JOSEPH W. HAUSER, deceased, was at one time a resident of St. Joseph township. As his name indicates, he was of German lineage, his birth having occurred in Hesse-Nassau, May i I, 1843, his parents being Jacob and Elizabeth Hauser. The father was an alderman of the town of Steinbach and held other public offices, being prominent and influential in the community. Joseph WV. Hauser acquired his education in the schools of his native country and there learned the wagon-maker's trade, paying seventy-two dollars for his instruction and training during two and a half years' apprenticeship. He afterward spent three years working at his trade in the southern part of Germany and in accordance with the laws of his native land he served in a German army. In I867, when twenty-four years of age, he came to the United States, thinking to enjoy better business opportunities in the new world, for he had heard favorable reports concerning the conditions which here existed. For three years he remained in New York and then went to Chicago, whence he came to Benton Harbor and opened a wagon-making shop. On the 7th of January, I869, Mr. Hauser was united in marriage to Miss Frances Paczkoroaka, a native of Poland. They had twelve children, of whom eight are now living. For three years Mr. Hauser engaged in wagon-making in St. Joseph and while living there served as alderman of the city for two years. Closing out his wagon-making business he retired to his farm south of the city and gave his attention to the cultivation of fruit. Throughout his remaining days his life was devoted to general horticultural pursuits and his orchards produced excellent crops. As the years went by he prospered in his undertakings and became the owner of a valuable fruit farm, which in its excellent appearance, indicated his care and supervision. In his business affairs he was always thoroughly reliable as well as energetic and was never known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any trade transaction. In his death the community lost one of its valued citizens. He had never attempted to figure prominently in public affairs but had always displayed sterling traits of character that work for good citizenship as well as for honor in private life.

A twentieth century history of Berrien County, Michigan Orville W. Coolidge. Coolidge, Orville William, 1839-1918. (p. 859-860)-Contributed by Patricia Jean Clark