WILLIAM A. McALLISTER. This gentleman is one of the oldest and best known business men of Goshen, which has been his home since 1853. He owes his nativity to the town of Elba, Genesee Co., N. Y., where he was born on March 20, 1817, his parents being William and Anna (White) McAllister, the former of whom was of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and at the outbreak of the war with Great Britain moved to the United States from Canada, not desiring to enter the service of Great Britain. He located in New York and was there united in marriage to Mrs. White, who was a native German, but came with her parents to the United States when she was nine years of age, her maiden name being Anna Snyder. Prior to her marriage with Mr. McAllister she was married to a Mr. White, who was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was killed in battle. Mrs. McAllister died of cholera in 1822, and of her five children one son died after attaining manhood, and the daughters married and reared families. When William A. McAllister was about fourteen years of age his father died, and he was left at this early age to battle with the world and its uncertainties for himself, and to assist in the care of the widowed mother and her family, consisting of three sisters and one brother. These duties he cheerfully and manfully assumed and creditably and faithfully carried out. Very soon after his father's demise he was apprenticed to the harness-maker's trade, and at twenty-six years of age began business in this line for himself, which, with slight interregnums, has been his lifelong occupation. His work is noted for its neatness of finish, its durability and its handsome appearance, and he is justly regarded as one of the substantial, reliable and competent business man of Goshen. Since coming to the place, he has, by his conservatism and social and moral worth, endeared himself to all, and he and his worthy wife occupy an enviable position in the hearts and affections of all who know them. They are members of the Presbyterian Church, where their useful and conservative council is sought, felt and appreciated. Mr. McAllister is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow orders, and has held positions of honor and trust as a member of the city council and school board. In both these positions the wisdom of his suggestions were seen and acted upon to the undoubted benefit of the city, which was not merely temporary but of lasting benefit. The present high grade and excellent school system of Goshen owes much to his timely aid and suggestions, and in every walk and condition of life he has been found on the side of right, justice and progress. The handiwork and brain work of Mr. McAllister has been felt and can be seen in all the reforms and improvements for which Goshen has become noted. In 1844 he led to the hymeneal altar Miss Ellen R. Stevens, who owes her nativity to Erie county, N. Y., where she first saw the light in 1826. Her parents were among the early settlers of Elkhart county, Ind., their residence being at Waterford, where they were known to all the early settlers as reliable, law-abiding and public-spirited citizens. Mrs. McAllister has presented her husband with one child, a son - Elbert W., a prominent physician of South Bend, and one destined to rise in his profession. Mr. McAllister formerly supported the men and measures of the Whig party, but since the organization of the Republican party its tenets have recommended themselves to his excellent judgment, and he has supported them on all occasions at the polls. Mr. McAllister has always taken an active interest in all reforms and enterprises of a public nature, supporting them with both purse and influence.

“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


DAN PHILLIPS (deceased). The name which we now give was for many years counted as among the pioneer farmers of Locke township, and although Mr. Phillips has now passed from earth's activities it is but just and satisfactory that we recount his life narrative among those who have done such excellent service in subduing the wilderness and bringing it into its present splendid condition, physically, socially and morally. He was born in Knox county, Ohio, May 29, 1830, and was one of eight children born to Brice and Honor (Durbin) Phillips. Brice Phillips was a native of Maryland and followed the occupation of a farmer all his life. When quite young he emigrated to Ohio with his mother, who was a widow with eleven children, and settled with her in Polk township, Knox county, on forty acres of land that she had purchased. She also bought forty acres apiece for the four eldest sons, who were small when they first settled there, but who passed the remainder of their days on those farms. None of these children are now living and Brice Phillips was the last one to die, his death occurring March 2, 1889, when eighty-two years of age, having been born in 1807. His wife, Honor Durbin, was also born in Maryland and an early pioneer of the Buckeye State, coming to Knox county with her father at an early day. In Ohio the parents passed the closing scenes of their lives, the grandmother dying at the age of seventy-eight years. For sixty-five years the grandfather was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips were the parents of nine children, eight of whom were reared. James, residing on a farm in Porter county, Ind., was married to Miss Amanda Pennfose, who bore him six children: Ira, Honor, Brice, Levi, Stella and Marcus, all living. James is a Republican in his political affiliations and has held office. He and family hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Dan (subject). Joseph (deceased), was formerly a resident of Lake county, Ind. He died in 1884, leaving a wife and four sons, Benton, Robert, Frank and Wilson. Joseph was married three times and his last wife and two children are still living. Simon (deceased), was a resident of Oswego, Kosciusko Co., Ind., and at his death left his wife and four children: Jalaly, Honor, Washington and Martha. He was a farmer and a wealthy man. Brice is living in Davis county, Mo., is engaged in farming, and is a wealthy man. His wife is deceased. Mary, single, died when twenty-four years of age, and Honor is now Mrs. Wilson McGinley and resides on the old home place in Knox county, Ohio. Her husband was a musician for over three years in, the Union army. The parents of the above children were among the early settlers of Knox county, Ohio, and the father was a Democrat in politics. His brother, Reuben, was a soldier in the War of 1812. The Phillips family is of English descent and the early members of the family served in Maryland in pioneer days. Dan Phillips was the second in order of birth of the children born to his parents, and his birth occurred on the old farm in Knox county. In his early days he became familiar with pioneer life, and, like most of the boys of that period, his educational advantages were limited. In 1850, when twenty years of age, he emigrated to Elkhart county, Ind., with his father and mother, who were on a visit to his brother James, of Marshall county. He located on a farm of eighty acres on Section 22, Locke township, and built himself a log house, and began improving his place. He had no assistance, but worked for the neighbors in that part of the township, thus making money enough to live on, and during spare moments cleared his farm. He was considerable of a hunter and killed a large number of deer and was the only man known to have killed a catamount in that section after 1850. He was an honest, industrious man and what he accumulated of this world's goods was the result of his own good fighting qualities. In politics, like his father, he was a Democrat, but was a man who took a great interest in his farm. He was a liberal contributor to all worthy enterprises and was active in his support of schools and churches. He was a member of the United Brethren Church, but attended the South Church which was built on his farm, he giving the land for that purpose. He was treasurer also of that church. The marriage of Mr. Phillips occurred in Locke township, April 21, 1853, to Miss Mary Berry, who was born in Clark county, Ohio, March 24, 1833. She was the fourth in order of birth of seven children born to James and Mary (Walburn) Berry. Her grandparents, John and Nancy Berry, were natives of Ireland and Switzerland, respectively. John Berry was among the early pioneers of Clark county, Ohio, and emigrated to Elkhart county, Ind., in 1839. He settled on Section 22, and being quite aged, died shortly after coming to the county. This was the first death in the neighborhood and the first burial in the Union graveyard. Five children were born to his marriage: James, John, Martha, Nancy and William. Only James, William and Martha came to Elkhart county, and Martha, who was the wife of Charles Blake, a soldier in the Civil war, died in 1890. William died in this county. James Berry, father of Mrs. Phillips, was married and had children when he came to Elkhart county, and he became a large land owner. He came by wagon and settled on the farm where his death occurred in 1872, when sixty-eight years of age. He was a Whig in politics at first, but subsequently espoused the principles of the Republican party. He took a prominent part in all county affairs, was public spirited and gave liberally of his means to support schools and churches. His wife died on the old home place in Elkhart county, September 30, 1881. She was the daughter of Robert and Catherine Walburn, early settlers of Ohio. James Berry and wife had seven children: John, Catherine, Thomas, Mary (Mrs. Phillips), Robert, Nancy J. and Elizabeth, all natives of Ohio except the youngest, who was born in Elkhart county. Catherine and John were twins. He is deceased and she is the wife of Andrew Kick, of Teagarden, Marshal county. Thomas is living at Warsaw, Kosciusko county, and a man of a family; Robert resides on a farm in Locke township and has seven children; Nancy J., now Mrs. Jacob Peffly, is residing in Goshen, and Elizabeth married James Heaton and is living in Locke township, this county. Mrs. Phillips was only seven years of age when the family came to this county and she grew up in the neighborhood, attending the early schools of this county. By her marriage to Mr. Phillips she became the mother of one child, Reuben T., whose birth occurred August 24, 1854, on the old farm in Locke township. For twenty-five years Mrs. Phillips has been a member of the United Brethren Church and is a lady possessed of many excellent qualities. For the past few years she has had quite poor health. She is the oldest settler in Locke township, having settled in the same in 1839, and is highly esteemed by all acquainted with her. She has experienced all the hard¬ships of pioneer times, but as she came of good old pioneer stock, braved the trials and vicissitudes of those early days with a fortitude truly wonderful. She has been deeply interested in church and Sunday-school work and contributes liberally to the support of the same. Mrs. Phillips died September 23, 1892. Her son, Reuben T. Phillips, one of the most enterprising young farmers of Elkhart county, is residing on the old home place and also owns the old farm taken up by his grandfather Berry, which consists of 158 acres and is in the same neighborhood. Reuben attended the district school of his township during the winter seasons, but in spring and summer was actively engaged in assisting on the farm. In 1875 he took charge of the farm and since then he has been busily employed in farming and stock raising. His father passed away on September 2, 1890, when quite an aged man. Reuben, as a farmer, has met with success, although he is not enjoying the best of health. He pays strict attention to agricultural pursuits, has fine orchards and groves on his place, and is advanced and progressive in his ideas. He takes a deep interest in politics and is a strong supporter of the principles of his party. In all enterprises to benefit the people, such as good roads, schools, drainage, etc., he is prominently identified, and as a member of the United Brethren Church, he takes a leading part, being steward at the present time and secretary of the Sunday-school. He is a public-spirited young man, honest, industrious and upright, and no one stands higher in the estimation of the people. On January 30, 1876, he was married to Miss Mary E. Pletcher, a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Swisher) Pletcher. Henry Pletcher was born in Ohio and was the son of Jacob and Barbara (Nesslerode) Pletcher, his father coming from Ohio where he was born, and settling in Olive township, Elkhart Co., Ind., at an early day. (See sketch of Henry Pletcher.) Mrs. Phillips was born on March 31, 1858, and grew to womanhood on her father's farm in Olive township. She was one of twelve children. By her marriage to Mr. Phillips she became the mother of four children, as follows: John I., born April 8, 1878, a bright boy of fourteen years, is much help to his father on the farm and promises to become a good business man; Cornelius T., born January 7, 1880, is also assisting on the farm and attending school; Henry M., born December 10, 1883, is in the school-room; and Chloe Ethel, born September 9, 1887. Mrs. Phillips is a member of the United Brethren Church and is a lady possessed of many excellent qualities.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders


DANIEL LEER. This is one of the oldest and most respected families of Elkhart county, Ind., and its members are men and women of more than ordinary intelligence. Jacob Leer, grandfather of the man whose name heads this sketch, was born in Pennsylvania, grew to manhood there and was there married. To his union were born six children, who lived to mature years, viz.: Abraham, Jacob, David, Samuel, Polly and Hannah. Believing that he could do better by emigrating westward, he left his native State and settled in Montgomery county, Ohio. He was an old-fashioned pioneer citizen and a man who won and held the confidence of all. He died in the Buckeye State and was a worthy member of the Dunkard Church. His son, Jacob Leer, was also a native of the Keystone State, and received a limited common-school education in both the German and English language. Prior to his marriage he came to Indiana and followed the shoemaker's trade, which he carried on for several years. He selected his wife in the person of Miss Mary Statsman, and this union was blessed by the birth of four children, as follows: Catherine, Daniel, Lydia and John. After his marriage Mr. Leer settled on 160 acres of land, which he had entered and which was covered with timber, and he immediately began clearing the same. After years of hard labor his efforts were rewarded and he was the owner of a very comfortable and attractive home. Both he and wife were members of the Dunkard Church, and for many years he was a preacher in the same. He was one of the honorable, highly -esteemed pioneer settlers, and contributed his full share toward improving and developing the country. He lived to be eighty years of age. His son, Daniel Leer, was born May 6, 1836, and his early scholastic training was received in the primitive log school-house of pioneer days. As his youthful days were spent on a farm, and he was thoroughly familiar with every phase of that occupation, it was but natural that when starting out for himself he should choose that as his calling in life. When twenty-three years of age be was married to Miss Mollie, daughter of Jacob Dillman, and one child, Mary, was born to this union. After the death of his wife Mr. Leer married Miss Hannah Cripe, daughter of Benjamin Cripe (see sketch), and eleven children were born to them, seven of whom reached mature years. They were named as follows: Ira, John, Cora A., Hattie, Norman, Robert and Charles. Mr. Leer settled on his father's farm after his marriage, received for his share about 50 acres, and is now in comfortable circumstances. In politics he is a Democrat. All his children have had good educational advantages and are upright, esteemed citizens. Mary married Noah Rensberger, a teamster of Goshen, and they have two children. Cora A. married Andrew Danger, and they reside in Goshen. They have one child. Mr. Leer is an honorable, industrious man, and one of the respected old settlers. He is now residing on land owned by his father more than a half century ago.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders


JOHN LOWRY. It is with the utmost gratification that the life history of one of our brave pioneers is included in this work for he has contributed his full share toward developing the country and changing the wilderness into the beautiful and prosperous State which Indiana is today. Since 1849 Mr. Lowry has been a resident of Elkhart county, Ind., and during that time his career as an upright, honorable and industrious citizen has remained untarnished. Like many of the representative citizens of the county he is a native of the Green Isle of Erin and is the son of Robert and Eliza (Kelley) Lowry. The grandfather, William Lowry, was a Scotch-Irishman and a successful farmer of County Down, Ireland. He occupied a tract of land that was leased for ninety-nine years and on this the Lowry family had resided for a number of generations, some of the descendants now living on this farm. The Scotch-Irish people are a long-lived, sterling class of people and take an honest pride in their family and descendants. William Lowry gained a fair education for his day and married a lady whose maiden name was Miss Martin. Six children were born to them: William, John, Hugh, Robert, Eliza and Catherine. Mr. Lowry and family were Scotch Presbyterians and he was deacon in the church for many years. After a long and useful life, he died at the age of eighty-two years. His wife was a descendant of a prominent Belfast family of lumber merchants and ship owners. After his death the lease descended to his son, William Lowry, Jr. Another son, Robert, father of our subject, was born on the old farm in County Down, and he too was fairly educated for his time and day. Early in life be learned the mercantile business in the town of Killileagh, and was married in that neighborhood to Miss Eliza Kelly, daughter to William Kelley. Twelve children were given them and named as follows: William, Eliza, John, Mary, Aujane, George, Robert, Alexander, James, David, Hugh (died in infancy), and Anna. Mr. Lowry followed merchandising for many years, was nnusually successful in this and became quite wealthy. His children had good educational advantages, his eldest son William, receiving a college education. Mr. and Mrs. Lowry held membership in the Scotch Presbyterian church and were upright, straightforward people. Like his father, Mr. Lowry lived to a good old age, dying when eighty-four years of age. Five of his sons and one daughter settled in America: Alexander (a prosperous farmer in Missouri), James, Robert, David (a successful merchant in Keokuk, Iowa), John and Mary, all of whom married and reared families and are prosperous and respected people. Robert Lowry, son of the above ex-congressman was for many years judge at Ft. Wayne and is a lawyer still in active practice. James Lowry (deceased) resided for many years in Milwaukee, Wis., and was a master mechanic on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. John Lowry, another son of the above, and our subject, was born in --- Connty Down, Ireland in 1815, and received a good common-school education. He began for himself by working in the cotton mills of his native country and in 1840 came to America, settling in Maryland, where he worked in the cotton-mills at Ellicott City, ten miles from Baltimore. There he married Miss Madeline Roach and two children were born to this union: Eliza, who died at the age of six years, and Lucy whose death occurred when twenty-two years of age. In 1849 Mr. Lowry came to Elkhart county, Elkhart township, and settled on a partly cleared farm of sixty acres, which, by industry he cleared and made a good home. About 1879 he moved to Goshen and since that time he has made his home here. Mrs. Lowry died on August 26, 1891, and had been an exemplary member of the Methodist Church for years. Mr. Lowry has also been a member of that church for many years. He is a substantial man and owns two houses and lots in Goshen. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Lowry has now reached the age of seventy-six years, and although the frosts of many winters have whitened his hair and laid their impress in the lines of his face, his intellect is unimpaired and many years are still before him. The stock from which he sprang has furnished America some of her most prominent men.

“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


ISAAC LIVENGOOD. Of the many prominent farmers of Elkhart county, Ind., Mr. Livengood is well worthy of mention, for he has resided in this section since he was one year old and has ever had its interests at heart. A product of Dark county, Ohio, born January 17, 1827, he was a son of Abraham and Catherine (Nofsinger) Livengood, who were born in Columbia county, Penn., both the Livengood and Nofsinger families being of Dutch extraction. The paternal grandfather, Peter Livengood, emigrated to Dark county, Ohio, during the early history of that section and there he was called from life. The maternal grandfather took up his abode in Elkhart county, Ind., in 1828, and settled just below the Beardsley paper-mill on the St. Joe River, where he entered some land. After a few years he concluded that pioneer life in Indiana did not suit him and he removed to Iowa, in which State he died. Abraham Livengood. moved to Elkhart county in 1829 and settled on the farm which is still in possession of the family. A man by the name of Skinner had a claim on this property, but Mr. Livengood gave him a yoke of steers and $3 in silver, which liquidated this claim, and then paid $12.25 per acre for the remainder. The place comprised 160 acres; on it were erected two little log cabins, and after coming into possession of this property Mr. Livengood was a very proud and happy man. He broke ten acres of sod with a yoke of cattle, and his plow became so dull that he took it to a blacksmith to have it sharpened, but the efforts of the latter did not improve it any and he eventually took it all the way to Niles, Mich., for repairs. An old Indian trail passed through his farm and Indians often stopped at his home to stay over night and to sell huckleberries. Mr. Livengood soon began to make better improvements, and now has one of the best farms in the county. In early days he was compelled to go to Niles to mill and had to ford the St. Joe River. The first year he had but ten acres of corn and grain, and the meat which he had was obtained principally from the surrounding woods and the neighboring streams. The father lived a very useful and energetic life and died in 1879. He was married twice, his first wife bearing him six children, five of whom are living: Isaac, Christopher, who is in Oregon; Ira, of Kansas; Ann and Joseph, of Kansas. Mr. Livengood took for his second wife Mary Whittig, by whom he had a large family: Edgar E., of Kansas; Ellen, of Indiana; William F., of Indiana; Alma, of Kansas; Rebecca, of Kansas; Edith, of Indiana; Albert E., of Indiana, and Frederick, of Ohio. Isaac Livengood became thoroughly familiar with farming and pioneer life in his youth, and many a day was spent in hard labor in assisting his father to clear the home farm. He did not enter a school-room until he was ten years of age, then began learning the rudiments in a little log house, over whom John Hardy presided. Later he entered school at Jamestown, but the facilities for acquiring an education were very poor and he acquired only a fair knowledge of the "three R's." His early playmates were little Indian boys and with them he practiced shooting with the bow and arrow, in which he became quite expert. He wore homespun clothing and low old-fashioned shoes, but notwithstanding this was happy and care free. At the age of twenty-two years he began learning the miller's trade at Kingsbury, LaPorte Co., Ind., and for thirty years devoted his attention to this occupation at different points, but had always made his home on the old place. He was married in 1856 to Miss Hannah Ligget, by whom he has two children: Samuel E., of Halstead, Kan., and Sophia E., wife of William Farr, of Kankakee county, Ill. The mother of these children died in 1861, since which time Mr. Livengood has remained unmarried. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is one of the oldest, most reliable and respected citizens of the county.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders


JOHN KRAU has been a very progressive and enterprising farmer in his day, but is now retired from the active duties of life and is enjoying the fruits of his early years of hard labor. A native of Germany, he was born at Landenhausen Bezirck Lauterbach-Grossherzogthum Hessen-Darmstadt. December 25, 1826, and is one of five surviving members of a family of seven children born to George and Elizabeth Krau, who spent their lives in Germany. John Krau was educated in the land of his birth and upon attaining suitable years began learning the paper-maker's trade and from 1848 to 1855 traveled through Germany, Switzerland and part of Italy and France making paper and pasteboard by hand and machinery. On May 25, 1855, he left Paris for Havre de Grace, where he took passage on a sailing vessel for America and landed at New York City on July 10, of the same year after a forty-two day's voyage. From New York he proceeded to Buffalo, went from there by boat to Detroit, from which place he went to South Bend, Ind., where he remained for about six months. In the spring of 1856 he began working in the paper-mill at Three Rivers, where he remained for over one year. In 1856 he was married to Miss Christina Dick, a native of Germany, and the year succeeding his marriage went to Rockton, Ill., where he worked at his trade until the firm with which he was connected became insolvent. Milwaukee, Wis., next became the scene of his operations, but after remaining there only a few months he went to Beloit, where he made his home until March 1, 1862, when his health failed and he came to Goshen and still later to Elkhart, taking up his residence in the latter place in October, 1862, where he has since been engaged in butchering and stock dealing as well as giving much of his attention to building. He came to this country wit bout capital, having only enough to pay his expenses for a few days, but his industry and perseverance carried him over this time and he soon found himself out of deep water and in receipt of an income which has so increased in proportions that he is now considered a wealthy man. He is the owner of two exceptionally fine farms, both well improved, consisting of 452 acres, for which he paid $30,000. He has done considerable building in Elkhart and is the owner of some fine and valuable residences and business blocks in the city. He is a gentleman who has always been very enterprising, has always been industrious and pushing and has done much toward building up and improving the city of Elkhart. He has four sons: John, William, Charles and George, all of whom are intelligent and self-supporting young men and natives of Elkhart; Mr. Krau speaks several different languages and is well known for his intelligence and sound and practical views on all subjects of importance.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders


DANIEL P. KURTZ is the third son of Paul and Mary (Shively) Kurtz, a sketch of whom appears in this volume. Daniel P. was born in Harrison township, near Harrison Center School-house November 25, 1863, was reared to a knowledge of farm life and acquired his literary education in the common country schools. While acquiring his knowledge of the "world of books" he assisted his father on the farm and from his industrious, thrifty and honorable parents learned lessons that have been of great benefit to him in his walk through life. He remained with his parents until twenty years of age, then engaged in the erecting of wind-pumps, a calling which occupied his attention for two years at Ashland, Ashland Co., Ohio, but his earnings went to his parents until he became of age. He returned to his native State and followed the same occupation until in the fall of 1887, when he went to California and located in Los Angeles county, where he worked at the carpenter's trade for over a year. He was quite successful while in that State, and was much impressed by the beauty and fertility of the country, but in 1889 returned to his native State and county and took up the occupation of threshing, which occupation he followed for two seasons in company with his brother, L. P. Kurtz, and found it a profitable source of revenue. In 1891 they traded their outfit for the property owned by C. M. Boutreger & Son, on which a saw-mill was located, and since that time have been successfully engaged in sawing lumber and in the general saw-mill business. This mill is well equipped and has a capacity of 20,000 feet per day, and they make a specialty of finishing lumber. The plant is located on the Southeast corner of Section 4 and is one of the most valuable of its kind in the county. Besides sawing lumber they make large quantities of lath and also grind feed. They have shown themselves to be enterprising and energetic young men and have the entire confidence of all who know them in a business way. Daniel P. is a young man who is deeply interested in the current issues of the day, is well-read and is decidedly public-spirited. He was married June 19, 1892, to Miss Christie Hay, the daughter of John Hay (see sketch). They are now living near the mill. Mrs. Kurtz is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is an intelligent and amiable lady. She was reared on her father's handsome and valuable farm west of Goshen. She and her husband are much respected in the neighborhood, where they reside and enjoy a wide circle of friends. They give every promise of becoming wealthy and fully deserve such. good fortune for they are industrious, thrifty and honorable. The younger member of the firm L. P. Kurtz, was born on the old home farm in Harrison township, April 10, 1865, attended the Kurtz School and embarked in business with his brother, Daniel P. as above stated. He is an honorable and industrious young man, and for some time has been married to Miss Julia Berkey, daughter of the well-known, Peter D. Berkey. They also reside near the mill and are doing well. The efforts of the brothers are being rewarded, and their business is con¬stantly on the increase. He has never hesitated to put his hand to any honorable work and is fully deserving of the esteem in which he is held in his section of the county. His career is well worthy of emulation.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders


EDWARD CLARK. A glance at the lives of representative men whose names appear in this volume will reveal many sketches of honorable and influential citizens who have resided many years in this county, but among them none are more worthy or deserving of mention than Mr. Edward Clark, who is a true type of a successful Indiana farmer. He is not only one of the county's oldest settlers, but one of its most worthy and prosperous men. His fine farm, consisting of 160 acres, is situated four and a half miles south of Goshen and is kept in the best condition by Mr. Clark, who thoroughly understands everything connected with agricultural pursuits. Mr. Clark's grandfather, who was the progenitor of the Clark family in the United States, was born in Ireland, but at a period antedating the Revolutionary war he crossed the ocean to America, settled in Hampshire county, Va., and became a large farmer, owning several hundred acres. He joined with the colonists and fought for independence but was captured and held by the Indians for three months. The four sons born to this marriage were named as follows: Thomas, William, Daniel and Hendricks. Mr. Clark lived to be an aged man and received his final summons in the Old Dominion. His son, Hendricks, father of subject, was also a native of that grand old State, Virginia, born in Hampshire county in 1793, and there received a limited education. In connection with farming he also followed the occupation of a miller for many years. His marriage with Miss Polly Bailey resulted in the birth of five children, who were named as follows: Ellen, Nancy, Edward, John and William, all born in Virginia. The fertile soil of the West tempted him to turn his face toward the setting sun and in 1835 he settled within the borders of Stark county, Ohio. He became the owner of eighty acres of land and resided on this until 1844, when he moved with his family to Indiana. He first settled on Elkhart Prairie, but subsequently moved to St. Joseph county, this State, where his death occurred when sixty-four years of age. He and wife were worthy members of the German Baptist Church, and he was a preacher in the same for many years. At the time of his death he was the owner of 240 acres in St. Joseph county. His son, Edward Clark, was born in Hampshire county, Va., April 28, 1821, and received his education in the common schools of that day. Agricultural pursuits had been the principal occupation of his ancestors for generations, and it was but natural that he should select that as his chosen calling. Besides, he had been trained to the arduous duties of the farm from early boyhood. He was twenty-three years of age when he came with the family to Elkhart county, Ind., and two years later he married Miss Catherine Weybrigbt, daughter of Martin and Christina (Rasor) Weybright. Ten children were born to our subject and wife, as follows: Hendricks, Christina (deceased), Lavina, Ellen (deceased), John, Sophronia, Amanda, Alice, Anna and Mary. After marriage Mr. Clark settled on the Weybright farm, resided there four years and then bought land in Kosciusko county, Ind., where he resided until 1852. From there he moved to his present farm, then consisting of 160 acres, and to this, by thrift, economy and hard labor he has added until he owns at present about 600 acres. He has given his children 160 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are active members in the German Baptist Church and in politics he is a Republican. Mr. Clark's reputation as a successful farmer is deservedly high, but no higher than his reputation for uprightness and honesty. He is highly esteemed throughout the community and his word is considered as good as his bond. Mrs. Clark's father, Martin Weybright, was born in Pennsylvania and was the son of Martin Weybright, Sr., whose father came to this country from Germany in old colonial days. Martin Weybright, Sr., was the father of these children: Martin, Jacob, Frederick, Elizabeth, Susan, Polly, Sallie and Charlotte. The eldest of these children, Martin, emigrated to the Buckeye State when a young man and was married there to Miss Christina Rasor, who was also of prominent Pennsylvania stock. Nine children were the fruits of this union, all of whom lived to mature years, as follows: Jacob, Daniel, Martin, John, Michael, David, Elizabeth, Sallie and Catherine. All these children were born in Montgomery county, Ohio, where Mr. Weybright was a successful agriculturist for many years. He was one of the old pioneers of that county and settled ten miles from Dayton, where he cleared up a farm from the heavy timber. Both Mr. and Mrs. Weybright were members of the Baptist Church. In 1829, when Mrs. Clark was about fifteen months old, Mr. Weybright sold his farm in Ohio and came to Elkhart county, making the journey with a yoke of oxen and a three-horse team, and being on the way seventeen days. In the spring of that year they first settled on the land now occupied by Jonas Dierdorf, and put out a crop of sod corn. Two weeks later he moved to the farm now owned by William Thomas, on the southwest side of the prairie. The first night the family slept under the spreading branches of a huge oak tree and the next day the neighbors met together to assist Mr. Weybright to build a log cabin. This was erected and places cut out for a door and window; mother earth was the floor to the cabin and continued as such until the fall. The bedstead Mr. Weybright made by driving stakes in the ground in one side of the cabin and covering them with poles and split clapboards. On this was then spread blankets and comforts until it was very comfortable, and in this huge bed the entire family slept until better arrangements could be made. Elkhart Prairie is described by Mrs. Clark as presenting a most beautiful appearance during the summer months, being covered with many gorgeous flowers. On this farm Mr. Weybright passed the remainder of his days, nearly fifteen years after settling here. On this farm Mrs. Clark grew to womanhood and the first school she attended was taught in a rude log school-house near the spot where James Latta's barn now stands. She received her scholastic training in four different school-houses and received the usual pioneer education. Martin Weybright was naturally a religious man and about two years after coming to Elkhart county was ordained a preacher of the Baptist Church by Daniel Cripe, the pioneer preacher of this county, assisted by other preachers from South Bend. He was an industrious, hard-working man, and at the time of his death was the owner of a fine farm of 400 acres, besides which he had given his nine children 160 acres each, making a total amount of 2,000 acres which be had originally owned. The improvements on his farm were all first class for those days, the house being log, but plastered, and the barn being also a large log structure. He set out a good orchard, and being progressive and enterprising, reaped rich returns. His judgment was good and he was a man of sterling character. When lacking two months of being fifty-eight years of age he passed to that bourne from whence no traveler returns. His wife lived to be eighty-seven years of age. At the time of her death there were six children living, sixty-two grandchildren, eighty-two great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, making a total of 151 individuals descended from this pioneer couple. Mrs. Clark was born February 5, 1828, in Ohio, and she and her husband have twenty-one living grandchildren. Her sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Smelser, is the eldest member of the Weybright family and is now a venerable lady of eighty years. She was in her eighteenth year when she came with her parents to Elkhart county and can well remember the journey and the old pioneer times.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders


GEORGE P. ROWELL was a pioneer in the fullest sense of the word, for he has been a resident of Elkhart county, Ind., since 1835, and during that time he has fought the battle of life bravely, has bent the force of circumstances to his will and is now wealthy. Mr. Rowell was born in New Hampshire June 12, 1812, a son of John and Sarah (Moore) Rowell, who were also natives of the Granite State, where they were married. In 1816 they moved to Madison county, N. Y., and a few years later to Livingston county, of the same State, from which State he enlisted as a soldier in the War of 1812, but did not see much active service. To him and his wife a family of nine children were born, six sons and three daughters. These children and the parents were strong and vigorous people, and the most of them were exceptionally long-lived. George P. Rowell was reared on a farm, and owing to the fact that his parents were poor and had a large family, his early days were principally devoted to farm labor, and he thus had meager opportunities of obtaining an education which could be of any great benefit to him. His early life and the economies he was compelled to practice instilled in him principles of prudence, energy and push which could not fail to bring him in rich returns in later years, and at the present time he has a goodly share of this world's goods. He has large real estate holdings contiguous to the city, an abundance of fine stock, his horses being especially handsome and speedy. He has always been a lover of the horse, and has owned some of the best animals that were ever in the county, his efforts to improve the stock of his section being praiseworthy and to be emulated. His fine farm of 340 acres, one and one-half miles from Goshen, is one of the finest pieces of property in the county, and he also has 100 acres near Milford and excellent and valuable property in Goshen. He was married October 10, 1840, to Miss Susan Rodibaugh, who was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, May 17, 1821, her parents being David and Saloma Rodibaugh, native Pennsylvanians. To this union the following children were born: Ira D., Annie E., Mary C., George W., Samuel J. and Lucy S., all of whom are living with the exception of Mary. Mr. Rowell is well and favorably known to all the residents of Elkhart county. He is identified with the Democratic party, but has never been a very strict partisan. Much of his attention has been given to the manufacture of agricultural implements, in which he acquired the greater part of his wealth, after which he retired from active service to enjoy a good horse, his family and the evening of his life. He is a man remarkably well preserved, in the full possession of his faculties and the memories of other days, and being a fine conversationalist he weaves a halo of romance around the days of Auld Lang Syne. He is surrounded by a thrifty family of grown-up children, all of whom are married and reside near their old home. Mr. Rowell has never been a member of any church or any secret organization.

“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


ABIJAH L. HUBBELL, deceased. All people of true sensibility and a just regard for the memory of those who have departed this life, cherish the details of the history of those whose careers have been marked by uprightness and truth, and whose lives have been filled up with acts of usefulness. Such a man was Abijah L. Hubbell, who was born in Meigs county, Ohio, at the town of Rutland, January 26, 1816, his father and grandfather before him bearing the name of Abijah, and both being natives of Lake George county, Vt. They removed to Meigs county, Ohio, about the year 1786. The Hubbells were of Scotch descent, and in early colonial times came to America and located in New England. The male members were all men of large stature, and almost invariably occupied positions of honor in the different localities in which they settled. The paternal grandfather was a soldier of the Revolution, being one of the famous Green Mountain Boys, and in the various bloody battles in which he participated he conducted himself in a brave and fearless manner. After his removal to the then wilds of Ohio he and his family suffered many hardships and privations, but in time their circumstances became comparatively easy. He was the first man to develop the salt industry in the Kanawha Valley, Va., and in time succeeded in establishing quite a trade at Cincinnati and other points. He reared a large family, and became well known over southern Ohio, Virginia and Kentucky. The father of the subject of this sketch was brought up amid the scenes and wild surroundings of their pioneer home in Ohio, and in that State after reaching manhood, he was married to Miss Lucy Merrill, a native of Massachusetts. Her father, Capt. Merrill, was also a native of that State, and from early boyhood up to the time he moved with his family to Ohio, he followed the sea, visiting nearly all portions of the globe, and became a man of wide experience and varied information. He was married at Newberryport, Mass., and in 1785 he and his family became residents of Marietta, Ohio, of which place they were among the very earliest settlers. Abijah Hubbell and his wife, the parents of the subject, made their home in Ohio until 1834, in which year they located about five miles northeast of Goshen, Ind., where they resided for many years, and were well and favorably known to every one. Their first night spent in their new home was an eventful one, for their sleeping place was in the snow between two logs, their covering being some quilts and boughs of trees. This was only an incident among the many hardships they endured. In 1854 the parents moved to Delaware county, Iowa, where they both died in 1863. They reared a family of nine children - five sons and four daughters - all of whom reached mature years, and five are yet living. The father was a soldier of the War of 1812, serving under Capt. Jesse Hubbell, a cousin, and with Gen. Harrison, in the Sandusky country against the Indians. For his services he received a pension in his old age. Abijah L. Hubbell. whose name heads this biography, was reared to manhood on a farm in his native State, his time and strength in his youth being given to the farm, owing to which his educational advantages were somewhat neglected. He had learned the tailor's trade, and at this occupation would work during the winter months, his summers being devoted to farm labor. He came to Indiana with his parents, and after following the tailor's trade in Goshen for some time he engaged in butchering, and still later began clerking in a store, where he remained seven years. At the end of this time he and Frederick Jackson opened a general store, but five years later this partnership was dissolved and he then began wholesaling and retailing groceries, which occupation he continued in connection with his son, Frank G., for about sixteen years. In 1884 he embarked in banking, being a director of the City National Bank, the capital of which was $77,000 and the surplus $25,500. Mr. Hubbell was chosen president of the bank in 1886, which position he retained until the time of his demise, which occurred May 9, 1892. Beginning life a poor boy he practiced close economy, and this, coupled with hard work and unquestioned honesty, enabled him to amass a comfortable fortune. He became the owner of valuable real estate in Goshen and Chicago, and besides he was the largest stockholder in the bank of which he was president. He was a man who had the courage of his convictions, and defended his city against innovators and demagogues, and there were few enterprises of a public nature in which he was not interested. Pronounced in his views, clear in his judgment, supplemented with clear and forcible diction, he stood before the board of county commissioners on many occasions defending the public treasury against the jackals that prey on honest people's earnings. He was one of the leaders in the building of the court house, jail, buying the poor farm, and in almost every case his judgment was never found wanting nor against honest popular feeling. His efforts in the founding and upbuilding of the Agricultural Society were of the most sagacious order, and that work cost him his comfort to the day of his death, for he was thrown from a buggy while in the discharge of his duties and received injuries which forced him to use crutches ever afterward. Few men were better known to the people of Goshen, or more highly esteemed, and his death was a source of universal sorrow and regret. He was three times married. First, in 1841, to Sarah A. Thomas, a native of Virginia, who bore him two children: Edward T., who died leaving one son, Harry E., and Frank G. The mother of these children died in 1847, and in 1851 Mr. Hubbell took for his second wife Miss Lydia Copeland, whose death occurred four years later. Mrs. Maria N. Whittlesey became his third wife February 11, 1858, her birth having occurred in Hartford, Conn., October 4, 1815, her maiden name having been Townsend. She came to Indians with her husband in 1837. Edward T. Hubbell served as a lieutenant in the Civil war as a member of the Twelfth Indiana Cavalry, having prior to that time been a sergeant in Company A, Twenty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, being promoted to second lieutenant August 6, 1862. He resigned October 14 of that year on account of disability and returned home. He is now dead. Frank G. Hubbell was born July 10, 1844, was reared in Goshen, and obtained his education in the city schools, in Notre Dame University, and at Kalamazoo, Mich., in Kalamazoo College. After clerking for some time in different stores in Goshen, be became associated with his father in the grocery business, continuing thus very successfully for fifteen years when the business was closed out. He has also been engaged in business independent of his father, and in 1884 became a member of the firm of Nash, Knox & Hubbell. He has been a stockholder, and is a director and vice-president of the City National Bank. In 1885 Miss Clara A. Chamberlain, daughter of Judge Ebeneezer Chamberlain, became his wife, and to their union two children have been given: Ruth, who died December 6,1891, and Helen H. Mr. Hubbell is a stanch Republican in politics, and like his honored father before him is a man of excellent business capacity and upright in every worthy particular.

Note that the errata section contained the following entry: The following additions came too late to be properly corrected. Ruth was born July 19, 1886, and Helen H. was born May 24, 1888.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders


Deb Murray