If anyone knows the story, please share with us!
p.149 - (Ligonier) A few years after this schoolhouse was erected
(1851), Mr. Eli B. Gerber was employed to teach the tow-headed urchins
that assembled there. The first morning, he fired up his sinking
courage, repaired to the schoolhouse, and began vigorously to ring the
bell. Miscalculating either on his strength, or on the toughness of the
bell-rope, the cord snapped off just as he began to ring. What in the
world was to be done? A happy thought darted through his bewildered
mind. He would ascend into the loft through the small uncovered opening
in the ceiling and tie the rope together. No sooner conceived than up
the loft he went. By this time, the children began to flock in, anxious
for a good "squint" at the new teacher. They saw nothing of that
functionary until the latter, making a misstep above, came thundering
down through the plaster, tearing off, on the way, nearly half the lath
on the ceiling. The scholars stared in terror at the formidable object,
thinking, doubtless, that the old Devil himself was after them, and
then, with one accord, ran pell-mell out of the room in the greatest
fright. School on that day was a decided failure. Mr. Gerber tells this
story with many mental reservations; but he has another which he tells
to particular friends (and historians), and reserves none of the
interesting facts. It is an adventure which he and a select company of
companions had with a band of Indians, in about 1835, near Omaha, Neb.
He armed himself with an enormous -- but Mr. Gerber may tell the story
in his own inimitable style. All go and ask him for it -- one at a time.
Have him tell the story often.
p. 336-337 - Ligonier - E. B. Gerber, hardware, etc..., a genial
gentleman and an energetic, thrifty business man, was born in Stark Co,
OH, one of eleven children, whose parents were David and Susannah
(Buchtel) Gerber, early settlers of E. B.'s native county. The father
was a persevering farmer, who, with his family, removed to La Grange Co,
IN, in 1855, settling in Eden Township, where he died in 1872. In 1876,
the mother moved into Ligonier, where she still resides, in the
consciousness of a well spent life and with the respect of her many
acquaintances. Eight of the children are now living--Eliza Shrock and
Abraham, in La Grange Co; Lydia Yoder and Daniel, in Perry twp; and E.
B., Sarah Bruner, Tena King and Christopher W., of Ligonier. In 1861,
Jacob J. entered the army for the suppression of the rebellion, as a
member of Company C, 30th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he
served until he was taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga. He was
then taken to the rebel prison at Andersonville, where he died 2
September, 1864. Benjamin F., the youngest of the family, was a tinner
by trade, and had charge of that department in E. B.'s hardware store
until the 5th of June, 1881, when he and his wife were drowned in the
Reservoir at Rome City. They were married in 1878. Her maiden name was
Maxwell. E. B. Gerber, in his early manhood, learned the carpenter
trade, also civil engineering, in addition to which he commenced
teaching school whilst yet in Stark Co, OH. In 1855 he came to La Grange
County with his parents, but went to Nebraska the same year. Here
bringing into requisition his knowledge of engineering, assisted in
laying out Omaha City. After about 8 months, having visited other parts,
he returned home and resumed school-teaching and carpentering. In 1857,
Mr. Gerber was appointed Deputy County Surveyor of Noble County under
William Dowling, and in 1858 was elected County Surveyor, serving until
1865, with his residence in Ligonier. Was engaged in publishing town and
county maps from 1864 until 1867. The real estate business then
engrossed his attention for one year. In January, 1869, he purchased the
interest of Mr. Wadsworth, of Wadsworth & Parker, hardware, and one year
later bought Mr. Parker's interest, thus succeeding to the
proprietorship of the whole establishment. He carries a full line of
hardware, stoves, tinware and agricultural implements. This business is
conducted in a progressive manner characteristic of the man. In 1871,
Mr. Gerber, in connection with Mr. Treash and Kirchbaum, established a
foundry in Ligonier, which business, in 1880 was changed to a carriage
manufactory. In 1874, he, with Carlton Jones, started a handle
manufactory, but is not now connected with that business. In political
positions, in addition to that of Surveyor, Mr. Gerber has served in
nearly the whole line in his town and township. In 1856, he was elected
as Trustee of Eden Twp, La Grange County, and served as first Assessor
of Ligonier after its incorporation. Has been City Councilman for
several terms; has also filled the Office of City Clerk, and is now
President of the City Council, and has served several years as School
Trustee. He is a Knight Templar, and now Master of the Ligonier Lodge,
No. 185 F & A M. In October 1857, Mr. Gerber was married to Miss Mary
Moses, of Perry twp. They have four children -- Owen F., Delta, Minnie
and Dwight. The honorable and active career of Mr. Gerber, as summed up
in his record, is a higher commendation of his usefulness as a citizen
than can be bestowed upon him by any words of praise.