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 83

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 83
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 83

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HENRY PAULUS, farmer. The subject of this biographical notice is ao honorable and progressive farmer, and as such no name in the memorial department of this

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work is more worthy of mention. He is a product of the Keystone State, bis birth occurring in Bedford county, February 28, 1825, to John and Margaret (Martin) Paulus, who were also Pennsylvanians, the paternal grandfather having lived and died in that State. He was a Dunkard minister, and established several churches. of that denomination throughout the section in which he lived, for he was a faithful and earnest worker in the vineyard of the Master. He continued to preach the gos- pel until he had reached the extreme old age of ninety two years, and had only ceased bis active labors one year when he was called from life, his death occurring the same day and month in which he was born. John Paulus became a resident of Montgomery county, Ohio, during the pioneer days of that section, and there made his home until his death. Out of a family of thirteen children born to himself and wife, only three are living at the present time: Mary, who resides in Kosciusko county, Ind. ; Heury, and Jacob, who is a resident of Silver Lake, Kosciusko Co., Ind. Daniel, another child, had two sons in the Union army during the Civil war, and Mary had a son, David, who was also one of the "boys in blue." In the private schools of Montgomery county Henry Paulus was educated, and when not pursuing his studies his attention was devoted to agriculture, in the details of which he was thoroughly drilled. He was brought up to a knowledge of farming, which occupation be fol- lowed on the home place until the death of his parents. In 1843 he came to Elk- hart county, Ind., by wagon, and settled at Goshen, where he followed carpentering . for about three years, after which he farmed on shares for two years. In 1847 he became the owner of the farm he now owns and occupies, which at that time had only five acres cleared, on which were erected two little log cabins. He paid $4 per acre for a portion of this land and $2.50 per acre for the rest, and after taking possession of it immediately began to make improvements, and is now the owner of a first-class farm, every nook and cranny of which is kept in good order. Besides this fine farm of 140 acres he owns one acre in the city of Elkhart. Mr. Paulus is one of the pioneers of the township, and has witnessed the growth of the country from a wild state to the highest state of civilization, and where once was unbroken forests are now waving fields of grain. He well remembers when deer would come withiu a few rods of his cabin and wolves could be heard howling throughout the night. They wore the homespun clothing of primitive days, and although they were compelled to labor hard and do without many of the luxuries which seem so indispensable at the present time, they were contented and happy, and prospered in spite of adverse circumstances. The first eight years of his residence in the county Mr. Panlas helped to raise forty-two cabins and cut the corners for ench one of them. They swapped work in those days, but for some reason or other Mr. Paulus was never paid in kind, and was compelled to do the principal part of his own work himself, notwith- standing the fact that he was very obliging in helping his neighbors. In 1846 Miss Susan Cripe, daughter of Daniel Cripe, became his wife, and to them fourteen children were born, seven of whom are living: Daniel; Sarah, who resides in Michigan; Eliza- beth, who resides in Elkhart; Levi, also of this county; Jacob; Emanuel. aod Maggie. Mr. Paulus was road supervisor for nine years, and is a member of the Dunkard Church. He is now retired from active business life, and is in the enjoyment of a fortune which his own industry earned him. He had $40 in cash upon his settle- ment in the State, and after many ups and downs he finally found himself out of deep water and floating on a prosperous tide.

PROF. GEORGE W. ELLIS. It has been truly said that "a good education is the best inheritance that parents can leave their children." Riches may take to them- selves wings and fly away, but a good education will last through life. One of the prominent educators of Elkhart county, Ind., is Prof. George W. Ellis, who in- herits all his push, energy and enterprise from good, old Scotch-Irish ancestors. William Ellis, grandfather of the Professor, was born in the north of Ireland, of Scotch-Irish stock, and was there educated. After reaching man's estate he be- came a farmer, and was married on the Green Isle of Erin to Miss Mary Vams, who

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MEMOIRS OF INDIANA.

bore him seven children, as follows: Richard, William, Thomas, Mary, Sarah, Joseph ine and James, all natives of Ireland. Led by the promises ~{ the fertile land of this country, William Ellis crossed the ocean in about 1832, and first settled in Lancaster county, Penn. From there he moved to Holmes county, Ohio, bought a large tract of wild land, of which he cleared 120 acres, and became a substantial farmer. He and wife were members of the Lutheran Church, and he was an old- line Whig in politics. His death occurred in 1871, when about seventy years of age. He was a strict Union man, and had one son, James, in the Civil war. All his life was spent in hard labor, and during the latter part of his daya he was surround- ed by many of the comforts and conveniences of life. His son, James, father of sub- ject, was born August 13, 1823, and received but a limited common-school education. He was about ten years of age when he came to America with his father, and as- sisted on the home place until seventeen years of age, when he began learning the blacksmith's trade. He was married in Holmes county, Ohio, to Miss Mary Thomp- son, daughter of James and Annie (Luzzard) Thompson, and the following chil- dren were born to them: John, Seth, George W., William S., Alice and Elmer. In 1855 Mr. Ellis moved to Stark county, Ohio, and worked at his trade there, be- coming foreman of the Agricultural Implement Works, of Milton, Ohio, now Wil- mott, Ohio. There he passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1870. In 1864 he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Sixty-third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a private and was soon promoted to the rank of second lieutenant. Shortly after being in the service he was taken sick and was honor- ably discharged, but was never able to do any manual labor after returning from the army. In politics he affiliated with the Republican party. His character was without a blemish and hisnoble conduct has reflected upon his children, making them good and useful citizens. George W. Ellis, son of the above, owes his na- tivity to Berlin, Holmes Co., Ohio, born September 15, 1850, and secured a good education in the common schools. He subsequently attended Greenbury Semi- nary, Somerset Co., Ohio; the University at Smithville, Wayne Co., Ohio, and the Mt. Union College, at Mt. Union, Ohio. In 1860 he began teaching in the district schools, continuing this twelve years in the schools of Ohio. After this he taught six years in the graded schools of Napoleon, Ohio, and in 1884 came to Goshen, where he became principal of the Fifth school, continuing with the same for four years. In 1888 be was elected county superintendent of Elkhart county and was re-elected in 1890. At the first election be was not well known in the county, but although there were eleven candidates for the office, he was elected. The second time he had a large majority in his favor. Professor Ellis has given the people of Elkhart county satisfaction in the management of the schools and has made a rad- ical change in the course of study, so that the pupils of the district schools can come directly from the country schools to the high school, and after graduating there can, if they so desire, be admitted to the State University at Bloomington, Ind. Under the administration of Professor Ellis the teachers'institutes are well attended, an active interest is shown, a decided improvement made and a very harmonious feeling been cultivated among the teachers. An unique feature of the improvements inaugurated by Professor Ellis is the exhibit of the county schools at the Elkhart Agricultural Association. By the efforts of Professor Ellis a building was erected on the Fair grounds, and the first exhibit was made in 1890. This was a grand success and much interest was shown by the patrons of the district schools. An ex- hibit is made of all the work done in the district schools and on "School day" the children of the county meet with their teacher and a good time is had. A spirit of emulation is cultivated by this exhibit, and a good moral effect is produced. Decem- ber 3, 1874, Professor Ellis married Miss Ella Bray, daughter of Gideon and Eliza (Fallen) Bray. The fruits of this union have been four interesting children: Walter C., Josie E., Mary H. and Frankie B. Socially Professor Ellis is a member of the Knights of Pythias, is chancellor commander, and has held all the offices of his

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lodge. In politics he supports the principles and policy of the Republican party. The Professor is a man of action, of positive character, and is well informed on all subjects of interest. He takes the leading educational periodicals of the day,, has an excellent reference library and is advanced in all his views.

ABRAHAM McMAINS, another of the prominent pioneer settlers of Locke town- ahip, Elkhart Co., Ind., came to his present farm in 1843 and since that time bas been a resident of Locke township. Like many of the esteemed citizens of the county he is a native of the Buckeye State, born in Hamilton county, March 29, 1817, and was the eldest of a family of three children born to Benjamin and Cath- erine (Miller) McMains. Benjamin McMains was an early pioneer of Ohio and died in that State in 1820. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. His principal ocen- pation in life was agriculture, but in connection he also followed the carpenter trade. In religion he was a Presbyterian and in politics a Democrat. His wife was born in Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of Abraham Miller, who was one of the early set- tlere of Pennsylvania, moving from that State to Kentucky. He became dissatisfied with Kentucky and decided to go farther North and first settled in Preble county, Ohio, but later in Hamilton county, that State, where his death occurred. After the death of her husband Mrs. McMains remained in Hamilton county, and there her death occurred on the old farm in 1845. In religious belief she was a German Baptist. By her firat husband she was the mother of three children: Abraham, John and Hannah. Her second marriage was to Samuel Gray and to this union were born four children: Sarah, Margaret, Benjamin and Catherine. The second and third children are living. Our subject's early life was spent on the farm in Hamilton county and he became accustomed to the duties of the farm when but a lad. When twenty-one years of age he started ont to make hia own way in life and in 1843 emigrated to Elkhart county, Ind., settling on the tract of land which he had taken up in 1838. This consisted of 160 acres, and he began immediately to improve it. The country was wild and unsettled, game was abundant, and he had all the experiences of pioneer settlers. He has killed quite a good many deer in his day but was never very fond of hunting. By good management and persever- ance he has become quite well to do and has one of the finest farms in his section. When Mr. McMains first came to Elkhart county he had but $10 in money and all his accumulations in the way of this world's goods are the fruits of his own honest industry. There were but nine voters in Locke township when he located on his farm. In politics he is a Democrat and has ever taken some interest in the political affairs of the county. At an early day he held office in the township, being town- ship treasurer for four years, and he is now one of the public-apirited men of the county. He is now seventy-five years of age, has rented his farm, and is living retired from the active duties of life. He is one of the oldest pioneers of the town- ship and has enjoyed single blessedness all his life. He has no living kindred in this part of the county except some distant relatives. Upright and honorable in all his dealings, Mr. McMains is one of the esteemed and respected men of the town- ship.

CHARLES D. HENKEL. The Henkels are of worthy German stock, and it is sup- posed that the family tree first took root on American aoil when Rev. Gerhard Hen- kel, who was Hofprediger, came to America about the year 1718 and located at Germantown, near Philadelphia, Penn. Rev. Gerhard Henkel was a descendant of Count Henkel, of Poeltzig, the latter being descended from Jobann Henkel, D. D., LL. D., born in Leutschan, Hungary, and was father confessor to Queen Maria about 1430. He sympathized with Protestantism, and maintained friendly relations with some of the leaders who were engaged in the Reformation of the sixteenth cent- ury. The manuscript of a prayer-book written by Johann Henkel, is still preserved in Breslau. Gerhard Henkel's son, Jacob, was the father of Rev. Paul Henkel, who was born December 15, 1854, near Salisbury, Rowan county, N. C., being one of the following children born to Jacob and his wife Barbara (Teters) Henkel, their names

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being: Moses, a Methodist minister of Pendleton county, Va .; Elizabeth (Creutz); Hannah, who was burned to death in s fort during the Indian War; Christena (Harman); Benjamin; Isaac, a Lutheran minister buried in Rockingham county, Va. ; Joseph; John, a Lutheran minister buried under the pulpit of Zion's Church, Shenandosh county, Va. Rev. Paul Henkel became a minister of the Luthersn Church. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Nagley, who bore him six sons and three daughters, five of his sons becoming Lutheran ministers, and the other s doc- tor and publisher: Solomon, the doctor; Philip; Naomi (Rupert); Ambrose; Sabina (Adams); Andrew, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch; David; Charles, and Hannah (Stirewalt). Philip M. Henkel, the son of Andrew and the father of Charles D. Henkel, was born at Someraet, Perry Co., Ohio, September 7, 1819, his wife, Charlotte P., having been born at Germantown, Montgomery Co., Ohio, the latter being also descended from a worthy German family. Philip M. Hen- kel and his wife emigrated from southern Ohio to northern Indians in 1843 and theresfter made Goshen, Elkhart county, their home. Their marriage was celebrated June 6, 1841, and resulted in the birth of the children whose names are here given: Charles D .; Frederick; Catherine Louisa; Mary Adelaide; Charlotte M .; Amelia, and Vandalain. Philip M. Henkel is an agnostic in his religious views and polit- ically ie a Democrat, and on that ticket was elected to the position of county auditor, which position he acceptably filled from 1851 to 1859. He has acceptably filled the duties and relstions of life, is a man of shrewd business views and has been a suc- cessful financier, and a man highly honored by all with whom he has business rela- tions. He is descended in direct line from Lutheran ministers since the days of the Reformation, of Dr. Martin Luther. Charles D. Henkel, hia son, was born in Ger- mantown, Montgomery Co., Ohio, March 29, 1842, but was reared and received his education in Goshen. After becoming sufficiently qualified and upon reaching a suitable sge he began keeping books in the Salem Bank, with which concern he remained two years to the aatisfaction of his employer, John Cook, and very much to his own credit. For several years thereafter he was in the general produce and atock business and in 1870 was elected city marshal, in which capacity he served two years. He then went into the county treasurer's office as deputy to Charles T. Greene, where he remained some three years, at the end of which time he was elected to the position of county auditor. He was a beau ideal public servant, faithful and conscientious in the discharge of his duties and agreeable and courteous to those with whom he came in contact, for which qualities he became widely known and was accordingly in the office for eight years. Since that time he has conducted a livery and sale stable, his vehicles and animals, of which he has a large number, being in excellent condition and at all times ready for use. Like his father before him he is a wide-awake man of affairs, keenly alive to his own interests, but never at the expense of others, and his friends and patrons who, without doubt, may also be counted among his friends, may be numbered by the score. He was married to Maria A. Marsh, a native of Jamestown, N. Y., Feb- ruary 7, 1864, by whom he has s family of six children: Louise M., wife of J. A. Beane; Olive M .; Philip W .; Isabel M .; Anna, wife of R. D. Platt of Niles, Mich., and Elizabeth. Mr. Henkel has been a life-long Democrat.

WILLIAM A. MCALLISTER. This gentleman is one of the oldest and best known business men of Goshen, which has been his home since 1853. He owes his nativ- ity to the town of Elba, Genesee Co., N. Y., where he was born on March 20, 1817, his parents being William and Anna (White) McAllister, the former of whom was of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and at the outbreak of the war with Great Britain moved to the United States from Canada, not desiring to enter the service of Great Britain. He located in New York and was there united in marriage to Mrs. White, who was a native German, but came with her parents to the United States when she was nine years of age, her maiden name being Anna Snyder. Prior to her marriage with Mr. McAllister she was married to a Mr. White, who was a soldier in the War of 1812,

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and was killed in battle. Mrs. McAllister died of cholera in 1822, and of her five children one son died after attaining manhood, and the daughters married and reared families. When William A. McAllister was about fourteen years of age his father died, and he was left at this early age to battle with the world and its uncertainties for himself, and to assist in the care of the widowed mother and her family, consist- ing of three sisters and one brother. These duties he cheerfully and manfully assumed and creditably and faithfully carried out. Very soon after his father's demise he was apprenticed to the harness-maker's trade, and at twenty-six years of age began business in this line for himself, which, with slight interregnums, has been his lifelong occupation. His work is noted for its neatness of finish, its dura- bility and its handsome appearance, and he is justly regarded as one of the substantial, reliable and competent business man of Goshen. Since coming to the place, he bas, by his conservatism and social and moral worth, endeared himself to all, and he and his worthy wife occupy an enviable position in the hearts and affectione of all who know them. They are members of the Presbyterian Church, where their useful and conservative council is sought, felt and appreciated. Mr. McAllister is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow orders, and has held positions of honor and trust as a member of the city council and school board. In both these positions the wisdom of his suggestions were seen and acted upon to the undoubted benefit of the city, which was not merely temporary but of lasting benefit. The present high grade and excellent school system of Goshen owes much to his timely aid and suggestions, and in every walk and condition of life he has been found on the side of right, justice and progress. The handiwork and brain work of Mr. McAllister has been felt and can be seen in all the reforms and improvements for which Goshen has become noted. In 1844 he led to the hymeneal altar Miss Ellen R. Stevens, who owes her nativity to Erie county, N. Y., where she first saw the light in 1826. Her parents were among the early settlers of Elkhart county, Ind., their residence being at Waterford, where they were known to all the early settlers as reliable, law-abid- ing and public-spirited citizens. Mrs. McAllister has presented her husband with one child, a son-Elbert W., a prominent physician of South Bend, and one destined to rise in his profession. Mr. McAllister formerly supported the men and measures of the Whig party, but since the organization of the Republican party its tenets have recommended themselves to his excellent judgment, and he has supported them on all occasions at the polls. Mr. McAllister has always taken an active interest in all reforms and enterprises of a public nature, supporting them with both purse and influence.

DAN PHILLIPS (deceased). The name which we now give was for many years counted as among the pioneer farmers of Locke township, and although Mr. Phil- lips has now passed from earth's activities it is but just and satisfactory that we recount his life narrative among those who have done such excellent service in subduing the wilderness and bringing it into its present splendid condition, physic- ally, socially and morally. He was born in Knox county, Ohio, May 29, 1830, and was one of eight children born to Brice and Honor (Durbin) Phillips. Brice Phil- lips was a native of Maryland and followed the occupation of a farmer all his life. When quite young he emigrated to Ohio with his mother, who was a widow with eleven children, and settled with her in Polk township, Knox county, on forty acres of land that she had purchased. She also bought forty acres apiece for the four eldest sons, who were small when they first settled there, but who passed the re- mainder of their days on those farms. None of these children are now living and Brice Phillips was the last one to die, his death occurring March 2, 1889, when eighty-two years of age, having been born in 1807. His wife, Honor Durbin, was also born in Maryland and an early pioneer of the Buckeye State, coming to Knox county with her father at an early day. In Ohio the parents passed the closing scenes of their lives, the grandmother dying at the age of seventy-eight years. For sixty- five years the grandfather was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr.

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and Mrs. Phillips were the parents of nine children, eight of whom were reared. James, residing on a farm in Porter county, Ind., was married to Miss Amands Peanrose, who bore him six children: Ira, Honor, Brice, Levi, Stella and Marcus, all living. James is a Republican in his political affiliations and has held office. He and family hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Dan (sub- ject). Joseph (deceased), was formerly a resident of Lake county. Ind. He died in 1884, leaving a wife and four sons, Benton, Robert, Frank and Wilson. Joseph was married three times and his last wife and two children are still living. Simon (deceased), was a resident of Oswego, Kosciusko Co., Ind., and at his death left his wife aad four children: Jalsly, Honor, Washington and Martha. He was a farmer and a wealthy man. Brice is living in Davis county, Mo., is engaged in farming, and is a wealthy man. His wife is deceased. Mary, single, died when twenty- four years of age, and Honor is now Mrs. Wilson McGinley and resides on the old home place in Knox county, Ohio. Her husband was a musician for over three years in the Union army. The parents of the above children were among the early settlers of Knox county, Ohio, and the father was a Democrat in politics. His brother, Reuben, was a soldier in the War of 1812. The Phillips family is of Ea- glish descent and the early members of the family settled in Maryland in pioneer days. Dan Phillips was the second in order of birth of the children born to his parents, and his birth occurred on the old farm in Knox county. In his early days he became familiar with pioneer life, and, like most of the boys of that period, bis educational advantages were limited. In 1850, when twenty years of age, he emi- grated to Elkhart county, Ind., with his father and mother, who were on a visit to his brother James, of Marshall county. He located on a farm of eighty acres on Section 22, Locke township, and built himself a log house, sud began improving bis place. He had no assistance, but worked for the neighbors in that part of the town- ship, thus making money enough to live on, and during spare moments cleared his farm. He was considerable of a hunter and killed a large number of deer and was the only man known to have killed a catamount in that section after 1850. He was an honest, industrious man and what he accumulated of this world's goods was the result of his owa good fighting qualities. In politics, like his father, he was 8 Democrat, but was a man who took a great interest in his farm. He was s liberal contributor to all worthy enterprises and was active in his support of schools and churches. He was a member of the United Brethren Charch, but attended the South Church which was built on his farm, he giving the land for that purpose. He was treasurer also of that church. The marriage of Mr. Phillips occurred in Locke township, April 21. 1853, to Miss Mary Berry, who was born in Clark county, Ohio, March 24, 1833. She was the fourth in order of birth of seven children born to James and Mary (Walburn) Berry. Her grandparents, John and Nancy Berry, were natives of Ireland and Switzerland, respectively. John Berry was among the early pioneers of Clark county, Ohio, and emigrated to Elkhart county, Ind., in 1839. He settled oa Section 22, and being quite aged, died shortly after coming to the county. This was the first death in the neighborhood and the first burial in the Union graveyard. Five children were born to his marriage: James, John, Martha, Nancy and William. Oaly James, William and Martha came to Elkhart county, and Martha, who was the wife of Charles Blake, a soldier in the Civil war, died in 1890. William died in this county. James Berry, father of Mrs. Phillips, was married and had children when he came to Elkhart county, and he became a large laad owner. He came by wagon and settled on the farm where his death occurred in 1872, when sixty-eight years of age. He was a Whig in politics at first, but sub- sequently espoused the principles of the Republican party. He took a prominent part in all county affairs, was public spirited and gave liberally of his means to support schools and churches. His wife died on the old home place in Elkhart county, September 30, 1881. She was the daughter of Robert and Catherine Wal- bura, early settlers of Ohio. James Berry and wife had seven children: John,

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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 83

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

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