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 82

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 82
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 82

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PICTORIAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL

of the day. He has ever been active in his support of all worthy enterprises, and no man has done more toward the improvement and development of the county than he. All his accumulations are the result of his own exertions except what was left by his father at his death, in 1890. In 1867 Mr. Bechtel married Miss Mary Otto, daughter of John and Polly (Price) Otto, who for many years have been residents of Elkhart county, and are now residing in Goshen (see sketch). Mrs. Bechtel was born in Ohio, May 30, 1848, and died in 1888, having become the mother of six children: Alice M., born August 17, 1888, the wife of John C. Shank, a prominent young farmer of Harrison township, who comes of one of the leading pioneer families of the county and is now residing on the old Shank homestead: Charles I. was born February 1, 1871, and is a book-keeper in the buggy factory owned by his father in Wakarusa; Sarah J. was born August 16, 1873, is an accomplished young lady; Nora G. was born May 2, 1878; Daniel O. was born May 11, 1880; and John IL, who was born June 17, 1882. The mother of the children was an earnest Christian, and reared her family to be a credit to her. On December 19, 1891, Mr. Bechtel took for his second wife Amanda J., the daughter of Peter Nusbaum, an old pioneer of the county; and they are living in the enjoyment of many friends and & comfortable income.

DAVID BECHTEL, the youngest son of Daniel Bechtel, was born on July 7, 1863, on the old homestead in Harrison township, Elkhart county. He was reared to the life of & farmer's boy, thoroughly learned the practical details of this work, and in the common schools near his home he gained a fair business education. He re- mained with his father assisting in the management of a large farm, and upon the death of the latter the entire management of the place fell upon his shoulders, and found them in every way broad enough to bear their burden. He not only tills 100 acres of his own, but also has the management of a like amount which belongs to his mother. He is a steady, energetic and upright young man and in the condnet of his affairs has shown that he possesses good business judgment and foresight and is thor- oughly Blive to the fact that "The Lord helps him who helps himself." Politically a Republican, he has taken much interest in the affairs of his section, and is always found ready to assist enterprises that, according to his excellent judgment, are likely to benefit the section in which he resides. He possesses superior business ability, 88 the thrifty appearance of his land would indicate, and through his own exertions has made rapid advancement on the road to success. Stockraising is to him one of the most agreeable branches of his line of work, and he is considered one of the intelli- gent stockmen of his section. Through current literature and practical experience he keeps himself well posted in agricultural matters and possesses intelligent views on all matters of general interest. In 1891 he was married to Emma, daughter of Abraham and Louesia (Wehmeyer) Shank, who were early pioneers of Harrison township and are now deceased. Mrs. Bechtel was born February 22, 1866, grew up in Harrison township, obtained a good education in the district schools and being an intelligent and amiable lady, is much admired by all. Mr. and Mrs. Bechtel both sprung from fine old pioneer families, who did much to make the country the fine agricultural region that it is, and have every reason to be proud of their ancestry. They are among the most popular and useful young residents of the county and are deservedly popular.

PROFESSOR WILLIAM H. SIMS is one of the prominent educators of northern Indiana, and of Scotch-Irish descent, his father, William Sims, having been born near Glasgow, Scotland, at Kilmanoch, in 1811. The grandfather, James Sims was a mechanic of that village. He married Miss Mary Primrose and became the father of six children: Mary, William, James, Alexander, Robert and Andrew. James Sims was a Scotch Presbyterian, and one of his brothers was connected with the famous rebellion in Scotland. He passed the principal part of his life in his native country, but when quite advanced in years crossed the ocean to America and here received his final summons, dying in Cincinnati on his way to locate in Indiana.

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William Sims, bis son, and the father of our subject, received but limited scholastic advantages in youth, for when qnite young he began learning the cooper's trade of his father. When eighteen years of age he braved Neptune's tender mercies and came to America, locating at La Fayette, Ind., where he worked at his trade for some time. In a short time he entered eighty acres of land in Clinton county, Ind., and on this settled with his widowed mother, who kept honse for him until after he had reached the age of twenty-one years, when he married Miss Mary Ferguson daughter of Henry Ferguson. Henry Ferguson was of Irish descent; his immediate ancestors came to America at an early date. Settling in Kentucky he remained there for many years, and then moved to Hamilton county, Ind. He reared a large family. To Mr. and Mrs. Sims were born seven children, as follows: Nancy, James, Robert, Lois, W. H., Mary and Margaret. Mr. Sima had the characteristic Scotch grit and pluck, and by thrift and industry improved his original tract of land until he owned over 300 acres, one of the finest farms in Clinton county. He began with nothing but a knowledge of his trade, a stout heart, hardy constitution, and a determination to succeed. He was a pioneer of Clinton county, one of the county's honorable, upright citizens, and a friend to all good causes, especially to education, giving all his children a good education. His integrity and uprightness were above reproach, and he sarly impressed all his children with good principles and a love of truth. He naturally possessed a bright intellect, had a great love for literatura, and became well informed on all the best writers, especially historical writers, and on all the important events of his day. In politics he was a Democrat until the war, after which he affiliated with the Republican party. He was a strong Union man during the war, and sent one son, Robert M., to the army. The latter became first lieuten- ant of Company D, Seventy-second Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry-after- ward monnted and armed with Winchester rifles and known as Wilder's Brigade. The principal business of this brigade was to pursue guerrillas who were annoying the Union troops. Lient. Sims waa wounded in a skirmish with guerrillas in northern Mississippi, and permanently disabled. Prof. W. H. Sims, son of William Sims, was born July 10, 1845, on his father's farm in Clinton county, Ind., and was early trained to farm life. He received the usual district-school education., and sub- sequently attended Union Academy at Lebanon, Ind., for two years. After this be taught school in Clinton county two terms, and then embarked in mercantile pursnits in Thorntown, Boone county, continuing this for about two years. Afterward he attended the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, and then entered upon what has since been his life work-an educator. Prof. Sims was successful from the start, and as an instructor his peculiar capabilities shine forth in their brighest splendor. He was principal of the school at Greenfield, Ind., and afterward princi- pal of the schools at Cambridge City, Ind., for two years. In 1884 he came to Goshen and will soon have rounded ont a decade as superintendent of the city schools. Prof. Sims has, as is shown by his long stay in Goshen, made teaching a complete anccess and his untiring energy, unflagging zeal, aud ceaseless devotion manifested in the promotion of educational improvements, have been highly appre- ciated. Since coming to Goshen the attendance has increased more than one-fourth. There are about 1,300 pupils. The high school, showing the most marked increase of from sixty to 135 pupils, now employs four teachers instead of two. In 1884 the full number of teachers was twenty-one, but is now thirty-one. One new building has been erected, donbling the capacity, and other buildings have been greatly enlarged. The kindergarten system has been introduced in the primary department, manual training has also been introduced with marked benefit, and an effort will be made to enlarge these departments. Since Prof. Sims has had charge of the schools he has completely abolished the old method of discipline, corporal punishment being abandoned, and finds a better feeling resulting from milder methods, better discipline obtained, and mutual respect is gained. The old feeling that a teacher is a hard and merciless taskmaster is replaced by confidence and a spirit of emulation.

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Socially Prof. Sims is a member of the I. O. O. F. Both he and Mrs. Sims are members of the Presbyterian Church and he is superintendent of the Sabbath-school. Politically a stanch Republican, he is an earnest advocate of the principles of his party. Prof. Sims is president of the Northern Indiana Teachers Association and was chairman of the executive committee of the same in 1888. He is a member of the State Teachers Association, was chairman of the executive committee, and he is also a member of the Northern Indiana School Superintendent Club. He is an active worker and lecturer in the Teachers Association throughout the State. Broad minded and liberal, he is in favor of reform and progress, is a liberal patron of educational literature and a wide reader. He is a clear thinker, a logical reasoner, an expressive talker, and has uniqne, orderly and systematic methods in educational work. In 1867 Prof. Sims married Miss Elizabeth McFarland, and they are the parents of one son, Charles G., who graduated from Dn Panw University and is now practicing law at Omaha, Neb. Mrs. Sims died five years after marriage, and on the 3d of August, 1875, Prof. Sims married Miss Frances Bradley. He owns a comfortable home in Goshen and ie in prosperons circumstances. He is now in the prime of life, of strong natural constitution and vigorous mind and stands deservedly high throughout the State as one of the leading educators.

JOHN CONRAD. the second child born to the marriage of Solomon Conrad (see sketch of David Conrad), was born on his father's farm in Jackson township, Elk- hart Co., Ind., January 13, 1849, and was reared amid pioneer surroundings. Like most farmer boys of that period, he attended school during the winter months, and assisted in clearing the farm during the summer seasons, and thus engaged, remained under the parental roof until twenty-two years of age. He then started ont to make his own way in life, and on February 9, 1871, was married to Miss Eliza Liveringhouse who was the daughter of John and Mary (Lehr) Liveringhouse. The Liveringhouses were Ohio people, and John Liveringhouse moved to Elkhart county at an early date, and settled in Elkhart township, near Goshen. Later, in 1879, he moved to Kosciusko county, and followed farming there for many years. In Elkhart county he was married to Mrs. Nancy Miller, a native of that county, and the daughter of one of its pioneers. Mrs. Conrad was born August 25, 1850, and was left motherless when but a baby. She attained her growth in Jackson township, and attended the district school. She is the younger of two children, the other being William. Her father married Mrs. Nancy Miller, and five children were the fruits of this union; Lizzie, Mary, Etta, John and Mervin. John died young. After marriage Mr. Conrad settled on the farm where he now lives, which was then but partly improved, and since then has made many and vast improvements in the place, having now one of the best farms in his sect.on. He has eighty acres cleared, and most of his attention is given to raising stock and grain. He takes much inter- est in politics, his vote being ever cast with the Democratic party. Two children have been born to his marriage: Frank, born September 21, 1871, and Fred, born Jan- nary 15, 1886. Frank is now twenty-one years of age, and his first presidential vote was cast for Grover Cleveland in the fall of 1892. He has received good educational advantages, supplementing the district school education by attending Milford pub- lic schools, and for the past few years he has been assisting on the farm. Mr. Conrad and wife are well liked in the neighborhood, and are among the best citizens of the county. Mr. Conrad and his son are engaged in buying and selling stock. and hae met with great success in this occupation. The farm on which he lived so many years he sold in the fall of 1892. Mr. Conrad is a self-made man in the true sense of that term. aud is now one of the substantial men of the neighborhood. He and wife adopted a daughter, Birtie May, when she was ten months old, and they have taken muchi pains with this little lady, and reared her as their own. She was born October 10. 1882.

MYRON E. MEADER. The position occupied by Mr. Meader as one of the most enterprising and energetic young business men of Goshen, has been gained wholly

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by his excellent business acumen and unquestioned integrity. He is well and favor- ably known in Goshen, and although but recently established in his present busi- ness, he is rapidly becoming one of the most successful business men of this flourish- ing city. He is of English descent, and comes of good old New England stock, his ancestors having settled in this country during colonial times. His father, David Meader was born in Vermont, and was married at Elkhart to Miss Almira Cole. He settled on wild land a short distance south of Elkhart, and was one of the respected pioneer citizens of this county, as well as one of the most substantial farmers. He was a member of the United Brethren Church, and in politics a stalwart Republican, and a strong Union man. He had one son in the army during the Rebellion; William J., who enlisted in the Seventy-fourth Regement Indiana Volunteer Infantry, but who was discharged for disability. Later he re-enlisted in the one hundred days' service. My- ron E. Meader, subject of this sketch, was born March 19, 1856, in Elkhart county, Ind., and his early scholastic training was received in the district schools of the same. Later he graduated from the Elkhart High School, and then read law with Baker & Mitchell of Goshen for four years, being admitted to the bar in 1879. In connection with his practice he was also engaged in the real estate and insurance business with J. H. Defrees, now of Chicago, under the firm name of Defrees & Meader. Later he was in partnership with E. Louis Kahns in the insurance, real estate and abstract business, under the name of Meader & Kuhns, and still later became a partner in the law office of Baker & Baker, having charge of the collection and office business. In April, 1891, he became one of the incorporators of the Ariel Cycle Manufacturing Com- pany, and was elected one of the directors. He is also secretary, treasurer and business manager of the company, which has a capital stock of $25,000, the full amount being invested in their plant. The company has invested a much larger amount than their capital stock, at least $100,000. Mr. Meader is the active busi- ness spirit, and has built up a large trade amounting to $300,000 annually. 2,000 machines are manufactured annually, and this large business has been built up within a period of two years. The company is now extending the manufactory, that its capacity may be increased. Mr. Meader is a practical and energetic business man, and stands deservedly high in Goshen for his integrity of character. In Octo- ber, 1886, he married Miss Luln Stephenson, daughter of Andrew J. and Eliza (Felk- ner) Stephenson, and one child, Mac E., has blessed this union. Socially Mr. Meader is & K. P., and has filled all the offices in the subordinate lodge, and politically he is a faithful Republican.

JOHN MICHAEL. The sons of Germany are well represented in Elkhart county, and they hold conspicuous places in many pursuits which makes that county a sub- stantial star in the galaxy of Indiana's many interesting counties. John Michael, who is one of the prominent agriculturists of the same, is a descendant of sturdy German stock, and no doubt inherits from these ancestors the perseverance and in- dustry so characteristic of those of German nativity. His father, Paul Michael, was born in the Fatherland about 1772, and received a limited education there. . He learned the mason's trade in his native country, and was married there to Miss Bar- bara Fink, who bore him fonr children, as follows: Aaron, George, Barbara and John, all natives of Germany. The advantages afforded a resident of the United States tempted him to cross the ocean, and in 1833, with his family, he took passage in an old-fashioned sailing vessel, and was eight weeks and six days in crossing to this country. He landed in Baltimore, Md., but went direct to Somerset county, Penn., where he bought 100 acres of land. On this he resided for two and a half years, and then, about 1836, he moved to Darke county, Ohio, and settled in the woods. ' He first bought sixty-two acres, and immediately began clearing and im- proving this. On this he resided for eighteen years and then, in 1854, moved to Elkhart county, Ind., where he parchased 110 acres. This land was partly cleared, and on this Mr. Michael died within a year, at the age of seventy-six years. He and Mrs. Michael were members of the Lutheran Church and Mr. Michael was deacon in

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the same for about ten or twelve years. In politics he was a Democrat. He had been a soldier when a young man, and served in the war against Napoleon for four years. He served in the hospital for two years. Mr. Michael's reputation as an honorable, upright citizen was well known, and his word was as good as his bond. He was one of those sterling German citizens who came to this country for an honest purpose, and from this kind of sturdy German stock have descended-many of the best fami- lies. John Michael, subject of this sketch, was born in Germany November 22, 1828, and was five years of age when he was brought by his parents to this country. The Ohio conntry being new, he received but a limited education, not more than two months of schooling all told, and when but a small boy all his energies were directed toward clearing the different farms on which his father settled. When twenty-four years of age he married Miss Mollie Bintner, and seven children were born to them: John Paul, George, Lewis, Edward, Harvey, Lizzie and Caroline. In 1854 Mr. Michael came with his father to Elkhart county, settled on the same farm, and here he has since remained. His wife died August 10, 1891. She was a lady of superior attainments, and his most efficient helpmate when struggling for a start in life. She was a member of the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Michael holds membership in the same at the present time. In his political views he is a stanch supporter of Demo- cratic principles. Public spirited and enterprising, he has ever been interested in all worthy movements, and has held the office of supervisor. His son, John Paul, mar- ried Miss Kate, daughter of Martin Miller, and is engaged in farming in Elkhart township. Five children have been born to them. George married Miss Lizzie Liver- inghouse, daughter of John Liveringhouse, and is engaged in carpentering in Goshen; they have four children. Lewis married Miss Rettie Goss, and has two children; he is a teamster of Goshen. Edward married Miss Elizabeth Snyder, and is a farmer of this township; he has two children. Lizzie married Frank Inbody, a farmer of Harrison township, this county, and they have two children. Caroline married Allen Inbody, a farmer now residing on the home place, and is the mother of one child. Thus it may be seen that Mr. Michael is the grandfather of sixteen children. By industry and enterprise he has added to his property until he now owns 176 acres of land, a good house, substantial barns and out-buildings, and is very comfortably situated indeed. He stands high in the estimation of all.

LEANDER ANDERSON, Elkhart, Ind. It is doubtless entirely owing to the indus- trious, and persevering manner with which Mr. Anderson has adhered to the purs nits of agriculture that he has arisen to such substantial position in farm affairs in his county. His entire life has been spent within the confines of Elkhart county, and as a natural result he is much interested in the progress and development of the section and has done his full share in making it the magnificent farming region that it now is. His birth occurred July 12. 1848, his parents being Noah and Mary A. (Hay) Anderson, who were born in Delaware and Pennsylvania respectively. The parental grandfather was an Englishman by birth and the maternal grandfather was born in Germany and both died in the Eastern States. Noah Anderson first removed from the State to Montgomery county, Ohio, but left that State in 1832 to take up his abode in Elkhart county, Ind., becoming the owner of 200 acres of land in Harrison township, for which he paid the government price. He brought his family thither in 1837, and they took up their residence in a little log cabin in which they resided until better improvements conld be made. Like all pioneers his first resi- dence in the State was marked by hard work and numerous hardships, but in time he succeeded in clearing his land, which had been heavily covered with timber, and converted it into one of the finest farms in the county. He worked for a short time at Waterford Mills, which was the first mill in the county, and later conducted a plow factory at Waterford Mills for some time. His numerous worthy qualities of heart and head won him the good will and respect of all with whom he was connected or whom he met in a social or business way and as a result he was elected to the legislature in 1860, filling the duties of his office with marked ability and to the

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general satisfaction of his political foes as well as friends. He served as county commissioner a number of terms, also township trustee and justice of the peace, in each and all of which he displayed the workings of an active and intelligent mind. He was a stanch Republican politically and worked for the good of his party on all occa- sions, and in the political srena of his section became quite prominent. He died September 29, 1874. His wife died in 1885, having presented her husband with ten children, six of whom are living: Isabelle, wife of Samnel Kahler of Dixon, Illinois; Esther, wife of Nicholas Reith; Uriah of Elkhart; Delinda, wife of B. F. Sternberg; Amanda and Leander; Uriab was a soldier in the Seventy-fourth Indiana Volunteers, but did not serve long, owing to the fact that he was disabled; Warren, who is deceased, was in the One-hundredth Ohio Regiment, but after a short service was taken sick and returned home (he died August 17, 1891); Felix died February 18 of the same year; two died in infancy. The immediate subject of this biography was brought up on the farm and was educated in the public schools. Being the youngest of the family he remained at home until his parents died. In the fall of 1883 he purchased the place he now owns, which at that time consisted of eighty-four acres of land just as nature had fashioned it. This be purchased from Isaac Compton, who entered it in 1837, and although it was heavily covered with timber he has cleared sixty-five acres and has made many other improvements on the place. Besides this he owns eighty acres in Harrison township, which he purchased in the same way and has fifty-five acres of this place cleared, and has erected a good house thereon. There are few young men of the present day who can boast of 80 much enterprise, and what he has accomplished has been at the expense of many days of hard and persistent labor, but the result has been in every way satisfactory. He is the owner of considerable property in Elkhart-two business lots on Main street and & livery barn on Harrison street-and is very much inter- ested in the progress of his section. He has been justice of the peace of Harrison township two terms, but has never been particularly active in political affairs although he always exercises his right of franchise. All his success is due to his own efforts, for his devotion to business has been great and his energy unflagging.

LEANDER P. KURTZ, twenty-seven years of age, the eighth child of Paul H. Kurtz, was born in Harrison township on the old home farm of his father, obtaining his education in the school near his home. Like his brother, his services were given to his father until he was twenty-one years of age, at which time he bired out to his father by the month, and remained thus employed for three years. At the end of that time his brother, Daniel P., had returned from the West, and together they purchased a threshing machine and outfit, and for two seasons they carried on that enterprise in a highly successful manner and to their credit. They then traded their machine for the saw-mill which they are now operating, and have made this a pay- ing business likewise. All kinds of hard wood Inmber is manufactured at their mill and a specialty is made of finishing lumber, in the manufacture of which they are remarkably successful. They are among the rising lumber and mill men of the county, and their product is coming into extensive use, owing to its desirability and to the prompt and upright manner in which these young men fill their contracts. While they are both young they have shown more than the average business ability, and are winning golden opinions in the business circles of the county. Leander P. has always supported Republican principles, is devoted to the welfare of his section, and so far as his means will permit he is ready and willing to support laudable enter- prises. On October 15, 1891, he was married to Miss Julia Berkey, daughter of Peter D. Berkey, a prominent citizen of the county. Mrs. Kurtz was born in Har- rison township, on her father's farm, July 8, 1872. This worthy young couple reside near the mill and are among the most popular young people of their neigh- borhood.

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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 82

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

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