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 18
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 18
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55
ILLIAM POULSON, retired farmer, Chester Township, was born in Har- rison County, Ohio, August 11, 1818, son of James and Elizabeth (Arnold) Poulson, natives of Maryland, the former of Irish and the latter of Welsh descent. They were married in Maryland, and early removed to Harrison County, Ohio, where they were pioneers. They passed the remainder of their lives in that county. the father dying about 1876, and the mother in 1836. William was reared to farm life in Harrison County, and was married there, November 24, 1842, to Miss Deborah Ross, born in Bedford County, Maryland, and daughter of James and Martha (Phillips) Ross, who removed to Harrison County, where they lived until their death, In 1847 William Poulson and his wife started for Indiana by team, and after a tedious trip of seventeen days, through the muddy roads of November, they arrived in Blackford County, December 7. There Mr. Poulson bought eighty acres of land at $2 an acre, which contained a cabin and a small cleared space. After a residence there of
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HISTORY OF WELLS COUNTY.
seven years, they came to Wells County and bought 160 acres of land for $4,000. Ile af- terward sold forty acres of the land. There was a small house and barn on the place, but Mr. Poulson has made all of the improve- ments that are now on the place. Ile has about ninety acres cleared. Mr. and Mrs. Poulson have had ten children, of whom two, James R. and Barbara Ann, are deceased. James R. was a soldier in the One Hundred and Thirtieth Indiana Infantry, going out when only twenty years of age. He was in Sherman's army; was taken sick on the field, and was taken to the hospital at Cleveland, Tennessee, where he died May 20, 1865. Ile was buried at Cleveland. The living children are-William Jasper, who married Rebecca Dodds; Thomas Wilson, who married EHen Dodds; Martha Jane, wife of Allen Wilson; John W., a carpenter, of Des Moines, Iowa, who married Rose Hunter; Isaac Newton married Lucinda Lake, and lives in Delaware County, Indiana; A. C., who married Amy Sutton; Henry, who married May Smith and lives in Montpelier, and Lewis Harvey. The parents are members of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Mr. Poulson is one of the trustees of the congregation. He has been a Republican since the organization of that party, and has served as supervisor of the district.
IRAM HATFIELD, a merchant at Os- sian, was a grandson of Adam Hatfield, who emigrated from England to Amer- ica when about twenty years of age, and first located in Westmoreland County, Pennsyl- vania, where he married Margaret Dillworth about 1772. His father was John Hatfield, also a native of England, who married Doro- thy O'Neal. After her death he married
Elizabeth Shippore, who died without chil- dren. To the first marriage were born Adam, Andrew, John and Sarah, all of whom came to America. John Hatfield, Sr., went to India and engaged in trading between those countries, and later he was a banker in India. It is supposed that a large estate was left to his relatives at his death. The children of Adam Hatfield, Sr., were Elizabeth, John, Mary, Benjamin, Sarah, Margaret, Robert, Nancy, Joseph and Adam. In 1795 Adam Hatfield, Sr., with his family moved to Cin- cinnati, Ohio, and his death oceurred the next year. His wife and family then re- turned to Beaver County, Pennsylvania, and in 1815, with her sons, Robert, Joseph and Adam, removed to Wayne Connty, Ohio, settling near Wooster. In 1838 Adam Hat- field, Jr., with his wife, Martha Kirkpatrick, and their family, settled in Jefferson Town- ship, three miles north of Murray, upon a tract of three quarter-sections of land which he had previously entered. A rnde log cabin was erected, and during the winter a plat of ten acres was cleared for planting in the spring. Adam Hatfield was one of the early officials of the township, and served in several official positions. He was a man possessing great force of character, and although his education was limited, he wielded a power in this cominunity which was recognized by all. As a politician he was an ardent Whig, with strong anti-slavery proclivities.' Both him- self and wife were members of the Presby- terian church before they came to the county, and they may properly be termed the parents of that faith in Wells County. The first Presbyterian religious services held in Wells County were held in the humble home of Adam and Mrs. Hatfield, Rev. Isaac A. Ogden, of the Miami, Ohio, Presbytery, officiating. The church was organized by a committee of that Presbytery, and Rev. John
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11. Russ was the first pastor. The death of Mrs. Martha Hatfield occurred in 1840. The remains were interred in the old Henry Mil- ler cemetery, the first burying-ground in the northern part of the county. Later the re- mains were disinterred and deposited in the Murray cemetery. Adam Hatfield afterward married Mrs. Elizabeth Steward, a widow, with whom he passed the remainder of his days. He died in 1848, aged fifty-five years. ITiram Hatfield, our subjeet, received his preliminary education at a private school taught by Miss Margaret Hatfield, in a log cabin that stood on the Hatfield farm. Iler entire salary was 75 cents weekly for tuition, and she boarded around among the pupils. Miss Hatfield is yet living in Union Town- ship with her brother John. Notwithstand- ing the difficulties of seeuring an education in an early day, Mr. Hatfield persevered until he was a good practical scholar. The woods were full of Indians, and deer furnished a large portion of the meat supply for the new- comer. Trapping and hunting was a neces- sity, as from the sale of furs and pelts the pioneers obtained cash to pay taxes and pur- chase the few necessary artieles for making further improvements on their lands. In 1850 Mr. Hatfield was married to Miss Mar- tha A. Egbert, who died in 1852. The fol- lowing year he was married to Catherine K. Donaldson, daughter of Robert and Ann Donaldson, who resided near Murray. In April, 1852, Mr. Hatfield sold his farm and engaged in the mercantile business at Mur- ray, continuing sixteen years in the same business at that village. In 1867 he pur- chased a stock of merchandise in Ossian, and has been continuously engaged in that busi- ness to the present date. ITis trade increased in such proportions that a suitable building became a necessity, and in 1880 the large two-story brick, 35 x 100 feet, was erected
and divided into six departments, in which everything in the mercantile line is handled, except drugs. Six clerks are employed regu- larly, and during the busy season other help is necessary. Mr. Hatfieldl has given liberal aid to the building up of the manufacturing interests of the village. Mr. and Mrs. Hat- field have five children-Anna M., Victor M., James C., E. Jennie and Robert A. The eldest son is a partner in the mercantile trade, the firm being known as Hatfield & Son. Vietor M. is recognized as one of the brightest business men of the county. In 1861 Mr. Ilatfield enlisted in Company G of the old " Twelfth," and was honorably discharged at the expiration of his term of service. Ilis patriotism was unquestioned, as he locked up his store, which entailed a great loss in a financial way. Ile was elected ruling elder in the Presbyterian church at Murray, and he still holds that position. All the members of his family are members of that church, and the name throughout this and adjacent counties stands without a peer for integrity and stability of character. The G. A. R. Post meets in the second story of his build- ing, to which order Mr. Hatfield belongs.
R. JAMES R. MCCLEERY was born near Lancaster, Ohio, on October 22, 1822. He studied medicine under the celebrated Dr. Bruster, at Lancaster, and com- pleted his medical education at the University of Pennsylvania in the winter of 1848-'49. He was married to Miss M. Gutelins, October 23, 1849, at Carroll, Fairfield County, Ohio, where he practiced his profession up to the time of his emigration to Bluffton, Wells County, Indiana, August 30, 1851. Shortly after his arrival he entered into eo-partner- ship with Dr. Henry Courtney under the firm
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HISTORY OF WELLS COUNTY.
of Courtney & McCleery, which continued harmoniously for several years, when the senior partner emigrated to lowa. In the spring of 1853 he'united with the fraternity of Masons at Fort Wayne, Indiana, and con- tinued a worthy member of that order up to the time of his death, which took place on his farm, a few miles southeast of Bluffton, on April 21, 1574, in his fifty-second year. In the spring of 1861 he entered into co-part- nership with Dr. Melsheimer in the drug business, under the firm of MeCleery & Melsheimer. A fine three-story briek build- ing was erected, which is now occupied as a hardware store by Mr. Brickley. The firm continued their business for several years, when it was amicably dissolved by a with- drawal of the doctor to assume the duties of elerk of Wells County, to which office he had been eleeted in the fall of 1867, and also re- elected in 1871. Dr. MeCleery was a man of tine social qualities, by which he became endeared to all his aequaintanees. Ile was a prudent and cautions practitioner of marked ability. Ile had a very extensive knowledge of the theory of medicine, and possessed that very rare faculty of reducing it to successful practice.
NON. HUGII DOUGHERTY, banker, of Bluffton, was born on his father's farm in Darke County, Ohio, July 28, 1844, a son of William and Margaret (Studabaker) Dougherty, both now deceased. The Dough- ertys are of Irish descent, the Studabakers of German. lle remained on his father's farm until he was sixteen years of age, having in the meantime attended the common sehools of his native county. When seventeen years old he had by his own energy, perseverance and skill obtained sufficient knowledge to
enable him to teach in the public schools. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, Ninety-fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteers, and ten days after his enlistment was ordered to the front. The next day after reaching Lexington, Kentucky, he marched to Rich- mond, Kentucky, and took part in the engage- ment before that city, where his intimate friend and messmate, Perry Weikle, was killed, and William II. Birely, of the same company, was seriously wounded. In this engagement his regiment was heavily de- pleted by having a large number of its mem- bers taken prisoners while falling back to Lexington, and from there fought their way to Louisville, where they remained until rein- foreed. They were then assigned to General Buell's army and took part in the battle at Perryville, being in the hottest part of the fight, and his regiment was again reduced in number by killed, wounded and taken prison- ers. From there what remained went to Nashville, remaining there some time, and then advanced and took part in the battle of Stone River, where he was captured while guarding ammunition and stores, near Nolens- ville, and was paroled, the following being a copy of the oath he was obliged to take:
" NOLENSVILLE, TENNESSEE, . December 30, 1862. " I, IIngh Dougherty, private of Com- pany F, Ninety-fourth Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, U. S. A., do take a solemn oath not to take up arms against the Confederate Ststes Troops, nor reveal anything I may have learned derogatory to the interests of the Confederate States of America, nor do any police or constabmlary duties until I shall have been properly exchanged, under pen- alty of death. HUGH DOUGHERTY.
" Witness, Lientenant-Colonel M. II. HIaw- kins, of General Wheeler's staff."
He was then sent baek to Nashville, and
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Hugh Dougherty
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from there was sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, to remain until exchanged. Learning while there of the serious illness of his elder brother Abraham, who was a member of the same company and regiment, and who had been sent back very sick, he made a visit home, and after his brother's death reported for duty, but was soon after taken quite sick and dis- charged from the service. He then went to Greenville, Ohio, and was soon after appointed deputy recorder, and filled that position for more than two years. In 1865 he located in Bluffton, and for six months was engaged in the mercantile business as a clerk, when he became associated in business with his uncle, John Studabaker, and for seven years was in the produce business. In the mnean- time he became assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Bluffton, which subse- quently merged into the Exchange Bank of John Studabaker & Co., composed of IIon. John Studabaker, Major Peter Studabaker and the subject of this sketeli. IIis partners are pioneer citizens and excellent business men, and second cousins of the well-known Studedaker Bros., of South Bend, Indiana. The firm of John Studabaker & Co. have a large and extensive business, and in banking Mr. Dougherty proves to be successful and popular. Ile is not only an enterprising business man, but is always one of the first to advance the interests of anything that is cal- enlated to promote the publie welfare. In 1871, as trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he became a member in 1866, he was selected as financial and bnsi- ness manager during the erection of their new church edifice. In 1868, while serving as one of the school trustees, it was mainly through his enterprise and influence that the then large and commodious school building was erected. Ile was largely instrumental in pushing to successful and final completion
the Fort Wayne, Cincinnati & Louisville Railroad, and was superintendent of the con- struction of the section between Fort Wayne and Bluffton. He was also interested in the Toledo, St. Louis & Kansas City Railroad, and in company with James Crosbie built the section between Bluffton and Warren. Ile was one of the projectors of the gravel roads and turnpikes that have proved so beneficial to Wells County. Politically he is a Demo- erat and his advice in party affairs is sought in connty, district and State campaigns. In 1870 he was elected State Senator, and rep- resented Wells and Huntington counties ereditably for four years. While a Senator he voted, in 1873, for the now famous Baxter bill, in favor of the local control of the liquor tratlic. This vote by Mr. Dougherty was a matter of conscience, and although at the time the members of his party in the Senate were generally opposed to the bill, and voted against it, yet he still adheres to the doctrine laid down in that law. In 1878 he was a candidate for the nomination for Con- gress, and was defeated on the 114th ballot by only five votes. It is the opinion of his friends that he would have been nominated for Congress by the Democratic Convention at Bluffton in 1886, had he not promptly de- elined when his name was presented. Ile was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention at Chicago in 1884 that noin- inated Cleveland and Hendricks. In April, 1887, he was appointed by Governor Gray and the other State officers one of the Soldiers' Monmnent Commissioners, under an act of the Legislature passed in the session of 1887, the other members of the Commission being General Lew Wallace, IIon. Samnel B. Voyles, Hon. George J. Langsdale and Hon. Daniel M. Ramsdell. On account of pressing business engagements, and being somewhat broken in health, he relnetantly declined the
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distinguished honor and tendered his deelina- tion of the trust. IIe was married October 25, 1877, to Miss Emma Gilliland, the only daughter of Theodore F. and Elizabeth (Sheldon) Gilliland, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mrs. Dougherty was born June 22, 1857, at Sterling, Illinois. Her parents are natives of New York, and of Seoteh-Irish deseent. She has been since girlhood a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She is a lady of refinement and takes great interest in all that tends to better the condition of society. They have one child, Elizabeth, born March 23, 1885, who is the pride and joy of their home. Mr. Dougherty is a member of Bluff- ton Lodge, No. 1838, Knights of Honor, and is also a member of Lew Daily Post, No. 33, G. A. R. Ile is a publie-spirited and influ- ential citizen, generous and kind-hearted. To all worthy objeets he contributes liberally of his means. His career has been useful, popular and honorable.
EV. JONATHAN J. MARKLEY is a native of Wells County, Indiana, born in Harrison Township, March 7, 1839. Ilis parents, John and Melinda (Wilson) Markley, were natives of Maryland and Ohio respectively, the father born near Baltimore March 10, 1809, and reared in Pennsylvania, and the mother born January 12, 1816. They were married in Madison County, Ohio, and to them were born eleven children, eight of whom grew to maturity, their names in order of their birth being as follows: Mrs. Rachel Adsit, living in Iroquois County, Illinois; Jonathan J., the subject of this sketch; Will- iam D., residing in Wells County; Mrs. Ellen J. Studabaker, of Wells County; Mrs. Tillie J. Sturgis, of Bluffton; Lewis P., of Greene County, Ohio; Samuel T., of Clinton
County, Indiana, and Wilson A., living on the old homestead in Harrison Township. The parents were pioneer settlers of Wells County, settling in the wilderness of Harri. son Township in February, 1837, about two years after their marriage. The father died on his pioneer homestead in 1869. Ile came to the county a poor man, but by industry and frugality he accumulated a large property, leaving at his death about 700 acres of land besides considerable personal property. He was a man of sterling character, and one whose word was considered as good as his bond, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. In politics he was formerly a Whig, and later a Republican. For about twenty years previous to his death he was a consistent member of the Christian church. The widowed mother still resides on the old homestead in Harrison Township with her son Wilson. Rev. Jonathan J. Markley, the subject of this sketch, has spent most of his lite in Wells county, receiving his early edu- cation in the common schools of the county. He was a student at Liber College in Jay County, and later attended the Union Chris- tian College in Sullivan County, Indiana, finishing his studies when twenty-eight years of age. In 1865 he united with the Chris- tian church, and from that time has devoted himself to the cause of the Master. Ile commeneed his ministerial work in 1869, and was ordained in 1872. Since 1869 he has had charge of the Christian church at Mur- ray. Mr. Markley was united in marriage. January 18, 1871, to Miss Mary Hoffinan, who was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, August 18, 1840, a daughter of Philip Hoff- inan, of Wells County. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Markley made his home on section 19, Lancaster Township, near his present residence, and is still living in that scetion. Ile owns a fine farm property con-
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taining 210 acres, which is under a good state of cultivation. In politics Mr. Markley is a Republican. He is an active temperance worker, and in sympathy with prohibition.
ENRY W. LIPKEY, merchant at Uniondale, was born in Union Town- ship January 2, 1859, son of Henry and Rachel (Crum) Lipkey. The father was born in Brooke County, Virginia, and removed tu Mahoning County, Ohio, where he was married and where four of his children were born-Charles, Mary, William and Amos (deceased). James, Elizabeth, Austin, Rachel, Wesley, Margaret, Daniel and Henry were born in Union Township, this county. They settled upon the farm now occupied by the mother, about 1857. James married Martha Longshore, and they have two children- -- Jesse and Hattie; Elizabeth became the wife of George W. Black, and they have two chil- dren-Ilnbert and Minnie; William married Mollie Friedlein, and their children are Clif- ford and Nova. Charles manages the farm, and the mother and Mary make their home with him. Austin, Rachel, Wesley, Marga- ret and Daniel are deceased. Henry was edu- cated in Union Township, and when fourteen years of age began business for himself. Ile was the pioneer merchant of Uniondale, and the first business house was built by him. This was then a country cross-road, and no thought had existed that an enterprising vil- lage would in a few years mark the site now inside the boundary of Uniondale. Ilis stock of goods was of a general character, and the growth of the town made him a fine trade. From the small investment of a few dollars the trade has increased until a large stock of merchandise now graces the shelves, In No- vember, 1883, a partnership was formed with
Mr. William Newhard, which has continued to the present time. January 25, 1886, he was appointed postmaster, and was the first postmaster of Uniondale. He was the first appointed ticket agent of the Chicago & At- lantie Railroad Company at this village, and from the very first has been identified with the business interests of Uniondale.
OBERT P. LAMBERT, farmer, Not- tingham Township, was born in Queens Connty, Ireland, April 7, 1847, son of William and Susan Lambert. When he was three years of age his parents came to Amer- ica, locating in Butler County, Ohio, where they remained about two years, then removed to Wayne County, this State, where the father followed farming until 1859. They then came to this county and settled in Chester Township, where the father had purchased land prior to coming to this county. They did not make a permanent location on this land, as it was a wild forest, but rented some land in Nottingham Township. The mother died while on the voyage across the ocean, and while living in Butler County the father married Matilda Moore, who died in Not- tingham Township, in August, 1860, the father following her five days later. The only children were Robert P. and Susan Jane, the latter dying a short time previous to the death of the father. Robert P. was thus left at the age of thirteen years, withont brother or sister, and he was thrown upon his own resources. May 12, 1872, he was married to Miss Caroline Harding, a native also of Queens County, Ireland, and danghter of Arthur and Lavinia (Dickison) Harding. Mr. Lambert enlisted in the service of the Union. lle served mostly under General Thomas, and remained with his command until the
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time of his discharge. Ile is a member of Lew Daily Post, at Bluffton. Mrs. Lam- bert's father died in Ireland, and her mother afterward removed to Manchester, England, and was living when last heard from. Mrs. Lambert came to America alone when twenty- three years of age, and heard of her father's death at Castle Garden, New York. She then came to this county.
DMUND B. SHAW, farmer, Notting- ham Township, was born in the State of New York, September 18, 1824, son of Patrick and Cynthia (Beers) Shaw, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Connectieut. When he was a mere child his parents removed to Warren County, Ohio, thenee, after a short time, to Wayne County, Indiana, where the father died. The mother then removed to Butler County, and when Edmund B. was fourteen years of age the family again removed to Darke County, where the mother died about 1810. At the age of sixteen years Edmund went to Preble County to learn the tanner's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He then gave up the trade and went to teaming, which he followed in connection with farm work un- til he was twenty-eight years old. In 1853 he came to Wells County, settling in Not- tingham Township; and during his residence of thirty-five years in the county, his resi- dence has been within a mile and half of where he now resides. Ile was married in 1845 to Miss Jane Harter, born and reared in Darke County, Ohio. She died April 22, 1864. They had ten children. Those living are-Eliza E., wife of Ansel B. Tinsley, lives in Delaware County; Alonzo B. resides in Muncie; William C. also lives in Muncie; Richard resides in Blackford County; Mary
Elizabeth, wife of Alfred Stookey, lives in Muncie. The deceased are-Reed, George, Catherine, Jane and Esther Lovisa. Mr. Shaw married his present wife, formerly Mar- garet Glessner, in January, 1866. She was born in Waynesburg, Stark County, Ohio, and a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Koontz) Glessner, who died in that county, the mother in 1856. Mrs. Shaw was first married to Simon Watkins, who died in 1862. By his first marriage Mr. Shaw had three children -- W. A., John S., who re- sides in Nottingham Township, and Mary Jane, wife of Milton Holloway. By his sec- ond marriage are five children-Rosella F., Cynthia Ann, Thomas J., Margaretta and Gertie. In the fall of 1862 Mr. Shaw en- listed in the army, and October 19 was mus- tered into the service as a member of Company A, Forty-seventh Veteran Volun- teers, under Colonel James R. Slack. Ilis command was assigned to the Thirteenth Army Corps under General Grant. When Mr. Shaw reached Indianapolis he was taken sick. ITis son Reed, who had gone to the front, took his place, and served one year for his father. Mr. Shaw then resumed his place in his command, and Reed re-enlisted and served through the entire war. ITis health became so much impaired by exposure that he never recovered his strength, and died soon after. Mr. Shaw served mostly in the department of West Mississippi, and re- inained with his command during all their battles and marches. He took part in the last struggle of the Rebellion, at Forts Span- ish and Blakely, and the capture of Mobile. Ile was mustered out at Baton Rouge, and discharged at Indianapolis, November 2, 1865, and returned home. Mr. and Mrs. Shaw are members of the Protestant Method- ist church, and he is an advisory member. Ile is serving as constable of Nottingham
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