Submitted by: Dan Rich
Feb. 11, 1824 – June 2, 1893
South Bend Tribune
Saturday, June 10, 1893
After months of poor health, and almost a week confined to his
bed, Adolphus Eberhart, of Mishawaka, passed away this
morning at 12:25 o'clock at his home in that place. For a long
time he had been afflicted with something resembling paralysis, a
number of attacks leaving him in a weak and nearly prostrate
condition. May 27th he was confined to his bed and while rallying
at occasional intervals grew gradually weaker until relief came
in death.
Adolphus Eberhart was born February 4, 1824, in New York state.
His parents were Frederick and Elizabeth Eberhart, natives of
Pennsylvania. The former's father came to America about 1776 and
was the son of John Adam Eberhart, duke of Alsace. Frederick
Eberhart was a glass-blower as was his father and all of his
uncles who lived to a very old age. The family tree which has
been traced to 1225 shows that all were long-lived, energetic men
and women. The grandmother of deceased died at 99 after having
lived for 90 days without food or drink, having lost all desire
to eat or live longer in this world.
In 1836 Adolphus Eberhart came to St. Joseph county with his
parents, brothers and sisters. They settled on a farm about three
miles northeast of Mishawaka afterwards moving to town. Mr.
Eberhart learned the wagon-maker's trade with Wood & Case and
some years after became associated with the late George Milburn
in making wagons on a government contract during the Utah war.
This partnership was dissolved and Mr. Eberhart then became
interested in the Ripple mills, of Mishawaka, in which he held an
interest at his death. Later in life in connection with Mr. M. V.
Beiger, of that place, he invented an all wool knit boot and a
company was organized now having one of the largest plants in
that place in which the deceased had a large interest. In early
life he thought seriously of becoming a physician but the removal
from Mishawaka of a Dr. Crawford with whom he was to have
studied frustrated his plans.
On April 25, 1847, he married Miss Sarah A. Boyd,
of Lynchburg, Va., daughter of James Boyd, who then resided in
Mishawaka, and was a boat builder on the St. Joseph river, being
known as Admiral Boyd. To them were born six children, James C.,
Frederick G. and Everett G., reside in Mishawaka; Mrs. Flora Grimes
lives in Lincoln, Neb.; Mrs. George Wells died at the age
of 29 and William Eberhart at seven years.
Besides a wife and children Mr. Eberhart leaves Jacob, John,
Charles, Robert and Frederick, living in or near Mishawaka; Mrs.
Ella Cook of Penn township, and Mrs. George Bryson,
living near Elkhart, brothers and sisters.
Mr. Eberhart built the home in which he died 32 years ago. He was
a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Mishawaka, and an
earnest worker, having helped build the church. Politically, he
was a vigorous republican, one of the organizers of the party in
Penn township, but never held any office except that of president
of the town board of trustees. He was an honest, upright man
liked and respected by all, a man whom the town, county and state
can illiy afford to lose.
The funeral occurs Sunday at 3:30 p.m. from the Mishawaka
Methodist Episcopal church, Rev. Charles Bacon, of Evansville,
Ind., officiating assisted by Rev. A. H. Kemp.
Editor: Burial was in Mishawaka City
Cemetery.