DRS. MITCHELL AND LENT. Few, perhaps none, save those who have trod the arduous paths of the profession, can picture to themselves the array of attributes, physical, mental and moral, and the host of minor qualities essential to the making up of a great physician and surgeon. His constitution needs must be the hardiest to withstand the constant shock of wind and weather, the wearing loss of sleep and rest, the ever gathering load of care, the insidious approach of every form of fell disease to which his daily round of duties momentarily expose him. The above is but a few necessary remarks introducing Drs. Mitchell & Lent, who for years past have made their home in Lakeville, Ind., and who have established a large practice. Dr. Harry F. Mitchell was born in Kingston, Province of Ontario, Canada, July 10, 1866, being the eldest but one of a family of four children born to Peter and Victoria (Wycott) Mitchell, who are still living at Kingston, the former having for about thirty-five years of his life devoted his attention to contracting and ship-building, but is now retired from the active duties of life. He was a native of Bonnie Scotland, but when a lad was brought by his parents to America, and with them settled in Canada. He and his wife reared the four children born to them, the two sons being given medical educations, the elder brother, C. F. Mitchell, being a successful medical practitioner of South Bend; one daughter, Florence, is deceased; Beatrice still living at home. Dr. Harry F. Mitchell was put under a private teacher until he was thirteen years of age, after which he entered the public schools and took a teacher's course, but never followed the calling of a pedagogue, as his tastes and inclinations were not at all in that direction. Later he entered Queen's College, in which he took the classical course, and also a business course, graduating at a later period, after which he took up the study of medicine in Queen's Medical College at Kingston, from which he graduated after four years of earnest and faithful study. He took also the degrees of master of surgery and licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons. During that time he spent eighteen months in hospital work, and for two years was associated in the practice of his profession with Prof. K. N. Fenwick, of Queen's University. Following this he practiced with Dr. J. B. Ruttan, of Wellington, Ontario, for some time, but on February 3, 1889, came to Lakeville, Ind., where he bas built up a reputation and knowledge of his calling that is an honor to himself and to the noble profession to which he belongs. He is exceptionally skillful as a surgeon, and has always made a specialty of diseases of the throat and nose, in the treatment of which he has been remarkably successful. He was married in 1892 to Miss Lillie, daughter of T. M. Woodburn, of Ottawa, Ontario, a prominent railroad contractor. The Doctor and his estimable and intelligent wife are very popular in the social circles of their section, and by their natural kindness of heart, their intelligence and hospitality, have won numerous warm friends. The Doctor is in sympathy with the Republican party, and is in every respect a wide-awake and public-spirited young man. His practice grew to such proportions that in 1892 he took a partner in the person of a brother student, Dr. E. J. Lent, with whom he has since remained associated. Dr. Mitchell is a member of the A. F. & A. M., of Lakeville, and also a member of the K. O. T. M., of South Bend.

Dr. E. J. Lent, during the short time that he has been a medical practitioner of St. Joseph county, Ind., has made many friends, his ability has become well known, and as a consequence he has gained a large practice. He was born in Picton, Canada, August 17, 1868, his parents being James E. and Ellen (Welbanks) Lent, the former of whom was of good old New England stock, born in the State of Vermont. He was born in Canada, there grew to manhood and was married, and became a successful wholesale and retail marble dealer of Picton, where he is at present and has been in business for the past thirty-five years. Dr. Lent was the youngest of his four children (three sons and one daughter). At an early age he entered the public schools, but finished his literary education in the Picton Collegiate Institute, and in 1887 entered the medical department of Queen' s University at Kingston, graduating with honors four years later, taking the degrees of M. D. C. M. and L. R. C. P. & S. Among those under whom he pursued his studies was the famous Hon. Dr. Sullivan, the greatest surgeon of Ontario, and also under Dr. Edward Kidd, of Picton. In May, 1892, he located for the practice of his profession in the Sheridan Block, South Bend, Ind., and at the end of a few months formed a partnership with Dr. Mitchell. He is one of the enterprising and wide-awake men of the county, and gives every promise of becoming eminent in his profession, for he is exceptionally well versed in medical lore, keeps up with the times in his profession, and is energetic and pushing. He makes a specialty of chronic diseases, and treats them with great success. He is in sympathy with the Democratic party, and is still unmarried.

“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


DANIEL W. HOUSER, the prominent merchant, lumberman and saw-miller of North Liberty, St. Joseph Co., Ind., is a product of Ohio, his birth occurring December 7, 1842, being the fourth of eleven children born to George and Lucy (Long) Houser, the former of whom was born in Union county, Penn., in February, 1813. His father was John Houser, who was also a Pennsylvanian, and of German descent. He came to St. Joseph county, Ind., in 1858, and was here called from life in 1861, his wife's death taking place in Ohio. George Houser was one of the eldest of his parents' children, and after removing from his native State was a resident of Ohio until 1858, at which time be became a citizen of St. Joseph county, Ind., and tilled the soil in Liberty township until his death in 1884, at which time he was a worthy member of the Evangelical Church, and in politics was a Republican, although he had been a Whig prior to the formation of that party. He was a man well known for his public spirit, and possessed those qualities essential to good citizenship. He made a good home for his family and reared eleven children: Sarah, who married Levi J. Knepp; Catherine G., who married Alfred Stump, and resided at Falls City, Neb.; M. G., who is a farmer of Liberty township, this county; Daniel W.; Emaline, wife of John Steel, a farmer of Liberty township; John, who is a farmer of Union township, of this county; C. D., who is a merchant; Elizabeth, wife of John J. Garrett, is living in McCook, Neb.; Lorenzo M., who died in 1890, left a family of three children. was a merchant, was at one time township treasurer, and politically was a Republican, and in every respect a public-spirited citizen; B. F., who is living at Lakeville, is a teacher in the public schools of the county, and Lucy, who is the widow of Daniel Klinglesmith. The mother of this family is living with her children, and has attained to the age of seventy-five years. She is highly esteemed wherever known, and is a worthy and useful member of the Evangelical Church. The father lived to see his children grow up and become well fixed in life. He became a member of the Masonic fraternity in 1867, joining North Liberty Lodge, No. 266. Daniel W. Houser has been a resident of St. Joseph county since about thirteen years of age, and obtained a practical education in the district schools of Ohio and Indiana, and a thorough knowledge of farming in both States. When a young man of twenty years he started in the lumber business as a saw-miller, and since 1870 has continuously operated a mill, first following the occupation on the old home farm. In 1873 he erected a good mill in North Liberty, where, in addition to doing a lumbering business he also operates a grist-mill. He is also associated with his brother, C. D., in the mercantile business, and in this as well as in his other enterprises he has been remarkably successful, doing an annual business of about $25,000. He is a strong Republican politically, has held the office of township trustee, and is a member of the A. F. & A. M. Lodge of North Liberty, and South Bend, No. 13, Knight Templars, in which he has always held some office. In 1877 he was married to Miss Ella Briggs, of this township, a daughter of Mrs. Charlotte Briggs, of North Liberty. Mrs. Houser was born in 1853, and has borne her husband a son and daughter: Gail, born December 31, 1877, and Eva M., born in 1879, and died at the age of nine months. The mother of these children died in 1884. His present wife was formerly Mrs. Eliza J. Cole, who has borne him one child: Mildred C., who was born January 18, 1889. Mr. Houser in his numerous enterprises employs about twelve men, and is himself constantly busy. He has a finely improved farm in Liberty township of 400 acres, and an the property of which he is now possessed is the result of his own intelligence and good management. His business ability and honesty have been warmly recognized, and have met their reward. He enjoys the respect of all, and his friendship is a personal privilege much sought after. He is socially one of the most companionable of men, and is a beau ideal citizen, for he is enterprising, public spirited and law abiding. In this brief summary of points in Mr. Houser's career it should be said as excuse for any omission that a biography of more pretension could best convey the lessons of his life of industry and intelligent management, which is full of instruction to those who, halt and weary, are inclined to doubt the possibility of success. His career is of value, for it shows that honesty, capacity and power "to hustle" receive their reward at last and in good measure.

“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


JOHN H. PONTIUS is a merchant and the efficient servant of Uncle Sam in the postoffice at Crumstown, Ind., at which place he also owns a one-half interest in a dairy of eighty cows. He is a native Pennsylvanian, his birth occurring in Juniata county, April 20, 1846, a son of William and Eliza (Haas) Pontius, who were also from the Keystone State. The father was a farmer and was killed in Pennsylvania, in a saw-mill, when the subject of this sketch was a child of four years, his widow yet being a resident of that State. In the State of his birth John H. Pontius resided until he was about seventeen years of age, when he then determined to enlist in the service of his country, and on the 11th of March, 1864, his name could be found on the rolls of Company B, Second Battalion, Sixteenth United States Infantry. He remained in the service for three years, receiving his final discharge on the 11tb of March, 1867. While in the regular army he was in several severe engagements, and for four months was under fire from Chattanooga to Atlanta. Upon receiving his discharge he returned to his home and once more took upon himself the duties of a civilian. After remaining there about two years he came to St. Joseph county, with the expectation of bettering his financial condition, but at the end of two years he turned his face toward the setting sun and Kansas became his objective point. After a residence there of only one year he came back to his old "stamping ground" in St. Joseph county, and here his home has since continued to be. For a number of years after permanently locating here agriculture occupied his time and attention, then he moved to his present location and here, since about 1886, he has been interested in the dairy business, owning a half interest in eighty cows, the farm on which they feed being located about eleven miles southwest of South Bend. The milk is sold by the wholesale in that place and has proven a profitable industry to the proprietors. Mr. Pontius has been a married man since 1868, for at that time he took a wife in Pennsylvania in the person of Miss Mary E. Lower, a daughter of Jacob and Mary Lower, of that State also. The father was called from the scene of his earthly labors in Pennsylvania, and his widow afterward came to South Bend, Ind., where her home has been since 1880. John H. Pontius is one of two children born to his parents, of whom he was the elder, and since 1886 has efficiently filled the position of postmaster of Crumstown, and being a stanch Republican cast his first presidential vote for Gen. Grant. While in the army he was a non-commissioned officer with the rank of sergeant, and is now a member of the G. A. R. He has an interesting family consisting of one son and three daughters.

“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


DANIEL W. PEFFLEY, the efficient trustee and a successful farmer of Warren township, St. Joseph Co., Ind., is the product of Jackson township, Elkhart Co, Ind., his advent into this world occurring on August 28, 1846, his parents being Joseph and Catherine (Burtner) Peftley, who were born in Lebanon county, Penn., April 12,1817, and Cumberland county, Penn., June 10, 1819, respectively. The father died in Warren township, this county, January 24, 1885, having immigrated from Pennsylvania to Montgomery county, Ohio in 1826 with his parents, who were born in Pennsylvania, but were of German descent. In the Buckeye State Joseph Peffley was married, in 1843 became a resident of Elkhart county, Ind., and of St. Joseph county in 1848. The mother was called from this life on November 7, 1884. Her father, George Burtner, was a Pennsylvanian, who became a resident of Montgomery county, Ohio, in an early day. Joseph Peffley was a prosperous tiller of the soil, was an influential minister of the United Brethren Church, and was a prominent and influential citizen of the different sections in which he resided. Daniel W. was the fourth child in a family of five sons, and in St. Joseph county he was reared, his education being acquired in the common country schools, and in the high school of South Bend. At the age of twenty-one he began teaching school, and followed this occupation during the winter months for ten years, his summers being devoted to tilling the soil, in both of which occupations he was successful. He was first elected trustee of Warren township in 1880, and served very efficiently as such, for four years, then was out of office four years. At the end of this time he was again elected to the same office, and was honored by a re-election in 1890. In the conduct of the affairs of this office, he has shown himself to be capable, energetic and faithful, and. in fact, the right man in the right place. He is one of the substantial citizens of his section, and is highly regarded by his many acquaintances. The principles of the Republican party have always commended themselves to his excellent judgment, and his first presidential vote was cast for U. S. Grant. He is greatly interested in the affairs of his section, keeps well posted and up with the times in all respects; and his good judgment can always be relied upon. His farm of 160 acres is advantageously located about five miles west of the county seat, and is an admirably tilled farm, showing that a man of enlightened and intelligent views, as well as one who is industrious and enterprising, has the management of affairs. In May, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Frances Clay of Union township, who was born in Darke county, Ohio, a daughter of Andrew J. and Nancy Clay, who settled in St. Joseph county, Ind., in 1865. Mr. Clay is now living in South Bend. Mr. Peffley was called upon to mourn the death of his wife on February 3, 1885, having borne her husband one son and one daughter: Essie B. and Harry D. Mr. Peffley's second union was consummated on December 9, 1888, to which union one child has been born, Jay Earl. During the Civil war Mr. Peffley was not in the service, but two of his brothers, Simon and Henry, were participants in the great conflict.

“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


JOHN U. WALTER, who for twenty-eight years has made his home in St. Joseph county, Ind., is one of the most prominent and well-to-do farmers of Union township, and has a fine home about one mile southeast of Lakeville. He was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, September 9, 1832, the youngest of three children born to John and Waldburg (Gleckler) Walter, both of whom were born in Germany, the former dying there about 1878, and the latter in 1849. The father was a prosperous farmer, and during Napoleon's time was drafted into the army, and was employed to carry off the wounded from the field. He was married twice, his first wife being a Miss Stetter, by whom he became the father of five sons: George, John, David, Jacob and Albrecht, all of whom are now deceased, David being the only one to come to the United States. He reached this country in 1859, married, reared a family and died in Whitley county, Ind. After the death of his first wife Mr. Walter wedded Miss Gleckler, who bore him the following children: Octavius, who resides on the old homestead in Germany; Anna, who died after her marriage with Frederick Stetter, and John U., the subject of this sketch. Two children, Mariah and Anna, died in infancy. When eighteen years of age John U. Walter left the land of his birth and took passage on board a sailing vessel for America, and after a voyage of eleven weeks landed at Castle Garden, New York, from which place he went to Sandusky City, Ohio. He had received a good German education, and after reaching Ohio he apprenticed himself to a shoemaker, but remained with him only one month, when he began working on a farm, and followed that occupation until he married, in 1856, Miss Elizabeth Boyer becoming his wife. She is a daughter of Daniel and Caroline (Wolf) Boyer, who spent their lives in Bavaria, Germany, and is one of the three children born to them: Adam, Catherine and Elizabeth. Catherine died in the old country, and Adam lives on the old place in Germany. Mrs. Walter came to the United States on a sailing vessel with a cousin, and after a very pleasant voyage of thirty-one days she landed at New York. She and her cousin and his family proceeded to Whitley county, Ind., and there she was residing at the time of her marriage. Soon after the celebration of their nuptials Mr. and Mrs. Walter rented a small farm, but six years later purchased eighty acres; on which a little clearing had been done and a small cabin erected. After living there eighteen months they came to St. Joseph county by wagon, having three teams, and settled on the farm on which he is at present residing, his first purchase amounting to 120 acres. He now has 205 acres; the most of which is improved, but on which are a few huckleberry marshes. He has followed general farming and has been very successful, especially as a raiser of good grain and stock. A strong Democrat in politics, he has always been very public spirited and has held the office of assessor of Union township two years, and on various occasions has been a member of the school board of his district. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church of Lakeville, and he is an elder and an active worker in the same. He and his wife have the esteem and respect of all who know them, and are deservedly classed among the prominent citizens of their section. Their children are as follows: William H., born December 30, 1856, is unmarried and is a railroad man of Colorado; Anna E., born December 1, 1858, is the wife of George Barnhart of this county. by whom she has two children - Homer and Roxie; Mary E. was born January 7, 1861, is the wife of Frederick Zugelder of Colorado, and is the mother of three children: Carl, Hazel and Frederick; Catherine was born March 23, 1863, is the wife of Robert Robertson, of South Bend, and has three children - Gladys, Fern and Edith; Caroline was born February 14, 1866, is the teacher of music, has taught in the public schools and is now at home; David was born November 24, 1868, and died December 19, 1869; Edith was born December 15, 1870, and died January 22,1892, and Linna, who was born October 20, 1872, is living at home and has been a school teacher. All these children seem to have a natural gift for music and their parents have given them all good educational advantages.

“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


HON. SCHUYLER COLFAX was a true representative of what an American boy can become by his own unaided efforts. His life began in the city of New York. March 23, 1823, and owing to the death of his father prior to his birth, he became the only living child of a widowed mother. Gen. William Colfax, his grandfather, was a lieutenant in the Continental army when only nineteen years old, and was a close and confidential friend of General Washington. General Colfax married Hester Schuyler and their third son was Schuyler Colfax, who was the father of the subject of this sketch. It was in his native city that Schuyler, Jr., received his early schooling. At ten years of age he began clerking in a store and at thirteen immigrated westward and found a home in New Carlisle, Ind., where he clerked until 1841, when he moved to South Bend. Prior to attaining his majority he served as reporter of the Senate for the State Journal and later was appointed deputy auditor of St. Joseph county. Instinctively he liked and seemed to grasp the ideas necessary to make a successful newspaper man. Purchasing the St. Joseph Valley Register in 1845, of which he was the founder, he continued its editor and publisher for a period of eighteen years, obtaining renown as a brilliant writer on all the principal topics of the day. His first election to office was in 1850, when he became a member of the convention which framed the new constitution of the State. As a Whig he was nominated, much to his surprise, for Congress in 1851, but was defeated by about 200 votes, claimed by his friends to have been illegally cast at Michigan City. The year following he was a delegate to the National Convention which nominated General Scott for the presidency, and in 1854 was elected to the Thirty-fourth Congress by 1,776 votes, although the district the preceding election gave a Democratic majority of 1,200. In 1858 he was re-elected to Congress and was made chairman of the Committee on Post offices and Postroads. He was elected to the special session of Congress (the thirty-seventh) called to provide for the prosecution of the war, and was active in raising troops for the suppression of the Rebellion. At the organization of the Thirty-eighth Congress Mr. Colfax was elected speaker on the first ballot, and in the Thirty-ninth Congress was re-elected to the position by a majority of 103 votes. At the organization of the Fortieth Congress Mr. Colfax was a third time elected speaker which fact attested his popularity with his colleagues. The favor with which his name was received was not confined to the halls of Congress, but extended allover the country, and so manifest was this that he was nominated by the Republican party for the office of Vice-President of the United States in 1868 and was triumphantly elected. At the expiration of his term of office he returned to South Bend and, declining further political preferment, was practically retired from active life until his death. His home life was one of purity, happiness and affection. He was an ardent member of the I. O. O. F. and was founder of the Daughters of Rebecca degree. For a number of years he devoted his leisure to the delivery of lectures, principally upon the life and character of Abraham Lincoln, and in the prosecution of this work was found in almost every northern State in the Union. Mr. Colfax died in Mankato, Minn., January 13, 1885.

“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


EDWARD P. ROCKWELL. A lifetime of hard, earnest endeavor in pursuing the occupation to which he now gives his attention, coupled with strict integrity, honesty of purpose and liberality in all directions, has resulted in placing Mr. Rockwell among the truly respected and honored agriculturists of the county. His small farm of sixty-nine acres, seven of which are timber, is one of the most productive in the county, and is conducted in a thorough and scientific manner. Mr. Rockwell was born in St. Joseph county, Ind., April 12, 1844, and is the son of Willard and Ann (Van Winkle) Rockwell, both natives of the Empire State. When a young man Willard Rockwell came westward to Ohio, was married in that State to Miss Van Winkle, and in the latter part of 1843 settled in St. Joseph county, Ind., where he made a permanent settlement. In 1862 he was filled with a patriotic desire to fight for the old flag, and enlisted in Company G, Forty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was detailed as nurse, and died from overwork in the hospital at Paducah, Ky., in 1862. His wife died several years afterward in St. Joseph county, Ind. They were the parents of the following children: Eri, enlisted in Company F, Fifteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served three years, dying with typhoid fever during service; he was in many battles, but never received a wound; Marcia; Aurelia; Louisa; Etta; all living but the eldest. Edward P. Rockwell was reared on the homestead in St. Joseph county, Ind., received his education there, and was there married on March 25, 1873, to Miss Malissa Shearer, daughter of George and Mary (Glass) Shearer, natives of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Shearer, settled in St. Joseph county, Ind., at an early date, and there passed the closing scenes of their lives. Mr. Rockwell has all but about seven acres of his farm under a high state of cultivation, and is one of the most successful small farmers of the community. All his operations are conducted in a manner showing great thoroughness and good judgment, and substantial results have been reaped. He and wife are members of the Methodist Church, and he is a member of the Patrons of Industry. In politics he supports the principles of the Republican party.

“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


GEORGE FOLK has been a resident of St. Joseph county Ind., for the past twenty-eight years, during which time he has identified himself with the interests of his section, has won numerous friends and has built up a reputation for honesty and fair dealing that is in every way merited. His birth occurred in Stark county, Ohio, September 7, 1832, but his parents, Abraham and Barbara (Nunnemaker) Folk, were Pennsylvanians. The father was one of the pioneers of Ohio, became the owner of Woodland farm, which he greatly improved and on which he died in 1866, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. Prior to the war he was a Democrat, but afterward identified himself with the Republican party, and was always noted for his public spirit. He acquired a good property and was liberal in the use of his means toward deserving enterprises, being especially liberal in the support of the Lutheran Church, of which he was a member. His father, George Folk, lived and died in Pennsylvania. Some of the early members of the family were in the War of 1812. The paternal grandfather, Caleb Nunnemaker, was a native of Pennsylvania, but his father came from Germany. The parents of the subject of this sketch were married in Pennsylvania, but the mother died in Ohio in 1868, having reared a family of five children: Mary, Elizabeth, Susan, Louisa and George; Elizabeth, Mary and George being the only survivors, Louisa dying in Ohio when single. Susan married Andrew Sell. He and one child survive her. The paternal and maternal grandparents experienced the hardships of pioneer life in early Ohio, but in time became well-to-do people. George Folk attended the common schools when a youth, but owing to the poor facilities at that time his education was not of the best. He was compelled to make his own way in the world, and when still in his teens set about doing so. In 1852 he was married to Miss Lydia Clark, who was born in Ohio October 17, 1832, a daughter of B. and Mary (Shidler) Clark, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, and died in Ohio in 1891, at the age of eighty-three years. He was a well-to-do man, a republican politically, and an earnest member of the Lutheran Church. His widow survives him, is a native of Ohio, and a resident of Louisville. She is now eighty-two years old. Her children are as follows: Lydia, Malinda, Rebecca, George, Lovina, Ozias, Adam, Mary A., Celisi, Tillman and Angalina. Mrs. Folk was twenty-one at the time of her marriage and has borne the following children: Lucinda, wife of George Brown, of South Bend, has four children; Lovina is unmarried and is a resident of California; Fiana married Daniel Stroup, and she and one child survive him; Lydia married Elmer Wylls, is residing in South Bend and has four children; Rebecca is single and is living in California; Matilda married Michael Trump, resides in Union township, this county, and has four children; Mary E. married William Mangos and lives in Kansas; George N resides at home and is married to Laura Barrett; and Clara who is attending school in South Bend. Two children died in infancy, Edwin and Barney. The only son is a wide-awake and enterprising young man. In 1864 Mr. Folk purchased a partly improved farm and is now the owner of 220 acres of land, all of which is in one body and is as fine farming land as can be found in St. Joseph county. He has held some of the most important offices of the township, and as he has always manifested the greatest interest in the welfare of his section he has many friends. What he has accumulated in the way of worldly goods has been the result of his own earnest efforts, and he has a very nicely improved farm. He has been a successful raiser of stock, and in his methods of conducting his farm is progressive and enterprising. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and politically he has always supported the men and measures of the Republican party, but as for himself he has never been an aspirant for office.

“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


JEREMIAH H. SERVICE. The best security is, after all, individual integrity and personal responsibility, for, however strict laws have been made, it has too often been shown that some one bas turned out sharp enough to beat them. So-called private banks, though comparatively few, are yet useful spokes in the wheel of commercial relations, and one of the strongest buttresses of social-happiness. They are unrestricted in their manner of doing business, and their operations rest entirely upon the judgment of their owners and officials. In various ways they can satisfy the public easier than institutions which are bound down by laws, and to-day the largest banks in the world are private banks, and the individual loaner is, and has always been, the principal lubricator of the engines of commerce. As a striking example of this summary, the bank which is conducted under the title of Service & Son may be mentioned, the place of its location being New Carlisle, Ind. Mr. Service was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., November 15, 1812, his native town being Norway. He comes of a highly respected and well-known family, being the eldest son and second child in a family of four children born to Philip and Clara (Hall) Service, the former of whom was born in New Jersey in 1788, being one of the following children: William, Philip, Eva, Mary and Elizabeth, born to William and Sophia (Young) Service, who were also natives of New Jersey, the former being a son of German parents, who came to this country and settled in the State of New Jersey, from which State William Service enlisted in the Revolutionary war, serving in the continental army. Upon his removal to New York State he took up his residence in Schoharie county, and about 1800 became a resident of Herkimer county. He died in that county some years ago, having been a public-spirited citizen, and a farmer by occupation. His children grew to honorable maturity, reared families, some of them quite large, and nearly all died when quite advanced in years. The grandmother was a native of Germany, came to this country at an early day, and died in the State of New York. William Service was an old line Whig and a man of unblemished reputation. Philip Service removed to the State of New York with his parents, and having been brought up on a farm, he followed that calling throughout life and died at his home in the Empire State in 1863. He was drafted in the War of 1812, but sent a substitute and devoted his attention to his farm. He was first an old line Whig in politics, but afterward became a Republican, and supported the principles up to the time of his death. His wife was a daughter of Jeremiah Hall, who was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and an early and prominent resident of Herkimer county, who was a stanch supporter of the Whig party. Mrs. Service was born in Herkimer county, N. Y., and was there called from life in 1828, having become the mother of four children: Mary, who became Mrs. Jacob Edbirt, has been dead many years; Jeremiah, the subject of this sketch; Harriet M., who became the wife of Moses M. Frazier, died about two years ago; and Clarissa, who is the deceased wife of John Frazier. Jeremiah Service was reared in the county of his birth, and on the old homestead he learned habits of industry and energy which were of great use to him when he started out in life for himself. His education was obtained in the district schools, and, like most farmers' boys of his day, he only attended during the winter months, but fortunately afterward for some time attended the grammar school of Syracuse, N. Y. At the age of twenty years he began to make his own way in the world and for four years thereafter worked on a dairy farm in New York. He then turned his footsteps westward, and during the two years that he spent in Huron county, Ohio, he taught school during the winter, and worked as a farm hand during the summer months, and in a brick yard. On April 12, 1837, he found himself in St. Joseph county, Ind., and that season made some of the first brick that was ever manufactured in this section. He followed this calling two years, then made a short visit to his old home in New York, after which he returned to this section where his home has been, with the exception of from 1843 to 1846, when he lived at Buchanan, Mich. After selling his brick yard he opened a general store at a small town called Hamilton, in Olive township, then resided three years in Michigan, but since 1846 has been an active and influential business man of New Carlisle. Upon retiring from the mercantile business in 1867 he established a bank which has been in successful operation ever since, and is established on a sound basis. He has ever been a far-seeing man of business, and is well known as one of the most prominent business men of the county, and in politics has ever been a strong Whig and Republican. His intelligent views on all subjects, his honorable methods of conducting his business affairs and his agreeable and courteous manners led to his election to the State Legislature from St. Joseph county, in 1852, and for one term he discharged his duties in a faithful and able manner. He also held the office of justice of the peace for four years in early times, and when at Terre Coupee served "Uncle Sam" faithfully as postmaster. As a business man be has been remarkably successful, and since 1880 he has "kept the faith" in the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is now trustee. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. lodge, of New Carlisle, No. 204, and for a number of years has been com¬mander of the same. He is very public spirited and has ever manifested much interest in educational work, and for a number of terms has been a trustee of the school of New Carlisle, June 24, 1847, he was married to Miss Sarah A. Flanegin, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, March 12, 1822, a daughter of Hugh C. and Mary (Jones) Flanegin, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, was an early pioneer of Butler county and became a resident of St. Joseph county, Ind., in 1834, locating on a farm in the northern part of Olive township. He was a Whig in politics, a man prominent in public affairs, held the office of justice of the peace, and in an early day represented St. Joseph county in the State Legislature. He was a charter member of South Bend Lodge, No. 45, of the A. F. & A. M. He was killed by lightning in 1846, his widow surviving him until 1884, when she died at New Carlisle. She was born in Butler county, Ohio, a daughter of William Jones, a native of Wales, whose wife, Sarah, was also from that country. Hugh C. Flanegin and wife became the parents of the following children: Sarah A., the wife of Mr. Service; Laura, who is Mrs. Vaughn, of Greeley, Iowa; Caroline, who is Mrs. Sparks, of Buchanan, Mich.; Adaline, who is Mrs. Drulnier, of La Porte county, Ind.; William T., who is living in New Carlisle; Marcella became a Mrs. Perkins and is now dead; Joseph P. is living in New Carlisle, and Charles, who was a soldier in the Second Colorado Regiment, was killed during Price's raid. Mr. and Mrs. Service are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and have many friends throughout the section in which they reside. Their children are: George H., born June 17, 1848, is a leading merchant of New Carlisle; Mary J., born August 4, 1850, is the wife of Charles Walverton, of South Bend, by whom she bas three children: Hattie E., Walter J. and Clarence; Hattie was born in 1861, and died at the age of two years; Carrie M. was born April 6, 1857, is married to Edward H. Harris, a groceryman of New Carlisle, and John O., who was born January 21, 1859. George H. Service, one of the above-named children, has the principal charge of the banking and mercantile business of Service & Son, and he may in every respect be said to be a "chip of the old block," for he is enterprising, energetic, a shrewd financier but thoroughly reliable and honorable. He was brought up in the mercantile and banking business, but received fair educational advantages in the district schools of Terre Coupee and in Bryant & Stratton's Business College of Chicago. In 1867 he assumed the management of the mercantile store belonging to his father, which has been under his capable control over since. It is one of the leading establishments of New Carlisle, and the annual business done is large. He assisted in organizing the New Carlisle Bank in 1873, in which he has an interest, and aside from this and his mercantile business, he is interested in buying all kinds of grain, especially wheat. Politically he has always been a Republican, is interested in the affairs of his section, and is a member of the city council and the city school board. Socially be belongs to the A. F. & A. M. of New Carlisle Lodge, No. 204. He was married in 1876 to Mary J. Howe, of La Porte, Ind., who was born there May 1, 1850, a daughter of Robert B. and Mary (Spaulding) Howe, which family came from Pennsylvania, the father being one of the first merchants of La Porte for many years. He died in 1890, his widow still surviving him. To them were born seven children: Robert A., who lives in Oakland, Cal. ; William H., a real estate man of Kansas City; James A., who is book-keeper in the Chicago, Burlington & Northern Railroad office of Chicago; Charles D., a physician of Pullman, Ill.; Mary (Mrs. Service); Lizzie, who died at the age of twenty-three years; Kittie, who is a type-writer operator in the office of the La Porte Carriage Company. Mr. and Mrs. George Service have three children: Clara L., born April 4, 1877; Anna S., born in 1880, and Lizzie M., born in 1882. Mr. Service and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, and are leaders in the social circles of New Carlisle.

“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


Deb Murray