USA > Indiana > LaPorte County > History of La Porte County, Indiana > Part 60
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S. G. Goff, farmer, sec. 30; P. O., La Porte; was born in La Porte county in 1834, a son of Brainard and Abigail (Coon) Goff, natives of New York and Ohio, who settled in this county in 1832 He located in the county in 1831 and made a large purchase at the land sales. He was among the first pioneers to open up a farm, and is at this day a living relic of early days, in the 86th year of his age. The subject of this sketch was married in 1856 to Miss Martha Wright, a native of Michigan; to these have been born 3 children, 2 of whom are living. Mr. G. is one of the oldest natives of the county; politically he is a stalwart Republican.
A. Griffin, farmer, sec. 18; P. O., Michigan City; was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., in 1818. His parents, Sylvester and Mary Griffin, were natives of Connecticut, and made their settle- ment in La Porte county in 1835. He entered 80 acres of land in Centre township and was a very successful farmer, and died in 1878 in the 90th year of his age. The subject of this sketch was married in 1842 to Miss Anna Rose, a native of Schoharie county N. Y., to whom have been born 5 children. Of this issue 2 are are living. Mr. G. has a farm of 120 acres, valued at $50 per acre. He is one of the county's earliest pioneers and politically is a lineal descendant of the old line Wliigs, and a thorough Republican.
H. Hansheer, City Treasurer, was born in Switzerland in 1833. He emigrated to America in 1853, and in May of the same year located in La Porte. His profession was that of bookkeeper, but his first labor was in the blacksmith shop, and at whatever work his willing hands could find. He was engaged in bookkeeping when the war broke out, and he enlisted in 1861 in Co. I, 32d I. V. I. He was wounded at the battle of Pittsburg Landing and confined in the hospital. He obtained a furlough and returned home, and upon recovery returned to his regiment, and participated in the battles of Munfordville, Stone River, Siege of Corinth, at which point he received promotion as Second Lieutenant, but was obliged to resign on account of continued sickness, and returned home. He was first elected to his present position in 1871, being re-elected
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in 1874, 1877 and 1879. He was married in 1858 to Miss Dora Rossow, a native of Prussia, who died in 1873. Eleven children were born to this marr.age, 6 of whom are living. He was again married to Miss Frederika Rossow, a sister to his first wife, by whom he has one child. Mr. H. is a member of the I. O. O. F., and a citizen who has won a host of warm and lasting friends. Politically he is Democratic.
L. T. Harding, farmer, sec. 22; P. O., La Porte; was born in Richland county, Ohio, Jan. 29, 1833; he is a son of John and Elvira (Dunham) Harding, natives of Pennsylvania and New York, . who settled in this county in 1834 and located in Noble township, where he entered 160 acres of land. In 1857 he settled in Centre township, where he yet resides, in the 78th year of his age. The subject of this sketch was married Feb. 16, 1853, to Miss Sarah Baker, a native of Pennsylvania. Ten children have been born to this union, all of whom are living, 5 boys and 5 girls. Mr. H. settled on his present farm in 1867, consisting of 200 acres, valued at $80 per acre. His advantages for education were very limited, and his success in life is wholly due to his energy and industry.
Edward Hawkins, retired, is a son of Joseph and Julia (Patton) Hawkins, natives of Virginia, who settled in this county in 1843, where they resided until their death. The subject of this sketch was born in La Porte county in 1843. He was brought up on a farm and learned to labor with his hands. In 1874 he was elected Sheriff of the county, on the Democratic ticket, and served with such signal ability and satisfaction that he was re-elected in 1876. He also filled the office of Township Trustee of Union tp., and has always taken an active interest in his native county. Heis associ- ated with the Masonic order and is a strong adherent of Democratic principles as promulgated by that party. He was a delegate from this State to the Democratic National Convention held in Cinein- nati in July, 1880, and has always taken an active part in the polit- ical arena.
John Hilt, ice-dealer, was born in Carroll county, Ohio. in 1830; he came to this county in 1850 and located in this city. Subse- quently he formed a partnership in the ice business with V. T. Mellott, and has since been very successful. He has ice- houses at Clear lake, Fish-Trap lake and Pine lake. On the banks of these waters he has congregated 50 ice-houses. Mr. H. was united in matrimony in 1852 to Miss Lydia Gage, a native of La Porte county, They have 2 children. He is one of the growing, enterprising business men of La Porte.
John B. Holland, farmer, sec. 31; P. O., La Porte; was born in Ireland in 1818. He emigrated to the Province of New Brunswick in 1837, and in the following year located in New York city, where he remained three or four years, and started West, stopping tempo- rarily in Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. He visited the gold
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regions of California in 1849, and was quite successful. He re- turned in 1851, and the same year was married to Miss Ellen Pin- ney, a native of County Cork, Ireland. Their children, Richard and Annie, are both living. Mr. H. settled on his present estate in 1851, consisting of 281 acres, valued at $60 per acre. He is an Episcopalian, religiously, and in politics a stalwart Republican.
Isaac Hoover, farmer, sec. 23; P. O., La Porte; was born in Leb- anon county, Pa., in 1830. His parents, John and Mary (Dohner) Hoover, were natives of Pennsylvania, where she died, and he came to this township in 1846, where he yet resides. The subject of this sketch was married in 1853 to Miss Leah Hoover, a native of Dauphin county, Pa .; . 5 children have been born to this union, all of whom are living: John H., Benjamin F., Ely E., Almer F. and Sarah E. Mr. II. first located in Springfield tp., where he lived three years, and settled on his present estate in 1867, consisting of 86 acres in the homstead, and SO adjoining. He also owns 300 acres in Springfield tp. The homestead land is valued at $100 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. II. are members of the Baptist Church, and he is one of La Porte's prominent agriculturists. Politically he has always been identified with the Republican party.
John D. Hoover, brother of the preceding, farmer, sec. 13; P. O., La Porte; was born in Dauphin county, Pa., in 1832; was mar- ried in 1857 to Miss Susan H. Hoover, a native of Dauphin county, Pa. To this union, 10 children have been born, 5 of whom are living: Mary E., Lydia A., Martha I., William H., and Esther M. The deceased are John H., Chas. E., Sarah E., and two infants. Mr. H. has always been a farmer. In 1870 he settled on his pres- ent estate, and five years afterward moved to La Porte city, where he resided four years. Not content without labor, he returned to his farm. He also has carried on a brick yard for 20 years, and has a farm of 2373 acres on the homestead, and other lands in this town- ship. He erected his fine residence in 1877, which is one of the most convenient and commodions dwellings in the county. The family are members of the Methodist Church, and he is one of La Porte's enterprising and successful farmers.
W. A. Hosmer, County Superintendent of Schools, was born in La Porte county in 1851, and is a son of Jackson and Sarah (Griffithi) Hosmer, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, who settled in New Durham township in 1835, and are among the oldest living pioneers of the county. He fills the office of County Commis- sioner, and was elected to the Legislature in 1876, was re-elected in 1878, and has always borne an active part in the public interest of the county. The subject of this sketch was for many years engaged in teaching publie schools in various States of the West, and in 1876 was appointed County Superintendent to fill a vacancy. In 1879 he was re-appointed to the same position, which he has filled to the entire satisfaction of the people. Probably there is no officer in the county service who is held in higher esteem than W. A. Hosmer. Politically he bears the standard of the old-time and honored Democracy.
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
A. P. Ireland, dealer in books, stationery and wall paper, La Porte, is a son of Lewis and Rebecca (Pettit) Ireland, who came from Ohio to the West in 1831, passing through La Porte county and settling in St. Joe. They were among the earliest pioneers of that county, where they resided until 1844, at which time they removed to this county. The subject of this sketch was born in St. Joseph county, Ind., in 1841; was brought up on a farm until 24 years of age, when he went to South Bend and entered the dry-goods trade; in 1875 he disposed of his stock and moved to this city, and in February, 1876, opened his present place of busi- ness. Entering upon the new field of trade in the face of adverse times, when all branches of enterprise were struggling for existence, he has through energy, economy, and industry attained a business success. He now carries a stock of $7,000 to $8,000, and controls a large trade. Mr. Ireland was married in February, 1869, to Miss Eliza Elston, a native of New York State. This union has been blessed with 4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls. He is a mem- ber of the Christian Church, and one of the enterprising, thorough- going business men of La Porte.
L. S. Keen, M. D., was born in Cortland county, N. Y., Feb. 3 1819. He was educated for his profession in the medical depart- ment of the University of New York city, where he graduated in 1846, and followed the practice of his profession for ten years in Connecticut. In 1856 he settled in La Porte, and has had a large and successful practice. He entered the ranks of the Union army in 1861, as Assistant Surgeon, being assigned to the 29th Regiment. After six months' service he was promoted Surgeon, and assigned to Buell's Army Corps, of the Cumberland. He served with ability until 1863, when he returned to his home, and has since followed his professional calling. Dr. K. was married in 1846 to Miss Sarepta Persons, a native of Cortland county, N. Y. He is President of the La Porte County Medical Society, a member of the Masonic order, and also of the Baptist Church. He has a large practice, and is widely known and highly esteemed.
Kan W. Kerr, of the firm of Kerr & Travis, grocers. The sub- ject of this sketch is a native of St. Joseph county, Mich., where he was born in 1841. In 1857 he came to La Porte, and was for many years a salesman for the firm of Wile & Cramer and W. W. Wallace. He was in the Government service one year during the Rebellion as railroad messenger. He formed the present partner- ship in 1867. The same year he was united in marriage to Miss Melinda J., daughter of Luther Mann, and a native of this county. To this union 2 children were born, one of whom has died. Mr. Kerr is the oldest experienced groceryman in La Porte, and the firm has a large and prosperous trade. He has for many years been associated in the I. O. O. F., in which order he is an officer, and has filled positions of honor and trust. Politically, he is a Republican, and one among the pushing, enterprising men of La Porte.
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
J. H. Kierstead. station agent, was born in Cataraugus county, N. Y., in 1828. His father, Cornelius I., came to this county in 1843, and the family in the following year, He is yet a living relic of the pioneers, but his wife died in 1869. The subject of this sketch in 1851 engaged in the mercantile trade. In 1867 his stock was destroyed by fire, and he accepted a position as station agent at Kendallville in 1870. He served with much satisfaction at this point nearly three years, when he was appointed to his present position, which he has since filled to the credit of the company and satisfaction of the traveling public. He was Trustee of Kankakee tp. while a resident there in 1868, and always took an active interest in the public welfare of the county. He is favorably known as a successful detective, having worked out many hard cases and brought the criminals to justice. In fact, there is no case on record upon which he has failed, and the officers of the M. C. R. R. regard him as a reliable and efficient officer. He numbers among La Porte's early pilgrims and esteemed citizens. Mr. K. was married in 1854 in this county, to Miss Elnora Rynerson, a native of Lycoming county, Pa. Two children, only one of whom is living, have been born to them. Mr. and Mrs. K. are members of the Methodist Church. Politically, Mr. K. was formerly a Dem- ocrat, but the records of the Rebellion secured him to the Repub- lican standard.
Frederick C. King, of the firm of Fildes & King, proprietors of the Clear Lake Woolen Mill, was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., in 1814. He came to the West in 1836, and was engaged in the mercantile trade in Fairfield county, Ohio, and Tecumseh, Michigan. In 1842 he returned East, and followed the mercantile business in Springfield, Mass., until 1846, in which year he returned and sold goods in La Grange, Ind. In 1866 he removed to this city, and the same year formed the present partnership, where he has since been successfully engaged. He was married in 1849 to Miss Nancy, daughter of Robert Cummings, a native of Ohio. . A brother of this man, Pulaski King, was born in Onondaga county, N. Y., in 1823. In 1835 he left Utica, N. Y., with the Castle family to settle in Michigan City, Ind. Mr. Castle had furnished material for printing the Michigan City Gazette, which was shipped by water and arrived safely at Michigan City in June. The first number was published on the Sth day of July. 1835, and was the first paper published in La Porte county. Subsequently he abandoned the enterprise, and became clerk for C. B. & L. Blair. In 1845 he formed a partnership with HI. P. Holbrook, under the firm name of Holbrook & King, in a general stock store. During the four years of the existence of this firm they had an extensive trade, and in 1846 had a branch house at La Porte under the super- vision of A. D. Porter. Mr. K. became sole proprietor of the store in this city in 1849, where he has since been constantly and success- fully engaged, and is the only pioneer merchant in the city. He was married July 1st, 1847, to Miss Cornelia, danghter of H. P.
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and Mary Ann Holbrook. She was a native of Onondaga county, N. Y., where she was born October 23, 1827. Of the several chil- dren born to this union 3 are living, Julia B., Cornelia and Adele. The wife and mother died in this city Oct. 9, 1878. The father of these pioneer brothers, Pulaski King, was born at Harrington, Litchfield county, Conn., Nov. 2, 1781. Their mother was Susan, danghter of Samuel Beecher, of New Haven, Conn. The King brothers are among the enterprising, substantial business men of La Porte, and are honored and esteemed citizens.
Mathias Kreidler, clothing merchant, was born in Wittem- burg, Germany, in 1829. He emigrated to the United States in 1854 and settled in La Porte city. He worked at his trade of shoemaking and ran a brewery two years. In 1871 he established himself in his present business and enjoys a lively and lucrative trade. He was married in 1855 to Miss Katharina Miller, a native of Germany. They are the parents of 7 living children. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and one of the enterprising business men of La Porte.
Charles T. Leaming, farmer, sec. 16; P. O., LaPorte; was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., in 1823. His parents, Daniel M. and Mary (Tucker) Leaming, were natives of Connecticut and New York. They located on sec. 15 in Centre township, in 1834, where they resided until their death. He was a farmer, and once engaged in the Government service as Surveyor for 15 years. He was School Commissioner for many years, and took an active part in the public welfare and growth of the county. The subject of this sketch was married in 1851 to Miss Margaretta Torbert, a native of Michigan, and 3 children have been born to this union, 2 of of whom are living. Mr. L. has a farm of 160 acres, valued at $55 per acre. He also owns the homestead farm, consisting of 167 acres. The family are members of the Methodist Church. Polit- ically Mr. L. is a Republican.
Ivory Lord, undertaker, was born in South Berwick, York Co., Me., in 1835; emigrated to the West in 1855, and located in Rock Island county, Ill. Here he was engaged at his trade for 20 years, when hemoved to La Porte city, and established himself in business. He keeps a stock of about $3,000, and controls the bulk of the business in this line. He was united in marriage in 1855 to Miss Melina Mason, a native of York county, Me., who lived but six months after their union. His present wife, Elizabeth, is a sister of John Hilt, Esq., of this city, and a native of Ohio. To this union 5 children have been born, 3 of whom are living. He is an officer in the Masonic order, and the family are members of the Baptist Church.
W. F.Mann, harness-maker, is a native of Chantanqua county, New York, where he was born in 1836. His parents, Samuel and Hannah Tripp, were natives of Saratoga county, N. Y., and made their early settlement in Valparaiso, Ind. He was by occupation a farmer, but became largely engaged in money loans, and was one
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of the established business men of that city, where he died in 1861. She died in the same place in 1872. The subject of this sketch was engaged as Surveyor in the Government service in Nebraska three years. He moved to this city in 1873 and established himself in his present place of business the same year. He controls a large trade. Carries an average stock of about $5,000. He was mar- ried in October, 1863, to Miss Louisa S. Spencer, a native of Erie county, Pennsylvania. To this union 3 children have been born, 2 of whom are living. £ Mr. M. is a member of the Masonic order and of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, he is an honored Re- publican.
Fr. W. Meissner & Co., furniture manufacturers. This firm was organized in 1860, but since then has had several changes, and is now a large company concern. This extensive business, now being carefully and successfully carried on, has grown from a small beginning, and now controls a large trade. The firm employ about 30 hands, and make large shipments throughont the West. Mr. Meissner was born on the Rhine, Germany, in 1823. He emi- grated to America in 1854, and located in La Porte. He established himself in the grocery business in 1856, which he followed until he entered manufacturing business. In 1856 he was married to Miss Caroline Meyen, a native of Mecklenburgh, Germany. Fifteen children have been born to this union, 10 of whom are living. Mr. M. served as Justice of the Peace four years, and has grown up with the business and manufacturing interests of the city. He is a member of the Turners' society, the Masonic order, and I. O. O. F. Politically, he is a Democrat.
John L. Merritt, proprietor of a livery stable, was born in Otsego county, New York, in 1833. Came to La Porte county in 1852, and engaged in farming and hotel keeping until 1865, when he opened his present place of business. He keeps on hand the finest stock of horses and carriages, and is the oldest in livery experience and conduets the largest trade in the city.
Chas. H. Michael & Co., druggists, at the original Old Line drug store, which was established in 1844 by Wmn. Roberts. He was succeeded in turn by Rogers & Nolan, Hood & Co., Hood & Buggie, H. T. Hood, and by the present firm in March, 1867, who carry a stock of $10,000, and have a large trade. The junior partner of the firm, C. H. Michael, was born in Lycoming county, Penn., in 1851. He was brought to this county by his father, Ellis Michael, in the fall of 1852, who is extensively engaged in the manufacture of fanning-mills in this city. The subject of this sketch was married in 1880 to Miss M. Lney Moore, a native of this county, and daughter of James Moore, of this place. He is a member of the Masonic order, and is one of the active and enter- prising business young men of La Porte. The Old Line drug store is the oldest established in La Porte.
R. S. Morrison was born in the city of La Porte, Ind., in 1837. His father, Ezekiel Morrison, who came to the county in 1834,
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made land purchases and returned to the East. He again made the journey in 1836 with his family, and is among the living pio- neers of the county. The subject of this sketch engaged as clerk in the State Bank of Indiana in 1858. Subsequently he accepted a position as teller in a banking house at Plymouth, and in 1861 organized a banking institution at Three Rivers, Mich., under the firm name of Roberts & Morrison. Upon the organization of the First National Bank in 1864, he accepted the position of cashier, and has since continued a faithful officer of the institution. He was united in marriage at Three Rivers in the fall of 1863 to Miss Jennette S. Frey, a native of New York State. To this union 5 children have been born, 4 of whom are living. Mr. M. was a member of the City Council two terms, and served one year as Treasurer of Michigan City. He is a member of the Masonic order, and is one of the oldest natives of the county. The First National Bank is the oldest organized bank in the county, as well as one of the solid and substantial business concerns of La Porte.
William Niles, of the firm of Niles & Scott, wheel manufact- urers, is a son of John B. Niles, a native of Vermont, who came to this county in 1833. The following year he was married in Fulton county, Ind., to Miss Mary Polke, a native of this State. He was educated for and practiced the law all his life, and attained prominence. He was Jndge of the Circuit Court for some years, and represented this district in the State Senate during the sessions of 1864 to 1868. He was an honored pioneer of La Porte county, and after a long life of usefulness and success, died in this city in 1879, in the 75th year of his age. The estimable widow survives. The subject of this sketch was born in La Porte county in 1835. He was a student of law under the tuition of his father, and for 15 or 20 years followed the practice of his profession. The manufact- uring establishment in which he is a partner, was first opened by a company in 1870 as the "La Porte Wheel Manufacturing Com - pany." The present firm was organized in 1876, and is one of the most successful manufacturing houses of La Porte. They control a large trade in the manufacture of wheels and wood-work for agri- cultural implements. Mr. N. was united in marriage in 1864 to Miss Charlotte White, a native of New York State.
John H. Organ is a native of this county, where he was born in 1846. His parents, Henry A. and Elizabeth (Dews) Organ, were natives of Virginia, who settled in this city in 1845. Henry A. was an extensive dealer in grain, and in the latter part of his life dealt largely in stock. He was among the first men to enter the mer- cantile trade in La Porte, and was honored and esteemed by all who knew him. The estimable widow survives. The subject of this sketch filled the office of City Treasurer for six years, and in 1874 was elected to his present position as Recorder; but owing to a contest failed to get possession until 1876. He was re-elected in 1878, and has filled the duties of the office with great credit to his constituents and the people at large. He was married in 1873 to
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Miss Mary C. Johnson, a native of Virginia. One child is the only issue of this nnion. Politically, Mr. R. is Democratic, and through the years of his public career has gained many warm and sincere friends.
M. L. Orr, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., La Porte; was born in this county in 1836, a son of Joseph and Harriet (Foster) Orr. His father was born in Cumberland county, Pa., July 28, 1794, and his mother was a native of Southampton, L. I., where she was born July 1, 1797. They were among the pioneers to this county of 1832, where he made large land purchases and attained wealth. He served as Representative five terms from Greencastle, Ind., prior to his coming to La Porte connty, and one term in the State Senate. He was the originator of the first county fair, for many years was President of the State Fair, and in other ways was prominently distinguished. After a life of usefulness and success, he died at his home in this city, in 1878. The widow survives, in the 83d year of her age. The subject of this sketch has always been engaged in farming. His palatial residence, erected in 1878, is probably the finest in the county. Surrounding it is 200 acres of the best soil in the State. The valnation of this farm is placed at $20,000. Mr. Orr was married in 1857, to Miss Angeline Replogle, also a native of this connty; 3 children, the issue of this union, are all living. Politically, Mr. Orr is a Republican.
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