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 53

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 53
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 53

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).

A BIJAH T. DEHAVEN, the honored subject of the present sketch, who has gone to the reward of the righteous, was, during life, well known as one of the most prominent citizens of Delaware county,

Ind. He was born in Frederick county, Va., November 8, 1823, a son of John and Rhoda (Doster) DeHaven, natives of Virginia, of English descent. John and Rhoda DeHaven were the parents of thirteen children, of which large family there are but four now living. The subject was the ninth in the order of birth. The whole life of his father was devoted to agricultural pursuits in his native county, where he lived to a ripe old age.

Abijah T. DeHaven was reared on the home farm and learned, early in life, the neces- sity of labor. He was sent to the common school and assisted on the farm until he had reached his majority, when he engaged in farm- ing for himself. Thirteen years of his life were spent in Greene county, Ohio, and in 1865 he removed to Delaware county, and here pur- chased property when the country was yet in its primitive condition. His death occurred October 31, 1891, at which time he owned over six hundred acres of land, which was well and substantially improved. This was the direct result of his own hard labor and careful financiering. He was a man of indomitable will and perseverance, and was ever ready to assist in any worthy enterprise tending to benefit his fellow citizens.

The marriage of Mr. DeHaven took place May 26, 1864, to Miss Martha C. Strong, who was born in Delaware township, Delaware county, March 25, 1845, a daughter of John W. and Clarissa (Rohrbaugh) Strong, who were pioneers of Delaware county. To this union were born five children as follows: Anna B., deceased, John, Frank L., Amy E. and Jessie O. The mother and daughters are members of the Methodist church, and the family is one of the most respected in the county. Mr. DeHaven left to his family some- thing better even than the large property, a good name, above reproach, and one of which his descendants can always be proud.

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DELAWARE TOWNSHIP.

ARTIN L. DEPOY .- Among the successful farmers of Delaware county who have risen to wealth and prominence by the exercise of their own efforts, stands the subject of this sketch. Martin L. Depoy was born in Delaware town- ship and county, August 18, 1851, a son of Samuel and Melinda Depoy, the father a native of - and the mother of Virginia. They came to this county in 1836, located in Dela- ware township, and engaged in farming, which occupation they continued in until the close of life, he dying in 1865, and she in January, 1871. Samuel and Melinda Depoy were the parents of two children, Joseph and Martin L. Mr. and Mrs. Depoy were respected by all their friends, and they were many. He was a stanch democrat and a prominent member of the Ma- sonic order. . Martin L. Depoy was reared at home, received but limited educational advan- tages, and at the age of thirteen years began working for John Krohn, by the month - At the expiration of his term of service with that gentleman, he farmed two years himself and then purchased thirty-eight acres of land in section 10. This was in 1878, and one year later he was able to buy forty acres more; in March, 1883, twenty-two acres, and in Febru- ary, 1889, an additional twenty-two acre tract, 122 acres in all, well improved. He takes great pleasure in the possession of this land, as it is the result of his own honest work.

Mr. Depoy was married April 26, 1877, to Niss Nancy J. Bartlett, who was born in this county, July 6, 1858, a daughter of Elijah and Mary (Mann) Bartlett, to which union four children have been born, as follows: Walter W., Olive May., Josie and Mary Melinda. Mr. Depoy's political affiliations are with the republican party, in the success of which he takes much interest. He is a holder of twenty shares in the Albany Land company, and since 1870 has been extensively engaged in the

shipping of stock. This has proved very profitable under his wise management. Mrs. Depoy is an excellent lady, and a member of the Methodist church.

A SA DEVOE, was born in Greene county, Ohio, August 12, 1834; was the son of Joseph and Abigail (Og- glesby) Devoe, who were descended, on their respective sides, from the German and French. They were among the early settlers of Ohio, and farmed on a large scale; and consequently the subject of our present sketch remained with his father and engaged in farm- ing until he grew to manhood. He was mar- ried March 10, 1859, to Mary J. Smith, daugh- ter of John and Margaret (Burl) Smith, na- tives, respectively, of Virginia and Ohio. The father of Mary (Smith) Devoe came from Vir- ginia when a young man, settled in Ohio, and there he first met the lady whom he after- wards married; she was then just fourteen years of age, and must have been very capti- vating and attractive, as the result shows. They reared a large family, the record show- ing twelve children grown to man and woman- hood, and mentioned in the following order: Burl, William, Eli, Alfred and Henry, all farmers; Ellen, wife of John Ford; Sarah, wife of Lafayette Lucas; Elizabeth, wife of William St. John; Nancy, wife of William Mendenhall; Margaret, wife of James Clarke; Emma, wife of John Bosman, and Mary, wife of the subject of this mention. Mr. and Mrs. Smith lived and died where they had spent many prosperous, happy years; she, departing this life in 1849; he, in 1883. There were also left to mourn their loss Mr. Smith's two brothers and two sisters: William and Jerry Smith, both enterprising farmers; and Anna, wife of Andrew Stephen; and Margaret, wife

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of Ira Sutton. Mrs. Smith likewise left rela- tives to mourn her loss; one brother and four sisters in the order named: Marshal Burl, farmer; Elizabeth, wife of Benjamin Hard- acre; Susan, wife of Alfred Powers; Mary, wife of John Lucas, and Debra, wife of Sol. Brainard.

Asa Devoe was the father of five children, four of whom were living when this sketch was made. Viz: Albert R., manufacturer of tile at Albany; John B. and O. H., who became farmers; Rose, wife of Losan Peterson, and Emma C., deceased. In the year 1890 Mr. Devoe moved to Albany, where he had an in- terest in the tile works; and where his assist- ance became necessary to the undertaking. He was actively engaged until the last year, when he became disabled from work on account of sickness, and was confined to the house for some months previous to his death, which oc- curred December 18, 1892. When Mr. Devoe first came to Indiana, he settled in Niles town- ship, where he purchased a farm of eighty acres from his wife's father, the land he had formerly bought of Jonas Peterson, who entered the same. Mr. Devoe lived here for five years, at the expiration of which time he sold, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land which he left for the comfort of his widow and children. He was an industrious, hard work- ing man, a fond husband, a kind and loving father, a good citizen; highly respected by all who knew him. Mr. Devoe was assessor for four years and attended to the office faithfully. He was also a member of the order of I. O. O. F., and he and his wife belonged to the Meth- odist Episcopal church.

Mr. Devoe had four brothers and two sis- ters, viz: David, Ephraim, Washington and Wesley, all of whom were farmers. The sis- ters were Sarah, wife of Nathan Fisher, and Evaline, wife of John Ary. Mrs. Devoe now lives in Albany, nicely and comfortably situ-

ated, as the result of their early thrift and management.

ATHANIEL C. DILL, M. D .-- The medical profession is ably repre- sented in Delaware county, and when the association of physicians and surgeons of this favored sections meet, they represent a large portion of the learning and influence of this part of the state. Among those prominently identified with this body, is the subject of the present sketch. Dr. Nathaniel C. Dill, a native of Darke county, Ohio, where he was born September 8, 1860, a son of Uriah and Rebecca (Morford) Dill. The father was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, was there reared to manhood and learned the trade of carpenter, which he fol- lowed until his removal to Darke county in 1858, where he remained until 1862. In the latter year he changed his residence to Butler county, Ohio, where he met with an accident, falling from a building, which cost him his life, in 1866. He was, like his wife, a mem- ber of the Methodist church, and for years was an earnest supporter of the principles of the democratic party.

Mrs. Dill, was a woman of great ability and superior intelligence. For nineteen years she followed the profession of teacher of the public school, and now lives a quiet, restful life, an inmate of the home of her only child, the subject of this mention. Dr. Nathaniel C. Dill was reared in Butler county, Ohio, and his mother took care that he should receive a good education. After finishing his public school course, he attended the Normal school for two years and then entered the Ohio Medi- cal college of Cincinnati, from which he gradu- ated March 1, 1881. The doctor began the practice of his profession in the town of Riley, Butler county, Ohio, where he continued for

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five years, later spending six months in Florida for his health, and then acted as representative for D. Appleton & Co., of New York, for eighteen months. His health being restored by this change, he again began practice, locat- ing in the pleasant town of Desoto, Ind., where he has since continued and has gained many friends, not only among his grateful patients, but also among others who recognize in him a pleasant gentleman, and an energetic and en- terprising citizen.

Dr. Dill was married November 24, 1888, in Wells county, Ind., to Miss Lizzie A. Carr, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, June 7, 1865, daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Zel- ler) Carr, of German and Irish ancestry. Mrs. Dill is a member of the Methodist church. Dr. Dill is a republican. and is socially con- nected with the I. O. O. F., and has taken the blue lodge and chapter degrees in Masonry, and is a member of Hanselman commandery K. T., of Cincinnati, Ohio; he is also a mem- ber of the order of Red Men. He has large business interests in the town, and has made investments in the Desoto Land company.

J OHN S. FUDGE, the gentleman for whom this biography is written, was born in Green county, Ohio, March 7, 1827, and is a son of John and Cathe- rine (Sellers) Fudge. The father of the sub- ject was a very prominent man in the state of Ohio, serving for a number of years in the state legislature, in both upper and lower houses. He was born in Boutetourt county, Va., April 13, 1796, and passed out of life from the effects of a stroke of paralysis, September 15, 1868, at the age of seventy-three years. Many years ago he left his native state and removed to Ohio, locating about five miles west of the city of Xenia, where he purchased a large tract

of land, which he farmed, and also operated a tannery. In every walk of life he was promi- nent, and possessed the confidence and esteem of the community. For many years he served as county commissioner, and was appointed by the whig party associate judge in 1852. He acted as administrator on about 300 estates, in which capacity he gave the utmost satisfaction. In the Methodist church he was an officer for many years, and was considered one of the best of citizens and a good, religious man. In his political faith he was a whig, and united with the republican party upon its first organization.

The subject of this sketch received a good common school education and remained with his parents until attaining his majority, at which he desired to try his own fortunes. He began life for himself as a farmer in Greene county, Ohio, and continued in agricultural pursuits in that part of the state until 1864 when he removed to Delaware county, Ind., locating in Niles township. Here he purchased 160 acres of land and farmed it for four years. This farm he exchanged for one of 140 acres, on which he resided for seven years, when he sold it and purchased 150 acres and subse- quently forty acres more adjoining it, which he afterwards sold. On this farm he resided for ten years, when he again exchanged for another farm of 160 acres, all in Niles town- ship. In 1885 Mr. Fudge exchanged a part of his farm for the pleasant and commodious residence and grounds in which he resides in Albany. In 1886 Mr. Fudge sold the balance of this farm in Niles township and purchased 122 acres but one-half mile east of the beauti- ful and rapidly growing village of Albany. It has since become very valuable, as it is con- sidered as good gas land as there is in the belt. In 1893 Mr. Fudge disposed of 117 acres of this splendid piece of property to the Albany Land company, and it will soon be one of the busy suburbs of the growing city.

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Mr. Fudge is a stock holder in the Dela- ware county Agricultural society and is also a director and stock holder in the Albany Gas company. He is retired from business and will spend the remainder of his days in the ease and comfort of his pleasant home in Albany.

Mr. Fudge was married in Green county, Ohio, October 28, 1847, to Miss Martha J. Boots, who was born in the same county and state August 4, 1830, a daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Peterson) Boots, both parents natives of Ohio. Martha C., wife of Charles Racer; John M., who is engaged in farming in Delaware county; Lewis M., who is engaged in the stock and provision business in Dun- kirk; Mary E., wife of J. W. Black, farmer in Niles township; Susan S., wife of A. N. Bos- man, farmer; Anna C., wife of D. M. W. John, farmer, all of Niles township, and Laura C., Allie F. and Hattie M., at home, engaged in the dressmaking business; Charles B., principal clerk in the store of Bliss & Kel- ler, in Muncie, Ind .; Ulysses F., with the dry goods house of S. C. Cowan, in Muncie, and Joseph R., who died, in 1861, at the age of three years.

Mr. Fudge and wife are members of the M. E. church of Albany and are highly re- garded in the neighborhood for their many ex- cellent traits of character.

3 OHN T. GRAY, farmer, was born in Randolph county, April 21, 1841, the son of Edward and Nancy (Godwin) Gray. The parents of Edward Gray migrated from Virginia to Ohio in 1832, thence to Randolph county, Ind., where the family secured 360 acres, upon which he grew to manhood. The following are the names of the brothers and sisters of Edward Gray: John H., Margaret, wife of William McCam-

ish; Jane, wife of A. W. Jarnigen; Malinda, wife of John Green, and Emily, wife of George Booher. The names of the brothers and sis- ters of Mrs. Gray are as follows: William, John, Nathan, James, Thomas, Goodwin and Sarah, wife of Dempsey Harber. Edward Gray was, for fifty years, a prominent mem- ber of the Methodist church, and is remem- bered as a man of most excellent reputation in the community in which he resided. He died March 25, 1890, and with his wife, who departed this life October, 1888, lies buried in what is known as the Hopewell cemetery. Edward and Nancy Gray had a family of six . children, namely: William M., John T., Nathan E., James K. P., Mary and Sarah, the last two of whom are deceased.

John T. Gray was reared a farmer, and with the exception of a brief period, has fol- lowed that calling for his life work. He was married July 20, 1861, to Elizabeth Pace daughter of Uriah and Mary (Boots) Pace, of Randolph county, and immediately thereafter located on a farm in the county of Randolph, where he resided for some time. Disposing of his interest in Randolph county, and thinking to better his condition, he went to Kansas, but did not long remain in that state, returning to Indiana and locating in the town of Albany, Delaware county, which was his home for about one year. He then purchased his present farm in Delaware township, upon which he has since resided. The following children have been born to John T. and Elizabeth Gray: Uriah, deceased; Sarah E., deceased; Harriet, wife of David Woolverton; Juliette, wife of E. A. Frank; Laura L., Edward, Bertha and James W., deceased. The parents of Mrs. Gray moved from Fayette county, Ohio, to Delaware county, Ind., in 1833, and settled near the town of Albany on a farm where the father died November, 1868; the mother is still living, and makes her home at this time at

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the town of Albany. She is a member of the German Baptist church, and the mother of the following children: Jessie, Edmund, William D., deceased; Albert, deceased; Harriet, wife of John Rutledge; Talitha, wife of Otho Dow- den; Elizabeth, wife of John T. Gray and Julia Pace. Mr. and Mrs. Gray are members of the Christian church, and are highly respect- ed by all who know them. Their pleasant home, which is the abode of hospitality, is located on a small but beautiful farm, whose rich and fertile fields yield a golden tribute to the care and cultivation of the owner.

DWARD P. HANNAN .- Among the prominent and successful business men of Delaware township, Dela- ware county, Ind., we note the sub- ject of the following sketch. Mr. Hannan was born in Grant county, Ind., November 25, 1861, a son of James W. and Rose A. (Parks) Hannan, the former born in Taswell county, Va., in May, 1825, and the latter in Ohio, in 1828. They were married in Picka- way county, Ohio, where Mr. Hannan engaged in the practice of medicine, later adopting the profession of teacher, which he continued until 1852, when he came to Grant county, Ind., and purchased a small farm, remaining upon the same until 1867, when he removed to Delaware county, and again engaged in agricultural pursuits. He subsequently re- moved to Wheeling, in Washington township, but shortly after removed to New Corner, now Gaston, where he engaged in general mer- chandise for two years. At the expiration of that time he sold his property and again engaged in farming until 1884. Once more he made his home in New Corner, and for a period of four years carried the mail between New Corner and Muncie, and also had charge of the post-

office in connection with a book and stationery store.

Mr. Hannan was the father of the follow- ing children: Emma F., the wife of Henry Stover, of Marion, Ind .; Eliza J., wife of Will- iam R. Brady, of Indiana; Alli, wife of W. R. Myers, of Muncie, Ind .; Mary, wife of George W. Bryan, of New Corner; E. P., subject of this mention; John B., of this state; Nannie M., deceased, and Joseph B., of Cincinnati. In his religious preference Mr. Hannan is a Baptist, and has long been an ardent supporter of the republican party.

Edward P. Hannan was reared as a farmer and had excellent school advantages, pursuing his studies until his seventeenth year, and then leaving his books to enter the employ of the mercantile firm of Resoner & Knight, of New Corner, where he remained for one year. The following year he spent in the employ of George W. Stephenson, of Muncie, after which he spent one year working at the carpenter trade, and for about one year worked with Levi Johnson, in Huntsville, in Randolph county. He spent nine months on a farm and then went into the drug business for one year, but the next year was spent in the photograph business and six months as clerk in Hunts- ville.

For three summers he traveled for the American Road company, of Kennett Square, Pa., and during the winters he engaged in clerking and at the end of this time he went into partnership with M. V. Harness in a gen- eral store at Point Isabella, Grant county, Ind., for a period of about eight months, after which he engaged in the same trade with John H. Salyer, which partnership continued about six months. He then went back to New Cor- ner and went into the hotel and livery business for a period of two years, after which he moved to Albany, where he clerked for Hunt & John- son for fourteen months and then entered into

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a partnership with R. G. Hunt in a general store, which business he is conducting at this time.

Mr. Hannan was happily married Decem- ber 21, 1884, in Huntsville, Randolph county, to Elizabeth F. Hunt, who was born in Hunts- ville, September 9, 1862, a daughter of John W. and Rachel (Andrews) Hunt, of Scotch and English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Hannan have three children, Dana L., Loyd and Ogarita. The family is connected with the Methodist church, where they are highly es- teemed. Mr. Hannan is a republican in his political affiliations, and fraternally is con- nected with the order of I. O. O. F., No. 361, He is well known in this locality and he num- bers his friends by the score.

ILLIAM HEBB .- Among the well known residents of the town of Al- bany, Ind., the gentleman for whom this sketch is prepared is deserving of especial mention. Mr. Hebb was born in Preston county, Va., December 25, 1825, and is a son of Robert and Nancy (Evans) Hebb, natives of the same state, where they married and began domestic life on a farm in the county of Preston. They removed to Monon - galia county in 1829, and there remained until their deaths, in the years 1852 and 1882, respectively. Robert and Nancy Hebb were for many years members of the Methodist church and were much respected in the locali- ty where they lived for their many excellent traits of character. Their family were as follows: William, Sybrant, Jehu, Sarah, Martha, Anna, and Virginia living; Joseph, John, David and Josina, deceased. William Hebb was reared on the home farm in his native state, and at the age of twenty-two years, began the battle of life for himself as

an agriculturist. When he had attained his twenty-fourth year, he learned the trade of carpentering, which he successfully followed at different places until 1886. In 1854 he left his Virginia home and emigrating westward, located in Randolph county, Ind., where he re- sided until 1883, at which time he became a resi- dent of the flourishing town of Albany, where, for a period of eight years, he was engaged in fine carpenter work and contracting. * At the end of that time, he became associated with his son in the harness business, with which line he was identified until March 1, 1893, when he retired from active life and at the present writing is not engaged in any undertaking. While a resident of the county of Randolph, he acquired considerable local prominence, and served the people for eleven years as jus- tice of the peace, an office to which he was also elected after becoming a resident of Al- bany, holding the same in this town two and one-half terms. His fraternal relationship is with the I. O. O. F., and in religion is a prominent member of the Christian church, contributing most liberally of his means to the local congregation with which he is identified. He is held in the highest esteem as an earnest and conscientious gentleman, and in the true sense of the word is one of Albany's repre- sentative citizens. Mr. Hebb was married December 25, 1851, in West Virginia to Miss Sarah M. Jones, and a family of eight chil- dren have been born to their union: Adolph, John F., Daniel R., Adelaid, deceased; Clay- ton, Lilly, wife of Thomas Cary; Grant, de- ceased, and Emma, wife of W. Hodge. The mother of these children departed this life March, 1875, and in September of the follow- ing year, Mr. Hebb's second marriage was consummated with Mrs. Maria Leavell, widow of the late John F. Leavell: two children, Rufus and Charles, have been born to this union.

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DELAWARE TOWNSHIP.

B F. HOUSEMAN, the efficient and affable gentleman who manages the telegraphic service of the L. E. & W. railroad at Albany, Ind., is the sub- ject of this biographical notice. Mr. House- man was born in Seneca county, Ohio, January 4, 1861, and is a son of D. M. and Elizabeth (Powell) Houseman, natives of Pennsylvania and of Virginia, respectively. They were the parents of four children, David, who died in the army; George, a farmer, Catherine, an accomplished lady who spent seven years in Africa, teaching the natives, and B. F. The father died in June, 1883; the mother is now a resident of the village of Albany. Mr. Houseman had been a soldier, and his death was caused by trouble contract- ed while in the army. Politically, he was a democrat.

At the age of sixteen years the subject of this sketch began life for himself, engaging in any general work to which he could turn his hand, until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began the study of telegraphy under F. L. Twining, at Kansas, Ohio, remaining under his instructions for one year. In 1882 he was appointed to take charge of the office at Buckland, Ohio, and remained in that po- sition for three years, and in 1886 became the manager of the office of the L. E. & W., at Albany, Ind. He has faithfully performed his duties to the company and has been most thoughtfully treated in return.

Mr. Houseman was married December 23, 1888, to Miss Wilda M. Bartlett, daughter of William T. Bartlett, of Albany, and has two bright little daughters, Lena A. and Blanche. Mr. Houseman is a democrat and is con- sidered one of the prominent factors of his party in Delawaro county. Socially, he is a member of the R. R. Telegraphic union and in a financial way is a member of the Co-oper- ative Gas company of Albany.

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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 53

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