USA > Indiana > Wells County > Ossian > 20th century souvenir edition of the Ossian news, Ossian, Ind., January 1st, 1900 > Part 4
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Since the establish- ment of the NEWS it could command the re- pertorial service of such men as C. A. Carpenter, who at the first was en- abled to boom the sub- scription by clever writ- ing. In April, 1891, seeking larger quarters. Mr. Keefer moved in- to the upstairs rooms of the old postoffice, build- Residence of Jas. H. Keefer. ing, here he had his living-rooms as well as anything more than the mere semblance printing establishment. In these quarters of a paper. The throes of its birth were the NEWS remained until increased pros- nothing when compared with the agonies perity induced the proprietor to build his of its death. Every one-the merchants present comfortable office to which place most of all-were glad when the "soul" of he removed in April, 1893. the Telephone "burst its bonds" and flew,
The size of the paper at the starting heavenward, somewhere with its burden was that of a simple 4 column quarto. of debts, trailing behind like the unwieldly This was issued three weeks, when the tail of a monster kite.
size was increased to that of a 5 column
Later a man-Lipes-established a job quarto, two pages being printed at home, office here and proposed to start another the rest of the paper being "ready. print" paper. He too flitted away leaving a people from the Fort Wayne Newspaper Union. in darkness (?) and despair (?).
This issue continued a year. at the expira-
Naturally, when Jas. H. Keefer made tion of which time, Mr. Keefer began to his appearance on the streets of our city print four pages at home. Jan. Ist, 1898 in Dec., 1890, and proposed to establish the NEWS changed dress to brevier, and the Ossian NEWS, people looked at him further made its appearance "pasted and
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SOUVENIR EDITION
JAS.M.KEEFER, ED.
MRS. JAS.M.KEEFER
NEWS OFFICE
INTERIOR VIEW.
INTERIOR VIEW.
14
200
GOOD
J. VER KEEFER
NELLE EARL
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THE OSSIAN NEWS
Residence of Mrs. Hiram Hatfield.
ple not only of Jefferson Township but northern Wells County.
The Cemeteries.
Lying just where the last beauty of the sunset strikes the solemn grave- stones is the Old Ceme- tery, situated immedi- ately south of the small commons of the Presby- terian church, a quiet restful spot untroubled by the noise and bustle of man. Just such an- other place perhaps as the one of which is written these lines:
trimmed" in its present neat form.
The office equipment has increased from $500 to $2,500.
"Beneath those rugged elms, that yew- tree's shade,
Where heaves the turf in many a moulder- ing heap.
Recently a large Jones-Gordon press and a serviceable low power gas engine Each in his narrow cell forever laid, were added. The job printing facilities The rude forefathers of the hamlet sleep." of the NEWS plant are equal-indeed su- This last resting place has fallen into disuse, and alas! many unmarked graves lie within its narrow limits. Each year a number of bodies are removed thence to named, Oak Lawn cemetery. perior-to any in the county. The NEWS itself is a bright tasty readable weekly- a mirror which shows the faces of several hundred local celebrities each week. the new cemetery, or as it is officially The number of subscribers has increased until the paper now covers a large individ- In the year 1880 several of the citizens ual field, representing the well-to-do peo- recognizing the necessity for a more
Oak Lawn Cemetery.
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commodious home for the dead, formed an organ- ization for the purpose of securing a large field for burial purposes. This association was in- corporated duly under the laws of the state and named "The Oak Lawn Cemetery." There were thirteen original incor- porators, and they pur- chased a tract of ground from Wm. Craig, paying $1,000 for the privilege. At the present date the debt has been paid off, as 165 lots have been sold.
The object of the cor- poration is thus quaintly explained in the articles of the association:
Residence of E. A. Vail.
The purpose of the association has thus far been faithfully carried out. Now that all debts are paid we may hope from time
"The object of the corporation, besides providing a quiet and secure repose for the dead, is to accumulate a fund. by the to time, for improvements which shall. sale of burial lots, sufficient to enable the even as is suggested in the articles, make Association for all time to come, to so im- Oak Lawn Cemetery an attractive resort prove and ornament the grounds. as that for the living. they will always be a pleasing and attract- The present officers of the association are: President, Geo. Harter. ive resort for the living. The ground shall be divided into sections of suitable Secretary, V. M. Hatfield. size, and provided with suitable carriage Treasurer, L. F. Wilson. ways and walks. It is hereby provided We have every reason to be proud that one of the sections shall be dedi- of Oak Lawn, as it is in keeping with cated to the use of the public, free to the general progress. From time to time those who have no means to buy lots, and bodies from the Old Cemetery will be re- the graves of persons buried there shall moved to the "new home" and nothing will be neatly sodded, and kept in order; and be left of the former burial place but a the corporation shall ornament and im- memory and the dust of the unknown, prove the said section in such a manner as unnamed, whose souls repose in the keep- the good taste and judgment of the ing of the Almighty, careless of the earth- managers shall suggest." casts broken from them.
Biographical Sketches.
3. 0. hatfield.
James C. Hatfield, whose name was for Murray, Indiana. He is the second son of years identified with the firm of Hatfield Hiram and Catherine Hatfield, who. as and Son, was born August 31, 1861 at early settlers in Wells County. underwent
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THE OSSIAN NEW'S
the usual hardships incident to such pion- and in 1898. In 1898, he was nominated eer existence. In 1868, the father moved for County Clerk by the republicans, and from Murray to Ossian and established a in a county solidly democratic was elected general store. And it was here that the Clerk by a majority of 2. This was a great subject of this sketch got his first know- victory and a high honor for he is the ledge of general business. first republican Clerk ever elected in republican, the politician of the family, a patriotic citizen, respected by all who
Mr. Hatfield was educated in the com- Wells County. Mr. Hatfield is an ardent mon schools of Ossian. At the age of 18 he was obliged to give up the idea of an education and forced to put his shoulder know him. Possessed of a high degree of to the wheel. This he did by beginning honor, those dependent can safely trust to clerk in the store. Soon becoming a him. most trusty helper and standby, he was ยท promoted, as the business interests grew, to the position of head of the Sheldon branch of the store, this was in 1883. In C. S. Cook. the same year Mr. Hatfield married Miss Ella Gorrell.
For one year and one-half, Mr. Hatfield
A man who has been very successful in his chosen business and who has striven to fulfill faithfully the trusts laid upon
remained charge de affairs at Sheldon, at him, is our friend and fellow citizen, Mr. the expiration of which time, the branch T. S. Cook. He was born in 1859, near system was done away with and he re- Basil, Ohio, and is of German descent. turned to become head of the grocery de- He received his education in Fairfield Co., partment, which position he filled worthily Ohio, and spent his early life upon the until his political friends honored him by farm, This labor he esteemed a delight, an office in the county government.
Mr. Hatfield's political career has shown how popular he is and what a firm hold he Ossian. Accordingly. in the year 1889, he has upon the affections of the people. In moved to Ossian, and in 1892 established 1884 he was elected township chairman by his present business of supplying the the republican party, then again in 1888
but business considerations finally deter- mined him to leave Ohio and settle in
people with conscientiously selected pro- prietary medicines. To this work Mr. Cook has given some of the best hours of his life and throughout it all has sought to elevate the profession and prove a bless- ing to all who deal with him. As a sales- man he has made an enviable record, in the year 1893 having sold 2699 of the $1.00 remedies and 2,500 of the smaller size packages
When Mr. Cook started out in '92 to cover his territory, he went on foot with no other aid than an established reputation for honesty and integrity. His business continued to grow each year until he now owns an elegant outfit. This is one of the finest patent medicine "rigs" in use among regular agents, and Mr. Cook is to be congratulated for possessing it, also for giving such eminent satisfaction in the way of supplying what he believes to be good honest goods.
Mr. Cook represents the Progress Medi- cine Co., of Indianapolis, and is general agent of eleven counties. He has regular
J. C. Hatfield.
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routes over which he travels to supply a large trade-a trade which he has built up by fair and honest methods of dealing. He is well and favorably known by all our business men.
Jacob WI. Osborn.
The year 1857 was the birth year of Jacob Osborn who is the largest contractor living in Ossian. He is the son of Levi and Catherine Osborn, pioneer settlers of Union Township. These people of good English stock moved in from Eastern Ohio when the broad cultivated acres, upon which they now reside, were massed and covered with heavy timber and thick underbrush. Being people of zeal and pluck, they soon made a showing upon the forests, and became by their efforts, well- to-do, respected farmers.
Jacob W. Osborn.
Jacob Osborn spent his early life in Union Township, getting his education year he has been running a gang of hands. in the common schools, and assisting upon furnishing four or five men with steady his father's farm. He was, however, possessed of a natural attitude for carpentering-an at- titude which almost amounted to genius, for he mastered the secrets of the trade, and worked his way up to the top notch in the art of build- ing by his own untiring efforts. It is truly a remarkable fact that skilled as he is, Mr. Osborn never served an apprenticeship, having always been his own master and instructor.
In 1891 he moved from a farm upon which he had been working, pur- Residence of Dr. A. H. Metts. chased property in Ossian, and launched employment almost the year around, at himself out on a then to him, almost un- intervals enlarging upon his present force. tried sea. Starting single handed with As a framer Mr. Osborn has few equals such a knowledge as came from pure in this part of the country. He does his natural ability he made an immediate own designing, and all architectural work success, and his work gained forthwith. which comes in his line of business. He Soon he was taking contracts and was has labor at all times, and is one of our obliged to get assistance. For the last busiest citizens.
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THE OSSIAN NEW'S
John S. Tkrewson.
Well known by reason of his useful pro- fessional service and his share in the social and industrial circles of Ossian, is John S. Krewson, who for sixteen years has been the chief notary public of our city. Born March 4th 1846 in Sarahsville, 1894 he disposed of the general. store and Noble Co., Ohio, he has lived five decades of varied existence.
He was educated in the Ossian Common Schools. at the M. E. College, Fort Wayne. and at the Oberlin Business college. He has passed through many business vicissi- tudes, having been teacher. clerk in store. deputy recorder in Kansas, and finally owner of a general store in Ossian. In
a year later purchased the furniture store. This business he soon sold, retiring then. to his small farm which adjoins the town on the north, where he now resides. He
Mr. Krewson is of German-Irish descent, and his parents were among the first to brave the hardships of the new country. is at present a raiser of stock, poultry, fine In Novamber 1846 the family emigrated from Ohio to the old Krewson Homestead. and there underwent all the privations incident to pioneer life. The mother and four small children spent the first two winters alone in a rude cabin in the midst Bluffton.
fruit and vegetables. His notary work is still one of the leading features of his pro- fessional life. At present he is making a specialty of presenting pension claims. acting under and with Todd & Todd. of As the head of a collecting of an almost trackless woods, while the agency. also as dealer in real estate he is father worked in Fort Wayne for the a busy man. He is an especially active necessaries of life. Twice, the father, Mr. church worker and is secretary of the Simon Krewson, went to California in Building Committee for the new church: hope of bettering his fortunes, (1850-1853). treasurer of Board of Stewards, and Re-
cording Secretary for the Quarterly Confer- ence.
W. A Woodward.
Wilson A. Woodward, the genial whole-souled subject of this bio- graphical sketch, was born August 2, 1866, in Jefferson Township, Wells Co., Indiana. As is well known. he is the son of Abraham and Mary Woodward, whose names are connected with the pioneer efforts Residence of J. S. Krewson. in this country. Of English descent, re- He enlisted in Co. G, 191st Indiana Volun- spected and widely acquainted. the name teer Infantry, and died at Gallatin. Tenn., requires no introduction to the readers of in April 1863. The mother survived un- this volume. tll January 23rd, 1896, and during all her
An enterprising, progressive man. Mr. life of struggle exemplified the beautiful Woodward has friends wherever he is teachings of christianity.
known, and there are few readers of the
as he was in youth by almost insurmount- able difficulties managed to attain a recog- vancement to his native city, it is probable nized footing early in life.
The subject of this sketch surrounded NEWS unacquainted with his popularity. A friend to those things which promise ad- that the gentleman will always be as high-
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SOUVENIR EDITION
DR.M. N. NEWMAN
DR.A. G. GORRELL
DR.J. T. METTS
DR.A.H.METTS
DR.FRED METTS
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THE OSSIAN NEW'S
ly esteemed by his fellows as at the present time.
Mr. Woodward was educated in the common schools of this city. Like many of our business men, he spent a great part of his early life wrestling with agricultural problems. At last becoming dissatisfied with farm life he came to town, and in 1890, went into the meat market now con- ducted by his brother John Woodward (whose sketch appears elsewhere). For three years W. A. Woodward busied him- self with shop-work, then his political friends showed their esteem, and also faith in his ability, and as a result, in 1893, he became postmaster, which position he filled with credit to himself and the ad- ministration in power. In 1897, the wheels of government having again passed into the control of another political party, Mr. Woodward sought other employment, and since that time has been actively and pros- perously engaged as one of our foremost dealers in live-stock.
He is one of our most clever, agreeable and sensible men-a man who is respected by his political connections, and honored by the many friends, scattered over Wells and adjoining counties.
In every way Wils is one of our leading citizens.
nathan Weaver.
W. A. Woodward.
cessfully supplied the growing demands of the surrounding country. Having the only harness shop in town he does a large volume of business each year. He owns a charming residence on Main and LeFever streets, and contemplates the building of a brick business place in a short time.
By careful, judicious management, Mr. Weaver has drawn many patrons into Ossian. Never exorbitant in his prices he nevertheless charges enough to insure a good quality of work. Materials he uses in his business are all of the very highest quality purchaseable. A complete line of every equipment necessary for saddling, driving, hauling or farm work can be seen at his shop on Main street. Mr. Weaver is to be congratulated for his prosperity. He is the sort of business man who builds up and draws trade to his city. He is pleased at all times to show his goods, and is proud of the fact that he controls the trade throughout a large sec- tion, drawing patrons from the direct. territory of several contemporary busi- nesses.
No business man in Ossian has applied himself more closely to his chosen life- work than Nathan Weaver, our enterpris- ing harness manufacturer and dealer. He was born in the year 1857, in Center Co , Pa., a son of Solomon and Julian Weaver, and is of German descent. He received his early education in the common schools of Center Co. By the death of his parents he was obliged to forego his desires for wider knowledge, and was froced to solve the bread-winning problem early in life. Upon the loss of his parents he left the farm and began to learn his present trade. Habits of frugality and industry conduced to give him many friends and patrons. In December 1877, he came to Ossian and settled down to the work. From 1881 to 1883 he was in partnership with his brother Edwin C. hawley. Harvey Weaver, who removed, leaving Edwin T. Hawley, the cleverest carpen- ter and contractor, and one of the most him to undisputed possession of the terri- tory here. Since that time Nate has suc- careful work men we have ever had
SOUVENIR EDITION
in this city, was born in Mason Co .. Kentucky in 1861. His parents and people are persons of eminence and respect- ability in his native state.
Mr. Hawley was edu- cated in the Mason Co., common schools, and in the K. C. B. College, located in Burbon Co. Early his mind adapted itself to mechanical lab- ors, and upon his father's farm he learned the first elements of the trade he has since so successfully followed. A natural lik- ing for tools led him to study carpentering, and Residence of Dr. A. G. Gorrell. his first work was done upon his father's himself with honor in all his undertakings. own fine residence. The peculiar apti- In 1888 he came to Ossian in the interest tude he showed for such labor induced of the Muncie Pulp Company: being pleas- him to go into the business more serious- ed with the people, and realizing that ly than at first had been his intention. there was an opportunity here for a man
It 1887 he left his native state and of his tastes, he shortly began to work at located in Muncie, Ind. Here he worked his trade. In point of fact he has built at his trade upon some of the most palatial some of the handsomest residences in structures in the city. For a time he was the city; and since the establishing of in the employ of one of the largest con- his work here in 1889, he has won the re- tractors in Indianapolis, and acquitted putation of being the best carpenter in Ossian.
Mr. Hawley is a thorough gentleman. and is highly respected by the most in- telligent persons in this vicinity. Always in sympathy with matters of educational import, his advice and conversation is valuable to those interested in mental progress.
Laying aside this phase, Mr Hawley is to be remembered especially for the good. substantial efforts he has made to raise the ideals of this vicinity in house-building.
Jacob Fatscher.
When it comes to merchant tailoring Ossian has no cause to be afraid of her re- presentative in that line of business. Mr. Jacob Fatscher learned the tailoring trade among people who were accustomed to do correctly whatever they tried to accom-
Edwin T. Hawley.
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THE OSSIAN NEW'S
plish.
to shift and struggle pretty much for him- Mr. Fatscher was born July 8, 1850 in self. When but 11 years old. he commenc- Rein Bayern, Germany. When but two ed "to do" for himself, and worked for years of age his parents left the father- ten years by the month at wages which land and located in Brooklyn, New York. wouldn't induce many young men to be Mr. Fatscher's early years were spent brave enough to follow his example. Be- with his father in his shop, acquiring the ing naturally at home with tools, the young principle which has made him the cham- man conceived within his heart a longing pion tailor of Wells County. In 1869 he for a more substantial trade than working went to a "cutting school" for two terms at another's beckon and command. Accord- to perfect the knowledge he had already become master of. Until 1889 Mr. Fatscher worked in his father's large establishment, and fashioned fancy habiliments for many of the elite of Brooklyn, then tiring of the city he came to Ossian on a trip of investi- gation and in 1889 established his business
ingly. feeling his way, he set out to learn carpentering. This seemed to be work at which Mr. Reed could properly employ his talents and make a good living. For fifteen years he was thus engaged, then seeing what appeared to be a good opening. he embarked in the line of wagon build- here. A success from the beginning, Mr. ing. repair work. and what is known as Fatscher's trade increased until he was the "implement business," or the selling obliged to move his shop from his residence of some standard grade of farm conven- to the new room on Main street. Here an iences, machines, plows and other soil- ever increasing trade has occupied all his tilling necessities.
time.
Mr. Reed's present business was estab-
Mr. Fatscher's work stands comparison Jished in 1890. and has been an eminently with that of any tailor in the state. Long prosperous one. In the near future, how- experience in the fashionable shop in New York cultivated a taste. and gave an experience and knowledge not met with among ordinary contemporary workmen. ever, he contemplates devoting the whole of his time to the "implement business" as there seems to be an increasing demand for reliable machines. As it is known A general increase in patronage has ne- that the gentleman handles nothing but cessitated from time to time alterations in the best makes and highest grades of the business room occupied. Mr. Fatscher is a very busy man and finds employment not alone for himself but his son Henry who is a neat capable workman. It would be a hard matter to find a more affable, jovial, patriotic, whole-hearted man than this same enterprising Jacob Fatscher. sole morchant tailor of the town of Ossian.
D. VI. Reed.
Of those who are recognized as enter- prising business men, and sober and indus- trious citizens, none rank higher or more worthily than O. W. Reed, who has been identified with the many phases of manual industry about Ossian for many years. Mr. Reed was born September 21, 1855. near this city, of parents who came to this section in early days. Of German . English descent, Mr. Reed has the best character traits of both noble races. His father dying when he was young. left him
O. W. Reed.
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SOUVENIR EDITION
At the age of 18 he left the factory, and in 1888 he went to work for Shaefer Loch. the leading hardware deal- ers, in Decatur. In 1894 this firm sent Mr. Elzey to Ossian to establish a hardware store. This work was not such that Mr. Elzey's talents were appealed to, therefore. in 1895, he purchased the undertaking busi- ness from Thurber & Salisbury, and added new black and white funeral cars. Here Mr. Elzey
seemed to find the busi- Residence of David Craig. ness for which he was eminently well fitted, and farm necessities, he will no doubt draw a from the beginning, his efforts in this line large patronage from far in the country. have been particularly successful. Being where he is universally known and respect- a progressive man, Mr. Elzey, as his terri- ed. tory grew larger, became interested in the undertaking profession in surrounding Abner S. Elgey. towns. until at the present time he largely controls the funeral directorships in Hoag- land, Heckley, Domestic, Woodburn and Westpoint: he is also interested in a War- ren establishment.
The man who has been at the head of all the leading undertakings which have for their motto the welfare of Ossian, is Abner S. Elzey, the funeral director of
As a student of the art of embalming. this city. Mr. Elzey's progress is a mat- Mr. Elzey has made great progress. Hc ter of comment by all who know of the is now an acknowledged artist in this early obstacles which beset his path. special line-is so recognized by the lead- How he persevered and finally won, is an ing members of his profession. interesting bit of history.
Mr. Elzey was born Oct. 30, 1868, in Washington Township, Adams Co., and his parents, Elisha and Rebecca Elzey, are well known to the older citizens of
Capt. 3. L. Leslie.
If for no other reason than the greatness Decatur. When but five years of age the of past histrionic days, Captain J.L. Leslie's mother died, leaving Abner a heart-broken name is a welcome one on our pages. After youth with a long life-fight before him. a long varied life, he has settled down in Right manfully he labored, first by his quiet retirement in Ossian. content to em- father's side, then for years in one of the ploy the meaner branches of the arts Decatur factories. He had, as may be which once made him a name and liveli- imagined, few opportunities to cultivate hood in the larger cities. It is of peculiar his love for books: yet he managed to gain interest to follow the main epochs in a a fair education by studying whenever he career so tolerably eminent. could find an unoccupied moment. For a Capt. J. L. Leslie, was born in Grave- time he attended the Decaturschools, but, creek (Moundville), Virginia, Sept. 26. practically speaking, Mr. Elzey is a self- 1824, of parents descended from the fol- educated man, and has a right to be proud lowers of the Scottish hero, Robert Bruce. of the fact.
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