USA > Indiana > Delaware County > A portrait and biographical record of Delaware county, 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 52
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528
DELAWARE COUNTY :
Brammer was a democrat of the old Jackson school.
Henley Brammer was reared upon the home farm, and now owns a portion of that estate, 180 acres of fine land, well improved. Owing to an accident which resulted in the loss of his left eye at the age of seventeen, his education was somewhat limited, but he has since become the possessor of a fund of prac- tical knowledge both from books and from contact with his fellow men in the business relations of life. He remained at home with his father until the death of the latter, since which time his attention has been devoted to the work of the farm in the township where he now resides. He was married December 13, 1866, to Selina E. Black, born in Delaware county, April 19, 1846; the daughter of Will- iam Black, whose sketch will be found else- where. Two children were born to this union, namely: an infant, deceased, and Will- iam E. Mrs. Brammer died February 2, 1875, and November 18, 1876, Mr. Brammer took to wife Margaret D. Black, daughter of Andrew Black, previously mentioned in these pages. By this union there have been born ten children, namely: Charles, Mary A., An- drew L., deceased, Frank, Selina E., Thomas A., Harry and Anna, twins, David E. and Jose- phine B. In politics Mr. Brammer is a dem- ocrat. He is a kind neighbor, a good friend, and an honest, upright citizen.
BRAHAM CAMPBELL is a promi- nent resident of the town of Albany, where he was for some time engaged in the hotel and livery business. He was born in Delaware county, Ind., April 19, 1844, a brother of David Campbell, of whom mention is made in this volume among the residents of Mount Pleasant township. In the
latter township Abraham was reared on a farm and remained there until 1885, when he moved to the township of Delaware and purchased ninety acres of land, which he improved, and where he put up substantial buildings. He re- mained on this place until 1890, at which time he removed to Shideler, and engaged in the butchering and hotel business, but in 1891 he removed to Albany, where he also became pro- prietor of a hotel, which he ran for some time in connection with the livery business, but has now sold. He has proven himself a fine busi- ness man and seems particularly well suited to the different branches of business in which he has been engaged, but, having disposed of his business in Albany, it is his intention to re- sume farming.
Mr. Campbell was married May 30, 1867, in Douglas county, Ill., to Miss Mary E. Thompson, born in Coshocton county, Ohio, August 13, 1846, daughter of Charles P. and Nancy (Cullison) Thompson, to which union have been born six children, namely: William A., deceased; Nancy E., deceased; J. Ora, Charles T., Arthur H. and Hattie E. Mrs. Campbell is an excellent lady and a consistent member of the Methodist church. Fraternally Mr. Campbell is connected with the I. O. O. F., and is also a well known Mason. Politi- cally he affiliates with the democratic party.
J OHN P. HALE CASTERLINE .- The well known and pleasant gentleman whose name heads this sketch is the editor and proprietor of the Albany (Ind.) Journal. Mr. Casterline was born in Union county, Ind., in the town of Liberty, March 20, 1853, son of Dr. Ziba and Cather- ine (Elwell) Casterline. Dr. Casterline was a native of Washington county, Pa., a son of Ziba and Mary Casterline, who were natives of Pennsylvania and New Jersey respectively.
529
DELAWARE TOWNSHIP.
Dr. Ziba Casterline was educated in his native state in the excellent common schools, and at the age of nineteen years, began teach- ing, which profession he followed for one year, then attended college, received his diploma, and began the practice of the healing art in the village of Fairfield, Ind. He remained there but a short time, removing thence to Liberty, Union county, Ind., at which place he remained until the opening of the war in 1861. At that time he entered the army as assistant surgeon of the Eighty-fourth Indiana volunteers, for three years, after which he re- turned to Courtland, Ohio, where he engaged in the practice of medicine until 1871; thence to Liberty, Ind., where he remained for three years. While visiting his son in Courtland, Ohio, he died March 27, 1874, and his remains were interred at Liberty. His first wife died in 1859, having been the mother of ten chil- dren, four of whom are living-Anna, the wife of Gen. T. W. Bennett, a prominent politi- tican who for twelve years was mayor of Rich- mond; was appointed governor of Idaho by President Grant, and then served as delegate to congress from Idaho for one term; William M., an attorney and real estate dealer in Cali- fornia, recently elected to the legislature; Cas- sius M. Clay, in the government employ at Washington, and John P. H.
Dr. Casterline was a prominent abolition- ist, his home in Liberty being known as a depot for the underground railroad for runa- way slaves. He was influential in political circles, a leader of the republican party, and fraternally was a Mason. He was also a dea- con in the Presbyterian church, and it is related of him that one of his first official acts was to whip one of his brethern.
John P. H. Casterline was reared in Liberty until seven years of age, and then, on account of his father going into the army, he and his brother went to Cortland, Ohio, where he
remained with his uncle Joel, and attended school in the country until his eighteenth year, working on the farm in the meantime. In 1870 he apprenticed himself for four years to William Ritezel of the Western Reserve Chronicle, published at Warren, Ohio, and remained with him until the spring of 1876, at which time he made a trip into southern Michigan and Indiana, looking for work. In 1887 he located at Albany, where he started the Albany Journal, and was engaged until June, 1891, in its publication. He then re- moved to Hartford City, where he started the paper known as The Arena, an organ of the F. M. B. A .. which he continued for eight months, then sold and returned to Albany, and in June, 1892, he re-established the Al- bany Journal, which now is generally conceded to be one of the best papers in Delaware county. He was married in Mt. Summit, Ind., September 24, 1884, to Miss Joan Haz- elton, a native of Mt. Summit, Ind., whose parents, William and Elizabeth Hazelton, were also natives of Indiana. By this marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Casterline have been blessed with one child, Anna L., who is now deceased. They are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and always take part in any thing that pertains to religious work. In politics Mr. Casterline affiliates with the re- publican party, and fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Anthony lodge of Albany, and also is a member of Valentine lodge, K. of P., holding the office of K. of R. and S. In his boyhood days Mr. Casterline was the advance agent for the Rev. P. R. Van Housen, the blind minister, and traveled through eastern Ohio, north Pennsylvania and New York for five months.
Mr. Casterline has never proven recreant to the politics promulgated by his illustrious namesake, John P. Hale, one of the earliest free-soil advocates in the United States senate.
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530
DELAWARE COUNTY :
RED L. CHILCOTE, cashier and bus- iness manager of the Citizens' Bank of Albany, is a native of Indiana, born December 20, 1866, in the county of Jasper, where his father, Mordecai Chilcote, had located about five years previous. Almost im- mediately after moving to his new home in Jas- per county, Mordecai Chilcote entered the army as private in the Ninth Indiana volunteers for the three months' service, and at the expiration of his period of enlistment re-entered the service in company K, Forty-eighth volunteer infantry. This regiment saw very active service in the army commanded by Gen. Grant in Tennessee and Mississippi, and was engaged in some of the bloodiest battles of the war, including Shiloh, Corinth, the operations around Vicks- burg and capture of that city, in all of which Mr. Chilcote took an active part. In 1863 he was promoted to the captaincy of his com- pany, in which capacity he served until the close of the war, having borne the part of a brave and gallant soldier from the beginning of the great struggle until the cessation of hos- tilities in 1865. In September, 1865, Capt. Chilcote was united in marriage, at Rensselear, Ind., to Miss Lizzie Hammond, since which date he has resided in that city. Mrs. Chilcote died January 15, 1865, leaving two children- Fred L., whose name introduces this mention, and Gaylord, present principal of the high school of Los Angeles, Cal.
Fred L. Chilcote, after a regular course in the common schools, attended the high school of Rensselaer, graduating from the same in June, 1885, after which he followed the pro- fession of teaching for two years. In 1887 he entered upon a thorough course of business training in the Eastman Commercial college, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and after he graduated therefrom the following year became principal clerk in his father's office at Rensselaer. Sub- sequently he was elected city clerk of Rensse-
laer, a most deserving compliment to a man so young in years, and after discharging the duties of the position in a manner highly creditable to himself and with satisfaction to the public, he accepted the responsible position of cashier of the bank at Monon, Ind. He continued in the latter capacity until December, 1889, and in the spring of 1890 became assistant cashier of the Commercial bank of Lowell, filling the place very creditably for some time, later ac- cepting a position in the Citizens' State bank of Rensselaer, which he held until the estab- lishment of the Albany bank when he became cashier of the latter. On the 21st day of October, 1891, Mr. Chilcote and Miss Allie Kinney, of Rensselaer, were united in marriage, the fruits of which union are two children: Lizzie and Jennie, twins, whose birth occurred August 16, 1892.
ยท The bank of Albany was organized May 15, 1893, under the name of the Citizens' bank, the management being, D. J. Mann, president; James E. Stafford, vice-president; F. L. Chil- cote, cashier; W. H. Maitlen, J. S. Krohn and W. B. Austin, directors. The enterprise was established under the most favorable auspices, and the high character and integrity of the gentleman connected therewith command the confidence of the public and guarantee its use- fulness as one of the solid financial institutions of Delaware county. The careful commercial education and thorough business training, as well as the extended experience in banking, make Mr. Chilcote thoroughly qualified for the responsible position he holds in the concern, the officers of which, as well as depositors, im- posing in hini the most implicit confidence.
Mr. Chilcote was raised in the Presbyterian church, and while not visibly identified with the denomination, he is a believer in the truths of the Bible, and an earnest friend to all moral and religious movements. He is a member of Anthony lodge, No. 171, A. F. & A. M., of
531
DELAWARE TOWNSHIP.
Albany, a republican in his political connection, and a highly respected and popular citizen of the community in which he resides.
A RTHUR S. CLARK, a well known business man of Abany, was born in Decatur county, Ind., August 22, 1851, the son of Robert and Frances (Kemper) Clark. Robert Clark is a native of Kentucky and dates his birth from the 27th day of January, 1816. His parents were Woodson and Patience Clark, and he came to Indiana in 1840, and became a resident of Hamilton township, Delaware county, in the year 1859. Robert Clark followed farming very successfully until 1886, at which time he removed to the village of Royertown, where he is now spending his declining years retired from active life. He is, and has been, for many years an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, votes the republican ticket, and is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity. Of the twelve children born to Robert and Frances Clark the following are living at this time, namely: Sarah, Arthur S., Carrie, Thomas, Stella and Ralph.
Arthur S. Clark was reared on the home farm until his eighteenth year, at which time he apprenticed himself to a mechanic for two and one-half years to learn the trade of a machinist. Later he accepted a position with the Wabash railroad company, in the employ of which he continued for a period of fifteen years, and during the succeding four years was engaged in the mercantile business in the town of Shideler. Abandoning the dry goods trade in 1891, Mr. Clark engaged in the undertak- ing and furniture business, both of which lines he still continues, and in which he has met with well deserved success. He is a practical business man, has a large and constantly in-
creasing trade, and is one of the representa- tive citizens of the town and township in which for so many years he has resided. In his religious belief he adheres to the Methodist creed, in which church he holds the position of trustee, and he has for some time been an active member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity. He also belongs to the brotherhood of Rail- road Firemen and Engineers, and politically is a stanch supporter of the republican party, the principles of which he believes to be for the best interest of the country.
Mr. Clark was married June 27, 1877, in Peru, Ind., to Miss Carrie Bevis, who was born in the city of Zanesville, Ohio, on the IIth day of August, 1851, the daughter of William Bevis. Mrs. Clark is also a member of the Methodist church, and a lady highly re- spected by a large circle of friends in Dela- ware township.
LIJAH E. DAVIS .- In the number of esteemed and worthy citizens of Albany the name of Elijah E. Davis deserves to appear prominently, he being a most useful as well as successful resi- dent of that prosperous town. Mr. Davis was born July 21, 1852, in Delaware county, Ind., being the son of Jacob and Mary (Cake) Davis. Jacob Davis was born in Ross county, Ohio, March 7, 1805, and was the son of John and Rachael (Daugherty) Davis, of Irish and English descent, respectively; who located in Ohio at an early date, John Davis dying there of cholera, in the year 1843. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, all of whom are dead, except one, Mrs. Sarah Vincent, of Black Hawk, Iowa. The father, Elijah, was the eldest son, and followed farming all his life. He was married three times, and died May 28, 1885, in the faith of the Methodist church, in
532
DELAWARE COUNTY :
which he had lived; his last wife having pre- ceded him to the grave, dying March 4, 1881.
Elijah E. Davis received a common school education and remained with his parents until attaining his majority, when he began farming the old homestead, continuing the same until 1876, at which time he bought fifty acres of . land of his own; he resided on the latter until the spring of 1892, devoting part of his atten- tion, the meanwhile, to the manufacture of drain tile, and then removed to the village of Albany and engaged in the hotel business, purchasing and refitting a building which has since became widely known as a favorite resort of the traveling public.
Mr. Davis was married February 1, 1872, to Martha J. Bartlett, born March 2, 1854, and the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Mann) Bartlett, both parents of English ex- traction. The children of this marriage were seven, namely: Norman A., Rosie L., Irene, Lillie R., Thomas C. and Cora M., twins, and Marth C. The mother of this interesting fam- ily departed this life February 24, 1888, dying as she had lived, a consistent member of the Methodist church. Mr. Davis was next mar- ried August 24, 1889, to Mary E. Beard, who was born in Wayne county, Ind., December 1, 1856; being the daughter of John and Su- san (Leisure) Beard. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are earnest members of the Methodist church, and take an active part in all religious work of the local congregation to which they belong. He is, an accepted member of the Masonic order, of which body he has been in pleasant relations for many years. Politically he is a republican.
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.
533
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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DELAWARE COUNTY :
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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