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 34
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 34
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
daughters-Louisa married Scott Groserose, and Martha married Wilson McMillan. The name is fast dying ont in the country of their nativity, but the ancestral farm in Pennsyl- vania is yet in possession of the heirs. When our subject came to Wells County he was a bachelor, twenty-nine years of age. He had no intention of remaining, and only came to assist his brother in settling in the new country. In 1840, in company with his brother James, a selection of land was made, and each purchased a half section. There were no settlers living in this neighborhood at that time, and the wild woods were full of game. The pea-vines were very high, and not a domestic animal could be found in the neighborhood. The Ilatfield family lived near the south line of what is now Jefferson Township, and there the strangers were made welcome, housed and fed. The uninviting prospect was not such as inspired the brothers to remain, and they returned to Pennsyl- vania. Not until 1845 did John T. return to this county. Jonathan Eddy, Amos Schoon- over and Mrs. Mary Wallace, with their families, had moved in, which comprised the families of the neighborhood. Mr. Glass had erected a cabin on his land, which still re- mains, also the old milk-house, both of which were built almost a half century ago. The cabin was 22 x 18 feet, and two stories in height, and was complete for ocenpaney ex- eept the floor, at a cost of $16. It was built by Abram and John Fulton, the former of whom is still living. At that time this was the best eabin in the neighborhood, having three windows and a good clapboard roof. Mr. Glass was the first man to purchase stoek in the township, beginning the business soon after he settled here. In 1845 he paid from one-half to three-fourths cents gross for stock, and guessed them off at that figure. He and his brother put in the first stock scales in the
....
820
HISTORY OF WELLS COUNTY.
northern part of the county in 1856. Ile began the stock trade without capital, and would trade anything he possessed for stock, except his land. He had a good retail trade with Fort Wayne butchers, and furnished the money that paid for the first car of stock ever shipped over the Pittsburg & Fort Wayne Railroad from Fort Wayne. The prices paid for hogs and sheep from 1845 to 1855 were as follows: The first year, for dressed pork, one and a half cents, purchased from John Studabaker, the packer at Bluff- ton. Very few sheep were in the country, but ranged at one dollar per head. Good steers brought 810. A good farm horse brought from $30 to 840. Wheat was worth from forty to fifty cents, and corn sixteen or seventeen cents. Money was so scarce that even at these figures stock and produce were slow sale, consumers being as scarce as the money. After spending one summer in the woods and trading successfully, he began to think that he would be more prosperous if he had a housekeeper. December 24, 1846, he was married to Miss Margaret llatfield, Reverend Wright, a United Presbyterian minister, performing the marriage ceremony. This was the second marriage in the town- ship, and one of the early ones in the history of the county. The young couple commenced housekeeping in the $16 cabin, and the part- nership then begun has continued to the present time in the greatest harmony. Mr. Glass was not a man of strong innscle, and the giant oaks were felled by other hands. He looked after his stock trade while the wife made his home cheerful, and several children came to bless the fireside-John A., who married Isa D. Todd; James became the husband of Ida Ryan; Andrew J. married Florence Roberts; Maggie J. is now Mrs. Nathaniel Weaver; George is the only one ummarried. Martha A., Milton and William
Wilson died in infancy; the others all reside in Jefferson Township. As Mr. Glass ex- presses it, "when the bell rings for dinner the children can all hear it." The passing years brought greater prosperity, and the broad acres grew into beautiful fields. The old cabin was exchanged for a large two-story frame mansion, and the old barns were sup- plemented by large commodious buildings which shelter herds of fine cattle and other stock. Mr. Glass has been one of the most extensive purchasers of stock in this county, and has been engaged in the business almost half a century. He has purchased stock of almost every farmer throughout Wells, Adams, Jay, Allen and Blackford counties. Although past three seore years and ten, his activity is remarkable, and he rides on horseback as gaily as a youth of eighteen years. His good wife is the same genial housekeeper that in early days greeted the new-comer at her cabin door and made them welcome in this wooden country. Their years of toil set lightly on their shoulders, and the latch-string has ever hung outside the hospitable mansion as well as in the humble cabin. During the first year of their married life Mrs. Glass spun the flax and wove over 100 yards of linen, and this with the butter and other products kept the table well supplied. She often rode on horseback to Zanesville to do her marketing, across the country and through the swamps, yet she never faltered. Many families were dependent upon the sale of roots and raccoon skins for money to supply their needs. The city of Bluffton then contained one log store kept by Stndabaker, and a tavern kept by Almond Case. The entire country has been developed since that time, and her children's children will be proud of the ancestry who have done so much to improve it. Their table has fed thousands of men who have labored, and Mrs. Glass has superintended
...
..
-
AL
-2
-
3
George !!! King
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
823
the entire work. She is now sixty-three years old, and free from the infirmities of age.
EORGE W. KING, trustee of Harrison Township, was born in Fairfield Coun- ty, Ohio, May 8, 1832, a son of George and Catherine (Moyer) King. His father was a native of Virginia, and his grandfather was a native of Germany. Ilis mother was born in Pennsylvania, and of German ances- try. When our subject was two years old his parents removed to Pickaway County, Ohio, where he was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, and June 13, 1852, was married to Miss Catherine Grove, daughter of John and Su- san (Leist) Grove, who was born in Pickaway County, Jannary 30, 1833. Her parents were natives of that county, and their ances- tors were from Pennsylvania. After his marriage Mr. King continued to reside on the old homstead until November, 1865, then came to Indiana and purchased 160 acres of partially improved land in Harrison Town- ship, where he followed farming and stock- raising until 1882, then purchased his present home and ocenpied his fine brick residenee. In the spring of 1886 he was elected town- ship trustee, which oflice he fills creditably. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. King, six are living-Adeline, born June 1, 1853, died December 2, 1858; Lewis Edward, born September 27, 1855, married Lydia Evans; Amos, born December 28, 1857, married Nettie Stewart February 12, 1885; Sarah Ellen, born December 24, 1860, wife of Edwin R. Davis; George Franklin, born December 16, 1863, died September 24, 1865; John Wesley, born April 1, 1867;
Charles Henry, born March 9, 1870, and Clara Catherine, born April 19, 1873. Mr. King is a self-made man, and his sneeess in life is due wholly to his attention to business. By honest dealing he has won the respect and confidence of all who know him. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party. Mrs. King is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church.
-
BARON FLEMING, one of the pioneers of Wells County, and a prosperous agriculturist of Lancaster Township, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, July +, 1817, a son of Absalom and Sarah (Wright) Fleming, who were among the early settlers of that county. They were natives of Dela- ware and Virginia, respectively, and were married in Jefferson County, Ohio. Of the children born to them Aaron was the eldest child and only son. The eldest daughter, Mrs. Diana Cotton, lives in Bluffton; an- other daughter, Jane, lives in Michigan; and Rachel, Mrs. Lydia Stroup and Mrs. Mary Sides are deceased. Aaron Fleming was quite young when his parents settled in Wayne County, Ohio, and there he was reared to manhood, his youth being spent in farm labor. In October, 1838, he started in life for himself, coming to Wells County, Indiana, where he worked as a hired hand for Adam Hatfield for two years for $200, re- ceiving in payment a deed of 100 acres of land on section 2 of Rock Creek Township. One year later he returned to Ohio, and was married in his native State September 15, 1842, to Sarah Bell Kirkpatrick, who was born November 29, 1821, a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Johnston) Kirkpatrick. Eleven children have been born to Mr. and
.
------- -.
.....
-
894
HISTORY OF WELLS COUNTY.
Mrs. Fleming, of whom six died in early childhood. Those yet living are -Mary Jane, wife of Albert Wilson, living in Lancaster Township; Sarah Anu, wife of Jeremiah Sowl, of Union Township; Lydia Bell, wife of James Wilson, of Harrison Township; Drusilla E., wife of Donaldson Wilson, of Union Township; Martha J., wife of David T. Wasson, of Union Township. About two weeks after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Flem- ing settled on his land in Rock Creek Town- ship, in a log cabin, where the following sea- son they had three acres cleared and planted in eorn and potatoes. They lived on this land nine years, opening about fifty aeres, when they sold out and established their home where they now reside, on section 6, Lancaster Township, in 1852, and again com- meneed the laborious work of clearing the forest and building a home. Ile is now the owner of 479 acres of valuable land, which is all managed by himself, and has 250 acres under cultivation and well improved. The parents of Mr. Fleming came to Wells Coun- ty in 1844 and made their home with him in Rock Creek Township until he removed to Lancaster Township, when they lived on part of his farm in a separate house. Both lived to an advanced age, the father dying first. Some years after his death the mother, a remarkably active woman, considering her age, started ont one morning to look for her cows. Not returning, seareh was made for her by the neighbors, when she was found dead, having been murdered, by whom or for what motive was a mystery which never has been solved, as it was not known that she had an enemy in the world. Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Fleming are Presbyterians in their religious faith, Mrs. Fleming having joined the Presbyterian church in 1839, and Mr. Fleming becoming a member of the same denomination in 1846. In polities Mr.
Fleming was formerly a Whig, but has been a Republican since the organization of that party.
ASHINGTON IRVING FITCHI, of the Bluffton Manufacturing Com- pany. was born in Wayne County, New York, May 25, 1841, a son of John Otis and Sarah (Hill) Fitch, natives of Wayne County, New York, the father born February 8, 1812, of Scotch descent, and the mother born October 6, 1814, of English deseent. The father died May 27, 1886, and the mother Mareh 26, 1887, on the homestead in Cayuga County. When our subjeet was fif- teen years old his parents moved to Cayuga Connty. Ile remained on the farm with them until 1863, when he came to Indiana and worked at the earpenter's trade at Ken- dallville until the spring of 1884, when he enlisted in the 100-day service and was as- signed to Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Indiana Infantry. Ile served 120 days at Munfordville and Louisville, Kentucky. After being discharged at In- dianapolis he returned to Kendallville and for a short time worked at the carpenter's trade, when he moved to Barry County, Michigan, eight miles south of Hastings, and in 1868 went to Sonth Orange, New Jersey, and thence to Old Stockbridge, Massachu- setts, where he remained until the fall of 1870, when he came to Bluffton, where he was soon after employed as workman in the corn-planter factory of T. Horton & Co. In 1883 he, with Lee S. Kapp and W. W. Weisell, organized the Bluffton Mannfaetur- ing Company, and he was by common consent made superintendent of the shop. March 25, 1863, he was married in Wayne County, New York, to Miss Sarah Elizabeth Me-
825
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Caughan, who was born in Newburg, Orange County, New York, November 12, 1844, a daughter of John and Mary (Stewart) Me- Canghan. Her father was born in County Derry, Ireland, July 18, 1806, and remem- bers well the time when in 1836, 1837 and 1838 the Protestants carried their guns to church to prevent the Catholics from molest- ing them. Mr. and Mrs. Fitch have three children-Ida May, born April 2, 1867, in Barry County, Michigan; Anna C., born July 19, 1571, and Freddie G., born March 6, 1876, in Bluffton, Indiana. Mr. Fitch is a member of Bluffton Lodge, No. 114, and of Bluffton Encampment, No. 141, I. O. O. F., and has passed all the chairs and has been representative to the Grand Lodge in both the subordinate lodge and encampment, and has served as treasurer of the lodge five years. Ile and his wife and eldest daughter are members of the Baptist church.
AVID C. HUFFMAN, M. D., a promi- nent citizen of Wells County, is a native of Ohio, born in Clarke County, Oeto- ber 29, 1855, a son of Jacob and Sarah ('Tenant) Huffman. The father was a son of Jacob Huffman, Sr., one of the pioneers of Clarke County, Ohio, who came from Green- brier County, in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. He was of German deseent. The mother of our subjeet was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, of Irish descent. The father was a merchant miller, and at one time was a merchant also in the city of Spring- field. Ile also ran the Pern Mills at Spring- field. Ile died in 1877. Ilis widow yet survives, and is still a resident of Springfield. David C. Huffman, the subject of this sketch, received his education in the grammar and high schools of Springfield, and at the age
of eighteen years began the study of medi- cine under the preceptorship of Dr. Cyrus De Richy of Springfield. In 1876 he entered the Miami Medical College, where he attend- ed lectures, graduating from that institution in 1878. Ile immediately commeneed the practice of medicine at Springfield, where he followed his profession until coming to Mount Zion, Wells County, in September, 1885, and sinee coming here he has met with marked success, being well skilled in the knowledge of his profession, and has gained the conti- dence and respect of all who know him. Ile was nited in marriage June 20, 1882, at Yellow Springs, Ohio, to Miss Annie M. Landaker, a native of Clarke County, and daugliter of Gideon and Hettie A. (Stratton) Landaker. Her father was born in Virginia, coming to Ohio in his boyhood, and her mother is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. They are now residents of Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Huffman became a member of the Clarke County Medical Society when he commenced the practice of his profession, and in that society held the office of treasurer, and was a member of the board of eensors. In 1880 he held the office of chief medical examiner for the order of "Chosen Friends," of Clarke County, and in 1882 was appointed jail phy- sician of Springfield, which position he held until he came to Wells County. In 1882 he was also Surgeon for the Ninth Battery Light Artillery, of Springfield. In the fall of 1882, during the small-pox epidemic at Springfield, he was appointed a member of the board, composed of three physicians, to take meas- ures toward suppressing the epidemic. He was especially fitted for this position, having thoroughly studied this disease in Cincinnati. While the yellow fever was raging at Mem- phis, Tennessee, he offered his services to try to help the sufferers, but not being acclimated his offer was not accepted. Soon after be-
826
HISTORY OF WELLS COUNTY.
coming a resident of Wells County, Dr. Huff- man was elected an honorary member of the Wells County Medical Society, and was ap- pointed physician for Chester and Jackson townships. In polities the doctor affiliates with the Democratic party. Both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren church of Mount Zion.
EORGE GAISER, an active and enter- prising citizen of Chester Township, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, the date of his birth being Angust 6, 1835, and is a son of George and Anna (Pfengstag) Gaiser, his father dying when he was four years old. Ile passed his youth in his native country, remaining there until eighteen years of age, when with his brother David he immi- grated to America, sailing from Havre, France, on the steamer Connectient, and after a rather pleasant voyage of thirty-five days, they arrived in New York, having but 50 eents in money, without friends, and unable to speak the English language. David Gaiser went to Dayton, Ohio, while George remained in New York and bound himself out to a shoemaker named Demmler, with whom he worked about three months. IJe then went to another shoemaker named David Eldredge, with whom he served the rest of his apprenticeship, and after learning his trade he worked for Mr. Eldredge as a jour- neyman for some time. After leaving New York he went to Dayton, Ohio, where he again met his brother. He soon found en- ployment with a man named Michael Neff, for whom he worked until 1861. October 28, 1861, he was married to Martha A. Clond, a native of Highland County, Ohio, and dangh- ter of Joseph and Sarah (Sharp) Cloud, both now deceased, the father dying November 3,
1876, and the mother about the year 1850. Mr. Cloud was one of the earliest settlers of Grant County, Indiana, where he experienced many of the privations and hardships of pio- neer life, living in that county until his death. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Gaiser one son, David HI., died in Kan- sas in the fall of 1886. Those yet living are -- Daniel, married Eliza Liddle and is now living in Boehner, Indiana; Melvin A., William A. and Sarah Anna. In October, 1861, Mr. Gaiser enlisted in the war of the Rebellion at Dayton, Ohio, and was assigned to Com- pany A, Fifty-eighth Ohio Infantry. His regi- ment rendezvoused at Camp Chase, Columbus, and from there proceeded to Fort Donel- son, participating in battle the same night. Hle next took part in the battle of Shiloh, participating in both days' fight, his immediate command being under General Lew. Wallace. IJe then went to Corinth, thence to Memphis, and from there to Helena, Arkansas, where he participated in the Vicksburg campaign. He was at Chickasaw Bayou, under General Frank Blair, and was there taken prisoner and brought into Vicksburg, where he was paroled the same night. At the end of thirty-five days he was taken to Jackson, Mis- sissippi, and thirty-five days later was taken to New Orleans, and after remaining there a few months he was taken by ship to New York and finally to Camp Chase, where he was exchanged and returned home on a furlough. He re- joined his regiment at Vicksburg, which was stationed there on provost duty, and Mr. Gaiser was appointed Regimental Order- ly, holding that position until January, 1864, when he received an honorable discharge after an honorable service of over three years. Ile participated in battles, campaigns, marches and sieges, and experienced many of the horrors of the Southern prison peus, and after the war returned to his family at Day-
.....
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
827
ton, Ohio. Hle then removed to Grant County, Indiana, where he bought twenty-three acres of land, for which he paid 8300 down, when he went to Warren, Huntington County, to work at his trade to pay the balance on his farm. He worked at his trade for seven winters, when he settled ou his farm, and after getting his land paid for he traded it for forty aeres, paying the difference in money, and afterward obtained eighty aeres in the same manner. Atter paying for this last traet of land and improving it he sold it and bought eighty acres of land in Chester Town- ship, where he has since the spring of 1882 made his home. In polities Mr. Gaiser easts his suffrage with the Republieian party. Both he and his wife are members of the United Brethren church, and during their res- idenee in Chester Township have gained the respect of the entire community.
EORGE FRYBACK, of Ossian, was born near Dayton, Montgomery Coun- ty, Ohio, son of George and Susannah (Deam) Fryback. They were of German an- eestry, the Deam family being natives of Virginia, and the Frybacks of Maryland. The parents were married in Ohio, and in Sep- tember, 1839, they came to Indiana with eight children, Sarah, who married Joshua A. Duer, and Roselda, who married Norman Clark, remaining in Ohio. They made a home in Rock Creek Township. The name of the children coming to this county were -Massy, Caty Ann, Charlotte, Polly, Lewis, John, George, and William. The first cabin was soon erceted in the wild woods. Their goods were transported with teams, one being an ox team and the other one a horse team. The children were old enough to lend great assistance in clearing the land. The father 49
was not a healthy man and spent much of his time in the woods with his rifle. The larder was always filled with venison, although the family were sometimes searee of bread. The father was a noted bee hunter and wild bees were very plenty. The honey tasted strongly of " richweed, " which grew in great abund- anee, and in some places the pea vine upon which the stock fattened was at that time plentiful in the woods. The father had but little money left after his half section of land was paid for. Most of the clearing was done by his sons, who grew up strong and robust. Our subject was fond of the chase, and many a fine buck was carried to his father's cabin. Wild turkey and raccoon were also plenty, and most of the money the early settlers had was derived from the sale of deer skins, furs, ete., which were captured during the winter and spring months. One of the first hunts taken by our subjeet was after a yoke of steers that had strayed away. Armed with a flint-lock gun, he started, in August to look them up, and perchance kill a deer. He had not proceeded far up the river when he sighted a deer standing in the river some distance away. Hoping to get a shot, he peered cautiously about, and as the water was low, waded out a considerable distance from shore. Sighting his game, he crossed the river and came out almost opposite the deer, concealing himself in a tree top. The deer turned his head toward him and within good shooting distance. George had a severe attack of buek fever, but after taking aim several times, pulled the trigger and the deer fell. He re- loaded his gun and waded in for his game, which was carried home in great triumph. The parents lived to a ripe old age. Their home, during the last few years of their life, was made with our subject, the children be- ing all married and settled in life. The father was eighty-three years old at his death,
HISTORY OF WELLS COUNTY.
which oceurred July 30, 1875. The mother died in February, 1877. Eight of the chil- dren are now living -Charlotte and George being all that are living in this county. George married Eve Schwartz, in 1849, daugh- ter of George and Sarah Schwartz, also early settlers of this county. The Schwartz family came from Montgomery County, Ohio, and settled in Rock Creek Township in 1841-'42. For several years the young couple lived on the father's farm, George having built a hewed log cabin, and in 1554 he purchased the land upon which he still resides. Ilis first im- provement was a cabin, and he began clearing and digging up the stumps. In a short time he had a nice little farm. Children were born to them in the cabin where their domestie life was begun, and while their advent in- creased their joys they also added to their eares. Oliver D. and Levi T. were born on the old homestead. James, Frank, Mary M. and Sarah S. were born on the land now owned by the father. After a small field was cleared and planted to corn, our subject moved to the Schwartz farm, where he re- mained two years, renting his own land. All the improvements his tenant mnade dur- ing his absence was to burn up a lot of rails that he had made before renting, and when he returned, his farm was not in a much better condition for tilling than when he left it. Mr. Frybaek has attended many of the log-rollings and cabin and barn raisings in this neighborhood, and muscle was used to its greatest extent. As the years rolled by, im- provements became more marked. Frame resi- denecs took the place of the old log cabins with their mud-and-stiek chimneys. The children grew to maturity, and four of them are happily married. Oliver was the first one married; he became the husband of Einma Shelly, whose parents were German. They resided in Bluff- ton when the marriage took place. They had
three children, but the wife is now deceased. Levi married Samantha, daughter of Abram Woodard, who now resides in Ossian; the young couple now reside in Jefferson Town- ship on a farm; they have had five children. Mary became the wife of William Karn, a farmer of Union Township, and they have three children. James married Jennie Fer- guson, whose parents eame to this county from Kansas. Only one daughter is married; she resides at Uniondale, where James does carpenter work. Mr. Frybaek has not songht office, but he has filled several official posi- tions in his township. Their daughter Mary secured a good education, and obtained a eer- tificate for teaching, but never engaged in the profession. Frank remains with his parents and helps to work the farm. The old log cabin has been replaced by modern buildings, and the pioneer of 1810 can hardly recog- nize the beauty and wealth of the country through whose trackless woods the bounding deer and thrumming turkey were so often pursued.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.