stjbioref-47

DR. J. B. GREENE is a successful follower of Ǽsculapius at Mishawaka, and through ability and well-merited success he has built up a practice that is eminently satisfactory. He was born in what is now Fremont, Ohio, on the site of old Ft. Stevenson, May 29, 1843, a son of John L. and Maria R. (Du Comb) Greene, the former a native of St. Lawrence county, Ohio, and the latter of French descent. This family is related to the famous Gen. Nathaniel Greene, of Revolutionary fame, and also to Eleazer Greene, who was a captain in the continental army during that war. The paternal grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812. The grandfather removed from New York to Ohio in 1816, taking with him a man by the name of Abraham Garfield and a woman named Mary Ballou. They settled in Cuyahoga county, where Mr. Garfield and Miss Ballou were afterward married and became the parents of James A. Garfield, the murdered President. Mr. Greene purchased 240 acres of land bounded on the north by Lake Erie, on the west by Cuyahoga River and on the south by what is now Superior street, Cleveland. This tract of land he afterward sold for $1,000 and was very glad to get that price, but at the present time it is worth millions of dollars. He then removed to what was known as the Black Swamp in Sandusky county, Ohio, where he lived until his death in 1863. His wife was a Miss Lynde, daughter of Capt. Lynde, who was captured by the Algierians and held as a slave until released by Commodore Perry. The wife of Mr. Lynde was a sister of Benjamin Franklin. The maternal grandfather of Dr. J. B. Greene was a sea captain and was the first American sea captain to run the British blockade into Philadelphia in 1812. His wife was a daughter of Christopher Irik, and was descended from the famous Stuart family of Scotland, and was on the vessel that conveyed Prince Charlie, immortalized in history and song, across the water. John L. Greene, the father of Dr. Greene, was for many years common pleas judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit of Ohio; was a State senator and United States commissioner and held other prominent and well-merited positions. After a career of usefulness he died in 1879. His widow died on her seventy-fifth birthday in 1889. They reared their twelve children to maturity, and although two are now deceased they lived to be over forty years of age: Daniel, who was a soldier in the Mexican war, resides in Arkansas City, Kan., and is sixty-two years of age; Charles is a resident of the State of Washington; Frances E. (Graves) resides in Grand Rapids, Mich.; Louise S. (Hutson) is a resident of Belleville, Ohio; John L. lives in Fremont, Ohio, is judge of the Fourth Judicial Circuit; Minnie D. (Butman), of Fremont, Ohio; George S. (deceased); Dr. J. B.; Vincent D. is superintendent of the Electric Light system of Toledo, Ohio; F. L. (deceased) was president of the constitutional convention of Montana and also of Oklahoma, died at the residence of Dr. Greene in 1890; M. S. is a resident of Anaconda, Mont.; and Margaret (Turck) is a resident of Denver. The subject of this sketch was brought up in Fremont, Ohio, and at the early age of thirteen years, his father being unfortunate in financial matters, he was thrown upon his own resources. He began working for a man by the name of Louis Leppelman, a wholesale jeweler and clock dealer of Fremont, Ohio, but received scarcely anything but his board as compensation. During the three years that he remained thus employed his nights were spent in hard study, for under the able instruction of Dr. J. B. Rice, now deceased, he began the study of medicine. In February, 1863, he enlisted in Company F, Third Ohio Cavalry, and was soon promoted to hospital steward. In 1864, after the battle of Nashville, he was made acting second assistant surgeon and in 1865 was commissioned surgeon of the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh United States Colored Infantry, but did not accept the position. He retired from the service in November, 1865, and at once returned to the Cleveland Medical College, from which he graduated in February, 1867. He then came directly to St. Joseph county, Ind., and after nine months' practice in Wood�land, he took up his residence in Mishawaka, being now the third eldest practitioner, in point of residence in the county. He has been remarkably successful as a healer of the sick, and has ever commanded a large patronage. In 1874 he was nominated for the position of county recorder, but was defeated. On various occasions he has been proffered offices of different kinds, but has always respectfully declined, as the turmoil and contention of the political arena had no charms for him. In 1889-90 he was medical director of the G. A. R., department of Indiana, and has been chairman of congressional and county conventions many times. The Doctor is a strong Republican and has always been an active worker for his party. In 1890 he graduated from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and at present is a member of the St. Joseph Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and is also an honorary member of the Illinois State Medical Association, the Michigan State Medical Association, the Mississippi Valley Medical Society and a fellow of the American Electro Therapeutical Association. He is a contributor to a great many medical journals, and keeps thoroughly apace with the progress made in the medical world. For the last six years his practice has been confined almost exclusively to diseases of the pelvis and abdomen, and up to date he counts 132 laparotomies with but ten deaths. He has made special calls into California, Montana, Georgia, Washington City, Ohio, Michigan and Canada, which serves to show that his reputation is not merely local. He has done some very delicate work in the city of Chicago, and has been offered prominent positions in different institutions throughout the country, but has invariably refused them. In January, 1868, he was married in Mishawaka to Miss Mary E. Hagey, by whom he has three living children: Philip D. Marie R. and Grace. Emma died in infancy. The Doctor is a member of the G. A. R., the A. F. & A. M., the K. O. T. M., is examining surgeon in the latter organization, also for the Catholic Knights of America and several insurance companies. In the brief outline here given it has been difficult to describe the Doctor's character. The lights and shades can be understood only by those who come in contact with the man under various circumstances. It is also difficult to point out the exact traits to which he owes success. Tenacity of purpose has certainly been one of his most distinguishing traits. Despite obstacles which to many would seem insurmountable, he pushed his undertakings to a successful issue, and success crowned his efforts. He is eminently the type of the progressive American citizen, and has won the friendship of all who know him either in a professional or social way.

�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

MARTIN L. WENGER is a retired farmer, and is a prosperous real estate dealer of South Bend, and by judicious and honorable management his affairs have developed to a gratifying magnitude. He is deservedly popular, and as a successful financier his judgment is unquestionable. He was born in Lebanon county, Penn., June 16, 1820, to Martin and Elizabeth (Light) Wenger, who were also natives of the same county, the former dying in 1860 at the age of seventy-nine years and eight months, and the latter when the subject of this sketch was a small boy. Martin Wenger, Sr., was a farmer, and learned the details of this calling of his father, Christian Wenger, who was born in Germany. When a young man he left his native land to seek a home in America, and spent the rest of his days in Pennsylvania, dying at an advanced age. The maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch was Henry Light, being a descendant of the family that many years before laid out the town of Lebanon. To Martin and Elizabeth (Light) Wenger four sons and four daughters were born. The father of the subject of this sketch was married twice, and by the second union were six children, of whom the subject is the seventh in order of birth in the first union, and the only one now living. He resided with his father until he was about twenty-one years of age and received a good education in the German language. On October 13, 1841, young Wenger left the paternal roof with $200 in his possession to seek his fortune in the West, where others of the family had already settled. On November 9 he arrived in St. Joseph county, Ind., having made the entire trip alone, walking to Springfield and Dayton, Ohio, where he visited his sisters. From there to South Bend he came by private conveyance, where he met an older brother, Christian Wenger, who had settled here. He stayed with his brother during the winter, but in the spring, filled with the spirit of adventure and a desire for wealth, and on hearing that larger wages were paid for hands in Illinois than here, he at once determined to set out for that place. So buying an old horse for �70 and hiring a buggy, in company with a friend, on May 1 he again set his face westward, but on arriving in Illinois he found things altogether different. Wages were not nearly as high as in Indiana, so, after prospecting for some time in different places in Illinois and Iowa, he turned back, sadly discouraged, arriving again at South Bend just before harvest, out of money. He at once hired to a Mr. Ulery to assist in operating a traveling threshing machine. He gained experience readily and at the end of the first month was employed by Mr. Briggs, the threshing machine manufacturer, to operate machines and act as agent for $25 per month. He followed the occupation of threshing for many years, and this experience was the means of developing the energy and business talent that has been so characteristic of his life. February 18, 1845, he married Miss Christen a Studebaker, who was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, six miles west of Dayton, on Stillwater Creek, she being a daughter of Samuel and Lydia (Leer) Studebaker, who was reared and married in Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Dayton, Ohio, in an early day. Mr. Studebaker was a millwright and built a grist-mill on Stillwater Creek, which he sold to Mr. Ainsley about 1829. Following this he came to St. Joseph county, Ind., and entered the land now owned by the subject of this sketch, moving his family here in 1831. At that time the country was covered with heavy timbers and inhabited by various wild animals. Here they carved out a home for themselves in the thick forest, and in due course of time became wealthy as the country became settled and towns began to spring up. Mr. Studebaker died in 1837 and his wife in 1845. He built the first saw-mill in St. Joseph county on the St. Joseph River at the mouth of Wenger Creek, and he also assisted in laying out the city of South Bend. He was a prominent and influential man of his day and belonged to that sturdy class of pioneers who were instrumental in making the country the magnificent agricultural region it now is. Mr. Wenger and his wife first began housekeeping in a small frame house 16x18 feet and one story high, situated three miles south of South Bend on what is now known as the Turkey Creek Road, but at that time was accessible only by an Indian trail through the heavy woods. The family have in their possession a picture of the house. Here they resided three years, after which Mr. Wenger purchased the Studebaker homestead, a farm of 156 acres, on which he bas resided for forty-three years. The most of the land he, himself, cleared. The farm is now all within the corporate limits of the city of South Bend, the land being nearly all laid out in town lots. He has sold seven acres to the Toy Manufacturing Company, five and three-fourth acres to the Miller & Knoblock Wagon Factory, and nearly two hundred lots as well as various other sales. Mr. Wenger has several streets named in honor of his family as follows: Wenger street laid out in 1882, Elizabeth street, Priscilla street, Fellow street, Christian street, Marietta street, High street, Broadway street, Pennsylvania avenne. He has one son and one daughter living Marietta (wife of H. W. Krieghbaum, who is an elder in the German Baptist Church); and Christian (a prosperous farmer near South Bend). Ephraim and Ira are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Wenger are members of the German Baptist Church, which is located on land owned by Mr. Wenger. He has always been a warm Republican, and his first presidential vote was cast for William Henry Harrison. He has always been an industrious and upright citizen, and has done a great deal to improve the city of South Bend and is regarded as one of her most substantial residents.

F. J. LEWIS MEYER, one of the foremost attorneys of South Bend, Ind., is a son of Rev. F. F. Meyer, who was born in Alsace, Lorraine, France (now Germany), and when sixteen years of age emigrated to Canada, and for eleven years thereafter was a school teacher in the Dominion, in the following of which calling he won an excellent reputation. About 1870, while living in Canada, he entered the ministry of the Evangelical Association, and about five years later came to the United States and settled in Michigan, and at a still later period in South Bend, in which place he pursued his ministerial duties for three years. He is now located in South Dakota, where he is secretary and treasurer of the Farmers' State Alliance, prior to which he efficiently filled two terms as county superintendent of schools. When in Canada he was married to Mary Foerster, a native of that country and a good old fashioned family of fifteen children was given to them, of whom F. J. Lewis Meyer is the eldest. All the members of this large family are living: F. J. Lewis; Jacob; George, a foreman for Studebaker Bros.; Sophia, wife of C. M. R. Haeske, superintendent of the wagon department of Studebaker Bros.; Mary; Lena; Moses; Daniel; Joseph; Bertha; Mattie; John; Fred; Edward and Charles. F. J. Lewis Meyer, together with John A. Berers, principal of the Mishawaka schools, and George A. Powles, now of Chicago, were the founders of the South Bend Normal School, an institution that has become widely and favorably known. Mr. Meyer was born in Canada in 1860, and in the common schools of Michigan he received a good education. In 1880 he came to South Bend from the Wolverine State, and for a number of years thereafter taught school and, like his father before him, won a good reputation as an educator. From 1886 to 1888 he was principal of the Lafayette Schoo1. After choosing law as his life work, he took a course in the Union College of Law at Chicago, and at the time of his graduation he took the first prize for the best thesis on any legal subject. He was admitted to the bar in 1890, and his first case involved $3,000 and was before the Michigan Supreme Court. He won the suit against the Hon. A. N. Van Riper as attorney, a man of high standing, who just before was attorney general of Michigan. Mr. Meyer speaks German and consequently has a good practice among the German population of St. Joseph county. Although engaged in the practice of law he still holds a State license. He is attorney for the St. Joseph County Loan & Savings Association, and is also treasurer of the Workingmen's Building & Loan Association. He has always been a stanch Republican, and on that ticket ran for the position of mayor of South Bend in 1890, but was defeated. In 1884 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary L. Rough, of Michigan, by whom he is the father of one son and two daughters: Edwin, Ivy and Louis. He has a very attractive home on the corner of Navarre street and Portage avenue, and he and his intelligent and amiable wife are members in good standing of the German Methodist Episcopal Church. Socially he belongs to the I. O. O. F. He is a man who occupies a high position in the estimation of the public and is deservedly classed among the eminent attorneys of the county.

DEMPSTER BEATTY is one of the most prominent manufacturing and business men of Mishawaka, Ind. He was the first man to organize a company for the manufacture of felt boots in Indiana, and the concern took the name of the Beatty Felting Company, which has already attained a wide reputation. Mr. Beatty was born in Sandusky City, Ohio, August 30, 1828, his grandfather, James Beatty, having been born in Bally Canoe, County Wexford, Ireland. The latter was a miller by occupation, and while following his calling built a dam at Bally Canoe, which is still in a good state of preservation. He was the owner of some real estate and was considered to be a wealthy man. He was the father of James, John, Leonard, Dempster and a daughter, but the property which he accumulated went to his eldest son, James, and the other three sons determined to seek their fortune in America, and settled at New London, Conn. John made a fortune as a ship chandler, and bought a large tract of land in Erie, then Huron Co., Ohio, on which he settled and made his home until his death. Dempster Beatty, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in County Wexford, Ireland, of Scotch-Irish parents, and upon starting out in life for himself began working at the cabinet-maker's trade in Philadelphia, after which he followed the same occupation in Norwich, Conn., where he married Elizabeth Ferguson. This union resulted in the birth of ten children: John, William, James, Ross, Jackson, Dempster, Leonard, Lurana, Elizabeth and Susan. Mr. Beatty continued to be a resident of Norwich, Conn., for a number of years, then removed to Ohio and settled at Milan, near Sandusky City, in 1813, at which time that section of the country was a wilderness, and Saudusky City a very small hamlet. Mr. Beatty entered land for a farm which he cleared, and on which he resided until 1830, when he moved to Chicago by wagon. Not being impressed with the place he came on to Niles and settled on Birdsley Prairie in 1832, and with his sons entered 300 acres of land, which they converted into a good farm, after which they removed to Kosciusko county, where he became the owner of another large tract of land on which the remainder of his days were spent. When his sons started on an independent career, he gave each of them, with the exception of two, from 120 to 160 acres of land, a horse and a yoke of oxen. To William, who was a cabinetmaker, he gave an equivalent, but Dempster received nothing, as he left home at the age of eighteen. Mr. Beatty was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, was man of excellent education and great strength and integrity of character. In his old age he gave up farming and practiced law for some time, in which he was successful. He was a strong Democrat politically, was an early justice of the peace, and was one of the judges of the county of Kosciusko. He possessed an excellent constitution, was powerfully built and lived to the age of seventy-five years. Dempster Beatty, the subject of this sketch, received only a limited education in his youth, but by reading and business experience he has become a well-posted man, being especially fond of reading historical and religious works. He was reared to the calling of a farmer, but the work did not suit him for a life calling, and at the age of eighteen he began learning the wagon-maker's trade. In 1846 he located in Oswego, Ind., but one year later came to Mishawaka and continued to work at the trade with Adolphus and John Eberhart, with whom he continued for three years, the one following being spent in La Porte. He returned to Mishawaka and formed a partnership with Adolphus Eberhart in the wagon-maker's business, which continued until 1858. In 1860 he became a member of the firm of Milburn, Eberhart & Co., with whom he did a profitable business for the Government during the Civil war. In 1864 he sold out and went to Des Moines, Iowa, where he was engaged in the agricultural implement business for two years. He turned his attention to hardware and the agricultural implement business in Chicago, in 1866, under the firm name of Starritt & Beatty, but was burned out by the great Chicago fire, in which he lost all his hard-earned accumulations. In 1876 he returned to Mishawaka and became connected with the St. Joseph Manufacturing Company, in which he was a stockholder. In 1880 he began business with his son, Leonard E., in the manufacture of felt boots, and the first year made 400 cases. It was the third firm in the United States to engage in this business, which has grown and prospered in an astonishing but very satisfactory manner. In 1886 a stock company was organized with a capital of $50,000, of which amount $45,300 was paid in. The present officers are: D. Beatty, president; E. L. Beatty, vice-president; Lutheria Beatty, secretary. The capacity is now 20,000 cases per year, but they are exceeding this, and are experiencing a difficulty in filling orders. The company has the best machinery in this line procurable, and send out first-class goods, which is without doubt the secret of their success. In 1851 Mr. Beatty married Margaret, daughter of Elijah Fox, a pioneer settler of Terre Coupee Prairie, this county, and by her he became the father of two children: Leonard E. and Ida M. Mrs. Beatty died in 1861, and for his second wife Mr. Beatty took Miss Lutheria Wilsie. Leonard Beatty is with Hibbard Spencer, Bartlett & Co., of Chicago, in the hardware business, of which he is a stockholder, and a man of excellent business capacity, and Ida M. is the wife of E. G. Studley, of Grand Rapids, Mich., president of the Grand Rapids Felt Boot Company. Politically Mr. Beatty is a Republican. and throughout life has pursued a course marked by integrity, his success in life being attributable to industry, energy and excellent business qualifications. He is one of the foremost men of Mishawaka, and commands respect from all with whom he has business relations, as well as from the townspeople generally. In every respect he is of the stuff of which model citizens are made.

GEORGE H. ASIRE, of the firm of Asire Bros., manufacturers of steam and hot water apparatus at South Bend, Ind., is a gentleman of the highest standing and ability, being thoroughly familiar with every detail of his important work. He was born in Holmes county, Ohio, November 13, 1853, a son of John M. and Anna (Aultman) Asira, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Ohio. The father became a resident of the Buckeye State in an early day and there met and married Miss Aultman. The Asire family was originally from the land of windmills, but became residents of America soon after the arrival of the famous ship "Mayflower." The paternal grandfather, Henry Asire, was a soldier in the War of 1812. The parents of George H. Asire came to St. Joseph county, Ind., in the fall of 1857, and settled on a farm which they purchased near Lakeville, in Union township. At that time but little of the land was improved, but. a small log house had been erected thereon, and in this the family resided until 1861, when they moved to Lakeville where the father established himself in the blacksmith business, continuing until his removal to South Bend in 1863. He continued this occupation after locating here until a short time since, but is now devoting his attention to agricultural pursuits in the vicinity of South Bend. While a resident of South Bend, he was a member of the city council for two years and was trustee of the water works for three years. During the Civil war he took an active part in raising and recruiting troops, was lieutenant of State militia, and at Lakeville was accidentally wounded by a gun shot which prevented him from entering the regular service. He is the father of four sons and one daughter, three of the former being partners in the manufacturing business: George H., Orlando J. and Lewis E. George H. Asire has been principally reared in St. Joseph county and educated in the public schools. Until fourteen years of age he resided on a farm, then began learning the business of steam heating and in the spring of 1884 considered himself sufficiently well versed in the business to open an establishment of his own, and time has proved the wisdom of his views, for he has been remarkably successful. He continued alone until 1891, when he associated with him two brothers and they are now doing a mammoth and constantly increasing business, their numerous orders compelling them to run their plant both night and day. He put up the heaters for the high school building, the Odd Fellows Block, Sherman House, Baptist Church and numerous others of the prominent buildings of the city. He has always been very public spirited, and aside from his responsible business interests he has found time to interest himself in public affairs, and for two years was an intelligent member of the city council. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and the Royal Arcanum, is a Democrat politically, and he and his wife, whom he married in November, 1873, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her maiden name was Alice Lamb, a native of this county, and she has borne her husband two children: George, Jr., and Edith. Mr. Asire is the patentee of two boilers of great superiority and has a patent pending on another, called the Asire boiler. He and his brothers have excellent facilities for rapid and reliable production and employ a staff of competent assistants, who are ably supervised by the practical heads of the house.

S. WESLEY and THOMAS J. HILL are the proprietors of the City Roller Mills. The use of cereals for food is rapidly growing in favor in this country. In Scotland oatmeal is considered the essential thing for creating "brain and brawn." "More bread and less meat in your diet" is the standard prescription for indigestion and kindred ailments by the best read medical men. It will therefore be readily seen that an excellent class of flour is necessary for the well being of humanity, and this can be found in the article manufactured by the Hill Brothers, who have long been thoroughly familiar with the details of the work. Both gentlemen were born in Lime Ridge, Columbia Co., Penn., were brought up on a farm, and educated in the common country and city schools. S. Welsey, the senior member of the firm was born January 12, 1844, his parents being Jacob and Anna (Achenbach) Hill, also natives of Columbia county, Penn., of which section the Hills were early emigrants from Germany. The paternal grandfather, Frederick Hill, was a colonel in the Revolutionary war and by occupation was a farmer, in which occupation his son Jacob followed in his footsteps. He died in 1859, but his widow still resides in Columbia county. They were the parents of eight children: Charles F., of Hazelton, Penn.; Emanuel, also of that place; James, of Chicago, Ill.; Mrs. Dr. E. W. H. Low, of Line Ridge, Penn.; S. Wesley; Mrs. Mary E. Evert, of Watsontown, Penn.; Thomas J. and Dr. J. W., of South Bend. S. Wesley was for a few years in the flour and grain business in Hazelton, Penn., but since 1878 has been a successful flour miller of South Bend, and turns out an exceptionally fine article of flour, which is becoming widely known. In 1870 he was married to Miss Alice Frease, a native of Columbia county, Penn., and to whom three sons and seven daughters have been born. Mr. Hill is a liberal contributor to all public enterprises and is a useful and highly esteemed citizen of South Bend. Thomas J. Hill was married in 1878 to Miss Jennie Meyers of South Bend, and they have two children. The mill now owned by himself and brother was first built in 1843 by J. A. Hendricks, who ran it a few years, when it was purchased by Coquillard & Miller in 1855. It was shortly afterward burned to the ground, and was rebuilt by this firm on the old style buhrs and run for some years. It was then sold to Loomis, and remained in his hands until purchased by Hill Bros., by whom it has been remodeled and the roller process introduced. These gentlemen have been the proprietors since 1878, and now turn out on an average 300 barrels every twenty-four hours. These gentlemen are highly esteemed in trade circles for their sterling integrity and their mill is well known and has a high reputation.

WILLIAM MILLER, president of the South Bend National Bank. In looking over a comparative statement of the institutions of a financial character doing business in this city, we find them in comparison with the same class of organizations elsewhere, solvent, prosperous and useful, in the highest degree. The South Bend National Banks adds no little to this, and is one of the best and most substantial of its kind in the State. Mr. Miller, its well-known president, was born in Lebanon county, Penn., March 16, 1821, a son of Henry and Catherine (Harper) Miller, who were also born in the Keystone State, the great-grandparents having been born in Germany. They arrived in this country in 1743, and settled in what was then Lancaster county, Penn., which is now Lebanon county, where they both died. Both the paternal and maternal grandfathers were in the Revolutionary war, were farmers by occupation, and paid the last debt of nature in Pennsylvania. Henry Miller followed in his father's footsteps and was also a farmer. After remaining in the East with his family until 1837, he turned his footsteps westward and made the journey to St. Joseph county, Ind., in wagons, locating in Portage township, on what is now a portion of South Bend. In 1843 he removed to Berrien county, Mich., in which State he was called from life in 1851. The mother died a few years later. They became the parents of six sons and four daughters, but at the present time only four members of this family are living: William; Joseph; Catherine, widow of David Gerberich, and Malinda, widow of John H. Kingery. William Miller, the subject of this sketch, was only about sixteen years of age on coming to this county, the first thirteen years of his life being spent on a farm, and in the primitive log constructions of early days he obtained some education, but the most of his knowledge has been acquired by practical experience and self application. His first business experience was obtained in a mercantile establishment of Harrisburg, Penn., where he acted as clerk, and after coming to South Bend he followed the same occupation for a number of different firms until 1849, when the "gold fever" seized him and he crossed the plains to California in company with ten others, and unlike the many who took the toilsome overland journey they arrived at their destination safely without experiencing any difficulties or hardships. Mr. Miller remained there engaged in mining and trading in stock until the fall of 1852, when he returned to South Bend, after which he built the stone works of the Illinois Central Railroad from the Calumet River to Kankakee City, finishing the job in 1854. Following this he purchased the Hendricks Flour Mill, which he operated unti11869, then sold out and entered the bank with which he is now connected, which was then known as the Bank of State of Indiana, and held the position of cashier under various changes for about twenty-two years, when he became president of the institution, and is still discharging the duties of that office. During this time he was president of the Peninsular Railroad (now the Grand Trunk Railroad), Indiana division, and for three years discharged the responsible duties of that position. He is a stockholder in the Mishawaka Pulp Company, the South Bend Gas Light Company and the Porcelain Company. He has been mayor of South Bend two terms, and during his administration there was much talk and strife over the system of water works to be decided upon, but his decision has proven very satisfactory. He has also served as a member of the city council a number of terms, and while a member of that body showed much good judgment and executive ability. In 1856 he was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Folsom, in 1858 to Mary Groff, by whom he has four children living: Mrs. Kittie Clark, of Lawrence, Kan.; William F., of Mishawaka; John G., of Spokane Falls, Wash., and Eugene H. Mr. Miller's third wife, who died June 29,1887, was Mary K Butler, who was born near London, England, but this union has not resulted in the birth of any children. Mr. Miller has in his possession some writing which was done by his great-grandfather Harper, and also his pocket-book which he brought with him to this country in 1743. Mr. Miller is one of the highly esteemed residents of South Bend, and is rightly considered a capable man of busi�ness. The South Bend National Bank transacts a general business, and we may be permitted in conclusion to hope that its good works will live with instead of after it.

ADOLPHUS EBERHART, Mishawaka, Ind. The family of the name of Eberhart, Everhart, Eberhardt, whichever way it may be written, probably came originally from Germany to America, and possibly there are thousands of the same name in both countries. Rev. Uriah Eberhart, of Chicago, Ill., has compiled an interesting history of the family from A. D. 1265, to A. D. 1890, showing their mutations, increase, resemblances and dispersion, arguing that from their similarity of physical structure, mental acquirements and religions faith, that they all had one common parentage. In Germany he traced them back to the thirteenth century, when the family was of noble blood, well educated for the times and many of them holding offices of high degree in church and state. They nearly all belonged to the Lutheran Church, one of the Eberharts greatly assisting Luther himself in the work of the Reformation. It would be impossible, in an article of the present kind, to give the various histories connected with this remarkable family, but we may at least outline some of the distinguished former members. Eberhard the Noble was a Bavarian, born March 13, 1265, and both his father and mother were members of the royal family. He was one of the most daring and successful warriors of Wirtenberg and established that kingdom. His son Uriah succeeded him on the throne, and his son Eberhard the Good died June 5, 1325, after reigning nearly forty-six years Eberhard the Mild was the great-grandson of Eberhard the Noble and commenced to reign about 1392, continuing about twenty-five years . His son Eberhard the Younger died after a comparatively short reign; Duke Eberhart the Third began his reign about 1633 and reigned about forty-one years, and Duke Leopold Eberhard, who died in 1723, was the last reigning duke of Wirtenberg. The throne was lost partly by his own improper conduct, but principally through the strife then existing between the Catholics and Protestants. In view of all the disturbances of the times, many of the family decided to leave the Fatherland and seek their fortunes and greater civil and religious freedom in the wilds of America. Hence, quite a number of them emigrated to this country between 1725 and 1750, coming mostly from Wirtenberg and surrounding provinces, and settled principally in Pennsylvania, becoming there sturdy pioneers and substantial farmers. Many of their descendants have become prominent and leading men in all walks of life. They are a numerous and enduring race and many of the representatives are scattered through the West. Adolphus Eberhart, the grandfather of our subject, came to America between 1775-7. He was the son of John Adam Eberhart, Duke of Alsace. German tradition says that his father, John Adam, the Duke, was very wealthy, being the owner of extensive glass works and large tracts of land. He appointed his brother, Philip of Wirtenberg, as administrator of his estates, and Philip so managed matters that he made his son the inheritor of the title and the greater part of the lands. Thus the heirs of the real duke were defrauded out of their inheritance. Adolphus was born January 4, 1760, and consequently was about eighteen years of age when he came to this country from Carlruhe, Baden. He immediately enlisted in the army and was all through the Revolutionary war, being a brave soldier and fighting under General La Fayette. At one time he assisted in carrying the General off the field, where he had been severely wounded, and did not see him again until January, 1825, when he met him at Albert Gallatin's home near New Geneva, and in recognition they embraced each other. After the war Adolphus returned to his trade of glass blowing, and after some experiments in Baltimore, in connection with a man by the name of Johnson, he and his brother Martin with other friends, went to Frederick City, Md., and for a time carried on the glass business. There he was married to a Miss Sophia, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Brandenburg) Speelman, who was born February 7, 1770, and was an excellent woman. Some time after the close of the war Adolphus and his friends moved from Frederick City to a place caned New Geneva, Fayette county, Penn., and bought land of Hon. Albert Gallatin and established the first extensive glass works west of the Alleghany Mountains. He was a good general scholar and although he had a German brogue when speaking English, he was, nevertheless, an intelligent, active business man for his years. For a long time he carried on an extensive glass manufacturing establishment. Both he and his good wife were members of the Lutheran Church and were noted for their fine musical ability. He died in 1828, aged sixty-eight years. They had the following children: Martin Adolphus, who died in childhood; Charles, born February 18, 1789, and married Miss Minnie Kirkwood, of Mapleton, Penn.; Sophia A.; Margaret E.; Christian E. ; George Frederick; Anna; Henry; John L.; Louis A. and Rev. Albert G. George Frederick Eberhart, son of Adolphus, was born March 30, 1797, in Greenburg, Greene county, Penn., and received the limited common-school education of the day. He learned the business of glass-blowing of his father, many of the Eberharts following this business. He married Betsy Weltner, of the same neighborhood, and to them were born twelve children: Jacob, Sophia, Adolphus, John, Robert Charles and Charles Robert (twins), Christian, Albert, Elizabeth Frederick, Frank and James. Soon after marriage Mr. Eberhart moved to the State of New York and settled in the town of Clyde, Wayne county, where he engaged in his trade and lived until 1827, when he removed to Geneva, N. Y., and soon after bought a farm in Yates county, although he continued to work at his trade in Geneva. He finally retired from this business and lived on his farm. In 1832 he removed to Greene county, Penn., where his father had owned a large tract of coal and iron lands. Mr. Eberhart bought out all of the heirs except one, but not being able to complete the purchase of the property he remained but one year. For the following two years he lived in Yates county, and in the spring of 1836 came with his family to St. Joseph county, Ind., and settled on the St. Joseph River, two miles north of Mishawaka, entering nearly 400 acres of land, making the journey to this county with two double horse teams, the snow being five feet deep when he started and the wagons were put on runners. The roads were good until Ashtabula was reached, when the snow disappeared and the remainder of the journey was made on wheels. The land which Mr. Eberhart entered was called Oak Openings, and presented a beautiful appearance, the large oak trees standing at a considerable distance apart, causing it to resemble an orchard. As there was little underbrush a large variety of wild flowers grew in this wood, while deer, wild turkey, squirrels and other game abounded. In their season the wild pigeons were in countless numbers. A pigeon roost was within one and one-half miles of their settlement, and millions of these birds would fly to this roost at night. The land on which Mr. Eberhart settled is still in the hands of his heirs, and the primitive log cabin which he first built had neither doors nor windows, as glass could not be obtained at that time at Mishawaka, which village had then but one store, that of the St. Joseph Iron Company. There was but one settler near Mr. Eberhart and there was a small settlement at Pleasant Valley. After a few years Mr. Eberhart built a good frame house and two good barns, which are still standing. A good farm was cleared up, with the assistance of his sons, consisting of 200 acres. Both Mr. and Mrs. Eberhart were devout members of the Methodist Church, and he was a local preacher while living in the State of New York. In conjunction with Richmond Tuttle and James Pembrook he organized the First Methodist Church, in which Mr. Eberhart was local preacher and class-leader for many years, contributing liberally of his means to support the church. His house was the home of the itinerant Methodist preachers of those early days who were the founders of Methodism in Indiana. Mr. Eberhart was a good, substantial, pioneer citizen, took great interest in public improvements and gave his children a fair education for those days. In politics he was an old line Whig, but afterward became a stanch Republican. He died at the age of seventy-two years, a man of powerful constitution, who was never sick in his life and who never missed a meal until his last sickness. He was a successful hunter, very fond of game and enjoyed hunting it. For horses he had a great affection, and in his early days kept fast ones, and when living in the State of New York had some very valuable ones for his times; but when he became a religious man he sold off his horses. He was respected by all who knew him as a moral, upright, pioneer citizen. Through life he was very positive in his convictions and died a sincere Christian, in 1869. The children of George Frederick Eberhart married and settled as follows: Jacob Weltner, born March 11, 1819, in Greenboro, Penn., was a young man of seventeen years of age when he came to Penn township, and married Louisa Ferris, born at Waterloo, N. Y., and to them were born three children - Sarah L., who died at the age of six years; Anna M., who died at the age of two years, and Charles H. who is now a farmer, married and settled on a farm north of Mishawaka. Jacob W. became a substantial farmer and died on the farm where his son now resides, aged sixty-seven years, his death occurring September 6, 1886. Sophia Eberhart, daughter of George Frederick, married Elias Cook, a farmer of Penn township, son of an old pioneer, and to them were born James, Anna (who died at the age of fourteen years), Arthur, Harriet, George and Sophia. Mr. Cook died on his farm at about fifty-eight years of age. He was a minister in the Methodist Church. Mrs. Cook married for her second husband John Ruddock, a farmer of Sumption Prairie, and he died at about the age of seventy-one years. Mrs. Ruddock married for her third husband George Barnes, and they reside at Walkerton, Ind. A full sketch of Adolphus, the next child, will be given below. John H. was born on a farm in Yates county, October 8, 1825, and came to this county when eleven years of age. He married Mary A. Pembrook, but no children were born of this marriage and she died in 1857. In 1859 he married Mary McCann, and to them were born two daughters: Harriet A. and Nellie M. Mrs. Eberhart died December, 1890. Mr. Eberhart is a substantial citizen and is one of the owners of the flouring-mill at Mishawaka. Robert Charles, a son of Frederick George Eberhart, was born April 9, 1828, became a farmer and married Lucy Laudfere, in September, 1856. They had one son, Palmer A., born March 2, 1858, but the mother died two weeks later. Mr. Eberhart married June 28. 1860, Rachel Stair, and to them were born three children: Susan E., born March 1, 1862; Emma E., born April 15, 1864, and Dessie Co, born September 4, 1866. Mr. Eberhart is a prosperous farmer and a respected citizen of Penn township. Charles Robert, son of Frederick George and twin brother of the above, married Harriet Corp, March 15. 1858, and they are the parents of six children: Harry H., Eva M., Sylvia B., Albert R. and Leo B. The son Albert, was drowned in the St. Joseph River on the evening of December 3, 1884, while fishing, at the age of twenty-six years. He was a young man of fine character. Mr. Eberhart is, like the rest of his family, a trustworthy and honorable citizen and a practical farmer, residing in Penn township. Christian and Albert were also sons of Frederick George. Elizabeth married George Bryerson, a farmer now retired and living in Elkhart. They are the parents of Frank, William, Adelia and Arthur. Frederick, Frank and James were the other children of Frederick George and a sketch of the former appears in this volume. Adolphus Eberhart, the son of Frederick George, and our subject, is one of the prominent pioneer manufacturers of Mishawaka, a substantial citizen and an honored and respected man. Adolphus was born February 11,1824, at Clyde, Wayne Co., N. Y., and was twelve years of age when he came to St. Joseph county with his parents and can well remember the journey. He received the common education of those pioneer days and was reared a farmer. He narrowly escaped becoming a physician, as he had decided to adopt that profession, but his plans were changed by the removal of Dr. Crawford from Mishawaka, with whom he was to have studied. This was a great disappointment to young Eberhart, as he felt a desire to become a disciple of Ǽsculapius, believing that he had a natural aptitude for that profession. However, he learned the trade of wagon and carriage-maker, and at the early age of twenty -one years engaged in this business in company with Albert Cass, of Mishawaka, one of the old settlers. They continued in the business four years, having associated with them John Miles, and in 1864 they built a large flouring-mill, which was then one of the largest and best in the West. Mr. Eberhart managed this mill until 1887, and still retains a one-third interest in it. In 1886 he organized the Mishawaka Woolen Manufacturing Company with a capital stock of $200,000, with M. V. Beiger as president, F. G. Eberhart, Jr., as vice-president, J. C. Eberhart, Jr., as secretary, and Marvin Campbell as treasurer. The directors are C. Studebaker, J. M. Studebaker, M. V. Beiger, A. Eberhart and Marvin Campbell. Mr. Eberhart had invented an all knit-wool boot and a one-half interest in the patent was sold to the company for $100,000. The boot is a joint invention of Mr. Eberhart and Mr. Beiger, and as the business progressed, as many as one dozen patents have been taken out and large and convenient shops have been erected, two of them very large and three stories high; another, 32x50, and three stories high; and still another 90x32, three stories high, besides other buildings such as boiler-house, dry kilns, etc. The company does an annual business of $200,000; employs from 140 to 150 persons and is a very important industry. This is the only all knit-wool boot made in the world. Besides these interests, Mr. Eberhart owns and rents four farms, aggregating 480 acres of fine farm land. From 1860 to 1862 Mr. Eberhart erected a commodious brick residence on East Second street, in which he still resides. On April 25, 1847, he married Sarah A. Boyd, born January 28, 1829, at Lynchburg, Va., daughter of James and Ann (Rohr) Boyd. James Boyd was born in 1807, in West Virginia, of an old colonial family, of Irish descent. He was a carpenter by trade, and came to Mishawaka, in 1837, and was well known among the old pioneers. He passed the remainder of his days in this town, living to the age of sixty-three years. Both he and. his wife were members of the Methodist Church, he being one of its founders in this town. He was the father of eight children, as follows: Sarah A., Elizabeth, Lucinda, Margaret, John W., James C., Robert F. and Charles. In politics he was first an old line Whig, but at the organization of the Republican party, united with that. He had three sons in the great Civil war: John, who was in the Eighty-seventh Regiment I. V. L.; James C., who was in the one-hundred day service, and Robert F., who was in Company I, Ninth Regiment I. V. L., who was one of the first to enlist in the first company that went from Mishawaka. He died in 1861, at Cheat Mountain, W. Va. (For more complete history of the Boyd family see sketch of John W. Boyd.) To Mr. and Mrs. Adolphus Eberhart have been born six children: Ida L., who died at the age of twenty-nine, having married, and left two children; Flora G.; James C.; Frederick G.; William, who died at the age of seven years, and Everett G. Mr. and Mrs. Eberhart are members of the Methodist Church, in which he has held the offices of steward and class-leader. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and was one of the founders of the party in the county. He has always been a public-spirited man, in favor of all things conducive to the improvement of his county, but so many of the private enterprises in which he is engaged engross his attention to such a degree that he has always declined public office. Possessing the confidence of the people he might have aspired to any office, but has only accepted the presidency of the Board of Township Trustees. Perhaps there is no man now living in Mishawaka, who has been more fully identified with its business interests, or who has, for more years, been so active and efficient a business man. He began when a mere boy, and has always pursued an enterprising, energetic and honorable business course which, in his old age, he still continues with unabated vigor, having but recently originated an enterprise, unique in its character, of practical and substantial benefit, not only to himself, but to his fellow-townsmen. Through his long career his integrity has been unimpeached and his manly course in life should be emulated by his descendants.

GEORGE W. SHOCK, manufacturer of paint mixers, and special machinery, has a well-appointed establishment at the foot of Washington, on West Race street, and can claim more than his proportionate share of popularity among the business men of South Bend, for he has been a resident of the town ever since his birth, September 30, 1859, during which time naught has ever been said derogatory to his honor. His parents, Jeremiah and Caroline (Rulon) Shock, are of German-French descent, the birth of the former occurring in Pennsylvania in 1828. In 1843, or when fifteen years of age, he came to South Bend and engaged in blacksmithing and horse-shoeing in partnership with his brother Daniel -with whom he learned his trade. He later opened a little establishment of his own and manufactured the first steel plow ever made in the town. Their shop was located on the corner where the new elegant Presbyterian Church stands, but in 1849, having been taken with severe cases of the "gold fever" they sold out and crossed the plains to California, making the journey by wagons. During the three or four years that Jeremiah remained in the West he was engaged in mining, but upon returning to South Bend he resumed blacksmithing, which business he successfully carried on for several years. He then went to work for Oliver, Bissell & Little and later for the Oliver Plow Works, and did all the work for the water-works stand pipe. He was considered one of the most skillful blacksmiths in the county, and his services were at all times in requisition. He died in July, 1890, but his widow and six children survive him, the names of the latter being Frank, George W., Flora, Lewis, John and Charles. George W. Shock was educated in the schools of South Bend, and in his youth learned the carriage-finishing business, and later the machinist's trade. In April, 1889, he started in business for himself and has since continued with success, for he is a fine mechanic himself and employs none but skilled and experienced workmen. He has a reputation of a high order for making a very superior grade of paint mixers and special machinery, and none but the very best articles are sent out from his establishment. Mr. Shock is the owner of some valuable real estate in the city and is in good circumstances financially. He is a Democrat politically, and socially is a member of the Royal Arcanum. In 1880 he was married to Miss Lura Jaquith, by whom he has two children: Olive, aged ten years, and George A., Jr., aged one year.

D. B. J. SCHAFER. In the whole range of commercial enterprise no interest is of more importance than that respecting the sale of groceries. This fact is recognized and appreciated by all thoughtful people, and therefore the matter of the selection of a dealer from whom to purchase our supplies calls for careful consideration and discriminating judgment. In this connection it is with genuine pleasure that attention is called to the well-known and reliable house of D. B. J. Schafer, whose place of business is located at 201 North Michigan street and 107-109 Colfax avenue, South Bend, Ind. Being conducted on sound mercanti1e principles and its management characterized by energy and ability, Mr. Schafer has from the start enjoyed a large and prosperous trade, the unequivocal excellence of the goods handled, coupled with upright and honorable dealing, being among the special features contributing to the positive and permanent success that has attended the enterprise from its inception. Mr. Schafer was born in Cleveland, Ohio, February 21, 1858, a son of Christian and Catherine (Ahr) Schafer, natives of Germany, the former of whom sailed for America when nineteen years of age and located in the vicinity of Cleveland, where he worked out by the day on a farm. About 1862 he removed to Adams county, Ind., where he purchased a farm, on which he remained until 1881, when the city of South Bend became his home and remained such until his death, in 1889. His widow, who has been a resident of this country since she was three years of age, and eight children, survive him, the names of the latter being as follows: John, of Elkhart, Ind.; Mrs. Rev. B. Ruh; Jacob and Fred, of Adams county, Ind.; Mrs. H. Fulke, of South Bend; David B. J.; Edward and Dr. A. F. One child, named Anna, is deceased. D. B. J. Schafer was brought up on a farm in Adams county, Ind., in the district schools of which he received his education. After moving to Decatur, Ind., he was employed in the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad office for about four years, but after coming to South Bend he secured employment in the wagon works of Studebaker Bros., where he remained a short time. He was next employed in the grocery house of Tobias Sterns, with whom he remained one year, after which he embarked in the grocery business in partnership with E. T. Ivins, the name of which firm remained Schafer & Ivins for four years, when Mr. Schafer bought his partner's interest and bas since continued the business alone. In 1889 he moved to his present stand, where he keeps a large stock of choice and fresh groceries, for which his prices are very reasonable. Mr. Schafer started out in life without means, but energy has prevailed and he has now at his command a comfortable competency and numerous friends. He landed in South Bend with only $1.50 in money and a total stranger to everyone, but he possessed those genial qualities which soon win friends, and the sturdy per�severance and industry which can not fail to sooner or later bring the possessor wealth. He is still a young man, and will, without doubt, be a wealthy man before the winter of old age has laid its whitening touch on his hair. He is highly esteemed in the social circles of South Bend, and is a member of the following fraternities: The I. O. O. F., in which he has passed all the chairs and was trustee of South Bend Lodge, No. 29; South Bend Encampment, No.9, for four years, and was captain of the South Bend Canton, No.9 for four years; Crusade Lodge, No. 14, and South Bend Division, No. 21, U. R. of the K. of P.; Shipshewana Tribe, No. 12, I. O. R. M.; South Bend Council, No. 347, Royal Arcanum; South Bend Lodge, No. 294, F. & A. M.; South Bend Chapter, No. 29, R. A. M.; South Bend Commandery, No. 13, K. T. and the Order of Elks. He has been captain of the Uniform Rank of the K. of P. for six years and is prominent in all the societies to which he belongs. In May, 1892, he made the race for mayor and cut down the Democratic majority from 876 to 36, thus showing that be bad numerous admirers and friends.

REV. A. B. CHAFFEE is probably one of the most prominent clergymen in the city of South Bend, having charge of the First Baptist Church in this place. As a pastor he gets very near to his people, and has ever sought to develop the highest type of social life of the church. He has made himself the personal friend of each member of the church, sympathizing with them in trouble and rejoicing with them in their gladness. He was born in Philadelphia, Penn., June 19, 1852, a son of James and Harriet (Billings) Chaffee, natives of Springfield, Mass., and Somerville, Conn., respectively, the latter's birth occurring at what was known as Billings' Mills. The Chaffees are of English origin, and their genealogy is traced back to the latter part of the seventeenth century. The paternal grandfather, Elam Chaffee, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and the majority of the members of the family were farmers and mechanics. For several years the grandfather and father of the subject of this sketch worked in the armory at Springfield, Mass., but the former was called from this life in the State of Connecticut. James Chaffee was a merchant in Philadelphia for over thirty years, having gone there when a young man, but in 1866 he removed to Saratoga Springs, N. Y., where he resided for about nine years, a portion of which time he was engaged in keeping hotel. He then removed to Union, N. J., twelve miles from the city of New York, and there lived retired from the active duties of life, dying in the fall of 1880, his widow surviving him until 1889, her death occurring at Franklin, Ind. They were the parents of three sons: Edward J., a wholesale dry goods merchant of New York City; Theodore S., of Avondale, N. J., and Rev. A. R, of South Bend. The latter was a resident of the city of "Brotherly Love" until twelve years of age, and was an attendant of the public schools of that city. Upon the removal of his parents to Saratoga Springs, he entered the Williston Seminary, at East Hampton, Mass., from which institution he graduated in 1869 in the scientific course. He was then in business with his brother in New York City for one year, at the end of which time he began fitting himself for college in Saratoga in 1870-2, entering the University of Rochester in the last mentioned year, in which he remained until the spring of 1874. He then met with an accident and was compelled to return home. In the fall of that year he entered the University of New Jersey, at Princeton, and graduated from that noted institution of learning in 1876. The three succeeding years were spent in the Rochester Theological Seminary, where he completed his studies in 1879, after which he immediately came West, and was professor of Latin, language and literature of Franklin (Indiana) Collage, and professor of chemistry and physics from 1887 to 1889 in the same institution. From June to September, 1887, he took a term in chemistry at Harvard university, and from 1889 to 1890 he was pastor of the First Baptist Church of Seymour, Ind. In September of the latter year he was called to South Bend, and has since ably filled the pulpit of the First Baptist Church. Mr. Chaffee is a well-educated gentleman, possesses a fine and original mind, and is a fluent, forcible and eloquent speaker. He has a large and select congregation, the membership of which has greatly increased since he took charge, and many valuable improvements in the church have been made. Mr. Chaffee is a member of the Greek Delta Psi, and has been a member of the Cliosophic, of Princeton. N. J., Indiana Academy of Science, the American Association of Science, K. O. T. M., the Humane Society and the Y. M. C. A. He takes a deep interest in the moral, spiritual, intellectual and social life of the city, and is doing all in his power to improve the tone of society. He is recording secretary of the Indiana Baptist State Convention. In May, 1879, he was married to Miss Laura Putnam, of Saratoga Springs, N. Y., and of seven children born to them six are living: Harold P., Eleanor B., James F., Arthur B., Jr., Margaret C., Mary E. (deceased) and Laurence E.

CHARLES M. COLLINS, the master mechanic for the Studebaker Bros. Manufacturing Company at South Bend, Ind., was born in Harmony, Me., June 4, 1852, his parents, William and Mary (Sweeney) Collins, having been born in the Pine Tree State and Ireland respectively. The Collins family were early pioneers of the New England States, and the paternal and maternal grandparents spent the most of their lives and died in Maine, in which State William Collins was reared and followed farming until his death. His widow is now a resident of New Hampshire, and with four children survives him, the names of the latter being: A. C., of Hartford, Conn.; F. W., of Jefferson, N. H.; Charles M. and F. A., of Portland, Me. Charles M. Collins spent his early life in the State of his birth, and until sixteen years of age was an attendant of the public schools of his native place. He then began learning the trade of a mechanic, for which he seemed to have a natural inclination and a decided aptitude, and for two years thereafter was an apprentice of Henkley & Egery and Dalle Bros., of Bangor, Me. He then became very desirous of improving his education, and through his own efforts obtained sufficient means to permit him to enter college at Bucksport, Me., but unfortunately, on account of his father's death, he was compelled to give up his course and return to the shop. He, however, did not confine himself to one particular establishment, but followed his trade in the principal cities throughout the New England States, nor to one particular class of work, but devoted his time to the various branches which was the means of perfecting his knowledge of every detail. In 1878 he came west to Elkhart, Ind., with the expectation of going to work in the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern shops, but found that the chance of promotion was very doubtful, and he had no desire or intention of waiting for �dead men's shoes,� so he gave up the idea and came to South Bend, and here soon after secured employment in the mammoth establishment of the Studebaker Bros. His mechanical skill was soon made manifest, and came to the notice of the members of the firm, who were sufficiently well versed in the details of the business to realize that he was an expert workman, and in 1888 his ability and faithfulness were rewarded by his being made master mechanic over the entire manufactory. This very responsible position he has filled with undiminished zeal, faithfulness and skill up to the present time, and he enjoys the entire confidence and respect of his employers. He has sixty men under his supervision, over whom his rule is firm and absolute, yet light. In May, 1892, his intelligence was further recognized by the townspeople, for he was elected one of the trustees of the City Water Works, in which he had been deeply interested from the first, and of which he was one of the leading promoters. All matters that are calculated to benefit and improve the city find a generous and influential patron in Mr. Collins, and he is in every sense of the word public-spirited. In 1881 he led to the altar Miss Lennie Allen, to whom two sons have been given: Fred and Homer. Mr. Collins is a Knight Templar in the A. F. & A. M.., is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and politically the principles of the Republican party have always commended themselves to his judgment.

JAMES ASLIN. A plumber of South Bend, Ind., who has made an excellent reputation for good work, and who is doing a thriving business, is James Aslin whose place of business is at 216 Michigan street. He was born in Harlfordshire, England, January 25, 1860, son of George and Susanna (Barber) Aslin, in which country they belonged to the farming classes. The father was born in St. Albin's Abbey, there received a good education, and like his worthy ancestors before him, became a tiller of the soil when settling in life. In 1875 he sailed for the United States and first located in Hartford, Conn., in the vicinity of which place he fol1owed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1889. His widow died in England in 1892, having become the mother of eight children, six of whom survive her: Louise, Frederick, Elizabeth and Susanna who reside in London, England; Matilda, a resident of Hamelhempstead, England, and James, the subject of this sketch. He was reared in the land of his birth, where he was partly educated, but in 1874 left that country to seek his fortune in America and soon after reaching this country he went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he learned his trade; thence to Chicago, where he worked at the same for two years. In 1889 he came to South Bend and until two years ago worked as a journeyman when he established himself in business and has built up a large and constantly growing patronage. He is a thoroughgoing and energetic business man, reliable at all times, and is highly respected among a large circle of business and social acquaintances. He is himself a practical mechanic and gives careful and personal supervision to all work done. This includes everything in the line of gasfitting. In the matter of charges, he makes it a rule to be moderate and reasonable, and this has undoubtedly had an influence in building up the excellent trade enjoyed. Another feature that has given great satisfaction among his patrons is the promptness with which all orders are attended to. He was married in 1885 to Miss Sophia Pommart, daughter of Andy Pommart, the first drayman of South Bend, and to them three sons have been born: George, Harry and Fred. Mrs. Aslin is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Royal Arcanum.

Deb Murray