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 32
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K of the Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. His military record is one that should be preserved in any history of White County. He first went to Maryland and was on guard duty near Baltimore, and dur- ing the fall of 1861 spent several weeks at Cape Hatteras. Early in 1862 his regiment was around Fortress Monroe and his company had some part in the memorable engagement between the rebel ram Merrimac and the Union vessels the Cumberland and Congress. On the following day he witnessed that epoch making naval battle between the Monitor and Merrimac. His regiment assisted in the capture of Norfolk and Ports- mouth and was then transferred to the Army of the Potomac, arriving in front of Richmond before the beginning of the seven days' fight. At Glendale on June 30, 1862, he was wounded and captured and taken to Richmond, and for several months was in the Confederate prisons Libby and Belle Isle. He was later paroled and sent to the hospital at Annapolis, and on being exchanged rejoined his regiment near Fred- ericksburg. He took part in the great campaign including the battles at Chancellorsville, and at the beginning of the Gettysburg campaign was assigned to duty in the quartermaster's department. He was with his regiment in New York City during the draft riots in the summer of 1863. Thereafter his regiment was in active service with the Army of the Potomac in its various movements until February, 1864. The term of enlistment for three years having expired, most of his old regiment veteranized, and after a furlough which he spent at home he rejoined his command in time to participate in the Battle of the Wilderness, in the engagements on the Po River, at Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Weldon Railroad, Hatcher's Run, and in the many engage- ments leading up to the fall of Petersburg. During part of this time as first sergeant he had command of the remnant of Company K. On March 25, 1865, while in front of Petersburg the Twentieth Regiment had its last battle. There Mr. Uhl was struck by a cannon ball which almost severed his left leg, and at the close of the day only two of the original company which started from Reynolds in 1861 were able to answer at roll call. Mr. Uhl spent several months in a hospital at Washington, and was finally discharged with all the honors and credit that go to a gallant soldier in July, 1865.
George Uhl was a resident of Monticello from 1867 until his death. On removing to that city he intended to take up a career as a physician and spent one year in reading medicine under Dr. William S. Haymond. In 1868 he was the choice of his party, the republican, for the office of county auditor, and was elected and reelected for two terms, serv- ing from 1868 until 1876. He made a most creditable record in the office, and afterwards employed his time in looking after his varied
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business interests. Though starting life a poor man, he made himself successful, and it was a success of the most honorable nature. He was never accused of anything underhanded, and stood foremost in the esteem of his fellow citizens. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church. He was also affiliated with the Independent Or- der of Odd Fellows, in which he held the office of Noble Grand, and was at one time commander of Tippecanoe Post No. 51, of the Grand Army of the Republic at Monticello.
On December 12, 1872, George Uhl married Miss Emily C. Hamlin. The Hamlins were of English descent, and her father was Dr. Philo Hamlin, who came from Juniata County, Pennsylvania. To Mr. and Mrs. George Uhl were born three children, and each of these has made an honorable record in life.
Byron H., the oldest, who was born in East Monticello, October 25. 1873, was graduated from the Monticello High School in 1890 as valedictorian of his class, then spent one year in the Valparaiso Business College, and began his career as a stenographer in the offices of the Baltimore & Ohio Railway at South Chicago, Illinois. In August, 1892. he was appointed stenographer at the Federal Emigration Station at Ellis Island. For more than twenty years he has been identified with that department of the Federal Government, rising to the position of chief clerk, then deputy commissioner, and recently, after the resigna- tion of Commissioner Williams and before Commissioner Howe took office on September 1, 1914, he served as acting commissioner, having performed those duties for more than a year. At present he is deputy commissioner of emigration, and has been identified with that depart- ment since the second Cleveland administration. His home is at Ruther- ford, New Jersey. He is a member of the Masonic Order and of the- Mystic Shrine. In 1899 Byron H. Uhl married Miss Euphemia Elsmann of New Haven, Connecticut. Their five children are: Agnes E., de- ceased; Helen M .; Ruth A .; Hildegard E .; and Emily C.
Agnes E., the only daughter of the late George Uhl, likewise had a career of more than ordinary attainment. She attended the Monticello High School, graduated from the Pharmacy Department at Purdue Uni- versity with the class of 1895, and then entered the Woman's Medical College in Chicago, where she finished the course in three years, graduat- ing M. D. in the class of 1898. She was then appointed an interne in the Woman's Hospital of Chicago and died there January 12, 1900. She had been married just a week before her death to Dr. Cubbins.
Stewart C. Uhl, who has spent most of his business life in Wolcott. was born at Monticello, June 1, 1878. He attended the Monticello High School, took a business course in the West Side Business College of Chi-
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cago, and on August 16, 1900, arrived at Wolcott, where he established a cigar manufactory, and has built that wholesale business up to flourish- ing proportions. In 1911 he established what is known as the Wolcott Auto and Supply Company, and now gives his time to the management of both these well known concerns.
In politics Mr. Uhl is a conservative republican, and has long been one of the influential figures in the party in this section of White County. He served as town clerk at Wolcott for two years, during 1909-11, has been secretary of the Wolcott School Board, has served as precinct com- mitteeman from the second precinct of Princeton township, and is one of the live wires in keeping up the republican organization to a point of utmost efficiency. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church at Wolcott.
On April 9, 1902, Mr. Uhl married Miss Leta A. Spencer, daughter of Samuel T. and Nancy J. Spencer. To their marriage was born one daughter, Margaret Alice, on August 25, 1907.
WILLIAM F. GRUGEL. About the first year of the American Civil war the Grugel family emigrated from Germany to the United States. Where- as in the older European countries families go on living generation after generation in about the same economic scale, rising gradually if at all in material prosperity, it required less than a generation for the Grugel family to attain independence and substantial position in Indiana. The family have been identified with White County for many years, and William F. Grugel, who was born after his parents came to this state, has himself illustrated what can be accomplished by a young man of enterprise and industry in acquiring a home and independence. He is now one of the prosperous farmers in Honey Creek Township, with home on section 9 and with access to rural route No. 10 out of Reynolds.
At Westville, Indiana, August 1, 1862, William F. Grugel was born in the household of John and Minnie (Schroeder) Grugel. Both his parents were born in Mecklinburg, Germany, and they emigrated to the United States in 1861, coming west from New York City to Mich- igan City, Indiana. His father was employed for a time as a farm hand at eleven dollars a month. Later he worked as a section hand on the railroad at Westville, and for about six years was boss of a section gang. In the spring of 1872 he brought his family to Reynolds in White County, and a year later made purchase of forty acres of land lying in the northern part of Honey Creek Township. His beginnings as a farmer were likewise on a humble scale, and the first habitation occupied by the family was a shanty home. A year before his death John Crugel moved into the village of Reynolds, and died there October 4, 1905. His
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widow is still living, a woman who has reached the venerable years of eighty, and makes her home at Reynolds. The father is at rest in the Lutheran cemetery near that village. In politics he was a democrat, and many years ago served as township supervisor. He was a member of the German Lutheran Church, and by his activities as a general farmer and stock raiser accumulated an abundance for his declining years.
William F. Grugel was about ten years old when the family came to White County. He continued to attend the public schools, but also had plenty of opportunity to learn the work of farming and on leaving the parental home worked out for other farmers at monthly wages. Industri- ous and economical, he saved all that he could, and finally invested his modest capital in forty acres which cost him ten dollars per acre. That was the foundation or at least the cornerstone of a prosperity which has been steadily growing to the present time, and he now owns one of the well kept and profitably managed farms in Honey Creek Township.
On April 10, 1890, Mr. Grugel married Miss Josie Han, and they have worked together and in a spirit of co-operation have solved the many problems of life during the past twenty-five years. She was a daughter of Richard and Henrietta (Haskin) Han, who came from Ohio to White County about the close of the Civil war. They located near the farm now occuped by Mr. and Mrs. Grugel, having lived a short time near Wolcott. Mrs. Grugel's father died March 17, 1914, and is laid to rest in the Swisher Cemetery, while her mother is liv- ing at the home of Mrs. Grugel. Without children of their own, out of the goodness of their heart Mr. and Mrs. Grugel adopted a daughter, Marie Groh, who is now the wife of Ottie Heimes, by whom she has one son, Arthur C. Mr. Grugel is a democrat, and like his father has served as township supervisor. He usually casts his ballot for the best man in local elections. In religion he is identified with the Adventist Church.
AUGUST RUEMLER. A well-known and highly esteemed business man, August Ruemler, of Reynolds, has been actively identified with the mercantile interests of this part of White County for upwards of a score of years, during which time he has established for himself an excellent reputation as a thoroughly honest man and a good citi- zen. A son of Charles Ruemler, he was born, December 26, 1863, on the old home farm, which is located in White County, west of Rey- nolds.
Born and reared in Saxony, Germany, Charles Ruemler there served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade. In 1847, realizing the many advantages offered young men in the United States, he came to
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this country, locating in Indiana. Industrious and thrifty, he saved his earnings, and when he had accumulated a sufficient sum to war- rant him in so doing, he bought land in White County, near Reynolds, and was subsequently engaged in tilling the soil until his death, June 14, 1886, at a comparatively early age. He married, in Reynolds, Min- nie Wese, who was born in Posen, Germany, and came to Indiana with her parents in 1859. She is still living, and is the mother of six chil- dren, namely : August, Melia, Henry, Emma, Robert, and Minnie.
Having acquired his early education in the rural schools of his native , district, August Ruemler turned his attention to agriculture, and at the age of twenty-five years began farming on his own account, and continued thus engaged for five years. Then, preferring some other occupation, Mr. Ruemler opened a general store at Reynolds, putting in a fine line of groceries and dry goods, and has since built up a large and lucrative business, being well patronized. Following in the foot- steps of his father, he is independent in local politics, voting for the best man and measures, but in national affairs supports the principles of the republican party. He is likewise true to the religious faith in which he was reared by his parents, being a Lutheran.
Mr. Ruemler married, May 9, 1889, Miss Ida Grugel, a daughter of John and Minnie Grugel, who came to White County in the early '60s, settling on a farm. Mr. Grugel subsequently carried on general farm- ing and stock raising until his death. Mrs. Grugel survives him. Six children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Ruemler, namely : Carl; John; Robert; Clara, deceased; Marie; and Walter.
RUDOLPH WERNER. One of the foremost agriculturists of Big Creek Township, Rudolph Werner, is numbered among the sturdy, energetic and successful farmers of White County, who fully under- stand the vocation which they follow, and are enabled to carry it on with profit and pleasure. A son of the late Julius Werner, he was born June 25, 1859, in Posen, Prussia, Germany, where his childhood days were spent.
A native of Germany, where his birth occurred in 1832, Julius Werner was there bred and educated. Learning the trade of a lock- smith when young, he followed it in the fatherland for several years after his marriage. In 1872, leaving his wife and children in the fatherland, he immigrated to the United States, and for five years was engaged in railroading, living first in Reynolds, and later at Good- land. Subsequently, his family having joined him, he bought land in Honey Creek Township, and was there actively engaged in farming and stock raising until his death, July 3, 1885. He was a man of sterling
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integrity, industrious and enterprising. In his political affiliations he was a democrat, and in religion both he and his wife were valued mem- bers of the German Lutheran Church at Reynolds. The maiden name of his wife was Rose Tum, to whom he was wedded in 1856. She sur- vied him many years, passing away in February, 1906. Of the eight children born of their marriage, six are living, as follows: Gustave; Rudolph, the special subject of this brief sketch; Charley; Eustina, wife of John Kilgoss; Caroline, wife of Frank Ruck; and Minnie, wife of Henry Denhardt.
Having acquired his rudimentary education in his native land, Rudolph Werner completed his studies in the public schools of White County. At the age of twenty-two years he began life on his own ac- count as a tiller of the soil, and in the pursuit of his chosen occupa- tion has displayed vigorous ability and much skill. He has made wise investments in land, now owning 220 acres in White County, his home farm on Section 3, Big Creek Township, containing 100 acres of rich and fertile land, on which he has made improvements of value, including the erection of the house occupied by himself and family, the barns having been on the place when he purchased the property. He carries on general farming, and to some extent is interested in stock raising, breeding short horn cattle for his own use.
Mr. Werner married, May 18, 1886, Pauline Heimlich, a daughter of Gottlieb and Christina (Long) Heimlich, and into their home four children have been born, namely: John; William; Ruth, wife of Clar- ence Trech : and Martha. Mr. Werner takes no special interest in political affairs, voting without regard to party restrictions. True to the religious faith in which he was reared, he is a member of the church to which his parents belonged.
WILLIAM H. DAUGHERTY. A man of undoubted ability and wortn, the late William H. Daugherty was for many years a resident of White County, where he won an assured position as an agriculturist, a business man, and as a citizen, his industry, upright character, and neighborly dealing, gaining for him the confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. A native of Indiana, he was born February 19, 1839, in Tippecanoe County, coming from Irish ancestry on the pater- nal side, and on the maternal side being of Scotch-Irish descent. His parents, Barnabas and Lucy (White) Daugherty, settled in Tippe- canoe County in the early '30s, and subsequently moved to Jasper County, where they improved a farm, on which they spent their re- maining days.
Brought up on the home farm in Jasper County, William H.
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Daugherty was educated in the public schools, and having while young obtained a practical experience in the art of tilling the soil, he became a farmer from choice, and during his younger years was an extensive dealer in live stock. Patriotic and public-spirited, he served as a soldier throughout the Civil war, with the exception of the first three months of its progress, not having responded to the call for ninety-day enlist- ments. Becoming a member of Company K, Forty-Eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Mr. Daugherty was mustered into service at Indianapolis, and was there mustered out of the army at the close of the conflict, having been with his regiment in all of its marches, cam- paigns and battles, and in the Grand Review at Washington.
Returning home after receiving his discharge, Mr. Daugherty en- gaged in farming. Coming from Jasper County to White County sev- eral years later, he bought land lying five miles north of Monticello, and was there prosperously engaged in general farming, including stock raising, for a number of years. When ready to give up the active care of his large farm, he moved to Monticello, where he continued his residence until the close of his earthly life, passing away July 29, 1908. Mr. Daugherty was an earnest supporter of the principles of the re- publican party, but never cared to hold public office. He was a mem- ber of the Grand Army of the Republic, and much interested in the . good of the organization.
Mr. Daugherty married on October 31, 1869, and two daughters were born, Ora and Myrta, both of whom are living at home. Religiously the family are members of the Baptist Church.
SIM DAVISSON. Noteworthy among the well-known and highly re- spected residents of Monticello is Sim Davisson, who is officially con- nected with municipal affairs as city engineer, and in that capacity is performing the duties devolving upon him with unquestioned ability and fidelity. A native of White County, he was born August 31, 1862, on the parental homestead in Big Creek Township.
His father, the late Amaziah Davisson, was born in Preble County, Ohio, and there grew to manhood. Coming to Indiana some time in the '50s in search of a favorable place in which to settle permanently, he was pleased with the agricultural prospects of White County, and in- vested in a small tract of land in Big Creek Township. Meeting with success in its management, he bought other tracts from time to time, becoming possessor of 400 acres of choice land, from which he improved one of the most attractive farms of that vicinity. Retiring from active business in the very early part of 1892, he moved to Monticello, where he continued his residence until his death, May 22, 1901. He was a
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man of sterling integrity, and held in high regard by all who knew him. He was a republican in politics, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He married Sarah House, a native of Preble Coun- ty, Ohio. She is still living, making her home with her daughter, and is the mother of five children as follows: John; Jennie, wife of Thomas Dellinger ; Anderson; Sim; and Charley.
Throughout the days of his boyhood and youth, Sim Davisson re- mained beneath the parental roof, gleaning his early education in the public schools, and assisting his father on the farm. Farming, however, had no charms for him, and in 1881 he began working as a civil engineer with the county surveyor. Beginning in a minor capacity and continu- ing the work, Mr. Davisson acquired proficiency in the profession, and in 1891 established himself in Monticello, where he is now rendering ex- cellent service as city engineer.
Mr. Davisson married, May 2, 1894, Elizabeth Kendall, a daughter of Erasmus N. and Sarah (Jones) Kendall, and to them four children have been born, of whom but two, Faye and May, are living. Two younger children, both named Roy, died in infancy. Mrs. Davisson is a most estimable woman, and a consistent member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Davisson is a member of but one fraternal order, the Modern Woodmen of America.
JOHN H. MOORE. A life of quiet effectiveness, marked by a record of many duties well done and many responsibilities faithfully fulfilled, has been that of John H. Moore, now living retired at Reynolds. He is one of the men who have developed and made White County what it is. As a farmer and landholder his record will compare favorably with that of any successful man in the county, and his life in every relation has been such as to be admired by the people of the present and future generations.
. John H. Moore was born February 11, 1854, in Miami Township of Cass County, Indiana. It was just fifty years after his birth that Mr. Moore, in March, 1914, retired from the active responsibilities of business and took up his residence in Reynolds. His parents were Sebastian C. and Martha A. (Hoover) Moore. IIis father was an early Cass County settler, a prominent farmer and stock raiser, and he and his wife died and were laid to rest in Cass County. Of the four chil- dren only two are now living, the brother being William R., of Cass County.
John H. Moore had very little education when a boy, partly for the reason that schools were conducted only for limited terms and partly on account of the requirement of his services at home. When
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twenty-two he started out for himself and took up farming, which basic industry he has made his vocation. Mr. Moore came to White County in 1879, locating on 113 acres in West Point Township. While he experienced the trials incident to farming at that time, he knew his business thoroughly and went steadily ahead until prosperity awarded his efforts. He cleared and improved the first farm, added to his land holdings from time to time, and at the present writing is the possessor of 540 acres, all of it improved and under cultivation. This land is in West Point Township. Hard work and thrift have been the chief factors to which Mr. Moore owes his success, and he now finds him- self in independent circumstances for the remainder of his life. His principal revenues as a farmer came from general crop growing and stock.
While generally interested in public affairs, he has never sought office, and the worth of such a citizen in any community cannot be esti- mated by any official honor. He is a member of Lodge No. 484, F. & A. M., at New Waverly. On May 13, 1879, the same year he came to White County, Mr. Moore married Jessie M. Grace, daughter of Jesse and Harriet (Swayze) Grace. Her family were Ohio people. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have the following children: Pearl, wife of John Plummer; Gertrude, wife of O. A. Scipio; Charles S .; Clifford Delbert ; Grace, wife of Ora Dillinger ; and John E., who died in infancy.
WILLIAM P. COOPER. Among the families whose prosperity has been founded on solid basis of agricultural industry that of Cooper is one of the most prominent in White County. The late David Cooper came into White County forty years ago, and his life was one, not only of unusual material accomplishment, but of strict consistency with the highest ideals of living and character.
William P. Cooper was born near Attica, in Fountain County, In- diana, November 8, 1857, a son of David and Amanda (Best) Cooper. When he was two years of age his parents removed to Benton County, Indiana, and from there, in the spring of 1875, located in West Point Township of White County. David Cooper was splendidly success- ful as a farmer and stock raiser. He was a republican in politics, but never accepted any official honor. Both he and his wife are now buried at Montmorency, Indiana. His mother was a very devout Chris- tian and one of the active workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of their eight children four are now living.
William P. Cooper received his early education in Benton County, and was about eighteen years of age when he came to White County. Since reaching manhood he has gone steadily ahead to ever-increas-
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ing prosperity, and is now the owner of about seven hundred acres in White county. He raises and ships a large number of cattle every year, and keeps his farm in a state of improvement such as to offer a model and incentive to this farming community.
On December 19, 1888, Mr. Cooper married Lottie Barcus, who died June 23, 1905. Her two sons are Harold and Paul. Harold is a mem- ber of the Monticello High School, class of 1916, and Paul, the younger son, died at the age of seven years. On June 27, 1913, Mr. Cooper married Ethel Sharp of Rensselaer. Mr. Cooper is a member of the Chalmers Lodge of the Knights of Pythias and belongs to the Baptist Church. Many people of White County remember him best for his creditable service as county treasurer of White County, to which. office he was elected on the republican ticket in November, 1908, serv- ing two terms. In 1910 Mr. Cooper located in Monticello, but in April, 1915 removed to Reynolds, Indiana, his residence at the present time.
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