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 48
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 48
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not being able to find employment at that place, he went to St. Mary's, Ohio, where he was employed for one year on the reservoir then being constructed. In 1840 he went to Salina, Ohio, and found employment on the reservoir then being constructed at that place, remaining there until 1841. In the spring of the same year he came to Adams County, arriving at Decatur April 4, where he was principally engaged in farming until 1845. lle then bought property in Decatur, and soon after purchased the mills, which became known as the Meibers & Shearer Saw-Mills, which he operated until 1847. In that year he returned to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was employed as elerk in a wholesale grocery until June, 1849, when he returned to De- catnr. In the meantime he had disposed of his interest in the mills, and on his return to Decatur engaged in contracting and building, which he followed until 1858, and during this time he had again invested in property in Decatur. In 1859 he engaged in the grocery and dry goods business, which he followed at Decatur until 1866, when he sold ont his business and became associated with William G. Spencer in the hardware busi- ness, this partnership existing until 1868, when, being elected treasurer of Adams County, he sold his interest in the hardware business to attend to the duties of his office. In 1870 he was re-elected to the same office, and served as treasurer two terins of two years each, with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. In 1871 he again engaged in the hardware business, forming a partnership with James II. Stone, with whom he was associated for three years under the firm name of Meibers & Stone. On retiring from the firm in 1874, he went to Geneva, Adams County, where he was engaged in general merchandising for two years, and from 1876 until 1877 he was
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associated with his son-in-law, Joseph Il. Voglewede, in the boot and shoe business, when he engaged in farming. He now de- votes his attention to his insurance business, and attending to his property. In 1883 he erected the Meibers Block and Opera House on Sceond street, of which he is still proprie- tor. In 1868 he purchased his present farm of eighty aeres, adjoining Decatur, a part of which is Meibers' addition to Decatur. Mr. Meibers was married in February, 1843, in the Catholic Cathedral at Fort Wayne, by Rev. Father Rodulph, to Miss Catherine Ilideman, who was formerly a resident of St. Mary's, Ohio. She died at Decatur in 1856, leaving four children-Elizabeth, now the wife of Benedict Uhl, of Toledo, Ohio; Chris- tine, now the wife of George W. Archbold, of Pleasant Mills, Adams County; Mary, now the wife of Joseph II. Voglewede, of Deea- tur, and Henry G., now living in Michigan. Mr. Meibers was again married February 17, 1859, at St. Mary's Catholic Church at De- eatur, by Rev. Father Meyers, to Miss Mar- garet Smith, a daughter of Ludwig and Catherine (Miller) Smith, of Decatur. They have six children living - Ettie, wife of Joseph Tonellier, of Decatur; John W., of Chicago, and Anna, Charles, Rosa and Michael still at home. Mr. Meibers com- meneed life with a capital of $600 given him by his father, and from this small be- ginning he has by his persevering industry and excellent business management aceumu- lated a large and valuable property. Ile is one of the publie-spirited men of Decatur, and gives liberally of his means toward any enterprise which he deems of benefit to his town or county, and by his fair and honora- ble dealings and genial and accommodating manners he has made many friends, and gained the confidence and respect of all who know him. In 1874 he became a stock-
holder in the Adams County Bank, and soon after was chosen one of its directors, a posi- tion he still holds. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mei- bers and their children are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Decatur.
BRAHAM MANGOLD, farmer, resides on seetion 24, Preble Township, where he owns 160 aeres of land. Ile came to this county in 1863, with wife and seven children, settling upon his present farm, which was mostly improved. Ile was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, August 31, 1823, and was reared in his native county. He was also married there, August 13, 1844, to Mary C. Slabaugh, who was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, February 8, 181S. She re- mained at her birthplace until sixteen years of age, when the family removed to Fairfield County, Ohio. Her parents were Jacob and Elizabeth (Brussman) Slabaugh, both natives of Berks County, Pennsylvania. The father was born September 20, 1796, and died in Fairfield County, Ohio, March 15, 1877. The mother was born in 1797, and died in Licking County, Ohio, May 1, 1870; both are buried at St. Jacob's Church. Mr. Mangold's par- ents were Frederick and Anna (Gunzenhanser) Mangold, natives of Switzerland. They came to America, bringing one child, and settled in Fairfield County, Ohio, where the father died, aged forty-five years. The mother died in this county, in 1872, supposed to be eighty-eight years old. Mr. and Mrs. Man- gold have had seven children, five of whom are living- Jacob, born March 17, 1845; Noah, born April 22, 1853; Sarah, born March 12, 1855; Mary M., born May 25, 1857; William Henry, born May 23, 1860; Elizabeth A. died in 1868, aged twenty years and two months; Abraham E. died May 5,
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1879, aged twenty-eight years. Mr. Man- gold was elected justice of the peace in the spring of 1864, and served three terms, and was elected the fourth, but resigned before the last term expired. Ile is a member of the Reformed church, and in polities is a Dem- ocrat.
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EORGE F. COOK, engaged in general farming on section 13, Wabash Town- ship, was born in Wabash Township, Adams County, Indiana, the date of his birth being June 30, 1842. Ile grew to manhood in his native township, receiving a fair com- mon-school education. August 14, 1862, he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, and was assigned to Company I, Eighty-ninth Indiana Infantry, his regiment forming a part of the Sixteenth Army Corps. Ile participated in the battles of Munfordville, Kentucky, Fort de Russy and Pleasant Ilills, Louisiana, Tupelo, Mississippi, Nashville, Tennessee, Fort Blakely, beside other battles and skir- mishes of minor importance. Ile served until July 19, 1865, when he was discharged at Mobile, Alabama, when he returned to his home in Wabash Township. He was married March 28, 1869, to Miss Sarah E. Rumple, a native of Butler County, Ohio, born January 18, 1842, a daughter of John Rumple, an early settler of Jefferson Township, Adams Connty. They are the parents of seven children-James S., Thomas J., Daniel, William, Stella, Bertha and George. Mr. Cook bought his farm while in the army, which consists of forty acres, thirty aeres under cultivation. . Mrs. Cook has about fifty- four aeres located in Jefferson Township. Jolin Cook, the father of our subject, who was one of the old and honored pioneers of Adams County, was born in Trumble County, Ohio,
January 28, 1814, and was of Scotch origin. Ile grew to manhood in his native county, and in 1834 was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Baker, who was born in Pennsylvania June 7, 1811, of German ancestry, a daughter of George F. Baker, who was a soldier in the war of 1812. They reared a family of six children, three sons and three daughters. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. John Cook followed agricultural pursuits in IIan- cock County, Ohio. In 1842 they came to Adams County, Indiana, and settled on see- tion 23, Wabash Township, remaining there until the fall of 1856. They then removed to HIenderson County, Illinois, and two years later returned to Adams County and purchased a farm on section 13, Wabash Township, where they made their home till their death, the father dying January 2, 1877, and the mother February 2, following. Both were members of the Protestant Methodist church and respected members of society.
- IMEON HIAIN, farmer, Washington Township, was born in Bavaria, Ger- many, February 17, 1537, son of George and Mary Ilain. IIe lived in his native country until seventeen years of age, when he immigrated to America, landing in New York City, and spent about six years in Sara- toga County, New York. In the fall of 1860 he came to Adams County, and for fourteen months was employed by J. D. Nutman. Subsequently he was for some time engaged in the haek business. In April, 1862, he was married to Anna G. Mnegenburg, who died July 18, 1881. Of their seven children six are living-Charles, Mary, Minnie, Lena, Simeon and Elizabeth. Mr. Hain was mar- ried the second time December 28, 1883, to Mrs. Louisa Smith, of Adams County, for-
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merly of Ohio. They have one child, George. Mr. Hain settled upon his present farm in the spring of 1866. lle commenced with forty aeres in the woods and now owns eighty acres of excellent land, free from all ineum- brance, worth 875 an acre. Ile is a Demo- crat in politics. lle has served several terms as road supervisor.
AMES M. ARCHBOLD, engaged in farming on section 6, St. Mary's Town- ship, was born in Jefferson Township, Thiscarawas County, Ohio, December 27, 1841. Ile remained with his parents in his native county until 1851, when he came with them to Indiana, the family first locating in Jefferson Township, Wells County. The father then bought 205 acres in Preble Township, Adams County, the sur- rounding country at that time being in a wild state. The father built a hewed-log house on his land in Preble Township, in which he lived two years, then built a frame house, which he occupied until 1874, when he moved to Decatur, where he died, and in which his son is still living. James M. Archbold, our subject, was reared on his father's farm in Preble Township. Ile re- ceived his early education in the district schools, which he completed at the normal school at Middletown, Indiana, where he spent one term. After completing his education he taught school for two winter terms. lle was a soldier in the late war, enlisting Oeto- ber 3, 1864, in Company D, Fifty-first Indiana Infantry, and served in the First Brigade, Third Division and Fourth Army Corps, un- der General Stanley. Ile joined his regi- ment and company at Bridgeport, Alabama, and was first engaged at Duek River, and also took part in the engagements at Frank-
lin and Nashville. Ile was taken sick with bilious intermittent fever, and was sent to hospital, June 19, 1865,. and after his dis- charge from the hospital he returned home. November 9, 1865, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. Summers, who was born in Preble Township, Allen County, Indiana, April 1, 1849, where she was reared. She is a daughter of Abraham and Mary A. (Shenks) Summers, her father being a native of Virginia, born near Fredericksburg, May 22, 1813, and the mother born in 1813, also a native of Virginia. They were reared and married in Virginia, and to them were born nine children, five still living, Mrs. Archbold having been the seventh child. They came to Adams County and settled in Preble Township in 1837, where they were among the early settlers. They are now living in Jefferson Township, Wells County, at the age of seventy-four years. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Archbold, of whom only two are living-Mary E., born July 21, 1873, and Ada E., born April 19, 1880. Their only son, Allen, was born October 24, 1870, and died October 20, 1872. After returning from the army Mr. Archbold learned the trade of a plasterer, which he followed for fifteen years, and during this time made his home in Decatur until 1875. In that year he removed to his farm in St. Mary's Town- ship, where he has since resided, where he has eighty acres of choice land, most of which is under fine cultivation, with a com- fortable home and good farm buildings. Mr. Archbold is a son of John and Elizabeth (Gibson) Arehbold, his father being a native of Harrison County, Ohio, born in February, 1809, and his mother born in Virginia, in 1808. Eleven children were born to them, all of whom yet survive, James M. being the seventh child. The father learned the shoe- maker's trade, but never followed it, being
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engaged in agricultural pursuits the greater part of his life. Ile died December 25, 1885. Ilis widow still survives, and is making her home in Decatur, Adams County, Indiana. Patrick and Franeina (McLain) Archbold, the grandparents of our subject, were born in the State of Pennsylvania, and were of Irish deseent. Both died in Jefferson Township, Wells County, Indiana, the grandfather in the year 1856. Ile was with General Wayne when he came to Fort Wayne. Thomas Archbold, the great-grandfather of our sub- ject, came from Ireland about the time of the Revolutionary war. He took part in that memorable struggle, and was wounded at the battle of Brandywine.
AMES K. MARTZ, engaged in farming and stoek-raising in Monroe Township, where he resides on section 15, is a son of Henry Martz, one of the early settlers of Adams County, Indiana. He was born on his father's homestead in Monroe Township, Adams County, the date of his birth being May 1, 1846. He grew to manhood in his native township, receiving the benefits of a common-school education. IIe helped his father on the farm until 1866, when he went to Ohio, and for two years was engaged in the lumber business, and also spent two years in the pineries of Michigan. Mr. Martz was united in marriage, November 17, 1872, to Rachel A. Hahn, who was born August 22, 1852, a daughter of G. W. Hahn, who settled in Monroe Township, Adams County, in an carly day. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Martz-Ida V., born May 22, 1874; Lillie F., born August 23, 1876; Mary J., born May 23, 1879; Daisy D., born De- cember 4, 1881, and Webster C., born De- cember 10, 1884. Immediately after his
marriage Mr. Martz settled on his farm on section 15, Monroe Township, where he has since resided, his farm containing 160 acres of land under good cultivation. In polities he is a Democrat. He was cleeted by his party a member of the central committee in 1876, serving for six years in that capacity.
ENRY HOMER HART, miller at the City Flouring Mills, Decatur, Indiana, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, De- cember 25, 1846, a son of Jacob S. and Elisa- beth (Kriek) Hart. When he was six months old his parents moved to Decatnr, Indiana, where he was reared and edneated. In 1862, when but fifteen years of age, although he was often taken for eighteen, he enlisted in the defense of his country and was assigned as musician to Company I, Eighty-ninth In- diana Infantry, and was promoted to Drum- Major of his regiment. Ile was discharged at Mobile, Alabama, July 19, 1865. He participated in the engagements at Munford- ville, Fort De Russy, Pleasant IIill, Yellow Bayon, Marksville Prairie, Tupelo, Nashville, Mobile, and numerous skirmishes. At the battle of Munfordville he was taken prisoner and was in the Confederates' hands two days, when he was paroled, and was exchanged the following December. During the spring of 1863 his regiment was stationed at Fort Pickering, Tennessee, and while there he was taken sick and was off duty abont ten weeks. After his discharge he returned to Decatur and worked in his father's flour-mill until 1874, when he left the mill for a year and engaged in the lumber business. From 1875 till 1883 he was employed in the mill, and then for two years engaged in the restaurant business at Columbus, Indiana. In 1885 he returned to Decatur and since then has been
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at work in his father's mill. December 14, 1871, he was married at Kendallville, Indi- ana, to Frankie Burt. They have two chil- dren-Nellie and Jessie. Mr. Ilart is a comrade of Sam Henry Post, No. 63, G. A. R., of which he is the present commander.
ACOB COOK, general farmer, section 13, Wabash Township, is a native of Ohio,
? born in Wayne County, May 10, 1540, a son of Jolin Cook. Hle was brought by his parents to Adams County, Indiana, where he was reared to manhood on the homestead farm in Wabash Township, where he now lives. Ife was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting August 14, 1862, in Company I, Eighty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and was discharged at Mobile, Alabama, July 19, 1865. Ile was in active service with his regiment except while in the hospital at Memphis, Tennessee. Ile was wounded while in the service, and was in hospital about six months, when he returned to his regi- ment, remaining with it until receiving his final discharge at the close of the war. Ile now draws a pension from the effects of his wounds. After the war he returned to his home in Wabash Township, and December 8, 1867, he was married to Miss Franees Ab- net, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, born November 8, 1843, a daughter of William and Maria (Miller) Abnet. Her father was born in Shenandoah County, Virginia, Febru- ary 12, 1808, and her mother was a native of Maryland, born March 21, 1817. They were married in Franklin County, Ohio, March 5, 1840, and in 1845 came to Adams County, Indiana, settling in Jefferson Township. They afterward removed to section 1, Wabash Township, where they lived till their death, the father dying in 1853, and the mother in
1855. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They had a family of six children, two sons and four daughters. To Mr. and Mrs. Cook have been born seven children, whose names are as follows-Car- rie M., John W., Rosa E., Mary E., Jesse L., Joseph M. and Jacob A. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are members of the Christian church. Mr. Cook has eighty acres of valuable land where he resides, which he has brought un- der a high state of cultivation, and is classed among the respected men of his township.
EVI BARKLEY, of the firm of Barkley & Steele, Decatur, Indiana, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, August 19, 1838. When he was eleven years of age his parents moved to Adams County, Indiana, and in this county he was reared. When he was eighteen years old his father died, and he re- mained on the farm assisting his mother until of age. In 1859 he became associated with John HI. Bender, and with him carried on a tannery in Union Township several years, when they moved to Monroeville, Allen County. In 1871 he withdrew from the firm and returned to Adams County, and with J. II. Steele forined the present firm of Barkley & Steele, dealers in all kinds of fresh and salt meats. They have a good trade, having one of the best markets in the eity. Mr. Barkley was married November 6, 1865, to Margaret Jane Phipps. They have seven children-Lulu, Minnie, Nellie, Tessa, Brenton, Willie and Franklin. Mr. Barkley is a member of Decatur Lodge, No. 571, A. F. & A. M. Mrs. Barkley is a member of the United Brethren church. Mr. Barkley's parents, Jacob and llarriet (Dougherty ) Barkley, were natives of Pennsylvania, of German and Irish descent. In an early day
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they moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and thenee in 1849 to Adams County, Indiana, locating on a farm in Union Township, where the former died in 1856. Ile was a Whig in polities, and served several years as justice of the peace. The mother died in 1876. They had a family of eight children.
EWIS ANDREWS, one of the oldest settlers of Washington Township, was born in Tusearawas County, Ohio, March 1, 1829, son of Hazel and Martha Andrews, also natives of Ohio. Abont 1837 his parents removed to this county and set- tled in Washington Township, on section 29. The land was then in its original state. lle first built his log cabin, then commenced to clear his farm, having entered eighty aeres, and remained there until his decease. lle was the father of ten children, six of whom are living - Mary, Thomas, Perry, Lonis, Louisa and Lovina. He was universally re- spected, and in his demise Adams County lost one of her best citizens. Lewis Andrews was reared in Adams County, receiving a very limited edneation, as the school ad- vantages of those days were very meager. Ile has experienced all phases of pioneer life. He used to pound corn to make bread, the nearest mill being at Fort Wayne. Ile was married April 13, 1856, to Miss Jane Quinn, born May 30, 1532, in Harrison County, Ohio, and daughter of James and Rachel Quinn, natives of Ohio, who came to Adams County in 1853, settling in Washington Township, where they remained until their decease. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews have had ten children, nine of whom are living-Jose, Martha, Rachel, Hazel J., Inez, Hattie, James W., Addie and Osman P. Mrs. An- drews' parents had ten children, six of whom
are living -Thomas, David, Jane, Mary, James and Barton W. Mr. Andrews owns a good farm of eighty aeres, and resides on seetion 28. Politieally he is a Republican.
AMUEL MOSES, farmer, resides on sec- tion 23, Root Township, where he owns 100 aeres of land. He came to Adams County with wife and four children, settling south of Alpha Methodist Episcopal Church, on the Seventeen-mile Creek, where he lived four years, then sold and bought forty acres on seetion 23, where he lived until March, 1869. The following summer he built his present frame house. The farm was partially improved; a log house had been built and about forty acres cleared. There was also an old log stable and shed. Mr. Moses was born in the township of Shade, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, February 21, 1825, and was seven years old when his parents removed to Carroll County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. In 1853 he left that county and came to this connty. Ile was married November 20, 1845, to Miss Eliza HIunter, who was born in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in 1824, and when she was quite young her parents removed to Carroll County, Ohio, where she grew to womanhood and was married. Iler parents were James Ilunter and Jane Cochran. The father was born in Ireland, where he was reared and married, then came to America and settled in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, where he lived until his removal to Carroll County, Ohio. There were ten children in the family, and all lived to maturity and were married. Five of the children are living and five deceased. Thomas died in 1864 after his return from the army, and was between sixty and seventy years old. James and Sarah are
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deceased. Mary is living in Decatur and is eighty-three years old. John lives in Carroll County, Ohio. Nancy died in 1885, aged seventy-seven years. Jane died in 1865 at an advanced age. William lives in Pitts- burg, Pennsylvania, and George, in Ashland County, Ohio. Eliza, wife of Mr. Moses, is the youngest of the family. Mr. Moses' parents were Jolin and Rebecca (Stoller) Moses. The father was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, in October, 1800, and died May 10, 1873, in Carroll County, Ohio. Ile was reared in Somerset County, and was married there in 1524. In 1832 he removed to Carroll County, Ohio. The mother was born in 1799, in Somerset County, Pennsyl- vania, where she was reared and married. She died in the fall of 1868. Both parents were members of the Evangelical Lutheran church, and lived in the hope of a blessed immortality. They were the parents of ten children, five of whom are living-Samuel; Mary A., who died in 1858, in Carroll County, Ohio; Jacob, who lives on the old homestead in Carroll County; Catherine, who died in infancy; William W., United States Express agent at Decatur, this county; Rebeeea E., who was drowned in her father's cellar when quite young; John S., who died of consump- tion when a young man; Martha Jane, who died in 1845; II. S., a hardware merehant and seeretary and treasurer of the Canton Car Company, at Canton, Ohio, and Margaret A., who lives in Hamilton County, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Moses have had seven children, five of whom are living -- Rebecca J., born August 20, 1846, is the wife of A. E. Ferry, and lives in Portland, Indiana; Sarah died in infancy; Jolm S., born Jannary 27, 1851, is living at home; James C., a twin brother of the preceding: Clarissa, born May 8, 1853, died the following August; Clarinda, a twin sister of the preceding, is the wife of M. B.
Knonse, and lives in Allen County, this State; Samuel E., born April 22, 1856, lives in Union Township. John S. was married September 23, 1875, to Miss Catherine L. Argo, who was born in Logan County, Ohio, December 3, 1847. Mr. Moses' grandfather, Jacob Moses, was born in Eastern Pennsyl- vania, and died in Somerset County, same State. ITis grandmother Moses also died in Somerset County. Their ancestry came from Switzerland. Ilis maternal grandfather, Samuel Stotlar, also died in Somerset County, at the age of ninety-two years. Grandfather Stotlar's mother and a younger brother were taken prisoners in Wyoming Valley, Penn- sylvania, by the Indians, and lived among them seven years, when they were exchanged. The brother was seven years old when taken, and died oue year after they were exchanged, and the great-grandmother died in 1826.
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