USA > Indiana > Wayne County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 36
USA > Indiana > Franklin County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 36
USA > Indiana > Union County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 36
USA > Indiana > Fayette County > Biographical and genealogical history of Wayne, Fayette, Union and Franklin counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 36
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them become familiar with the various departments of agriculture. He then allowed each one to choose whether he would be a farmer and settle on the homestead, which he would give him, or, instead, pursue a college course and enter a profession. The record of a noble life is a man's best monument, and no words of eulogy can add luster to the name of Andrew D. Hawley.
ALLYN S. DEETER.
The record of an honorable, upright life is always read with interest, and it better perpetuates the name and fame of the subject than does a mon- ument, seen by few and soon crumbling into dust beneath the relentless hand of time. Those who have fought and suffered for the state and country in which their lot is cast are especially deserving of an honored place in all its annals, and their posterity will turn with just pride to these records of the founders and preservers of a prosperous, united nation.
Born in Miami county, Ohio, September 11, 1843, Allyn S. Deeter, of Jefferson township, Wayne county, is a son of John and Mary Deeter. The father, who was a native of Pennsylvania, accompanied his parents to Ohio when he was about five years of age, and there grew to manhood. He died on Christmas day, 1893, in Delaware county, Indiana, having survived our subject's mother some forty-five years.
The most important event in the life of our subject prior to the nine- teenth anniversary of his birth occurred when, on the 4th of August, 1862, he enlisted, at Cincinnati, Ohio, in the United States Navy. He was assigned to the gunboat Tyler, under Commodore Porter, and in the following Novem- ber took part in the siege of Haines' Bluff, on the Yazoo river. The gun- boat, which did effective service at many important points along the Missis- sippi river and tributaries, was one of the Union fleet to whose timely appear- ance our army was indebted on many an occasion to preservation from almost certain destruction by the superior forces of the enemy. In the great siege of Vicksburg the Tyler took an active part and shares in the honor of victory, and at the siege of Helena, Arkansas, she was called upon and nobly did her part in securing the important triumph there of the federal forces, who might have been worsted without the aid of the gunboats, as the Confederate army, under General Price, largely outnumbered them. In honor of the victory which they had been so largely instrumental in gaining, all on board the Tyler were allowed to land and spend a few hours on shore, this being regarded as a great event, as only once before, in the almost twelve months of their service on the gunboat, had the men been permitted to leave its nar- row limits. Their term of service having nearly expired, the Tyler was then ordered to Cairo, where Mr. Deeter and his comrades were received on the ship Clara Dolsen and mustered out August 9, 1863. The fleet which
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maneuvered on the Mississippi encountered many dangers peculiarly local, for it is a well known fact that the channel of the mighty " father of waters" is continually changing, and the most experienced pilots are liable, at the most inopportune moment, perhaps at a time when a gunboat is in hot pur- suit, to run his craft upon a recently formed sand-bar, or ground her upon sunken logs and driftwood, which were not there a week before. In the midst of the enemies' country, with hostile gunboats and forts at near range, and sharpshooters ready to pick off any men on the decks, it may be clearly seen that our inland fleet had an unusually difficult place to fill, but its importance cannot be overestimated.
Prior to his enlistment in the service of the Union Mr. Deeter had com- menced learning the trade of a miller, and after his return home he continued along this line. June 6, 1864, he came to Jefferson township, Wayne county, and for thirty years was interested in the operation of what was formerly known as the Protection mill, which was built and owned by Daniel Teeter. For years Mr. Teeter was employed to manage the mill, but finally became a partner in the enterprise, and now resides upon the old homestead which was the property of his wife's father. In his political views he is a stanch Republican.
On the 29th of July, 1864, Allyn S. Deeter married Christina, eldest daughter of Daniel Teeter. They have four living children, namely: Cora Lee, Clara May, Sarah Catherine and Raymond Allyn. Laura Ellen died when in her twelfth year; Addison Tennel died aged five months; Daniel Clinton, when seven months old; and another infant son and daughter died before receiving names. The family are identified with the German Baptist church, and are held in high regard by a large circle of friends and neighbors.
ISAAC P. EVANS.
When a good man dies we pause to reflect upon his career and to con- sider the qualities which made him honored and respected by all. No man in all Richmond was more esteemed and loved than Isaac P. Evans, whose memory is still enshrined in the hearts of all who knew him; the influence of his noble example is still felt and like "our echoes" will "roll from soul to soul," will live forever and forever. His name was prominently associated with the business interests of his city and state, and in educational and moral interests his labors were indefatigable, his service ever being put forth for the betterment of mankind.
A native of Warren county, Ohio, Isaac P. Evans was born March 1, 1821, and was a son of Thomas Evans. He spent the first thirty years of his life near Waynesville, and in the spring of 1853 took up his resideuce in Richmond, Indiana, at once becoming an active factor in its commercial
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growth. He assisted in establishing a linseed-oil factory, which was operated for several years under his personal management, and his enterprise, sound judgment, sagacity and unflagging energy made this a very profitable under- taking, the business constantly increasing. After disposing of his interest in the business at Richmond he established a similar enterprise in Indianapo- lis, Indiana, with his brothers as partners, and continued his connection with the business until his death. He was also one of the firm of Evans, Fer- guson & Reeve, of Richmond, which firm purchased and reopened the Spring Grove oil mill, in 1877, Mr. Evans continuing to serve as its superintendent until failing health caused his retirement. He carried forward to successful completion whatever he undertook and displayed in his undertakings the best business methods. For some years he was a director in the First National Bank of Richmond, and his opinions concerning business matters always carried weight with all who heard them. His reputation in trade circles was unassailable, for he exemplified in his dealings the old adage that honesty is the best policy.
In politics he was a firm and earnest Republican and kept well informed on all the issues of the day, but never sought or desired office for himself. He took a commendable interest in all public improvements or measures which he believed would promote the public good and never withheld from them his support or co-operation. His was a well rounded character, never dwarfed by eccentricity or the concentration of all of his powers along one line. Not only was he successful in business, but educational, social and moral interests found in him a friend, and he was a most companionable and genial gentleman. Twice was he married, his first union being with Anna S. Boon, of Philadelphia. In less than two years after their marriage, how- ever, she departed this life, and later he wedded Mary Ann Buffum, a native
of North Brunswick, Maine, born in 1824. She was educated in the Friends' boarding school, at Providence, Rhode Island, and subsequently engaged in teaching for five years in Earlham boarding school, in Richmond. During that time she became acquainted with Mr. Evans and their marriage was the consummation of their friendship. Four daughters and one son were born to them: Anna B., wife of Leander J. Woodard, of Richmond; Mary M. and Sarah C., who are with their mother. One son and one daughter, who died in infancy.
In his youth Mr. Evans was known as a young man of great mental power and physical strength and endurance, and of strict moral character. He was also of a social disposition, which made him popular throughout his neighborhood. As he advanced in life his high religious principles became more and more marked. For many years he was one of the most prominent and active members of the Society of Friends and contributed most gener-
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ously of his means to church and educational work. His charitable dona- tions were also very large, yet were always unostentatiously made. The poor and needy found in him a friend indeed, one who not only gave gener- ously but had the broadest sympathy for their circumstances and for any sensitive feelings which they might have about their embarrassed conditions. He was always cheerful and happy, taking great interest in the young, enjoy- ing their innocent amusements, and in all ways possible striving to add to their happiness, always bearing in mind that he is most happy whose heart is right toward God. He was hospitable, and his home was open to many, and not a few cherish a grateful remembrance of his uniform courtesy and kindness as a host. To his family he was all that a loving and devoted hus- band and father could be, doing all in his power to promote the happiness of his wife and children, and counting no personal sacrifice too great that would enhance their welfare. His faith in the Christian religion was illimitable. At his funeral J. H. Douglas, who had known him long and intimately, said:" " He was truly a man of God, always loyal to Christ and His gospel. He was among the first to urge the holding of open-air meetings at the time of the Indiana yearly meeting, and never seemed satisfied until he was privi- leged to hear the gospel proclaimed to the thousands who assembled in those days, and who were wont to go away without hearing the word of life. For more than twenty years he stood by me and encouraged me in this open-air preaching; and when I would try to excuse myself by telling him how great an effort it was, and that perhaps I had done my part, he would reply, . Just this once; thy voice can reach so far, and these people must hear the gospel; some among them may be converted;' and then that peculiar embrace of his so well remembered by so many of the Lord's servants. I could excuse myself no further, and thus year after year our dear brother encouraged the preaching of the gospel." He passed to the rest prepared for the righteous October 2, 1882. For two years he had been in poor health, but he bore his sufferings patiently, upborne by a faith in Him who hath given promise of a land where there is neither suffering nor sighing. His widow and daughters reside in a pleasant home in Spring Grove, a beautiful little suburb of Richmond, and the family is one of prominence in the community, its members having the warm regard of all who know them.
BENJAMIN F. WISSLER.
The influence of the press upon political opinion cannot be estimated, but that it is very great is acknowledged by all. The bright, enterprising journal will often do more to arouse thought and feeling than the most care- fully prepared addresses or argument, catching by a single witty or well worded sentence the attention of a reader, and awakening a train of reason-
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ing which will often produce results that lengthy discussions could not do. Among the leading Democratic papers in eastern Indiana is the Sun-Telegram, of Richmond, published by the B. F. Wissler Publishing Company, of which our subject is president and editor. His keenly analytical mind, his readi- ness in noting the most important points, and his strong logical powers have combined to make the journal with which he is connected a leading news- paper of this locality.
Mr. Wissler was born in Henry county, Indiana, just across the line from Cambridge City, Wayne county, July 30, 1848, his parents being John M. and Elizabeth (Herr) Wissler. The family is of German Swiss lineage, the ancestors coming from Switzerland to the United States in the latter part of the eighteenth century. They located in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where Peter Wissler, the grandfather of our subject, was born in 1786. In the early part of the present century he came to Wayne county, locating near Cambridge City in 1822. There he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1876, when he had reached the advanced age of ninety years. Throughout his life he followed the occupation of farming. He was a mem- ber of the Mennonite church and lived a quiet, unassuming life, in harmony with the doctrines in which he believed. He married Fannie Martin, of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and to them were born fourteen children, of whom John M. Wissler was the tenth in order of birth.
The father of our subject was born near Cambridge City, in 1823, and resided there until after his marriage, when he removed to Henry county, where he has since made his home. When a young man he learned the carpenter's trade, afterward began contracting and building on his own account and for many years carried on an extensive and profitable business. In 1883 he retired to private life and is now enjoying a well earned rest at his pleas- ant home, which is situated on a farm near New Lisbon. He is a consistent member of the Brethren in Christ, and his upright life commands the regard of all. In 1847 he married Elizabeth Herr, who is also living. She is a daughter of Christian Herr, whose direct ancestors came to America from Switzerland prior to the Revolutionary war, locating in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. The founder of the family in America bore the name of Christian Herr, and in Lancaster county he purchased one thousand acres of land, on which, with others, he erected an iron furnace; but his partners swindled him out of all of his property. Five generations in direct line of descent to our subject bore the name of Christian. The grandfather came to the west in 1839, locating northwest of Cambridge City, where he spent the remainder of his life, engaged in farming. He and his family were also connected with the Brethren in Christ. Unto John M. and Elizabeth Wissler 20
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were born five children, but only two are living: Benjamin, of this review; and Christian P., who resides on the.old homestead, near New Lisbon.
Benjamin Franklin Wissler was reared near Cambridge City, and was educated in the high school and in the Spiceland Academy. Successfully passing the state examination in 1884, he received a life certificate, and began teaching when eighteen years of age. He followed that profession for twenty-six consecutive years in Wayne and Henry counties, with the excep- tion of four years spent as county superintendent. He was principal of the schools of Hagerstown for three years, from 1884 until 1887, and from 1887 until 1891 was tounty superintendent of Wayne county, filling the position for' two terms. During these four years he introduced many reforms in school management, some of which have since become distinctive features of the state school system. Among these are the provisions for free high-school instruction to all the pupils of the country districts who are ready for such instruction, the concentration of the small district schools into graded township or village schools, and the bi-monthly examination of pupils on questions prepared by the state board of education. Wayne county was thus the first to put these reforms into effect. For four years, from 1894 until 1898, he served as assistant postmaster of Richmond, and in both offices was a competent and faithful official.
In 1890 Mr. Wissler purchased The Sun, a weekly paper, of which he was editor and proprietor until 1897, when it was combined with the Rich- mond Telegram, under the ownership and .management of the B. F. Wissler Publishing Company, which was incorporated, with our subject as president of the company and editor of the paper. They publish the Richmond Sun- Telegram, a weekly journal, and since September, 1896, have issued the Daily Sun-Telegram. The former is a six-column, twelve-page paper and has a larger circulation than any other weekly in Wayne county. The Tele- gram was established in 1862 and is therefore the second oldest paper pub- lished in the county. It is also the only one in the county devoted to the advocacy of Democratic principles, and the cause of the party finds in it an earnest, zealous and able champion. The Daily Sun-Telegram is a six-col- umn, eight-page paper, and both give evidence of the high editorial ability of Mr. Wissler, whose clear presentation of every question which he treats has borne marked influence upon his constituency.
On the 5th of August, 1869, Mr. Wissler married Miss Sylvania Need- 'ler, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Needler, of Henry county, Indiana. They have seven children: Clarkson D., who was graduated in the Indiana University at Bloomington in 1895, and afterward was assistant in that insti- tution for a year, but is now professor of experimental psychology in the
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Ohio State University at Columbus; Alice Cary, deceased; Cora E., who is register clerk in the Richmond postoffice; John E., foreman of the Sun- Telegram office; Lizzie O., a student in the high school; and Frank E. and Arthur, both at home.
Mr. Wissler is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, and as a citizen he is public-spirited and progressive, lending his active suppport to all measures which he believes will advance the general welfare along edu- cational, moral, social and material lines. Since 1892 he has been chair- man of the Democratic county central committee, and is a recognized leader in the ranks of his party. His genial temperament, courteous manners and broad-minded principles render him a favorite with all, and the circle of his friends is almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintances.
JESSE M. HUTTON.
For just half a century Jesse M. Hutton was numbered among the rep- resentative citizens and business men of Richmond, and in his death the entire community felt that an irreparable loss had been sustained by the public. He had been intimately associated with several of the leading industries of this locality, his genius and indubitable talent as a financier and business manager resulting in the prosperity of these enterprises and in the employment of large numbers of workmen. His whole career was marked by signal integrity, justice and honor, and no word of detraction was ever heard from those who knew him well.
He was a native of the town of New Market, Frederick county, Mary- land, his birth occurring January 30, 1809. His father, Enos Hutton, hav- ing died, the young man persuaded his mother, whose maiden name was Rebecca Morsel, to accompany him to the west, where he believed that wider opportunities awaited him. This was in 1836, when he was a little over twenty-six years of age, and though he had been ambitious and hard- , working he had managed to accomplish but little more than the meeting of the expenses of living. After giving due attention to the important question where he should make a settlement, he decided to try his fortune in Rich- mond, where he arrived in the spring of 1836. For a few years he was obliged to do service as wage-worker, low prices then prevailing in every- thing, but by the strictest economy and persistent attention to business he at length had saved a little capital, which he invested in the old Starr cotton factory, in company with his brother, John H., and Isaac E. Jones. Under their able management the new concern which they instituted-the Spring Foundry-became one of the successful enterprises of the place, and from it was developed the now famous and extensive establishment of Gaar, Scott & Company. In 1868 Mr. Hutton, in company with George Hasecaster,
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Samuel S. Ganse, George Sherman, William P. Hutton, and M. H. Dill, organized and incorporated the J. M. Hutton Coffin Factory, which was a prosperous enterprise from the start and has furnished the means of sub- sistence to an average of fully one hundred families of this city. It is still in successful operation, though more than three decades have rolled away since its inception.
In 1842 the marriage of Jesse M. Hutton and Rebecca L. Shaw was solemnized and four children blessed their union. Emily H. became the wife of M. H. Dill; Mary A. married John Shroyer; and Camilla R. married Rev. James D. Stanley, of Cincinnati, while the only son was William P., to whom reference is made in succeeding paragraphs. The wife and mother, born in September, 1821, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Wright) Shaw, died February 23, 1885. The death of Jesse M. Hutton occurred but little more than a year later, Thursday, March 25, 1886. For more than forty years they had pursued the journey of life together, loyally sharing each other's trials, sorrows and pleasures, and all who knew them loved, admired and highly esteemed them.
WILLIAM P. HUTTON.
Since the early days of Richmond's history the Hutton family have occupied a distinctive place, and whenever any public improvement or notable enterprise has been meditated they were always among the first per- sons consulted, and, if the matter seemed to have merit, they could be counted upon for material support and encouragement. Patriotism, with them, has ever been manifested in a practical form, and by their indefati- gable exertions many a movement which has greatly benefited the community has been inaugurated and successfully launched.
William P. Hutton, who was born in Richmond, February 10, 1845, a son of Jesse M. and Rebecca L. (Shaw) Hutton, was a lifelong resident of this place and was closely associated with its activities. His education was- such as was afforded by the public schools, supplemented by a course in Earlham College and extended reading and study in later years. Upon com- pleting his school work he entered the factory of J. M. Hutton & Company, the original officers of which well known concern were: Jesse M. Hutton, president; William P. Hutton, treasurer; and M. H. Dill, secretary. Within a remarkably short time he developed fine business talents and was always equal to every emergency or difficulty. At the time of his death, December 21, 1894, he occupied the position of treasurer of the company, and much of the success which it enjoys is directly traceable to his excellent man- agement.
In every relation in life Mr. Hutton was popular,-whether as an
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employer, a business man, a church member, or in the domestic circle, - and all classes mourned his death. He was a sincere friend to the poor, but he was unostentatious in his manifestations of sympathy and aid, rarely allowing any one save the recipient of his kindness to know of the circum- stance. When the Commercial Club was organized he was one of the prime movers in the enterprise, which he foresaw would prove of benefit to the city, and he was one of the first to advocate the building of the new hotel, now known as the Westcott. He held membership in the club and was elected to the position of treasurer. He held a similar responsible office in the Richmond City Water Works Company, in the securing of whose plant he was one of the most influential of our citizens. In his political affiliations he was a strong Republican partisan. For many years a leading member in the First Presbyterian church of this city, and for some time one of its elders, his life was a faithful exemplification of the Christianity in which he believed, and to religious interests he was especially liberal in his con- tributions.
On the 28th of June, 1865, William P. Hutton and Miss Emily Strattan were united in marriage. Mrs. Hutton, who is still living, is a daughter of J. P. and Martha (Jefferis) Strattan. A son and two daughters were born to our subject and wife, namely: Walter J .; Laura M., who is the wife of Frank N. Watt, of Richmond, a traveling salesman for the firm of J. M. Hutton & Company; and Mary E., who is at home with her mother.
CHARLES W. JORDAN.
The popular and successful principal of the Whitewater high school, Professor C. W. Jordan, is one of the native sons of this flourishing town, in the welfare of which he takes a sincere interest. As an educator he stands in the front ranks, and his eminently practical methods are deserving of the high praise which is universally accorded by those in a position to judge wisely.
Born March 4, 1868, C. W. Jordan is a son of William G. and Margaret (Addleman) Jordan, and grandson of William Jordan, who removed from North Carolina to Ohio in the '20s. The Professor's father was born near Hamilton, Butler county, Ohio, in 1838, and accompanied his parents to Darke county, Ohio, in 1846. They settled near the Indiana state line, and there passed the remainder of their days, dying at an advanced age. Will- iam G. Jordan learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed to a greater or less extent as long as he lived. His home after his marriage was in Frank- lin township, with the exception of three years, when he resided in Center township, and his last days were spent on a farm near Whitewater. During the civil war he served for three years and three months as a member of
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