USA > Indiana > LaGrange County > Illustrated Atlas and Columbian Souvenir of LaGrange County, Indiana. > Part 13
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Jacob J. Yoder, a prosperous yonng farmer of Clay township, residing on Section 19, was born in Pennsylvania May 11. 1861. He was brought to Indiana by his parents in the spring of 1863. Mr. Yoder was married February 17, 1884, to Sarah Miller, of Holmes county, Ohio, and they have four children, Amos, Henry, William and Nora.
Peter Alspaugh, an influential citizen and farmer of Greenfield township, was born in Fairfield county. Ohio, in 1841. In 1834 he accompanied his parents to this county, settling in Johnson township. In October, 1861. Mr. Alspangh enlisted in the 44th Regiment Indiana volunteers, with which he served in many fa- mous battles until discharged September, 1863. He was wounded at the battle of Stone River. In 1868 he bought eighty acres in Greenfield township and subsequently added another eighty of «leared land, and erected handsome and commodious buildings. His farm is a good one and is a valuable property. M1. Alspangh enjoys the esteem of a wide circle of friends. In 1890 he served as census enumerator of his township.
Willis H. Deal, son of Henry and Helen ( Wade) Deal, of Springfield township, was born Sept. 7, 1860. He commenced teaching at the age of sixteen years, tanght five winter terms and one term select school, but having been accustomed to the inde- pendence of farm work, he preferred that occupation, and com- menced farming with Hiram Jacobs at the age of twenty-two years, continuing with him four years, and then rented the farm three years. Mr. Deal then came to LaGrange and was one year iu partnership with A. H. Johnston in the furniture business. He then purchased the Jacobs farm, and now has two hundred and ten acres of land with comfortable residence and other buildings, a desirable and pleasant home, two and one-fourth miles east of LaGrange. Mr. Deal has also been engaged in raising, buying and selling sheep and other live stock. He was recently elected
president of the LaGrange county fair. He was married Oct. 28, 1886, to Marietta, daughter of John S. Merritt, and they have two children, Antoinette and George P.
Arad Lampman, of Bloomfield township, was born in Oneida county, New York, Oct. 17, 1835. When about 18 years old he came to LaGrange county, Indiana, arriving here Oct. 27, 1844. For the first five years he was engaged in breaking land, using the old time breaking plow with five or six yoke of oxen. In 1857 he purchased the okl homestead farm in Section 7, Clay township, and engaged extensively in raising and dealing in cattle and sheep. In 1888 Mr. Lampman sold his farm and removed to LaGrange and was in the hardware business two years, selling out to Smith Bros. Subsequently he purchased the farm on which he now resides, of Henry B. Halbert. He devotes considerable attention to sheep raising, his favorite pursuit, having a fine flock of Shropshires. October 2. 1851, Mr. Lampman was married to Miss Susan E. Shartle, a native of Ohio. Their children are six, Orpheus A., Anna C., ( Mrs. George W. Hoff ), Festus D., Clara H., ( Mrs. 1. F. Hoff), Byron A., and Rebecca N .. ( Mrs. John Fellers. ) Mr. Lamp- man has held the office of real estate appraiser and has taken an active part in public affairs.
Henry M. Price, of Bloomfieldl township, is a native of the county, born July 16, 1843, the sou of Francis M. Price, who located in the township named in 1841, having located 320 acres in 1836. Henry M. Price, between 1864 and 1871. made two trips to California, and was engaged in the stock business there. In November, 1871, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Hoag- land, one of the prominent early settlers of Northern Indiana, and a pioneer in the stage line business. Mr. Price is a leading and enterprising citizen, and is secretary of the Farmers Rescue iusur- ance company. His farm is one of the most valuable in location and improvements.
Rudolph M. Slater, of Bloomfield township, was born August 29, 1861, in Ashland conty, Ohio. At the age of two years he accompanied his parents, Nelson and Susan Slater, to Defiance county, Ohio. In 1866 they removed to Allen county. Indiana, and thence came to LaGrange county in 1868. Mr. Slater entered the LaGrange high school, and at the age of 21 years began teaching, which vocation he followed for twelve years, and then engaged in farming and dealing in live stock. In 1886 he was elected assessor of Bloomfield township, as which he served five years. Mr. Slater was married Sept. 23, 1875, to Miss Sarah L. Putney, of Clay township, aud they have three children, Grace A., H. Ray, and Nelson .. Mr. Slater has a farm of 80 acres two and one-half miles northeast of LaGrange. His father died Sept. 28, 1887. in his 70th year. His mother is still living.
J. W. Appleman, of Springfield township, a prominent farmer, was born in that township September 20, 1850. the son of J. H. Appleman, a well known early settler. He was reared upon the farm and has always followed agriculture with success, possessing a valuable farm. He was married in 1874 to Miss R. H. Gilbert, daughter of Elias Gilbert, and they have had one son, deceased, and two danghters.
Jacob Camp, a farmer of Clay towuship, was born iu 1829 iu Switzerland. Coming to the United States in 1834 he first settled in Wayne county, Ohio, and moved four years later to Tuscarawas connty, Ohio, where he lived 31 years. For the past twenty-three years he has been a successful farmer in Clay township, and is comfortably sitnated. He was married in March, 1856, to Jane Fisher, and they have two children living, Victor and Samantha.
Hubert H. Smith, a young farmer of Lima township, is a son of Hugh and Nancy Smith, prominent people of that region. He was born September 14, 1861. He received his education at the Lima school, and at Cornell college, Mt. Vernon, Iowa, where he attended two years. He has been engaged principally in farming, from early life, aud is now managing his father's farm near Lima.
Residence of L. A. Brown, Bloomfield Township.
.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, LA GRANGE,
R. S. Hubbard.
H. M. Betts.
And Portraits of Pastors and Trustees During Building.
J. Slack.
John H. Rerick.
Rev. L. J. Nattzger.
Rev. J. B. Carns.
J. D. Clugston.
Edward Royer.
F. H. Halbert.
Edward Millis.
97.
Gown of LaGrange.
A GRANGE, the county seat of LaGrange connty, is situated mpon the rolling land on either side of the small creek which flows through the place. The creek serves to facili- tate drainage, which, by reason of the rising ground in either direction, is almost perfect. Water is abundant, from wells. and of the best quality. In October, 1892, a vote of the citizens upon water works resulted in a large majority for that improve- ment, and the following year is expected to witness the completion of a system of water works which shall supply the town with pure water for all purposes, including fire protection. The town is lighted with electric arc lights of the best order. The plant for this purpose includes a powerful Corliss engine aud an incandes- cent system for residences and stores.
The shipping facilities of LaGrange are afforded by the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad, a tributary of the Peunsylvania system. The town has direct communication thereby with the important Northern, Southern, Western and Eastern points of trade. The Adams Express company and Western Union Telegraph company do business here.
Nearly the entire county aud a portion of the adjoining Mich- igan county find at LaGrange the nearest point for satisfactory trade. The stores are of a remarkably high standard. both in quantity of stock and high quality and such prices as prevail where trade is large and varied. While the corporation population does not exceed two thousand, the circumstances of situation make the ordinary trading population from a commercial point of view, many times that.
Nearly all branches of trade are represented at LaGrange, and the business done is generally satisfactory. Three grain ware- houses care for the grain-buying trade, in which there is opportu- nity for successful enterprise.
The manufactures of the town is confined mostly to lumber and wood products. Two extensive Inmber mills and yards do a prosperous business, and a butter tub manufacturing company has and extensive trade throughout the western states.
There is opportunity at LaGrange for success in manufactures which require lumber supplies, as the town is advantageonsly situated in that respect. Furniture or implement manufacturies would receive a cordial support from the community.
The town is well built. The business portion, mainly on two streets. is almost entirely built up with brick blocks, which pre- sent as handsome appearance as can be found in any town of similar population. In this respect LaGrange is a town of unusual attractions. Many costly and handsome residences add to the charm, and the public buildings are all modern in style and well kept. Few towns in Northern Indiana, where the towns are generally good, surpass the attractions of LaGrange as a home, and present such apparent evidences of prosperity.
The Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, United Brethren and Evangelical Lutheran clinrches have large memberships and handsome places of worship. The Protestant Episcopal church also has a chapel, one of its principal educational seats in the west being at the neighboring town of Lima. The Baptist church has a beautiful church building. of recent erection, and a good mem- bership.
One of the largest and most active lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in Northern Indiana has its home here. The Masonic order is strong and increasing. The Knights of
Pythias, though younger, are prosperous. Other secret orders well represented are the Grand Army of the Republic, Relief Corps, Dangliters of Rebekah, Knights of Honor, Ancient Order of United Workmen.
Two bnikdling and loan associations have creditable member- ships, and asssist in the progress of the town. A fact suggesting the genuine prosperity of the population is that a remarkably large amount of life insurance is carried. Investments of this sort are popular and the preminm payments are large even as compared with much larger towns.
In hotel accommodations the town ranks with the best. A commodious opera house affords a place for amusements.
The good opportunities for education in the LaGrange schools are evidenced by the fact that the high school enrrienlum prepares students for admission to the universities of Indiana, Michigan. and Yale, Harvard and Johns Hopkins.
One of the most active popular movements in LaGrauge county during recent years has been the foundation of the La- Grange Fair Association. For many years an old association had existed but gradually grew weaker and failed. In 1891, however. meetings of business men were held at LaGrange and a new tem- porary organization completed, and a canvass for stock subscrip- tion begun, which was successful in the formation of a company with 810,000 capital. Forty acres of ground were secured east of the town, and a half mile track was made which is not surpassed in the country. Buildings were also provided and the first fair was held in October, 1892, meeting with unqualified success. The first officers of the permanent organization were J. D Ferrall. president, J. M. Preston, secretary. O. L. Ballon, treasurer, vice president, F. R. Smith.
The town has steadily grown since its foundation. At no time, we believe, has it retrograded or stood still. The censns records indicate this. Its future is bright and promising.
Capital will find here opportunities for profitable investment. manufacturing enterprises of solid foundation will receive generons assistance, and all who come will find the social and educational advantages exceptionally good.
The LaGrange Standard, the "Standard" newspaper of the county, was established in 1857, and changed proprietors several times until 1872. when it was purchased the second time by Dr. John H. Rerick, by whom it is still owned and conducted. The Standard is an eight-column quarto, well patronized by advertisers. It has a larger circulation than common among county papers. In con- nection is a job office liberally stocked. The office is supplied with a cylinder press, gas engiue, folding machine and two job presses.
The LaGrange Register, second oldest of existing papers, was founded by S. D. Crane in 1876, and not long afterward purchased by J. C. Hewitt, who has since conducted it. In 1892 the office was destroyed by fire, but has lately been refitted and supplied with new cylinder and job press and type, and the publication of the paper, as a 7-column quarto, was resumed in December, 1892.
The LaGrange Democrat was founded by J. F. Snyder in 1879. and when Mr. Snyder was appointed postmaster in 1886, went into the hands of D. A. Fawcett, who has since conducted it. The Dem- oerat is a six-column quarto and has a good advertising patron- age and job business. The office lias two presses, cylinder and job.
The fourth existing journal is the Saturday Call. condneted by W. D. Rheubottom. It is a seven-column quarto. Its first issue was in November, 1892.
98
TOWN OF LA GRANGE.
Miles R. MeClaskey, attorney, LaGrange, is a native of La- Grange county, son of Robert McClaskey, who was one of the first. settlers of LaGrange ( 1843), and still survives. Miles R. studied in the home schools and was graduated with the degree of A. B. by the State University in 1878. On account of poor health he engaged in farming some years and taught school two years. Beginning the study of law in 1886 he was admitted to the bar, and was associated in business with his brother J. E. MeClaskey. In 1892 he was elected prosecuting attorney for the 34th judicial circuit.
F. A. Benham. M. D., one of the successful physicians of LaGrange, was born September 2. 1850, at Chicago, Ill. He studied for his profession at the University of Michigan, was gradnated in 1874. and then settled at LaGrange, where he has since enjoyed a lucrative practice, except some years devoted to the practice of stenography. an art iu which he is an expert.
James M. Kennedy, attorney at law, LaGrange, is a native of Jonesville, Michigan. He came to this county in 1869, and since then LaGrange has been his home practically all the time. On May 11. 1882, he began the practice of law, and now enjoys a good business, conducting a large insurance business in connection with his other work.
Laora M. Rowe, of LaGrange, was born in Preble county. Ohio, and when one year old came with his parents to Eden town- ship in 1859. He taught in the public schools thirty-one mouths including eighteen months in the LaGrange schools. In 1883 he became a member of the firm of H. M. Betts & Co., druggists, and since Mr. Betts sold his interest in 1886 he and E. S. Ballou have done business as Ballon & Rowe, and have wiet with success.
Ellery B. McDonald, drugist, LaGrange, was born in Scoharie county, N. Y., in 1857. son of John McDonald, who moved with his family to Vanburen township in 1864. In 1882 Ellery engaged in the drug business at Lima, and four years later engaged in the same business at LaGrange. He has one of the leading drug stores and is a pushing, enterprising citizen. His wife is a daughter of B. F. Knanss. mannfacturer.
The leading grocery firm of White Brothers is composed of Ira and George M. White, sons of Dr. E. G. White. Ira White was born in 18GI at LaGrange, was educated at the LaGrange high school, and engaged in the drug and grocery business with C. B. Allen in 1852. afterward was with S. G. McDonald, and later with E. B. MeDonald, in all five years. He then formed the partnership with his brother, and saving one year as a commercial traveler, has given the business his personal attention. George M. White, before entering the business, attended the Bryant & Stratton commercial college, Chicago. The Brothers keep a first class store, and have a large enstom.
The law firm of Drake & Merritt. LaGrange, is well known throughout northern Indiana, Mr. James S. Drake is a native of Holmes county, Ohio. He came to LaGrange county with his father, J. L. Drake, in 1865. He studied at Hillsdale and Ann Arbor. being gradnated in law at the Michigan University, and then began the practice. The partnership with F. D. Merritt was formed Angust 1. 1879. Mr. Drake was elected proseenting attor- ney in 1878 and 1880, and state senator in 1884, serving four years. He was a delegate to the Republican national convention of 1885. Francis D. Merritt is a native of Cass county, Michigan, coming to Greenfield township with his father in 1859. He was educated in the public schools and at Coldwater, Hillsdale and Ann Arbor, being graduated in law at Michigan University. He began the practice in 1876. Mr. Merritt has been a member of the town board, was twice elected prosecuting attorney, and in 1892 was elected representative in the general assembly.
Joseph G. Scott, treasurer of LaGrange county, was born in 1:49 in Wisconsin, where his father, James Scott, a weaver by trade. had gone from England. In 1854 they moved to Ohio, and thence to Rome City in 1856. Coming to Ontario in 1857 James Scott established the Ontario Woolen Mills. Joseph G. rented the mills in I872 and purchased them in 1874, and manufactured until he assumed the duties of his office to which he was elected in IS>>. and re-elected in 1890. He sold the mill in 1891. Mr. Scott was married in 1872 to Sarah J. Hudson and they have six sons and two danghters.
Henry M. Herbert, attorney, is a native of Springfield town- ship, a son of the late R. P. Herbert. He was educated at Hills- dale college, and theu became cashier of the LaGrange County Bank in 1872, and in 1874 enshier of the First National Bank, a position he held until 1883. Since then he has been engaged in the law, real estate and insurance business on an extensive scale. and as secretary of the LaGrange Butter Tub company and Elec- tric Light and Power plant.
William H. Yarwood, recorder of LaGrange county from 1884 to 1892, was born at Staley Bridge, England, in 1842, son of William Yarwood, with whom he came to New York Mills, N. Y., in 1848. They moved to Wisconsin in 1854 and thence in 1860 to Clearspring township. Before his election Mr. Yarwood was a farmer and teacher. He was married in 1868 to Maria J. Cookingham, and they have four children, three sons and one daughter.
The firm of Huss & Musser, agricultural implements, is one well established and reliable. Ezra Huss, the senior partuer, was born in 1853 in Springfield township. He followed the vocation of teacher for several winters and farmed until 1880 when he begau the sale of agricultural implements. For several winters he can- vassed the state for the Empire Drill company, and then engaged in the agricultural business at LaGrange. His present partner- ship was made in the spring of ISS8. Samnel F. Musser is a native of Clearspring township, born in 1852. He was engaged in farming until 1885 when he entered the employment of Huss & Steele, and when that firm dissolved he acquired an interest. The firm does an extensive agricultural implement business, supplying all farmu machinery, and their reputation guarantees all transac- tions.
A. C. Beecher, D. D. S., one of the most skillful practitioners of dentistry in northern Indiana, was born at Etna, Licking county, Ohio, and located at LaGrange in 1859. Since 1872 he has been engaged in the practice of dentistry. He was graduated by Mich- igan University in I876 and is a member of the Northern Indiana Dental Association. Dr. Beecher has served as a town trustee. and is an earnest advocate of public improvements.
H. M. Bastian, engaged in the carriage and wagon manufac- ture, at LaGrange, located there in 1866, coming from Muncy, Pa. Here he engaged in the carriage business. but subsequently followed the profession of saw filing at varions large mills through- ont the conntry. In 1890 he resumed his former business at LaGrange. He is one of the present board of town trustees. He was married January 16, 1866, to Mattie Stead. at Money, Pa., and they have two children, Willetts A .. principal of the Latirange high school, and Harry.
Joseph D. Ferrall, of LaGrange, one of the prominent attor- neys of Northern Indiana, is a native of Columbiana county, Ohio. He obtained an education with the intention of becoming a lawyer. and taught school to obtain meaus to prosecute his efforts. The war breaking ont he enlisted in an early regiment, but was not long afterward discharged on account of sickness. Re-enlisting he served through the Wilderness, and until the war was over. He came to LaGrange in June, 1865, and began a professional career which has been honorable and distinguished. He has often sat. mpon the bench with ability. He served as prosecuting attorney for this district. In 1884 he was on the Republican state electoral ticket, and in 1892 was the Republican nominee for attorney general of Indiana.
One of the leading business houses of the county is Smith Brothers, hardware, LaGrange. Of the brothers, Charles has been in the hardware business fourteen years, first at Hillsdale. and then as a traveling salesman, before coming here; and Frank has been in the business handling hardware nine years, previous -to coming here, at Hudson, Mich. Three years ago last fall they established themselves at LaGrange. taking hold of the business with such vigor that they made a snecess from the start. Their advent infused new life into the hardware trade at LaGrange, in which they are now the oldest firm. Their business was large the first year, and every year since it has been increasing, until now there is no question of their standing amorg the leading hardware houses of Northern Indiana. They moved into their new estab- lishment, occupying three floors, in January, 1892.
TOWN OF LA GRANGE.
The Presbyterian church at LaGrange, with a membership of 170 from among the most prominent citizens, ocenpies a leading place in the social and higher life of the town.
For the past twenty-two years the pastor of this church has been the Rev. Thomas Edgar Hughes, who is widely known in Indiana and Ohio as a enltured aud convincing preacher of the Divine Word. Mr. Hughes came from ministerial ancestry, his grandfather, bearing the same name, having been one of the pioneer Presbyterian ministers of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Fonr of his sons were educated for the ministry, including William ( the father of Rev. T. E. Hughes) who was the pioneer minister of Loudonville, Ohio. There T. E. Hughes was born November 29. 1832. He received, his education at Vermilion lustitute, Miami University, and at a theological institute at New Albany, Indiana. Ordained in 1858, he began his lite work at Springdale, Ohio, serving there eight years. He was then called to Constantine. Mich., and after four years' pastorate there he came to LaGrange in 1870. Under his ministrations the church has grown in strength, and there has been erected a handsome aud commodious place of worship, at a cost of some $5,000. For the success of this work his untiring efforts are largely to be credited. During the Rebellion Mr. Hughes visited the armies at the front at Vicksburg. Chattanooga and Petersburg, and did patriotic and Christian work among the soldiers and their wounded and dying. Mr. Hughes is a close student not only of the past but of the living questions of the day. His utterances upon topics of present inter- est are always anticipated as of practical worth, and instinct with the spirit of Christianity. Of impressive and winning presence in the pulpit. he is equally pleasing in conversation. and a sense of the humor of life and a lively charity for human frailties renders him one of the most companionable of men. A son of Mr. Hughes, Rev. Cecil Hughes, is a professor of Tabor C'ollege, at Tabor, Iowa.
The First National Bank of LaGrange was established in September, 1874, with a capital of $50.000, and it has since con- tinued to do a flourishing business. For many years its president has been Solomon Rose, the senior business man of LaGrange. who for a long period conducted a large mercantile business and engaged in grain and wool warehousing. The present cashier is J. I. Norris. The bank is firmly established and is an institution of great valne to the town.
3 J. Cookingham, contractor and builder. of LaGrange, is one of the leaders in his business, and has taken an important part in the growth of the town. Among the buildings he has erected are the J. S. Brown, Rayer-Hughes, and Roop business blocks, the Insane hospital at the county farm. the County Fair buildings. and the residences of R. P. Herbert, Isaac Sears, MeClaskey and Hollis. He has been a resident since April, 1872, coming from his birthplace near Rochester, N. Y. Ile was married in 1871 to Miss hottie Vosburg. He has served several terms on the town board.
Jeremiah Slack, one of the substantial business men of La- Grange, was born in Northumberland county. Pa., August 27, 1848. and came to LaGrange county with his parents in 1853, settling on a farm in Johnson township. At the age of eightcen years he began the blacksmith trade with Moon & Co., at LaGrange, and finally snecceded to their business. His shops on the corner of Poplar and Lafayette streets were once destroyed by fire, but soon rebuilt. He does a large business in blacksmithing and iron work. and in the manufacture of carriages and wagons. Mr. Slack has served the town as a trustee and treasurer to the general satisfac- tion. In 1868 he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been a trustee for ten years, rendering efficient service during the ercetion of the new church.
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