History of La Porte County, Indiana, Part 58

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : C.C. Chapman
Number of Pages: 930

USA > Indiana > LaPorte County > History of La Porte County, Indiana > Part 58

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" On the 6th of November, 1865, the first movement was made towards renting the pleasant rooms now occupied by the society ; and on the 20th of the same month they were occupied and have given the association a home, and our people a useful and attractive place of resort for more than three years.

" Since the year 1864 a leading feature of the society has been a course of lectures each winter. These have been given by the lead . ing men of the country. The lectures have embraced a wide variety of subjects, travels, history, national affairs, social reforms, the woman question,-in fact almost every subject that engages the American mind at the present day.

" The growth of the library has been constant if not rapid. O the 6th day of April, 1968, a movement was commenced for the col. lection of a cabinet under the superintendence of Dr. T. Higday;

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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

and on the 5th day of May last the following preamble and resolu- tion, presented by W. Niles, was unanimously adopted:

" WHEREAS, It is proposed to form a collection of specimens in illustration of the natural sciences, and those interested in the matter desire to place the collection in the rooms of the Association, if the donation will be accepted,-

"Resolved, that the Association will accept such donations if made, and will preserve the collection, and increase it from time to time, so far as can be done consistently with its leading objects. For their cheerful co-operation in this feature, especially, of our Association, both by liberal donations, and by labor in arranging the specimens in the cases, too much praise cannot be awarded to Drs. T. Higday, George L. Andrew, Henry Holloway, H. B. Wilcox, and Messrs. F. West, Samuel J. Fosdick and E. G. Cullum.

" Our cabinet in illustration of the natural sciences is neatly and tastefully arranged, and though not large, is well worthy the atten- tion of the curious. The reading-room, furnished with all the leading magazines of the day, draw to the rooms daily large num - bers of busy readers, and every night the rooms are crowded with the young of both sexes. The library numbers over two thousand volumes, consisting of many of the choicest works of the English language. We have lived down the stale calumny that we are a political institution, and all classes of our people, without regard to party, sect, or creed, have a warm side for the La Porte Library and Natural History Association."

Since the date of this sketch, the Association has continued to prosper. Dr. S. B. Collins, when he completed his marble front building on Michigan avenue, gave the use of the third story of the building to the society for five years free of charge. In 1874 $6,000 was raised by subscription to secure a permanent house for the Association, but owing to some disagreement between the managers the project was abandoned, and the money donated placed at interest for the benefit of the Association. In 1876 the society purchased a lot and erected a brick edifice, at a cost of over $4,000, where the headquarters of the Association are now permanently located. The library contains 3,000 volumes, and the reading-room is well supplied with all the leading papers and magazines of the day.

The present officers are: President, Dr. Geo. M. Dakin; Vice- President, Rev. J. H. Crooker; Treasurer, A. Davidson; Execu- tive Committee, F. C. King, W. Faugher, HI. Huntsman, S. S. Sabin, W. M. Scott, Charles Spaeth and T. W. Butterworth.

FOLITICAL HISTORY OF LA PORTE CITY.

The village of La Porte was incorporated in 1835, as appears by the records given below.

The Board of County Commissioners met. Nov. 4, 1835, and passed the following order:

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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

" Ordered, that in pursuance of the statute and the petitions of the citizens of the town of La Porte, for the incorporating of said town, this day legally presented, comprising in the opinion of the Board two-thirds of the whole number of legal voters in said town, an election be held at the usual place of holding elections in said town, on Saturday, the 14th day of November, inst., for the purpose of electing trustees of said incorporation."

The following certificate of election of corporation Trustees next appears on record:

STATE OF INDIANA, ¿ La Porte County. S

We, the undersigned, President and Clerk of an election held at the house of Robert S. Morrison, in the town of La Porte, in the county of La Porte and State of Indiana, for the purpose of electing Trustees for the several wards or districts in the corporation of the town of La Porte, do certify that (after we were appointed President and Clerk of and for said election, agreeable to the statute in such case made and provided) Amzi Clark was duly elected Trustee for Dis- trict No. 1; Jonathan M. Hacker, for District No. 2; William Clement, District No. 3; Hiram Wheeler, District No. 4; and Jacob Haas, District No. 5; in the town of La Porte aforesaid.

Given under our hands and seals, this 14th day of November, A.D., 1835,

WM. DINWIDDIE, President, [L.s.]. WVM. ALLEN, Clerk, [L.S.]."

The town was incorporated under the anspices of the old Whig party, and the government of the town officers remained with this party until the town became a city. A city charter was granted in 1852, the place then having a population of 5,000. A charter election was held in August of that year, and William J. Walker was elected the first Mayor of La Porte. He was elected by the Whig party, and that party controlled the city government until 1856. The Democrats, in May, 1856, elected Benjamin Kress Mayor. In 1857 the Democrats were again successful, and elected Frederic McCullum Mayor, and Benjamin Kress City Judge. Prior to this time the Republican party began to gain ground in the city, a large number of Whigs giving their support; and in 1859, that party elected W. H. H. Whitehead Mayor, and Asa Whitehead Marshall, and the city Council was largely Republican. In 1861 the Democrats were again successful, and elected Daniel Noyes Mayor; but in 1863 the Republicans were victorious, elect- ing all the city officers and a majority of the city council. The following were the officers elected :

Mayor, W. H. H. Whitehead; Treasurer, Thomas H. Phillips; Marshal, John Thompson, Jr .; Clerk, Richard G. Randall. In 1865 the Democracy gained the day, and elected the following officers: Mayor, Daniel Noyes; Treasurer, Simon Wile; Marshal, John Hinsey; Clerk, William Whitman; Assessor, J. H. Merrill. In May, 1867, the Democrats were again successful, and Daniel Noyes was re-elected Mayor. In 1869 a part of each ticket was successful, the Democrats retaining a majority in the City Council. In 1871 the result was again divided, neither party gaining the victory. Dr. Landon C. Rose, the Republician candidate for

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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

Mayor, was elected. The election was a spirited one, both parties laboring hard for success. Rose's majority was but 18. The City Council was a tie this year. This was one of the most hotly con- tested elections ever held in the city, and resulted in a victory for neither party. In 1873 the election was again hotly contested, but the Democrats won a decided victory, electing their entire ticket, and three Councilmen. Mortimer Nye was elected Mayor. This election gave the Democrats full control of the city government. In 1875 the Democrats renominated the city officers, and elected the ticket with the exception of Marshal and Clerk; they also elected three of the six Councilmen. Both parties claimed the victory.

This closes the review of the political history of the city of La Porte. While a town the Whigs were generally in control of affairs, but since the city organization it has been largely Demo- cratic, and that party has controlled its affairs a greater portion of the time.

Numerous enterprises have been undertaken and completed during this time, among which may be mentioned as the most important, the Holly water-works, and the public school buildings. The city affairs under the different administrations have been well managed, and honestly administered, and the city kept in a clean and healthy condition.

CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT.

The fire department of La Porte is one of the finest in the State, and will compare favorably with that of any other city of equal size. The department was organized in 1856 by Engine Company No. 1, with Henry Batton as foreman and T. J. Patten, assistant. The company consisted of 100 men. Soon afterward Hose Company No. 2 was organized, and W. M. Scott was elected chief of the department. The force at present consists of 165 men, divided into six companies as follows: Rough and Ready Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, 38 men; Rescue Hose Company No. 1, 25 men ; Alert Hose Company No. 2, 25 men; Hose Company of La Porte No. 3, 25 men; Holly Hose Company No. 4, 25 men; Dread- Naught Hose Company No. 5, 25 men. J. S. Greer, Esq., is the present chief of the department. The companies are all volunteers and serve the city free of charge. The city has never had a paid fire department.

BUSINESS.

La Porte has numerous manufactories and business enterprises, among which may be mentioned the manufacture of agricultural implements, the Iron Works of M. & J. Rumley being the lead- ing establishment in this line. Their shops have been established for many years, and are a credit to the proprietors as well as to the city. They manufacture nearly all kinds of agricultural implements, stationary and portable steam engines, separators, etc., etc. They

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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

employ 75 hands. The La Porte Wheel Company was organized for the manufacture of wheels for all kinds of agricultural imple- ments. They have a large trade throughont the whole Northwest.

There have been several paper mills at La Porte, but at present they are not running, the buildings being used for other purposes. There are a number of flouring mills, two woolen mills, a furniture factory and numerous wagon factories and blacksmith shops located here. Besides these there are over 150 wholesale and retail stores in the city. There is also a heavy business done in the ice trade. The houses for its storage dot the border of the lakes in every direction and many thousand tons are annually shipped to Chicago and the South. This business gives employment to a large force of men during the winter season.

There are five banks in the city, all of which are ably conducted. During the financial crash' of 1874-'5 not a business honse in La Porte went under; all weathered the storm easily and safely.

The professions have all been ably represented in La Porte. Among the first attorneys admitted to the Bar here were W. O. Ross, admitted June 10, 1833; John B. Niles, John S. Lacy and William Hawkins, admitted Dec. 16, 1833; Robert Merifield, B. B. Taylor, W. C. Hanna were admitted in 1834; Charles McClure, and John H. Bradley in 1835. The present Bar consists of about 25 members, some of which are among the leading lawyers of the State.

The first physicians to settle in La Porte were Doctors Din- widdie, Timothy Everts, Daniel Meeker and G. A. Rose, all of whom came prior to 1835. Abram Teegarden, J. P. Andrew, Geo. L. Andrew, T. Higday, Tho. D. Leman and L. C. Rose came here at an early day. The profession is at present .well represented in La Porte, there being now between 20 and 30 physicians in the city, some of whom rank high in the profession and have more than a local reputation.

The first newspaper published in La Porte was called the La Porte County Whig. It was established in July, 1838, and was published by J. M. Stuart and S. C. Clisbee. The paper afterward changed hands, and the name was changed to the La Porte Union.

The La Porte Herald was established about the same time as the Whig organ by Joseph Lomax. The La Porte Commercial Times was established in 1852 by E. A. Graves. This paper was suspended in 1860, and not long afterward the La Porte Democrat was started. It ceased to exist in 1867. The La Porte Herald in 1867 was established, and the Argus in 1869.

It must be a source of gratification and pride to the old settlers of the city of La Porte, to behold the abundant harvest that has crowned their early labor. No wonder they grow to love its beau- ties, and feel proud of its achievements. The prairies of 40 years ago have lost none of their picturesque beauty. They have past from wild luxuriance to cultivated loveliness. At the present time

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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

there is an impress of industry, enterprise, and development every- where visible. Its growth has been slow but sure, yet it has been steadily progressing through all these years. Taken altogether, La Porte is unquestionably the handsomest city in Indiana. Its wide and well-shaded streets, its groves and lakes present attrae- tions which are seldom equaled.

PERSONAL SKETCHES.

As a country grows older the more interesting and valuable is its biographical history, and not only so, but the best writers of the country are advocating the more general reading of this class of literature by the young, believing it to exert a better influence upon them than any other class of the literature of the day. With these thoughts in view, and in justice to the veterans who have made this township and city what it is, we append brief personal sketches of many of them. Nor do we forget those who to-day are actively engaged in life's labors.

Augustus Ames, farmer, sec. 20; P. O., La Porte; is a native of Boston, Mass., where he was born in 1829, and is a son of Charles and Matilda (Weeks) Ames, natives of Mass. and N. H., who located in this county in June, 1836. She died in August of the same year. He made his settlement on the present farm, now consisting of 200 aeres valued at $70 per acre. He was born Sept. 5, 1795, and is yet living on the homestead. The subject of this sketeh was mar- ried in 1856, to Miss Amanda Mayhew a native of Shelby Co., Ind. They have one adopted daughter, Charlotte. Mr. A. is one of the honored and respected pioneers of the county, and an esteemed citizen. Politically he is a Republican.

Leonidas Ames, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., La Porte; was born in Boston, Mass., in 1831, and was brought by his parents to this county in 1836. His parents, Charles and Matilda (Weeks) Ames, were natives of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and are lineal descendants of the Weeks and Ames families whose early ori- gin trace back to the May Flower pilgrims. The subject of this sketeh was married in 1854 to Miss Susan, daughter of Wm. Col- well, and a native of Plymouth, Mass. To this union one child has been born, Andrew L., who married Miss Sarah Welker, a native of this county. One child, Alice, is the issue of this mar- riage. Mr. A. settled on his present farm in 1860, consisting of 90 aeres, valued at $60 per acre.

Abraham P. Andrew, Jr., retired banker, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, in 1801. His father, James Andrew, was a native of New Jersey, and came to this city in 1835, where he resided until his death in March, 1851. His mother, Catharine (Piatt) Andrew, was a native of Pennsylvania and died in Ohio. The subject of this sketch came to this State with a brother, James, in 1831, and made purchases of land at the public land sales at Logansport. They also brought with them a steam engine and erected a mill,

I A Buck

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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

after his coming to this county in 1832. After a few years the mill was sold and he turned his attention to farming and the care of his lands. In 1837-'40 he edited the La Porte County Whig, and in the latter year was appointed cashier of the Michigan City branch of the State Bank of Indiana, located at Michigan City, to which place he moved the same year. In 1852 he went to California by way of Nicaragua, taking machinery for crushing and refining gold quartz. This proving unsuccessful and causing considerable out- lay, he returned the following year, to find during his absence that real estate and land valuations had advanced, so that he was enabled to sell many acres with great profit, having large investments. In 1869 he opened the banking institution with his son, but for some years he has lived in retirement from all active duties of life. Mr. A. was married in 1829, to Miss Viola J. Armstrong, a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, where she was born in 1805. By this marriage five children have been born, three of whom are living. Mr. A. is one of the oldest pioneers of La Porte county. His set- tlement was made in a log hut which he erected about one half mile south of the court-house. He was an Elector for Harrison in 1836, and is one among the few that are left of the living pil- grims to the boundaries of La Porte.

G. L. Arnold, proprietor of the depot restaurant, is a son of D. B. and Abigail (Cummings) Arnold, natives of New York State, who located in La Porte in 1857. Mr. D. B. Arnold opened and conducted the depot restaurant, which was subsequently discon- tinned. It was again opened under his supervision in 1868, and successfully conducted. His death, which occurred in the spring of 1876, transferred the management to his son, the subject of this sketch, who was born in Auburn, Caynga county, New York, in 1848. He was married in 1872 to Miss Lora, daughter of Dr. E. A. Rogers, of this city. The restaurant under his charge has estab- lished its reputation among the traveling public, and is widely known as one of the best conducted on the line of the M. S. R. R. It has accommodations for 125 guests, and the hungry hundreds that daily sit at the tables attest the merits of the cuisine. Mr. A. has a life-long experience, and served under the tuition of his father. He is an old and honored officer of the Masonic order, and a good citizen.

Col. H. C. Austin was born in Allegany county, N. Y., in 1841; son of David and Mary (Fisk) Austin, natives of New York State and residents of that county. He came West in 1859 and settled in Steuben county, Ind., and in 1861 enlisted in the 8th Kan. Vol., Co. I, as private, and served until after the close of the war. He was in the engagements at Lexington, Mo., Shiloh, Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, in September, 1863, where he was wounded, and he was confined two or three months in Nashville; returned the next March, when he was promoted Captain; was captured at Kenesaw Mountain and subsequently placed under fire of the Federal batteries. He obtained a special exchange through

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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.

Gen. Sherman, and participated in the battles at Franklin and Nashville, and at the close of the war was ordered to Texas; at the end of his service there, where he was Lient .- Colonel, he returned home, which was at Jamestown, Steuben county, Ind., where he engaged in mercantile business until 1871, when he came to this county; was two years with King & Fales, and in 1873 he estab- lished himself in his present business; the building was erected in 1877; he carries a stock cf $10,000, and he has a fair trade. In 1866 he married, at Louisville, Ky., Miss Fannie Bernard, a native of England. They have two children. He is a member of both the Blue Lodge and the Chapter in the Masonic Order, and holds important public trusts. His family are members of the P. E. Church.

A. T. Bliss, lawyer, was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., in 1831. He came to this State in 1854 and taught school at Logansport and Michigan City, and in the following year settled in La Porte city. He was educated at the Clinton Institute of Oneida Co., N. Y., and after graduation completed his studies at Hamilton College, N. Y. He was admitted to the practice of the Bar in this State in 1859, and began the practice of his profession in this city the same year. The appeal of our country at the breaking out of the Rebellion elicted his earnest attention, and in 1862 he enlisted as a private in the 87th Ind. Vol. Inf .; bnt before entering the field he was elected Captain of Company G, and moved with the regiment into the field. Subsequently he was detailed on the staff of Gen. Stead- man, and afterward appointed Provost Marshall of the 3d Brigade 14th Army Corps, under Gen. Thomas. He served as Captain through the battle of Perryville, and as staff officer at Hoover's Gap, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Chattanooga, and in 1864 resigned on account of sickness and returned to his home, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. Mr. B. was married May 18, 1854, to Miss Lodoiska French, a native of Chenango Co., N. Y. One child, Nellie J., is the only issue of the marriage. Mr. B. is a Notary Public, and associated with the Unitarian Church of this city. He enjoys a large practice, and politically he endorses the platform of the National Greenback party.

F. S. Bowen, Sheriff, was born in Wyoming county, Pa., in 1834. His father, Charles Bowen, died in that State, and the widowed mother, Susanna, came to the West with six children, in 1854, and settled in North Durham tp. Subsequently the family removed to Lake county, and returned to this county in 1867 and located in Springfield tp. The subject of this sketch was brought up on a farm, and labored diligently. In 1874 he was appointed Deputy Sheriff, which office he filled with ability for four years, when, in 1878, was elected Sheriff of the county. This position he has since filled to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. In 1855 he was united in matrimony to Miss Sarah Demund, a native of Pennsylvania. To this marriage 5 children have been born, all

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of whom are now living. He is an old and active member of the Masonic order, and since his advent in the political arena, has won a host of friends. He has always supported true Democratic prin- ciples.

J. H. Bowers, M. D., was born in Perry, Wyoming county, N. Y., March 19, 1829. He received a thorough education in medi- cine and dentistry, and was for two years Principal of the high school at Olean, N. Y. In 1855 he moved to Vernon Spa, Howard county, Iowa, and for ten years was successfully engaged with Dr. C. H. Hunt, of McGregor, Iowa, in the practice of medicine and dentistry. In 1865 he moved to West Union, Fayette county, Iowa, and followed his professional calling for three years, when he moved to Cresco, and to La Porte City in 1874. The same year he was united in marriage to Miss Fannie A. Pullman, a native of Chau- tauqua county, N. Y .; are members of the Methodist Church. Dr. B. is a thoroughly schooled dentist, and enjoys a large and lucra- tive practice.

Frank A. Boyd, druggist, is a son of George M. and Silence L. (Keblinger) Boyd, natives of Iowa and Pennsylvania. The former settled in Indiana when 19 ; he was a Methodist preacher, and was extensively known throughout the State; is now a resi- dent of Michigan City, Ind. The subject of this sketch was born in La Grange county, Ind., in 1838. He learned the drug trade at Attica, Ind., where he engaged in business two years. He then moved to Peru, and after a short stay located in Indianapolis. In 1864 he enlisted as Sergeant in Co. B, 132d I. S. V., 100-days men, and served his time. In 1867 he became extensively engaged in one of the largest producing oil wells in West Virginia. He opened a paint and oil store at Indianapolis, in which he was suc- cessful. He returned to this county in 1875, and in 1879 estab- lished himself in his present location. He carries a large stock of drugs and toilet articles, and being one of the pushing, enterpris- ing young men of the city, has a large trade. He was married in November, 1866, to Miss Sarah A. Craighead, a native of Indian- apolis, Ind. He is a member of the Masonic order and of the Presbyterian Church.

Jumes Bradley was born in Chester county, Pa., in August, 1810. He received his early education in the schools of his native county, where he began the study of law. In 1840 he came to this county, and in the following year began the practice of his profes- sion. He was elected to the Legislature in 1850, and served one term. In June, 1854, he was appointed by President Pierce one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of Nebraska, and filled that office three years, when he resigned. In 1868 he was elected to the Sen- ate, in which body he served with considerable ability four years. Since that time Judge B. has devoted his time to his professional calling.

Dexter A. Buck was born in Becket, Berkshire county, Mass., September 1. 1835, son of Alvin Buck, who was born in Worthing- ton, Hampshire county, Mass., December 5, 1797; and his father

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was Cyrus Buck, born in the same county in 1774, and died at the age of 87; he was a son of Thomas Buck, a native of Bridgewater, Mass. Dexter's mother, Alvira, nee Wadsworth, was born in Becket, above mentioned, January 29, 1810, the daughter of Joseph Wadsworth, a native of the same place, born in 1784; his father, Benjamin W., was also a native of that place, and lived to the age of 87; and his father, Thomas, lived to be over 80.

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History of La Porte County, Indiana, Part 58

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : C.C. Chapman Number of Pages: 930

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : C.C. Chapman
Number of Pages: 930