USA > Indiana > LaGrange County > Illustrated Atlas and Columbian Souvenir of LaGrange County, Indiana. > Part 14
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Abram E. Yoder was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, Jaunary 12, 1851. The last of Angust, 1864, he settled with his parents in Clearspring township. - The greater part of his life has been spent on the farm. Mr. Yoder is a carpenter and joiner by trade, and for several years past has followed that vocation. February 6, 1884, he was married to Melinda A, danghter of Dauiel and Rebecca Mnsser, of Clearspring township. To this union two daughters are born. In the spring of 1892 Mr. Yoder was the nominee of his party for the office of recorder, to which position he was elected the following fall, and since then has made La- Grange his home.
Jacob Spearow was born in Stark county, Ohio, Oct. 15, 1841. At the age of six years he came with his parents to LaGrange county, settling in Springfield township, since which time La- Grange connty has been his home. Angust 6, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, of the 88th ludiana Volunteers, and was in the service of his country until June 17, 1865. when he was discharged. Angust 25, 1867. Mr, Spearow was married to Marcelia L. Smith. whose parents came from Canada.in 1842. settling first at Cold- water, Mich., later at Bronson, and finally at Orland. Stenben county. Ind. To Mr. and Mrs. Spearow two children were born, only one of whom survives, viz., Hattie L. After the close of the war Mr. Spearow followed farming, was the nominee of his party for sheriff in the spring of ISS8, and occupied the position two terms
R. P. Dryer, son of N. B. and Mary A. Dryer, was born in Milford township, October 6th. 1858. His earlier years were spent on the farm In 1878 he commenced teaching school and tanght four terms in Milford township. He then went to Ottawa, Kansas, where he attended school one term. and then tanght eleven months in the town of Norwood, Kansas. Return- ing to Indiana he taught five terms of school in his native town- ship; for three terius was principal of the school in the village of South Milford, and at the same time studied pharmacy with Dr Dancer, continning this study while clerking in a drug store at Woleottville. In the spring of 1885 he came to LaGrange and formed a partnership in the drug business with Chas. Allen. 11 March 18, 1886, he was united in marriage with, Carrie E. Upson. of Milford township. To Mr. and Mrs. Dryer two children are horn, viz. Lanrent, aged five, and Virgie, aged three years. Mr Dryer is now engaged in the drug and stationery business, in which he has an extensive trade.
Dwight Welcome Dryer was boru April 23, 1856. in Milford township. LaGrange county. Ind., and is the oldest of a family of eight children. His earlier years were spent on his father's farm. He attended the commercial department of the Valparaiso Normal school, and graduated from that institution April 12, 1877 In 1878 he went to Nebraska, where he spent the greater part of the next five years, teaching school and keeping books in a railroad office. He commenced the study of medicine at Beatrice, Nebras- ka, in 1882, following which he took three courses of lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, where he graduated February 17. 1885. Coming to LaGrange the same spring, he commenced the practice of his chosen profession, engaging at the same time in the drug business. On the 29th day of November. 1885. he was married to Miss Emma Scanlon, of Lincoln, Nebraska. Two children have been born to them, viz .. Allie L., Feb. 5, 1887, and Charles S .. Dec. 19, 1889. In 1888 Dr. Dryer was elected to the Indiana General Assembly He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and A. O U. W At the present time he is engaged exclusively in the practice of medicine.
Robert ,1. Oliver, of LaGrange, was born October 24, 1837. in Springfield. Olo, and the next year was brought by his parents to InGrange county, settling in Johnson township on what was henceforth known as Oliver Lake. In 1859 his father purchased a farm two miles west of LaGrange, but three years later moved back to Johnson township. In 1876 Mr. Oliver came to LaGrange and embarked in the agricultural implement business, in which he has ever since been successfully engaged. In 1881 he built the Oliver House, which he used three years as a store, and then con- verted into a hotel, which he conducted until the winter of 1892. The hotel is widely known and was quite successful under his management.
James M. Preston was born February 17. 1835, at Youngs- town, Mahoning county, Ohio. He came to LaGrange county, Ind., with his father, May 15, 1850, settling on a farm north of LaGrange. He has worked on the farm more or less all his life, and now owns 156 acres of land in Bloomfield township. Since 1861 Mr. Preston has been dealing in pianos aud organs, and uow makes a specialty of those instruments. He, however, keeps on hand varions other instruments and also sheet music. and caters at. all times to the wants of his customers. September 15, 1857, Mr. Preston was married to Lockey J. Price, and to them were horn three children, two of whom are living. viz .. Ella E .. now Mrs. Charles Grossman, and Frank B., who manages the farm.
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TOWN OF LA GRANGE.
Enoch George Machan is a native of Ohio, born in Tusca- rawas county, July 7. 1845. He was raised on a farm and received a common school education, after which he pursued his studies in the higher branches at the Fredericksburg Academy until 1865. when he left school and came with his father to LaGrange county. Since then he has been a resident of the county, with the exception of a year and a half spent in Kansas, from the spring of 1870 until the summer of 1871. He was united in marriage in April. 1871. to Miss Nancy A. McClaskey, daughter of Robert McClaskey, of LaGrange. To Mr. and Mrs. Machan were born one son and two daughters, Mr. Machan has been engaged in school work ever since coming to LaGrange county, having spent fifteen years in this calling. He is now serving his twelfth year as superintendent of the public schools. He has been one of the foremost workers in the effort to seenre an equitable apportionment of the state school fund and thereby securing justice to all concerned. He holds high rank as an educator. and is one of the ablest superintendents of the state. The present high standing of the schools of this county is prin- cipally due to his able and worthy efforts. They are second to none in the state in quality of work accomplished and in efficiency. Mr. Machan is a ruling elder of the Presbyterian church, of wbich be has been a member twenty-one years.
Otis L. Ballou, one of our prominent attorneys, was horn in Saratoga county. New York, and removed with his parents, when but a small child, to Ashtabula county, Ohio, and again removing with the family to LaGrange county, Ind., in the spring of 1869. settling on the farm in Bloomfield township now owned by the subject of this sketeb. Mr. Ballou received an academic education in Ohio, and tanght school there one winter term before coming to Indiana. After coming to Indiana he worked on the farm during summer and tanght school in winter. During this time he studied law until the March term, 1872. of the Court of Common Pleas. when he was admitted to the bar. He continued the study of law and working on the farm until June. 1875. when he commenced the practice of law. In 1879 he formed a partnership witli A. G. Cutting, which was continued until the decease of Mr. Cutting in 1851, since which time he has conducted business on his own neconut Mr. Ballou was married February 28, 1869, to Miss Julia M. Curtis, of Ashtabula connty, Ohio. To them three children have been born, viz., Pardon D., Katie M., and William C. Pardon D. is a graduate of the LaGrange high school aud is now a student of the Iudiana Dental college at Indianapolis. Mr. Billon take pride in his connection with the educational inter- ests of the county. Aside from having been a teacher he was for nine successive years a member of the board of school trustees in LaGrange. a longer period than the same position has been ocenpied by any other trustee.
John J. Gillette was born in Lorain county. O., on Christmas day. 1842. from which place he came to Noble conuty. Indiana, in the spring of 1847. In the autminn of 1851 he went to reside with Richard Green on a farm in Clearspring township. LaGrange county. In October. 1861, Mr. Gillette enlisted in Company H. 44th Indiana Volunteers, under Capt. Wm. B. Bingham. Atter serving three years, he returned home and rented Mr. Green's farm, which he cultivated, and tanght school during the winter season, until 1877. Mr. Gillette was married to Miss Jennie M. Church. of Onondaga county. N. Y., October 24, 1865. In the spring of 1877 he purchased a farm near Wolcottville, remaining there until the spring of 1884. when he removed to Nebraska, where he re- mained one year and then returned to Wolcottville and engaged in the hardware business in company with F. P. Sanders. In 1886 he was elected to the office of county auditor, to which office he was re-elected in 1890. Mr. Gillette has made a very efficient officer. discharging his duties with great acceptability to the people. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gillette, Grace L. (now Mrs. F. P. Sanders ), and Almon R.
John W. Hanan was born near Uniontown. Fayette county. Pennsylvania. July 10th, 1860. He was the fifth of a family of seven children. In 1864 his father and eldest brother lost their lives while in the service of the Union army. In the same year his two brothers and three sisters died from the effects of dipl- theria. His mother and bimself were left with but little means of support. but by hard work and economy she was enabled to keep him in school until he could assist himself. At the age of thirteen years he came with his mother to Hawpatch, this county. He
worked on a farm during the summer season and attended school in the winter. At the age of sixteen he commenced teaching school. with his earnings assisting his mother and completing his education. He was soon able to command good wages. He became principal of the Orland High schools and Normal, which position he held for three years. Having passed the required examination he received from the state board of education a state license. During the summer vacation of the last four years of his school work he read law, first in the office of J. D. Ferrall, Esq. subsequently with Messrs. Drake & Merritt. He is engaged in the practice of his chosen profession in LaGrange with Hon. Robt. Lowry, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and has secured a good business. Mr. Hauan was united in marriage in March, 1879, to Miss Mary A., daughter of John S. Merritt, of LaGrange, and to the union has been born one son. Frank, July 19, 1881.
Frank J. Dunten was born February 25th, 1865, in Bloomfield towuship, LaGrange county, Indiana. His earlier years were spent on a farm, where he became iunred to the labor of farm life in its various forms. Mr. Dunten was for several years a teacher in the schools of the county, and afterwards clerk in a hardware store. He is a graduate of the LaGrange High school, class of '87. He studied law with Otis L. Ballou. He was admitted to the La- Grange bar in 1888, subsequently admitted to practice in the Supreme Court, and formed a partnership with James M. Kennedy in the practice of his profession. Since September, 1891, he has been engaged in the practice on his own acconut, with fair prospects of snecess. Mr. Dunten was nuited in marriage to Miss Cora Roop. of LaGrange, May 15, 1890.
Josiab T. Bowen is a native of Bedford county, Peunsylvania. born on the 7th day of July. 1819. His parents were Jacob W. and Rachel ( Kiten ) Bowen. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Bowen went with his parents to Starke county, Ohio. in 1820. He learned the clothiers' trade in Hohnes county, com- meneing in 1839. He was united in marriage to Miss Catharine A. Garmire, a native of the same county, and came to this county to reside in 1847. Mr. Bowen purchased eighty acres of timbered land in Clay towuship which he sold, and moved to Illinois in 1852. He remained there but a few months returning to LaGrange the same year. Purchasing 160 acres of land he built a log cabin and began improvements on the same. It is now one of the best farms in the township and has greatly increased in value. Mr. Bowen has served as Justice of the Peace and trustee of his township. He has recently purchased a residence property of D. W. Bower in the south part of town and has removed to LaGrange. The ebildren are nine in number, Minerva, now Mrs. C. M. Barrows. Sarah ( Mrs. Ben Giggy ), Lucinda ( Mrs. Jonas Slack ), Alvin W .. Mrs. Spencer Roy, Mott A .. Edith M .. ( Mrs. A. H. Johnston ). Morton E. and Frauk B.
John T. Sullivan was born in Goderich, Canada, April 18, 1863. He came to the United States in 1865 with his parents, who settled in Rome City, Noble county, Indiana. Mr. Sullivan resided there until 1878, when he came to LaGrange, where he has continued to reside. He was educated in the schools of LaGrange. He studied law with Messrs. Drake & Merritt and with Joseph D. Ferrall. He was admitted to the bar in April, 1885, and elected Prosecuting Attorney for the connties of LaGrange and Elkhart in 1888. serving two terms. Mr. Sullivan was nuited in marriage February 28. 1886. to Miss Eva Wight, daughter of Elias Wight, of Newbury township. They have one child, a son, born Angust 5, 1890.
Robert Wigton was born on Section 14. Clay township, La- Grange county, Indiana, November 19th, 1848, and resided with his parents, William and Emily ( Holmes ) Wigton, on that farm until the spring of 1863. He attended school at the LaGrange Collegiate Institute at Ontario, subsequently at Pittsburgh, Pa., and Fort. Edward, N. Y. He resided four years in Accomae county. Virginia, and then returned to LaGrange. After serving a time as a clerk in a store, he purchased the old City Bakery which, with George W. Eyler as partner, be operated for abont ten years. He has since been principally engaged in the grocery and warehouse business. Mr. Wigton was united in marriage to Miss Emma Beach in 1870, by whom he had five children, Julia, William, Edna, James and Bess. Mrs. Wigton died in 1885. In 1886 he was married to his present wife, Miss Catharine Winkler. They have two children, Murle and Rebecca. As a business man Mr. Wigton has met with success, is a public spirited and enterprising citizen.
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101.
TOWN OF LA GRANGE.
Wiu. Hudson, of the lumber firm of Win. Hudson & Sou, is a uative of Ohio. He removed to LaGrange county, Ind., Jannary 15, 1852, and soon after engaged in the Inmber busmess. He bnilt the first sawmill in what is now the village of Hawpatch in 1956. He was united in marriage Nov. 29, 1858, to Miss Louisa Peck, daughter of the late Hawley and Harriet Peck, early pioneers of Clearspring township. Mr. Hudsou removed to LaGrange in 1864, where he has since continuonsly resided. In his business enter- prises he has been successful. In the Inmber Irade, which has been his specialty, the business has been very extensive in the eastern and other markets of the country, as well as the home trade. In 1873 he in company with S. K. Rnick, established the flouring mills at LaGrange. In 1886 his son, Wm. B., became & partner with him in the Inmber trade, and the firm assumed the style of Wm. Hudson & Son.
Jacob S. Browu, one of the leaders in the business life of LaGrange, was born in Allegany county, N. Y., in 1829. In 1831 his home became Huron county, Ohio, and in 1854 he came to LaGrange county. He engaged in the himber business and built a mill at the Outcalt corners, but three years later sold to this brother. He then engaged in the drug business at Huntington, Ind., and Green Springs, Ohio, and subsequently in company with his brother Adrian, entered the same business at Elkhart. In 1869 he came to LaGrange and bought a part of the old Boyd Hotel property and in 1871 in connection with his father and brothers erected the Brown's Hotel block. This handsome brick structure was destroyed by fire in 1878. Subsequently he and his brothers built upon the same site a row of business buildings known as Brown's Block, containing a hall long used as the opera house. Mr. Brown now condnets in this block one of the leading groceries. Mr. Brown was married in 1856 to Elizabeth Ingraham, who died in 1863. They had two children, Nellie andKittie ( Mrs. Ira White. ) Subsequently he was married to Sarah M., daughter of Dr. J. W. Chamberlain, of Elkhart. They have two children, Frederick J. and Caroline G.
F. C. Blodgett, one of the leading young business men of LaGrange, was educated at this place, and began here the trade of tailor, which he completed at Chicago. He then embarked in business at Englewood, and met with snecess. But transferring his interests to a brother, he returned to LaGrange and opened a merchant tailoring establishment which at once met with snecess. He employs a large force of assistants and is crowded with orders. There are few tailors as capable in northern Indiana. Precision and promptness are his mottoes.
Samnel G. Hoff, ex-treasurer of LaGrange connty, is a native of Richland county, Ohio, Since the first year of his age he has been a resident of this connty, coming with his parents in 1848. He was educated in the county schools, the Ontario institute and Eastman business college. In 1872 he was elected treasurer and was re-elected in 1874. Since the expiration of his office he has mostly been engaged in teaching. Mr. Hoff was married in 1874 to Ella, danghter of Rev. Jabez Shaffer. She died in 1882 and he was married in 1884 to Alice Morrison, who is also an experienced teacher.
John Cox, ex-county surveyor of the connty, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, in 1831. In 1851 he moved with his parents, George and Betsey Cox, to Lee county, Iowa, but returned to Ohio in 1853. Taking an early interest in politics he voted the Free Soil state ticket in 1854, and uniformly afterward for the Republican tickets. June 13, 1861, he enlisted in Co. K, 24th Ohio V. 1., and after three years service re-enlisted in Co. B, 9th regiment, U. S. V. V. Hancock's corps, serving until discharged as sergeant April 12, 1866. He participated in fourteen battles and skirmishes, including Pittsburgh Landing, Stone River, Chicka- mauga. Lookout Mt., and Mission Ridge. In 1877 he settled in LaGrange county and engaged in farming and teaching. In 1884 he was elected surveyor and served two terms. He was married in 1855 to Kate G. Irwin, and they have five children living.
Ethan A. Streeter, a popular young business man of LaGrange, is a native of the county, son of S. G. and Janet Streeter, of Clear- spring township. At twenty-one years of age he began work with G. K. Hubbard in the manufacture of bee hives. Subsequently he entered the jewelry business in the establishment of E. C. P. Show, and in September, 1891, opened a jewelry store of his own, which has since done a good and increasing business. His store is located in the Ellison bank building.
Cassins M. Leib was born in this county January 11th, 1861. He received his education in the common schools of the county, LaGrange High school and DePauw University. He began the work of teaching in the district schools. Among the rising young men of the county none hold a more conspicuous position than Mr. Leib, principal of the Lima schools, which position he has held for seven years, which speaks well in his favor. The school is in high repute, which is dne mainly to the efficiency of Mr. Leib. Gradnates from this school can enter any of the state universities. He is very much interested in school work and has always been industrious in all his business employments.
William B. Hudson, sou of William and Louisa Hudson, was born in the town of LaGrange June 8th, 1865, and his native town has always been his home. He was educated in the LaGrange schools and afterwards completed a commercial course in the Grand Rapids Business college. He acquired an interest in the lumber business with his father in 1886. in which business he is now engaged. November 15th, 1888, Mr. Hudson was nnited in mar- riage to Miss Lamora G. Davis, daughter of Hezekiah Davis, deceased, and Sarah R. Davis, of Newbury township. To the uniou have been born two children. Their home is pleasantly located on Poplar street.
Erving H. Guy, one of the enterprising young men of La- Grange, was born March 23, 1864, at Litchfield, Michigan. At nineteen years of age he began the carriage trimming trade with Tiffany Bros., of Jonesville. Coming to LaGrange in 1888 he entered the employ of B. F. Knauss, with whom, and at Three Rivers, he has since been engaged. He was married August 12, 1889, to Mary E., daughter of David Smith, deceased, of Clay township, and they have one sou.
P. N. Stronp, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in 1830. When about seven years old he settled with his parents in Mediua county, Ohio, and there learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. At the age of thirty-three years he was employed in a planing mill. After the breaking out of the rebellion he engaged in get- ting ont material for making gun stocks and other war material. After the war closed he engaged extensively in the lumber trade. Mr. Stroup came to LaGrange in the spring of 1873, and came in possession of the present sawmill property and continned in the. business under the firm name of P. N. Stroup & Co. until recently The business is now entirely in his hands. Mr. Stroup has had a very large trade in his line, shipping to New York and Boston markets, and furnishing humber and other building materials in our home market, and in the business of contractor and builder. He was united in marriage to Miss Martha A. Gregory, in New York. They have six children, Milo O., Carmi S., Adelbert, Ells- worth P., Charles and Mary.
Major William B. Bingham, a native of Adams connty, Penn- sylvania, was born November 19, 1819, son of David and Sarah (Burns ) Bingham. Both of his grandfathers came to this country prior to the revolutionary war and served the country in that struggle. They were skillful in the mannfacture of sickles, then used for cutting grain, and were ordered by General Washington to return and engage in making bayonets and swords for the use of the army. They made a small cannon which was captured at the battle of Brandywine aud taken to England. In 1828 Major Bingham emigrated to Richland county. Ohio, with his parents, and at the age of ten years was employed as a mail carrier ou horse back from Mansfield to the mouth of Black river, at that time a hazardous undertaking. Major Bingham served in the Mexic in war, enlisting in the fourth Ohio regiment. under Colonel Brough. He was first in General Zachary Taylor's division ou the Rio Grande, and afterwards transferred to General Scott's command, and served under General dames H. Lane nutil peace was declared. He was married to Miss Mary Dille in 1849. They became residents of LaGrange in 1855, and in partnership with Jacob Newman Mr. Bingham engaged in merchandise. Before the breaking out of the late war he had a class formed and well drilled, so that in the first call for vohmteers he had men ready for service. After sending three companies to the front, he was elected captain of Company H. 44th Reg. Indiana Volunteers, and they entered service in September, 1861. At the battle of Fort Donelson Captain Bingham was promoted Major of the 44th for gallant conduet. He was mustered out on account of disability in the spring of 1863. His children now living are Huldah (Mrs. N. A. Sprong ). Emma ( Mrs. VanSlyke ). William and Edward.
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TOWN OF LA GRANGE.
George W. Hissong was born at North Liberty, Ohio, March 9. 1840. He came with his parents to Elkhart county in 1846. Mr. Hissoug served four years in the late war, and was honorably discharged as First Lieutenant of his company. He followed the trade of carriage painting until 1881. On the 21st of January, 1866. he was uuited in marriage to Miss Mary J. Cline. The photograph business now conducted hy George W. Hissong and Sou was commenced in 1881. iu the face of strong and continued oppositiou and under great difficulties. but the business was suc- cessful from the beginning. At the present thue the firm controls the photographic trade of this section of the state, and is acknowl- edged by the profession as leaders in the art. In 1886 C. M. Hissoug, his sou, was taken under instruction aud subsequently became a partuer. During his father's protracted illness (the result of army service) Charles was the maiustay of the firm aud the care of the family. The business is increasing rapidly, and is keeping pace with the demauds npon it. The firm is now making preparatious to branch out and cover a more extensive field iu the art of portrait making. and it is confidently expected to have in the near future one of the largest establishuients in this liue in the country.
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