Biographies
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Biographies Index
John Abdill, hardware and tinware, is the third child in a family of seven
children and was born in Delaware. He came here with his parents, Joseph
and Jemimah (Blockson) Abdill, natives of Delaware. His father was a
farmer and also a local preacher of the United Brethren denomination and moved
to Richland County, Ohio with his family in 1835; thence to Noble County,
settling in 1849 in York Township. At the age of seventeen, John commenced
his apprenticeship at the tinner's trade in Ligonier, serving three years; then
followed his trade there until 1856 when he went to Michigan and remained there
working at his trade till the fall of 1858. He returned to Ligonier and in
August 1873 went into the hardware business on his own responsibility.
This proved a successful enterprise. Mr. Abdill has served as councilman
and is now a member of the school board in his second term, is also a member of
the Masonic Order. He was married in Michigan in 1856 to Miss Mary E.
Crane, a native of Indiana and former resident of Ligonier. They have four
children, Edward E., now reading law in Ligonier; Zula M., Wallace and Merton,
and are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Town of Ligonier
Lem F Abel M. D., druggist, is a native
of Seneca County, N. Y. Until sixteen years of age he was an assistant upon his
father’s farm. He received fine educational advantages, taking preparatory
course at Waterloo, and a graduating course at Hamilton, N. Y., graduating in
1849. He then went South, and for one year was engaged in the duties of teacher.
Returning to New York he commenced the study of medicine at Port Byron, Cayuga
Co., where his studies were protracted for three years, attending two courses of
lectures at Geneva and one course at Jefferson Medical College, where he
graduated in 1853. He practiced for nearly one year around his home, and then
went to Michigan, and practiced there about two years. In 1858, he came to
Kendallville and commenced in the drug trade, which business, with the duties of
his medical practice, has engaged his attention up to the present time. His
store is large, attractive, and well stocked with drugs, medicines, glass-ware,
wall-paper and druggists’ sundries. In 1873, he was married to Miss Lona E.
Bolton, of Allen County. They have one child -- Charles H. City of
Kendallville
William Aburn was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, June 25, 1825. All his education was received
before the age of ten years, his mother having died when he was of that age.
He bound himself to a farmer when he was twelve years old to serve till he was
eighteen. His father was killed about a year after his mother died, while
assisting in hanging a slaughtered beef. Mr. Aburn served out the time for
which he had bound himself, for which he never received compensation.
After that he worked by the month and day until he reached the age of
twenty-five, when he married Miss Catharine Arnett of Miami County, Ohio.
Seven children have been born to them, the eldest being dead. He moved
into this county in August 1860. Empty handed, but by industry and good
management he has succeeded in placing himself and family in a fine brick house
with first-class surroundings. He owns 240 acres of excellent land.
Four years after he had settled in the woods he was drafted into the army and
paid $1,000 for a substitute rather than leave his family without his
protection. He says God seemed to favor him and he never in his life paid
a debt more easily. Noble Twp
Abram Ackerman is a son of
John and Jane (Bennett) Ackerman, who were natives of New York and residents
there until 1845 when they emigrated to Indiana and located in Wayne Township,
where they resided with their son William up to the time of their death.
Abram is a native of the Empire State. His life has been passed in
farming, at which he is still actively engaged - for the past twenty-five years
in Wayne Township where he now owns seventy-five acres of good land which is
well improved and which he has cleared and cultivated himself. He was
united in marriage in 1855 to Miss Mary A. Wade, daughter of Robert Wade, who
was an early settler of LaGrange County. Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman have one
child - Mary J. Trindle, living in Wayne Township. Mr. Ackerman is a
progressive and practical farmer and a citizen with enterprising ideas. He
is a member of the I.O.O.F. of Kendallville. Wayne Twp
C G Aichele, city
treasurer, is a native of Germany. He came to America in 1853 and settled
in New York, where he remained for eight months, going from there to South
Carolina where he remained until 1859, when he went to Alabama and thence to
Georgia, locating at Rome. His occupation was in following his trade of
gunsmith, at which he was engaged in Rome until he was forced to leave or join
the rebel army. Removing to Adairsville, Ga., he remained until May 1864
when he was able to join the Northern troops and came north. He was under
strict surveillance during his entire residence in the South and only escaped
being conscripted into the rebel army by the most strenuous endeavors.
Upon reaching Cincinnati, he worked there for a short time, removing to
Hamilton, and was an employee of Gwinn & Campbell in their gun works for
eight months, and then to Indianapolis where for about one year he was employed
at his trade and as a machinist. In 1866 he came to Kendallville, where he
started a gun shop, which he operated until 1873. In 1871 he became the
representative of several leading fire insurance companies, to which he has
devoted a large share of his attention since. He now represents the
Phoenix of Hartford and of Brooklyn, Continental, German Assurance, Germania and
Niagara of New York, the Liverpool, London and Globe, and the North British and
Mercantile Insurance Company. He is also agent for the Inman, Cunard,
North German Lloyd, America and Red Star line of ocean steamships. Mr.
Aichele was elected city treasurer of Kendallville in May 1873, which office he
still holds. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. and K. of H., the last order
of which he is treasurer. In 1856 in South Carolina he was married to Miss
Mary Schmeyhal. They have seven children - Mary, Augusta, Julia, Emil,
Minnie, Annie and Albert. City of Kendallville
G P
Alexander, of W. W. Glosser & Co., is one of the young and progressive
business men of Kendallville. He is a native of Pennsylvania; came with his
mother to Noble County in 1855. He was engaged at the trade of brick-laying and
plastering, until 1864, when he became First Lieutenant of Company F, One
Hundred and Thirty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was in service until
February, 1865. Returning to Kendallville, he recruited up Company C, One
Hundred and Fifty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, of which he was Captain;
they remained in service until September, 1865. Upon returning to Kendallville
he resumed his trade, and was engaged in that occupation and contracting until
1877, when he received a commission in the railway mail service, with a route
from Cleveland to Chicago, which responsible and arduous position he retained
until September, 1881, when he entered mercantile life in Kendallville as a
member of the firm of ,W. W. Glosser & Co., grocers, to which business his
attention is now given. He was united in marriage with Miss Olivia Demmon, of
Kendallville, in June, 1868. City of Kendallville
James M Amos was born in Baltimore County, Md., January 3, 1816, and is a son of
Frederick and Naomi (Alderson) Amos, both of whom were born, reared, married and
had a family of eleven children born to them in Maryland, the subject of this
sketch being the youngest. When about ten years of age, his parents moved
to Cumberland County, Penn., and from there to Richland County, Ohio, in 1836,
where they resided. The father was a man of good education and of more
than an average degree of intelligence. He taught school, was a farmer and
surveyor. James M. Amos was reared on a farm, received only a fair
education, and remained at home until twenty-eight years old. He was
married December 28, 1843 to Miss Margaret Weaver, who was born in Richland
County, Ohio, December 18, 1825. To this union were born six children -
John D., Martha and Susan, living; and Waldo, Naomi and William, deceased.
Mr. Amos farmed in Ohio until 1853, when he came to his present place in Noble
County, where he has since remained. He started a poor boy, but by
industry and economy has placed himself in comfortable circumstances. He
is a Democrat in politics and a prominent citizen. Allen Twp
Thomas A Andersonwas born in Beaver Co, PA, April 15, 1813; the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Patton)
Anderson, and grandson of William Anderson, who came from Ireland previous to
the Revolutionary War, and settled in Beaver Co, PA. While living here, they
were attacked by the Indians. Mr. Anderson was severely wounded (William), some
of the family killed and others taken captive. Our subject's parents were
married in the Keystone State, and always made their home in Beaver Co, where
they raised three sons and eight daughters. Thomas A. Anderson was raised upon
his father's farm, and married Miss Jane Cooley, June 1 1839. From this union
there were eight children,
viz.: Thomas, Jane, Mary J., Sarah A., Robert, Elizabeth, William and one that
died in infancy. William and Robert were soldiers in the late war; William died
while in the service. Mr. Anderson, in 1854, came to this county and purchased
his present farm. His wife died in 1859. He was married to Miss Annie McCoy
(daughter of Isaac and Sarah Woods McCoy) in 1868. She was born in Beaver Co,
PA, October 25, 1828. Mr. Anderson began life as a poor boy; he now owns 295
acres of land well improved. He is a Republican, and a member of the
Presbyterian Church. Swan Twp
James M Applegate (deceased) was a native of Richland County, Ohio, born October 23, 1829, a son
of Isaac and Sarah (Davis) Applegate, and one of five children. At the age
of twenty he came to Indiana with his brother to teach school, commencing in
Green Township and following this calling through eleven winters in his
neighborhood, where he won many friends, being temperate and an exemplary
citizen. He was a Republican and held several township offices.
While serving in the army he contracted sickness, which resulted in death
January 19, 1879. May 4, 1851 Mr. Applegate was married to Miss Sophronia
Gray, the daughter of Samuel and Ruth (Leech) Gray. She was born in Knox
County, Ohio February 17, 1831 and came to Noble County with her parents in 1835
and assisted at the spinning wheel and other domestic duties. She received
the common education of her girlhood days. Mr. and Mrs. Applegate were
favored by the birth of seven children - Orlando (deceased), Manuel J., Harvey
(deceased), Laura J. (Now the wife of O. Fulk), Florence, Clara G. and
Firmer. Mrs. Applegate is still living on the old farm consisting of 158
acres and has the esteem and respect of a large circle of friends. Green
Twp
W C Arthur was born in
Huron County, Ohio March 25, 1828. At the age of eight years he was left
an orphan and with his brothers and sisters lived on the home place.
Shortly after reaching his majority he was induced by the stories of gold to go
to California. He took passage on the clipper ship Racehorse from New
York. They were about five months on the journey, stopping at Rio Janeiro,
Valparaiso and other places of interest. On his arrival in San Francisco
he associated himself with a company of others and began mining on the Yuba
River. The next winter he operated on a little stream called Brandy Gulch
in Yuba County and here made some money. The next season he operated in
and about Camptonville. After a stay in California of twenty-six months he
came by steamer to New York, crossing the Isthmus of Panama. From New York
he returned to his old home in Huron County, Ohio, and came to Green Township in
1855, locating on his present farm. He was married July 4, 1855.
Three children have blessed this union with Rachel Skeels - Fannie, George and
Leslie. All are living; the eldest being the wife of William Shambaugh of
Green Township. Mr. Arthur had nothing to start with but is now a
prosperous farmer. He owns 340 acres of land, is a Democrat, a Mason and
he and wife are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church. Mr. Arthur is a
son of Thomas and Margaret (Clark) Arthur, who were natives of Ireland.
Both died in Huron County, Ohio. Green Twp
I R Ayers is the
proprietor of one of the leading industries of Kendallville. Mr. Ayers is
a native of Huron County, Ohio and son of Enoch Ayers, who came to Steuben
County, Ind. about 1836, one of the pioneers and early settlers of that
locality. His father was a farmer and also operated a saw mill and upon
the farm, and engaged in the saw mill our subject passed his youthful days until
the age of fifteen when he went to Albion to learn the trade of carriage making
with Mr. Hoffman, with whom he remained about three years. In 1860 he came
to Kendallville and until 1864 was employed at his trade. He then enlisted
in the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry and was in
service about five months. Returning home, he soon after became a member
of the One Hundred and Fifty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry and remained
until the close of the war. Upon his return he resumed his trade, at which
he was engaged until 1873, when he started in business for himself and has
established a successful trade. He now constructs only first-class work in
carriages and buggies, also does general repairing. Mr. Ayers employs from
six to eight workmen at present and is extending his business each year.
He is a member of the Masonic order. In 1861 he was married to Miss Ellen
Eley of Jefferson Township. They have two children - Glenna and Maud.
City of Kendallville
Joseph Bailey was born in
Ashland County, Ohio, April 1, 1834. He is one of eight living children
born to Susan and John Bailey. Joseph's parents were natives of
Pennsylvania and came to Ohio in an early day, and thence to Jefferson Township,
Noble County in 1836; then came with the Skinner family to this township and
purchased 160 acres of land on Section 4 and returned to Ohio. In the fall
of 1838 they moved out and permanently settled on the place. Mr. Bailey
was a hard-working man, a member of the Protestant Methodist Church, and a Whig
in politics, afterward a Republican. His wife died in 1856 and he in 1872.
Joseph Bailey was raised on the farm clearing land and chopping cordwood.
April 30, 1865 he married Mrs. Rebecca (Gibson) Collett, widow of Abraham
Collett and daughter of John Gibson, an early settler of Noble County.
Mrs. Bailey bore her first husband one daughter, Sarah; and her present husband
two children - William and Eulilia, both of whom died in 1869. Mr.
Bailey's chief employment has been farming but some years back followed
threshing to a considerable extent. He came to Orange Township in 1865
where he has since farmed. The home farm consists of 350 acres of good
farming and grazing land. Mrs. Bailey was born in Pocahontas County, Va.,
April 15, 1826. Mr. Bailey is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of
the M. E. Church. Orange Twp
George Baker Jr, deceased,
was a native of the Keystone State, born March 13, 1829. His parents were
George and Mary (Stevenson) Baker, and, being in very ordinary circumstances,
could give our subject but little or no advantages. He was one of the
eldest of six children and was kept at home to assist in farm duties. He
married Mary Dreibelbis October 11, 1849, who, after bearing him the three
following-named children, died: Hiram P., Luman L., and Marion (dead). His
second wife and widow was Sarah Dreibelbis, a sister of his former wife.
They had five children - George B. Mc., Nelson B., William H., Laura E., and
Becca L., deceased. Of Mr. Baker's first wife's children, Luman married
Emma A. Stair. Of his second wife's, Laura E. is the wife of Samuel H.
Dreibelbis. Mr. Baker came to Jefferson Township at an early day almost
destitute but became one of the wealthiest men in the township. He at one
time had upward of 600 acres of land, owned two sawmills and one grist-mill.
He died an honored and esteemed citizen March 18, 1827. He was a strong
Democrat and at one time a candidate for sheriff, but was defeated by a small
majority. The family still reside on the old place in Section 34, which
consists of 230 acres of as fine farming and grazing land as there is in
Jefferson Township. They are well known and respected. Jefferson
Twp
Jacob Baker is a native of
Mercer County, Ohio, born November 25, 1827, and the son of William and Mercy (Bevington)
Baker. They remained in Ohio until 1834; then came to Indiana, locating in
Perry Township, this county; lived there one year, then moved to Sparta
Township, where William Baker died. Mrs. Mercy Baker died while on a visit
to Ohio. Jacob Baker was about seven years old when he came to Indiana and
until his father's death remained at home assisting on the farm. Then for
about ten years he was employed in clearing land and soon earned enough to buy a
small farm where Cromwell now stands, where he lived until 1877 when he sold his
property and came to his present location; in Section 19 Mr. Baker has 160 acres
and 160 in Section 21. While in Sparta Township he served three terms as
trustee and was married in 1853 to Miss Mary A. Smith, a native of Licking
County, Ohio. Her parents, William H. and Sarah (Hessey) Smith, natives of
Virginia, came from Delaware County, Ohio, to Indiana in about 1851, locating in
Sparta Township where they died. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have five children
living - George W., Henry E., Lewis T., Julia and Clarence Sherman. Mr.
Baker is a good Republican citizen. Washington Twp
Jesse Baker is a native of
Kosciusko County, Ind., where he was born September 13, 1835. His parents
moved to this township when he was about one year old, thus becoming associated
with pioneer experiences from his earliest days. The log schoolhouse, with
its greased paper windows and otherwise rude character, was his only opportunity
for an education, and clearing the farm of his father gave ample opportunity for
physical development. October 31, 1857 he married Eliza Lane, and by her
has become the father of eight children - John E., Alice (deceased), Myron,
Celestia, Ella, Charlie, Melvin and an infant deceased. In 1862, Mr. Baker
bought a farm of 170 acres and has cleared in his life about 130 acres and has
produced from 300 to 1800 bushels of wheat per year. This farm he traded
in 1878 to Mr. Shearer for his present farm. Mr. Baker's parents were John
and Jane (Thompson) Baker. The father was a native of Fayette County,
Ohio, and was left with the care of four children by the death of the mother in
1844. He died August 26, 1879. Jesse Baker had one brother in the
Union Army during the late war. Is a Democrat in politics and is a
well-to-do and industrious farmer. Sparta Twp
Albert Banta, justice of the peace, is a native of Montgomery County,
Ohio. He was engaged in farming in Preble County, Ohio until 1836, when he
came to Elkhart County, Ind. and commenced in the mercantile business.
This he followed until 1840, when he was elected county sheriff and served four
years, and then returned to farm life in Benton Township. In 1854 he came
to Ligonier where he located and remained until 1862 when he went to Bluffton,
Ind., returning to Ligonier in 1870, where he has since resided. In 1872
he was elected justice of the peace and has since held that office. He was
a member of the city council one year and belonged to the Methodist Church in
1840 but is now a member of the Disciples' Church. In 1824 Mr. Banta
married Mary Brower of Ohio. She died in 1870, leaving six children, five
now living, Albert J. and John D., both living in Elkhart County; Peter, now
residing in Kansas; Mary J. Carmean of Noble County; and Elizabeth Sherwood of
Ligonier. He was married again in 1871 to Mrs. Mary J. Parks of Ligonier.
Mr. Banta has been a member of the Masonic Order since 1844 and is now a Royal
Arch Mason. Town of Ligonier
Henry Baum is a native of
Hessse-Darmstadt, Germany, born February 28, 1817. His parents died when
he was quite young, and he was sent to this country to be reared by an uncle who
resided in Ohio. After a few years the uncle died, and young Baum went to
Pennsylvania, where for a number of years he was employed upon a canal. He
was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Fryer in 1838. She was born in
Snyder County, Penn., June 28, 1816. To them were born two children, viz:
Emanuel F. and Permelia. In 184 Mr. Baum came to Avilla and engaged in the
mercantile business, in which he continued until 1878. He was postmaster
at Avilla some eight years. His son, Emanuel, was born September 23, 1844,
and to a great extent has always assisted Mr. Baum with his business. He
was married to Miss Frances A. Young September 15, 1874. This lady was
born in DeKalb County, Ind., May 26, 1853. They have one child - Charlton
H. Mrs. Baum has for some time been connected with the Avilla School as
teacher, a position she fills with much credit. Allen Twp
Jacob Beard was born in
Columbiana, afterward Mahoning County, Ohio. His father, Christopher H.
Beard, was born in Wittenberg, Germany October 1, 1779. He came to America
in 1817, lived in Pennsylvania two years, then went to Columbiana County, Ohio
and located. He died there November 20, 1862. His mother, Christina
Beard, was born in Wittenberg, Germany August 20, 1786. She died in
Mahoning County, Ohio May 4, 1860. Jacob Beard was married to Miss Nancy
Elser in Mahoning County, Ohio April 4, 1858. She was born August 4, 1834.
The following are their children: Samuel Monroe, born September 17, 1859; Alfin
Elisha, born January 19, 1861; Wilson Henry, born September 22, 1863; all in
Mahoning County, Ohio. Alfin Elisha died September 29, 1862. Mr.
Beard moved to this county May 5, 1865 and located on the farm where he now
resides, about three miles south of Albion. He has a well-improved farm of
120 acres. York Township
John P Becker,
born in Germany, is a son of John and Margaret Becker, both native of
that country, where the father died. The subject was educated in Germany,
and in 1853 came to America with his mother, who died in Orange Township.
Here the subject worked by the day for one year and purchased a farm of forty
acres that he partially cleared, and upon which he built a barn, house, etc.,
and afterward located. He married in 1860 Mary Stoekle, who came with her
parents to Wayne Township from their native home in Wurttemberg, Germany.
They lived in Orange Township until 1869, when Mr. Becker purchased one
hundred acres of land in Elkhart Township, where he now lives and which he has
greatly improved. It now contains a good frame residence and all the other
buildings required by the model farmer. In 1870, his wife died.
Their children were John, William, Frederick and Joseph, all at home. Mr. Becker's
second and present wife, Sarah J. Becker, is a native of Ohio, and
daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth Bloomfield, natives, respectively, of Ohio
and Pennsylvania, who came to Orange Township in 1853, where the father died and
the mother is at present living on the old farm. Mr. and Mrs. Becker
are members of the Dunker Church and have five children - Henry, Lilly, Hattie,
Winnie and Elmer. Elkhart Twp
John E Bender was born in
Chester County, Penn., March 4, 1815, where he resided till twenty-one years of
age. He was born of poor parents. His mother died when he was four
and his father when he was seven years of age. He was bound to Samuel
McClintock to serve till seventeen years of age. He faithfully served out
his time and received a suit of ragged clothes for ten years of hard work and
received no schooling whatever. He then commenced work on a salary.
In about a year his employer failed, and John came out in debt. He hired
again to other parties and worked four years, receiving $8 a month. In
March 1836 he married Rachel Young and soon after emigrated and settled at
Massillon, Stark Co., Ohio. He lived here until the spring of 1868, then
came to Noble County and bought land where he now resides on Section 29, York
Township, five miles from Albion. Mr. Bender has been four times married.
His present wife was residing in the city of Atlanta, Ga., when it was taken by
Gen. Sherman's army in 1864. Her maiden name was Evaline Wright. Mr.
Bender is an honorable and upright man. What he possesses he came by
honestly and no mortgage hangs over his estate. York Twp
Monroe Bender was born in the
Swiss Republic March 24, 1814. His parents, Otmer and Osa Bender,
emigrated to this country in 1838 and settled at Shelby, Richland Co., Ohio.
Six weeks after their arrival the mother died. In the family were eight
sons and four daughters. The father made Richland County his home, where
he was well and favorably known. Monroe Bender received but a limited
education and when fourteen years of age went to Norwalk, Ohio, where for five
years he worked at whatever he could get to do. He then worked in a mill
at Bellevue, Ohio, after which he entered the employ of the Lake Shore &
Michigan Southern Railroad, working in the shops and as fireman on the road.
He also worked in the shops of the Pennsylvania Railway Company at Fort Wayne.,
and then went to Ohio and until 1860 was engaged in the mercantile business.
He then came to this county and has since been engaged in farming and
stock-raising. He was married to Miss Fanny Stigmire in 1861. She
was born in Switzerland October 16, 1836, was baptized by Father Stoker, and
from seven to fifteen years of age attended school in her native country.
She then learned the dressmaker's trade, at which she worked carefully, saving
her money until twenty-three years of age, when she came to this country alone,
and until her marriage with Mr. Bender made her home with friends in Seneca
County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Bender have had a family of five children, viz:
Samuel F., Amelia V., Emma L., Frank M. and Fanny M. Mr. Bender owns 280
acres of land, which is nicely improved and well stocked. he is a Democrat
and he and family are members of the Catholic Church at Avilla. Allen
Twp
Simon Benhower was born in
Harrisburg, Penn. October 10, 1841. He remained there until the age of
twenty-three years; he had the advantages of a limited common school education.
He lived one year in Clark County, Ohio; from there he went to Indianapolis and
thence to Roanoke, and came to this county about the year 1868. In 1862 he
enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania volunteer Infantry and
served with them nine months. He served most of his enlistment in North
Carolina, being present at the great battle of Gettysburg but his regiment was
not ordered in. He received his muster out at Chambersburg in 1863.
In 1871 he married Miss Rosa Fisher, with whom he now lives. They have a
family of four children. Noble Twp
J Bittikoffer, jeweler, is
a native of Switzerland where he learned his trade of watch maker and jeweler.
He came to America in 1858 and settled in Crawford County, Ohio, where he
remained about one year; thence to Fort Wayne, Ind., where he was engaged at his
trade until 1865 when he came to Kendallville and soon after engaged in the
jewelry business to which he has since devoted his attention. Mr.
Bittikoffer, in addition to carrying a fine stock of watches, clocks and
jewelry, is a proficient workman in repairing, to which department he gives
especial attention. He is a member of the Masonic order, advanced to
Knight Templar, and an enterprising progressive citizen. Mr. Bittikoffer
was married in 1864 in Fort Wayne to Miss Katherina Wolf. They have six
children - Fred O., Rosa, John, Lillie and Louise (twins) and Katherina. City
of Kendallville
Joseph Bitting was born in
Union County, Penn., May 26, 1837. Catharine (Butterbaugh) Bitting was
born in Montgomery County, Ohio December 17, 1833. Mr. Bitting came into
this county in 1861 and settled on the farm where he now resides, one mile
southwest of Noblesville on the Columbia City Road. His father, Henry
Bitting, was a native of Pennsylvania, born June 9, 1800. His mother was
born April 18, 1807. He was married in Miami County, Ohio, June 26, 1859.
Four children are living, two boys and two girls. Mr. Bitting served as a
soldier in the late war, first in the Thirty-second Indiana Volunteers, but
afterward transferred to the Seventy-ninth Infantry. He served principally
in North Carolina, Virginia and Louisiana and received his discharge at
Indianapolis May 17, 1865. After his discharge he returned to civil life,
resumed his farming and has been successful. He cleared up the farm where
he now lives and has put it in a good state of cultivation. Noble Twp
Black Family - Peter Black, deceased, was born 11 Dec 1789, in Maryland. His early life was
spent in his native State, where he learned the manufacture of brick and the
trade of masonry.He was married in Baltimore, MD., 16 Aug 1812 to Martha Amos, who was born in Maryland 30 July
1793. A few years succeeding his
marriage, Mr. Black and family removed to Lancaster Co, PA where in connection
with his trade he carried on teaming quite extensively.
In 1833, he discontinued his trade, and with his family removed to
Richland Co, OH, where he engaged in farming.
In 1853, he moved to Jefferson Township, where his oldest son had
preceded him, and began, with the help of his sons, to clear and improve a farm.
He was an industrious and honest man, a
Davis Black was born in
Cumberland Co, PA 7 Aug 1825. He is
the son of Peter and Martha (Amos) Black, full mention of whom is made in
another part of this work. Davis
Black was brought up on his father's farm, receiving his education in the log
schoolhouses of that day. He
married Miss Caroline Sigler 23 May 1850. Mrs.
Black was born in Richland Co, OH in 1825.
The fall following their marriage, they moved to this county, and
purchased eighty acres of land. This
was unimproved at the time. They
have since added to it, until they now own 160 acres, which are nicely improved
and well stocked. To them have been
born four children. Matilda A.,
Martha D. and William W., living and Mary E., deceased.
Mr. Black began life as a poor man, and he and wife have made what they
have since their marriage. They are
public-spirited people, and have the respect of all who are acquainted with
them. Mr. Black is a Democrat, but
liberal in his views.
Frederick A Black was born in Harford Co., MD., 31 July 1813.
He is the son of Peter and Martha (Amos) Black, who were born, reared and
married in Maryland. They removed
to Lancaster Co, PA in 1819 and then in a few years to Cumberland Co, the same
state. In 1833, they moved to
Richland Co, OH and to this county in 1852.
In their family were eight sons and two daughters, the greater portion of
whom now reside in Noble Co. The
father was a soldier of the war of 1812, and participated in a number of
William H Black is a
native of Delaware County, Ohio, and lived with his parents until twenty-one
years of age. They came to Whitley County, Ind., in 1860, and subsequently
moved to Perry Township where the mother, Drusilla Black, who was a native of
Ohio, died in 1871. The father, George H. Black, a native of New York,
married again and is living in Albion. The subject was married February 4,
1868 to Miss Cenia A. King, native of Perry Township, where her parents, Michael
D. and Mary King, natives of Pennsylvania, located, and where the mother died in
1871; father still living. Mr. Black and wife have since been living on
their farm of 100 acres in this township with comfortable surroundings and
substantial buildings. Besides this, Mr. Black owns 40 acres of partially
improved land south of his farm. He has always followed farming and when a
boy when to school winters, acquiring the common school education. There
are six children in their family - Charles, Frank, Evalena, Wright, Roy and
Ethel, all at home. Elkhart Twp
Elisha Blackman, son of
Judge Elisha Blackman, was born in York Township, Noble County, October 29,
1838, and has since made that place his home. His father, Judge Elisha
Blackman, was born near Wilkesbarre, Penn., August 1, 1801. His
grandfather, Elisha Blackman, was born April 4, 1760, and his great-grandfather
were at the famous battle of Wyoming, Penn., July 3, 1778 and escaped the
massacre. The great-grandfather died at Wilkesbarre in 1804. He
married Lucy Powell. Grandfather Blackman married Anna Hulburt, and father
Elisha Blackman married Amy Rollin. He died February 29, 1872.
Mother Blackman died May 15, 1860. Elisha Blackman, the subject of this
sketch, married Miss Mary A. Spangle December 1, 1859. The children are
Clara C., Mary Alice and Elisha R., living, and Adella, Lillie and Weller dead.
Mary A. Spangle was born March 21, 1840. Her father, Jacob Spangle, died
August 15, 1868. Her mother, Sarah Spangle, died in June 1875. Judge
Elisha Blackman was a pioneer of this county, having located in York Township in
the year 1834. He was many years justice of the peace and held the offices
of trustee and township clerk several terms. He was associate judge of
Noble County on the bench with Judge Latta. York Twp
William Bliss. This
gentleman was born in Brimfield, Mass., October 27, 1816. Timothy and
Margaret (McDonald) Bliss, his parents, were of English and Scotch descent and
natives of Massachusetts and New York. Timothy Bliss was a farmer and
quite an extensive stock dealer. William Bliss was reared on his father's
farm, receiving a good common school and academical education. At the age
of twenty-one he left home, went to Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and there commenced
business for himself. He was employed by a woolen factory as wool-buyer,
and in this capacity served ten or twelve years. He was married at this
place to Miss Fanny M. Vincent, daughter of Dr. J. H. Vincent, September 8,
1841. In 1857 he located in Wolcottville but carried on the manufacture of
woolen goods at Rome City under the firm name of William Bliss & Co.
After serving as superintendent about two years, he removed to his present home,
where he had purchased 210 acres of land. He has given his children good
school advantages. He now owns about one hundred and sixty acres of land
adjoining the village of Brimfield. A short time after the location of the
railroad, Mr. Bliss laid out the village of Brimfield and named it after his
native town in Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Bliss are parents of four
children, viz: Frank T., Charles W., Emily M. and Mary L. The eldest son
is single and a resident of Chicago and a member of the Board of Trade of that
city. Charles married Nellie Clock and resides in Orange Township.
Both sons are graduates of a commercial college. The two daughters are
single, the youngest being a graduate of music and a fine musician. Mr.
Bliss is a Republican and he and wife are Congregationalists in faith.
They are old and esteemed residents of this place. Orange Twp
William D Bonar was born December 19,
1839, a son of David and Hester (Deweese) Bonar, the parents of fifteen
children, ten of whom are yet alive. The father was born October 9, 1784
and was of Scotch descent. September 10, 1820 he married Hester Deweese in
Licking County, Ohio, her birthplace. He was a shoemaker by trade but
abandoned that calling on coming to Green Township in 1836, where he entered 80
acres of land, which he cleared and improved. He was of small physical
frame and decisive turn of mind, wielding much influence. He died December
25, 1874, and his wife May 25, 1846. William D. Bonar passed his youth on
the farm, receiving a common school education. December 15, 1863 he
enlisted in Company I, Twelfth Indiana Cavalry, and was discharged August 27,
1865, and returned home to his farm. Mr. Bonar owns 120 acres of good land
and is a Democrat. He was married April 19, 1871 to Miss Eleanor Moore,
daughter of Samuel and Mary Ann Moore. They had one child, a boy, Alva C.
The mother died in January 1872. Mr. Bonar takes the lead in many things
in his township and exerts a wholesome control over its affairs. Green
Twp
William Bonham (deceased
husband of Elizabeth J. Bonham), was born in Buckinghamshire, England October
11, 1825. There were nine children in his father's family, only four now
living. His parents, John and Elizabeth Bonham, are now dead. Having
received an ordinary education, he left his native country when a young man and
came to Richland County, Ohio, and began going to school and working by the
month to defray expenses. September 2, 1852 he was united in marriage with
Miss Elizabeth J. Hadley and shortly after removed to Sauk County, Wis.,
purchasing 120 acres, where they resided until their removal to Noble County the
spring of 1863. Here they located on the farm now owned by the
family. Mr. Bonham began improving the farm till it is now considered
among the best in the township. Mr. Bonham died suddenly of lung trouble
June 22, 1878. He was reared in the independent religious faith but became
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church after coming to America. In his
political views he was a firm adherent to the Republican party and an
honest-conscientious God-fearing man. Mr. and Mrs. Bonham had six children
- Sarah M., John M., Justina L., Homer H., Arabell and Mary M. The three
oldest are married. Sarah is the wife of James Trumbo; John married Alice
Stanley; Justina is the wife of Milton Stanley; and all are residents of Noble
County. Mrs. Bonham was born in Richland County, Ohio April 10,
1831. The home farm, upon which the widow and a portion of the family
reside, consists of 120 acres of excellent farming and grazing land. The
family is among the first in Jefferson Township. Jefferson Twp
Fred Borchart came to
Chicago from Germany in 1855. After a stay in that wonderful city of about
two years, Fred took his baggage and transferred his place of residence to
LaPorte, Ind., and then to Elkhart, where he remained some time. In 1862
Mr. Borchart came to Noble County, settling on his farm of eight-four acres
where he now lives. March 9, after his arrival, he was united in the holy
bonds of matrimony with Salina Lorman, a native of Prussia. They have
become the parents of four children, whose names are Henry, Emma, Frank and
Minnie. Fred Borchart was born in Germany May 27, 1827, the youngest of
four boys whose names were Charles, John, Henry and our subject. They
constituted the family of children born to John and Elizabeth Borchart who died
in Germany in the year 1857 about four months apart. Fred Borchart and
wife belong to the German Methodist Church and live according to its precepts.
Perry Twp
Michael Bouse, born
February 23, 1819 in Union County, Penn., was raised on a farm. When about
nineteen years old he learned the carpenter trade, which he continued for ten
years. In January 1842 he was married to Sophia Rockey, and in 1844 moved
from Pennsylvania to Noble County in wagon and was one month on the road.
Since he settled on his farm, he has cleared about ninety acres of land.
In July 1851 his wife died, leaving six children - Mary E., John F., Henry E.,
Aaron E., Simon P. and Michael E. He was married a second time, September
27, 1852, to Miss Melinda S. Swengel; this lady has presented him with four
children - Newton A., George S., Benjamin F. and Melinda S. Mr. Bouse and
his wife are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Bouse holds a commission
given him August 3, 1842 as first lieutenant of third company of the seventh
regiment of the Pennsylvania State Militia; he also holds one from Gov. Porter
of Indiana as justice of the peace. He owns 290 acres of land and is quite
a prominent farmer. Washington Twp
James A Brace, contractor and builder, is a native of Monroe County,
N.Y. He learned his trade in Elmira, N.Y., following it after his
apprenticeship for three years in that state. He then came to Ohio and for
five yeas was engaged in the prosecution of his business at Springfield.
In 1858 he came to Kendallville, where he has since been identified and where he
is now recognized as one of the leading contractors and superintendents.
Kendallville has had many of its public buildings erected under his supervision,
and all over northern Indiana he has erected superior structures. Among
the many, we briefly name the LaGrange county jail, the Mitchell, Able and Brust,
Black and Krueger Blocks of Kendallville, many of the public blocks of Ligonier,
and in 1881 he secured a contract on the Warsaw court house. Mr. Brace has
served on the council and been city marshal of Kendallville. He is a
genial and enterprising citizen and possesses superior business
qualifications. He is a master Mason and a member of the K. of H. He
was married, 1862, to Miss Phedora Decker. They have two children - Howard
and Adah L. City of Kendallville
J M Brackney is a native of Butler County, Penn., his birth occurring
June 3, 1817. His parents, John and Margaret (Edwards) Brackney, had
twelve children, three only of whom are living. The father was a farmer, a
native of Pennsylvania and of Dutch ancestry. His mother is a descendant
of the Edwards family of Wales. The parents of J. M. Brackney were
old-fashioned steady-going people and devout members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. He received a common-school education and our subject, at the age
of seventeen, commenced serving an apprenticeship at the carpenter and joiner's
trade, which he thoroughly completed. He was married in July 1844 to Miss
Martha McCormic, and to them were born Margaret A., Elizabeth, Mahala, Adda,
Jane, Lytle, Mosheim, Lillian, Curtis and one that died in infancy.
Margaret A., Lillian, Elizabeth and Curtis are dead. In 1856 Mr. Brackney
came to Noble County and purchased his present farm, where he has since resided,
farming and working at his trade. He is now the happy possessor of a fine
farm and a comfortable home. He is a Democrat; he and wife are members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church and intelligent, deserving citizens. Jefferson
Twp
Conrad Bricker,
a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born December 12, 1807, is the son of Henry
and Eve (Worman) Bricker, both natives of Maryland. Soon after their marriage,
the parents moved to Little Beaver, Penn., where, the fall and winter of 1804,
Mr. Bricker worked at his trade of blacksmithing. In the spring of 1805, he
removed to Columbiana County, Ohio, where he raised a family of eight children,
and where he and his wife passed the remainder of their days. Conrad Bricker was
brought up on a farm, receiving a limited education. He married Miss Susanna
Hawn March 22, 1829. She was born in Frederick County, MD., November 23, 1808.
They had twelve children – Jeremiah, Jehu, Conrad, Rebecca, Catharine,
Cordelia, David, Samuel and Henry B., living; Jonathan, Elizabeth and Lydia,
deceased. Mr. Bricker remained in his native county engaged in farming until
1843, when he came to this county, where he has since resided. He owns 161 acres
of land nicely improved. He is a stanch Republican, and himself and wife are
members of the M. E. Church, and are progressive, intelligent people.
Swan Twp
Mrs Frances R Broughton is a native of Juniata County, Penn., born
November 12, 1831. She is the daughter of Joseph and Susan (Garehart)
Smith, mention of whom is made in the biography of Samuel E. Smith, Swan
Township. Mrs. Broughton remained with her parents until 1848 when she
came with Henry Fryer and family to Allen Township. On the 3rd of July,
1852, she was united in marriage with Mr. Nathan Broughton. He was born in
Jefferson County, N. Y., March 18, 1828. Mr. Broughton came with his
widowed mother and family to Swan Township in 1839. He began life as a
poor boy, having received but a limited education; but possessing a strong will
and a desire to succeed, he, with the assistance of his good wife, made for his
family a comfortable home. He was a man of decided political and religious
views, ever favoring the right and promptly rejecting and opposing everything
known to be wrong. This early settler departed this life August 6, 1877.
In his family were five children, viz: Clara P., Cornelia A., William A.,
Everett W. and Florence A. Mrs. Broughton has resided on the old homestead
and cared for the family since her husband's death. She is quiet and
unassuming in her manners, is a lady of culture and refinement and has the
respect of all who know her. Allen Twp
Samuel Broughton, son of Amos and
Nancy (Zimmerman) Broughton, natives of Massachusetts and New York respectively,
was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., August 4, 1819. His parents, in 1834, moved
to Clark County, Ohio, thence to Champaign County, where the father died in
1838, at which time three of his ten children were married. Under the lead of
Samuel, the oldest son at home, the family departed for this township, arriving
in the fall of 1838. They had but little money and no food, but all went to
work, receiving provisions of any kind as pay, and weathered through the winter.
In 1839, Samuel returned to Ohio, and November 7 married Miss Almira Cummings,
born in Logan County, Ohio, February 28, 1820. Returning with his wife, he
engaged for some years in brick-making, and assisted, also, in the construction
of the Lima Plank Road, and the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad
through Western Ohio, and the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad through Noble
County. He afterward engaged in mercantile pursuits at Swan, but has latterly
devoted himself to farming, stock-raising, and saw-milling. His farm consists of
120 acres of good land adjoining the village. He and two sons served during the
late war, and the latter were in several fierce engagements. Mr. B. is a
Republican, and has held several offices. His Christian mother died February 27,
1876. His children numbered seven – Delmer, Bela, Lucy A., Lois O., Samuel and
Oliver P. M., living, and William, deceased. Swan Twp
William Broughton was born
in Jefferson County, N.Y., June 29, 1822, the son of Amos and Nancy (Timmerman)
Broughton, a sketch of whom appears in the history of Swan Township, this work.
William came with the family to Swan Township in 1839 and the winter following
returned to Champaign County, Ohio, where he attended school. On his
return he and his brother Samuel began making brick at Swan. He was
married to Miss Rebecca Cosper March 24, 1844. She was born in Wayne
County, Ohio, December 12, 1825. There were seven children born to them,
viz: Charles W., Cordelia, Mortimer, Forbes H., Lafayette, Frank and Nora.
Charles W., Mortimer and Forbes H. each served their country three years in the
War of the Rebellion, and Charles W. was severely wounded at the Battle of
Shiloh. Mrs. Broughton died October 16, 1880. She was a loving wife,
a kind mother and a Christian lady. Mr. Broughton married Mrs. Hannah (Cosper)
Shroyer April 23, 1881. She was born in Wayne County, Ohio May 24,
1883. Mr. Broughton built the Albion and Kendallville school houses, two
churches at Albion and a number of other buildings in the county. He
superintended the making of brick for two years for the Northern Indiana State
Prison. He is a stanch Republican and did much to encourage a strong loyal
sentiment at the North during the late war. He appraised the real estate
of Noble County in 1862 and has held the office of county commissioner and
various other positions in his township. He owns a nicely improved farm
and is one of the practical men of Noble County. Allen Twp
George W Brown was born in Preble
Co, OH, 21 April 1827. He is one of 12 children born to George and Sarah (Nethercut)
Brown. The father was a native of Virginia, and the mother of South Carolina.
They started out in life poor, but became prosperous farmers, and were honored
and respected members of society; both are now dead. George W. received a good
common-school education. In 1847, he was united in marriage with Margaret
Brumbaugh, and in the fall of 1851 moved to Green Township and settled on 100
acres of wood land his father had purchased for him, and
John
A Bruce, son of Elijah and Melinda W (Browning) Bruce, was born in Culpeper
County, Va., April 12, 1828. He is one of nine children, the ancestors of whom
were subjects of Great Britain. Elijah Bruce was a soldier of the war of 1812,
and his general occupation farming. The fall of 1827, he and family moved from
Virginia to Licking County, Ohio, and from there to Miller Township, Knox
County, Ohio, where he remained farming until his death by lightning, June 1,
1828. Soon after the death of Mr. Bruce, the widow and family moved to Franklin
Township, Morrow County, and from there to Chester Township, same county, where
Mrs. Bruce purchased a farm, and where she resided until her death in February,
1854. John A. Bruce was reared on a farm, and is a man of good education. When
sixteen years old, he commenced serving an apprenticeship at the blacksmith
trade, which he made his business until about 1862. He was married in what is
now Morrow County, Ohio, April 24,1845, to Miss Abaline Smith, daughter of
Jeremiah and Polly (Marcy) Smith, and the fall of 1853 moved to Hardin County,
Ohio, residing there three years; then removed to Noble County, purchasing
eighty acres in Jefferson Township, giving all they had, $500, in part payment
for the same. By hard labor and economy, they have increased it to 187 acres of
excellent land. They had eleven children.—Silas S., George E., Louisa M.,
Lorinda L. and Lucinda L.(twins), Charles S., William. B., Lucy M., John S.,
James J. and Lovina A. Of these, Silas, George and Lucinda, are dead. George
left a widow, Emma K. (Lash) Bruce, and one child, Bessie D. The widow has,
since the death of her husband, remarried. Lucy M. is the wife of Ira Dillon,
and resides in Jefferson Township. Mrs. Bruce was born in Luzerne County, Penn.,
July 1824, and is of English descent. The Bruce family are intelligent and
enterprising people. Mr. Bruce is a Democrat. Alvord's History
C F Brundige is a native
of Noble County, Ind., where he was born March 1, 1857. His parents, John
and Mary Brundige, were natives of New York and had four children - Charles F.,
Ruthann (deceased), Albert and Lydia. Charles Brundige has always made
this county his home. July 2, 1879 he was married to Estella L. Milks, a
native of Indiana, born September 20, 1861. Their only child, Getta F., was
born April 5, 1881. Mr. Brundige owns ninety acres of land and is
identified with the growth and progress of the county. Wayne Twp
Francis M Buker was born
in Muskingum County, Ohio, where he lived with his parents until eighteen years
of age. His father, Caleb Buker, a native of Maine, followed farming in
Muskingum County a number of years, and afterward turned his attention to the
mercantile business. His mother, Catharine Buker, was born in
Pennsylvania. Both of his parents died in Muskingum County. Francis
Buker obtained a fair education, and for ten years was engaged principally in
teaching, part of the time officiating as clerk in his father's store.
January 4, 1861 he married Sarah T. Trittipo, a native of Loudon County,
Va., and in May 1861 they settled on their present farm of one hundred and
fifty-three acres in Elkhart Township. One hundred acres are nicely
cultivated and improved, and their frame residence, when first built, was
considered an elegant structure. Mr. Buker has set out 1,500 fruit trees,
and otherwise increased the value of his farm. Mrs. Buker's parents,
Thomas and Sarah A. Trittipo, natives of Loudon County, Va., in 1856 came
to LaGrange, County, Ind., where they are still living on a farm. Mr.
Buker held the office of justice of the peace for eight years and served
efficiently. Their children are seven, five living - Charles C., Sarah C.,
George F., Ernest C., and William T., all at home; Daisy D. and John J.,
deceased. Elkhart Twp
W & J R Bunyan, druggists, are sons of Robert and Hellen
(Russell) Bunyan, who came from Saratoga County, N.Y. to Lima, LaGrange County,
Ind. at an early date, settling upon a farm. Here the mother died in 1856,
their father subsequently removing to Batavia, Ill. in 1859 where he remained
until his death in 1865. The family consisted of four children; the
subjects of this sketch, Mrs. Kate E. Reed of Kendallville and Mrs. Helen M.
Ostrander of Kalamazoo, Mich. W. and J. R. Bunyan are natives of Saratoga
County, N.Y. and until 1859 were associated upon the home farm in LaGrange
County after their removal thither. In 1859 they began their business
career in Kendallville, where they have been continuously engaged up to the
present writing, and now represent one of the oldest and most substantial drug
houses in northern Indiana. William has taken a leading interest in
politics and in 1872 was elected state representative from the counties of Noble
and LaGrange, which position of honor he filled most credibly for four
years. He was married in August 1870 to Miss Cornelia R. Hudson of Noble
County. They have had one child, Mable Grace, deceased. J. R. Bunyan
was united in marriage in 1868 to Miss Rebecca Barnum of West Unity, Ohio; they
have five children - Winnifred, Robert, George B., Walter W. and James R.
He is a member of the K. of H. and Chosen Friends. Has served the township
two terms as trustee. City of Kendallville
Alpheus I Butler
was born in Ross County, Ohio, January 13, 1829. His father was born in Culpepper
County, Va., August 19, 1795 and married Miss Sarah Seelock in Loudon
County, Va. February 28, 1820. They resided in Virginia till 1822 when
they moved to Ross County, Ohio. They lived there eight years; then came
to Indiana, stopping at Fort Wayne till February 1831. They then moved to
Elkhart County and settled on the Elkhart River near Benton. Mother Butler
was born in Loudon County, Va. May 11, 1803 and died March 1, 1880.
The subject of this sketch attained to manhood in Elkhart County.
September 13, 1860 he was joined in wedlock to Miss Laura Jane Childs.
Three children were born to them, only one of whom, the eldest, Luella Blanche,
is now living; she was married to A. J. Yallinger September 15, 1876.
Lizzie May, the next oldest, died September 10, 1880 of blood cancer in one of
her limbs. These two girls were possessed of considerable musical talent.
Mr. Butler is a successful farmer and stock raiser. His farm is situated
on the Fort Wayne & Goshen Road, about one mile northwest of Wolf Lake.
His health for the last twenty years has not been good, yet he manages his farm,
oversees the work and makes a success of it. Noble Twp
Jacob A Butz, deceased,
was a native of Europe. He crossed the waters in 1860 and came to Indiana,
locating in York Township where he bought forty acres of land. This he
afterward sold and made another purchase of eighty acres, subsequently adding
sixty acres more. In 1862 he married Elizabeth Brown, whose parents were
natives of Pennsylvania; her father of Lancaster County who came to Indiana in
1852, locating in this county where he remained until his death. The
mother's maiden name was Berkholder. Mr. and Mrs. Butz were both members
of the Methodist Church. He died May 28, 1878 leaving Mrs. Butz a widow
with three children - Eliza Jane, Angeline and Etta. They are all living,
at the present writing, on the home farm. York Twp
John Calbeck was born in
the Dominion of Canada near Montreal, March 1, 1837, the fourth child of John
and Eliza (Shrader) Calbeck. His father, John Calbeck, was a merchant near
Liverpool, England previous to 1831 when he came to America, after which he
followed the occupation of farming. John Calbeck received a good
common-school and academical education in Stark County, Ohio, where his father
moved from Canada. In 1858 he came to Indiana to visit his brother, Joseph
Calbeck, and that winter taught school. In 1861 he came to Indiana and
located, buying in 1862 forty acres of land on Section 11, where he has since
resided. Mr. Calbeck has paid considerable attention to scientific
researching and has a fine library, also an interesting collection of geological
specimens. He has delivered quite a number of lectures on science and
theology and has educated himself and family. In politics he is liberal,
voting for the interests of the people. In religion, he is Swedenborgian,
believing the teachings of the Bible as expounded by Swedenborg. He now
owns 280 acres of fine farming land. He was married March 11, 1861 to
Catharine Gesaman and they had seven children - Orlando, Rinaldo, Milton, Almina
(deceased), Newton, Milo and Lacemtum. Mr. Calbeck is a highly respected,
honorable citizen. Sparta Twp
Joseph Calbeck is a native
of England and was born near Liverpool May 14, 1827. He is the third in
order born to John and Eliza Calbeck. The father, who was a merchant in
England, crossed the ocean in 1832 and settled in East Canada where he commenced
farming. In about three years he went to West Canada, shortly after which
his family came over from England and joined him. In the meantime, his
attention had been attracted to the United States, which ripened into a
determination to cross the line. Consequently, after a time he, with his
family, emigrated to Stark County, Ohio. In that fertile section he
remained until his death in 1867. The representative of this sketch, owing
to the vicissitudes and surroundings of his early life, received but a meager
education; but by reason of superior natural endowments he has become well
informed and has developed into prominence in business affairs. In the
fall of 1855 he came to Indiana and after working rented land about three years
he purchased eighty acres in Section 15 of this township. For fourteen
years, in connection with farming, Mr. Calbeck bought and shipped stock.
Since that, he has been dealing in grain and transacting quite a brokerage
business in Cromwell. By his acute perceptions he has been able to make
his grain operations remunerative for himself, and others have profited by his
dealing for them. He now owns 248 acres of land but does no farming
himself. In 1852 he was married to Miss Mary Lichtenwalter and by her has
five children - Ida, Isabel, Lewis, Myron and John. Mr. Calbeck is a
Republican and stands high in business and other circles. Sparta Twp
Abram Cary was born in Duchess
County, N.Y. November 30, 1805. He is a son of Jesse and grandson of
Joseph Cary, who was a Rhode Island nurseryman and who came to that country
previous to the French War. Our subject's mother was Philaner (Van Tasel)
Cary, who was of Holland Dutch descent and the mother of thirteen children, six
only of whom are now living. Mr. Cary, Abram's father, was by trade a
carpenter and that occupation he followed while a resident of York State.
Abram Cary was raised on a farm and assisted his father at his trade. His
educational advantages were very meager. On the 10th of September 1831 he
was united in marriage with Patience Forker and the spring of 1834 emigrated to
Huron County, Ohio, where he resided seven years. In May 1841 he came to
Noble County, locating in Jefferson Township, where he has since resided.
To the efforts of such energetic pioneers as Mr. Cary is mainly due the
blessings enjoyed by the present generation. Mrs. Cary died October 10,
1855. They had eight children - Sorada, Sophronia, Samantha, John W.,
Elmira C., Emily O., William W. and Alvin D. Of these, John W., Elmira,
Emily and Alvin are dead. Mr. Cary's second and present wife was Ann
(Corbin) Potts, widow of Alfred D. Potts who died from disease while serving in
the late war. There were born to Mr. Potts and the present Mrs. Cary five
children - Leonard J., Lillie V., Ida L., John N. and Owen S. Leonard and
Lillie are dead. Mrs. Cary was born February 9, 1836 and was one of eight
born to Stanfield and Margaret (Lee) Corbin. She was married to Mr. Potts
November 15, 1855, who died in Louisville, Ky., June 23, 1865. To her
marriage with Mr. Cary, which occurred August 8, 1872, there was born one son -
Wreath D. Mr. and Mrs. Cary are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church
and are well-known and highly esteemed citizens. Jefferson Twp
Aaron Chamblin was born
May 7, 1824 in Maryland County, Va. He is one of three children now living
of a family of seven born to Nelson and Sarah (Koonce) Chamblin, who were of
English-German descent. Nelson Chamblin was a farmer of Virginia, where he
plied his vocation until about 1833 when he and family moved to Knox County,
Ohio, and from there to Richland County, same state, where they lived a number
of years. Mr. and Mrs. Chamblin died in Wood County, Ohio, the former in
October 1878, and the latter in 1880. Mr. Chamblin was a soldier of the
War of 1812 and his father served in the Revolutionary War. Aaron Chamblin
was married January 1, 1850 to Mary Imes, sister of William Imes, and his home
from his birth to two years after his marriage was with his parents. In
1855 he came to Noble County and purchased a portion of his present place in
Jefferson Township, paying for the same $4.75 per acre. It at that time
was all woods and such improvements as now exist on the place were made by Mr.
Chamblin. He now owns 170 acres in Jefferson Township and eighty-two acres
in Orange Township. Mr. Chamblin is a Democrat and he and wife are members
of the U. B. Church. To them were born nine children - William, Richard,
Thomas, Theodore and Elmore (twins), Elbiney, George, Mary and Charley.
Elbiney, George and the twins are dead. William, or J. W. H., as he writes
his name, married Frances I. Keller and is engaged in mercantile business in
Brimfield. He has been twice burned out but is a young man of pluck and
enterprise and is destined to make his mark in the world. Jefferson Twp
Matthew Clark
is a native of Orleans County, N. Y., born April 3, 1827. His father, Jonathan
Clark, was a native of the Bay State, and his mother, whose maiden name was
Eliza Stevens, was a native of Vermont. They were married in New York State, and
located on a farm in Orleans County, where they spent their entire lives, and
reared a family of eight children. The father died October 2, 1866, and was
followed by his wife June 24, 1875. In early life, Mr. Clark was a common
seaman, visited a number of foreign countries, and became a man of extended
information. During the war of 1812, his vessel was for a long time blockaded at
the port of Valparaiso, South America. Matthew Clark was reared on a farm, and
was married in his native State, March 29, 1846, to Miss Mary A. Shaw, who was
born July 5, 1824, in Windsor County, VT. In 1848, Mr. Clark and wife moved upon
100 acres of land in Swan Township. They were industrious, and in a few years
found themselves surrounded with life’s comforts. Five children have been born
to them, viz.: Harvey E., Charley A., and Nellie E., living; Ellen A., and an
infant son, deceased. Mr. Clark owns 188 acres of nicely-improved land, is a
Republican, and a self-made man. Swan Twp
Patrick Clark was born on
the Isle of Man. His baptism dates January 1, 1820. His parents
emigrated to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, when he was but ten years of age and settled
near the city of Cleveland in Warrensville Township. He received but a
common-school education but he has raised a family of well-educated children,
two of whom are teachers and rank high in the profession - Anna having taught
twelve years and Catharine eight years. Mr. Clark was married to a young
lady - Elizabeth Clark - in 1829. Her parents also lived on the Isle of
Man. Mr. Clark moved to where he now resides near Wolf Lake in March 1866.
He owns a fine farm and has erected thereon an elegant brick residence which
commands a splendid view of the adjacent country. Mr. Clark enjoys a
competency and is living at peace with all the world and with God. He has
an attractive family and the young people of the neighborhood collect there to
enjoy themselves. Everything about the premises seems to be well ordered.
The family of children consists of Caroline, Anna, Catharine, Celia and Henry.
The eldest is married to Edgar Sparrow, and the second one to Leroy Surfus.
Noble Twp
Luke N Clemens, generally
known as Esquire Clemens, was born in Augusta, Va. October 7, 1808. He was
one of thirteen children born to John and Anna (Boyer) Clemens who were
prosperous farmers of the Shenandoah Valley. Luke remained with his
parents in Virginia, receiving a commons school education and in 1825 emigrated
with his parents to Madison County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming for a
period of twenty years. His father was a soldier of the War of 1812 and he
lived in Madison County the balance of his days. While in Ohio Luke was
married to Miss Sarah Rathbun and in 1845 moved to Noble County, where his
brother had preceded him. He purchased his present farm - 160 acres - and
built thereon a log cabin, moved into it and thus commenced life in the
wilderness. His farm was then a mass of woods, swamps and underbrush, and
various species of wild beasts made it their home. Notwithstanding the
hardships incident to such a life, he succeeded gradually in clearing and
otherwise improving his farm. Mr. Clemens, during his early life here,
killed over 200 deer, to say nothing of wild cats, turkeys, squirrels, etc.;
hunting formed his chief amusement. To his marriage with Miss Rathbun
there were born twelve children - John, Harmon, Eliza, Polly, Lydia, Elizabeth,
Henderson, Melinda, Harrison, Henry, Sarah and James. Of these, the
following are dead: Eliza, Polly, Lydia, Betsy and Harmon. Mr. Clemens is
a man of enterprise and has held the office of justice of the peace for the past
twenty-six years. Green Twp
David Clouse was born in
Licking Co., Ohio February 2, 1842. His parents were Benjamin and Lydia
(Green) Clouse, and to them were born seven children; only four are
living. The parents are both living and reside in Licking Co., Ohio.
David Clouse is a man of common school education. Having relatives in
Noble County, he came here in 1826 and the 21st of October of the same year he
enlisted in Company D, Twenty-eighth Regiment, First Indiana Cavalry. At
an engagement near Little Rock, Ark., he was wounded in the arm April 1, 1865,
which resulted in his discharge June 8, 1865. After the war was over, Mr.
Clouse returned home, and having eighty acres of land, he began clearing and
improving the same. He was married in 1866 to Electa Bisekorner, who died
February 14, 1874, leaving four children. His second and present wife,
Lucina Lock, he married in September 1875. The children of his first
marriage are John H., Lydia O. (deceased), Luther C. and Alta; and to his second
marriage, Sylvia L., Jesse W., Nellie D. and one as yet unnamed. Mr.
Clouse is a farmer - owns eighty acres of good land; is a Republican and an
enterprising citizen. His grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary
War. Green Twp
Charles Collins, foreman
of the finishing department of John Deibele's sash, door and blind manufactory,
is a native of Pennsylvania, and in 1840 moved with his parents to Ohio.
they settled in Defiance County, where upon a farm our subject passed his
earlier days. He then learned the carpenter's trade and after a short
period came to Noble County, first locating at Wolcottville. He was
identified with the contracting and building interest of Noble and LaGrange
Counties for over twenty-five years. He came to Kendallville in 1879 and
became associated with the establishment of John Deibele and is now the foreman
of the finishing department of that institution. He enlisted in 1863 in
Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and served
until the close of the war, being mustered out as second lieutenant. He
passed through some severe and trying service, participating in eight of the
leading battles. Mr. Collins was united in marriage in 1858 to Miss
Isabella Newman. They have two children - Ora and Minnie M. City
of Kendallville
John A Conkling's parents were Samuel and Charlotte (Bruce) Conkling,
the former of Holland Dutch descent, and the latter of Scotch-Irish. Their
family numbered eleven children, five still living. One of these, John A.
Conkling, was born in Ohio October 15, 1818 and came with his parents to
Delaware County, where they lived ten years. They lived on year in Sparta
Township, then moved to Noble Township; after this, all went west to Iowa and
Missouri except John A. The mother died in Iowa and the father in
Kansas. The latter was a soldier in the War of 1812, and his son, Henry
and James, served honorably in the last great war. Soon after removing to
Noble Township, Mr. Conkling returned to Sparta, where he resided until 1878,
then purchased 110 acres of land where he now resides. On the 29th of
August, 1844 he married Matilda Ann Todd, whose parents came from Ohio.
Their children were as follows: Levi (drowned when but seventeen years old),
Sarah Margaret and John Henry, the latter still living at home. Sarah M.
is the wife of Isaac M. Barcus. Mrs. Conkling is a member of the Lutheran
Church and her husband is a Democrat. They are very worthy people; have
seen the wilderness transformed into beautiful homes, and the retrospect of
their lives is a happy one. Green Twp
Jonas Cook was born in
Carroll County, Md., December 10, 1827. He is a son of Baltzer and
Elizabeth (Fulkearth) Cook and of German descent. His parents were both
natives of Maryland. The father was a farmer and moved to Montgomery
County, Ohio in 1830, where he and wife lived the remainder of their days.
Our subject, at the age of nineteen, began working at carpentering. Having
natural talent in this direction, he continued it profitably some fifteen years;
when, having saved a part of his earnings, he purchased 120 acres of his present
farm, on which he moved in 1859. Mr. Cook had to undergo, as did the old
settlers, the hardships in the clearing and improving of his place. He has
increased his original purchase to 220 acres, aided to a considerable extent by
his earnings in teaching school. He was married in 1849 to Elizabeth
Zeigler of Montgomery County, Ohio, and who has borne him three children -
Letitia A., Granville W., and Silas C. During the fall of 1864 Mr. Cook
enlisted in Company C, Thirteenth Regiment, and was discharged at Goldsboro,
N.C. at the close of the war. He was at the battle of Bentonville and
Richmond and the storming of Fort Fisher both times. After the war he came
home and recommenced farming. He and wife are members of the German
Baptist Church. Mr. Cook is a Republican and a worthy citizen. Green
Twp
Robert S Cooley is a native of Beaver County, Penn., born
December 12, 1822, one of ten children born to Robert and Jane (Smith) Cooley,
who were natives of the Keystone State. The father was a farmer and blacksmith;
both were industrious, and passed almost their entire married life in Beaver
County. Our subject was raised upon a farm, receiving the usual education of
that early day. He married Miss Martha J. Moore February 10, 1848. She was born
in Washington County, Penn., August 10, 1824. Of the children from this union
three are living, viz., Elizabeth E., Frank and Calvin. Those deceased are
Russell M., William P., James L., and Martha J. Mr. Cooley remained in his
native county until 1852, when he moved to Jefferson County, Ohio, and in 1864
came to his present location and engaged in farming and stock-raising. He owns
220 acres of good land, upon which he has comfortable buildings. All this he has
accumulated by hard work and strict economy. He liberally contributes to all
worthy enterprises. From an Old-Line Whig and anti-slavery man he became a
Republican. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church, and have the
respect of all who know them. SwanTwp
Stanfill Corbin. The spring of 1840 Stanfill Corbin, now a
resident of Section 7, Orange Township, Noble County, Ind., was living in
Richland County, Ohio. His family consisted of a wife and three children,
and he was living some sixty miles from his parents. John and Mary (Crane)
Corbin, who then lived in Licking County, were natives of Virginia and from
there came to Licking County in 1824. The country there at that time was
very new, and Mr. Corbin, being a great hunter, used to supply the family with
meat while his sons would do the farm work. The spring of 1841 our subject
and a son-in-law came to Noble County, Ind., and after clearing a place large
enough on which to erect a cabin, went back for their families. Here the
father, John Corbin, found a splendid place to satisfy his desire for
hunting. In 1853 Mr. Corbin moved to York Township, where he died in May
1864. His wife died on the old homestead in Orange Township in about
1850. Stanfill Corbin was born in Culpepper County, Va. April 17,
1814. The fall of 1834 while in Ohio he married Margaret Lee, who bore him
this family - Keziah A., Nathan H., Mary E., Philena E., Jane, Margaret,
Franklin M., and three that died without names. Only the first six are now
living. The mother died in September 1858. Mr. Corbin is now living
with his second wife, Mrs. Harriet Wyrick, to whom he was married in February
1859. They have one daughter - Hattie V. Mrs. Corbin had by her
first husband one son, Henry H., who served faithfully in the late war and is
now living in Orange Township. Mr. Corbin owns over ninety acres of land;
is a Greenbacker in politics, and a first-class citizen. Orange Twp
Ephraim
Cramer is a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., born March 18, 1822, one of
five children born to Conrad Cramer and Elizabeth (Rickard) Cramer; both natives
of the Empire State, where they were married, and resided until 1834, when they
came to Swan Township. Here the mother died in 1835 and the father in 1878.
Ephraim Cramer was brought up to hard work, receiving but a limited education.
Soon after reaching his majority, he began for himself as a farmer and
shoemaker, which he followed until 1851. He then for three years engaged in
saw-milling, after which he embarked in mercantile business at Swan, where for
the most part he has since resided. In 1846, he married Miss Cordelia A.
Broughton, who was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., in 1824. Their children were
Miles E., Mary A., Arthur and Edwin, living: Eugene, Merritt, William and Ida,
deceased. Mr. Cramer is a Republican, and has been village Postmaster for over
twenty-five years, besides filling other positions. He has carved his own
fortune and bears an honored reputation. Swan Twp
John Crone was born in
Franklin County, Penn. August 26, 1818. He is one of a family of nine
children born to John and Elizabeth (Pence) Crone, both of whom were natives of
the Keystone State. They were married at Little York, Penn., and removed
from there to Richland County, Ohio, in 1832. The father was a fife major
in a Pennsylvania regiment during the War of 1812. He was a blacksmith by
trade and had the respect of all who knew him. He and wife both died in
Richland County, Ohio. John Crone received but a limited education and
remained at home, working for his father until he attained his majority.
He was married to Miss Catharine Switzer August 27, 1839, who was born in
Richland County, Ohio, February 27, 1821. From this union there were
twelve children, viz.: Daniel, Elizabeth, Barbara, Joseph W., Mary J., John S.,
William H., Sarah A., Amy R., Lucy I., and two that died in infancy. Mr.
Crone remained in Ohio farming until 1849 when he came with his family to this
country and settled on a portion of the land he now owns. He has added to
his first purchase here until he now owns 222 acres, which is nicely improved
and well stocked. He is a Democrat; a member of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church and a hospitable Christian. Allen Twp
Nathan B
Crothers was born in Ontario County, N. Y., December 15, 1821, the son of
William B. and Melinda (Barton) Crothers, the former being a New Yorker and the
latter a native of the Bay State. They were married in New York, and removed
from there to Geauga County, Ohio, in 1830, where they raised a family of seven
children, and where the father died in 1846 and the mother in 1851. Nathan B.
was brought up on a farm and to hard work. When about twenty years of age he
began working by the month as a farm-hand in the neighborhood. In 1845, he came
to this county, and purchased eighty acres of land in Green Township, upon which
he lived six years, and then bought his present place in Swan Township, where he
has since resided. He was married January 7, 1847, to Miss Rebecca Strous, born
in Allegheny County, Penn., October 27, 1825. Six children have been born to
them, viz.: Melinda A., Mary E., Edwin E., Rebecca A., and Frank, living;
Charles A., deceased. Mr. Crothers began life as a poor boy, and is a self-made
man. He owns 174 acres of land, which is well improved. He is a Republican, and
a member of the Lutheran Church. Swan Twp
David Cunningham is the only surviving member of the family of Michael
and Elizabeth (Dennison) Cunningham, who were born in Ireland, he September 18,
1795, and she November 2, 1796. They came to Westmoreland County, Penn. at
the age of about twenty-one, where they were united in marriage about the year
1817. Here they remained until their death. She died March 18, 1846
and he February 20, 1880. They had a family of four children, viz: James,
a physician who died in Pennsylvania when about fifty years old; George who died
when about eleven years old; Eliza, whose demise took place at the age of
seventeen; and our subject, who was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., August
20, 1828, where he remained until 1855, when, having married Elizabeth Galbreth,
October 9, 1851, he, with his family, came to this county. Mr. and Mrs.
Cunningham had a family of eight children, viz: Elizaetta (deceased), Celestia,
James (deceased), William F., John W., Ellsworth, Joseph R. and Norris.
The six living are at home. Mr. Cunningham is an influential and worthy
citizen; is the possessor of 100 acres of well-cultivated land, and now holds
the office of trustee. Perry Twp
W C Davis was born in
Richland County, Ohio, December 4, 1832, a son of William and Nancy Davis, who
came from Westmoreland County, Penn. to the birthplace of our subject, where
they died. They were of Scotch-Irish descent and the parents of ten
children, six of whom are still living. The elder Mr. Davis was a
Democrat, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and an early settler of
Richland County. He was temperate and was looked to for advice in matters
of importance. Until sixteen years of age, W. C. Davis was reared on a
farm, receiving a common school education. He then served a two years'
apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade. In 1851, he came to Indiana,
locating in Noble County, and has worked at his trade ever since. He was
married February 26, 1856 to Miss Nancy McWilliams, who died February 26,
1857. Mr. Davis' second wife was Caroline Hill, to whom he was married
April 4, 1868. To their union were born two daughters - Minia, July 11,
1869, and Jennie, December 11, 1871. The mother was born February 23, 1847
and died December 1871. Mr. Davis' third and present wife, Esther S. Hill,
sister of his second wife, he married August 19, 1877. Mr. Davis started
in life with but little means at his command and deserves much credit for his
success. He now owns 120 acres of improved land, is a Democrat and an
intelligent citizen. Green Twp
Christian Deardorff, one
of fifteen children in the family of Isaac and Eve (Zigler) Deardorff, was born
in Tuscarawas County, Ohio January 29, 1814. Isaac Deardorff was a farmer,
German, and his wife French. The subject has always lived on a farm and in
1840 moved with the rest of the family to Richland County, Ohio, and lived there
until he located in Indiana in 1851, having previously visited the country in
1838. He owned eighty acres of land in Tuscarawas County, which he sold
and then bought forty acres in Richland County. Upon coming to this state
purchased eighty acres in Whitley County, where he lived eight years then came
to his farm of eighty-five acres in this township, where he has since lived in
comfortable circumstances. As he never desired to become rich, he is well
contented and fitted to enjoy life. September 24, 1837 he was married to
Miss Sarah Kennel. They had ten children - three infants deceased - Jonas,
Jane (deceased), James G., Enos S., Christian G., William J. and Rose Ann.
After his wife's death, April 2, 1870, he married July 2, 1871, Mrs. Catharine (Berkey)
McChloughan, a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Deardorff is a
Republican and a member of the Christian Church. Washington Twp
Daniel Decker is one of
the old residents of Wayne Township. He is a native of Orange County,
N.Y., where he remained until eighteen years of age, upon a farm; he then went
to Onondaga County where for twenty years he was engaged in farming. He
then became a pioneer settler of Richland County, Ohio, farming for six years
near Plymouth. In 1852 he became identified with the farming interests of
Wayne Township, settling upon the farm where he now lives. Mr. Decker has
followed farming all of his life and has helped develop his share of Noble
County. He owns eighty-three acres of land, which he has cleared and
improved himself, and is a citizen of worth and enterprise. He married
Miss Cornelia Bevier, a native of Broome County, N.Y., December 12, 1835.
They have six children - Phedora (wife of James A. Brace of Kendallville), Gem,
Adeline Isbell (of Kendallville), Mate, Justus and Agusta. Wayne Twp
John Deibele, manufacturer and dealer in lumber and
hardware, is a native of Germany. In 1853, he became a citizen of the United
States, settling in Adrian, Mich. In 1855, he came to Kendallville, where he has
been connected with the business interests ever since. He operated a saw-mill
several years, subsequently learning the carpenter’s trade, which occupied his
attention for about sixteen years. In 1873, he started his present business,
upon a small scale, and has, by judicious management and good financiering,
established a business which takes rank among the leading industries of Noble
County. He is a wholesale and retail dealer in lumber, laths, shingles,
hardware, paints, oils, etc., and manufacturer of sash, doors, blinds, etc.,
running extensive planing and sawmills, and employing in his establishment from
twelve to eighteen men. Mr. Deibele is a fair type of a " self-made
man." Beginning life in a strange country, he has, in a comparatively few
years, established a splendid business through pluck, industry and honorable
business dealings. He has served upon the City Council, and takes interest in
all movements of progress. He was united in marriage with Miss Anna Wingarth, in
1861. She died in 1873, leaving four children - Augustus, Amelia, Kate and
Louisa. In 1875, he married a second wife, Miss Rosa Roop; by her he had two
children-Lydia and John. City of Kendallville
A J Denlar is a native of
Germany. He came with his parents to America in 1851. His father,
who was a sailor, was soon after drowned, and his mother emigrated to Fairfield
County, Ohio, where she had relatives. She subsequently remarried and came
to Whitley County, Ind., where our subject passed his earlier years - since
thirteen years of age upon his own resources. He learned the baker's trade
at Columbia City and followed that calling in various localities until 1873,
when he came to Albion and became an assistant upon the construction of the B.
& O. R.R., subsequently engaging at his trade there. His next move was
to Columbia City, where for eighteen months he engaged at working at his trade.
Returning to Albion, he soon after, under firm name of Denlar & Frazure,
embarked in the restaurant business, which was successfully prosecuted until
fire destroyed his property. He then engaged in business for himself,
which he carried on successfully until the fall of 1881, when he sold out and
embarked in his present enterprise. He has now a business room which he
erected himself and is conducting a quiet and first-class business. He has
served upon the town board and is a member of the Masonic order. He
married in 1873 Miss Alice F. Frazure of Albion. They have three children
- Melvin F., Catherine E. and Leona. Town of Albion
David DePew came to Allen
County, Ind. with his parents from Ohio (his native state) in 1837. Here
and in DeKalb County his boyhood days were passed; the county being new and but
sparsely settled, his experiences were of a rugged nature. His mother's
last days were spent in Allen County where she died, and the father in DeKalb
County. David purchased his first land in the latter county; this he sold
and subsequently bought eighty acres of unimproved land in Noble County.
Upon the latter he placed the improvements, doing nearly all the work
himself. This farm Mr. DePew sold, and in 1881 he purchased 160 acres
where he lives on Section 4. It is improved land, well located for market
facilities with a fine brick residence and other buildings requisite for the
demands. His wife, Olive (Cook) DePew, is a native of Indiana. Her
parents came from the state of New York (their place of nativity) to Ohio and
from there to Indiana, where they died. Six children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. DePew, viz: Hezekiah, Alson, Mary A. (since deceased), Edward, Isaiah
and Samuel (deceased). Mr. DePew is one of those stirring, thoroughgoing
men whose presence is valuable to the community in which he lives. York
Twp
DePew
Ezra
A popular and esteemed citizen of Wolf Lake, Noble County, Indiana,
is widely and favorably known throughout this and adjoining counties as one of
the most skillful and successful practitioners in this section of the state,
where for almost four decades he has been engaged in ministering to the ills of
humanity. Dr. DePew was born in Leo,
Allen County, this state, October 30, 1837, to Isaac and Margaret (Williams)
DePew. The father was a native of
New York and the mother of New Jersey. They
resided in the state of New York for a time and then moved to Ohio, where they
remained several years, finally locating in Allen County, this state, where they
died. Their family consisted of
thirteen children. Dr. DePew spent
his boyhood on his father’s farm in Allen County, where he received his
primary education. At the age of
fifteen he entered the schools of Huntertown, Ind., attending there two years.
This was a select school kept up by private subscription.
From there he entered Liber College in Jay County, where six years were
spent in close and earnest study, while he also taught for a time.
During his last year he took up the study of medicine, entering the
office of Dr. Joseph Watson. Leaving
college, he went to Fort Wayne, Ind., where he read medicine with Professor W.
H. Myers and Dr. Sturgis for two years longer, when he entered the medical
department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he spent one and
one-half terms greatly to his profit. Having
by this time acquired a practical knowledge of his profession, he opened an
office at Avilla, this county, remaining here two years.
He then located in Salem Center, Steuben County, and had worked up a good
practice during the year and a half of his residence there, but having received
an advantageous offer for his practice and business, and being desirous of
settling elsewhere, he sold out and in December 1864, located in Wolf Lake,
where he has since been in constant practice and has a patronage that extends
far into the surrounding country. He
is not a man to fall behind the march of ideas, as he has kept in touch with all
the latest developments and discoveries in the world of science and spent two
winters, during 1871 and 1872, attending lectures in the Medical College of
Louisville, Ky. His kindly heart
makes him a ready sympathizer with the ills of others, and his skillful hand and
deep intelligence are alike active in alleviating the sufferings of those in
high or low degree. It was his
fortune to travel over much of this country when it was new and illy provided
with suitable roads, but all times of year, day or night, in any kind of
weather, he responded with equal cordiality and cheerfulness to the demands made
upon his time. Probably no person in
Noble County can count a greater number of unswerving friends among their
acquaintances than the kindly and affable doctor whose memoirs we here present.
He takes an active interest in all medical subjects and is a prominent
member of the Noble County Medical Society and the Indiana State Medical
Society.
James K Dingman was born
in Green Township, Noble County, Ind., August 13, 1847. His father, Adam
Dingman, was born near Sydney, Shelby Co., Ohio; he died in Noble County, Ind.
in 1876; his mother, Mary Dingman, died February 26, 1880; she was born in Ohio
January 6, 1823. Adam and Mary Dingman were married January 31, 1840.
They came to Allen County, Ind. in 1832 and to Noble County in 1835. They
experienced all the hardships of frontier life. They had nine children.
James K. was reared on the farm. January 29, 1868 he was married to Miss
Electa Altman, who was born in Holmes County, Ohio February 24, 1852. Her
father, John M. Altman, was born November 17, 1827; her mother, Elizabeth Ann
Altman, was born August 30, 1834 near Baltimore, Md. Mr. Dingman is a
prosperous farmer, living three miles south of Albion in Section 26. York
Twp
John Drake was born in
Northumberland County, Penn., December 17, 1815. At the age of eight
years, he was left an orphan. When about seventeen years of age he began
working at the carpenter trade in his native county. Soon after reaching
his majority he went to Erie County, Penn., where he worked at his trade until
he came to this county in 1844. He built one of the first saw mills in
Swan Township and worked at milling and his trade until the close of the late
war, since which time he has been engaged in farming, stock-raising and
lumbering. He was united in marriage to Miss Maryetta Bruce in
1839, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1813. Five children have been born
to them, viz: Rollin W., Susan A., Mary A., Newton O. and Frank. Rollin W.
served his country during the late war. He was taken prisoner and was in
Andersonville some five months. Mr. Drake owns 220 acres of land,
well-improved. He is a self-made and self-educated man; was a Whig and is
now a Republican and has been an active antagonist of the great social evil -
intemperance. Swan Twp
Jeff Dunbar, books, stationery and news, is a native of
Canton, Stark Co., Ohio, and son of R. A. Dunbar, who has been for many years a
prominent citizen and connected with the Sheriff’s office of that county. Upon
the breaking out of the rebellion, our subject, who was at that period employed
in the mercantile business at Tiffin, Ohio, returned to Canton and enlisted in
Company I, Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He saw four years’ active and
severe service, participating in several of the leading battles of the war -
Corinth, the Atlanta campaign and the Texas expedition of the Third Division of
the Fourth Corps. He was mustered out in October, 1865, at which time he was
acting as Orderly Sergeant. In 1866, he came to Kendallville, and in association
with A. Koontz established his present business. The partnership lasted only a
few months, since which time he has been in business alone. His stock is choice,
well selected, and complete, and his establishment of great benefit to the city
of Kendallville. City of Kendallville
John Earle was born
in the County Tyrone, Ireland, April 22, 1815. John and Ann (Gray) Earle,
his parents, were natives of "Erin's Isle," but of Scottish descent
and farmers in Ireland. John Earle was reared to manhood in his
native country, obtaining but a limited education. He was married March
29, 1837 to Miss Ann Trott. In 1840 they took passage from Londonderry on
a sailing vessel bound for Philadelphia, and after an eight weeks and three
days' journey arrived at their destination. For seven years succeeding his
arrival, Mr. Earle was employed on a farm near the city. In 1847 he
emigrated to Huron County, Ohio, where he farmed for three years, and in 1850
moved to Noble County, which has since been his home. He first purchased
eighty acres of his present farm, which he has since increased to 160
acres. Mr. and Mrs. Earle have had five children - William, Annie,
John, Mary and Robert. The two youngest are dead. John married Sarah
Schauweker; William married Josephine Bliss; and both are living in Noble
County. Mr. Earle was formerly a Whig but is now identified with
the Republicans. Although a member of no church, he is liberal in their
support. His parents were of the Presbyterian faith and such is our
subject in belief. He is considered one of the best-informed men in
Jefferson Township. Through his long life of labor, he has been ably
assisted by his brave wife, who has been kind and affectionate to her
family. Jefferson Twp
John Earnhart was born in
Pickaway County, Ohio, August 12, 1811, the son of William and Jane (Patterson)
Earnhart and one of a family of eight children. His father was a gunsmith
and followed this occupation in Circleville, Ohio. When he was about
eighteen years old, John commenced to learn this trade of his father, at which
he continued to work. March 12, 1833 he was married to Mary Hitler.
They removed to this county in 1843, arriving in September. He purchased a
farm of 240 acres from Isaac Spencer, with five acres improved. This land
was situated upon Section 22 in this township. Upon this he settled and
commenced clearing, hiring some of his chopping done, but rolled logs and built
fence himself. Mr. Earnhart also worked at gunsmithing more or less for
fifteen years after coming to Indiana. They have had born to them twelve
children - James, Susan (deceased), Thomas, Joseph and Harriet (deceased),
William, John (deceased), Nelson, Alvin (deceased), Jane, Ellen and Lewis.
Mr. Earnhart is a Democrat and has filled the offices of trustee, assessor and
justice of the peace each a term of four years, and is a worthy citizen of the
township. Though healthy and strong himself, he has had much sickness in
his family and has seen the rough side of life. He now owns 400 acres of
land and has six children married. Sparta Twp
Jacob Easley was born in
Canton Berne, Switzerland July 23, 1820, a son of Jacob and Catharine (Burke)
Easley, the mother being a native of England. Jacob Easley was the father
of sixteen children, six by his first wife, Catharine Burke, and ten by his last
wife. Our subject was a resident of his native country until 1834 when he
came with his parents to the United States, locating near Buffalo, N.Y., where
they remained farming two years. In 1836 the family removed to Crawford
County, Ohio, where they participated in the early history of that county.
The father died here in 1847 and his last wife in 1868; his first wife in
1830. Mr. Easley was a hard-working man and well respected. Jacob
assisted his parents until twenty-one when he began life without a penny but has
acquired a position of wealth and honor by his industry and self-denial.
Up to 1834 he remained in Ohio, farming and saw milling. In that year he
passed through Noble County and purchased his present farm in Jefferson
Township. He did not locate here, however, until 1850, in the meantime
making his home in LaGrange and neighboring counties, working at saw
milling. May 26, 1850 he married Mary Ann Oster and soon after began
clearing and improving his farm, upon which they are now living at their
ease. To their union were born eight children, viz.: Mary M., George E.,
Maggie S., Mattie L., Benjamin F., Laura A., Ellen E. and Katie E. Mary is
the wife of Thomas Hudson. Mr. Easley is one of the well-established
farmers of the township, is enterprising, a Democrat, and he and wife members of
the Lutheran Church. His farm consists of eighty acres of finely improved
land. Jefferson Twp
George Easterday
(deceased) was a native of the Buckeye State, his birth occurring in Jefferson
County November 15, 1800. His father, George Easterday, was a native of
Maryland and of German descent, and moved with his family from Maryland to
Jefferson County, Ohio at an early period. His son, whose name heads this
sketch, was reared in Jefferson County, where he was married and whence he moved
to Holmes County in 1825 and was soon followed by his father. Both
families soon moved to Chester Township, Morrow County, Ohio, where, after a
number of years the parents died. Our subject's wife was Anna M.
Summerlot, who bore her husband ten children, as follows: George W., William,
Sylvester, Elizabeth and Catharine living, and John, Samuel, Joseph, Lucinda and
one that died in infancy, deceased. In 1853 Mr. Easterday came to Noble
County, Ind. and located on a farm. Mrs. Easterday died May 2, 1876 and
her husband followed her to the tomb February 28, 1880. Mr. Easterday was
a farmer and an upright and honest man. He was a Whig and later a
Republican, and himself and wife were members of the Lutheran Church. They
are gone, but their memory will grow brighter as time fades away. Green
Twp
George W Easterday was
born in Holmes Co., Ohio, March 29, 1827. He was reared on his father's
farm and worked for them until twenty-two years old, when he received property
valued at $100 and started out for himself. On the 28th of September 1851,
he married Nancy E. Smith of Morrow County, Ohio, by whom he had eight children
- Mary Anna (deceased), Dora S. P. (deceased), Otho D., William D., Edna E.,
Jeremiah M., Adar M. and Drury S. Otho D. married Flora Franks and lives
in Green Township. In 1852 Mr. Easterday came to Noble County, locating on
the farm where the Frankses now live. In 1826 he exchanged his farm there
for his present one. He now owns 200 acres in Green Township and 100 in
Jefferson and Albion Townships. He is a Republican and himself and wife
are Lutherans. Mr. Easterday's sister Elizabeth is the wife of Samuel
Decamp and lives in Jefferson Township. Catharine is the wife of Henry
Kirkpatrick and lives in the same township. Sylvester married Mahala
Frederick and lives in Albion. Green Twp
William Easterday was born
in Holmes County, Ohio in 1833. He remained at home until twenty-two years
old and then received $100 with which to begin life. He purchased eighty
acres of his present farm, paying for the same his $100 and working to pay the
remaining $400. Since then forty acres have been added, making a farm of
120 acres. On the 22nd of November 1860 he married Catharine Engle, and
they have three children - Delila Alice, Wilbert Amos and Alma Barbara.
Mrs. Easterday was born in Morrow County, Ohio, August 15, 1838. William
Easterday is a highly respected citizen. The family of Easterdays are
industrious, sober citizens. Green Twp
T M Eels, lawyer, is a
native of Ohio, born in Columbiana County in 1843, where he passed his early
life upon a farm. At the breaking out of the rebellion he enlisted in
Company H, One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and remained in
service nearly three years. Upon his return to Ohio he decided upon the
study of law, and soon after entered the Ohio Union Law College of Cleveland,
from which institution he graduated in 1866, when he came to Albion and
commenced the practice of his profession at which he is engaged. He has
served the county as superintendent of schools and as examiner. He was
married in 1871 to Miss Sarah A. Phenicie, also a native of Ohio. They
have two children - Mabel and Charles. Town of Albion
Rev. F X Ege
is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, born January 6, 1849 and son of Francis X.
and Mary A. Steinhouser Ege, who were the parents of six children, and natives
of Wurtemberg. The father was in the service of the Government as forester. His
son, the subject of this sketch, was sent to school at the age of 6 years,
continuing in
Samuel C Fairbanks was born
February 19,1 822 in Jefferson County, N.Y. His parents, James and Margery
(Potter) Fairbanks, were also natives of the Empire State, whence they moved in
1833 to Geauga County, Ohio. Here they passed the remainderof their
days, engaged in agricultural pursuits. The father served as a soldier in
the War of 1812, and to him and wife were born eight children. Samuel C.
was brought up on his father's farm, and from boyhood was accustomed to hard
work. He was united in marriage with Miss Margaret E. Armstrong August 29,
1844. This lady was born in St. Lawrence County, N.Y., October 3, 1824.
From this union there are three children, viz; George H., Emma E., and Harriet
L. Mr. Fairbanks remained in Ohio, engaged in farming until 1846 when he
came to this county and purchased 80 acres of land. He had little or no
means, and he and his wife saw many hardships and had to work hard and use
strict economy before they found themselves in possession of a comfortable home.
They now own 153 acres of nicely improved land. Mr. Fairbanks is a
Democrat and has held positions of honor and trust in the township. He and
family are intelligent reading people and have the respect and confidence of all
who know them. Allen Twp
Jacob Favinger was born in
Columbiana County, Ohio, September 1, 1837. His parents were of German
descent, and natives of the "Keystone State", the parents of twelve
children, ten of whom are yet alive. Farming was the father's vocation
through life. In 1850, he and family moved to Green Township, purchasing
wild land. He was an industrious man, a Democrat, and a member of the
Presbyterian Church. His death occurred January 24, 1877; his widow
survives him, and resides on the old homestead. Jacob Favinger was reared
on his father's farm, and in youth received no education. While in the
army he learned to read, write and cipher. When President Lincoln called
for 300,000 men in August, 1861, he volunteered his services and was assigned to
Company E, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was discharged for
disability at Evansville, Ind., in January 1864. Mr. Favinger, at the
battle of Shiloh, was twice wounded; and while in the engagement at Chickamauga,
was shot through the lungs by an ounce ball, which is still in is body. He
was married in 1864 to Sarah E. Watt, daughter of one of the old settlers of
Noble County. Their five sons are William, Abraham, John, Marion and
George. After his marriage Mr. Favinger purchased forty acres and started
in the woods. After clearing three acres, he sold it and purchased forty
acres of his present farm, which now consists of eighty acres. He and his
wife started out in married life with little, but now have a pleasant home and
surroundings. In politics, Mr. Favinger is Independent, and is now serving
his fourth term as township constable. Green Twp
Aaron Fields was born in
Vermont July 30, 1826. He is one of ten children born to Josiah and Eliza
(Halstead) Fields, natives of the Green Mountain State. They moved to
Cuyahoga County, Ohio in 1830, where, May 5, 1843, the father died. The
mother died in this county August 15, 1864. Aaron Fields received but a
limited education and soon after the death of his father, he left home, and
after roaming around some time, located in Kendall County, Ill. Here he
remained until 1846, when he enlisted in Company E, Second Illinois Volunteer
Infantry, and served one year in the Mexican War. He participated in the
battle of Buena Vista and a number of lesser engagements. After the war he
returned to Ohio and on the 3rd of July, 1851, was united in marriage with Miss
Nancy Stray. She was born in Wyoming County, N.Y., October 8, 1832.
To them were born eight children, five of whom are now living - Alice J.,
Francis M., Forrest E., Minnie U. and Maud. Those deceased are Flora A.,
Laura T., and Mary M. Mr. Fields was engaged in farming and carpentering
in Ohio until 1852 when he came to this county, where he has since resided.
He owns 90 acres of well-improved land; is a Republican. Allen Twp
S
W Fish, grocer, is a native of Albany County, N. Y. His parents removed to
Crawford County, Penn., when he was quite young, where, upon a farm, he was
raised. In 1844, he went to Akron, Ohio, where he remained for nearly fourteen
years engaged in the mercantile and bakery business. His next venture was in the
grocery trade in Cleveland, where he remained until 1860, when he came to
Kendallville and engaged in the hotel business, remaining two years, thence to
Ligonier, where he was connected with a hotel about the same length of time. He
then removed to La Porte, Ind., where for four years he was proprietor of a
hotel. At the expiration of this time, he returned to Crawford County, Penn.,
where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits upon his father’s old farm.
Returning to Kendallville in 1875, he started his present business, to which he
has since devoted his attention. Since 1878, associated with his sons, George M.
and John W., under firm name of S. W. Fish & Sons. They carry a large stock
of groceries and general produce, and are one of the leading business houses of
Kendallville. Mr. Fish has served as member of the City Council two
years. He was united in marriage with Miss Orrilla Ford, of Ashtabula County,
Ohio, in 1836. They have two sons. George M. married in 1871 to Miss Eunice
Trace, of Pennsylvania; they have two children - Alice J. and an infant. John W.
was married in 1875 to Miss Laura J. Stanley. City of Kendallville
F P Ford,
photographer, is a native of New York State, and when a youth came with his
parents to Adrian, Mich. His first business experience was in a printing office,
where he was engaged for some years in the job and press work department, in
which he became proficient. In 1862, he began learning his present art,
continuing in Adrian until 1868, when he came to Kendallville, located, and has
been in successful operation ever since. Mr. Ford is anxious to excel in his
art, and has been a constant student of all of the many improvements in
photography; that he has succeeded, his superior work attests. His work bears
the reputation of the best in Northern Indiana, which, coupled with reasonable
charges, renders his trade extended. He was united in marriage, in 1869, with
Miss Emma E. Allsbaugh, of Adrian, Mich. City of Kendallville
Abram Franks passed his boyhood days in Wayne County, Ohio, places of
nativity. In 1863 he came to Jefferson Township, this county, with his
parents. Was married January 1, 1864 to Maria Buttermore, whose parents
were George and Barbara Buttermore; the former is dead and the latter is now
living at the age of eighty-two in Fayette County, Penn. Mr. and Mrs.
Franks commenced life together in Jefferson Township. He subsequently
purchased a partly-improved farm in Elkhart Township of about 130 acres; upon
this they are now living, having cleared and brought under cultivation other
portions of the tract, erected a good barn, and added other convenient and
comfortable surroundings, rendering the place valuable and desirable as a home
place. To them have been born eight children, who are living with their
parents, viz.: Carrie, Florence, Brady, Forrest, Arthur, Belle, Gertrude and
Edgar, forming a pleasant and interesting family circle. Mr. Franks'
parents were Uriah and Elizabeth Franks. The father, now eight-two years
old, was a native of Pennsylvania; and the mother, now seventy-seven, of
Ohio. They are living with their son-in-law, Mr. McFarland, in this
township. Elkhart Twp
>Augustus
P Frink was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., and at the age of nine years
came with his parents to this county. When eighteen years of age, he entered
mercantile life as clerk in Fort Wayne, and was in same capacity subsequently,
in Ligonier. In 1853, and until 1857 he was in trade for himself in Goshen, Ind.
Soon after this he entered the Clerk’s office of this county as an assistant.
In 1862, he became a member of Company A, First Indiana Heavy Artillery, and had
three years’ service in the army. Returning home, he entered the employ of the
Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, subsequently serving the same
company as station agent in Ohio, returning to Kendallville, where he filled the
same position, being in their employ about nine years. He then for a time
conducted a hardware business, since which his occupation has been varied. At
the age of twenty-one, Mr. Frink was married to Rebecca Teal; seven children
were born to them, two dying in infancy. Nathan Frink, the father of A. P., was
born in Oneida County, N. Y ., in 1800, and at the age of twenty-one was married
to Marian Pease, of Lewis County, same state. They had six children, the eldest
dying in infancy. In 1836, the family came to this county, and settled in York
Township, where the mother died in 1831. In 1842, Myra E., the eldest daughter,
married William Pool, who subsequently died; she then became the wife of Isaac
Jopp. She had three children by her first husband, and two by the second.
Harriet B., the second daughter, in 1849 married Nathaniel P. Eagles, and had
eight children. Agnes E. became the wife of Thomas M. Eagles in 1854, and had
seven children. Charles S., the youngest son, was married in 1858 to Isabel
Vermilyea; she dying, he married again a few years later; he was the father by
first wife of three children, and of four by second. Nathan Frink married for
his second wife Achsa Kent; they had four children. His wife died in 1874, and
in July, 1878, he died in Elkhart County, Ind., at the age of seventy-eight. He
was a citizen of good standing, serving as justice of the peace for several
years, and as assessor. City of Kendallville
>George Fulk was born in Licking County, Ohio, in 1815, the son of Adam and Mary M.
(Dispeny) Fulk, both of whom were natives of the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. In
1806, they moved to Licking County, Ohio, and, in 1836, came to this county and
settled in Swan Township, entering 2320 acres of land. In the family were five
sons and six daughters, and to each of them he gave a quarter-section. Mr. Fulk
brought considerable money to the country with him, and his poorer neighbors
found in him a never-failing friend. He was a man of great physical power,
correct habits, and lived to be nearly one hundred and five years of age, and
was buried on the home farm. George Fulk was reared on a farm, receiving a
limited education. He always remained at home, and has cared for his aged
parents; and he is spoken of as an industrious and honest gentleman. He lives
with his sister upon the old homestead, which consists of 295 acres of
well-improved land. He has always been a Democrat, though not active in
political matters. Swan Twp
Noble
Notes: U. S. Constitution Amendment 19 gave women the right to vote.
Adopted August 26, 1920