A portrait and biographical record of Boone, Clinton and Hendricks Counties, Ind. : containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all of the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Indiana, Part 77

Author:
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : A.W. Bowen & Co.
Number of Pages: 1080

USA > Indiana > Boone County > A portrait and biographical record of Boone, Clinton and Hendricks Counties, Ind. : containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all of the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Indiana > Part 77
USA > Indiana > Clinton County > A portrait and biographical record of Boone, Clinton and Hendricks Counties, Ind. : containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all of the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Indiana > Part 77
USA > Indiana > Hendricks County > A portrait and biographical record of Boone, Clinton and Hendricks Counties, Ind. : containing biographical sketches of many prominent and representative citizens, together with biographies and portraits of all of the presidents of the United States, and biographies of the governors of Indiana > Part 77

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worked at his trade in the city of Cincinnati, five years of which time he carried on business for himself. From Cincinnati, Mr. Klopfer moved to Thorntown, Boone county, Ind., thence in March, 1879, came to Frankfort, in which city he has since made his home and where he has established a very lucrative busi- ness and acquired the reputation of an honor- able and upright citizen. He was married in Germany July 20, 1864, to Miss Matilda Jacobs, and on the twelfth of August following brought his bride to the United States, and here his four children have been born, namely- Reuben, Jacob, Charles and Rachel. Mr. Klopfer is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the blue lodge and chapter, and for some years has been equally prominent as an Odd Fellow, in which order he has held important official positions, in the subordinate lodge, encampment and canton. He also belongs to the Hebrew order of I. O. B. B., being one of the principal members of the organization in Frankfort. Personally "Mr. Klopfer is a very pleasant gentleman, popular with all with whom he comes in contact in business or social relation, and he is justly esteemed one of the substan- tial citizens of Frankfort. He has succeeded well in his business, has a pleasant home and enjoys the esteem and confidence of a large circle of friends in the city of his adoption.

S O. KNAPP, M. D., a physician and surgeon of Frankfort, was born in Washington township, Clinton coun- ty, Ind , July 7, 1858, the son of H. G. and Martha (Mattix) Knapp. Dr. Knapp was reared on the farm and in the usual man- ner, and with honest labor he early became familiar. His early education embraced the curriculum of the common schools, and at the age of twenty he entered Wabash college at

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Crawfordsville, where he pursued the higher branches of learning for a period of two years. While still young, he decided to enter the medical profession; accordingly, having left college, he began the study of the same, at Frankfort, in the office of Drs. Cox & Adams, under whose direction he pursued a course of reading for two years, and then en- tered the Ohio Medical college at Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in March, 1884. Immediately after finishing his studies, Dr. Knapp began the practice of his profession at Frankfort. Believing that no pains should be spared in fitting him for the useful calling to which he now began devoting his life, the doc- tor, in 1885, took a polyclinic course at Philadelphia, after which, with a laudable am- bition still further to increase his knowledge of the healing art, he again spent four months at the college at Cincinnati. In 1887 he effected a co-partnership with D.rs. Cox & Adams, and after the retirement of the former, the firm became known as Adams & Knapp, and as such continued very successfully until the death of Dr. Adams, when the subject took sole charge of the practice, which at the time was perhaps the most extensive in the county of Clinton. He continued by himself until 1892, at which time he became associated with Dr. S. O. Sims, a firm which still con- tinues, and which has a reputation second to none in central Indiana.

Dr. Knapp is a republican, takes an active interest in the leading questions of the day, but chooses to devote his entire attention to his profession rather than seek official prefer- ment at the hands of his fellow-citizens. Fra- ternally, he is a member of the Pythian order.

Dr. Knapp was united in marriage March 29, 1888, in Marion county, Ind., to Miss Esther Harding, who was born in Minnesota, the daughter of William and Charlotte (Duke) Harding. Two children are the fruits of this

marriage, Esther and McClellan. Mrs. Knapp is a Presbyterian, and she is highly regarded as a faithful worker in the congregation wor- shiping in Frankfort.

ILLIAM B. KRAMER, SR .- Among the active and successful business men of Clinton county is W. B. Kramer, Sr., of the firm of Kramer Brothers, at Frankfort. Mr. Kramer came to this county in 1873, and bought an interest in the firm of J. A. & J. A. Kramer, one of whom was a brother, the other a cousin-the cousin was the one who had established the first planing-mill in Frankfort. The firm of J. A., J. A. Kramer & Co., lasted two years, when the cousin sold out to J. T. and F. B. Kramer. and the firm was known as Kramer Brothers.

W. B. Kramer was born in Frederick county, Md., on the thirty-first day of March, 1836. His parents were Frederick William and Margaret (Scholl) Kramer, natives of the same county and state . The father was born in the year 1809 and died in 1867. He lived and died in Frederick county. He was a son of John Alexander Kramer, who was born in Berlin, Germany. John Alexander Kramer and three brothers came to America in the year 1768. He was a colonial soldier in the Revolutionary war, and while serving as such received an honorable discharge because of failing health. After returning to his home in Maryland, he was made tax collector, and served as such until the close of the war. He married a Miss Jacobs, who was born near Philadelphia, Pa., of German ancestry. She bore her husband the following children: Philip Kramer, who settled in Clinton county, in 1834; he was a soldier in the war of 1812, and in 1814 emigrated to Ohio, whence he re- moved to Indiana, locating at Frankfort, where he lived many years; the second son was

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Adam A. Kramer; the third, Daniel; the fourth, Frederick W., and there were four daughters.

The subject of this notice is one of thirteen children, eleven of whom grew to maturity; they were-John A., above referred to; Sarah, William B., Daniel, deceased; Anna, deceased; Philip E., James T., deceased; Mary C., Alice, Virginia, Lewis N., and Franklin B. The mo- ther, who is now (1894) in her eighty-seventh year, resides in Frankfort, with her son, Frank- lin B. and daughters; neither Franklin B. nor the daughters were married. John A. Kramer was the first men ber of the family to settle in Frankfort, the date being 1871. William B. Kramer and Elizabeth (Rollings) Trundle were married in 1860. They settled on a farm in Frederick county, Md., where he farmed till he came to Indiana in 1873. Unto the above marriage were born six children, namely-John F., Samuel B., Eleanor E., William B., Jr., Legal Rollin and Bertha Luella, the last named born in Indiana.

Mr. Kramer received only a fair education; took up farming, at which he was fairly suc- cessful, and upon coming to Frankfort began what has been a prosperous business career. The firm of Kramer Brothers, which consists of himself, son and Lewis N. Kramer, has been for many years large dealers in lumber and builders' material. They also operate a plan- ing-mill, and their enterprise is one of the most important industries of the thriving city of Frankfort, to the growth and development of which Mr. Kramer has contributed material aid He was largely interested as a stock- holder in the Natural Gas company, of Frank- fort, and was treasurer of the company as long as it existed. He was also active as a mem- ber of the Frankfort Improvement company, and is largely interested in the Frankfort Elec- tric Light company. His success in business has been due to his own efforts. His plan has always been to give all his time and attention

to business, and hence he has never had much time for politics or to serve in public office. Mr. Kramer is a knight templar Mason and has he'd every office in the order, being now a past eminent commander.

J ONAS KRESSEL is one of the enter- prising citizens of Madison township, Clinton county, Ind., who takes an active and commendable interest in every thing pertaining to its welfare. He was born in Lehigh county, Pa., October 25, 1830, and is a son of Henry and Catherine (Herber) Kressel. both of whom were natives of the same county, and were of German lineage. The father was born in ISO1, and during his youth started out in life for himself, scorning no labor which would afford him an. honest livelihood. As soon as he had acquired a sufficient capital he purchased a small farm, which he would cultivate during the summer season, while in the winter months he engaged in weaving. He lived in Lehigh county until his death, which occurred in 1876. His wife passed away at the advanced age of eighty-five. This worthy couple were the parents of seven children, but only two are now living: Jonas and Owen, the latter a farmer residing near Sedalia, Ind. Those deceased are: Caroline, Julia A., Daniel, Solomon and Joseph.

Jonas Kressel continned on the old home- stead until eighteen years of age, when he left home to learn the trade of carpentering under his cousin, Nathan Kressel, with whom he continued for more than two years. In 1856, he began taki g contracts for himself. He has been a resident of Clinton county since April, 1854. and here he successfully carried on business as a contractor and builder until 1880. He made his first purchase of land in 1856, becoming owner of six acres. He now owns 160 acres of well improved land, the

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greater part of which he has improved himself. He carried on farming and stock raising for some time, but is now living retired.

On the eighteenth of May, 1856, Mr. Kressel married Fianna Martz, daughter of John and Leah (Merkel) Martz. Her father came to this county in an early day and here remained until his death. His family num- bered six children. Mr. and Mrs. Kressel have one child, John H., who was born June 16, 1869, and now operates his father's farm. The parents are both members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Kressel served as deacon for many years, and is now elder of the church in Mulberry. In politics he is a democrat. In 1888, he was elected trustee, and in 1890, was re-elected, holding the office therefore for four years. He is true to every trust reposed in him, whether public or private; is an honor- able upright man, and his well spent life has gained him the confidence and regard of the entire community. It will be observed that these brothers, Jonas and Owen, spell their name differently, to-wit, Kressel and Kressley. The surname of the mother is also spelled dif- ferently.

O WEN KRESSLEY is successfully en- gaged in farming in Owen township, Clinton county, Ind. He is recog- nized as one of the leading citizens of the community, and is an honored veteran of the late war. The family was founded in America by his grandfather, who emigrated from Germany to Lehigh county, Pa., where the father, Henry Kressley, was born. The lat- ter married Catherine Harper and they had six children-Caroline, Jonas, Daniel, Julia A., Owen and Solomon. The parents belong to the Lutheran church, and Mr. Kressley was a whig until the breaking out of the late war, when he became a democrat. His death oc-

curred at the age of seventy-two, and his wife died at the age of eighty-three.

Owen Kressley was born in the Keystone state, May 23, 1835, was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, and at the age of nine- teen left home to visit his brother in this county. In 1856, on attaining his majority. he led to the marriage altar Miss Sarah E. Mink, who was born November 23, 1840, and is a daughter of Joseph and Leah (Smith) Mink. They began their domestic life upon her father's farm, where they lived until 1864. when they came to their present place of resi- dence. Their home has been blessed with fifteen children-Henry J., Levi F., Ben F., Jonas W., Jeremiah C., Irvin C., Monroe E .. James M., Sarah Ann E., Amanda E., Jo- siah I., Martha M., John A .. Charles W .. and Leah B. The family circle yet remains unbroken.

In 1864 Mr. and Mrs. Kressley received from her father eighty acres of timber land, which the husband at once began to clear and improve. The fields are now well tilled and the place is neat and thrifty in appearance. in- dicating to the passer-by his careful super- vision. There is a good house, also barns, a thrifty orchard and much sinall fruit. The place is pleasantly located a mile and a half from Sedalia, and eleven miles from Sedalia. and eleven miles from Frankfort, so the com- forts and privileges of the town are easily ob- tained. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kressley are mem- bers of the Lutheran church, and in the com- munity where they live they are held in high regard. Mr. Kressley has served as supervisor. During the late war he manifested his loyalty to the government by enlisting, in 1865, as a mem- ber of company E, One Hundred and Fifty- fourth Indiana infantry, under Captain Scott. They went to Virginia, where they did guard and picket duty, and in August, 1865, they were mustered out, the war having closed.

Frank. A. Lamphier

Phynette Lamphier

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OF CLINTON COUNTY.

RANK A. LAMPHIER .- Prominent among the successful self-made men of Washington township, Clinton county, Ind., is Frank A. Lamphier, who was born near the city of Rochester, N. Y., on the 29th of April, 1850. He is the son of Richard and Anna (Koykendall) Lamphier, natives of New York, the father of German and the mother of Irish descent. Richard Lamphier moved from his native state in 1855 to Eaton county, Mich., where he followed the trade of carpentering, which he had learned when a young man in New York. He died in 1859 and was followed to the grave by his de- voted wife, who was called to her final reward within five days after the death of her husband. They left a family of five small children, namely: Frank A., Richard M., Eugene, Edward, and an infant daughter that died without being named.

Frank A. Lamphier was deprived of both his parents when but nine years old, at which early age he was thrown upon the world and compelled to fight life's battles unaided. He first made his home with a man by the name of Ira Turner, with whom he remained until attaining his majority, after which he learned the carpenter's trade, in which he acquired great skill and proficiency. He followed his chosen calling for a period of eight years, earn- ing, in the meantime, the reputation of a very successful builder, and in November, 1876, came to Tippecanoe county, Ind., and aban- doned mechanical pursuits for agriculture, pur- chasing originally a small farm consisting of twenty acres in Tippecanoe county. In 1880 he bought the present place; he has made ad- ditions from time to time and now owns ninety- one acres, upon which he has erected a fine residence, a good barn and other buildings, and all of his buildings are strictly first-class, the general appearance of his place bespeaking for its owner a thorough knowledge of every detail of agriculture.

Mr. Lamphier is essentially a self-made man and he began life upon his own responsibili- ty without the aid of a single dollar and with but little encouragement from any one. In the practical school of experience he has learned valuable lessons, and his present position as a respectable member of society and trusted public servant, has been accomplished by his own unaided efforts. Financially he has ac- complished much, and his good management and thrift have served as a stimulus to those whose youth was fraught with as many dis- couragements as his own. He is a democrat in politics, and in 1890 was elected by his party for the office of trustee of Washington township, the duties of which he has since dis- charged most satisfactorily. Mr. Lamphier was married, in 1878, to Miss Phynett Grice, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Hardwick) Grice, whose parents were natives of Ohio and of German descent. Henry Grice died in 1888; his widow is still living. The following are the names of the children of Henry and Elizabeth Grice : Eli, Emily J., Mary A., Samantha, wife of H. H. Atkins, Angeline, Vienna, Sarah M., Fairfax, Phynett and Calista. They are both members of the Methodist Protestant church, in which they are highly respected for their good work and religions zeal.

a LI LACKEY .- The ancestors of Mr. Lackey were among the sterling Scotch-Irish settlers of Virginia in the Revolutionary times and he traces the family history back to his great-great- grandfather, a patriot of the war of independ- ence, who lived in Rockbridge county of the Old Dominion state. Isaac Lackey, Eli's grandfather, was born and reared in the county of Rockbridge and there married a Miss Cun- ningham, who bore him a number of children,

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several of whom became well known citizens of Virginia and other states. Isaac H. Lackey, a son of the above-named Isaac and father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Rockbridge county, Va., June 29, 1818, and at the age of ten years went to Greene county, Ohio, where he resided until his removal to Clinton county, Ind., in 1838. His wife, whose maiden name was Eliza Mc- Bride, and whom he married September 17, 1840, was the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Ritchie) McBride, her parents being among the earliest pioneers of Clinton county and moving to the same in 1829. Thomas Mc- Bride took part in the battle of Tippecanoe and otherwise served with credit in the war of 1812. He became a large land owner in Clinton county, assisted in the county organ- ization, and is remembered as a very energetic and public-spirited man.

Isaac H. Lackey settled on a farm of 160 acres, to which he subsequently added adjoin- ing land, and in time became the possessor of a very comfortable home. He was a man of great industry, a democrat in politics, and a member of the Reform church. He died August 31, 1855, in Greene county, Ohio, whither he had gone a short time previous, and was laid to rest among his kindred in the old home cemetery. His widow subsequently married Andrew J. McCarty, by whom she had one child-William G., who at this time is connected with one of the largest wholesale jobbing houses in the world, in California. She died January 4, 1894. The following are the names of the children born to her first marriage-Eli, Isabell, Mary J., Martha E., and Thomas R.

Eli Lackey is a native of Clinton county, Ind., and dates his birth from the twenty- fourth day of February, 1850. He was edu- cated in the common schools and began life as a farmer, and has since followed that useful call-

ing with success and financial profit in Clinton county, and, at this time, ranks with the successful self-made men of the township of Perry. He was married October 13, 1872, to Amanda J. Starkey, daughter of John and Frances (Bash) Starkey, the names of the off- spring of which union are herewith given, together with the date of birth-Daisy, August 2, 1873; Icy, December 17, 1874; John R., March 3, 1876; Eliza F., July 2, 1879; Lillie A., August 20, 1880; Jessie F., July 23, 1886; Gracie, August, 1891; of the above Daisy died August 30, 1874; John R. died October 15, 1877; Lillie, August 28, 1881, and Eliza, Sep- tember 7, 1889.

John and Frances Starkey, parents of Mrs. Lackey, were natives respectively of Maryland and Ohio and came to Clinton county, Ind., as early as 1830. Mr. Starkey moved to his home in the wilds of Indiana with all his earthly belongings on a one-horse sled, but he lived to see the country's wonderful develop- ment and he became a prosperous and well-to- do farmer. He died in 1891 and his wife in the year 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Lackey are members of the Methodist church. Mr. Lackey is a populist and has been honored by his party with the nomination for the office of county treasurer. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Vista lodge, No. 136.

ILLIAM LANAM .- Among the self- made men of Clinton county who have succeeded in overcoming many serious obstacles, acquiring a com- fortable competence and establishing for them- selves an upright character in the community, the name of William Lanam is justly entitled to specific mention. Mr. Lanam is of Ger- man lineage and inherits many of the charac- teristics and virtues of his worthy ancestors. His grandfather, Thomas Lanam, came to the

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OF CLINTON COUNTY.

the United States when a young man, settled. in Pennsylvania, and thence, shortly after his marriage, emigrated to Morgan county, Ohio, where he purchased land and became a well- to-do farmer. He is remembered as a man of many excellent parts, a democrat of the Jack- son school, and he lived to a ripe old age. Jesse Lanam, son of the above and father of William, was born in Virginia and followed tilling the soil for a livelihood. In his native state he married Martha Steward, and shortly thereafter emigrated to Ohio, settling in Mor- gan county, where in time he became a farmer of large means. Like his father before him he was a strong supporter of the democratic party, and for many years was a member of the old Christian church, in which he held various official positions and the teachings of which he endeavored to practice by a life de- voted to the good of his fellow-man. After the death of his wife, which occurred in Mor- gan county, Ohio, Mr. Lanam became a resi- dent of Clinton county, Ind., where he re- mained for but a limited period, then moved to Illinois, in Champaign county of which state he died two years later.

William Lanam, whose name introduces this biography, was born at a romantic spot in a stone house in the Alleghany mountains, and at the age of three years was taken by his parents to Ohio, in which state he grew to Inanhood on a farm. What education he re- ceived was imparted to him in the old-fash- ioned log school-house, descriptions of which are found elsewhere in this volume, and he began life for himself as a common laborer at very small wages. He came to Clinton county, Ind., in 1850, and for some years there- after worked for the very modest compensa- tion of six dollars per month, later received twelve dollars per month, and from his earn- ings succeeded in laying by sufficient means to enable him to furnish a home and prepare for

housekeeping. After his marriage, which was solemnized with Mary J. Wyant, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Newhouse) Wyant, Mr. Lanam settled in Sugar Creek township, Montgomery county, where he lived for a short time, afterward purchasing an eighty-acre tract of land .n Clinton county, where he has since made his home. Beginning life with but little encouragement and no financial assist- ance, he has succeeded in surmounting the numerous difficulties which would have dis- couraged a man of less determination, and is now rewarded with a comfortable competence of this world's goods, including a valuable farm of 170 acres in the township of Perry, Clinton county. His place is well stocked and well drained, the buildings are substantial, and he ranks with the best farmers of his neigh- borhood. He is a deacon in the Christian church, to which his wife also belongs. The following are the names of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Lanam: Jessie, Wesley, Eliza J., Mary, Martha, Thomas, Catherine Alice and Almedia, all of whom, with the exception of Almedia, who died at the age of nine years, are married and doing for themselves. Thomas Lanam married Lissie Vale, daughter of Lee and Rebecca (Coltram) Vale, and has two children-Lloyd and Ernest. The par- ents of Mrs. Mary J. Lanam emigrated from Virginia to Montgomery county, Ind., in 1831, making the trip to Cincinnati on a flat-boat and from that city by ox team to their new home in the Hoosier state. They were pio- neers in the true sense of the term, and the mother was accustomed to walk to Thorntown and back the same day in order to obtain gro- ceries for the family, the distance traversed being sixteen miles. Mr. Wyant entered 160 acres of land, and with the assistance of his wife, worked hard in order to bring it to a state of cultivation, but did not live to accom- plish his aim, dying three years after coming

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to the country. Deprived of her strong stay, Mrs. Wyant was compelled to support her family by working on the farm, and right nobly did she perform this duty. She suc- ceeded in keeping her family of seven children together, and lived to see them grow to man- hood's and womanhood's estate and become heads of families.

ILLIS A. LANE, brother of Bev- erly W. Lane, was born in Clinton county, Ind., on the twenty-fourth day of January, 1820, and grew to manhood near where he is now living. His education, acquired in the common schools, is of a practical nature, and his contact with men in subsequent years, together with his business relations, has given him a practical knowledge such as schools and colleges fail to impart. His life work has been agriculture, in the true dignity and elevation of which he firmly believes, and in his chosen calling he is the peer of any resident of the community in which he lives. Mr. Lane has a well-improved and fertile farm of 110 acres, upon which are many valuable improvements, including a modern residence and barn, complete in their appointments, and the improved condition of his premises bespeaks the successful farmer and gentleman of taste.

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Author: Publication date: 1895 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : A.W. Bowen & Co. Number of Pages: 1080

Author:
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : A.W. Bowen & Co.
Number of Pages: 1080