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 72

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 72
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 72

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Gov. JAMES D. WILLIAMS, or more popularly known as "Blue-Jeans" Williams, represented the old type of the true gentleman. He was not gifted with the polish that comes of a finished education or that is usual in the case of public men. A Democrat of the Jeffersonian school in all that the term implies, a man of remarka- ble force of character, simple and unostentatious in his intercourse with his fellow -

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men, honest as the day was long, it is no wonder thst "Blue-Jeana" Williams ob- tained a strong hold upon the hearts of the masses. He was born January 16, 1808, in Pickaway county, Ohio, moved with his parents to Knox county, Ind., when ten years old, was reared to hard work on the home farm, and was taught to believe that it was far better to be able to bosat of his skill in plowing, clearing, splitting raila, swinging the cradle and the like, than it was to boast of his education. As a con- sequence his schooling was of a very meager character; but what he lacked in this respect was modified to a considerable extent by desultory resdings and in his in- tercourse with men of learning. When twenty years old his father died, and the care of the family devolved upon him, and three years later occurred his marriage with Nancy Huffman. When thirty-one years of age he began his public career by be- coming a justice of the peace, but in 1843 resigned and was elected to the State Legislature. From 1843 to 1874 Mr. Williams was almost continually in the Legis- lature of the State, either as representative or senator. In the year last mentioned he was elected to represent his district in Congress, was made chairman of the Com- mittee on Accounts of the House, and while not making a brilliant record in his one term as Congressman, he gave a thoroughly sble and honest representation. In 1876, much to his anrprise, he became the nominee of the Democracy of the State for the Governorship of Indiana. It was in this campaign that his opponents made sport of his homespun clothes and plain appearance, snd obtained for him the sobriquet of "Blue Jeana." It was one of the most remarkable campaigns of this most re- markable country, and is comparable to the "Tippecanoe and Tyler too," and the Lincoln-Douglas elections. Mr. Williams was elected by more than five thousand votes over Gen. Benjamin Harrison, afterward President of the United States, and served four years. He has been dead several years.

JAMES A. ARTHUR. To speak of the Goshen of & quarter of a century ago as compared with the Goshen of to-day, ia, on the one hand, referring to a thrifty agricultural hamlet, and on the other to a prosperous manufacturing city ranking second to none of its size in the entire Union. Substantial brick structures are rapidly taking the place of tumble-down wooden blocks, factories have been and are being built, manufactories are induced to locate within its borders, metropolitan airs are justly assumed, and the year 1892 finds the city upon the full tide of prosper- ity. The character of s locality is determined by the conduct of its inhabitants, and Goshen, Ind., is noted for its enterprising, intelligent and law-abiding citizens. This prosperous condition of sffsirs is not alone attributable to the old time- honored people; far from it. The younger men, more active in their business callings, have been untiring for the city's weal, and by reason of their push and enterprise the city has a national reputation. Prominent smong this latter class ia James A. Arthur, whose name forms the subject for this sketch. A native of Prince Edward's Island, his birth occurred January 7, 1851, being one in a family of eight children, six of whom are yet living. The parents, John and Rachel (Wolner) Arthur, were natives of Prince Edward's Island and Ipswich, England, respectively. In 1859 the family immigrated to the United States, locating first at Niles, Mich., but removing to Goshen, Ind., in 1861, where the father embarked in mercantile pur- suits and keeping a hotel. In 1871 he moved to Illinois where he engaged in farm- ing, continuing that avocation until his death at Kankakee, July 7, 1885. Mr. Arthur wse of a thrifty nature and had accumulated, at different times, considerable money, but this was all swept away by endorsing friends' papers. He died as he lived-an honest, deserving and respected man-his widow yet surviving him, residing in Chicago. James A. Arthur is the only living representative of his father's family, now in Elkhart county. Receiving but a common-school education, he commenced the battle of life upon his own responsibility, at the age of sixteen, without a dollar to call his own. During early manhood he began buying and selling pumps, but in 1871 began traveling for Walworth, Twohig & Furse, large dealers, at Chicago, in pumps and plumbers' supplies. This position he resigned in 1873 to take charge

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of the sales department of the Goshen Pump Company, with whom he continued for a period of seven years. In January, 1880, in company with Alfred Lowry and John Korrady, Jr., he established the " I X L Pump Company," which was shortly after- ward merged into the "I X L Pump, Lumber & Manufacturing Company," incorporated with $22,200 capital, and of which Mr. Lowry was made president and Mr. Arthur secretary and treasurer. In 1885 Mr. Korrady sold his interest to the two other partners who have ever since continued the business. "Keeping ever- lastingly to it brings success " is the motto of this corporation, and if ever a motto was religiously adhered to it has been in this case. The legitimate result is success in the fullest sense of the word. The proprietors planned to do $10,000 worth of busi- ness the first year; much to their gratification the amount reached $45,000. Not only this, but every year has shown a steady increase over the preceding one until at present they give employment to an average of seventy-five men and transact from $145,000 to $150,000 worth of trade annually. To the untiring devotion of Messrs. Arthur and Lowry to their business is attributed the success of one of the most sub- stantial and widely known firma of Goshen. Mr. Arthur is also president of the Goshen Pump Company, the oldest and largest manufactory of wood pumps in the United States, being established in 1854 and the first company to put wood pumps on the market as an article of merchandise. He is president of the Goshen Colosseum Company, which built and owns the building now occupied by the G. A. R. He is also vice-president of the Whitaker Carriage & Manufacturing Company, which was established in 1861; is secretary and treasurer of The Indiana Novelty Company and The Wood Pump Manufacturing Association of the United States. While Mr. Arthur works almost night and day for the success of the I X L, he has not been able to keep free from local, social and public duties. A Democrat in politics and a hard worker in his party's behalf, he has, for ten years, been a member of the County Central Committee of the county; is the present president of the Thomas A. Hendricks Club; is a member of the K. of P. and R. A. fraternities, in which he has "passed all the chairs"; took an active part in the organization of the Pottawattomie Club and was elected its first president, and is still a director. He is now president of the Goshen City School Board and a member of the County School Board; is a director in the Goshen Commercial Exchange and the Goshen Lecture Association, and in addition to the above superintenda a large farm at Dailey, Mich. The important event in the life of Mr. Arthur, next to that of. his birth, occurred November 26, 1874. At that time Miss Amelia Smith, of Edwardsburg, Mich., became his wife. One daughter, Luella M., aged fifteen years, is the fruit of this union. Unquestionably Mr. Arthur is one of Goshen's foremost citizens, and every- body calls him "Jim."

WILLIAM HASS. It can not be expected, in a work of this kind, where but brief biographical sketches of prominent citizens of the county are given, that we can do justice to this much esteemed and honored citizen, and yet he has been identified with the county so long, and his name is so familiar to all, that it is only just to dwell upon his career, not as empty words of praise, but as the plain state- ment of a still plainer truth. Mr. Hass now makes his home in York township, Elkhart county, Ind., but had his nativity in the east, being born in Northumber- land county, Penn., December 27, 1816. His parents, John and Catherine (Mayer) Hass, were natives of the Keystone State, born in what is now Snyder county. The natural advantages of the Western States attracted the attention of John Hass at an early date, and in the year 1842 he came to Michigan, locating in St. Joseph, where he made & permanent home. His death occurred on May 10, 1846, at Franklin, Penn., whither he had gone on a visit. Mrs. Hass died in St. Joseph, Mich., on March 4, 1846. The original of this notice was resred on his father's farm in the Keystone State, and after the latter moved to Michigan young Hass took charge of the farm in Pennsylvania. He was married in that State on November 17, 1842, to Miss Rachel Bennage, daughter of George Bennage, and in 1846 the fertile

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prairies of the West tempted him also to move toward the setting sun. He and wife started with the father of our subject, who died on the way, as before mentioned. Mr. Hass settled on his father's place in Michigan, resided there until the spring of 1865, and then came to the Hoosier State. He located upon his present farm in York township, and here reared their children, three in number, viz. : Samuel B., born August 13, 1843, enlisted in the Union army in 1861, was taken sick and died at Chattanooga on April 5, 1864; John H., born November 15, 1845, enlisted in the army, served until the close, his death occurred on November 7, 1890; . George B., born August 23, 1848, also a brave and faithful soldier during the war and served until the close. He is now a resident of the Wolverine State, Branch county. The mother of these children passed away on September 10, 1848, and Mr. Hass selected his second wife in the person of Miss Rebecca F. Gray, their union being celebrated on September 23, 1849. Mrs. Hass was born May 25, 1830, and was the daughter of Daniel and Isabel (Murray) Gray, natives of Pennsylvania, the father dying in Michigan, November 7, 1872, and the mother in her native State on Angust 11, 1842. Mr. Hass' last union resulted in the birth of these children: Sarah E., Harris M., Daniel S., Almer C., Katie A., Lucy B. and William H., the last four deceased. Mr. Hass has thirty-nine acres of land, and although his farm is amall, he has it so well cultivated that he raises almost as much as some of his neighbors who have much larger farma. He has now resched the advanced age of seventy-five years, and although he has nearly lost his eyesight, being able to see out of but one eye, he enjoys comparatively good health. He is a Republican in his polit- ical affiliations, and he and Mrs. Hass are worthy members of the Christian Church.

CHARLES B. ALDERMAN (deceased). Among those whose names are inseparably connected with the prosperity of Goshen, Ind., is he whose name forms the subject for this sketch. A native of the State of Vermont, his birth occurred at Greenville on November 16, 1828, being a son of Bidwell and Vesta (Smith) Alderman. Bid- well Alderman dying just prior to the birth of Charles B., his widow married the father of Gen. Milo S. Hascall, who is so well and favorably known throughout northern Indiana. The early youth of Charles B. Alderman was passed in attending the district schools and working on a farm, but at sixteen years of age he began clerking in a store. By reason of failing eyesight he was compelled to return to agri- cultural pursuits, but two years later entered a wholesale grocery store. September 10, 1850, Miss Elizabeth McLaren, & lady of Scotch ancestry, became his wife, and in 1853 he started westward for the purpose of bettering his circumstances in the growing prosperity of the newer country. Locating permanently at Goshen, Ind., he became a partner in the mercantile establishment of Hascall, Alderman & Brown, but owing to the confining nature of the business, sold his interest, in 1868, and the year following embarked in the manufacture of woolen goods with James E, Winnegar as a partner. In 1875 he became half owner of the stock of the Goshen Gas Works, of which, for many years, he was president. A Democrat in politics, Mr. Alderman began his political career by being elected a member of the city coun- cil, serving as such two years. He was elected mayor of the city in 1876, and in 1878 and in 1880 was re- elected, serving three full terms, an honor accorded to no other man occupying this position. As an official his career was above reproach. As a councilman he was instrumental in disposing of the water works bonds at highly satisfactory rates, and the good he accomplished was probably the cause of his ele- vation and retention to the chair of presiding officer of the city. In July, 1887, he purchased the Hotel Hascall and delegated its management to his son, George F. Mr. Alderman was a member of the order of Free and Accepted Masons, in which he had successively passed from the Blue Lodge to the Chapter, Council and Com- mandery. Mr. Alderman was one of the connty's best men. He died November 1, 1887. Mrs. Alderman ia the daughter of Finley and Nancy (Albright) McLaren, the former being a native of Scotland and coming to this country when only seven ears old. He married in western New York, settled there on a farm which he tilled y

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for more than half a century, and there died. Only one child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Alderman, George F., who ia one of Goshen's progressive young business men. He was born June 15, 1852, in Genesee county, N. Y., was reared to manhood in Elkhart county and completed his schooling at a military institution in his native State. He was manager of the old Violet Honse, at Goshen, for General Hascall for a time, then for three years was cashier of the Sherman House, Chicago. Snc- ceeding this he had charge of the Hotel Hascall, at Goshen, one year, was room clerk of the Boody House, Toledo, Ohio, one. year, and for four years was proprie- tor of the Bryan House, at Bryan, Ohio. Since January, 1887, he has been proprietor of Hotel Hascall, at Goshen. Mr. Alderman is a Democrat and a member of the Knights of Pythias. To his marriage with Miss Augusta E. Noble there has been born one child.

DANIEL E. LONG. This part of Indiana has proved a mine of wealth to thousands of industrious and earnest farmers who have come hither from the East and from foreign countries, and by dint of hard work and enterprise have developed the resources which nature so liberally provided. Among these ia Daniel E. Long, who is not only one of the well-known and esteemed citizens of the county, but an hon- ored soldier of the war of the Rebellion. He is a native of the Buckeye State. born in Knox county, March 20, 1842, and is a son of John and Nancy (Kepler) Long, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Pennsylvania. They were honest, upright citizena, and were highly esteemed in whatever part of the country they made their home. The father died February 19, 1886, in Vandalia, Mich., and the latter a good many years ago in Knox county, Ohio. When six years of age our subject came to Elkhart county, Ind., whither hia father had moved the year previous, 1848, and received a good practical education in the schools of the county, and also became thoroughly conversant with pretty much all kinds of farm labor. Pluck, energy, and an indomitable will, characterized his boyhood and have been a part of hie after life. When twenty years of age young Long enhsted in Company I, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Regiment, and served faithfully and bravely in defense of the stars and stripes until honorably discharged on June 15, 1865. He was in all the engagements in which his regiment participated, the most prominent being: Perryville, Stone River, Chickamangs, Missionary Ridge, with Sherman from Chattanooga to Atlanta, and in the march to the sea. Mr. Long was wounded at Bentonville, N. C., March 19, 1865, and was disabled from further service. He was ever to the front, and no braver or truer soldier ever trod the red aod of a battle- field. After being wounded he was taken to the hospital at Goldsboro, N. C., and later etill to David's Island, N. Y., whence he was brought in the hospital ship, "Northern Light." When able to leave he was sent to Madison, Ind., and there received his discharge. Mr. Long selected his wife in the person of Miss Catherine C. Hass, and their nuptiala were celebrated December 15, 1868. She was born at Mottville, Mich., and is the daughter of Charles and Sabie (Housel) Hass, both natives of that grand old State, Pennsylvania, but both now deceased, the father dying in February, 1877, and the mother in 1859. The union of Mr. and Mra. Long has been blessed by the birth of four children, as follows: Becca W. (deceased), Jeunie, Everett and Maggie. Mr. Long is the owner of 188 acres of land, all improved except about thirty acres of timber. He has a good comfortable house, a substantial barn, windmill, and other general improvements. He has not escaped holding office, and has discharged the duties incumbent upon the office of justice of the peace for four years. In politics he is an earnest advocate of the platform of the Republican party, and socially he is a member of the G. A. R. After marriage he resided for two years in Iowa, six years in Michigan, and in 1877 he located in this county on rented land for one year. He then bought eighty acres, where he now lives and added to this from time to time until he now owns one of the best farms in his section. He is thoroughgoing and progressive, and has prospered in all his enterprises.

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F. V. B. MINNICH. It matters little what vocation a man selects as his life occu- pation so long as it is an honorable one. If he is an honest, upright man, courteous in his intercourse with his fellow-men and possessed of the average amount of energy and business asgscity, he is bound to make his business s financial success. Because the subject of this sketch is the possessor of all the above requirements, is the chief reason that he has succeeded; because he is far above the average in point of natural business qualifications, is the reason he to-day stands among the best and most prosperous merchants of Goshen. A brief sketch of Mr. Minnich is here ap- propriately given : A native of Stark county, Ohio, his birth occurred in the village of Osnaburg, July 9, 1841, and was one in a family of six children, four yet living, born to the marriage of Michael Minnich and Catherine Sleybangh. The father W88 8 blacksmith by trade, and that, in conjunction with farming, was his occupation through life. He moved with his wife to Indians in 1865, their children having pre- ceded them, and settling on a farm west of Goshen about four miles, resided there uutil their respective desths in 1868 and 1874, having been members of the Lutheran Church. Michsel Minnich was a Democrat of the Stephen A. Douglas school, a hard-working, industrious man, s strict believer in the rule of attending to his own business and not meddling with that of others, and one who enjoyed the respect of those who knew him. F. V. B. Minnich was reared in his native State, secured a fair, practical education from the common schools and when seventeen years old began clerking in & hardware store at Canton, where he remained four years. Then coming to Indiana he became manager of the jobbing department of a wholesale hardware store st Fort Wayne, but in January, 1865, came to Goshen and until the fall of that year clerked for Mesers. Lawrence & Noble. In partnership with his brother, John M., he embarked in merchandising at Princeton, but in January, 1872, pur- chased his brother's interest and continued the business alone until the spring of 1880. Returning to Goshen the fall of that year he opened a stock of hardware s few doors north of his present location, but the summer of 1882 built the brick block he now occupies, and has ever since conducted the leading hardware trade of Goshen. Originally the stock consisted of about $6,000 worth of hardware exclu- sively, but now up-stsirs, main floor and basement are filled with a carefully selected stock of general hardware and furniture smounting to nearly $25,000, and the average annual sales amount to about $75,000. Practically speaking Mr. Min- nich has passed his entire life in the hardware trade, and knowing the wants of his customers and having vast advantages over many competitora in buying a first- class quality of goods on a cash basis, he has made his business a decided anccess. Since becoming a resident of Goshen he has identified himself with its material welfare and contributes much to the prosperity of the place. He is a Republican, hsa served aa city councilman, where he was active in securing more and better side- walka, and he and his family sre identified with the Presbyterian Church. To bia marriage with Lucy A. Miller, solemnized May 26, 1866, four children have been born: C. Lizzie, Jessie G., Chauncey F., and Eva L.

JOHN A. SMITH. Elkhart connty, Ind., is an Eden of fine farms and agri- cultural tracts. There sre comparatively few very small tracte and each farmer tries to ontdo his neighbor in the cultivation and improvement of his land. Of the many fine, attractive places none are more conspicuous than that belong- ing to our subject and located in York township. He has 286 acres of land practically all under a high state of cultivation, and twenty-four screa of tim- ber. He also has thirty acres of fine pasture and his buildings, fences, etc., indicate to the beholder that s thorough and experienced hand is at the helm. Mr. Smith claims Pennsylvania as his native State and was born in York county on the 29th of June, 1832, to the marriage of John and Margaret (Pentz) Smith, both natives of Pennsylvania. They were of Dutch and German descent respectively, and remained residents of their native State until the fall of 1855, when they moved to Michigan and settled in St. Joseph county. There they resided until the death

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of the mother in 1864, the father following her to the grave in less than a year after- ward. The youthful days of John A. Smith were passed in the Keystone State, and he received such educational advantages as the schools of those days afforded. With the ardor and energy of youth he started out to make his own way in life, and in the fall of 1851 went to Virginia and settled near Winchester, where he resided until the winter of 1852-1853. Returning to Pennsylvania for a short visit, be then decided to move to Michigan, and after reaching that State, settled in St. Joseph county, where he made his home until the spring of 1866. He then came to Indians and settled on his present farm. Mr. Smith was married in 1854 to Miss Elizabeth Burns, who died in 1855. To this marriage was born, in 1855, a daughter, Mary A., who died at the age of eleven years. He was married in the fall of 1858, in St. Joseph county, Mich., to Miss Emeline Shellenberger, daughter of Tobias and Catherine (Hassinger) Shellenberger, natives of Pennsylvania. Both are now deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born the following children: Andrew J., Alice E., Phoebe J., James P. and Sarah A. By appointment Mr. Smith held the office of commissioner on drainage for two years, but resigned to enter upon the duties of county commissioner to which he was elected in 1882 for a term of three years. He has shown hia appreciation of secret organizations by becoming a member of the A. F. & A. M. and the I. O. O. F., being a R. A. M. in the former. Politically he is a atrong advocate of the principles of the Democratic party and gives it his hearty support. Farming is not his chief calling in life for he is a skillful mechanic and at present is engaged in building bridges, moving buildings, etc. He moved on the farm to rear his family. His eldest son, Andrew J., resides at Hobart, Ind., where he is principal of the schools. In addition he publishes the Hobart Gazette, an Independent newspaper. James P., another son, resides in Lake, Ind., and is principal of the schools at that place. Alice E. married Jacob Madlen, and resides at Goshen, this county. Phoebe J. married Thomas J. Jackson who is superin- tendent of schools at Constantine, Mich. Sarah A. resides at home.

GEORGE W. RICH. The poet, the author and the artist who have attained distinc- tion in their respective callings and won the plaudits of the world, have usually obtained renown by representing some simple occurrence from the ordinary events of life. The "Angelus," representing two Russian peasants in the attitude of prayer upon hearing the vesper bell, won for the painter both fame and fortune; Powers, the sculptor, is remembered by generations for having faithfully represented in marble the perfect figure of a Greek female slave; Washington Irving's master- piece was his quaint, legendary story of Rip Van Winkle, which all school children have probably read, and which, reproduced in drama by Joseph Jefferson, obtained for that actor rank and wealth. Such well-known writers as Will Carleton, James Whitcomb Riley, Mary N. Murfree, and hundreds of others are delineators of char- acters selected from the walks of every-day life. Could the true history be told of many individuals who have gone to their graves uncommemorated by brush or pen, a history would be brought to light of such pathos and heroism that would make the deeds of kings and princes dwarf into insignificance in comparison. The life of the poor man, struggling with adversities in order to secure the necessities of life for his family, practicing self-denial in order that loved ones might reap a benefit, never yielding or faltering until the final summons is received, is a history that, if correctly and graphically told, would touch the heart strings of the nation and cause to be erected in the minds of all a monument more enduring than marble. Such, in brief, is the history of John S. Rich, father of the subject of this sketch. A native of the State of New York, he was reared to farm life, married Alzina Willard of the same State, afterward moving to Pennsylvania and in 1844 immigrated westward with hie family for the purpose of bettering his surroundings. The family at this time con- sisted of the husband, wife and two children, and their possessions in worldly goods comprised a span of horses, wagon and a very few household goods. Upon arriving at Elkhart, Ind., Mr. Rich spent three cents, all the money he had, to buy feed.

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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 72

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

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