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JOHN J. JOHNSON is one of those men who faithfully served his country during the troublous times of war and is now a prominent, law-abiding, public-spirited and patriotic citizen. He is a product of the Buckeye State, his birth occurring in Marion county on the 1st of December, 1844, on a farm which was owned by his father, who came of a prominent English family who settled in America in the latter part of the seventeenth century, within about twenty miles of Baltimore, Md. McMurray Johnson, the grandfather of John J., removed from Maryland to Marion county, Ohio, where he reared his three children: John M., Jonathan and Eliza. He cleared and improved a good farm about twelve miles west of Marion and there his declining years were spent. He was in good circumstances, owning about 240 acres of land, and was a thrifty and practical farmer. The township in which he lived was named Montgomery from the town he came from in Maryland, and his home was but eight miles from the spot where the brave Col. Crawford was burned at the stake by the Indians. Mr. Johnson was an old-time pioneer to whom the West is largely indebted for the prosperity which it now enjoys, and after a well-spent life he died February 11, 1859, at the age of seventy-eight years. John M. Johnson, his son, was born on the old homestead in Maryland, October 16, 1802, and when a young man he removed to Ohio with his father, where he assisted him in clearing his woodland farm. He was given common-school advantages and was married in Marion county, Ohio, to Eliza, daughter of William and Sarah (Doty) Odel, the former of whom was one of the first settlers of that county and came of English stock that for generations had tilled the soil. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson resulted in the birth of six children that lived to grow to maturity: Thomas, George, John, Perry, Sarah and Nancy. Mr. Johnson remained on a farm in Marion county, Ohio, until 1845, then moved to La Grange county, Ind., settled on a tract of wild land where he resided until his death, May 28, 1850, when forty-eight years of age. He accumulated a considerable amount of worldly goods, was a substantial farmer and an upright citizen. He had three sons in the Rebellion: George, who became a member of Company C, One Hundredth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, served five months and died at Grand Junction, Tenn., of typhoid fever, February 4, 1863; Perry was in the Twelfth Indiana Cavalry, and John J., the subject of this sketch. The latter was but an infant when his parents came to Indiana and in the district schools of La Grange county his scholastic education was acquired. When Abraham Lincoln issued his second call for 300,000 men, Mr. Johnson promptly responded to the call and when only seventeen years of age, August 2, 1862, enlisted in Company G, Eighty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as a private. His regiment was organized at Fort Wayne and mustered into the service of the United States at Indianapolis, August 29, 1862, and he soon found himself at Camp Yates, Ky. He was in the battle of Perryville, October 8, 1862; Stone River, December 30-31, 1862, and January 1-2, 1863; Elk River, Tallahassee, Ringgold, Grayville, White Oak Ridge, Tunnel Hill, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Eutaw Creek, Jonesboro, Atlanta in the pursuit of Hood and in that greatest march in history - Sherman's march to the sea, after which he took part in the engagements at Savannah, Averysboro, Bentonville and Raleigh. He was present at the Grand Review in Washington, D. C., May 24, 1865. In all the toilsome marches made by his regiment he only rode four miles. He possessed a good constitution and bore the hardships and privations of war well. He was mustered out at Washington, June 7, 1865, and was honorably discharged at Indianapolis June 18, 1865, and ten days later returned to his home and prepared to resume his unfinished education. He attended the La Grange Collegiate Institute for five years, from which he graduated in 1870, after which he became a pedagogue, an occupation which he followed in Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Iowa in the common and graded schools, for sixteen years. On the 1st of June, 1871, he married Carrie, daughter of Joseph R. and Maria B. (Barrett) Ludwig, the former of whom was born in Berks, Penn., February 4, 1825, a German by descent and a miller by trade, which occupation he followed after his removal to Michigan in 1860. In 1863 he went to Van Buren, Ind., and in 1875 came to Middlebury and purchased the Middlebury Mill, which he operated until his death, June 5, 1892. His marriage with Miss Barrett took place November 1, 1849, and resulted in the birth of two children: Harry B. and Carrie. Mr. Ludwig was an industrious man of high character, well educated and took an especial interest in theology. He was a deep thinker, an able reasoner, and he and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church, in which he was an elder for many years. Mrs. Ludwig came of Puritan stock of New England. Her grandfather, Nathan Barrett, and his son Alva C., settled in Northumberland county, Penn., where the former became a prominent and wealthy citizen, was a State representative, held many county offices and was for a long time justice of the peace. After his marriage Mr. Johnson taught school and also farmed, but later, in addition to teaching, followed milling at White Hall, Ill. In 1881 he came to Middlebury and worked in the mill with Mr. Ludwig. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, in which he has been both elder and deacon. He is a stanch Republican and is one of the charter members of Post 192, O. & M. Foster Lodge, G. A. R., of Middlebury, and was its commander three successive years. He has always taken much interest in educational matters and has been secretary of the Middlebury school board for the past three years. He is a member of the Chosen Friends, of which he has been secretary six years and is Deputy Grand Counselor of the State. He owns a nice residence in Middlebury, is a responsible citizen and stands deservedly high in the estimation of his fellows. He is the father of two children: Guy, born June 14, 1873, and May, born March 15, 1882. He did not hesitate to risk his life for his country and during his service was slightly wounded on three different occasions. At one time a bullet passed directly through his rubber blanket, which was folded snugly, so that the ball made twenty-three holes in it and one through his blouse. He lost no time, was never in the hospital and was always ready to report for duty. His record was a very honorable one and one of which his children have every reason to be proud.

�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

CHRISTIAN STUTZ. In the midst of the failures and disasters of life, it is a real pleasure to review the career of a man whose efforts have been crowned with success, and whose life has been honorable in every particular, as has Christian Stutz. He is now one of the foremost merchants of Middlebury, and has been an active business man of the town since 1854, at which time Middlebury was a small hamlet. He was born in Lorraine, France, March 7, 1826, it being now a portion of Germany, a son of Jacob and Ann (Stiner) Stutz, the former of whom tilled the soil for a living until his death, which occurred at the untimely age of thirty-one years, at which time he was an earnest member of the Lutheran Church. Daniel Steiner, the maternal grandfather, was a soldier in the French army, and served under the great Napoleon in the celebrated Russian campaign, and was in the disastrous retreat from Moscow. After the death of Jacob Stutz his widow came to America and was here married to Peter Amstutz, and by him she became the mother of one child, whom she named Catherine. Christian Stutz, who was the only scion of his father's house, was brought by his mother and his maternal uncle to America in 1827, and after his mother's second marriage resided with his relatives. From that time on he was reared by his uncles, Daniel, Christian and Peter, and with some property which his mother left him and through the kindness of his uncles, he was given a practical common and high-school education at Wadsworth, Canton and Wooster. His instructors were fortunately able and experienced, and among the most competent were Archibald and John McGregor, the latter of whom ran for governor of the State of Ohio at one time. Christian Stutz learned the details of farming in his youth, but when he left Ohio he turned his attention to clerking at Bristol, Ind., for Samuel B. Romaine, with whom he remained six months. Following this he did farm work in La Grange county, Ind., for four years, after which he came to Middlebury and in March, 1854, he opened a mercantile establishment of his own, which he has conducted with a steadily increasing business up to the present time. When at. Bristol he married Ann, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Harmon) Walker, the former of whom came from England and followed blacksmithing and farming. The Harmons were also from England. To Mr. and Mrs. Stutz four children have been born, all of whom lived to mature years: Eugene E., Milton A., Alice and Emma. Mr. Stutz began business in a small way and with a small capital, but by strict attention to his affairs, integrity and prompt dealing, he gradually built up a business of large proportions. Since 1880 his son, Milton A., has been in the business with him, and the name of the firm is C. Stutz & Son. They deal in clothing, dry goods, boots and shoes, notions and groceries, in fact, everything contained in a general store. They carry one of the largest stocks in the county and the largest in Middlebury, or any country town, and have an excellent reputation as accommodating merchants and honorable dealers. Mr. Stutz has always attended strictly to his business, and has never meddled with affairs that did not concern him. He is a Democrat politically, but has never been an aspirant for office. In 1885 he erected a substantial brick store, and this year, 1892, erected a similar establishment adjoining, which will double the capacity of the establishment. His daughter Emma was married to Thomas Daily, a clerk in the First National Bank of Goshen. Milton A. married Alice C. Mather, by whom he has four children. Eugene E. is a member of the firm of Stutz & Walker, buggy manufacturers of Goshen. Milton A. was born January 25, 1858, in Middlebury, received a practical education in the common schools, and is a well-informed, intelligent and popular man of affairs. His wife is a daughter of Jonathan S. and Fannie (Defus) Mather, and her union with Mr. Stutz has resulted in the birth of the following children: Fannie A., Clara A., Mamie E. and Laura W. Socially Mr. Stutz is a member of the K. of P., and politically he is a Republican. He possesses the confidence of the people, and has been treasurer of the town of Middlebury for seven years. He is a pushing young merchant, and the stock of goods which he and his father carry is valued at $16,000.

J. W. SLEAR, the well-known harness manufacturer and dealer in carriages and horse goods, in Elkhart, Ind., is at the head of the well-known firm of J. W. Slear & Son, their place of business being located at 420 South Main street, in one of the finest business blocks in the city. The firm has become widely known for the excellence of the goods sent out from their establishment, and has established a reputation which has secured a large and constantly increasing trade, which is most successfully maintained. The enormous increase in the demand for carriages and wagons of all grades has led Mr. Slear and his son to engage in this branch of business also, and they keep a complete and select line of goods which they sell at very reasonable rates, and have created, especially among the farmers of the surrounding country, a popularity that may almost be termed personal friendships. He was born in Union county, Penn., in January, 1844, to Elias and Susanna (Colar) Slear, who were of German descent and also natives of the Keystone State. The paternal grandfather, William Slear, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was an early settler of the State of Pennsylvania, where he followed the occupation of a tanner. Peter Colar, the mother's father, was a blacksmith by trade, and was a man of intelligence and energy. In 1864 Elias Slear removed to Ludington, Mich., where he resided until his death in 1884, having been quite prominent in military tactics and a captain in the Pennsylvania State militia. He and his wife became the parents of eight children: Mrs. Harmon, of Ludington, Mich.; Kate, of Ludington, Mich.; Jane, of Brown county, Kan.; and John W., who is the youngest of these children who are the living members of the family. John W. Slear was reared on a farm, educated in the public schools, and in 1861, when only sixteen years of age, his name could be found on the rolls of Company D, Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, with which he served until the war closed. He held the rank of second sergeant and was in the battles of Gettysburg, Fredericksburg and Antietam, besides numerous other engagements of less importance. He was a useful and faithful soldier, was always found at his post of duty, and owing to his rugged constitution was not sick a day during his long term of service. He was not wounded, and upon being mustered out at Hagerstown, Md., he returned home in fair health, to once more take upon himself the duties of civil life. Six weeks later he started west, and for one year was a resident of Bellevue, Ohio, but since 1866 he has been a resident of Elkhart, Ind., which at that time had about 1,000 inhabitants. He established himself in business in a store room located where the Masonic Block now stands, but fire destroyed this establishment and left him, stranded on a financial shoal. Pluck and energy stood by him however, and in a short time he was again out of deep water and floating on a prosperous sea. Although twenty-six years of his life were spent in the service of others as a journeyman, they were well spent, and in laboring for others he learned the value of punctuality, faithfulness and industry and these attributes have been of great use to him since he engaged in business for himself in 1891. His place of business is located at 420 South Main street, in one of the finest blocks in the city, and although it bas been in operation only a short time it will compare favorably with any similar establishment in this part of the State, and ably demonstrates what can be accomplished when a man possesses determination and good business qualifications, as Mr. Slear most certainly does. As a harness-maker Mr. Slear has long had a reputation of his own, and farmers especially come unusual distances to purchase goods from him and to have him oversee their repairing, while his city patronage is not surpassed by any concern. It is a well-known fact that his goods are always reliable and his prices reasonable. The firm of Slear & Son carry an immense stock of light and heavy harness, ranging from the article used by a truckman to that desired by a gentleman who owns fancy horses and drives for pleasure only. They also carry a full line of carriages, road carts, wagons and vehicles of all descriptions, turf goods; whips, winter supplies, trunks, valises, bags, telescopes, gloves and mittens in endless supply, in fact everything that is kept in a first class store. The stock is finely arranged in apartments and is so advantageously disposed of about their handsome and commodious store room and in the large show windows, that it is the observed of all observers. A force of harness makers and expert repairers is constantly kept busy, and make it a point to turn out work with neatness and dispatch. Mr. Slear's son, Ed A. Slear, became a member of the firm in May, 1892, and by his energy and pleasant and accommodating ways has contributed very considerably to the growth of the business they now enjoy. He is a capable and energetic young man, and for several years was an operator on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway, where he was highly esteemed for his efficiency and trustworthiness. He is an able assistant to his father, and together they can not fail short of marked success, if hard work and business insight can accomplish anything. Mr. Slear is very popular throughout the county and has served four years as constable, four years as city councilman and has been suggested as a candidate for mayor, but respectfully declined the honor. Any ordinary city office he is capable of filling, but prefers to devote his time and energies to his business affairs. He is a member of the K. of P. and having been a gallant soldier in the Union army, is now an enthusiastic member of the G. A. R. posts of the city, and in addition is a member of the civic society of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically he is a Democrat and has supported the men and measures of that party. The maiden name of his wife was Lou Smith, by whom he became the father of two children: Charles and Edward, the former, as well as the latter, having been employed on the Lake Shore Railroad. Mr. Slear's second wife was Miss Lou Walter, by whom he has three children: Nora, Walter and Pearl. Mr. Slear owns a handsome residence in Riverside as well as considerable other valuable property, and he and his wife are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

EDSON FOSTER. Although Elkhart county, Ind., is well known for the energy, enterprise and push of its merchants, Edson Foster stands in the van in this enterprise, has shown much wisdom in the conduct of mercantile affairs, and through honorable efforts has built up a paying patronage and an enviable reputation. He is of Scotch-Irish descent and his remote ancestors were among the early settlers of New England. Hesekiah Foster, his grandfather, was a native of New Hampshire and took part in the American Revolution. He married and reared a family, and both he and his wife lived to an advanced age, his family being especially noted for longevity. William E. Foster, his son, was born in 1797 on a New Hampshire farm, and after receiving a common-school education, he left his native State to remove to Vermont, where he was married to Lucinda Walker, by whom he became the father of four children: Jane, Emily, Mary and Edson. After farming in Vermont until 1829 he removed with his family to Orleans county, N. Y., where he purchased a farm on which he resided for seven years, coming to Middlebury, Ind., in 1836, and until his death resided four miles south of the town. His dissolution took place in the spring of 1837 at the age of forty years, at which time he was the owner of 240 acres of land. He was quiet and unpretentious in his manners, but possessed decidedly independent views and in politics was an old line Whig, and in religion was a Universalist in belief. Edson Foster was born at Tunbridge, Vt., August 29, 1821, was brought up on a farm, received the advantages of the common schools, and at the age of fifteen years came to Elkhart county, Ind., with his father, traveling by team and lake vessels. He well remembers the Pottawattomie Indians who were removed from northern Indiana, the year following their arrival. In 1845 Edson Foster married May H., daughter of James J. and Dolly (Hoffman) White, and to them one child was born, a daughter, who lived to grow to maturity: Mary J. After his marriage Mr. Foster remained for a short time on the home farm, and, having been a teacher prior to his marriage, he continued to follow this occupation in Elkhart county for about ten years thereafter, and became well known as a thorough and practical educator and a good disciplinarian. After following the calling of a clerk for four years he embarked on the mercantile sea in Middlebury, and has followed the calling uninterruptedly and with financial success since 1852, but at the same time has looked after his farming interests also. He has from time to time added to his land until he is now the owner of about seven hundred acres, and is considered a practical and experienced farmer. He is an independent thinker, and throughout a long business career he has shown keen commercial characteristics, and has a reputation that is untarnished. He is a quiet man of broad and liberal views on all subjects of importance, is widely known throughout his section of the county, and his experience as a man of affairs has given him much insight into human nature and little sympathy with pretentious show. He has supported Republican principles for many years and gives liberally of his means in support of enterprises that commend themselves to his excellent judgment. His wife was born in New Jersey and is a woman of much intelligence and excellent opinions. Their daughter, Mary J., married Albert J. Hickox, a man of liberal education and fine business ability, and a resident of San Francisco, Cal., where he was reared. He was a member of the Pacific Mining Stock Exchange of San Francisco, and died there July 1, 1883. After the Sand-lot riots occurred, he, in connection with D. O. Mills and other capitalists, went to New York City and formed the Petroleum and Mining Stock Exchange, with offices in Philadelphia and New York. His son, Edson, is now attending the Military Academy of Upper Alton, Ill., and is a young man of intelligence and much promise. Mrs. Hickox has resided in South Bend with her parents since his decease.

WILLIAM H. ALLEY. Tradition says that the founder of the Alley, family in America, came from England with the Pilgrims in the famous ship, the "Mayflower," and settled in New England in the Green Mountain State, where W. H. Alley, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born and received a common-school education. During his early manhood he learned the trade of a tailor, and traveled throughout the country, making buckskin suits for the people, which won for him the cognomen of the "buckskin tailor." He was married twice, and by his first wife became the father of several children who eventually settled in the blue grass regions of Kentucky. Their mother died in Vermont. Mr. Alley finally removed from his native State to Washington county, Penn., at which time countless numbers of deer roamed through the forests, and every farmer and hunter was well supplied with buckskin, which was made into suits by Mr. Alley, who went from house to house for that purpose, which was the general custom in those days. He was married in Pennsylvania to Mrs. Susan J. Eastep, a widow, and their marriage resulted in the birth of seven children: James, Henry, John, Ebby, Margaret, Betsy and Dorcas. The father of these children died at Finleyville, Penn., when in his sixty-eighth year, and up to the day of his death was very strong, muscular and active. The day prior to his death he walked sixty-five miles, and while overheated drank copiously of cold water, which was the immediate cause of his death. He was very supple, and could spring over two horses, taking a few steps and jumping from the ground. He was a man of sterling integrity, was sober, industrious, and he and his wife were worthy members of the Baptist Church. His son John, the father of the immediate subject of this memoir, was born in Washington county, Penn., and after receiving a good practical education in the common schools, began teaching the young idea, and followed this occupation with success in the vicinity of his home in Washington county, Penn., for thirty-two years. In connection with this occupation he followed the calling of a carpenter during the sum�mer seasons, these occupations bringing him in a comfortable competency. Jane, the daughter of William Henry and Elizabeth (Livingston) Armstrong, became his wife, the Armstrongs being of Scotch-Irish and the Livingstons of Irish lineage. Six children eventually gathered around their board, whom they named as follows: William H., James, Elizabeth, Margaret, Beulah and Susan M. Mr. Alley was an intelligent and capable man of business, and while he did not hold office, he attended to the township business for others for many years, and in other ways identified himself with the welfare of his section. Politically, he was an old line Whig, the principles of which he espoused up to the time of his death, which occurred at about the age of seventy years. He was at all times temperate and prudent, honorable in his dealings, and during his long career as a pedagogue, taught two generations of pupils what knowledge they obtained of the "world of books." He was orderly sergeant in the old-time militia, and was present with the troops when they were called out at the first execution in Washington county, Penn. The circumstances of the case were that a runaway slave from Virginia had come into the county in his efforts to escape, and was followed by his master who captured him and took him away. The master was found dead and the slave was recaptured and hung. It was believed that he was innocent, that another negro with whom he was associating at the time did the shooting, for he was considered a desperate character. William H. Alley, his son, and the subject of this sketch, was born on October 15, 1830, received the common education of his day, but has since increased his knowledge by reading good literature and posting himself on the current topics of the day by means of the newspapers. He learned the trade of a shoemaker in his native county, which occupation he followed for about twenty-two years, principally in the towns of Cannonsburg, Washington and Brownsville. In Millersburg, Holmes county, Ohio, he was married to Miss Letitia Haggerty, daughter of John and Mary (Donaldson) Haggerty, the former of whom was of Irish descent and a native of Washington county, Penn. He and his wife became the parents of six children: Mary J., Ellen, Sarah A., Elizabeth, Matilda and William. Mr. Haggerty was considered an expert stone mason and brick layer in Cannonsburg, Penn., and at the age of seventy years died in Noblestown, of that State. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Church, in which he was a class leader and church trustee. He was well respected, well educated and capable. The Donaldsons were of Scotch origin, and the grandfather of Mrs. Alley was a wagon maker, was well-to-do, and left considerable property to his children. His brother in Scotland left a large estate which is unclaimed by his American heirs. To Mr. and Mrs. Alley three children have been born, the birthplace of all being Cannonsburg, Penn.: James, born July 12, 1858; Harry R., born April 8, 1862; and Mary J., born March 27, 1863. Mr. Alley was a member of an old militia company and also of the Brownsville Blues, which were State troops. He was called out with his company in 1862 and assisted in guarding the Williamsburg Pike at Hagerstown, and was on the battlefield of Antietam after the battle and before the dead were buried, and describes the scene as frightful. He was mustered into the United States service at Harrisburg, Penn., and was mustered out at the same place, having prior to that time endeavored to enlist on two different occasions, but was rejected on account of disability. He was made a Mason at Cannonsburg, and held the office of senior warden, and has since discharged the duties of treasurer of his lodge at Middlebury. In 1865 he came to Middlebury with his family, where he has since followed his business of shoemaking. For a long time he did an extensive and pushing business, employed two men, and did a great deal of fine custom work, for he is a very skillful workman and does first-class sewed work. He has always been an industrious and economical man, and through these means has accumulated a competency, and is now in easy circumstances. He gave all his children good educations in the graded schools of Middlebury, and his daughter, Mary J., has attended the normal school at Goshen and Valparaiso, Ind., and for seven years has been a successful teacher of Middlebury, five years of which time she has been in the grammar department. The son, James, married Sarah Barnes, by whom he has two children, is a house painter by trade, and resides at Mooresville, Mo.; Harry H. is a painter and grainer at Westville, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Alley are members of the Lutheran Church, and politically he was a Douglas Democrat and voted that ticket for years, but is now a strong Prohibitionist, and stands high as an honorable man who has all his life pursued a course of integrity. During the Civil war he was deputized by Recruiting Officer McDaniels to take five men from Cannonsburg to Harrisburg and deliver them to the commander of the post of that city. He was well received and took dinner with the officer of the day. It was at this time that he made an ineffectual attempt to enlist in the Union service, but permitted one of his apprentices, William Donaldson, who still had two years to serve, to enlist. He took an active part in the battles of Antietam, Gettysburg and Fredericksburg, and was an excellent soldier.

W. F. WEST is a business man of Middlebury, Ind., who has become well known for the honorable manner in which he has conducted his affairs, as well as for his shrewdness and sagacity as a financier. His father, Fletcher L. West, was of English and Scotch lineage, but was a native of the Old Dominion, where he first saw the light of day on January 8, 1833. In his youth he received but three months' schooling, but managed to learn to read and write, and when almost totally unfitted to fight the battle of life for himself, he, at the early age of fourteen years, left home to make his own way in the world. In childhood he was taken by his mother to Buchanan, Mich., but upon starting out to fight the battle of life for himself he came to Elkhart county, Ind., and here learned the trade of a cooper, at which he worked in Elkhart and Carson, principally, for a number of years, conducting a stave factory and cooper shop combined for three years thereafter at Adamsville, Mich. In 1878 he settled down to farming in Jefferson township, Elkhart county, where he is at present residing; and where he has many warm friends. His marriage with Miss Maria Williams was consummated in 1842, she being a daughter of Henry and Rebecca Williams. Mr. West has become the owner of a nicely improved and exceptionally well cultivated farm of eighty acres. Politically he has always supported the platform of the Democrat party, and he and his wife have long been earnest members of the United Brethren Church. Although Mr. West is now in comfortable circumstances, he has traveled a rough road to gain a competency, and what he is now enjoying he has the satisfaction of knowing has been earned through his own efforts. His children are named as follows: William F., Otis C., George C. and Zilda A. The eldest member of this family, William F. West, was born at Carson, Ind., July 28, 1859, received a common-school education and learned the cooper business of his father. After working in Goshen two years he, in 1886, opened a cooper shop in Middlebury and employed four men the year round, a considerable portion of the time employing eight men, during which time he turned out a good deal of cooper's ware. In 1890, 12,000 flour barrels and 2,500 butter tubs were made. On April 12, 1883, he married Mrs. Jennie Cornell, a widow, and daughter of Benjamin Zeigler. Mr. and Mrs. West have one daughter named Mabel. Mrs. West was the mother of two children at the time of her second marriage, George V. and Mattie J. Cornell. Mr. West is a member of the K. of P., Middlebury Lodge, No. 311, in which he holds the office of prelate. In politics he is a Prohibitionist, and is a firm believer in the temperance movement of the present day. He has recently been elected justice of the peace, but held the same office in 1890, the admirable way in which he adjusted his neighbors' difficulties resulting in his present election, which office he won, although his opponent was a prominent old office holder and a man highly esteemed. He is the owner of real estate in Middlebury, comprising in all, besides the lots on which his residence and shop are situated, nine acres within the corporation. He stands deservedly high among the people of Middlebury, and is a citizen of excellent morals. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which Mr. West is a licensed exhorter. He is also Sunday-school superintendent and holds the office of steward. He is an intelligent man who holds his own views on all subjects, and, being a wide reader of good literature, his views are practical and sound. David B. Zeigler, a brother of Mrs. West, was a member of an Indiana regiment, enlisting from Jefferson township, Elkhart county, in 1862, and was killed at the battle of Murfreesboro, Tenn. He, in partnership with Mathew S. Caldwell, of South Bend, established an extensive cannery in Middlebury in the spring of 1893, for the putting up of fruits and vegetables.

STEPHEN M. CUMMINS, D. D. S. In this country where so many young men are thrown upon their own resources at an early age and are often obliged, while yet inexperienced and while yet unfamiliar with their own tendencies and inclinations, to choose their occupation in life, it can not always be expected that the most suitable or congenial pursuit will be selected. It thus often occurs that a young man finds after a few years that he has made a mistake, and that in some other pursuit he can find a larger sum of pleasure and more substantial results. In the old country, where too often genius and ambition are both absolutely opposed by the old adage, " follow your father, my son, and do as your father has done," young men do not have the advantage they have here. In this country it is the trend of legislation to place no obstacle in the way of the full development of talent and the skyward expansion of genius. Consequently, it should be impressed upon the minds of youth that they should begin at an early age to practice introspection and should seriously study the famous Delphic oracle, "know thyself." They will thus find as suitable an occupation as did Stephen M. Cummins who, while yet young, selected an occupation, that of dentistry, which apparently was just suited to his qualifications and desires. But in the case of Mr. Cummins, as in the case of many other men possessing a great variety of natural gifts, other occupations might have been chosen and the same or higher success have been achieved. This can not be used as an argument against the importance of self study, because, notwithstanding the great variety of natural gifts, it is still true that each person should discover what he is best fitted for and what pursuit contributes mostly to his pleasure and his purse. While Mr. Cummins would unquestionably have made a success as a business man, or as a practitioner of law or many other of the learned professions, it is likewise true that no dentist in Indiana has gone down deeper into the details of his profession, or carried the practice to greater perfection. Let us see what he has accomplished.

He was born in Elderton, Penn., August 22, 1839, and is of that famous Scotch-Irish ancestry which is noted for having given to the world nearly all the great orators and many of the most distinguished statesmen of modern times. Thus to begin with he was blessed with the blood and the renown of a famous race, a persistent, aggressive people destined to rise in company with the Anglo-Saxon to the highest civilization yet seen on earth. The family of which he is a distinguished member first came to America for permanent residence about the time of the Revolutionary war and located in the eastern part of the" Keystone State," where many of the descendants yet reside. The Doctor's father, William S. Cummins, was born in Indiana county, Penn., and was there reared and educated. Upon attaining his majority he went to an adjoining county and followed his trade of carpentering, and there married Miss Isabella M. George, the mother of Stephen M. She came of an excellent family and in time presented her husband with five children, but unfortunately died when our subject was about twelve years of age and lies buried in the cemetery of the United Presbyterian Church in Armstrong county, Penn. It thus transpired through the inscrutable providence of God that Stephen M. was destined to grow to manhood without the loving care of a mother, though through his tenderer years she had guided his footsteps. His youth and early manhood were passed in his native State and there a limited education only was secured to supplement his strong Scotch-Irish qualities. In 1855, not being certain of what he wanted, he undertook to learn the molder's trade under the guidance of an uncle, but was soon forced to abandon it, owing to failing health. Fortunately he then hit upon the profession which fate decreed should be his occupation through life - dentistry. He began the study at the age of seventeen years, and after close application and hard study, for about two years, hung out his shingle in Dayton, Penn. But he did not cease studying. He realized fully the great importance of keeping abreast of the times in the development of methods and appliances; in fact, from that day to this has been a constant student of the principles of his profession. This fact, coupled with his clear mind, strict honesty and determination, has been the secret of his success. In 1859 he came farther west and located at Bluffton, Ind., subsequently moving to Warsaw, Ind., and in 1862 to Elkhart, where he has since lived and labored. Upon his arrival here he was but twenty-two years old, was without money or friends, had no resources whatever, as his father was poor, save his intelligence, pluck, laudable ambition and unswerving honesty of purpose. Yes, he had also the high renown of his race and had his profession. What could be expected, but the acquirement of a competency and an honorable name? But he was compelled to struggle amid discouragements, for a great war was upon the nation and times were too hard to patronize the dentist, when aches could be borne, or teeth extracted gratis by the village blacksmith. Amid the hard times the outlook was rendered more discouraging by his ill health, in fact, sickness prevented him from entering the army and well nigh prevented him from making a livelihood from his profession. Steadily, as times grew better, his business expanded and his skill increased. Customers continued to multiply and prosperity was assured Friends arose around him, for his life was pure, his social attainments high and his manners attractive and winning. Thus he grew in influence and usefulness until today he is one of the most distinguished citizens of the State. His first unpretentious office was in Morehouse block on Main street, and there his first years of waiting and discouragement were passed. Now his elegant rooms are a delight to the eye and his practice is probably the largest in the State. After a time he found himself unable to do the work required of him and was compelled to secure assistants, of which he now has several. All the latest and most improved methods and appliances are found in his well-equipped office. A full set of beaut.iful teeth can be produced in his office in four hours. Every improvement which invention and science has given to the dental world has been taken advantage of by Dr. Cummins. In 1869 he took the degree of doctor of dental surgery from the Ohio College of Dental Surgery, Cincinnati. In 1885 he was elected mayor of Elkhart and served one term. Back in his life when he was first endeavoring to solve the bread and butter problem, while he was at Bluffton, Ind., he met, loved and won a beautiful girl, Miss Helen M. Case, of that town, and they were married. Two sweet, accomplished daughters are the result of this union. The Doctor is gentlemanly, full of enterprise and energy, a lover of home and country, and affiliates with the Masonic fraternity and the Episcopal Church.

ALBERT J. KNEPP, of Middlebury, Ind., is among the self-made and practical business men of this town and has certainly been the architect of his own fortunes as be began life with nothing except a sturdy determination to succeed by industry and thrift. He comes of an old colonial family of Pennsylvania, whose ancestors came from Germany at a period long antedating the American Revolution. The great-grandfather of Albert J. Knepp, Peter Knepp, was a soldier of that war and his son Peter was a soldier of the War of 1812, and gave valuable aid to the American cause. He resided with his people in Snyder county, Penn., for many years, and there he became a substantial and progressive farmer, a calling to which his attention was directed the greater portion of his life. His son Peter, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in that county and was there married to Sophia Smith, by whom he became the father of six children: Edward, Albert J., Sophia, Margaret, Polly and Calvin. The father of these children, like his father before him, became an honest and prosperous tiller of the soil, won the highest respect of his acquaintances as an honest and upright man, and at all times supported the platform of the Republican party. At the present time he is supervisor of this township and is in the enjoyment of the public's confidence as well as in the enjoyment of a comfortable competency. His son, Albert J. Knepp, was born in Snyder county, Penn., July 24, 1855 on the farm belonging to his father, and in the district schools in the vicinity of his home he received a practical common school education, the intervals between the school terms being devoted to following the plow or wielding the hoe on the home farm. When twenty-one years of age, on the 24th of December, 1877, he led to the hymeneal altar Miss Mary Haines, daughter of Joseph and Harriet (Rouch) Haines, who were also Pennsylvanians of German descent. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Knepp, Gertie, who was born on the 7th of January, 1878. After his marriage Mr. Knepp adopted the trade of a miller, which he learned under his father-in-law, and for three years worked at this business in Pennsylvania. In 1881 he decided to follow Horace Greeley's advice and "go west," and the same year settled on a farm near Emporia, Kan., but after a residence there of one year he settled in Goshen, Ind. and became an employe of the Goshen Milling Company, with which he remained for five years and here gained the reputation of being a first-class and painstaking miller. Through the exercise of economy, thrift and self-denial, his earning, gradually accumulated until he had amassed considerable means, with which he purchased a half interest in the Middlebury Flouring Mill, of Joseph R. Ludwig, and came to Middlebury to reside. At that time the mill contained old-fashioned machinery, having but three runs of stones, but Mr. Knepp immediately began to make improvements, and soon had the mill equipped with modern machinery and it is now a full roller mill, producing exceptionally fine flour for the general trade, made by the new process system, meal and feed being also extensively ground. The mill was nicely fitted up in modern style at a cost of between $7,000 and $8,000, and through his own efforts he now ranks among the first millers of the State, and is intimately acquainted with all the latest methods for procuring fine flour. The firm does business under the name of Knepp & Elliott, and their trade has grown to such proportions that from three to four car loads of flour are shipped per week, besides the large amount of flour that goes to supply the home custom. The business is constantly on the increase and is successfully managed by Mr. Knepp, who is one of those men who, by determination, industry, thrift and economy, raises himself from a humble beginning to rank among the highest civilians. Such men as he are model American citizens and constitute the most sterling elements of society. He is held in high esteem by the people and has been a member of the town council of Middlebury, to which he was elected by his numerous Republican friends. He and his wife are members in good standing of the Lutheran Church, and for many years have kept the faith.

PETER CRIPE. This gentleman is one of the many who have spent the greater portion of their lives in developing the country that their children and grandchildren might enjoy the advantages which they themselves were denied. In fact, these of the present day are the heirs of all the ages and profit by the labor and self-denial of the hard-working classes of times past. Mr. Cripe is a Montgomery county Ohioan, where he was born May 12, 1824, his parents being John and Eva (Roof) Cripe, natives of Pennsylvania. John Cripe was born August 5, 1798, and in the State of his birth he was reared on a farm, in which State he was also married December 26, 1813, his wife being a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Replogle) Roof, who were also born in the Keystone State. John Cripe removed to Montgomery county, Ohio, at an early day and after residing there on a farm until the fall of 1830, came with his family to St. Joseph county, Ind., and in German township, entered 380 acres of land, on which he erected a log cabin, and like the majority of pioneer settlers commenced at the beginning. In less than two years after his settlement he had entered about 900 acres of land in St. Joseph county, which, by energy and economy typical of the pioneer, he succeeded in greatly enhancing in value by judicious improvements. Unfortunately he did not attain an advanced age, for his death occurred February 25, 1847, at the age of fifty-eight years. His widow survived him until December 12, 1863, having borne him a family of twelve children who were christened as follows: Elizabeth, Eva, Daniel, Margaret, Mary, John, Peter, Adam, David, Jacob, Fannie and Samuel. Peter Cripe came with his parents to this county and the greater portion of his life has been spent in German township, with the interests of which he has thoroughly identified himself. His education was principally obtained in the subscription schools then in vogue but his advantages in this respect were of quite a limited nature. When his father died in 1849 the paternal duties of the family fell upon his shoulders and a younger brother, but the latter died about a year later and his responsibilities and duties became still greater. He remained on the old homestead until 1855, when he took up his residence on the farm where he now lives, which consists of 123 acres of land which his father entered in an early day. At the time he settled on this land it was entirely covered with timber, but since then it has been cleared and made into a fine farm, well improved with buildings of all descriptions. January 14, 1855, he was married to Tilistia Skiles, who has been a resident of the county from her birth, which occurred May 5, 1836, her parents being Thomas and Mary (Fair) Skiles, who came to this section in 1830 from Ohio, the father having previously come in 1828, although he did not remain long at that time. At the present time he makes his home with his daughter, Mrs. Cripe, in Clay township, his wife being deceased. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Cripe resulted in the birth of nine children: Sarah J., Fannie, John, Edward, David, Jacob, Evaline, Elsie and Mary. Mr. Cripe is now the owner of 112 acres, nearly all of which is under cultivation and yields a very profitable income. Mr. and Mrs. Cripe are members of the German Baptist Church, and although not strictly partisan and by no means an office seeker, he is a Republican in politics.

MOSES A. CORDREY. One of the honored and respected citizens of Middlebury, Ind., is the postmaster, Moses A. Cordrey, who is possessed of those advanced ideas and progressive principles which seem to be among the chief characteristics of the average Ohioan. He was born in Tuscarawas county, February 9, 1836, to the marriage of Thomas G. and Sarah (Shuster) Cordrey, and is one of the following children: Mary L., Nathan A., Margaret J., Dorcas, Daniel D., Sarah A. Moses A., Comfort, Eliza, Christiana and Diana. Thomas D. Cordrey was born in Pennsylvania in 1801, secured a fair education in the common schools, and in connection with farming, also learned the carpenter's trade. He was married in Columbiana .county, Ohio, to Miss Shuster, daughter of Daniel Shuster, a farmer, and shortly afterward settled in Tuscarawas county, that State, near New Philadelphia, and worked at his trade. He died in the prime of life, in 1844. Both he and his wife were members in good standing in the Bible Christian Church, and he took a decided interest in educational matters, being school director for some time. He was respected by all for his integrity and uprightness of character. His father, Nathan Cordrey, was born in Pennsylvania and came to America when a young man. Settling in Lancaster, Penn., he was engaged in farming there until 1823, when he came to Ohio and located in Tuscarawas county, on wild land. He cleared up a good farm and on this passed the remainder of his days, dying at the advanced age of ninety-four years. At one time he was a contractor on the Erie Canal. He married Miss Sarah Ayers and became the father of nine children. Moses A. Cordrey was left an orphan at the early age of eight years, and from that time on made his own way in life. He made his home with his brother-in-law, R. Jones, afterward a merchant of Middlebury, and continued with him until fourteen years of age, receiving his education in the common schools. He came to Indiana with Mr. Jones, arriving in La Grange county, April 22, 1845, and settled with him on wild land. He remained with him eight years, and then for two years worked for farmers in the vicinity. In 1852 he came to Middlebury, where Mr. Jones had already settled, and began the miller's trade, at which he worked for four months. He was then taken sick with bilious typhoid fever and for some time his life was despaired of. After recovering he clerked for Mr. Jones, in the latter's dry goods store, for five years, during which time he attended school in Middlebury and one year at a high school at Wolcottville, Ind. After serving as a clerk he learned the business of grafting fruit trees, and during the spring of each year worked at this business for at least fifteen years, traveling in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Kentucky. During this time he also worked at house painting. During the Rebellion he enlisted at Middlebury, August 9, 1862, in Company I, Eighty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served nearly three years. He was taken sick at Louisville, Ky., and for three months was very near death. On recovering he became ward master in the same hospital and served until the fall of 1863, when he was transferred to Hospital No.1, Louisville, as hospital steward, remaining in the same for four months. He was then transferred to East Capital Prison, and under the title of sergeant had full charge of this prison, which contained on an average 300 prisoners. In one room bounty jumpers were exclusively confined, in another guerrillas, among them being Capt. Davidson, Jerome Clark, Ellis, Sumanday, McGregor, Major Jones and many other daring men. Capt. Davidson escaped while Mr. Cordrey was home on a furlough. The way our subject came to hold this responsible position was as follows: General John M. Palmer, who had charge of the East Capital Prison, had considerable trouble to get an honest man to take charge of the prisoners, their money and effects. The bounty jumpers and substitutes often had a considerable amount of money and the officers in charge of the prison had been accused by them of dishonesty. On one occasion a prisoner complained that he had been robbed of $65. Gen. Palmer made the remark that if he could find an honest private he would put him in charge of the prison. (The position was then held by a second lieutenant.) Dr. A. J. Octerlomey, the physician in charge of Hospital No.8, exclaimed: "General, you have the man right here in your office, Private Cordrey." Mr. Cordrey was then writing at a desk about twenty feet from Gen. Palmer, who turned to his adjutant and said: "Write an order for Cordrey to take charge of East Capital Prison." Mr. Cordrey was in charge of the prison for thirteen months and during that time handled much money belonging to his prisoners, at one time having in his box $39,000 of their money. He served in this prison until his discharge on June 23, 1865, at Indianapolis. The war being over, he returned home and began clerking in a drug store. On December 25, 1865, he married Miss Elizabeth J. Sherwood, daughter of John and Amy (----) Sherwood. Mr. Sherwood was a farmer of Tompkins county, N. Y. To Mr. and Mrs. Cordrey were born three children: William E., Frank D. and R. A. After his marriage Mr. Cordrey was engaged as clerk in different business enterprises in Middlebury, until 1873, when he bought a book and general stationary store and is at present engaged in this business. He was appointed postmaster during Hayes' administration in 1879, and served five years. During Harrison's first administration he was again appointed and is still holding that office, with credit to himself and to the evident satisfaction of the people. In politics he is a stanch Republican. Mr. Cordrey is one of the charter members of the O. & M. Foster Post, No. 172, G. A. R., Middlebury, and has been adjutant eight years. He and Mrs. Cordrey are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he has held the office of steward and recording secretary. Socially he is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Middlebury, No. 327. Mr. Cordrey has given his children good educational advantages and has reason to be proud of them. His son, William E., graduated from the graded school of Middlebury and has been a school teacher, and Frank D. is attending the normal school at Ada, Ohio, is making a specialty of civil engineering, and is a promising young man. Mr. Cordrey is well known in Middlebury and the surrounding county as a man of impeachable honesty and uprightness, and one who has the welfare of the county at heart. As an official he is popular, being polite, accommodating, prompt and accurate. For eight years he was secretary of the town council of Middlebury and two years township trustee.

C. H. CLARK is the proprietor of one of the most popular and best managed boot and shoe emporiums of Elkhart, and has a paying patronage among the elite of the city, as he deserves to have; for he not only deals in the best goods procurable but sells them at very reasonable rates, and is strictly honorable in every respect in his business transactions. He is a product of Monroe county. Mich., where he was born on the 5th of June, 1846, a son of George W. and Harriet L. (Barnaby) Clark, both of whom were born in the Empire State, and with the energy which is characteristic of the people of that State, emigrated to Michigan at an early day, and in 1860 located in Lenawee county, where he became a dry goods merchant. He was a pronounced Republican, and was held in high esteem in that locality, not only for his correct business methods but for his many amiable traits of character. His widow survives him. The paternal grandfather, E. Laflet Clark, was one of the framers of the constitution of Michigan, of which region he became an inhabitant when it was a Territory. The ancestry on the mother's side were soldiers in the War of 1812, and Charles H. Clark, the subject of this sketch, has in his possession a parchment deed which was given his maternal grandfather, for 160 acres of land for services rendered in that war. The father was twice married, and six of the seven children born to him are now living: Charles H., W. J., Ambrose B., Clara S., Harriet and George. Charles H. Clark resided on a farm in Michigan until 1860, during which time he learned lessons of industry, perseverance and economy, which were of material benefit to him when he entered his father's mercantile establishment. He remained with him as a clerk until 1863, when he went to Pittsburg, Penn., and took a commercial course in a college of that city, after which he taught school for about one year. In 1864 he went to La Porte, Ind., where he clerked in a dry goods store until 1868, at the end of which time he went on the road as a commercial traveler, for C. Buell & Co., of Waterville, N. Y., after which he was with Dewey, Rogers & Co., of Cleveland, Ohio, for three years. Succeeding this he came to Elkhart, Ind., and was with the Elkhart Knitting Company, and three years later entered the employ of Field, Thayer & Co., of Boston, Mass., shoe merchants, with whom he remained a little over three years. This experience was of inestimable value to him, and served to give him a thorough insight into the business. After remaining with this house for three years he came to Elkhart and engaged in the shoe business as manager of the establishment of A. B. Clark & Co., which, owing to his thorough knowledge of the business and his faculty of winning friends, he has since retained to the satisfaction of his employers. Politically he is a thorough and ardent Republican, is chairman of the city central committee and vice-chairman of the county central committee. He has been a member of the city council for three years, and has in various ways manifested his interest in the affairs of his city and section. In 1867 he led to the altar Miss Mary E. Keplinger, of Elkhart, by whom he has a daughter, Harriet L. Mr. Clark is a member of the I. O. O. F., in which honorable body be is a valued member. Personally Mr. Clark is a very popular gentleman and he possesses very social and hospitable instincts, and the result is that he has gathered about him a wide circle of friends.

Deb Murray