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 19

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 19
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 19

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CHARLES M. R. HAESKE, superintendent of the wagon department of Studebaker Brothers, of South Bend, Ind., is a courteous and obliging gentleman, and since holding the above-mentioned position has shown himself to be thoroughly compe- tent and reliable-in fact, the right man in the right place. He was born in the Province of Posen, Germany, October 27, 1856, a son of Michael and Frances (Uebler) Haeske, the former of whom is deceased, but the latter is still a resident of the old country. Seven sons and one daughter were born of the union of this worthy couple, and Charles M. R. was reared in his native land, in the pub- lic schools of which country he received a practical education under his father, who was a successful and experienced educator. When in his fifteenth year, Charles M. R. sailed for America and landed in the city of New York, after which he came directly to South Bend, Ind., where his parents had friends living. He at once secured a humble position with Studebaker Brothers as chore-boy, thread cutter, etc., but after a time began learning the blacksmith's trade with the same

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firm, his evenings being spent in attending night school, in which he obtained a fair English education. From time to time, as his services demanded, he was pro- moted to better positions, and through his own native talent and worth to his em- ployers he attained his present position as superintendent of the wagon depart- ment-a responsible position, but one which he has filled in a very satisfactory manner and to the decided benefit of his employers. In the management of the men that are under him he has shown himself to be intelligent and firm, yet genial and obliging, and he commands the hearty good will and respect of his subordinates. Ever since coming to the United States he has identified himself with the interests of this country, which can boast no worthier man among its Ger- man-American citizens. Some time ago, owing to impaired health, he spent three years in his native land, but upon the restoration of his health he returned to Sonth Bend, and here has since resided. In 1882 he took for his companion through life Miss Sophie Meyer of South Bend, and to their nnion three children have been given: Clyde F., Ethel M. and Margaret I. Mr. and Mrs. Haeske are members of the German Methodist Episcopal Church, and socially he belongs to the A. F. & A. M. and the K. O. T. M.

HENRY F. ELBEL, foreman of the stock department of the Singer Manufactur- ing Company of South Bend, Ind., is universally popular and respected in bnsi- ness circles, and the company with which he is connected is a worthy and valu- able addition to the skilled industries of South Bend. He is a native of the city, his birth having occurred November 9, 1856, to Lorenz and Johanna (Mainer) Elbel, who came from their native land of Germany in 1851 and took up their reei- dence in South Bend, where they still reside. In their family were six sons and two daughters, the former of whom are skilled and experienced musicians, their names being as follows: Henry F., Herman, Richard, Robert, Fred and Louis. The father and his sons comprise an orchestra which is known as the Elbel Family Or- chestra. They are all natural musicians and are well known, not only in St. Jo- seph, but in the surrounding counties as well. Henry F. Elbel was reared in the city of South Bend, and in the public schools of that city he obtained a practical education. When only a lad he started out to make his own way in the world as an employe of the Singer Manufacturing Company, and although his position was humble and his compensation small, it was an excellent school for the young lad, and taught him lessons of industry and self-reliance, and as his usefulness to his employers increased he was promoted accordingly; and, after filling various posi- tions was given his present responsible place. He is now the oldest employe in the service of the company, for he has been with them since 1869, and their trust and confidence in his ability, intelligence and faithfulness is unbounded. He is a young man of rare business qualifications, and it is needless to say that he has im- proved his opportunities and deserves the success which he now enjoys. He is a Democrat politically, and on that ticket was elected a member of the city council in 1888, by the largest majority ever given in his ward, in which capacity he served four years, being the youngest man ever elected to that body in South Bend. He was made president of the Turners' Society in 1891, and is now serving his third term. He is a stockholder and secretary of the South Bend Porcelain Company, and socially belongs to the K. O. T. M. He is still unmarried, and makes bis home with his parents. His sisters are Antonia and Laura.

THOMAS CLAYTON. Among the grist millers of Indiana, none are more thoroughly posted in their business, or mannfacture a better brand of flour than Mr. Clayton, whose long experience in this line of work has made him perfect. On June 18, 1837, he was born in Crawford county, Ohio, and was the sixth child in a family of ten children, born to Thomas and Mary E. (Myers) Clayton, the former of whom was born in Richland county, Ohio, in 1804, and there resided until he reached man's estate, when he removed to Crawford county, Ohio, where he resided ten years. At the end of this period he removed to Van Wert county, where he was called from

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life in 1852, at the age of forty-eight years. He was a Democrat in politica, a prominent man politically and socially, as well as in a business way, and for many years was a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He accumulated considerable means, was very public spirited, and for twelve or fifteen yeara filled the position of justice of the peace. Having been reared in the woods of Ohio, aa a natural consequence, he was quite a Nimrod, and many deer fell victima to hia akill with the rifle. In 1849 he lost his wife, whose birth had occurred in Pennsylvania, ahe being a daughter of George Myers, who, with his wife, was a native of Germany, their removal to America, and their settlement in Pennsylvania taking place in an early day. Later they took up their residence in Crawford county, Ohio, where they passed from life. Mr. Myers was an officer in the War of 1812, and became a well-to-do farmer of Crawford county. He and his wife reared a family of ten children. Thomas Clayton, the father of the subject of this sketch, was married in Crawford county, and by his wife became the father of ten children: George W .; William, who died in Kosciusko county; Samuel, who is living at Milford, Ind .; Nancy J., who died after marriage to John Duncan; Suaan J., who died after her marriage to J. K. Mastera; Thomas, the subject of this aketch; James, who is living in Goshen and was a soldier in the Civil war; Mary E., who is the wife of John Ellsworth of Miaaouri; Sarah, who died young; Henry, who died while aerving in the Seventy-fourth Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, at the age of nineteen yeara, hav- ing been a participant in a number of important engagementa. The parenta of these children were communicanta of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and were prosper- ous and substantial citizena of the section in which they resided. The paternal grandfather, Henry Clayton, came from England and endured the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life in Ohio, from which State he enlisted in the War of 1812, being a member of the United States army. He eventually became a resident of Allen county, Ind., where he paid the last debt of nature in 1855, having attained to an advanced age. His wife, who bore him ten children, died in Iowa, whither she had moved with her youngest children. Thomas Clayton, whose name is at the head of this sketch, remained with his parents in his native county until he attained the age of sixteen years, during which time he became familiar with pioneer life in the woods of Ohio. He led the usual life of the farmer's boy of that period, and while following the plow or wielding the hoe, not only improved and strengthened his muscles, but learned lessons of industry, economy and honesty, which materially aided him in obtaining a competence in later years. What

education he now has has been gained through his own efforts, and in the hard school of experience, but this work taught him self-reliance, and strengthened his judgment aa nothing else could have done. In 1853 he came to Elkhart county, Ind., and began making his home in Jackson township with his aunt, Mra. Chilcote, but was troubled very much with ague, and on that account returned to Ohio, where he spent the winter, returning to Indiana in the apring. Since that time, with the exception of a few years when he lived in Kosciusko county, Elkhart county has been his home. He worked on a farm, and when twenty years of age he secured a amall piece of woodland in Michigan, which he later traded for a team, and later traded the team for forty acres of land in Scott township, Kosciusko Co.,

Ind., which was also heavily timbered. He sold this land and purchased a tract of land in Jackson township, Elkhart county, near New Paris, and lived one year on this farm, but disposed of this in 1864, and purchased a stock of dry goods in Milford, which he conducted two years with success. Following this he entered the milling business in Milford, but after successfully conducting this for six years, he disposed of it also. He then began farming in Kosciusko county, and in two yeara'

time traded for his present farm in Elkhart county. He owns in one body 360 acres of land, all of which was well improved, and devoted to the raising of the usual northern producta. He has magnificent buildings, his residence which waa erected in 1885, coating between $6,000 and $7,000. He has a fine bank barn 40x80 feet.

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Mr. Clayton is one of the most extensive stock raisers in the county, and one of its most enterprising, thorough and practical farmers. In 1888 be decided to again embark in milling at Baintertown, for which plant he traded 238 acres of land. He has conducted this in a very satisfactory manner from a financial standpoint, and the mill, which is what is called a 100-barrel mill, having seven sets of rollers, turns out the brand of flour known as the Pride of New Paris, which is very popular and well known. Mr. Clayton also owns thirty-two acres of land near the mill, and a half interest in thirty-six acres of other land for water power. Mr. Clayton has been very successful as a man of business, although he has met with some reverses in his race for fortune, but his judgment has usually been exceptionally sound. He is of the stuff of which model citizens are made, and his record as a man of honor has remained untarnished. In politics a Republican, he has always taken an active interest in the good of his party, and has held the position of trustee of Jackson township, and the same in Van Buren township, Koscinsko county. He was one of the county commissioners in 1887, and is well known in political circles as a reliable and substantial man. He was first married in March, 1860, to Miss Amanda Rahrer, daughter of Daniel Rahrer, who was one of the early pioneers of Elkhart county. Two children were born to this union: Enoch and Amanda, and when the latter was one year old, her mother died. Amanda was born in Jackson town- ship in 1840, eventually married and became the mother of the following children: Cassins M., born June 25, 1860, is married and has two children; Mary B., born May 15, 1862, died when fifteen months old; Emma, born June 25, 1864, died at the age of two years; William E., born November 4, 1866, is a miller by trade; Daniel, born January 21, 1870, and James E., who was born March 2, 1873, died at the age of six months. The mother of these children was reared at New Paris, and was only thirty-three years of age at the time of her death. For his second wife, Mr. Clayton took Rebecca Curtis, who was born in Elkhart county, July 21, 1853, a daughter of Harrison and Mary (Kirkpatrick) Curtis, who were early pioneers of Elkhart, and are living at Milford. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis reared the following children: Martha, Rebecca J. (Mrs. Clayton), James H., Sarah E., Joseph E., Mary E., Susan, Atha, John E., Charles, Arthur and Ida. One child died in infancy. The parents of these children were from Ohio. Mr. Clayton's second union resulted in the birth of five children: Harley, born Angust 27, 1875; Perry, born May 28, 1877; Otis, born Jannary 14, 1879; Herbert, born October 26, 1880, and died young, and Craige, born December 13, 1883. Mr. Clayton has always been a patron of educa- tion, and has given his children good advantages. He is one of the most enterpris- ing citizens of the county, and he and his wife are worthy church members. He is a member of the Kosciusko Lodge, No. 418, A. F. & A. M., at Milford.

WILL A. ENDLEY is the editor and proprietor of The Independent, of Walkerton, a breezy sheet, which enjoys a good circulation and is published in the interests of the community, especial attention being paid to local affairs, making it a history of the events that transpire in this locality. Moreover, it reviews most intelligently the public issues of the day, and its advertising columns are well filled and show that the merchants of Walkerton appreciate it as a medium for making themselves known to the people at large. The intelligent and able editor of this journal was born in La Grange, Ind., October 9, 1863, and was principally reared in the towns of Butler and Brimfield, Ind., attending the schools of those places, where he obtained a practical education. At the age of sixteen years he entered the office of the Visitor of Walkerton, where he learned the art of printing. In 1879. in company with Charles C. Richmond, son of Dr. Richmond, he established the Van- guard, which they published a short time. In 1880 Mr. Endley's father purchased Mr. Richmond's interest and the paper was enlarged and changed to The Repub- lican, which they continued to successfully conduct for two or three years, when the Doctor sold ont to his son and the latter removed to South Bend, where he was reporter for the Daily Tribune for some months. He then took charge of the local

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department of the Daily Times, holding this position until the paper was discon- tinued. Mr. Endley then went to Chicago where he worked at his trade two or three years, but in July, 1886, returned to St. Joseph county and bought out what was then the Visitor, of Walkerton, and changed it to the Independent, which he has since controlled and published. The paper is a spicy, independent, six-column, eight-page quarto, and as Mr. Endley is an experienced and practical printer he conducts his paper very successfully, notwithstanding the fact that he is quite a young man. He is a member of the K. of P., and being urbane, courteous and agreeable and an interesting conversationalist, he is welcomed in the highest circles of society. In 1888 he was married to Miss Nellie, daughter of Prof. J. A. Jones, formerly principal of the Walkerton schools, and for a number of years she was 8 teacher in the schools of South Bend. Mr. Endley is a son of the late lamented Dr. J. F. Endley, whose untimely death was sincerely mourned, not only by his immediate and sorrowing family, but also by all who knew him. The following is a short sketch of his life taken from the La Porte Daily Herald: "The Doctor was born near Jeromeville, Wayne county, Ohio, August 22, 1839, and was consequently in his fifty-third year at the time of his demise. When about five years old he moved with his parents to La Grange, this State, where he obtained his education in the public schools. As he reached manhood he read medicine and began the practice of that profession, afterward attending Rush and Bennett Medical Colleges, Chicago, from the latter of which he graduated Jannary 5, 1871. June 21, 1861, Dr. Endley married Miss Nellie Coomer at Ls Grange. Two children were born to them, s daughter and a son, the former of whom died in infancy. The son, Will A., is pub- lisher of the Independent. In 1864 the Doctor became a member of the I. O.O. F.

From La Grange he removed to Brimfield, this State, where he began his first con- nection with the press, becoming a contributor to the Kendallville papers under the nom de plume of " Is Slinger," writing humorous articles. He also became local correspondent for the Standard. Dr. Endley remained seven years at Brimfield, going from there to Walkerton, where he at the time of his death had resided six- teen years. In 1879 he started a paper which was Republican in name and in fact. He published it about three years. About five years ago he issued the first number of the Independent, which has been a success from its inception. It began on a small scale, but has been enlarged from time to time. In size and editorial ability it com- pares favorably with its contemporaries. The Doctor wrote for the Independent from the commencement of its career, and for the past two years was editor. He served as councilman two terms and was secretary of the board of health at the time of his

decease. Dr. Endley was a man of strong convictions. Whatever he believed to be right he clung to with tenscity. He was a devoted husband, an affectionate parent and an unswerving friend. He was a strong Republican, and at one time, particu- larly during the Garfield campaign, was very active in politics. He might have held office but seemed to have no fancy for it. Whatever cause he sustained he espoused because he believed in it with his whole heart. He was particularly devoted to Walkerton, and labored for its development with all the power he pos- sessed, and he was a power in the place, and was so recognized by everybody there, editing as he did the only newspaper in the town. He had an eye single to Walk- erton's interests and never failed to speak a good word for it. He was foremost on all public occasions, such as Fourth of July, Memorial Day, etc., and where he led, such was the confidence in him, and so highly was he esteemed, that other men did not hesitate to follow. He will be missed in Walkerton, probably in a way that no other person would be missed, and there was universal sorrow in the town at his demise, which came like a shock to the community, so unexpected was it. The feeling regarding the Doctor among members of the press was well expressed by the South Bend Times, which said: "The sudden death of Dr. J. F. Eodley, of the Walkerton Independent, will be sincerely regretted by a host of friends who have of late years learned to highly prize his literary and journalistic work. He

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was a versatile writer-decidedly original, sometimes unique, and always interest- ing and entertaining." The Doctor was brimful of energy. Nothing was suffered to lag when he once took hold of it. He neglected nothing. He stood well in the medical profession, always keeping pace with the many improvements being con- stantly made. About three years ago he attended a physician's course in Bennett college, holding a professor's chair, dissecting for the class and lecturing. Dr. End- ley was twenty-four years engaged in the practice of medicine." When his last sickness overtook him he at first doctored himself carefully but at last outside aid had to be called in, but without avail. Take him all in all he was a good citizen, and there was universal regret at the unexpected ending of so promising a career.

HON. THOMAS J. WOLFE, dealer in men's and boys' clothing, gent's jewelry, watches, etc., at Walkerton, Ind., has made the establishment over which he pre- sides a synonym for all that is popular, progressive and honest. His personal char- acter is as high as his business repute, his honorable deportment in all the relations of life commanding the confidence and respect of all who know him. He was born in a little log house near Ligonier, Noble county, Ind., Angust 8, 1851, son of Leonard and Lutitia (Martin) Wolfe, natives of Ohio and of German-Scotch ancestry. The maternal grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812. The family came from Ohio to Indiana in wagons, in 1837, and for one year resided in Noble county and then removed to a farm near Middlebury in Elkhart county, after which they returned to Noble county in 1848 and purchased land about one and a half miles from Ligonier where they settled in the woods. They built a little log cabin, the chinks filled with mud, and a mud chimney in which they lived in true pioneer style until better improvements could be made. The woods were filled with wild game and wolves were numerous and sometimes dangerous, so much so that the mother would often throw coals of fire among them to frighten them away. On this place the father died in 1856, his widow surviving him until October, 1892. They reared a family of ten children: Martha, widow of C. C. Gilbert; William J., residing near Armour, S. Dak .; Jane, wife of Henry Hostetter, of Knox, Stark Co., Ind .; Ellison M., of Lincoln township, this county; Maggie B., wife of F. M. Chapman, assessor of Ft. Wayne, Ind. ; Charles S., of Ligonier; Rhoda A., wife of J. J. Miller, of Walkerton; and George W., Theron A., and Thomas J., also of that place. The last mentioned was the youngest of the family and was reared on a farm in Noble county where he received such education as the common schools afforded, being compelled to walk two miles to a little log house to attend a three months' winter ' term of school. The remainder of his time was spent in helping to clear the forests, and in following the plow or wielding the hoe, in fact, he was made thoroughly familiar with pioneer life on a farm in all its phases. At the age of sixteen years he removed to Ligonier with his mother, the public schools of which he attended for three winters, his examination cards, dated 1868-9, being still in his possession. In 1869 he began learning the dentist's profession and in the spring of 1870 located at Walkerton and worked at his profession exclusively for one year, at the end of which time he began clerking in a store belonging to his father-in-law, C. W. N. Stephens, as well as attending to the duties of his profession. He remained in the store until 1875, having charge of the clothing department, in which he afterward bought a half interest, and moved it to a store room adjoining and then assumed entire charge of the same. In March, 1883, he became sole possessor of the stock and has since conducted it very successfully alone. He began life a penniless boy, but the industry and push which he has ever manifested, have been rewarded and he is not only in good circumstances financially, but he is also an influential and respected citizen of his section, whose honesty is unimpeachable. In addition to his clothing house and tailoring establishment he also deals in baled hay and straw, and in 1892 shipped about 375 car loads, and is the owner of two good farms besides town prop- erty. He is what may be termed self-made. His busy life does not prevent him from active participation in all worthy projects for the advancement of the material

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interests of his section, and has done much to advance and promote the well being of his fellow citizens. In 1880 he was elected by his numerous friends to represent them in the Lower House of the State Legislature, and after serving very efficiently one term declined a re-nomination aud also that of county clerk which was tendsred him. He has always been a stanch Republican politically, and socially is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the I. O. O. F. and Knight Templars. He was married in 1871 to Miss Mary F. Stephens, by whom he has seven children: Addie, Thomas J., Jr., Belle, Claude, Verne, Merton and Beatrice.

JACKSON GREENE, farmer. The farming class of America, and especially of the northern tier of States, is notable for the degree of intelligence that is possessed among its representatives. Jackson Greene belonged to one of the most progres- sive of families, and was proud of the fact that his father was one of those fast disappearing landmarks of heroic past, an early pioneer. Mr. Greene was born in Greene county, Ohio, December 18, 1814, son of John and Nancy (Jackson) Greene, natives of Delaware and of English ancestry. The father was left an orphan when a youth and was taken to visit relatives in the State of Maryland, but afterward became one of the early settlers of Greene county, Ohio. His means were very limited at this time but he was ambitious to become the owner of a home of his own, and for this purpose began looking around for a suitable location, and on his way to Michigan passed through St. Joseph county. After reaching the Lake State he purchased a tract of heavy timber land. However, in 1832, he came to St. Joseph county, Ind., and entered land by proxy, one mile from where the subject of this sketch resided, upon which he erected a little log cabin and lived in rude style until better improvements could be made. There were but three families in the vicinity at that time, but with characteristic vigor he set to work to clear his land, consisting of 196 acres, on which place he resided until his death in 1838, in which year there was a great deal of sickness. He was the father of fourteen children, two of whom died in infancy. Three sons and one daughter only are now alive: Nelson, Daniel, James and Martha, widow of Richard Inwood. From this old and prolific family Greene township derived its name. In the early days of their settlement the Indians were far more plentiful than the whites, and wild game of various kinds roamed the woods, and from the cabin door the sire and sons often brought down deer with their rifles. Jackson Greene was eighteen years of age when his parents came thither, and was a healthy, strong and stalwart young man, well fitted to endure the struggles and hardships of pioneer life. His edu- cation was obtained in the common schools of Ohio, and after coming to this county, he attended two terms in a little log cabin, with greased paper for window lights and otherwise fitted up in a very primitive manner indeed. His life was devoted to agriculture, and he became the owner of a finely improved farm of 300 acres, which was conducted on progressive principles and was the source of a good income. Mr. Greene had every reason to be proud of his political record, for he cast bis first vote at the first election held in the township, for Martin Van Buren, and voted for every Republican President since that time and never cast a vote ontside of Greene township. He was more closely identified with the interests of his section than any other man living in it, and for twelve successive terms hold the position of township trustee. He was the efficient public servant of Uncle Sam at Sumption Prairie postoffice, but though devoted to the good of his party he was never a partienlar aspirant for public favor. August 15, 1849, he led to the bymeneal altar Miss Mary Knott, daughter of David and Margaret (Braerley) Knott, natives of New Jersey, who first settled in Greene county, Ohio, and in 1837 in St. Joseph county, Ind. Of a family of six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Greene, only two are living: Margarette, wife of A. J. Beyers, and Charles B., of South Bend.

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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 19

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

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