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 14

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 14
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 14

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Louis Jr. received most of his schooling before leaving the Fatherland, but attended school in New York City about a year, at the same time working, on off hours, in a tin shop owned by an uncle. His connection with the tin shop terminated under somewhat peculiar circumstances. On one occasion, while wheeling a hand cart laden with a half dozen stoves upon the street, the load became too heavy and he could go no farther. The police went to the rescue and caused Louis to be taken from his uncle, whom they supposed was cruelly using him, revealed the fact that the boy had simply over-estimated his physical strength. Louis next engaged himself to the paper hanging and window shade business as errand boy, receiving for his serv- ices $1.50 per week. During this period he learned the full value of s penny and often knew what hunger meant. After a time a similar position in s rubber mann- factory offered an opening and better compensation. Receiving $3 per week, he worked faithfully for this firm for three years. Soon after entering the employ of this house, his honesty, which had been tested and found sound, was honored by unusual trusts. He was given the key to the office and was often sent to the bank to deposit sums of money amounting sometimes to as much as $6,000. Errand boy's work could not last forever, so he resolved to learn a trade. He now became

MEMOIRS OF INDIANA.

apprenticed to a firm engaged in the manufacture of jewelers' tools. The first year in this service brought him $1.50 per week; the second year $2, and the third year $3. During this apprenticeship he used what spare time could be found in attend- ing the Cooper Institute, availing himself of the advantage of the instruction given there in mechanical branches. Before securing an entrance into the Cooper Insti- tnte he was required to present a certificate showing that he was a laboring boy. In these days Louis did not know the meaning of pocket money and the stern les- sons in economy continued. At the end of the three years he went to Paterson, N. J., and there secured employment as journeyman in Roger's Locomotive Works. Louis Nickel, Sr., some time before, had gone west and located in South Bend, Ind. Acting upon the advise and desire of his father, the young man resolved to see for himself what the west offered, and came to South Bend, Ind., in January, 1870. He was soon engaged as machinist in the Singer Manufactur- ing Company. Later he approached T. M. Bissell, of the Oliver & Bissell Manufacturing Company, for employment. He was now twenty-three years of age, but younger in appearance. Mr. B. asked how much experience he had had, and when the young man answered " nine years," he was informed that the firm was in the habit of employing more experienced men. Louis was not to be dismissed so easily and insisted that Mr. B. give him one week's trial, at the end of which time, if the work did not prove satisfactory, he was to receive no reward. About this time, the reader will remember, the Franco-Prussian war was attracting general attention and interest.

Well, at the end of that trial week Mr. Bissell went to Louis and said: "Are you a Prussian or a Frenchman?" the prompt reply was, "I am an American citizen." "Then you are all right; come right along to work," said Mr. B. He remained in the employ of this firm two and a half years, or until he went into business for himself. Mr. Nickel then purchased a half interest in the Rockstroh bakery, his - associate in business being Mrs. Casper Rockstroh. This partnership lasted until he became associated with his present partner, J. G. Rockstroh. In the beginning of the bakery enterprise about seventy loaves of bread was the daily product, but with increased facilities the present daily output averages 1,500 loaves, besides cakes, pies and other baking. Mr. Nickel's firm has a well-appointed and heavily stocked grocery store in connection with the bakery and restaurant, employing a large force of workmen and clerks, and enjoying an extensive and steadily growing patronage. The fame of the Nickel restaurant extends far beyond the boundary limits of South Bend, or even Indiana. Mr. Nickel has also gained an enviable reputation as a caterer. He is noted for his rare business capacity, his indomitable push and energy, his perseverance and industry. Coupled with these are exceptionally attractive social qualities that have made his name a household word with thousands who have tested the excellence of his viands. Mr. Nickel has taken an active inter- est in the Turners' organization, having served as its president two terms, and treasurer of the same for a year. He is a stockholder in the Northern Indiana Hedge Fence Company. He is identified with several lodges-the A. F. & A. M., the Knights Templar, the I. O. O. F., being centennial uoble grand and a delegate to the grand lodge at Indianapolis in 1876. He also holds membership in the Order of Elks. In December, 1871, he was united in marriage to Miss Kate Rockstroh, Their one child, Louise, recently graduated with marked honors from St. Mary's Academy. On January 18, 1893, Gov. Matthews commissioned Mr. Nickel as a member of his staff, with the rank of major, in recognition of his sterling qualities as a citizen. and his sturdy devotion to the welfare of the commonwealth. This high compliment came to Mr. Nickel wholly unsought, and is the first recognition of the kind accorded to any South Bender for many years. Those who know the gentleman thus honored feel confident that Mr. Nickel will do honor to the position and prove a credit to the State.

OLIVER M. CUNNINGHAM. South Bend has its full quota of vigorous, intelligent,

PICTORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL

well-posted lawyers, whose popularity is based upon their thorough understanding of the law in all its details and who are forcible and convincing pleaders at the bar. None among these is more highly regarded by those who call upon his serv- ices than O. M. Cunningham, who was born in Larwill, Whitley Co., Ind., July 5, 1861, a son of Jonathan and Eliza (Harvey) Cunningham, who were of Scotch- Irish descent and natives of the State of Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather, Patrick Cunningham, was a native of Ireland, but became an American citizen in an early day and participated in the war of 1812, being present at the inglorious surrender of Hull at Detroit. He is buried on the Tippecanoe battle ground at Tippecanoe, Ind. Jonathan Cunningham removed from Pennsylvania to Newark, Ohio, and after residing there a few years took up his residence in Whitley county, Ind., then in St. Joseph county, where he was called from life in 1879, his widow and five children survive him, the names of the latter being Andrew, Mrs. Ella Moore of Lakeville, Oliver M., Arthur and Emmet. Four children are deceased. O. M. Cunningham resided on a farm until ten years of age, then went to live with his sister, by whom he was reared. His early education was obtained in the district schools and was completed at Valparaiso, Ind., from which institution he graduated in 1881. He began teaching in the district schools at the age of sixteen years, and in that way obtained his money with which to further his studies. Immediately following this he took up the study of law and graduated from the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor in 1888. Owing to the ill' health of his wife he then went to California, but returned to Indiana in August, 1890, and has since been an active legal practitioner of South Bend, and has built up a large clientele. His knowledge of his profession is very thorough, and it did not take the peo- ple of South Bend and vicinity long to discover this fact. In 1892 he was elected to the position of city attorney, in discharging the duties of which office he is proving his worth. On September 23, 1892, he was nominated on the Democratic ticket for circuit prosecutor, and at the November election, 1892, was elected by a large major- ity. He has identified himself with the interests of the county, and is considered a decided acquisition to the city. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. In Janu- ary, 1887, he was united in marriage to Miss May Holler.

REV. AMOS BECHTEL, in addition to looking after the spiritual welfare of his fellows, is devoting much of his attention to tilling the soil in Harrison township, of · which section he has been a resident for thirty years. He was born in Waterloo county, Canada, September 28, 1836, a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Warner) Bechtel, the former of whom owes his nativity to Lancaster county, Penn., being a son of Jacob Bechtel, who was a native of that State also, but who became one of the early settlers of Canada. He reared eleven children: John, Henry, Jacob, Abraham, Isaac, Nancy, Elizabeth, Mary, Hannah, Catherine and Magdalana. Abraham was two years of age when taken to Canada, grew up, married and lived there, but in 1863 came to Elkhart county, Ind., and died in 1884, at which time he was eighty-seven years of age. He was a member of the German Baptist Church. His wife died in Canada in 1863. Of the large family of sixteen children born to this worthy couple, twelve are still living: Mary, Nancy, Abraham, William, John, Jacob, Magdaline, Noah, Amos, Lydia, Isaac and David. They all grew up in Canada, but a number moved to the States. Rev. Amos Bechtel received his education in the district schools of Canada, and in his youth became inured to pioneer life, but his early struggles taught him self-reliance, energy and thrift. On September 27, 1859, he was married to Miss Mary A. Funk, who was born in that section August 24, 1836, a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Sedcrist) Funk, the former of whom was of Buck's county, Penn. He was a son of John Funk, who removed from that State to Canada in an early day, but died in Michigan some years since. He was married twice, and his first wife was the mother of Mrs. Bechtel, whom she left an orphan at the age of nine years. She was one of five children: Mary A., John, Samuel, Hannah, and Sarah who died young. The

MEMOIRS OF INDIANA.

second marriage resulted in the birth of five children also: Libbie, Henry, Margaret, Dennis and Stella. Mrs. Bechtel was reared in the woods of Canada, but about thirty years ago came to this country with her husband, and with this section they have been identified ever since. They are earnest members of the Brethren in Christ Church, in which he has been a minister for the past fourteen years. He is a zealous worker for the cause of Christianity and has been since he was thirty years of age. He worked by the day in Harrison Center upon first coming to this town- ship, but in a few years succeeded in purchasing eighty acres of land, but since 1885 has owned his farm of ninety-three acres where he is now living. He is a success- ful farmer and stockraiser, and is one of the most prominent of the county's many worthy citizens. They have reared eight children and lost two: Leah was born in Canada, March 9, 1860, and is the wife of John Stump, living in Union township, by whom she has six children: Clara, Charles, Harvey, Vernie, Oscar and Milton; Rachel was born in Canada, November 27, 1861, is the wife of Jacob Fulmer, of Con- cord township, and has four children: Maude, Walter, Saloma and Truman; Harriet was born in Canada, May 13, 1863, and died in Elkhart county, October 2, 1870; Lavina was born in this township, April 16, 1866, is the wife of John Kehr, of Harrison township, and has three children: Roscoe, Ray and Dora; Daniel was born April 15, 1869, and died August 29, 1875; Mary A., was born March 10, 1872, and is the wife of Samuel Troup, of Jackson township, and has one child: Ralph; Amos F. was born December 22, 1873; Dora was born March 12, 1876; Rufus was born April 20, 1878, and Alpha was born September 22, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Bechtel occupy a lead- ing position among the citizens of their township, and are among the foremost in all good works. They are kind and charitable, generous in the use of their means in worthy causes, have been faithful and considerate in their family, and their children rise up and call them blessed. About fifteen years ago Mr. Bechtel met with quite a serious accident while felling timber in the woods, by the tree falling on his right leg, and since then he has been slightly crippled. He and his wife have cheerfully borne the burden and heat of the day, and are still ready to put their heart in the work that is found for them to do. They are a worthy couple in every respect, and possess numerous friends.

J. H. LOUGHMAN is the proprietor of the admirably conducted City Transfer line, which business is one of the most convenient to the citizens of South Bend, of any establishment there. Among the numerous accessory industries to trade and com- merce in all large communities few have received such remarkable development as that which has for its object the transfer of freight of all kinds, and Mr. Loughman is one of the leading men engaged in this line of work in South Bend. He was born in Licking county, Ohio, October 20, 1845, a son of David and Elizabeth (Martin) Loughman. James H. was brought up in his native county on a farm, and in the district schools in the vicinity of his home he received his education. In 1864 he enlisted to fight his country's battles, and his name could be found on the rolls of Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and on North Mountain, in West Virginia, he was captured by Gen. Jubal Early, and for eleven long months was confined in that foul prison-pen, Andersonville, during which time he experienced untold hardships and privations. He was released at Jacksonville, Fla., at the close of the war, and in 1866 he took up his residence in Mishawaka, Ind., where he worked in the George Wilburn Wagon Factory for three years. He was next employed by the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad for one year, but in 1873 embarked in the transfer business in Mishawaka on a small scale. One year later he became a partner in an undertaking and furniture establishment, the firm taking the name of Bernhart & Loughman, but at the end of two years he gave up this business and came to South Bend, and for one year thereafter was employed by the Lake Shore Railroad Company. Since 1878 he has devoted his attention to his transfer business, and his business has grown so steadily and rapidly that instead of using one team as he did at first, he now has twelve teams and wagons in active

PICTORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL

operation and does an enormous business. All orders receive his immediate atten- tion, and are executed satisfactorily and at moderate rates. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, the K. of P., the K. O. T. M., the Turners' Society, the Order of Redmenand the G. A. R., in which he is past commander. He was a Sir Knight in the K. O. T. M. one term. In 1868 he was married to Miss Abbie Cook, by whom he has two children: Grace, wife of A. D. Hubbard, and Frederick. Mr. Loughman started in life with no capital, but by perseverance he has won the battle and can now enjoy the fruits of his industry.

JOHN STERNBERG is one of the leading citizens of Harrison township and for nearly forty years has taken an active interest in the affairs of that section and has done his full share in making it the fine agricultural region that it is. This sub- stantial citizen was born in Dauphin county, Penn., on April 8, 1830, and was the eldest of seven children reared by Peter C. and Nancy (Finley) Sternberg, both of whom were born in Dauphin county, Penn., the former in 1809 and the latter in 1804. Peter C. Sternberg was a son of German parents, who came to this country and settled in the State of New York, later taking up their residence in Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather was a carpenter by trade and reared a family of three sons and four daughters: Jacob, Peter, Henry, Susan, Polly, Lydia and one whose name is not known. Peter C. learned the trade of carpenter and followed it all his life. About 1850 he removed to Stark county, Ohio, and in 1858 to Elkhart county, Ind., settling on a farm in Harrison township, and in addition to tilling the soil and work- ing at his trade, sold pumps. He died in December, 1890, at the age of eighty-one years, his wife's death occurring at the age of eighty-two years. They were mem- bers of the United Brethren Church and politically he was a stanch Republican. His wife was much respected by all who knew her and took an active part in church work. She was one of three children, Martha being the only one remembered. Mrs. Sternberg bore her husband children as follows: John; Mary A., who is the widow of John Smith and is living in Baugo township; Jesse C. was a farmer of Con- cord township, and has been dead twenty-six years; Nancy, wife of Samuel Powden of Concord township; Jacob died in this county in 1880; Benjamin F. is living in Harrison township ;- and Elizabeth, who is the wife of Henry Ipe, resides in Olive township and is the mother of eleven children. John Sternberg was a resident of the State of his birth until he was nearly twenty years of age and in the subscrip- tion and free schools obtained his knowledge of books. When he was old enough he was hired out by his father to work on a farm, and followed this calling until about eighteen years of age, when he began learning the carpenter's trade with his father and at the age of twenty removed with the family to Ohio. In 1855 he went to Minnesota but only remained there five or six months, as he did not like the country, and returned east as far as Indiana, settling in Elkhart county, where he followed his trade until he once more took up farming in 1859. In 1857 he married Mise Leah Dillman, who was born in Lancaster county, Penn., on October 22, 1837, being one of eleven children born to Jacob and Mary (Young) Dillman, their names being as follows: Catherine (Mrs. Wehr), living in Jefferson township; John, who died about thirty-seven years ago; Sarah, who is the widow of David B. Mischler, is living in this county; Elizabeth (Mrs. Huffman) is living in Clinton township; Reuben is a resident of Harrison township; Mary (Mrs. Luft) lives in this county; Leah (Mrs. Sternberg); Molly, who has been dead about twenty-four years, was the wife of Daniel Leer of Elkhart township; Samuel, who is living in Elkhart town- ship, and two children that died in infancy. The Dillmans are among the early pioneers of the county, and Jacob, the father of this family, was born in Lancaster county, Penn. He came of German parents and was a wagon and carriage maker by trade, a calling he followed until he came to Ohio. In 1853, he removed from Stark county of that State to Indiana and thereafter was a farmer of Elkhart township until his death in July, 1877. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, was in- terested in all church work and held office in the same. Politically he was a Repub-

MEMOIRS OF INDIANA.

lican, was public-spirited and energetic and reared his children to habits of thrift and industry. His wife was born in Lancaster connty, Penn., in 1799, and died in Elkhart county, Ind., in 1854. Mrs. Sternberg was a girl of fifteen years when she came with her parents by wagon to Indiana, the journey thither occupying about sixteen days. She attended school in Ohio and in this State also and in 1856 was united in marriage with Mr. Sternberg and with him settled on the farm on which they now live in 1859. Although they were compelled to work very hard at first they gradually got ahead and from time to time increased their landed possessions until they are now the owners of 3293 acres of finely improved land, which is di- vided into three farms, their son Jesse residing on one of 120 acres, of which he owns half. Mr. Sternberg is what may be called a self-made man, for what he has in the way of worldly goods is the result of his own and his wife's hard work. They are the parents of six children: Mary, born November 13, 1857, became the wife of Henry Dick, aud died October 29, 1884; Loretta E. was born August 22, 1859, and is the wife of Franklin Burns of Goshen; Jesse, born July 1, 1861, is a young farmer of Harrison township, is a Republican in politics, is a public-spirited young man and is married to Hattie Snyder, daughter of George Snyder of Elkhart township; Benjamin was born March 8, 1863, and died at the age of six weeks; Phobe was born August 1, 1865; and Harvey, who was born June 14, 1870, is as- sisting his father on the old home place. He is a popular and active young business man. Mr. and Mrs. Sternberg are active and worthy members of the Lutheran Church, in which he has held the office of trustee and sexton. He is one of the most successful agriculturists of the county, ie tilling 166 acres of land and is quite extensively engaged in raising stock. He has held one township office, has been active in the affairs of his section and politically is a Republican.

C. J. GASKILL, freight agent of the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railway at South Bend, Ind., was born in Battle Creek, Mich., October 24, 1852, a son of Silas E. and Sarah E. (Cox) Gaskill, who were early settlers of Battle Creek. The grand- parents were natives of the State of New York, and were of English origin. Silas E. Gaskill was a blacksmith and wagon-maker by trade, but in connection with this work carried on farming also, in each and all of which occupations he was reasonably successful. About 1853 he went to California and located north of San Francisco for a number of years. The past ten years he has lived at Campo, San Diego county, where he still resides. He was the father of three children: Charles J., the subject of this sketch; Henry L., and Mrs. Mary Story of Germantown, Cal. The subject of this sketch was taken by his parents to California when two years of age, and his initiatory schooling was received in that State. When twelve years of age he returned to Battle Creek, Mich., for the purpose of attending school, and later in that city and in Galesburg, Mich., he learned telegraphy. His first position was on the Michigan Central, where he remained about one month, and in Septem- ber, 1873, he became an employe of the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad, then called the Peninsula Railway, stationed first at Olivet, Mich., and later at School- craft for four years. While at that place he was married to Miss Oda E. Hatch, by whom he has four children: Avis I .; Olive; Howard and Gladys. He has been a resident of South Bend since January, 1879, and after having charge of the ticket office of the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad, he was promoted to his present position, the business having increased so much that they were compelled to put in a "ticket man." Mr. Gaskill has made two trips to California since his parents moved there, the first trip being made via the Isthmus of Panama, returning the same way when twelve years of age. He was in Denver the day the first engine was set up to go over the Denver & Rio Grande Narrow Gauge Railroad. Mr. Gaskill is one of the organizers and the treasurer of the St Joseph County Loan & Savings Association, and being very public spirited is connected with a number of other enterprises in the city. He is an intelligent and well-posted man on the various topics of the day, and in his position of freight agent is capable, efficient and energetic,

PICTORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL

in fact, the right man in the right place, of which fact his employers are well aware. H. L. Gaskill, the brother of C. J., is a dealer in cigars, tobacco, etc., at 126 West Washington street in South Bend, but was born in Ukiah, Cal., November 13, 1861. When four years of age he was brought to Battle Creek, Mich., where he was reared, his education being obtained in the public schools. Brought up on a farm he followed that occupation until nineteen years of age, when he became an employe on the Chicago & Grand Trunk Railroad as freight cashier at South Bend, Ind., and this position filled with credit to himself from August, 1880, till February, 1889, when he engaged in his present business, of which his energy, intelligence and knowledge of the wants of the public, have made a paying enterprise. He has the finest tobacco establishment of the city, deals in all kinds of the weed, and also keeps a fine assortment of pipes, tobacco pouches, etc. He is a pushing and enter- prising young business man, and is highly regarded in the commercial circles of South Bend. He was married in March, 1887, to Miss Mary E., daughter of Samuel Bowman of this city. Mr. Gaskill is a member of the South Bend Valley & Gun Club, and being of a social and genial disposition ie a favorite in society.

PAUL H. KURTZ. The name of this gentleman is a familiar one throughont Elk- hart county, Ind., and is synonymous with the saw-mill and farming interests of his section. He has been a resident of Harrison township for nearly forty years and during this period he has kept his escutcheon untarnished. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, on June 18, 1828, being the fourth child born to Henry and Catherine (Loehr) Kurtz, the former being a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, where he was born in 1796, lived to be seventy-seven years of age and died in Colum- biana, Columbiana Co., Ohio. He remained in his native land until about twenty years of age, then became an emigrant to America and took up his residence in Bucks county, Penn., where he followed the calling of a school teacher. He was married there and there made his home until 1825, when they moved to Pittsburg and in 1827 to Stark county, Ohio. He was a minister of the Lutheran Church until 1826, then changed his doctrine and began expounding the faith of the German Baptist Church; which he continued to do until death closed his career. From 1842 he was a resident of Columbiana county, Ohio, and in addition to preaching the gospel, he also tilled the soil. The old homestead in Ohio is still owned by his son, George H. Kurtz. He was successful in a business way, and published a paper called the Gospel Monthly Visitor, for some years. This paper he established in 1850 and the enterprise is still in existence under the name of the Gospel Messenger. He devoted the most of his energies to religious work, was also a patron of education and was himself a fine scholar and a polished gentleman, having thorough command of five or more different languages. He wielded a widespread influence for good, ever supported the cause of justice and right, and as a natural consequence his friends were numerons and faithful. His widow survived him until 1884, when she, too, passed from life in Mahoning county. She was a daughter of Henry Loehr, who was a well-known farmer and school teacher of Northampton county, Penn., where he was eventually called from life, his widow dying in Ohio at the home of her son Jacob Loehr, in Hancock county. The paternal grandfather of Paul H. Kurtz George Kurtz, was born October 14, 1745, and died at the age of seventy-five years. His wife was Henricka Miller, who died on June 15, 1857, at the advanced age of eighty-five years. The grandfather Loehr died on December 25, 1834, when

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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 14

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

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