USA > Indiana > LaPorte County > History of La Porte County, Indiana > Part 61
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Nathaniel S. Paul was born in Albany, N. Y., in 1843. He was a druggist until 1861, when he enlisted as private in the 5th N. Y. Regiment, under Gen. Kilpatrick. He was discharged on account of wounds received in the second battle at Bull Run, in Angust, 1862. Subsequently he came to Logansport, Ind., and for some months was engaged in the civil engineers' department of the Eel River railroad, and again enlisted as private in the 9th I. S. I., and received promotion as Adjutant General of the Western District of North Carolina, in which capacity he served till the close of the war. He was a participant in the battles of Big Bethel, second Bull Run and the seven days' fighting before Rich- mond under Mcclellan, and was with Sherman through Georgia. In the fall of 1866 he came to this city, and was appointed Deputy Auditor and served six years. In 1868 he was elected City Clerk, and was re-elected in 1872, serving two terms. The following year he engaged in the insurance business, and soon afterward began the study of law in the office of Osborn & Calkins. He was admitted to the Bar in 1878, since which time he has been engaged in law collections and a general clerical business. He was Super- visor of the 5th District for the census of 1880. He was married in 1867 to Miss Catherine Clement, a native of Canada. To this union 3 children have been born, all of whom are living. Mr. P. is a member of the Masonic order and I. O. O. F., and in politics is an honored Republican. The firm of Paul & Travis are agents for a large number of the best life and fire insurance companies of America and Enrope, and are thrifty, enterprising men.
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
William C. Pitner, carriage manufacturer, was born in Cuyahoga county, O., in 1835. His parents, Henry and Mary A. (McGraw) Pitner, were early settlers of that State; his mother died in Ohio, and his father was again married to Miss Harriet Brigdon. In 1866 they removed to this county, and he was engaged with his two sons in business at the time of his death in 1868. The subject of this sketch came to La Porte in 1853, and worked at his trade in the manufactory of Mr. Bagley. In 1860 he established himself in his present location, where he has since been successfuly engaged. In connection with his carriage manufactory he has a blacksmith shop, and does all kinds of repairing and manufacturing. Mr. Pitner was married in 1858, in this county, to Miss Belinda Forbes, a native of New York State. Two children, both of whom are living, are the issue of this marriage. Mr. P. is serving the second term as a member of the City Council, and is a Trustee of the Metho- dist Church. Politically, he is a Republican.
A. D. Porter, bookkeeper, was born in Dummerston, Windham Co., Vt., April 7, 1816, and is the second child of Henry L. and Betsy (Miller) Porter, natives of Vermont, who moved to Fort Cov- ington, Franklin Co., N. Y., in 1825. In 1829 they moved to Massena Springs, St. Lawrence Co., where she died in 1831. The subject of this sketch left Massena in April, 1834, and journeyed by water to Chicago, where he arrived June 1. Making a short stay, he proceeded to Michigan City, this county, and obtained a situation as clerk in a general store. In 1836 he went to Chicago and engaged in the sale of dry goods until 1838, when he returned to Michigan City, and became occupied in the forwarding business, where he was married in 1843 to Miss Electa, daughter of Sylvester V. Wills, a native of Vermont, and among the emigrants of 1837 to La Porte county. To this union 7 children were born, 5 of whom are living. In 1847 Mr. P. moved to La Porte city and associated himself in a partnership business, which expired in 1850, and he returned to Michigan City, and joined partnership with a Mr. Jew- ett, with whom he was largely engaged till 1856, when he was elected to the office of County Treasurer, and returned to La Porte, after disposing of his stock and trade. He was re-elected to the same office in 1858, and served with signal ability and satisfaction. On the breaking out of the Rebellion, he was appointed Chief Clerk of the Commissary Department in Kentucky, stationed at Camp Nil- son. This position he filled until the close of the war. On his return home he was dry-goods clerk until 1875, since which time he has been bookkeeper at the woolen mills of this city. He was City Treasurer at Michigan City one term. He is a member of the Masonic order and of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, he is a thorough Republican, and cast his first vote for Harrison and Tyler in 1840. He is Secretary of the Old Settlers' Association, in which organization he has always taken an active interest. His father was again married, to Miss Mary A. Miller, to whom were born 4 sons; 3 of these are at this time living. He moved to the
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
West and settled in Ottawa, Ill., in 1837, where he died. The widow and mother survives, in the 73d year of her age. This family number among the oldest and respected of La Porte county.
C. G. Powell, Postmaster, is a son of Isaac Powell, a native of England, and Anna (Heaton) Powell, a native of Windham county, Vt., who emigrated and settled in this county in 1840. He was a farmer and resided in this county until his death in Hanna township in August, 1863. She died at Union mills in August, 1873. The subject of this sketch was born in Monroe county, N. Y., December 16, 1829. He edited the Herald in 1856, then published at West- ville. In 1859 he moved the paper to this city, and continued its publication until February, 1880, when he disposed of a part interest to Archibald Beal, and the sheet was consolidated with the Chronicle. Mr. P. deemed this change necessary in order to fill the duties of his present position, to which he was appointed in 1877. He was married in June, 1856, to Miss Nancy J., daughter of William and Mary A. Ireland, a native of this county. This union has been blessed with 4 children, 3 of whom are living: Fred E., Frank L. and Charles C. The Herald under his able management was suc- cessfully conducted, and takes its place to-day in the front rank of the press of La Porte county. Politically, Mr. P. is a descendant of the old-line Whigs, and is now a strong supporter of the Republican administration.
Jacob Replogle, farmer, sec. 21; P. O., La Porte; was born at Morrison's Cove, Bedford county, Pa., in 1800. His parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Booher) Replogle, were natives of Pennsylvania and settled at an early day in Montgomery county, Ohio. Subsequently they removed to South Bend, Ind., where they both died. The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1834, from Miami county, Ohio, and unloaded his goods on his present farm; he purchased five 80-acre lots in 1833. He is an honored and respected pioneer, has been entirely successful in farming, and although is now in advanced years, has lived to see his children and grandchil- dren grow up around him. In 1826 he married Miss Cena Jones, a native of Ohio. To this marriage 5 children have been born, 3 of whom are living: Caroline, wife of W. H. Ott, Wm. H. and Angeline, wife of M. L. Orr. Mr. R. is a man of great ener- gies and perseverance, and is never happier than when at work. The homestead farm consists of 300 acres, valued at $70 per acre. Family are members of the German Baptist Church, and are highly esteemed by all who know them.
J. H. Replogle, farmer, sec. 21; P. O., La Porte; was born in this county in 1842, a son of George and Sarah (Andrews) Re- plogle, both natives of Ohio, who settled in this county in 1834. In 1850 he went to California, where he died. She died in 1850. The subject of this sketch was married in 1870 to Miss Nancy Brown, a native of this county. He settled on his present estate in 1875, consisting of 20 acres, valued at $2,000. They are members of the Lutheran Church, and are living relics of La Porte's early pioneers.
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Wm. H. Replogle, farmer, sec. 20; P. O., La Porte; was born in Centre township, this county, in 1834. His parents, Jacob and Cena (Jones) Replogle, were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, who settled in this county in 1834, where he yet resides, and is one of the respected pioneers of the county; wife is deceased. The sub- ject of this sketch was married in 1858 to Miss Anna Hupp, a native of this county; and they have 2 children, Orpheus E. and Ettie B. Mr. R. has a farm of 160 acres, valued at $55 per acre; also owns one 80 in sec. 21, valued at $60. He served as Super- visor four years, and is one of the oldest natives of this county, as well as one of the most enterprising farmers. Politically he is a Democrat.
James Ridgway, retired, was born in Wellington county, N. J., in 1800, and with his parents, Jeremiah and Judith (Bartlett) Ridg- way, came to La Porte county in 1837. They were natives of New Jersey, and he purchased largely of lands in this county, and super- intended the cultivation of them, by which he obtained wealth. Both died in this county honored and respected by all who knew them. The subject of this sketch was a merchant in his native State, and for seven or eight years after his location in this city fol- lowed the same business. For ten years past he has lived in retir- ment from all the active duties of life. His marriage occurred in 1823 to Miss Naomi S. Willetts, a native of Wellington county, N. J. Five children have been born to this union, 4 of whom are living. Mr. R. is one of the oldest living pioneer settlers yet left to be recorded upon the pages of history. His life has been an uneventful one, but his old citizenship in the county, and his deal- ings with men through life, have been marked by integrity and honor. .
Ephraim Arnold Rogers, M. D., was born April 16, 1825, in Clarke county, Ind. His parents, Aquila W. and Nancy (Arnold) Rogers, were natives of Ohio and Maryland and came to this State in 1816. From 1816 to 1822 lie carried the mail from Browns- town to Terre Haute, a distance of 40 miles, when there was but one house on the road. He crossed a stream on a log, leading his horse, and suffered all the hardships attending pioneer life. He assisted in laying out the city of Indianapolis, and was one of the founders of Bloomington, Ind. His final settlement was made in Clarke county, six miles above Jeffersonville, where he opened a farm and made improvements. He afterward became prominent, and was for 21 successive years Justice of the Peace. He also served as County Commissioner many years, and was extensively and widely known, having a residence in the county from 1834 to his death, Jan. 26, 1872, aged 74 years to a day. His wife's father, Ephraim Arnold, was also a noted man, and filled many offices of high trust. She died in 1865. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of 4 children living. He was nine years of age when his parents moved to this county, and he was sent to the public schools
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
for his early education. He then attended the Indiana University at Bloomington for three years, after which he studied medicine with Drs. Higday and Meeker, of La Porte, from 1846 to 1849. HIe then removed to Morris, Grundy county, Ill., and entered upon the practice of his profession. In the winter of 1851-'2 he attended a course of lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago. After a residence of 13 years in Morris, he returned to La Porte, where he has since been successfully engaged, being acknowledged one of the leading physicians of the town. He held the position of County Physician two years, 1877-'79, and has for 15 years been an active member of the Masonic order, in which he has taken 42 degrees. Dr. Rogers is a man of robust constitution and venerable appear- ance. He is a man of education and considerable attainments, and has gained much by his extensive travels. He was married March 7, 1850, to Miss Malinda, daughter of Andrew Nickell, a farmer of Virginia. They have 2 daughters, one of whom is the wife of Garrett L. Arnold, of La Porte. Politically, the Dr. is Democratic.
Landon C. Rose, M. D., is a son of Gustavus and Ann (Shep- ard) Rose, natives of Virginia, who came to this county July 7, 1835, and settled in this city. He was an eminent physician, and followed the practice of his profession in this county for 16 years. He was an Associate Jndge of the county, and identified with its interests and growth. His death occurred in 1858. The subject of this sketch was born in Lynchburg, Va., in 1828, was educated in the Indiana Medical College, where he attended three courses of lectures, and graduated in 1848, when he began the practice of his profession in this city, and here he has since made it his home. He has served the city as Mayor, and in various ways been promi- nent in the interests of the community. He was united in matri- mony to Miss Nancy Holbrook, in December, 1854. She was a native of Onondaga county, N. Y. To this marriage 7 children have been born. Dr. R. is one of the oldest practicing physicians of the county. His life has been devoted to the study of his profession, and he enjoys a large and extensive practice.
John Rumely, of the firm of M. & J. Rumely, manufacturers of portable engines and separators, was born in Baden, Germany, in 1818. He emigrated to America in 1849 and located at Massillon, Ohio, where he worked at his trade in a machine shop. Subse- quently he went to Piqua, Ohio, and to La Porte in the fall of 1853. Here the brothers started a small machine shop on a corner of their present location, which has grown to be the largest manufacturing establishment in the city. In 1861 they began the mannfactur- ing of stationary engines, and as early as 1856 were exten- sively engaged in manufacturing horse plows and separators. They have since made large additions in buildings, which now cover nearly one entire block. For the year 1880 they will turn out about 200 engines and a larger number of separators. They employ on an average about 100 men, and do an immense business. With- out means they began the struggle of life, and by energy, economy
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
and perseverance have attained wealth. Mr. R. was married in 1849 to Miss Mary Burlock, a native of Baden, Germany. To this union 9 children have been born, 8 of whom are living. The family are members of the Catholic Church. 'Politically, he is a Democrat.
George Seffens, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., La Porte; is a son of William and Mary Sutliff, natives of England, who settled near Philadelphia and engaged in the woolen manufacture, which was the first of the kind in the United States. The machinery for the works was brought with him, and was the first that ever left the shores of England. He was a prominent man in that section of country, and resided there many years. He afterward moved to this county and lived with his son, the subject of this sketch, who located in this county in 1833. He was married at Rolling Prairie in 1835 to Miss Mary Belshaw, a native of England. To this union 9 children have been born, 3 of whom are living: Harriet E., wife of Wm. P. Miller; Mary J., wife of E. Stanton; and Mildred, wife of H. Stoner. Mr. S. was by trade a plasterer, and plastered the first frame house that was built at Michigan City, La Porte and Door Village. He has been engaged in farming about 20 years, and has a farm of 133 acres, valued at $100 per acre. He also has 80 acres in Wisconsin. His advantages for education were very limited, and by his energy and perseverance has accumulated a good landed property. He is one of La Porte's oldest citizens and pioneers.
Geo. S. Seymour, loan and insurance agent, was born in Norwalk, Conn., January 15, 1823. He learned the hatters' trade in his na- tive city, and worked at it until 21 years of age. In the spring of 1845 he came to this county and began the study of law in the office of Gilbert Hathaway. The following year he moved to Chicago and took the census of the city, which at that time had but 1,400 inhabitants. He was afterward called to fill a position in the office of Clerk of the Commissioners' Court, and at the close of this service devoted one year to the study of law in the office of Judge Skinner. In 1850 he began the study of his profession in that city. The same year he was united in matrimony to Miss Lydia C. Web- ster, of Plymouth, N. H., a lineal descendant of the eminent statesman, Daniel Webster; 5 children are the living issue of this marriage. In September, 1850, Mr. S. returned to La Porte and opened his present business in law collections, loan and insurance. He served one term as City Clerk, and for many years has been an active and prominent member of the Masonic order. He assisted in the first organization of the I. O. O. F., and is one of the oldest and most reliable business men of the city. He controls a large busi- ness in his profession, and represents the following fire insurance companies: Ætna, of Hartford; American, of Philadelphia; Com- monwealth, of Boston; French Insurance Company, Paris, France (Gold); Fireman's Friend, San Francisco (Gold); Home, of New
42
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IIISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
York; Insurance of North America, Philadelphia; London Assur- ance, London; National, Hartford; Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Queen, Liverpool; Hamburg, Bremen; Western, Toronto. Also Life, Accident and Travelers', Hartford; Michigan Mutual, Detroit; and Connecticut Mutual, Hartford.
Henry G. Shafering, of the firm of Wiley & Shafering, market, was born in Germany in 1850 and emigrated with his parents to America in 1862. They located in Ohio county, Ind., where they yet reside. The subject of this sketch came to La Porte county in 1870, and engaged at his trade, butchering, and in December, 1875, joined the present partnership. The firm have a large trade and enjoy the confidence of the community. Mr. S. was married March 26, 1876, to Miss Mary E. Kellerman, a native of Germany. One son, Willie, is the issue of this marriage. The family are members of the Lutheran Church.
Charles Spaeth, County Clerk, was born in Stuttgart, Wurtem- berg, Germany, in 1836. He emigrated to America in 1860, and located at Wanatah, La Porte county, where he was occupied for three years as clerk, when he entered the mercantile trade. In 1868 he was elected to his present position, but the election was success- fully contested, and he turned his attention to bookkeeping in Chicago. He received the nomination for Auditor in 1870, and was defeated in the contest. His name was again placed on the ticket as County Treasurer in 1872, and he was elected. The sig- nal ability with which he discharged the duties of this important office secured his re-election in 1876. As a public officer he has won the undivided esteem of the general public. He was married in 1864 to Miss Louisa S. Bowes, a native of this county, and they have 5 children, all of whom are living. Mr. S. is associated with the Masonic order and I. O. O. F., of this city.
Benajah Stanton, retired farmer, was born in Union county, Ind., in 1816; is a son of Aaron and Lydia (Fosdick) Stanton, natives of Virginia and Massachusetts, who located in La Porte county in 1830, in Centre township. He was one of the first settlers in the township, an account of which is found on a preceding page. He entered 320 acres of land at that time and made additions to it after- ward. The first land broken in the county was on his farm, on sec. 29, April 7, 1830. His family moved to the county in September of the same year. They were 28 days on the journey traveling with ox teams. At that time there was but one cabin between La Porte and Michigan City. One week after their arrival a cabin was erected, and in the first few years realized the full experience of pioneer life. Mr. S. was married in 1837 to Miss Cynthia, daughter of Wm. Clark, and a native of Wayne county, Ind. Six children have been born to this marriage, 5 of whom are living. Mr. S. served as County Commissioner at one time by appointment and is widely known and respected. He is a Director of the La Porte Savings Bank. His wife is a member of the Methodist Church, but Mr. S. was raised a Quaker and always held to that faith.
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Walter Stanton, farmer, sec. 24; P. O., La Porte; was born in this county in 1853. His parents, Moses and Dorcas (Wing) Stan- ton, were natives of Indiana and N. Y., who settled in this county in 1830 and resided here until his death. His grandfather Aaron came the same year and entered the land of the present homestead, now consisting of 83 acres, valued at $70 per acre. They were among the early county pioneers. The subject of this sketch was married in 1877 to Miss Emma Sheldon, a native of New York, State. Mr. S. is a relic of the pioneer family of Stantons, one of whom was the first settler in Centre township,
Jno. Sutherland, banker, was born in Wayne county, Ind., in 1820, a son of Win. and Julia A. (Mills) Sutherland, natives of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, who were married at Hamilton, O., and moved to Salisbury, Wayne county, Ind., in 1817, and were among the first settlers of the State. He sunk the first tan-yard at that place, and followed tanning for nine years. He then kept hotel until his removal to this county, March 1, 1835. His settlement was made on Rolling Prairie. He was enabled to purchase land at $7 per acre at that time, and for several years he engaged in farming. Subsequently he took up his residence in La Porte, purchased prop- erty, and dealt largely in real estate until his death, August 12, 1868. He was one of the honored pioneers of the county. His esteemed widow survives, in the 82d year of her age. The subject of this sketch was raised on a farm and learned to labor diligently with his hands. He has been connected with the La Porte Savings Bank as President since its organization. He was for several years President of the State Board of Agriculture, and a Trustee of the Purdue Uni- versity at Lafayette. He has for many years been connected with the Presbyterian Church. He was married in 1844 to Miss Ann Eliza Piper, a native of Illinois, who died in 1874. Their 2 children are both deceased. His second marriage was to Mrs. Emeline Lewis, a native of New York city. Mr. S. is one of the oldest living set- tlers of La Porte county, who has experienced all the privations attending pioneer life, through which, and with natural talent, energy and industry, he has attained success.
Abraham Teegarden, M. D. The gentleman whose name is at the head of this sketch, is one of La Porte county's earliest pioneer settlers, as well as among its very first resident physicians. Having settled at La Porte, where he now resides, in 1837, he immediately commenced the practice of medicine, which he followed until some 15 years since, when he partially retired from his professional field, only attending to cases where he was especially solicited.for consul- tation. During his long life in this county Dr. Teegarden has won and enjoyed the confidence and respect of the people in a marked degree. He was elected by the Whigs in 1849 to represent the counties of Lake and Porter in the Indiana State Senate. The contest was exciting between the Doctor and the Democratic nominee, Major McCoy, who was defeated. He served as Senator with great ability through the sessions of 1850-'52, the latter
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTI.
session being an extra call. He was nominated for the same office in 1860, to represent La Porte and Starke counties, this time by the Republicans, which resulted in his election. He served during 1861 and 1862, and participated in the stirring debates of those sessions. Being a strong Union man, his voice was always raised and his means and influence used to support the Government and for the defeat of the Rebellion. He has also filled various local offices : has been member of City Council for years, etc. Although Dr. Teegarden was never regularly in the service of the U. S. army during the stormy days of the great war, he was still actively engaged in the field wherever his services as a Surgeon were needed, devoting his own time and means to treating the siek in hospitals and caring for the wounded soldiers on the field of battle. His services will long be remembered by many of the survivors of Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing and Vicksburg. He was also one of the first two Surgeons that met the retreating columns under Gen. MeClellan from before Richmond. He rendered service in this six days' fight. Not alone in the field was the Doctor's services freely given to the defenders of the flag, but in the homes of soldiers who were in the field, or had lost their lives, in defense of their country. To these lonesome firesides, to the widows and orphans made by the terrible war, his generous heart overflowed with sympathy, his hand was ever extended to give them aid, and his purse open to meet their necessities.
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