La Porte County IN

Biography of Thomas Smith

Thomas Smith, born in Oxfordshire, England, in 1823, emigrated to the U.S. in 1830, eventually settling in Indiana. In 1847, he journeyed westward as a teamster, facing numerous challenges typical of pioneer life. He settled in the Willamette Valley, engaging in various labor, including rail-splitting, before establishing a ferry near Winchester. Smith became a prominent local figure, serving as a county commissioner and later as county judge. His marriage to Arethusa E. Lynn produced twelve children, contributing to his legacy in Douglas County.

Biographical Sketch of William Nicholas Hailmann

William Nicholas Hailmann, born in Glaris, Switzerland, in 1836, was a prominent educator and author. He received education in Zurich and attended Medical College in Louisville. Hailmann held various educational roles, including teaching in Louisville High Schools and directing several academies in Louisville, Milwaukee, and Detroit. He served as superintendent in La Porte, Indiana, and for Indian schools nationally, and later held professorships in psychology and history of education. Hailmann authored numerous works on pedagogy between 1866 and 1903.

Biography of Robert Paris Harrison

Robert Paris Harrison, born on June 6, 1867, in Oakwood, Illinois, was a prominent figure in Muskogee, where he served as city manager. After a career in journalism, including roles at various newspapers and a significant tenure as the clerk of the United States district court, he shifted to public administration in 1920. Harrison contributed to civic life through directorship in local banks and involvement in community projects, including Honor Heights Memorial Park. He was also actively engaged in the arts and served in several civic organizations during World War I.

Biography of Bert Edward Nussbaum

Bert Edward Nussbaum, born on February 16, 1875, in La Porte, Indiana, is a distinguished lawyer in Muskogee, Oklahoma. After studying at the University of Notre Dame and the University of Michigan, he began his legal career in 1896. Nussbaum moved to Muskogee in 1907, where he achieved a solid reputation for his legal expertise and dedication to high professional standards. He is active in the Muskogee Law Library and various social organizations, and he enjoys golf in his leisure time.

Nichols, A. W. – Obituary

A.W. Nichols, a respected former citizen of Union, passed away on August 16, 1913, due to complications from appendicitis. He was born on August 29, 1870, in La Porte, Indiana, and was 42 years old at his death. Nichols is survived by his wife, two children, his parents, two brothers, and a sister. His passing is mourned by the community, which recognizes him as a progressive and public-spirited individual dedicated to supporting local causes.

Biographical Sketch of J. D. Cassell

J. D. Cassell, born in 1827 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, initially worked on a farm before moving westward in 1854. He spent brief periods as a student and in merchant tailoring before teaching in New Carlisle and Rolling Prairie, where he also served as Postmaster for eight years. In 1874, Cassell settled in Mattoon and opened Cassells Restaurant. He experienced personal loss twice through marriage, first to Elizabeth France and later to Nancy J. Bolster, and had four children: Annie, Lydia, Mary, and Benjamin.

Biography of J. W. McCarty

J.W. McCarty, born in 1833 in Indiana, moved west in 1852, arriving in Puget Sound with his brothers the following year. He improved a farm in the Puyallup Valley and achieved notable success as a hop-grower. After serving in ranger duty during Indian conflicts, McCarty returned to cultivate his land. He married Ruth J. Kincaid in 1855, who passed away in 1881. McCarty later remarried in 1883 and resides in Tacoma, Washington, enjoying a comfortable lifestyle supported by his property.