Melvin B. Hascall

1821 - 1891

Goshen’s 2nd Mayor

1869 - 1871

An Old Landmark Gone.

Our citizens were startled at noon by the report of the death of an old and well known citizen who had been around town as usual and apparently in good health.

This forenoon Col. M. B. Hascall left the office of Irwin & Hascall, where he has been employed for a year or more and going home with some butter, asked Mrs. Hascall what time it was. Upon her replying that it was 10:30 he said he would lie down awhile. Mrs. Hascall went on with her household duties and at noon when dinner was about ready went to call him, but failed to awaken him. At first she did not realize that he was dead, but such proved to be the case, and it is the opinion that he died almost immediately after lying down.

Dr. Harding was called at once, but to no avail, of course. There was no sign of a struggle and undoubtedly death came peacefully, due to a weakened condition of the heart.

The deceased was born in LeRoy, Genesee County, New York, in 1821 and came to Goshen in 1842. He at once took an active and prominent part in the affairs of the new country and became one of the most prominent men of the city, serving as mayor in 1870 and 1872. He was in the mercantile business a long while with the firm of Alderman, Hascall & Brown, and for a short time owned and edited the Goshen Democrat. He served in the army about a year as lieutenant-colonel of the 48th regiment, but resigned and came home. In later years Mr. Hascall met with reverses and he had not been in business for himself. The Colonel was a polished, modest gentleman and in his prime possessed more than ordinary ability.

He leaves besides his wife, two sons, Fred, of East Chicago, and Norman E., of Toledo. Gen. and Chauncey Hascall are brothers, the former younger and the latter older than the deceased.

Arrangements for the funeral will not be completed until the sons arrive.

Goshen Daily News, Saturday May 2, 1891, page 1

Melvin Barnes Hascall was born on August 31, 1821, in Le Roy, New York, the son of Amasa. He married Mary E. Moore on September 25, 1851, in Johnson, Iowa. They had two children during their marriage. He died on May 2, 1891, in Goshen, Indiana, at the age of 69, and was buried there.

Col Melvin Barnes Hascall was mayor of Goshen, Indiana from 1869-1872

U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861-1865

Name: Melvin B Hascall

Residence: Indiana

Enlistment Date: 1 Nov 1861

Rank at enlistment: Lieutenant Colonel

State Served: Indiana

Survived the War?: Yes

Service Record:

Commissioned an officer in Company S, Indiana 48th Infantry Regiment on 31 Dec 1861. Mustered out on 16 Jun 1862.