Meinrad Rumely's was a high-minded and noble character; trenchant and powerful in effecting the great work of his life; kindly and sympathetic in everyday relationship with his fellow men; devout and sincere in the religion and moral forces which dominated him, and true to the world's highest ideals and with his "conscience as the noonday clear." His life was constructive and organizing, building up instead of tearing down, so that his greatest monument stands today in what he had done in LaPorte, whose future prosperity and greatness rest upon his enterprise as a corner stone. The highest eulogium of his life is that it was made up of years of usefulness. He was honest, he was industrious, he was methodical, he was persevering, he was filled with a laudable ambition- he was master of the situation at all times. While building up his great pyramid of industry, his fellow men were not crushed beneath it. He crowded no one else from life's path, he deceived no one. He belonged to the noble few who pull more than their own weight, whose advance means progress and upliftinq for entire communities of fellow beings.
Mr. Rumely's character is typified in the enterprise with which his best years and efforts were identified, and the history of its development is largely the story of the growth and unfoldinq of his own powers and nature. Thoroughness and reliability are seen in the process by which the Rumely plant grew year after year, one improvement following another, a new building replacing an old one, the scope of the enterprise widening and overshadowing others, until the name of Meinrad Rumely became a household word. He discovered early in life his aptitude for a chosen pursuit, and through all discouragements his perseverance led him to the goal.
In October, 1903, was celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the plant. Just half a century before the Rumely boys, Meinrad and John, who had come to America a few years earlier, started, in a small way, the manufacture of threshing machines. A short time previous they had bought a small shop, in which they did all kinds of mechanical work. Both were possessed of original ideas and skill, and soon began to embody these ideas in manufactured articles. Their power was furnished by a small engine mounted on a log, and their principal capital was the honesty, industry and determination inherited from their German ancestry. Their first products were cornshellers and horsepower machinery. In 1857 they turned out their first threshing outfit. It found its way into the appreciation of the people to such an extent that, with all subsequent improvements and additions, the name "Rumely" has become synonymous with the most ideally efficient of grain-separating machines. The business was carried on from 1853 to 1882 under the firm name of M. and J. Rumely, but in the latter year M. Rumely purchased the interest of his brother. In 1887 the concern was incorporated under the name of the M. Rumely Company, with Meinrad Rumely president and general manager, both of which positions he held until his demise.
From one small building in 1853 the M. Rumely Company plant was built up till several city blocks are now covered with buildings. About 275 men are employed many of these have been with the company since the days of their apprenticeship. It is especially pleasing to note, as throwing light on one of Mr. Rumely's chief characteristics, that no strikes or other troubles have ever marred the harmonious relations between the company and its employees. Mr. Rumely's kindness to and appreciation of his workmen were indicated by their fidelity to him through all the years that he used their services and by their many tributes of affection at his death. Furthermore, these men are all homeowner and an important addition to LaPorte's citizenship, and in increasing their prosperity and promoting their welfare Meinrad Rumely contributed both wealth and substantiality to his adopted city.
Meinrad Rumely was born in Adelsburg, near Zell, Baden, Germany, Feb. 9, 1823, being a son of Joseph Rumely, a native of Baden and a farmer and weaver. Meinrad learned the millwright's trade in France. In 1848, then 25 years old and without capital, he came to America, and for a short time was employed in Canton and Massillon, O. In 1849 his brother, John, joined him and after working in machine shops in various places they came to LaPorte and started the shop which was the founding of the present institution.
Mr. Rumely was married April 19, 1855, at Canton, O., to Miss Theresa Fierstoss, who was born in Markolsheim, France, Jan. 9, 1835, and came to America with her parents, Frank J. and Mary E. Fierstoss, in 1844. This was a union blessed with all that was noble and good, and had the husband lived another year and 20 days they would have celebrated the golden anniversary of their happy marriage. Of the nine children born of their marriage eight survive, all being an honor to their parents. The four sons, Joseph J., William N., Meinrad C., and Aloysius, are residents of LaPorte and connected in official positions with the M. Rumely Company plant. The daughters are Mrs. Anna Mayle of San Francisco, Mrs. Christena Kreidler of LaPorte, Mrs. Theresa Aichner of Erie, Pa., and Mrs. Mary Wolf of LaPorte. There are 22 grandchildren.
Meinrad Rumely was a man of simple tastes. His daily work, his home and his religion marked the sphere of his activities. He was deeply religious. His devotion to his church was marked, while his charitable work was unostentatious. He was one of the few remaining charter members of St. Joseph's Catholic church, which was established in 1859. He was always liberal in his gifts to the parish, on one occasion presenting the church a new bell. He was exceedingly regular in his attendance at divine services, seldom missing mass no matter how stormy the day. He took an active part in the establishment of the Holy Family hospital, which has been of inestimable benefit to the city.
No enumeration of the countless ways in which Mr. Rumely assisted in the upbuilding of his city and community can be here attempted. He was always unselfish and carried out the fixed ambition of his life to the lasting welfare of LaPorte. All public enterprises received encouragement from him and in raising of subscriptions to enable other manufacturing institutions to locate here his name was always found at the top of the list. The worth of such a man as Mr. Rumely to LaPorte is of inestimable advantage in the example he set of the domestic virtues, in his religious and business life, and in the great monument he erected for himself and the city through years of toil and of gratifying triumph.
”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876
WILLIAM NILES
In the year that the LaPorte Circuit court first transacted business, and that was in 1833, there came to the little county seat village of less than a score of buildings a young Vermont lawyer, John B. Niles, who was the second LaPorte attorney admitted to practice and who became the third judge of the court. Later he was a state senator and a member of the convention that framed the present constitution. In 1834 he married at Rochester, Miss Mary Police, daughter of a family of considerable consequence in the northern counties, and to them was born Sept. 27, 1835, William Niles, the oldest living person who can claim LaPorte as a birthplace. John B. Niles, after a long and notably useful life, died in 1879. William was given a careful education in the common schools at LaPorte, Notre Dame University, the Urbana, O., Academy and Dartmouth College, and prepared himself for the practice of law, which he pursued successfully in LaPorte and other counties for a number of years. He also interested himself in farming, having large holdings of land, and profitably applied to that business the results of scientific investigation. He was married Dec. 16, 1885, at LaPorte, to Judith K. Anderson, and their two children are Mary and Sarah Isabel. The family home at 313 Rose street is one of the city's centers of culture and refinement. Mr. Niles has always acted with the Republican party but has never found leisure or inclination to avail himself of many opportunities to enter public life. He and his family are affiliated with the New church (Swedenborgian) of which he was one of the founders of the LaPorte society. From the inception of the LaPorte Library and Natural History Association he was deeply interested in its affairs, serving for a number of years as its recording secretary and still giving it the benefit of his experience and prudent counsel. The most conspicuous monument to the energy and large business capacity of Mr. Niles is the LaPorte Wheel Company, of which he was resident from 1871 to 1902, a continuous period of 31 years. The business was commenced in 1870, and until they sold their interests in 1902 Mr. Niles and E. H. Scott, his brother-in-law, were the managing owners. Starting rather modestly the enterprise attained such extensive proportions as to put it in the front rank of LaPorte industries. Its product is wheels and parts for vehicles and agricultural machinery. Since he was relieved of the burdens of so active a business Mr. Niles has devoted his attention to the management of his private investments. His office is in the Scott building.
”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876
MAYOR LEMUEL DARROW
Ten years ago there came to LaPorte a smooth-faced young man, whose greatest assets were a willingness to work, and an education that would be a great help for him in whatever line of work he might cast his lot. Less than five years later this same young man was mayor of LaPorte, and today there looms up in his vision the state house at Indianapolis. Thus, in a nutshell, is told the story of the rise of Lemuel Darrow, unquestionably today one of the best known mayors in Indiana. Probably no other mayor in the state has seen a city advance so rapidly - a good healthy advancement, not a mushroom boom - as has Lemuel Darrow, and to him is no little credit due for this progress. He has worked untiringly and has given both of time and money that his cherished dream to see LaPorte one of the first cities in the state may be realized.
Lemuel Darrow was born in LaPorte county, a few miles east of the city of LaPorte, Feb. 6, 1867, his parents being Pliny and Susan Darrow. After securing the rudiments of an education in the township schools he entered the Rolling Prairie high school and from this graduated with credit. He taught school successfully for a number of years and thereby saved sufficiently to take a course at the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso. He studied surveying and by carrying the rod and chain earned enough to help put him through the law course. This completed he was prepared to hang out his shingle. Clients, however, do not come at once and a law practice is not built up in a day. LaPorte seemed to offer a fair field for the ambitious young man. On Nov. 14, 1893, he took up his residence here. For a short time he was associated with the late Lieutenant Governor Mortimer Nye, devoting his attention to the insurance and abstract end of the business. Then he became a partner of J. Vene Dorland. Gradually he was becoming known, he was devoting more and more time to his law practice and soon he opened an office of his own. He had shown some interest in politics, and, having served as chairman of the Democratic central committee, he was in the winter of 1898 brought out as a candidate for mayor. Though he had two very prominent and well-known Democrats against him in the convention he won out handily. In May he was elected, and took office the following September. Four years later he was re-elected by an increased majority and in 1904, the legislature having in the meantime reduced the terms of city officers from four to two years, he was again re-elected by a still larger majority. Until a few years ago he was for some time associated in the practice of law with former state senator Morgan H. Weir, now deceased, and the latter's son, Ellsworth E. Weir, under the firm of Weir, Weir & Darrow. For the past two years he has been associated with H. W. Worden in the law business, the firm being Darrow & Worden. A suite of rooms in the Scott building at the corner of Main street and Michigan avenue is occupied.
Mayor Darrow has at all times been a strong advocate of improvements. During his terms of office many miles of cement sidewalks have been laid, several miles of pavement have been put down, a new waterworks pumping station has been built, a number of new manufacturing plants have been added to the city's industries and the city has grown from a place of 7,000 to a city of more than 10,000. Most of this work of securing new plants has been accomplished through the LaPorte Business Men's Protective Union, the LaPorte Improvement Company, the LaPorte Land Company and the LaPorte Investment Company, with all of which Mr. Darrow has been actively identified as director and officer. To him also can much credit be given for the construction of the Chicago and South Shore interurban electric railway from LaPorte to Michigan City, for he became interested in the project when it was in its first stages and remained with it until the line was placed in successful operation. When last winter the road was forced into receivers' hands Judge Anderson, of the Federal Court, appointed him joint receiver with F. H. Fitch of Chicago. Since then the road has been greatly improved, the business is increasing and when the receivership terminates the line will be found to be in fine condition and on a paying basis.
During the past few years Mr. Darrow has taken part in a number of important cases. He has devoted particular attention to actions which have for their object the drainage of the large swamps in the southern part of LaPorte county along the Kankakee river, by the construction of large ditches and the reclaiming of thousands of acres of land. He is the attorney for the largest and most important of these land companies.
On May 20, 1889, Mr. Darrow was united in marriage to Miss Mattie D. Cleghorn, the ceremony being performed at Lockport, N. Y. They have one daughter, Dorothy, and live in a beautiful home on Michigan avenue. Mayor Darrow takes an active interest in secret society affairs, being a member of the Elks, Knights of Pythias and the Ben Hur.
”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876
GEORGE H. STOREY
George H. Storey, being applied to for the leading facts of his career, responded that the history of the LaPorte City Waterworks was his history and by his record as its superintendent he must stand or fall. The date and place of his birth, and other like particulars, he regards as matters of minor interest and personal to himself. We must begin, therefore, with his discovery, which was made by Mayor Rose and a committee of the LaPorte common council, at Kalamazoo, Mich., about the year 1870. During a period of two years before any formal action was taken with reference to establishing a waterworks system in this city, the matter was under discussion and investigation by the mayor and council and several trips were made for the inspection of plants in other cities. On such a trip to Kalamazoo they found Mr. Storey in charge of the Holly system in use there. He was at great pains to give them a practical demonstration of what the works could do regularly and In case of fire and to explain the operation of the machinery, all of which he did so clearly and intelligently that he was subsequently invited to LaPorte as consulting engineer during the construction of the plant that the council decided to erect. His acceptable service in this capacity led naturally to his appointment as superintendent when the system was ready for operation. The first official act of the council in contemplation of the waterworks is found on page 172 of the City Ordinance book. Under the authority of the step there recorded the work was begun in 1870 and on July 28, 1871, Mr. Storey started the big pumps and filled the mains with water. August 20, following, the official test required by the contract with the builders was had and the occasion was made one of formal rejoicing. The printed program of that day is one of Mr. Storey's cherished mementoes. It is a matter of history that the test was satisfactory to all concerned. Mr. Storey remained in charge of the plant until his resignation, in November, 1874, to install and manage a large system at Evanston, Ill. In August, 1883, he was again invited to the superintendency at LaPorte and held the position ten years, resigning to engage for himself in the business of building and repairing waterworks plants throughout the country. For the third time, in 1899, he was summoned to LaPorte and has watched over and cared for his big pet ever since, giving in all eighteen years of faithful service to the city. The LaPorte plant was the second of its kind in the west in cities of less size than Chicago, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Detroit, that at Kalamazoo being first. Indianapolis put one in later. During all the perplexing complications of the past few years, connected with the addition of the Kankakee pumping station to the city's system through the medium of the LaPorte Water Supply Co., Mr. Storey has discharged the difficult duty of maintaining a supply of water for private and public uses, having always in mind the necessity of a safe provision against fire.
”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876
WILLIAM A. MARTIN
Among the earliest settlers in Galena township, LaPorte county, were the Martins, their arrival antedating the opening of fixed roads and the departure of the Indians. E. Sherwood Martin, who passed away Oct. 13. 1903, at the advanced age, eighty-eight years, and his wife, Rachel, who still survives him, came with the family the same year. Sept. 13, 1846, William A. Martin, the subject of this sketch, was born to them near Three Oaks, Berrien county, Mich., where they had settled on a pioneer farm just across the state line. The boy grew up on the farm, inured to all the hardships of the times, and attended the district school near by until he was old enough to take a course at the Methodist College at New Carlisle, Ind. May, 1866, found him entering LaPorte to become a clerk in the clothing store of J. M. Neuburger, and he has been a resident of the city ever since. He clerked for Davidson Bros., was deputy county treasurer under Thomas J. Foster and Herman Hausheer and was elected treasurer on the Democratic ticket in 1884. Completing that public service with great satisfaction to the people he engaged in the furniture business and was then manager of the LaPorte Gas and Coke Company a number of years. In 1892 E. F. Michael, Robert E. Morrison and Mr. Martin bought the gas plant and he is now president of the company, and a man whose business opinions are sought in the community. Jan. 7, 1886, he married R. Elizabeth Drummond of Rolling
Prairie, whose father was one of the earliest settlers in the county. They have four children, John Gordon, Thomas Foster, Rachel Orilda and Ruth Drummond, and live at 1226 Michigan avenue. The family may be regularly found at the services of the First Christian church, in which Mr. Martin usually occupies an official station.
”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876
WILLIAM N. RUMELY
Since 1881 superintendent of the M. Rumely works, and since the incorporation of the company in 1887, its vice president, is considered one of the finest mechanical engineers in the state. From his parents, the venerable Meinrad and Theresa Rumely, he inherited that brilliancy of mind, close attention to details and steadfastness of purpose which has characterized his work. He was born in LaPorte in 1858, and received his common school education at St. Joseph's school, this city, afterward attending Notre Dame University, and later on receiving a mechanical education at the Stevens Institute of Technology at Hoboken, N. J. He completed his education in drawing there in 1879, and it was seven years later, when but 23 years of age, that he was appointed superintendent of the growing threshing machine plant. The development and designing of the Rumely traction engines was his special work. In 1885 Mr. Rumely was elected a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers of New York City, and in 1900 he was honored by being elected a member of the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. Mr. Rumely is a busy man, for in addition to his duties at the threshing machine works he is vice-president of the LaPorte Sash & Door Co., President of The Automobile Company and holds a similar position in the General Chandelier Manufacturing Company. In 1888
he was married to Miss Anna Long, daughter of a prominent manufacturer of Hamilton, Ohio, now deceased, and they have four handsome children, two daughters, Marie and Ruth, and two sons, Marc and Richard. In 1893 Mr. Rumely built his present beautiful home, at 1012 Harrison street, after his own design.
”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876
FRANCIS H. MORRISON
The name of Morrison has been indelibly associated with the banking business of the City of LaPorte since its early days, Francis H. Morrison being the son of Henry D. Morrison, one of the founders and for many years vice president of the First National bank. He was born in this city, Sept. 6, 1866, his mother's maiden name was Mary N. Ridgway before her marriage to H. D. Morrison. He attended the public schools of LaPorte and afterward entered Earlham College at Richmond, this state and later at the Maryland Military and Naval Academy at Oxford, Md. Mr. Morrison's first experience in the banking business was received at Kearney, Neb., where he was located for three years. Since 1890 he has been connected with the First National bank of this city and at the present time is the first vice-president and a director of that institution. He is also one of the directors of the First National Bank of Whiting and secretary and treasurer of the Lac LaBelle Land Company. On June 25, 1891, Mr. Morrison was united in marriage to Miss Maren D. Downing of Kearney, Neb., and they have one child, Georgiana. Mr. Morrison is a member of LaPorte lodge, No. 396, B. P. O. Elks, and of G. H. Terpany tent, No. 25, K. O. T. M. He is a strong Republican and a member of the First Presbyterian church. His residence is at 1204 Monroe street.
”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876
FRANK J. PITNER
Cashier of First National Bank of LaPorte, is considered of best authorities on financial matters in the county. He was born in LaPorte, June 26, 1865, being a son of Mrs. Belinda Forbes Pitner and the late William C. Pitner. The latter before his death was a prominent manufacturer of wagons and carriages. Mr. Pitner completed the prescribed course in the public schools of LaPorte and following the day of his graduation in June, 1884, he entered the First National Band and has been connected therewith continuously ever since, with the exception of seven months in 1887, when he was employed in the Commercial National Band, Chicago. Having faithfully and successfully filled various subordinate positions in the bank, in 1898 Mr. Pitner was elected cashier and is an efficient and capable officer. Mr. Pitner is looked upon as one of the Most careful business and financial men in the city and he has therefore been frequently called upon to act as trustee of trust funds and administrator of estates and guardian of minors' property. He was married May 4, 1897, at Los Angeles, Cal., to Miss Lyle Hynes, daughter of the late Samuel B. Hynes, a prominent railroad man. They have a child, a son, William Hynes Pitner, who was born May 5th, 1901. Mr. Pitner has always been a Republican and takes a deep interest in local, state and national affairs. He is a prominent member of the First Methodist church, was for nine years the popular superintendent of the Sunday school and at present is one of the trustees. Mr. Pitner is also an active member of the Current Events club, one of the oldest and most stable of the many literary societies in LaPorte. He has always taken an active interest in the LaPorte High School Alumni association, helping organize the same. Mr. Pitner and family reside at 305 Rose street.
”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876
J. VENE DORLAND
In the insurance fraternity of Indiana J. Vene Dorland is reckoned as an expert, and rightly so, for his entire adult life has been occupied in the faithful study and extensive practice of the business. He was born in LaPorte Aug. 15, 1868, his parents being George C. and Rosetta Closser Dorland, both representing families of long standing in the city and county. He passed through all the grades of the local public schools and prepared himself for active pursuits in the Holmes Business College. This done he entered the office of his father, who was conducting a very large business in real estate, abstracts and insurance in its several branches, fire, life, accident, etc. Jan. 1, 1890, he was made a partner, under the firm style of Geo. C. Dorland & Son, which relation continued until the father lost his life Jan. 20, 1893, in an accident on the present Lake Erie and Western railway near Peru, Ind. The young man then succeeded to the business, which lost nothing in his hands hut kept steady pace until the progress of the city and county. His office, rooms 5 and 6 Scott block, is a busy place. He was married April 14, 1892, to Belle R. Fail of this county and their only child, Ruth, passed out of this life Feb. 1, 1903. Their home is at 510 First street. Mr. Dorland is affiliated with all the Masonic bodies and the Sons of the American Revolution. He is a communicant of the First Baptist church and acts with the Republican party in matters political, having served as city chairman during the last campaign. His business standing may be inferred from the following list of positions now held by him: President of the LaPorte Co., secretary of the LaPorte Sash & Door Co., treasurer of the LaPorte Investment Co. and also of the LaPorte County Agricultural association, secretary of the Pine Lake assembly and chairman of the grievance committee of the Indiana State association of local fire insurance agents.
”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876
S. M. CLOSSER
No family name has been more closely associated with the history of LaPorte than that of Closser, and among its many living representatives there is none better known than S. M. Closser, who was born in LaPorte, July 18, 1841. His parents were Nicholas W. and Rebecka Closser. His father was born at Harper's Ferry, West Virginia, and was one of the early settlers of LaPorte county, coming here from Indianapolis in 1833. He located on a farm four miles from LaPorte, where he followed farming and carpentering. The last 15 years of his life he lived in LaPorte and died here in 1890. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools of LaPorte county and then took a commercial course in Bryant & Stratton's Business College in this city. He was engaged in the boot and shoe business here where Smith & Butterworth are now located, and in the buying and selling of grain for 14 years. He was a member of the city council for one term and was chairman of the Republican county central committee for eight years. Mr. Closser is a director of the LaPorte Investment company, which is responsible for considerable of the present great prosperity of the city of LaPorte. Mr. Closser is also a very active member of the LaPorte Business Men's Protective union and never fails to do his share and frequently more than his share whenever there is any movement on foot for the advancement of the city. He served in the union army during the civil war and held every position from a private to the captaincy. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and the Sons of the American Revolution. In 1871 he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Nelson of LaPorte and they have two daughters, Miss Lottie Adel and Miss Laura Marie. Mr. Closser and family reside at 1001 Indiana avenue.
”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876
JAMES EDWIN BOWELL,
Secretary of the LaPorte County Agricultural Association, is a native of the county, having been born in Kankakee township. His parents were Absalom Carr and Sarah Ann Bowell. After receiving the rudiments of an education in the Rolling Prairie public schools he entered Eureka College, in Eureka. Ill. He taught school from 1873 to 1880 at and near Rolling Prairie, and then engaged in the saw-mill and lumber business for about 15 years, being located during that time in Galena township. In 1890 he was elected trustee of Galena township, serving for five years. In August, 1901, he removed to LaPorte and shortly thereafter was elected secretary of the fair association, which position he still holds. Mr. Bowell has been married three times, the first time March 19, 1874, to Alice Olive Anderson. The second wife was Mary Elizabeth Etherington, whom he married April 4, 1895. She died a few years later, and on Aug. 21, 1901, he was united in marriage to Anna Savage Rogers of LaPorte. His children are Mrs. Lena May Benjamin of Battle Creek, Mich., and Elias Carl and Edna Alice Bowell, who live at home. Mr. Bowel1 affiliates with the Democratic party. He is a member of Excelsior lodge, No. 41, F. and A. M., LaPorte chapter, No. 15, R. A. M., and LaPorte council, No. 32, R. and S. M. Mr. and Mrs. Bowell reside at 1207 Michigan avenue.
”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876
ELLSWORTH E. WEIR
There is no more brilliant attorney before the LaPorte couilty bar thanEllsworth E. Weir, who is a native of this city, having been born here Aug. 13, 1861, his parents being the Hon. Morgan W. and Henrietta Weir. After laying the foundation for his education in the LaPorte public schools he entered the University of Michigan, graduating from the law department in 1881, when but 20 years of age. He at once became associated in the practice of his profession with his father in this city, remaining here until 1885, when he removed to Kingman, Kan., where he met with much success in his law work. Leaving there in 1891 he became a resident of Valparaiso, remaining there just two years, when he came back to LaPorte to become a partner of his father, whose practice was steadily growing. This partnership continued until the death of Morgan H. Weir two years ago. Six months later Philo Q. Doran became associated with E. E. Weir under the firm name of Weir & Doran, the same continuing until the present time. Mr. Weir has been counsel in a number of large and important cases and in the handling of these has shown his ability to grasp firmly and clearly whatever propositions may come to the front. He is an eloquent pleader before a jury and whether before court or jury is able to mass his facts in logical and convincing array. Mr. Weir has taken an active part in politics all his life. In 1898 he was the Democratic nominee for judge of the thirty-second judicial circuit but was defeated by Judge John C. Richter. In 1898 and 1901 he was appointed county attorney. He is a strong adherent of the principles of the Democratic party, but draws the line on Hearst and Cleveland. Mrs. Weir was formerly Miss Nettie K. Rogers. They have one daughter, Miss Harriette L. Weir, a popular member of the younger social set. Mr. Weir is a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias and the Elks. He is an enthusiastic advocate of outdoor exercise, being a good horseman, an excellent automobilist and an able sailor. With his wife and daughter he lives in a pretty home at 1315 Michigan avenue.
”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876
PHILO QUINN DORAN
Among the rising young men of LaPorte there is none more conspicuous than Attorney Philo Q. Doran of the firm of Weir & Doran. He was born in Michigan City, Aug. 17, 1872, being a son of Francis H. and Mary E. Doran. He was educated in public and private schools, completing his education by a course in law. After holding several responsible positions in Chicago, being for several years with the Pullman Palace Car Company he came to LaPorte in 1894 to become deputy county auditor under his father. This position he filled with great credit for eight years and was then made the nominee for auditor by the Republican party, being defeated by only a small majority, though the county normally is Democratic. He was married Jan. 7, 1903, in this city, to Miss Laura M. Nye, daughter of the late Mortimer Nye, lieutenant governor of Indiana for four years. Mr. Doran has always taken a deep interest in lodge work and is a member of the Masons, the Odd Fellows lodge, Maccabees, Foresters and the Elks. In 1902 he was honored by being elected Exalted Ruler of LaPorte lodge, No. 396, B. P. 0. Elks. Mr. Doran has a decided reputation as an after dinner talker and entertainer. From his father he inherited his love for politics and is almost as well-known in Republican state circles as he is locally. He is a member of the Episcopal church and resides at 1212 Monroe street.
”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876
ALBERT C. FREESE
The city treasurer of LaPorte since Feb. 5, 1903, is one of the esteemed men of the city. Mr. Freese was born on a farm three miles west of the city Feb. 29, 1860, and has therefore celebrated but ten anniversaries of that event. His parents were Fred and Minnie Freese and he was educated in the parochial and public schools of the city. He and Miss Louisa Dust were married in 1883 and they live nicely at 1212 Jackson street. They have no children. Mr. Freese came to LaPorte from the farm when he was of age, in the year of his marriage, and entered the employ of Rogers & Hall as a salesman. This engagement lasted several years, after which he became a salesman for D. C. McCollum in the clothing business and served in that capacity with great satisfaction to his employer and customers for ten years. Then the partnership of Freese & Heusi was formed, F. R. Heusi being his associate, and they conducted an ever increasing grocery business for seven years, continuing until Mr. Freese was honored by the election of his present office by the common council to fill the vacancy caused by the death of his predecessor. In his incumbency of this fiduciary office Mr. Freese has shown marked ability and a strict observance of his important duties to the public, without partisan bias. He is an active and consistent Democrat in politics. In May, 1904, he was elected by a large majority city treasurer of LaPorte, succeeding himself to the office.
”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876
C. E. WOLFE
The clever and accommodating city clerk is Charles E. Wolfe, a native of Shelby county, Ohio, where he was born to Fred and Ellen Wolfe Dec. 3, 1868. After availing himself to the fullest extent of such educational opportunities as were open to him in Ligonier, Ind., and LaPorte county, he came to this city at the age of twenty years and was an operator in the telephone exchange and Postal Telegraph office. He filled acceptably several clerical situations, including one term as clerk in the postoffice when Mr. Grover was postmaster, and then he went on the road in the interests of the Stahl central station heating system. In 1899 the real estate agency of Murray & Wolfe, to which he succeeded in April, 1903, was inaugurated and it became one of the leading real estate and insurance agencies in Northern Indiana, having now a rapidly increasing business and enjoying the confidence of a large clientage. In May, 1902, Mr. Wolfe was elected city clerk and again in 1904 in which capacity he has made a conspicuous success. He is a prominent Democrat and a faithful member of the Methodist church. As secretary of the South Bend district Epworth League he is favored with a wide acquaintance in the denomination. He belongs to the Bell Hurs and is also a member of the Business Men's Club. His office is at 715 Michigan avenue and his home at 112 Jefferson avenue.
”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876
WILLIAM M. WALTON
To commemorate the completion of thirty years of continuous business in one city is enjoyed by few men in these days of unrest, and the subject of this sketch is one of the favored few. William
M. Walton, then thirty years of age, embarked in the manufacture of cigars in LaPorte in the year 1874 and is now the sole proprietor and manager of a large wholesale and retail manufacturing and merchandising business in cigars, tobacco and articles for smokers. Mr. Walton, who was born Feb. 4, 1844, at Kingston, N. Y., and began his apprenticeship as a cigar maker at the age of fifteen, located in LaPorte in 1872. He early won high standing in business circles and was honored by election to the common council on the Republican ticket in 1880. He is prominent in the affairs of the Elks, Odd Fellows, Maccabees and Ben Hurs, in the meetings of which societies his quaint and forcible eloquence is a source of much pleasure and wise instruction. Mr. Walton married Mrs. Anna E. Polly of Bardstown, N. Y., in 1874, who, with their five daughters and one son constitute the family. One daughter is Mrs. Fred Guiton of Chicago. The handsome Walton residence occupies a commanding position just south of the city limits on a fine fruit farm containing twenty acres of choice varieties. There are upwards of five thousand selected and well-kept trees on the place, which is doubtless the finest and completest fruit farm in LaPorte county, as it is also the prettiest and most delightful.
”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876