Biography of David R. Kosht, pages 827/828.  History of 
DeKalb County, Indiana; B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc., 
Indianapolis, 1914.



Whether the elements of success in life are innate 
attributes of the individual or whether they are quickened 
by a process of circumstantial development, it is 
impossible to clearly determine. Yet the study of a 
successful life, whatever the field of endeavor, is none 
the less interesting and profitable by reason of existence 
of this same uncertainty. So much in excess of those of 
successes are the records of failures or semi-failures, 
that one is constrained to analysis in either case and to 
determine to measure of causation in an approximate way. 
But in studying the life history of the well known resident 
and popular citizen of St. Joe, whose name forms the 
caption of this article, we find many qualities in his 
make-up that always gain definite success in any career if 
properly directed, as his has evidently been, which has 
resulted in a life of good to others as well as in a 
comfortable competence to himself.  David R. Kosht, who is 
successfully engaged in the milling business at St. Joe, 
was born in Union township, DeKalb county, Indiana, on the 
27th day of April, 1885, and is the son of Simon P. and 
Elizabeth (Krabill) Kosht. Simon P. Kosht was born in 
Ashland county, Ohio, on August 24, 1858, the son of Daniel 
and Elizabeth (Lash) Kosht, the former a native of 
Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio.  Daniel Kosht came to 
DeKalb county in 1866, settling in Union township, where he 
followed farming all his life. Among his children was Simon 
Peter, who received his education in the common schools and 
than took up farming, which vocation he has actively 
followed since.  He is the owner of seventy-four acres of 
land and has been successful in his material affairs. To 
him and his wife were born two children: David R., the 
immediate subject of this sketch, and Annie May, who became 
the wife of Pathron Hindeman, of Concord township, this 
county, Politically, Simon P. Kosht is a Democrat, 
fraternally, an Odd Fellow, and in his religious belief he 
is a member of the Christian church.   David R. Kosht 
received his education in the common schools of Wilmington 
township, this county, and was reared to the life of a 
farmer, which upon attaining mature years he followed for 
about six years in Wilmington and Concord townships. In 
January, 1912, Mr. Kosht engaged in the milling business at 
St. Joe, in which he is still engaged in which he has met 
with as well deserved success. His mill is well equipped 
for general custom work and Mr. Kosht gives his undivided 
attention to his business interest, promptness and good 
work being his watchword.  On November 11, 1905, Mr. Kosht 
married Dona F. Engle, the daughter of Martin D. and 
Harriet (Howey) Engle, who were early settlers of DeKalb 
county and successful farmers. To Mr. and Mrs. Kosht have 
been born two children, Margaret and Phyllis, both of whom 
are at home with their parents.  Politically, David R. 
Kosht had been a life-long supporter of the Democratic 
party, actively interested in its success and he performs 
to the extent of his ability his duties as a citizen of the 
community, Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, while his religious adherence is with 
the Christian church at St. Joe.  Personally, he is affable 
and popular with people of his locality and ready at all 
times to encourage and aid all laudable measures and 
enterprises for the general good. By a life consistent in 
motive and because of his many fine qualities he has earned 
the sincere regard of all who know him and his success in 
his chosen field of endeavor bespeaks for him continued 
advancement and the highest sphere of usefulness in the 
business world in the future.  

Submitted by:

Arlene Goodwin

Auburn, Indiana

Agoodwin@ctlnet.com