St. Joseph County IN

Slave Narrative of Alex & Elizabeth Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Alex Smith, an elderly couple residing in South Bend, Indiana, were former slaves from Kentucky. At eighty-three, they recount their experiences on the Stubblefield plantations during their childhood. While Mrs. Smith worked in domestic roles, Mr. Smith faced hunger and hardship. They vividly remember their emancipation and the mixed emotions it stirred among the slaves. Married for sixty-four years, they now live modestly, relying on a small government pension while tending a vegetable garden. Their living conditions reflect resilience amid challenges.

Biography of Green B. Smith

Green B. Smith, born September 10, 1820, in West Virginia, became a prominent pioneer of Western Oregon. He journeyed across the plains in 1845 with a wagon train to settle in the Willamette Valley after facing significant challenges, including a lost route and severe scarcity of resources. A successful farmer and stock-raiser in Benton County, Smith was known for his intelligence, public spirit, and generous support of local initiatives. He died on May 7, 1886, leaving a lasting legacy as a model citizen and pioneer.

Biography of Homer G. Patterson

Homer G. Patterson, born on October 4, 1862, in Indiana, is a prominent dentist and legislator in Idaho, representing Blaine County. With a strong background in both the practice and business of dentistry, he has built a successful career in Hailey. Educated under Dr. J. B. Hatton and Dr. Wise, he opened his own practice in Bellevue before moving to Hailey in 1896. A family man, he and his wife, Nettie, have five children. Patterson has also engaged in mining and served on the state dental board, contributing to Idaho’s legislative processes.

Biographical Sketch of Vernon H. Burke

Vernon H. Burke, born on December 22, 1865, in Saybrook, Ohio, was a prominent attorney and politician. Educated at Canisius College and the University of Notre Dame, he held multiple degrees and served as a Cuyahoga County senator from 1896 to 1900. Burke was active in the Republican Party and held various leadership roles in both legal and business sectors. He married Matilda B. Hahn in 1892 and had one son, all while enjoying pursuits such as motoring, hunting, and fishing.

Biographical Sketch of Reverend Thomas C. Right O’Reilly

Reverend Thomas C. Right O’Reilly, born on February 22, 1873, in Cleveland, served as chancellor of the Diocese of Cleveland and pastor of St. John’s Cathedral. He was educated at various institutions, including St. Mary’s Seminary and the American College in Rome, where he earned a doctorate. Ordained in 1898, he held several roles within the church, including professor and treasurer at St. Mary’s Seminary. O’Reilly initiated spiritual retreats for men through the Knights of Columbus, significantly impacting community engagement.

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.

Biography of William H. Smith

William H. Smith, born in 1846 in Warren County, Ohio, moved to Kansas in 1869 and became a prominent figure in Chanute, where he served as president of the Old Settlers Association. He had a diverse career, transitioning from livestock and livery businesses to farming, and ultimately engaging in retail. Active in local politics, a Democrat, and involved in various fraternal organizations, Smith was a respected community leader. Married in 1877, he raised two children and owned significant property in the area, emphasizing industriousness and civic responsibility throughout his life.

Biography of H. J. Huiskamp

H. J. Huiskamp, born on October 19, 1873, in Keokuk, Iowa, has played a pivotal role in the success of the Buffalo Brick Company in Buffalo, Kansas, serving as its general manager and secretary. Under his leadership, the company became the largest of its kind in Kansas, with a capacity of 100,000 bricks daily. Huiskamp, an independent voter and active community member, has a diverse background, including work in manufacturing, finance, and mining, before joining the brick industry in 1905. He remains unmarried and is involved in various civic organizations.

Schricker, Richard Alex – Obituary

Richard Alex Schricker, 65, of Baker City and formerly of La Grande, passed away on August 11 in Phoenix, Arizona. Born on March 7, 1943, in South Bend, Indiana, he served four years in the U.S. Navy and 16 years in the National Guard. Richard retired in 2003 from the U.S. Forest Service. He was married to Leslie Perrigo until her passing in 2007. Services are scheduled for August 20 at the Agape Christian Center, with a graveside service at Hillcrest East Cemetery later that day.

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 Hon. William McEniry

William McEniry, born on May 9, 1860, in Rock Island County, Illinois, is a distinguished lawyer and civic leader. Educated at the University of Notre Dame and the University of Michigan, he quickly established a successful law practice in Rock Island. A prominent Democratic figure, McEniry served as city attorney and was later elected to the Illinois State Legislature, where he championed numerous bills. Committed to public service, he advocated for community projects, balancing professional success with a devoted family life.

Biography of Matthew J. McEniry

Matthew J. McEniry, born on a farm in Zuma Township, is a distinguished attorney and prominent figure in Moline’s legal and political landscape. Educated at the University of Notre Dame and the University of Michigan, he partnered with his brother William to form a successful law firm. Active in politics, he held various positions, including postmaster of Moline. A committed Democrat, he championed community development, notably advocating for local infrastructure improvements. His contributions to civic organizations and public service reflect a lifelong dedication to his hometown’s advancement and well-being.

Biographical Sketch of Parsons Gleason

Parsons Gleason, born in 1799 in Vermont, is a distinguished pioneer. He moved to Western New York at age six and later journeyed to Indiana, where he spent time with missionaries among the Osage Indians. After returning to Indiana, he married and formed a close bond with W.H. Harrison. In 1851, he migrated to Oregon, settling in Clackamas County at a location initially known as Hard Scrabble. Now at the age of ninety, he has led a long and honorable life.