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 47
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 47
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subjeet of this sketeh, was but a child when brought by his parents to Wells County, and here he has since made his home. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade, and also mill engineering, and has devoted more time to these pursuits than to farming, which he has followed in different counties in Indiana, and in Allegan County, Michigan. In 1865 he married Elizabeth Myers, a daughter of Jacob Myers, an old pioneer of Lancaster Township, now residing at Murray. To them were born the following children-Willie, who died aged six years; Lulu, James and Franklin. Mrs. Blue died April 22, 1873, aged thirty-four years, Mr .. Blue was again married April 26, 1879, to Miss Virginia Bennett, a daughter of Call and Elizabeth Bennett, her father being one of the pioneers of Lancaster Township, and a large land owner. lle died about 1866. The mother of Mrs. BIne still lives on the old homestead. Three children have been born to Mr. Blue's second marriage-Merlie E., Estella V. and an infant daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Blue are members of the Baptist church at Bluffton. In politics Mr. Blue affiliates with the Demo- cratie party.
TILLIAM COVER, engaged in farm- ing and dealing in stock, Rock Creek Township, was born in Westmore- land County, Pennsylvania, February 17, 1842, the only son of John and Harriet (MeAffee) Cover. John Cover was a native of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Ile died when our subject was two years old, and his widow subsequently married John Lesh, and in May, 1848, they removed to Wells County, Indiana, where William was reared. Ile remained with his mother and step-father until reaching his majority, and
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HISTORY OF WELLS COUNTY.
from the age of eighteen until twenty-one years old he worked for pay for his step- father. December 24, 1863, he was married to Miss Lonisa A. IlafHich, a native of Rich- land County, Ohio, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah Hafflieh, who were natives of Pennsylvania, of German ancestry. Of the ten children born to this union, seven are living-Samantha, Jane I., Matilda Ann, William O., Ollie L., Ilomer I. and Thomas C. Rosenna, Evalina and an infant un- named are deceased. After his marriage Mr. Cover settled on his father-in-law's farm. After the death of his father-in-law, in 1870, he purchased two-thirds of the farm, and later bought the rest of the farm. IIe was reared to the avocation of a farmer, which he has followed principally through life, and in his chosen avocation has met with suecess. In August, 1879, in connection with his gen- eral farm he engaged in shipping stock, which enterprise he has since followed sue- cessfully. Ilis farin now contains 221 aeres of land, which is under a fine state of eulti- vation. In 1870 he was elected assessor of Rock Creek Township, and served as such seven years by re-election. In 1882 he was cleeted township trustee, which office he held two years. Ile also served two years as con- stable, having been elected to that oflice in 1866. Hle and his wife are members of the Lutheran church.
B IRKET M. ELKINS, one of the old and respected pioneers of Wells County, re- siding on section 20, Jackson Township, was born in Culpeper, now Rappahannock County, Virginia, September 9, 1803, a son of Philip and Sarah (McCormick) Elkins, who were natives of Virginia, of Irish de- scent. The father served in the war of 1812,
participated in several battles, and for his service received a land warrant. The parents emigrated to Perry County, Ohio, in an early day. where the mother died. They had a family of six children, four sons and two daughters. The father was again nnited in marriage, and came with his family to Indi- ana, settling in Jackson Township. Wells County. He subsequently went to Missouri, where he died. His son, Philip Elkins, is the father of Stephen B. Elkins, who was manager of Blaine's presidential campaign. Birket M. Elkins, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in his native State, where he received a good common-school education. He was married November 22, 1824, in Vir- ginia, to Hannah Stallard, who was born in Virginia March 8, 1807, and to this union were born nine children-Andrew Jackson served as a soldier in the Union army, and died six days after returning home; Joseph C. (deceased), Daniel K. (deceased), William T., Mary E., Sarah C., Philip, Lee (deceased) and Lucretia A. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Elkins removed with his father's family to Ohio, and in 1847 he came to Wells County, Indiana, settling on the farm where he now resides, entering 320 acres of land on section 20, Jackson Township. His first house in the then wilderness of Jackson Township was built of round logs, with elap- board roof and puncheon floor. This humble eabin was afterward replaced by a hewed-log house, which he occupied until his present comfortable frame residence was erected. He cleared and improved his land until he has now one of the best farms in his neighbor- hood. Ile has prospered in his agricultural pursnits, and at one time owned 400 aeres, which he has given to his children with the exception of 160 acres, which he retains for himself. Mrs. Elkins died in the fall of 1876, and in June, 1877, Mr. Elkins married
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Esther (Good) Colbert, a native of Henry County, Indiana, born December 27, 1833, a danghter of Nathaniel and Nancy (Batson) Good, and widow of Lewis Il. Colbert. Nathaniel Good was an early settler of Jack- son Township, where he lived till his death. He was a native of Perry County, Ohio, and was a farmer by occupation. He was a Dem- ocrat in politics. He was a prominent citi- zen, and served as justice of the peace, probate or associate judge, and was assessor for several terms. He was a member of the Universalist church. By his marriage with Esther Good three chiklren were born, two of whom are yet living-Mary J. and Nora E. Nathaniel Batson, father of Mrs. Good, was one of the early pioneers of Jackson Township, settling here about 1835. He was born in Ohio in 1808, and came to Henry County, Indiana, with his parents when a boy, and was there married to Nancy Rolf- ston, a native of Kentucky, born in 1809, coming to Wells County after his marriage. lle was a Democrat in politics. Hle served several terms as county commissioner, and was frequently chosen to act as juryman. He was a member of the Universalist church. Ile died December 2, 1878, his widow sur- viving until March 25, 1881. They were the parents of five sons and six daughters. Mr. Elkins was always a farmer, following that avocation before coming to Indiana. Mrs. Elkins was first married in May, 1853, to Lewis II. Colbert, and to this union were born three children -Alonzo, Nancy Viola and Lewis II. Mr. Colbert was a native of Ohio, and came with his parents to Jackson Township, Wells County, Indiana, where he was married and lived until his death in September, 1858. Ile followed farming the greater part of his life. In his political views he was a Democrat, and served as township trustee of Chester Township for a
time, to the satisfaction of his constituents. In politics Mr. Elkins has always been a staunch Democrat, casting his first presiden- tial vote for Andrew Jackson, and his last for Cleveland. lle has always taken an active interest in public affairs, and has served as Deputy United States Marshal for Perry County and Sergeant-at-Arms in the Ohio Legislature, as justice of the peace, and as postmaster. Ile was also a member of the State Legislature, representing Wells and Adams counties in the session of 1851-'52, and also served one term as county com- missioner, serving in these positions to the best interests of his township or county. Mr. Elkins united with the Masonic fraternity on becoming of age, and is now a member of Warren Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Warren, Huntington County, Indiana.
COB BEIL, an early settler of Wells County, engaged in farming and stock- raising on seetion 11, Rock Creek Township, was born in MitHin County, Penn- sylvania, February 10, 1820, his parents, John and Sarah (Earnest) Beil, being natives of the State of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. When our subjeet was eight years old his parents removed to Trumbull County, Ohio, settling in a dense wilderness, where Jacob was reared on a frontier farm, his edu- cation being such as could be obtained in the log cabin subscription schools of that carly day. His youth was spent in assisting his father clear and improve his frontier farin, he remaining under the home roof until reaching his majority. September 23, 1840, he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Harshman, a daughter of Jacob and Eliza- beth Harshman, who were natives of Penn- sylvania, and of German ancestry. To Mr.
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HISTORY OF WELLS COUNTY.
and Mrs. Beil were born six children- Philip A., residing in Trumbull County, Ohio; Amanda, wife of AAndrew Hatllich, of Union Township, Wells County; Parintha, widow of Joseph Hatllich, late of Rock Creek Township; John E., of Bluffton; Henry A., at home with his parents, and Elizabeth, who died in early childhood. After his marriage Mr. Beil settled on a farm in Trumbull County, Ohio, where he followed agricultural pursuits until he came to Wells County, In- diana, in the year 1864. He then purchased a farm on section 9, Rock Creek Township, where he lived for nine years, when he bought and removed to his present farm on section 10 of the same township, where he has 100 acres of well improved land, which he has acquired by his own exertions, and is classed among the self-made men of his town- ship. In his political views Mr. Beil is a Democrat. Both he and his wife are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church.
VA ILLIAM GREGG, an active and enter- prising agriculturist of Rock Creek Township, is a native of Ireland, born in County Donegal, November 10, 1837, a son of Richard and Fanny (MeClure) Gregg. He was reared in his native coun- try, residing with his parents until the spring of 1855, when, in company with his brother, he started for America, and after a voyage of five weeks, landed at New York. Ile came directly to Wells County, Indiana, and in 1857 he purchased eighty aeres of heavily timbered land on seetion 35, Roek Creek Township, which he at once began to clear and improve. Ile was united in mar- riage in November, 1859, to Miss Agnes Gordon, a native of Scotland, who came to America with her father, Thomas Gordon,
when a child. Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Gregg five are living-Fanny M., Margaret E., Eliza Ann, Jennie May, and Mary J. One child died in infancy. Mr. Gregg is a self-made man, having by persevering industry and good management met with good success in his agricultural pursuits, and acquired his present fine prop- erty. ITis farm, which now consists of 140 acres, is cleared of timber, and is now under a high state of cultivation. In politics Mr. Gregg affiliates with the Republican party. Ile is a member of Bluffton Lodge, No. 114, I. O. O. F.
M RS. CYNTHIA A. PARKER, resid- ing on section 21, Jackson Township, was born in Randolph County, North Carolina, September 15, 1830. Her parents, Simeon W. and Nancy (Irwin) Swaim, were also natives of the same State, the father born in Stokes County and the mother in Guilford County. In the fall of 1833 they removed with their family to Preble County, Ohio, liv- ing there until 1836, coming thenee to Indiana, and loeating in Huntington County, where the father entered 120 acres of land. There the parents lived until their death, the father dying May 9, 1841, and the mother in Sep- tember, 1866. They were the parents of ten children, of whom only five survive, one son and four daughters, the son' being now the owner of his father's old home in Hunting- ton County. The parents were active and earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal churels, and the first meetings of that denom- ination in their neighborhood were held at their house. Mrs. Parker, the subject of this sketch, came with her parents to Indi- ana and grew to womanhood in Huntington County. She received her edneation by at-
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tending the common and subseription schools of her neighborhood and by private study at home, and subsequently engaged in teaching school, which she followed several terms in Huntington and Wells counties, for which she received as low a salary as 87 a month, ont of which she boarded herself. She was united in marriage September 9, 1851, to Albert G. Parker, who was born in New York State in August, 1828, coming with his parents to Huntington County, Indiana, when a young man. Nine children were born to this union-Cecelia M. (deceased), Simeon S., Christopher C., Ellis C., Mary E., William Il. (deceased), Samuel E., Ruth C. and Edith M. Mr. Parker now resides in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Mrs. Parker set- tled on the farm where she now resides in September, 1872, where she has eighty acres of choice land. Sanmel E. is living at home with his mother and is engaged in broom- making. Mrs. Parker united with the Meth- odist Episcopal church when eleven years of age, and is still a believer in the doctrines of that church.
ILLIAM DICKEY, farmer, Rock Creek Township, is a native of Scot- land, born in Stirlingshire Deeember 1, 1831, a son of William and Elizabeth (Bennett) Diekey, who were natives of the same country. The father was a son of Rob- ert and Margaret (Bayne) Diekey, and the mother of our subjeet was a daughter of William Bennett. In 1849 the father eame to America and located in Knox County, Ohio, and the following year the remainder of the family followed him, taking seven weeks to come from Glasgow to New York. For six weeks they were ont of sight of land, and at one time the sea was so rough that the
steerage passengers were sent below and the hatches closed. Of the five children born to the parents of our subject only two are living. William Diekey, whose name heads this sketch, was reared in his native eonntry, re- maining there until about nineteen years of age, when he crossed the ocean with his father's family. After coming to America he worked as a laborer for two years, after which he spent two years in Ohio at boiler- making. He then came to Indiana, and fol- lowed boiler-making at Fort Wayne for two years, then was in the employ of a railroad company for six years. October 29, 1858, he was married to Miss Margaret Gordon, a daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Smith) Gordon, natives of Roxburyshire, Scotland, who came to the United States in 1854. They are the parents of five children -Will- iam, Thomas, Jannett, Elizabeth and Robert. In 1863 Mr. Diekey eame with his family to Wells County, Indiana, and settled on a farm of eighty acres of partially cleared land on see- tion 25, Rock Creek Township, where he has sinee followed farming, and now has his land under fine cultivation. He had purchased this land two years before coming to the county. Since becoming a resident of Rock Creek Township he has served as justice of the peace four years. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party. The father of Mr. Dickey died at his home in Wells Conn- ty in April, 1876, at the age of seventy-three years. The mother died in Ohio.
HARLES E. LACEY, a young attorney, and connected with the firm of Wilson & Todd of Bluffton, Indiana, was born at Pierceton, Kosciusko County, Indiana, April 22, 1864, and is the youngest son of Rev. Henry J. Lacey and Elizabeth (Thomp-
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HISTORY OF WELLS COUNTY.
son) Lacey. Ilis father was reared on a farm in Wayne County, Indiana, and was the son of William Lacey, one of the early settlers of that county. Elizabeth Thompson was born and reared in Randolph County, Indi- ana. Her parents died when she was young, and she was taken into the family of William Kenedy, where she lived as a daughter until her marriage to Henry J. Lacey. They set- tled on a farm in Randolph County, where they lived for several years until he felt him- self called to the ministry. Being a member of the Methodist Episcopal church he became a minister of the gospel in that church in 1853, and continued his active ministerial labors for thirty-three years, when he retired from active duty in the spring of 1886 and went back to his farm. To Henry J. and Elizabeth Lacey were born nine children, two dying in childhood, while seven, four sons and three daughters, grew to manhood and womanhood, six of whom are now living, four sons and two daughters, the youngest of all being Charles E., the subject of this sketch. IIe obtained his early education in the graded and high schools of the various places where his father was engaged in the ministry until the spring of 1881, when he finished his high school studies and in the fall of the same year went to Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio, to complete his education. lle remained there two years, pursuing a general course of study, and in the summer of 1883 returned to Indiana. Between this time and the fall of 1884 he was engaged at different times in teaching school, in farming and in mercantile business, as clerk. In the fall of 1884 he came to Bluffton, where his father was then located, and soon after began studying law in the office of Wilson & Todd, where he has ever since remained. He was admitted to practice at the Wells County bar March 24, 1886, a short time before his
twenty-second birthday, and is the youngest attorney in Wells County. He is a Repub- liean in polities and takes an active interest in political issues. On January 27, 1887, he was joined in marriage with Alice Studa- baker, the youngest daughter of Major Peter Studabaker and Sarah (Morgan) Studabaker, and with his wife has made his home in Bluffton.
OSEPII W. COBBURN, fariner and stoek-raiser, Harrison Township, was born in Ilocking County, Ohio, Novem- ber 6, 1829, the second son of James L. and Sarah (Webb) Cobburn. His father was born in Maryland, July 25, 1775, of Irish ancestry. He was first married to Miss Naney Seap, and after his marriage he settled in Pennsylvania, thenee to Virginia, and from there he went to Iloeking County, Ohio, being among the pioneers of that county. ITis wife died in Logan County, Ohio, leaving one daughter, named Nancy Ellen. He was subsequently married to Miss Sarah Webb, who came from Virginia to lloeking County, Ohio, among the first settlers. She was a native of Vir- ginia, and of Irish descent. Seven children were born to this union, of whom six grew to maturity, five still living-William, Joseph W., Henry G., James L. and Martha E., wife of Amos Warner. Those deceased are- Amos W. and Rufns, the latter dying in in- faney. Mr. Cobburn followed tailoring dur- ing the winters, and farming in the summer months in Ohio until 1836. In February of that year he started with his family for Wells County, Indiana, and the following March arrived at their destination, and the roads in those days being almost impassable, the journey was long and tedious. The father entered 160 acres of land ou section 22,
John Travis
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Harrison Township, which he began to clear and improve, and here he passed through all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, having no roads, only Indian trails, going many miles to mill, etc. Ile worked at his trade in the winter seasons, and for his pay he was assisted in the clear- ing of his farm. He lived to improve his farm, and bring it under fine eultivation, and died February 14, 1561. ITis widow sur- vived him ten years, dying at the age of seventy-seven years. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving under General Harrison. In early life he served as sheriff' of the county in which he lived in Virginia, and while living in Hocking Coun- ty, Ohio, he was Captain of the militia. In polities he was formerly an old line Whig, but in later life affiliated with the Republican party. Joseph W. Cobburn, whose name heads this sketeh, was seven years old when brought by his parents to Wells County, and here he was reared on a frontier, receiving such education as could be obtained in the early subscription schools of Harrison Town- ship. Ile lived with his parents until his marriage, November 10, 1853, to Miss Lou Ann Burgess, a native of locking County, Ohio, coming to Wells County in 1837, with her parents, John and Sarah Burgess. After his marriage he settled on his father-in-law's farm, where he resided three years, then pur- chased forty aeres of his father's homestead, of which only six aeres had been cleared. Hle cleared the remainder of his land, which he improved and put under good cultivation, residing on it about five years. Mrs. Cob- burn died August 12, 1861, leaving a dangh- ter, Tabitha, fourteen days old. She was the mother of four children the first three dying in infancy. November 19, 1863, Mr. Cob- burn was married to Miss Mary A. Gavin, a 55
daughter of George and Mary Gavin. She was a native of Ireland, coming to America when six years of age, and after living in Ross County, Ohio, two years she came to Wells County, Indiana. She died in 1870, and Mr. Cobburn was again married Janu- ary 13, 1877, to Miss Sarah Chalfant, a na- tive of Wells County, and a daughter of Charles and Nancy Chalfant. To this nion three children have been born-Leona, died aged one year; Mary E. and George T. In 1861 Mr. Cobburn moved to the county infirmary, taking charge of the place for four years, and in 1865 he moved to his present farm, seetion 26, Harrison Township, where he has 120 aeres of well improved and highly cultivated land. In politics he affil -. iates with the Democratie party.
FTOHN TRAVIS, farmer, section 19, Har- rison Township, was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, June 26, 1812, a son of William and Mary (Pierce) Travis. The father was a son of John Travis, who was born in England, and eame to the United States previous to the Revolutionary war. The mother was a daughter of Thomas and Elsie Pierce, natives of New Jersey, and of German ancestry. Our subject was reared on a farin in Pennsylvania until eighteen years of age, when he went with his father's family to West Virginia, where he remained until he attained his majority. Ile was mar- ried September 11, 1833, to Miss Rachel A., daughter of John and Celia Huggins, of Greene County, Pennsylvania. After his marriage Mr. Travis worked on his farm, and also supplied steamboats plying the Ohio River with wood for a period of twenty-one years. In 1865 he came to Wells County, settling on section 19, Harrison Township,
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HISTORY OF WELLS COUNTY.
where he has since resided. Mr. and Mrs. Travis had no children, but they have reared and educated ten orphan children, three of whom came to lodiana with them. He has furnished a farm for each, and has given them sufficient means to start them well in life. Ile has a fine farm of 273 acres, all improved and in a good state of cultivation. Mrs. Travis died in 1879, and in 1580 Mr. Travis married Mrs. Matilda Gierwick, whose first husband was Fred Gierwick. By her first marriage there were nine children. Her father was Peter Kiser, a native of Pennsyl- vania, who removed to Ohio when Mrs. Travis was a child. She came to Wells County after her first marriage. Mr. Travis has been a member of the Methodist Episco- pal church for a period of fifty-four years. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party.
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LIVER P. JONES, one of the old and respected settlers of Wells County, residing on section 10, Jackson Town- ship, was born in Clinton County, Ohio, February 27, 1821, a son of John and Eliza (Hendrickson) Jones. Ilis parents were natives of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, and were married in Clinton County, Ohio, December 27, 1819, the father having been brought to that county when a boy of eleven years. He was a son of John Jones, who was a soldier during the Revolutionary war. The latter was born Angust 10, 1754, and was a son of Daniel Jones, the great-grand- father of our subject, who was born in 1715. Of his father's brothers, Isaac, Oliver P., Daniel and Samuel were soldiers in the war of 1812. Samuel Jones was the first white settler on the Salamonie River between the month of that river and the Godfrey reserva-
tion, and the town of Warren was laid out by him. Oliver P., our subject, grew to manhood in his native county, remaining there until February, 1845, when he came to Jack- son Township, Wells County, indiana, to make improvements on a farm which his father had previously bought. This land consisted of 365 acres of heavy timber, and was entirely unimproved. Ile rafted logs down the river to Warren, where he had them sawed at the mill, and with the Inmber he built a house. Ile then boarded with a family which had come with him from Ohio, and that season they cleared and planted ten acres. The same fall he went back to Ohio, returning in November with his father's family, they arriving at their new home in Indiana December 4, 1845. Game was very plentiful in those days, and Mr. Jones has shot deer while standing by his own house. Wolves were very troublesome, and would frequently kill their sheep. Mr. Jones made his home with his parents until their death. The mother died August 21, 1863, the father surviving until September 6, 1883, dying at the advanced age of eighty- six years. They were the parents of two children-Oliver P. and a daughter, Eliza- beth. Two years after coming to Wells County Oliver P. Jones returned to Ohio, where he was married November 25, 1847, to Miss Nancy Smithson, a native of Clinton County, Ohio, and daughter of Campbell and Sarah (Tyrell) Smithson, who were both born in the State of Virginia. Both of her grand- fathers fought in the Revolutionary war. Her parents were married in their native State, and subsequently moved to Ohio and lived in Clinton and IHighland counties, that State. They died in Clinton County, the mother in August, 1866, and the father in September, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have provided a comfortable home for no less than
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