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 52
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 52
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five are living-Orra D., Thomas T., Lizzie E., Maggie P. and Jessie M. Orva G., a twin of Orra D., is deceased. Mr. Rawley has always resided on the old homestead in Wabash Township, with the exception of three years spent near Decatur, where he was engaged in the manufacture of brick. Ile now devotes his entire attention to his farm, which contains 100 acres of good land, of which seventy acres is under a high state of cultivation.
M ARION SYLVESTER ELZEY, jew- eler, and one of Decatur's active and enterprising business men, is a native of Decatur, Indiana, the date of his birth being November 27, 1849. ITis parents, John and Maria (Pyle) Elzey, were natives of Clinton County, Ohio, and Pennsylvania respectively, and were reared principally in Ohio. They were married in Ohio in 1842, and to them were born eight children, all of whom are living in Adams County -- Thomas J., Aquilla and Alexander are farmers by occupation; Marion S., the subject of this sketch; Jolm Douglas, a farmer; Sarah Jane, wife of William Baker; Ilannah, wife of John Kibler, a farmer, and Mary Emily, wife of Frank Sanders, engaged in the butcher trade at Decatur. The father came with his family to Adams County, Indiana, in 1844, and purchased land in the vicinity of Deca- tur when that now prosperous town was a hamlet of three houses, and at once began to improve his land, ou which he lived until 1868. Ile was a natural mechanic, and although he never served an apprenticeship he could work at almost any trade. On coming to Adams County he worked on his farm during the day-time, and at night worked at the shoemaker's trade, which he
followed some fifteen years. In 1862, while carrying on his farm, he began working at the jeweler's trade at Deeatur, and in 1866 engaged in the same business for himself, carrying on that business at Decatur till his death in 1868. In polities he affiliated withli the Democratic party. His widow still sur- vives, and is now making her home on the homestead where they first settled when coming to the county. Marion S. Elzey, whose name heads this sketch, was reared on the home farin till attaining the age of eighteen years, when he began to learn the jeweler's trade under James Lallie, of De- catur, with whom he worked almost two years. Ile then traveled as a journeyman jeweler two years, when in 1871 he estab- lished his present business at Decatur, in which he has met with snecess. October 22, 1871, Mr. Elzey was married at Decatur to Miss Cornelia, daughter of Justin and Rachel (Reynolds) Mann. They have two children -Fayette Raymond and Oliver Dosson, stu- dents at the Decatur High School. Both Mr. and Mrs. Elzey are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal church at Deeatur. He is a member of St. Mary's Lodge, No. 167, I. O. O. F. In politics he casts his suffrage with the Democratic party.
OBERT SIMISON, one of the old and honored pioneers of Adams County, Indiana, was born in Warren County, Ohio, November 7, 1811, a son of John and Elizabeth (Fisher) Simison, who were natives of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and of Scotch descent. John Simison, Sr., was born in Scotland, and came with his brother, An- drew Simison, to America, about the year 1765, settling in Cumberland County, Penn- sylvania, where he was married. He died in
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HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Pennsylvania. He was a soklier in the war of the Revolution. John Simison, the father of our subjeet, grew to manhood in Penn- sylvania, living there until after his mar- riage. Ile removed to Ohio in 1808, when he settled in Warren County, and in 1818 settled near Fort Recovery, in Darke County, where they made their home till their death, both dying in 1822. Both were members of the Presbyterian church. Their family con- sisted of eight children, four sons and fonr daughters. The father was a farmer, which avocation he followed through life. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, joining the army in 1813. He served one year, and par- ticipated in the battle of the Thames under General Ilarrison. Robert Simison, our sub- ject, remained at home until the death of his parents, after which he lived at different places until he became old enough to work for himself. Being left an orphan when but a lad of eleven years he was early innred to hard work, and being industrious and eco- nomical, he saved enough to enter the land in Monroe Township where he now resides. Ile was married November 17, 1836, to Miss Rebecca Davis, in Wells County, Indiana. She was born in Greene County, Tennessee, June 24, 1818, a daughter of George and Margaret (Seott) Davis, her father being a native of Virginia. Both of her parents had been married before. They settled in Union County, Indiana, in an early day, where they lived till their death. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Simison-George, John, Margaret, Mary (deceased), Sarah A. (deceased), Samuel, Eliza A. (deceased), and Catherine. Mr. Simison came to Adams County, and entered his land about 1835, on which he settled March 4, 1837. Ile ereeted a log cabin nineteen feet square, with pun- eheon floor, in which not a nail was used in its construction. His land when he first settled
on it was heavily covered with timber. Many were the trials and hardships endured by this brave pioneer and his family, but they have lived to enjoy the fruits of their years of toil, and have seen the wilderness change into well-enltivated fields and prosperous villages. After living in their humble log cabin sev- eral years, the father built a more commodi- ous frame dwelling, which they occupied until 1874, when their present substantial residence was ereeted. Mr. Simison was the owner of the town site of Buena Vista, which he platted in 1856, the sale of lots beginning Jannary 1, 1857. He has always followed farming, in which he is still engaged. In polities he is a Democrat, and has always taken an active interest in the public affairs of his township or connty.
ANCY ROBISON, of Washington Township, widow of the late Abraham Robison, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, November 5, 1824, daughter of Eli and Polly (Smith) Zimmerman, who came to Adams County when Mrs. Robison was ten years of age. She was educated in the log eabin school-honse of the early day, and has been reared in this county. She was married to Abraham Robison September 17, 1843, who was born March 15, 1818, son of Ephraim and Fannie A. Robison, with whom he came to this county when a young man. Ifer parents were among the pioneers of this county, having located here when the con- try was a dense forest, and remained until their decease. They were the parents of eight children, of whom five survive-Jane, Polly, Nancy, Elizabeth and Eli. Mr. and Mrs. Robison had ten children, six of whom are living -- Andrew J., Jasper W., Isaac M., Darius E., Samantha and Sarah J. Mr.
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Robison was a man highly respected by all who knew him. He was a kind and loving father and husband, and an obliging neigh- bor. He was a strong advocate of temper- anee, and in polities a Democrat. He died Jannary 3, 1867. His wife resides on the old homestead, and is the owner of 300 acres of land.
ILLIAM TROUT, M. D., deceased, a pioneer physician of Adams Coun- ty, practiced longer than any other physician who has made the county his home, and none of the old settlers are more promi- nently and respectfully remembered. IIe was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Oley Township, Berks County, March 14, 1817. There he lived until about twenty years of age, obtaining a good education in the com- mon district schools of his vieinity. Coming West in 1837, he located near Lancaster, Fairfield County, Ohio, and began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. Gabriel Miesse. Ile remained there about three years, the last year beginning the prac- tice of the profession to which he devoted his life. He lived a short time in Delaware 'and Piqua, Ohio, and in August, 1840, fixed his residence permanently at Decatur, Indi- ana, where he practiced until his death, July 2, 1884. Not only did his acquaintance and practice extend throughout Adams County, but reached into adjoining counties, and even at Fort Wayne he had an extensive patronage. During the latter years of his life he made few visits, giving his attention to his office practice, and the street near his residence was at times lined with patients and their conveyanees, come from the country around to get the benefit of his skill. The simple mention of this fact is sufficient evi-
dence of the place he held in the hearts of the people, and no greater tribute could be paid to his memory. Dr. Trout's learning was not confined to his profession. Ile was familiar with the whole range of thought,
. and science, and literature. IIis conversa- tional powers were wonderful and inexhausti- ble, and were his chief charm. He was perfectly familiar with the German language, speaking and translating it with ease. March 22, 1842, Dr. Trout was married at Decatur, to Miss Mary Welsh. ller parents were originally from Anne Arundel County, Maryland, but were among the pioneers of Newark, Licking County, Ohio. To Dr. and Mrs. Tront were born six children, but one of whom is living-Dallas G. M., a physician of Decatur. A daughter, Mary F., died aged sixteen years, and four died in infaney. Dr. Trout amassed a competence during his long and successful life, and Mrs. Trout is now leading a quiet, peaceful life at Decatur.
ARLO MANN, senior member of the firm of Mann & Burkhead, grocers of Decatur, is a native of Ohio, born near Cleveland, September 15, 1835, and in April, 1836, he was brought to Adams County, Indiana, by his parents, Enos and Sarah (Crawford) Mann. They settled in Preble Township on the bank of the St. Mary's River, and there he grew to manhood, being reared to the avocation of a farmer, receiving his education in the district schools. On becom- ing of age he learned the plasterer's trade. Ile was married February 11, 1858, to Miss Winifred A. MeAlhaney, a daughter of Hamil- ton and Sarah MeAlhaney, old settlers of Blue Creek Township, Adams County. They have four children living- Sarah Margaret,
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wife of Charles H. Lammiman, of Monroe Township; James F., an attorney of Decatur; Nora Esther and Matie Agnes, attending the high school at Deeatur. One daughter, Rosa Belle Jane, died in 1867, aged eight years. In 1861 Mr. Mann located at Decatur, where he worked at plastering nntil 1865. Ile then engaged in the grocery business with Emannel Woods, with whom he was associated under the firm name of Mann & Woods until 1867, when the business was discontinued. In 1870 Mr. Mann again embarked in the grocery business, and in 1876 his son-in-law, C. HI. Lammiman, be- came associated with him, the firm of Mann & Lammiman continuing until 1883, in which year John B. Burkhead succeeded Mr. Lammiman, when the present firm of Mann & Burkhead was formed. In politics Mr. Mann is a Democrat. He served six years as assessor of Washington Township, and was township trustee for four years. He is a member of St. Mary's Lodge, No. 167, 1. O. O. F., in which he has passed all the chairs. Mr. Mann is a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal church, his wife being a member of the same church.
ILLIAM MECONNEHEY, deceased, came to Adams County in May, 1837, with his wife and seven ehil- dren, settling on the Ilill farm, now owned by W. P. Rice. Ile remained there only a short time, having built a cabin on his land that he entered after reaching Adams County. This land was the west half of section 36, Root Township, where he lived until his death, which oeeurred March 14, 1851; he is buried in the Pillars cemetery. He was born, reared and married in Pennsylvania, then re- moved to Darke County, Ohio, where he lived
until he came to this county. He was the sole contractor to furnish plank for the road that was built between Willshire and Deca- tur. lle worked at this road ahnost day and night, and by these exertions brought on the sickness that terminated in his death. Ile was a zealous member of the United Brethren church, and his residence was freely given to hold meetings for several years, until the church was built. He was a local preacher, and often officiated in that capacity. The names of children are-Sarah, Rebecca, Da- vid, Josiah, John, Susanna, Mary, Andrew and William. The father lived to see all his children growing up around, the youngest being eight years old. Susanna, Mary, Re- becca and William have died since the death of the father. David MeConnehey was born in Darke County, Ohio, March 23, 1829, and came to Adams County when eight years old, with his parents. He now lives in De- catur. Ile was married June 5, 1850, to Miss Mahala Harden, who was born in Penn- sylvania, and died in 1856, aged thirty years. The father of William MeConnehey was born in Scotland, and came to America with his wife and settled in Pennsylvania, where he re- mained until his death. The wife of William was born in Pennsylvania, and was of German aneestry. IIer name was formerly Catherine Clever. The IIardens are also of German origin, and came to this county about the year 1845; both died in Adams County. William Ilenry McConnehey was born in Root Township, this county, March 20, 1851, on the farm his grandfather entered from the Government. With the exception of three years spent in Mercer County, Ohio, he has lived all his life in Adams County. He was married March 12, 1874, to Miss Margaret E. Lee, who was born in Wabash County, Indiana, October 26, 1855, where she was reared until sixteen years old, then came
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to this county with her parents, and was soon after married. ller parents were William and Eve (Misner) Lee. Mr. and Mrs William II. McConnehey have had six children, three of whom are living-Mabel, born December 2, 1874, died December 5, 1874; Charles B. C., born February 26, 1876; Christian L., born September 4, 1879; Derusa E., born February 13, 1884. William Il. has been a school-teacher for thirty-three terms, making eleven years. Ilis edneation was finished in the publie and Normal school of Decatur. During the summer he follows other occupa- tions. Politically he is a Democrat, as was his father and his grandfather.
ENRY STACY, an old settler of Blue Creek Township, is a native of the State of New York, born April 26, 1822, a son of John and Mary Staey, natives of Ver- mont. In the fall of 1837 his parents moved to Mercer County, Ohio, near the Indiana State line, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Ile was reared a farmer, and early learned those lessons which, well prac- tieed, make agriculture one of the successful industries of the world. His educational ad- vantages were somewhat limited, but he made good use of his time and acquired a practical education, fitting him for intelligent business life. In the fall of 1844 he removed to Adams County, Indiana, and settled on see- tion 27, Blue Creek Township. He now owns 205 aeres of good land, his homestead containing 140 acres. He has cleared his land from a thiekly settled tract and has, with his own hands, improved it, and now has one of the best farms in the township. He is one of the representative pioneers of the county, and has always favored and assisted to promote any project that promised benefit
to the community. He has held some of the minor offices of the township, and whether in private or public life his actions have been characteristic of the man. In polities he is a Democrat. He was married March 27, 1845, to Lucretia Douglass, and to them have been born six children, but three of whom are liv- ing-Mary E., Arminda D. and Minerva E.
IEDRICHI BUUCK, section 10, Preble Township, came to Adams County, In- diana, from Prussia, Germany, with his parents in 1836, arriving in Preble Township September 16. They were accompanied from Germany by several families, one of whom, that of Lonis Kase, settled in the same neighborhood, and two others, those of Chris- tian Muesing and George Conrad, came the next year. His parents were Frederick and Margaret (Kleinsmidt) Buuek, the father born in October, 1800, and the mother March 10, 1802. The father died June 21, 1871, and the mother February 16, 1887. Diedrich Banck was married May 25, 1858, to Mary Werfelmann, a native of Ilanover, Germany, and a daughter of Diedrich and Margaret (Oestmann) Werfelmann, who came to Amer- iea in 1846. Her father was born Deeem- ber 23, 1796, and died January 23, 1880, and her mother was born January 27, 1800, and died April 7, 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Buuck have had twelve children, eleven of whom are living - Sophia, wife of William Jaebker; Louisa, wife of Albert Iluser; Frederick, Mary, Anna, Henry, Angust, Otto, Albert, Adolph and Charles. Their fifth child, Mina, died January 11, 1871, aged two years. Mr. Buuek is a prominent citizen of Preble Town- ship, and one of the leading business men of Friedheim, where he is the present postinas- ter. He carries on a general store, and also
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HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
deals in and manufactures lumber. Ile owns a good farm of 115 acres where he resides, which is well cultivated. HIe has served as trustee of his township four years, and has been postmaster since 1881, appointed by President Arthur.
OEL WEAVER, residing on section 15, Wabash Township, was born in Darke County, Ohio, about the year 1846. Ilis parents, Joel and Mary M. (Shull) Wea- ver, were natives of Virginia, where they were reared and married. They subsequently settled in Darke County, where they made their home until about 1858, removing thence to Woodford County, Illinois. From Wood- ford they went to Fulton County, Illinois, where the father died, after which the family returned to Darke County, Ohio, where the mother still lives. They were the parents of twelve children, six sons and six daughters. The father being a farmer, our subject, Joel Weaver, was reared to the same avocation, which he has made his life-work. When old enough he was sent out to work, and was employed as a farm laborer until the spring of 1862, when he enlisted in the First Ohio Sharpshooters, and for a time was attached to the Tenth Ohio Infantry Regiment. Ile was in the Sixteenth Army Corps, under Rose- crans and Sherman, and participated in many of the engagements in which that corps took part. He was wounded in the hip and in the breast by bushwhackers, and with seven others was taken prisoner, but he escaped the same night, thus avoiding the fate of his comrades, who were confined almost seven months in Andersonville prison. Mr. Weaver spent two months in hospital, when he re- joined his company at Stephenson, Alabama. Ile was with Sherman on his march to the
sea, through the Carolinas, and was on guard at Sherman's headquarters when Johnston surrendered. His company was detailed as body guard for General Sherman about a year after its organization. Mr. Weaver was at the grand review at Washington, and re- ceived his final discharge at Columbus, Ohio, in 1865. Ile now receives a small pension for his services while in the army. After his discharge he returned to his home in Ohio, and turned his attention to farming. Ile was united in marriage, October 1, 1866, to Miss Charlotta Rape, who was born in Darke County, Ohio, May 1, 1851, a daughter of Lewis and Maria (Wycoff) Cummings. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Weaver-Rosetta J. M., Christopher C., Al- bert E., Minnie E. G., Vera Martinez De French, Jasper Vivian Ainsley and Daisy Leah. Mr. Weaver came with his family to Adams County, Indiana, in September, 1876, where he has since followed farming. He bought and removed to his present farm in Wabash Township in the fall of 1883, which he has brought under good cultivation. Ile is a member of John P'. Porter Post, No. 83, G. A. R.
JACOB RUMPLE, general farmer, section 8, Jefferson Township, was born in But- ler County, Ohio, December 25, 1842, a son of John and Julia A. (Yeakle) Rumple. He was brought to Adams County, Indiana, by his parents when about seven years of age, they settling on seetion 7, Jefferson Township, where the father lived till his death. The mother is still living, and is making her home with our subjeet. Ile grew to manhood on the home farm, remaining at home with his parents till his marriage. Ilis educational advantages were limited, he
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having no chance to attend school before reaching the age of fifteen years; then he obtained only such education as the distriet schools of that day afforded. He was married May 31, 1864, to Miss Elizabethi Cook, a daughter of John and Lydia Cook. October 13, 1864, Mr. Rumple enlisted in Company II, Twenty-third Indiana Infantry, and joined his regiment at Louisville, Kentucky. IIc was discharged July 23, 1865, the war being ended. Ile now draws a pension for disabil- ity contraeted while in the army. After re- ceiving his dseharge he returned to his home in Jefferson Township, and shortly after re- moved to his farm on section 8, where he has sinec been engaged in general farming. Mr. and Mrs. Rumple have had born to them ten children-John, born August 10, 1864; George F., June 12, 1866; Julia Ann, An- gust 4, 1868; Lydia, October 28, 1870; Laura A., November 13, 1872; Amanda Jane, January 6, 1875; Andrew Perry, May 18, 1877; an infant umamed, deceased; Amy, born March 5, 1881, died in January, 1882, and Bessie E., born March 9, 1884. Both Mr. and Mrs. Rumple are members of the Disciple church. Mr. Rumple is meet- ing with fair snecess in his agricultural pur- suits, and has now a well-cultivated farm containing sixty aeres of choice land.
RANK ARNOLD, farmer, section 11, Kirkland Township, Adams County, was born in Saxony, Germany, November 14, 1841, a son of Angust and Augusta (Jan) Arnold, also natives of Saxony. The father was a tailor by trade. Ile immigrated with his family to the United States in 1850, landing at New York City, going thence to Wayne County, Ohio, where they remained six months. They then re-
moved to Wells County, Indiana, settling at Vera Cruz, where the father worked at his trade. He purchased forty acres of land in Kirkland Township, Adams County, in 1856, which was heavily covered with timber, and on which a log cabin was built, with clap- board roof and puncheon floor. They lived in this cabin until their hewed-log house was built, in which the father resided until his death, which occurred in February, 1865, at the age of forty-five years. Ifis widow afterward mar- ried Jacob Mosselman, and to this union one child was born. By her first marriage she had a family of ten children, of whom two are deceased. The parents of our subject were members of the German Reformed church, but since her husband's death the mother has united with the Albright church. She is now living at Vera Cruz, Indiana. Frank Arnold, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in Adams County, being reared to agricultural pursuits, and receiving but limited educational advantages. October 11, 1864, he enlisted in Company C, One Ilundred and Forty-second Indiana Infantry. He was with the Twentieth Army Corps, being a part of the time on detached duty. Ile was discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, July 14, 1865, after which he returned to his home in Adams County and resumed farm- ing. Ile also ran a threshing machine for eleven seasons. Since 1879 he has been en- gaged in saw-milling, being a member of the firm of Spade & Arnold. Mr. Arnold pur- chased the interest of the heirs to the family homestead on which he now resides, his farm now consisting of 160 acres. He has been twice married, his first wife being Polly Liby. She was born in Ohio, September 24, 1838, and died February 14, 1872. They had two children-Albert, born May 2, 1867, and Stephen, born November 22, 1869, died November 10, 1884. March 10, 1873, Mr.
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Arnold was again married to Susannah Cath- erine Berger, who was born in Massillon, Stark County, Ohio, February 24, 1850, a danghter of Nicholas Berger. Five children have been born to this union -- William W., born December 15, 1873; Charles C., born August 19, 1875; Sarah M., born August 30, 1880; Rosetta C., born August 26, 1852, and Edward L., born November 23, 1884. Both Mr. and Mrs. Arnold are members of the German Reformed church. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party, and has held several local offices in his township. Ile is a comrade of Sam Henry Post, No. 63, G. A. R., of which he was a charter mem- ber.
ARSHALL P. VANCE, farmer, see- tion 23, Hartford Township, was born in Darke County, Ohio, May 9, 1833, a son of William Vance, who was one of the pioneers of Adams County, settling in Wabash Township with his family in 1835, where he lived till his death. The subject of this sketeh grew to manhood in Wabash Township, being reared on his father's farm, and in his youth attended the district sehool, where he obtained a fair common-school edu- eation. He was married July 1, 1857, to Miss Arabella Deffenbaugh, who was born in Maryland, May 1, 1835, a daughter of John and Ellen (Martin) Deffenbaugh. Of the seven children born to this union, only three are living-Mary, now the wife of Vernon Snow; William II. and Fred. John, Charles E., Rufus and an infant unnamed are de- ceased. During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Vance served about seven months as a member of Company E, Thirty-second Indi- ana Infantry, receiving his discharge May 12, 1865, at the elose of the war. lle was
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