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THOMAS STARR was born February 4, 1855, near Montpelier, Williams Co., Ohio, and in 1865 moved with his parents to Bryan, Ohio. When thirteen years old he came to Goshen and entered a printing office. Two years later he went to Cass county, Ind., and worked on a farm and in a printing office, attending a three months' term of school in the meantime. He returned to Goshen and worked in the printing office until 1874, then went West for a year and returned to take charge of a printing office established at Syracuse, Ind. He remained there one year and in 1876 went to Albion, Ind. and with J. P. Prickett, purchased the New Era. In 1878 he went to Hicksville, Ohio, and purchased the News, having sold his interest in the New Era. Mr. Starr sold the News in 1881 and in 1882 went to Goshen and purchased the Independent, the name of the paper being changed to the News . In 1883 he established the Daily News. His business now consists of daily and weekly News, book and stationery store, book-bindery and a first-class job-printing office. He was married in 1878 to Adella, daughter of the late Judge William M. Clapp, of Albion, and they have three children.

“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

ELBRIDGE G. HERR. This gentleman is descended from an old and well-known Pennsylvania family of that name who were colonial settlers of Lancaster county. Daniel, father of Elbridge G., was a native of the Keystone State, as was Miss Sarah Martin, who became his wife. Mr. Herr was a life-long hotel keeper in Columbia, Penn., his hostelry being well and favorably known to the traveling public. He took great interest in the militia of Pennsylvania, and prior to the war of the Rebellion was a brigadier general of State troops, and did much to give character and efficiency to them. He also represented his county in the State Legislature two terms in ante-bellum days. August 11, 1861, he assisted in raising the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was commissioned captain of Company I. His company was recruited for the most part in York county, having served as infantry for their three months' term of enlistment, under Capt. Cochran. They then re-enlisted and afterward served as cavalry. Mr. Herr was elected captain of the company. He was a large, corpulent man, and being well advanced in years, after a service of fifteen months in the Peninsular campaign where he saw much active service, he was compelled to resign on account of general debility and greatly impaired health. At his resignation, resolutions of regret and respect were given him in writing by all the officers of his regiment. He was most highly respected and spoken of by his comrades in arms. On his return to his home he resumed his duties as hotel proprietor. His death, which occurred in October, 1865, was deeply regretted by his family and a large circle of friends. He was a prominent member of the Masonic order, a most genial companion, a kind father and a worthy citizen. To him and wife were born six children, our subject, his brother Eugene and his sister Ada being all that are living. In 1866 the mother removed with her family to Goshen, Ind., where she has since resided. Elbridge G. was reared in the town of Columbia, where he was born March 25, 1842. He received an academic education and after leaving school clerked in a book store and assisted his father in the hotel, and when he enlisted in the army our subject assumed management of the hotel until his father's return. He then entered the service of Uncle Sam and did clerical work in the United States provost marshal's office at Harrisburg, Penn., and detached duties elsewhere until the close of the war, and on August 31, 1885, he was discharged. He came with his family to Goshen in March, 1866, and was soon after appointed clerk to G. D. Copeland, United States revenue assessor, and about one year later became assistant assessor for three counties and remained as such until January 1, 1873, when he resigned and formed a partnership with Col. R. M. Johnson, for the practice of law. After thirteen years and several changes in the name of the firm, Mr. Herr succeeded to the business, which he has since conducted alone. He is preeminently an office attorney and has largely confined his practice to probate law and collecting. In 1883 he was appointed insurance inspector for the city of Goshen, a position he has since filled to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. One of the most prominent characteristics of Mr. Herr is his love and aptitude for the military. In 1873 he became a charter member of Calantha Lodge, No. 41 Knights of Pythias, and was the first master at arms. Starting from this appointive position in the order he has achieved that honor to which but few men aspire and fewer ever realize - that of being past grand chancellor and eventually representative to the supreme lodge of the world. In 1874 he was elected past chancellor and representative and attended the grand lodge session in July of that year. He was re-elected as representative in December, 1874:, June, 1875, and December, 1875, and served on several important committees during these sessions. At the January session in 1877 he was appointed grand master at arms, vice Wilbur F. Taylor, who had been appointed grand K. of R. & S. ad-interim, vice N. C. Potter, resigned. At the same session he was appointed grand inner guard for the term ending July, 1877. He was elected grand prelate, in January, 1878, grand vice-chancellor in January, 1882, and grand chancellor in January, 1883. As one of the charter members of Calanthe Division, No. 11, Uniform rank K. of P. he was elected at the organization as sir knight commander, and served as such until his promotion to the position of major of the Second Regiment Indiana Brigade U. R. K. P. in June, 1884, and in July, 1888, was promoted to the position of colonel of the regiment. His ability as a Presiding officer is evidenced by the fact that his lodge elected him as chancellor commander for several years in succession. Col. Herr is said to be the next smallest commander, in stature, that ever wielded a sword at the head of a regiment of the Uniform Rank. His promotion in this branch of the order was rapid, and in every way merited. In June, 1892, he was re-elected colonel, and is now serving his second term as colonel of the Second Regiment. Mr. Herr was united in marriage in 1866 with Miss Mary A. Child, a native of Marietta, Penn., and to them has been born one son, Charles C., the well-known and popular junior member of the firm of Peters & Herr, of Goshen. Mr. Herr has been a life-long Republican and a laborer for the success of his party. He owns a nice home and valuable real estate in Goshen and is one of the most worthy and progressive citizens.

ABRAHAM SHANK, who for many years was a resident of Harrison township, and who died in the month of January, 1889, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, in February, 1831, a son of Samuel and Catherine (Barrick) Shank, who were early residents of Montgomery county, Ohio, and there reared a family of four children: Noah, Abraham, Daniel and Mary. All these children reached mature years but the daughter died when a young lady. After the death of the father in Ohio the mother came to Elkhart county, Ind., and was here married to Jacob Dillman, but both are now deceased. Her eldest child, Noah, settled in Harrison township of this county, reared a family and all his children are living in that township, some on the old home place; Daniel lives in Michigan, a man of family; Abraham came to this county with his mother in 1860 and settled on the farm where his son John and his family are living. He married after coming here, Miss Catherine F. Wheymer, who was born in Philadelphia, Penn., and died in May, 1885, her parents being Frederick and Catherine (Henning) Wheymer. Mrs. Shank came to this county with her parents in an early day and settled in Harrison township and the father died in this county, the mother being still a resident of Goshen. Mrs. Shank was one of a large family of children: Catherine L., Emma, Maggie, Lina, Sophia, Sadie, William, Frederick and George, two of whom are living in Goshen. Mrs. Shank is the only one out of this family that is deceased. Abraham Shank was married in Elkhart county and settled on the farm in Harrison township, where he followed farming for some time. In politics he was with the Democratic party and in religion has been connected with the Lutheran Church. He was a reliable and substantial citizen and held a number of offices in the township, all of which he has filled in a very satisfactory manner. He was always active in assisting every good enterprise, but his means were not decreased thereby for he became the owner of a good farm of 200 acres, which farm is as well improved as any place in the county. He was an energetic, pushing man of business, and his prosperity was well merited. His children are as follows: Clara, who was born April 13, 1862; John C., was born March 26, 1864, is married to Alice Bechter, a daughter of Henry Bechter and they have one boy, Ernest, who was born February 7, 1891 (John attended the district schools and grew up on the old home farm, assisting his father in the work of the farm and after his marriage lived for two years on the farm of Henry Bechtel. He is a Democrat politically, is a public-spirited young man, and is now engaged in general farming and stock raising); Emma is the next in order of birth, was married in 1866, and is the wife of David Bechtel; Louis, whose birth came next, is living in Goshen, working in the hardware store of that place (he is married to Miss Norah Swartz, a daughter of a prominent citizen of the county, and in politics is a Democrat); Harley was born November 28, 1871, has assumed part of the management of the home farm, is a well informed young man, and politically is a Democrat; Josephine, was born in 1873; Ada; Catherine; Sadie, who died in 1880, and Lula . The father and mother were lifelong members of the Lutheran Church. were worthy, honest and upright people who endeavored to live correct lives and, judging by the high respect in which they were held and by the numerous friends they gathered about them, evidently did so.

H. B. APP. Among the most noted and representative business men of the flourishing city of Bristol, Ind., stands the name of H. B. App, whose high reputation and material prosperity came as the reward of unusual natural abilities, industriously applied. He is now a prominent merchant of that city, has a good share of patronage and support, and as he is a gentleman of keen business ability, and keeps none but the best of goods, his trade has increased in a very flattering manner. He is a native of the Keystone State, born in Snyder county April 26, 1852, and is a son of John H. and Sarah A. (Bassler) App, both natives of Snyder county, Penn. This family is of German descent and its members were early pioneers of Snyder county. The father of our subject was a farmer by occupation, and continued to till the soil in his native State until 1861, when be came to Indiana, locating one and a half miles west of Bristol, where he purchased a farm on which be lived for a number of years. The mother passed away in 1874 and the father followed her to the grave in 1888. They were the parents of two sons, H. B. and D. W., the latter station agent at Quincy, Mich. H. B. App was but nine years of age when he came with his parents to this county, and his educational advantages were received in the public schools. He grew to manhood on the home place and continued to assist his father in tilling the soil until 1883, when he began clerking for W. R. Merritt, with whom he continued until 1890. At that time he embarked in merchandising for himself and now has one of the best stocked general stores in Bristol. He carries a general line of all kinds of merchandise and is a man of excellent business qualifications and good habits. He was president of the board of health for one term, and for one term was town trustee. He selected his life companion in the person of Miss Sarah Rough, and their marriage was celebrated in 1875. This union resulted in the birth of two sons and a daughter: Fred H., Earl B. and Jessie M. In his political affiliations Mr. App is a Democrat and takes a great interest in his party, being one of the leaders of the same in his community. He is the present chancellor commander of the Knights of Pythias Lodge at Bristol, and is as generous a friend and genial companion as one could wish to meet.

HARVEY W. KANTZ, township trustee, attorney at law and insurance agent of Bristol, Ind., was born in Snyder county, Penn., October 31, 1863, and is a son of Simon B. and Sarah (Wetzel) Kantz, natives of the same county in Pennsylvania and of German ancestry. Our subject's maternal grandfather, Henry Wetzel, was a relative of Daniel Boone's companion, Lewis Wetzel, who was a noted Indian fighter during pioneer days. The grandfathers on both sides were farmers, but were also mechanics and gunsmiths. Simon R Kantz followed agricultural pursuits as his chosen calling and died May 1, 1872, having passed his entire life in his native county. His widow is still living and resides at Freeburg, Snyder Co., Penn. Two sons and six daughters were born to this worthy couple, six of whom are now living. The fourth in order of birth of this family, Harvey W. Kantz, was reared in his native county and there received the principal part of his education, graduating from Freeburg Academy in the fall of 1882 with first honors. He had made up his mind to come west after graduating, and this he accordingly did, arriving in Danville, Ind., in the fall of that year. After attending the Indiana Normal School for a short time he came to Bristol and the following spring went to Valparaiso, Ind., where he attended school, taking one course. Returning to Bristol he taught three terms of school in that vicinity, but during intervals attended the Indiana State University, located at Bloomington. In 1886 he went to Florida and located at Bartow, where he was engaged in teaching school. After spending nearly two years in the sunny South he returned to Bristol, thence to Goshen, where he studied law with Wilson & David and was admitted to the bar. He subsequently located at Bristol and has practiced his profession here since. He taught two terms of school on returning to Bristol, but the principal part of his time and attention is given to his profession. He has been successful in his practice and has achieved prominence and distinction as a member of the bar. He was elected township trustee in April, 1890, and has been city treasurer for one term. On the 5th of March, 1884, he married Miss Laura B. Mitchell, by whom he has one daughter, Ruth V. Socially he is a member of the I. O. O. F. and K. of P. Mr. Kantz is a rising young man, who bids fair to make his way in the world and is classed among the best citizens of Elkhart county.

ISAAC N. ALVERSON. No better class of citizens came to the United States than those who emigrated from bonny Scotland, and who brought, as their inheritance from Highland ancestors, the traits of character and life which have ever distinguished that race. The Alversons came originally from Scotland and were early settlers of York State. The paternal grandfather, William Alverson, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and during his younger days was a merchant in Utica, N. Y. He built the second log cabin in that city and there made his home until his death. He was a very prominent man. His son, William, was born in the Empire State and cultivated the soil there until 1836, when he came to Indiana and located in what is now Bristol. He came by way of the Erie Canal and lakes to Detroit, and from there to Bristol by wagon. Purchasing a farm near the town he began clearing it of the heavy timber with which it was covered and erected a cheap board house, in which he and his family lived until they could make better improvements. He crossed the plains to California in 1849, and was interested in mining for four years. Then returning to Indiana he made his home in Elkhart county until his death, in 1878. He was married in his native State to Miss Ellen Brace, who survived him until 1880. To them were given seven children, six living, as follows: Chloe, wife of Homer Adams; Isaac M.; Cornelia, widow of S. B. Romaine; Benjamin; Lewis and Theodore. Mrs. Alverson was of German descent and the daughter of Benjamin Brace, who followed the occupation of an agriculturist and owned a farm four miles from Utica, N. Y., on which one of his daughters resides at the present time . Our subject was born in Utica, N. Y., January 2, 1825, and when about eleven years of age came with his parents to Elkhart county, and received such edu¬cation as the schools of that day afforded. He was obliged to work hard to clear up the new farm, and schooling was not considered an absolute necessity in those days. He remained under the paternal roof uutil1850 and then, with a company, he crossed the plains to California, being six months on the road. This company was composed of men of courage and determination, and fear never entered their minds, although a company behind them was massacred by the Indians, none escaping except one boy. Mr. Alverson spent twenty-one years in the Western States and Territories and was in all except Alaska. He mined for three years, but the balance of his time was devoted to the saw-mill and stock business. He experienced many hardships, for the country was very wild and the Indians savage and treacherous, and his partner, George Fairbanks, was killed by the Indians in Idaho while prospecting. Mr. Alverson also had two men who were working for him killed, and had many narrow escapes himself. In the fall of 1871 he returned to Bristol a wiser man and full of experience, and it all seems like a dream to him. On his return here he engaged in his present business and has continued the same ever since. He is a good, law-abiding citizen and has many warm friends. He has accumulated considerable property and is in easy circumstances. Charitable and liberal to all, the poor and afflicted are never sent empty-handed from his door. Mr. Alverson was married in 1872 to Miss Catherine Fulk, by whom he has four children: Irene, Matie, Carl and Benjamin. In politics Mr. Alverson is an ardent supporter of Democratic principles.

MARTIN I. McDONALD is the third child of the old pioneer citizen, John I. McDonald, of whom mention is made in this work Martin was born in Clark county, Ohio, on April 2, 1855, but since his third year he has been a resident of Elkhart county, Ind., and has always warmly identified himself with the interests of this section. He obtained his education in the district schools of Southwest and Harrison township, and his early career was not materially different from the most of farmers' boys, for as soon as old enough various farm duties were assigned him. In this manner he became thoroughly familiar with the work, and at the age of twenty-three years he started out to do for himself, and being an industrious, honest and self-reliant young man, he was successful in accumulating means. He followed threshing for a number of years in addition to tilling the soil, and in this manner obtained a good start in life, sufficiently so to warrant him taking a wife, which he did in 1888, Miss Sarah E. Bechtel, a daughter of Daniel Bechtel, becoming the partner of his joys and sorrows. Since their marriage they have lived on the old Bechtel homestead, which they own and which they are putting in good repair. This is one of the oldest farms in the county and has been the home of the Bechtel family for many years. Mr. McDonald is an honor to the ca1ling which he represents, and is a living illustration of what may be accomplished by a young man who is determined to surmount the difficulties which strew the pathway of all live business men. He is interested in the raising of stock and grain and owing to the earnest attention which he gives to each he is successful in each branch. His judgment has led him to support the Republican party on all occasions and he has proven himself a public-spirited, wide-awake young man, alive to his own and his county's interests. He is of the stuff of which sterling citizens are made and he and his wife have a large circle of friends and acquaintances. They have one child, Noah. Mrs. McDonald was the seventh child born to her parents, was born on September 20, 1858, and was reared on the old horse farm of her father, Daniel Bechtel, which is her home at the present time.

EUGENE ATKINS. When a grain of wheat is cut across the middle and examined under a glass, the central parts are found to be composed of a white substance; if the grain is dry this interior readily becomes a pearly powder. Near the outside of the kernel the texture is more compact, and at the surface it becomes horny. This added firmness is produced by the increasing quantity of gluten, as the analysis advances from center to circumference. Understanding the structure of the grain, it has been the object of the miller to separate the various parts so as to get different grades of flour. It is the gluten which gives flour its strongest property, and it is in the nice separation of this constituent that the roller process excels. As one of the finest examples of the application of this process and machinery generally to the manufacture of fine flour, the Bristol Roller Mills of Bristol, Ind., command detailed mention. This extensive enterprise is conducted by E. Atkins, M. Stover and A. Stamp, and is equipped with all the modern machinery, roller process, and a fifty horse-power engine. Mr. Atkins superintended the building of this mill in 1890, and at first it was a small frame structure. This year additions have been made as their business has increased so much as to make this necessary. Mr. Atkins is a practical miller, and was reared in the business. He was born in Ontario, in 1868, and his parents, George and Alice (Milroy) Atkins, were natives of Canada. They removed to Clare, Mich., in 1869, and there the father carried on a sash and blind factory, grocery, saw-mill and lumber-yard. He carried on quite an extensive business, and died at Clare. His widow is still living, and makes her home in this city. Eugene Atkins was educated at Clare, Mich., in the public schools, and at an early age he learned milling and the millwright trade with Nordyke, Marmon & Co., of Indianapolis, the largest milling firm in the world. He subsequently became superintendent for this firm and built mills for them in over half the States of the Union, some being very large ones. He was second foreman in the erection of some of the largest mills in the world. He remained with this company for eight years, commanded a large salary, and then thinking with his experience that he could do better if engaged in the business for himself, he planned the Bristol Roller Mills, and has since been actively engaged in this occupation. This firm manufactures 100 barrels of flour per day. He took in two partners and they do nearly all their own work, except running the engine. Mr. Atkins is out on the road a portion of the time, and Mr. Stover is salesman, on the road, some of the time. On May 3, 1891, he was married to Miss Azia Stover, of Elkhart. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., is a very enterprising young man, and is sure to succeed in life.

JOHN HAY, who, for a number of years, has lived in Harrison township, Elkhart Co., Ind., was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, December 25, 1829, being the eldest of a family of seven children reared by Michael and Christina (Crull) Hay, the former of whom was born in Bedford county, Penn., in 1806, his parents being Valentine and Esther (Martin) Hay. Valentine Hay was a Pennsylvanian by birth, whose father, Michael Hay, was a Hessian, and came to this country from Germany during the Revolutionary war. He was a worthy founder of the family in this country and reared four children, of whom Valentine, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was one. Michael Hay was a tiller of the soil and he and his wife died in Pennsylvania. Valentine attained manhood in the State of his birth, learned the mill wright's trade in his youth, which he afterward followed in connection with farming. He was married in the Keystone State, and eight children were the result of his union, their names being as follows: John, who died in St. Joseph county, Ind.; Michael; Mary, who was the wife of Noah Anderson, an early pioneer of Elkhart county; Barbara, who was the wife of Jonas Miller, of Elkhart county, and after his death became the wife of Samuel Fryman, of Harrison township, both being deceased at the present time; Joseph, who died in Ohio; Hettie, who is the wife of Mr. Fryman, and is a resident of Ohio; Abraham, who is living in Ohio, Montgomery county; Isaac, who died in Montgomery county, Ohio. The father and mother lived and died in that county and State, also having for many years been members of the German Baptist Church. The father passed from life in 1853, and the mother in 1863, at which time they were in good circumstances. Michael, the father of the subject of this biography, was educated and reared in Pennsylvania, and as he was reared to the duties of farm life, it was but natural that he should make that his chief occupation after starting out in life for himself. After his removal to Ohio, with his parents, he married in that State, in 1828, and immediately thereafter settled in the woods of Montgomery county, on which he and his wife lived and died. They were members of the German Baptist Church, in which the father was an active worker. He was industrious, prudent and economical, and with the valuable assistance of his worthy wife, he succeeded in accumulating a good property. He was a pronounced Jacksonian Democrat in his political views, but later an espouser of the martyr President, Abraham Lincoln. He died in August, 1879, and his widow, in 1889, six of the seven children born to them surviving: John, the immediate subject of this sketch; Hattie, who is living near the old home in Montgomery county, is the wife of Samuel Erbaugh; Masolma is the wife of Noah King, and lives in Missouri; Joseph was, for many years, a resident of Elkhart county, Ind., died in 1890, and his widow and family are still living on the old homestead; Michael resides on the old home farm in Montgomery county, Ohio; Abraham also resides there, and Mary A. married George Arbaugh and lives in the vicinity of the old home in Ohio. All these sons are members of the German Baptist Church, and are prominent in the sections in which they reside. The early life of the subject of this sketch was spent in Montgomery county, Ohio, and as he early commenced assisting his father in the duties of the farm, he received but limited school advantages. Knowing the advantage of a good education, he attended school after he was grown, and in this manner acquired a practical education. He remained at home until about twenty-four years of age, then was united in marriage with Miss Rachel, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Priser) Heistand, the former of whom was born in Maryland, in 1788, and died in 1853, at the age of sixty-five years. He was a farmer and school teacher by occupation, in politics was a Whig, and prior to his death had prophesied the war of the Rebellion, but was strongly opposed to it. He was a man of superior knowledge, was a practical business man, and accumulated a good property. In every respect he was a gentleman of the old school. He was one of the early pioneers of Ohio, and was married in Montgomery county, of that State, where he lived for a number of years. In 1853 he sold his property there and while en route for Madison, Wis., with his family, died at the home of a brother-in-law in Ohio. His wife died in 1839, the mother of six children: Benjamin, who died in 1877, lived in Shelbyville, and died in Florida, a man of family and an ex-soldier of the Rebellion; Jesse died in 1880, in Crawford county, Ill., leaving a family; Hiram was a man of family and died in Madison, Wis., in 1870, having also been a soldier of the Civil war; Rachel, the wife of Mr. Hay; Anna is the wife of Joseph Owines, and lives in Ohio; and Mary, who is married to J. Herring, is a resident of the Hoosier State. Mrs. Hay was only six years old when her mother died, but in Montgomery county, Ohio, she grew to maturity and married. She and her husband have long been members of the German Baptist Church, and since 1856 have been residents of Elkhart county, Ind. They bought 160 acres of woodland, besides which they now own a farm of ninety acres in Baugo township, on which one of his sons is living. He has always been active in political matters, at all times supports the principles of the Republican party, and has always been exceedingly public spirited. He is interested in all enterprises tending to improve the county, and especially the immediate section in which he resides. He experienced the hardships of life on a pioneer woodland farm and devoted many a hard day's labor to clearing it and getting it in good farming condition. He had some means, in which respect he was more fortunate than many of the early pioneers of the section, but he has always been prudent in his expenditures and never run in debt. In 1860 he built the large brick house in which he is now living, which was, in all probability, one of the first erected in the county. His farm is finely improved in every way, his fences are kept up, his buildings in good repair, and every nook and cranny of fields and fences are in admirable condition. His children are as follows: Abraham, born September 8, 1854, is a farmer of Baugo township, was married to Ellen Cline, and is the father of two children - Leroy and James; Michael was born October 29, 1860, is assisting his father on the home place, and is a Republican in politics; John was born August 12, 1863, and died November 26,1863; Amasa P. was born September 4, 1864:, and is also at home; Mary M. was born November 4, 1868, and died February 2, 1869; Christina was born October 7, 1870, is the wife of Daliem Kurtz, of Harrison township; Joseph, born July 25, 1874, is attending school; and Ida, born December 7, 1876, is also attending school. Mr. Hay and his family rank among the prominent people of the county, and this reputation has been acquired not through their means, but through their public spirit, fair dealing and earnest Christian purpose.

L. B. ROOD is a member of a prominent family of Elkhart county, to which section he came from Ohio in 1865, although his birth occurred in Bedford, Mass. His parents, Aaron and Phily (Carter) Rood, the former being a member of a family that took root on American soil at a very early day. Aaron with his family removed to Ohio, and there he and his wife eventually passed from life, both being quite aged. They reared four children: Aaron, Alpha, Lauren B., William and Elizabeth. Lauren B. Rood, the subject of this sketch, was married in Ohio to Susanna Golder, daughter of John and Mary Golder, Pennsylvania people who early removed to Ohio, where they reared four children: Garrett, Jackson, Devereau and Susanna. After his marriage Mr. Rood farmed in Ohio until 1865, and since that time has followed the same occupation north of Goshen, where he also manufactured the first tile ever made in the county and himself manufactured the first machine for that purpose. To himself and wife four children were born: John, who is a farmer of Jefferson township; Nelson, who is a farmer and a brick and tile manufacturer four miles west of Goshen; Elizabeth, and Wilson H., who is a farmer and is associated with his brother in the manufacture of brick and tile, also township trustee. Mr. and Mrs. Rood have reared a family of honest, industrious children, who are good citizens and well to do in worldly goods. Nelson Rood was born in Mercer county, Ohio, in 1848, April 18, and was a son of L. B. and Susanna (Golder) Rood, being the second of their four children: John, who is a farmer residing east of Goshen; Nelson L.; Chester, who died at the age of eight years; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Eli McQuate, and Wilson H., married to Cora Bemenderfer December 1,1887, one child Winnie B., born August 5, 1888, who is a resident and trustee of Harrison township. Nelson W. Rood was a resident of Mercer county, Ohio, until he was about nineteen years old, and in the district school of that county he obtained a good practical education, and after coming to Elkhart county he attended a select school of Goshen for some time. At the age of twenty-one years he began teaching and for three years was a successful pedagogue in the district schools of Elkhart county, since which time he has given his attention to farming and the manufacture of brick and tile, embarking in the latter enterprise at about the age of twenty-two years, using a small hand machine, and remained thus associated with his father for four years. After his marriage he removed to Olive township, on the Jacob Shann farm, where he followed tile and brick making for four years alone, then associated with him his brother Wilson. In 1882 they sold their farm to Aaron Shannand bought the farm, now owned by John Stutsman, consisting of 122 acres. They have been very successful in their line of work and the output of their establishment is large and consequently paying. Their plant is valued at about $10,000 and is the result of a great deal of hard labor. The clay on this place is of a very superior quality and is well suited to the manufacture of crocks. They employ six or seven men during the tile season and find a ready sale for their product. Mr. Rood is one of the most public spirited of men, and politically is a Republican. He has always been interested in affairs of his section and makes it a point to keep well posted on the current topics of the day. He is a member of the Evangelical Church, in which he is treasurer and secretary and has always shown much interest in Sunday-school work. November 26, 1874. he was married to Hutoka Blue, daughter of Abner Blue. Mrs. Rood was born two miles north of Goshen on the old homestead of the Blue family . She is one of the following children: Louise, who is living in Nebraska, is the wife of John E. Adams; James L. is a farmer of Adams county, Neb.; Hutoka (Mrs. Rood), and May. Mrs. Rood was born February 21, 1853, and has borne her husband two children: Hallet E., born November 25, 1877, and Carlos, born January 10, 1886. They have an adopted daughter, Maud (Willy) Rood, who is now sixteen years of age. They are among the prominent young people of Harrison township and well and favorably known. Mr. Rood is a young man of superior business qualifications and is highly regarded in business circles.

EPHRAIM MUSSER, a well known citizen of Elkhart county, is a product of Wayne county, Ohio, where he was born on the 1st day of February, 1836, the elder of two children born to Isaac and Fannie (Shirk) Musser, a short notice of whom is given in the sketch of Joseph Musser. Ephraim was reared in his native county, and in the district schools of the neighborhood he obtained a good common-school education. When sixteen years of age he came to Indiana with his parents, by wagon, and assisted in putting the home farm, which was a woodland tract, in a good state of cultivation and in improving it in various ways. He remained with his parents unti11864, having married, in 1857, Mary Martin, who was born in Canada, November 4, 1836, a daughter of Joseph and Susanna (Wenger) Martin, who were Pennsylvania people also, but who took up their residence in Canada in early days. The father died in the Dominion but the mother came west and died in Michigan when quite advanced in years. They were the parents of six children: Daniel, Mary, Anna, Simon, Zimmerman and Susanna, of whom Zimmerman and Daniel are deceased. Mrs. Musser is the only one of the family residing in Indiana, the other members being residents of Michigan and Ohio. In 1865 Mr. Musser removed from the old home farm to the farm where he now lives, which had been partly improved, and here the knowledge which he had gained in clearing up the old home farm was of practical use to him and greatly assisted him in his efforts to improve and make habitable his place. Of the 160 acres which he owns over 100 acres are cleared, and as it is well located it is not only a desirable place of residence but is also valuable. The farm is substantially fenced and has excellent farm buildings, all in good repair. He has a fine orchard near his residence, surrounding which, for protection during the winter, is a fine natural grove. He has been at great pains to improve his place and his efforts in this direction have been well rewarded, for he has one of the neatest, prettiest and best kept farms in the county. He has devoted much of his attention to stock raising, has been an exceptionally successful farmer and deserves his success, for he has been industrious, faithful to his interests and honorable in all his methods. He enjoys a wide circle of friends, is deservedly popular with all classes, and in politics has always been connected with the Republican party, the principles of which he upholds at all times. He is decidedly public spirited, is interested in schools and churches and has done his full share in improving his section of the country. He and his wife have reared three children: Susanna, who was born May 31, 1865; Amanda, who was born December 29, 1868, is the wife of Noah Whisler, son of John H. Whisler, but in 1892 she was left a widow and is now at home with her parents; Enos, was born on the 22d of October, 1875, is at home and assists on the farm. Mr. Musser is one of the influential citizens of his section. Owing to his earnest efforts he is now in good circumstances. During the winter months he operates a feed-mill one day in each week, it being run by steam. Mrs. Musser came to this section with an uncle, Jonas Wenger, who resided for a time in Harrison township, this county, but eventually went back to Canada.

JOSEPH MUSSER, the youngest child of Isaac and Fannie (Shirk) Musser (see sketch in another part of this book), was born in Wayne county, Ohio, February 3, 1839, and until he attained his thirteenth year that county continued to be his home. He then came to Elkhart county, Ind., with his parents, and well remembers the long and tiresome journey thither. They "pitched their tent" on the identical farm on which Joseph is now living, and at once set to work to improve the farm which they had purchased; and not only succeeded in putting it in a good agricultural condition, but greatly added to its value by the erection of substantial buildings suitable for a farm, and by the building of good fences. The knowledge of books acquired by Joseph Musser was such as was afforded by the country schools of Ohio and Indiana, but he was an intelligent youth, made fair use of his opportunities, and became a well-informed young man, capable of caring for others as well as himself, which he proceeded to do in 1861 by marrying Leah, the daughter of B. H. Curtis (see sketch of C. K. Curtis). Leah Curtis was born on May 27, 1844, in Canada, and was a child when her parents came to Elkhart county in 1857. She was chiefly reared in Olive township, and after her marriage she and Mr. Musser located on the old Musser homestead, which has been their home up to the present Joseph Musser is the owner of 100 acres of well-improved land, the most of which is cleared and under cultivation, and is well improved with neat farm buildings. Mr. Musser is a thrifty tiller of the soil, and is one of the substantial citizens of his township and as such, is considered by all who know him. In the past he has taken an active interest in political affairs; is a stanch Republican. He assists with his means and influence all worthy enterprises, churches and schools especial1y receiving his patronage. He is a prominent member of the Mennonite Church, to which his wife also belonged and in that faith they have reared their two children: Julia A., born July 20, 1862, became the wife of Ishmael Weaver, by whom she had three children - two boys and one girl - both of whom died; she is now the wife of Daniel Horst, and is living on a farm in Harrison township, the mother of one child, Clarence, who was born on April 5,1891; and Fannie, who was born September 13, 1865, is the wife of Isaac S. Good, of Harrison township, by whom she has two children, Elsie, born July 25, 1886, and Milo, born June 6,1890. Joseph Musser's grandparents were John and Mary (Martin) Musser. His father was born in Lancaster county, Penn., May 29, 1812; was married in Juniata county, and in 1835 removed to Wayne county, Ohio, where he tilled the soil until his removal to this county and State in 1852. The farm on which they settled was cleared to some extent, and a log house was built thereon; and although they were compelled to work very hard for some time they were comfortable. The mother was a daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Shelby) Shirk, natives of Pennsylvania, the former of Lancaster county and the latter of Bucks county. Joseph Shirk's father was Michael Shirk, and his wife was a daughter of John and Margaret Shelby, the maiden name of the latter being Yelous. Mrs. Fannie Musser was born in Pennsylvania July 28, 1815, and at about the age of twenty she was married and moved to Ohio by wagon, the journey thither occupying seven or eight days. In that State the father died in May, 1864. His widow is now seventy-seven years of age, enjoys comparatively good health, and is in possession of all her mental faculties.

DR. REUBEN L. LOCKWOOD. This eminent physician and worthy citizen springs from one of the earliest pioneer families of Elkhart county, for his father, Seylon Lockwood, came to this region in 1830 with his father, Samuel Lockwood, and made a. settlement in Locke township prior to its organization. Seylon Lockwood was married to Frances Molebash, and by her became the father of six children, the eldest of whom was the subject of this sketch. The next was Elizabeth E., who became the wife of Samuel Stratton, of Elkhart; William F. is unmarried, and is attending the H. P. Medical College of Chicago; John W. is unmarried, and is a resident of Michigan; Lucy A., died in 1891, at the age of nineteen years; and A., who lives with the parents in Madison township, St. Joseph Co., Ind. Dr. Reuben L. Lockwood was born in Locke township, Elkhart county, December 23, 1858, and on the old Lockwood homestead he was brought up, obtained a practical knowledge of agricultural pursuits, and learned lessons which have largely assisted in bringing about his present success. During the winter months he found time to attend the district schools in the vicinity of his rural home, but he was quick to grasp at new ideas, and made fair progress in his studies. He remained at home until he attained the age of twenty-one years, when he began working at the carpenter's trade, and followed this calling for four years. At the end of this time he began learning telegraphy in an office of the Chicago & West Michigan Railroad, after which he went to Kansas, and remained a resident of the Sunflower State for about one year. Returning to his old home in Indiana, he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. H. A. Miman, now of Elkhart, but then of Nappanee, and after a year thus spent he entered the H. P. College of Cleveland, Ohio, which he attended from 1886 to 1888, graduating in the latter year. He at once opened an office at Wakarusa, and since that time has built up a paying practice, for the people soon came to recognize the fact that he is well posted in his profession, that he was skillful, and that he was a faithful and conscientious practitioner. His reputation has gone abroad, and among his medical brethren he is often consulted, and highly valued. From the onerous and laborious duties of his profession, he has found time to interest himself in public matters, and ranks among the foremost in supporting measures which are designed to benefit the county. He has always been a Democrat in politics, as were his father and grandfather before him, and his services to his party were recognized in 1892 by his election to the position of county commissioner. His practice extends allover Elkhart and St. Joseph counties, and is especially large in the township where he was born and reared. He has been more than ordinarily successful in the treatment of rheumatism, but is an excellent and reliable all around physician, of which fact the public is thoroughly aware. He is unmarried.

JOHN SCHWIN was born April 16, 1827, in Canton Berne, Switzerland, and although but five years of age when he came with his parents to America can well remember the appearance of the low house, with its steep, tiled roof, in which his father lived, the journey along the road to the Schaffhousen, and an immense oak tree, twenty-seven feet in circumference. The family took passage at Havre, France, in a sailing vessel, and landed in New York, the voyage occupying about thirty-six days. They took the route to the West via Albany & Erie Canal and Lake Erie from Buffalo to Cleveland. They first settled on land in Wayne county, Ohio, remained one year, and then moved to another farm in the same county, on which they resided for some time. After several removals Jacob Schwin bought a small farm in Wayne county and died on it January 13, 1854, when sixty-five years of age. His son, John Schwin (our subject), received but little education, and at an early age was obliged to assist with the farm work. His father was a poor man and a stranger in a strange land, with no trade or profession. Although both himself and wife were strong and healthy they had a severe struggle to bring up their large family of eleven children, and the boys were put out to work at the early age of ten years with a farmer in Wayne county, Ohio. John Schwin worked for different farmers until grown, and received his limited scholastic training in the country schools of his day. The people with whom he lived were Amish and kindhearted, but did not believe in much book-learning and preferred to teach him to work. He was married in Wayne county, Ohio, to Miss Mary A. Speicher, daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Yergin) Speicher. Mr. Speicher was born in Pennsylvania and was of German descent. He was the father of ten children by two wives - five by each union. The children born to the first marriage were named as follows: Mary A., Frances, David, Catherine and Eliza. After the death of this wife Mr. Speicher married Miss Elizabeth Weiler, who bore him five children: Harriet, Rebecca, Rosannah, William and Emily. Mr. Speicher is still living, resides in Wayne county, Ohio, and is eighty-five years of age. He and wife are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, of which he was deacon for many years. In 1855, when twenty-eight years of age, Mr. Schwin came to Elkhart county, Ind., and settled one and a half miles south of Goshen, where he resided three and a half years. In 1858 he went to Iowa, settled in Blackhawk county, but one year later returned to Elkhart county and bought fifty-two acres of land, where he now resides. This land had no improvements and Mr. Schwin went actively to work to clear and develop his farm. Many years of hard work followed, and as he had nothing to start with it may naturally be supposed that his road was anything but an easy one to travel. Although he met with many reverses and much to discourage him he never gave up and is now the owner of 168 acres of excellent land-one of the best farms in the county. It is all cleared and improved and is ornamented by a fine residence, an excellent barn and substantial outbuildings. Everything about the place indicates to the beholder that an experienced and progressive hand is at the helm. His marriage has been blessed by the birth of eight children: Leo F., Emma L., John E., May A., Clement R., Ida M., Payson E. (who married Kate Boyd) and Anna B. (died January J, 1878, aged nine years, eleven months and eighteen days). Leo. F. married Miss Ella Brown. He is connected with Arbuckle, Ryan & Co., of Toledo, Ohio, and is their collector. Emma L. married Joseph F. Nusbaum, a druggist of Middlebury, and is the mother of two children. John E. is a carpenter at Ft. Scott, Kan.; he married Miss Frances Mead. May A. married Rev. F. P. Blakemore, a Methodist preacher of Butler, Mo., and they have three children. Clement R. married Miss Grace Hosteter, has one child and is tilling the soil on the home place, and Ida M. married De Alton Rheubottom, editor of the Middlebury Independent, and they have two children. Mr. and Mrs. Schwin are active members of the Lutheran Church and he bas been deacon for twenty-five years. A Republican in politics, Mr. Schwin has held the office of assessor for four years and is a man in whom the people repose the utmost confidence. He has settled many estates and is widely known. His mother was a woman of a superior order of intellect, her standards all high, her influence always elevating. Her highest ambition was a mother's - to instill the principles of truth and justice into the mind of her children and to make each a worthy and useful member of society. To her Mr. Schwin believes he owes his integrity of character and much of his success. She had a wonderful constitution, and although she endured many hardships in rearing her large family she reached the unusual age of eighty-three years five months and two days, dying July 17, 1877. She was a devout member of the Albright Church, and her memory is still revered. Payson E. Schwin, one of the sons of John Schwin, is a graduate of a veterinary college at Toronto, Canada, and stood highest in a class of 300 students, receiving a gold medal for his proficiency - the first ever awarded to any other than a Canadian. He is now practicing his profession with success at Elkhart, Ind. Jacob Schwin, the father of our subject, was a soldier in Napoleon Bonaparte's army, was in the Russian campaign, and was at the burning of Moscow, and was captured by the Russians.

Deb Murray