Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana : Containing portraits of all the Presidents of the United States from Washington to Cleveland, with accompanying biographies of each : a condensed history of the state of Indiana : portraits and biographies of some of the prominent men of the state : engravings of prominent citizens in Adams and Wells counties, with personal histories of many of the leading families, and a concise history of the counties and their cities and villages, pt. 1, Part 46

Author:
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 982

USA > Indiana > Adams County > Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana : Containing portraits of all the Presidents of the United States from Washington to Cleveland, with accompanying biographies of each : a condensed history of the state of Indiana : portraits and biographies of some of the prominent men of the state : engravings of prominent citizens in Adams and Wells counties, with personal histories of many of the leading families, and a concise history of the counties and their cities and villages, pt. 1 > Part 46
USA > Indiana > Wells County > Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana : Containing portraits of all the Presidents of the United States from Washington to Cleveland, with accompanying biographies of each : a condensed history of the state of Indiana : portraits and biographies of some of the prominent men of the state : engravings of prominent citizens in Adams and Wells counties, with personal histories of many of the leading families, and a concise history of the counties and their cities and villages, pt. 1 > Part 46

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

ASPER N. LANGE, junior member of the mercantile firm of John Eiting & Co., at Decatur, was born at Minster, Ohio, the date of his birth being August 18, 1856. Ilis parents, Bernard and Clara (Driehaus) Lange, were natives of Hanover, Germany. They came to America with their respective parents when quite young, the father's family locating at Minster, Ohio. Both are now deceased, the mother dying at Danville, Arkansas, in 1867, aged abont thirty- two years, and the father dying at St. Mary's, Ohio, in December, 1873, aged abont forty- three years. In their religious taith they

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were Roman Catholics. Casper N. Lange, whose name heads this sketch, lived at Min- ster until his eleventh year, when he went with his parents to Danville, Arkansas. Two years later he went to Louisville, Kentucky, with his father, his mother having died, and from there they went to St. Mary's, Ohio. In 1871, when fifteen years of age, he began clerking in the store of B. Wendeln & Son at St. Mary's, where he was employed until 1877. He then came to Decatur, Adams County, Indiana, and elerked for the firm of Eiting & Enneking for three years, and in 1850 he formed a partnership with John Eiting, thus forming the present mercantile firm of John Eiting & Co. In the summer of 1881 he was married at Minster, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth Eiting, her parents, Jolin and Gertrude (Rehe) Eiting, being residents of Minster, but formerly lived in Decatur, Indi- ana. Two daughters, Luetta and Clara, have been born to this union. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lange are members of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church at Decatur.

ETER HOLTIIOUSE was born in De- catur, Adams County, Indiana, the date of his birth being October 25, 1841, and was the second white child born in Wash- ington Township. IIe was reared a farmer, remaining on his father's farm until reaching maturity, and was educated in both the Eng- lish and German languages in the schools of Decatur. After his father's death he was made administrator of his estate, which he subsequently purchased from the heirs. In 1872 he rented his farm and removed to De- eatur, where he has since been employed clerking for the mercantile establishnnent of Niblick, Crawford & Sons. Ile was married in St. Mary's Catholic Church at Decatur, by

Rev. Father Von Snedler, November 5, 1874, to Miss Mary Closs. She is a daughter of John and Catherine (Langdorfer) Closs, and was the first white female child born in De- eatur. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Holthouse - Gertrude, Lena and Anthony Bernard. Mr. and Mrs. Holt- house are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Decatur. The parents of Mr. Holt- honse, John Bernard and Catherine (Mesker) Holthouse, were natives of Hanover, Ger- many. They immigrated to America before their marriage, both coming to this country in the year 1836. The father landed at New York in May, 1836, remaining there until the fall of the same year, when he came to Adams County, Indiana, and located on land in Washington Township, near Decatur. Ile was married at Fort Wayne in 1837, and to the parents were born six children. The mother died in Washington Township, in February, 1869, aged fifty-six years. The father improved two farms in Washington Township, and died there, in 1871, at the age of sixty years. The parents of our subject were among the original members of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Decatur, and were numbered among the respected citizens of Washington Township.

OJIN G. ADLER, undertaker and cabinet maker, Buena Vista, Adams County, was born in Konigsburg, Saxe Weimar, Germany, the date of his birth being June 1, 1849, a son of Andrew Adler. He came with his father's family to America in May, 1851, they locating in Baltimore, Maryland, where they resided till 1864. In the fall of that year the father removed with his family to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he has since resided. While living at Baltimore onr sub-

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jeet learned the trunk maker's trade, which he followed in Baltimore during the war. He grew to manhood in Fort Wayne, going there with his parents in 1864. lle learned his trade of his father, who was a cabinet maker, which avocation he still follows in Fort Wayne. John G. Adler worked at cabinet making at Fort Wayne until he came to Buena Vista, Indiana, February 1, 1877, when he engaged in his present business, and has since established a good trade. The fine residence of Peter Hoffman was finished by him. October 22, 1871, he was united in marriage to Barbara Hooser, who was born November 21, 1847, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Michael Hooser, an old settler of Adams County. To Mr. and Mrs. Adler have been born seven children, of whom four are living-George A., Annie, Henry and Lena (twins). Charles, the first born, and two infants unnamed, the second and youngest child, are deceased. In his religions beliet Mr. Adler is a Lutheran, though not a member of any ehreh. He joined the Odd Fellows order in 1871, and is a member of Concord Lodge, No. 228, of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

ILLIAM PEEL, a progressive farmer of Wabash Township, residing on seetion 11, was born in Madison County, Ohio, April 11, 1838, a son of Joseph and Cillieia (Hall) Peel, the father a native of Virginia, born July 10, 1814, and the mother born in Madison County, Ohio, August 25, 1815. They were married in Seneca County, Ohio, July 6, 1835, and to this union were born three children. The father died March 24, 1842, and March 30, 1845, his widow married Richard Coltrel, who was born in Ohio in 1813, and like her

former husband was a farmer by occupation. Three children were born to this union. He died October 19, 1851, and the mother of our subject was again united in marriage January 5, 1856, to John Cochrun, a native of Frank- Jin County, Ohio, born November 21, 1818. Mr. Cochrun grew to manhood in Allen County, being reared to the avocation of a farmer. Ile was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting August 7, 1862, in Com- pany K, Ninety-fifth Ohio Infantry, and par- tieipated in several battles. He was taken siek while in the service, and sent to Boyd Hospital at Chickasaw, where he died June 30, 1863. 1[is widow is still living, and is now a resident of Adams County. She had one child by her marriage with Mr. Cochrun. She has been a member of the Methodist Protestant church for fifty-five years. Will- iam Peel, whose name heads this sketeli, grew to manhood in his native State, being reared in Madison and Union counties. He received but limited educational advantages in the schools of his neighborhood, but by private study he educated himself. After his father's death he worked at what he could find to do, and thus helped to support the family. He was married in Franklin County, Ohio, September 2, 1858, to Miss Elizabeth M. Seedes, who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, Angust 7, 1840, a daughter of James and Rebecca (Mitehell) Seedes, who "were natives of the same county. Her parents emigrated to Clark County, Illinois, in 1847, the father dying there in 1847. The mother was again married in 1852 to Michael Stoek- well, by whom she had one son-Benjamin F. By her first marriage she had five chil- dren-Elizabeth, Mary A., Julia, Rebecca and Priscilla. While on their way to Jasper County, Iowa, the mother was taken siek, and died in Christian County in May, 1854. To Mr. and Mrs. Peel have been born ten

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children-Cillicia R., wife of Peter Eicher; Joseph M., Annie, John M., Hannah I., Lessey S., William S., Bertha R., Kitty M. and Celena P. After marriage Mr. Peel engaged in farming, which he followed in Ohio until 1867, with the exception of the time spent in the service of his country. He enlisted February 16, 1865, in Company C, One Hundred and Ninety-second Ohio In- fantry, and was sent to the Army of the Po- tomac, under General Hancock. He was taken siek with measles and sent to the hos- pital at Harper's Ferry. He returned home on sick furlough, and was there when the war closed. Ile received his final discharge September 8, 1865. In 1867 Mr. Peel re- moved to Wabash Township, Adams Comty, Indiana, where a part of his family had pre- viously removed, and in April purchased his present farm, which was then in its natural state, covered with timber. Here he built a log house, in which he and his family resided until the summer of 1886, when his present commodions brick residence was erected at a cost of $1,400. Mr. Peel began life entirely withont capital, but by years of toil and per- severing energy he has accumulated his fine farm of 160 acres, which is under excellent cultivation, and a comfortable home, as well as gained the confidence and respect of the entire community. Both Mr. and Mrs. Peel are members of the Protestant Methodist church.

AMUEL S. WAGONER, dealer in groceries and confectionery, and retail liquor dealer at Monroe, was born in Monroe Township, Adams County, Indiana, October 8, 1854, a son of Nicholas Wagoner. Ilis father being a farmer, he was reared to the same avocation, receiving in his youth a

common-school education. He remained at home until his marriage, December 24, 1874, to Sarah A. Baker, who was born near Woos- ter, Ohio, September 10, 1853. Of the two children born to this union one is living- Blanche May, who was born May 9, 1881. After his marriage, Mr. Wagoner engaged in farming on his own account, settling on land heavily covered with timber. lle cleared thirty aeres of his land, on which he resided until May 5, 1881, when he sold his personal property, and November 14 of the same year came to Monroe and began dealing in drugs and groceries. He continued in this business two years, when he established his present business. Mr. Wagoner has been affected with curvature of the spine at different pe- riods sinee 1876, the disease originating from liver complaint. Ile has been attended by eminent physicians in different parts of the State. In the fall of 1885 he went to Mount Clemens Mineral Springs, Michigan, and af- ter his return consulted Dr. Greenwalt, of Fort Wayne, and by his instructions, went to Chicago, Illinois, where he had appliances made to aid in the treatment of the disease. Ile was afterward treated by Dr. C. A. Jaleff, of Decatur, remaining under his care nutil December 8, 1886. He has great confidence in the skill of Dr. Jaleff, as he considers his life was saved by his treatment. He then entered the National Surgical Institute, of Indianapolis, Indiana, where he has already been mneh benefitted by their treatment. While he has had his family to support he has also spent large sums for doctor's bills, and he believes the $500 spent at this institu- tion at Indianapolis has been of more benefit to him than the 81,800 previously spent for doctor's treatment and patent medicines, and now thinks his eure is permanent. Mr. Wagoner is an enterprising citizen, and is always interested in any undertaking which

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has for its object the advancement of his | his present frame residence in June, 1865. township or county.

ICHOLAS WAGONER, one of the prominent farmers of Monroe Town- ship, residing on section 9, is a native of France, born July 28, 1830, a son of John N. Wagoner, who was also a native of France. In 1831 he was brought by his parents to America, they settling in Fairfield County, Ohio, where the father bought a farm and there followed farming until 1843. The family then removed to Adams County, In- diana, and located in Washington Township, where both parents died. They were mem- bers of the Roman Catholic church. They were the parents of five children, four sons and one daughter. Nicholas Wagoner, our subject, received but limited educational ad- vantages, attending the common schools of Fairfield County for a short time. Ile grew to manhood in Adams County, Indiana, being reared to the avocation of a farmer, which he has always followed. Ile was married Jan- nary 20, 1848, to Miss Mary Everhart, who was born in Harrison County, Ohio, Novem- ber 20, 1831, a daughter of John Everhart, and of the ten children born to this union seven are living-John, Samuel S., Mary J., Ira, Eli, Arminda B. and Ettie. In March, 1848, Mr. Wagoner settled on his present farm, the land having been entered from the Government by his wife's father at $1.25 per nere. When he came to the county the land was heavily covered with timber, and but few roads had been made. Game of various kinds was in abundance, and wolves were frequently seen in the yard of the old pio- neer. Mr. Wagoner erected a log cabin 18 x 22 feet, with puncheon floor and clap- board roof, in which he lived until he erected

Ile has by persevering industry cleared and improved his land, and has added to his orig- inal tract till he owned abont 500 acres, all of which he has given to his children except the home farm, which contains 160 acres. In June, 1883, he erected a large barn, which is one of the finest in the township. His log barn, which is still standing, has been used about thirty-six years. Mrs. Wagoner is a member of the United Brethren church.

ACOB BOERGER, farmer, sections 10 and 14, owns 120 acres of land in Root Township, and eighty acres in Madison Township, Allen County, on section 34, mak- ing 200 acres in all. IIe was born in Prussia, Germany, January 28, 1817, and came to America in 1841. His parents, three broth- ers and one sister had preceded him to this country, he being left behind in the German army, where he served two years. He left the Prussian army and came to Fort Wayne to find his family, but his mother had died before his arrival. IIe went to Allen County, where he lived twenty-two years, working at the carpenter's trade. Ile was married in that county November 6, 1845, to Miss En- gel Fuelling, and November 23, 1863, they came to this county. Jacob's father, Jacob Boerger, was born in Germany, May 12, 1788, where he was reared and married, and where all his children were born-William, Rn- dolph, Jacob, Ilarmon, who died in 1849, at Fort Wayne, aged thirty years, leaving a wife and one child, Sophia, who lives in Noble County, near Wolf Lake; Eberhart, who died in Germany, aged eight or nine years. All but two are living. The father died in 1863, at Fort Wayne. The mother, Anna C. (Bül- ler) Boerger, was born in the same house

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where Jacob was born, in Germany. She died at Fort Wayne, in 1935. Mrs. Boerger was the daughter of Clanor and Mary (Thomas) Fuelling. Mr. and Mrs. Boerger have had nine children-Amelia, Frederick, Lisette, Louis, Charles, Otto, Louisa and Jacob; Au- gust died in October, 1856, aged seven months. Mr. Boerger's grandfather, Herman Boerger, died at the age of nearly eighty-two years. His maternal grandfather, Harmon Buller, was born in Germany and died in that country.

ALI REBER, a successful farmer of Kirk- land Township, residing on seetion 16, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, the date of his birth being June 1, 1849. llis parents, Henry and Naney (Bibler) Reber, were natives of Hanover, Germany, and fair- field County, Ohio, respectively. They came with their family to Adams County, Indiana, in 1853, and settled in Kirkland Township, where they lived till their death. Both were members of the German Reformed church. They were the parents of five children, of whom only two are now living. Eli Reber, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in Adams County, coming here with his par- ents when a child of about four years, and here he was edneated in the common sehools. lle left his home at the age of twenty years, when he began working by the month as a farm laborer. October 13, 1872, he was married to Miss Leah Hoffman, a native of Pennsylvania, born in Schuylkill County, May 14, 1852. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Reber-Lewis E., Carrie M., Charles Il. and Iva A., and two who are de: ceased. In 1572 he bought his farm in Kirk- land Township, on which he has resided sinee 1873, where he has 102 acres of choice land.

In politics he is a Democrat. He has filled several local offices acceptably since coming to Kirkland Township, and as a citizen is meh respected.

ILMON RAWLEY, deceased, who was one of the old settlers of Adams, and a much-respected citizen of Wabash Township, was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, in October, 1812, his parents being natives of the same State. His father being a farmer he was reared to the same avocation, and received such edneation as the subserip- tion schools of that early day afforded. When a young man he went to Clarke County, Ohio, where he was married to Elizabeth (Harsh) C'argee, who was born in Clarke County, Ohio. Eight children were born to this union, six sons and two daughters. After his mar- riage Mr. Rawley farmed on rented land, and later engaged in the mercantile business, but on account of failing health he was obliged to give it up. Hle then entered 160 aeres of land in Adams County, Indiana, on section 12, Wabash Township, on which he lived three years, when he returned to Ohio and engaged in farming there about five years. Ile then, in 1538, returned to his farm in Adams County, to which he added from time to time until he had 830 aeres, a part of which was divided among his children before his death. Hle commenced life entirely without means, his sole wealth when he landed in Clarke County being a 10 cent piece. Ile immediately found work on the farm of his future father-in-law, and by persevering in- dustry and strict economy he became one of the prosperous citizens of Wabash Township. In polities Mr. Rawley was a Republican. Ile took an active interest in the affairs of his township, and served acceptably as supervis-

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or and township trustee. He was a man of striet integrity, and honorable in all his deal- ings, and at his death left many friends to monrn his loss.

OIIN JUDD, farmer, section 21, Preble Township, was born in Shenandoah (now Page) County, Virginia, September 2, 1505. When ten years old he went with his parents to Stark County, Ohio, where the father bought eighty acres of land. There were two other children besides John. Ile was reared in Stark County, and lived there three years after his marriage. IIe settled upon his present farm in Preble Township in May, 1840, having purchased 160 acres of land of David Miller. The land was perfectly wild at that time. Ile built his log cabin, assisted by his two brothers-in-law and a consin, who. eame with him to this county. The names of the former were William and Isaac Double, and of the latter, Abrahamn Summers. His father, William Judd, was born near Port Republie, Virginia, where he was reared and married. IIe died in Stark County, Ohio, at the age of eighty years. Ile served in the war of 1812. The mother, Naney (Gander) Judd, was born in Pennsyl- vania, and was reared and married in Vir- ginia, where she died when her son John was about a week old. In the father's family were ten children, of whom John was the oldest and the only child of the father's first marriage. Ilis second wife was Nancy Welch, and they had nine children. April 12, 1836, our subjeet was married to Miss Anna M. Double, who was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, April 14, 1816, and when a child was taken by her parents to Stark County, Ohio, where she was reared and married. Her parents were

Jacob and Winifred ( Masters) Double. Her father was born in Germany and settled in Pennsylvania when he first came from the old country. They had nine children, four of whom were born in Pennsylvania and five in Stark County. They removed to Wells County, this State, in 1841, and both parents died in Jefferson Township, that county, the mothier being past eighty years old, and the father still older. The mother was born in England. The Judds are of English anees- try. Mr. and Mrs. Judd have had ten chil- dren, six of whom are living-Ellen, born

February 13, 1837; Isabella, born January 22, 1839, died September 11, 1850; William,

horn February 17, 1841, died May 21, 1850: George, born Jannary 7, 1843; Ezkiah, born May 26, 1857; Isaae, born December 16, 1848; Jacob, born February 27, 1851, died September 12, 1857; Mary 1., born August 2, 1854; Daniel W., born March 24, 1857, died Angust 24, 1857; Henry F., born Jan- uary 18, 1860. Politically Mr. Judd is a Demoerat, and religiously is a member of the Presbyterian church. In May, 1879, he was injured by the falling of a tree, two ribs being broken, also the right leg.

TILLIAM A. WISNER, a farmer of Washington Township, was born in Adams County September 4, 1840, son of David and Lydia Wisner, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. His parents immigrated to Adams County about the year 1836, settling in Washington Township, upon the farm known as the Coffee farm, on seetion 14. The father bonght eighty aeres of land, all timber. Pre- vions to moving into his own log cabin, he lived for a short time in a log house sitnated where Decatur now stands. Ilis first erop

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was five acres of corn, which he eultivated with a grubbing hoe, he having sold the oxen he brought with him to the county, to seenre the necessaries of life. He endured the nsnal privations and trials of the pioneer, being obliged to go to Fort Wayne with a yoke of eattle over trails in order to get his milling done. The meat consumed in the family was principally wild game, which was abundant. Ile died September 29, 1868, respected by all who knew him. His wife, who still sur- vives, resides in Wells County, and is in her seventy-sceond year. Of their ten children, seven are living-Thomas, William A., Mar- garet J., Priseilla, David F., Aaron W. and James A. Previous to the war the father was a Whig, and since that time he has been a Republiean. Ile was a worthy and eon- sistent member of the Presbyterian ehureh. William A. Wisner has nearly always lived in his native county, and his time has been ocenpied in working at the carpenter's and cabinet-maker's trades, and in farming. lu April, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Twelfth Indiana Infantry, and was assigned to the army of West Virginia, under General MeClellan. IIe participated in the first bat- tle of Bull Run, Winchester, Antietam, and several others of less importance. In July, 1862, he was discharged and almost imme. diately re-enlisted in Company HI, Eighty- ninth Indiana Infantry, and was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee, Sixteenth Army Corps. He participated in the Red River expedition, being thirty-three days under fire, Fort Dalhousie, Tupelo, Fort Spanish, Fort Blakely and several others. During the second enlistment he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, May 1, 1864, and served in that eapaeity until February 15, 1865, then being commissioned First Lientenant, served in .that capacity until July 19, 1865, being then honorably discharged from the

service of the United States Army. Ile was married February 4, 1864, to Mrs. Adaline Boothe, born June 28, 1843, in this eonnty, and daughter of Greenberry and Lueinda Le- masters, who settled in Root Township, this county, about the year 1834, and were among the first settlers of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Wisner have had three children-Mag- gie, Lydia E. and Widiam T. By her first marriage with John Boothe Mrs. Wisner had one child-Edward B. For about six years after his marriage Mr. Wisner resided in In- dianapolis and vieinity, after which he re- turned to Adams County, making this his home ever sinee. Ile owns forty aeres of land and has been fairly successful as a farmer. They are members of the Methodist Episco- pal ehureh, and in polities he is a Democrat.

TOSEPII FOREMAN, one of the old and honored pioneers of Adams County, 2 who is now deceased, was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, in 1817. Ile was takeu to Butler County, Ohio, when four years old, and lived there until 1849, and from that time until his death lived in Indi- ana. Ile was married in Henry County, In- diana, .in 1850, to Miss Rebeeea Crandall, who was born in Clarke County, Ohio, and brought to Indiana when quite a small girl. To them were born eleven children, and of these nine are yet living-Elsie A., Amos, Robert L., Sarah M., James M., Frank, Sey- mour, Edward L. and Webster. Mr. Fore- man came with his family to Adams County in 1857, where he made his home until his death, which occurred in 1884. His wife passed away two years later, in 1886. Mr. Foreman started in life a poor boy, but by hard work and striet economy, combined with good business management, he prospered in

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all his enterprises, and at his death left for his family an estate of 702 acres, all of which he acquired by fair and honorable dealings. Ilis son, James M., was reared on the home farm in Blue Creek Township, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. Ile has pur- chased 160 aeres of the homestead which he occupies, and his farm, which is under thor- ongh cultivation, shows him to be a thorough, practical farmer. May 20, 1886, he was mited in marriage to Miss Miranda Bebout, a native of Adams County, born in the year 1866. They belong to no church. Mr. Foreman affiliates with the Democratic party.

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Author: Publication date: 1887 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 982

Author:
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 982