USA > Indiana > White County > A standard history of White County Indiana : an authentic narrative of the past, with an extended survey of modern developments in the progress of town and county, Vol. II > Part 27
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The ninth in order of birth of his parents' children, William J. Hel- frich as a lad helped in the cultivation and operation of the home farm and secured his education in the district schools of his home neighbor-
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hood. He was carefully trained in the various departments of farming, and has always made his home at the old homestead place with the ex- ception of one year when he lived on a farm in the immediate neighbor- hood. Mr. Helfrich is now the owner of 260 acres of valuable land, devoted to general farming and stock-raising, in both of which lines he has met with a full measure of success. He had good, modern buildings, and has made his farm one of the attractive and valuable country places of Liberty Township. Mr. Helfrich is a democrat in his political views, but not a politician.
On December 26, 1892, Mr. Helfrich was married to Miss Sarah E. North, the daughter of L. M. North, a veteran of the Civil war and a resident of Liberty Township. To this union there have been born five children, namely : Ernest, who died in infancy ; and Lova L., Hazel M., Byron N. and William W.
PHINEAS MARTIN KENT, son of Carroll Kent and Phebe Dimmick Kent, was born on a farm near Cary's Corner, Oneida County, New York, October 20, 1808, on the same farm on which was fought the Battle of Oriskany, on August 6, 1777, and upon which the Oneida Historical Society has erected a monumental shaft.
Carroll Kent, father of Phineas M. Kent, moved from New Ashford, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, to New York State in the year 1790, and settled in Oneida County, where he and his brother, David Kent, owned and operated boats carrying freight which they poled on the Mo- hawk River, Wood Creek, Oneida Lake, Oneida River, Oswego River, Seneca River and Seneca Lake, to Montezuma, New York.
Carroll Kent loaded the first boatload of freight shipped on the Erie Canal. It was loaded on Rail Creek, West Utica, New York, and was shipped to Montezuma, in the same state, the bill of lading being issued in 1821. It was the first bill of lading issued by the Erie Canal and so notable was this shipment that it was published in the Utica Telegram and other papers in 1821.
Phineas Martin Kent was educated for the ministry by his parents but was never ordained, as he was determined to study law, and at the age of twenty-six, in the year 1834, came West and settled at Vevay, Indiana, where he studied and began his practice. In 1836 he was mar- ried to Louisa Franklin Knox, a fine, lovable young woman, and in 1838 they moved to New Albany, Indiana, where Mr. Kent became promi- nent in his profession and, as the founder and editor of the New Albany Daily Ledger, he was soon one of the leading figures of the community. He was an ardent democrat and later his active interest in politics, including his work as a member of the Constitutional Convention, which
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in the year 1850 revised the constitution of Indiana, brought him into prominence throughout the state and in Washington, and gave him the acquaintance of nearly all the distinguished political men of his gen- eration.
His spacious residence was noted for its hospitality and was con- spicuous in that section of the county as a rendezvous for the leading politicians and professional men.
Phineas M. Kent was a well known and frequent visitor at Washing- ton, District of Columbia, and the esteem in which he was held and his ability regarded, was demonstrated when during the Pierce administra- tion he was tendered the appointment of minister to the Court of St. James, which honor he was induced to decline through the advice of older men, who unfortunately in that day considered any interruption to the routine of business or professional life a disadvantage.
Phineas M. Kent was a man of temperance in all things and never used tobacco in any form. In appearance he was of medium height, expressive blue eyes and dark hair, with features of the old distinguished Roman type. He was most entertaining in conversation, possessed of a fine memory, keen sense of humor and an unusual command of language. Few could equal his concise and convincing form of expression. He wrote many articles on political and other subjects. His broad intelli- gence and literary attainments were of unusual distinction and one of his chief delights was his library, which consisted of many hundred volumes. He was a great lover of history, particularly the history of all religions, and devoted to the classics.
In the year 1856, Phineas M. Kent, Alexander J. Kent, his brother, and Warren R. Fowler, laid out and platted the Town of Brookston, Indiana, where in 1857 Mr. Kent took up his residence and lived the remainder of his life, except four years, which were spent in Chicago for the purpose of securing certain educational advantages for his children.
After the loss of his wife, Louisa F. Kent, Mr. Kent married in 1855 Cornelia Davis Miller, a young woman of stately beauty, rare char- acter and attainments, besides possessing the ability necessary to make her the helpmate at all times and in all requirements, whether beside the sick bed, in the home-making as wife and mother, in the political, intellectual or social gathering, her grace and culture were ever con- spicuous. The chief ambition of this grand woman was for the spiritual and character development and education of her children. Her ready sympathy, quick perception and wonderful courage to act has left a deeply helpful legacy of ideal womanhood in the minds of all who knew her.
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Phineas Martin Kent died at Brookston, Indiana, November 21, 1888, and was buried in New Albany, Indiana.
JOSEPH TAYLOR, for fifty years one of the most honored residents of White County, was born in Kendall, near Liverpool, England, Septem- ber 29, 1838, being the eleventh of twelve children born to Thomas and Agnes Taylor. In 1845, he came to America with his parents and lo- cated in Kosciusko County, Indiana, where his father died in 1849, leav- ing Joseph in care of an older brother, under whose care he received a good common school education. In 1856, he settled near Chalmers in Big Creek Township, where he died Sunday morning, June 24, 1915. Mr. Taylor was an ardent republican, and was honored by his party by being twice elected a county commissioner, and also served one term as trustee of Big Creek Township.
In 1861 he enlisted in Co. G 46th Indiana Infantry, and in 1863 was promoted to first lieutenant. He served throughout the war and was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, November 12, 1864, having participated in the Siege of Vicksburg, the Red River Expedition and many other important engagements.
On January 26, 1865, he married Nancy J. Price, who survives him, and to this union was born five children, Eddie, who died at the age of two years; Lillian, whose death occurred just prior to the father; Bert, of Lafayette, Indiana; Clyde of Michigan City, Indiana, and Mrs. Minnie Neff, of El Paso, Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, on January 25, 1915, celebrated their golden wedding at their home near Chalmers. He was a member of Brookston Lodge, F. & A. M., the Grand Army Post, and the Universalist Church of Brookston.
As a citizen, soldier, neighbor and friend, Joseph Taylor filled every station with honor and was one of our most respected old settlers.
JAMES CHILTON. Among the best known and most highly esteemed citizens of the western part of Prairie Township, was James Chilton, who resided just south of Badger Grove for almost fifty years. Mr. Chil- ton was born in Henry County, Kentucky, July 25, 1820, and died No- vember 5, 1914, at the ripe age of a little more than ninety-four years.
The first twenty-two years of his life were spent on his home plan- tation in Kentucky. Here he was first married to Maria Johnson; and to them were born two daughters, now Mrs. Margaret Brown of West Lafayette, and Mrs. Letitia Brown, of Brookston. His first wife died in 1845, and in 1847 he was again married to Mary Russell, who died six months later. He then married Nancy Russell, daughter of Samuel Russell, and to them were born two sons, Joseph and Charles Chilton,
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both still well known residents of Prairie Township. This Mrs. Chil- ton died in 1870 and in 1873 he was again married, this time to Mrs. Rachel Miller, who died in January, 1901.
Mr. Chilton was a quiet, unassuming citizen, greatly attached to his home. Coming to White County in the early '40s, he was one of the pioneers, whose long and useful life reached down to the present day. He saw the development of the open prairie region of the county, with no roads and scarcely any communication with the outside world, to a highly developed community of pleasant, comfortable homes, with all the modern conveniences of communication and travel. As one who knew the burdens of the early pioneer has well said: "He traveled in an ox cart that his children and his children's children might travel on the trolley and in the automobile." He was fortunate enough to him- self live awhile in the electric and automobile age, and only a short time before his death he accompanied his son Joseph and family to Monti- cello, noting at the time that it was his first visit to the county seat in more than thirty years, and that the trip overland was made in one- tenth of the time it would have taken him in the old days.
GEORGE DICKEY was born in Ohio in 1828, and died at the home of his step-daughter, Mrs. Martha Lucas, in Monticello, Monday evening, November 23, 1914, having outlived all his brothers and sisters. When but a young man he settled near Wabash, Indiana, remaining there but a short time he moved to Pulaski County, but most of his life was spent in White County, where, on April 4, 1850, he was married to Mrs. Emeline Fisher, who died, childless, in 1900.
Mr. Dickey was reared in the Old Dunkard Communion, but was not a member of any church. His life was unusual in that he never suffered from any illness until the infirmities of old age gathered about him. His remains were laid away in the little cemetery at Monon Chapel. Quiet and unassuming, honest and reliable, he left many old-time friends to mourn his departure.
ANTHONY MASTAW. On a small marble stone in the old grave yard at Monticello, is carved the following epitaph: "Anthony Mastaw, of the 46th Reg. Ind. Vol. A patriot, a Soldier and a Christian, died near New Madrid, Mo., March 26, 1862. Aged 42 years."
His biography would read like fiction. In fact, but little is known of him, though to the older generation he represented himself to have some Indian blood in his veins, of which he was quite proud. He lived with his wife in a log cabin on the east side of the river, about five miles north of Monticello; was a member of the Presbyterian Church and
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intensely religious. He enlisted from White County and was mustered into the service November 5, 1861. The late L. G. Kenton, was a com- rade with Mr. Mastaw and has often told the writer of being alone with him the night of his death, which occurred in a log cabin. His death was caused by typhoid fever and his remains were brought to Monti- cello for interment. His wife, who died from a cancer some years later, is buried by his side. Mr. Mastaw was a brother-in-law of Prof. George Bowman.
CLYDE C. WHEELER. Mr. Wheeler's important position in business affairs is indicated by his office as general manager and director in the prominent Indiana corporation of Crabbs, Reynolds, Taylor Company, dealers in grain, feed and seed. Mr. Wheeler has the active direction of the business at Reynolds and Smithson, and the company has branch offices in a dozen or more towns in this section of Indiana. Mr. Wheeler is a man whose earnestness and ability are chiefly responsible for his rise in the business world, and he has steadily devoted his time and energy to this branch of business since young manhood.
Clyde C. Wheeler was born in Des Moines, Iowa, April 18, 1872, a son of Hiram M. and Nettie (McComber) Wheeler. In 1874, when he was two years of age, the family came to White County and located two miles south of Reynolds. His father was a farmer and stock raiser, and such importance was attached to his home in White County that it acquired the name Wheeler, and has since been known as Wheeler Station. Hiram M. Wheeler, in 1889, moved his residence to Lafayette, where he died in December, 1912. He was a democrat in politics, and took a general interest in public affairs. His wife died in Lafayette in August, 1907, and both are buried in that city. Their five children were : Fred, deceased; May, wife of A. E. Bradbury of Lafayette; Maud, deceased; Clyde C .; and Blanche, wife of C. D. Bushnell of Lafayette.
Clyde C. Wheeler spent most of his early youth in White County, and is indebted to the public schools of this locality for his education. After some experience in working for others he started out for himself at the age of twenty-four, and soon became identified with the grain trade. In 1900 he established a grain business at Wheeler Station, and a year later moved to Reynolds, where he became a full partner with the firm of Crabbs, Reynolds & Wheeler. In June, 1904, this business was incorporated with a capitalization of $160,000.00. The officers are: A. E. Reynolds, president ; B. F. Crabbs, first vice president; Bennett Taylor second vice president: T. C. Crabbs, secretary and treasurer ; and C. C. Wheeler, general manager and director. The main offices are at Crawfordsville and Lafayette, while branch offices are maintained
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at fifteen different towns, namely : Reynolds, Francisville, Medaryville, Smithson, Ash Grove, Battle Ground, Riverside, West Point, Wingate, Lapland, Taylor Station, Cherry Grove, South Raub, Linden and New- market.
On October 16, 1901, Mr. Wheeler married Miss Minta Donaldson, daughter of W. S. and Sarah (Hardy) Donaldson. Her family were early settlers in White County. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have one daugh- ter: Verna, who was born December 8, 1902, and is in the eighth grade of the public schools. Mrs. Wheeler is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Wheeler affiliates with the democratic party, but gives his best service to the public through the business over which he has management. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Rey- nolds Castle Hall, No. 454.
THE BANK OF REYNOLDS is one of the solidest and best officered in- stitutions in White County. Every financial institution during its ear- lier years acquires estimation and influence largely through the char- acter and reputation of the men whose names are most intimately associated with the undertaking. The personal factor is always the indispensable quality in an institution of this kind, particularly at the beginning. The men who have been connected with the Bank of Rey- nolds since its beginning enjoy the thorough confidence and esteem of the business territory which their bank serves, and this is the principal reason for the success of the institution.
It began in 1897 as a private institution with $10,000 capital. The owners and officers at that time were: John C. Vanatta, president ; William T. Wagner, vice president; and Fred Dahling, cashier. On June 15, 1914, the bank was reorganized under a state charter, with a capitalization of $25,000. The officers remained the same as above noted, the only change being the appointment of J. W. Scearcy as as- sistant cashier. The bank was prosperous from the start, and in point of stability compares with any other bank in White County. It has never refused a loan on good security, and during hard times it has been in a situation to pay every dollar to its depositors.
Fred Dahling, who has been identified with this bank from its be- ginning, and whose genial personality and judgment have been impor- tant factors in its growth, has spent nearly all his life in White County, and was a teacher and connected with different local offices before tak- ing up his present business.
Fred Dahling was born in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, Octo- ber 25, 1870. His parents, William and Sophia (Boltz) Dahling, brought their family to the United States in 1875, locating in Monti-
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cello, from which city they removed three years later to Reynolds, where they spent the rest of their lives. The father died December 10, 1900, and his wife on February 5, 1876. Both are now at rest in the Lutheran Cemetery at Reynolds. The father was a democrat in politics, and took a general interest in public affairs, though never an office holder. He was reared and always remained in the faith of the Lutheran Church. The three children were: Henry, who is in busi- ness at Brookston; Mary, wife of H. G. Krueger, of Reynolds; and Fred.
Fred Dahling was about five years old when he came to White County. He attended the public schools at Reynolds, and his earlier experiences were as school teacher, an employe in the county recorder's office, as deputy county treasurer, and in 1894 he was honored with election to the office of township trustee. He held that office six years, and in the meantime had engaged in banking, and has presided at the cashier's window of the Bank of Reynolds for eighteen years. In July, 1914, he was appointed to the office of postmaster at Reynolds, and is now giving part of his attention to the administration of that office.
Mr. Dahling is a democrat in politics, and is a member of the Luth- eran Church at Reynolds. On November 24, 1901, he married Miss .Ida E. Erdmann, daughter of Gottlieb and Mary (Hagen) Erdmann. They are the parents of one son, Waldemar, who was born March 15, 1904, and is now attending the public schools.
JACOB M. FROSS. For practically all his lifetime Jacob M. Fross , has lived in White County, where he spent his early youth and man- hood in the rural districts, and now occupies a place with substantial improvements, containing sixty acres, in Section 4 of Liberty Township. Mr. Fross has for many years been active in the ministry in the Church of God, but at the same time has carried on farming as his regular business, and is now largely retired, having shifted the burdens of farm management to the shoulders of his sons. His home is on Rural Route No. 3, out of Monticello.
Jacob M. Fross was born in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, July 14, 1863, a son of John and Elizabeth (Cochran) Fross. The paternal line is German and the maternal is Scotch-Irish. John Fross was born January 13, 1828, in Greene County, Ohio, while his wife was born July 27, 1836, in Carroll County, and they were married in the lat- ter locality, July 14, 1854. Of their eleven children the only two now living are George W. of Indianapolis, and Jacob M. In November, 1869, the family moved to White County, and located in Liberty Town- ship, where the father followed farming and stock raising. By trade
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he was a harnessmaker, though he did not make that the basis of a profit- able business in White County, but in connection with his farming enter- prise he made many pairs of boots and shoes for the local trade. His death occurred March 15, 1889, while his wife passed away June 5, 1893, and both are now at rest in the Hughes Cemetery. John Fross was known as a radical democrat in politics, though he was not a par- ticipant in office seeking and belonged to none of the social or fraternal orders.
Jacob M. Fross was about six years of age when the family removed to White County, and came to manhood in Liberty Township, having acquired his education by attending the public schools in Liberty Town- ship and at Idaville. With the death of his father he assumed the active management of the old farm, and for several years helped to care for the mother and children. At the age of twenty-six he began for himself, and on March 26, 1890, married Miss Ida Royer, daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Shaffer) Royer, a family well known in White County and mentioned on other pages of this publication. To their marriage have been born four children : Allison L., born February 10, 1891; Edna G., who was born June 11, 1893, and is now the wife of James Bowsher; Harry L., born July 25, 1896; and Leonard R., born August 15, 1899.
Mr. Jacob M. Fross was ordained to the ministry of the Church of God, June 5, 1886, and now for nearly thirty years has been con- nected with ministerial work. He was pastor of the New Dunkard Church at Idaville, and of several others, and at the present writing is moderator of the conference. He takes an independent stand in gen- eral politics, but has strong prohibition tendencies. He belongs to no secret fraternities. Mr. Fross located on his present farm in Section 4 of Liberty Township, November 13, 1903, and has done much to improve and complete the livableness and value of his sixty acres. He has made additions to the barn and other buildings, and now has a comfortable home and enjoys the high regard of all his neighbors.
PERRY E. SWISHER. The chimneys that mark the home and the chief interests in life for Perry E. Swisher, are located in Honey Creek Town- ship, 31/2 miles northwest of Reynolds. Mr. and Mrs. Swisher, among other accomplishments, have a fine family of children, most of them grown and well established in independent homes. They are not people of great wealth, and have never sought such distinctions, but at the same time they have prospered and have collected around them many of the evidences of essential happiness. Mr. Swisher is one of the best farmers in Honey Creek Township and has a very high-grade place.
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Perry E. Swisher is the son of Samuel and Philadelphia (Dickey) Swisher. The Swisher family is of Pennsylvania Dutch stock, while the Dickeys were from New Jersey. Samuel Swisher began his political life as a democrat, but subsequently turned to the republican party. He went from Pennsylvania to Ohio, and in 1856 was among the early settlers of Pulaski County, Indiana. He was born in 1816 and died at the age of sixty, on August 12, 1876. Though he belonged to no church and to no secret organization, he was a man of upright character and had a great many warm friends.
Perry E. Swisher, who was the fifth child in his father's family, was born in Jasper County, near Medaryville, February 14, 1859. In his twenty-first year, on August 12, 1879, came the first great event of his life-his marriage. He was married in the home of the bride-a log house in White County-to Miss Amanda A. Retherford, a daugh- ter of Jonathan and Sarah Jane (Rutherford) Retherford. The Rether- fords came from Virginia to White County, in June, 1873, and Mr. Retherford was a carpenter by trade. He had lived in Lafayette as early as 1852, and after spending about six years in White County returned to that city.
Mr. and Mrs. Swisher became the parents of seven children: Stella, the first born, died in infancy ; Florence married Leonard Hoffman, lives three miles north of Chalmers, and has two children, Albert and Mar- garet. Larkin G., who lives in Chicago, married Theresa Becker. Clark W., who is also a resident of Chicago, married Maude Fulkerson, and has a child named Lloyd. Carrie is the wife of Charles Robinson, liv- ing in Lafayette, and they have a child, Wilbur. Leo Earl lives at home, and the youngest child died in infancy.
Perry E. Swisher began his active career as a trapper. He worked as a farmer, was paid monthly wages, and also did the strenuous work of ditching. He was honest, faithful and diligent, carefully saved his money, and finally had enough to permit him to venture into farming for himself. He bought forty acres of land, and he has developed it and improved it and has since increased it to eighty acres. Mr. Swisher is a republican and is a broad-gauge man in local politics. He was a candidate on the republican ticket for the township advisory board in Honey Creek, and though running far ahead of his ticket he was de- feated. Mrs. Swisher is a member of the Methodist Church and Mr. Swisher gives it liberal support. She is also a member of three church societies at Reynolds. Mr. Swisher is a trustee and treasurer of the Swisher Cemetery and always stands for local improvements and bet- terment. He has lived at peace with the world and with his neighbors, and never sued a man and was never sued in his entire career.
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WILLIAM L. COFFEY. The record of William L. Coffey as a progres- sive farmer of Honey Creek Township covers a period of ten years. Mr. Coffey is a practical and well-trained farmer, came to White County from Illinois, in which state he was born and reared, and has done a great deal to prove his possession of all the qualities needed for suc- cess in the field of agriculture. His home is located on Rural Route De- livery No. 11, out of Reynolds, in Section 31 of Honey Creek Township. His farm comprises 151 acres.
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