are Homoeopathic, one Eclectic, and the others. Regular. There is also one lady physician. Three dentists should be added to the number.
GEORGE M. DAKIN, M. D. Dr. Dakin received his medical education at the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, completing the prescribed course of study in the year 1852. For several years he practiced medicine at Princeton, Ill., and in 1862 came to La- Porte, where he has been since that time, enjoying a large, labo- rious and successful practice. (See advt.)
MRS. M. A. STEVENS, M. D. Mrs. Stevens, so well known to the people of La Porte, and indeed Northern Indiana, is an Eclectic physician of excellent standing and large and increasing practice. She commenced the practice of medicine twenty years ago, in Elgin, Illinois, from which place she went to Chicago, and in April, 1865, came to La Porte. She remained here a comparatively brief period, when she went to Goshen, but in 1868 returned to La Porte and has practiced her profession here ever since. In her treatment. she makes use of Electro-thermal, Turkish, Vapor and Sulphur baths, and has been remarkably successful in the treatment of persons
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
suffering from acute, chronic or nervous diseases. She is a gradu- ate of the celebrated Dr. Trall's Hygeio-therapeutic college, New York City. (See advt. )
S. C. WHITING, M. D., Homeopathic Physician and Surgeon. Dr. Whiting located in La Porte, April 22, 1876, coming from Vincennes, Indiana, where he had for many years enjoyed an extensive practice. He came at the solicitation of Dr. S. A. Rob- inson. who proposing to make a journey to Europe, chose Dr. Whiting to take charge of his extensive practice, with a view also to a future partnership. The following note from Dr. Robinson will more fully explain the arrangement, and the merits of Dr. Whiting.
I take pleasure in introducing Dr. Whiting to my patrons, as the man I have chosen from among a large number of applicants as best fitted for the place. and the one I would prefer to have treat my friends and family during my absence. In the prime of life. a man of great energy and vigor, thoroughly qualified in, and wholly devoted to, his profession. he comes intending to make La Porte his permanent home, and willing to work for you as I have done. day and night. He graduated at the Western Homeopathic Col- lege. Cleveland, O., in 1855, after which he entered the University of New York and took a thorough Allopathic and Hospital course. He is a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy. and the Indiana State Homeopathic Society. For the last sixteen years he has been in very successful and active practice at Vincennes. Ind .. where his reputation is excellent, both as a physician and citizen. Dr. Whiting will have entire charge of the business from this time until my return from Europe, when our contract provides for an equal partnership. S. A. ROBINSON.
La Porte, April. 1876.
The firm of DAVIDSON BROTHERS was organized in January. 1867, and occupy the large marble front double store on Main street. The members of the firm, Ralph and August Davidson. have been in business in La Porte nearly, or quite twenty years. and are well and favorably known to the people of the county. Ralph Davidson was a member many years ago of the old firm of Hamburger & Davidson, which will be remembered as a heavy cloth- ing establishment. The present firm has, from its organization. done a heavy business in its various lines of trade, and the brothers have shown themselves remarkably successful business men, placing
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PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESS.
them among the foremost of Northern Indiana, in enterprise and in prudent and honorable dealing. For further information see advt.
C. G. DOWLING has been in La Porte thirteen years. In Sep- tember, 1863, he was engaged as cutter in the "Bee Hive," where he continued six years and a half, when he formed a partnership in the merchant tailoring business with Joseph Hagenbuck, under the firm name of Dowling and Hagenbuck. The partnership continued about three years when it was dissolved by mutual consent, and the business passed into the hands of Mr. Dowling who has continued it ever since, with success. He is well known as a superior cutter; and his work is so satisfactory that he has constantly grown in popular favor. He is courteous to customers, honorable in his dealings, and is consequently prosperous in business. (See advt.)
The photographic artists of La Porte, turn out as good work as can be obtained anywhere.
WM. M. SCOTT, is the La Porte pioncer in this business. His gallery was established in 1853, at the precise location opposite the court house, where it is now, commencing with the old style daguer- reotype. Mr. Scott has kept pace with all improvements in the art of taking sun pictures : and his enterprise has brought him corres- ponding success.
J. W. BRYANT opened in the business of taking ferrotypes in LaPorte, Sept. 16, 1868, in rooms in the balcony block, buying out the establishment of Charles B. Teeple. About two years and a half thereafter, he moved to his present location, on the south side of E. Main street, and has pursued successfully the business of a photographic artist in its various branches, keeping fully abreast with every improvement made in the art.
The business of Michigan City has increased remarkably during the last five years, owing in large part to the impetus given to trade by the harbor improvements. Within that time a very ex- tensive lumber trade has been built up, and at the present time there are not more than two or three larger entrepots for lumber on the lakes than Michigan City. Six or eight heavy firms are en-
gaged in this trade. Among them GEORGE MARSH is a heavy dealer, and has been in the trade three or four years, and his business has been on the increase from the
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
beginning. He deals in pine lumber, and ships southward on both lines of railroad.
W. G. PECK is also one of the heaviest dealers in lumber at Michigan City.
The business and commercial houses of Michigan City number more than fifty, and they are generally prosperous. A number of large manufacturing establishments give employment to numerous workmen. All the different mechanical. commercial and manufac- turing employments are successfully pursued by enterprising busi- ness men.
SCHOENEMANN & ASHTON. This is one of the leading grocery houses of Northern Indiana. They commenced business in 1867, and now occupy two large store rooms on Franklin street. one at the corner of Second street. the other at the corner of Sixth.
The professions are well represented in Michigan City. The churches are supplied with able pastors, there are six attorneys at law, and nine physicians. There is also a sound banking house, three newspapers, the Enterprise. News, and Prison Reformer, and hotels sufficient to supply the wants of the travelling public.
THE JEWELL HOUSE now kept by a very popular landlord. Har- vey R. Harris, was erected in 1853. by the elder Mr. Leeds. now deceased. It was opened by Mr. Pike, of Niles, Mich. At differ- ent times since it has had for landlords. Patterson, Childs. Laxton, Crary. Murtagh and Harris. the latter of whom took it when his term of office closed as auditor of the county. He is an excellent hotel keeper, and has added largely to the popularity of the house. The following notice closes the business review.
REN BRAND of Kingsbury, opened his store in that village. Jan. 1. 1871. and his business house may be said to be the lineal successor of several other stores that from time to time existed in Kingsbury. He is well known throughout the county, and his business is proba- bly greater than that of any other merchant outside of LaPorte and Michigan City. The coming of the railroad to Kingsbury. has given new impetus to the village, and the business of Mr. Brand has increased accordingly. (See Advt.)
It should have been stated in the chapter on inventions and dis- coveries. that Mr. Henry Mills, of Noble township, in the year 1857, invented the binding car attachment to the Mann reaper, for riding and binding. a contrivance which is now in almost universal use on reaping machines.
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NEWSPAPERS.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
NEWSPAPERS.
The first newspaper issued in La Porte county was the Michigan City Gazette, James S. Castle, editor and proprietor. The first number was issued in June, 1835. At a little later period James M. Stuart become connected with this paper, and for a time Sam- uel Miller owned it. Polaski King of La Porte, was the youngest boy in the office and was consequently the first printer's "Devil" in the county. The Gazette, after a somewhat checkered career, ceased to exist, probably in 1841.
Following the newspapers at Michigan City, the Herald comes next into view. It was established by Richard Burley, during the existence of the Gazette, but its life was brief. It lived but little more than a year. In politics it was Democratic, while the Gazette was Whig, and as at that time the city was strongly of the latter faith in politics, the Gazette had the fairest opportunity for existence.
For a time Michigan City was without a newspaper, when in April, 1846, Thomas Jernegan established the Michigan City News, and continued its publication until the office was burned in Sep- tember, 1853. Mr. Jernegan was post-master at the time, and did not resume the publication. In politics the News was Democratic.
Following the News, came the Transcript, a Whig newspaper which was established in the Summer of 1854 by Richard W. Col- fax. He disposed of his interest in the Spring of 1855 to Hickock and O'Brien, and died in the Spring of 1856. The new proprietors changed the name of the paper to the Enterprise but did not con- tinue its proprietors longer than the close of that year. They were succeeded by L. B. Wright, who published it until April, 1859, when he sold to Thomas Jernegan, the present editor and proprietor. He has published it continuously since that time, except during a part of the war of the rebellion, when it was suspended from May, 1863, to November, 1865. the editor having been appointed to the position of assistant paymaster in the navy. The Enterprise has for many years been Republican in politics.
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
In 1863. during the suspension of the Enterprise, M. & J. Cul- laton established the Michigan City Review, which they published one year.
The Michigan City News was established in March, 1875 by J. F. Rowins. Soon afterwards, Mr. N. Conover became a partner. and then buying out Rowins, became the sole proprietor. In poli- tics the News is Democratic.
The latest venture at Michigan City is the Prison Reformer, the first number of which was issued in March. 1876. It is edited and published by Rev. M. S. Ragsdale, moral instructor in the prison. and is devoted to prison reform and the reformation of prisoners.
The first paper ever published in La Porte was " The La Porte County Whig, and Porter, Lake and Marshall Counties Adrer- tiser." It was established near the beginning of June, 1838, by J. M. Stuart ard S. C. Clisbe, the first named being the conductor of the new journal. It was of the size of six columns to the page. which seems to have been the usual size of western papers at that day. Stuart continued the publication of the paper about a year. when it passed into the hands of Capt. A. I'. Andrew. Jr., who became proprietor and editor, continuing as such until his removal to Michigan City.
July 29th. 1840 the Whig published the following notice:
" PRESS FOR SALE .- The La Porte County Whig Press. with all the furniture and fixtures, is for sale. Time will be given, by being well secured. A great bargain will be given. It is the best furnished press in Northern Indiana, and cost $1500 in New York, about three years ago.
A. P. ANDREW. JR.
N. B .- It would be an object for a practical printer to continue it at this place. The subscription list is about five hundred-and might be easily increased to double that number. The only cause of the present proprietor wishing to sell is his having removed to Michigan City. Letters addressed to James Whittem, Esq., La- Porte, or the subscriber, will be carefully attended to. '
Not long afterwards, the paper passed into the hands of T. A. Stewart, who conducted it several years, part of the time editing it himself, and at other times employing assistance to do this work. Among others, there appears as editor in 1842. the name of M. H. Orton. Stewart still controlled the paper in the latter part of
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NEWSPAPERS.
1843. Johnson and Stewart appear as proprietors in 1844. The next change worthy of note occurred in 1845, when John Millikan became the proprietor. From that time on he controlled the paper until his sale to M. & J. Cullaton in 1865 having associated with him a part of the time, his brother Wm. Millikan, who now publishes the Washington (Ohio) Herald, and Richard Holmes, who is at present publishing the Cass County (Mich.) Republican. Mr. John Millikan himself is now the business manager and local editor of the Marshall County Republican. In the year 1855 Mr. Milli- kan changed the name of his paper, the Whig party having ceased to exist as a political organization, and it was henceforth the LaPorte Union, until purchased from the Cullatons by Chas. G. Powell, when it was merged in the Herald, then published by him in La- Porte, and ceased to exist. This paper during its long and check- ered career, participated earnestly in all the Whig, and subsequently Republican contests of the times through which it passed. It fought gallantly in behalf of Harrison, Clay, Taylor. Scott. Fremont, Lincoln in two campaigns, and Grant. The first exciting campaign in which it engaged was that of 1840, when it was conducted by Capt. Andrew, who showed persistent pluck, spirit and ability. It had then for its newspaper and political antagonists in La Porte, the La Porte Herald. a paper which was established about the same time with the Whig. It was published by Joseph Lomax, and edited by him and W. F. Storey, now of the Chicago Times, who was then engaged in the drug business in La Porte, and was the heaviest advertiser among the business men of the place. The Her- ald continued to exist. but by a rather uncertain tenure at times, until In its conduct it frequently showed croppings out of the characteristics which now distinguish the Chicago Times, but its proprietor evidently found it difficult to make his enterprise a paying one. In 1840 the Herald contained a " Loafer's Depart- ment," of which the following is a mild specimen.
"On the 8th of September the post master at Greensboro inform- ed us that ABNER DICKERING refused to take the Herald from that office. He owes us $4.18. We have not heard from the dishonest rascal since." For weeks each issue contained two or three similar notices. The two La Porte papers, the Whig and the Herald, in 1840 and previously, engaged in a great deal of personal controver-
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
sy. They seem to have been accustomed to fire at each other constantly, and the small shot flew thick and fast. In a single issue of the Whiy, that of June 17th. 1840, there appear the follow- ing hits: "The editor of the Herald says 'he is not afraid of us.' Guess he has not seen us for two or three weeks." Capt. Andrew had just then recovered from a three weeks prostration with bilious fever, during which time John H. Bradley conducted the paper.
" Do the patrons of the Herald approve the high-minded, honor- able course pursued by its editor towards political opponents ?- or would they prefer he should descend to low. scurrilous abuse as some do ?"
"Our neighbor of the Herald is informed that we cannot consent to sink the gentleman-any illustrious examples or precedents to the contrary notwithstanding.'
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