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 69

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 69
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 69

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- HERVEY L. VANNUYS, D. D. For many years, forty at least, the name of Mr. Vannuys has been inseparably linked with the religious history of Indiana, whose annals bear testimony to the integrity of his character and brilliancy of his intellect. He is at present the popular and much esteemed minister of the Presbyterian Church at Goshen. Mr. Vaunnya is a native Kentuckian, born November 3, 1829, in Shelby county, and is a son of Tunis and Kate (Demaree) Vannuys, the former s native of New Jersey and the latter of Pennsylvania, and of Holland and Huguenot extrac- tion, respectively. Tunis Vannuys was born in 1775, and at an early day removed with his father's family to Harrodsburg, Ky. He was but a small boy at that time, and was there during the Indian tronbles. He grew to manhood there, and after his marriage to Miss Demaree, removed to Shelby county, Ky. Mrs. Vannuys was the daughter of Samuel Demaree, and a woman of remarkable strength of character and most exemplary piety. Tunis Vannuys followed the occupation of a farmer all his life and was very successful in this pursuit. In 1836 the family removed to Franklin, Ind., where Mr. Vannuys died March 3, 1846, his wife having passed away in 1844. They were the parents of the following children: Samuel, Mary, Christine, Susan, Isaac, Charity, John, Cornelius, Catherine, Emeline amd Hervey, all of whom grew to mature years. Mr. Vannuys was very decided in his anti- slavery views, and owing to that reason left Kentucky for Indians. He provided generously for his children. only four of whom are now living: John, Cornelius, Catherine and Hervey L. The latter passed his boyhood and youth on his father's farm in Kentucky, and came to Indiana with the family in 1836. His early educa- tion was received from private instructors, being fitted for college in that way, and he entered the freshman year at Hanover College, Indians. in September, 1844, graduating in June, 1848. In September of that year he entered the Theological Seminary at Princeton, N. J., attended for two years, and then spent a year in private reading and travel. Afterward he returned to that institution for another year, and graduated in May, 1852. The following summer he passed in rest and a visit to Washington, D. C., and in October, 1852, he came to Goshen, where he began preaching as s home missionary. In March, 1853, he organized the First Presbyterian Church of Goshen, with fifteen members, and here he has continued to labor for forty years, over eight hundred having been admitted to membership dur-

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ing his pastorate. Dr. Hutchinson, of New Albany, and Dr. Vannuys, are the oldest pastors of the Presbyterian Church in Indians. The first church building erected of the Presbyterian denomination is at present used by the German Lutheran society. The building now occupied was dedicated in 1863, and is & large, hand- some brick structure, the finest church building in northern Indiana st the time of its erection. Mr. Vannuys was married on June 28, 1868, to Miss Rebecca H. Willisms, daughter of Samuel P. and Catherine (Hume) Williams, natives of Hart- ford, Conn. Mrs. Vannnys was 8 graduate of the Ladies' Seminary st Pittsfield, Mass. One child was born to this union, but died in infancy. Mrs. Vannuys died May 16, 1869, and Mr. Vannuys selected his second wife in the person of Miss Lillie W. Loring. their nuptials being celebrated on January 22, 1872. Miss Loring was born in Springfield, Mass., and is a daughter of Willism and Phoebe (Smith) Lor- ing; both are now deceased. The mother was a descendant of John Alden, of the "Mayflower," and 8 native of the Old Bay State. One child, now deceased, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Vannuys. Mr. Vannuys has been 8 commissioner to the general assembly of the Presbyterian Church many times, and wss moderstor of the Synod of Northern Indiana in 1862, and of the Synod of Indians North in 1879. In early days he did much missionary work throughout this section of the State when churches were struggling for existence and footing, and for years has been engaged in the discharge of the duties of his sacred calling. In 1881 he received the hon- orary degree of doctor of divinity from Wabash College, an honor most worthily bestowed. Mr. Vannuys' ancestors have always been identified with the Presbyte- rian faith, and his father was a most exemplary Christian, having been an elder for over forty years. The latter was 8 man of high standing in the community and quite wealthy for those days. Dr. Vannuys is & man of strong will, clear concep- tions, generous impulses, and scrupulously tender of the rights of others. His life has been singularly pure, and all his acts are strongly characteristic of good, sound sense. His sermons are terse in style, firm in diction, logical in thought and yet free from all ostentatious display, being filled with Biblical citations, historic refer- ences, poetic gems, and earnest, religious pathos. He is a diligent student and ripe scholar. Thus it is seen that Dr. Vannuys is the senior pastor of this synod, having spent forty years st Goshen where he has performed sn ardnous, succesful work. He was elected clerk of the Synod of Indiana North, and held the office for seventeen years, until the consolidation of the synods of the State in 1870. No man in the synod is more beloved or holds & more honorable place than Dr. Vannuys, who is now the acceptable, faithful, and much-loved pastor of the church he organized so many years ago; esteemed alike by the members of the church, the congregation, and the community in which he resides. The following notice, which appeared in a recent issue of the Daily Times, explains itself: The Presbyterian people planted the fortieth mile-stone of Dr. Vannuys' pastorste last evening, and many friends came in to extend congratulations and bid a hearty God-speed for the rest of the journey The people began to assemble "at early candle light," and the "small hours " were not far away when the convocation broke up. Dr. and Mrs. Vannuys, assisted by Dr. Logan and the elders and deacons and their wives received the happy throng which for more than an hour passed in. At about 8 o'clock the ladies' committee received in the parlors, and a collation was served amid surround- ings that pleased as the "old corn of the land " that ancient troop of wayfarers. Mrs. Dr. Ellis, Mrs. Peck, Mrs. C. C. Rutler and Mrs. James Finney presided at the coffee urns, and a host of young ladies served the guests. Dr. Vannuys and visiting pastors, with the session and deacons and their wives, occupied a table at which Mrs. Vannuys presided. After the collation the congregation assembled in the auditorium and a solo was rendered by Miss Zella Wilson, an organ interlude by Mrs. Roach, and & solo by Prof. Morrice. Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Town- send, of Elkhart, after which Hon. H. D. Wilson made an address, and in behalf of the church and friends, presented to Dr. Vannuys the offering expressive of appre-

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ciation and good will. The amount was $800. Dr. Vannuys responded in his happy way, giving something of the providential leading that brought him to Goshen, and of the early experiences connected with the settlement. Mise Zella Wilson again responded with a solo, and Dr. Logan made a short address, after which the greetings of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Goshen, and the Presbyterian Church of Elkhart, were presented by their respective pastors, Rev. W. H. Daniel and Mr. Townsend, after which Rev. Townsend pronounced the benedic- tion. This record will have to remain incomplete. The abundant labors of the many busy hands and willing minds displayed in the decorations and service of the evening, was the spontaneous work of the whole congregation, rather than of special committees, and it seemed a pleasant feature that there was not the stiffness of formality, but each one was allowed to take such course as the occasion prompted.

CHRISTIAN K. STOUFFER. Of that sturdy and independent class, the farmers of Indians, none are possessed of more gennine merit and a stronger character than he whose name stands at the head of this sketch. He has risen to more than an ordinary degree of success in his calling, and wherever known is conceded to be an energetic and progressive tiller of the soil, imbued with all those qualities of goaheadative- ness which have characterized his ancestors. His birth occurred in Center county, Penn., April 9, 1830, and he is a son of John and Catherine (Keller) Stouffer, natives. of Pennsylvania, also. John Stouffer was born in 1796, and when very young he Was left an orphan and among strangers. He had no educational advantages, never ' attending school, and he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked a number of years. When a young man he located in Center county, Penn., and was there married to Miss Catherine Keller, a daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Corman) Kel- ler, natives of the Keystone State, where they passed their entire lives. In 1847 Mr. Stouffer and family removed to Summit county, Ohio, purchased a farm, and on this resided until his death, on July 27, 1863. His wife survives him and resides with her son, Christian K., in Jefferson township. She is now nearly eighty-nine years of age. Her children were named as follows: Elizabeth A., George, Christian K., Catherine, Jacob, Maria, Leah, John, Mary and Luther. Christian K. Stouffer remained in his native county until seventeen years of age, when his parents removed to Summit county, Ohio, and he with them. There he was married in December, 1854, to Miss Sarah E. Krytser, a native of Summit county. Four children were the fruits of this union: Ira F., Morris C., William T. and George H., the latter the only one surviving. He resides in South Bend, Ind. Mrs. Stonf- fer died in August, 1868. Mr. Stouffer's second marriage occurred in April, 1869, to Miss Barbara Stiver, a native of Miami county, Ohio, who died in December, 1887. On November 18, 1890, Mr. Stouffer was married to Miss Mary A. Holderman, a native of Tadiana. In 1866 Mr. Stonffer came to Elkhart county, Ind., settled on a farm in Jefferson township, and resides on this at the present time. It consists of 115 acres of land, nearly all of which is under cultivation. He has made many im- provements, and the old log cabin and log stable have given place to a commodious residence and barn. Everything about the place indicates that an experienced and capable hand is at the helm. Mr. Stouffer is a member of the Reformed Church at Goshen, but Mrs. Stouffer is a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Stouffer has been justice of the peace since settling in the township, and is in every way a most worthy citizen.

SAMUEL F. POORMAN. Among the most esteemed and respected citizens of Goshen there is not one who has been a more faithful soldier, a more pleasant or agreeable member of society, or a more thorough or sagacious business man than the gentleman whose name is mentioned above. His life of industry and usefulness and his record for honesty and uprightness have given him a hold upon the com- munity which all might well desire to share. Mr. Poorman was born in Perry county, Ohio, September 5, 1839, and is a son of John and Martha J. (Stambaugh) Poorman, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father was born in June, 1818, and

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came to Ohio with his parents in an early day. Settling in Somerset he learned the harness trade, and was married in 1838 to Miss Stambangh, who was born March, 1819, and whose parents were natives of Pennsylvania. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Poorman removed to Tiffin, Ohio, where they made a permanent settlement, and where Mr. Poorman engaged in the harness business. They were among the very early settlers of that place and Mr. Poorman was one of the prominent busi- ness men. His death occurred in June, 1884. His wife survives him and lives in Tiffin. They were the parents of the following children: Samuel F .; Joseph, died in infancy; Joseph E., engaged in the bicycle business in Cincinnati; George S., deceased; Mary, deceased: Alice, died in infancy; Florence F., residing in Tiffin. and Jessie L., also residing in Tiffin. The original of this notice was not yet two years old when his parents located in Tiffin, Ohio, and he was there reared and edn- cated. His first scholastic training was in an old log jail, a portion of which was used as a school-room, and the remainder for criminals. He recalls an incident connected with this building which frightened him very much and produced a last- ing impression upon his memory. The prisoners escaped from their part of the jail into the school-room and thus made their escape. This was during school hours and the children were so filled with terror that they rushed from the school- room. Later onr subject attended college at Tiffin, and still later was apprenticed to learn the harness-maker's trade in his father's establishment. This he followed for about four years, and then entered a drug store, subsequently becoming a successful drng- gist, and a member of the American Pharmaceutical Association and Chicago.Col- lege of Pharmacy. Following this Mr. Poorman became traveling salesman in drugs and in other lines, being thus engaged for thirteen years. He enlisted in Company A, Eighth Ohio Regiment as corporal; and fourteen months later Was a member of non-commissioned staff, regular army, as hospital steward, serving three years. He enlisted April 1, 1861, and was discharged June 12, 1865. Among the principal engagements in which he participated were the fol- lowing: Winchester, Fort Royal, Gettysburg, and all the engagements of the Army

of the Potomac. Mr. Poorman was married on the 27th of November, 1862, at Grafton, Vt., during service in the army, to Miss Adelaide Plattenberg, a native of the Old Dominion, born July 2, 1833, and the daughter of John and Ellen (Jeffers) Plattenberg; both native Virginians, bnt both now deceased, the latter dying at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Poorman. In 1883 Mr. Poorman located in Goshen, making his headquarters here but continuing to travel for a few years. In Jannary, 1886, in company with Thomas B. Starr, be purchased the fruit and confectionery store which they are at present operating. Although the business was originally established by Mr. Starr and at present is known as "Starr's Fruit Store," it is now admirably managed by both gentlemen and they are doing a very successful business. Mr. Poorman is a member of the I. O. O. F., the G. A. R. and two Commercial Traveler's Associations. In politics he is a strong Republican and is thoroughly American in everything.

DANIEL W. HOUSER, the prominent merchant, Inmberman and esw-miller of North Liberty, St. Joseph Co., Ind., is a product of Ohio, his birth occurring December 7, 1842, being the fourth of eleven children born to George and Lncy (Long) Houser, the former of whom was born in Union county, Penn., in February, 1813. His father was John Honser, who was also & Pennsylvanian, and of German descent. He came to St. Joseph county, Ind., in 1858, and was here called from life in 1861, his wife's death taking place in Ohio. George Honser was one of the eldest of his parents' children, and after removing from his native State was a resident of Ohio until 1858, at which time he became a citizen of St. Joseph county, Ind, and tilled the soil in Liberty township until his death in 1884, at which time he was a worthy member of the Evangelical Church, and in politics was a Republican, although he had been a Whig prior to the formation of that party. He was a man well known for hie public spirit, and possessed those qualities essential to good citizenship. He

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made a good home for his family and reared eleven children: Sarah, who married Levi J. Knapp; Catherine G., who married Alfred Stump, and resided at Falla City, Neb .; M. G., who is a farmer of Liberty township, this county; Daniel W .; Emaline, wife of John Steel, a farmer of Liberty township; John, who is a farmer of Union township, of this county; C. D., who is a merchant; Elizabeth, wife of John J. Garrett, is living in McCook, Neb .; Lorenzo M., who died in 1890, left a family of three children, was a merchant, was at one time township treasurer, and politically was a Republican, and in every respect a public-spirited citizen; B. F., who is living at Lakeville, is a teacher in the public schools of the county, and Lucy, who is the widow of Daniel Klinglesmith. The mother of this family is liv- ing with her children, and has attained to the age of aeventy-five years. She ia highly esteemed wherever known, and is a worthy and useful member of the Evan- gelical Church. The father lived to ses his children grow up and become well fixed in life. He became a member of the Masonic fraternity in 1867, joining North Liberty Lodge, No. 266. Daniel W. Honser has been a resident of St. Joseph county since abont thirteen years of age, and obtained a practical education in the district schools of Ohio and Indiana, and a thorough knowledge of farming in both States. When a young man of twenty years he started in the lumber business as a saw-miller, and since 1870 has continuously operated a mill, first following the occupation on the

old home farm. In 1873 be erected a good mill in North Liberty, where, in addition to doing a lumbering business he also operates a grist-mill. He is also associated with his brother, C. D., in the mercantile business, and in this as well as in bis other enterprises he has been remarkably successful, doing an annual business of abont $25,000. He is a strong Republican politically, has held the office of town- ahip trustee, and is a member of the A. F. & A. M. Lodge of North Liberty, and South Bend, No. 13, Knight Templars, in which he has always held some office. In 1877 he was married to Miss Ella Briggs, of this township, s daughter of Mrs. Charlotte Briggs, of North Liberty. Mrs. Houser was born in 1853, and has borne her husband a son and daughter: Gail, born December 31, 1877, and Eva M., born in 1879, and died at the age of nine months. The mother of these children died in 1884. His present wife was formerly Mrs. Eliza J. Cole, who has borne him one child: Mildred C., who was born January 18, 1889. Mr. Houser in his numerous enterprises employs about twelve men, and is himself constantly busy. He haa a finely improved farm in Liberty township of 400 acres, and all the property of which he is now possessed is the result of his own intelligence and good manage- ment. His business ability and honesty have been warmly recognized, and have met their reward. He enjoys the respect of all, and his friendship is a personal privilege much sought after. He is socially one of the most companionable of men, and is a bean ideal citizen, for he is enterprising, public spirited and law abiding. In this brief summary of points in Mr. Houser's career it should be said as excuse for any omission that a biography of more pretension could best convey the lessons of his life of industry and intelligent management, which is full of instruction to those who, halt and weary, are inclined to doubt the possibility of success. His career is of value, for it shows that honesty, capacity and power "to hustle" receive their reward at last and in good measure.

Gov. ABRAM A. HAMMOND although, comparatively speaking, but a short time in public life, in Indiana, was a man gifted with intellect of a high order, and polished by a superior education and extended reading. While possessed of a strong will, he had that happy faculty of acquiring friends in the midat of contro- versy, and of winning lawsuits when the case was considered well nigh hopeless. He was a native of the Green Mountain State, his birth occurring at Brattleboro in March, 1814. When a boy he drifted westward with the tide of emigration, stopped in Indiana where he studied law, and in 1835 was admitted to the bar. In 1850 he was made judge of the common pleas court, at Indianapolis, but later, after having gone to the Pacific coast, located in Terre Haute, which place has been the home of

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some of the best known men of the State, prominent among whom are the Hon. R. W. Thompson, Hon. D. W. Voorhees and the Hon. Thomas H. Nelaon. In 1860 he was elected governor of the State, but owing to ill health was compelled to resign about a year later. Going to Colorado to recruit, he received benefit from its high altitude and continued to there reside until his desth, August 27, 1874. Governor Hammond has one brother now living in Indiana who has served upon the supreme bench of the State, and is considered one of the best lawyers in Indiana -the Hon. Edwin P. Hammond, of Rensselaer, a man of high literary attainments and possessed of equal polish to that of the subject of this memoir.

RICHARD C. LAKE is a native West Virginian, born in Monongalia county, on March 27, 1815, and is of English descent, his parents, Nimrod and Margaret (Knotts) Lake, being natives of that country. His paternal grandparents, William and Polly (Asbury) Lake, were born in England and crossed the ocean to America in 1795. They settled on a farm in Harrison county, W. Va., and there pasaed the remainder of their days. William Lake was the owner of a large plantation in West Virginia and was an extensive slave holder. Nimrod Lake was born June 20, 1783, and was twelve years of age when he came to America with his parents. He grew to mature years on his father's plantation, and in the year 1813 was married to Miss Margaret Knotts, who was born in 1786, and who was the daughter of Levi and Rebecca Knotta. Mr. and Mrs. Knotts also came to America in 1795, making the voyage on the same vessel with the Lake family, and after reaching this country settled in the same county. Mr. Knotts kept the first store of Pruntytown and several years later started on a trip to Ohio, which was then an uninhabited wildernesa, and after crossing the Ohio River was never afterward heard from. His wife made her home in Pruntytown until her desth several years afterward. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lake settled in Monongalia county, W. Va., and tilled the soil the remainder of their days. Mrs. Lake died April 1, 1815, and Mr. Lake survived her until the winter of 1859-60. Mr. Lake had two brothers, Jeremiah and Will- iam, who served in the War of 1812. Richard C. Lake remained in hia native county until twenty-three years of age, and during his youth followed teaming, going to Baltimore very frequently. In 1837 he came to Indiana with a party of twenty-seven, made the trip overland and was about forty days on the way, camping out at night. Mr. Lake enjoyed this trip very much. Lately he visited his child- hood home and the trip that consumed nearly forty days in years gone by, was gone over in eleven hours. Mr. Lake landed in Kosciusko county, Ind., June 16, 1837, and about three weeks later came to Elkhart county to work in the harvest field, this being the first work of the kind he ever tried to do. He was s carpenter by trade and during the summer season worked at the same. When Notre Dame waa started he worked a year at his trade at that place and was employed on the finest buildings. He spent his first winter in Elkhart, when there were but nine families in the town, and on April 16, 1844, three miles east of Elkhart, he was married to Miss Nancy J. Middleton, who was born near Columbus, Ohio, in Franklin county. Her parents, John and Elizabeth (Downing) Middleton, were natives respectively of New Jersey and Delaware, and moved to the Buckeye State at a very early date, traveling the entire distance on horseback and settling in Franklin county. In March, 1830, Mr. Middleton came with his family to Elkhart county, and settled on Two Mile Plain, near Elkhart, where he entered 320 acres of land. On this he erected a rude log cabin with puncheon floor, and many privations were suffered by Mr. Middleton in clearing and improving his farm, for he was one of the first set- tlers of the county. Indians were numerous, wild animals filled the woods, and settlers were miles apart. On this farm Mr. and Mrs. Middleton passed the re- mainder of their days, witnessing the marvelous growth and development of the country and contributing their share toward its advancement. Mrs. Middleton died in February, 1839, and Mr. Middleton followed her to the grave in July, 1845. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lake they came to Jefferson township, settled

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on the farm they now own in Section 10. At the time of settlement the land was wholly unimproved and covered with a heavy growth of timber. On this Mr. Lake erected & hewn-log cabin, which was considered s handsome edifice in those days, and began clearing and developing. He and his estimable wife have lived to see the wonderful changes made in the country in the last forty years and have aided materially in its progress and advancement. To Mr. and Mrs. Lake were born these children: Nimrod E. (deceased), John O., Mary E. (decessed), Margaret J. (deceased), George W., William D. (decessed), James I. and Richard C. This worthy couple are members of the United Brethren Church, and Mr. Lake has 280 acres of land, the principal part of which is under cultivation. The log cabin of pioneer days has given place to a large, handsome frame structure and other neces- sary improvements have been made until at the present time they have one of the finest places in the township. Mr. Lake is now able to retire from the active duties of life and pass the remainder of his days in peace and plenty. Although he looks after his business interests personally and rents his estates, his son, James I., re- sides on the homestesd with his two children, his wife being dead. In politics Mr. Lake is s Democrat, but in early days was & Whig, his first vote being for Martin Van Buren.

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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 69

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

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