GEORGE I. WITTER is one of the substantial residents of German township, St. Joseph Co., Ind., but in the township of Warren was born, on April 16, 1863, to George and Sarah (Miller) Witter, and was there brought up on the home farm, becoming well versed in the minutia of agricultural life. He resided on the old place until March 21, 1892, at which time he purchased his farm in German township, consisting of 110 acres of fine farming land and twenty acres of timber land in Warren township, for which he paid the sum of $10,000, and at once settled on the former tract. On this farm he has shown what a man of energy and intelligent views can accomplish and in every transaction in which he has been engaged he has shown excellent judgment, and as a consequence has been prospered in worldly matters. Agriculture has received much attention at his hands, for which branch of agriculture his farm is well adapted, and he has some of the best blooded cattle and hogs in the county and is considered an excellent judge of those animals as well as of good horseflesh. After he had come to the conclusion that it is not good for man to live alone, on March 27, 1885, he took a wife in the person of Miss Cora Ross, who was born in the city of Chicago, Ill., August 10, 1867, a daughter of Capt. William R. and Juliette (Warner) Ross, and their union has resulted in the birth of two interesting children: Mabel, born February 22, 1887, and John L., born November 28, 1891. Mr. Witter is one of those young men of whom his county may well feel proud, for he is not only well supplied with this world's goods, but he is also deeply interested in everything tending to the good of his section and aids them by influence and purse. He has always been an enthusiastic Republican, in fact, is enthusiastic in everything that he undertakes, and, as a rule, everything in which he interests himself is pushed to a successful issue. In social circles he is liked and admired for the genuine kindness of his heart, and his well-meant efforts are appreciated, and among business men his intelligent and practical views and his strict integrity are recognized and valued.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
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1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders


JOHN BEYRER is one of those strictly honorable and upright German citizens for which Indiana and especially St. Joseph county has become well known, and possesses all the characteristics for which those of his nativity have become well known unbounded energy, sterling honesty and much public spirit. He was born in Germany November 22, 1850, to Jacob and Barbara (Greiner) Beyrer, but at the age of six months was brought to America by his parents, who settled in Berrien county, Mich., on a farm. On this, place John grew up to sturdy manhood and in the public schools in the vicinity of his rural home he received a practical education. He remained at home and assisted his father until he was twenty-six years old, when he purchased a thirty-acre tract of land in German township, two and one-half miles northwest of South Bend, where he still resides. He is a shrewd man of business, has always been very successful in his undertakings and is quite an extensive and prosperous real-estate dealer in South Bend. For eight years after locating in German township he carried on an extensive dairy business, disposing of 300 quarts of milk per day in South Bend, but after retiring from that business he engaged in contract work and the sale of gravel from immense deposits extending over forty acres of land and of a depth of ten feet, which comprised a portion of his land. For five years he was very busy in supplying gravel for roofing for the Ford Roofing Company, of Chicago, and has graveled twenty-one acres of roofing for the Oliver Chilled Plow Works and nearly as much more for the Studebaker Bros. Manufacturing Company, which is a fair illustration of the magnitude of the business he carries on. He probably understands the business of roofing, especially of the South Bend manufactories and business blocks, than any man in the county. In fact, he is an all-around, wide-awake and successful man of business and is one of the most useful citizens of which the county can boast. October 11, 1877, he was united in marriage to Miss Flora E. Miller, who was born in Warren township, September 25, 1856, a daughter of James R. and Amanda E. (Ritter) Miller, and she has presented him with four children: J. Lloyd, born August 11, 1878; James R., born December 16, 1881; Ada, born June 10, 1886, and Mary L., born December __, 1890. Mr. Breyer is a member of that worthy society, the I. O. O. F., and is a member in good standing of the Royal Arcanum. Mrs. Breyer is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Republican, on which ticket he was a candidate in 1890 for county commissioner, although he was defeated notwithstanding the fact that he ran ahead of his ticket.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
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1893
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JACOB D. BEYRER. This gentleman, who resides in German township, owns a fine farm, which attests by its value and productiveness the excellent qualities of thoroughness and system which mark the owner. He was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, on January 4, 1806, and on a farm in his native country he was reared, his youthful days being spent in assisting his father in the extensive vineyard owned by the latter. He was married in Germany about the year 1832 to Barbara Greiner, a native of the old country, and in 1851 they came to America, and made a settlement in Berrien county, Mich., on a farm near the Indiana State line, where the father is still residing at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. He has been prosperous and successful, for he was a hard worker during his earlier years, and in time added forty acres to his first purchase of eighty acres. This land he improved and cleared by his own efforts and made of it a valuable and productive farm. During the early days of his residence there he bought an old style lynch-pin wagon from the Studebaker Bros. which Mr. Beyrer assisted in making. The Studebakers at that time had a small blacksmith shop and wagon factory on the site of the pres¬ent postoffice building in South Bend. Mr. Beyrer, in later years, had quite an extensive vineyard, raised considerable fruit of all kinds, and as a tiller of the soil was intelligent and practical. At the present time he is making his home with his children, his wife having died May 28, 1883. They became the parents of nine children: Jacob, Dora, John (deceased), William, Christina, Caroline, John G., Mary, and Amanda, who died in Germany. Before Mr. Beyrer's removal to America he did military duty for six years in his native land, according to the law of that country, and there also acted in the capacity of sheriff for eight years. William Beyrer, his son, was born in Germany, August 19, 1839, and in 1851 came to America with his parents, and for a few months attended the district schools, but as the family was poor and striving to make a home in America, William was obliged to remain on the farm the most of the time and assist in clearing and developing the same. He also worked out by the month, and one season of nine months earned $130, of which he saved $120 and gave to his father to assist in the improvement of the homestead. He was married on August 4, 1860, to Miss Ellen Shetterly, who was born June 9, 1841, in Snyder County, Penn., her father and mother being George and Eliza (Keeley) Shetterly. Two years after the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Beyrer they settled on a farm in German Township, and in 1882 purchased 100 acres of land, on which they resided for several years, having disposed of their other property. In March, 1888, the residence with all the household effects, including over $400 in money, was destroyed by fire. It was early in the morning and Mrs. Beyrer and children barely escaped in time from the burning building, being obliged to walk in their bare feet and thinly clad over the frozen ground to the neighbors. This was a severe blow to Mr. Beyrer, as his family was left almost destitute for a time, having lost an their clothing and were without ready money. Kind and generous neighbors immediately came to their relief and supplied them bountifully with all such necessaries, a thoughtfulness and unselfishness which the family will always remember. Mr. Beyrer was trustee of the township at the time, and all the books, etc., were also destroyed. The indomitable will and energy, characteristic of the man, asserted itself, and he at once set to work with renewed vigor to retrieve his lost fortunes, and the manner in which he has succeeded is illustrated by the handsome residence which now adorns the site of the old one, and the comfortable appearance and prosperity of the place on all sides. Mr. and Mrs. Beyrer are the parents of five children: Charles, Mary, Ida (deceased), Hattie, Lillie. In the fall of 1892 Mr. Beyrer sold the farm in German township for $100 per acre, purchasing property in South Bend, whither the family moved in order to give their children better educational facilities. During his residence in the country he was trustee of German township for four years, and filled this office with ability and credit to himself. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum, is a Republican politically, but in local affairs is not a partisan.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
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1893
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WILLIAM MILLER was born in Franklin county, Va., April 1, 1809. When a year and a half old, he came with his parents to Union county, Ind. At the age of twenty-four years he was married to Miss Mary Miller, of Union county, daughter of Co1. John Miller, also a Virginian, and an officer in the War of 1812. In 1833 William Miller removed to this, St. Joseph, county, and settled upon a tract of fertile land on the west side of Portage Prairie, in what is now German township. Some of the land he bought from the general Government, and a part of it from an Indian. Here he established his home, and developed one of the finest farms in the State. Mr. Miller was a practical and successful farmer, and did much to advance the agricultural interests of the county. His farm, while considered one of the most beautiful and productive, was noted for its fine prairie fields, valuable oak groves, large orchards, the best breeds of stock of all kinds, and the most improved agricultural implements. He was the purchaser of the first reaping and mowing machine used in the county. In 1844 he was elected to the Legislature, and was regarded as so valuable a member that he was returned by his constituents for two successive terms. He was very active in the Legislature in the interest of the benevolent institutions of the State, and the asylums for the deaf and dumb, the blind and insane, are largely indebted to his persevering and able efforts in their behalf. In 1858 Mr. Miller, desiring to retire from the arduous duties of active farm life, and to afford his younger children better educational advantages, removed from his farm to South Bend, and purchased the then new and handsome residence on La Fayette street, where he and his estimable wife spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Miller was for many years a member of the city council, and took an active interest in city affairs.

Appreciating the benefits of varied manufacturing industries in building up and maintaining a city, and adding to the wealth and growth of the community, he labored zealously in that direction, and was instrumental in inducing capitalists to come to South Bend to engage in business, and in lending aid to those who were struggling to establish themselves upon a more solid basis, and it is true that some of the promoters and wealthy owners of the mammoth manufacturing establishments that are the pride of South Bend today, are deeply indebted to Mr. Miller for his encouragement and financial assistance. Mr. Miller was a man of fine presence, his personal appearance commanding respect everywhere. He was above six feet in height, of symmetrical build, with a strong, yet kindly face, handsomely set off by a wealth of wavy hair and iron-grey beard, that attracted the attention of the artist; truly an ideal of noble manhood. In politics he was an uncompromising Whig, and at the birth of the Republican party, he promptly allied himself with that party, and continued an earnest advocate of its principles throughout his life. He was also an enthusiastic advocate of Odd Fellowship, and was a charter member of the first lodge organized in the county. He died in his home on May 2, 1879, after a long and severe illness, attended by his devoted wife and children, and his death was sincerely regretted by a large circle of warm friends and old acquaintances. Mrs. Miller died in the same homestead on September 29, 1885, in her seventy-fifth year. She was preeminently a type of our pioneer women, and while possessing the most womanly instincts, and a most loving and lovable disposition, and untiring in her devotion to her husband and children, she had the splendid strength of character which was so essential to the successful enjoyment of life on the frontier, as a wife and true helpmate to a sturdy pioneer husband. She died "in the twinkling of an eye" in the fullness of her years, mourned by her sorrowing children, and by a host of kind friends and neighbors who knew her best. Mr. and Mrs. Miller had born to them nine children, six of whom survived them; five sons and one daughter.

John F. Miller, the eldest, was born in Union county, Ind., November 21, 1831. and came to St. Joseph county with his parents, at the age of two years; he remained on the farm till his eighteenth year, when he attended school in South Bend, and later in Chicago, and afterward graduated at the New York State Law School at Balston Spa, in 1852. Upon completing his studies he returned to South Bend and became associated in the practice of law with Norman Eddy, ex-member of Congress. After about three years he went to California and engaged in the practice of his chosen profession, continuing till his return, three years later, to South Bend, where he resumed practice, and was married to Miss Mary Chess, a native of Pennsylvania. In 1860 he was elected a member of the State Senate, which position he resigned at the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, to accept a commission from Gov. Morton to raise the Twenty-ninth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. Upon his arrival in Kentucky with his regiment, he was placed in command of a brigade, serving under Gens. Sherman, Buell, Rosecrans and Thomas, and was promoted to brigadier general. Gen. Miller led the famous charge across Stone River, and though severely wounded in the neck by a minie rifle ball, he was in the three days' fight, refusing to go to the rear against the earnest advice of his surgeon. At the skirmish at Liberty Gap, Tenn., he lost an eye by a bullet from a sharpshooter, while advancing at the head of his command. This wound was very dangerous and came near proving fatal. As soon as he was sufficiently recovered, he returned to his command, though he carried the rebel bullet in his head for twelve years, when it became necessary to remove it to save his life. In the battle of Nashville he commanded the left division of 8,000 men, and was brevetted major general for conspicuous bravery. The record of Gen. Miller was that of a soldier who knew no fear, and never swerved from the line of strict duty, and as a comrade has said of him: "His bearing in battle was sublime; he had all the dash of a Sheridan, and the coolness of a Grant, and no commander ever inspired his men to a greater degree." Brave as a lion, yet kind and considerate of the welfare of his men, he was their idol, and wherever he led they were eager to follow. At the close of the war he accepted the collectorship of the port of San Francisco, tendered by President Johnson. After acceptably filling the position four years, he resigned to organize the Alaska Commercial Company, getting from Congress the exclusive grant of the Alaskan seal fisheries for a period of twenty years. The business of the company, of which he was president, becoming very profitable, Gen. Miller amassed considerable wealth. His ability as a lawyer was recognized throughout the Pacific Coast, and he was appointed president of a commission to investigate the Chinese question and to devise a method to ameliorate the condition of the people of California in that regard. The report submitted as chairman of that commission was favorably received, and was heartily endorsed by many of the ablest jurists in the country, and the legislation therein suggested was afterward adopted. He was elected to the United States Senate in 1880, and was the author of the famous Chinese Exclusion Act, which became a much-needed law of the land. Senator Miller won the admiration and gratitude of the people of California, and enjoyed an immense popularity among his constituents. He was chosen chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations, a distinction rarely accorded to a senator so young, and discharged the delicate duties of the position with credit to himself and honor to his country. He was greatly esteemed and respected by his associates in Congress, and though a stanch and unflinching Republican, he was kind and considerate in dealing with political opponents, and his amiable disposition, unobtrusive manners, his ability and fairness, won him many warm and distinguished friends. He died during his senatorial term, at his home in Washington, after a prolonged illness, leaving a wife and one daughter. His funeral services in Washington were held in the Senate chamber, attended by the President, Supreme Justices, members of the Senate and foreign representatives. His remains were escorted to California by special Government train, and deposited in his tomb by the side of his beloved son, whose death he had never ceased to mourn. Thus at the early age of fifty-five years, John F. Miller, patriot, soldier, statesman, in the zenith of his career, passed away, full of honors, followed by deep regret at his untimely taking oft, mourned by his sorrowing family, and by thousands of admiring friends. His widow survived him until December 6, 1890, when she died in Washington City, D. C., and was buried by the side of her distinguished husband. She was a devoted wife and mother, and always shared in the troubles and triumphs of her husband. The daughter, now the wife of Lieut. Richardson Clover, of the United States navy, resides in Washington with her husband and only daughter, Mary Eudora Clover, who was born at No. 1301 Conn avenue, Washington, D. C., November 15, 1890. Mrs. Clover inherited many of her father's traits of character, and moving in the highest circles of society, and mingling with the most noted people gathered at the national capital from her early girlhood, and being naturally gifted and liberally educated at home and abroad, she attracts wide and favorable attention everywhere, and counts among her warmest friends many distinguished people.

David, the second son, died at the age of six years.

Isaac Newton, the third son, was born at the home farm in German township, November, 3, 1835. He was a sturdy farmer boy, and spent his youth upon the old farm, and remained there up to his majority, except to attend school in winter in South Bend, and at Wabash College. He has followed the occupation of farmer for nearly the whole of his subsequent life. He was married to Miss Martha E. Ritter, March 25, 1858, and resided upon the home farm for several years, when he removed to South Bend to engage in the milling business until the spring of 1866. He bought a farm in Olive township, St. Joseph county, near the village of New Carlisle, where he now lives. Mr. Miller is one of the most enterprising and successful farmers in the county, and owns one of the largest and finest farms in his locality, thoroughly equipped with modern farming utensils, and stocked with the best breeds of all kinds of farm stock. Being an unswerving Republican, Mr. Miller has taken an active interest in local politics, and was called upon, in 1882, and again in 1884, to run on the Republican ticket for representative, and when the opposition was in an overwhelming majority in the joint district and county, and though narrowly defeated, he had the satisfaction of greatly reducing the majorities of the successful candidates upon both occasions. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have an interesting family of five children: The eldest, Eldon N., was born August 31, 1860, and is, like his father, a live, progressive farmer, and resides upon his farm in La Porte county, near New Carlisle. He was married on March 21, 1883, to Miss Lulu Dickey, of New Carlisle, and they have five bright little girls: Mary E., born June 18, 1884; Ann L., March 13, 1887; Edith, July 11, 1890; Eva, July 11, 1890, and Winnona, born September 17, 1892. John F., the second son of Mr. and Mrs. I. Newton Miller, was born June 9, 1862, and spent the early years of his life with his parents upon the home farm, till, in early manhood he entered the West Point Military Academy, where he was disciplined for several years, resigning to enter the law department of the Ann Arbor University, and later graduating from the Law college at Valparaiso, Ind. Shortly afterward he left his Indiana home to seek a broader and brighter field for the practice of his chosen profession, and in June, 1887, he located in Seattle, Washington Ter., where, after a residence of but little more than a year, he was elected police judge in November, 1888, and filled the position most acceptably for two years, when the office was vacated by the change from a Territorial to a State government. In November, 1890, Mr. Miller was elected district prosecuting attorney in Seattle, which position he now fills with signal ability, and his popularity being such that he is renominated upon the first ballot for reelection. Though young in years and citizenship in the city of his adoption, he is firmly established professionally and socially, and enjoys the respect and confidence of the entire community. On February 12, 1889, he was married to Miss Mary E. Stewart, of Randolph, Ill. They have a promising little daughter, Leah. Mr. Miller has built an elegant residence in Seattle for a permanent home. The younger children of I. Newton Miller and wife, are Mary E., born April 6, 1877; William R., born March 26, 1880, and Isaac Nelson, born December 27, 188l.

The next son in the order of ages, of William and Mary Miller, is William H., who was born at the old homestead in German township, on August 21, 1838. As with his elder brothers, his boyhood was spent upon the farm engaged in the arduous labors incident to farm life of that period, which was before the introduction of many of the labor-saving inventions of today. Arriving at the age of manhood, he attended school in South Bend, and later at Wabash College, and following that, at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. After leaving school he spent some time reading law in the office of Miller & George, when the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion changed his intended course, and after spending one summer in Tennessee, with his brother, Gen. Miller, who was then in command of the post of Nashville, he returned to South Bend and engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds and building material, which business he successfully prosecuted for a period of seven years. He was married to Miss Mattie Crockett, December 9, 1864. In the spring of 1875, he became interested in the purchase of some landed property in Fond du Lac, Wis., and removed there to manage the interests, and remained three years engaged in farming, then removed to St. Louis, becoming interested in the business of dealing in coal and street sprinkling, where he remained till the fall of 1880, when he returned to South Bend, and engaged in the manufacture and sale of sprinkling wagons, having made a number of valuable improvements in street sprinklers, upon which invention he secured letters patent from the Government. He followed this business successfully alone, till the season of 1890, when its growing demands resulted in the organization of the Miller-Knoblock Wagon Company, and the building of a plant to manufacture the Miller Patent Sprinklers and heavy fifth-wheel vehicles, in which be is one of the heaviest stockholders, and fills the positions of treasurer and superintendent. Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Miller have had three children born to them: Edwin Morton, was born May 10, 1870, and died August 29, same year; Mae Miller, was born in South Bend, September 17, 1872; she attended school at St. Joseph's Academy, South Bend, and later at Livingston Park Seminary, Rochester, N. Y.; Gertrude, was born in St. Louis, March 31, 1879, she is a faithful student in Washington School, South Bend.

Martha E., the only surviving daughter, was born December 6, 1841. In her girlhood she attended school at the La Porte, Ind., Seminary, and later, at the Oxford Young Ladies' Institute, Oxford, Ohio. She was married to Moses E. Butterworth, of La Porte, Ind., February 20, 1866, and has resided in La Porte, and at Kingsbury, La Porte county, ever since, except with a few years' residence in South Bend. Mrs. Butterworth inherited, to a marked degree, the heroic traits of her parents, and possesses an intellectual strength of character and wealth of true womanly sentiment which makes her presence felt throughout her large circle of friends. Mr. and Mrs. Butterworth have had three sons born to them: William M., was born March 11, 1867. His early boyhood was passed upon the Kingsbury farm. At a suitable age he entered Purdue University, and after finishing his studies there, he returned to La Porte, and enlisted in the ranks of journalism, and soon proved himself to be a ready and accomplished narrator of current events, and his sallies of wit and poetic sarcasm, won for him an enviable reputation among his comrades. He is now a resident of Chicago, engaged in the real estate business, and in the study of law. He was married to Miss Juliet Fox, of Titusville, Penn., on May 3, 1892. Joseph B., was born December 22, 1868, and died November 27, 1878. Henry T., was born November 20, 1872, and after leaving school attended the La Porte Horological School, and acquired the watchmaker's trade, in which profession he has become well skilled. He is also giving much attention to vocal music, possessing a rich baritone voice of wonderful power and compass.

Henry Clay, was born May 20, 1844. Like his older brothers, his earlier boyhood was spent upon the old Portage prairie farm, and removing to South Bend with his parents, he attended school in winter and followed agricultural pursuits in summer. He attended the Northern Indiana College, and later, Ann Arbor University. In 1867 he went to California, where he still lives. For some time after his arrival in San Francisco, he acted as private secretary to his brother, Gen. John F. Miller, then collector of the port. Subsequently he was appointed cashier of customs, and held this important position until the change of administration, when he tendered his resignation, and accepted the secretaryship of a mining association in San Francisco, until Mr. Phelps was appointed collector, when he was again called to the office of cashier, and held the position till promoted to his present highly important office, auditor of customs, which he assumed some two years ago. Mr. Miller's popularity arises from the warm interest and kindly sympathy he shows toward others. He is a man of much depth of feeling, and very considerate to subordinates, and in general circles, social, business, or political, his courtesy and candor give him the esteem and respect of those he meets. His long experience in the routine of custom house business, his unquestioned integrity and fine business ability especially qualify him for the important position he fills. He was married to Miss Magdalena Rosetta Blakeman, a native of California, on October 5, 1874, and two promising children bless their union: the eldest Madaline Rose Miller, was born in California on May 11, 1877, and Henry Clay, Jr., March 2, 1879. Mr. Miller and family live in a pretty Swiss cottage on the heights in the beautiful suburb of San Francisco, Sausalito.

The seventh child of William and Mary Miller, was named Mary Ellen, who died in infancy.

The eighth, Horace Greeley, was born at the old farm homestead, November 14, 1849. His early life, like those of his brothers, was passed at home, until after his parents removed to South Bend, where he attended the city schools for a number of years, and later, entered college at Monmouth, Ill., where he met Miss Rachel Cochran, to whom he was married shortly after finishing school, on November 14, 1870. His first business venture was in the grocery business, in partnership with the late J. G. Bartlett, in the oldest and best known grocery house in South Bend. After several years of successful business, the firm changed to Miller & Campbell, Mr. Campbell purchasing the interest of Mr. Bartlett. The successors continued the business for a number of years, receiving a generous patronage, which was well earned by the integrity and ability of the members of the firm. When the firm quit business in , Mr. Miller engaged in the manufacture of lumber for a number of years, and later filled the position of cashier in the large dry goods house of George Wyman & Co. In 1878 he resigned this position, and engaged in the coal and sprinkling business with his brother, W. H., in St. Louis, Mo. Returning to South Bend in 1880, he subsequently took a position as traveling salesman and office-man with the Studebaker Bros. Manufacturing Company, which he filled acceptably till the spring of 1891, when he resigned and became associated with, and a stockholder in the Miller-Knoblock Wagon Company, of South Bend, and now holds the position of vice-president and traveling representative with this company.

Edwin Irving, the ninth child of William and Mary Miller, died in infancy.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
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Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
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CHAUNCEY C. CARPENTER, a worthy resident of German township, St. Joseph Co., Ind., was born in Genesee county, N. Y., September 18, 1826, his parents being Rufus and Mariam (Watkins) Carpenter, the former's birth occurring near Burlington, Vt. The father of Rufus was a native of Vermont also and tilled the soil for a living, in which calling he was followed by his son Rufus, when he commenced to fight the battle of life for himself. The family moved to Genesee county, N. Y., when it was still in quite a primitive condition, but a short time afterward continued their march westward, and finally found themselves in Macomb county, Mich., where Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter lived until their respective deaths. Rufus Carpenter, the father of Chauncey C., was reared in his native State on a farm, and when his parents made their move to Genesee county, N. Y., he went with them and there formed the acquaintance of and was eventually married to Mariam Watkins, whose birth occurred in Massachusetts on the 19th of May, 1805, her father being a well-known physician. Mr. Carpenter became an emigrant to Michigan at about the same time as his parents, and was one of the pioneers of Macomb county, where he made his home until the winter of 1837, when he took up his residence on a farm two miles south of Mishawaka in Penn township, of which locality he was one of the first settlers. His death occurred in Warren township, March 8, 1858, his widow surviving him until May 1, 1871. They were the parents of the following children: Isaac, born September 7, 1824, and died February 1, 1842; Chauncey C.; Jerome B., born June 11, 182_; Alvin, born March 16, 1830, and died in California in 1850; Mary, born March 4,1834, and died February 11, 1837; Henry, born May 4, 1832, now a resident of California; James M., born June 28, 1836, living in La Porte county, Ind.; Oliva M., born June 16, 1839, living in Michigan, and Ellen, born March 9, 1843, a resident of Michigan City, Ind. Chauncey C. Carpenter was a child of two years when taken to Michigan, and that State continued to be his home until he was eleven years of age. Since that time he has resided in St. Joseph county, consequently, the major portion of his life has been spent here, and at present he is one of the few remaining old settlers. Owing to the fact that his younger days were passed on the frontier of the then almost uninhabited West, his education was limited to the common subscription schools then in vogue, but by application and reading he has developed all the educational traits necessary to a successful business life. He was married May 14, 18__, to Miss Mary W. Greiner, who was born May 7, 18__, in Germany, a daughter of Israel and Caroline (Curley) Greiner, who were also natives of the old country. Israel Greiner was born in Wurtemburg, February 13, 1824, and came to America in 1853, settling in Ohio, where he resided two years. After living some time in that State, he settled in German township, St. Joseph Co., Ind., and in this State his death occurred on the 13th of June, 1888. His widow and four children (two sons and two daughters) survive him. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter, they settled on the farm purchased by Mr. Carpenter some time previous and on which they still reside. Mr. Carpenter is the owner of 154 acres of valuable land, is an energetic and successful farmer and a successful business man. In politics he is not a partisan but is independent and votes for whom he considers the best man. He and his wife are the parents of six children: John E., born September 7, 1873, and died May 9, 1877; George C., born February 23, 1877; Edith born January 2, 1881; James A., born August 8, 1882, and died August 3, 1884; Ira, born August 20, 1885, and Allen G., born July 1, 1887.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders


PROSPER NICHOLS was a resident of St. Joseph county, Ind., for many years, but was a native of the Green Mountain State, where he was born, September 16, 1793, and where he grew to manhood. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and during the most of the time served as a scout. In the fall of 1830 he came to St. Joseph county, and in German township entered 160 acres of land, but about nine years later settled near Rochester, Ind., and on a farm in that section resided until his death on November 1, 1868. He was married to Susanna Kessler, by whom he became the father of ten children: Solomon, David, Mary, Sarah, Anna, Lucy, Elizabeth, Samuel, Rachel and Aaron. Mrs. Nichols died in January, 1869. The daughter Sarah was born April 28, 1821, in southern Indiana, and near Rochester, Ind., was married to William Wagner, in 1841. After their marriage they came to St. Joseph county, and in 1849 settled on the farm in German township where Mrs. Wagner now lives. She bore her husband eight children, four of whom are living: Aaron, Margaret, Eva and Ellen. Those deceased are: Prosper, Daniel, Benjamin and Susanna. Mr. Wagner was a native of Ohio, his birth occurring there on March 16, 1818, and his death in Nashville, Tenn., December 24, 1863. He had gone to that place for his son, Prosper, who was a soldier of the Union army, and was lying sick in the hospital in that place. The son finally returned home, but died four weeks afterward. Mrs. Wagner now owns a good farm of eighty-five acres, and is in the enjoyment of a competency. Aaron Wagner, the eldest of her living children, was born in Marshall county, Ind., December 13, 1848, and on April 18, 1877, was married to Mary Kizer, who is a native of Lucas county, Ohio, her birth occurring on November 20, 1852, a daughter of Jesse and Nancy (Foster) Kizer. Mr. and Mrs. Wagner are the parents of two children, Lynn A. and Walter R. Leslie C., another child, died July 8, 1892. Mr. Wagner has a good farm of ninety-eight acres, but resides on the old homestead, which consists of 360 acres, and successfully farms both places. He is intelligent and progressive in his views, and in the estimation of the public occupies a high place, and deservedly so. Politically he has always supported Republican principles.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders


THOMAS D. CALVERT (deceased). The sketch here given is that of a former citizen and resident of German township, St. Joseph county, and is a tribute paid to his many virtues and to the lessons which, as a father, he impressed upon the minds of his children by the example of a noble and honorable life, which, although it was fraught with hard labor and patient industry, was a model to his heirs of the sterling qualities that characterized a man who lived nearer to nature in its purity than to the artifices of society. He was born in England, December 3, 1815, to Isaac and Isabella (Bird) Calvert, who were also natives of Great Britain, and by them was brought to America in 1818, settling in Philadelphia, Penn., where the father carried on an extensive dairy business for about fifteen years. In the fall of 1834 he came with his family to St. Joseph county, Ind., and entered a large tract of land five miles southwest of South Bend, on which the family settled in a small log cabin, and began to clear the land and establish a home. Here Isaac Calvert lived until his death, February 27, 1839; his wife's death occurred March 7, 1866. Thomas D. Calvert was about three years of age when his parents came to America, and was a young man of about nineteen years of age upon their arrival in St. Joseph county; consequent1y he was among its pioneers. He was married, November 26, 1842, to Miss Sarah Curry, who was born on January 18, 1822, in Franklin county, Ind., a daughter of Daniel and Jane (Curry) Curry, the former of whom first saw the light of day in Westmoreland county, Penn., September 18, 1791, his parents being James and Matilda Curry, James having been a Revolutionary patriot, enlisting at the early age of fifteen years. Daniel was reared on a farm in his native county, and was married, in 1813, to Jane Curry, a native of Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1825 they removed from Franklin county, Ind., where they had settled at a very early day, to Butler county, Ohio, where Mrs. Curry died in the month of October, 1827. In the spring of 1833 Mr. Curry and his children came to St. Joseph county, settling in Olive township, where he bought a farm and lived for many years. His death occurred in Kansas in 1862. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Calvert they settled on a farm in Portage township, but two years later removed to Olive township, and in April, 1848, they came to German township, where Mr. Calvert purchased 120 acres of land, on which his widow now makes her home. He was an industrious and hard-working man, and by careful management accumulated considerable property, being the owner of nearly 200 acres at the time of his death, which occurred on December 22, 1890. He was a man of undoubted honor and integrity, and his death was much regretted by all who had known, loved and respected him in life. His union resulted in the birth of six children: Isaac B., Daniel M., Mary J., Sarah E., Elizabeth (deceased) and Cora I. (deceased). In addition to the estate in German township Mrs. Calvert owns nearly 100 acres in Union township, and is thus insured a comfortable and prosperous old age. She is a lady of intelligence and refinement, is kind, hospitable and charitable and has many warm personal friends.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders


DAVID MILLER, son of Elder Jacob Miller, whose sketch appears in this work, was born in Franklin county, Va., about the year 1788, and in 1800 removed with his parents to Ohio, and grew to manhood in the vicinity of Dayton, and was there united in marriage with Sarah Hardman. He afterward settled in Wayne county, Ind., and in 1829 came to St. Joseph county to select a home, and in the spring of 1830 brought his family here to settle on a farm four miles west of South Bend in German township, where he had entered between five hundred and six hundred acres of land. Here he improved a large tract, and with characteristic generosity granted portions of the same to his children. When about twenty-five years of age Mr. Miller became a minister of the German Baptist Church, and was an eminent, worthy and eloquent minister of the gospel until his death, and was highly honored and respected for his exemplary life and generosity by all who knew him. According to the belief and custom of the church he never received any financial remuneration for his services. He was an intelligent farmer and good business man, and as he was also a hard worker and a careful manager he accumulated a good property. He died on the homestead in German township on the farm which he had entered and labored to improve. His widow survived him until June 2, 1850, having borne him the following children: Elizabeth; Aaron, who was an earnest and capable minister of the German Baptist Church, and died in South Bend at the age of seventy-nine years; Catherine, who married James Goot, and lived in German township; Hannah, died in infancy; Anna, married Robert Cissne; Phoebe, married Joseph Cissne, and lived in La Porte county; Mary, married Isaac Marble, and lived in German township; Sarah, married George Witter; Susan, married Philip Boone; David, married Elizabeth Hoover, and removed to Iowa in the early settlement of that State and there died; Martin, married Elizabeth A. Wills, and removed to Iowa, settling near Des Moines; and the youngest child, Tobias, married Surena Jackson, moved to Kansas, and in that State spent the remainder of his days. Daniel H. Miller, of South Bend, was born June 18, 1831, in German township, a son of David and Sarah (Hardman) Miller. On the old homestead his boyhood and early manhood was passed, and the district schools of the township afforded him his education. December 4, 1852, he took a wife in the person of Mary O. Price, who was born July 8, 1833, in German township, daughter of Joshua M. and Frances (Huston) Price, the former a native of Kentucky, and the latter of Ohio. They came to St. Joseph county, Ind., in the spring of 1833, and in German township made their home for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Price were the parents of two children, one of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Price died March 27, 1889, in South Bend, and Mr. Price survives her and makes his home with his daughter Mary, being over eight-one years of age. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Miller located on a farm in Warren township, and three years later settled on a farm of eighty acres, the greater portion of which Mr. Miller cleared and improved. His industry was rewarded, and since his retirement from the active duties of life in 1879, he has enjoyed a comfortable com¬petency. He is a resident of South Bend and there owns valuable residence property. Mr. Miller and his wife have two adopted children: Ryall T. and Viola A., who married Adam Kollar. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Universalist Church, and in politics he is a Republican. They both possess admirable traits of character and naturally have numerous friends.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders


E. H. PEFFLEY. A biographical compendium of St. Joseph county, Ind., would be incomplete were not mention made of the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, for he is a man of much public spirit; he donates liberally to all public enterprises and gives his influence to every just measure for the promotion of the common good. He has resided in the county all his life and the people have had every opportunity to become familiar with his character and qualifications and his good name has always remained unsullied. His birth occurred in Warren township, December 30, 1848, Joseph and Catherine (Burtner) Peffiey, natives of Lebanon county, Penn., being his parents. The family originated in Germany, from which country the grandfather came .Joseph Peffley was a minister of the United Brethren Church and for thirty-five years preached the doctrines of Christianity in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties. In September, 1848, he located in Warren township, of this county, where he purchased a farm on which he lived until the day of his death, January 23, 1885. His wife was called from life November 7, of the previous year, having borne her husband four children: Simon, Henry, Daniel and Ephraim. E. H. Peffiey has always been familiar with farming and has made that his chief means of livelihood. In the fall of 1873 he moved to Greene township, where he has since resided on a well-improved farm of ninety-four acres, which, if small, is so admirably tilled that it yields a paying income. He has always been a Republican in his political views since he became old enough to vote, and his party showed its appreciation of his faithfulness in April, 1888, by electing him to the office of township trustee and honoring him by a re-election in 1890. He has displayed much ability in discharging his duties, and is in every way capable of filling a much more responsible position. In 1871 Anna Robertson, a daughter of J. W. Robertson, of South Bend, became his wife, and to their union two children have been given: V. Mariel and Clyde R. Mr. Peffley, besides thoroughly tilling his farm after the most approved methods, also gives considerable attention to raising sheep and thoroughbred hogs.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders

Additional Information on this family can be found at http://ibssg.org/peffley/new-peffbook/
Jeff Scism sent in the following information on E. F. Peffley's parents:
857 - REV. JOSEPH PEFFLEY (son of No.664) married at Dayton, Ohio, Jan. 3rd, 1839 CATHERINE BURTNER, born in Cumberland Co., Pa., June 9th, 1819, died Nov. 7th, 1884, South Bend, Ind. Both are buried in the South Bend Cemetery.
Joseph was a minister in the Church of the Brethren, he moved to Indiana between 1841 and 1844 and settled on a farm in St. Joseph. Co., Ind.
Issue:
1 - SIMON PETER PEFFLEY, b. 10-10-1839, Dayton, O., d. 2-9-1917, So. Bend, Ind.
2 - HENRY CLAY PEFFLEY, b. 10-13-1841, Dayton, O., d. Oct., 1926, So. Bend.
3 - JOSEPHUS PEFFLEY, b. 2-22-1844, Goshen, Ind., d. 11-9-1846, Goshen.
4 - DANIEL WEBSTER PEFFLEY, b. 8-28-1846, Goshen, Ind., d. July 1921, So. Bend.
5 - EPHRAIM PEFFLEY, b. 12-30-1848, So. Bend, d. May 1922, So. Bend, Ind. (All buried in City Cemetery, South Bend, Ind.)

The Peffley, Peffly, Pefley Families in America, A historical and genealogical record of the Peffley, Peffly and Pefley families from 1729-1938; Published in 1938, By May Miller Frost and Clarence Earl Frost
Call Number: R929.2 P375


Deb Murray