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 49
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 49
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there he removed back to Murray in 1852, buying sixty acres of timber land on the sontheast part of seetion 30. There he made his home till near the end of his life. During the last year of his life he lived on a small property near Bluffton, but within the limits of Lancaster Township, dying there in An- gust, 1883, at the age of seventy-one years. llis widow still resides on this property, en- joying the respect and esteem of all who know her.
OHIN K. MOSSY, farmer and stoek- raiser, Rock Creek Township, was born on the farm where he now resides, February 24, 1845, a son of William and Mary (Kirk- patrick) Mossy. The father was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1821, a son of William Mossy, and was reared to manhood on a farm in his native conntry. Hle immi- grated to America in 1840, and after living two years in Ohio he came to Wells County, Indiana, and entered eighty acres of Govern- ment land. Ile then returned to Ohio and was married to Miss Mary Kirkpatrick, who was also a native of Ireland, and a danghter of John and Ann Kirkpatrick. To them were born six children, of whom only two are now living-John K., our subject. and Mary, wife of Dr. George Fulton of Bluffton. Their son Robert D). was killed by the ears, and three children died in childhood. In the fall of 1844 the father removed to his frontier farm in Wells County and erected a cabin into which he moved his family. He began elearing his farm, and by hard work and per- severing industry he improved his land and brought it nnder good cultivation. He added to his original purchase until he had 397 aeres, a large portion of which was cleared and improved by himself, and also town prop-
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erty, at his death being worth $20,000, which he acquired by his own efforts, all being won by fair and honorable dealings. He died Sep- tember 2, 1850, his widow surviving until May 15, 1885. Both were members of the Presby- terian church, and were respeeted by all who knew them. In politics he was a Republican. John K. Mossy, whose name heads this sketch, was reared on the home farm in his native county, where he attended the common schools, and completed his education at Poland Acad- emy at Poland, Ohio. He remained with his parents until their death, when he came into possession of the old homestead, and where he still resides. He was united in marriage July 4, 1872, to Miss Emeline Qnackenbush, a native of Wells County, and a daughter of William and Phoebe Quackenbush, and to this union have been born seven ehildren- William Wilson, Mary Elizabeth, John Don- aldson, Thomas Jefferson, JJennie May, Phoebe Anna and one who died in infaney. In connection with his farming pursuits Mr. Mossy has taught school, teaching during the winter terms for eight years, in which he has met with good snecess. " Ile is the owner of a fine farm of 269 acres, and is classed among the well-to-do citizens of his township. In his political views he affiliates with the Re- publican party. He and his wife are worthy members of the Presbyterian church.
OBERT L. SEATON, postmaster at Ossian, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, June 2, 1843, son of Robert and Rachel (Liggett) Seaton. The father was born in Antrim, Ireland, in 1799, and immi- grated to America in 1818, settling near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In that city he married Miss Rachel, danghter of Alexander and Nancy (MeNeal) Liggett, who resided in
Cecil County, Maryland. Her father was born in Scotland, but was one of those perseented men who determined to help free Ireland, and was foreed by King George to flee from the realm. Ile was married in Ireland, but was forced to leave his wife behind, barely eseap- ing with his own life, and that through the assistance of a friend who furnished the means to defray expenses. Ilis wife after- ward came to America, and they settled in Maryland. Later they removed to Laneas- ter, Pennsylvania. The mother of Robert L. was the fourth child of this couple. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Seaton had six children-Alex- ander (deceased), Jane, John, Mary, Margaret and Robert L., our subject. The family set- tled in Carroll County, Ohio, in 1826, and in 1866 emigrated to Allen County, Indiana. They made a final location at Ossian in 1874, and two years later the mother died at the ripe old age of seventy-six years. In 1879 the death of the father occurred. Ilis son John was a private in Company I, Fortieth Ohio Infantry, enlisting in August, 1863, and was discharged at the close of the war. Ilis regiment was a part of the Army of the Cumberland. At the battle of Chickamanga he received a wound, and while at the front, at Kenesaw Mountain, a rebel bullet dis- abled him for several months. In 1873, at Zanesville, Indiana, Mr. Seaton was married to Martha J., daughter of Evan and Eliza (Johnson) Bell. Her father was a native of North Carolina, and his marriage took place in Rush County, Indiana. To this union four children have been born, three of whom are living-Mary, Martha and William. Mr. Seaton settled in Ossian one year after his marriage, and two years later engaged in the mercantile trade, continuing in business until the present time. Ilis character and ability made him the choice of his party in this township for postmaster, and he received
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his appointment September 4, 1885, and his courtesy has made him popular in this posi- tion. Mr. and Mrs. Seaton have had four children -- William D., John E., Mary B. and Rolla F .; the latter is deceased. Mr. Seaton was made a Mason in Union Lodge, No. 333, Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1866, and is now a member of Ossian Lodge, No. 297, A. F. & A. M., and a member of Bluffton Chapter, No. 145, R. A. M.
AMES. D. GOODIN, general fariner, Chester Township, is a native of Ohio, born in that part of Delaware County which is now part of Morrow County, March 17, 1836. His parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Donaldson) Goodin, were natives of Pennsylvania, the father born in Somerset County, of Welsh deseent, and the mother born in Washington County, of Irish anees- try. The families of both parents removed from their homes in Pennsylvania to Perry County, Ohio, in an early day, and there Samuel Goodin and Elizabeth Donaldson were married, and in the fall of 1835 they removed to what is now Morrow County, Ohio, where the father died April 24, 1854. In the spring of 1855 Mrs. Goodin removed with her family to Allen County, Indiana, and in February, 1858, came to Wells Coun- ty, loeating in Chester Township, where the inother resided until her death in the fall of 1880. James D. Goodin, the subject of this sketeli, was reared and edneated in the com- mon sehools of Morrow County, Ohio. Ile was twenty-one years of age when he came with his father's family to Wells County, and here he has sinee made his home with the exception of one year. Mr. Goodin has been twiee married, taking for his first wife Miss Naney Twibell, in October, 1860. She was born in
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Blackford County, Indiana, a daughter of David and Margaret Twibell. She died in February, 1872. Five children were born to this union-Madison, Elizabeth (wife of T. J. McGrath), Nettie, Ella and one who died in infancy. Mr. Goodin was married a see- ond time, November 13, 1873, to Miss Ollie Ashbangh, a native of Logan County, Ohio, and daughter of Andrew and Martha Ash- baugh, the father dying in Logan County, and the mother in Wells County, Indiana. One son, named James Lawrence, has been born to this union. Since 1872 Mr. Goodin has been engaged quite extensively in deal- ing in and raising stoek in connection with his general farming. In polities he affiliates with the Democratie party. In the spring of 1865 he was elected justice of the peace of Chester Township, which offiee he filled for four years, and in 1869 he was elected trustee of Chester Township, serving in that capacity until the fall of 1872. In the fall of 1873 he was elected and served as county commissioner for three years, and in all of these offiees he served with eredit to himself and to the best interests of his township or county. He is a member of Montpelier Lodge, No. 288, A. F. & A. M., and also be- longs to Five Points Grange, No. 522, Pa- trons of Husbandry, and is at present serving as master of the grange.
ONATHAN BENDER, farmer and stock- raiser, Harrison Township, was born in Rock Creek Township, Wells County, October 21, 1854, youngest son of John and Barbara (Mast) Bender. The father was a native of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, son of John Bender, also a native of Pennsylva- nia, and of German ancestry. The mother was born in Pennsylvania, and was also mar-
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ried in that State in 1850. They removed to this county, where Mr. Bender purchased an improved farm in Rock Creek Township. The first year he followed milling, and the next year he followed teaming. Ile then en- gaged in farming until 1879, when he re- moved to Bluffton, and in July of that year the father died. They were the parents of eleven children, six of whom are living. The mother is still living in Bluffton, and is a devoted member of the Intheran church. Politieally Mr. Bender was a Democrat. Our subject was reared on a farm, and remained with his parents until he was of age. Ile was married August 12, 1875, to Miss Amanda E. Staver, daughter of Jonathan and Minerva (Hoops) Staver, who came from Ohio, and of German ancestry. Mrs. Bender was born in Rock Creek Township, this county. After their marriage they rented a farm until 1881, when he purchased his pres- ent farm, containing eighty acres of improved land, on section 6, Ilarrison Township. Mr. and Mrs. Bender have had four children --- Bessie Zenora, Lawrence L., Virgie O., and Advantie N., who died at the age of two years. Mr. Bender is a member of the Christian church, and Mrs. Bender of the Lutheran church. Politically he is a Democrat.
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ACOB MINNICII, one of the old and honored pioneers of Wells County, re- siding on section 2, Jackson Township, was born in Clarke County, Ohio, July 24, 1814, a son of Peter and Magdalena (Garver) Minnich. The father was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and when a boy went with his parents to Rockingham County, Vir- ginia, where he grew to manhood, and was there married to Barbara Myers. After his marriage he removed to Clarke County, Ohio,
where his wife died. lle was subsequently married to Miss Magdalena Garver, a native of Pennsylvania. They lived in Clarke Coun- ty until their death, the father dying Jann- ary, 1814. Ilis widow was again married some seven years later, and died about the year 1861. Jacob Minnich, the subject of this sketeh, was reared to manhood in his native connty, where he was married Jannary 29, 1835, to Miss Christiana Ebersole, who was born in Clarke County, Ohio, a daughter of Jacob and Salome (Keller) Ebersole, na- tives of Pennsylvania. They removed to Clarke County from Rockingham County, Virginia, where they resided until their death. In 1841 Mr. and Mrs. Minnich packed their household effects and eame by team to Indiana, locating on a tract of 160 aeres in Jackson Township, Wells County, which Mr. Minnich had entered in 1836. The spring prior to his removal he had evine here and eleared a small part of his land and built a cabin for his family. Game was then abundant. There was a corn-eracker at War- ren, but they were obliged to go long dis- tanees to mill, especially when the water was low. Salt ranged in price from 810 to $13 a barrel until the canal was put through, when they had to go to Huntington for it. Mrs. Minmich died in 1855, leaving at her death six children-Sallie married George E. Ilerrold, and is now deceased; John, resid- ing in Jackson Township; Phoebe, wife of Peter Wright, of Bartholomew County; Mary, wife of Madison Irwin a merchant at Warren, Indiana; Peter, residing in Jackson Township, and Michael, living on the old homestead. Mr. Minnieh was again married in March, 1856, to Mrs. Annie (Wright) Hamilton, widow of Alexander Hamilton. She is also deceased, her death taking place in March, 1855. Mr. Minnich has been identified with the interests of Wells County nearly a half
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century, and has seen it change from a state of nature into its present prosperous condi- tion, scattered over with thriving towns and villages, and well cultivated farms. He early took an interest in the religions advancement of his neighborhood, and although there was then no regular organized congregation, serv- iees were often held at his house. The roads in the county were very bad at that time, and even the road used by the whole settlement, going toward Huntington, was often in a terrible condition, and at such times it would take abont three days to make the trip to Huntington and return. Mr. Minnich is now surrounded by all the necessary com- forts of life, which he has gained by years of persevering toil and energy.
ICHAEL OLDFATHIER, farmer and stock-raiser, seetion 15, Rock Creek Township, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, the date of his birth being February 6, 1826. His parents, John and Susannah (Foutz) Oldfather, were natives of of the State of Pennsylvania, the father born in Allegheny County, coming with his father, Ilenry Oldfather, to Ohio when he was twelve years old. The mother of our subjeet was a daughter of Michael Foutz, who re- moved from Carolina to Pennsylvania in an early day. Michael Oldfather, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm and in a saw and grist-mill, which occupation his father followed. Ile remained with his parents until attaining the age of twenty-four years, when he was married January 9, 1851, to Miss Lydia Albert, a native of Pennsyl- vania, and a daughter of John and Susannah (Heasinger) Albert, and to this union were born seven children-Allen (died aged tweu-
ty-five years), Louisa, Emma B., Laura E., Susan E. (deceased), Luey A. (deceased), and Mary E. Mrs. Oldfather died April 17, 1870, and November 26, 1873, Mr. Oldfather mar- ried Miss Fannie A. Brown, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and when four years old was brought by her parents, James and Nancy Brown, to Wells County, Indiana, where she was reared. One sou, named John Thomas, has been born to this union. In 1853 Mr. Oldfather came to Wells County and purchased his present farm, which then consisted of eighty acres, partially improved, and to this he subsequently added forty acres. Since coming to Wells County he has fol- lowed agricultural pursuits successfully, and his farm is now well improved and under fine enltivation. Ile is elassed among the self- made men of the county, having by his own efforts acquired his present fine property and gained a competenee for his declining years. Ile and his wife are members of the Reformed elmireh. Politieally he affiliates with the Re- publican party. James Brown, the father of Mrs. Oldfather, was a native of County Donegal, Ireland, born in 1791, where he grew to man- hood on a farm. He was married in 1827 to Miss Nancy Wallace, a dangliter of James and Nancy Wallace, and to them were born five children-Thomas (deceased), Fanny A., wife of Michael Oldfather, Mathew (deceased), James (deceased) and Catherine, wife of John Gorden. In 1832 Mr. Brown sailed with his faunily for America, and after an ocean voyage of eight weeks and three days, landed in Phila- delphia, where Mr. Brown found employment, remaining in that city five years. From there they went to Northampton County, Penn- sylvania, where Mr. Brown died April 9, 1542, leaving a widow and four children. In 1843 Mrs. Brown came with her family to Wells County, and settled in Rock Creek Township, where she made her home with
Yours Truly Fred Mr. Rinehart John St. Rinehart
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her brother. She is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Oldfather, and although eighty-four years old, is still hale and hearty.
OHN KAIN RINEHART, attorney at law at Bluffton, was born in the village of Ragersville, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, December 15, 1841. Ile is a son of David and Mary A. (Kain) Rinehart. His father was a native of Washington County, Pennsyl- vania, of German ancestry, and was by ocen- pation a farmer. Ilis mother was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, of Irish an- eestry. When young her parents removed to Tusearawas County, Ohio, where she was reared to womanhood, receiving her education principally at Beatty's Academy at Steuben- ville, Ohio. In 1850 the family removed to Wells County, Indiana, and settled in Union Township. They were the parents of six ehil- dren, of whom four are now living, viz .- James Allen, now engaged in farming near Oskaloosa, Iowa. Hle was a member of Company I, Seventy-fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and served some time as an orderly for Gen- eral Joseph J. Reynolds, and remained in the service till the close of the war. John K., our subject; Daniel K., a manufacturer of Bluffton, and Josephus C., who, resides on the old homestead in Union Township. The mother died in Cincinnati, Ohio, while being treated for eancer, on the 27th day of July, 1882, at the age of sixty-five years. The father died at his home in Union Township December 22, 1885, aged nearly seventy years. Father and mother Rinchart were earnest and devoted members of the Christian church, and died loved and revered by all who knew them. Mr. Rinehart was reared a farmer, and until attaining the age of eighteen years attended the district schools,
after which he attended the high school at Fort Wayne and the academy at Roanoke. From 1862 to 1869 he was engaged at Roanoke, Zanesville and Delphi, Indiana, as merchant's clerk, and in teaching in the schools of Wells and Huntington counties. In the spring of 1869 he began the study of law in the office of Hon. Henry B. Sayler, of Huntington, Indi- ana, and was admitted to the bar at that place in 1870. In the same year he entered the law department of the University of Indiana, at Bloomington, and was graduated therefrom in April, 1871, and in July of the same year he began the practice of his pro- fession in Bluffton with Jacob J. Todd, with whom he was associated under the firm name of Todd & Rinehart until 1877, when the part- nership was dissolved. Ile then practiced alone until 1879, when he formed a partner- ship with Homer L. Martin, the firm of Rinehart & Martin continuing until 1881, when Mr. Martin went to Texas. Mr. Rine- hart then practiced law with Edwin C. Vaughn until 1883, when he accepted the position of depnty clerk of the Wells Cirenit Court, which position he now holds. October 30, 1873, John K. Rinehart was married to Miss Martha J. Gregg, of Rock Creek Township, who died April 4, 1880, leaving one son, Fred Maynard Rinehart, born October 27, 1874. Two of their children died in infan- ey. She was a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Rinehart was again married December 9, 1884, to Miss Serelda A. An- thony, of Union Township. She died No- vember 13, 1885. Their only child died in infancy. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics Mr. Rinehart affiliates with the Democratic party. In 1872 he was elected a trustee of the public schools of Bluffton, served for a term of three years, was again eleeted to the same position in 1880 and served two years, when he re-
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signed. Ile is a member of Bluffton Lodge, No. 145, 1. F. & A. M. Mr. Rinehart is a man of intelligence, is well read in his profession and in general literature, and is an efficient, painstaking, honest official. Fred Maynard is a bright, intelligent boy. In the past few years death has laid a heavy hand upon the family of our subject. Ifis father and mother, both his companions and three ehildren have been called away, leaving Fred M., his much loved son, as the only remaining member of his family. His hope and faith eenter in his boy and his life is devoted to his comfort, education and well being. Mr. Rinehart and son are inseparable companions.
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ACOB MILLER, one of the old and hon- ored pioneers of Wells County, and a respected citizen of Lancaster Township, was born in York County, Pennsylvania, February 8, 1814, his parents, Frederick and Susan Miller, being natives of the same county, and of German deseent. They were the parents of nine sons and five daughters, all of whom grew to maturity and reared families of their own. Ten of the children are yet living-Michael, living at Bluffton; Jacob; William, of Rock Creek Township; Samuel, a resident of Neosha, Neosha Coun- ty, Kansas; Benjamin, of Montgomery Conn- ty, Kansas; George, of Fairfield County, Ohio. Three widowed daughters, Mrs. Lena Fisher, Mrs. Catherine Weist, and Mrs. Eliza Wag- ner, live in Fairfield County, Ohio, and Mrs. Mary Ann Stimmer lives in Franklin County. Of those deceased, Jolin, Charles and Susan died in Wells County, Indiana, and llenry died in Ohio. When our subject was eleven years old the parents removed with their family to Baltimore County, Maryland, and four years later to Fairfield County, Ohio,
where they spent the remainder of their life. Jacob Miller was their third son and fifth child. Ile was reared to the avocation of a farmer, receiving such education as the subscription schools of that early day afforded. lle resided on the home farm until twenty- three years of age. lle was united in marriage October 14, 1841, in Wells County, to Miss Mary A. Sutton, who was born in Licking County, Ohio, March 8, 1822, a daughter of Rev. Elijah and Diana (Bowel) Sutton, the mother dying when Mrs. Miller was a child. The father of Mrs. Miller was one of the pioneers of Wells County, settling in Lancaster Township in 1839, where he died ten or twelve years later. lle was a minister of the Regular Baptist church. Of the eleven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller ten still survive-Benjamin, living at Banner City; Diana, wife of James Park, of Bluffton; Elijah, of Lancaster Township; Catherine, a school-teacher, living at home with her parents; Nancy, wife of Jonathan Brown, of Bluffton; Charles, of Bluffton; Jesse, at home; J. Miles, living at Banner City; Josina, at home, and Letta, engaged in teaching school. A son, Jolin, died at the age of two years. Eight of the ten children have been or are now engaged in teaching sehool. After his marriage Mr. Miller settled where he now lives on section 17, Lancaster Township, his first home being a rude log cabin. 1Ie felled the first tree on his land, and one of the first orchards in the county was planted by him. Ile came to the county without capital but by persevering industry and good management, assisted by his noble wife, he has prospered in his agri- cultural pursuits and they are now surrounded with all the necessary comforts of life, enjoy- ing the fruits of a well-spent life. Mr. Miller is suffering from a fractured hip, the result of an accident August 14, 1884, other-
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wise he feels as well as at any time in many years. Mr. Miller has been identified with Wells County since 1838. He had visited the county two years previous, and in that year, 1536, his father had bought 320 acres of timber land in Harrison Township, but never occupied it. In polities Mr. Miller has always affiliated with the Democratic party, easting his first presidential vote for Martin Van Buren in 1836.
- RS. DR. CROUSE .- The history of men, great in the day in which they lived, is always read with interest; but their virtues shine with greater splendor when those with whom the departed were upon the most endearing terms of friendship yet live. The lady whose name heads this sketch was the amiable wife of one of the pio- neer physicians of this county, and, although his second wife, was for nearly a quarter of a century a loving and devoted helpmeet, and cheerfully shared with him the successes and cares which come to those who have the eare of a family. She was born in Columbi- ana County, Ohio, daughter of Robert G. and Luey G. (Whitfield) Rodgers, who after- ward removed to Paulding County. Mary A. formed the acquaintance of Dr. Crouse through his sister, Mrs. Porter, and the acquaintance thus formed ripened into love, and they were married July 20, 1860, at the home of her parents. They came directly to his home at Ossian, where they resided happily nearly a quarter of a century. Dr. Jehu W. Crouse was born in Cuyahoga County, Pennsylvania, and had been in prac- tice at least ten years before locating at Ossian in 1849. Ile was married to Mary Old, in Ohio, and three children were born in that State. Her father, Isaac Old, was 56
one of the first settlers of the neighborhood in which they resided. The ancestors of our subjeet were residents of Southampton Coun- ty, Virginia, but the father was born in Seot- land. The grandfather, John Whitfield, and his wife, Mary, were of an ancient family, possessed a large plantation and owned many slaves. They lived in royal style, and until the insurrection the parents of Mrs. Crouse resided in the paternal mansion. The death of Mrs. Crouse occurred September 4, 1557, she having been the mother of ten children. Five were reared and four are now living- Rachel, Ethelbert, Almira and Erastus. All are married and have families. After the marriage of Dr. Crouse with Mary A. Rodg- ers they had four children-Ella, Lizzie,
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