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 88

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 88
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 88

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A. P. KENT, one of the publishers and proprietors of the Elkhart Review, a local newspaper that appeals to all classes, was born in Adrian, Mich., May 19, 1847, but his parents, Burton and Caroline (Palmer) Kent, were born in Derry, N. H., and Unadilla, N. Y., respectively. The father was a civil engineer by profession, and for many years followed this occupation in Adrian, Mich., whither he moved in 1844, and where he is still living. A. P. Kent was educated in Hamilton College of Clin- ton, N. Y., at which institution he graduated in 1870. The year following this be came to Elkhart, and with the intention of devoting his life to journalism, purchased an interest in the Weekly Review. It is published in the interests of the community, and especial attention is paid to local affairs. Moreover, it reviews intelligently the public issnes of the day, its editorials are ably written, and Mr. Kent does not hesitate to express his views in forcible and convincing language, especially upon any question of reform. Its advertising columns are well filled and show that the merchants of Elkhart appreciate it as a medium for making themselves known to the public. In 1872 the proprietors established the Daily Review, which has been pub- lished continuously ever since, and which has met with undoubted success. During . the years that he has been a resident of Elkhart, he has won his way to a high place in the estimation of its citizens; in fact, he has the happy faculty of winning friends, and keeping them after they are won. The cause of education has ever found in him a stanch friend, and from 1879 to 1882 he ably filled the position of superin- tendent of the public schools of Elkhart, during which time he made unceasing ef- forts to raise the standard of education. He has made a success of enterprises to which he has directed his attention. In 1874 Miss Emma L. Newell, who was born in Concord, N. H., in 1856, became his wife.

JOHN HIMBAUGH is one of the foremost business men of Goshen, Ind., and runs the largest dairy in the city. He is a descendant of good old Pennsylvania stock, his father, George Himbangh, as well as his grandfather, George Himbangh, Sr., being natives of Snyder county, Penn. The grandfather was a large farmer in his county and became quite well to do. His marriage resulted in the birth of seven children: Henry, John, Jacob George. Peter, Michael, Catherine and Mary. The father of these children was a Lutheran in his religious belief and died on his farm in Pennsylvania. He was an honorable and industrions man. George Him- baugh, Jr., father of subject, received a common-school education and when six- teen years of age went to Obio. He learned the stone mason's trade, but his princi-

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pal occupation in life was tilling the soil and he was unusually successful in this. He was one of the pioneers of Portage county, Ohio, and cleared up a farm from the heavy timber, eighty acres, to which he added from time to time until he owned 120 acres of excellent land. He was married in the Buckeye State to Miss Margaret Shick, who bore him twelve children as follows: Catherine, Peter, Mary, Levi, John, Lavina, Henry, Christian, Reuben, Margaret, Benjamin (deceased), and Nathan. Mr. and Mrs. Himbaugh are members of the Lutheran Church, and in politics the former was a stanch Democrat. In 1852 Mr. Himbaugh came to Elkhart county, Ind., brought his family, and settled in Concord township, on a partly cleared farm of 160 acres. This he finished clearing and made a good home, having excellent buildings and other improvements. His death occurred on this farm when sixty-six years of age. He was a hard-working, industrious man, and a liberal supporter of his church, having assisted with his means in building the Lutheran church in Con- cord township. His son, John Himbaugh, was born on the old home place in Portage connty, Ohio, November, 25, 1840, and the common schools afforded him a fair education. When twelve years of age he came with his parents to Elkbart county Ind., and another twelve years saw him wedded to Miss Martha A., daughter of Hezekiah Jameson. Two children, Charles (born December 9, 1865) and Myrtle (born December 3, 1869), were the fruits of this union. After marriage Mr. Himbaugh remained on his father's farm for a number of years and then moved to Jefferson township, this county, where he remained until 1873. From there he moved to Goshen, and in 1879 he embarked in the dairy business. He is now the largest dairyman in Goshen, usually keeps a herd of thirty cows, and has a prosperous busi- ness. In 1886 he bought a farm near Nappanee of 120 acres and this he rents. In politics he is a Democrat. Mrs. Himbaugh died in 1871 and Mr. Himbangh mar- ried Miss Margaret A. Dansman, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Snyder) Dans- man. Mr. Dausman came from Germany to this country when sixteen years of age, and married here. To Mr. and Mrs. Himbaugh have been born two children: W. A., born July 13, 1876, and Orlo C., born April 7, 1878. Mr. Himbaugh is a prac- tical agriculturist and runs a farm of 150 acres besides his dairy business. He is a substantial citizen and a man of integrity of character. Mr. Himbaugh and wife are believers in education and are sending their children to the graded school of Goshen. Mrs. Himbaugh's father was a tailor by trade and could speak the German and French language. He settled in Indiana, was married there to Miss Margaret

Snyder, daughter of Jacob and - Snyder, of Huntington, connty, Ind. Jacob Snyder was of pioneer Dutch stock and descended from an old colonial family. He was one of the pioneers of Huntington county, Ind., and cleared up a farm from the timber. He was the father of a large family of children and died in Huntington county, Ind., when quite aged. Immediately following his marriage Mr. Dansman settled on land in Mt. Etna, Ind., and cleared up a farm. A number of years later he moved to Elkhart county, Ind., settling in Concord township. His death occurred when fifty-six years of age. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dausman were members of the Ger- man Reformed Church and he was a Democrat in politics. Ethan A., son of Mr. Daus- man and brother of Mrs. Himbangh, was born in Elkhart county, January 3. 1862, and received a common-school education. He also attended the Valparaiso Normal School and read law with Daniel Zook, Esq., of Nappanee. He began the practice of his profession in the last named town in 1886 and met with flattering success from the start. In May, 1892, he came to Goshen and has built up a practice. In politics he is a stanch Democrat and has been a candidate for State senator on that ticket. He is entirely a self-made man, having gained his education by his own ef- forts and his record is untarnished. Mrs. Himbaugh is a member of the Reformed Church and a lady of unusual ability.

GEORGE FREESE, Sa., was born in Rhanderfaha, East Freesland, Germany, Jan- nary 2, 1831, being a son of Bernhard Freese, a sailor, who lost his life in the North Sea, and was buried on the Island of Hilgerland ia 1841. George was one of fonr

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children, the eldest of whom was drowned at the same time as his father and buried by his side. The second child was John, who is still in the old country; the next was the subject of this sketch, and the youngest was a daughter who never came to this country. George Freese was but ten years of age at the time his father was drowned, soon after which he was taken to raise by an uncle, but, inheriting the love of salt water from his father. he ran away at the age of twelve years and went to sea. For fourteen years he was a sailor on the ocean, and during that time visited many different countries of the New and Old Worlds, such as South America, the Holy Land and other countries. He made his first trip to this country when a boy of fourteen years, after which he made a number of trips to New York City, and finally took up his residence there, and was married on January 9, 1855, to Miss Catherine Bohn, who was born in South Germany on the beautiful river Rhine. She came to this country with some lady friends a few yesrs before her marriage. She was born February 11, 1829. George Freese continued to follow the sea after his marriage, but was persuaded by his wife to abandon it, and the incident leading thereto is worthy of mention. He was to sail on the Washington steamer, and the same was about to leave port with a large cargo for foreign parts, which consisted of gunpowder and various other things. His wife was with him on the docks, and had their only child, Bernhard, in her arms. She implored him not to go, saying that something told her that he would never come back, and he finally gave up his intended trip and returned with her to their home. Two weeks later this steamer was lost at ses, being blown up. This was the turning point in the life of George Freese, and he began working in a butter and egg house in New York City, and a few years later he bought out the business and continued alone for some time. After selling out his establishment he moved to Freeport, Ill., where he opened a like establishment, but was not satisfied with the business done at that point, and sold out for the purpose of returning with his family to New York City, but on reaching Elkhart, Ind., the thought struck him that this would be a good business point, and here, in 1859, he established a butter and egg emporium, which he successfully conducted for eight years. He then sold his business and with his family took a trip to his native land, and on account of the ill health of his wife remained about four months. They then returned to America and settled at Crown Point, Ind., where he once more began dealing in butter and eggs, but, not liking the place, sold out and bought out a business in Goshen, Ind., and for eighteen years was a resident of that town. In 1880 he sold out to Turpen & Harris, of Union City, Ind., and moved to Cresco, Iowa, where he started in busi- ness by buying out a butter concern, but did not remain there long. He returned to Goshen, opened a real estate office, and erected a number of buildings. He was not satisfied with his choice of business, so disposed of it and came to Nappanee, where, in company with J. B. Eckhart, he became interested in a butter tub factory, and at the end of one year bought ont Mr. Eckhart and carried on the business alone. In the meantime he started a general store in company with Mr. Fluegel, which con- tinued four years. During this time Freese, Fluegel & Co. started a creamery busi- ness, and four years later George Freese bought out the interest of the company and began looking after the entire business. In 1887 he sold his butter tub factory to B. Uline, and in 1886 disposed of his mercantile business also. He continned to conduct a creamery and egg business until his death. In 1890 he changed the name of the business to George Freese & Sons, giving the three eldest sons eqnal shares, and before his death he asked that the name of the firm should not be changed. He died on August 23, 1890, at the age of fifty-nine years, his widow still surviving bim in her sixty-fonrth year. She is the mother of six children: Bernhard, born in New York City December 18, 1856; Kittie, also born there in 1858, is a widow (Mrs. Fales), and resides in Nappanee with her mother, having one son, George; George, Jr., was born at Elkhart, Ind., April 21, 1861; John F. was born at Elkhart in 1865; Lucinda died when ten months old; Edward, the youngest, was born at Goshen in 1872, and is living with his mother. Mrs. Freese is a member of the Methodist Episco-

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pal Church. About twenty five years before his death her husband became connected with the Methodist Church, and remained true to that faith until the last. Although his early life was in great contrast to his later career, he ever conducted himself in a manner becoming an honorable man, and had scarcely an enemy, but on the con- trary numerous friends. He was an active worker in church affairs, was very gener- ous in the use of his money for the furtherance of the Christian doctrine, and in his native town of Germany he erected a Methodist Church at a heavy cost to himself. In politics he was first a Republican, but later became a Prohibitionist, and was much interested in temperance work. His energy brought him in ample returns, and he left not only a large amount of money to his children, but also the heritage of an unsullied name. He was genial and generous in disposition, those who had business relations with him were his friends, and at all times his voice was lond in advocating good causes. His example was felt by all who knew him, and he reared his sons to believe in truth, justice and right, and to become honest and industrious business men. He sent his two eldest sons to be educated in the German Wallace College of Berea, Ohio, the two youngest receiving their educations in the high schools of Goshen and Nappanee. The health of Mrs. Freese has not been good for some years, but she greatly enjoys the society of her children and her many friends. Mr. Freese handled butter and eggs for so long that his name became well known through- out the county, and any tub of butter marked with his name was a sufficient guaran- tee that the article was of the best, as well as that the tub contained the correct num- ber of pounds. He established a plant in the way of a creamery that was capable of making 2,000 pounds of butter per day, and he invented many ways and means to facilitate the handling of butter and eggs. The business, which is now carried on by his son, is prosperous, and is managed on the plan which was established by the father.

Bernhard Freese, the eldest son, was a child when his father settled in Elkhart and in the schools of that city and Goshen he received his early education, later attending college in Ohio as above stated. As soon as old enough he began assist- ing his father in business, all his time when out of school being spent in his father's place of business. He has followed in the footsteps of his father in his views of pol- itics, and was first a Republican and now a Prohibitionist. He is public spirited, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is now a trustee in the same at Nappanee. He is a member of the K. of P. and is a young man of excellent habits, and is classed among the best business men of the thriving town of Nappanee. November 11, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Fluegel, who was a daughter of William and Louisa Fluegel, both of whom were born in Germany, and came to this country about 1855, settling in Goshen, Ind. There the father died on June 21, 1886, the mother being still a resident of that place. She bore nine chil- dren, the following of whom are living: William, Louisa, Lena, Amelia and Ida. The rest died in infancy. Mrs. Freese was born in Goshen, March 5, 1859, and in the public schools of Goshen obtained her education. Sbe hns borne her husband one child, Karl, who was born November 18, 1883. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, is deeply interested in church work, and she and ber husband are classed among the substantial residents of Nappanee.

George Freese, Jr., is no less prominent in business circles than was his father, and is well known throughout northern Indiana. He is the second son and third child born to his parents, and first saw the light of day on April 21, 1861. Besides attending the public schools of his native place he attended college in Ohio, and by applying himself closely to his studies while there he was a well-informed young man upon leaving the institution. He has since devoted himself to the business founded by bis father, and his early efforts have borne abundant fruit, for his repu tation as a business man has extended all over the northern part of the State. He acts as traveling salesman for the firm of George Freese's Sons, and in that capacity had advanced the business to a remarkable degree. Ile is practical, far-sceing and

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shrewd, yet has always carried out the pronounced principles for which the firm hae al- ways been distinguished, and is strictly honorable in all his business transactions. He is far above the average man in business ability, and manifested these practical quali- ties when he, at an early day, first entered upon his duties in his father's establishment. From his noble father he learned lessons of honesty, industry and prudence which have been his stepping stones to success. He is cordial and genial in his manners, is an agreeable companion and his friende are innumerable. He is a gentleman in the truest sense of the word, is generous in contributing to enterprises that deserve his consideration, and socially is a member of the K. of P. Lodge of Nappanee, in which he occupies a prominent place. He is well-known along the line of the Balti- more & Ohio Railroad, as well as various other roads, and all the towus in northern Indiana are familiar with the butter made at the creamery of George Freese's Sons. He is a stanch Republican, is much interested in politics, and ie well posted on the leading questions of the day. He selected for a wife Miss Sadie Edger, who was born in Syracuse, Ind., November 30, 1862, being one of nine children born to Thomas and Julia (Atterburg) Edger, the former of whom was born in the State of New York and came to Indiana at an early day, settling at Leesburg. He was a soldier in the late war and died in 1879, his widow's death occurring in 1891. Their children were as follows: William, Margaret, Sadie, Charles, Thomas, Pearl, Mary, Lou and Fred. Mrs. Freese was reared in Leesburg, and there obtained her education. She is an accomplished needlewoman and is also skilled in painting. She and her hus- band are living in a cosy and comfortable home on Main street, where their many friends are ever welcome.

John F. Freese, the fourth child born to George Freese, was born in August, 1865, in Elkhart, and is at present an active member of the well-known firm of George Freese's Sons. He attended the schools of Goshen and Nappanee, where he thoroughly fitted himself for the practical businesa life he has led. Like his brothers, when quite young, he entered the business house of his father, and there gained a practical insight into the details of the establishment, and he is by no means a silent partner of the concern. He also acts as a traveling salesman of the firm, and does business in the various towns of the county, as well as in those of the adjoining coun- ties. He is a young man of good habits, is of a social disposition, and his friends are many wherever he is known. He is a member of the Prohibition party, and socially is a member of the K. of P. of Nappanee. He is very fond of fine horses, has a number of thoroughhreds, and is considered an exceptionally good judge of horse flesh. He was united in marriage to Miss Emma Hemminger, daughter of Jacob Hemminger, and by her has one daughter. They reside on Main street in Nappanee.

Edward Freese is the youngest son of George Freese, and is a native of Goshen, where he was born in 1872. He is well educated, and is showing himself to be a young man of fine business qualifications, and his prospects for a successful future are bright. He is unmarried and is living with his mother and sister at the family residence on Main street. He takes an active interest in the affairs of the firm, owns an equal share in the business, and is a young man of excellent habits.

JOHN LUSHEa, SR., now living in La Porte, Ind., is a worthy representative of that honest, industrious and law-abiding class that has helped make America the most favored nation on the face of the globe. Of poor but honest parentage, his birth occurred in Canton Argan, Switzerland, January 29, 1813, being one in a family of two sons and two danghters born to the marriage of Jacob Lusher and Mary Walty, who lived and died in their native country. The compulsory school laws of Switzerland enabled John Lnsher to secure a more than common education, and when yet a boy he mastered the machinist's trade. For a wife he selected Mary, the daughter of John Rudolph Lothy, her mother's maiden name being Blackman, and their early wedded life was passed by Mr. Lusher in working at the blacksmith's trade. Finding that he could only barely provide the necessities of life for himself

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and family by working early and late, he determined to risk everything by leaving the land of his birth to seek a new home in the great Republic across the sea. Together with his wife and five children he left Switzerland for London, and from there they took passage on the British sailing vessel " Henry," bound for New York. The barbarons cruelty of the captain in providing only the poorest rations, and not half enough of them, for his steerage passengers, caused a great deal of sickness, and to Mr. and Mrs. Lusher it meaat the death of one child, Rudolph, who was buried at sea. Six weeks were consumed in making the voyage, and upon arrival in this country they first settled near Tiffin, Ohio, where Mr. Lusher worked at his trade. Later he moved to Clyde, Ohio, where he followed blacksmithing, but his ignorance of the language and customs of America resulted in loss by reason of dis- honest persons taking undue advantage of him. From here he moved to Adrian, Mich .; La Porte, Ind .; and Iowa, residing a short time in each place, losing in the latter Stateevery dollar be possessed, and being compelled to borrow money with which to purchase transportation back to Indiana. Again locating in La Porte, he has ever since made it his home, and has won the respect of all his neighbors by reason of his industry and honesty. For years he was engaged in the railroad car shops at this place, bnt, owing to his advanced age, is now living a practically retired life. Being of an inventive turn of mind he conceived and had patented an ingenious device for slicing vegetables, which, for simplicity and utility, at once commends itself to the public. From the sale of this invention Mr. Lasher realizes a com- fortable income. Mrs. Mary Lasher, the wife of Jobn Lusher, Sr., was always a faithful wife and devoted mother. She shared the adversities of life with Christian fortitnde and reared her children in the belief that the proper mode of life was to do good, be honest, and above all to follow that divine injunction: " Do unto oth- ers as you would be done by." After living a long life of usefulness she died at La Porte on Tuesday, November 29, 1892, and was buried two days later. Mr. Lusher yet survives her, a hale, hearty old man, carrying the weight of eighty years on his shoulders with the ease that many men do when twenty years younger. Of the fourteen children born to him and wife only seven are now living. A brief sketch of each of these sevea is here given: John Lusher, born in Switzerland on Novem- ber 9, 1840, became a resident of La Porte, Ind., when twenty years old, where he worked in railroad shops ten years. Since 1873 he has been a general merchant at Elkhart, Ind., where he is considered one of the substantial and well-to-do men of the place. In 1859 he married Cynthia Garland, who died after bearing a family of six children. In 1874 he married his present wife, who was formerly Rhoda Her- rold. Samuel Lusher was born November 27, 1842, aad has been twice married- first to Sarah Garrett, who bore him seven children, and his second wife being Bertha Owens. He is now engaged in business at Sac City, Iowa, where he is recognized as one of the leading citizens. Mary Lnsher was born May 28, 1847, married Gil- bert R. Tyrrell, is the mother of two sone and resides in La Porte, Iad. Rosa Lusher was born January 11, 1854, wedded Matthew Herrold, by whom she is the mother of one son and three daughters, and is a resident of Elkhart, Ind. Rudolph Lasher was bora April 26, 1857, at Adrian, Mich., was reared to maabood in La Porte, Ind., where he received a common-school education, aad where he learned. sad for a time worked at the machinist's trade. In company with his brother Frank he was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Sac City, Iowa, for a time, but for the past few years has been successfully engaged in merchandising at Elkhart, Iad. Julia Lusher was born April 2, 1860, and is the only one of the children living at the old home in La Porte, Ind. Frank Lusher is the youngest one of the family now living. He was born at La Porte, Iad., October 14, 1862, and attended school until about fourteen years old. For about a year he then clerked at Elkhart for his brother John; then, ia company with Rudolph, opened a gro- cery and crockery store at Sac City. Iowa. Their motto was to sell for cash, make many sales and small profits. Their business was a success, but in order

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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 88

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

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