A biographical history of eminent and self-made men of the state of Indiana : with many portrait-illustrations on steel, engraved expressly for this work, Volume II, Part 100

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Cincinnati, Ohio : Western Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1006

USA > Indiana > A biographical history of eminent and self-made men of the state of Indiana : with many portrait-illustrations on steel, engraved expressly for this work, Volume II > Part 100

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several occasions he has, at the approach of darkness, lost his path, and been compelled to lie in the woods all night. This exposure has made sad inroads upon his iron constitution. The Doctor is not a member of any Church, although essentially orthodox in sentiment. He is a liberal contributor to the Presbyterian Church, which he attends, and of which his wife is a member. He gives generously to the support of all religious organ- izations. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity. In politics he sympathizes with the Republican party, and earnestly supports its men and measures, but is on good terms with those who believe otherwise. He was mar- ried, August 26, 1847, to Miss Elizabeth Wood. She died January 22, 1862, the mother of six children, three sons and three daughters, five of whom survive. He was again married, May 5, 1863, to Elizabeth Corkner, of Toledo, Ohio, by whom he has two sons and one daughter.

ABER, FREEMAN, a prominent citizen, miller, and lumber-dealer, of Kendallville, Noble County, Indiana, was born September 15, 1824, in Starks- borough, Addison County, Vermont, and is the fourth child and third son of a family of eight chil- dlren of Thomas and Miriam (Worth) Taber, natives of Vermont, and farmers by occupation. Both were of English ancestry. The first of the family in this coun- try was Philip Taber, who emigrated from England to America, accompanied by his two brothers, about the year 1630. One settled in Tiverton and one in New Jersey. Philip was admitted to citizenship at Boston, Massachusetts, March 14, 1634. In 1639 he was chosen a deputy from the town of Yarmouth to the first rep- resentative assembly held in the old colony of Plymouth, and was re-elected to the same office in 1640. Thomas, born 1740, was grandfather to Freeman Taber, and fa- ther of Thomas, junior, who was born October 17, 1796, the youngest of a family of fourteen children. He set- tled in Starksborough in 1818, whence he removed to Marion County, Ohio, in 1836, dying there May 12, 1843, in the forty-seventh year of his age. Freeman Taber attended the common schools until twelve years of age. His father's family removed in 1836 to Marion County, Ohio, at that time almost an unbroken forest. Educational advantages were extremely limited, being derived from an irregular winter's attendance in a log- cabin built for the purpose, with one log left out on

three sides. The apertures were closed by small panes of window-glass, which served to light the interior. Freeman being the oldest of the boys at home, and his father an invalid, he was at the age of sixteen obliged to abandon school and devote his time and energies to the farm. He remained until his majority. He then went to select school for about four months, which

closed his attendance. During this time he had acquired a good practical education, and cultivated habits of in- dustry and application which have served him well through life. The next two years he was employed in chopping wood, afterwards working as a joiner and cabinet-maker; and in 1848 he engaged in the foundry business at Mount Gilead, Ohio, which he soon sold. He then built a saw-mill, buying and selling lumber for about three years. He closed his business in 1853 and removed to Iowa, and located on a prairie farm about three miles from Muscatine. Two years after, he disposed of this, and, after investing a portion of the proceeds in the purchase of a tract of eleven hundred and twenty acres of wild land, returned to Mount Gil- ead. In 1857 he removed to Indiana, and located in Noble County, Wayne Township, in what was then a hamlet, but is now the city of Kendallville, where he constructed a grist-mill, which he operated for four years. Afterwards he was engaged in business at Lis- bon for two years, then returning to Kendallville, and building the saw and grist mill which he has since oper- ated and now owns. In the mean time Mr. Taber, in connection with his brother, Horace Taber, constructed other saw-mills, and engaged for many years extensively in the manufacture and sale of lumber. Mr. Taber's general knowledge of the business, his good judgment and judicious management, have assured a financial suc- cess. He has acquired a handsome competence. He has never engaged in wild speculative projects, preferring to keep his affairs in hand, and being content with gradual gains. Mr. Taber is regarded by all as one of the enterpris- ing and public-spirited citizens of Kendallville. In 1863 Mr. Taber was chosen town school trustee, and was active and foremost in advocating and pushing forward the construction of the city's magnificent temple of learning ; and much is due to his sagacity, energy, and management for its successful completion. It is among the best public buildings of Northern Indiana for ca- pacity, arrangement, and architectural beauty, design and finish, and is a source of pleasure and pride to all good citizens of the city, being a monument to the lib- erality and educational enterprise of Kendallville. Mr. Taber is in strong sympathy with the Republican party, by which he was elected, in the fall of 1868, to repre- sent his district in the Indiana state Legislature. He served during both the regular and special sessions of the term, and in the discharge of his duties was able, industrious, and conscientious. He also served in the city council in 1871-72, and in 1876 was again elected to the office of trustee of public schools, which position he still holds, and is one of the commissioners of the city cemetery. During his residence in Kendallville he has filled other minor positions of honor and trust. Al- though naturally a gentleman of retiring disposition, he by common consent holds the position among his

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neighbors and friends of leader in both business and political life. He is a stockholder and director of the First National Bank of Kendallville. In religion he may be regarded as unorthodox, but is a firm believer in the divinity of the Creator, and that it is man's duty and privilege to worship God. He was married, Sep- tember 14, 1848, to Rosaline A. Bingham, of Mount Gilead, Ohio, a lady of pleasing appearance, whose natural endowments, personal attainments, and warm- hearted and generous sympathies have won her a high place in the esteem of the community. She is a wife who has uncomplainingly and cheerfully shared with her life's partner all the toils, hardships, and privations of years of pioneer experience. She is a thorough mistress of her household, and a mother who wins both the respect and esteem of her children. They have four children, all living. Pliny C. was born May 22, 1850. Lelia A., born August 4, 1853, after graduating at the high school in Kendallville, entered as a student, at the age of eighteen, the Michigan University, at Ann Arbor, from which she graduated with credit in June, 1875, and is now a resident of Ann Arbor, and the wife of B. C. Burt, who was also a member of the graduating class. Ida E. was born September 25, 1856; and Homer H., May 1, 1865. Mr. Taber in personal appearance is tall, and stands erect. His presence is dignified but courteous. He is a true type of the successful self-made man of Indiana, beginning life's battle without other means than industry, energy, and integrity, and wholly dependent upon self-effort. None better merit the po- sition he has won for himself than does Freeman Taber. He is now in the prime of manhood.

AYLOR, EDWARD H., a retired farmer, and a prominent citizen of Waterloo, De Kalb County, Indiana, was born December 19, 1818, in Law- rence Township, Stark County, Ohio, and is a son of John and Margaret (Shafer) Taylor. They were natives respectively of England and Pennsylvania. His mother was of German descent. Her ancestors, some generations before, emigrated from Germany to America, and settled in the state of Pennsylvania. The father of Edward came to this country when but two years old, arriving in 1789, the family locating in Pennsylvania, where they engaged in farming. John, the father of Edward, received in boyhood and youth a good and thorough common school education, and during his ac- tive life was a man of marked influence. He was by trade a carpenter and joiner, but chiefly followed the business of farmer, pursuing the latter as a regular oc- cupation and mechanical work as an incidental one. He subsequently gave up his trade, and, in connection with his agricultural labors, officiated for twenty succes-

sive years as Justice of the Peace, holding his office by election of the people, who acknowledged his fitness by continuing him in the position for so long a time. He was also a licensed local. minister in the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and engaged in the work of the gospel as a preacher for many years. He died November 10, 1870. His son, Edward H. Taylor, enjoyed in early life limited educational advantages, working on the farm, and attending district school winters, until the age of sixteen. Two years afterwards he moved, with his parents, from Stark to Summit County, where he went to a select school for about two years. Arriving at his majority, he engaged in teaching school for four winters, three of them in Stark County, where he taught in the same district in which he had received the most of his education, each summer assisting his father in his farm work. As a teacher Mr. Taylor was successful. He was orderly, systematic, and thorough yet discreet in his discipline. His untiring interest in the advancement of his scholars, his familiarity with the branches taught, and, above all, his correct example, combined to win the applause of the judicious. Hav- ing previously married, he, in 1843, purchased a por- tion of his father's farm, consisting of fifty acres, upon which he erected the necessary buildings, and began housekeeping and farming on his own account, but giv- ing instruction in the winters of the two following years. This he continued until 1847, when he sold out and removed to Indiana, locating in Franklin Township, De Kalb County, where he bought eighty acres of wild land, subsequently increasing it to about two hundred, which he set about clearing and tilling, giving to the labor his undivided time (only ex- cepting three months in which he taught school, during the first winter of his arrival in this county). He con- tinued on his farm until 1876, when he disposed of it and moved to Waterloo, and in connection with John and Lewis Matson engaged in the agricultural imple- ment business. But, owing to poor health, he soon sold out, and has ever since given his attention to look- ing after his investments, and in arranging and beau- tifying his already handsome home. His success in farming has always been gratifying, as it has resulted in his acquiring a handsome competence. His generous liberality has well provided for his two surviving daugh- ters, still leaving a sufficiency for the support of himself and wife. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and uncompromising in his political convictions. He gives an earnest support to his party. When put by his friends in nomination for office, he prefers victory to de- feat, as is natural. He always polls a greater vote than his ticket, but unfortunately, living in a Democratic dis- trict, could not in all cases overcome the strength of the opposition. Mr. Taylor has served his township as trustee for two years, and also for assessor for four

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years. He was postmaster at Taylor's Corner for a few years, always discharging the duties industriously and conscientiously, and commanding alike the confidence of his political friends and opponents. In 1857 he was placed in nomination for county treasurer, and again, in 1859, he was the party nominee for county clerk, but in both cases, notwithstanding he ran ahead of his ticket, he was defeated by a few votes. In 1874 he was the Republican candidate for state Representative for his district, leading his regular ticket by seventy, and was elected by four majority, but the returning officer from Troy Township so changed the poll-list, before making his return, as to elect his opponent by one vote. In the face of an opposition majority in the house, he refused to go through the farce of a contested trial. In religious matters Mr. Taylor is unorthodox. He always gives liberally of his means to the support of all Church organ- izations. Mr. Taylor is a leader in the work of temper- ance and other reforms. He is a man whose character stands above reproach, and is an exemplary citizen, a kind and considerate friend and neighbor, and is re- spected and trusted by all. The privations of a pioneer's life have made some inroads upon him physically, yet his correct habits and enduring constitution enable him still to retain his strength. He was married, June 8, 1843, to Elizabeth Smith, of Akron, Ohio. They have had six children, four of whom died in infancy, two daughters surviving .: Frances A., born January 1, 1848; Florence E., born May 3, 1853.

RENTMAN, BERNARD, deceased, formerly of the firm of B. Trentman & Sons, wholesale gro- cers, of Fort Wayne, was born July, 1816, in Osnabruck, Hanover, Germany. He acquired his education in the common schools of Germany. When about twenty-two years of age he emigrated to the United States, and located at Cincinnati, Ohio. He worked as a laborer on the Jeffersonville and Madison Railroad about two years, and in 1840 removed to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he secured a situation in the city mills. Soon after this he embarked in the retail grocery business, which, proving successful, he gradu- ally added to his stock, and in a few years had an exten- sive trade. In 1865 he admitted his son, August C. Trentman, into partnership, continuing in the same line, in connection with the milling business, for several years. On March 19, 1874, Mr. Trentman, senior, died, his son, above mentioned, continuing under the old firm name of B. Trentman & Son. The subject of our sketch was married, in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1838, to Anna Ma- ria Reinhart, by whom he had seven children, six sons and one daughter. The sketches of two sons, Henry J. and August C. Trentman, appear elsewhere in this vol-

ume. Mr. Bernard Trentman was a Catholic, and one of the founders of St. Mary's Church, of Fort Wayne, to which he liberally devoted his time and means. In politics he was a stanch Democrat, but never sought or held any official position. He began his career as a laborer, but achieved great success. He lived a moral and religious life, respected and esteemed by the com- munity. He died in the faith of a Christian, leaving a large estate, and, what is more desirable, a clear record.

RENTMAN, AUGUST C., wholesale grocer, of Fort Wayne, was born in that city February 20, 1843. He received a common school education. In 1862, when only nineteen years of age, he was left in charge of his father's business during one year of the latter's absence in Europe, and displayed abilities that surprised his most interested friends. In 1865 he became a partner in the firm of B. Trentman & Son. In March 19, 1874, his father died, but the old name was retained until March 4, 1878, when it changed to August C. Trentman, with Henry J., An- thony and Herman J. Trentman as special partners. The subject of our sketch has always personally directed the affairs of the business, conducting it so successfully that it has become one of the most extensive in the state, the average annual sales amounting to one million five hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Trentman is also interested in the wholesale and retail crockery business in Fort Wayne, and, with Henry Monning & Son, is engaged in the manufacture of flour and spices. He is also a stockholder and director of the Hamilton Bank, of Fort Wayne. While he is a man of power in business circles, he is at the same time a polished gentleman, unassuming and courteous in manner, com- manding the respect and confidence of all. His career thus far has been a successful one, and promises to be equally so in the future. He was married, October 13, 1865, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Jennie A. Nierman, and has had four children, two sons and two daughters.

RENTMAN, HENRY JOHN, a prominent whole- sale crockery merchant, of Fort Wayne, was born September 18, 1847, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is the son of Bernard Trentman, one of the pioneers of that place, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Trentman received a good educa- tion, and attended Notre Dame College, near South Bend, Indiana, about two years. After leaving that in- stitution, he was employed six years in the capacity of shipping clerk for his father. May 1, 1868, he became a member of the firm of Clark & Trentman, wholesale

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dealers in crockery. In 1869 the business was trans- ferred to B. Trentman & Son, and about one year later to H. J. Trentman & Brother, under which name it has since been conducted. Under the able direction of II. J. Trentman it has become one of the leading firms of Fort Wayne. June 1, 1877, Mr. Trentman and Joseph Fox, under the name of Trentman & Fox, established a cracker manufactory, which is still in successful opera- tion. Henry J. Trentman is also a special partner in the wholesale grocery house of August C. Trentman, whose annual sales amount to a million and a half of dollars. From the various enterprises in which Mr. Trentman is engaged, he realizes a handsome income. He is considered by all an excellent business man. His success is largely due to his energy, perseverance, and integrity -useful qualities in a business career. May II, 1869, he was married, in Fort Wayne, to Miss Mary Julia Olive Muhler. They have had four children, three daughters and one son, all now living. Mr. Trentman is a member of the Roman Catholic Church. He takes no active part in politics, but is deservedly prominent for his remarkable business talent.

ATERMAN, MILES, cashier of the Citizens' Bank, of Waterloo, De Kalb County, In- diana, was born December 22, 1818, in the town of Van Buren, Onondaga County, New York. His parents, Elijah and Sarah (Linsday) Waterman, were farmers by occupation, and natives of Massa- chusetts. His mother was of Irish descent, and the father of English extraction. Their ancestors emigrated to America more than a hundred years ago. Calvin Waterman, grandfather of Miles, was a soldier in the Revolutionary conflict, and fought for our national in- dependence, serving throughout that memorable strug- gle in the armies of Washington and Lafayette. His son Elijah, father of our subject, partaking of the war spirit of his sire, enlisted in the American army, and served in his country's defense during the War of 1812. Miles Waterman enjoyed in boyhood good common school advantages, attending during the regular terms, and assisting in farm labor, until his nineteenth year. By that time he had acquired a thorough English edu- cation and an intelligent comprehension of the principles of commerce. He was well qualified to compete suc- cessfully in the struggles of life. In 1837 he accom- panied the rest of the family to Franklin Township, De Kalb County, Indiana, where his father had previously located a tract of wild timbered land, its improvement being at once begun. Miles remained with his parents until 1845, when, having been elected auditor of the county, he removed to Auburn and entered upon the duties of his office, holding it by re-election for ten suc-

cessive years. In 1856 he removed to the present site of Waterloo, where he had previously bought a tract of one hundred acres of land. A part of this he subdivided and sold as village lots. In the following fall he dis- posed of the remainder of the land, and returned to Franklin Township, resuming the work of clearing and tilling new land, which he had purchased some time be- fore. Here he lived until 1876. During Mr. Waterman's administration of the auditor's office he was noted for his accuracy, promptness, and courtesy, winning alike the commendations of his political friends and opponents. In his farming pursuits Mr. Waterman was distinguished by the same principles which had characterized his official career, giving him the reputation of a thorough and successful farmer. His property was a model of neatness and order. In August, 1876, he withdrew from the management of the farm, and, placing his son-in-law in charge, removed to Waterloo. He purchased one-fifth interest in the Citizens' Bank of that place, and was elected its cashier. Having the control of its affairs, his practical business judgment and discretion insured its financial success. To his honorable dealing with men is attributed much of its character and growing patronage. Mr. Waterman is a good financier. All his enterprises have been measurably successful, he having acquired an ample competence. His life may be regarded as a notable example of the benefits arising from the exercise of correct business principles. He possesses those genial traits of character which win and retain public confidence and esteem. In religion Mr. Waterman is not orthodox. Although not a member of any Church organization, he is a liberal contributor to all. He is foremost in advocating all en- terprises calculated to promote the interests of the com- munity in which he lives. Mr. Waterman has for many years engaged extensively in settling estates of deceased persons. As executor and administrator, his long ex- perience, well-known ability, and unquestioned integ- rity cause his services to be much sought after. In politics he is a prominent Democrat, who is earnest in the support and defense of his political convictions. He is tolerant and considerate of the opinions of others. He can not be regarded as a professed politician. Although he has held public positions of honor and trust, they were unsolicited by him. He believes in the " office seeking the man, and not the man the of- fice." In 1856 Mr. Waterman was a candidate for state Senator, of the district comprising the counties of De Kalb and Steuben, but, with the rest of the party ticket, was defeated. In 1858 he was elected to the Lower House of the state Legislature, and served at both the special and regular sessions. He was again elected to the same position in 1862, when he acted as chairman on several important committees, and was a member of the Committee of Ways and Means. In

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1874 he was returned to the House of Representatives as member from De Kalb County. During the regular and special sessions he was chairman of the Committee on Reformatory Institutions, and was an active member of other committees. He held the office of township trustee of Franklin for four years. He is treasurer of the Waterloo board of education. He has also filled many positions of minor importance. In the discharge of his official duties he has been faithful and conscien- tious. He was married, September 20, 1845, to Miss Susan Beard, of Franklin, De Kalb County, who is a woman of marked worth, possessing a kind-hearted, gen- erous, and sympathetic nature, which entitles her to the love and respect of a large circle of friends. To her loving and sympathetic encouragement and co-oper- ation Mr. Waterman attributes much of his success in life. They have five children, three sons and two daughters: Jasper M., born November 4, 1347; Oliver P. and Olive C. (twins), born June, 1850; Miles J., born April, 1856; and Emma A., born April, 1860. In personal appearance Mr. Waterman is tall, erect, and spare. He has a good constitution and enjoys excellent health. He is identified with the interests of De Kalb County, where he has lived for the last forty-three years. He has participated in the toils and privations of pio- neer life, and assisted in the development of the county to its present state of prosperity, and now, in the eve of life, he views with satisfaction the part he has taken in the wonderful transformation.

EICHT, WILLIAM C., physician and surgeon, of Angola, Steuben County, Indiana, is a native of Germany, and was born April 15, 1822, in the Grand Duchy of Baden. His parents were Lewis F. and Frederika (Eccard) Weicht. His father was a homœopathic physician, and practiced his profession for some years in Germany. In 1833 he emigrated with his family to America, landing in New York September 12, and soon after locating in Newark, New Jersey. At that time but few physicians of that school were known in this country, and Doctor L. F. Weicht was the only one in Newark. He remained until 1837, when he re- moved to Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio, resuming his practice and continuing until 1841, when he moved to Indiana and located in Salem Township, Steuben County, where he was engaged in the practice of his profession for many years. The Doctor was a man of extensive reading, good judgment, and entirely devoted to his profession. His favorable reputation insured a practice over a large extent of country, including por- tions of Ohio, Michigan, and his own state, giving him a reputation much more than local. He died June I, 1857, in the sixty-sixth year of his age, lamented by his E-14

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A biographical history of eminent and self-made men of the state of Indiana : with many portrait-illustrations on steel, engraved expressly for this work, Volume II, Part 100

Author: Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Cincinnati, Ohio : Western Biographical Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1006

Author:
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Cincinnati, Ohio : Western Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1006