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 53

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 53
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 53

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principally engaged in camp duty at Camp Carrington at Indianapolis, Indiana. After his discharge he returned to his home in Adams County and engaged in farmning, which he has since followed. Ile settled on his present farm in 1867, where he has eighty aeres of well-enltivated land. Both Mr. and Mrs. Vanee are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party. Ile is a comrade of John P. Porter Post, No. 83, G. A. R.

EORGE HI. MARTZ, a prominent farm- er of Monroe Township, where he has a fine farin of 100 aeres, was born in Knox Connty, Ohio, October 22, 1838, a son of Ilenry Martz. When an infant he was brought by his parents to Adams County, Indiana, and here he grew to manhood, and is still living on the family homestead in Mon- roe Township. Ile attended the common schools of the county until he was of age, after which he attended Iluntertown and Perry Central high schools, in Allen County. After completing his edneation he engaged in teaching school, which he followed for four years, or until his marriage, June 5, 1862, to Sarah J. Riley. She was born in Lieking County, Ohio, July 22, 1834, and died September 4, 1875, leaving four ehil- dren-Gerry R., Cora A., Walter C. and Minnie M. April 26, 1877, Mr. Martz was again married to Mrs. Amelia (Martin) Stog- dill, born in Union Township, Adams County, December 26, 1850, a daughter of Benjamin Martin, an old settler of Union Township. Four children have been born to this union -- Charles E., Victoria, Mary F., and Drusilla. By her marriage with William Stogdill Mrs. Martz has one child, a son, James. In poli- ties Mr. Martz atliliates with the Democratic

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party. Ile takes an active interest in all public affairs. Ile has served six years as trustee of his township, was depnty land ap- praiser one year, and for four years was town- ship assessor, beside holding other local offiees. Ile is a member of the Masonie fra- ternity, uniting with that order in 1873, and belongs to Decatur Lodge No. 254, at De- catur.

EORGE W. GLADDEN, farmer, Root Township, was born in Island Creek Township, Jefferson County, Ohio, May 20, 1826, and was reared on a farm until seventeen years of age, at which time he went to learn the carpenter's trade of Dukes & Dolvin, in Tusearawas County, same State. lle followed his trade until 1862, when he became engaged in manufae- turing tar lubricating oils and elastie roofing. This he continued until 1582, when he sold ont and came to Adams County, settling upon a farm which he had purchased in 1873. 1 log honse had been built, which is still standing and is used as a tenant house. In the summer of 1873 he built a fine frame house, and he now has a large, commodions barn. Mr. Gladden was a son of James and Sarah (Shively) Gladden. The father was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, and was twiec married. Our subject was the son of the second marriage, and was the only child. September 15, 1848, he was married to Martha L. Risher, who was born in Steubenville, Ohio, January 7, 1826, and was reared within one mile of the place where she was married. Her parents were Frederick F. and Mary (Long) Risher. The father was born in Lex- ington, Kentucky, October 31, 1801, and when six years old his father died, and he went to live with Frederick MeDonnell, with

whom he lived until twenty-one years of age. The mother again married, her second husband being Richard Lee, and they had three chil- dren -Wilson, Delilah and Martha. Mrs. Gladden's father died December 6, 1883, in Steubenville, Ohio. Ile was a farmer in early life, and in later years he followed saw- milling. Hle commenced life with nothing but his head and hands. When he was twenty-one years old he was employed by Bazabeel Wells, who was in the milling business. Ile remained with him five years, when his health began to fail and he was compelled to stop work and take a rest. Ile recovered and purchased a farm. Eight years afterward he bought the adjoining farm, and later, sold the first farm, and bought a saw-mill and a merchant-mill for manufacturing flour. Ile continned in this business as long as he was able to attend to it. Ile was a local Methodist minister and preached all over that country, and for more than forty years preached to the county poor at Steubenville. ITis wife, Mrs. Gladden's mother, was born in Pennsylvania, October 15, 1803, and when four years of age was put into the care of the poormaster, her father having left home suddenly, leaving the mother without an income. She was after- ward taken out of the poor-house by Richard Fulton, by whom she was reared, and at nineteen years of age she was married. They had twelve children, of whom ten grew to maturity. Wilson L., born Angust 3, 1824, was killed by the bursting of a locomotive on the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad, in 1863; Martha L., now Mrs. Gladden, born January 7, 1826; Bazaleel W., born October 18, 1827; Asa S., born Jannary 7, 1830; Mary J., born November 4, 1831; Anna E., born August 1, 1834, died at the age of eleven months and fifteen days; Marguerretta, a twin of Anna E .; Frederick, born June 1,

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HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.

1837, died in the regular army; John W., born March 20, 1840; George II., born July 3, 1842, died at the age of four years; Eme- line, born March 28, 1845; James M., born May 7, 1848, died July 16, 1884, from the amptutation of a limb, having been injured by falling from a car and the wheels running over him. The mother united with the Methodist church in early life, and was a devoted Christian woman. She was without enemies, and died lamented by all who knew her. Mr. and Mrs. Gladden have six chil- dren-Altha, born June 23, 1849, was married February 24, 1870, to David Flanders, and they have had two children, one living; James L., born October 29, 1850, died Feb- rnary 17, 1876; Mary R., born November 3, 1853, died September 3, 1855; Emma P., born February 20, 1857, died August 17, 1860; Charity, born January 25, 1860, died February 11, 1862; George G., born October 2, 1567, died April 12, 1869. Mr. Gladden was a delegate to the convention at Pitts- burg that organized the Republican party in that place. IIe was raised a Democrat, but in 1840, during the tariff agitation, he became a Whig. Both himself and wife are members of the Methodist church. Mr. Gladden was converted when twenty years of age, and is a great reader of religious and political literature.

SCAR ELLSWORTHI, deceased, was born in Michigan, June 6, 1832, son of Joseph and Lucinda Ellsworth, early settlers of Michigan. He married, in Wells County, Angeline Quackenbush, born in Medina County, Ohio. near Cleveland, An- gust 10, 1833, daughter of William and Mary (Allen) Quaekenbush, the father a native of New York, and the mother of Rhode Island.

After marriage they came to Ohio, thence to Indiana, settling in Jefferson Township, Wells County, where they passed the remainder of their days. The father died August 12, 1851, and the mother February 15, 1867. They had each been previously married, the father having four children and the mother three. By the last marriage there were eight children. The mother was a member of the Baptist church. After the marriage of Mr. Ellsworth he was engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in Ceylon, May 18, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth were mem- bers of the Christian church. They had a family of four children.

ALLAS G. M. TROUT, M. D., was born in Decatur, Indiana, October 8, 1846, and is the only living child of William and Mary (Welsh) Tront. His early education was obtained in the common schools of Decatur, where he laid the foun- dation for an academic course, which he pur- sued in the colleges at Berea and Ilaysville, Ohio. On his return from Berea, in 1866, he commenced the study of medicine with his father and continued his readings until 1869, interrupted only when absent at eol- lege in Chicago, Illinois. In the fall and winter of 1867 he attended the Rush Medi- cal College, returning home in the spring of 1568, and the next winter took his second course, graduating in the spring of 1869 with honors. Immediately after his return from college he became associated in practice with his father, the partnership continuing until his father's death, in 1884. Ilis career as a physician has been marked with success, and his time is now almost entirely taken up with his office and city practice. Ile stands at the head of his profession in Adams County, and

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

489

by his honorable and upright life has gained the confidence and esteem of all who know him. He was married in 1876 to Miss Flora B. Blackmond, at Otsego, Michigan. They have four children -- William, Mariam, Emi- lio C. and John A.

OSIAH CRAWFORD, farmer, section 2, Wabash Township, is one of the pio- neers of the township, having lived within a few rods of his present residence sinee 1839. Ilis first habitation was a log cabin, 16 x 18 feet. lle afterward mnoved into a house built by a brother, John Craw- ford, of Decatur, with whom he was in part- nership in farming and stock dealing. They were the first to bring stock into the county in large numbers, having brought 140 head from Darke County, Ohio. They brought the first short-horn eattle into this part of the State. They usually sold to drovers. Mr. Crawford made a specialty of stock-raising as long as his health and age permitted. He was born in Waynesburg, Greene County, Pennsylvania, April 21, 1811. Ilis father, William Crawford, was a native of Waynes- borough, Laneaster County, same State. His paternal grandparents, Josiah and Margaret (Kineaid) Crawford, were born in Donegal, Ire- land, and immigrated to America when young, settling in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where they were married, and afterward re- moved to Franklin County, where they passed the remainder of their days. He accumulated quite a property, but, owing to the depre- ciation of Continental eurreney, lost heavily. William Crawford was reared in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, and married Jane Alexander, who was born in Maryland, and eame with her parents to Pennsylvania. His father, William Crawford, was a native of

Pennsylvania, and followed the mercantile business in Waynesburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1803 until 1815. In this business he se- cured a competeney. Mrs. Crawford's mothi- er, Mary (Curswell) Alexander, was born in Wales, and of Seoteh parentage. The parents of our subject had six children, of whom he is the second ehild. The mother died in 1821, and the father afterward married Naney Hayes, and to this union were born six chil- dren. The father died January 29, 1837. The family were good Christian people, having been members of the Presbyterian church. The father was well educated for those days, and held the position of associate judge, be- sides other offices of trust. Josiah Crawford received a good common-school education. In 1832 he became his father's partner in the mercantile trade, which he continued a few years, and in October, 1839, he came to Adams County, as previously stated. He had been here the year before and purchased and en- tered 560 aeres of land, in company with his brother. Mr. Crawford was married, March 25, 1841, to Rosanna Abnet, born in Vir- ginia April 10, 1816, and a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Baker) AAbnet, who settled in Jef- ferson Township in 1839, where they lived until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford had one child-Mary J., wife of Abram Rawley. She was born January 1, 1842, and died Decem- ber 10, 1881. Mrs. Crawford died in Novem- ber, 1884. Mr. Crawford is a Demoerat in politics, and east his first Presidential vote for General Jackson, in 1832. Ile was eleet- ed a member of the board of county commis- sioners in October, 1856, and held the office eighteen years. Ile had the honor of shak- ing hands with General Jackson, and has heard Henry Clay and William Henry Harri- son speak; has also seen David Crockett. Ile has 260 acres of land and a comfortable home. Ifis granddaughter keeps his honse for him.

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HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.

Mr. Crawford is one of two, now residing in the township, who voted at the Presidential election in 1840. Ile was no hunter, although game was very plenty when he settled here. lle has always been a popular man, is liberal in all his views and a good converser. He served as justice of the peace five years.

ICHOLAS BERGER, one of the early settlers of Kirkland Township, where he is numbered among the successful agrieulturists, is a native of Switzerland, born July 20, 1820. His parents, Nicholas and Elizabeth (Nucschiwonder) Berger, were also natives of Switzerland, and died in their native country. Both were members of the German Reformed church. They were the parents of ten children, two dying in child- hood. Nicholas Berger, whose name heads this sketch, learned the cooper's trade, which he followed in his native country until 1847, when he came to America and for a time stopped at Bethlehem, Stark County, Ohio, where he worked at his trade. From there he went to Vera Cruz, Wells County, Indi- ana, where he resumed working at his trade, remaining there until 1867. In April of that year he bought and removed to his present home on section 3, Kirkland Township. Ilis first purchase here was 120 neres, of which only twenty aeres were under cultivation. By persevering industry and good management he has added to his original purchase until he now has 243 acres, after giving forty aeres to his son. Ile is now devoting considerable attention to stock-raising in connection with his general farming. Mr. Berger was mar- ried at Massillon, Stark County, Ohio, in the fall of 1849, to Rosanna Smith, who was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, in Feb- ruary, 1827, and to this union were born ten

children, as follows --- Susan C., William N., Rosanna, Sophia, Edward, Samuel A., Lucinda E. (deceased), Jacob F., Mary A. and Caroline (deceased). Mrs. Berger died April 22, 1870. She was a member of the German Reformed church. Mr. Berger is a member of the same denomination. Mr. Berger is a self-made man, having acquired his present fine property by his own efforts, he having but $3 when he landed in Stark County, and by his strict in- tegrity and honorable dealings he has gained the confidence of all with whom he has had business intercourse.

OSEPH WHIERRY, farmer and stock- raiser, Union Township, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, December 17, 1837. When he was abont fifteen years old he and his parents came to Indiana, first set- tling in Monroe Township, Allen County. There were seven children besides himself in his father's family. They lived in Allen County two years, on rented land, and then the father bonght a farm. Ile built his own log house, which was 18 x 20 feet in size, and a story and a half in height. He afterward added a kitchen, and lived in that house until his death. The father, Adam Wherry, was born in Pennsylvania, January 27, 1814, and when a young boy removed to Carroll County, Ohio, with his parents, and was there reared to manhood. He died April 26, 1881, and is buried in Clark's Chapel, Union Township. Ilis mother was Eve (Umbangh) Wherry. His paternal grandparents were born in Pennsylvania, and died in Carroll County, Ohio. ITis maternal grandfather, George Umbaugh, was born in Pennsylvania and died in Carroll County, Ohio, and his grand- mother Umbaugh also died in Carroll Coun- ty. Mr. Wherry was married November 21,

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1861, to Miss Elizabeth II. Rice, who was born in Union Township, Adams County, May 16, 1814, where she lived until her mar- riage. She is a daughter of William P. and Frances (Rabbett) Riee. Mr. and Mrs. Wherry have nine children - William P., Mary E., Frances E., Joseph A., Aliee E., IInlda E., Warren A., Bessie V. and Hannah. Mr. Wherry owns 168 aeres of land. Ile built his house in the summer of 1881, at a cost of $2,500. Politically he is a Demo- crat.

ANIEL W. MYERS, of Washington Township, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, July 2, 1849, son of Frederick and Christina Myers, pioneers of Adams County. In 1851 he was brought by his parents to this eounty, where he was reared to manhood. He received a liberal educa- tion, and was engaged in teaching about six years, having taught in the high school at Decatur two terms. In 1872 he engaged in the lumber trade, at -Deeatur, with his brother, David L. Myers, as partner, under the firmn name of Myers Brothers. This partnership existed abont nine years. IIe then removed to his present farm on section 12, Washington Township, where he owns a well improved farm of 300 aeres. He was married November 23, 1850, to Miss Annie Gwinner, born March 3, 1856, in Pennsyl- vania, danghter of John and Elizabeth Gwin- ner, with whom she removed to Ashland County, Ohio, when about fourteen years old, where she grew to maturity. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Myers- Ilarry F. and Jesse N., both of whom are deceased. Mrs. Myers is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and both are respected members of society. Mr. Myers is 31

a Democrat in politics, and belongs to the Odd Fellows lodge at Decatur. He has been successful in business, and this enables him to contribute largely to any enterprises which will benefit the community.

AMES FRANKLIN MANN, attorney- at-law, Decatur, the only son of Harlo and Winifred ( Me.Alhaney) Mann, was born in Decatur, Adams County, Indiana, February 9, 1861, and is of German and Irish aneestry. He was reared in his native eity, and in his youth attended the public schools. When old enough he began elerking in his father's store, and was engaged in elerking and attending and teaching school until 1880. In that year he began reading law in the office of Heller & Hooper, of Decatur, and in 1881- '52 he spent two terms in the law department of the Michigan State University at Ann Arbor, graduating from that institution March 29, 1882. In January, 1883, he began the practice of law at Deeatur, forming a partnership with John P. Quinn, with whom he was associated until the death of Mr. Quinn, eight months later. In Novem- ber of the same year, L. C. Devoss became his law partner, which continued under the name of Devoss & Mann until January, 1886, when Mr. Mann retired from the firm. Ile is at present city attorney of Decatur. Mr. Mann was united in marriage November 12, 1884, at Decatur, to Miss Tina Teagne, a dangliter of Rev. Martin A. and Maggie Teague. She was born in Wheeling, Dela- ware County, Indiana, and was reared and educated in the various places where her parents resided, her father being a Methodist minister. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Maun is a member of the Presbyterian church and is superin-

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HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.

tendent of its Sabbath-school. He is a mem- ber of the Odd Fellows order, and is past grand of St. Mary's Lodge, No. 167, at Decatur. Mr. and Mrs. Mann have one daughter-Maggie T., born March 7, 1887.

FORGE R. DICKERSON, engaged in farming on section 15, Adams Town- ship, was born in Jackson County, Ohio, the date of his birth being March 20, 1830. llis parents, Thomas and . (Russell) Dickerson, were also natives of Ohio, both their families coming from New York State. They died when our subjeet was quite young, and he was reared by an aunt, with whom he remained till nineteen years of age. Ile then began learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed until August 5, 1862, when he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, and was assigned to Company B, Ninetieth Ohio In- tantry. Ile first served under General Crit- tenden, and was also under General Palner in the Army of the Cumberland. He par- tieipated in many of the battles of the war. He left his command at Dallas, Georgia, on account of disability contracted in the army, and now draws a pension. Ile was afterward placed on detached service for some time. Ile served his country until June 3, 1865, and after his discharge returned to his home in Ohio. He remained in Ohio until 1868, when he went to Mercer County, making his home there until 1876. In that year he came to Adams County, Indiana, and settled on section 23 of Wabash Township. He bought and moved to his present farm in Adams Township, which contains eighty aeres of land, thirty aeres being under fine cultiva- tion. Mr. Dickerson was united in marriage, June 26, 1851, to Miss Lucinda Winters, who was born in Athens, now Vinton Conn-

ty, Ohio, June 12, 1833. Her parents, John and Nancy (Barns) Winters, were natives of Virginia. They were married in Vinton County, Ohio, where the mother died. The father was a member of Company K, For- tieth Ohio Infantry, and died while on siek furlough, at Ironton, Ohio. They had a fam- ily of five children, two sons and three daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Dickerson are the parents of eight children-Henry R., Annie, Minnie, Carson, Melellan, Sadie, Thomas and America. Melellan Dickerson, of Wa- bash Township, was born April 9, 1862, in Vinton County, Ohio, and came with his parents to Adams County, Indiana, where he was reared and educated in the common schools. IIe learned the carpenter's trade, which he still follows. IIe is a member of MePherson Camp, No. 11, S. of V., at Geneva, of which he has been Orderly Ser- geant.

AMUEL SIMISON, an active and en- terprising citizen of Monroe Township, and a member of the firm of Allison, Marrow & Co., of Berne, Adams County, was born at Linn Grove, Adams County, In- diana, January 10, 1855, a son of Robert Sim- ison, an early settler of Adams County. Sammel grew to manhood on the home farm, and received his education in the common schools of Adams County. IIe was united in marriage December 28, 1878, to Miss Grace IIoward, who was born April 11, 1854, and of the three children born to this union only one is now living, a daughter, Nellie, who was born October 11, 1881. Mr. Simi- son followed agricultural pursuits until 1881, in which year he removed to Berne and en- gaged as clerk for R. B. Allison. In Sep- tember, 1885, he was admitted as a partner,

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and still remains in the business, having by his fair and honorable dealings gained the confidence and respeet of all with whom he has had business or social intereourse.

ILLIAM HI. PARR, an enterprising farmer of Blue Creek Township, is a native of Licking County, Ohio, the date of his birth being May 5, 1847. His parents, Rev. John II. and Catherine Parr, were natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania respectively, and were among the early set- tlers of Lieking County. They had a fam- ily of five children - Thomas J., Margaret A., William 11., Mary Il. and Ilorace G. William IT. Parr, the subject of this sketelı, grew to manhood in his native county, where he was edneated in the common schools. Ile was reared a farmer, and has followed that vocation through life. October 1, 1867, he was married to Margaret J. Foster, who was born in Lieking County, Ohio, July 24, 1848, a daughter of Daniel and Miranda Foster, who settled in Lieking County in an early day. The father of Mrs. Parr was born in the State of Vermont, and her mother was a native of Virginia. They were the parents of twelve children, six of whom are deceased. The names of those yet living are-Mary, Alice, Margaret J., James W., Harriet and Henry. Mr. and Mrs. Parr are the parents of five children-Bertram, Cora L., John M., Mary A. and Thomas M. In the fall of 1870 Mr. Parr came with his family to Adams County, Indiana, when he settled in Blue Creek Township on seetion 33. Ile began life without means, but by persevering in- dustry and good management he has met with success in his farming operations, hav- ing by his own efforts acquired his present fine farm, which contains 200 acres of valua-

ble land. Mr. Parr was a soldier during the war of the Rebellion. Ile enlisted in Com- pany F, One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Ohio National Guards, but was not mustered into the serviec until May, 1864. Ile partiei- pated in the battle of Jolin Brown's School- Ilouse, in Virginia, and received an honor- able discharge from the United States service at Columbus, Ohio, May 1, 1866. In poli- ties Mr. Parr affiliates with the Republican party. Mrs. Parr is a member of the Method- ist Episcopal church.

R. PETER A. SPRUNGER, homwo- pathie physician, residing at Berne, Adams County, is a native of Switzer- land, born October 23, 1839, a son of Abra- ham B. Sprunger. Ile lived in his native country until fourteen years of age, when he eame with his parents to the United States, and after stopping a short time in Ohio came to Adams County, Indiana. Peter A. was reared to the avocation of a farmer, and re- ceived his edueation in the common sehools of his native country, and after coming to America attended the schools of his distriet. Ile subsequently engaged in teaching school, which he followed twelve years, becoming a successful and popular instructor. At the age of eighteen years he began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Rev. Dr. Daniel Neuenschwander, of Berne, Indiana, and for about twelve years has been engaged in the practice of medicine. The doctor has a large practice, especially among citizens of his own nationality, and is noted for the reasonableness of his charges. He is well skilled in the knowledge of his profession, and is widely known and respected through- out the community where he resides. Dr. Sprunger was first married November 22,

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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