Joseph Westervelt, Esq.  

History of Marshall County, Indiana 1836 to 1880 by Daniel McDonald (printed in Chicago by Kingman Brothers, Lakeside Building 1881) page 120

Abraham and Catherine WESTERVELT--the latter’s family name being VANBLARCAM-- were natives of New York. Their son, Joseph who is the subject of this sketch, was born in Dutchess County, N.Y., December 27, 1821. He came with his parents to LaPorte, Ind., in the spring of 1837.

He was married, March 16, 1863, to Miss Sarah COOPER, of LaPorte, formerly of Erie, Penn. In 1849, he came to Plymouth and engaged in the dry goods trade for a short time.

In 1850, he went the “overland route” to California, returning in the fall of 1852. Shortly after his return from California, he engaged in the lumber business, which he followed very successfully until the spring of 1881, when he retired from this branch of trade and engaged in that of buying and selling agricultural implements.

Mr. WESTERVELT is the owner of 220 acres of rich farmland in the county, besides valuable city properties. Both he and Mrs. WESTERVELT have lost their parents. Mr. WESTERVELT has never has any aspirations for office; has asked no favors his party, but has rendered invaluable service to his party in both county and district. He is what may be termed a solid, reliable and responsible Republican; does nothing by halves; is ever ready to oblige, and is a general favorite among his acquaintances and fellow-townsmen.

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Marshall County Democrat 26 November 1857, page 2 Obituary. Died, in this village, on Friday, the 20th inst., A Mortimer Westervelt. son of J.L. Westervell, Esq., in the 17th year of his age.