”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

THEODORE LORIG
Since 1864 a resident of LaPorte, is among the city's most enterprising and substantial inhabitants. He was born in Germany, March 10, 1840, and came to America when a young man. During the first three years of his residence in LaPorte he was employed as a cooper in the mill now used by Lorig & Weber as a flouring mill. Later on he ran a grocery in Milwaukee for one year. In 1868 he went to Spring Grove, Ill., and purchased a flouring mill, which he ran two years and then returned to LaPorte, and together with Martin Weber, bought the Little Kankakee mill. After running this nmll for ten years the firm purchased the LaPorte Roller mills, which they have since conducted. Mr. Lorig has taken a deep interest in the advancement of LaPorle and subscribed for stock in the various companies organized within the past few years to promote LaPorte. He is a director of the First National bank. Mr. Lorig has been honored by various offices, having served three years as waterworks commissioner, being endorsed by both Democrats and Republicans, and was a member of the board of education for three years, serving as treasurer the first two years and president the last year. Mrs. Lorig was formerly Miss Mary Weber, sister of Mr. Lorig's partner. They have three children, living, and reside at 1306 Michigan avenue.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

MARTIN WEBER,
Who is engaged with Theodore Lorig in the milling business, was born in Buffalo, N. Y., June 7, 1851, his parents being John and Margaret Weber. He received his education in the public schools of Williamsville, N. Y., and LaPorte, Ind. He embarked in the milling business with Mr. Lorig in 1876, the firm buying the Little Kankakee mills, four miles west of LaPorte. In 1880 they purchased the LaPorte Roller mills, which they still continue to operate with much success. Mr. Weber has taken a great interest in the growth and development of LaPorte, and is always foremost in any project that is for the advancement of the city. He is a stockholder in the various companies organized within the past few years for the securing of new factories and the platting of new additions, and he has devoted much time to that cause. He was a member of the common council for two years, and also served as a member of the city board of education for six years. He is an enthusiastic automobilist and is one of the active stockholders of The Automobile Company of this city. He was married in 1883 to Miss Amelia C. Hirsch, and they have four children. The family lives at 806 Maple avenue. Mr. Weber is a member of the LaPorte lodge of Elks.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

JOHN WOLF
There is probably no better known young business man in LaPorte than John Wolf, until recently landlord of the Teegarden hotel, but now largely interested in The Automobile Company and the General Chandelier Company, two of LaPorte's newest and most promising industries. He was born in LaPorte Feb. 21, 1868, his parents being Peter and Margaret Wolf, natives of Bavaria, who came to this country many years ago. Peter Wolf learned the baker's trade in Germany and when he came to America he settled in Buffalo, N. Y., but landed in LaPorte on New Year's day, 1861. Soon afterward the Wolf bakery was established and it has been in constant and successful operation since. The subject of this sketch received his education in the parochial school of St. Joseph's parish and in the LaPorte high school. He possessed early in life the qualities that go to make up the successful man and at the age of 21 he was made a partner in his father's business, which then consisted of a grocery store in addition to the bakery. The firm then consisted of Peter Wolf & Sons, the latter being Peter, Martin and John. In 1896 John added the bicycle business as a side line and the results were exceedingly gratifying. During the winter he engaged in another successful venture by refitting Lay's hall and renting it for entertainments and dances, as well as giving plays there. In 1900 he secured the Teegarden hotel of Nicholas Sellers. The venture surpassed expectations in its success, for in May, this year, when Mr. Wolf disposed of the hotel to Mrs. C. H. Michael he had established a reputation for himself and the hotel among the traveling public that was second to none . Mr. Wolf was married June 24, 1896, to Miss Marie Rumely, daughter of Meinrad Rumely, the philantrophist and manufacturer, who recently passed away. Mrs. Wolf is a graduate of St. Rose's Academy. They have two children, Edmund M. and Louise T. Mr. Wolf is president of the county council, having been elected on the Democratic ticket in the fall of 1902. Mr. Wolf's time is now taken up in his new ventures, in which he has associated with him prominent and successful business men.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

RALPH O. DORLAND,
Secretary and treasurer of the LaPorte Telephone Company, is one of the rising young men of LaPorte. He is a native of this city, having been born here Nov. 28, 1872, being a son of George C. and Rosetta Closser Dorland. After completing a course in the LaPorte public schools and graduating from the high school with the class of ‘91 he entered Purdue University and after a four years' course, during which time he made a specialty of electrical engineering, he received his diploma. In April, 1896, he became connected with the LaPorte Telephone Company and has been with it ever since, with the exception of five months in 1900, when he was employed in the telephone factory of the Sterling Electric Company at Lafayette, Ind. When Mr. Dorland became interested in the LaPorte Company it had about 100 telephones in use; today the company has more than 600, with lines to all parts of the county, in addition to long distance connection with all parts of the United States. At the time that Mr. Dorland became connected with the company it was using the Strowger automatic system, the first exchange of the kind in the world being the one in LaPorte, but in 1898 this was discontinued and the manual board installed to improve the service. In 1902 the office was moved to its present location, the Savings bank building, the lines were rebuilt and a new switchboard installed. All of these changes were largely made under the direction of Mr. Dorland, who is the electrician of the company. Reared in a Republican family, Mr. Dorland is imbued with its principles and is an enthusiastic member of the party. He was married Feb. 20, 1901, at Lafayette, to Miss Wonnley, and they reside at 902 Tyler street. He is a prominent member of the First Baptist church.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

DR. GEO. M. DAKIN
When, in 1862, Dr. A. Teegarden, a pioneer physician of this city, desired to confide his large practice to a younger man he selected Mr. George McManis Dakin, then located at Tonica, Ill., for the purpose, and forty-odd years of successful experience since then have amply justified the selection. Dr. Dakin, who was born in Clinton county, Ohio, May 13, 1827, and brought up in the hard work of a farm, passed through the public schools by his own energy and industry and earned his way through Wilmington Seminary and Waynesville Academy, both in Ohio, finishing at the Eclectic Medical Institute in Cincinnati. He first settled at Princeton, Ill., in April, 1853, and then at Tonica in August, 1856, whence he removed to this city. Sept. 13, 1852, at Oakland, his birthplace, he wedded Martha W. Allen, a native of the same county, by whom four children were born ; of these Norman G. and Alfred M. Dakin are living. The doctor's parents were Perry and Phebe M. Dakin. He resides at 1540 Michigan avenue and has his office at 801 on the same beautiful thoroughfare. Dr. Dakin has been a Republican from the birth of the party and affiliated with the Free Soil party prior to that time. His first vote, in 1848, was cast for Van Buren and Charles Francis Adams ; his second, in 1852, for John P. Hale and George W. Julian, and his third, four years later, for Fremont and Dayton. Since then he has regularly voted for the Republican candidates. Between 1841 and 1853, when he removed from the line, he was an active and sympathetic conductor on the famous underground railway from southern slavery to northern freedom. The doctor has been an influential member of the LaPorte Library and Natural History Association from its inception in 1864. He assisted in organizing the First Unitarian Society of the city, and is a Mason of many years' standing, belonging to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery. He became a member of the Scottish Rite and had his membership in the "Valley of Indianapolis." Dr. Dakin is a veteran member of the Indiana Eclectic Medical Association.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

DR. E. L. ANNIS. Future students of the history of LaPorte will find the name of Dr. Eber L. Annis beginning to appear during the fifth decade of the past century as that of a leading medical practitioner, and they may be puzzled to find the name among the lists of candidates for coroner at dates nearly half a century apart. He who was defeated for that office in 1852 is gone, and his nephew, the subject of this paragraph, was elected not many years ago and served most acceptably to his party, the Democrats, and to the people at large. The present Dr. Annis was born May 19, 1860, in LaPorte and received his education in the local schools, supplemented by a thorough professional course at Rush Medical College, Chicago, where he graduated in 1881. He has been in the practice in his native city since graduation and has achieved great success in his work. He is unmarried and occupies the large brick residence in ample grounds at the edge of the city. Here he has for many years been accustomed to take patients requiring special treatment and close attention, and has given them all the advantages of modern hospital methods together with the comforts and conveniences of a delightful home "where town and country meet." The doctor has his downtown office in the postoffice block. Except the term as coroner mentioned above he has occupied no elective office, but his high attainments have been recognized in many appointments with which he has been favored. He has served on the county and city boards of health, being chosen as secretary of each and also as secretary of the local United States pension examining board with which he has been identified for the past 16 years. He was selected by the Lake Erie and Western Railway Company as its local surgeon after the death of Dr. L. C. Rose, the former surgeon, and many of the leading life insurance companies rely upon his examinations. He holds membership in such learned societies as the American Medical Association, the Indiana State Medical Society, the LaPorte County Medical Society, the Medico-Legal Society of New York, the National Association of U. S. Pension Examining Surgeons and the International Association of Railroad Surgeons.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

DR. ORLANDO L. SUTHERLAND
Is one of the most successful practitioners in LaPorte county. He was born December 16, 1859, at Rolling Prairie, this county, being a son of Carlton O. and Phoebe (Martin) Sutherland. After receiving a common school education in the township schools he became a teacher and taught, for several years, in the common schools of the county, afterward attending the Northern Indiana Normal school at Valparaiso from which place he graduated in the scientific course in 1885. He was appointed principal of the Westville high school the following year, leaving there to become the principal of the Three Oaks high school. Concluding that the medical field offered better opportunities for advancement he entered Michigan University at Ann Arbor, from which he graduated in the medical department. After receiving his diploma he spent a year as interne at the hospital there and then came to LaPorte. This was in 1892. He began the practice of medicine with an office in the Guggenhime & Wile building, but soon became a partner of Dr. S. C. Whiting, one of the leading physicians in the county, who soon afterward passed away. Dr. Sutherland's practice has continued to grow and today he has a most enviable reputation as a physician and surgeon. His talents have been frequently recognized, having several terms been the secretary of the county board of health, which position he now holds. He is also a member of the city board of health. He served two terms in the city council. On July 8, 1886, he was united in marriage to Miss Lily Goit, and they live in a handsome residence at 807 Jefferson avenue, where the doctor also has his office. He is a member of the Maccabee, Foresters and Woodmen of America lodges. Dr. Sutherland affiliates with the Democratic party and is an attendant at the First Methodist Episcopal church.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

DR. AUGUSTUS ALFRED FAHNESTOCK,
One of the best known physicians and surgeons in Northern Indiana, was born Aug. 25, 1833, at Fredrick, Maryland, his parents being Alfred Fahnestock and Eleanor Strider Fahnestock. He received his education at Lancaster, Ohio, after which he practiced medicine in Ohio and Indiana, having for 40 years devoted himself to the duties of his profession. For many years he served as a member of the city board of health. Until the death of his brother, Dr. C. S. Fahnestock, he was associated with him in practice, but since then he has conducted an office at 808 Indiana avenue, his residence being at the same place. Dr. Fahnestock located in LaPorte in 1880. In December, 1854, he married Susan Amanda Wood, at Syracuse, N. Y., and they have three children, Grace, Charles and Catherine Fahnestock. He is affiliated with the Episcopal church, having for several years been a member of the board of vestrymen.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

F. T. WILCOX, M. D.
Franklin T. Wilcox, son of E. A. and Caroline Mathis Wilcox, born at Minonk, Ill., August 8, 1866, opened his office in LaPorte Sept. 18, 1890, and has enjoyed a continuous success in the practice of medicine. Not yet forty years of age he is in the full vigor of manhood, mentally and physically, and his calling list and office record bear witness that his time is regularly occupied with patients. He did not undertake the duties of his profession without careful preparation, for he won the degrees of Bachelor of Science and Master of Science at the Illinois Wesleyan University and the degree of Doctor of Medicine after an exacting course of study and practical work at Rush Medical College, Chicago. After a valuable hospital experience he practiced one year at Minonk, his birthplace, before coming to LaPorte. He was married Oct. 4, 1892, to Miss Helen Annette Byers, the ceremony taking place at her then home in Terre Haute. They have two children, Edward Bycrs Wilcox and Robert Franklin Wilcox. Their home is at 901 Indiana avenue. The doctor has been secretary of the county health board and a member of the city board. He is on the rolls of several learned societies, among them the LaPorte County Medical, the Indiana State Medical and the American Medical and he has been honored by several leading life insurance companies in the way of appointments. He is affiliated with the LaPorte lodge of Elks, votes the Republican ticket and is a trustee of the First Methodist Episcopal church. In 1898 Dr. Wilcox was the Republican nominee for mayor and although not elected he reduced the normal Democratic majority several hundred votes.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

DR. J. H. WM. MEYER,
For more than 30 years a prominent citizen and physician of this city, was born in Buer, Hanover, Germany, July 1, 1853. He was educated in the schools of that country, receiving a thorough training in the general branches and devoting special attention to those studies which would prepare him for the profession which he expected to enter. Upon his arrival in this country and his location in LaPorte he secured a position as clerk and then entered the office of Dr. Tompkins Higday. After a course of reading he entered Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which he graduated in 1876. As a result of a competitive examination, he was appointed house physician and surgeon of the Cook County Hospital, a position which he held for 18 months. He was thus afforded unusually good opportunities for perfecting both his theoretical and practical knowledge of medicine. The year of his graduation from Rush, he passed a special examination and received a diploma from the Illinois Charitable Eye and Ear Infirmary, a noted institution. He also went abroad and pursued a special course of study in Berlin. Upon his return from Germany Dr. Meyer took up the practice of his profession in this city. For ten years he devoted himself to the duties of a medical practitioner with the ardor of an enthusiast and the care and conscientiousness of one who fully realizes the important responsibilities resting upon him. In 1886 he made another trip to Europe, where he remained an entire year, nine months of which was spent in Heidelberg, where he was intimately associated with Professor Czerny the renowned surgeon, as special assistant, and also pursued a course of study under Prof. Becker, equally famous as an eye specialist. From Heidelberg he went to Vienna, where he devoted three months more to a study of the diseases of the eye and ear under Professor Keonigstein. Returning to the United States he resumed his practice. During the past 15 years he has made two brief trips to Europe. In all departments of practice he ranks as one of the most skillful physicians and surgeons in the state. Dr. Meyer was married in 1876 to Miss Eva M. Warren, a niece of Dr. Higday, and they have five children, who have inherited the brilliancy of mind of their father. The marked abilities of Dr. Meyer have brought recognition in many ways. He has been a member of the county board of pension examiners, served four years as a member of the city board of education and this year was honored by the Republican party by the nomination for mayor. He is the Lake Shore surgeon at this place, has been president of the LaPorte County Medical Society, was a charter member of the LaPorte lodge of Elks and is a prominent member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

DR. F. A. McGREW
Dr. Frederick Abner McGrew was born in Jones county, Iowa, Oct. 11, 1866. His parents are Dr. Abner McGrew and Virginia Elgin McGrew, both living. He received his early education in the public school of his native city, graduating from the High school in 1884. He graduated from Lenox College, at Hopkinton, Iowa, in 1888, receiving the A. E. degree. He was Lenox orator at the Iowa state contest in 1887, and president of the Iowa state Oratorical Association in 1888. After two years in public school work, he entered Rush Medical College from which he graduated in 1893. He was the valedictorian of his class. In competitive examination he was appointed interne at Cook County Hospital, considered the chief hospital prize among Chicago medical students. After 18 months of service he was appointed head physician at the Cook County Insane Hospital at Dunning, Illinois. He resigned this position in January, 1896, and was immediately appointed surgeon upon the staff of the Cook County Hospital, from which he had gone as interne only 18 months before. He subsequently accepted an attractive offer from the Alma Sanitarium, at Alma, Michigan. For a considerable period the entire responsibility of management of the institution fell upon him. He proved himself an able executive. The management changing, he bought into a practice in Western Illinois, and left that field in 1901 with the record of never having had a death following a large number of major operations. He and his wife toured Europe in 1901, spending several weeks in Heidelburg, Germany, where the doctor engaged in post-graduate study at the surgical clinics of Prof. Cyerny. They returned to LaPorte in October, 1901, where they already had many friends, this having been the life-long home of Mrs. McGrew before her marriage. She was Miss Lily Rose Watson granddaughter of Colonel Gilbert Hathaway, of the 73rd Indiana volunteers. They were married Oct. 18, 1899. Doctor McGrew is a member of the LaPorte County Medical Society and its Secretary; of the Kankakee Valley District Medical Society, and Vice President of it; of the Indiana State Medical Association and of the American Medical Association, he has been a frequent contributor of scientific articles to the medical magazines. His education and experience, continued with enthusiasm and aptitude, have given him a high rank in his profession. Especially has he become known as one of the most careful, conscientious and successful surgeons in Northern Indiana. He operates at the Holy Family Hospital. The arduous duties of an exacting practice have not prevented him from taking an active interest in civic affairs. He was elected councilman by the people of the Third ward May 3, 1904, to serve two years. He is a member of Excelsior Lodge No. 41, F. and A. M., and by religious affiliations a Presbyterian.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

ALFRED H. PEGLOW,
The efficient and courteous teller at the First National Bank is a young man, who has spent all of his days in LaPorte. He was a son of Henry C. and Julia D. Peglow and was born Dec. 5, 1874, in this city. After receiving his education in the LaPorte public schools he entered the State bank in 1890, remaining there until May 1, 1893, when he accepted a position as bookkeeper with the LaPorte Gas & Coke Company. Sept. 1, 1894, he became deputy city treasurer under August Peterson, retaining that position, which he filled with credit, until Sept. 1, 1898, when he entered the First National bank as a bookkeeper. Jan 1, 1902, he was promoted to the position of teller, a very responsible one but one which he is well qualified to fill. Mr. Peglow is also the secretary of the LaPorte Mutual Loan and Savings Company, one of the flourishing institutions of the city. Mr. Peglow has had a musical education and has sung in the choirs of the principal churches of the city. He was married Nov. 5, 1898, in this city, to Miss Hattie Agnes Maurer and they have one child, Orville Adair Peglow. Mr. Peglow is a member of G. H. Terpany tent, No. 25, K. O. T. M., and of LaPorte lodge, No. 112, Knights of Pythias. He is one of the pushers among the young Republicans and during the campaigns is always a member of the glee club and male quartette. Religiously Mr. Peglow is a Methodist. His home is at 103 Warwick street.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

LOUIS DECKER,
Senior member of the firm of Decker Bros., hardware dealers, was born in Cincinnati, O., June 14, 1861, being a son of Fred and Dora Decker. He received the rudiments of an education in the public schools of Cincinnati and then upon the removal of the family to LaPorte he entered St. John's Lutheran school and was graduated and then took a course in the LaPorte public schools. He learned the tinner's trade, being very apt and industrious, and on July 1st, 1889, he became associated with his brother in the hardware business. The establishment is one of the leading ones in the county. Mr. Decker is a progressive citizen and is much thought of. He served one term as a member of the county council, his work in that body meeting with the approval of the community. He was married in 1884 to Miss Mary Ulrich of this city and they have five children. The family resides at 1325 Second street. In 1893 Decker Bros. commenced the manufacture of metal cornices and sheet metal work, being the first to engage in this line in LaPorte and today is the only one. Mr. Decker is a member of St. John's Lutheran church.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

DAVID PIERCE BENNETHUM
The name of Bennethum in connection with the painting of a house or the decorating of the interior is a guarantee that it is first class and up to date. As long as D. P. Bennethum has been in business in LaPorte he has been on the crest wave of prosperity and his work has had the stamp of approval. He was born at Womelsdorf, Pa., Oct. 23, 1852, his parents being David and Christina Bennethum. His education was received in the public schools of Womelsdorf and Bernville, Pa., after which he went to Reading, Pa., where he learned the painter's trade. Eight years later he located in Peru, Ind., where he continued at his trade, until 1882, when he removed to LaPorte. On Jan. 21, 1892, he formed a partnership with Henry Hildebrand under the firm name of Bennethum & Hildebrand, the store now occupied at 619 Main street by Mr. Bennethum being opened. Seven years later Mr. Bennethum purchased the interest of his partner and since that time has possessed the business alone, being assisted in its management by his sons. He was married Aug. 5, 1872, at Reading, Pa., to Miss Emma Elizabeth Feeg, and they are the parents of eight children, Fred Irwin, Earl McClellan, Nevin Pierce, Harry Alpheus, Guy Harold, Olive Blanche, Herbert Feeg and Ruth Miriam Bennethum. One daughter, Rebecca Christian, die at the age of 3-1/2 years while the family resided at Peru. Mr. Bennethum has always been an active member of the secret orders to which he belongs and has done much to promote their interests. He is a member of LaPorte lodge, No. 36, I. O. O. F., Union Encampment, No. 23, Canton LaPorte, No. 10, Patriarch Militant, G. H. Terpany tent, No. 25, K. 0. T. M., and LaPorte lodge, No. 125, Ben Hurs. Mr. Bennethum has no strong political leanings, believing that those who are best fitted for the positions to which they aspire should be supported. He is a member of the First Presbyterian church and resides with his family at 901 Rose street.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

JOHN H. DECKER,
Who is associated with his brother, Louis Decker, in the hardware business, their place of business being at 908 Main street, was born in Cincinnati, O., June 19, 1865, and came to LaPorte with his parents in 1870. His education was received in St. John's Lutheran school, after which he learned the tinner's trade. In 1899 the firm of Decker Bros., hardware dealers, was formed and since has steadily increased in volume of business until today it is considered one of the leading ones in the county. Mr. Decker was married at St. Paul, Minn., to Miss Lena Joesting, and they have three children. They have a very pleasant home at 315 E street. Mr. Decker is a communicant at St. John's Lutheran church.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

JOHN W. RIDGWAY
Though his locks have been whitened by Father Time and his walk is not as elastic as it once was, there are but few men in Indiana who have rounded out four score years that can claim to being as active in business, and that are able to point with pride to such a strenuous life as he has led during part of his existence, as John W. Ridgway, one of LaPorte's most respected citizens and one of the pioneers of the county. In spite of the 80 years that hang over him, Mr. Ridgway attends to all his own business affairs, which is no small labor, when it is taken into account that his interests are diversified and need constant and careful attention. On March 24, 1824, at Tuckerton, Burlington county, New Jersey, John W. Ridgway first saw the light of day. His parents were James and Naomi Ridgway, whose ancestors originally came from England. When John was still a lad the family came west and located in LaPorte county. This was in 1837, when LaPorte was but a small town and much of the country hereabouts was a wilderness. The Indians roamed the country, while the settlers had much to contend with. Young Ridgway worked on a farm in Scipio township, after attending the country schools and having absorbed the rudiments of an education. He was industrious and thrifty. In '49 with a company of LaPorte men he migrated to California, where gold had just been discovered and where he remained four years, during most of which time he was engaged in the mercantile business with varying success. The trip to Sacramento was made overland with mules, it requiring six months to make the trying journey. Of the 30 who matle the trip from here there are but a few besides Mr. Ridgway left in the land of the living. Some time after his return to LaPorte, Mr. Ridgway took up commercial life and has been in business ever since in various locations, at present owning a crockery store at 703 Main street. He employs a manager to conduct the store, his time being taken up in looking after more than 1,000 acres of farming land which he owns in LaPorte county, and the many residences and the several business blocks which he has in the city, in addition to his interests in various corporations. He is one of the stockholders and a director in the First National bank and has large mining interests in Colorado. He has always shown a marked interest in the advancement of LaPorte and has in no little way contributed toward its progress, being one of the prime movers in the LaPorte Investment Company and the LaPorte Improvement Company, which have had much to do with the securing of additional factories for LaPorte and the removal to this city of hundreds of new families. A man of quiet habits, always looking on the bright side of matters and possessed of that conservatism which succeeds, Mr. Ridgway commands the respect of all who know him. A recent act of his displays to some extent his readiness to be a factor in the onward movement for a Greater LaPorte. When the business men found themselves balked by their inability to obtain houses for the many new employes that were ready to move into the city, Mr. Ridgway came into the breech and offered to erect a sufficient number of houses to in a measure help relieve the strain. The citizens were delighted and today these houses in the east end of town are nearing completion, being models of neatness and convenience.

Mr. Ridgway was married in 1856 to Malinda Hunt, who passed away in March of this year. She was a woman of much ability, a true helpmate and an earnest worker in church and temperance circles, having achieved state prominence in the Friends church and in the W. C. T. U. Mr. Ridgway also is a member of the Friends church, has done much for it, and has taken a decided interest in the work of reclaiming the victims of strong drink.

Every day, if in town, will find John W. Ridgway at his desk in his store or out looking after his properties. As the years roll by the locks will continue to grow whiter and the step less firm, but never will he falter in the discharge of his duty, so long as there is life within him.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

AUSTIN CUTLER
A profession, which to successfully follow requires the exercise of faculties not found in the ordinary individual, is that of the mortician. The reputation which Austin Cutler has established, during his years of successful experience in LaPorte, is based on these qualifications, which arc reflected in a patronage keenly appreciative of the proprieties and studied attention so characteristic of his efforts. Mr. Cutler was born on a farm, three miles from the city of LaPorte. His parents were Alonzo and Sarah Cutler, pioneers of the county and among its most esteemed citizens of the early days. He was educated in the public schools of LaPorte, studied at Hillsdale College and the University of Michigan and took a special course at Oberlin College in Ohio. During the Civil War he enlisted in the Union army and rendered valiant service. Upon his return to LaPorte he engaged in the retail business and for a number of years was a grocer. When he prepared himself for the duties of an embalmer and funeral director and opened an establishment, his success was instantaneous. He was married in 1881 at Fort Wayne, this state, to Caroline E. Lasselle and they have one son, Frank Lasselle Cutler. Mr. Cutler stands high in the orders with which he is affiliated, in several having passed through all the chairs. He is a member of the Masonic order, K. O. T. M., the LaPorte lodge of Elks, Maple City court of Ben Hur, LaPorte lodge of the Knights of Pythias and Patton Post, No. 147, G. A. R. No branch of business is more essential to the living than that which takes care of the dead. The art or science of embalming a body after death so that it will keep for weeks or even months is, in a measure, a revival of one of the lost arts. Mr. Cutler has kept pace with the great advances made in the modern methods of embalming, and having graduated from Clark's school of embalming, of which his wife is also a graduate, he is eminently well qualified for the profession to which he is devoting his life work. As funeral directors Mr. Cutler and his son show tact, resourcefulness and marked executive ability - qualities so necessary to giving commendable service. The residence and office are located at 802 Michigan avenue, where is maintained an establishment as finely and completely equipped as may be found in any city of the size in the country.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

CHARLES STRUSS. Charles Struss, of 502 C street, is a mason and contractor, doing cement construction work in all lines and dealing in lime, cement and patent plaster. He built the large Main street church, which was severely tested by fire during the past winter and was scarcely damaged, the Charles A. Simon building, the Schumm store, the Rumely building on Main street, the High school, the Elston school at Michigan City, the High school at Lacrosse, the handsome new Scott residence, two residences for William A. Martin on Indiana avenue, several additions to L. D. Webber's residence, and others too numerous to recall. Mr. Struss was born at Liendorf, Germany, Dec. 24, 1859, and was there educated and inducted into the mysteries of the mason's trade by four years of labor. He came to LaPorte May 1, 1878. In 1886 he and Henry Daniel formed a partnership in contracting which was broken by the death of Mr. Daniel in 1888, since which time Mr. Struss has conducted the business alone. He is married and has three children, all living at home. He is serving his third term as alderman for the Fifth ward, having been nominated by the Democrats and elected by a large majority.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

FRANK J. KING
Born in LaPorte Dec. 22, 1867, educated in the public schools of the city, married to a home girl, and a representative of his ward, the Fifth, in the common council, Frank J. King is a true LaPortean in every sense. In 1889, when just past his majority, he found himself the owner of a team, earned by himself, and started in the business of contracting for excavations. His indomitable energy has placed him among the foremost men in his line in this section of the state. The first contract he undertook on his own account was the excavation of five cellars for the Lonn block on Main street and he has followed that up with many large and difficult jobs. In 1892 he began work on the new court house, for which he dug the basement and hauled all the building material during the two years the building was under construction, and he performed the same service for the new High School building. He has done most of the hauling for the street improvements in the city, hauled the pipe for the LaPorte Water Supply Company, graded the line for the Northern Traction Company, now deccased, hauled the ties and rails for the Chicago and South Shore line, put in the sideing for the Planett Manufacturing Company, and since 1895 sprinkled the city streets. He employs 40 to 50 men and 15 to 20 teams. Mr. King is a Mason, Maccabee and Elk and resides at 506 H street.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

J. T. BAUER
The subject of this sketch was born in LaPorte February 7, 1861, his residence here having been continuous from that period. He was married in 1884 to Miss Clara L. Miller, and they are the parents of four children, three daughters and one son. The family occupy a pleasant home at 310 East Jefferson avenue. Mr. Bauer, while not seeking political preferment, was made the candidate of the Democratic party for alderman of the Fourth ward in 1902, and was elected by one of the largest majorities ever given a candidate in the ward. His stewardship was such that he was renominated and elected in 1904, with a majority in excess of that given him at the previous election. He is chairman of several important committees, and gives painstaking and zealous effort to the promotion of city business. Fraternally Mr. Bauer is associated with the Knights of the Maccabees, which he has served as commander, and with the Ben Hur. His early life was passed on a farm, continuing in that avocation until 1886, when he came to LaPorte. He was engaged with the milling firm of Lorig & Weher for fourteen years, and is now connected in a responsible capacity with the Columbia bakery. He is a substantial citizen because he is distinctively self-made, and in the varied walks of life he has always enjoyed the respect and confidence of the community to which he has given the impress of good citizenship.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

WILLIAM C. WEIR
The profession of a funeral director is a line distinctly separate from every other business and requires a knowledge on the part of the embalmer closely resembling the medical profession, demanding a devotion to it such as other specialties give to the development of the highest skill which they elect to pursue. Thus the advancement of science in this age has achieved a great triumph. Such a man is William C. Weir, one of the best known men in LaPorte and one who has been extremely successful in his work. He was born March 14, 1841, at Manchester, Mich., his parents being John and Hannah Weir. His education was secured in the public school of Manchester and LaPorte, being one of the graduates of the "Old High School." He afterward graduated from the State Normal school of Michigan. During the civil war he served in Co. E, Seventeenth Michigan, and Co. C, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Indiana, rising from a private to a first lieutenant. After the war Mr. Weir was interested in the furniture business in LaPorte until 1883, when he became a funeral director, in which profession he has steadily advanced and today there is no more up-to-date mortician in Indiana than he, nor is there an establishment in the state that is more complete or better equipped than the one at the corner of Madison street and Jefferson avenue. Associated in business with Mr. Weir is John Sievert, also an expert in the line. The methods of embalming employed by the firm as those which science has demonstrated are the best and preserve the body in its natural state for ages.

On Dec. 31, 1869, Mr. Weir was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Gregory, who passed away Sept. 27, 1881. He was again married Oct. 18, 1882, the bride being Emily B. Bearup. Mr. Weir has five children, W. H. Weir, Mrs. Ruth Chipman and Misses Maud, Bernice and Helen Weir. The oldest daughter, Laura, was born in 1872, and died Nov. 1, 1899. The late Senator M. H. Weir was a brother. Mr. Weir is prominent in G. A. R., I. O . O. F. and Ben Hur circles. He is an ardent Republican and served five years in the council as a representative of the Second ward. He is president of the LaPorte Water Supply Company and a gauger in the internal revenue department, being an appointee of President McKinley and continued in office by President Roosevelt. Mr. Weir is active in church work, being a member of the First Baptist church.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

MAJOR BALERA J. AURAND,
Who last spring had the distinction of being elected alderman by the Republicans in the Second ward, which is strongly Democratic, is one of the picturesque figures in LaPorte. Of magnificent physique and soldierly bearing, he attracts attention wherever he goes. He was born on a farm in Crawford county, Ohio, and after receiving a common school education he attended the Heidelberg Business College at Tiffin, that state. He afterward learned the carriage trimming trade at Mansfield, O., the home of Senator John Sherman, whom he knew well. When the civil war broke out Mr. Aurand enlisted in the First Ohio cavalry and served through the entire bloody strife, his valiant conduct on the field earning him a promotion to the position of major. He was once seriously wounded in the neck but recovered. After the war Major Aurand returned to Mansfield and in 1871 was nominated by the Republicans for mayor, and though the town was normally Democratic by from 700 to 800 he was defeated by only 26, SO great being his popularity. He came to LaPorte with his wife in 1891 and has resided here ever since. He is a vocalist of considerable ability and has been a member of several of the church choirs of the city. He is a prominent member of Patton post, No. 137, G. A. R., and at present has the honor of being the commander. He is also an active member of the Masonic, Maccabee and Ben Hur orders. His wife was formerly Miss Elizabeth S. Hurd. They were married Feb. 20, 1860, at Mt. Gilead, Ohio. They have one daughter, Mrs. Carrie E. Kaber. Major Aurand and wife reside at 1212 West Main street.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

JOHN W. LEROY, Who is one of the representatives of the Second ward in the common council, is a native of New York state, having been born in Rochester, Oct. 10, 1862. He was educated in the public schools of that city and then learned the milling trade, being in that business in his native city for ten years. He came to LaPorte in 1888 and has since been a resident of this city, for the past 16 years having served faithfully and with much credit as superintendent of the J Street mill, one of the best flouring mills in Northern Indiana. So great is his popularity that in the spring of 1904 his friends demanded his nomination for alderman in the Second ward, in which he lives. He gave his consent and was readily nominated and just as easily elected. He was married in 1896 to Miss Hilma Lindgren of this city. Mr. LeRoy is a member of the Masonic, Elk and Maccabee orders. He resides with his wife at 1614 Main street.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876

HERMAN R. MILLER,
Trustee of Center township, is one of the best known German-American citizens of LaPorte. He was born in Germany, July 30, 1847, being a son of Frederick and Dorothy Miller. His early education was received in the public schools of Germany and after his arrival in LaPorte, at the age of 18, he took a course in the LaPorte Business College. For 21 years he was engaged in the conducting of a meat market, a venture that proved very successful, and during the following ten years he owned a hardware store, which prospered most satisfactorily. He then spent four years in the agricultural business, but four years ago he was elected on the Democratic ticket trustee of Center township, an office which he has filled with utmost satisfaction to all, having administered the affairs in an economical manner. Mr. Miller was married the first time Sept. 16, 1877, to Rose N. Steigely and following her death was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Mary L. Teuscher on Nov. 8, 1883. He has three children, Fred H. Miller, a civil engineer, Miss Laura L. Miller and Walter T. Miller. Mr. Miller stands high in Odd Fellows and Masonic circles, being a member of LaPorte lodge, No. 36, I. O. O. F., Union encampment, No. 23, Canton LaPorte, No. 10, Patriarch Militant and the various Masonic bodies. As a member of St. Paul’s Evangelical church, Mr. Miller has been highly honored being the president of the organization. Mr. Miller and family have a pretty home at 216 E street.

”History of LaPorte County, Indiana, and its Townships, Towns and Cities”
Jasper Packard
published by S. E. Taylor & Co., LaPorte, IN 1876