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 33
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 33
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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
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HISTORY OF WELLS COUNTY.
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belongs to the United Brethren church. In politics he is a Republican. He is a mem- ber of Salamonie Lodge, No. 392, I. O. O. F., at Warren.
ILLIAM LIPKEY, a prominent agri- enlturist of Union Township, with whose interests he has been identified for many years, was born in Brooke County, Virginia, May 26, 1822, a son of Charles and Margaret (Crow) Lipkey, the father having served as a soldier during the war of 1812. Ile was the only son in a family of six chil- dren of Henry and Mary Ann Lipkey, and was of German descent, his father, Henry Lipkey, coming from Germany when sixteen years of age. Ile was a soldier during the war of the Revolution. Charles and Mar- garet Lipkey were the parents of the follow- ing children - Henry, who died leaving a family of four sons and two daughters; Philip, Charles (deceased), Margaret Jane, deceased, wife of Edward Meacham, left at her death two sons; Elizabeth married George Clemmens, and has three sons; Rachel and Catherine died unmarried, and William, the subject of this sketch. In September, 1822, the parents removed with their family from Virginia to Trumbull County, Ohio, and there our subject spent his boyhood and early manhood in agricultural pursuits. In 1848 he started on foot with knapsack on his back, from Trumbull County, and in this way traveled to Wells County, Indiana, and pre- empted the land on which he now resides, being the southeast quarter of section 13, township 28 north, range 11 east. Mr. Lip- key was married February 1, 1854, to Miss Belinda S. Lewis, a daughter of Wheeler and Abiah Lewis, of Connecticut. Mr. and Mrs. Lipkey joined the Methodist Episcopal
church in December, 1856, and became active, earnest members and liberal support- ers of the Christian religion. Mrs. Lipkey was for many years an invalid, yet peacefully and quietly awaited the end of her earthly pilgrimage, and died in the blessed hope of a glorious immortality, November 7, 1886. Mr. Lipkey has been a member of the quar- terly conference of his church for nearly thirty years, either as trustee, steward, class- leader or superintendent of the Sabbath- school. He is one of the public-spirited, enterprising citizens of Wells County, and is always ready to assist in all things that may add to the welfare of the people. Ile is frequently called upon to act as executor, administrator or guardian, and is always found to be efficient, capable and honest, and is a man highly respected by all who know him, for his uprightness of character. IIe is a good neighbor, a trustworthy friend and a Christian gentleman. In his political views he is a Republican. He is a member of the Masonic lodge, belonging to Ossian Lodge, No. 297.
OSEPH SEAMAN, of Zanesville, was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, November 19, 1816, son of John and Elizabeth (Loeb) Scaman, also natives of Pennsylvania. John Seaman was a son of Eberhardt Seaman, who was born in Ger- many. His wife was also born in Germany, and they were married in that country. They immigrated to America and were among the earliest settlers of Berks County. They had five children -Jonathan, George, John and Elizabeth; the name of the other child is nn- known. The children all lived and died in Pennsylvania, except the youngest, who moved to Maryland. Joseph removed to
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Trumbull County, Ohio, in the spring of 1836, where he married Maria Bailey, dangh- ter of Jacob and Barbara ( Rupright) Bailey, of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. Her par- ents had nine children-Peter, John, George, Maria, Elizabeth, Susanna, Barbara, Cather- ine and Sarah. They were all reared and married in Ohio. Mr. Seaman, after his marriage, worked at the earpenter's trade until he removed to Indiana in 1854, although he had a farm. Their children were all born in Ohio, and all came with them to this State. Mary A. married Lewis Raber; Sarah A. married William Raber, and died in 1855; Eliza became the wite of Noah Blouser; Jonathan married Betty Me- Bride; George A. married Maria Schunk; Adaline married Jacob Kaiser; AAngeline married Daniel Shoup; William II. married Kate Kaiser; Emanuel R. married Clara J. Bechtel. Only four of these children are living-Jonathan, Adaline, Mary and Eliza. Adaline and Angeline were twins. When Mr. Scaman came to Union Township in 1854 he settled upon the farm that he now owns. A small frame house had been built, and fifty acres partially eleared. His wife died March 18, 1883, and February 10, 1884, he married Mrs. Hannah Rupright, daughter of William and Susan (Furney) Shepler. They settled in the village of Zanesville, and have resided there ever since. Mr. Seaman made the first land appraisement in Union Township under the new law, and has also served as trustee of the township. lle was one of the founders of the Lutheran ehureh in Union Township, and his labor aided largely in its establishment. From its organization in 1860 he has been an eller, and was clerk for many years. Politically he is an earnest Democrat, and never loses faith in the ultimate success of his party. Of the children of his parents, Catherine
married Samuel Stein, and resides at Cale- donia, Michigan; Benjamin married Eliza- beth Kauffman; Reuben, deceased, married Catherine Loeb, and after her death, her cousin, Sarah Loeb, also deceased.
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HOMAS MORRIS, M. D., is a native of Kentucky, born in Bracken County, August 6, 1848, a son of John P. and Mary Ann (McClennahan) Morris, the father being a native of the same county, and a descendant of an old Kentucky family. The great-grandfather of our subjeet eame from Maryland to Kentucky in the pioneer days of that State, and settled at Angusta, when the surrounding country was a wilderness. lle represented his eonnty in the Kentucky Leg- islature several terms. Ilis son, the grand- father of our subject, was a surveyor, and laid out the greater part of Bracken County. The father of Dr. Morris was a farmer, which avocation he followed the greater part of his life. lle is still living in Braeken County, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. The mother died August 5, 1868. Thomas Morris, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in his native county, being reared to the avocation of a farmer, and receiving his education in the common schools. lle followed farming and dealing in real estate at different times until about 1875, when he began the study of medicine with a physician of Kentucky, and afterward studied under the preceptorship of his brother, Dr. George P. Morris, of Grant County, Indiana. In 1879 he entered Fort Wayne Medical College, and graduated from that institution in 1881. lle then commeneed the practice of medieine at Roll, Blackford County, Indiana, and in 1883 came to Mount Zion, Wells County, where he has since followed his profession,
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HISTORY OF WELLS COUNTY.
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and has succeeded in establishing a good prac- tice and is the present postmaster at the latter place. Dr. Morris was married in Wells County, May 11, 1575, to Miss Sarah A. Lee, a native of Wells County, and a dangh- ter of Jonathan R. Lee, one of the pioneers of Jackson Township. Her parents are still living in Jackson Township. Dr. and Mrs. Morris are the parents of two sons- Osear E. and George B. The doctor is a member of the Odd Fellows order, belonging to Salamonie Lodge, No. 392, at Warren. Ile is a member of the Methodist Protestant church.
B ENJAMIN C. BATSON is a native of Wells County, Indiana, born in Jackson Township, November 14, 1847, son of Nathaniel and Nancy (Ralston) Batson. Ile was reared in his native township, on the home farm, his youth being passed in assist- ing with the work of the farm and attending the district schools, March 7, 1567, he was united in marriage to Miss Alice Davis, a native of Highland County, Ohio, born No- vember 5, 1847, a daughter of Samnel and Margaret (Cloud) Davis. Of the four chil- dren born to this union one son, Lewis Ben- jamin, is deceased. The names of those yet living are-Henry S., James C. and Alice Emily. Mr. Batson lived on the old home- stead with his parents for eight years after his marriage, when he settled on his present farm on section 11 of Jackson Township. Ilis land at that time was in a wild state, heavily covered with timber, and entirely un- improved. Of his sixty acres he has cleared about thirty-five acres which he has brought under cultivation, and has erected his present residence and other buildings besides making other substantial improvements on his place.
Mr. and Mrs. Batson are members of the Christian church. In politics he casts his suffrage with the Democratic party, his father having also been a life-long Democrat.
JEORGE F. MOWERY, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Salt Creek, Pickaway County, Ohio, July 21, 1851. Ilis father, Peter Mowery, was also a native of that county, born June 9, 1829, son of Jacob Mowery, who was of German descent. Ilis mother, Lydia (King) Mowery, was born in Jackson, Ohio, August 19, 1829, daughter of John George and Catherine (Myers) King. Both were reared on a farm and followed that occupation until 1865, when they removed to this county, where the father purchased 340 acres of improved land six miles southeast of Bluffton. They were the parents of eight children, four of whom are living. The mother died May 30, 1870, and the father afterward married Mary A. Gottschalk; he died September 22, 1871. Our subjeet was fourteen years of age when his parents came to Wells County. He was educated in the county sehools, and remained with his par- ents until their death. October 19, 1871, he was married to Miss Mary A. French, danghter of John G. French, and they set- tled upon a piece of land containing seventy- three acres which his father had given him. Ile resided there two years, then purchased eighty aeres of unimproved land, which he partially improved. He paid $1,000 for the land and sold it for twice that sum in eighteen months. After this he rented one year, then bought forty acres of Samuel Gen- sell. In 1881 he purchased his present farm, which consisted of fifty-three aeres, then sold three acres to Lewis King. He now has a fine farm of fifty acres. Mr. and Mrs. Mow-
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cry are the parents of six children-John W., Franklin E., Eliza A., Sanford L., Clara Catherine and Harriet M. Mr. Mowery served as constable two years, and in politics affiliates with the Democratic party. Ile ' and his wife are members of the Christian church.
OHN G. BENNETT, farmer, Harrison Township, was born in Huntingdonshire, England, January 7, 1827, son of John and Mary (Tansley) Bennett, natives of the same place. Ilis father was in limited eir- enmstances, and he was put to hard work when very young, going from one field to another attending to stock. When only nine years of age he was taken from school and went to work for wages on a farm. His work was plowing, for which he received from 37 to 40 cents a week. He made his home with his parents until he was sixteen years of age, then hired out for $25 per year. The second. year he received $35, and from that time until twenty-four years of age he received 860 a year. In this way he saved enough money to bring him, in May, 1851, to the United States to make a visit. He was induced by his uncle to remain here, and the following year his parents came. He remained in Chester County, Pennsylvania, a year, and in June, 1852, went to Canada, and thence the following September came to Wells County, Indiana. He worked for Robert Turner in building one mile of plank road on the Bluffton and Fort Wayne road. In the fall of 1852 he and his father made 2,000 rails and chopped 100 cords of wood in the winter of 1852-'53. Besides making a living, all the money he received was a five-frane piece. The following spring he rented a farm of his former employer for one season. The
next year he dng wells and quarried rocks in Bluffton at $1.00 per foot, furnishing everything himself. In the summer of 1854 he purchased forty aeres of land upon which he now lives, that had very little improve- ment upon it. He commeneed at once to improve his farm, but during the summers of 1856-'7-'8 he was engaged in building a plank road from Warren to Iluntington for James Crosbie. Since that time he has been engaged in farming, and from time to time has added to his first purchase until he now owns 184 acres of land, seventy-five acres be- ing in a good state of cultivation. Ilis father died September 16, 1864, aged sev- enty-five years, and his mother died October 8, 1877, at the age of seventy-four years. May 19, 1860, he was married to Miss Emma Lafferty, daughter of David and Nancy (Westfall) Lafferty. She was born in Ohio and came to Wells County when four years of age. Of their ten children, six are living- John C., Mary Ann, Ida J., George D., Alice M. and Lena Ellen. George E. died at the age of sixteen months, and three died in early infancy. Mr. Bennett is a member of the Old-School Baptist church, and politically is a Republican.
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OIN I. FERGUSON, of Ossian, is among the oldest residents of Wells County, having been born in this county in the year 1840. Ilis parents, James and Eliza (Ilume) Ferguson, were born in Scot- land, the father in the northern part, and the mother in Edinburgh. His paternal grand- father, George Ferguson, was a millwright by trade, and was at one time very wealthy. When twenty years of age James Ferguson immigrated from Scotland to Canada, and on the same vessel was the little girl who after-
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ward became his wife. Her parents both died before her third year. They arrived in Canada in 1820, where the girl grew to womanhood. James worked at the baker's trade some and also purchased a farm. He had two brothers, Thomas and John, who came to Canada, and resided near James. John was a sailor for many years, but finally gave up the sea and settled upon land. James Ferguson married Eliza Hume, April 9, 1833, the same little girl who crossed the ocean in 1820. Rev. MeCanley performed the marriage ceremony. Mrs. Ferguson was born March 3, 1809. Three children were born in Canada-Charlotte, George Il. and Agnes II. After his marriage James decided to change his locality, and February 1, 1834, he started on horseback and traveled across the country to Vermont and New Jersey, and February 22, arrived home at Hopetiek, Canada. He kept a diary of his travels, now in possession of his son, John H., who has in his possession a slate and some earpenter tools which belonged to his grandfather George. Not being pleased with that conn- try, he returned to his home in Hopefield, Canada, on February 22, being gone twenty- two days, and his brother Thomas having been in the vicinity of Fort Wayne, and writing encouraging letters, he decided to sell his farm in Canada and locate in Indiana. The family arrived in Allen County in the fall of 1838, having made most of the journey from Quebec via the lakes. Here James worked at various occupations for a few months, and in the fall of 1838 purchased 123 aeres of land, which is now owned by his son James W., in Jefferson Township. In February of the year 1840 the family moved into their new cabin in the wild woods, and for the first time felt the joy of living on free soil that was purchased and owned in a free connty. James early became a natu-
ralized citizen, and as he had at least $600 cash to begin life in the new country, his family fared well. He was a typical Scotch- man, and was one of the most earnest work- ers of the day. The first corn planted was devoured by squirrels and blackbirds, and the land was then sown in buckwheat. This proved a fair erop, and supplied his family through the winter. Ile was not one of the noted hunters of early times, but his per- sistent labor brought far larger returns. He was a great reader, a profound thinker and reasoner, and a devout Presbyterian. He was one of the first members of the first Presbyterian organized church in the county, and was one of the trustees appointed by the General Assembly of the State, approved Jan- mary 13, 1845, Isaac Summers being his confrere. The church was known as the First Presbyterian Church of Elhanan. Near this church he donated an acre of ground for a publie cemetery, in care of the trustees of the church. Mr. Ferguson was earnest in his endeavor to inculcate principles of morality and social virtues among the people, and the character of this neighborhood may now be largely attributed to these influences, which gave an impetus in the right direction. Five children were born in Jefferson Town- ship -- John II., Ellen M., James W., Charles and Nettie I. The father was an earnest Whig, and one of the founders of the Repub- lican party in this county. IIe was a leader among men, and his counsels were largely sought. Ile was one of the trustees of the township for three years, and one of the first road supervisors. At his demise he had reached the age of seventy-five years. His wife's death occurred in 1881, at the age of seventy-two years. She was a lady of more than ordinary intelligence, a great reader, and took a deep interest in politics. Their children are all married except the youngest
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danghter. Charlotte married Christian Drage, a wagon-maker, residing in Allen County, near Middletown. George HI. was a teacher for many years, and died January 20, 1859, aged twenty-three years. Agnes II. became the wife of Lewis Myers, a farmer and ear- penter of Jefferson Township. Ellen M. married Frederick Drage, and resides with her three sons in Marion Township, Allen County. James W., who resides on the old homestead, married Mary Wagner. Charles married Isabella White, and resides near his brother James. John Il., our subject, is now a trustee of the Presbyterian church in his father's stead, while his brothers, James W. and Charles, are elders of the same church. Ile was a soldier during the war of the Re- bellion, enlisting in Angust, 1862, a member of Company F, Eighty-eighth Indiana Infan- try. Ile rose from the ranks to the office of Corporal, was promoted to Sergeant, in which position he served until the close of the Rebellion. He participated in the noted battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chicka- manga, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, the Atlanta campaign, with Sherman on his march to the sea, tramped through the Carolinas, and finally engaged in the battle of Bentonville. IIe was wounded at the battle of Stone River, and was also injured at Missionary Ridge on July 3, 1863, after erossing Elk River, but was off duty only a few days. After his return from the war, April 26, 1866, he was married to Miss Maggie Clark, daughter of Abram and Catherine Clark, of Ossian. Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson had four children- Jennie E., Marion J., and Albert B. are living; the oldest, a son, died unnamed. All the com- forts that wealth conld procure were lavished upon Mrs. Ferguson, but her health declined day by day, and her demise occurred May 2, 1885. The remains were buried in Oaklawn
cemetery, at Ossian. Ilis sister Nettie I. and daughter Jennie E. have since acted as housekeepers for the family. Ile is now engaged to marry an amiable lady by name of Mrs. Naney Richie, in the near future. Mr. Ferguson lives in a style befitting a man of education and wealth, and such as one deserves who risked his life that the nation might live. In the year 1884 Mr. Ferguson composed quite a lengthy poem on the War of the Rebellion, which has never come out in print.
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ENRY S. CLOUD, an active and pro- gressive farmer of Chester Township, was born in Clinton Connty, Ohio, April 27, 1837, a son of Henry S. and Annie (Laymon) Cloud, natives of Ohio and Penn- sylvania respectively. The mother was brought to Ohio when young, and was mar- ried in that State to the father of our subjeet, who died the same year of the birth of his son Ilenry S. The latter was reared in Clinton Connty until fifteen years of age, when he left his native State for Indiana, and after remaining a short time near Muncie he came to Wells County, and has since been identified with the interests of this county, but shortly after coming here he found em- ployment in Blackford and Grant counties. Ile worked for a number of years as a farm laborer in Wells County, and sometime in the '60s he purchased the farm in Chester Township, where he has since made his home. Of this land only a few aeres had been eleared for farm nse, on which stood an old log build- ing; and at that time not a house had been built in the present village of Mount Zion, of which his house now forms a part. All the improvements have been made on the farm by Mr. Cloud, and the present commodious
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dwelling and good farm buildings have been erected since he settled here. Ile was mar- ried in Wells County, January 12, 1860, to Miss Mary Batson, a native of Wells County, and a daughter of Nathaniel and Naney (Ralston) Batson, who were among the early settlers of this county. To them were born six children-James Demming, Samuel Den- ton, Mary Deleie, Miami Dell, Lewis Del- mer and Henry Delfries. In politics Mr. Cloud was reared a Democrat, but takes an independent position in the political affairs of his township or county. When twenty- seven years of age he was elected supervisor of his township, serving at that time one term. llis next office was that of justice of the peace, which he filled eflieiently for one term, and in 1881 was again elected town- ship supervisor, which position he has since filled, serving to the best interests of his county. Ile is also notary public, having been appointed to that oflice in the spring of 1886. Mr. Cloud has carried the mail between Mount Zion and Boehmer about ten years. He is a member of the Masonic fra- ternity, belonging to King Lodge, No. 146, at Warren. Mr. Cloud was bereaved by the death of his wife on the 17th of January, 1881.
EORGE A. HARNISH, photographer, Bluffton, Indiana, was born in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, September 27, 1847, a son of Jacob and Susan (Miller) ITarnish, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. Ile lived on his father's farm until nineteen years of age, when he went to Myerstown and began to learn the art of photography. In the spring of 1867 he ae- companied his parents West and located in Bluffton, where he has since lived. He was
married in 1871 to Miss Laura Myers, a na- tive of Wells County, born April 13, 1850, a daughter of David and Rachel (Miller) Myers, natives of Ohio, but early settlers of Wells County, loeating here in 1837. Mr. and Mrs. ITarnish have one daughter-Jen- nie, born October 12, 1872. They are mem- bers of the German Reformed church, of which he is an elder. Mr. ITarnish is a member of Bluffton Lodge, No. 145, A. F. & A. M. Ile was one of the councilmen of Bluffton elected in 1881, and served a term of two years.
OIIN T. GLASS, farmer, Jefferson Town- ship, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, February 16, 1815, son of Ann and John Glass. The latter was born in Maryland soon after the Revolutionary war. Ilis parents were natives of Ireland, and John was born soon after their arrival in America. The entire history of the family is not known, but it is known that there was another brother, George, who became a physician and located somewhere in the South. There were three daughters-Hannah married Thomas Strain, and resided near Parkersburg, West Virginia; Naney married Thomas Hamilton, an Irishman, who for many years was a popu- lar landlord at Steubenville, Ohio, where he died, leaving no heirs. The other sister mar- ried a gentleman named Parker, who was the original proprietor of Parkersburg, Virginia, and in whose honor the place was named. They had six or more children, but all trace of them has been lost. John Glass, Sr., came to Pennsylvania about 1790, having been a boatman on the Ohio River, running between Pittsburg and Memphis. Abont 1795 he was married to Ann Johnston, in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Their children were
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
-Esther, James, Mary, Ann, Rebecca, Sarah and Nancy. About 1809 the Glass family removed to Wayne County, Ohio, and pre- empted a quarter scetion of land. They were among the earliest settlers of that county. Ten years later an exchange of farms was made, and the family removed to Beaver County, Pennsylvania. Four children were born in Wayne County-John T., William J., Andrew and Lueinda. The parents remained upon their farm in Pennsylvania until their death. The mother died the same summer of their removal, and the father lived to be about cighty years of age. Four of the chil- dren came to this county, and were among the earliest settlers of Jefferson Township. Esther married Joseph Gorrell, Esq .; Lucinda married James Barkley in Pennsylvania, who with his two brothers, JJames and John, be- came residents of this county. Barkley and his family now live in Buchanan County, this State. The others remained in this county. There are now only six members of the original Glass family living. William mar- ried Miss Fidelia Stephens, of Indianola, Texas, and has nine children-John, William, Hodge, Glendora, Mary, Kate, Clover, Barney J. and Maggie. This family resides in De Witt County, Texas, where they own a large amount of real estate. Ann married Andrew McGaflick, of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, and has three daughters-Maggie, Rebceea and Mary J. Maggie married Samuel Smith; Rebecca is the wife of James Laughlin, and Mary J. became the wife of John McMillan, a grandson of Major John MeMillan, one of the first settlers of the State of Pennsylvania. Sarah married John Johnston, and had four daughters-Mary A., who married William Slantz; Louisa, wife of Thornton B. Hunter, of this township; Naney J., unmarried, and Melissa, who married Silas Gailey. Nancy married Joseph Lawrence, and she has two
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