USA > Indiana > Delaware County > A twentieth century history of Delaware County, Indiana, Volume II > Part 39
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Mr. Charles Marsh married, in 1857, in Greene county, Ohio, Jane Maxey, who proved herself a worthy wife and helpmate to her husband. She was born in Xenia, Greene county, Ohio, October 14, 1831, a daughter of Martin and Martha (Scarff) Maxey, both of whom were born in Virginia, from whence they removed to Ohio, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Of the children born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Marsh four are living, namely : Martha E., wife of Henry S. Pittenger, of Black- ford county, Indiana ; Laura L., who lives mostly on the home farm ; James M., of Smithfield, and John W., the subject of this sketch. One daughter, Mrs. Mary C. Pittenger, died at the age of thirty-five years, leaving two chil- dren, Alcia C. and Wayne G.
WILLIAM L. CORY. Closely identified with the manufacturing interests of Albany is William L. Cory, secretary and treasurer of the Albany Auto- mobile Works. A man of sterling integrity, honest and upright in all of his dealings, he is held in high regard throughout the community in which he re- sides not only as an able business man but as a useful and valued citizen. A. son of Michael Cory, he was born in Delaware county, Indiana, April 6, 1862, coming from substantial pioneer stock, his grandfather, Daniel Cory, a native of Ohio, having migrated from that state to Indiana at a very early day.
Michael Cory was born in Henry county, Indiana, and there received his early education, attending the pioneer school of his time. Becoming a farmer, he was successfully employed as a tiller of the soil, teacher and mer- chant during his active career, and now, at the age of seventy-one, is living on the old homestead near Matthews, Indiana. He married Louisa Canada, who was born in Wayne county, Indiana, the descendant of a prominent Quaker family of that county.
After leaving the public schools where he received his rudimentary edu- cation W. L. Cory continued his studies at Danville, Indiana, after which he attended the State Normal School at Terre Haute. At the age of nineteen years he embarked upon a professional career, and during the time that he was engaged as a teacher won an excellent reputation as an educator and disciplinarian. He taught in various places in this state, being in Tipton two years, at Middletown three years, at Sheldon three years, and for six years served most acceptably as principal and superintendent of the Albany schools. When, on September 28, 1906, the Albany Automobile Works were organ-
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ized, with about twenty of the city's most enterprising men as stockholders, Mr. Cory became the secretary and treasurer of the company, the other of- ficers being J. L. Tulley, president, and Walter Bryan, vice president. Mr. Tulley, the head of the firm, is a man of much mechanical and executive abil- ity, and is patentee of the machine here made.
The plant of the Albany Automobile Works is advantageously located, the main building being a fine, two-story brick, ninety by one hundred and twenty-five feet, and its various departments, including the machine shop, the power house, assembling, paint and test rooms, are thoroughly equipped with all modern machinery and appliances used in an automobile factory. Since its establishment this factory has built up a prosperous business, its cars be- ing sold all over the country, from Maine to California. In July, 1907, seven cars were shipped to different states of the Union.
Mr. Cory was married, March 29, 1886, to Ida Eastes, a daughter of Dr. W. T. Eastes. She is a talented and cultured woman, and prior to her mar- riage was a very successful teacher in the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Cory are the parents of two children, namely: Edith M. and Harold A. Fraternally Mr. Cory is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Religiously he is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
JAMES W. ST. CLAIR. Numbered among the skilful and successful agri- culturists of Delaware county is James W. St. Clair, whose well-managed and well-kept farm is located on section 10. Enterprising and progressive, he holds high rank among the useful and influential men of his community, and as a citizen is eminently worthy of the respect and esteem so generously accorded him. He is a man of striking presence, tall and well proportioned, standing six feet high, weighing two hundred and twenty-six pounds, and is of good muscular development. A son of the late Thomas St. Clair, Jr., he was born July 11, 1855, in Grafton, Taylor county, West Virginia, and there was bred and educated. He comes of distinguished ancestry, being a lineal descendant of General Arthur St. Clair, who served as an officer in the Revo- lutionary army, and subsequently won laurels as an Indian fighter, being the hero of several engagements with the savages in both Ohio and Indiana.
A son of Thomas St. Clair, Sr., Thomas St. Clair, Jr., was born in West Virginia, and spent the larger part of his active career as a tiller of the soil, although for a while he was in the employ of the government as a wagon master. He married Drusilla Shaffer, who was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, of German ancestry, being the daughter of Jacob Shaffer. She died September 10, 1906, esteemed and beloved for the strength and simplicity of her character and the purity and uprightness of her life. He was a man of fine character, a sturdy supporter of the principles of the Re- publican party, and, with his wife, belonged to the United Brethren church. Six children were born of their union, namely: Loretta Finley; James W., the special subject of this sketch; Arlington, of Benwood, West Virginia;
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Ossa, of Simpson, West Virginia ; Samuel, who is in the employ of the Balti- more and Ohio Railroad Company as foreman and superintendent of the bridge department, and Arminda Bartlett, of Webster, West Virginia.
Among the rugged hills and pleasant dales of his native state, James W. St. Clair spent his early life, obtaining such education as he could in the com- mon schools, subsequently supplementing the knowledge thus acquired by extensive reading, observation and experience. While at home he assisted in the labors incidental to farming, and has since been almost entirely en- gaged in agricultural pursuits. Soon after beginning his active career Mr. St. Clair came to Indiana in order to verify the glowing reports that he had heard in regard to the richness and fertility of its soil, and was so pleased with the land and its possibilities that he remained here. Buying his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Delaware township, he has spared neither time nor expense in its improvement, and has now one of the most comfortable and attractive farming estates to be found in that part of the county. A systematic and thorough farmer, his land has been highly culti- vated and improved, and everything about his premises indicates in a marked degree the care and supervision of a wise manager.
In Muncie, Indiana, April 14, 1875, Mr. St. Clair married Anna E. Markwell, a daughter of Samuel and Catharine (Over) Markwell, both na- tives of the Buckeye state. Mr. Markwell was a life-long farmer and a member of the Lutheran church. To him and his wife two children were born, one being Mrs. St. Clair and the other Henry, a resident of Delaware county. Mr. and Mrs. St. Clair are the parents of the following children, viz .: Dora Gebhard, of Muncie, Indiana ; Clara Calhoun, of Fair View, and Carrie Bader, of Red Key, Indiana, are twins ; Minnie Nenstiel ; Asa E., who is married and lives in Delaware township; Glennie Mabel; Addie ; Loverna ; and Okay R., the eighth child in order of birth, who died, aged eighteen months. Mr. St. Clair is a stanch advocate of the temperance cause and takes high ground on that issue, and in his political affiliations is a strong Prohibitionist. He and his wife and family are members of the Christian church at Albany, and he is one of its active workers, serving as clerk in the official board. He takes an intelligent interest in public affairs and while a resident of Albany served three years as city marshal. One of the progenitors of the St. Clairs being an officer in the Continental army during the Revolu- tionary war makes him and his posterity eligible to the order of the Sons and Daughters of the Revolution.
WYCLIFFE W. Ross. A residence of fourteen years in the city of Albany has rendered Wycliffe W. Ross familiar to the majority of the people of this vicinity, his business as one of the leading livery men of the place bringing him in contact with men from all parts of the county. Energetic, intelligent and observing, he has made the most of his opportunities in life, keeping his eyes open to what is going on around him, and in his chosen occupation has met with genuine success. A son of M. L. Ross, he was born in Winchester,
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Randolph county, February 22, 1877. His paternal grandfather, Rev. Wesley D. Ross, a preacher in the Christian church, was one of the pioneer circuit riders of Randolph county, and in the pursuance of his pious duties traveled over an immense stretch of territory to reach his appointments. In wide contrast to the modes of travel by the clergymen of the present day these long trips were oft-times laboriously made in rude lumber wagons, and very frequently over heavy and almost impassable roads. He was a man of strong personality, and for many years was a faithful worker in the Lord's vine- yard.
M. L. Ross was born in Parker City, Randolph county, and for upwards of thirty-five years has been engaged in the livery business in his native county. He is numbered among the substantial citizens of his home town, and is one of the earnest supporters of the Republican party. He married Sabina J. McNess, a daughter of John B. McNess, of Randolph county, and into their household eight children were born, namely: W. W., the subject of this sketch; Bertha, deceased; Marion A., Grace E., M. C., Rose E., Ralph McNess and Jesse S.
Attending the public schools during his earlier years, Wycliffe W. Ross obtained a substantial education, and as soon as old enough to begin the battle of life on his own account embarked in the business followed by his father. In 1903 he located in Albany, at the corner of Broadway and State street, where he has a large, two-story brick building, admirably adapted for a livery stable. He keeps a fine stock of horses, good roadsters, gentle and speedy, and has a good supply of up-to-date carriages and surreys. Thor- oughly acquainted with the business in which he is so successfully employed, Mr. Ross has won a large and lucrative patronage in Albany and vicinity, and is known as one of the most accommodating and popular liverymen of this section of the state.
In Albany, Indiana, December 12, 1901, Mr. Ross married Rosa B. Wroughton, daughter of John H. and Mary E. (Starr) Wroughton. John H. Wroughton died September 29, 1907, and is interred in Muskogee, Indian Territory. John F. McNally was the great-grandfather of Mrs. Ross, and her grandfather, Cyrus L. Wroughton, was one of the earliest settlers of Delaware township, Delaware county. Four children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Ross, namely : Lafe E., Lelia E., Naomi Grace and Vivian Pearl.
CYRUS J. STAFFORD. Among the wideawake, energetic and progressive agriculturists of Delaware county who have attained success from a financial point of view is Cyrus J. Stafford, a well-known farmer and stock raiser, who has won an extended reputation as a breeder and raiser of fine horses. He was born July 3, 1869, in Delaware township, which was likewise the birthplace of his father, George A. Stafford. He comes of good old Irish stock. his great-grandparents, George and Catherine (Fair) Stafford, having
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
emigrated from Ireland, where they were born and bred, to the United States, locating in old Virginia.
Ralph Stafford, the grandfather of Cyrus J., was born in 1806 in Giles county, Virginia. In early manhood, desiring to try the hazard of new for- tunes, he crossed the country to Indiana, at times following an almost track- less path through the dense forests. Locating in Delaware township, he purchased a tract of wild land, on which his first improvement was the erec- tion of a log cabin for a dwelling. He was a hard-working, persevering man, and as a farmer met with success, living on the homestead which he cleared until his death. He married Jane Black, who was born May 30, 1815, in Clark county, Ohio, a daughter of Andrew and Susan ( Ross) Black, and into the household thus established five children were born, namely : George A., James E., John H., William H. and Susan M.
George A. Stafford was born on the parental homestead, in this town- ship, November 23, 1835, and has here spent his entire life. When old enough to labor he assisted his father in the labors of the farm, watching with gratification its gradual transformation into a rich and productive estate. He subsequently embarked in agricultural pursuits on his own account, and, profiting by the lessons learned in the days of his youth, became very pros- perous as a farmer, acquiring much wealth, and early becoming a citizen of prominence and influence. He married Sarah A. Zehner, who was born June 14, 1844, in Wayne county, where her parents, Bert and Heste! (Hoppis) Zehner, were early settlers. Of their union four children were born, namely: David R., who died in February, 1898, at the age of thirty- one years; Cyrus J., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Emma C. Brammer, and Roy J.
Brought up on the home farm, Cyrus J. Stafford acquired a good com- mon school education, and while yet a youth became familiar with farm work. Having a natural aptitude for farming, it followed as a matter of course that he should specially study its various branches and make this in- dustry his lifework. As he accumulated money Mr. Stafford wisely invested it in land, and has now a finely-improved farm of one hundred and fifteen acres, well located in a rich agricultural region. He makes a specialty of raising hackney horses, having on his stock farm some of the finest horses of that grade to be found in this part of Indiana. A young man of ambition, energy and excellent business ability, he is making a grand success in his operations, his life record thus far being such as to reflect credit on the place of his nativity.
In 1892, in Delaware township, Mr. Stafford married Cora Marquell, who was born here, a daughter of James Marquell, a well-known resident and one of its representative men. Mr. Marquell is a native born citizen, his birth occurring January 7, 1844, on the homestead improved by his father, Nason Marquell. Of English ancestry, Nason Marquell was born and reared in Virginia. Migrating from there to Ohio, he lived for two years in Greene county, from there coming to Delaware county in 1832, as a pioneer settler,
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and was here employed as a tiller of the soil until his death, at the age of seventy years. He married Elizabeth Selvey, a daughter of Samuel Selvey, who came from Virginia to this township at an early day. She died on the home farm, at the age of sixty-five years. She was a true Christian and a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Of the children born of their marriage three survive, namely: William, who served in an Ohio regiment for four years during the Civil war and is now in the Soldiers' Home at Dayton, Ohio; Mrs. Lucinda McGallier and James. James Mar- quell has been engaged in agricultural pursuits the greater part of his active life, and by thoroughgoing, systematic methods and keen foresight in the management of his affairs has met with unquestioned success in his opera- tions. On September 12, 1865, he married Louisa Godlove, who was born in Delaware township, a daughter of Abram and Laura (Sellers) Godlove. Four children were born into their home, of whom Cora, wife of Mr. Staf- ford, is the only one living. One child died in infancy ; a son, William, died when seventeen years old; and a daughter, Eliza Jane, who married James Selvey, died at the age of thirty-two years, leaving one child.
Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Stafford four children have been born, namely : Ethel E., Cloyd C., Irvine E. and Lottie.
LEWIS H. STONER. Distinguished as a native born citizen of Delaware county and as an enterprising and progressive business man of Albany, L. H. Stoner is eminently worthy of representation in this biographical volume. A son of Frederick Stoner, he was born October 12, 1857, in Delaware town- ship, not far from Albany, and there spent the days of his boyhood and youth.
Coming from Ohio to Indiana at an early day, Frederick Stoner settled as a pioneer in Delaware township. Purchasing a tract of wild land, he built a rude log house for himself and family, and with characteristic industry and courage began the improvement of a homestead. For many years he carried on general farming successfully, and at the same time followed his trade of a brickmason. In this capacity he assisted in the building of many of the sub- stantial residences of the place, including among others the home of J. B. Mckinney. A man of sterling integrity and worth, he was held in high re- spect throughout the community in which he resided, his death, which oc- curred at the age of seventy-nine years, being a loss to the town and county. He married Jane Mckinney, who died at the age of sixty-eight years. Nine children were born of their union, three of whom are living, namely: Jeffer- son, of Des Moines, Iowa; James ; and Lewis H., the special subject of this brief sketch.
Growing to man's estate on the home farm, Lewis H. Stoner attended the pioneer schools of the neighborhood, and under the wise tuition of his parents was trained to habits of industry and economy, thus in youth laying the foundations for his subsequent success in life. Soon after embarking in business on his own account Mr. Stoner turned his attention to the manu-
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facture of cement posts, and in recent years has made such improvements in the admixture of sand, gravel and cement that the products of his plant are well known throughout the middle west, the Stoner cement posts finding a ready market in Indiana, Illinois, Canada and other places of importance. He is the first person who ever made the cement telegraph or telephone poles of Portland cement. In the manufacture and sale of posts Mr. Stoner has acquired a competence, and in addition to owning a handsome residence in Albany has other property of value.
In Jay county, Indiana, September 13, 1877, Mr. Stoner married Ida Rees, who was born in Ohio, but was brought up and educated in Jay county. Five children have been born of their marriage, namely: Ethel, Glen, Pearl, Lora and Robert. In politics Mr. Stoner is independent, working for the best men and measures regardless of party prejudices. Socially he is a mem- ber of the Improved Order of Red Men.
COLUMBUS L. FRIDDLE. Conspicuous among the many energetic, pro- gressive and practical farmers of Delaware township is Columbus L. Frid- dle, who is successfully engaged in his independent vocation on one of the most pleasant and desirable homesteads in this part of the state. He is an ex- cellent representative of the native born citizens of this place, his birth hav- ing occurred August 30, 1859, on the farm which his father, John W. Frid- dle, cleared from its original wildness. His grandfather, Moses Friddle, was born in South Carolina, being the descendant of a family that emigrated from Germany to the United States in early colonial times. He lived in Charleston, South Carolina, many years, but in, or about, 1836, accompanied by his family, he journeyed to Greene county, Ohio, crossing the intervening country with ox teams and carrying with him all of his worldly possessions.
John W. Friddle was born in 1823 in South Carolina, where he lived until fourteen years of age. Going then with his parents to Ohio, he re- mained in Greene county until 1846, when, following the trail of the pioneer, he came to Indiana, locating in Delaware township. Taking up land that was in its primitive condition, he labored unceasingly and ere many years had elapsed had a good farm, much of which was under cultivation and producing good crops each year. Thus successfully employed in tilling the soil he spent the remainder of his long life, dying in February, 1905, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. He married Mrs. Mary J. (Campbell) Boots, a widow, who by her first husband had three children, namely: Daniel D. Boots, Adam Boots and Anna Boots. Of Mr. Friddle's union with Mrs. Boots four sons and two daughters were born, namely: James C., Levi M., Elizabeth C., George B., Columbus L. and Mary E., but she died when fourteen years old. The parents were valued members of the Christian church. The mother preceded her husband to the better world, dying in 1886. aged sixty-eight years.
After leaving the district school Columbus L. Friddle continued his studies for a time at a select school, remaining at home until 1886. Reared
Family Group of Mr. and Mrs. Levi Booher.
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY
to agricultural pursuits, he found pleasure as well as profit in the occupa- tion, and when ready to establish himself as a householder he took possession of his present property, which is finely located, and has since continued the improvements previously started. By persistent energy, well-directed toil and exceptional business ability on his part he has as good and productive a farm as can be found in this vicinity, consisting of grain, grass, pasture and woodland, and in addition to this has two large oil producing wells, which add greatly to the value of the estate.
On February II, 1888, Mr. Friddle married, in Delaware township, Mary M. Cartright, who was born in this township November 8, 1863, a daughter of Henry Cartright. Mr. Cartright, one of the substantial farmers of this neighborhood, was born in Cambridgeshire, England, and there lived until twenty-eight years old, when he emigrated to America, locating first in Ohio, from there coming to Indiana. He married Barbara Fulhart, a daugh- ter of John and Mary (Fulhart) Fulhart, and they became the parents of three children, namely : Mrs. Mary M. Friddle, wife of the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Oma J. Saunders, of Delaware township; and Sarah A., who married Levi H. Hollaway, and died, leaving one son, Everett Hollaway. Mr. and Mrs. Friddle are the parents of three children, namely: John C., in the senior class of the Albany High school; Herschel B., in the Albany High school, a member of the freshman class; and Clarence G., in the sixth year of the school. Politically Mr. Friddle is a sound Democrat. Fraternally he is a member of Heart and Hand Lodge, No. 361, I. O. O. F., of Albany ; of Fair View Encampment, No. 92, of Albany ; 'and both he and his wife belong to Rebecca Lodge, No. 433, of Albany. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Friddle are faithful members of the Christian church, and in their daily walks of life exemplify its teachings. Mr. and Mrs. Friddle have one of the old parchment deeds which was executed by President Martin Van Buren and dated August 1, 1837. This is the twelfth deed of the kind found in the county.
LEVI BOOHER. Numbered among the enterprising farmers of Delaware county who have met with success in their chosen occupation and are now enjoying a comfortable competency, acquired chiefly by their own exertions, is Levi Booher, living near Albany. A son of the late Daniel Booher, he was born July 4, 1850, in Randolph county, Indiana. His paternal grandfather, John Booher, was born in Pennsylvania, of German ancestors, but after his marriage moved to Darke county, Ohio, where he and his wife spent their remaining years.
Born and educated on a farm in Darke county, Ohio, Daniel Booher grew to manhood beneath the parental rooftree. Although poor in pocket when he started in life on his own account, he was blessed with strong hands, a willing heart, indomitable courage, and a never failing energy that enabled him to cope successfully with all difficulties that arose. De :iding to try life in a newer country, he walked from Darke county, Ohio, to Ran-
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dolph county, Indiana, and locating in what is now Farmland, took up land from the government. Laboring with characteristic industry, he improved a good homestead, on which he resided until his death. He married, first, Susanna Booher, who died on the home farm in Farmland at the early age of thirty-three years, leaving five children, namely: Catherine, John Wesley, Josiah, Levi and George R. He married for his second wife Mary Shank, by whom he had three children : Manuel, Elizabeth H. and Henry. He was a man of fine character and a member of the German Baptist church. He attained the venerable age of eighty-six years, and during his long life was honored and respected as an honest man, a good citizen, and a kind neighbor and friend.
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