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 28
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 28
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
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
Kellogg Nelson
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Episcopal church for more than forty years. Mrs. Cartwright's grandfather, Thomas Mc- Coy, was a native of Scotland, and landed in America three days before Independence was declared, being one of the first to enlist in the struggle. Ile served through the entire war. Ilis wife was Mary Stewart, a native of Ireland and a member of the celebrated Stewart family who possessed fabulous wealth. IIer father was a soldier in the war of 1812, and participated in most of the noted battles. Mr. Cartwright was one of the first men made Master Masons by Ossian Lodge, No. 297, A. F. & A. M., and has since retained a membership with the fraternity.
ELSON KELLOGG, one of the old and honored pioneers of Wells County, is a native of the State of Vermont, born at Starksboro in 1807, of Scotch and German aneestry. He was reared to the avocation of a farmer, and in his youth attended the com- mon schools of his neighborhood and the academy at Hinesburgh, Vermont. During the years 1830 and '31 he was employed as a clerk in his father's store in his native town, and in 1833 he removed with his father's family to Ashtabula County, Ohio, where he remained until 1834. Ile then went to Meadville, Pennsylvania, and attended the college at that place almost two years, pre- paring himself for a teacher, after which he tanght in the schools of Kelloggsville and Greenville, Ohio, nntil 1839. IIe was united in marriage at Greenville in January, 1837, to Mrs. Rachel (Mann) Wiley, who was of English and German origin, and to this union were born four children-Celia, who died at Bluffton, Indiana, in 1849, aged ten years; Martha, wife of James B. Plessinger; Francis N., deputy postmaster, and Mrs.
Rachel Martin, all of whom reside in Bluff- ton. In 1839 Mr. Kellogg came to Wells County, Indiana, and worked at the mason's trade at Bluffton until 1856. Ile then pub- lished a newspaper at Bluffton called the People's Press, until 1861, when he received the appointment of postmaster of Bluffton under President Lincoln's administration, holding that office until deposed by President Johnson in 1866. In 1843 he was elected justiee of the peace, and held that office by re-election for eighteen years. In 1849 he was elected the first mayor of Bluffton. In 1868 he was again elected mayor of Bluffton. During President Grant's administration he was deputy postmaster under his son F. N. Kellogg from 1869 until 1875, after which he was variously employed until 1884, when he retired from the active duties of life on account of his advanced age. In politics he was formerly a Whig, but afterward affiliated with the Republican party. Mrs. Kellogg died at Bluffton in November, 1882, at the age of seventy-eight years. She was for many years a member of the First Presby- terian Church at Bluffton.
ACOB ZIMMERLEE, deceased, an early settler of Union Township, was born in Virginia. But little is known of the history of his parents, as they both died when he was a mere lad, and he found a home with his brother-in-law, Jacob Miller, who married his only sister, Ann. There were three other sous-John, William and David, who settled in Rush County, Indiana, while Mr. Miller eame to Wells County, bringing Jacob with him. David afterward moved to and died in Adams County. Jacob was reared in this county, and withont patrimony began the work of providing a home for himself. He
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drove a team for his brother-in-law several years between Bluffton and Cincinnati, from which city all the goods were transported. lle was fourteen years of age when he came to the county, and at that time there were scarcely any settlements. December 25, 1845, he was married to Clara Brown, and they began housekeeping on the farm now belonging to the Fredrick Eichhorn heirs. Mrs. Zimmerlee was born in Wilks County, North Carolina, February 1, 1824, and was a daughter of Elisha and Elizabeth ( Redding) Brown. The nationality of the Brown fant- ily cannot be ascertained, but the Zimmer- lees are of German origin. When the event of their marriage occurred, 85 would have purchased all their united possessions. Four years after they were married he purchased on credit forty acres of land now owned by Daniel Fisher, and worked by the month to pay for it. During this time his good wife remained alone with her four children and managed to support them by weaving, so that her husband's earnings could all apply on the purchase. After the land was paid for he commenced elearing it and had the task almost completed when he sold it, and in 1861 removed to the farm now owned by his wife. The following spring they went to the Robert Miller farm on the Wabash, and returned in the fall to the farm of J. Roe, two of their children having died during their residence on the Wabash. Two years were spent on the Roe farm during which time he built the cabin that still stands in the door-yard. They removed to their new home in 1863, where they have since resided. Jacob was a shoemaker by trade and during his early married life worked at the bench during the winter season. Their first years of married life were full of hardships, but his last purchase of 110 aeres made him a comparatively wealthy man, and after the
timber was removed it made a fine farm. By will the property was bequeathed to his wife during her lifetime and then descends to her heirs. The death of Mr. Zimmerlee veeurred October 15, 1885, and his remains were in- terred at Markle. They had eight children, five of whom are living-John, who married Caroline Platt; Martha A., wife of Peter C. Leavengood; Daniel, married Naney A. MeLure; Elijah, married Alice Orinsby, and Mary E., wife of Daniel Walter. Elijah is the only child that has engaged in a profes- sion. IIe taught school previous to his mar- riag ., and abandoned his profession to engage in farming. Later he established a tile fae- tory with Daniel Walter near the home farm, which he sold at the death of his father, and he now has charge of the homestead. All are residents of Union Township, and all reside on section 33.
ABRAHAM STUDABAKER was born in , Westmoreland County, Pennsyl- vania, of German deseent, the date of his birth being February 13, 1785, and was one of fourteen children. In 1795 his father moved with his family to Seioto County, Ohio, and in 1804 to Warren County, Ohio. In 1806 our subject married Mary Townsend, who was of English deseent, and belonged to a Quaker family from South Carolina. Two years after his marriage our subjeet with his family, then consisting of his wife and two children, moved to Darke County, Ohio, being one of the pioneers of that county. There he began life on a heavily timbered farm, almost penniless, and built his first log cabin on Government land near Gettys- burgh. It soon became necessary to erect a fort and block-house on his laud to defend himself and family against the Indians, they
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being somewhat troublesome in those times. During the war of 1812 he supplied the Government with cattle for food for the sol- diers and Indians, and at the close of that war he carried the news of peace to Fort Harrison on the Lower Wabash, a distance of about 300 miles and through an unbroken wilderness. On arriving there he found that his brother David, a soldier, had been killed by the Indians a few days previons. Return- ing to his family he entered the land on which he first settled, and when things quieted down he sold his land and settled near Greenville, Ohio, where he purchased a farm. In 1826 his wife died, leaving him with seven children-William, Elizabeth, Mary, David, John, Abraham and Margaret. A few years after his wife's death he was again married to Elizabeth (Hardman) Light- cap, a widow, who was of English deseent, and to this union were born five children- Peter, George, Daniel, Jane and Sarah. In 1833, having acemulated some money, Mr. Studabaker came to Wells County to invest in lands, and among other tracts entered the one on which Bluffton is now situated, and in 1838, when the county seat was located, he donated said land for the benefit of Wells County. In 1838 he established his son John in the mercantile business in Bluffton, and in 1839 he placed his son William on a farm four miles east of Bluffton. He also assisted many of his nephews and nieces to obtain homes in Wells County, and every year until his death he visited the county to visit his sons and friends and encourage them in their new homes. In 1847 he sent his son l'eter to Wells County to clerk for his brother John. He lived on his farm near Greenville, Ohio, from 1815 until his death, which occurred March 15, 1552, at the age of sixty-eight years. Ile was a man of enterprise and good business management, 46
and by these qualities together with persever- ing industry he accumulated quite a fortune, which enabled him to settle twelve children in life. He was for several years commissioner of his eounty, and always gave satisfaction in the discharge of the responsible duties of his office, always working for the good of his county. He was a man of striet integrity, and his word was considered as good as his bond, and was respected and esteemned by all who knew him.
ABRIEL SITROCK, of Harrison Town- ship, was born in Somerest County, Pennsylvania, November 18, 1831, son of Samuel and Christena (Harbaugh) Shrock, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. When he was abont a year old his father died, and he found a home with his grandfather Harbaugh, with whom he lived five years. After this he lived with an uncle, William MeBride, with whom he lived nutil he reached his majority. IIe learned the cabinet maker's trade of his unele, and came to Wells County with him, February 21, 1841. Ile commenced learning the trade when very young, and worked at it until he reached his majority, then started out for himself, without a dollar in money; but he had a strong arm and a willing heart. Ile was married May 23, 1854, to Miss E. B. Gottschalk, a daughter of Jacob Gottschalk, who was born in Germany and crossed the ocean when she was six years old. After his marriage Mr. Shrock settled in Bluffton, where he worked at journey work until he earned enough to establish himself in business, which he was able to do September 16, 1856. In 1873 his health failed somewhat and he was obliged to change his occupation. He then. engaged in carpentering. September 7, ISSI,
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HISTORY OF WELLS COUNTY.
he removed to his present farm, which he had previously purchased. It was then covered with heavy timber, but he soon had it in a good state of cultivation. He now owns ninety-nine and one-half' acres of improved land. Mr. and Mrs. Shrock have had seven children, five of whom are living-Mary J., wife of John W. Owens; Sarah A., Jacob A., George L. and Elizabeth B. Two children died in infancy. The eldest daughter began teaching in Bluffton when fourteen years of age, and taught seven consecutive years. She was considered one of the best primary teachers in Indiana. The children are all fitted for teaching except the youngest. Mr. Shroek has always been and is an honest, hard working man. By his industry and good management he has accumulated a good property. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party.
ILSON DEAM, who is now deceased, was a native of Ohio, born near Day- ton in the year 1825. When a lad he came with his parents to Indiana, in which State he grew to manhood. At the age of twenty-one he located at the present site of Bluffton when this now thriving vil- lage could boast of but one dwelling. Here Mr. Deam engaged in the livery business, as there was much travel, although the sur- rounding country was sparsely settled, and this business he conducted for a period of inore than forty years. For a number of years he also operated the stage line, trans- porting passengers and carrying the mail be- tween Bluffton and Fort Wayne, and this associated with his livery made for him a lucrative business. Mr. Deam was twice married, taking for his first wife Miss Han- nah Burwell, daughter of James Burwell.
Mrs. Deam died leaving one daughter Francis M., now the wife Robert llart, of Kosciusko County, Indiana. About a year after the death of his wife Mr. Deam married Mrs. Richey, widow of S. P. Richey, and to this union were born four children-Belle K., wife of Rev. Thomas Wallace, of Dayton, Ohio; Harry and Hattie (twins), the former being the wife of Professor Isaac C. Mulkins, of St. Joe, Missouri, and Ida M., wife of Rev. G. G. Copeland, of Savannah, Ohio. Mr. Deam died January 25, 1885, and was buried with Masonic honors, he having been a member of that society for many years. In polities he was an miswerving Democrat. In religion he was a Presbyterian, and was a liberal contributor to his church. He was of a genial and generous nature, and made many friends, and his death was a source of universal regret. Ilis widow still survives, and is living in the old homestead at Bluff- ton. Harry Deam, the only son, was born July 16, 1857, and was reared in the town of Bluffton, where he attended school until reaching the age of seventeen years. He then went to Fort Wayne and began elerking for Foster Brothers, and at the close of the year he was promoted to foreman of their mercantile establishment, where he remained three years. IIe then became foreman of a branch house of William Lambert & Co., located at Bloomington, Illinois, where he was engaged seven months, when he returned to Bluffton, and for two and a half years fol- lowing was in the employ of Wiley & Sunier, and A. Curry, all merchants of Bluffton. He then engaged as traveling salesman for the firin of E. M. MeGillin & Co., of Cleveland, Ohio, for one year, when he again returned to Bluffton and formed a partnership with Philo Rogers in the dry goods business, with whom he was associated for one year. He was then appointed inspector and clerk of
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customs at Port Townsend, Washington Ter- ritory, which position he ocenpied for one year, when he was called home owing to his father's illness. Ile then engaged on his own account in the notion and millinery bus- iness, which he condneted until his father's death, and also owned an interest in the livery business with his father. After his father's death he gave up his store and has since given his entire attention to the livery business. April 16, 1884, he was united in marriage to Miss Maggie J. Craig, a dangh- ter of David and Eliza Craig. Mr. Deam is one of the enterprising and successful busi- ness men of Bluffton. lle is a member of the Masonic lodge at Bluffton, holding his membership since 1880. Politically he is an uncompromising Republican. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
ANDREW J. BRICKLEY, of Union Township, was born in Mahoning Coun- ty, Ohio, son of Andrew J. and Jane A. (Wolfcade) Briekley, who reared a family of eleven children in Ohio, and all except two eldest sons and one deceased came to Indiana in 1861, settling in Huntington County. Two sons, John W. and Martin V., came previous to this date, settling in Wells County. A sister, Samantha, came the next year after the eldest brother made a location. Of the children living besides the three men- tioned are-Milo, Andrew, Benjamin, Frank- lin A. and George W. Three unmarried daughters died in Ohio. Andrew J. was sixteen years of age when he first became a resident of Huntington County, and he re- mained with his father nntil he reached his majority. When twenty years oldl he was married to Miss Sarah E. Haflich, daughter
of Samuel and Sarah (Baney) Haflich. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, and married in Ohio. They settled near Crest- line, Richland County, where six children were born - Adaline, Caroline, Catherine, Hannah, Louisa and Sarah. The family re- moved to this State, settling in Rock Creek Township, Wells County, on a farm now owned by William Cover. Here the parents remained until their decease. The children were all married previous to the death of their parents-Adaline became the wife of William Maddox; Caroline married John 1. Dilley; Catherine is now Mrs. John W. Brickley; Hannah is the wife of Solomon Brown; Louisa married William Cover, and Saralı became the wife of our subject Jann- ary 16, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Brickley com- menced housekeeping on the farm of Mr. Brickley's father in Huntington County, and four years later Andrew purchased a farm in Union Township, this county. After elear- ing away the trees he built a small frame barn, into which they moved. The land was still in its original condition. The same fall a frame house was built, which they at once proceeded to occupy. Two children, Liberta E. and Clement A., were born in Hunting- ton County, and Minnie M. was born in this county. They lived on this farm until the new town of Banner was surveyed and platted. Levi Waikel had already engaged in the mercantile business, and our subjeet in the spring of 1883 purchased the stoek and fixtures, taking possession of the goods, and in the autumn of that year erected a handsome residence. Two years later he sold out to Jolin Taylor and purchased a grist-mill at Kelseyville, Allen County, in- tending to remove it to Banner City. Later he brought the machinery to the village, placed it in position, and now operates with his machinery the handle and ball bat factory
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of the Miller Bros. In connection with this his machinery furnishes the motive power for the saw-mill of Levi Waikel, which be- gan to operate in 1986. A mill has been erected for grinding feed, and he has all the machinery for making flour. Although a young man he is a pioneer in this branch of business in the new town. During the late war Milo was drafted in Ohio, but his father procured a substitute. John W. and Martin V. were drafted after their removal to Indi- ana. Joli was disabled and rejected; Mar- tin served during the remainder of the war, was discharged, was taken sick on the way home and died in ten days after his return.
ENRY B. HUFFMAN, one of the progressive farmers of Jackson Town- ship, Wells County, Indiana, is a native of the same township, the date of his birth being February 14, 1544, and is a son of Henry and Catharine (Baker) Huffman. His father being a farmer he was reared to the same avocation, remaining on the home farm in Jackson Township until nineteen years of age. On leaving home he went to Clarke County, Ohio, returning to Wells County one year later. In the fall of 1864 he entered the Union service, going first from Warren to Wabash, thence to Indianapolis, thenee to Louisville, Kentucky, and from there to Nash- ville, Tennessee. Ile started from Nashville to join Sherman's army at Dalton, Georgia, but arrived there too late, when he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, by way of Nashville and the Cumberland River. From Cincinnati he went to C'olumbus, Ohio, where he received his discharge in June, 1565. After leaving the army he went to Blackford County, Indi- ana, where he worked at the carpenter's trade about two years. He then went to Jonesboro,
Grant County, going thence to Marion, and from there to Monroe Township, Grant County, where he was married in April, 1871, to Miss Margaret Catharine Thomason, a native of Grant County, Indiana, a daughter of Absalom and Rosie (Strange) Thomason, who came from Highland County, Ohio, to Grant County, where they made their home until death. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Huffman, Levi Franklin and one who died in infancy. Mr. Huffinan lived in Monroe Township four years, when he removed to Liberty Township, Wells County, and one year later came to the old Huffman homestead in Jackson Township. In July of the same year he bought eighty acres of his present farm, to which he at once removed, adding to his original purchase twenty aeres the same summer. When he first settled on this land about fifty-three acres had been cleared, and a few log build- ings had been built. Ilis farm now contains 180 acres of choice land, of which 120 acres have been cleared and put under good eulti- vation, and his present residence and farin buildings are comfortable and commodious, In the spring of 1877 he erected his fine barn, building his residence in the spring of 1879. Both Mr. and Mrs. Huffinan are members of the Christian church, he being an elder of Pleasant ITill Church. Politically he is a Democrat, and while living in Grant County was elected justice of the peace. Ile is a member of King Lodge, No. 246, A. F. & A. M., at Warren.
AVID T. SMITHI, attorney at law and justice of the peace, Bluffton, was born in Wayne County, this State, about 1830, and moved to Bluffton about 1857, when there were in the neighborhood of half
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a dozen other lawyers in the place. For one term he tilled the position of district attor- ney of the Common Pleas Court, being elected to that oflice just previous to the war. In 1879 he was elected mayor of Bluffton, and served in that capacity one term of two years. At the next election thereafter he was chosen to his present oflice, to which he was re- elected in 1885. He is also secretary of the Short-horn Breeders' Association. Office in the Williamson Block.
OHIN NEFF, deceased, was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, April 4, 1793. Ilis father, Jacob Neff, was born in Germany and came to this country before the Revolutionary war. He died in 1777. ITis wife, Anna Barbara Copp, was also a native of the old country. Our sub- ject was reared on a farm in his native county. He and his mother and one sister removed to Fairfield County, Ohio, which was then a new country. Ile was married in that county May 28, 1827, to Miss Cath- erine Netl', daughter of John Neff, who was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. Iler father was born in the old country, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Nell' settled in Fairfield County, where they lived about one year, then removed to Athens County, where Mr. Neff followed farming until 1865. He then came to this county and purchased his present homestead on section 18, Harrison Township. Mr. and Mrs. Neff have had nine children, all of whom lived to be grown-Levi died in Bluff- ton in 1884; Anna B .; Margaret E., deceased, was the wife of Samnel Friedline; Mary M., deceased; Amelia and Sarah, twins (Sarah is deceased); Catherine, wife of Adam Barte- maley; Jacob J., and Caroline, wife of George
Iligman. Mr. and Mrs. Neff were members of the Presbyterian church. Politically Mr. Neff affiliated with the Democratic party. They both died March 19, 1872, and were buried in one grave, never having been sepa- rated for twenty-four hours since their mar- riage. They had six children born in Athens County. Jacob Neff, a son of the preceding, was born in Athens County, Ohio, October 28, 1850. lle lived on the farm in his native county until he was fifteen years of age, then came with his father to Wells County, where he grew to manhood. Ile was married August 5, 1880, to Miss Sarah M. Zirkel, a native of West Virginia, and daughter of Noah and Nancy (Baumgartner) Zirkel. She came to this county in the spring of 1880, and has sinee resided here. Mr. and Mrs. Neff had two children-Louisa May, born September 1, 1881, and Clara Virginia, born January 15, 1884. Mrs. Netl' died October 14, 1885. In polities Mr. Netl' is a Demo- crat.
- AMUEL H. GALYEAN, a representa- tive of one of the early families of Lancaster Township, is a native of In- diana, born in Henry County, May 13, 1832, a son of Thomas and Tabitha Galyean. Our subject is the only one of his father's family who made part of the family after coming to Wells County, they settling in Lancaster Township in 1842. Ile remained with his father until reaching the age of eighteen years, when he began life for himself. He has spent the greater part of his life in Wells County, and has become one of its most re- spected citizens. He lived two years in Wayne County, and during that time, No- vember 14, 1852, he married Miss Edith Ellis, who was born in that county September
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23, 1833, a daughter of Mordecai and Ruth EHis. Eight chiklren have been born to this union- Mrs. Mary Alice Grove, living in Nebraska; Thomas M. died in his fourth year; Mrs. Tabitha Olive Fox; John Lee married Della Grove, and lives in Nebraska; Ephraimn M. died in his sixteenth year; Sam- uel II., living with his parents; Rachel C. died in her seventeenth year, and Martha E. at home. Mr. Galyean settled on his present farm in 1853 and for a short time occupied a log cabin. He then built a hewed log house, which has since been replaced by a commo- dious two-story frame residence, which the family now occupy, and his other farm build- ings are correspondingly good. The entire improvements on the land have been made by our subjeet and his wife. His farm is located on section 19, Lancaster Township, and consists of 120 acres of well cultivated land, all of which with the exception of five aeres being cleared from the timber by Mr. Galyean. In polities Mr. Galyean is identi- fied with the Republican party. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church. Mr. Galyean was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in October, 1864, in Company B, Fifty-third Indiana Infantry, his regiment being part of the Seventeenth Army Corps. He served until the elose of the war, and was in line at the grand review at Washington in June, 1865. Thomas Galyean, the father of our subjeet, was born in North Carolina, February 22, 1787. Ile was a soklier in the war of 1812, serving a year, and after its close, in 1814, he came with his father, Thomas Galyean, to Wayne Connty, Indiana. Thomas Galyean, Sr., was one of the patriots of the Revolution, serving four years and six months. He died in Wayne County. Thomas Galyean, the father of our subjeet, married Tabitha Warren, a native of Tennessee, born in the year 1789.
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