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 47

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 47
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 47

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MEMOIRS OF INDIANA.

PROF. BYRON J. BOQUE. The rapid advancement made of late in matters per- taining to popular education is due in no small part to the brilliant leaders who have arisen here and there, and who have dedicated their labors and energies to the upbuilding of the school interests of their respective States. Among these, none perhaps has won wider recognition in Indiana than Byron J. Bogue, who early began the career of a teacher and is now filling creditably the position of super- intendent of schools of Mishawaka. He is of Scotch descent and comes of one of the early families of this county that settled in Connecticut in the colonial period. His great-grandfather was a soldier in the war for Independence, serving seven years, and his son Henry, who was born in Conneticut, and there tilled the soil very successfully, was an active participant in the War of 1812. He was married to Sarah Fletcher, and to them five children were given: Rowena, Celestia, Daniel, Newel and Fletcher. Mr. Bogue, with his family, was the seventh family to settle in Brunswick township, Medina Co., Ohio; cleared up a good farm from the wilderness and became one of its most substantial citizens. He was one of the prominent men of his section, was public spirited, and the people showed their re- spect for his views by placing him in a number of positions of trust, which he filled in a most creditable manner. He was a man of lofty character, was the soul of honeaty in his business transactions and the respect in which he was held was unbounded. He retained his youthful activity until late in life and died at the age of eighty-one. Daniel Bogue, his son, first saw the light in Colebrook, Litch- field Co., December 15, 1815, and was a mere infant when taken to Ohio by his father, who drove through with an ox team, leaving Connecticut June 20, 1816, ar- riving at his destination, August 28. He received the advantages of the pioneer school, and, in addition to becomming well versed in farming, he also learned the trade of a carpenter. Upon reaching manhood he was married to Hittie, daughter of Henry and Sarah Lewis, the former of whom waa a farmer of Portage county, Ohio, although formerly from New York, and a cousin of Maj. Lewis, of the famous Lewis & Clark Expedition, which was the first to cross the mountains. To Daniel Bogue and his wife were born the following named children : Emma (who died in infancy), Ellen, Henry L., Newel E., Byron J., Milo, Augustus H., Emma A., Edwin L., and Charlea D. After his marriage Mr. Bogue settled on a farm of 140 acres in Rootstown town- ship, Portage Co., Ohio, a part of a tract of land belonging to his grandfather, which he cleared from the forest and on which he made numerous very valuable improve- ments in the way of buildings, etc. He was always a Democrat, a patron of all en- terprises tending to the advancement of his section, the canse of education finding in him an especially enthusiastic supporter. He gave his children common-school ad- vantages, and encouraged two of his sons to obtain exceptionally liberal educationa. He waa interested in the County Agricultural Society, of which he was vice-president and director for some years, and being a man of active mind and poasessing a large fund of useful general information, his advice was sought on all matters of importance in the county. He has a high standard of honor, is much respected for his integ- rity of character, and his word is justly considered as good as hia bond. He is yet living on the old homsetead in Ohio, and for the past fifteen years has been a direct- or of the Portage & Summit Company Pioneer Association. Byron J. Bogue was born on this farm June 17, 1850, and, as soon as he had attained a proper age, he was placed in the district school near his home, in which he obtained a common ed- ucation. He began teaching in the district schools at the age of ninteen years, after which he attended Buchtel College, of Akron Ohio, in 1872, of which institution he was one of the first students, for it was founded in 1870-1. While in college he continued to teach and work on the farm during vacations, in order to obtain means with which to defray his collegiate expenses, and he also did considerable janitor work about the college buildings, while pursuing his studies, and in 1877 he was rewarded by being graduated. Following this he tanght select and district school for a time and in 1879 went to Ft. Wayne, Ind., where he taught in the Methodiat

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Episcopal College until the fall of the same year, when he came to Mishawaka, and for three years was one of the successful teachers of the high school, being princi- pal. For five years following he was superintendent of the public schools of La Grange, Ind., but for the past six years has occupied the same position in the schools of Mishawaka, where he has given undisputable evidences of his fitness and popularity. He has thirteen teachers under him. Public education in Indians has no more earnest advocate and co-operator than he; no one who more thoroughly under- stands and appreciates its needs and interests, and perhaps no one better qualified, through experience, to bring it to that high state of perfection which its present rapid

advancement assures. The school library has been enlarged under his management from 400 to 1,200 volumes. A flourishing and popular Lyceum has been organ- ized, completed and dedicated; s grand piano added, besides other furnishings, making an attractive place for young people to assemble for literary work. The school apparatus has been greatly increased and consists of a highly improved kind. On the 7th of July, 1881, Mr. Bogue was married to Maria S., daughter of George and Electa (Lee) Colvin, the former of whom removed from the State of New York to Michigan, and, until his death, at the age of sixty-one years, he followed the occupation of a lumberman and millwright. Maria S. Colvin was born October 10, 1855, in Palmyra, Lenawee Co., Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Bogue have an adopted son, Morgan Weir. Mrs. Bogue is highly educated, is a graduate of the Adrian High School, and in 1873 began teaching school in Michigan. After her graduation, in 1876, she was a very successful teacher in the grammar grades of the Mishawaka schools fors term of six years. She is now greatly interested in Orphans Home work and is secretary of the board of the Children's Aid Society, of Indiana. Mr. Bogue and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder. Politically he is a Democrat and socially is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the A. F. & A. M. He is in good circumstances and has a comfortable home in Mishawaka. He has accumulated a very valuable library of reference books, among which may be found such giants as " Encyclopedia Britannica," "The American," Zell's Cyclo's," " The Century Dictionary," " Webster's International Dictionary," and other reliable works. Personally Mr. Bogue is a cultured and polished gentleman, and his agreeable manners and genial qualities have won for him hosts of friends among the prominent people of the county. To the young men under his tutorship he stands a shining example of what a youth may accomplish by energy, industry and brains.

HARVEY F. BANTA. Among the reputable men of Nappanee, Ind., who, in their conduct of business matters, and the duties belonging to the various relations of life, have acquired a worthy name, is Harvey F. Banta, who, although young in years is old in experience. He was formerly in business in Nappanee but is now connected with the Hawks Furniture Company at Goshen. He was born in Goshen, May 30, 1862, and has been known from his earliest childhood as worthy of the respect and consideration of his neighbors. He was one of four children-three sons and one daughter-born to Frederick and Anna (Eckhart) Banta, natives of Germany, who came to this country about forty years ago, or about 1852, and settled at Goshen. Fredrick Banta is a prosperous and successful business man and has been connected with the Hawks Furniture Company for a number of years, having charge of the manufacturing department. In his political views he affiliates with the Republican party, and in religion, he and wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their children were named as follows: Emma, at home; Harvey F. (sub- ject); Charles, book-keeper for the I. & L. Pump Company, and William, in City National Bank. Harvey F. Banta was reared in Goshen and secured his educa- tion in the public schools of the same. Later he entered the employ of the Hawks Furniture Company, of Goshen, and continued with them for a number of years, but resigned his position as foreman of one of the departments in 1887, and came to Nappanee. In this town he established himself in the furniture and undertaking

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business, which he carried on very successfully until December 1, 1891, when he sold out to Mr. Good. Mr. Banta is a young man possessed of nnusual business attain- ments and is popular both in business and social circles. He is well and favorably known in the county, and in politics supports the policy and principlee of the Republican party. He owns a fine residence in Nappanee, has a host of warm friends, and bright prospects are before him. Mr. Banta selected his wife in the person of Miss Ella Mellinger, daughter of John C. Mellinger, and their nuptials were celebrated on August 11, 1888. Two children-Mabel and John-are the result of this union.

ISAAC WILLIAMS is descended from a family who settled in Pennsylvania during the colonial history of this country and for many years resided near the Alleghany Mountains, where they braved the dangers and endured the hardships of life in a new and unbroken country, inhabited by the prowling bear and what was far worse- the red man. The paternal great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch was burnt to death at the stake by the Indians. Benjamin Williams, the father of Isaac, was born in Allegheny county, Penn., but when a young man removed to Ohio, where he was married to Levina Shipley to whom were given an old-fashioned family of four- teen children, thirteen of whom lived to grow up: William, Mariah, Samuel, Lewis, John, Martha J., Jacob, Abraham, Isaac, Huldah, Margaret, Phoebe and Solomon. About 1847 Mr. Williams went to Wisconsin and settled on wild land and died in Waupaca county when quite advanced in years. He cleared up a good farm and assisted his sons to a good start in life. He did considerable surveying in an early day and being hard working and pushing he was proportionately successful. He was a member of the Baptist Church and politically was a Republican, being a strong Union man during the Civil war. One of his sons, William, was in the Mexican war and four in the Civil war: Isaac in Company D; Lewis in Company I, Thirty - second Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, served three years and was in many battles; Samuel and John who were in the same regiment. Isaac Williams was born in Richland county, Ohio, October 16, 1838, and was about ten years of age upon his removal to Wisconsin, the journey to that State being made by wagon, driving about thirteen head of cattle and horses ahead of them. Isaac was edu- cated in the pioneer schools of Wisconsin, in a honse which was built by his father, who also hired the teacher. He became well versed in farm work during his youth, a calling he continued to follow until August 20, 1862, when he enlisted as a private from Waupaca, Wis., and served in the company and regiment above mentioned until the spring of 1864, when, on account of disability, he was sent to Mound City, Ill., thence to Jefferson Barracks, Mo., and was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps. He was in the engagements at Moscow, Lafayette, Holly Springs, Davis' Mills and numerous skirmishes, but his health was undermined by exposure, and he was honorably discharged June 3, 1865. Upon his return home he went to Wabash, Ind., and for two years was unable to do any work on account of ill health. He then became better and began learning the trade of a mason at Elkhart, Ind., and to this occupation his attention has since been devoted. He came to Mishawaka in 1879 and has worked at masonry whenever his health would permit, which is about half the time. However, he is in comfortable circumstances. He was married at Lafayette, Ind., in 1864, to Sarah Young, daughter of James and Malinda (Long. fellow) Young, the former of whom was also a soldier in the Civil war in an Indi- ana regiment and died from sickness at Napoleon, Ark. He had two sons who were also in that war, William and Calvin. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Williams has resulted in the birth of five children: Clarence, Ella, Clara, Harvey and Harry. The mother of these children is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. As a citizen Mr. Williams has been whole-souled and public spirited, and his numerous worthy qualities have made him popular and well liked by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. He is a member of the G. A. R. and politically is a stanch Republican.

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DR. A. L. THORP. In pursuing the very important and noble calling of medi- cine, Dr. A. L. Thorp has met with a degree of success, flattering in the extreme. He has not only shown that he is well posted in his profession, but that he can prac- tically apply his knowledge, and as a very natural consequence his services have been greatly in demand, and he is kept busy almost day and night. His ancestors were among the first settlers of Connecticut, from England, and one of them, on the maternal side, was the founder of the notsd Yale College. Nathaniel Thorp, the grandfather of Dr. A. L., was born in Connecticut, was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and later held the rank of lieutenant in the War of 1812, and was killed at the battle of Black Rock, N. Y. He was married in the State of his birth to Miss Sarah Payton, and at an early day moved to Rochester, N. Y., thence to Cleveland, Ohio, at which time there were no white settlers in the place and no houses-only a few Indian huts. He remained there but a short time, then moved with his family to Ashtabula county, from which place he enlisted in the last war with the British. His son Basil was born in an Indian hut at Cleveland, being the first white child born within the present confines of that city; then came Julia, War- ren, Abigail, Dayton and Ferris. Dayton Thorp's birth occurred in Ashtabula county, Ohio, April 29, 1800, and he was brought up to the hardships of a pioneer life. Although his early education was limited, he returned to the old home of his par- ents, Connecticut, when a young man, where he pursued the study of medicine and became a physician. Catherine Countryman, who resided near Cleveland, Ohio, and a daughter of Conrad Countryman, of German stock, became his wife. Her paternal ancestors settled in Black Hawk Valley, N. Y., before the Revolution, and during an Indian massacre that occurred, her father, who was a small boy, hid in the brush for some time, subsisting as best he could. He was a blacksmith by trade, afterward settled at Cleveland, and died in Michigan. His wife was Cornelia Van Plank, of New York City, whose ancestors were among the original Dutch settlers of New Amsterdam. Seven children were born to Dayton Thorp and his wife: Alexander L., Sylvester A., Mary E., Charles W., Calvin J., Julia M. and Paulina N. Mr. Thorp finally moved to Cass county, Mich., in 1833, where he cleared up & farm, and passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1879. He was a substantial tiller of the soil, and he and his wife were members of the Methodist Church, and took a deep interest in religious matters, he being an exhorter in that church for over forty years. He was s Democrat until the Civil war, then became a Repub- lican. Dr. A. L. Thorp was born near Cleveland, Ohio, November 9, 1827, secured a good education in Cleveland Academy, after which he read medicine with his father, then entered the Eclectic Medical College, of Cleveland, Ohio. Later he attended lectures in New York City and at Ann Arbor, Mich. In 1850 he began practicing at Vandalis, Mich., where he conducted a very successful practice for thirty-five years. Since September, 1885, he has been a resident of Mishawaka, Ind., and through sheer ability has built up & very large practice. He is a skillful and suc- cessful surgeon and medical practitioner, and has successfully battled with several severe epidemics, mostly in 1851 and 1857, 1858, 1859, 1860, 1863, 1873, 1876 and 1881. In 1850 he married Sarah, daughter of H. S. Madding, of southern Illinois, but was called upon to mourn her death in 1851, after she had borne him a child; Baron C. November 14, 1855, he married Martha E. Case, a widow, daughter of David Burdick, and she has also horne him one child: Carrie L. Dr. Thorp is respected wherever he is known, and has been clerk of Penn township, was clerk of Cass county, Mich., for nineteen years, was justice of the peace twelve years, and was commissioner of highways for six years. He has been an active patron of edu- cational matters, has always been a strong Republican, and was one of the organ- izers of the party under the oaks at Jackson, Mich. He has a well selected medical library, and is a patron and reader of the principal medical journals. As a citizen he is all that could be desired, for he is patriotic, progressive and public spirited, and by all who have business relations with him he is justly considered that noblest

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work of God-an honest man. Dr. Thorp is a member of the Michigan State Med- ical Society, the Elkhart County (Ind.) Medical Society, and is a charter member of the St. Joseph County Medical Society and the Indiana State Medical Society. His son, Baron C., is a physician of Canton, Neb.

VINCENT BRUNNER may be justly regarded as one of the enterprising, reliable and substantial citizens of Mishawaka, Ind., in the affairs of which place he has always shown a decided interest, and which he has sided in a very substantial manner. His father, Caspar Brunner, was born in Switzerland July 20, 1808, at Canton Aargau Wurenlos, and in the land of his birth received a common-school education and learned the tailor's trade. He was married to Barbara Brunner, who, although she bore the same family name, was no relative, and to them five children were born, two of whom died in infancy; Agnes, Peter and Vincent are the surviving members. Mr. Brunner was a soldier in the Sonderbund war. In 1867 he decided to seek a home for himself and family in America, and on December 24, of that year, landed at Castle Garden, New York City, from which place he came to Whitley county, Ind., and one year later to St. Joseph county, taking up his residence in Mishawaka, where he began working at his trade. He was much respected for his sonnd judgment in the land of his birth and held the offices of alderman and justice of the peace. His reputation for sound and practical views followed him across the water, and he was soon regarded as one of the substantial men of Mishawaka. He gave his children good educational advantages, and being industrious and pushing, he was at one time

the owner of a handsome property. Upon leaving Switzerland he received a pass- port, speaking very highly of himself and family, also a letter of introduction and commendation to the Catholic Church in this county, of which denomination he and his wife were devout members. He died in Mishawaka Angust 25, 1872, at the age of sixty-four years. After coming to this country he always identified himself with the Democratic party. Vincent Brunner was born in the native canton of his forefathers in Switzerland, wherehis family had been respected members of society since the sixteenth century, his birth occurring January 22, 1862. When abont five years of age he came with his parents to America and received the common-school education of this conn- try, learning to read, write and speak both English and German fluently. At the age of fourteen years he began clerking in the grocery story of Frank Eberhart, remaining his diligent, faithful and trusted employe for six years, supporting, in the meantime, hie widowed mother. In 1885 he borrowed $300 and went into partnership with H. B. Fitch, with whom he opened a grocery store in Mishawaka, bnt at the end of one year he bought out his partner and continned the business very successfully and profitably alone until 1888 when he disposed of his stock to his for- mer partner. His health being quite poor at this time, he decided to spend some time in Europe, and during the four months that he remained in that country he vis- ited Switzerland, Germany, France and Italy. While in his native land he spent some time at his birthplace, and, although he was quite young when he left there, be well remembered the old town. After his return home he once more resumed the grocery business in Mishawaka, but at the end of one year he sold out and turned his attention to farming in Penn township, to which occupation he devoted his attention until 1892, when he returned to Mishawaka. Mr. Brunner is in every respect a self-made man, and all the property of which he is now the owner he secured by his own good judgment and energy. He has a fine residence and lot in the town and has erected a fine two-story brick business building on the corner of Bridge and St. Joseph streets, 29x80 feet in dimensions, with fine plate glass and metal front. The business room is ceiled with ornamental metal and the upper rooms are partitioned off for the use of two families. This building is one of the handsomest in the town. May 1, 1883, Mr. Brunner married Dora, daughter of Leopold and Marguerita (Raab) Deutchle, the former of whom is a farmer of Mad- ison township, coming to this country from Germany in 1866. He and his wife became the parents of the following children: Andrew, Renben, Wilhelmina, Dora,

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Mary, George, John and Valentine. Mr. and Mrs. Brunner have five children: Cas- par, Caroline, Joseph, Vincent and Victor. Mr. Brunner is a Democrat; he and his wife sre earnest members of the Catholic Church, and he is a member of the Cath- olic Knights of America. He is public spirited, in favor of improvements and stands high in business circles. The corner-stone of his fine business building is engraved and contains a genealogical record of the Brunner family, extending back to the aix- teenth century.

HON. W. H. LONGLEY, ex-mayor of South Bend, and president of the Northern Indiana Hedge Fence Company, is a native of Elkhart county, Ind., where he was born on October 3, 1846, a son of Andrew and Mary Longley, natives of Pennsyl- vania and Elkhart county, Ind., respectively. The paternal grandfather, William Longley, removed from his native State to Elkhart county, Ind., about 1834, of which section he was among the pioneer settlers. They came thither in wagons and located in the vicinity of Elkhart, where Mr. Longley purchased a heavily timbered and very wild tract of land. The Indiana were still plentiful throughout the region, but were not hostile. On this farm the grandfather was called from life. About 1853 Andrew Longley came to St. Joseph county and settled on Sumption Prairie, where, until within a few years, he followed agricultural pursuits. Three children were born to himself and wife: William H., Josephine and Mercy. William H. Longley, the subject of this sketch, remained with and sasisted his father on the home farm until he was twenty-one years of age, receiving the advantages of the district schools in the vicinity of his rural home, his education being completed in Notre Dame Collage, from the commercial department of which he graduated in 1867. Soon after this he entered the dry goods store of John Brownfield, where he remained until 1888, at which time he engaged in the manufacture of knit under- wear. He was one of the incorporators of the A. C. Staley Manufacturing Company, of which he was made vice-president, and hald the office until elected to the position of mayor of South Bend. He is still a stockholder in this concern, and is also one of the incorporators of the Northern Indiana Hedge Fence Company. He is a stock- holder in the St. Edwards Land & Insurance Company of St. Edwards, Neb. He was elected mayor of South Bend in 1888, was re-elected in 1890, during which time he was careful to guard the interests of the city and made a very efficient official. In 1882 he was made councilman from the Second Ward, in which capacity he served one term. He is one of the leading spirits of the city, and is always a leader in public enterprises. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the K. of P., being a charter member of Crusade Lodge, No. 14, and also belongs to the Uniform Rank. He has been a married man since 1872, at which time Misa Helen Searle became bis wife, and eventually the mother of & son and two danghters: Howard, Mary and Edna. Mr. Longley has a goodly amount of this world's goods, and is a successful and intelligent business man.

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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 47

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

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