Submitted by; Mary Jo Koran

Mishawaka Enterprise, December 21, 1917, Page 1

Death of Tabor Ham - A Good Man Gone to His Reward. Tabor Ham, for the past half century one of Mishawaka's best known and most highly esteemed citizens, passed away at the family home, 118 West Grove street, last Saturday morning at 8 o'clock, after a year's illness, following a stroke of paralysis. The deceased was born in Saratoga, N.Y., Sept. 1, 1846. He came to Mishawaka from Niles, Mich., and was employed as a cabinet maker. Later he engaged in the grocery business with C. H. Hess, under the firm name of Hess & Ham. Fourteen years ago he became identified with the Dodge Manufacturing Co. being employed in the cost department. He was married 46 years ago, Nov. 17, to Louise Brinsmaid, in this city, in the house in which she was born and where her husband died. In addition to the widow he is survived by a son, Arthur Ham; three brothers, Edgar of Buchanan, Mich., Asa of South Bend, and John G. Ham of New York; also two sisters, Mrs. G. A. Rowley and Miss Mary E. Ham of Buchanan. Mr. Ham was a Free Mason nearly 35 years and belonged to all bodies in Mishawaka. He had served as worshipful master of Mishawaka lodge F. & A.M., and chaplain; as high priest and chaplain in Mishawaka chapter, No. 33, R. A. M.; and as past master and chaplain, Mishawaka council, No. 19, R. & S. M.; and as eminent commander and prelate in Mishawaka commandery, No. 51, Knights Templar. He was a life long member of the First Presbyterian church and was a life term elder of the church in this city, and was a clerk of the session for many years and occupied this position up to the time of his death. He also served as Sunday school superintendent. Up to three years ago he had not missed an annual meeting of the congregation in 25 year. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon from the residence, the Rev. Dr. Burnett officiating. The ceremonies were in charge of the Masonic order, and the Knights Templar acted as escort. Researcher's Note: Tabor Ham served as Worshipful Master for the years 1887 and 1888. He is buried along with his wife in the Mishawaka City Cemetery.