USA > Indiana > LaGrange County > Illustrated Atlas and Columbian Souvenir of LaGrange County, Indiana. > Part 16
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Edwin E. Yeager, junior member of the firm of Yeager & Son, was born March 2. 1862, in Noble connty, near Wolcottville. Since the age of one year he has been a resident of this county. In 1878 Mr. Yeager began a business life as clerk for O. L. Woodruff, with whom he remained until 1882, and since 1883 he has given his time efficiently to the building up of the extensive Imbering business of his firm. He was married December 13, 1886, to Witherine Myers, of Wolcottville, and they have one child, Harry D.ile.
Frederick Engene Dickinson was born in Orange township, Noble county, Aug 31, 1853. Coming to LaGrange county when one year old he has since remained in this county. He was early converted to the Christian faith and determined to enter the ministry and accordingly began to prepare himself for the work. Graduating from the University of Indiana in 1879 and from the Baptist Union Theological Seminary in 1886, he subsequently was stationed at LaGrange where he remained six and one-balf years, but on account of failing health the ministerial work had to be abandoned, and with his family he came to Wolcottville where he is now located. Mr. Dickenson has for some time been engaged in the manufacture of brick and tile, and has one of the best equipped brick and tile factories to be found anywhere, the yard being north of Wolcottville and accommodated with a railroad siding. He mannfactures both common and pressed brick. The pressed brick are produced by the dry process. The tile are first class and are in general demand. At his factory all sizes of tile are produced to twelve inch. The drain tile and the pressed brick are burned in down dranght kilns. In brief the factory is com- plete and a credit to Mr. Diekinson and the county. He was married in June, 1879, to Miss Angie Wildman, of Wolcottville. They have had two children, Lena W. and Agnes Ruth. The lat. ter died March 14, 1892
Charles A. Pardee, of Johnson township, was born at Lee, Calhoun county, Michigan, Sept. 9, 1837. He came to LaGrange county when seven years of age, and with the exception of one year in Illinois and two years in Noble county has since been a citizen of this county. Mr. Pardee enlisted in the 44th Ind. Vol., October, 1861, and served until the elose of the war. He enlisted in Company D, and was soon promoted to Hospital Steward. In this capicity he served on all the battle fields in which the army of the Cumberland participated. He was married Dec. 17, 1860, to Miss Rachel Bower.
Rev. Caleb H. Blanchard, a pioneer of northeastern Indiana, and former pastor of the Baptist clinrch of Wolcottville, was born Dec. 11, 1817, at Clarendon, Vermont, son of Abel and Polly (Howard ) Blanchard, natives of that state. The Blanchard family in America can be traced for six generations, Moses Blanchard, the ancestor, having emigrated from France and settled in Rhode Island many years prior to the Revolution. Caleb H. Blanchard's great-grandfather on the paternal side fought two years and a half for our national independence, serving under General Greene during his Rhode Island campaign. Abel, father of Caleb H., was a man of integrity, and a consistent Christian. He died in 1852. Caleb H Blanchard in June, 1837, with his father's family. removed to Indiana, locating at Orlund, where he engaged in clearing lands and firming, at which he worked until 1841. He married March 8, 1834, Elizabeth Zebra, a native of Pennsylvania. She died July 12, 1841. Mr. Blanchard at the early age of thirteen years, became an active worker in the Christian canse. He was baptized at Orland, March 20, 1839, and he engaged in theological studies and in public speaking, and was, at Orland, March 15, 1841, licensed to preach the gospel. But feeling the disadvantages of limited education, he, at the age of twenty-four years, entered Franklin college, where he remained two years. He returned to Orland in 1843, and engaged in the missionary labor. Feb. 5, 1845, be was ord lined as a minister of the Baptist church, the ceremony taking place at JJefferson Church, Noble connty, Ind The following April he received a call from the Baptist church of Wolcottville, a pastoral charge he filled with marked acceptability and snecess for forty years. During thirty years his services have been divided among the following places, Cedar Creek, DeKalb county; Jefferson, Noble county; Alhion, Brimfield and Rome City, Noble county; LaGrange and Milford. LaGrange county. Mr. Blanchard was one of the pioneer ministers of the gospel in northeastern Indiana. For many years most of the houses in which he held his services were log cabins. Such was his first charge in Wolcottville; but the structure was in 1848 succeeded by a frame church, in which his congregation increase.l until that building became too small, and a new building was erected Dec. 21, 1876, which cost six thousand dollars. During his forty years ( thirty-six of which were uninterrupted ) of preach- ing and pistoral labors, besides filling his charge at Wolcottville and the other regular appointments referred to, with the necessarily mnauy thousand miles of travel over new and unworked roads, he has preached one thousand and two funeral sermons, attended by at least ten thousand miles of travel, which labor has been almost gratuitons. One year alone he attended forty-five burials for which he traveled one thousand miles. In the meantime he united in marriage three hundred and ninety-four conples. Mr. Blanchard is of dignified presence, yet genial and familiar in manner, and is exceedingly popular, not only with his congregation, but with the community at large. His talents are exceedingly versatile, ren- dering him a good conversationalist. an efficient debater aud a valuable counselor. In addition to his professional labor he often acts as financial agent, and as administrator of the estates of deceased members of his church. These benevolent acts nre usually performed withont compensation. As a citizen he is always with the foremost in advocating moral reform and public improvements. Nov. 12, 1844. he was married to Miss Whitney, of VanBuren, LaGrange county, Ind., a lady of education and natural endowments, an earnest worker with her husband.
The Wolcottville Globe, the newspaper of the town, was established in 1890 by J. R. Leonard. It is a bright and newsy paper. Mr. Leonard was born at Wolf Lake, Noble county, in 1861, and began the printer's trade at Ligonier in 1880. Going to Kansas in 1883 he was there engaged in jonrunlisin, mitil 1890, when he came to Wolcottville. He is an earnest worker for the advancement of the town.
Not often is a livery business built on such solid foundation and so widely known as that of David A. Vanghn, of Wolcottville. Mr. Vanghn engaged in the business in 1886, and has steadily built up his business until he has a fine stable of horses and first- class ontfits, and has the confidence of the local and traveling pub- lic. Mr. Vaughn was horn June 1, 1858, in Tuscarawas county, Ohio. In 1867, his parents, who were engaged in farming, removed to Clay township, LaGrange county. The father, David B. Vanghn, died, and in 1880, with his mother, the subject settled at Wolcott- ville. The death of the mother occurred September 8, 1890.
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TOWN OF WOLCOTTVILLE.
F. P. Sanders, one of the prominent business men of LaGrange county, was boru at Auburn, De Kalb county, Sept. 5, 1854. He came to Kendallville in 1862, from thence to Milford township where he remained five years, then removed to Wolcottville where he has since resided. On the 1st of January, 1880, he went into the hardware business with his father. S. P. Sanders, who started the business iu 1870. This partnership continned np to his father's «leath, which occurred in the spring of 1885. After the death of S. P. Sanders the business was conducted by the firm, Gillette & Saunders. up to the time of Mr. Gillette's election to the office of auditor of LaGrange county, in the fall of 1886. Since that time F. P. Sanders has been sole proprietor. It is hardly necessary to state that under the present management the business has flour- ished and it is a fact that the amount of husiness doue is uot second to that of any firm in LaGrange conuty. Mr. Sanders was first married to Miss Ida Bender, now deceased. November 27, 1884. he was married to Miss Grace Gillette. They have two chiklren. Harry and Russel.
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Prominent among the industries of Wolcottville is the Flour- ing Mill, the product of which is widely celebrated for its nniform excellence. The mill is owned by Westler and Cutler and operated hy the latter. Mr. E. A. Cutler is a miller of long experience. He was born at the neighboring town of Rome City Angust 16, 1854, but came to this place at the age of seven. He received his education at the Wolcottville seminary, and at eighteen years of age began learning his trade with Westler aud Axel, then the owners of the mill. Except two years in Michigan he has been here in the mill ever since. He purchased a hall interest October 21, 1881. Mr. Cutler was married December 2. 1887. to Miss Lizzie Gault, of Wolcottville, and they have two children.
Edwin G. Cook, an enterprising young lawyer of Wolcottville, was born in Verginia, Cass county. Ill .. July 19th, 1865. His father. Dr. D. S. Cook, a native of Ohio, became a resident of Noble county in 1871, and here Edwin G. was married to Miss Clarie E. Eager. of Edgerton, Ohio, April 22. 1888. Miss Eager is the daughter of George E. Eager, an emineut musicion. Mr. Cook was admitted to the bar and in March, 1892, located in Wolcottville, where he is enjoying a lucrative business.
The Commercial House, of Wolcottville, is widely knowu among the traveling public for its substantial conveniences, com. fortable rooms, and elegant table service. Recently thoroughly refitted and in effect rebuilt it is commodious and well furnished to a degree seldom met with in larger towns. The house is owned and is under the direct management of Mrs. Mary Alger, whose thorough acquaintance with the business aud genial hospitality
makes every gnest welcome and his sojonrn enjoyable. During the construction work of the Wabash railroad the Commercial Honse was headquarters for the engineers. Mrs. Alger has been in business at Wolcottville and at LaGrange, formerly in the millinery trade, for a considerable time, and has met with success.
John C. Scheffler, one of the leading business men of Wolcott- ville, was born in Germany, Feb. 4, 1848, He came to this coun- try at the age of six years and settled with his parents in Cleveland, Ohio. Afterwards he moved to Greensburg in the same state where he grew to manhood, and at the Greensburg academy acquired his education. In 1861 he came with his parents to Indiana and settled in Noble connty. Iu 1864 he enlisted in the First Indiana Heavy Artillery, Co. A, aud served till the close of the war as a gallant soldier. Afterwards he attended for two years the conservatory of music at Oberlin, Ohio, and taught eleven terms. He engaged in the mercantile business in 1877, and now has a thriving trade in drugs and groceries. He was appointed postmaster by President Harrison. Mr. Scheffler was married in June, 1977, to Miss Mary S. Snyder, who died June 20, 1890. 11 June, 1892, he was married to Miss Della Newhouse, of Valentine.
Samnel Yeager, a well known business man of Wolcottville, engaged in the furniture trade, embarked in this business about two years ago, hut his enterprise and business methods have built up a good patronage. Mr. Yeager was boru March 21, 1835. near Akron, Ohio. When he was aged ten years his mother died and he made his home with his sister until fourteen, when he went to Evansport. Ohio, which was his home until he came to Wolcott- ville in 1855. After working here as a farmer two years he returned to Evansport and was married July 1, 1858, to Martha Snyder. Returning to Wolcottville November 11, 1889, he was engaged with his brother, A. R. Yeager, and Son, two years. He then engaged in the furniture trade with C. K. Ackerman, Mrs. Martha Yeager died May 17, 1889, at Evansport, Ohio.
W. H. Harrah, one of the leading insurance men of the county, was born June 30, 1831, at Wrightsville, York county, Pa., and at seven years of age moved to Wellsburg, West Virginia, upon a farm. He received his education at Cincinnati, at Bethany college taught hy Alexander Campbell, aud was graduated at Bacon's mercantile school, Cincinnati, March 21, 1851. He resided suhse- queutly in Medina county, Ohio, and in Iowa, returning to Ohio in 1862, and thence coming to Wolcottville in November, 1882. He began the insurance business with the Ohio Farmers company in 1879 and has been quite successful. He was married October 29, 1856, to Phobe L. Segley, at Medina, Ohio, and they have three children, two sons and a daughter, all engaged in insurance.
Shipshewana.
HE original plat of Shipshewana, now the main town on the Goshen and Sturgis branch of the Lake Shore between the termini named, was recorded by Hezekiah Davis, January 18, 1889. April 4. 1889, the plat of the first addition by Abram Summey was put on record. Davis's first addition followed May 5. 1890. Summey's second. January 5, 1891, and Summey's third, December 19, 1891. Davis's second is a recent addition. The town grew as by magic after the completion of the railroad, and with good reason, for it is surrounded by a magnificent agricultural country, and ten to eighteen miles from any other considerable town. It has handsome brick business blocks, neat residences, and is in every way a thriving town. Conspicuous is the three- story brick "Davis Hall." in which is situated the Shipshewana Bank, established by Hezekiah Davis, of which Sarah R. Davis is now president. and Francis H. Halbert, cashier. Opposite is the Hotel Davis, a fine brick structure. well furnished. Other good business buildings are near. On the west side is the handsome Summey block, and a hustling business street, due to the spirit and enterprise of Abram and John E. Summey. A fine brick Method- ist church is a monument to the devotion of its builders. The
manufacturing establishment of Farver Brothers is one that would be important in any town, and recently the Hawks Manufacturing
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107%
TOWN OF SHIPSHEWANA.
Hezekiah Davis, one of the most prominent and wealthy farmers of Northern Indiana, was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, in October 9, 1825, died Sept. 26, 1891. At the age of ten he came with his father, Amos Davis, to Newbury township, settling on section 19 about 1831. Amos Davis built the second saw mill on the river, was the first justice, surveyed roads, for thirteen years operated the Greenfield mills, sat on the bench as associate judge, and in the legislature. Hezekialı Davis was a tremendous worker all his life. He saved $400 out of the scanty days wages of those days, bought land, and kept on buying land until he owned 1,400 acres, and had about 850,000 at loan. He was county commissioner during the building of the new court house. He did much to bring the Canada and St. Lonis railroad to his neighborhood, hav- ing faith in the town then nnborn. Then he laid out the first plat of Shipshewana, and boomed it. With undaunted faith he built a three story business block and a fine brick hotel. He was married April 10, 1854, to Sarah Reynolds, a worthy companion, who sur- vives, and seven children were born to them, Einma F. ( wife of John J. Keightley ), Sam G., Eugene, Warren H., Niles R. (de- ceased ), Lamora G. (wife of W. B. Hudson ), and Hewlitt.
One of the men whom the historian will count as the founders of Shipshewana is Abram Summey. He was born in York county, Pa., in 1827, and came after a short sojourn in Elkhart county in 1851 to this township. With 8280 capital he bought 80 acres. He now owns in the township 377 acres, and his son John E., 173 acres. He has achieved a worthy prominence in public affairs. He was married to Rachel Chambers in 1850, and they have had nine children. Mr. Summey occupies a pleasant home west of the town, and has a valuable farm devoted to general agrienlture and stock raising. He and wife are members of the German Baptist church.
One of the leading manufacturing firms of the county is that of Farver Bros., builders and coutractors, Shipshewana. John Farver, senior member of the firm, was boru Jnne 6, 1857, in Holmes county, Ohio, and came to Indiana in 1863, settling in Newbury township. In 1884 he and his brother William entered iuto partnership as builders and contractors, and hy ability, honesty and fair dealing have gained the confidence of the people. Their manufactory, mill and yard cover about two acres of land and is equipped with the latest improved machinery appertaining to their business. About twenty men are employed in this thriving estab- lishment. The firm enjoys to a remarkable extent the confidence of the public, and does an extensive business. William Farver, junior member of the firm, was born in Holmes county, Feb. 7, 1860, and came to this state with his parents at the age of three years. The Farver brothers are enterprising, public spirited men, and valned as such by the community.
John E. Summey, a prominent farmer and business man, well known throughliont the county, was born in Newbury township Sept. 14, 1856, the eldest son of Abram Summey. He has a splen- did farm of 306 acres under a fine state of cultivation. His farm residence is a model of beauty and neatness, and his ample barns are models of farm architecture and convenience. He was married to Mary E. Wolf, daughter of Allen I. Wolf, one of the early settlers of the township, aud they have four children, Milo A., Stella I., Effie C. and Burns H. He is the only living son of Abraham Summey, one of the early settlers and influential men of Newbury. Mr. Summey is deeply interested in the welfare of Shipshewana, where he has extensive interests, and his efforts have added materially to the growth and prosperity of that thriving town. His business block first erected, was destroyed by fire, and was at once rebuilt better than before.
Hewlitt Davis, the youngest son of the late Hezekiah Davis, was born in Newbury township July 2, 1871. He received a thorough education at the LaGrange high school and business college at Cleveland, Ohio, and enters business life well equipped for a successful future. He has a fine farm of 240 acres and exten- sive interests in Shipshewana.
Valentine D. Weaver, a well known young business man of Shipshewana, is a native of Newbury township, born July 29, 1869. He is a graduate of the Valparaiso normal school, of the class of 1891. After graduating he entered upon the duties of book-keeper and general manager for Farver Bros., builders and contractors of Shipshewana. Mr. Weaver takes a great interest in public affairs for so yonng a man, and enjoys the confidence of his employers and the public.
Samuel S. Eash, a progressive farmer and business mau of Newbury township, was born in that township May 6, 1856. By practical business methods he has acquired a competence that few men possess at his age. He has been twice elected trustee of his township, carrying it by a larger majority than it was ever carried before. He is situated one mile south of Shipshewana, on a fertile and well managed farm. He is also carrying on an extensive grain business in town, buying and shipping wheat, also exchanging flour and mill feed.
Wm. H. Weaver, principal of the Shipshewana school, was born July 15, 1858, in St. Joseph county, Indiana. Thence he re- moved to Vanburen township. where he now has his home. He was married Oct. 7, 1882, to Flora J. VanDorstan, and they have one child, J. J. Mr. Weaver is a carpenter as well as a thorough teacher, working at his trade in sminmer. He was the candidate of his party for sheriff in 1890. He is highly respected by a wide circle of professional and social friends.
John B. Weaver, postmaster at Shipshewana, was born in Richland county, Ohio, September 20, 1853. At seven years of age he came west with his parents, locating in St. Joseph connty. Indiana. In 1868, they removed to Vanburen township, where his parents now reside. Mr. Weaver was married Jan. 25, 1874, to Marian Schrock, and they have had seven children, Charles, Wilbert, Francis, Marviu, Cora, Florence and one deceased. Mr. Weaver embarked in the drug and grocery business at Shipshewana in the spring of 1892, and has a neat and tasty store with a full line of goods. He received his appointment as postmaster, July 1, 1892.
Warren H. Davis, one of the leading business men of the county, was born in Newbury township, March 3, 1860, and resided on the home farm of his father, Hezekiah Davis, until 1889, when he embarked in the hardware and implement business in which he continues. He also has farm interests to the extent of 320 acres, well improved with fine buiklings. He was married Dec. 22, 1881, to Carrie Keasy, and they have three children, Howard, George and Verne. Mr. Davis is a typical business man, active, pushing. cool and discreet, and by strict integrity and an unusually extens- ive stock of goods. has gained a great trade.
Francis H. Halbert, cashier of the Bank of Shipshewana, is one of the prominent citizens of the county. He was a gallant soldier in the war, enlisting in Washtenaw connty, Michigan, aud serving until wounded at Cold Harbor, causing the loss of a large part of the bone of his npper right arm. In 1884, having been a resident of Newbury township for ten years, he was elected county treasurer, an office he filled with credit two terms. Previously he had filled the office of township trustee three terms. While a resident of LaGrange he aided in the erection of the Methodist church there, in connection with which his portrait appears in this work, and at Shipshewana he has taken an active part in the erection of the new church. He is au enterprising and valuable citizen.
Daniel D. Weaver, an enterprising business mau of Shipshe. wana, was born in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, February 15, 1865. He came with his parents to Indiana at the age of four years, settling in Newbury township. His yonth was spent on the farm. Three years ago he moved to Shipshewana and entered the livery bnsi- ness with John Kauffman, continuing oue year. He then sold his livery and with his partner entered the drug business. They have a well-appointed store and a very flattering trade. Mr. Weaver was married March 14, 1891, to Eliza Schrock, and they have one child. Mr. Weaver was elected constable when he arrived at the age of twenty-one, and has served continuously ever since.
108
South Milford.
6 HE first plat of South Milford was recorded in June, 1856. The town flourished before the war, and good stores have beeu maintained here ever since the beginning. But with the building of the Wabash extension, of which it is to be an important point, new life is springing up. As evidence of this, Nichols' addition was recorded December 3, 1891, and Dancer's addition July 9, 1892. The town is well situated, with the rich Milford country, and wealthy Brushy Prairie and part of Noble county as its trade area. It has a hospitable, intelligent popula- tion, good buildings, and is bound to improve. There are good openings here for business and manufacture.
John N. Strayer came to Indiana iu 1849 and settled on sec- tion 16 in Jolinson township, and in LaGrange county he has since remained. with the exception of the time spent iu the army. Mr. Strayer was horn Nov. 8. 1834, iu Logan county, Ohio, where he remained till he came to Indiana. He enlisted at Chicago, Sep- tember. 1861, in the MeClellan Draggoons, and was with General McClellan till he was relieved of command Then they were made a part of the 12th Illinois Cavalry, and so served until discharged at Donaldson. Ky .. December, 1864 Mr. Strayer went into the mercantile business at Wolcottville in company with Jonathan Law in 1866. They came to South Milford in 1872. He remained in company with Mr. Law till 1853, and since that time Mr. Strayer has managed the large husiness alone. He has recently built an elegant residence in South Milford. Mr. Strayer has a lively interest in all public enterprises, and is one of the stock- holders, and superintendent of grounds, of Island Park Assembly.
Harmer M. Newnam, M. D., the present trustee of Milford township, is one of the leading physicians of LaGrange county. He attended college at Danville, Ind., and taught school for a short time, when he hegan the study of medicine in 1882 with Dr. Dancer at South Milford. Graduating from Rush Medical College in the spring of 1856, he formed a partnership with Dr. Dancer and hegan the practice of medicine in the village of South Milford.
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