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 55
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 55
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mother was born in Lehigh County, Penn- sylvania, in 1813, and died in Adams County, Indiana, October 12, 1880. They are buried in Bethel cemetery. Their mother had two sons by her first marriage-Conrad and Will- iam D. Turner. They grew to manhood and started to California. Conrad died on the way, and William was gone nine years, came home, married, and is now living in Mount Cory, Ohio. By her second marriage there were eight children. The oldest daughter, Mary, married John Knittle, of Van Wert County, and is now living in Adams County, Indiana. She has three children. The second daughter, Susan, married Charles C. Slack, and removed to Kansas, where they are still living. She has one son. One daughter, Louisa, died at the age of two years. The fourth, Martha E., married R. C. Baxter, and is living at Wolfeale, Ohio. The fifth and youngest daughter, Emma Rosetta, married Z. T. Coleman, and is living in Mount Cory, Ohio. They have two children. Henry C. Gideon married Miss Hannah Stevens, and is living in Paulding County. John M. Gideon married Miss Eva Steele, who died May 21, 1886, leaving three children. John and his children are now living in Decatur, Indiana. Frank, the youngest son, married Miss Kate . Muma, and is living on the old home place. They have two boys-Roland V., born An- gust 1, 1878, and Glenn G., born August 12, 1880. Henry, John and Frank Gideon have followed saw-milling sinee they went in busi- ness for themselves in 1872.
HOMAS C. BIXLER is a native of Adams County, Indiana, born in Root Township, May 11, 1854, a son of Ilenry and Penelope (Johnson) Bixler, na- tives of Pennsylvania, the father born in
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1829, and the mother in 1536. His mother died when he was thirteen years old, and from that time he has depended on his own exertions for his support. His school days ended when he commenced life for himself, but being naturally observing and having a retentive memory he has acquired a practi- eal business education, which places him in the front rank of the young men of his county. Mr. Bixler was married June 16, 1881, to Miss Anna C. De Lerey, a native of Seneca County, Ohio, born July 12, 1860, daughter of Francis and Sophia (Omlor) De Lerey, natives of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, the father born June 26, 1826, and the mother in 1836. Iler paternal grandparents, Adam F. and Barbara (Hape) De Lerey, were natives of Germany, where they passed their lives, the latter dying when her son was but six weeks old. The father was a soldier in the German army, serving from his twenty- first to his twenty-seventh year. Mr. and Mrs. Bixler have three children-Lewis E., born November 16, 1882; Mary II., born May 14, 1884, and John HI., born June 17, 1886.
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HRISTIAN BURGHALTER, one of the prosperous agriculturists of Wabash Township, residing on section 19, is a native of Switzerland, born February 5, 1833, a son of Christian and Emily (Wurst) Burg- halter. His parents immigrated with their family to America in 1852, first settling in Wayne County, Ohio. They subsequently came to Adams County, Indiana, and resided on the farm of our subject till their death, the father dying in May, 1872, and the inother in April, 1875. Both were worthy members of the German Reformed church. They were the parents of four children, two
of whom are living. Christian Burghalter, whose name heads this sketch, was reared and edneated in his native country, coming to America when about nineteen years of age. He served an apprenticeship of two and a half years at the carpenter's trade, which he followed till he came to Adams County, in October, 1859. he was united in marriage July 5, 1858, to Miss Mary Hartman, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, born Novem- ber 30, 1835, and to them have been born eight children-Emma, born May 29, 1859, Emily L., December 19, 1860; Mary A., March 31, 1862; Elias, born July 20, 1865, died February 4, 1869; Daniel, born October 16, 1867; Sarah A., April 5, 1870; Lydia, September 14, 1873, died in February, 1874, and Ida M., born July 27, 1875. On coming to Adams County, Mr. Burghalter settled on eighty aeres of his present farm, which he had previously purchased, living in the log cabin, 18 x 20 feet in size, which was on his land, until his present fine brick residence was completed in the summer of 1883. Mr. Burghalter sawed the Inmber and burned the brick for his house, which was built at a cost of abont 82,500. Ilis out-buildings are large and commodious, and all have been painted, present- ing an attractive appearance. IIe has one barn 36x60 feet in size, and another, built in 1881, 45x100 feet. Ile commenced life for himself with but little means, and his success in life isdue to his own exertions, his fine farm, which now consists of 404 acres, having been acquired by years of hard work and persevering energy. In connection with his general farming he devotes considerable attention to stock raising, and was one of the first in his neighborhood to engage in the raising of blooded stock, commencing with short-horn cattle. he is now making a specialty of Ilolstein cattle. Mr. Burghalter takes an active interest in educa- tional affairs, and is now edueating his son
Christian Burghalta
Mary Burghalter
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Daniel, who is at present attending a mission lonse at Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
OLOMON MOSSER, a prominent agri- culturist of Ilartford Township, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, March 20, 1843, a son of Abraham and Catherine (Eicher) Mosser, natives of France and Ger- many respectively, the father born in 1793, and the mother in 1800. The father was a weaver by trade. He traveled in different parts of Europe, and was married in Ger- many. Ile came to America with his wife and two children, one child having died in Germany, and settled in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1827, where he engaged in farming. He removed his family to Adams County, In- diana, in 1854, and made his home on seetion 22, Hartford Township, till his death, which ocenrred March 25, 1876. The mother died in November, 1870. Fourteen children were born to them, seven sons and seven dangh- ters. The parents were members of the Mennonite church. The father had but $100 when he landed in America, and with this he bought eighty acres of timber land, which he improved and added to it, and sold it in 1853. IIe then bought land in Adams County to which he removed his family the following year, as before stated. Solomon Mosser, the subject of this sketch, was but a lad when his parents came to Adams County, and here he grew to manhood on the old homestead, and in his youth received but limited educa- tional advantages. On attaining his major- ity he began working the farm on shares for one year. Marel 9, 1865, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Schlatter, who was born in French Township, Adams County, October 28, 1846, a daughter of Joseph Schlatter, an old settler of French Township. He was born
in Germany, coming to America with his parents when about twelve years old. After his marriage he came to Adams County, Indiana, and settled in French Township, where he lived till his death. Ife and his wife in their religions faith were Mennonites. Their family consisted of five danghters. To Mr. and Mrs. Mosser have been born fourteen children-Mary, David (de- ceased), Joseph, Catherine A., Lydia, Franna, Abraham (deceased), Solomon, John HI., Elizabeth E., Barbara Rebecca, Christian C., Noah, and an infant unnamed. After his marriage Mr. Mosser bought the old home- stead of his father on which he still resides, and cared for his parents till their death. Ile has improved his farm, making it one of the finest in the township, and in connection with his general farming he is extensively en- gaged in raising stock. Ile was the first man in his township to engage in raising thoroughbred stock, commencing this enter- prise in 1877, and has now on his farm sev- eral head, some of which were brought from Kentucky. Mr. Mosser, like his parents, is a member of the Mennonite church.
ACOB B. MOWERY, farmer, section 19, Jefferson Township, Adams County, was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, April 23, 1840, and is a son of Daniel and Phoebe (Fortney) Mowery, natives of Union County, l'ennsylvania, and New Jersey, respectively, and of German descent. They were married in Union County, Pennsylvania, and removed to Ohio, settling first in Wayne County, removing thenee to Seneca, and in 1833 set- tled in Sandusky County, being among the early settlers of that county. There the father entered land from the Government, on which they lived till their death, the father
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dying in 1870, aged seventy-three years, and the mother dying at the age of seventy-three years in 1574. Both were members of the Lutheran church. They were the parents of thirteen children, nine sons and four dangh- ters. At the first election held in his town- ship, after settling in Sandusky County, only three votes were cast, he casting the only Democratie vote. Jacob B. Mowery, the sub- ject of this sketeh, grew to manhood in San- dusky County, Ohio, receiving but limited educational advantages, his youth being spent in assisting his father with the work of the farm, remaining at home until twenty-five years of age. Ile was married Angust 27, 1863, to Miss Jane Smith, who was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, January 19, 1846, a daughter of Eli and Matilda (Hisenhour) Smith, the father being a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, and the mother of Sandusky County. The parents of Mrs. Mowery set- tled in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, where the mother died, and after her death the fam- ily returned to Sandusky County, and later removed to Michigan, where the father still resides. He had a family of seven children, five sons and two daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Mowery are the parents of six children -- Matilda C., Daniel E., Edward E., Some R., Samuel C. and Della B. M. Mr. Mowery was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, en- listing February 5, 1864, in Company G, Third Ohio Cavalry. Ile was attached to the Twenty-third Army Corps under General Thomas, and later to the First Cavalry Corps under General Wilson. Ile participated in the battles of Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, and in the battle of At- Janta, besides other battles and skirmishes. Ile served until August 16, 1865, when he was discharged at Edgefield, Tennessee, by reason of the elose of the war. Ile contracted deafness while in the army and now draws a
pension. After his discharge Mr. Mowery returned to his home in Sandusky County, and engaged in farming sind teaming. Octo- ber 20, 1881, he came to Adams County, In- diana, and settled in Jefferson Township, on the farm where he now resides, where he has eighty-two acres, seventeen under cultivation. In polities Mr. Mowery was formerly a Dem- oerat, but now affiliates with the Republican party. Ile is a member of John P. Porter Post, No. 83, G. A. R. Both he and his wife are members of the German Baptist church. The parents of Mrs. Mowery were Lutherans in their religious faith.
ILLIAM BERGER, farmer, residing on section 9, Kirkland Township, is son of Nicholas and Susanna (Smith) Berger, who were early settlers of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. He was born at Bethlehem, Stark County, Ohio, April 18, 1851, where he passed his early life on the home farm, and when old enough began working out on neighboring farins. He was united in marriage September 18, 1879, to Miss Emelina Billman, who was born on her father's homestead in Kirkland Township, Adams County, May 17, 1857, and to them have been born two children --- Catherine A., born September 23, 1881, and Elizabeth M., born December 7, 1885. They settled on their farm in Kirkland Township in January, 1884, which contains 120 aeres of good land, and here he has since been engaged in general farming. IIe erected his present comfortable and commodious resi- dence in the summer of 1886, at a cost of about $1,000. In his political views Mr. Berger is independent, voting for the man whom he deems best fitted for office. He is a prominent man in his township, and has
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filled several local offices. Henry Billman, father of Mrs. Berger, was one of the pio- neers of Adams County, settling in Kirkland Township as early as 1855. He was born December 19, 1829, in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, and there he was reared to manhood, and was married November 13, 1853, to Mary Zimmerman, who was also a native of Pennsylvania, born in Berks County April 28, 1831. Seven children were born to this union, two sons and five danghters. Mr. Bilhan came to Adams County, Indiana, immediately after his marriage, and settled on his farm on section 13, Kirkland Town- ship, where he lived till his death. His farm at that time was heavily covered with timber, with no roads leading to it. He first built a log cabin and commenced improving his land, and here he and his family experienced many hardships and privations incident to life in a newly-settled country. They lived in their pioneer log cabin several years, when they built a hewed -log house, in which they spent the rest of their days. He died February 26, 1880, much respected by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. His wife died November 9 of the same year. Both were members of the Dunkard church.
B ENJAMIN RICE, section 21, Root Township, was born in Culpeper County, Virginia, November 17, 1817, a son of Sampson and Elizabeth (Ferguson) Rice, na- tives of Virginia, his father born in Londoun County, February, 1759, and the mother in Culpeper County, in 1792. The former died in Adams County, Indiana, January 21, 1848, and the latter July 20, 1854. Mr. Rice ac- companied his parents to Carroll County, Ohio, when ten years of age, and in 1836 to Adams County, Indiana, arriving here De-
cember 25. He was married September 6, 1838, to Elizabeth Pillers, who was born April 18, 1517, and died April 23, 1846, leaving four children- William, Mary, Eliza- beth and Rachel. August 29, 1847, Mr. Rice married Mary Pillers, who was born in Car- roll County, Ohio, February 19, 1820. They have six children-Benjamin P., John B., Nancy A., James M., Millard F. and David M. In politics Mr. Rice is a Republican. Ile and his wife are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal church.
LI M. RAY, farmer and carpenter, re- siding on section 9, Monroe Township, is a native of Harrison Connty, Ohio, born September 22, 1843, and is the third son and fourth child of George W. and Eleanor (Williams) Ray. When five years of age he was brought by his parents to Adams County, Indiana, remaining on a farm in Monroe Township until he reached the age of fifteen years. The parents then removed with their family to Ottawa County, Ohio. Three years later Eli M., our subject, re- turned to Adams County. August 9, 1862, he enlisted in Company II, Eighty-ninth In- diana Infantry, serving until the expiration of his term of service, when he was dis- charged August 9, 1865. He participated in fourteen battles and skirmishes, in- eluding Munfordville, Kentucky, Pleasant HIill, Louisiana, Nashville, and Tupelo, Mis- sissippi. At the battle of Munfordville he was taken prisoner, but was afterward ex- changed. Hle now draws a pension from the Government. October 29, 1865, he was mar- ried to Ellen Everhart, who was born in Har- rison County, Ohio, April 19, 1846, and to them have been born eight children-Elmer J., Eliza J., George A., Edward K., Cyrus
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W. (deceased), Ella I., Eli M. M. and Pearle. After his return from the army Mr. Ray re- sumed farming on his farm in Monroe Town- ship, which he has since followed with the exception of two and a half years spent at Decatur at carpenter work and teaming. IIc settled on his farm on section 9, Monroe Township, in April, 1875, where he has forty acres of fine land. Mr. Ray is a strong tem- perance man. Ile is a comrade of Sam Henry Post, No. 63, G. A. R., at Decatur. Mrs. Ray's parents, John and Rebecca (Hen- drieks) Everhart, were natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively, the father born May 6, 1803, and the mother October 7, 1809. They were married August 3, 1826, and to them were born twelve children, six sons and six daughters. They came to Indiana in 1847, and settled on section 5, Monroe Township, where they lived till their deaths, the mother dying in 1853, and the father in 1854. Ile inade farming his principal avocation through life, and was one of the best farmers in his township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ray are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church.
- MOS S. GILLIG, who is a member of the lumber firm of Robinson & Gillig, of Decatur, is a native of Adams County, Indiana, born in Union Township, Angust 5, 1851, his parents, Joseph and Theresa (Spooler) Gillig, being natives of Germany and Switzerland, respectively. Amos S., our subjeet, was reared principally in Washington Township, receiving his edu- cation in the common schools of his neigh- borhood. He was reared to the avocation of a farmer, working on the homestead farm until reaching manhood. In his twenty-first year he began learning the bricklayer's trade, which he followed in Decatur as a
journeyman and contractor. He was united in marriage in February, 1880, at Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio, to Miss Sadie Minker of that place. They have one son, named John. In 1881 Mr. Gillig discontinued brieklaying and began dealing in lumber at Decatur, and was engaged in buying and shipping lumber until 1883. In that year he formed a partnership with Perry Robin- son, with whom he has since been associated under the firm name of Robinson & Gillig, and in 1883 they built their band saw-mill at Decatur. In politics Mr. Gillig casts his suf- frage with the Democratie party. Mrs. Gillig is a member of the Disciple church at Decatur.
JERRY ROBINSON, an enterprising business man, and a member of the lum- ber firm of Robinson & Gillig, of Deea- tur, was born in Root Township, Adams County, Indiana, the date of his birth being January 22, 1847. ITis parents, James and Elizabeth (Dowder) Robinson, were natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively, and to them were born six children, four of whom are living in Adams Connty. The father came to Adams County about the year 1840, and settled in Root Township, where he fol- lowed farming until his death in 1856. The mother still lives in Root Township. She is a member of the Baptist church. Perry Robinson remained on the homestead in Root Township until reaching maturity, being reared to the avocation of a farmer. He was married in August, 1874, to Miss Ellen Rice, who was born and reared in Root Township, and is a daughter of Pendleton and Frances (Robbit) Rice, pioneers of Adams County. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, of whom four are yet living --
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William Pendleton, Jesse David, Frances Elizabeth and Calvin Cleveland. Thomas James died in infancy .: In 1876 Mr. Robinson built a saw-mill in Root Township and en- gaged in the lumber business. In 1883 he sold out his business in Root Township, and eame to Decatur and became associated with Amos Gillig under the firm name of Robin- son & Gillig. They erected a saw-mill the same year, and have sinee been engaged in the manufacture of humber at Decatur. Mr. Robinson is an attendant and his wife a men- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church at Deeatur.
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EORGE B. CLINE, farmer, section 31, Union Township, is the owner of a fine farm of 160 acres on the northeast quarter of the section. lle is a native of Adams County, born in Root Township, March 26, 1842, a son of Jacob and Barbara (Robison) Cline. He was reared a farmer, receiving his education in the schools of his father's distriet. February 23, 1865, he en- listed in defense of his country and was assigned to Company C, Forty-seventh Indi- ana Infantry, joining his regiment at Fort Blakely, Alabama. He participated in the battles at Fort Blakely and Spanish Fort, and in numerous skirmishes, and was discharged October 23, 1865. September 1, 1867, he was married to Lovina E. Luekey, who was born in Union Township, Adams County, December 21, 1849, a daughter of George W. and Drusilla (Arnold) Luekey, natives of Wayne County, Ohio, her father born May 14, 1822, and her mother May 21, 1821. Mr. and Mrs. Cline have two children -- Mar- tha I)., born October 13, 1870, and Jacob, born May 21, 1881. They are members of the United Brethren church. Mr. Cline has 32
served as justice of the peace of Union Town- ship twelve years. The parents of Mrs. Cline came to Adams County in their youth, and were here married in 1842. They were much respected by all who knew them, and had many friends. Mr. Luckey was quite sne- cessful in his early life, but by an investment made in the Piqua and Fort Wayne plank road he lost a large share of his property. He died November 16, 1886, and his wife Mareh 6, 1885.
ON. DAVID ELEY, of Washington Township, was born in this eounty Feb- ruary 27, 1841, son of Michael and Rachel Eley, the former a native of Pennsyl- vania, and the latter of Ohio. The parents eame from Ohio to this county about 1836 or 1837, settling in Monroe Township, and were among the early pioneers of that see- tion of the county. David was reared in this county and assisted his father on the farm during the summer season, while laying the foundation for a thorough education during the winter. At the age of eighteen years he commeneed teaching, and for several years thereafter he attended school, teaching at in- tervals to acquire means to defray his ex- penses. After attending several institutions of learning he graduated at the Indiana State University at Bloomington, with the title of Bachelor of Law. llc then returned to Adams County, and entered the law office of Franee & Ileller, at Decatur, where he re- mained two years, then began the practice of his profession. His success has been marked from the beginning. He was first eleeted justice of the peace, serving four years, then served five years as deputy prosecutor. In the fall of 1852 he was elected to represent Adams and Jay counties in the State Legis-
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lature, serving two years, and was re-elected in 1884. Finding that elose confinement to his office was likely to impair his health, he decided to abandon the practice of law and engage in agricultural pursuits. In October, 1864, he enlisted in Company K, Twenty- third Indiana Infantry, and was assigned to the Seventeenth Army Corps under command of General Logan. He was engaged prinei- pally in guard duties in various States, and was discharged in June, 1865, after which he returned to Adams County. He has been a resident of this county since, with the excep- tion of two years spent in Knox County, Ohio. He was married June 1, 1876, to Mary C. Carlisle, also of this eounty. He owns 120 acres of land in Washington Township; is a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Grand Army Post at Decatur.
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B J. MEIBERS, a merchant of Mon- month, came to Adams County in 1844, with his parents and five other children, who settled in Decatur and lived there till B. J. reached his majority. Ile was born November 11, 1839, in Hanover, Ger- many, and when six years of age eame to Ameriea with his parents, who first settled in Decatur. The parents were born in Ilan- over, the father in 1800. Ile died in July, 1863. When he settled in Decatur he bought a lot with a log house right where the center of business now is, and he bought eighty aeres of land where the mill stands that is now owned by Patterson & Pillers. The father built a saw-mill in partnership with Jacob Shearer, but the dam was afterward torn down and the mill abandoned. The mother was born in 1797, and died in 1882. Both parents are buried at Decatur. They were members of the Catholic church, and
the father was a Democrat. When our sub- jeet was sixteen years old he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed ten years. He then engaged in the merean- tile business at Decatur, and two years later sold out, on account of ill-health, and went to work at his trade. IIe followed his trade several years. In 1865 he bought a farm, which he rented out until 1879, then went on it himself, and worked the farm till the spring of 1886, when he was appointed post- master. He then opened a small stock for farmers' supplies. He was married March 12, 1861, to Miss Distena M. Kerber. Iler father died in Germany, and her mother again married, when the family came to America. Mrs. Meibers was born in 1842. Her mother died in Union Township, November 22, 1886, and is buried at Decatur. Mr. and Mrs. Meibers have four children-Titus I., Maggie M., Charles O. and Mary L. S. Both are members of the Catholic church, and politically Mr. Meibers is a Democrat. Ilis parents, John and Christina (Drake) Meibers, were born in Germany. His grandfather, John Meibers, was born in Hanover, Ger- many, and died at the age of seventy-nine years. His grandmother Meibers died before the father of B. J. left the old country. Ilis maternal grandfather. Nicholas Brake, and his grandmother, Mary Brake, were born in Germany, and both died in that country. Mr. Meibers owns a farm of 100 aeres in Root Township.
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