USA > Indiana > Miami County > Biographical and genealogical history of Cass, Miami, Howard and Tipton counties, Indiana > Part 55
USA > Indiana > Howard County > Biographical and genealogical history of Cass, Miami, Howard and Tipton counties, Indiana > Part 55
USA > Indiana > Cass County > Biographical and genealogical history of Cass, Miami, Howard and Tipton counties, Indiana > Part 55
USA > Indiana > Tipton County > Biographical and genealogical history of Cass, Miami, Howard and Tipton counties, Indiana > Part 55
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Three years after his settlement in Indiana, or in 1843, Mr. Simpson married Mary J., daughter of Isaac Kerlin, with whom he lived happily until her death in 1881. A year later he was united in marriage with Elizabeth McHenry, daughter of Henry McHenry. Dr. Simpson's surviving children are James, who resides near Fowler, Indiana; Isaac, who lives on one of his father's farms; and Jay, who occupies the old homestead.
Politically, Mr. Simpson is a Republican. He has affiliated with this party ever since it was organized and has always taken a commendable interest in public affairs. From 1876 to 1879 he filled the office of justice of the peace in Clay township. At the present time Mr. Simpson resides at
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1702 High street. He still owns the old homestead in Clay township, besides another farm in the same township. He also owns property in Logansport, and in Fowler, Benton county, Indiana. He has accumulated all he has by his own energy and well directed management.
G EORGE W. PIERCE, a highly esteemed citizen of Miami county, engaged in agricultural pursuits in Jackson township, was born March 1, 1851, in Wayne county, Kentucky, a son of Cornelius and Cynthia (Nichol- son) Pierce. In his father's family were the following children : Isaac M .. Elizabeth, George W., James C. and Mary A. The father was a pioneer in Wayne county, Kentucky, where his father, Jere Pierce, a native of Pennsyl- vania, born in 1821, settled in an early day. In 1863 he emigrated to Bar- tholomew county, Indiana, where he closed his useful life in 1883. He was a member of the Baptist church, in which he had been a deacon for many years.
Mr. George W. Pierce was but eleven years of age when brought by his parents to this state in February, 1863, was reared to the hard work of the . farm from childhood and had but little schooling. February 9, 1873, he arrived in Jackson township, Miami county. In 1885 he married and settled upon the Howe homestead and here he has ever since made his home, mak- ing his mark as a successful farmer and as a substantial citizen. In his political principles he is a " free-silver " Republican and both himself and wife are exemplary members of the Christian church.
August 10, 1885, he was united in matrimony with Mrs. Catharine E. Howe, a daughter of Fletcher and Asenath (Nicholson) Peelle. Mr. Peelle (or Peellee as the name was spelled in early times) was born in Wayne county, North Carolina, near Goldsboro, February 11, 1805, of old Quaker stock ; was left an orphan when but two years of age by the death of his father and was reared by an uncle, who set him free before he was twenty years of age, and at that age he emigrated to Wayne county, Indiana, and three months later he settled in Bartholomew county, Indiana, where he married Asenath Nicholson, a daughter of Samuel and Rachel (Perry) Nich- olson. She was born January 16, 1808. Her father was a native of South Carolina and emigrated to Bartholomew county, this state, during the early
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settlement of that section and cleared a tract of land, of which he made a good farm. In religion he was a Friend. His children were Thomas, Christopher, William, Josiah, Caroline, Pharaby, Asenath, Betsey and Samuel. Mr. Nicholson attained great longevity, passing to the other world on his farm in Bartholomew county. He was of firm religious character, much respected for his sterling worth.
Soon after his marriage Mr. Peelle moved to Sand Creek township, Bar- tholomew county, where he cleared up a farm of two hundred acres in the woods and made a good home. As a farmer and citizen he made a good record. In his religion he was at first a Friend, and it was according to the customs of that society that he was married; but he afterward con- nected himself with the Christian church. His children were: Pharaby, born December 26, 1828; David N., June 26, 1830; Samuel N., December 3, 1832; John, April 8, 1834; Mary A., October 15, 1836; Catharine E., November 9, 1839; William S., July 10, 1844; and Sarah J., September 24, 1846. The mother of these children died on the old homestead January 21, 1849, a devoted member of the Society of Friends; and in 1851, in Barthol- omew county, Mr. Peelle was united in marriage with Miss Jane Gant, and by . this union there were no children. In 1873 Mr. Peelle moved to Miami county, this state, locating in Jackson township, and made his home with his children during his old age. In his political principles he was an intelligent old-line Whig, strongly anti-slavery, aiding the escape of fugitive slaves, and a Republican after the formation of that party. He was a man of strong character, firm religious convictions and moral principle and honorable in all his conduct. He died November 17, 1883.
Mrs. Catharine Elizabeth Pierce, the wife of our subject, was born November 9, 1839, in Bartholomew county, this state, had but little oppor- tunity for an education and early learned household duties. She was mar- ried in her native county to Daniel F. Howe, who was born in Kentucky, near Frankfort, December 16, 1836, a son of James and Mary Howe. Mr. and Mrs. Howe settled in Bartholomew county, Indiana, and March 1, 1865, arrived in Jackson township, Miami county, settling on eighty acres of land, heavily wooded, which he converted into a fine farm, having at length one hundred and sixty acres altogether, all the product of his own labor. A good barn and other substantial buildings are on the premises conveniently arranged. They had a son, James F., who is now living in Converse. Mr. Howe was a
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member of the Baptist church at first, but later in life connected himself with the "Christian " denomination. In his political views he was a Republican. He died November 29, 1884, at the age of fifty years. He had always main- tained a good character for industry, good judgment and integrity. Mrs. Pierce, wife of our subject, was reared a Quaker, but became a member of the Christian church at the age of eighteen years, and has always been strict in her religious and moral principles, and is one of the mainstays of the church and society.
Mr. William S. Peelle, brother of Mrs. Pierce, enlisted in the war for the Union when but seventeen years of age, in the Thirty-ninth Regiment of Indi- ana Volunteer Infantry, from which he was afterward transferred to the Eighth Indiana Cavalry, and was a participant in the battles of Murfrees- boro, Lookout Mountain and other points, and he finally died in hospital, at the age of nineteen years, from the effects of wounds received in action before Atlanta, and was buried in the national cemetery at Chattanooga.
C HARLES A. COLE .- The bar of Miami county is honored by the talent of this gentleman, whose native acumen and laudable ambition have led him to a high position in the legal profession. A few facts of his life will therefore be of interest to the public in this section of Indiana.
Born in Peru, this state, March 21, 1855, he was a son of Alphonso A. and grandson of Judge Albert Cole, who were intimately connected with the history of Miami county. He was educated in the public schools of Peru, graduating at the high school in the class of 1872. Then he was employed in the First National Bank of his native city for two years, as bookkeeper. In 1874 he entered the Indiana State University at Bloomington, but did not complete the full course, ill health compelling him to discontinue his studies there in the junior year.
In June, 1877, he began the study of law in the office of Judge Lyman Walker, and one year later was admitted to the bar. From 1879 to 1885 he was associated in practice with William B. McClintic. In 1880 he was elected to the state legislature and served his constituents in an acceptable manner. On the close of his legislative term he resumed the practice of his profession, and in February, 1897, the present firm of Bailey & Cole was
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formed. Mr. Cole is a lawyer of acknowledged ability and is a logical and impressive speaker. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat.
In matrimony he was united with Miss Elizabeth Shirk, a daughter of Harvey J. Shirk, long one of the prominent members of the Miami county bar. Mr. and Mrs. Cole have two children, - Albert Harvey and Sarah Helen.
G EORGE B. WARNER .- No unsurmountable walls of fixed custom, no impassable barriers of caste or class, prevent the enterprising American youth from working his way upward from lowly surroundings to positions of responsibility and prominence in the business world; and the career of Mr. Warner is an exemplification of the opportunities here afforded to him who has the wish and the will to do. He started out in life on his own account at the early age of fifteen years, and to-day he occupies the responsible position of superintendent of the city electric-light plant of Logansport, and is accounted one of the leading and valued residents of Cass county.
Born in Juniata county, Pennsylvania, June 3, 1862, Mr. Warner is a grandson of Jacob Warner, who was one of the substantial farmers of that state. His father, Edmund D. Warner, was born in Juniata county, in 'October, 1841, and made farming his life work. He served for more than three years in Colonel Robinson's regiment of Pennsylvania cavalry during the Civil war, his regiment being a part of the Army of the Potomac. His death occurred July 7, 1897. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Amanda Monahan, is a resident of Mifflintown, Pennsylvania. By their mar- riage they became the parents of nine children: Nancy J. ; George B .; Frank, who is living on the old homestead in the Keystone state; James D., of Logansport; Harry, also at the old home; Minnie, wife of George Luther; Annie, wife of George Reiden; Myrtle and Bessie.
George B. Warner resided on the home farm with his parents until twelve years of age, and then went to Mifflintown, Pennsylvania, where he resided with an uncle for three years, during which time he attended the town schools. On the expiration of that period he secured work with a party of men engaged in the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company in put- ting up telegraph lines, and continued in that branch of railroad work for seven years. Later he joined the Western Union Telegraph Company in a
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similar service and remained with that corporation for two years. Gradually he drifted into electric work, joined the Edison force of electricians, and aided in establishing electrical plants at various points in Pennsylvania. In 1886 he came to Logansport and accepted a position with the Fort Wayne Electric Company, then furnishing this city with light. He filled a responsible posi- tion with that company, and was personally identified with much of the detail work necessary to equip Logansport with lighting facilities. He is now superintendent of the city electric-light plant, and his comprehensive knowl- edge of electrical work ably fits him to creditably discharge the onerous duties which devolve upon him. Socially Mr. Warner is an Odd Fellow and also belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men. In politics he is a Demo- crat, and, in recognition of his zealous labors in behalf of his party in local affairs, he was appointed by the city council, May 11, 1898, to his present position.
Mr. Warner was married in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania, March 19, 1882, to Alice, daughter of Peter and Lydia (Wren) Baker, and they now have four children: Edmund D., James F., George N. and Milton A.
D R. JAMES R. POWELL, Ph. G., M. D .- That profession which is char- acterized by more self-sacrifice and real benevolence than any other in the world, the medical, is honorably represented in Tipton by Dr. Powell, of whose life we take pleasure in presenting to the public the principal points.
He was born near Memphis, Tennessee, August 25, 1857, a son of John H. and Martha (McClure) Powell, the former a native of West Virginia and the latter of Ohio. They had three sons, -Dr. James R., Edward and Harry; the last mentioned died at the age of six years. The father was a planter in Tennessee until the breaking out of the great Civil war, when he enlisted in the Confederate service. His wife died about 1866, with cholera, at Lexington, Kentucky, at the age of about thirty-three years. In her religious relations she was a Presbyterian. Some time afterward Mr. Powell married again, and by the last marriage there were five children. He is still a resident of Lexington, Kentucky,
Dr. James R. Powell was fifteen years of age when he started out to make his own way in the world, beginning work in a printing office, where he
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was employed for a year on the Holmes County (Ohio) Democrat. Next he was employed in a drug store, at fifty dollars a year, and he continued there until 1880. He took a course in pharmacy at the National Institute in Chi- cago, graduating in March, 1889. Before this, however, he had been employed in the wholesale dry-goods and notions house of John Shillits & Company, in Cincinnati, for four years. In 1885 he went south for his health, and in 1887 returned north to Chicago, entering the pharmaceutical insti- tute mentioned. In 1889 he went to East Germantown, Wayne county, Indiana, and purchased a drug store, which he conducted for four years, Then selling out, he came to Tipton, in 1893, and bought another drug store, which also he ran four years, or to 1897. Meanwhile he had been studying
medicine, finally taking a course in the Central College of Physicians and Surgeons at Indianapolis and graduating in 1894, since which time he has been practicing his profession in Tipton. In 1898 he sold his drug store to Simon Rosenthal and now gives his entire attention to practice, for which he is so thoroughly qualified. He is also an inventive genius, having already devised several instruments for use in his profession. He is an inde- pendent thinker, is progressive, reads up-to-date medical works and adopts the latest approved methods.
On the 11th day of August, 1888, he was united in marriage with Miss Emma S. Gascho, a daughter of Elias and Susan (Shoff) Gascho, and their only child is named Tommy. Mrs. Powell died March 19, 1896, aged thirty- three years, a consistent member of the Christian church. The Doctor belongs to the Order of Pocahontas, the Improved Order of Red Men and to the Masonic fraternity, in the latter having taken the Scottish Rite degrees. Politically he is a Republican.
C HARLES F. MEYER, who is a prosperous farmer residing on section 16, Cicero township, Tipton county, is a native of the far-famed father- land, Germany, born February 12, 1833, and emigrated to America, the land of the greatest opportunity in the world, in 1850, landing at Baltimore, whence he proceeded to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. In the vicinity of that place he was employed on a farm for one season, and the next year came on to Indiana and worked on a farm in Fayette county for two years. In the
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spring of 1853 his parents also emigrated from the old country and located in Tipton county, Indiana, on the place now occupied by him, section 16, Cicero township, and he came here and lived with them.
His father was born in 1796, and died here in Tipton county in 1872. His mother then moved to Indianapolis and lived with a daughter until her decease in 1878, when she was seventy-six years of age. Of their seven children six grew up to years of maturity. Charles F., the fourth born in this family, aided his father in clearing his land and cultivating his farm, and he also worked out by the month until 1858, when he settled on forty acres joining his father's place, proceeded to clear it, built upon it a small resi- dence and lived there many years.
February 12, 1858, he was united in matrimony with Margaret Wigand, a native of Germany who emigrated to America with her parents about 1853. settling in Tipton county. He had seven children, six of whom are living, namely: Henry, of Cicero township, a farmer; John, a farmer of Jefferson township; Charles W., also a farmer of Cicero township; William, on the farm with his father; Christiana, the wife of James Glass, a farmer in Jeffer- son township; and Emma, at home. All of these were born on the farm where Mr. Meyer now resides.
He has here one hundred and sixty acres, besides forty acres in Jeffer- son township, and his farm is one of the finest in the county. When he first located here it was all a wild forest, and it is now all under cultivation. As an agriculturist Mr. Meyer has been successful, for he has now a nice and comfortable home; but he has made it all by his own hard work and econom- ical judgment.
The family are members of the Lutheran church, and in politics he sympathizes with the Populist party. He has been county commissioner, elected on the Democratic ticket and by the aid of the "Granger" element, which latter, indeed, first nominated him.
H ENRY G. HARRELL .- This prominent farmer of Ervin township, How- ard county, is an honored pioneer and a representative citizen, who was born in Marion county, Indiana, April 7, 1836, and was reared to honest toil upon a farm in this county, and educated in the common school here, as he was but a child when his parents moved to this locality.
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His father, Jeremiah Harrell, was a native of Virginia who married Eliza- beth Glasco, a native of Pennsylvania; and the father of Jeremiah was a native of Ireland who emigrated to America, locating in Virginia, where he passed the remainder of his life. Jeremiah Harrell was reared to manhood in Virginia, was married in Pennsylvania, and moved to Indiana, first loca- ting in Rush county in 1828. After a residence there of a few years he moved to Marion county, this state, and a year afterward settled in John- son county, also in this state, where all his children were born. Besides being a farmer in that county, he also engaged in commercial affairs to some extent, dealing in real estate, live stock, etc. On coming to Howard county, in 1849, he entered a tract of land in Ervin township, where at length he became the possessor of nine hundred and seventy acres. He improved a large farm, was successful in his trading, etc., and gave to all his children valuable and improved tracts of land. He was a prominent citizen, hon- orable in all his dealings, public-spirited, etc. He was one of the projectors and advocates of the River pike and the Peach Run pike. In 1883 he sold the old homestead here and moved to Michigan, where he died in 1885. His wife had died in 1864, a pious and exemplary Methodist. Their children were: Jonathan, a farmer; Sarah, who married Mr. Kegley and is now deceased; Lucretia, who became the wife of Mr. Richie; Jeremiah R., who died in Johnson county; William W., who was a farmer during life and is now deceased; Henry G., whose name heads this biographical sketch; James E., a farmer of Monroe township; Martin Van Buren and Tilman A. H., both farmers; and Mary, now Mrs. Garrett.
Mr. Henry G. Harrell grew up to manhood in this county. In 1855 he married and settled upon a farm which his father had given him, cleared and ditched it and reduced it to a fine state of cultivation. In 1859 he sold the place and moved to Miami county, where he purchased a large tract of land and made extensive improvements upon it, raised, bought and sold all varie- ties of live stock, being successful in the highest degree. He was the third highest taxpayer in the county. About 1883 he deeded seven hundred acres to his children and moved to Kokomo, where he had purchased a residence, but this property he exchanged in 1892 for the farm where he now resides, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres, of which one hundred and fifteen acres are in a state of good cultivation, being ditched, tiled, etc. He prefers rural life to that of the city. He is well-to-do, lending money and enjoying
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life. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows, and in politics is a Dem- ocrat, though having no taste for public office.
By his first marriage he was united with Miss Nancy J. Landrum, a daugh- ter of Thomas and Elizabeth Landrum, pioneers of this county, settling here when the Indians were still prowling about in this section of the state. Later in life he moved to Miami county, where both himself and wife left the scenes of this world. They were Primitive Baptists in their religious faith. Their children were Paul A., Henry, Ephraim, Lydia, Rufus and Nancy J.
By his first marriage the subject of this sketch had the following named children: Serena, who died unmarried; Willard, a resident of Miami county; Sarah, now Mrs. T. Jenkins; Susan, who married M. Daniels; Lydia, who became the wife of H. Weisner; Amanda, now Mrs. Tiker; and Lenna and Emeline, both unmarried. In 1885 Mr. Harrell was united in marriage with Mrs. Elizabeth.Coe, a daughter of Thomas Gibson, of Tippecanoe county, Indiana.
C HARLES P. BURGMAN .- A native of Cass county, Charles P. Burg- man was born on the 17th of March, 1867, and is a son of Charles L. Burgman, who came to Logansport in 1859 from Asch, Austro-Hungary. He was born in that European province in 1840 and died in Logansport in 1880. For fifteen years he was in the employ of the Pan Handle Railroad Company and was an industrious and energetic man. He was married in his adopted city to Miss Mary E. Rose, and to them were born six children : Charles P .; Louise, wife of Mort Boys ; Gustav A., a resident of St. Louis, Missouri ; Lizzie, wife of Jesse Wolf, of Logansport ; Katie, wife of George Leffert, of Logansport; and John, a resident of Logansport.
Charles P. Burgman acquired his literary education in the public schools of his native city and in the German Catholic schools, and later spent some time as a student in Hall's Business College. His first experience in the business world was as a machinist's apprentice in the service of the Pan Han- dle Railroad Company, and in the shops at Logansport completed his trade. When his apprenticeship was ended he was employed by the "Bee Line" railroad at Indianapolis, subsequently by the Wabash Railroad Company at Detroit, then by the Northern Pacific Railroad Company at Brainard, Minnesota, and Livingston, Montana, followed by service for the Cincinnati,
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Jackson & Mackinaw Railroad at Marshall, Michigan; and the Illinois Central Company at Chicago. On severing his connection with the last named road he returned to Logansport in September, 1891, and re-entered the employ of the Pan Handle Company, with which he remained until appointed to the superintendency of the city water works May 11, 1898.
Mr. Burgman was selected for this position by the new Democratic city council, as successor to Superintendent Montford. He has been a tried and true adherent of the Democratic faith since attaining his majority, and his labors in behalf of the party at each succeeding election have in a measure been rewarded by his recent appointment. He is fully capable of discharg- ing the duties of this position and the city numbers him among its worthy and trusted officials.
On the 26th of January, 1892, Mr. Burgman was united in marriage in Logansport to Miss Nellie A. Gorman and they now have two interesting children-J. Evert and Esther. Mr. Burgman is a young man whose well spent life commends him to the public confidence and the friendly regard of all with whom he is brought in contact.
NDREW J. MURDOCK, who for twenty years has been president of A
the First National Bank of Logansport, was born in Livingston county, New York, November 19, 1827. He spent the first eight years of his life in the Empire state, and then accompanied his parents on their emigration to Michigan, then a wild western district. There amid the scenes of frontier life he was reared to manhood. His educational privileges were quite lim- ited, for at the early age of thirteen years he was thrown upon his own resources and has since depended entirely upon his own exertions for what he has achieved in life. He had, however, become imbued with the spirit of enterprise and advancement which dominates the west, and he resolutely set to work to overcome the obstacles which might invest his path and deter him in his onward march to success. He continued a resident of Michigan until 1853, when he came to Logansport, and the following year he first engaged in business on his own account, opening a mercantile establishment which he conducted with marked success for twenty-four years. His patron- age steadily increased with the passing years and his honorable business
Afriendook
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methods and courteous treatment of his patrons won him the confidence and good will of all with whom he came in contact.
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