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 9
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 9
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His literary ability had already begun to attract attention and upon his return to Butler he was tendered the position of editor of the Butler Record, in which capacity he served with marked success for several years. He subsequently occu- pied the same position on the De Kalb County Republican and at a still later period he became principal of the Monroeville schools and still later superintendent of the Butler schools and finally principal of the Bristol schools. In all of these positions he distinguished himself as an educator and disciplinarian and as a newspaper man he was alive to the current issues of the day and handled his subjects with an ease, grace and finish that could not fail to attract attention.
In 1882 he came to Elkhart, but between the time of his graduation and the time of his arrival in this section, he had found time to study law, for which pro-
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fession be seemed to have a natural aptitude and a decided inclination. He was by nature fitted for this most difficult of all the learned professions, and was regularly graduated from the law department of Notre Dame University. Although still a young man he occupies a leading position at the Indiana bar, and as might have been expected, his talents have led him into the arena of politics. In 1888 he was nominated for the State Senate and was elected by a majority of 780 votes, leading his ticket by 300 votes. He made a wise and energetic committee-man and in the work of the chamber was so prominent that he received warm praise from political friend and foe alike.
He has found time to cultivate the social graces, is a Knight Templar, a Thirty-second degree Mason, a Knight of Pythias and a prominent Odd Fellow, and in the latter lodge and elsewhere has acquired fame as a lecturer. He is the attorney for the People's Mutual Benefit Society and for the Fidelity Building & Savings Union of Indianapolis. He has a beautiful residence on Beardsley avenne, and there, surrounded by his family, his greatest enjoyment is to be had. He has a well-chosen library and his home surroundings indicate intelligent and refined taste. In early manhood he was united in marriage with Miss Cora E. Congdon, of Bristol, a beautiful girl, who has made him a devoted wife. Together they went abroad in 1887, visited the British Isles and explored the romantic ruins and antiquities of continental Europe, and upon his return Mr. Hubbell published a small book de- scribing his experiences and impressions of life in foreign countries, which is inter- esting and instructive.
Mr. Hubbell's father was a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and was a civil engineer by profession. His mother was formerly Miss Sarah A. Zeigler, a native of Tus- carawas, Ohio. To them were born four children: Orrin Z .; Clara, wife of P. V. Hoffman; Lizzie, wife of William J. Richey, and Ida L. The father was the civil engineer for the Detroit, Eel River & Illinois Railway, now the Wabash Railway, and also for the Adrian, State Line Railroad, which was not completed. Both parents were far above the average in mental and moral attributes and their chil- dren inherited many of their best qualities. The paternal grandfather, Jason Hub- bell, was a Vermonter. He followed farming, milling and merchandising, and while in Cleveland owned a tract of 80 acres there which is now worth millions of dollars. Parents, except the mother, and grandparente, after useful lives, passed away. Mr. Hubbell's ancestors were Revolutionary patriots and also soldiers in the war of 1812. His father raised a regiment for the Union army during the civil war; but could not himself enter the service owing to physical infirmities, though his two brothers, Orsou J. and Harris B. went out to fight their country's battles. Our subject, on the maternal side, had two uncles, James and Benjamin in the same war. The former bravely fell with his face to the foe at the bloody battle of Shiloh. Of all the members of this family, among soldiers and civilians, toilers at the plow or at the bar, none is better fitted for distinguished public service than Orrin Z. Hub. bell, whose life has been one of strict integrity throughout.
JOHN COOK, director of the First National Bank of Elkhart, Ind., is a quiet, unpretentious man, whose youth was spent in the country, his time being occupied by the healthful and useful pursuit of agriculture. He was born in the old historic city of Chillicothe, Ohio, December 3, 1826, being a son of James and Amy (Winder) Cook, who were born in Maryland and Philadelphia, Penn., respectively. The paternal grandfather. Henry Cook, removed from his native State of Maryland to Ohio in 1800, at which time the country was almost wholly unsettled, and the woods were inhabited by prowling bears and other wild animals, while numerous large tribes of Indians obtained an easy living with rod and gun, unmolested by the sound of the hunter's axe. He tilled the soil in the vicinity of Chillicothe, and there his son James was brought up and obtained a thorough knowledge of agriculture. In 1830 he pushed farther westward and purchased a tract of land in the vicinity of Goshen, Ind., but later he removed to the town and carried on mercantile pur-
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suits for a number of years, retiring from the active duties of life a number of years before his death, which occurred in 1854, his wife's death having occurred in 1840. Three of their children grew to maturity, but only two are living at the present time, John and Henry. Owing to the primitive condition of the schools of hia day, John Cook did not obtain a very thorough education, but he possessed a naturally fine mind, and this he strengthened and enriched by contact with the business affairs of life, and by keeping thoroughly posted on the current topics of the day. As he was but a youth when he came to Goshen he was brought up in the mercan- tile business by his father, and he and his brother carried on the business together io that town for five years. In 1854 Mr. Cook established the Salem Bank of Goshen in connection with Thomas G. Harrison, which is now a State bank, man- aged by John W. Irwin. Mr. Cook conducted this bank in a praiseworthy man- ner until 1865, when he went to New York City, and for one year was engaged in the flour commission business. In the spring of 1867 he came to Elkhart, Ind., and purchased stock in the First National Bank, of which he became cashier. a position he retained until he voluntarily resigned and retired from all active bus- iness life, yet acting as vice-president, a position he has had for the last ten years, since which time he has lived in retirement, enjoying the fruita of his well spent life, and the competency which his foresight and keen business discernment has won him. He still retains stock in the bank and a directorship, but has turned over its management into the hands of others. He has been a member of the city council two or three terms, and throughout the greater portion of his active life has been interested in farming, for he is the owner of 1,500 acres of land well adapted for the purposes of general farming. Althongh he haa owned land from early man- hood, he has never plowed a furrow in his life, this branch of his business affairs being altogether in the hands of others. He wooed and won for his wife Miss Martha Winber, their union taking place in 1848, she being a daughter of James A. Winber. In 1889 Mr. Cook took for hia second wife Miss Cora M. Keck, an accomplished lady and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, by whom he has one child, Charlotte Mae. Mr. Cook is a highly educated man, having had every advantage. He is a great reader, an interesting talker, having traveled extensively both in this country and the old world, and is popular with all who know him.
DAVID A. IRELAND. The American people not only travel more extensively than any other nation, but they patronize to a greater extent the numerous establishments for the hire of horses and carriages. There are few enterprises which contribute a larger quota to the convenience of the residential and transient public than the well-appointed livery stable, and one of the most prominent in the city of South Bend is that conducted by the firm of Ireland & Son. This firm carries a large assort- ment of carriages, buggies, phaetons, etc., in the newest and most fashionable styles, and these are constantly on hand for the use of the general public. These gentlemen have become widely known and respected and thoroughly understand every phase of the business. David A. Ireland was born in New Paris, Preble Co .. Ohio, October 15, 1827, and is a son of John F. and Jane L. (Ferguson) Ireland, both of Scotch descent. The father was born in Bourbon county, Ky., in 1801, and when fifteen years of age entered the State of Ohio and settled in Preble county, where he was one of the early pioneers. He followed the occupation of a farmer, was fairly successful in this, and was a man universally respected. He held the office of justice of the peace and was also county commissioner of Preble county for some time. For many years a Whig, he at last became a stanch sup- porter of Republican principles and continned in sympathy with the same until his death, which occurred on the farm where he had first settled. The mother was a native of the Blue Grass State and died in Preble county. Ohio, about 1842 The subject of this sketch is the eldest of eight children, three of whom are living. The country schools afforded him a fair education, and when the time came for him to decide on some calling in life, it was but natural perhaps that he should choose
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the one to which he had been reared, farming. He contiuned to till the soil in Preble county natil 1873, when he came to South Bend, and since then he has been actively engaged in the livery business. The firm of Ireland & Son is well known and its members are affable and courteous caterers to the pleasure-loving and busi- uess sections of society, and are undeviatingly upright in all their dealings. They have one of the best equipped and best appointed livery barns in the city, and are thoroughgoing, enterprising business men. Mr. Ireland esponsed the cause of the Northern States and in 1862 enlisted in Company C, Fiftieth Ohio Voluntary In- fantry, entering the ranks as first lieutenant. Ten months later he was promoted to captain at Muldrose Hill, Ky., served two years, and was in many of the promi- uent engagements. He participated in the battles of Perryville, Kenesaw Mountain, and many minor engagements. His discharge was received at Atlanta, on the field, in 1864, and he then returned to Preble county, Ohio, where he remained until 1873. He was married in 1846 to Miss Mary A. Cail, who died in Henry county, Ill., in July, 1867, where he had moved for her health by the advice of physicians. After living there one year he had to move back as the climate was unfavorable to his children's health. Five children were the fruits of this union: Warren C., John F., David M., Edgar A. and Mary R. Warren C. was born in Randolph county, Ind., in July, 1847, and is now in business with his father. Mr. Ireland was mar- ried again in December, 1858, and selected his wife in the person of Miss Rebecca A. Cail, a sister of his first wife, and a native of Preble county, Ohio. The Cail family came originally from Virginia and were early settlers of Preble county, Ohio. His second wife was Nancy McCawslin, of Cain Ridge, Ky. To the second mar- riage one child was born, T. O. D. Ireland. In politics Mr. Ireland is a Repub- lican and a member of the G. A. R. He has been a member of the Christian Church for many years and is one of the excellent men of the city. Warren C. is a member of the South Bend Commandery, No. 13, K. T., and was made an Odd Fellow in August, 1868, South Bend Lodge, No. 29. While subject resided in Ohio he was occupied in various enterprises. He was engaged in dealing in stock during the summer and in winter be conducted a slaughterhouse and packing establishment. He killed mostly hogs. The capacity was 400 hogs per day. He shipped his pork to Cincinnati and was thus engaged abont six years. He then purchased a tan yard and engaged in the boot and shoe business. He conducted the store about three years and manufactured excellent goods. He had ten men in his employ most of the time. He then engaged in the lime and stone trade and took contracts for building cellar walls in various places, and furnished all material. He had two per- petual lime kiln burners and usually tired them about the 15th of March and kept them burning continually until the 15th of November and burned one carlosd each day.
CONRAD LIPHART was born in Hessen, Germany, December 23, 1833, a son of George and Elizabeth (Bessy) Liphart, who were also natives of the Fatherland. The farm on which the Lipharts reside in Germany has been in possession of the family for 300 years and was originally purchased from the king of Hessen, who re- served the privilege of purchasing it, if he so desired, whenever it should be sold. George Liphart was an extensive tiller of the soil and was also engaged in burning tile. He was born and reared on the farm that had furnished his people with a sub- sistence for so many years. was married and resided there until his death, which oc- carred in 1848. To himself and wife three sons and four daughters were boru: Elizabeth, who died in Germany; Maria, Elizabeth, Henry, Kate, Conrad aud George, all of whom are dead with the exception of Conrad and George, who are residents of St. Joseph county, Ind., the latter's home being in the rural districts. Although he was reared to a farm life, Conrad learned the cabinet maker's trade when he was a young man, serving an apprenticeship of two years and a half, at the expiration of which time he decided to come to America and the early part of 1851 found him in Sandusky, Ohio, where he remained four years working at his
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trade. Following this he came to South Bend in 1855, where he has continued to re- side up to the present. He worked faithfully and perseveringly at his trade until New Year's day, 1860, when he opened an establishment of his own with a borrowed capital of $50, for the people with whom he had been working failed in business, and he thus lost the wages he had earned. These were the conditions which prompted him to commence business for himself and never did he regret so doing. For the first three months the outlook for the new establishment was by no means flattering, as the actual cash sales amounted to only $15.30, but Mr. Liphart knew no such word as fail, and his energy and indomitable will carried him over this trying time and he soon found himself on a smooth sea and floating with a prosperous tide. Three years later his business had assumed larger proportions and he purchased the furniture store of Henry Miller, which he enlarged from time to time as his business demanded, and in 1865 rented a factory for the manufacture of furniture, wholesale and also ordered jobs which he carried on in connection with his wholesale and retail sale of furniture and undertaking goods. This business he conducted successfully for many years, or until he retired from active business pur- suits in 1890, as above mentioned. He has a handsome, commodione and comfort- able brick residenre, in which he is passing his days after a useful and well-spent business career. As he started out to win fame and fortune for himself in 1860 with a borrowed capital, his achievements during the thirty years of his business career are something wonderful and should serve as an incentive to all young men to ever push onward and upward. Although he labored under the disadvantage of being a foreigner and imperfectly speaking the English language, it was soon dis- covered that he was honest and npright in all his business transactions and was de- able business. sirous of pleasing his patrons, and as a natural result, he was soon doing a profit- He was married in South Bend, March 27, 1856, to Margaret Smith, daughter of George and Catherine (Keefer) Smith, who were native Germans, but came to America about the year 1822, settling first in Ohio where they resided until about 1840, at which time they took up their residence in St. Joseph county, Ind., where they eventually passed from life. To Mr. and Mrs. Liphart nine children have been born: Frances L. (deceased), Clara M., Charles H., Edward (deceased), Alice, Anna, Eva (deceased), Cora (deceased), and Nettie. During Mr. Liphart's residence in South Bend he has never aspired to or held office of any kind but bas been a very clever student of his business interests, which, without doubt, ac- counts for the eminent success of his enterprise. The church affiliations of himself and wife have always been with the German Methodist Church, which church he was instrumental in organizing in 1877, and is its oldest member. He assisted in the organization of the Evangelical Church in 1855, but in 1877 seven families left that church in order to restore peace, complications of a serious nature having arisen, and they attached themselves to the Methodist Church. Mr. Liphart has been Superintendent of the Sunday-school and class leader, also trustee of his church. He has been an earnest worker for the Christian cause, and since pro- fessing religion, has kept the faith.
CHARLES H. LIPHART is a wide-awake citizen of South Bend, Ind., and as he has resided here ever since his birth, which occurred on the 26th of January, 1862, the people have every opportunity to judge of his character and qualifications as a man of affairs, and naught has ever been said derogatory to his honor. In the public schools of his native city and in the Berea College he acquired a thorough education, and upon obtaining suitable years he entered the furniture and undertaking establishment of his father, and was given an interest in the business which, by judicious manage- ment, assumed considerable proportions. In March, 1890, the head of the firm disposed of his interest and retired from the business and shortly after Charles H. em- barked in the undertaking business on his owu responsibility, a business for which he is peculiarly adapted, for he is reliable, sympathetic and experienced. The voca- tion of an undertaker is essentially a very delicate one, and it involves for its suc-
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cessful prosecution peculiarly important qualifications which but comparatively few individuals possess and it is only by experience as well as natural aptitude that a man is able to discharge his duty in that relation to the entire and unqualified satisfaction of those most directly interested. This Mr. Liphart has succeeded in doing, and he is already reaping a rich reward in compensation for his careful at- tention to his duties. In June, 1891, he associated with himself George Beyler and the business is now carried on under the firm name of Liphart & Beyler. Mr. Lip- hart was married on the 25th of December, 1888, to Emma Flinn, who was born on the 25th of August, 1867 to John E. and Charlotte (Jones) Flinn. Mr. Liphart is a member of the A. F. & A. M., in which he is a Knight Templar, and politically he is a Republican.
L. H. JOHNSON is a member of the well-known firm of Johnson & May, marble and stone dealers, South Bend, Ind., and since the establishment of the business in 1887 by Mr. Johnson it has made rapid and substantial progress, and as business men the members of this firm are popular and respected. Mr Johnson is a native of the Empire State, his natal year being 1852, being a son of H. and Cynthia (Pad- dock) Johnson, the former's death occurring in New York State in 1884. In the year 1887 L. H. Johnson came to South Bend, Ind., which place has since been his home and where he has built up a good business and made many warm friends. He has proved himself to be a practical and progressive man of affairs, and although he is shrewd and keen in his bargains, he has never been known to take advantage of any one and what he has he has the satisfaction of knowing has been honestly earned. He looks after the interests of his customers with zealous care, and guarantees all orders to be filled promptly and satisfactorily. He is of a social dis- position and is a Knight Templar in that worthy order, the A. F. & A. M. He has always supported the measures of the Republican party, for he believes them to be right, and from his business interests has found time to be an active participant in all worthy projects. Miss Genevieve Pettinger, of Shiloh, Ohio, became his wife in 1877, and to their union one child has been given-Dean Milton who was born in 1879. Mrs. Johnson is a daughter of M. R. and Susanna Pettenger, and is an intelligent and amiable lady and like her husband has many warm personal friends.
V. N. MAY. Prominent among the many reliable business houses of South Bend, Ind., the establishment in which Mr. May is a partner is one of the foremost, and that it is appreciated as such can be readily seen by the large patronage they command. This house deserves honorable mention in this volume, not only on ac- count of the high character of his management but also on account of the superiority of its stock. Mr. May is a native of Jefferson county, Wis., where he first saw the light of day in 1856. His early days were unmarked by any unusual occurrence, suffice it is say that he received a fair education in the common schools and that he early learned to know what hard work meant. Since 1887 Mr. May has been one of the substantial citizens of South Bend, Ind., and almost immediately after locating here he formed a partnership with Mr. Johnson in the marble and stone business, and in the conduct of thie business has been remarkably successful. He was married in 1880 to Miss Catherine Heimann, of Ontario, Canada, who died in 1883 after having become the mother of one child, whom they named Albert. In 1885 Mr. May took for his second wife Miss Minnie Meyers, of Norwalk, Ohio, daughter of Dominick Meyers, and this union has resulted in the birth of four chil- dren: Leo, Carl, Frank and Marie. All the members of this family are worthy members of the Catholic Church and politically Mr. May has always been a Demo- crat. although he has never been a political aspirant.
GEORGE H. STOVER. treasurer of St. Joseph county, Ind. The important posi- tion of county treasurer is filled in a most admirable manner by George H. Stover, who has made a beau ideal public officer, for he is not only faithful, efficient and energetic, but he is accommodating and courteous to all with whom he comes in con- tact. The energy and perseverance of his character have nowhere a better field for 5
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manifestation than official work, and his impress on this sphere of public duty will long be felt. He is a product of Botetourt county, Va., where he was born July 31, 1839, of which State his parents, Jacob and Sarah (Noffsinger) Stover, were also residents. The Stovers are of German lineage and upon coming to this coun- try first settled in Pensylvania, but later took up their residence in Virginia. Some of the early members of the family were participants in the war for independence. The paternal grandfather of George H. Stover was a physician and died in Vir- ginia. Jacob Stover was a farmer by calling, and in the fall of 1850 started overland westward, his intention being to locate in St. Joseph county, and after the " prom- ised land" was reached he purchased a farm of 240 acres in Clay township, on which some small improvements had been made in the way of clearing and the erection of a log cabin. He is still the owner of this farm although he makes his home in South Bend with his son, George H. He was trustee of his township several terms. Of eight children born to himself and wife only three are living at the present time: George H., William C. and Frank P. The two last mentioned are in Ft. Collins, Colo. George H. Stover was in his twelfth year when he came to this county, and although he had previously attended school, the greater part of his education was acquired in this county in the schools of South Bend and Misha- waka. Two years were also spent in Franklin College, Indiana, in which institu- tion he made a good record for himself. In 1859 he crossed the plains with a party of gold seekers, the journey thither occupying almost six months. They stopped at Chico, Cal., and there Mr. Stover secured a school and taught two winter terms. During his vacations he kept books for a large lumber firm. In 1861 he returned home via the Isthmus of Panama and in due course of time landed in the city of New York. He at once proceeded to South Bend, in the vicinity of which he engaged in farming and followed this occupation with success until 1886, when he accepted the position of deputy county treasurer. In 1888 he was elected to the office of treasurer, and was honored with a re-election in 1890. While living in Clay township on his farm he held every office that could be given him, in fact, bas held some office or other the greater portion of his life. As an official he has given good satisfaction and has become very popular with the masses in general, and his party in particular. He has always labored in the interests of democracy, but is by no means radical, on the contrary is quite conservative. His first majority when elected to office was 195 and his second 1,005, which was given him gratuitously and without a particle of canvassing on his part, for he never left his office for this pur- pose. It was wholly and purely owing to his efficiency and popularity as a man and in this respect Mr. Stover has every reason to be gratified and pleased. In 1865 he also went to Virginia City, Ida., via Salt Lake City, in company with his brother, W. C., on a freighting expedition with ox teams, hauling groceries and provisions, disposing of the same in the fall of the same year, and returning to his home in St. Joseph county. At the general election of 1892 he was elected a member of the Lower House of Rep- resentatives of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, fifty-eighth session, and is now occupying a seat in that body, which is in session at the present time. He still owns his fine farm in Clay township, but since entering upon his official duties has rented it. In 1861 Miss Sophia A. Meyer became his wife and to them a son and daughter have been given: William C., deputy treasurer to his father, and Ella V. Mr. Stover is a member of St. Joseph Lodge, No. 45, of the A. F. & A. M.
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