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GEORGE B. SHIVELY. There are few branches of trade in which the march of progress has wrought such a veritable revolution as in the stove and kindred lines of business. What with invention, improvement and the development of skill something closely approaching perfection has been reached in this department of industrial activity. A popular and prosperous establishment in this line in Nappanee is the firm of Shively & Shively, dealers in hardware, stoves and all goods pertaining to this line. They are business men of push and enterprise, thoroughly conversant with the wants of the trade, and popular alike with their patrons and trade competitors. The business was established in 1891, and since that time they have been doing well in their line of trade. The individual members of the firm are George B. and Marvin H. Shively, descendants of old pioneer stock. George B. Shively, the senior member of the firm, is a native of Stark county, Ohio, born February 10, 1849, and the elder of two children living, born to the marriage of David and Lydia (Houser) Shively. The father was born in Stark county, Ohio, February 9, 1822, and was the second in order of birth of twelve children born to George and Elizabeth (Snyder) Shively. Six of these children are now living: Jacob, David, George E., Joel, John and Daniel, the last two twins. The name of the children deceased are not known, but several of them died in one week in 1832. George Shively, grandfather of subject, was a son of Jacob Shively, and took part in the Whisky Rebellion in Pennsylvania. His father was a native of Germany, and was the first of the family to settle in America, coming here about 1760. From him have descended the Shivelys of this country, and the members of this family were among the pioneer settlers of the Keystone State. The first one of this family to leave that State was George Shively, the grandfather of our subject, who went to Stark county, Ohio, when a boy, finished his growth there, married and there reared a family. In 1845 he moved with his family to St. Joseph county, Ind., where he settled on a farm near Mishawaka. Later he moved to Kosciusko, and there died in 1879 at the age of eighty years. His wife passed away seven years prior to this. Mr. Shively was a minister of the German Baptist Church, and three of his sons, Jacob, David and Joel, became ministers in the same. David Shively, the second son of the above worthy couple and father of our subject, was born in Stark county, Ohio, and there grew to manhood. In the year 1848 he married Miss Lydia Houser, a native of Stark county, born November 16, 1829 and the daughter of Daniel Houser, also a native of Stark county, where he and wife died a number of years ago. To Mr. and Mrs. Shively were born three children, as follows: George B. (subject), Eli, a resident of Nappanee, Ind., and Uriah, who died at the age of three years. Rev. David Shively and wife are still living, and although seventy years of age, he is still quite active and vigorous. He emigrated to Indiana in 1852, settled on a farm in the woods, 160 acres, and to this he added to from time to time until he became an extensive land owner. He and wife are well known throughout the county, and are among the best citizens of the same. Their son, George B., was but a small boy when he settled with his father on the farm in Kosciusko county, and in addition to a common-school education he attended the Bourbon College. Later he taught school for some time, and after moving to Montgomery county, Kan., taught the Liberty School, but the next year returned to the farm where he remained until 1891. From there he moved to Nappanee and established the firm of Shively & Shively. He has been a minister of the German Baptist Church since 1880. He is interested in the advancement of the Prohibition party and all reform movements. As a farmer he was unusually successful, and as a minister of the gospel he has accomplished much good. In the year 1873 he married Miss Maria O. Smith, a native of Elkhart county, born near Goshen, January 26, 1848, and the daughter of James O. and Susannah Smith, both natives of Pennsylvania and early pioneers of Stark county, Ohio. Since 1853 Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been residents of Indiana and now reside in Kosciusko county. They reared a family of thirteen children, six of whom are living. They are all well-to-do and prominent people. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Shively has been blessed by the birth of three children: Martin, born October 3, 1873, is attending the Mt. Morris College in Illinois, and has been a teacher; Rose A., born March 9, 1875, and Hattie E., born November 12, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Shively are well respected in the community where they live, and are foremost in all good work, especially in all church work.

�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

MARVIN H. SHIVELY. Mr. Shively, junior member of the firm of Shively & Shively, dealers in hardware, stoves, and all goods pertaining to that line, is one of the representative business men of the town of Nappanee, and he and his associates are to be congratulated upon the large measure of success achieved in their undertaking. Mr. Shively was born December 14, 1863, and was the youngest of four children born to George and Albertine (Slabaugh) Shively, of Kosciusko county, Ind. George Shively's birth occurred October 12. 1823, and he was reared and married in Stark county, Ohio. With his wife and children he came to Kosciusko county, Ind., purchased 110 acres of unimproved land, and to this added to from time to time, until he now owns a fine farm of 235 acres. He is one of the prosperous and substantial agriculturists of his neighborhood. In religion he is a member of the German Baptist Church, and in politics he is a stanch Republican. He is well respected by all, and is a most worthy citizen. Mrs. Shively was born in Stark county, Ohio. March 7, 1836, and the daughter of John Slabaugh. Of the four children born to this worthy couple, three are living at the present time, viz.: Ezra, born June 29, 1854, married Flora Love and has one child, Roscoe O. (he now resides in Marshall county); Adaline, born March 5, 1856, married Henry Rusher, and now resides in Kosciusko county (they have two children: Edward and Nora); Elizabeth, born in 1858, died at the age of three years, and Marvin H. The parents of these children are still living and reside on the home place. Our subject was reared on the farm, and in addition to a district-school education he attended the State Normal at Valparaiso, Ind. After this he taught school for some time, and then accepted a position in a hardware store at Bourbon, Ind., where he remained for fourteen months. In 1891 he returned to his father's farm, and subsequently, in company with his cousin, George B. Shively, engaged in the hardware business in Nappanee. He is a young man of excellent business acumen, of influential connections and high social standing, with whom it is a pleasure to deal. He was married October 12, 1891, to Miss Ruah Towns, a native of Marshall county, Ind., born March 24, 1870, and one of a family of seven children born to William and Emily (Boyd) Towns. William Towns was born in Ohio, and was a son of Robert and Sarah (Hoopengardner) Towns. He came with his parents to Kosciusko county, Ind., in 1855, and his wife came with her parents to this county about the same time. To their marriage were born these children: Rush, Ella, Lucy, Clarence, Robert, Harley and Ethel. Mrs. Shively is a member of the Christian Church, and is active in all good work. She was formerly a teacher. Mr. Shively has met with fair success as a business man of Nappanee, and is public-spirited, enterprising and thoroughgoing. In politics he supports the principles of the Prohibition party.

REV. DANIEL BRENNEMAN. For many years this worthy gentleman has ministered to the spiritual wants of his fellow-man, and his career has ever been honorable and upright. He first saw the light of day in Fairfield county, Ohio, June 8, 1834, and is a son of Henry and Barbara (Beery) Brenneman. Henry Brenneman was born in Virginia, November 1,1791, and his parents, Abraham and Magdalene (Shenk) Brenneman, were natives of Pennsylvania and of German extraction. Abraham Brenneman was born about the year 1743, and was a son of Melchior Brenneman, who was a native of Switzerland and who came to America about the year 1709. He was among the first settlers of Lancaster county, Penn., and was there married to Miss Anna Good. He entered land from the Government, followed farming all his life, and was a member of the Mennonite Church. Abraham Brenneman was married to Miss Reif, and was an early settler of Rockingham county, Va. He settled on a farm and there reared a family of fourteen children, two others having died in infancy, having had eight by each wife, being married the second time to Miss Magdalene Shenk, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1769. Abraham died in Virginia in 1815, of camp fever. His wife survived him until May, 1851, her death occurring in Fairfield county, Ohio. They were also members of the Mennonite Church, and in pioneer days services were frequently held in their house. The youngest son of Abraham, named David, died in 1892 in Allen county, Ohio, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. Henry Brenneman, the father of the subject of this sketch, was the eldest son of Abraham Brenneman by the second wife, and his early life was spent on a farm in his native State, Virginia. There he was married, August 8, 1815, to Miss Barbara Beery, who was born August 3, 1797, in Rockingham county, Va., and the daughter of George and Susanna (Funk) Beery, who afterward settled in Fairfield county, Ohio, where they passed the closing scenes of their lives. In 1816 Henry Brenneman removed to the Buckeye State, settled in Fairfield county, and was one of the earliest settlers of the county. He entered 160 acres of land and on this the family lived for many years. His death occurred on this farm. He followed milling on an extensive scale for a number of years, operating a grist and saw-mill, and was quite successful in this occupation. In March, 1838, the smallpox entered his home and his wife and two of his children fell victims to this dreadful disease. To his marriage were born these children: John, Susanna, George (died at the age of sixty-eight years), Anna, Catherine (deceased), Abraham (deceased), Henry (deceased), and Daniel, the subject of this sketch. After the death of Mrs. Brenneman Mr. Brenneman was married to Miss Esther Good, a native of Virginia, and one child was the result of this union: Magdalene. About one year after marriage Mrs. Brenneman died, and Mr. Brenneman married Miss Anna Rodehefer, a native of Virginia. Her death occurred August 17, 1859. Three sons of Henry Brenneman, John, George and Daniel, were ministers of the Mennonite Church, the two former being bishops. Daniel Brenneman was reared on a farm in his native county, and received a limited education in the common schools, attending school taught in the primitive log school-house of pioneer days. Mr. Brenneman was married in Augusta county, Va., March 22, 1857, to Miss Susanna Kagey, who was born May 18, 1839, in Augusta county, Va., and the daughter of John and Barbara (Miller) Kagey, the parents natives of Virginia, where they passed their entire lives. After marriage Mr. Brenneman settled in his native county and there made his home until 1864, when he moved with his family to Elkhart county, Ind. In this county he has since resided, a portion of the time in Baugo township, and the remainder of the time mostly in Jefferson township. He settled on the farm where he now resides in February, 1883, and is the owner of 148 acres. He and Mrs. Brenneman are members of the Mennonite Church, and Mr. Brenneman has been a minister of that denomination since 1857. He was married, converted, baptized and ordained to the ministry in less than a year. At the present time he is on the Goshen circuit. He was the originator of the church organ, the Gospel Banner, established in July, 1878, and it was published at Goshen until 1885, when it was removed to Berlin, Ont. At present there is an English and German edition of the paper. In 1874 Mr. Brenneman was expelled from the Old Mennonite Church for holding class meetings and protracted meetings, this not conforming with the old church customs. He was constrained to follow his convictions on these points, and, as a result, a new organization was formed in conjunction with a few other ministers who had been expelled for the same cause. This new organization is known as the Mennonite Brethren in Christ, and is becoming quite numerous, not only in this country, but in Canada. To Mr. and Mrs. Brenneman have been born ten children, as follows: Mary M., music and school teacher; Timothy H., printer by trade; John S., printer by trade, now working in Red Wing, Minn.; Josiah M., painter at Elkhart; Rhoda K., a school teacher since 1883; Martha A.; Naoma S., music teacher; Daniel J.; Phoebe P. and Mahlon M. In politics Mr. Breuneman is a Prohibitionist.

Timothy H. Brenneman, eldest son of Daniel, was born September 20, 1860, and remained on the farm assisting his father until eighteen years of age, when he entered the office of the Goshen Times, and there learned the printer's trade, at which he worked about nine years. He edited the Gospel Banner at Goshen from 1882 to 1885, being elected to that position by the General Conference of the newly organized church above referred to. At the expiration of that time the paper was removed to Berlin, Ont., and he resigned the position. He has since spent two years in the office at Berlin. Mr. Brenneman was married September 23, 1883, to Miss Laura Dalrymple, a native of Elkhart county, born January 15, 1860, and the daughter of Joseph and Eliza (Albin) Dalrymple, who were among the pioneers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Brenneman are members of the Mennonite Church. In politics he is a Prohibitionist and cast his first presidential vote for John P. St. John, he being among the ninety-six Prohibitionists who voted at that election in Elkhart county. Mr. Brenneman has a comfortable home in Jefferson township and fourteen acres of land. He raises fruit and vegetables for market. To his marriage have been born three children: Jesse L., Ruth V. and Naomi.

HON. JOHN MAYNARD BUTLER, of Indianapolis, is one of the ablest lawyers in the State, as well as one of its most famous orators. He was born September 17, 1834, at Evansville, Ind., and is a son of Rev. Calvin and Malvina (French) Butler. Having but limited educational advantages in youth, and being desirous of receiving a collegiate schooling, he secured the means, through his own efforts, to take a four years' course at Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Ind., from which institution he graduated in 1856. Upon the day of his grad nation he was tendered the presidency of the Female Seminary at Crawfordsville, in which capacity he served three years, then became principal of the city high school. During the meantime he read law, and in 1861 embarked in the practice of this calling at Crawfordsville, and from the beginning has had all the practice he could attend to. In 1871 he moved to Indianapolis, where he has since resided and where he is justly regarded as second to no lawyer in the State in point of ability. An ardent Republican in politics, his voice and eloquence have been much in demand by his party's managers, and although repeatedly solicited to become a candidate for office, he has steadily refused all political preferment. In his reputation as a first-class lawyer, an honest, upright man, and in the pleasures of his home, Mr. Butler finds the chief source of his happiness.

HERVEY L. VANNUYS, D. D. For many years, forty at least, the name of Mr. Vannuys has been inseparably linked with the religious history of Indiana, whose annals bear testimony to the integrity of his character and brilliancy of his intellect. He is at present the popular and much esteemed minister of the Presbyterian Church at Goshen. Mr. Vannoys is a native Kentuckian, born November 3,1829, in Shelby county, and is a son of Tunis and Kate (Demaree) Vannuys, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Pennsylvania, and of Holland and Huguenot extraction, respectively. Tunis Vannuys was born in 1775, and at an early day removed with his father's family to Harrodsburg, Ky. He was but a small boy at that time, and was there during the Indian troubles. He grew to manhood there, and after his marriage to Miss Demaree, removed to Shelby county, Ky. Mrs. Vannuys was the daughter of Samuel Demaree, and a woman of remarkable strength of character and most exemplary piety. Tunis Vannuys followed the occupation of a farmer all his life and was very successful in this pursuit. In 1836 the family removed to Franklin, Ind., where Mr. Vannuys died March 3, 1846, his wife having passed away in 1844. They were the parents of the following children: Samuel, Mary, Christine, Susan, Isaac, Charity, John, Cornelius, Catherine, Emeline and Hervey, all of whom grew to mature years. Mr. Vannuys was very decided in his antislavery views, and owing to that reason left Kentucky for Indiana. He provided generously for his children, only four of whom are now living: John, Cornelius, Catherine and Hervey L. The latter passed his boyhood and youth on his father's farm in Kentucky, and came to Indiana with the family in 1836. His early education was received from private instructors, being fitted for college in that way, and he entered the freshman year at Hanover College, Indiana, in September, 1844, graduating in June, 1848. In September of that year he entered the Theological Seminary at Princeton, N. J., attended for two years, and then spent a year in private reading and travel. Afterward he returned to that institution for another year, and graduated in May, 1852. The following summer he passed in rest and a visit to Washington, D. C., and in October, 1852, he came to Goshen, where he began preaching as a home missionary. In March, 1853, he organized the First Presbyterian Church of Goshen, with fifteen members, and here he has continued to labor for forty years, over eight hundred having been admitted to membership during his pastorate. Dr. Hutchinson, of New Albany, and Dr. Vannuys, are the oldest pastors of the Presbyterian Church in Indiana. The first church building erected of the Presbyterian denomination is at present used by the German Lutheran society. The building now occupied was dedicated in 1863, and is a large, handsome brick structure, the finest church building in northern Indiana at the time of its erection. Mr. Vannuys was married on June 28, 1868, to Miss Rebecca H. Williams, daughter of Samuel P. and Catherine (Hume) Williams, natives of Hartford, Conn. Mrs. Vannuys was a graduate of the Ladies' Seminary at Pittsfield, Mass. One child was born to this union, but died in infancy. Mrs. Vannuys died May 16, 1869, and Mr. Vannuys selected his second wife in the person of Miss Lillie W. Loring, their nuptials being celebrated on January 22, 1872. Miss Loring was born in Springfield, Mass., and is a. daughter of William and Phoebe (Smith) Loring; both are now deceased. The mother was a descendant of John Alden, of the "Mayflower," and a native of the Old Bay State. One child, now deceased, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Vannuys. Mr. Vannuys has been a commissioner to the general assembly of the Presbyterian Church many times, and was moderator of the Synod of Northern Indiana in 1862, and of the Synod of Indiana North in 1879. In early days he did much missionary work throughout this section of the State when churches were struggling for existence and footing, and for years has been engaged in the discharge of the duties of his sacred calling. In 1881 he received the hon�orary degree of doctor of divinity from Wabash College, an honor most worthily bestowed. Mr. Vannuys' ancestors have always been identified with the Presbyterian faith, and his father was a most exemplary Christian, having been an elder for over forty years. The latter was a man of high standing in the community and quite wealthy for those days. Dr. Vannuys is a man of strong will, clear conceptions, generous impulses, and scrupulously tender of the rights of others. His life has been singularly pure, and all his acts are strongly characteristic of good, sound sense. His sermons are terse in style, firm in diction, logical in thought and yet free from all ostentatious display, being filled with Biblical citations, historic references, poetic gems, and earnest, religious pathos. He is a diligent student and ripe scholar. Thus it is seen that Dr. Vannuys is the senior pastor of this synod, having spent forty years at Goshen where he has performed an arduous, successful work. He was elected clerk of the Synod of Indiana North, and held the office for seventeen years, until the consolidation or the synods of the State in 1870. No man in the synod is more beloved or holds a more honorable place than Dr. Vannuys, who is now the acceptable, faithful, and much-loved pastor of the church he organized so many years ago; esteemed alike by the members of the church, the congregation, and the community in which he resides. The following notice, which appeared in a recent issue of the Daily Times, explains itself: The Presbyterian people planted the fortieth milestone of Dr. Vannuys' pastorate last evening, and many friends came in to extend congratulations and bid a hearty God-speed for the rest of the journey. The people began to assemble "at early candle light," and the "small hours" were not far away when the convocation broke up. Dr. and Mrs. Vannuys, assisted by Dr. Logan and the elders and deacons and their wives received the happy throng which for more than an hour passed in. At about 8 o' clock the ladies' committee received in the parlors, and a collation was served amid surroundings that pleased as the "old corn of the land" that ancient troop of wayfarers. Mrs. Dr. Ellis, Mrs. Peck, Mrs. C. C. Butler and Mrs. James Finney presided at the coffee urns, and a host of young ladies served the guests. Dr. Vannuys and visiting pastors, with the session and deacons and their wives, occupied a table at which Mrs. Vannuys presided. After the collation the congregation assembled in the auditorium and a solo was rendered by Miss Zella Wilson, an organ interlude by Mrs. Roach, and a solo by Prof. Morrice. Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Townsend, of Elkhart, after which Hon. H. D. Wilson made an address, and in behalf of the church and friends, presented to Dr. Vannuys the offering expressive of appreciation and good will. The amount was $800. Dr. Vannuys responded in his happy way, giving something of the providential leading that brought him to Goshen, and of the early experiences connected with the settlement. Miss Zella Wilson again responded with a solo, and Dr. Logan made a short address, after which the greetings of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Goshen, and the Presbyterian Church of Elkhart, were presented by their respective pastors, Rev. W. E Daniel and Mr. Townsend, after which Rev. Townsend pronounced the benediction. This record will have to remain incomplete. The abundant labors of the many busy hands and willing minds displayed in the decorations and service of the evening, was the spontaneous work of the whole congregation, rather than of special committees, and it seemed a pleasant feature that there was not the stiffness of formality, but each one was allowed to take such course as the occasion prompted.

CHRISTIAN K. STOUFFER. Of that sturdy and independent class, the farmers of Indiana, none are possessed of more genuine merit and a stronger character than he whose name stands at the head of this sketch. He has risen to more than an ordinary degree of success in his calling, and wherever known is conceded to be an energetic and progressive tiller of the soil, imbued with all those qualities of goaheadativeness which have characterized his ancestors. His birth occurred in Center county, Penn., April 9, 1830, and he is a son of John and Catherine (Keller) Stouffer, natives of Pennsylvania, also. John Stouffer was born in 1796, and when very young he was left an orphan and among strangers. He had no educational advantages, never attending school, and he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked a number of years. When a young man he located in Center county, Penn., and was there married to Miss Catherine Keller, a daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Corman) Keller, natives of the Keystone State, where they passed their entire lives. In 1847 Mr. Stouffer and family removed to Summit county, Ohio, purchased a farm, and on this resided until his death, on July 27, 1863. His wife survives him and resides with her son, Christian K., in Jefferson township. She is now nearly eighty-nine years of age. Her children were named as follows: Elizabeth A., George, Christian K., Catherine, Jacob, Maria, Leah, John, Mary and Luther. Christian K. Stouffer remained in his native county until seventeen years of age, when his parents removed to Summit county, Ohio, and he with them. There he was married in December, 1854, to Miss Sarah E. Krytser, a native of Summit county. Four children were the fruits of this union: Ira F., Morris C., William T. and George E, the latter the only one surviving. He resides in South Bend, Ind. Mrs. Stouffer died in August, 1868. Mr. Stouifer's second marriage occurred in April, 1869, to Miss Barbara Stiver, a native of Miami county, Ohio, who died in December, 1887. On November 18, 1890, Mr. Stouffer was married to Miss Mary A. Holderman, a native of Indiana. In 1866 Mr. Stouffer came to Elkhart county, Ind., settled on a farm in Jefferson township, and resides on this at the present time. It consists of 115 acres of land, nearly all of which is under cultivation. He has made many improvements, and the old log cabin and log stable have given place to a commodious residence and barn. Everything about the place indicates that an experienced and capable hand is at the helm. Mr. Stouffer is a member of the Reformed Church at Goshen, but Mrs. Stouffer is a member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Stouffer has been justice of the peace since settling in the township, and is in every way a most worthy citizen.

SAMUEL F. POORMAN. Among the most esteemed and respected citizens of Goshen there is not one who has been a more faithful soldier, a more pleasant or agreeable member of society, or a more thorough or sagacious business man than the gentleman whose name is mentioned above. His life of industry and usefulness and his record for honesty and uprightness have given him a hold upon the community which all might well desire to share. Mr. Poorman was born in Perry county, Ohio, September 5, 1839, and is a son of John and Martha J. (Stambaugh) Poorman, both natives of Pennsylvania. The father was born in June, 1818, and came to Ohio with his parents in an early day. Settling in Somerset he learned the harness trade, and was married in 1838 to Miss Stambaugh, who was born March, 1819, and whose parents were natives of Pennsylvania. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Poorman removed to Tiffin, Ohio, where they made a permanent settlement, and where Mr. Poorman engaged in the harness business. They were among the very early settlers of that place and Mr. Poorman was one of the prominent busi�ness men. His death occurred in June, 1884. His wife survives him and lives in Tiffin. They were the parents of the following children: Samuel F.; Joseph, died in infancy; Joseph E., engaged in the bicycle business in Cincinnati; George S., deceased; Mary, deceased; .Alice, died in infancy; Florence F., residing in Tiffin, and Jessie L., also residing in Tiffin. The original of this notice was not yet two years old when his parents located in Tiffin, Ohio, and he was there reared and educated. His first scholastic training was in an old log jail, a portion of which was used as a school-room, and the remainder for criminals. He recalls an incident connected with this building which frightened him very much and produced a lasting impression upon his memory. The prisoners escaped from their part of the jail into the school-room and thus made their escape. This was during school hours and the children were so filled with terror that they rushed from the school room. Later our subject attended college at Tiffin, and still later was apprenticed to learn the harness-maker's trade in his father's establishment. This he followed for about four years, and then entered a drug store, subsequently becoming a successful druggist, and a member of the American Pharmaceutical Association and Chicago College of Pharmacy. Following this Mr. Poorman became traveling salesman in drugs and in other lines, being thus engaged for thirteen years. He enlisted in Company A, Eighth Ohio Regiment as corporal; and fourteen months later was a member of non-commissioned staff, regular army, as hospital steward, serving three years. He enlisted April 1, 1861, and was discharged June 12, 1865. Among the principal engagements in which he participated were the following: Winchester, Fort Royal, Gettysburg, and all the engagements of the Army of the Potomac. Mr. Poorman was married on the 27th of November, 1862, at Grafton, Vt., during service in the army, to Miss Adelaide Plattenberg, a native of the Old Dominion, born July 2, 1833, and the daughter of John and Ellen (Jeffers) Plattenberg; both native Virginians, but both now deceased, the latter dying at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Poorman. In 1883 Mr. Poorman located in Goshen, making his headquarters here but continuing to travel for a few years. In January, 1886, in company with Thomas B. Starr, he purchased the fruit and confectionery store which they are at present operating. Although the business was originally established by Mr. Starr and at present is known as" Starr's Fruit Store," it is now admirably managed by both gentlemen and they are doing a very successful business. Mr. Poorman is a member of the I. O. O. F., the G. A. R. and two Commercial Traveler's Associations. In politics he is a strong Republican and is thoroughly American in everything.

GOV. ABRAM A. HAMMOND although, comparatively speaking, but a short time in public life, in Indiana, was a man gifted with intellect of a high order, and polished by a superior education and extended reading. While possessed of a strong will, he had that happy faculty of acquiring friends in the midst of controversy, and of winning lawsuits when the case was considered well nigh hopeless. He was a native of the Green Mountain State, his birth occurring at Brattleboro in March, 1814. When a boy he drifted westward with the tide of emigration, stopped in Indiana where he studied law, and in 1835 was admitted to the bar. In 1850 he was made judge of the common pleas court, at Indianapolis, but later, after having gone to the Pacific coast, located in Terre Haute, which place has been the home of some of the best known men of the State, prominent among whom are the Hon. R. W. Thompson, Hon. D. W. Voorhees and the Hon. Thomas H. Nelson. In 1860 he was elected governor of the State, but owing to ill health was compelled to resign about a year later. Going to Colorado to recruit, he received benefit from its high altitude and continued to there reside until his death, August 27, 1874. Governor Hammond has one brother now living in Indiana who has served upon the supreme bench of the State, and is considered one of the best lawyers in Indiana - the Hon. Edwin P. Hammond, of Rensselaer, a man of high literary attainments and possessed of equal polish to that of the subject of this memoir.

RICHARD C. LAKE is a native West Virginian, born in Monongalia county, on March 27, 1815, and is of English descent, his parents, Nimrod and Margaret (Knotts) Lake, being natives of that country. His paternal grandparents, William and Polly (Asbury) Lake, were born in England and crossed the ocean to America in 1795. They settled on a farm in Harrison county, W. Va., and there passed the remainder of their days. William Lake was the owner of a large plantation in West Virginia and was an extensive slave holder. Nimrod Lake was born June 20, 1783, and was twelve years of age when he came to America with his parents. He grew to mature years on his father's plantation, and in the year 1813 was married to Miss Margaret Knotts, who was born in 1786, and who was the daughter of Levi and Rebecca Knotts. Mr. and Mrs. Knotts also came to America in 1795, making the voyage on the same vessel with the Lake family, and after reaching this country settled in the same county. Mr. Knotts kept the first store of Pruntytown and several years later started on a trip to Ohio, which was then an uninhabited wilderness, and after crossing the Ohio River was never afterward heard from. His wife made her home in Pruntytown until her death several years afterward. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lake settled in Monongalia county, W. Va., and tilled the soil the remainder of their days. Mrs. Lake died April 1, 1815, and Mr. Lake survived her until the winter of 1859-60. Mr. Lake had two brothers, Jeremiah and William, who served in the War of 1812. Richard C. Lake remained in his native county until twenty-three years of age, and during his youth followed teaming, going to Baltimore very frequently. In 1837 he came to Indiana with a party of twenty-seven, made the trip overland and was about forty days on the way, camping out at night. Mr. Lake enjoyed this trip very much. Lately he visited his childhood home and the trip that consumed nearly forty days in years gone by, was gone over in eleven hours. Mr. Lake landed in Kosciusko county, Ind., June 16, 1837, and about three weeks later came to Elkhart county to work in the harvest field, this being the first work of the kind he ever tried to do. He was a carpenter by trade and during the summer season worked at the same. When Notre Dame was started he worked a year at his trade at that place and was employed on the finest buildings. He spent his first winter in Elkhart, when there were but nine families in the town, and on April 16, 1844, three miles east of Elkhart, he was married to Miss Nancy J. Middleton, who was born near Columbus, Ohio, in Franklin county. Her parents, John and Elizabeth (Downing) Middleton, were natives respectively of New Jersey and Delaware, and moved to the Buckeye State at a very early date, traveling the entire distance on horseback and settling in Franklin county. In March, 1830, Mr. Middleton came with his family to Elkhart county, and settled on Two Mile Plain, near Elkhart, where he entered 320 acres of land. On this he erected a rude log cabin with puncheon floor, and many privations were suffered by Mr. Middleton in clearing and improving his farm, for he was one of the first set�tlers of the county. Indians were numerous, wild animals filled the woods, and settlers were miles apart. On this farm Mr. and Mrs. Middleton passed the remainder of their days, witnessing the marvelous growth and development of the country and contributing their share toward its advancement. Mrs. Middleton died in February, 1839, and Mr. Middleton followed her to the grave in July, 1845. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lake they came to Jefferson township, settled on the farm they now own in Section 10. At the time of settlement the land was wholly unimproved and covered with a heavy growth of timber. On this Mr. Lake erected a hewn-log cabin, which was considered a handsome edifice in those days, and began clearing and developing. He and his estimable wife have lived to see the wonderful changes made in the country in the last forty years and have aided materially in its progress and advancement. To Mr. and Mrs. Lake were born these children: Nimrod E. (deceased), John O., Mary E. (deceased), Margaret J. (deceased), George W., William D. (deceased), James I. and Richard C. This worthy couple are members of the United Brethren Church, and Mr. Lake has 280 acres of land, the principal part of which is under cultivation. The log cabin of pioneer days has given place to a large, handsome frame structure and other necessary improvements have been made until at the present time they have one of the finest places in the township. Mr. Lake is now able to retire from the active duties of life and pass the remainder of his days in peace and plenty. Although he looks after his business interests personally and rents his estates, his son, James I., resides on the homestead with his two children, his wife being dead. In politics Mr. Lake is a Democrat, but in early days was a Whig, his first vote being for Martin Van Buren.

HON. ASHBEL P. WILLARD (deceased) was born October 31, 1820, in Oneida county, N. Y., the son of Col. Erastus Willard, who was sheriff of that county at one time. His mother's given and maiden name being Sarah Parsons. He graduated with honors, having the post assigned him of valedictorian of the class of 1842, of Hamilton College. In 1845 he became a resident of Indiana, and embarking in the practice of law at New Albany, practiced only a short time when he became involved in politics. In 1850 he was elected from Floyd county to the State Legislature, and his brilliancy there won for him a wide reputation, and the chairmanship of the Committee of Ways and Means. In 1852 he was chosen lieutenant governor of the State, which position he filled four years, and was then honored, by the election of 1856, to the governorship of Indiana. He died October 4, 1860. Gov. Willard's career, in many respects, was a most remarkable one. He was a resident of Indiana only fifteen years. When in the State only seven years he was chosen to the second highest office within the gift of the people, and when only eleven years old in the State, was made governor. His most marked intellectual powers were that of will and intuition; these he possessed to an unusual extent.

HENRY BEMENDERFER. The above mentioned gentleman is one of the wide-awake, thoroughgoing business men of Elkhart county, and has been engaged in the manufacture of brick in this county since 1869. In March, 1865, he purchased his present farm, on which brick had been manufactured by lease for two years, the lease covering a period of five years. At the expiration of his lease Mr. Bemenderfer purchased machinery, etc., and has carried on the business ever since. He has a machine for the manufacture of pressed brick with a capacity of from twelve thousand to fifteen thousand per day, and gives employment to twelve men. Mr. Bemenderfer was born in Loudoun county, Va., August 18, 1824, and his parents were Peter and Susanna (Rahn) Bemenderfer, natives of Adams county, Penn., where they were reared and married. About the year 1813 they removed to Loudon county, Va., made their home there for fifteen years, and in the fall of 1828 moved to Stark county, Ohio, where the family settled on a farm. Peter Bemenderfer was a carpenter by trade, and followed this until he went to Virginia, when he was engaged in the milling business. After settling in Ohio he devoted his attention to farming, the nearest market for grain being eleven miles distant, where the canal passed through Massillon, Ohio. In 1838 Mr. Bemenderfer removed to Carroll county, where his death occurred in 1856, his wife surviving him until 1862. They were the parents of the following children: William, died in infancy; William; Samuel; Peter; Joseph; John; Henry; Isaac; Elizabeth; Susanna; Sarah, and Catherine, all of whom are deceased except John, Susanna, Henry and Isaac. At the age of four years our subject settled with his parents in Stark county, Ohio, and grew to manhood on the farm, receiving his education in the log school-houses of the early day. He learned the carpenter and cabinet-maker's trade, and followed this for twenty-six years. On September 25, 1851, he married Miss Rebecca E. Prince, a native of Stark county, Ohio, born in 1838, and the daughter of Reuben Prince, a native of the Old Dominion. Her mother died when Mrs. Bemenderfer was a child. To Mr. and Mrs. Bemenderfer were born ten children: John P. (deceased), Mary E., Belinda S., Allen R., Charles H., Cora E., George W., Hattie May, Bertie I. (deceased), and Emma Frances, who died when seven years of age. Mr. Bemenderfer came to Elkhart county in the spring of 1865, settled on his present farm, consisting of 115 acres in Section 24, and also purchased fifty-five acres in another part of Jefferson township. In politics Mr. Bemenderfer is a Democrat, and served as trustee of Jefferson township for over ten years. He is a successful, enterprising farmer and business man, and has many warm friends. He has also held the office of county commissioner one term and discharged the duties of that position in a very creditable manner. He has a fine large two-story brick residence and is surrounded by every comfort and convenience.

CHARLES E. KUTZ. No business requires a more thorough knowledge of details than that which relates to the sanitary conditions of our houses and public buildings. Of late years this subject has received the careful study of scientific men who make sanitary plumbing a specialty, and the perfection to which the science has been brought is the best comment upon the intelligence which has been devoted to it. One of the successful business men engaged in plumbing and gas fitting is Mr. Charles E. Kutz, who is a skilled exponent of his craft and a prominent citizen of Goshen, born in Sunbury, Penn., July 26, 1856. He is the son of Daniel G. and Mary A. (Everett) Kutz, natives of Pennsylvania. The Kutz family came originally from Hessen Castle, Germany, and the Everett family trace their ancestry to Switzerland. Daniel G. Kutz was born in the year 1819, and his father was among the forty-niners who went to California, and as he was never afterward heard from it is supposed he was killed by Indians. Daniel was reared in his native State and when young learned the blacksmith's trade which he followed for a number of years and afterward removed to a farm. In the latter occupation he met with success and became the owner of a large amount of land. He was district lecturer of the State Grange and Government statistician and had the most important of the 300 fires in the repair department from 1863 to 1865, at Washington, D. C. About the year 1845 he married Miss Mary A. Everett, daughter of John and Sophia (Houser) Everett, natives of Germany, who came to America at an early date, settling in Pennsylvania, where they resided until their deaths. To Daniel G. Kutz and wife were born the following children: John, George, Charles E., William, Clinton, Hannah, Ella, Sarah, Fanny and Richard (deceased). The mother of these children passed to her final reward on the 9th of October, 1869, but the father survived until December 22, 1891. Charles E. Kutz was reared in his native county and there learned the trade of plumbing and gas-fitting. In 1873 he went to Pekin, Ill., and there worked in a blacksmith shop for about a year, afterward returning to his native State. For two years he worked in Sunbury Gas Works and in the spring of 1876 he went to Colorado, seeking his fortune in the mining districts. During the summer season he was engaged in prospecting and then when cold weather appeared he returned to Pennsylvania and worked at his trade until the following spring. This he continued for three years but without success. In 1879 he went to Seymour, Ind., to assist in the construction of gas works and was manager of that institution for three years. From there he went to Louisville, worked at his trade for over a year and in October, 1882, he came to Goshen, where he became a member of the firm of Minnich & Kutz, dealers in plumbing, gas and steamfitting, etc. In 1887 Mr. Minnich retired and the business has since been continued by Mr. Kutz. He has made an excellent reputation for good work and is doing a thriving business. 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 does the largest jobbing trade in his line in northern Indiana; performs work for town and county, and has contracts over northern Indiana and western Ohio and southern Michigan, the business increasing each year. In connection with his brother he had patented Kutz System of Hot Water Heating, for buildings of every description, and this is generally in use in this section of country in the majority of the largest and best buildings. Socially Mr. Kutz is a K. of P., Lodge No. 41, Division No. 11, and is a charter member of the Knights of Maccabees. In politics he is a Republican. On the 21st of October, 1886, our subject was married to Miss Josephine Hottinger, who was born June 12, 1866, to the union of Alonzo and Rosina Worster Hottinger, natives of Indiana. Mr. Hottinger died in 1880, but his wife is still living and finds a comfortable home with her daughter Josephine, in Goshen. To Mr. and Mrs. Kutz have been born one child, Gracie W., whose birth occurred September 5, 1888.

JOSEPH E. GARDNER. Like many of the prominent citizens of the county, Mr. Gardner is of German nativity, born in Ruttenburg, February 26, 1810. His parents, Joseph and Victoria (Single) Gardner, were natives of the Fatherland also, and the father was a soldier under Napoleon. He was a prominent business man and had large interests in the city of Ruttenburg, operating flax, plaster and oil mills at that place for many years. He was twice married and to each union were born eleven children. In 1832 Mr. Gardner sold his business interests in his native country and came to America, settling six miles east of Buffalo, N. Y., where he purchased a farm of 260 acres. He subsequently built a canal boat and operated the same for several years on the Erie Canal, but finally moved to Michigan, where his death occurred about the year 1875. Twenty-two years had passed over the head of our subject when he came with his parents to the "land of the free." During his early days he received a good education in the German language in his native country, and after reaching America he applied himself and through his own efforts succeeded in gaining a good practical English education. After settling in New York he started out to fight life's battles for himself and as he received no assistance from his father, he began working by the day at whatever was profitable or legitimate. He selected his wife in the person of Miss Catherine Follmer, a native of Germany, born February 9, 1809, and their marriage was celebrated on October 4, 1832. In 1832 Mr. and Mrs. Gardner turned their faces toward the setting sun, and went by boat to Detroit. After landing in that city Me. Gardner purchased an ox team and into the wagon which he had brought from Buffalo, he and wife started overland to Elkhart county. They were over a week on the way and camped out nights, experiencing many incidents of interest during that memorable trip. Arriving at Goshen, Mr. Gardner settled on eighty acres, about eight miles southwest of that town, in a log cabin, where he cleared about six acres of land. There he resided for about a year. The land at the time of settlement was not open to purchase, and at the time of sale he was beaten out of the same by land speculators and sharks. He was obliged to commence at the beginning once more and came to Jefferson township, this county, settling on his present property. At that time he purchased sixty acres, erected a rude log cabin, and began clearing the land and making a home. Indians were numerous and game of many kinds was in abundance. All the privations and trials of pioneer life were experienced by Mr. Gardner. During his early days in Elkhart county he was engaged in teaming, hauling merchandise for business men at Goshen from distant points. In this way he made a start, and by careful management and good judgment in all that he undertook, has acquired a competency. He now owns 280 acres of land and on this has good, substantial buildings, an ornament to any farm. He has also been very generous to his children, giving them, in addition to a good education, $1,100 each. He has been progressive and enterprising, and is one of the oldest residents now residing in Jefferson township. He is liberal in his political views, generally voting for the best man. His children, seven in number, are named as follows: Henry (deceased), John L., William, Joseph, Charles F. and George W. (twins), and Benjamin. Mr. Gardner is highly esteemed in Elkhart county and is one of that county's most progressive and successful citizens. His son, George W. Gardner, was born in Jefferson township, Elkhart county, April 13, 1849, and was educated in the schools of that county. When a young man he began learning the blacksmith's trade, but the duties at home required his services and he gave it up. He remained under the parental roof until of age, and on August 18, 1871, he was married to Miss Henrietta Overley, who was born October 17, 1851, and who was the daughter of Nathaniel and Margaret (Caton) Overley, the latter a native of Maryland. The Catons were among the pioneer families of Jefferson township. To Mr. and Mrs. Gardner were born four children, as follows: Cora, married George Hamlet, and resides in Jefferson township; William, born March 21, 1872; Eugene, born October 12, 1873, and Harley E., born April 13, 1877, and died January 21, 1879. After his marriage Mr. Gardner remained on the home place until 1874, when he removed, with his family, to Goshen, and there made his home for nearly two years, Mr. Gardner operating a threshing machine during that time. He subsequently returned to the old homestead and there resided until the spring of 1891, when he purchased the farm where he now resides, consisting of eighty acres in Section 13, all under cultivation. Mr. Gardner pays considerable attention to the raising of horses. He has been supervisor in the township for about twelve years and is a reliable, upright citizen. He is a successful farmer and business man and takes great pride in supplying his children with every want. He and family are members of the Progressive Brethren Church, and in politics he is a Democrat. He is strong in his temperance views, although he does not favor partisan Prohibition.

Deb Murray