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 97

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 97
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 97

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).

William C. Diggs was brought up to farm- ing, was as well educated as the limited facilities of the day would permit, and faith- fully assisted his father until death separated them. He continued, however, to affection- ately care for his mother until the time came for them to part, and, indeed, evidenced his

H.G. Digger

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filial love by bringing to her declining years the assistance of the mate who consummated his conjugal love.

October 22, 1863, he married Mary Stan- ton, who was born August 10, 1841, in Ran- dolph county, N. C., and is the daughter of William and Sarah (Farlow) Stanton, de- ceased, who came to Randolph county, Ind., in 1861. To this marriage have been born nine children, named. as follows: Sarah E., wife of Wellington M. Branson, of Stony Creek township, and whose sketch will be found elsewhere; John W. Diggs; Harvey H., of Winchester; Emma F. (deceased); Charles D .; Clarence M. (deceased); Olive Pearl; Grace Opal and Clydie.

Mr. Diggs remained on the farm where born and raised until 1890, when he moved to Winchester, where his genial manners at once gained him hosts of friends. In 1887 he was elected by the republican party to the office of county commissioner, and so ably did he fill the position that he was re-elected and is now serving his second term. During his incum- bency the soldiers and sailors' monument was contracted for and has been erected and dedi- cated, and Mr. Diggs may take a just pride in the share he had in bringing about the comple- tion of so noble a work.

Mr. Diggs has ever led an upright as well as useful life, and he justly deserves the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow-citi- zens. He is faithful in his adherence to the principles promulgated by the Society of Friends, among which are love and charity, and in exercising the latter virtue he is in no sense niggardly, as his possessions comprise 300 acres of finely cultivated land in Stony Creek township, besides other tracts and valu- able city property, affording him ample means for gratifying his generous impulses in his own quiet way, but that quiet way was a very ef- fective one, as the community well knows.

ILLIAM S. DIGGS, attorney-at- law and mayor of Winchester, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, February IO, 1862, and is a son of Rev. Marshall W. Diggs, whose useful career is worthy of special mention. Marshall W. Diggs was born in White River township, Randolph county, Ind., October 5, 1824, and is a son of ex-District Judge Littleberry Diggs. He received his preparatory education in the county schools, and early began teaching, continuing in the profession eight years, but in the meantime attending the academy at Winchester, in which he also became a teacher. For awhile he engaged in agriculture, having purchased a part of his father's farm, and then, being desirous of acquiring a higher education, moved to Jay county and entered Liber college, at Portland, just then estab- lished, and, with Judge R. S. Taylor, of Fort Wayne, and Pulaski Mills, was among the first to graduate. He then became a teacher in the college, remaining until 1859, when he went to Cincinnati and entered Lane's theologi- cal seminary, remained three years, and then became pastor of the Congregationalist church at Fort Recovery, Ohio, where he preached for thirty consecutive years, and during his long service at this point built a magnificent church, and at the time of his resignation had one of the largest congregations in that town. During the halcyon days of Liber college he was one of its trustees and one of its board of directors. In 1892 he retired to private life at Fort Recovery, Ohio. W. S. Diggs, our subject, is a thorough scholar, a deep thinker, and has been a leading and successful in- structor.

September 26, 1851, Rev. Mr. Diggs mar- ried in Randilph county, Ind., Miss Elizabeth Addington, who was born in Wayne county, Ind, the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Smith) Addington, the issue being nine

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children, viz: Ella, deceased; Calvin, de- ceased; Albert B., Elizabeth E., William S., Marshall W., jr., Mary E., Mercy I. and Cora E.

William S. Diggs was reared chiefly in Mercer county, Ohio, until fifteen years of age, and having attended the common schools, he next entered the graded school at Fort Recovery, walking three and one-half miles every night and morning for two years, and finished the course at the age of seventeen; he then went to Sandusky county, Ohio, worked on a farm and taught school several seasons; in the meantime attended the normal school at Portland, Ind.

In 1886 he passed a few months traveling in Kansas, and the same year located in Mont- pelier, Ohio, and there engaged for three years in general merchandising, after which he came to Winchester, and, in company with C. W. Diggs, engaged in the insurance busi- ness, but in a short time began the study of law with Marsh & Thompson, and was admit- ted to the bar in 1891, since which time he has practiced the profession, in conjunction with the insurance, loan and abstract business. In the spring of 1893 he was nominated by the republicans for mayor of Winchester, by a large majority, was elected without opposition and has filled the position with great ability.

The marriage of Mr. Diggs took place, September 26, 1886, at Fremont, Ohio, to Miss Emma C. Hensel, who was born October 25, 1862, and is a daughter of Adam and Mary J. (Benner) Hensel, natives of Pennsyl- vania. Two children bless this union and are named Ethel E. and Mary Ione. Mr. Diggs is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is also a Knight of Pythias. As has been said, he is a republican in politics, and while in Montpelier, Ohio, was a member of the city council, in which capacity he did full justice to his constituency.

Is EW G. ELLINGHAM, the editor and proprietor of the Winchester Demo- crat, was born in Wells county, Ind., February 23, 1868, the son of Charles and Hannah (Scotton) Ellingham. These parents were natives of England, but in child- hood were brought to the United States by their parents, who located in Huntington county, Ind., where the mother died in 1880. The father, a farmer, is now a resident of Bluffton, Ind., where Lew G. was reared and educated, and where he learned the trade of printing in the office of the Bluffton Banner. In 1887, he established the Geneva Herald, which he prosperously conducted for three years. In July, 1891, he purchased the Win- chester Democrat, which had been established, in 1885, by J. J. Gorrell, of this journal. Mr. Ellingham has made a very bright and effective organ that the democratic party of the county fully appreciate. Mr. Ellingham is a member of Winchester lodge, No. 121, I. O. O. F., and lodge, No. 91, K. of P. He is a talented writer, and has many warm friends in the city of his adoption, regardless of party.

APT. EDMUND ENGLE, the most prominent of the insurance agents in Winchester, Randolph county, Ind., is a native of Chester county, Pa., and was born August 8, 1831. His father, Isaac Engle, was also a native of Chester county, and was born in 1804. He was reared on a farm, but learned the wagonmaker's trade, and followed that occupation until 1842. In 1830 he married Miss Catherine Tussey, a native of Chester county, whose ancestors settled in Pennsylvania as early as 1648. In 1835 he removed with his family to Wayne county, Ind., and in 1842 came to Randolph county, Ind. He located in Washington

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township, where he purchased eighty acres of land, upon which only a partial clearing had been made. He completed the labor of clear- ing, and developed a fine farm, which he cul- tivated successfully for many years. Edmund was reared on the home farm, and, during the greater part of his early life, his time was oc- cupied in the performance of farm work. In the winter he attended school, and acquired a good, practical education. At the age of eighteen years he began an apprenticeship at the plasterer's trade, working at this trade during the summer and fall, and clerking in various business houses during the winter. He was thus engaged until 1864. In February of that year he enlisted as a private soldier in company H, One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Indiana regiment, but upon the organization of the regiment he was promoted to the rank of orderly sergeant. In July, 1864, he was advanced to the office of second lieutenant, for meritorious services, and in December of the same year was promoted to the office of first lieutenant. He was with his regiment in all the battles of the Atlanta campaign, and after the fall of Atlanta, the regiment, under command of Gen. Thomas, fell back to Ten- nessee, and took part in the battles of Frank- lin and Nashville. On the 9th and 10th of March, 1865, they participated in the battle of Wise's Forks, N. C., where Capt. J. L. Neff was killed. Lieut. Engle was commissioned captain, and continued in command of this company until his muster-out, at Greensboro, N. C., August 31, 1865.

He returned from the army with his health greatly impaired, and for a few months re- mained out of active business. Later, how- ever, he engaged in the sale of agricultural implements, in connection with the insurance business, associated with his son, John R. Engle. In 1875, he embarked in the grocery trade, and was thus engaged for a year. In

the meantime, in connection with Dr. Markle, he laid out Engle and Markle's addition to the town of Winchester, and was extensively en- gaged in the sale of lots. On the first of January, 1881, in connection with his son, he established the New York store, which was conducted under the firm name of Engle & Son until April, 1882, when John Richardson purchased the interest of John R. Engle, the junior member of the firm. Later on, the captain disposed of his own interest in this store and turned his attention exclusively to the insurance business, representing at the present time a number of the safest and wealthiest fire insurance companies in the country, as well as several life insurance cor- porations. Mr. Engle was married October 16, 1856, to Miss Gertrude K. Bishop, daugh- ter of John W. Bishop, late of Randolph county. By this union they are the parents of seven children, four of whom are now living, viz: John R., Emma G., Charles .F., and Walter J. His wife is an estimable lady, and possesses the affectionate regard of all who know her. She is a member of the Disciples' church, as is also her husband. Although he has never occupied public office, Mr. Engle has taken quite an active part in local politics, always wielding his influence in the favor of the republican party. He is identified with both the Masonic and Odd Fellows' fraterni- ties of Winchester, having attained the royal arch degree in the former. Capt. Engle has always borne a fine reputation as an upright business man, and his urbanity and inborn politeness render him peculiarly fitted for his present line. His friends he numbers by hundreds, and neither they nor the strangers that have dealings with him have ever yet found cause to regret having intrusted their affairs to his management, as his policies are always written up by the best companies in the country, as hinted above.

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ON. JAMES S. ENGLE, who stands foremost among the members of the Randolph county bar, was born in Washington township, Randolph county, Ind., September 13, 1846. His par- ents were William and Letitia (Cabe) Engle, of whom the former came from New Jersey in 1825, and located in Warren county, Ohio, where he was engaged in farming until 1840, when he came to Randolph county, Ind., and purchased 240 acres of wild land in Washing- ton township, which he at once cleared and added to, until he owned 400 acres at the time of his death, December 1. 1885.

William and Letitia Engle had born to them twelve children, viz: Isaac, of Wells county, Ind .; Wesley H., of Randolph county; Robert, of Randolph county; Elias C .. of Jef- ferson county, Kans .; William, a member of company F, Thirty-sixth Indiana volunteer infantry, who died from a gun shot wound at Pittsburg Landing; Samuel, deceased; Calvin S., on the homestead; James S., our subject; Daniel H., of Randolph county; Albert H., on the homestead; Price, in the Indian territory, and Josiah B. The mother of this family of twelve children-all boys-is still living on the old homestead. William Engle, the father, had probably the finest farm, and was the first to do any ditching in the county. He was a stanch republican and was township trustee when, by law, there were three on the board, and also held the same office, when the board was constituted of one only. He was a mem- ber of the United Brethren church, and died universally respected.

James S. Engle, as is usual with farmers' sons, was inured to hard work when a lad, but was allowed ample time for his schooling. His preliminary course was taken in the old- fashioned county school-house of the district; this was supplemented by attendance at the schools of the town, and later, he passed the

greater part of three years in the Hartsville university. In the meantime he taught school and sold books to keep himself supplied with funds, and in 1871 began the study of law with Cheeny & Watson, reading with them until the firm dissolved early in 1872; he then studied with Watson & Monks until the latter part of the year last named, when he was ad- mitted to the bar. He at once formed a part- nership for practice with J. E. Neff (now de- ceased), which partnership continued until Mr. Neff was elected secretary of state, when he formed a partnership with Levi W. Study (who is also now deceased), which lasted until 1880, and then joined his old preceptor, E. L. Watson, with whom he remained until 1885, and then dissolved the connection and then engaged in practice on his sole account, with results most gratifying to himself. He has secured a large clientage and become most popular both professionally as well as socially, and also in political affairs. In politics a re- publican, he was elected justice of the peace in 1874, and filled the office four years. In 1885 he was elected to the state legislature, in which position he gave the utmost satisfac- tion to his constituents; but he now entirely ignores public office, his extensive practice re- quiring his entire attention. The marriage of Mr. Engle occurred September 23, 1875, in Winchester, the bride being Miss Alice Monks, who was born in Randolph county, August 27, 1856, and is a daughter of John W. and Mary (Hobbick) Monks, both natives of Randolph county and now deceased.

J AMES N. FIDLER, a well known and highly respected farmer and stock raiser of White River township, is a native of Ohio, born June 30, 1849, near the town of Belleville, Knox county.

JAMES M. FLETCHER

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His father, Nathan Fidler, was born in the same county and state, was reared a carpen- ter, and came to Randolph counly, Ind., in 1851, settling near Fountain Park, south of Winchester, thence moved to the county seat, where for some time he worked at his trade. Subsequently, he purchased 160 acres of land in section 20, White River township, and from an unbroken forest cleared a good farm, which was his home until 1883, when he removed to Blackford county, where he now resides, his place being a short distance from Hartford City. In 1845 he was united in marriage to Mary A. Walsh of Richland county, Ohio, who bore him the following children: Mary E., wife of Jacob Burnworth; James N., whose name introduces this sketch; William and George W. Fidler, all living at this time. Nathan Fidler is a man of much more than ordinary mental endowments and has been a prominent factor in all matters of a public na- ture in the communities where he has resided. He belongs to the A. F. & A. M., in which he has been called to fill important official po- sitions, and as a leader in the farmers' move- ment known as the Patrons of Husbandry he earned the reputation of a clear reasoner and an able and effective speaker.

James N. Fidler was but three years of age when his parents came to Randolph county, and as he advanced in years he assisted his father in clearing and developing the home farm, attending school at intervals in the meantime. At the age of twenty-three he purchased forty acres or land, the greater part of which he cleared and fitted for cultiva- tion, and in 1883 bought a part of his present farm, in section 23, White River township, where he now owns 140 acres, of which 100 acres are highly improved. Mr. Fidler's well cultivated farm represents the fruits of his industry and well directed energy, and he is justly entitled to specific mention as one of

the wide-awake, progressive and intelligent self-made men of the township, which has been his home for so many years. As an agriculturist he has a well earned reputation, believing in the dignity of the vocation as one of the noblest callings in which man can en- gage. As a stock raiser he exercises judgment and careful discrimination, keeping nothing but the best breeds breeds of cattle, horses and sheep.

Politically, Mr. Fidler is a supporter of the democratic party and fraternally belongs to the F. M. B. A. He was married Febru- ary 8, 1872, to Caroline Harmon, daughter of Henry and Phillippa Harmon, a union blessed with the birth of four children, two of whom died in infancy, and two, Mary and Edward, are living at the present time. Mr. and Mrs. Fidler are kindly looking after the interest of a niece, Cora E. Martin, whom they have adopted as a member of their own family, having taken her when she was but four days old.

J AMES M. FLETCHER, sheriff of Randolph county, Ind., was born in Burlington, Ohio, May 26, 1856, a son of George and Nancy (Pomeroy) Fletch- er, natives of Front Royal, Warren county, Va., where they were married and had born to them a family of eleven children, nine of whom grew to adult age, viz .: Catherine, Elham, Alfred, Dora, Lewis, Nettie, Birdie, Mollie, and James M. The parents located in the town of Winchester in 1869, where the father followed his trade of cooper until 1881, his widow following him to the grave in 1883. They were both members of the Christian church, and in politics he was a republican.

James M. Fletcher learned the cooper's trade under his father, working with him until twenty-one years of age. After his father's

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death he assumed the duty of caring for his mother until she was taken away, and then continued his trade until twenty-seven years old, when he received an appointment on the night police force of Winchester. At the end of nine months he was elected city marshal, and after an efficient service for two years in this position, accepted another in July, 1881, as guard in the Northern Indiana state prison, which he held a year, and then returned to Winchester, where he was again elected city marshal, which office he held until 1888, when he offered himself as candidate for county sheriff, but failed in receiving the nomination. The following year, however, he was re-elected city marshal, and rendered satisfactory service until 1891, when he was triumphantly elected sheriff of the county, and so well did he perform the duties of this office that he was re-elected at the expiration of his term, and is now hold- ing the position.

He is a natural born detective, and has arrested more culprits than any other sheriff the county has ever had. Mr. Fletcher was married at Winchester, May 15, 1878, to Ellen Deardoff, a native of the city, who bore one child-Esther-and then bade farewell to earth February 14, 1879. The second mar- riage of Mr. Fletcher was solemnized April 30, 1881, with Miss Anna Doyle, a native of Win- chester, born December 25, 1853, and daugh- ter of Michael and Bridget (O'Brien) Doyle. May 1, 1882, a little daughter came to bless this union, and was named May in commem- oration of the month in which she was born.

Mr. Fletcher is a stanch republican, is a Knight of Pythias, an Odd Fellow, and a member of the Improved Order of Red Men and of the Order of the Golden Eagle, while his wife is a Daughter of Rebecca. He is recognized as a most efficient officer and as being, at the same time, one of the best hearted and most congenial men of the com-

munity-but woe betide the criminal whose name once reaches his ears.

S AMUEL D. FOX, practical stone- cutter at Winchester, Ind., was born in Lebanon county, Pa., November 10, 1841, a son of Charles and Sarah (Schreckenghost) Fox. The father was born in Berks county, Pa., November 8, 1814, and the mother in Lebanon county, November 30, 1817, and they were married in Lebanon county. Charles Fox was a canal boat owner and for twenty-five years was engaged in boat- ing. In 1861, he came to Winchester and was employed, before and after the war, in manufacturing and milling until ten years be- fore his death, September 4, 1885. He served a year in company C, Sixty-ninth regiment, I. V. I., was discharged for disability after the Vicksburg campaign. He was taken prisoner at Richmond, Ky., paroled, and after his ex- change, rejoined his regiment, and served in Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Arkansas; he was again taken sick and discharged for disability, when he returned and engaged in business as stated.

He was the father of seven children, viz: Mary J., a resident of Chicago; Samuel D., Catherine A., John A., who enlisted in com- pany G, Thirty-fifth regiment, I. V. I., and served until the close of the war; George W., who served a year in company K, Twenty- ninth regiment, I. V. I., then served a year in the regular army and died on the Tibee Island, Ga., of cholera; Emma, who lives in Chicago, and Sarah Ellen, deceased. The mother is now living in Winchester, and draws a pension of $12 per month-her deceased husband hav- ing drawn a pension of $4. Samuel D. Fox was employed in the manufacture of wagons in Pennsylvania until the date of his enlist- ment. He had been twice rejected on the

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account of his age, but he was successful in his effort in August, 1862, entering company A, Eleventh regiment, Pennsylvania state troops, and serving through the Antietam cam- paign. He then enlisted in light battery H, Third Pennsylvania artillery, October 13, 1862, and served in Philadelphia, Fort Dela- ware, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia, until discharged, July 25, 1865, at Baltimore, Md., when he returned home. In 1866 he came to Winchester, and for two or three win- ters worked in the pork house, and worked in tile factory in summer.

In 1873, he entered the employ of D. E. Hoffman, whose biographical sketch will be found on another page. June 16, 1867, Mr. Fox married Maria Petefish, a native of Ger- mantown, Ohio, born in October, 1847, but lost his young wife July 24, 1877. His second marriage took place November 17, 1879, to Margaret McDonald, a native of Columbus, Ohio, and to this union have been born two children, Ella S. and Winnie. Mr. Fox is a member of many fraternal societies, and stands high in them all. August 15, 1872, he joined Winchester lodge, No. 121, I. O. O. F .; he has passed all the chairs and is now serving his twenty-seventh six month term as secre- tary; he was made a member of the grand lodge in 1877; made a member of the White River encampment, No. 50, January 15, 1875, and a member of the grand encampment of Indiana in November, 1885. He has been scribe since July, 1886, and a trustee for five years. He joined the Knights of Honor, Mag- nolia lodge, No. 1672, in November, 1879, was elected reporter April 23, 1880, and still hold the office; in February, 1884, he was made a member of the grand lodge of Indiana. April 23, 1889, he became a member of Nelson Trusler post, No. 60, G. A. R., and has filled the offices of officer of the day and junior vice commander.

August 4, 1891, he joined the Knights of Pythias, Winchester lodge, No. 91, and Sep- tember 15, 1891, was elected to K. of R. & S., which office he still holds. He was admitted to the Improved Order of Red Men February 29, 1892, and in May, 1892, was elected chief of records, which office he still holds. He was a member of the town council of Win- chester and served from May, 1879, to May, 1881, when his time expired.

AVID FUDGE, one of the enterpris- ing business men of Winchester, Ind., was born in Preble county, Ohio, January 21, 1842, and is a son of Jacob and Susan (Wagner) Fudge. The father was born in Virginia in 1800, and was taken to Ohio by his parents in 1805. He was reared a farmer, and in Wayne county, Ind., in 1823, married Miss Wagner, who was born in Preble county, Ohio. The couple took up their residence in Preble county, where Jacob engaged in farming and school teaching, alternating these occupations with the proper seasons until 1846, when he came to Randolph county, Ind., and died on his farm, about five miles southeast of Winchester, in 1867. To Jacob and Susan were born eleven children, viz; Eliza J., Lucinda, Fran- cis M., Philip W., David, John W., Esther A., Mary E., Sarah M,, and two infants that died unnamed.

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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 97

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