Pictorial and biographical memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties, Indiana, together with biographies of many prominent men of northern Indiana and of the whole state, both living and dead, Part 13

Author:
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Brothers
Number of Pages: 786

USA > Indiana > Elkhart County > Pictorial and biographical memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties, Indiana, together with biographies of many prominent men of northern Indiana and of the whole state, both living and dead > Part 13
USA > Indiana > St Joseph County > Pictorial and biographical memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties, Indiana, together with biographies of many prominent men of northern Indiana and of the whole state, both living and dead > Part 13

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MEMOIRS OF INDIANA.

sequence of his ability and integrity, and justly merits the abundance of success that has attended his well-directed efforts. He was married in 1880 to Miss Anna M. Sack, a native of South Bend and the daughter of Dr. J. C. Sack, who came here about 1851. Four children have been the result of this union: Edward C. M., Thekle E., Gretchen E. and Gertrude. In politics Mr. Mueller is a Democrat, and socially he is a member of Robert Blum Lodge, No. 287, I. O. O. F., Royal Arcanum, A. O. U. W. and South Bend Turner. He is one of the most thorough- going, enterprising business men of the city.

NOAH RENSBERGER, dealer in general merchandise at Walkerton, is an intelligent man of affairs and his establishment is well stocked with all necessary articles required by the farmers and townspeople in his section of the county. He is a prod- nct of Holmes county, Ohio, where he first saw the light of day on the 4th of March, 1854, his parents, Jacob and Anna (Schaffer) Rensberger, being also natives of the Buckeye State, although of German descent. The paternal grandfather was a soldier in the Continental Army during the war of the Revolution. Jacob Rens- berger was successfully engaged in farming the greater portion of his life, and fol- lowed that calling in Ohio until his removal, in 1857, to St. Joseph county, Ind. He took up his residence on a farm in the vicinity of Lakeville, but subsequently removed to Walkerton, where he was called from this life in 1874. His wife died the same day of the firing on Fort Sumter. The following are the children born to this worthy couple : Mose, of Lakeville, Indiana ; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Hoover; Mary, wife of F. G. Conrad; Sarah, wife of Edson Spencer; Eli, of Walkerton, and Noah, who is the youngest of the family. The latter was an infant when his parents came to St. Joseph county, Ind., and in the public schools of this section he received his education. When his father located in Walkerton he entered the store of T. J. Wolfe, where he remained as a clerk for seventeen years, never being away from the post of duty more than two weeks during the entire time, that absence being caused by the untimely death of his estimable wife. He was faithfulness itself to the interests of his employer, and during this long period of clerical work, he obtained a thorough insight into the business, which proved of great benefit to him when he came to open his present establishment, to which many of his old customers followed him and now give him a fair share of their patronage and support. In December, 1891, he opened his present house and now has one of the neatest and best stocked stores in the town. His strict integrity is well known, and this, with his genial and accommodating ways, have been the means of building up his present extensive pat- ronage. He was first married to Martha Ake, who died after bearing her husband three children, two of whom are living : Delbert and Edna. His second union was to Miss Mary Scoles, who lived but six days after their marriage. His present wife was Miss Anna Faulkner, of North Liberty, to whom has been given one child:

Mr. Rensberger has passed through many trials and disappointments, but pluck and antiring energy have conquered adverse fortune, and he now finds himself embarked on a smooth sea with the wind and tide in his favor. Politically he is a stanch Republican.

E. J. VINCENT. The furniture trade of Walkerton is ably represented by Mr. Vincent, who deals in a fine class of goods, sells it at reasonable prices, and has gained an excellent reputation for just methods. He is a native of Mishawaka, Ind., where he was born on the 19th of August, 1846, to Benjamin H. and Betsey (Ellis) Vincent, the former a native of England and the latter of Ohio. The father came to the United States at the age of twenty years, and from the city of New York, where he landed, removed at once to St. Joseph, Mich., thence to Mishawaka, and from there to South Bend. Having served a seven years' apprenticeship at the cabinet maker's trade in his native land, he worked at the same in Mishawaka and South Bend for a number of years, but in 1848 removed to the farm now occupied by Alexander Vin- cent, a brother of the subject of this sketch. There were 120 acres in the place at the time of his purchase, and being its third owner the place was fairly well

PICTORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL

improved, there being a good frame dwelling house on it, and twelve or thirteen acres of cleared land. Of this place he made a valuable and finely improved farm in & comparatively short time, through earnest and persistent efforts, but his last days were spent in the town of Walkerville, where he was called from this life in January, 1883. His widow and five of the seven children born to him survive him, the names of the latter being : E. J. ; Lonisa, wife of T. H. Daugherty ; Alexander ; Albert, and Martha, wife of Franklin Fischer. E. J. Vincent remained with his parents on the farm until he was twenty-three years of age, and although his educational advan- tages were very limited he secured a practical knowledge of carpentering. He made a study of "Hatfield's House Carpentering," after which he began working by the day. From 1869 to 1876 he was engaged in the various occupations of railroading, milling, clerking and contracting in house carpentering, and on November 28, 1876, in company with a partner, he opened a furniture store in Walkerton, and has since devoted his attention to this business. The first room in which they displayed their stock was 20x35 feet, with workshop above. They now occupy a fine building 40x75 feet, which Mr. Vincent himself erected, and a great deal of the stock is of Mr. Vincent's own manufacture. He keeps a reliable line of goods and as it is well known that he believes in fair dealing, he has a liberal patronage. He filled the position of town treasurer for two terms, has been a member of the school board, in which he has held all the offices from secretary to president, and in various other ways he has interested himself in the affairs of his section. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the K. of P. and politically is a Republican. In July, 1869, he was married to Rebecca S. Woodward, by whom he has six children: Clyde, Walter, Edna, Arthur, Elliott, and Raymond, who is the eldest. Mr. and Mrs. Vincent are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

E. I. LEIBOLE. The city of South Bend offers excellent opportunities for the contractor and builder, and one of the leading representatives in this line of business is E. I. Leibole, whose home has been at Walkerton, this county, since 1875. As a practical mechanic in all kinds of wood- work, scroll-sawings and wood turning, he is an expert, and his reputation in this regard has not been confined to the imme- diate vicinty in which he lives, but has extended all over the county. He also man- ufactures and sells bee supplies; also all kinds of ladders. He was born in Stark County, Ohio, February 9, 1837, to Daniel and Catherine (Richards) Leibole, who were born in Pennsylvania and New York respectively, and were of German descent. The father was a worthy "son of the soil," and in his youth was taken by his adopted parents to Stark county, Ohio, and is now a resident of Akron. His wife bore him a large family of thirteen children, as follows: Ernest I., Elizs, Samuel, Henry, Hiram, Nancy, Elizabeth, Frank and Mattie, living; remainder deceased: William, who was wounded in battle at Chattanooga, and died from the effects of his wounds, at which time he held the rank of lieutenant; Jacob, who was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, died from its effects; Daniel was killed in a railroad accident; and a sister who died unnamed. E. I. Leibole lived on a farm in Stark county, Ohio, until twenty years of age, during which time he attended the district schools and Mount Union Seminary, but, in 1856, he removed to Elkhart, Ind., where he fol- lowed carpentering and teaching school until the opening of the Civil war, in 1861, and in the early part of that year his name could be found on the rolls of Company K, Seventy-fourth Indiana Volunteers, but he was subsequently discharged from this regiment, and for some time was in the secret service. After quitting this he helped to recruit the One Hundred and Fifty-second Regiment, in which he held the commis- sion of first lieutenant. While in the service he had his right thumb shot off and re- ceived two other slight wounds. After his return home from the war he engaged in contracting, and evidences of his handiwork are visible in many of the towns within s radins of thirty or forty miles-notably in South Bend, where he helped to build many of the leading honses there when its first boom was on. In Walkerton he remodeled and rebuilt the " Knott Flouring Mill;" also the principal business houses here as

MEMOIRS OF INDIANA.

well. He built a handsome church for the Presbyterians at Union Mills, and wherever this kind of work is to be done Mr. Leibole is sure to be called upon. For all kinds of " jig " or scroll-work and wood-cutting, he is amply prepared at his thoroughly equipped shop in Walkerton. He employs during the season from six to twelve hands, and is prepared on short notice to furnish plans and specifications As well as furnish material, and is at all times able to give satisfactory references that his work will be done according to contract. In 1866 he was united in mar- riage to Miss Mary J. Antrim, and their nnion has resulted in the birth of the fol- lowing children: Ida, Frank, Lola, Milton D., Bertha, Vesta and Leger. Mr. Leibole is a member in good standing of the I. O. O. F., and also belongs to the G. A. R.

GEORGE J. ROCKSTROH. The question of food supplies is one of the first with which the human family have to grapple, and viewing the competition from 8 commercial standpoint it will be admitted that the well-appointed grocery establish- ment furnishes the largest share toward the solution of the problem of feeding the masses. "The food we eat" is & vitally important question, and one that concerns the health and happiness of every man, woman and child. One of the finest appointed grocery stores in the city of South Bend, is that conducted under the firm title of L. Nickel Jr. & Co., and of which Mr. Rockstroh is a member. Born in South Bend, Ind., September 12, 1855, Mr. Rockstroh has ever shown much interest in the improvement and advancement of his native city, and is A reliable, wide-awake business man. He comes of German parentage, his father and mother, Casper and Elizabeth (Zeitler) Rockstroh, being natives of the Father- land. Casper Rockstroh was born in 1827, and crossed the ocean at an early date. He settled in South Bend when the city was in its infancy, and followed the occupation of a baker and grocer. He was the founder of the extensive business now conducted under the firm name of L. Nickel, Jr., & Co., and was highly esteemed, both as a business man and citizen. He died in South Bend in 1867. His wife was born about 1833 and still resides in South Bend. George J. Rock- stroh, the younger of two children born to his parents, was educated in the common schools and at an early age learned the baker's trade of his father. Later he engaged in the grocery business, and when twenty-one years of age branched out in business for himself, becoming a member of the present firm. This is one of the most extensive retail groceries in north Indiana, and is provided with every con- venience for business purposes and contains one of the finest lines of fancy and staple groceries to be found in the city. The members of the firm are men of energy and uprightness, and have won success by honestly deserving it. Mr. Rockstroh selected bis life companion in the person of Miss Emma Muessel, a native of South Bend, Ind., and their nuptials were celebrated in that city in 1878. One child, Louis H., has been born to this union. An ardent Democrat in his political views, Mr. Rockstroh has ever advocated the principles of his party. He is one of the city's representative citizens, and a shrewd, far-seeing business man.

CALVERT H. DEFREES, contractor and dealer in paving material, sewer connec- tion, sewer pipe, etc., and also manufacturer of artificial stone, is one of the busiest men in South Bend, and owing to the promptness in meeting the demands upon his time, and his strict honesty in his deslings, he has prospered financially. He is a product of the city in which he lives. which has every reason to be proud of his indus- trious and honorable career, his birth occurring to Joseph H. and Sarah (Calvert) Defrees, in 1859, his parents being still residents of South Bend. His boyhood was spent here, and during the time that he was a student in the public schools he made fair progress in his studies. He has for some time been engaged in his pres- ent occupation, which is proving not only profitable but also congenial, and owing to the thorough knowledge which he has acquired of his work, bis patronage is large. In 1878 he was united in marriage to Miss Ella Curl of South Bend, daughter of Joseph and Mary Curl, but in 1883 this estimable lady was called from

PICTORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL

life, having borne her husband two children: Grace E. and Joseph W. After remaining a widower for two years Mr. Defrees led to the altar Miss Mary S. Brown of Michigan, a daughter of D. G. and Dorsey (Robinson) Brown, who were born in England. They removed from Yorkshire, England, to the United States about 1851, and took up their residence in the Lake State, where their daughter, Mrs. Defrees, was born in 1858. Mr. Defrees' second union has resulted in the birth of the following children: Victor W., Frank C. and Dorsey I. Mrs. Defrees is a member of the Episcopal Church, and is a lady of much intelligence, refinement and genuine kindness of heart. Mr. Defrees is proud to call himself a Republican, and supports the measures of this party at all elections. Socially, he is a member of the Royal Arcanum, and is also an honored member in that worthy order-the K. P. He is an expert paver, for he has spent most of his life at this business, and many of the fine streets of South Bend are the products of his ekill.

EMANUEL R. WILLS. South Bend, Ind., has no more highly honored citizen within its corporate limits that he whose name heads this sketch, and ever since his residence here he has been prominent in all good works and has made a host of friends by his correct mode of living. He owes his nativity to York county, Penn., where he was born October 1, 1840, to Lewis and Magdaline (Fleshmsn) Wille, worthy and prominent people of York county. Emanuel R. Wills was ambitious of increasing his worldly possessions and for this purpose turned his face westward, and March, 1865, found him in Indiana. His youthful advantages for acquiring an education were exceedingly limited, but he possessed natural abilities of an excellent order, and such opportunities as he did receive were made the most of. He received competent instruction in the art of agriculture on his father's farm in Penn- sylvania, but this occupation did not suit his tastes and he wisely decided to devote his life to some other more congenial occupation. Upon coming to South Bend he began clerking in a dry goods store, after which he opened a grocery store on his own account, which he conducted for about five years, at the end of which time he discontinued the business and once more resumed his clerical duties in a dry goods establishment. In 1882 he was elected to the position of city treasurer, and so ably did he fill this office for two years that in 1884 he was elected on the Democratic ticket, which he had always supported, to the office of county treasurer, which he held by re-election two terms of two years each. He made a beau ideal public officer, being faithful, efficient and courteons, and in 1891 was appointed county assessor by the county commissioners, which office he held to the end of his term. In 1874 he married Margaret Coquillard, daughter of Benjamin and Sophia Coquil- lard, and their union has resulted in the birth of five children, the eldest of whom died in infancy. The others are Leo, Edmond, Florentine and Adele. Mr. and Mrs. Wills are members of the Catholic Church.

WILLIAM D. ROCKHILL is one of those thrifty and energetic farmers for which St. Joseph county, Ind., has become well known, and in the conduct of his affairs has shown good judgment and business foresight. He was born in Ohio on the 30th day of July, 1823, but his worthy parents, William and Elizabeth (Dobbins) Rockhill, were natives of New Jersey, from which State they removed to Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio, about 1805, at which time both were about twenty years of age. The father was a practical mechanic and for some time worked with a Mr. Peacock, the manufacturer of the Peacock plow, but after removing to Lebanon, Ohio, he began manufacturing plows on his own responsibility and made various valuable improvements to the Peacock plow. About the year 1825 he removed with his family and personal effects to Lexington, Ky., and there for about twelve years he employed from eight totwelve men in the manufacture of his plows and did a profit- able business. About that time he almost loss his sense of hearing and for that reason decided to change his business, and anticipating the fact that slavery would cause trouble in Kentucky he decided to take np his residence in St. Joseph county, Ind .; and after arriving in this section in the fall of 1836 he at once turned his

MEMOIRS OF INDIANA.

attention to farming, but unfortunately did not live long enough to perfect his plans, for in 1841 he was taken sick with erysipelas from which he died. His was said to be the first case of the kind in St. Joseph county. He was of English descent, a man of admirable principles and his death was felt as a personal loss by the citizens of his section. His widow survived him until 1854, at which time she also paid the last debt of nature. She bore her husband four daughters and two sons, all of whom grew to maturity. William D. was their third child and until about thirteen years of age the most of his life was spent in Kentucky, in which State all his schooling was received. After the death of his father he carried on the home farm until he was twenty-nine years of age. In 1852 he married Miss Sarah Keeley, who was born in Ohio and died October 30, 1890, being a daughter of Daniel and Rhoda Keeley, who were natives of the Buckeye State and became residents of St. Joseph county about 1845. To Mr. Rockhill and his wife four children have been born, three living: Daniel K., Thomas J. and Hannah E., wife of Edward F. Voght; and Newton J., who died when an infant. Mr. Rockhill is a member of the Grange, and is one of the successful farmers of the county. In 1876 he was elected one of the commissioners of St. Joseph county, in which capacity he served six consecutive years and in 1892 was elected county assessor. He was one of the organizers of the St. Joseph County Agricultural Society, of which he was one of the directors, and also the Farmer's Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He cast his first presidential vote for Henry Clay, but since 1872 has strongly opposed the Republican party. He resides just outside the city limits of South Bend, on a twelve-acre tract where he has a very comfortable and neat residence. Besides this property he also owns two farms in Warren township, both of which are under cultivation and well improved. He has been an active worker for the good of hie section and is ever ready to assist in the advancement of the best interests of his State and country.

MICHAEL AUGUSTINE is the owner of a valuable farm of 360 acres nine miles west of South Bend, and a fine little tract of fifteen acres near the city limits. He is one of the oldest residents of the county. He is a son of Michael and Hannah (Hook) Augustine, who were natives of Germany. He was born in the old country, March 7, 1814. In order to accumulate a competency and make a home for their children, his parents braved an ocean voyage in a sailing vessel and came to this country. They settled in Pennsylvania, remaining there abont twelve years, and from there they moved to Ohio, and in 1838 came to St. Joseph county, but after a residence of two years went to Iowa, where they died at an advanced age. The father was a successful farmer. Michael Augustine, the subject of this sketch, removed to Ohio with his parents, where he remained until his marriage to Nancy Moss, which occurred in that State in 1836. They then came to St. Joseph county, Ind., and began clear- ing up a farm in Warren township. From this marriage were born ten children. The eldest, Mrs. Cornelius Wykoff, is a resident of Iowa. The eldest son, John, resides in Kansas, and the remaining seven living are all prosperous farmers and residents of St. Joseph county. Mr. Angustine held the one strong idea that when young and in the full possession of health and vigor was the time to prepare for rest and ease in old age, therefore, as his children became grown and were ready to settle in life he helped each one to a farm and placed them in a position to help them- selves, and it is his pride to look around on his children and know that not one has disappointed him. One daughter, Mrs. Kate Line, died in 1870. Mr. Augustine has been twice married. The maiden name of his present wife was Mary Ritter, who was born in Ohio in 1820. She was a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Witter) Ritter, who came from Virginia to this State and county in its early settlement. To this marriage two children have been born, one of whom died in its infancy. The remaining one, a daughter, is the wife of Francis Dunn. of St. Joseph county. Seventeen years ago Mr. Augustine left the farm and moved to where he now resides, in the vicinity of South Bend. Here he is very comfortably situated, and by all that know him is considered one of the prosperons German-American citizens of the

PICTORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL

county and an honorable and upright man. He has always been a hard worker, and as a result, is in affluent circumstances. Upon first coming to this section of Indiana the Indians were numerous and the country was but little settled. He has witnessed many changes during his residence here; the gradual dying out of the Indians, and the transformation of the wilderness into fine farms and thrifty towns and cities. He has interested himself in the welfare of his adopted country, and schools and churches have especially found in him a liberal patron. He and his wife are members of the German Baptist Church, and he has always been a stanch Republican. His first presidential vote was cast for William Henry Harrison.

ROBERT D. O. RUPEL, retail lumber dealer, South Bend. In the various enter- prises that have made South Bend an important commercial center in this section of the State, the lumber trade has held an important place, employing large capital in its conduct, and giving to cognate industries a decided impetus by the energy and ability displayed in its development. One of the most active and enterprising of men engaged in this line of trade is Robert D. O. Rupel, whose place of business is eligibly located at 602 East Jefferson street, South Bend, Ind. He has met with a success simply commensurate with the abilities he has displayed and the highest prin- ciples and moral business methods which formed the corner-stone of his earliest busi- ness career. He was born in St. Joseph county in 1853, and is a son of Jacob P. and Ann M. (Stover) Rupel, who are substantial and honored citizens of the county. Robert D. O. Rupel was reared on a farm, and while tilling the soil learned the truth of the old saying that "There is no excellence without great labor," and accordingly he has never hesitated to put his hand to anything he could find to do, and thus his efforts have been prospered. He became a resident of South Bend in 1880, and since that time has followed his present occupation with good results. Upon settling in life he took for his wife Miss Anna O. White, of Michigan, dangh- ter of David and Marietta (Sosseman) White, her birth occurring near Akron, Ohio, on November 28, 1862. She is an intelligent woman, an admirable wife and a kind and accommodating neighbor. Mr. Rupel's mother died in 1862, but his father is still living and is a resident of this county.

LOUIS NICKEL. Louis Nickel, Jr., son of Louis and Eva (Dietz) Nickel, was born April 13, 1846, in Bavaria. When Louis was eight years old his mother died, and two years later the boy's father, Louis Nickel, decided to take his two children and try his fortune in America. In 1857 they took passage st Havre, France, on the sailing vessel "Exchange," and after a voyage of thirty-five days they landed in New York City. The father being a talented musician employment was found which enabled them to remain for several years in the city. He at one time was with Gil- more's famous band, and later on s member of Theodore Thomas' splendid orchestra.

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Pictorial and biographical memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties, Indiana, together with biographies of many prominent men of northern Indiana and of the whole state, both living and dead, Part 13

Author: Publication date: 1893 Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Brothers Number of Pages: 786

Author:
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Brothers
Number of Pages: 786