A portrait and biographical record of Delaware and Randolph 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 51

Author:
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Chicago, A. W. Bowen & Co.
Number of Pages: 1474

USA > Indiana > Randolph County > A portrait and biographical record of Delaware and Randolph 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 51
USA > Indiana > Delaware County > A portrait and biographical record of Delaware and Randolph 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 51

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

518

MUNCIE CITY

stone, was provided with every needed facility, and was considered at least equal to any mill of like capacity in the state. The firm was Wysor & Jack until the death of the latter, in October, 1859. In 1858 William B. Kline had been admitted as a partner, and on the death of Mr. Jack the firm became Wysor & Kline. Through the crisis of 1857, and the depression of trade that resulted from the late war, he steadily and safely conducted his in- creasing business. He dealt largely in land, and availed himself of his early experience by engaging also in farming. As wealth increased, it was employed in useful enterprises-the building of railroads, turnpikes and other im- provements. He has been the president of the Muncie & Granville Turnpike company ever since its organization. In 1872 Mr. Wysor built the Wysor opera house. In 1892 he erected the Wysor Grand, one of the finest buildings in the city, and said to be one of the most complete structures for theatrical enter- tainments in Indiana. Mr. Wysor is a demo- crat, but has never aspired to political honors, nor taken an active interest in politics. He married, April 5, 1854, Miss Sarah. Richardson, daughter of John and Martha Richardson. She was born in Virginia, and comes of a long line of worthy English ancestors. She is a lady of refined taste and true christian graces, and, with her husband, takes great pride in the education of their children-Harry, Mat- tie and William. The first named, their eldest, is a young man of culture, whom ill health has caused to relinquish a professional for a business life. The daughter early evinced artistic talent, painting with skill at the age of nine; she is now the wife of Will- iam H. Marsh, bank cashier. Mr. Wysor has succeeded through natural adaptation to busi- ness rather than by acquired ability. In trade he acts intuitively, and every enterprise is attended with prosperity. He has gained

his wealth by honorable means, sharing its benefits with others, in promoting the growth of Muncie and the surrounding country. He is a silent, thoughtful man, possessing genuine worth of character, which is fully revealed only to intimate friends. To know him well is to respect him, and he holds a high place in the esteem of the people of Delaware county.

Since the above sketch was put in type, the sad news has come to hand that Mrs. Sarah Wysor passed away November 6, 1893.

OUNG & KESSLER .- The hardware firm of Young & Kessler is one of the best known and most substantial firms in Muncie. It is composed of William H. F. Young and John P. Kessler, both young, active, energetic, and conservative business men. They first embarked in the hardware business February 1, 1884, purchas- ing the hardware stock and business of L. & C. A. Shick; and for the first five years Sam- nel Martin was associated with them under the firm name of Martin, Young & Kessler, at the old Shick stand on west Main street. On February 1, 1889, Mr. Samuel Martin retired from the business and the firm name became Young & Kessler. During the year 1893, in the face of business depression, they had the courage and enterprise to erect one of the handsomest business blocks in the city of Muncie. The building of such a structure marks an epoch in commercial affairs, and will do much to enlarge the general business inter- ests of the city. Their new block is on. east Jackson street, between Walnut and Mulberry, and is a three-story brick structure 100x40 feet, with pressed brick front and stone trimmings. It is supplied with water throughout, has a freight elevator, and is one of the best blocks and most conveniently arranged business

519

AND CENTRE TOWNSHIP.

houses in the city. The entire ground floor and part of the second story were fitted up especially for the business of Young & Kessler. On the first floor their stock of hardware, stoves, mixed paints and mantels, is arranged in attractive style. The storage room and tin shop are on the second floor. A brief personal sketch of the partners is given below, since they are typical self-made men, and furnish the rising generation with a worthy example to emulate.

William H. F. Young, son of Martin and Minerva (Pittenger) Young, was born in Mun- cie, on the 12th day of December, 1852. He attended the public schools of the city, until he reached his seventeenth year, when he en- tered business life as a clerk in the hardware store of Putnam & Kirby. He continued in their employ for fifteen years, and up to the date of entering into business for himself, as noted above. Mr. Young's position among the business men of Muncie has been attained by his own efforts, and without material aid from others. His experience in the hardware trade, aided by his progressive tendencies, furnishes the key to his success. Mr. Young was first married September 10, 1879, to Miss Adelia F. Keen, who died September 8, 1882, and he was married, the second time, Novem- ber 27, 1884, to Miss Mary C. Williamson, daughter of James and Hannah (Smith) Wil- liamson, of Hamilton township, and of this marriage there is one daughter-Blanche, born August 6, 1888.

Mr. Young is a republican in politics, and served as a member of the city council for two years from the First ward. He is also a con- sistent member of the High street Methodist Episcopal church and an active member of the I. O. O. F.

John P. Kessler is a son of Joseph and Marinda (Ireland) Kessler, and was born in New Paris, Preble county, Ohio, April 13,

1851. After receiving an elementary educa- tion in the public schools, he learned the trade of tinner in his native town. In 1870 he worked as journeyman in New Paris, Ohio. He came to Indiana in 1871, and for two years worked at his trade at Anderson. In June, 1873, he came to Muncie, and for two years worked in the tin department for L. & W. Shick. He next pursued his trade for seven years in the employ of Mr. Green, in his tin shop. At the formation, in 1884, of the firmn of Martin, Young & Kessler, he became an active partner. Mr. Kessler's reputation as a skillful and reliable contractor of all kinds of tin work has brought to his firm a large share of the tin and metal roofing and other work of its class in Muncie. This department is fully equipped with skillful assistants, and its opera- tions will no doubt be largely increased by the ample facilities afforded in their new establish- ment.

Mr. Kessler was married June 7, 1877, to Miss Sarah Kate Young, a sister of his partner. Mr. Kessler is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a master Ma- son, also a member of the I. O. O. F., and is at present presiding officer of Muncie lodge, No. 74.

A RTHUR F. PATTERSON, capitalist and retired worker in copper, brass and tin, of Muncie, Ind., was born in Bracken county, Ky., in 1822, and in 1831 or 1832 was taken by his father, Ander- son Patterson, to Clermont county, Ohio, where the latter made settlement on a farm near the old Gen. Grant homestead. In 1838 Authur F. began a three years' apprentship at tinsmithing, then went to Cincinnati and served a year at copper and bright work, next worked as a journeyman three years, and then formed a co-partnership under the firm name

520

MUNCIE CITY

of Patterson & Conley, on Front street, be- tween Broadway and Ludlow street, Cincin- nati, and did a large business in copper and lead pipe, bright iron and tin work on steam- boats until 1847, when fire destroyed the plant, and the insurance having expired the night previous, the loss was almost total and amounted to $5,000. Mr. Patterson, how- ever, paid all his debts, and without money went to St. Louis, and for a year worked at coppersmithing; then for two years was man- ager for the J. & G. Quigley shops at Alton, Ill. ; saved his money, and with $800 arrived in Muncie, Ind., May 15, 1850. His mother and brother had moved to Yorktown, Ind., about 1848 and he had come to see them. How- ever, while at Muncie, J. & L. Shick gave him employment, and on the 12th day of January, 1851, Mr. Patterson bought that firm out, in- vesting all his means. A short time afterward, he took in a partner, Charles P. Sample, the firm name established as Patterson & Sample, and the site fixed at the spot where the R. Meeks & Son furniture store now is. They added stoves to their stock, did copper and plumbing work, and put two wagons on the road.

Three years later they bought a tin and stove store at Marion, ran it a year, and then sold. In 1855 and 1856 they bought out Neal Mccullough's hardware store, called the "Pio- neer," ran both branches a year or so, sold out the tin and stove business and enlarged the hardware department, adding farm implements of all kinds, and did an immense business until 1866 or 1867, when they sold to George Seitz, and, "going to Indianapolis, formed a joint stock company, composed of Daniel Yandies, George McKernan, Delos Root, J. R. Root, Dr. Pierce, Mr. Sinker, C. P. Sample and A. F. Patterson. This company went to Brazil,

Ind., and erected a large blast furnace, of which Mr. Patterson was superintendent of construction in conjunction with J. R. Root. While in Brazil, Mr. Patterson also sank a coal shaft, built two miles of railroad, and had 400 men under him at one time, all in con- nection with the blast furnace. After one year and a half devoted to this work, Mr. Patterson returned to Muncie, and the partners bought back the stock of Mr. Seitz and carried on the business together until the death of Mr. Sam- ple, August 29, 1873. Mr. Patterson, about a year later, sold out to Mr. Shirk.

After the death of Mr. Sample, Mr. Patter- son went into the brokerage and private bank- ing business in partnership with Theo. J. Riley, which was so conducted until Mr. Riley's death, since when Mr. Patterson has employed his time in purchasing real estate, and in building, developing and renting his various properties. Mr. Patterson was a member of the Muncie school board for twelve years, and the grading of the public schools was effected during his terms of service.

The marriage of Mr. Patterson took place, in 1855, to Miss Samantha Collier, daughter of Samuel R. Collier, who was, a number of years ago, at different times, surveyor, auditor and clerk of Delaware county. This union has been blessed with two children, viz: Will M. and Cora P., wife of George F. McCul- loch. In Samantha Collier, Mr. Patterson indeed found a helpmeet, for to her encourage- ment and cheering aid is due much of his suc- cess, as her management of his domestic affairs acted in a large measure as a stimulus to renewed and more energetic enterprise on his part; and it will be readily conceded that it is due to such enterprise, as exemplified by such men as Mr. Patterson, that the prosperi- ty of any community is made an assured fact.

DELAWARE TOWNSHIP.

a RASMUS ALLEGRE-There are perhaps few among those who were at one time prominent and respected citizens of Delaware township, Dela- ware county, Ind., whose memory is more respected, and whose genuine worth more widely recognized than that of the late Erasmus Alle- gre, who was born near Lexington, Ky., Aug- ust 30, 1811, a son of James and Rhoda (Phelps) Allegre, both natives of that state. The family removed to Ohio in 1816, locating in Fayette county where the father engaged in farming until 1832, when he moved to Dela- ware county, Ind., locating near Albany, where he purchased a large tract of land, (some of it now in the town) and all now owned by his descendants. James and Rhoda Allegre were the parents of a family consisting of nine children, all of whom are deceased.

Erasmus Allegre was reared a farmer and his educational advantages were very limited. He managed to obtain sufficient knowledge of books to enable him to engage for a time in school teaching and devoted the rest of his time to working at his trade of brick mason, which he continued to carry on until within a few years previous to his death. This sad event occurred December 20, 1871, and his remains were laid to rest in the Bethel ceme- tery near the town of Albany. His life was one of success, at the time of his demise be- ing the owner of five hundred acres of land and being counted one of the wealthiest men

in the township. He will long be remembered for his enterprising and progressive spirit. As a politician he was an earnest supporter of republican principles and in his religious views he was a Methodist.

In 1844 he was married to Miss Julia Pace, born in Ross county, Ohio, June 15, 1822, daughter of William and Mary (Thomas) Pace. These parents were both born near Richmond, Va., where they married, after which they moved to Ross county, Ohio, in 1814, and there engaged in farming. In 1828 they moved to Fayette county, Ohio, and re- mained there until 1841, when they removed to Delaware county, Ind., and located on property near the town of Albany. The death of Mr. Pace occurred in 1845 and two years later Mrs. Pace passed away. Their remains rest in the the Strong cemetery, where a mon- ument marks their resting place. They reared a family of nine children, all of whom have passed out of life except the widow of Mr. Allegre. The family of Mrs. Allegre were Baptists, but late in life Mr. Pace became a Methodist. He was a kind and loving father and was esteemed by all. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Allegre located where they lived for a period of forty years, the pleasant life only being interrupted by the lamented death of the husband and father. The following are the names of their children: Rhoda, wife of George Current, who has charge of the farm, and Martha, wife of Lewis Davis, a physician at

522

DELAWARE COUNTY :

Farmland. Mrs. Allegre is a lady of many virtues. She is a faithful member of the Methodist church, and a good, conscientious christian woman. She still enjoys life and takes a pardonable pride in living so long on the old homestead.

0 R. J. V. BAIRD is one of the lead- ing physicians of Albany, Delaware county, Ind .. and is very popular in his profession, having a large prac- tice. Dr. Baird was born in Jay county, Ind., June 13, 1850, and is the son of John and Eliza (Staley) Baird and grandson of Beedent Baird, a native of Scotland. Beedent Baird came to America about the year 1790, and lo- cated in New York, where he lived for some time, and then settled in Warren county, Ohio, where he resided until his death. The father of Dr. Baird was born November 8, 1808, and was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the common schools. He married Eliza Staley January 27, 1831, and removed with her to Jay county, Ind., August, 1839, the country then being a wilderness. The father purchased property there, improved a farm, and resided upon the same until his death, which occurred October 25, 1859; his wife died July 10, 1870, and the remains of both rest in Claycome cemetery. They were the parents of nineteen children, six of whom are now living, namely: William, R. C., Dr. J. V., Sarah, Elizabeth and Mary. Beedent Baird was an abolitionist, having the old fashioned underground railroad at his house, and was a very ardent friend of the fugitive slave. He joined the republican party as soon as it was organized and remained loyal to it the remain- der of his life.

Dr. J. V. Baird was born and reared upon the home farm, and early in life was taught

the principles of economy and industry. In his youth he attended school in the old log house, so common throughout the west, and at the age of seventeen began teaching, which he continued for some time, attending, mean- while, the summer and fall terms at Liber college, in Jay county. While pursuing his studies at this institution he began the study of law with J. W. Heddington, of Portland, Ind., with whom he continued for one year, when he exchanged his library for medi- cal books, and began preparing himself for the medical profession. He read under Dr. E. W. Moon, Portland, for over two years, and then entered the Eclectic Medical insti- tute at Cincinnati, Ohio, attending in the years 1879 and 1880, and graduating in 1881. He then began practice in the village where he has remained ever since, and in the year 1891 took a post graduate course in the same col- lege. Dr. Baird has a good practice, and has been quite successful. He was married Aug- ust 26, 1876, in Jay county, to Mrs. Aurelia J. Hayes, to which union two children have been born, namely: John W., and Morris B. The mother of these children died February 28, 1890, and on June 30, 1892, in Poplar Bluff, Mo., the doctor married his present wife, Mary McGarvey, who was born in Ken- tucky, August 14, 1857; daughter of Peter and Margaret (McGrail) McGarvey, natives of Ireland. Mrs. Baird is a graduate of the college of Physicians and Surgeons, of Indiana. She is a thorough student, and her papers on medical subjects have given her considerable distinction. She began the practice as a homeopathist, but now practices in the same school as her husband. Mrs. Baird is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church, while her hus- band is a free thinker. He is a member of the republican party. and a strong supporter of its candidates. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows and of the Red Men. Dr.

523

DELAWARE TOWNSHIP.

Baird is connected with the Gas company, and the Albany Land company, of which he is a director.

J OHN BANTZ .- Among the prominent citizens of Delaware township, Dela- ware county, Ind., who did much toward the improvement and opening up of this part of the county, was the subject of this biographical sketch. For nearly fifty years he spent his life among this people and was well known and highly esteemed for those qualities which characterize the good neighbor, kind friend and reliable citizen.

John Bantz was born in Preble county, Ohio, February 3, 1831, a son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Bremer) Bantz, natives of Ohio and Maryland, respectively. They were farm- ers by occupation and remained in the state of Ohio until 1838, when they removed to Dela- ware county, Ind., and purchased the property upon which the widow of the subject of this sketch now resides. The original purchase consisted of 160 acres, and Mrs. Bantz is now the owner of 134 acres. Joshua Bantz died July 11, 1875, his wife having passed away in 1864.

John Bantz was reared on the home farm and received the education of the common school, never having removed from the town- ship. He was married July 18, 1853, to Miss Rebecca M. Hobbs, daughter of William and Sarah (Chalk) Hobbs, natives of Greene county, Ohio, to which part of the country the ances- tors of the family came from Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Bantz had a family of eleven chil- dren, seven of these now living, as follows: Isabella, the wife of N. Brinson; James; Nancy G., wife of Stephen Gray; Catherine, wife of William Marks; Milroy; Emma, wife J. Bartlett, and Grant.

The life of Mr. Bantz ended July 27, 1891, 1

and he was much lamented by a large con- course of friends. He was a democrat in his political faith and had ably acted as supervisor of the township. Mrs. Bantz, with the assist- ance of her son, Grant, has carried on the farm, very successfully, since his decease. It consists of over 130 acres of some of the finest arable land in the county and has excellent improvements.

A NDREW BLACK is a prominent cit- izen of Delaware township, where he has a fine home, and is surrounded by all that is calculated to make life pleasant. He was born in Clarke county, Ohio, March 9, 1837, and is the son of John and Margaret Black. His father was born in Montgomery, county, Va., November, 1805, and was the son of Andrew and Susan (Ross) Black, both natives of Virginia, their ancestry being Scotch-Irish. The family emigrated from Ireland to America, in an early day, and settled in Virginia, where descendants still reside. The mother of Mr. Black was born in Clarke county, Ohio, January 25, 1809; she was the daughter of George and Catherine (Fair) Stafford. John Black and Margaret Stafford were married in Clarke county, Febru- ary 28, 1828, and located near New Carlisle in the same county. The husband engaged in the tanning business, which trade he followed until 1837, when he came to Indiana and located upon the land in Delaware county which his son, Andrew, now owns. The house he built in 1840 is still standing. John Black engaged in the milling business and farming when he came here, purchasing a tract of forty acres, which he improved and added to until at the time of his death he owned seven tracts, each consisting of eighty acres. He also owned the fine mill, which he built in

524

DELAWARE COUNTY :

1847, and operated until his death; doing a lucrative business in the manufacture of both lumber and flour. He died June 30, 1868, and was buried in the Black cemetery. His widow lived until June 13, 1876. They were members of the Methodist church, and devoted to its teachings. In politics Mr. Black was a republican.

John Black and his worthy wife were the parents of four children, namely: Andrew; Susanna J., deceased; George F., deceased; and Catherine, wife of Robert Brammer.

Andrew Black was reared on a farm, and also learned the trade of milling, taking charge of his father's inill in 1848, and running it until 1851, at which time he took charge of the home farm, cultivating the same until 1865. In the latter year he again took charge of the mill, and has ever since operated it with success and financial profit. Mr. Black owns 365 acres of land of the old homestead as well as his mill property, his entire wealth being the result of hard work and good man- agement. The mill makes twenty-five barrels per day, and does corn and feed grinding, be- side turning out a large amount of lumber.

Mr. Black was married May 22, 1851, in this township, to Mary E. Fishburn, born in Greene county, Ohio, August 28, 1832. She was the daughter of David and Catherine (Graves) Fishburn. By this marriage he be- came the father of six children, namely: David A., of this township; Margaret E., wife of Henry Brammer; John F .; Martha, wife of Andrew Clark; Catherine A., and Clara, de- ceased. The mother of these children died October 6, 1866, and on the 25th of February, 1868, Mr. Black was married in Greene county, to Christine Peterson, whose birth occurred in the same county and state, November 24, 1837. The fruits of the latter union are three chil- dren, namely: Mary, wife of W. Bryant; Charles E., and Moses. Mr. and Mrs. Black

are members of the Methodist church; he being a trustee in that body. In politics he is a republican.

0 AVID A. BLACK is a native of Dela- ware township, is an excellent farm- er, is a prominent man in his commu- nity, enjoying the confidence of his neighbors and friends, and setting an example in the matter of good farming, worthy of imi- tation. He was born March 28, 1852, being the son of Andrew Black, whose sketch ap- pears above. His boyhood was passed on the home farm and in his father's mill, being em- ployed in the latter for seven years, after which he engaged in the pursuit of agriculture on his own responsibility. His first property he bought in 1883, being the farm upon which he now lives, consisting of eighty acres highly im- proved, beside which he has eighteen acres in the town of Albany. What knowledge of books he received came through the common country school, and work too often interfered with his educational training. Mr. Black was married in March, 1875, to Lucette Thomas, born in this township December 22, 1852. She is the daughter of George W. and Catherine (Price) Thomas, natives of Ohio, and pioneers in this county. The fruits of this marriage were Cyril A., deceased, Frederick O., John F., and an infant, deceased. The mother of these children died March 11, 1882. Mr. Black was next married in December, 1884, to Mar- garet C. Thomas, the sister of his first wife. She was born in Wheeling, this county, April 27, 1867, and has borne her husband three children, namely: Walter Ray, Leroy E., deceased, and Carl. Mr. and Mrs. Black are members of the Methodist church. In politics he is a republican. He has social impulses, and is a member of the Masonic order. Beside

525

DELAWARE TOWNSHIP.

owning valuable land interests, Mr. Black owns fifty shares in the Albany Land company, and is a director in that corporation.

ILLIAM BLACK (deceased)-was a man of extraordinarily excellent character, respected by all who knew him and his death caused gen- eral regret among his entire acquaintance, the universal sentiment being that a worthy and a good man had been called away. He was born in Clarke county, Ohio, August 13, 1811, being the son of Andrew and Susan (Ross) Black. The father, Andrew Black, was born in Giles county, Va., in 1785, and came west with his parents, John Black and wife, to Clarke county, Ohio, where he remained until the death of his parents. The parents of William Black were married in Virginia; they reared a family of ten children, namely: John, Samuel, Mary, James, William, Thomas, Jane, Andrew, Edward and Susan. Andrew Black served six months as a soldier in the war of 1812, and in politics he was a whig. He was very suc- cessful in his business affairs and left a hand- some competence at his death, which occurred in October, 1854, his wife having departed this life in September, 1845. This busy and worthy man was a tanner as well as farmer, and he succeeded in whatever he undertook.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

A portrait and biographical record of Delaware and Randolph 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 51

Author: Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Chicago, A. W. Bowen & Co. Number of Pages: 1474

Author:
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Chicago, A. W. Bowen & Co.
Number of Pages: 1474