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. 2 > Part 17
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. 2 > Part 17
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garet and Philip A. Frederick was born November 17, 1839, and died July 10, 1870. Ile was married and was the father of three children. The date of William's birth was March 25, 1841. John was born December 28, 1842, was married and had two children. HIe died March 15, 1879. Daniel was born October 23, 1844. IIe is married and has a family of six children. Elizabeth was born February 15, 1847, was married, and died January 2, 1872. Mary was born August 27, 1851, and is now the wife of Eli Houtz. David was born September 11, 1852, is mar- ried, and has four children. Margaret was born Angust 8, 1855, and was the wife of Uriah Mast. She died May 6, 1874. Philip A. was born March 9, 1856. He was mar- ried and had two children. IIe is also de- eeased, his death taking place March 25, 1883.
OIIN W. QUICK, one of the early set- tlers of Laneaster Township, residing on seetion 31, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Northumberland County, in January, 1821, a son of James and Jane Quick, who were natives of New Jersey and Pennsylva- nia respectively. The mother died on the old homestead in Pennsylvania about fifty years ago, and the father died not many years ago at the home of his son Levi, in Missouri. Of their eight children who grew to matu- rity John W., our subject, was the eldest. Three sons and one danghter are still living. The youth of our subjeet was spent in work- ing on the old homestead in his native State, attending the subseription school as opportn- nity afforded. When seventeen years old he went with his father's family to Franklin County, Indiana, and one year later removed to Henry County, and after remaining there
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one year the family located in Fayette County. There our subject helped his father to clear a farm in the wilderness, when he left the home roof and began working for himself. He was married in Union County, August 22, 1847, to Miss Cordelia Beeler, who was reared in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Quick lived in Madison County, Indiana, a few years, elearing a farm from the wilderness, which they sold, and came to Wells County, settling on their farm on seetion 31, Lancas- ter Township, in November, 1854. That year he occupied a log cabin, and the follow- ing year he settled in a more commodious log house on the site of his present fine resi- dence, which was erected in 1873, and is one of the best in his neighborhood. February 23, 1863, his wife, who had helped him to build two pioneer homes, died. She was a consistent member of the Methodist chureli from her youth, and always lived a practical Christian life in all her relations as wife, mother and neighbor. She left three chil- dren-Julia E., wife of Robert Reynolds; Emma R., living in Kansas, is the widow of E. A. Pattison, and Anna E., wife of Bruce W. Shoemaker. For his second wife Mr. Qnick married Miss Naney Reasor, in Octo- ber, 1866. She was born in Wayne County, Ohio, June 18, 1838, a daughter of John and Sarah Reasor, who came to Wells County, Indiana, in 1854, and are now living in Not- tingham Township. By his second marriage Mr. Quick has six children-Clara May, Ina V., Lina B., Charles C., John F. and James. Both Mr. and Mrs. Quiek are members of the Baptist church. In early days Mr. Quick was a Whig in his political affiliations, later a Republican, but during the past few years he has been a pronouneed Prohibitionist. As a citizen Mr. Qniek is highly respected. IIon- orable and upright in all business transac- tions, kindly in intercourse with all, he is
held in high esteem by all who know him. Ilis home is provided with all the necessary comforts of life, the result of a life of frugal- ity and industry.
R. HEZEKIAH DOSTER was born July 6, 1843. in Somersetshire, Eng- land. He immigrated with his parents to the United States of America in July, 1848, and came to Wells County, Indiana, in August, 1852, where he still resides. Re- ceived a common-school education from the district schools, also attended the high school near Portland, Jay County, Indiana, known as Liber College, eondneted by Ebenezer Tucker, from 1860 to 1865, and taught dur- ing the winters of same period. He com- meneed the study of his profession in 1865, under Drs. James R. MeCleery and Charles T. Melsheimer, of Bluffton, Indiana, and re- mained under their careful tutorship until 1867, and attended medical lectures at the University of Michigan the same year. He re- ceived his degree of M. D. from the Western Reserve Medical College, of Ohio, in 1868, and commenced the practice of his profession in the southern part of this county the same year. In 1871 he attended Bellevue Ifos- pital Medical College, New York, and re- eeived a diploma. The last fourteen years he lias resided at Poneto, Indiana, and has been engaged in the praetiee of his profession and farming. Ile has a fine farm of 500 acres, containing an artificial lake, covering about one acre of land, well stocked with German carp. Dr. Doster was married Sep- teinber 27, 1866, to Sarepta Tewksbury, born October 2, 1846, daughter of Simon and Polly (Porter) Tewksbury. Two children have been born to this union-Stella, born October 19, 1867, and Victoria, born No-
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vember 19, 1883. Stella graduated at the high school at Bluffton in 1886, the first in her elass of thirty-four. In 1873 he visited California and nearly all the Western Terri- tories. Ile was commissioned postmaster for Poneto in 1875. Financially he has been suceessful. In polities an independent; in religion a liberal.
HOMAS STURGIS, deceased, was born near Lough Neagh, County Armagh, Ireland, December 25, 1802, a son of Rev. William Sturgis. When ten years old he was brought by his parents to America, landing at New York June 25, 1812. The family settled at Shippensburgh, Pennsyl- vania, where the father died shortly after, leaving the eare of his mother, six sisters and a younger brother to our subjeet, which responsibility developed a manly and indus- trious character far beyond his years. When about eighteen years of age he began learn- ing the hatter's trade, serving an apprentice- ship, which trade he followed in Pennsyl- vania until he removed to Ohio. lle was married in Pennsylvania August 5, 1826, to Elizabeth Brasier, his wife being a native of Chambersburgh, Pennsylvania, born Febru- ary 7, 1807, a daughter of Rev. Jacob Bra- sier, a United Brethren minister. She became a Christian in early life, and when sixteen years old was admitted into the full member- ship of her father's church. Of the eleven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Sturgis, one died in infancy. Those yet living are- Charlotte, wife of W. T. White, of Bluffton; William, of Moniteau County, Missouri; Joseph, of Dalton, Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of John D. Whitaker, of Miller County, Mis- souri; Elmore Y., of Bluffton; Lemuel D., of Wells County: Catherine, wife of Jona-
than Markley, of Wells County; Thomas, of Bluffton; John E., of Bluffton, and Mary, wife of Andrew J. Shoemaker, of Geneva, Indiana. In 1834 Mr. Sturgis removed with his family to Dalton, Ohio, where he followed the hatter's trade until 1852. In that year he came to Wells County, Indiana, and bought a partially improved tarin in Lancaster Town- ship, where he followed farming until his death, March 24, 1582. Ile was bereaved by the death of his faithful wife, with whom he had lived happily for over fifty-five years, her death taking place February 5, 1882. They left ten children, fifty-one grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and many warm friends, to mourn their loss. Both had lived long and useful Christian lives, and were among the highly respected citizens of the county. Mr. Sturgis was a man of strong convictions, and took great interest in the political issues of the day. Ile was a firm believer in the principles of the Democratie party, and cast his first Presidential vote for General Jackson in 1824. In 1840, during the exeiting canvass between Van Buren and Harrison, rather than lose his vote, as was threatened, he, with his brother Joseph, walked twenty-five miles to New Philadel- phia the evening before the election, securing their papers and returning home the next morning, all ready for business at the polls. All of his children are well educated, and have become useful and respected members of society.
OHN K. REIFF, deceased, an old settler of Nottingham Township, Wells County, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, December 14, 1799. His parents were also natives of Berks County, and of German an- cestry. Ile was reared ou the farm and mar-
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ried Susannah Abling, born in Pennsylvania in 1807. He came to Wells County in 1844, entering land in Nottingham Township when the country was new and the neighbors were few and far between, the nearest one being two miles away. Deer and turkey were plenty, and their principal food was corn bread and venison. Ile was a Democrat in polities and held several local offices. IIe lived in Nottingham Township until his death, which occurred in June, 1861. The mother died in 1853. The parents had twelve children, one dying in infancy. They were members of the Evangelical Association. The first religious services of that denomination in the township were held at their house. When Mr. Reiff came here there was nothing but an Indian trail from Fort Wayne to Bluff- ton. Ile was then in limited eireumstances, but by hard work and good management he accumulated a good property, giving each of his sons a home.
ACOB JEFFERSON TODD, attorney at law, Bluffton, Wells County, Indiana, was born on his father's farm in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1843, and is the seventh child of Jacob and Jane (Thomas) Todd, who moved to Wells County in October, 1851. His father was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, August 15, 1805, and was the youngest son of Sammel and Lucy (Shivers) Todd, whose family con- sisted of seven sons and seven daughters. His grandfather, Samuel Todd, was the son of Alexander Todd, of Baltimore County, Maryland. His mother, Jane (Thomas) Todd, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio. Jannary 2, 1807, and was the eldest of twelve children, three sons and nine daughters, of Enos and Margaret (Cameron) Thomas. Ilis maternal 41
grandfather, Enos Thomas, was born in Ches- ter County, Pennsylvania, the son of Seth and Martha (Kirk) Thomas, and his grand- mother, Margaret (Cameron) Thomas, was the daughter of Lewis and Frances (Sutter) Cameron. The Todd family is of Scotch- Irish descent, the Shivers of Scotch ancestry. Seth Thomas was born in Wales. The Kirk family was of Quaker origin, and came from England in 1681 with William Penn. Frances Sutter was a native of Lincolnshire, England. Lewis Cameron was born in the Highlands of Seotland. The parents of our subject were married Jannary 14, 1830, and to them were born eleven children. Of their children- Samuel Thomas, who died January 11, 1859, was born October 24, 1830, married Rebecea I. Crawford, May 11, 1853, by whom he had three children, Lizzie J. now the wife of John C. Anderson, living near East Liver- pool, Ohio, and two sons who died in infancy. John Wesley, the second son, was born April 19, 1832, and married Abigail Glass, Sep- tember 13, 1855, who died August 24, 1859, leaving a daughter, Mary Jane, who is now living at Jasonville, Indiana; his only son by this marriage died in infancy; he was again married March 11, 1862, to Angeline Biddle, and to this nion have been born three sons and five danghters. He was Second Lieu- tenant of Company G, One Hundred and First Indiana Infantry in the late war. He now resides at Jasonville, Indiana. Lney was born February 11, 1834, married Asa MeDaniel, September 21, 1854, who died July 15, 1855, leaving one son, John T. She was married a second time December 6, 1859, to Nathan Tobey, and they are the parents of three sons and two danghters living and one son who is deceased. Mr. Tobey was a member of Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-third Indiana Infantry. Margaret Ann, the fourth child, was born June
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28, 1836, married Calvin Biddle, of Wanseon, Ohio, August 9, 1560, by whom she has two sons and two daughters. Uriah was born August 5, 1838, married Lois Smitley, November 26, 1867, and died April 14, 1580, leaving two sons and two daughters. Three of his children died in infancy. He was a member of Captain Barber's Company, Four- teenth Ohio Infantry, enlisting in April, 1861, in the three-months' service, and was also Second Lieutenant of Company K, Seventy-fifth Indiana Infantry, and was afterward First Lieutenant of Company II, First United States Veteran Volunteer Engineers. Ile was the first citizen of Wells County to enlist in the war for the Union. Mary Jane was born September 26, 1840, married Samuel B. Bowman, December 9, 1858, and to this union were born nine chil- dren, three of whom died in infancy. She died April 24, 1878. Jacob Jefferson is the subject of this sketch. Nancy was born October 9, 1845, married John V. Allen, September 24, 1867, who was a member of Company A, Thirty-fourth Indiana Infantry. A son and a daughter were born to this nnion, of whom the son is deceased. Eliza- beth Ellen, was born December 22, 1847, married Ransom Allen, February 15, 1866, and they have two daughters and one son living, and one son deceased. Mr. Allen was a member of Company A, Thirtieth Indiana Infantry. Simpson was born August 5, 1851, married Harriet E. Hoover, January 23, 1873, and has one son and one daughter. Ile resides upon and has charge of the old homestead. Bathsheba Isodene was born September 18, 1855, married John Adam Glass, October 24, 1872, and of the three children born to this union a son and a daughter are living. After their marriage the parents of our subject settled in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, remaining there until
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1851, when, having sold their old homestead, they started for the then far West. They traveled in the primitive style with covered wagon and buggy, reaching their Indiana home on the northwest quarter of seetion 19, township 28 north, range 12 east, on the 12th day of October, 1851, where mother Todd still resides. Both joined the Method- ist Episcopal church soon after their mar- riage, their parents being members of the same church. After coming to Indiana they endured the hardships incident to pioneer life, but by energy, industry and economy, they improved their farm, and made a com- fortable home, and reared and educated their children in the principles of morality and Christianity. The father died November 3, 1861, leaving a good name and a life of Christian activity as an example for his chil- dren. Ile was a man of great honesty of purpose, and honorable in all things. In physical appearance he was six feet, one and a half inches in height, and weighed from 195 to 215 pounds when in his usnal health. Mother Todd is a woman of slight physique, possessing unusual activity of mind and body, and has a remarkable memory. She is generous and kind, and Christian charity is a marked characteristic of her life. She is an excellent and agreeable conversa- tionalist. Jacob J. Todd, whose name heads this sketch, was brought up on his father's farm in Jefferson Township, and assisted in his youth in elearing eighty acres of land. Ile received his education in the common schools of Wells County, and afterward attended Roanoke Seminary and Fort Wayne College for a short time. During the winters from 1861 until 1866 he taught in the public schools, three winters in the Glass distriet and two at Ossian. In Angust, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Thirty-fourth Indi- ana Infantry, but was rejected on account of
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ill health. In April, 1864, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Thirty- seventh Indiana Infantry, and served during the summer of 1864 at Tullahoma and Duck River Bridge, Tennessee, under the command of General Robert Milroy, who had charge of the railroad defenses in that department. Ile returned home in October and cast his first vote for the great war Governor, O. P. Morton, and voted for the re-election of Abra- ham Lincoln as President in November fol- lowing. In March, 1865, he was appointed assessor of Jefferson Township, and performed the duties of that office for that year. IIe eommeneed reading law' at Bluffton, April 4, 1865, was admitted to the bar May 22, 1866, and entered upon the practice of his profes- sion in January, 1868, in Bluffton, where he has since continued to practice. In 1867 he served as deputy collector of Internal Revenue for Wells County, in the Eleventh Congres- sional District, and in March, 1868, he was elected elerk of the corporation of Bluffton and served as such one year. Ile became a member of Ossian Lodge, No. 297, A. F. & A. M., in April, 1864, and was worshipful master of Bluffton Lodge, No. 145, during the years, 1872-'77-'75 and '79. Ile was worthy patron of Crescent Chapter, No. 48, Order of Eastern Star, in 1881; grand lecturer of Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, in 1881-'82; grand associate patron, 1883-'84, and grand patron in 1854-'S5, and in 1884 was high priest of Bluffton Chapter, No. 95, R. A. M. Ile is a member of Fort Wayne Commandery, No. 4, K. T., and a Thirty-second degree member of Indiana Consistory : A: Seot- tish Rite. He was senior grand deacon of the Grand Lodge from 1882 until 1884, grand marshal from 1884 until 1886, and is the present junior grand warden of the Grand Lodge of Masons for Indiana, He is also a charter member of Lew Dailey Post. No. 33,
G. A. R., and has been several times a dele- gate to the State encampment. September 2, 1859, he became a member of Prospect Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church and for some sixteen years has been a member of the Quarterly Conference of his church at Bluff- ton, either as steward, trustee or Sunday- school superintendent. Ile was a member of the Lay Electoral Conference at Richmond in March, 1876, president of the Lay Electoral Conference at Union City in April, 1880, and lay delegate to the General Conference at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in May, 1884, and participated in the election of Bishops Ninde, Walden, Mallalieu, Fowler and Taylor. HIe was appointed alternate delegate to the National Republican Convention at Philadel- phia, June, 1872, and in June, 1880, was a delegate to the National Republican Conven- tion at Chicago that nominated Garfield and Arthur, and was a member of the committee on permanent organization; and during the great excitement following the thirty-sixth and final ballot for President Mr. Todd carried the Indiana banner over to General Garfield, and shook hands with and congratulated him upon his nomination, and then turning to Governor Charles Foster extended greetings from the Indiana delegates, upon which Gov. ernor Foster grasped Mr. Todd's hand and enthusiastically exclaimed, " God bless Indi- ana, she deserves a golden erown," the Indiana delegates having turned the tide to the vietori- ons leader, General Garfield, on the thirty-fifth ballot. He was a member of the commit- tee on resolutions at the Republican State Convention in 1882, and urged the adop- tion of the submission resolution of the prohibition amendment in the committee and convention and upon the stump in that cam- paign. In September, 1886, he was a dele- gate to the National Convention of Anti-saloon Republicans at Chicago, Illinois. During
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1886 he was prominently and favorably mentioned as a probable candidate for the office of Lieutenant Governor, but he did not permit his name to go before the convention. Ile was delegate to the International Sunday- school Convention at Chicago, June, 1887. Mr. Todd has always enjoyed an extensive legal practice, and by his energy and atten- tion to the interests of his clients he has won success. Ile took an active and energetic part in securing the necessary encouragement and aid which resulted in the building of the Fort Wayne, Cincinnati & Lonisville and the Toledo, St. Louis & Kansas City railroads through Bluffton. He has always been at the front to advocate all measures which might add to the prosperity, morality and intellectual advancement of the people. Ile is and has been an enthusiastic advocate of the cause of temperance and sobriety in the community and State, and believes that liquor saloons are the greatest foe to financial prosperity, to moral advancement, to the elevation of society and to the sneeess of our Christian civilization, which is the hope and safeguard of our Government. In all things that adds to the comfort, happiness, and well being of the people he has ever lent his time, ineans, influence and hearty support. Mr. Todd was first married April 17, 1866, to Miss Rachel J., daughter of Nelson Kellogg, a well known and influential eitizen of Bluffton. By this marriage he has one son, Nelson Kellogg Todd, born February 10, 1867. Ile is a graduate of the Bluffton Iligh School of the class of 1883. By trade he is a printer. Ilas also read law to some extent in his father's office. Ile has been connected with the press as a news writer and local editor, and manifests considerable talent in this direction. August 22, 1876, Mr. Todd was married to Mrs. Mary Jane Klinek, whose former husband, Dwight
Klinek, was drowned on the ill-fated steamer, Schiller, on her voyage to Europe, May 7, 1875. Mrs. Todd is the eldest daughter of John and Rebecca (Angel) Studabaker. IIer father is well known for his mental and phys- ical activity and energy, and his success in all his undertakings has been most remark- able. Her mother is favorably known for her generosity and aets of kindness, and she has been a faithful worker for the cause of temperance, humanity and Christianity. Mrs. Todd obtained her education in the publie schools of Bluffton and at Fort Wayne College. She has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since her girl- hood, and her parents have been members of the same church for many years. She has all her life been active in Sunday-school and church work as scholar, teacher, assistant superintendent, class-leader and president of the ladies' social of the elarch. She is untiring in her labors in behalf of that which elevates mankind and furthers the canse of Christianity in the community. She is a lady of culture and refinement. By her first marriage she had four daughters-Maggie, Bessie, Luey and Mattie. Bessie was married September 9, 1884, to James W. Sale, and died September 7, 1886, leaving an infant daughter ten hours old. Maggie married David A. Wałmer, May 12, 1885, and died October 17, 1886, leaving an infant daughter fifteen days old. The great sorrow cansed by the death of these two lovely daughters has cast a gloom over the family which will never disappear while life lasts. Both were earnest Christian ladies, faithful Sunday- school workers, and loved by all who knew them. Each babe takes the full name of its departed mother. Bessie's babe finds a home with its father, James W. Sale, and his moth- er, while Maggie's babe is being cared for by Mr. and Mrs. Todd. Lucy is a graduate of
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the Bluffton High School of the class of 1885. Mattie was a student of the class of 1887, but left school to assist in caring for Maggie's babe. The second marriage of Mr. Todd has been blessed by two bright, intelli- gent children-Mary, born August 9, 1878, and Ralph Studabaker, born August 5, 1880. Mr. Todd is a man of well disciplined mind, refined sentiment and definite principles. Fervent, sympathetic, earnest and withal jovial, he makes every one his friend. With all his sterling traits there is in his manner not the slightest degree of pedantry nor con- ceit. Ile represents the true American idea of republican suavity, marked originality and an exceedingly active and enterprising disposition, and accordingly has been a leader in all the local measures proposed for the public good.
AAMAN T. MILLER, auditor of Wells County, Indiana, is a native of Ohio, born in Fairfield County, May 11, 1848. In 1856 he was brought by his parents, Sam- nel B. and Mary K. (Tevis) Miller, to Wells Connty, they settling in Chester Township, and there he was reared till reaching the age of sixteen years. lle then entered the high school at Bluffton, from which he graduated in the class 1867, after which he attended Eastman's National Business College at Poughkeepsie, New York, and graduated from that institution in the spring of 1868. Ile was soon after appointed deputy anditor of Wells County by Auditor M. C. Blue, and served under him and his successor for six years. May 8, 1873, he was married at Bluffton, to Miss Jennie Smith, who was born in Rock Creek Township in 1852, a daughter of Thomas T. and Catherine (Gary) Smith, both of whom are deceased.
Her mother was a direct descendant of Govern- or Gary of Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of four children-Mande, May M., Hugh S. and Ralph. In 1873 Mr. Miller waselected elerk of Bluffton, and served in that capacity for seven years. In October, 1852, he was elected to his present oflice, anditor of Wells County for a term of four years, and lias since filled that office with credit to him- self and to the satisfaction of his constituents. Mr. Miller is a member of Bluffton Lodge, No. 145, A. F. & A. M., of Bluffton, and Mrs. Miller belongs to the Order of the Eastern Star, A. F. & A. M., at Bluffton. Both are members of the Bluffton Baptist church.
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