Submitted by: Dan Rich
Mishawaka Enterprise
Friday, February 5, 1915
The news of the sudden death of James C. Eberhart, which
occurred at the Battle Creek Sanitarium Tuesday morning at 3
o'clock, came as a shock to the entire community where he was
born and where he had such a host of friends.
Mr. Eberhart had been ailing for some time but has been about as
usual, and it was not thought that his condition was dangerous. A
week previous to his sudden summons he went to Battle Creek,
Mich., accompanied by his wife, to try treatment at the
sanitarium. He did not appear to improve, as hoped for, although
he maintained his customary good spirits, and neither his wife or
his brother, Fred G. Eberhart, who were with him, had the least
fear when he retired for the night that they would never again
see him alive. Heart failure, the result of other complications,
was the immediate cause of death.
The deceased was a native of Mishawaka, having been born February
20, 1860, in the old Burt house on Main street, just north of the
North Side Trust & Savings Co. building. He was the son of
Mr. and Mrs. Adolphus Eberhart, two of Mishawaka's most prominent
citizens. Mr. Eberhart, sr., who died June 2, 1892, was
identified with the late M. V. Beiger in inventing and
patenting the famous Ball Band knit woolen boot which was the
foundation of the present enormous business built up by the
Mishawaka Woolen Mfg. Co. At 18 years of age, the son, James,
entered the employ of the company, served many years as its
secretary. He became a heavy stockholder in the concern, in
connection with his brothers, Fred G. and Everett G. About 12
years ago he resigned and retired from actual business. A few
years ago he had erected at 732 Lincoln Highway East a palatial
home, which he greatly enjoyed with his wife. He also at
different times owned homes in California, Florida and summer
homes at Diamond lake and Lake Wawassee in this vicinity. He was
an ardent sportsman, and one of the most genial, whole-souled and
big-hearted men in the community and probably without an enemy in
the world.
At the time of his death he was one of the directors of the
American Trust Company, South Bend, and was its vice-president.
He was also a life member of the South Bend lodge No. 235,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and was held in high
esteem in the order.
He leaves his wife, who was formerly Miss Mary DeGroote;
two brothers, E. G. Eberhart and F. G. Eberhart, of Mishawaka;
one sister, Mrs. R. S. Grimes, of Lincoln, Neb.
It is said to have been due to the initiative of the deceased
that the city possesses the present stately Eberhart Memorial
Methodist Church, which was erected by the three brothers and
sister as a memorial to their worthy parents. The splendid chime
of bells which add so greatly to the church, are also claimed to
have been added at the suggestion of the devoted son and promptly
adopted by the other brothers and sister. The beautiful chruch
and chimes are among the most noted in Northern Indiana and
constitute a lasting monument to the family name.
The remains, accompanied by the bereaved widow, and Mrs. and Mrs.
E. G. Eberhart and Fred G. Eberhart arrived yesterday noon and
were taken to the late home, 732 Lincoln Way East where they may
be viewed by friends from 10 to 1 o'clock Saturday.
The funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2:30,
from the late residence, Rev. Loren M. Edwards, officiating.
Editor: Burial was in Mishawaka City
Cemetery.