USA > Indiana > Wells County > Ossian > 20th century souvenir edition of the Ossian news, Ossian, Ind., January 1st, 1900 > Part 6
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Mr. Craig has been a faithful conserva- tive, patriotic· citizen, and his life can only have for its ending and reward, the respect and esteem of the coming genera- tion who tenderly regard him.
Elmer E. Derr.
Elmer E. Derr, late of Ossian, now a prosperous liveryman of Rochester, Ind .. B. Davis, who is the proprietor, because was born in 1866, in Wabash, Ind.
Mr. Derr made good progress, and deserves honorable mention for attained scholar- ship. The "bread question" was solved by many a hard summer's work upon the factory just at the time when factory work was at its flood tide in this place. In the winters, Mr. Derr taught school, and other- wise varied the arduous labor at the "stave-yards".
In 1885, Mr. Derr purchased his tonsorial parlor, and labored to make himself the most proficient barber who had ever been in the town-this he succeeded in doing. Being an extremely public-spirited man, he interested himself, Feb. 1897, in the State Militia: was instrumental in securing the right to raise a company, and was unanimously chosen captain of the sixty- five men of "Co. F". April 26, 1898, he was called out with the company, and May 12, was mustered into the U. S. ser- vice. For one year with his company, he saw service, was ordered to Cuba for a few months, and just one year from the day he entered the army, was mustered out.
Just recently, Mr. Derr purchased a liv- ery and feed stable in Rochester, where he is making his home
Mr. Derr's social success deserves men- tion. As a charter member of the K. of P. order, he has secured many distinct- ions, and served in all the chiefest offices. A Mason since 1896, he has been honored many times by that order. Mr. Derr is also a charter member of the Maccabee lodge, and an attendant upon the Eastern Star chapter. A popular man, Mr. Derr's emolument is the respect of his fellows.
A. JB. Davis.
Any one who has ever been inside the ':New Drug Store", as it is called, need not read this article to know that the pharmacy is in every respect, beyond the sort usually found in places the size of Ossian. It is a pleasure to trade with A. things are always so neat and well kept,
His parents removed to Ossian 1868, and and the pharmacist himself a man who the boy began his education in our schools. will take every pains to satisfy customers, where he successfully completed the ad- and carefully fill whatever orders may be vanced courses. From the earliest times, entrusted to his care.
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The man who is at the head of the business. was born in 1855, near Ossian, and is the son of Lewis and Sarah Ann Davis. Reared a far- mer, educated in the Ossian schools, he is a well known and highly respected citizen.
In 1885, he went into the drug business. He served as a deputy post- master during a part of President Cleveland's administration, and was - appointed postmaster under President Harri- son's term of office, serv- ing the four years with credit. Again under Residence of Harry Bunn. the second administration of President The large drug patronage which Mr. Dav- Cleveland, he served four years as deputy is annually cares for, seems exceedingly postmaster under W. A. Woodward.
well satisfied with all his methods. The "New Drug Store" will always be a popu-
Being dissatisfied with his old quarters in the Caston building, in 1897, Mr. Davis lar pharmacy-and it deserves the honor.
erected the fine place of business he now occupies. This building, as we have said. is a pattern of neatness in every way, and the manner in which business is carried on, reflects honor upon the proprietor.
F. M. Thurber.
Frank M. Thurber.
The hardware store has passed through several hands and undergone many vicis- situdes since its establishment in Ossian. The fact that its trade has grown and has. required the building of an addition, is sufficient proof of its stability and useful- ness in the business world of our little city. Probably there is not a better point for the location of such a business. A realization of this fact. no doubt, caused our friend and fellow citizen, Mr. F. M. Thurber, to purchase the establishment early last year and turn his attention from farming and dairy pursuits. toward the supplying of those implements and necess- ities in which he deals.
Mr. Thurber was born in 1857, in Pleas- ant township, Allen C'o., Ind. His par- ents were hardworking persons of estab- lished character, and as a youth Mr. Thurber got considerable experience in the theory and practice of agricultural pursuits. He was educated in the Allen County schools and early took up the bread winning problem. Farming seemed
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to be a pleasant vocation for a time, though
work in 1895. he accepted a position in Roe Mr. Thurber spent some years as a popular Brothers' store as clerk and for three justice of the peace, and in other official years faithfully fulfilled the duties devolv- ing upon him. capacities won, the esteem of those with whom he had to deal, as he was consider-
In the fall of 1899, Mr. Beaty, purchased ed to be fair-minded and just in all his E. E. Derr's tonsorial parlors and began transactions with men.
Mr. Thurber until recently, was engaged in experiments along dairy lines. having purchased a small cream-separator and otherwise prepared himself to furnish a him proprietor of a fine large business quality of butter unsurpassed in excel- room, three barber chairs, accompanying lence by even the Ossian Creamery. Up- mirrors and all that go to make up a first on his decision in January 1899, to go into class barber shop. his present business he left the farm and
Mr. Beaty has won the merited respect turned his attention to other matters and of many friends, and it is felt that the new work will suit him admirably.
may now be found at any time at the old Rex & Robert's "stand". Mr. Thurber is a prosperous and popular member of our society.
Frank M. BBeaty.
Frank M. Beaty was born in August, 1875. in Ossian, son of Wm. R. and Angeline Beaty, and is one of the youngest of the prosperous business fraternity of our little city. Mr. Beaty received his education in the city schools and at Valparaiso, Indiana, where he took a commercial course. graduating with honors. Upon the completion of his college
Frank M. Beaty.
business for himself. With his present neatly equipped shop, there is no reason why he should not succeed eminently well. The establishment which he owns makes
As a member of society. Mr. Beaty is a most popular ornament. Having joined the F. & A. M. in 1897, that order has dignified him with the office of Senior Warden. He is also a member of the K. O. T. M. and Eastern Star orders.
Mr. Beaty, is a steady conservative citi- zen, the sort of a young man of whom we are all glad to say a good word, and whom we are pleased to watch grow up to posit- ions of honor and success.
John . hoover.
No man in Ossian has been more faith- ful in his attempt to satisfy the desires of his many patrons than has the subject of this sketch, John H. Hoover, proprietor of the oldest established drug store in town Born in 1853, educated in the com- mon schools, early taught the meaning of life's severest effort and gravest toil, Mr. Hoover has proven himself to be one of our most faithful, conservative, business men. As the owner of his present flourish- ing pharmacy, the city is to be congratulat- ed that it possesses such a superior estab- lishment.
Confronted in youth by more than the average obstacles. Mr. Hoover overcame them one by one. In his early manhood he labored in the west, "roughing it" in the completest sense of the word. For a time a driver of a government wagon he knew what it was to respond to the severe demands of a nation that expects each man to do his best no matter what the
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requirement.
After his return to the east, the subject of this sketch. worked for a time at manual labor on the railroad. Then the opportunity offering itself. he went into W. B. Miller's Drug Store. This work he found most congenial. In 1878, he went into the busi- ness. purchasing a half partnership with the Eastman & Reed firm. Selling three years later he bought in with Anderson Morton, and a year later, purchased Morton's entire interest. In 1883, Mr. Hoover Residence of Dr. J. I. Metts. built and occupied the brick now nsed by In 1862 Mr. Stine responded patriotically Roe Bros .. merchants, and changing his to the call of his country and enlisted with location again he built in 1892 his present Co. I. 40th Ohio Vol. Inf. He served to store, and since that time has been suc- the end of the war, and in 1866, he set out cessfully ministering to the desires of a large patronage.
The average volume of business done by Mr. Hoover is large enough to affirm the fact that he is one of our leading. most popular retailers. Always keeping a large stock of best materials on hands, men of church and village.
people have come to know where to go to receive prompt attention, and careful years, assisted by reliable service.
David Stine.
lied with every good, local interest since he became one of our prominent citizens, was born in Carrol Co., Ohio, September 24. 1832. His parents were of German de-
scent. his father of whom he learned the good man, without falling into a fulsome
trade was a blacksmith. When but 12 years of age, he began the work which he has followed successfully these many years. When very young. Mr. Stine received the usual school advantages accorded to the worker of the old days. In a little school- peace, prosperity and length of days", house near Killgore, Ohio, he learned the will understand in what sense to apply it necessary rudiments taught to the sons of to the man of whose life it has been our the past generation. The years that fol- privilege to write these words, and in this lowed were spent at honest efforts at his cursory manner sketch a career so pecul- chosen trade.
iarly that of a good man.
4
with his family for Indiana. Settling near Zanesville, he followed his trade, re- moving to Ossian finally and establishing his present business in 1873. Since the beginning of his labors in Ossian he has been one of the strong, well-be-loved
For fifty years, Mr. Stine, and in later his son, Edward, have manufactured double-shovel steel plows, and to them belong the idea of the steel single-shovel plow with a cutter. The record of the sales of these useful im-
David Stine, a man who has been identi- plements is a large one, and Mr. Stine may be accounted a successful man in the usual sense of of the term.
It is a difficult matter for a biographer to touch upon the well-known virtues of a recount. colored with flattery and praise. In this case, it will be sufficient to say that every reader of this edition who knows the saying, "unto the true there is truth: unto the good there is goodness,
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RANSOM ALLEN, QUARTERMASTER.
(.M.MILLS, pūG
LIEUTENANT
CHICKAMAUGA PARY DA
1
LIEUTENANT NOSTIM CLOUI ist
SEE.DERR CAPTAIN.
-
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3. 6. Gorrell.
J. G. Gorrell, Esquire, was born in Beaver Co., Pa., Sept. 28, 1828. So well known are the ante- cedents of his family- the early ancestry being French, and emigrating from Corsica 1721-that detailed mention here is superfluous. His parents Joseph and Esther (Glass) Gorrell, were early Jefferson township settlers, and to them and similar pioneers, is due much of the stable foundation on which was built the civilization and culture of the present.
Mr. Gorrell's life has been an eventful one. For many years he was a writer of insurance. In 1894, he was elected Justice of the Peace in this township, and has filled the office creditably, which office together with notary work and the writing of in- surance keeps his time fully occupied.
James Swaim.
Residence of James Swaim.
Mr. Gorrell was edu- cated in Trumbull Co., O. For many years Mr. Swaim was born in November, 1845, after coming to this county, he taught in Pemberton, New Jersey, son of Col. school. His first school was at Bethel, Wm. and Hannah Swaim, who are re- taught in 1849. His influence upon the membered with respect by all the older children of that generation in educational citizens. Mr. Swaim was educated in the matters was for the best.
Jefferson township schools, his parents having removed from New Jersey and settled in the new country.
In October 1861, when Mr.Swaim was but a lad of 16, he went to the war, attached himself to Co. A., 34th Ind. Vol., Inf., and served through the entire rebellion, being mustered out of service Feb. 4th. 1866. This was a record of which any man might be proud, still of the son of so brave a father as Colonel William Swaim, much would naturally be expected,
Jefferson township has had a number of After his return from the war, Mr. good school trustees-men who have done Swaim began farming which he has made something to elevate the general standard, his regular pursuit ever since. In 1884, he or to improve the conditions of the town- became justice of the peace and served ship buildings; but she has had no trustee with honor to himself and partisans for who will be remembered for a longer space 8 years. In April, 1898, he was appoint- of time than the present one, Mr James ed trustee of the Jefferson township schools, Swaim. It was under the administration and the manner in which he has fulfilled his duties in that line of service, leaves nothing to be desired. of this gentleman that the fine large brick addition to the Ossian school building was erected and other improvements made, which place Jefferson township and her
Mr. Swaim also stands high in social and fraternal circles. Since 1871, he has schools in the lead. Also since his election been an active member of the F. & A. M. and occupancy of office, it is a matter of order, and has filled the highest offices in remark that no trustee has been held in the lodge. He is a member of the Eastern higher esteem by the teachers who are in Star as well; and a highly respected up- his employ.
holder of all true fraternal teachings.
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The NEWS takes the liberty of paying a compliment especially to Mr. Swaim's executive ability, and careful, systematic manner of conducting the township's busi- ness-as trustee he has no superior.
Beaty & Doan.
The names of W. R. Beaty and T. A. Doan have been connected for so many years with the lumber business that no in- troduction of themselves or work to the appreciative public can do more than aug- ment the high esteem In which they are held.
Mr. W. R. Beaty, the senior member of the firm, was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, in 1842. His parents removed to Wells Co., in 1845, and he received in this county his education. Mr. Beaty's name has been associated with business interests in Ossian almost all his life. He was a veteran in the civil war: after his return from service he went into the lumbering business as- sociating himself with the Koons & Co .. saw and planing mills. A few years later Mr. Beaty's name became the leading one on the firm books, and in 1875, Mr. T. A. Doan became associated with the com- pany. Mr. Doan's careful business-like
Wm. R. Beaty.
Thos. A. Doan.
qualities soon made him a member of the firm, which changed its name lastly to that of Beaty & Doan and is now so known. The business has gradually increased by reason of the steady principles of these gentlemen. In 1878, pine lumber and shin- gles were first handled by the firm. The brickyard became a part of the company's property in 1895, and in 1899, as elsewhere stated, a large grain elevator was built by the enterprising gentlemen.
Mr. T. A. Doan, the junior member of the firm, was born in 1845, at Burton-on- Trent, Staffordshire, England, son of John and Elizabeth (Foundling) Doan. He came to America in 1870, and worked at various places for five years. He was by trade a miller, but in 1875, he became em- ployed by the Koons & Co., saw and plan- ing mills. His history from that time on is well known.
William M. Doan son of the partner in this firm, is a young man of more than average business ability, and has recently taken charge of the office work. He is a courteous, agreeable gentleman. and adds confidence and strength to the firm in the position he occupies.
These enterprising gentlemen have won the reputation of having one of the best equipped businesses in town. They have
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in a sense been a God-send to the city be- cause of the steady work they have furnish- ed a number of hands. The material they supply is also strictly first class as all builders acknowledge and affirm. The gentlemen are among the most prosperous citizens in town.
E. A. Vail.
E. A. Vail, whose name has become pro- minent in its connection with factories and factory interests in Ossian and Cardwell, Mo., was born in Crawford Co., Ohio, in 1850, a son of Thomas and Martha (Shep- hard) Vail. In 1857 the family moved to Indiana and the father worked at various kinds of labor, especially at his trade which was that of a cooper.
In 1869, the father died and the subject of this sketch, the oldest son at home, took up the cares of the family, and right faithfully fulfilled the trust which devolved upon him.
For 10 years Mr. Vail has been connect- ed with the factory business. For 6 years he was at the head of the Ossian factory. was popular and in high eminence with all When it was removed from this place he be- orders and classes. came superintendent of the Decatur Egg Case Co., of Cardwell, Mo.
Mr. Vail will always be remembered by
Wm. M. Doan.
E. A. Vail.
the people of this community. He was a member of several societies-a Mason, a K. of P., and I. O. O. F., and a O. E. S., he
Robison & TRobison.
Good dentists are always scarce. There are dentists and dentists. Robison & Robi- son are dentists in the fullest sense of the word. We say without hesitancy and most sincerly (not being paid to make such remarks) that P. L. and H. E. Robison are the best dentists in the county. It is an interesting fact, and exceedingly fortunate for our city that they have a branch office at this place, and do a large business here. P. L. Robison was born in 1853, in West- moreland county, Pa., son of William W. and Sophia (Eicher) Robison, of German descent. His father being a minister. his youth was spent in various places in Ind. He received his education at Springfield Academy. In 1873, he engaged in the grocery business at Bluffton, Ind., with J. H. C. Smith which he followed only a short time. Desiring to become master of a profession in which there was room for advancement, he studied dentistry at Kenton, Ohio. He established himself in
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his profession in Bluffton, March 29th 1874, and by honest work and faithful service, he won abundant success. April 10th, 1898, Mr.Robison associated his son's name with the firm name, and established a branch office at Ossian, which is of in- calculable benefit to the town as it brings in many people to our city to trade who would otherwise go elsewhere.
H. E. Robison, the junior member of the firm, was born in Bluffton, in 1877, and re- ceived his education at the Bluffton High School, Franklin College, Ohio College of Dental Surgery, and at the dental depart- ment of the Northwestern University.
Since beginning his practice Mr. Robi- son has had the very best of success, and since his partnership with P. L. Robison, the firm has been able to present the best equipped dental office in Wells county.
Both father and son are perfect gentle- men, and have come to success in their profession because they have served their patrons honestly.
William Craig.
William Craig, landlord of the old thoroughly established Craig House, was born in Johnstone, Renfrewshire, near Glasgow, Scotland, February 11, 1824, son of William and Jennette (Robinson) Craig, who came to America in 1828, and settled at Troy N. Y., where they remained four years before removing to London, Ontario, in 1832.
July 12, 1838, the Craigs made a per- manent location in this township, where the parents remained until death. The farm upon which the Craig family settled is the old Warren Mills place. The father was the first naturalized citizen of Jeffer- son township, and one of the best known, most prominent men-his death occurred in 1863, and his wife survived him but eight years.
It is said that the family physician comes nearer to the inner life of his fellow men Mr. Wm. Craig, our subject, married than any other being on earth, unless it Margaret, daughter of Robert and Mary A. be the physician of the soul. The senior (Stout) McConnell. native of New Jersey, subject of this brief sketch, Dr. J. I. Metts, in which state Mrs. Craig was born Oct. 4, is endeared to hundreds of families in this 1827. Their marriage occurred April 11, vicinity. His remarkable success at the at the home of the bride's parents, in Jeffer- beginning of his career firmly established son township. him in the affections of his patrons.
The young couple began their domestic
William Craig.
life upon a farm, and for many years followed that occupation. Mr. Craig has also been a merchant, but he is principally known as landlord of the ever popular, widely known Craig House-Ossian's most frequented inn. His house has a reputation among traveling men for many miles: even unto strange cities. This well-deserved popularity arises from the particular and careful attention Mr. and Mrs. Craig give their guests.
Mr. Craig's ancestry was Scotch of the "deepest color", Robert Burns, the great poet, was a near neighbor of Mr. Craig's grandparents, and Mr. Craig himself was born in the same region, and was familiar with the country which furnished the poet with settings for his ever-living verses.
Drs. 3. 1. and Fred Metts.
Dr. J. I. Metts was born in Licking Co.,
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Ohio, June 15, 1832, son of James W. and After seven months of faithful service, the Mirinda (Sutton) Metts. September 10, end of the war being at hand, Dr. Metts 1837, the family came to this county and was honorably discharged. That a life of settled near the place where Murray is success avails this young physician of now located. After an early life in which promise no one can doubt. Truly Ossian farm work was mingled with school teach- is well blessed with good physicians. ing, Dr. Metts attended Fort Wayne College-this was in the year 1852. Under the tutelage of Dr. Adam Davison, he be- gan the study of medicine, and attended barry Bunn. the medical colleges at Louisville and Not to know Harry Bunn is not to be acquainted with the jolliest man in town. This characteristic fits Mr. Bunn for his work and makes him a favorite wherever he goes. Cincinnati. He matriculated at Miami College in 1854-55. Later in life, because of the remarkable ability shown in treat- ment of thousands of cases, and because true merit began to be recognized in dis- Mr. Bunn was born in 1858, two miles east of Ossian, the son of Jacob and Sarah Bunn, early settlers. Educated in the common branches, he was early turned out to make his own way in the world. Thanks to the smooth tongue and happy- go-lucky nature he succeeded. tantcities, the Fort Wayne Medical College bestowed upon him an honorary degree. Dr. Metts has been a successful man-as a physician first always; a good citizen, prosperous, and honored by society; as the school trustee who first introduced the later system of grading, and against bitter opposition proved that it was best for the
schools; and as a man courteous, gentleman- and gradually, he being very popular, his ly. indefatigable in discharge of duty.
Dr. Fred A. Metts, the junior member of the firm, son of Dr. J. I., became as- sociated with the present practice in 1899, and is one of the most brilliant Esculapians in the county. Although a young man he is "winning his spurs" and bringing him- self to recognition by the skillful operations he is performing. In much of his work it can be easily seen that the mantle of geinus and judgment so present in the father has fallen upon the son.
Dr. F. A., was born in 1877. in Ossian. He received his education first at the Ossian High School, then at DePauw Uni- versity, and at the Fort Wayne College of Medicine, at which latter place he took his degree of Doctor of Medicine, in 1898. July 7, 1898, he enlisted in the regular army and was assigned to 1st Army Corps. He left the United States July 21, 1898, for Ponce, Porto Rico. August 1st, he landed and was attached to the provisional squad- ron cavalry. The army's course is well remembered by our readers-first moving to Arroyo, then forward to Guayana, Aug., 5th. The fierce struggle at Las Marias, Aug. 13th, is still in the minds of the readers of the Spanish-American War.
In 1880, Mr. Bunn, established his pres- ent business of professional auctioneer, territory extended until it now covers an area represented by a radius of 15 miles: and in a number of instances reaches out to sales 25 miles distant. On an average, Mr. Bunn, has charge of 50 sales a year. some of them very large ones.
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