USA > Indiana > Wells County > Ossian > 20th century souvenir edition of the Ossian news, Ossian, Ind., January 1st, 1900 > Part 7
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In 1892, Mr. Bunn, began farming on a
Harry Bunn.
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THE OSSIAN NEWS
small scale, turning his attention chiefly Fort Wayne to run a grocery, returning to poultry raising and bee culture. In finally to Ossian in 1895, where he estab- these lines he has prospered very well, lished his present permanent business. though in the winter of 1898, he lost all Mr. Davis is quite a fraternity man. He is a charter member of the K. of P. order but two hives of bees.
As a public spirited man, Mr. Bunn de- and also of the Rathbone lodge. In these serves special mention. No one can quite fraternities he has held leading offices. manage a street fair or fourth of July As a man he is quite gentlemanly and un- celebration as well as he: no one is quite obtrusive, attending strictly to business- such a favorite with the boys as he: no one an addition to the element of studious, can tell a funnier story or laugh longer persevering gentlemen. and louder than this same good natured citizen of Ossian. It would be a hard matter to find any one in town held in Lumley ff. Wilson. closer esteem by the entire people that he so faithfully serves in whatever capacity presents, than this same Harry Bunn.
Probably no business man in the town of Ossian has met more reverses and in the end surmounted them more triumph- antly than Mr. L. F. Wilson. He now is Edwin Davis. the owner of one of the best equipped livery and feed stables in the surrounding Foremost among our business men is country. His barn is large and commodi- Edwin Davis, our capable, energetic and ous, his service is the best that can be practical, restaurateur, and caterer. He procured his horses are carefully chosen has always been recognized as keeping a and well kept. A great number of citizens neat presentable place of business, and his are proud to point to his establishment and say that it is a permanent labor feat- ure of Ossian. establishment has always been well patro- nized by the leading people of this city.
Mr. Davis was born in 1866, son of Lewis Mr. Wilson was born November 26. 1846. in Knox Co., Ohio, a son of Wm. P. and Rebecca (Beach) Wilson. In 1854, the family moved to Wells county and began and Sarah Ann Davis, who were, if you will remember, numbered among the old settlers, by the memoriers of our fathers. Mr. Davis was educated in the common life in this region at Zanesville. In May, schools, and early struck out to make a 1864, he enlisted in Co., D. 137 Ind., Vol., living for himself. In- deed at the age of 13, he began "to do for him self". He learned the barber trade and work- ed at it for about six years, during which time he was engaged in the business in Markle, Fort Wayne, Chicago, and in Kentucky.
In 1890, he began the restaurant business in Ossian with but $40.00 capital. He did not re- main at this work long. but soon went to Gas ('ity to resume the ton- sorial work. In the fall of 1893, he moved to Mar- kle. In 1894, he went to
L. F. Wilson's Livery Stable,
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Inf., and was in service until November of the same year. In 1865, Mr. Wilson hired to James Sewell as c erk in his dry- goods store. He worked for one year at that business. Later he became a partner with the Hatfield firm. and was so connect- ed for seven years, at the end of which time he sold out, desiring to enter other avenues of labor. In 1875 he bought the grist mill. Here fortune began to deal heavily with him, for twice did he burn out and twice did he rebuild the mill. This is a sample of the man's courage. In 1885, he went into his present work. At this time, owing to the losses by fire, Mr. Wilson was involved to the extent of $1900, but with indomitable energy he came to the front and in a few years paid off his debt, built the beautiful residence where he now resides and enlarged his buildings. For the past 2 years he has been connected with the Warren livery and feed stable as partner with his son, James Wilson.
Mr. Wilson in spite of many cares, is a well known man in society and fraternity circles. He has been a mason for 5 years, and is a charter member of the I. O. O. F. and K. O. T. M. orders.
Rer & hendry.
Rex & Hendry are makers of tile, and a visit to their manufactury over in West Ossian will convince any one that they do a large volume of work, furnishing regular employment to a number of men.
John Rex, senior member of the firm was born in 1828, in Stark Co., Ohio, a son of parents of German descent. He went to school in Clark and Seneca counties. He was raised a farmer and at 22 years of age, came to Wells county and settled up- on an 80-acre farm of his own. At this time Jefferson township was all woods, peopled with the denizens of an almost trackless forest. Mr. Rex went to work
L. F. Wilson.
and once with W. Z. Roberts. In 1894 he became interested in the tile mill, and in the spring of 1899, he associated Frank Hendry with his business.
Frank Hendry, junior member of the firm, was born in 1873, in Allen Co., Ind- iana, son of Lonson and Lucinda Hendry, parents of German descent. He went to school in Jefferson township. and the greater part of his life was spent upon the farm. In 1899 he purchased a half interest in the tile manufactory and is now engag- ed in furnishing the public with the very best tile procurable, at very low prices.
The business is a good and prosperous one. The mill is known all over the county, and these gentlemen are doing their share towards furnishing the "drain- age tubes" for the surrounding country.
Charles E. Swaim.
A description of the furniture store, and and patiently cleared his land. It is the history of its usefulness in Ossian, is enough to say that he prospered, since he absolutely necessary to a work of this im- portance. yet the present owner has altered
has owned at times, over 300 acres of land. In 1889, he moved to Ossian and and improved the business until nothing bought the grist mill, and in 1895 he sold of the former traces remain but the last a half interest to M. E. Hursh. Twice he newly erected building. In stock, style of has been identified with the hardware work, methods of dealing, Charles Swaim hardware store -once with A. S Elzey, has made a decided improvement upon his
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THE OSSIAN NEW'S
Charles E. Swaim.
predecessors who were content to allow the establishment to take care of itself for the most part.
Mr. Swaim the present owner, was born in August, 1862, in Wells Co., Ind. son county.
His ancestors were of English and Sweed-
In September 1881, Mr. Bell, began to ish origin; and his parents old Wells Co., study pharmacy, and worked with J. H. settlers, favorably known as people of the Hoover. Having mastered the necessary best stock, have resided in this vicinity knowledge, he pursued his work with for forty years.
Mr. Swaim was of a somewhat nomadic temperament, and after his school days in Ossian and a few years on his father's farm, he set off for Texas. After spending a couple of years in the south he determined 1893, when Mr. Bell sold his share of the to brave the dangers and cold of Michigan business and turned his attention to other lumber camps, and accordingly spent six matters.
years "roughing it". The experience May 6th, 1897, Mr. Bell became post- gained in dealing with men in those places master of the town of Ossian, and so well have been of wide service to the gentle- has he fulfilled the trusts devolving upon man; also the severity of the school has him, that we are safe in accounting him been valuable in quickening perceptions the best postmaster we have ever had. of business advantage.
In 1895, Mr. Swaim became owner of Eastman and A. B. Davis, he acquired the the furniture store in this city. He at skill and facility for disposing of mail once set about increasing the usefulness which makes him superior to all others in of its various departments, adding from office.
time to time, such innovations as seemed
ties, and inside the building one can usually find pictures of all degrees of ex- cellence.
Mr. Swaim is exceedingly courteous to his patronage and so far as is in his power offers the advantages of a metropolitan store. He is one of our stable business men and a good citizen.
Chas. b. Bell.
Charles H. Bell was born in Ebensburg, Pa., Dec. 11, 1847, son of Alexander Gra- ham and Jane (McCoy) Bell, of Scotch Irish descent. In the spring of 1850, the family came to Murray and took up the usual burdens of the pioneer toilers. Mr. Bell received his education first in the common schools, then in Prof. J. S. Mc- Cleary's academy at Bluffton and in the select school of Rev. Mayne. In the pub- lic schools of Wells county Mr. Bell was a teacher from 1868 until 1881, with 'the ex- ception of the winters of 1877 and 1878, which years he spent in Kansas serving as deputy clerk of the district courts of Ander-
Eastman & Reed, and in 1884, bought out Mrs. M. J. Reed, becoming a partner in the then largest drug store. In 1885, the firm name changed from "Eastman & Bell" to "Bell & Davis" and so continued until
As an assistant postmaster under C. W.
Mr. Bell's life has been a busy, fruitful good. He has recently increased his one; it is wholly impossible in this brief stock and his facilities for repairing and sketch to give to it the laurel-mention picture framing. Occasionally he exhibits it deserves. Especially under the old school in his windows, paintings by local celebri- regime were the labors of this gentlemen
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lastingly beneficial, then it was that the to buy. The firm Hunter & Rupright has "chaotic systems of education", if such an succeeded eminently well in increasing its appellation be permitted, gave way before volume of business. As buyers and sellers the untiring attempts of himself and like of live stock, these men have no superiors minded educators, and gradually metamor- in the county, and they probably do as phosed into the "'school of the new era." much business in their line as any similar firm.
1. 3. Baumgardner.
Ossian has been most fortunate in her photographic department of business. Although we have no regular photo- grapher, Mr. I. J. Baumgardner, who is probably the best artist of that description in Wells county, makes the town once a week. When it is remembered that he furnished the photographs for the half- tones of this volume, no farther praise or comment is necessary as the quality of his work is easily perceivable by all who are at all judges of art.
Mr. Baumgardner was born in Wads- worth, Ohio, in 1870, and in that city re- released. ceived his education. He began to study Since his removal to this county, Mr. Hunter has bought and sold stock. He has been associated at different times with Wilson Glass, Abe Woodward and other photography under Benj. Ashbaucher of Bluffton in 1895, and for several years was that gentleman's most able helper and as- sistant. For some time previous to his old time buyers. In 1897, he went into
establishing of business for himself he did Mr. Ashbaucher's most difficult work, caring for almost all the Ossian patronage which was then controlled by that gentle- man.
In March 1899, Mr. Baumgardner cut loose from the Bluffton firm and establish- ed a studio in the town of Markle, and a branch business in Ossian as well. Though Mr. Baumgardner makes Markle his home he does not neglect his Ossian patrons, but comes over regularly, furnishing them with the best work at the most reasonable prices. Amateur photography is quite a fad. but no amateur is able to produce equally good negatives and equally well finished photographs, when his efforts are compared with professional labor. Mr. Baumgardner is a professional and his photographs leave nothing to be desired by even the most fastidious patrons.
bunter & RRupright.
Some men have a genius for making good deals-knowing when, what, and how
Mr. Thornton B. Hunter was born March 15, 1836, in Beaver Co., Pa., son of Thomas and Jane (Bradshaw) Hunter, of Scotch-Irish descent. Receiving his edu- cation in the county schools, he started life for himself as a farmer. In 1862, he enlisted in Co. G., 153, Pa., Vol. Inf., and served until 1863, when he was discharged. In the spring of 1864, Mr. Hunter moved to Wells county. Indiana. and bought a farm, which he proceeded to clear up. He again enlisted in the service and was out until the end of the war. Mr. Hunter seems to be fond of army life for in the late Spanish-American war he started out with the boys and stayed in service until
partnership with W. H. Rupright, and so far the company has prospered.
Wm. H. Rupright was born in Trumbull
Thornton B. Hunter.
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THE OSSIAN NEWS
Co., Ohio, January 19, 1849, son of John ers. popular christian gentlemen are al- and Elizabeth (Dougherty) Rupright-the ways pleasant subjects about which to descent is German. The Rupright family write. We always have a reverence for men who have a fixed unquestioned posi- tion of high rank in society-it is a part of the emoluments which come to good citi-
has always been a pioneer family-first coming to Ohio (the old strain), then west the younger blood faring forth to Indiana. In the spring of 1852, Mr. Rupright's zens that the people universally look upon them with respect and honor.
parents located in Adams county and by sturdy toil. they thrived and prospered.
Mr. William Stine is one of our best Mr. Rupright when but 16 years of age types of truest manhood. This reward has . enlisted for the civil war, but was not ac- been reached after a life of considerable cepted and remained at home engaged in farm work. After marriage he . commen- ced housekeeping on a farm in Adams County. The first purchase of land was made in 1873. In 1876, Mr. Rupright be- effort, and many vicissitudes Mr. Stine was born in 1835, in Carrol county, Ohio, a son of Solomon and Margaret Stine. of German descent. He was of the sturdy class of young men who prefer manual toil to the higher and more learned avocations, therefore his education ended with the course received at the common schools in the county of his birth. Being fond of his father's trade, blacksmithing, Mr. Stine learned this art at his old home. In 1860, he moved to Martin county, and it was from this place that he enlisted in the army, becoming a member of Co. A., 17th Ind., Inf. Mr. Stine served his country for three long years, following the flag. In 1877 he moved to Wells county, Indiana, and began to work at his trade then. For thirty-nine years he has worked at his trade at different places in Ossian. He has now as assistant with him Mr. Frank Jackson.
Mr. Stine has been a mason thirty-three years and served in the highest offices of the order. For six years ho has been a K. of P. Always a popular fraternity man, a good citizen, churchman, his life is a good one for young men to emulate.
Dr. A. b. Metts.
If, as the philosophers long ago announc- ed, "the proper study of mankind is man", assuredly man's greatest concern next to the salvation of his soul, is his bodily health. And in his dilemma to whom can man turn but to the careful students of that science which deals with the treatment of diseases? The NEWS readers will bear out the assertion that seldom is a city able to count so well qualified a coterie of medi-
Representative men, men of integrity, cal practitioners as the resident doctors of good citizens, society and fraternal work- Ossian, and prominent among the number
Wm. H. Rupright.
came a resident of Wells County. After settling in Jefferson township in the same vear, he began to buy stock with A. Wood- ward & Co. In 1882, he became a county commissioner and served satisfactory sev- eral years.
As stated, in 1897, Mr. Rupright became a partner of T. B. Hunter, and the firm is now in a flourishing condition. Both men are fraternally and socially, gentlemen.
William Stine.
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is the subject of this sketch, Dr. A. H. stock: this has been done gradually during Metts.
Dr. A. H. Metts was born December 15, presents the best stock ever carried in
1837, at Murray, Indiana, a son of James W. and Miranda (Sutton) Metts. He spent his youth much after the fashion of other sons of early settlers. He received his
on with his medical studies, and in 1866 he began to practice in Ossian and the sur- rounding country. His success as a physi- cian has always been good, and for years he has been Dr. J. I. Metts' counsel in difficult cases. Dr. Metts has always been a popular member of society, a member of several fraternities, and an accomplished, courteous gentleman. The fame of Dr. Metts is so well known, and his skill in treatment of disease. that added gratula- tory mention is superfluous.
the last three years until now the store Ossian, and requires four regular em- ployees to care for properly.
For several years, Mr. Hatfield has made the sale of musical instruments, es- rudimentary education at the Murray pecially pianos and organs, a branch of academy and common schools. In 1860 he his work. This business has grown so began to study medicine under the tutelage that he now employs three salesmen. As of his brother, Dr. J. I. Metts, and in a an instrument dealer and salesman, he has short time went to Rush Medical College. no peer in this part of the country, and In 1862, he enlisted in Co. G., 101st Ind., since he always handles strictly high Vol., Inf .. and served until his discharge grade instruments, his patronage is stable in 1864. After his return home he went and growing.
Personally. Mr. Hatfield is a man of
V. M. hatfield.
Mr. V. M. Hatfield was born in Murray in 1859: came to Ossian in 1867, where he has since resided. He received his funda- mental education in the Ossian schools. which education was supplemented by a special course under Rev. A. Mayn. One year spent at Elder's Ridge Academy, Indiana county. Pa., under Dr. Alexander Donaldson D. D., fitted him for the Uni- V. M. Hatfield. versity of Wooster, where he took a par- delightful personality. He is a leader in tial classical course. Business obligations all things that tend to popular welfare made it necessary for Mr. Hatfield to leave He has always been a patron of literature. his university work and take up less con- and deeply interested in all educational genial labor at his father's desk.
matters. He has an extensive, well-assort-
He began merchandising in 1878, and ed library and finds time in the midst of has followed it ever since. In 1893, he re- business engrossments to keep up systema- adjusted the business of the firm of Hat- tic study and reading. As a promoter of field & Son, assuming sole management. musical affairs, Mr. Hatfield has always The business is now conducted on a some- been a leader, and it is owing to his tire- what modified scale, since the reverses in- less efforts in this direction that music.il knowledge has been disseminated to the cident to the panic of 1893.
The general signs of improvement present realized extent.
throughout the country have induced the Besides being a patron of arts, Mr. Hat- present store management to increase the field is an expert accountant, and is con-
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THE OSSIAN NEWS
si lered one of the best judges of merchan- life at the following places-South Bend, dise values in the county. Atpresent he is St. Louis and Detroit. serving on the advisory board of Jefferson In August, 1897, Mr. Brown opened up township, having received his appoint- his present establishment in Ossian. From ment through Judge Vaughn. He is a the very first the work he turned out was member of the Masonic fraternity, also a such as to advertise his ability all over the high dignitary in the K. O. T. M. order.
Mr. Hatfield was one of the promulga- tors of the new cemetery, and has been in the north end of town busy with repair secretary and manager of the association and other work-in fact he is busy all the ever since its organization. He is an eld- time. er in the Presbyterian church, and was honored by the Fort Wayne Presbytery in TRoe JBros. 1898, by being made a delegate to the General Assembly, the highest executive body in the church.
Mr. Hatfield's home is a pattern of hos- pitality. Three charming daughters make it a most pleasant place of entertainment.
William D. Brown.
It is always a pleasure to commend work done by a good workman. The subject of this sketch is in the truest sense a good workman, the best of the kind ever in Ossian.
-
Mr. Brown was born in 1839, at Niagara Falls, N. Y., a son of parents of Irish de- scent. He is a self-educated, self-made man and from earliest youth has followed his present avocation. He began to work at his trade when 16 years of age, and at the same time learned painting and trim- ming. His skill in making all parts of carriages and in designing new styles of vehicles, his ability to build conveyances that were specially made according to cer- tain specifications, soon placed him at the head of the line wherever he worked.
Mr. Brown's life has been an eventful one, and he has always been a busy man. He began his labors at Kalamazoo, Mich., and remained there 12 years. Then he moved to Chicago at which place he spent + years. Returning to Michigan he located at Niles, and worked in the shops for 7 years. He has also spent a portion of his
country. An industrious man, he can be found early and late in his carriage shop
Arthur F. and E. H. Roe are very suc- cessful business men. They have done much to perpetuate many things which re- dound to the good of the town. At the store, which is in charge of E. H. Roe, the The cultured and art-loving spirits are patrons are received with the utmost ever welcome there. Mr. Hatfield, him- self, a patron of all those things which appeal to the higher tastes. is always glad to welcome the mentally and morally refined.
courtesy, and their wants, small or large, are attended to with equal carefulness. A F. Roe, who is largely connected with the store financially does not attend to the business in person, but is engaged in the pleasant occupation of farming a fertile tract of land south of town.
Arthur F. Roe, of the Roe Bros. firm, had for his birth year 1862. He first saw the light on his father's farm near Ossian. He is a son of Ezekiel and Catherine Roe, who have been inhabitants of this town-
Arthur F. Roe.
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Elias H. Roe.
ship many years.
Mr. Roe graduated from the Ossian High School and also from the Fort Wayne collegiate and musical education. In the M. E. College. He spent his early life at fall of 1896, she returned to Ossian and farm work, but being injured in an accident established her present business, coming was unfitted for the time for manual direct from Hartford City, where she had been at the head of a millinery shop for a
labor, so he began the study of telegraphy, and before he had learned the art, a posi- year. tion was waiting for him. This happened when he was 17 years of age. For 8 years he was telegraph operator at various places, then his health becoming impaired, he returned home, and in 1893. the firm of Roe & Stine came into existence. Mr. E. H. Roe then went into the store as clerk. In 1895 he purchased an interest in the establishment and the firm name became Roe Bros.
E. H. Roe, who looks after the business of the store which has become so widely popular, was born in 1874, and received his education at the Ossian High School and at the Danville Normal College. Hav- ing always had a desire to be a merchant and a business man, he purchased an in- terest in the store in 1895. Carefulness and perseverance are the qualities that brought him to the front as one of our young men of whom we can be proud.
Both A. F. and E. H. Roe are popular members of society-and deserve the hon- ie power.
ors which have come to them through hard work, honesty and faithfulness.
Mrs. E. Wilson.
The lady readers of this volume will not require to be taught where in Ossian is to be found the choicest selection of fancy millinery. The name of Mrs. E. Wilson has so long been associated with what is artistic in ladies furnishings that all are perfectly familiar with the high standard and exquisite taste of her establishment. In this work, Mrs. Wilson's judgment is supplemented by the taste of Miss Grace. her daughter, who has charge of the trimming department, and who is one ( f the most popular and brilliant young ladies in the city.
Mrs. Wilson has lived in this place 30 years, and her life history is so familiar to all that any data relating thereto or com- ment thereupon, would be superfluous. For several years, she was absent keeping house for Miss Grace who was pursuing a
A glance at the stock kept by Mrs. Wil- son, will amply repay anyone who is a lover of art. Always selecting that which is most elegant and tasty, good dressers have found it to their advantage to deal where their orders, large or small, receive careful attention.
Miss Grace Wilson who is a most able head of the trimming department, is a charming leader in social circles. She is a member of the Eastern Star order, and holds the office therein of Esther. She is also a Sister of Rebecca, and is deservedly popular with all the young people in the city. Her tastes and culture are such as to make her the center of a large and ad- miring coterie of friends.
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