USA > Indiana > Steuben County > Atlas of Steuben Co., Indiana, to which are added various general maps, history, statistics, illustrations > Part 12
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PERSONAL HISTORIES.
performed many difficult operations successfully, and is now Professor of Surgery, Gynecology and Clinical Surgery, in the Medical College of Fort Wayne, where be lesturco twice a week, and in 1879 received his honorary degree of A. M. from Hillsdale College, Michigan. As a physician, Dr. Wood stands in the front rank of his profession in the Northwest, and his practice is extensive and lucrative. He regards his profession from that elevated standpoint which places him above acting the part of a charlatan, and in his eyes sny effort or attempt at quackery is most despicable. The young physician, struggling into n living practice, always finds in Dr. Woed a true friend and adviser. Whenever a word of encouragement is aceded he is always ready to give it, and in his whole medical experience he has acted on the belief that "the world wus largo enough for all," und banca there was no necessity to crush out a rival nr to discourage the aspirstions of his younger brethren. Ho is a courteous, affable gentleman, a progressive, public-spirited, useful member of society, and fearless in tho expression of his opinion on all subjects.
WARREN ALFONSO WOOD, M. D. (Deceased.) Whilst bistory is philosophy illustrated, biography is the Immp of expe- riense to guide and encourago us in the psthis of success or to deter us from the road to ruin. The preservation of the facts, therefore, making up the lives of' successful men, is not only a gratification to personal friends, but a foundation of information to all ; serving as guide- hoards by the wayside, or beacon-lights to the wayfarer who would nchisve suo- cess in like walks of life. The subject of this sketch is an eminent illustration of a large class of successful men who, without mongy or influential friends, havo risen by their individual pluek and cuergy to the foremost positions in their profession. His grandfather was 3 native of Canada, of English parentage, who movedto New York Stots at an early day, where he married, und raised his family, among whom was Joseph Wheeler Wood, who was born in New York in 1801, where he grew to manhood and was married ; his wife dying soon after tho birth of a daughter who was named Martha. He was again married to Sarah Farnham, who was born in Connecticut August 5, 1804, of Welsh descent, to whom was horo eight children, viz., Warren, Alfonso, Elizabeth, Sarah, Phedima, Hugh D., Melvina, Theodore F. und Fred- erick B. The subject of this biography was born in Bainbridge, Che- nango Co., N. Y , February 23, 1827, and, in 1843, moved with his parents to Williams County, Ohio, and, in 1846, removed to De Kalb County, Ind., where he soon after entered the office of his brother-in- low, Dr. S. S. Stough, now of Waterloo, Ind., with whom he studied medicine until 1851, when he began practico near Metz. His father died February 10, 1851, and in the fall of that year the Doctor became a resident of Metz. He was married, September 23, 1852, to Levinnia B. Thompson, of Metz, a native of Ohio, to whom was born three children, viz., Lizzie, Sol. A. and Don C. Wood. In the winter of 1859-60, the Doctor attended a course of lectures in Cincinnati, and, in 1861-62, he attended lectures in Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York. In the spring of 1865, he moved to Angola, and tho fol- lowing winter attended his second course of lectures nt Bellevue Medical College, returning home a short time previons to its olose, being colled thither by illness in his family. The winter of 1867-68, ho attended a course of lecturco at Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which he graduated February 5. 1868. Tho Doctor was a charter member of Steuben County Medical Society, and also a member of the Indiana Stato Medical Society. He was a member of the I. O. O. F .. and the various Masonic organizations of Angola, also the Coldwater Command- ery of Knights Templar. Dr. Wood was at this time a strong, robust, vigorous man in the prime of a successful manhood, but that fell destroyer, death, marked hitu as its own, and cast n blight o'or that bappy home which time alone can efface. While returning from visit- ing patients in Fremont, Ind., October 9, 1868, his horse, through fright, became unmanageable, the sulky striking against a tree, and tbe Doctor was thrown out, receiving internal injuries which ho survived but eight hours, being fully conscious to the last moment. Dr. Wood, during the eighteen years of his practice devoted himself exclusively to his profession. His ambition was to qualify himself for its responsible duties. That he was successful, his large and increasing practice fully attests, and he was regarded as a man of no ordinary mind, and of just claims to distinction in his profession. Persevering, patient and of indomitable energy, with a mind well attuned to systematic observations, he hud attoined a position from whose heights he might proudly look down the rugged steep he had climbed so successfully ; review the diffi- culties he had encountered, toils endured and obstacles surmounted, though little dreaming that his labora were so soon to close on earth for ever. As a physician, patient, constant, sympathetic, yet in the hour of extremity cool, calm and courageous, thus inspiring the sick and dis- tressed with feelings of a safe conduct through the scenes of impending danger ; so he passed the years of his eartbly pilgrimage in going from house to house, ministering his art of healing. Amidst all this toil he still found time for the study of his profession, keeping himself apace with the practical details in the improvements of medicine. Gonersl culture in letters also claimed a portion of his time, and thus daily ecees- sions were mado to his already liberal attoimuents, the fortune of his youthful days to acquire. He was public spirited and enterprising, and moved by all the sentimonts calculated to exalt and better the physical, mental and moral condition of mankind ; as a father and husband, kind and frugal, thoughtful in the provision for his family, leaving them a competency ; respected as a neighbor in his obliging monner, and ever ready to help the needy with his means and influence. Such a man was .Dr. Wood ; and the physicians who have succeeded him in practice should make his record their guiding-star through lifo. Though deod many years, his name is fresh in the memories of his associates aod a largo circle of patrons and friends.
FREMONT TOWNSHIP.
FARNHAM, ERASTUS. Among the offspring of the burdy pioncers of the Westeru wilds, we find men of vigorous thought nod forcible character, who have token the lead in every branch of trade, built up the business interests of towns nud cities, and by con- stant, untiring, energetic progressiveness have made themselyco an actual necessity to the community in which they live. Erastus Farn- ham can safely be placed in this class of men. His grandfather Solo- mon Faroham, was a native of Wales, who emigrated to the United Stotes, settling in Cooneeticut, where his father, Avery Farnham, was born, and grew to maubood, moving thenca to New York where he Was married to Charity Bradley, a native of that Stato, and of English
descent. Erastus was born in Delaware County, N. Y., June 16, 1835, and in 1836 his parents moved to Steuben County, Ind., and settled in Fremont Township, his father having como in 1835 and entered about six hundred asres of land in this county. . His parents resided on the homo formu until death, his mother dying in March, 1870, and his father Juss 16, 1878, having accumulated property valued at over 820,000, the legitimatoresult of their industry aud economy. For many years after Mr. Farnham's parents settled in this sounty, Adrian, Mich., was their neurest market, and to have to go sixty miles to mill, was a common trip. All of this is now past, and the youth of to-day are enjoying the fruits of the industry of those old pioncers who have long sinco been laid ut rest in their last home. The subject of this sketch grew up on his father's farm, attending the district school but little, as schools were a scarce article in those days, and scholars " few and far between." Still he nequired tho common rudiments of an education. He was married in Michigan, November 13, 1859, to Miss Louisa Fowle, daugh- ter of James and Mary Ann Fowle; he a native of New York, of Eng. lish descent, and she of the same State, of Scotch-Irish origin, who settled in Michigan in 1828. Jamco Fowle was a large and prominent furmer, and was elected three times to n seat in the Stote Legislature. He and wifo resided in Hillsdalo County until death. Mra. Farnham was born in Hillsdale County, Mich .. Octoher +, 1837, and has the following children by her marriage. Wendell (deceased), Jessie, Lowell, and one died in infancy. She is a Indy of education and sulture, plens- ant nod affable in her maanors, and her home has that air of refinement to be only met with among the better elasses. Mr. Farnham received from his father his share of the property, on which he has built ose of the linest residences in the county, aleo a large brick flouring-mill-with three run of buhra -- superior to any mill iu " old Stenben." This mill is running constantly, and produces n fine grade of flour. Those mon- uments of bis enterprise stund elose to the Fort Wayne depot in Fre- munt, and are constant reminders of his public-spirited and progressivo business qualifications. Mr. Farnham buye all the wheat brought to him, paying full market prices, and lins made the Fremont wbent market second to nono in the county, and we san honestly say he bas dune as much toward the development of Fremont as any citizen of that towa. Mr. Farnhum has been Trustos of his township three times, which position he aow holds; he is a shrowd dealer, plain and unaffected in his mannera, telling a mon just what he thinks, quick to decide, and firm in sticking to his decisione. A view of his home aud mill will be found in the Atlua.
HAGERTY, JOSEPH L., M. D. Thuis genial and enter- prising physician was born in Washington County, Penn., November 11, 1835, and is the son of Blair and Rebecen Hagerty, natives of Peon- sylvanin, who moved to Richland County, Ohio, when Joseph was but a year old, and afterward to Williams County, Ohio, whero they are yet living. The Doctor's youth was spent in those counties, and there ho received his education. He commenced reading medicioo in the offico of Dr. Richard Gaudern, of Pioneer, Ohio, and in the winter of 1861-62- attended a course of lectures at Ann Arbor Medical College, but before the courso was finished he was drafted into tho Thirty-eighth Ohio In- fantry, and served in tho riks uuder Rosencranz cleven months; partiel- pating in the battles of Stone River, Hoovor's Gap, Tullaboma and many minor engagementa. After his time was out, he enlisted in the Ono Hundred aud Forty-second Ohio Infantry, serving under Grant until the regiment was mustered out of tho service. He immediatoly returned to Wilhams County, Ohio, and began the practice of medicine at Bridge- water, where he remained until the spring of 1867, when ho came to this county and located in Jamestown. In tho winter of 1870-71, he attended Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which be graduated in the spring of the latter year. In 1871-72, he attended Miami Medical College, Cincinnati ; in 1873-74, Bellovue Medical College, New York, und in the fall of the latter yeor, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia; in 1875- 76, Rush Medical College, and, in 1878-79, Detroit Medical College. In the two last-mentioned collegeo ho took a special course on the Dis- enses of Women. In 1875, he removed to F'remont, where he has sinco proscouted the duties of his profession. He was married in Hillsdale County, Mich., to Miss Lydia C. Ayres, daughter of John und Cyrena Ayres, natives of New York Stato. Mra, Hagerty was born in Jny, Essex Co., N. Y., November 25, 1835, and has one child by her marriage-Acton E.,-born May 27, 1859. She is a woman of rare good sense, and of a practical turn of mind; has ever been a loving helpmate, devoting her energies toward the happiness of her family, and in making her home bright and comfortable. Politically, Dr. Hagerty is an unswerving Republican, and carnest in advocating and upholding the principles of that party. Ho is a member of the Masonie nad Odd Fellows' Fraternities, and tokes a deep intorest in the growth and dovel- opmenta of' those institutions. He is a member of the Steuben County Medical and Surgicol Society; of the Northeustern Indiana Medical Society ; of the Branch County ( Michigan, Medical Society ; of the Southorn Michigan Medical Association, of which he is a charter mem. ber, and of tho Alumni Association of Rush Medical College, Chicago. In the foregoing sketch it will be seen that Dr. Hagerty's medical edu- cation has been extensive and thorough, aud that it has been obtained in the foremost medical colleges of this continent. In fact, few physi- cisas of Iudiana have had the advantages he bus bad in this particular, but, not contented to rest on the knowledge thus acquired, he has sup- phed his office with a fine library, contoining the works of the best med- ical authors in the United States and Europe. Here he dovotes his spare moments to the diligent study of his profession, so as to be familiar with the latest medical discoveries, and the newest and most suc- cessful mode of treating all classes of disease. His office is fitted np with every modern convenienco, and he has spared no expense in sup- plying himself with tho best surgical instruments koown to medical science. All this is the result of his own efforts, as he came to Steu- ben County, a poor man, and the money used in the prosecution of his studies he made, bimself, in the practice of medicine. He is now enjoy- ing a large practico, and is in the highest professional and financial stand- ing, the fruits of his early industry. He is respected and trusted by the community in which he lives; is kind, free-hearted and gentle- manly toward every one, and, like most professional men, is progressive and public spirited in every scose of the word.
MCNABB, THEODORE B., M. D. The gentleman whose oume hends this biography comes of pure Celtic stock, and from that roce inherits many of the traits of character that have distinguished them in every age and cline. The warm, generons heart ; the stern defense of truth and justice ; the supreme contempt for broken words and promises, are leading chorao- teristics of the Celtic race, and aro fully exemplified in the character
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of the subject of this sketeb. His grandfather, James MeNabb, a native of Scotland, was born in 1765, moved to Ireland, where he was married, Novomber 23, 1793, to Mary Lattimore, who was born in that island in 1772. They emigrated to the United States shortly after marriage, and settled in Mahoning County, Ohio, being pioneers of that county, where they resided until death. The Doctor's parents, James and Sarah MeNabb, were natives ol' Mahoning County, Ohio. His father's birth occurred June 13, 1805; the record of his mother's birth is lost. Theodoro B. MeNabb " first saw tho light" in Poland, Mahoning Ce., Ohio, December 2, 1839, but when he was five years old his mother died, and thus early he lost tho tonder care of tbat mother's love. His father married again, nod survived twenty-five years. Theodore's youth being passed under the paternal roof, received his education at tho Presbyterian Academy and M. E. Collego of Poland. At the age of twenty, ho went to Henry County, Mo., where he tought school one year, when ho hegan the study of medicioo. Soon afterward the war " broke out," and ho returned to Ohio, where he con- tinued his medical studies. In the full of 1861, he went to De Kalb County, Ind., teaching school three months at Corunna, and the summer of 1862. entered the office of Dr. W. M. Meyors, of Waterloo, with whom be remained until the following fall. In the winter of 1862-63, he attended a course of lectures at Ann Arbor Medical Collego, then entered the office of Drs. Strong & King, of Reading, Mich., remaining there until Decomber of 1863, when hs came to Fremont, Stenben Co., Ind., and began tho practice of his profession, where ho bas since diligently prosecuted the duties of his high calling. Hs was married in Fremont, November 17, 1864, to Miss Libhi Stewart, born in Steuben County, Ind., December 17, 1846, and daughter of Robert C. and Ann E. Stowart, nutives of New York. In 1870-71, the Doctor attended his secend courso at Ann Arbor Medical College, and in 1876-77, he went to Fort Wayne Medical College, where he graduated the latter year. Mrs. McNabb died, October 17, 1873, in Fremont, after a loog and painful illness, She was a woman of fine education, nod possessed of sterling qualities of heart and mind, a devoted member of the Cove- naoter Church. Sbe experienced in her short life much care and suffer- ing, which she bore with patience and Christian fortitude. The Doctor was again married December 26, 1876, in Orland, to Miss Lizzie Bope, daughter of Dr. Philemon J. and Ellen Bope, natives of Ohio. Mrs MeNabb was born in Dearborn County, Mich , October 3, 1850, aod bas two children, viz., Duane T., born December 7, 1877, and Flora M., November 14, 1879. She is a pleasant, affable lady, and watebes over her children and household with a loving caro. The Doctor belongs to the 1. O. O. F., and is a stanch adherent of the Republican party.
He is a member of the Stouben County Medical and Surgical Society ; of the Northeastern Indiana Medical Society, of the Braneb County Michigan Medical Society ; of the Southern Michigan Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. Dr. MeNabb can safely bs classed among the best physicians of Steuben County. His medical experience has been extensive and varied, and in all the ramifications of disease, he has not only kept well posted, by diligent study of the best medical works on the trentinent of each particular disease, but has had practical knowledge in the treatment of many difficult cases. His patients may rest assured of tbo hest medical attention, and that whatever the science of medicine can do, will be done for their speedy relief. The Doctor is an affable, accommodation gentleman, free from all that egotist- ical show so common amoog tbe profession ; he is warm-hearted and firm in. his friendships, unassuming and retired in his manners, aod by his manly course in all his social and business relations, possesses the confi- dance and respect of all classes.
MICHAEL, JOSHUA. The ancestora of this gentleman were from Germany, and settled in the State of' Pennsylvania at an early day, wbere his father Philip was born, in Dauphin County, April 20, 1801, and where he grew to manhood and married Susannah Fitting, a native of tho same county, where she was born April G, 1805. Of this union thirteen children were born, viz., Enas, Mary, Ann, Katharine, Susan, Joshua, Sarah, Levina, Philip, Jacob, Lydia, David, aod two died in infancy. Philip Michael was a weaver by trade, and in his youth followed that occupation, often working for fifty cents per day and boarding himself, and thus acquired those habits of economy wbich helped him to succeed in after years. In 1850, be and family moved to this county, arriving at Fremoot May 28, of that year, settling in the west port of that town. Helaid out the northwest part of Fremont known as Michael's First and Second Addition, His wife died August 2, 1864, and he, Mareb 20, 1870, leaving their children comfortably settled in life close to the old home. In their youth they were members of the Lutheran Church, but, shortly after coming to this county, joined the German Methodist Episcopal denomination, in which faith they died. Joshua was the fifth in the family, aod was born in Dauphin County, Peno., November 1, 1831. Remaioed under the parental roof until bis manhood, when he went to work at the carpenter trade, at which be remained two years, when he returned to his father's home and began working the farm on shares. During this time he was married in Fre- mont, January 1, 1857, to Eve Ann Lingle, daughter of Jacob and Elizabetb Lingle, natives of Pennsylvania, where Mrs. Michael was boro, in Dauphin County, September 28, 1827. Three children were born of this marriage-Benjamin F., Philip J. and Susan, the latter deceased. Mrs. Michael died September 9, 1863, and her husband was again married, September 13, 1864, in Fremont, to Mrs. Mioerva C. Throoe, who was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, October 29, 1833, and who died without issue. He was married the third time, Novem- ber 24, 1872, in Branch County, Mich., to Cutherine Ann Shoup, daugh- ter of Peter and Catherine Ann Shoup, natives of Williams County, Ohio. Mrs. Michael was born in that county and State June 10, 1854, aod bad three ebddren-Carl D., Harvey E., and one died in infancy. In the spring of 1857, he bought eighty acres of land, on which were no buildings and only twenty-five acrea cleared. To this he added 140 aorca, aod has now 135 acres under cultivation, with good buildings, a view of which will be found in the Atlas. He also owos the old homestead, with ten acres of that farm, also several lots in Fremoot, and half-interest in the building and stock known as Michael & Fox's furni- ture store. He and wife belong to the German Methodist Episcopal Church, and be has always voted the Republican ticket. From tho above sketch it will be seen that Mr. Michael is a self- made man, and owes his success to those traita of industry and economy inherited from his German forefathers. He is a progressive and public-spirited eitizen, aod is in favor of everything calculated to benefit the county, of which he is a worthy representative, and few men stand higher than be in tba good will and confidence of all classes.
PERSONAL HISTORIES.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
ALCOTT, CHARLES LOGAN, was born in Marion County, Ohio, January 29, 1834, and is the eldest son of Michael and Elizabeth C. Alcott. In 1838, bis father removed to Steuben County, Ind., bringing his family. He died in 1845, leaving Charles L., a small hoy. Mr. Alcott, father of the subject of this sketeh, was a millor by occupation, a native of New Jersey, and a firm adherent to the rules of the Society of Friends, or Quakers. In 1852, Mrs. Alcott was married again, to Henry Spangle, and left the old place to the care of Charles L. In 1860, the subject of this sketch was married to Miss Ellen Powers, in the Stato of Michigan, tho ceremony taking place January 5, in California Township. By this marriage he has had two children, Frank H. and Emma L. He has applied himself successfully to farm- ing since the farm was left in his care, and is today the owner of 160 aorca on the home place, and eighty acres in La Grange County. His mother died in 1873. She was a member of the M. E. Church. His wife's father was a nativo of Oocida County, N. Y., camo to Indiana in 1837, aod died in 1872. He was a farmer and surveyor; politically, a Democrat. Her mother, Mrs. Powers, was also a native of New York. She is still living in Northern Michigan, enjoying good health. Mr. Alcott has a fine place, and is well calculated to enjoy life.
SPANGLE, HENRY, is a native of New York, son of Henry and Mary Spaogle, and was born March 8, 1821. He removed to Ohio with his parents at an early age, and lived there until 1844, when he came to Indiana with his father. He returned to Ohio, but came back 9000 after and settled down to farming. He was married, in Jackson Towoship, to Miss Mary Coy, by Esquire Sawyer, in 1846. By her he had ono child-Emeline. Again, in 1851, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Alcott, and, for his third wife, married Miss Sarah Metzer, of Braoch County, Mieb., on September 25, 1873. Their children are Carrie and Clyde. Mr. Spangle, when he came to Steuben County, settled down to the task of making a home for himself, and that be has succeeded is obvious to all who have seen his present handsome resi- dance. He is also the possessor of 336 acres of good land-all the fruit of huis labor and exertions. In the selections of his wives be has been very fortunate, the former Mrs. Spangles hotb being praiseworthy women, and his present wife an oxcellent companion and mother. Though limited in means for acquiring an education, he has excellent judgment, and is considered a strictly hooest man. He and his wifs are both members of the United Brethren Church. Politically, he is a Deracerat. In looking over Mr. Spangle's life, it may be truly said that he has well lived, and surrounded as he is with a pleasgot home circle, it can well be hoped that he may have many years of enjoyment and usofulness left.
TWICHELL, JONAS, Jr., the subject of this sketch, is a native of New York, and was born in Chenango County, of that State, January 12, 1836. He is the son of Jonas and Malinda (Scott) Twichell. In June, of the same year, he came with his parents to Iodiana, and they settled in Jackson Township, Section 9, the same place where Mr. Twichell now lives. Mareb 5, 1856, he was married, in Pleasant Township, Steuben County, to Miss Catharine A. Johnson. By her he had three children-Augustus C., Eugene and Harvey J. He was again married, October 10, 1867, in Braoch County, Mich., to Anna Milnot, and the result of this union has been two children-Victor S. and Bertice A. At the prescot time, Mr. Twichell is very pleasantly located on the old place. He has a fine farm of 200 seres, with build- ings and surroundings suitable. His wife is an excellent companion and motber, and the whole family are agreeable. In politics, he is a streng Republican. His father aod motber are still living, and are one of the oldest couples in the county. They are living in Mill Grove Townsbip. Mrs. Twichell is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
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