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JACOB WOOLVERTON, vice-president of the St. Joseph County Savings Bank at South Bend, and a dealer in real estate, is well and favorably known in financial and real estate circles, and has always sustained a high reputation in his community. He owes his nativity to this county, his birth occurring in Warren township, September 3, 1845, his parents being Charles and Jane (Lawson) Woolverton. The father was a resident of Hamilton county, Ohio, during his boyhood days, but in 1829 took up his abode in Park county, Ind., and in 1831 or 1832 in St. Joseph county, where he became a land speculator. While pursuing this business he made trips to and from Park county and Cincinnati, and often stopped at the home of the Lawsons, by which means he formed the acquaintance of his wife, their marriage taking place in 1840. They settled on a farm in Warren township, this county, soon after and on that farm the mother is still residing, and although she has attained the age of seventy-seven years, she is yet hale and hearty. When they first took up their residence in this section, Indians and wild animals were still plentiful, and although they were compelled to undergo the usual hardships of the pioneer, they were better supplied with worldly goods than a great many. Mr. Woolverton entered several tracts of land. purchasing from the Government at $1.25 per acre, and selling it to the rapidly incoming settlers, by which means he made considerable money. He built a little log house on his farm, in which he and his wife were living when Jacob was born. He was justice of the peace for several years prior to his death, which took place November 2, 1852, when the subject of this sketch was only seven years old. He was a very useful citizen in the early days of this section and it was owing to just such men that the country was brought to its present state of agricultural perfection. But two of his children are now living, Jacob and Charles, the former of whom was reared on his native farm, the majority of his days being spent in clearing and working the same. His school days were limited to the winter months until he was nineteen years of age, when he came to South Bend and entered Northern Indiana College, which institution he attended for two years. He then took a commercial course in Eastman Business College, from which he graduated. Succeeding this he traveled for some time throughout the Southern and Western states, and upon returning to South Bend went to work by the month for Col. Eddy, district internal revenue collector. He next traveled for a few months for a Cleveland wholesale oil house, after which he was the book-keeper of Studebaker Bros. for a few months. His aspirations having always been to be a real estate man and follow in the footsteps of his father he, in connection with William L. Kizer, formed a partnership June 10, 1869, and have since remained business associates. They have been very successful in this line of work and handle an enormous amount of property. Their operations are extensive and widespread, and connections of the most substantial character have been formed with capitalists and citizens generally. Theirs is the oldest and most prominent real estate firm of the county, and as they thoroughly understand the value of realty throughout the county, and are open and above board in their transactions, their large patronage is not to be wondered at. His time has been too fully occupied for him to aspire to political preferment, but he has been treasurer of the Republican Central Committee of the county. He has been vice-president of the St. Joseph County Savings Bank for many years and is a stockholder in the Citizens' National Bank. In October, 1870, he married Alice M. Rupel, who has borne him four children: John J., Howard A., Earl E. and an infant.

�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

JESSE H. GAINES, Mishawaka, Ind. The subject of this sketch is one of the eldest settlers of this town, having come here from Detroit, Mich., December 27, 1839. He is the son of Alfred M. and Mariah Gaines. The ancestors of our subject, on the father's side were of English stock and an old colonial family. General Gaines, husband of the celebrated Myra Clark Gaines, of the famous will case, was a descendant of the same family. The father of our subject was born in Vermont and there engaged in the manufacture of plows. He came to Detroit while a young man; there married a lady of German parentage. He then settled at Constantine, Mich., in 1842, worked in an iron foundry and later settled in Boone county, Mich., and passed the remainder of his days on his farm. He was the father of four children who lived to maturity. One, Adam S., was killed in the Civil war in a skirmish northeast of Knoxville and lies buried in the National Cemetery at Knoxville. He was a member of Company M, Second Michigan Cavalry, enlisting in 1861, and was shot in November, 1863. He had been in several battles and had served under Gen. Sheridan, who was his colonel. Oscar O. enlisted in May, 1861, in Company K, Third Michigan Infantry and served in that company until 1863, when he was transferred to the regular army and was made orderly of Gen. Sheridan's staff. At the expiration of his original enlistment, he re-enlisted in the regular army and was honorably discharged in 1867, his papers being made out and signed by Gen. Sheridan with a recommendation accompanying the discharge. He was in many battles, was never sick in any hospital, but died in Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1866. Mr. Gaines, the father of our subject, died when on a visit at Wilmington, Del., at an advanced age. He was a member of the Baptist Church. Always hard working and industrious, he was much esteemed. He gave three of his sons to the army, the three brothers' terms of service aggregating thirteen years. Our subject was but three years of age when his parents took him to Constantine, Mich., and here he was reared. He received his education in the public schools, and early began work at the trade of a blacksmith, commencing at the age of sixteen years and finishing when nineteen. He enlisted in the service of the United States, April 23, 1861, at Constantine, Mich., in Company G, Second Regiment, Michigan Volunteer Infantry, and served until April 7, 1865. He was honorably discharged at Detroit, Mich., having participated in every battle in which his company took part, some forty in all, from the first battle of Bull Run up to and including the Petersburg Mine explosion. This regiment was one of the celebrated fighting regiments of Michigan. It was first with Heinzelman's corps, under Gen. Phil Kearney, and after the death of that famous fighter, was with the Ninth Army Corps, was afterward sent with one of the divisions of the corps to Vicksburg, then to Jackson, Miss., and took part in the Tennessee campaign. In the spring of 1864 the regiment returned to the Army of the Potomac. Mr. Gaines re-enlisted as a veteran at Blair's Cross Roads, Tenn., December 31, 1863, in the same company and regiment. He was never obliged to enter a hospital, and was always an active and efficient soldier. He was taken prisoner July 30, 1864, at the Petersburg Mine explosion and was taken to Danville, Va., and was paroled February 22, 1865. When taken prisoner, Mr. Gaines weighed 160 pounds and when he came out his weight was but 107 pounds. The prison was a tobacco warehouse, Prison No. 4, and the prison diet of corn meal, with meat three times in seven months did not conduce to any gain of avoirdupois. Just before his capture, Mr. Gaines had been promoted to be second lieutenant on account of meritorious services, but as he was reported as killed he was never mustered in under this commission, but after his parole he was commissioned first lieutenant, April 25, 1865, for gallant services. After the close of the war, Mr. Gaines went to Marshall, Mich., where he worked at his trade, and January 1, 1867, he married Jennie Oliver, daughter of William and Lucy (Ford) Oliver. To Mr. and Mrs. Gaines have been born five children: Kittie, who married Horace Price, one of the proprietors of the wagon works in Mishawaka; Alfred M., who was a miner in Colorado; Nellie, Charles and Oliver. In 1869 Mr. Gaines came to Mishawaka, where he has since resided. Mr. Gaines first engaged with his father-in-law, William Oliver, in the blacksmith's business. The latter was one of the old, pioneer citizen of Mishawaka. Since 1879 Mr. Gaines has carried on the blacksmith's business in this town. He is a member of the G. A. R., Mishawaka Post, and has held the offices of quartermaster and post commander. Politically he is a stanch Republican. He is a reliable citizen and has served the township in the office of trustee. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gaines are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which organization he has held the office of trustee. Before closing this sketch it is only justice to refer to the war record of Mr. Gaines, which is one of the best in the county. On June 17, 1864, our subject, who was color sergeant, had charge of several colored corporals, called the colored guard. In front of Petersburg, his regiment made two different charges, and in one of these charges one of the guards was killed and six of them were wounded. At another time, the flag staff was shot off and the flag fell. This flag is now in the State House of Lansing, Mich. Mr. Gaines was in one of the first battles of the war, Blackman's Ford, Va. Of the full company of 100 men who enlisted at Constantine, Mich., and were mustered in as Company G, Second Michigan Infantry, Lieut. Gaines was the only man who was mustered out of the same company in 1860. The other original members were either missing or had been discharged or killed.

JOHN YANT, mason contractor. An important branch of industry is that represented by Mr. Yant, whose name is prominently identified with the building interests of South Bend, and has become a synonym for sterling honesty and conscientious fulfillment of contracts. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, October 30, 1843, a son of Valentine and Catherine (Platz) Yant, the former of whom was born in Ohio, the latter in Pennsylvania, both being of German extraction. The paternal grandfather, John Yant, was a patriot of the Revolution, was one of the early settlers of Ohio and died in Stark county when past the age of four-score years. Like his father before him, Valentine Yant, was a farmer and devoted his attention to this occupation in Elkhart county from 1861 until he removed to the city of Elkhart, where he was called from life in 1882. The mother died in South Bend, four of the seven children born to her surviving: Emeline, John, Melissa and Mary. Sarah, Nancy and Frances are deceased. John Yant was occupied with the details of farming in Stark county, Ohio, until he was nineteen years of age, but owing to the scarcity and inferiority of the schools of that period, he did not secure as good an education as he desired. About one year prior to coming west he worked at the mason's trade, and upon locating in Kendallville, Ind., he followed this calling for six years. In 1864 he dropped his trowel in order to fight his country's battles and became a member of Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served five months. In 1865 he was married to Miss Mary J. Weaver, of Kendallville, and in 1866 took up his residence in the town of Goshen, where he was successfully engaged in contracting until the fall of 1869, when he came to South Bend, where he has since made his home. His career as a contractor has been a very prosperous one, and he has successfully carried to completion many large contracts, among which may be mentioned the Oliver Opera House and nine dwellings for Mr. Oliver, which took about 24,000 yards of plaster. He has filled many other prominent contracts in a skillful workmanlike manner, and his services are in such requisition that he is kept constantly busy. His buildings are just ornaments to and among the best equipped and appointed in South Bend, and he is rightly considered an important factor in the welfare, happiness and prosperity of the place. He has always supported the doctrines and platforms of the Republican party, by which he was elected a member of the city council in 1884, and during the four years that he held that office he never missed a meeting of that body. In 1888 he was elected township trustee, held the position two years and four months, and his name was a candidate for sheriff of the county at the November election of 1892 and resulted in his election. He is a member of the A. F. & A. Mo, the K. O. T. Mo, the Royal Arcanum, the A. O. U. and the G. A. R. He is the father of two daughters: Laura I. and Bessie M.

ADOLPH KAMM is a prominent business man in Mishawaka, Ind., is a worthy citizen in all the relations of life, and has always been interested in the advancement of the different affairs of his section. He is a successful business man; his generosity keeps pace with his prosperity, and he contributes liberally of his means to the advancement of worthy enterprises, in which respect his generosity has been recognized and appreciated. He is one of the proprietors of the Kamm & Schellinger Brewing Company, and owes his nativity to Germany, his birth occurring in Wurtemberg, at Zoebingen Oberant Elwangen, June 13, 1842, his parents being Frank J., born August 17, 1814, and Antonia Maria (Wurstner) Kamm born March 26,1820. To them were born five children, four of which lived to mature years: Adolph, Philomena, who was born January 4, 1845; Mathilda, who was born December 15, 1845, Maria Antonia who was born April 20, 1847, and died October 10, 1848; Amalia, who was born May 24, 1857. Mr. Kamm, the father was a carpenter by trade, but about 1848, came to the very sensible conclusion that America offered better opportunities for advancement and the accumulation of a fortune, than his native land, and thither he came with his family, taking up his residence at Fryburg, Auglaize county, Ohio, where he lived until Adolph became sixteen years of age. The latter received but few educational advantages, as he began to work on his father's farm when young. At this age he started in the world to do for himself, making his first stop at Delphos, Ohio, where he began working in a brewery, and remained in that place for three years, after which he followed the same occupation at Ft. Wayne, Ind., and from there to Toledo, Ohio.

In 1870 Mishawaka, Ind., became his home, and having, by thrift and economy saved up some money, he formed a partnership with Clemens Dick (who accompanied him from Toledo), under the firm name of Dick & Kamm, and with him purchased the business of John Wagner, which had been established by that gentleman in 1853. Ten years later Mr. Dick sold his interest in the business to Mr. Kamm and Nicholas Schellinger, and in 1887 it was incorporated with a capital stock of $65,000, and officered as follows: Adolph Kamm, president; Nicholas Schellinger, treasurer, and Laura Kamm, secretary. The company built new and commodious buildings, more substantial and suitable to the business, and from time to time put in the most improved appliances used by brewers for the proper conduct and facilitation of their business. Their trade is principally in the surrounding towns, but is extensive and profitable. The article manufactured by this firm is of the finest quality, and although at all times freely sold, it is especially in demand during the summer months. Mr. Kamm owns a substantial residence and other real estate of value, all of which has been obtained through his own industry, good management and shrewd business qualities. He was united in marriage to Maria Weber, April 12, 1869, at Toledo, Ohio, and in 1870 brought his wife with him to Mishawaka, Ind., where she died December 31, 1871. The remains were taken to Toledo, Ohio, where the interment took place. After a period of nearly two years he was again united in marriage to Josephine Schellinger, on July 28, 1873, who was born June 25, 1850, the daughter of Xaver and Elizabeth (Huber) Schellinger, and to them have been born eight children: Laura, born July 12, 1874; Rudolph. born February 2, 1876; Johanna, born April 2, 1878; Paulina, born July 31, 1880; Albin, born December 13, 1882, Marie, born December 8, 1886; Adolph, Jr., July 26, 1889, and Eugene, born August 11, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Kamm are devout members of the Catholic Church and in politics he is a stanch Democrat. He is one of the self-made men of Mishawaka, for he began the battle of life with no means and by thrift and hard work has made his property. In addition he always exercised his judicious economy, although he has never been in the least niggardly in his support of enterprises that have recommended themselves to his excellent judgment. He is a patron of education and has taken pains to give his children good educational advantages. His daughter Laura obtained her education in Father Oechtering's parochial school and the St. Elizabeth Academy at St. Louis, Mo., and now keeps the books in her father's firm, being very capable for her age and a practical, business-like young woman. His son Rudolph is receiving his education in St. Jerome's College, at Berlin, Ontario, Canada, and Johanna is being educated in the St. Joseph Academy at Chicago, Ill.

On July 17, 1882, an infant child was found in front of Mr. Kamm's residence, which received the name of Arthur W. Kamm; the child lived but a short time, dying October 31, 1882; its parents are still unknown.

Xaver Schellinger, the father of Mrs. Kamm, was born in Muehlheim, Wurtemberg, October 25, 1817; he was a miller by trade and was in comfortable circumstances. He was married to Elizabeth Huber, who was born November 11, 1817, and died in her native land September 7, 1861. On November 11, 1863, he was married to the widow of Severin Fischer; they came to America in 1868 and settled at Mishawaka, where she died May 28, 1888. Mr. Schellinger by his first wife is the father of six children: Leopold, who was born July 21, 1846; Nicholas, born November 4, 1847; Edward, born May 1, 1855; Gustave, born March 16, 1857; Joseph born October 7, 1860, and Josephine (Mrs. Kamm), who was born June 25, 1850. Mr. Schellinger is living at the age of seventy-five years, is a Catholic in religious belief, and a man of very honorable character.

LOUIS IFFERT. Among the well known farmers and stockraisers of Union township, none has a better or more thoroughly cultivated farm than he whose name is now given. He is a son of one of the early pioneers, Martin Iffert, who was born in Germany, October 9, 1812, and who was a son of John and Ann M. (Eckhart) Iffert. John Iffert and his wife died in the Fatherland. He was a soldier in the German army, and was for many years blind, having lost his sight in the service. Martin was also a soldier in the German army, and a shoemaker by trade. He was married in the old country to Miss Anna E. Miller, who was born June 3, 1817, and who was the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Hartman) Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were the parents of two children. Martin Iffert and his wife settled down in the old country after marriage and he followed his trade there until 1844, when the family took passage for the United States. They landed at Baltimore but went from there to Ohio, and settled in Columbiana county, where Mr. Iffert worked at his trade for eight years. In 1852 he emigrated to Elkhart county, Ind., and located in Harrison township on eighty acres of land, where he resided until 1860. He then moved to Union township and bought a farm upon which he and his estimable wife are now living. They are a worthy old couple and highly respected. By industry and frugality they have accumulated considerable property and can pass their declining years in ease and comfort. Their children are all around them and are prosperous citizens. Both Martin Iffert and the sharer of his joys and sorrows, are members of the German Reformed Church and active in all good work. The children born to them were named as follows: John M., born October 22,1837, is a prosperous farmer of Jackson township, Elkhart county; Catherine, born December 6, 1843, is now the wife of John Yoder; Anna R., born December 20, 1844, is now Mrs. Samuel Smith, of Union township; Louis, the subject of this sketch; Christian, born December 6, 1848, is farming in Union township; Daniel, born January 29, 1851, is farming in Union township; and Edward, born April 11, 1855, is also farming in Union township. The father of these children is a strong Republican in his political views and is a prominent old citizen. Louis Iffert was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, January 28, 1845, and was but four years of age when the family moved to this county. He attended the district school and worked on the home place until twenty-five years of age, and then, on September 26, 1871, he married Miss Mahala Weaver, a native of the Buckeye State, born June 9, 1852, and the daughter of Abraham and Frances (Berkey) Weaver. Mr. Weaver was born in Ohio, and moved with his family to Elkhart county in 1861. There he made his home until 1875, when he moved to Kansas and he and his wife are residing in that State at the present time. Their children were named as follows: Mahala (Mrs. Iffert); Elizabeth, now Mrs. Albert Beechly, of Kansas; and Samuel M., a farmer of Kansas. Louis Iffert and wife are the happy parents of six children, as follows: Ida, born September 30, 1872, is the wife of Albert Anglemyer (see sketch of John Anglemyer); Almira, born March 25, 1876; Martin M., born January 28, 1879, at home; Henry L. and Henrietta, born July 11,1882; Henry died when nineteen months old; and Laura, born September 6, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Iffert are members and regular attendants of the German Baptist Church, and are active in all good work. Mr. Iffert is a Republican in his political views. He has 100 acres of choice land, and is deeply interested in the breeding of good stock, as is also his brother, who owns a farm in the same neighborhood. As a business man and gentleman, he enjoys the respect of his associates, being regarded as one of the most intelligent and leading members of society in his locality.

M. B. STALEY is president of the A. O. Staley Manufacturing Company, of South Bend, Ind., which is one of the most noteworthy institutions of the county and is conducted in a highly successful manner under its present president. This gentleman is a product of Marshall county, Ind., where he was born August 4, 1847, a son of Alexander C. and Mary (Welch) Staley, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. This family is of German and English origin. The paternal great-grandfather came from Germany at an early day and settled near Harper's Ferry, Va., where he died. He was a soldier of the Revolution. The grandfather, Jacob Staley, was a soldier of the War of 1812, as was also the maternal grandfather, Joseph Welch. Both these gentlemen were early settlers of Ohio and were tillers of the soil, but Mr. Staley was also engaged in milling in an early day. He died in Marshall county, Ind. The father of the subject of this sketch came to St. Joseph county, Ind., in 1862 to establish a woolen-mill, and soon had a race put in, a mill erected and in operation on the site of the present establishment, having brought his machinery thither from Plymouth, Ind., in 1855. The establishment was conducted by A. C. Staley until 1888, when a stock company was formed and he was made president, a position he faithfully and capably filled until his death in 1889. The mother died in 1877. To their union seven children were given, four of whom are living: Mrs. Ellen Sapp, M. B., Byron A., a farmer of Harrison county, Mo., and Mrs. William Mack. The father was a very prominent man of this section, was a member of the city council several terms and trustee of the water works four years. M. B. Staley, whose name is at the head of this sketch, may be said to have been brought up in the woolen business, but at the same time received a good education in the common schools and the Northern Indiana College. After the death of his father, as he had been in the woolen-mill off and on from his ninth year, he was made president of the concern, and this position he still continues to fill. This establishment gives employment to about fifty men and women, not counting a number of traveling salesmen who are kept constantly on the road. Mr. Staley is one of the most enterprising men of the city, and as his honor is unimpeachable he has many friends and patrons. In 1875 Miss Eva, daughter of Judge Thomas S. Stanfield, a very prominent man of the State, became his wife. Mrs. Staley is an accomplished and amiable lady and is a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church.

WINKLER BROTHERS. Fred and Leonhard Winkler are extensively engaged in the manufacture of wagons, carriages, heavy truck wagons, and are making a specialty of street sprinklers. In addition to this extensive business they are also coal, wood and grocery merchants, and are all-round, pushing and prosperous business men, who have the intelligence to see and grasp all opportunities for bettering their condition, although they never do so at the expense of others. Their house was established in 1877, and since that time they have carried on an enormous business, the excellent character of their product winning them wide recognition. Fred, the senior member of the firm, was born in Putnam county, Ohio, July 12, 1854, Leonhard's birth occurring at the same place November 11, 1858, their parents being Charles and Barbara (Brakeman) Winkler, both of whom were native Germans, the birth of the former occurring November 11, 1831. He braved the dangers of the ocean in 1848 and came to America, landing in New York City, from which place he soon after immigrated to Cleveland, Ohio. Having been brought up in the mercantile business, he followed that occupation after coming to this country, but in 1852 went back to his native land. There he remained only a short time, wedding Miss Brakeman, and with his young bride returned to America in December, 1852. He settled in Putnam county, Ohio, and there once more entered upon a mercantile career at Gilboy, which business occupied his time and attention for some time. Having purchased a farm he located thereon and tilled the same with success until 1857, spending the two succeeding years in South Bend, Ind. At the end of this time he returned to Ohio, thence to Cass county, Mich., and for over twenty-five years resided on a farm in the vicinity of Niles. In March, 1891, he again came to South Bend, where he expects to spend the rest of his days. He is the father of six children, five living. Fred, the oldest son, was principally educated in Michigan, but completed his knowledge of the "world of books" in Notre Dame University, from which he graduated in 1874. He was brought up on a farm and helped to till the soil, but he and his brother Leonhard learned their trade at Niles. They started in business for themselves at that place with a capital of 15 cents, but being full of energy, courage and enthusiasm, they devoted their attention to their work, and as their credit was of the best, they soon began to see their way clear to success. After a visit to South Bend they decided that this would be an excellent manufacturing point, and here determined to locate. They moved their property thither, and although total strangers here the merit of their work soon became universally recognized and their patronage began to assume satisfactory proportions. Their success was soon assured and they now occupy a high standing in financial and business circles. Their grocery, coal and wood yard are also paying enterprises, and speak in an eloquent manner as to the push and determination of these gentlemen. Fred was justice of the peace in Niles, Mich., for three years. He was married May 7, 1880, to Miss Emma J. Gardner, and has three children: Sadie, Genevieve and Alfreda. Mr. Winkler never smoked a cigar or took a chew of tobacco in his life, and in every respect is a temperate man and a model American citizen. Leonhard, the junior partner, was educated in the common schools and began learning his trade at the age of fourteen years in Niles, serving a three-year apprenticeship. After a time, he purchased his employer's business, associated with him his brother Fred, and since then has been an active man of affairs. Miss Mary Cavanaugh became his wife, and to their union one son has been given, Edward. Charles Winkler, a brother of Fred and Leonhard, was born in Putnam county, Ohio, December 21, 1861, and in the common schools, the high school of Niles and the high school of South Bend he secured a good education. He is now a grocer of South Bend, and like his brothers, is a shrewd and successful man of business. Miss Alice Knoblock became his wife in 1889, and they have two children (twins); Carl and Crystle. Frank Winkler, brother of the above named gentlemen, was born in Cass county, Mich., March 4, 1871, obtained a public-school education and was reared on a farm. In 1891 he came to South Bend and has since been engaged in the livery business. Anna N. Winkler, a sister, is deceased, and Maggie, another sister, was born in Cass county, Mich., in 1886. The standing of the Winkler Brothers is exceptionally good, both as regards business capacity and true American enterprise, and they justly merit the representative position they have attained in their important industry.

M. V. BEIGER is a well-known citizen of St. Joseph county, Ind., for he is the president and one of the large stockholders of the Mishawaka Woolen Manufacturing Company and a wide-awake and public spirited citizen. He was born February 3, 1847, in the county in which he is now residing, his father being Jacob Beiger, a native German, who came to America in 1844, bringing his family with him. He settled on a tract of land which he succeeded in clearing by hard work and persistent effort, and in time his efforts were rewarded to such an extent that he was justly considered a well-to-do man. He died in Beltenhousen, Wurtemburg, the old home of his birth, where he was making a visit in 1874, at which time he was sixty-one years of age. His family had been residents and natives of that town for generations and were highly regarded in that community. To himself and wife a family of ten children was given: Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary, Theresa, Daniel, Henry J., Martin V., Grascence (who died at the age of eighteen years), John (who died at the age of eleven years), and Sophia (who also died when eleven years old). Mr. Beiger was one of the progressive German-American citizens of this country and in politics was a stanch Republican. Martin V. Beiger, the subject of this sketch and son of Jacob, received a good and practical education in the district schools in the vicinity of his rural home, which he supplemented by a four-year scientific course in Wabash College. At the early age of thirteen years he began clerking in the general store of A. B. Judson and finally had charge of his bank for three years prior to his twenty-first year. In 1864 he enlisted in the service of the United States as a private soldier in Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He rendered efficient service and was not sick or in the hospital while in the army. After his return to Mishawaka he, in 1868, at the age of twenty-one years, became a member of the firm of M. V. Beiger & Co. and engaged in the manufacture of woolen cloth. In 1864 a stock company was formed. Mr. Beiger was placed in the management of the woolen factory and became an expert manufacturer, his goods becoming widely and favorably known. In 1872 he made a tour of England, France, Germany, Scotland and Switzerland, and made a thorough study of the manufacture of woolen goods. In 1886, seeing the successful sale of the felt boot, Mr. Beiger conceived the idea that wool boots could be made by knitting instead of felting, and began the industry of manufacturing an all-wool knit boot. The manufacture of the knit boot required special machinery for it, and Mr. Beiger associated with him Mr. Adolphus Eberhart, of Mishawaka, a skillful and practical mechanic, and these two men invented the required machinery and the process of making the all-wool knit boot, which is now generally used and considered one of the important inventions of the day. The business is now incorporated as the Mishawaka Woolen Manufacturing Company, with a capital stock of $200,000 and with officers as follows: Y. V. Beiger, president: F. G. Eberhart, vice-president; J. C. Eberhart, secretary: A. Eberhart, superintendent; and Marion Campbell, treasurer. The directors are: C. Studebaker, J. M. Studebaker, M. V. Beiger, A. Eberhart, Marion Campbell. The business furnishes employment to about 150 persons and is a credit to Mishawaka as a busi�ness and manufacturing center and a credit to the enterprise and business push of the managers. The company has a capacity of about 250,000 pairs of boots per year and are doing a profitable and successful business. Mr. Beiger votes the Republican ticket, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has held the office of trustee and steward for many years. His union occurred on the 30th of December, 1875, Mr. Beiger married Miss Susie Higgins, and they own and reside on one of the most beautiful and tasteful residences in Mishawaka, which is furnished in a tasteful and comfortable manner and is considered one of the most hospitable homes of the city. Mr. Beiger also owns valuable real estate in Mishawaka, a one-half interest in the Tromp & Beiger block, and is the sole owner of two farms in Penn township. Mr. Beiger is of a decidedly practical turn of mind, possesses keen commercial instincts, and these attributes, coupled with great industry and perseverance and also strictly honorable methods, have been the means of building up a valuable and substantial business, a handsome property and an excellent reputation.

C. FASSNACHT, contractor and builder, South Bend, Ind. This work would be incomplete were mention not made of those artisans whose skill and labor have been utilized in the construction of her buildings and public institutions; and foremost among the number is C. Fassnacht, who has been closely identified with the modem architecture of South Bend. He has his office at 125 St. Joseph street, and resides at No.1 Park avenue (Chafin place). He was born in Wittenberg, Germany, March 4, 1850, a son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Schmidt) Fassnacht, the former of whom was quite a prominent figure in the section in which he lived, and held a number of political positions. In 1859 he, with his family. took passage at Havre, France, for America, and arrived at New York City after a thirty-seven days' ocean voyage on a sailing vessel. From New York they came directly to St. Joseph county, where they joined friends who had preceded them. Mr. Fassnacht located five miles south of Mishawaka, where he lived until his death, which occurred in the fall of 1888. His widow still makes her home on that farm. They were the parents of the following children: Andrew, of Chattanooga. Tenn.; Frederick, a farmer of St. Joseph county; Hannah, wife of William Belle; Mrs. George Collmer, and Christopher. The subject of this sketch was only nine years old when brought to this country, but prior to that time had attended school for three years in his native country, and finished his education in the English common schools of St. Joseph county. He assisted his father on the farm until nineteen years of age, when he began working at the carpenter's trade, completing his trade in South Bend under Henry S. Evans, after he had attained his twentieth year. He worked as journeyman until 1877, at which time he bought out Mr. Evans, and has since been doing an extensive contracting business on his own account. Among the numerous structures that are a credit to his skill may be mentioned the Baptist Church, the Presbyterian Church, the residence of Clem Studebaker, the Oliver office building, the G. Ford residence, the Wyman store, the Coquillard School building, the residence of J. M. Studebaker, the residence of J. F. Studebaker, the residence of Mr. Fish, the St. Joseph County Savings Bank and many other of the most prominent buildings of the city. His career has been one of honor and profit to himself, and although a poor boy he is now in good circumstances, the outcome of honest and earnest toil. He was a member of the city council two years, and politically, has always been a Republican. He is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and socially belongs to the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 29, Encampment No.9. He has been married since 1877, at which time Miss Caroline E. Freyermuth became his wife and in time the mother of his two children: Walter and Homer.

ALEX. CURTIS, of Mishawaka, Ind., is well known to the citizens of St. Joseph county, as the proprietor of the well-known hostelry known as the Melburn House, which is a popular resort of the traveling public. The paternal grandfather of this gentleman was of English descent, and from an old and prominent colonial family of North Carolina. He followed the honorable and useful calling of a farmer and on his extensive plantation he reared a family of ten children: James, Alexander, David, Jacob, Andrew, Noah, William, Mary, Sarah and Ann. At an early day James Curtis removed with his family to Miami county, Ohio, and took up his residence on a farm near Troy, of which place he was among the very first to settle, and owing to the fact that Indians were plentiful and sometimes hostile a stockade for defense was built. Mr. Curtis was a substantial and useful citizen, highly honored in the section in which he lived, and attained the advanced age of eighty years, dying in Miami county. James Curtis, his son, was the father of the subject of this sketch, and was born in Miami county, Ohio, January 7, 1807, and on his father's farm in that county he was reared to manhood, obtaining such a thorough and practical knowledge of the work that upon entering upon the calling on his own account he made of it a success. He was married in his native county to Miss Nancy Byrkit, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Jacobs) Byrkit, of Penn township, St. Joseph Co., Ind. A family of eleven children was given to Mr. and Mrs. Curtis: William, Jacob, Alexander, Edmund, Alfred, James (who died at the age of four years), David, Mary E., George, Frank and Loren, all of whom were born in Penn township with the exception of the two eldest children, William and Jacob, who were born in Miami county, Ohio. July 11, 1831, Mr. Curtis came to St. Joseph county, Ind., bringing his family with him, the journey being made by wagon, and made a location in the eastern portion of what is now Penn township, at which time there were no settlers in that section. Mr. Curtis took up forty acres of land, cleared a small tract and built thereon a log cabin into which he and his wife and children at once moved. He then labored faithfully early and late to clear his land, and by judicious management increased it until he became the owner of 320 acres of excellent land, all of which he greatly improved in the way of buildings, fences and clearing, making it one of the most valuable pieces of property in the county. The Indians were numerous in the country at the time of his settlement, and the bones of a prominent Indian chief are moldering in an Indian burying ground on the Curtis farm. Mrs. Curtis was a member of the Baptist Church, and was called from life at the age of seventy-five years. Mr. Curtis was one of the reliable pioneer settlers of the township and brought up a respectable family of children. One son, Alfred, was in the Civil war, Company F, Forty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Burkett, and was in the battles of Corinth, Iuka, and several skirmishes during the eighteen months that he was in the service. Alex Curtis was born on the old homestead in St. Joseph county, November 25, 1834, was brought up amid the wilds of a pioneer farm and obtained his knowledge of books in the old-time log school-house, his attendance being limited to a few months each winter, the rest of the time being spent in the usual duties attendant upon clearing a woodland farm. The limited education he obtained was greatly increased in after years by a varied and extensive course of reading and by valuable experience gained in the management of his business affairs. At the age of twenty-three years, on May 14, 1857, he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Eggins, a daughter of John and Isabel (Rogers) Eggins, and in time a family of five children gathered about their board: Flora E., Martha J., James D., William W. and Alex Buford, all of whom were born on their father's farm in Penn township. For some time prior to his marriage Mr. Curtis followed carpentering as well as farming, but after his marriage he settled on a farm in Fulton county, Ind., where he lived one and a half years, after which he purchased land in Penn township, St. Joseph county, Ind. Seven years later he bought a fine tract of land comprising eighty acres southeast of Mishawaka, about forty acres of which he succeeded in clearing and on which he made his home until his removal to Mishawaka in 1881, when he purchased an excellent residence property in the town and worked at his former occupation of carpentering until 1885, when he became the proprietor of the Milburn House, which he has ever since successfully managed. His house has become noted for the successful manner in which it is conducted, for the neatness and homelike appearance of the rooms as well as for the abundant and wholesome meals provided the guests, whose wants are carefully looked after by the attentive and gentlemanly host. Mr. Curtis is a man of high character and he conducts his business affairs on the soundest principles, and deservedly has the Confidence and liking of the public in general and the traveling public in particular. He has been a hard worker all his life, and through honest merit has become one of the best known citizens of Mishawaka. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, and politically he is a Democrat. He filled the office of city marshal of Mishawaka in a very satisfactory manner during 1882-3 and since June, 1886, has filled the office of justice of the peace. His daughter, Mattie, who was an accomplished and promising young lady, died January 5, 1880, aged eighteen years, six months and twelve days. His daughter, Flora E., married John C. Boyer, a traveling salesman of Mishawaka, by whom she has one child - Hattie. The sons are in business. James D. has been deputy county clerk four years and obtained a good education in the public schools of Mishawaka; William M. is secretary of the Kamm & Schellinger Brewery Company of Mishawaka, and was a graduate of the South Bend Commercial College; Alex Buford has a good education and graduated at the South Bend Commercial College, is especially gifted in music and is a pianist of rare ability.

IRVING A. SIBLEY. A widely known business house of South Bend is that owned by Mr. Sibley, who is a practical, experienced man, thoroughly conversant with the business in all its branches, and his establishment is a most reliable one with which to enter into commercial relations. He is a native of Erie county, N. Y., his natal day being June 27, 1852. His parents, Dr. William A. and Margery J. (Churchill) Sibley, were also natives of the State of New York, and of English-Scotch ancestry. The paternal grandfather, Abijah Sibley, was a worthy tiller of the soil of Erie county, N. Y., where he was called from life. Dr. William A. Sibley was a graduate of the Castleton (Vermont) Medical College, and practiced his profession in Collins Center, N. Y., where he lived and died. His widow, who resides in Buffalo, N. Y., and two of his three children survive him, the names of the latter being William E. and Irving A. The latter was reared and educated in his native county, but at about the age of thirteen years he was left fatherless, and thereafter was compelled to depend almost wholly upon his own exertions for a livelihood. For some time thereafter he worked as a farm hand, received the munificent compensation of $7 per month, but this work he discontinued at the end of one summer, went to Buffalo and graduated from the public schools. Immediately following this he entered a broker's office, where he remained a few months, then entered the high school of Buffalo to finish his education. Three months later he left school to enter a retail shoe store owned by William R. Taylor, of Buffalo, and for two years was in the employ of this gentleman. When in his sixteenth year he was given the opportunity of going on the road as a salesman, which he eagerly grasped, and for two and one-half years traveled for George B. Tripp, which occupation was a thorough and practical school and of great benefit to him. In October, 1871, he engaged in the manufacture of shirts at 300 Main street, Buffalo, continuing this business with fair success until January 1, 1875. It was only a short time after engaging in this business that he had from thirty to forty girls in his employ and two traveling salesmen constantly on the road. At this time one of his brothers was traveling for a Ohicago boot and shoe house, which sought the services of Irving Sibley and offered him $2,000 and expenses to travel for the house, but he immediately refused; whereupon he at once received a telegram offering him $2,500. He went to Chicago, not with the intention of closing with the offer, but he became so impressed with their manner of doing business that he accepted the position and traveled for them for three years. The first year he continued to conduct his shirt factory, then sold it. He next traveled for M. D. Wells & Co. for two years, then for Greensfelder, Rosenthal & Co. for five years. In 1882 he purchased a three-fourths interest in the Denel County Bank of Gary, S. D., of which he was president until he came to South Bend. This investment doubled the money he put in it in three years. In 1885 he made up his mind to quit the road, having saved between $15,000 and $18,000 in ten years, and having been prevailed upon to go into the hard ware business by a friend of his, and after spending some time in looking up a suitable location they finally settled on South Bend, and in January, 1885, their house was established on a sound financial basis. The partnership of Thayer & Sibley continued for two years when Mr. Sibley became the sole owner of the establishment, and now carries one of the most complete and best stocked stores of the kind in the city. He has proved a valuable addition to the city, and owing to his numerous worthy qualities as a man of affairs he is largely patronized and is doing a remarkably prosperous business. In 1872 he was united in marriage with Miss Cora E. Curtis, a native of Buffalo, N. Y., and three sons have been given them: Irving A., Jr., William C. and Frank.

GOTTLIEB FORSTBAUER, an old and prominent resident of Mishawaka, Ind., is a native of the city of Tuebingen, Wuertemburg, Germany, of which place his family have been residents for many generations and were among its prominent and wealthy citizens. His grandfather, William Forstbauer, was a manufacturer of soap, in which occupation he became wealthy. He lived all his days in his native town and he and all his family were members of the Lutheran Church, with which they connected themselves after the great Reformation. He became the father of five children: Gottlieb, Ferdinand, Frederick, Fredericka and Louisa. Gottlieb Forstbauer, his son, was born at the old family seat Tuebingen, in 1810, and was so fortunate as to secure a very liberal education in the seminary of his native town, acquiring a thorough knowledge of Latin, French and German. He was educated for the ministry but his taste did not tend in that direction and instead he became a brewer and a tavern keeper, at which he acquired a large amount of properly. He was married to Katherina Eisenhart, and Gottlieb and Ferdinand were the fruits of their union. Mr. Forstbauer spent his life in the land of his birth and lived to be an old man. His son Ferdinand was a soldier in the war between Austria and Prussia and was shot and instantly killed at the battle of Tauber Bishoffsheim, Baden, and was buried on the battlefield. Gottlieb, the subject of this biography, was born in the old native town of his forefathers, September 8, 1839, and for eight years was an attendant of the common schools of his native land. In 1853, before he was fourteen years of age, he came to America and in New York learned the art of wood carving. After the firing on Fort Sumter he, on April 26, 1861, enlisted in Company A, Seventh Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, and served until September 29, 1862, being honorably discharged at Washington, D. C. He was in the engagement at Big Bethel, Va. Part of his regiment was detailed to the artillery service and carefully drilled, and at the naval engagement between the Confederate ram "Merrimac" and the United States frigate "Cumberland " at Newport News; and did good service when the "Cumberland" was in a sinking condition. The next day the famous battle between the "Merrimac" and "Monitor" was fought, to which stirring historical event Mr. Forstbauer was an eye witness. In May, 1862, the regiment joined the Peninsular campaign, was engaged in the battle of Fair Oaks and also in the seven days' fight in the following engagements: Cold Harbor, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, Charles City Cross Road and Malvern Hill. Mr. Forstbauer being shot in the last-named engagement, in the under part of his elbow, by a piece of grape canister, and was in the hospital from July 7, 1862, until the 26th of September, when he was honorably discharged. He thereupon returned to New York and until 1866 worked at his trade, when he went to Detroit, Mich., where he secured employment as a wood carver in a factory for one year, since which time he has successfully followed his trade in Mishawaka, Ind. June 28, 1868, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Martin and Catherina (Frendeman) Sauer, the former of whom came to this country from Germany in 1845, residing first in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1846, settling in Stark county, Ohio, and in 1852 in St. Joseph county, Ind., becoming the owner of a farm in Madison township on which he is still living, a substantial and well-to-do farmer. He and his wife became the parents of ten children: Martin, Christina, Elizabeth, John, Mary, Caroline, Catherina, Paul and Paulina (twins) and Anna. Mr. Sauer is a Lutheran in religious belief and politically is a Democrat. Since his marriage Mr. Forstbauer has been a resident of Mishawaka. He and his wife have the following children: Edward, Catherina, Adolph, George and Bertha. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church and he is a supporter of Republican principles. He has always been very industrious and owns the property in which he lives. He is a very skillful carver and is foreman of the carving department of the Roper Furniture Factory.

LEWIS T. STOVER is the efficient, intelligent and energetic marshal of South Bend, Ind., and besides is a substantial and successful man of business, being the owner of some good and valuable property in the city. His father, John Stover, was born in Botetourt county, Va., February 25, 1805, and was married there to Miss Julia Stratton, whose birth occurred on October 27, 1809, their union being blessed in the birth of the following children: Edward, James, George, Lemuel, Augusta, Lewis T. and Lucy A. About 1830 John Stover removed to the Buckeye State, but one year later came to St. Joseph county. Ind., and settled first on Palmer's Prairie, and later on wild land in Center township, where he passed the remainder of his days, dying March 25, 1846, at the age of forty-one years and twenty-six days, having, in connection with fanning, followed the calling of a cobbler. His widow survived him until February 14, 1872. This worthy and highly esteemed couple were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and politically he was a Democrat. Lewis T. Stover was born on the old home farm in this county, March 8, 1844, and received the education and rearing of the average farmer's boy. At the age of eighteen years he left the plow to enlist in his country's service, and on October 6, 1862, his name could be found on the rolls of Company E, Sixty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the war terminated and he was honorably discharged, at Raleigh. N. C., October 29, 1865, returning immediately to South Bend, which place he reached November 3. In the battle of Resaca, Ga., May 14, 1864, he was wounded on the top of his head by a piece of shell, and fell senseless on the battlefield. He was conveyed to the hospital at Chattanooga, where he remained one month. His regiment lost in killed and wounded 213 men, while charging the rebel works. He was then in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, June 16, 1864, and was wounded by a minie-ball across the top of the forehead, and was again stretched senseless on the field. Upon recovering consciousness he refused the aid of a stretcher and walked to the rear. He was in the hospital on Lookout Mountain for two months, after which he rejoined his regiment at Atlanta, Ga., and participated in the Atlanta campaign, and was present when that city was captured. He was also at Columbia and Franklin, Tenn., the rebels charging thirteen times in the last engagement. His command then fell back to Nashville and fought a two days' fight with Gen. Hood. He was at Fort Anderson, Willmington, N. C., where he assisted in the capture of the town and in the retaking of 500 Union prisoners; also at Raleigh, at the surrender of Gen. Johnston, where he was appointed assistant postmaster of the military postoffice, under Gen. Ruger. After his return to St. Joseph county, he was married in Centre township to Miss Eliza A. Reasor, December 2, 1866, daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth Reasor, and to their union one child was given: Elmer H., who died in infancy. After his marriage Mr. Stover farmed and was in the lumber business, in each of which occupations he did well. He has always been a Democrat, has served two terms as township assessor, was appointed superintendent of the St. Joseph County Asylum December 1, 1881, in which capacity he served three years, and thereafter served six months as guard at the Michigan City State Penitentiary. Returning to South Bend he turned his attention to butchering, in partnership with Henry Burt, under the firm name of Burt & Stover, and followed this business with success for four years. In 1888 he was elected city marshal of South Bend, and after serving two years was re-elected, carrying every ward in the city and running far ahead of his ticket. In 1891 he was reappointed to the superintendency of St. Joseph County Asylum, which position he is still ably filling. He has greatly improved the appearance of the institution and farm since taking charge of it, and although when he first filled the office the produce of the farm nearly supported the institution, it has since exceeded this. In 1891, 500 bushels of wheat were raised, 1,000 bushels of corn, 421 bushels of rye, 400 bushels of potatoes, 40 bushels of turnips, 15 bushels of beans, and 20 bushels of tomatoes, and canned about 500 quarts of different kinds of fruit and berries. The general health of the inmates has improved, and all the buildings are in good sanitary condition. Mr. Stover is an efficient officer, and the discipline of the place is kind and wholesome, and the entire farm, buildings, etc., present a neat and attractive appearance. He makes a business of anything that he undertakes, and is wide awake, pushing and enterprising, the proper man in the proper place.

Deb Murray