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 52
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 52
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
..
990
HISTORY OF WELLS COUNTY.
the county in 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Parkison are the parents of six children -- Delner Grant, Charles F., Anna Belle, Harry C., Minona F. and Oliver W. Mr. and Mrs. Parkison began housekeeping on a farm owned by John Osborne, located in Jefferson Township, where they spent one year. They then removed to section 33 of the same township, and eom- ineneed improving a small farm. Two years later they removed to Cass County, Indiana, where they followed farming three years, re- turning to the homestead of Mr. Parkison's parents, in Laneaster Township. Two years later they went to Allen County, returning to the old homestead in Wells County in 1880, where Mr. Parkison has sinee been ex- tensively engaged in the manufacture of tile and terra cotta at Kingsland Station in con- ucetion with his farming pursuits. He has made most valuable improvements in ovens used for burning tile and terra cotta, and for utilizing the heat in drying sheds, by which he believes two-thirds of the fuel generally used ean be saved. Ebenezer Parkison, the father of our subjeet, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, June 13, 1813, a son of Thomas and Eunice (Coe) Parkison, the father born in Pennsylvania, of Irish deseent, and the mother a native of Virginia. They were pioneers of Jefferson County, Ohio, and in 1816 removed to Wayne County, Ohio, where they lived until their death. Ebenezer Par- kison was married in Wayne County, Sep- tember 24, 1840, to Isabel Johnston, who was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, Feb- rnary 22, 1811, a daughter of William John- ston. They came to Wells County in 1847, as before stated, bringing with them two children, a daughter, Margaret A., who is now the wife of Elisha O. Huss, and William J., the subject of this sketeh. Three ehil- dren were born to thein after coming to Wells County, as follows-Philo John, who died
aged fifteen years; Eunice, and Johnston S., of Ossian, Wells County. On coming to the county the father purchased 240 aeres of land in Laneaster Township, of which a few aeres had been eleared, and a log cabin built. Here this old pioneer cleared and improved his land, bringing it under good enltivation. and has sinee made his home on the land on which he first settled in Wells County. He was bereaved by the death of his wife, June 26, 1886.
ISAAC N. NEFF, manufacturer of and deal- er in proprietary medicines, is a native of Wells County, Indiana, born in Liberty Township, July 25, 1847, a son of Jacob and Mary (Chapman) Neff, the father born in Rockingham County, Virginia, of German descent, and the mother born in Highland County, Ohio. The father was reared in his native county, and after reaching maturity removed to Highland County, Ohio, and in 1843 located in Highiland County, Indiana. Ile subsequently eame to Wells County, and after living for a time in Jackson Township he came to Liberty Township, where he bonght forty acres of wild land. After clear- ing a part of his land he ereeted a log cabin, to which he brought his wife, whom he had married shortly before. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and were early set- tlers of Wells County. The father of our subject was a great hunter, and coming to the county when gaine of all kinds was abundant he made good use of his rifle, and by hunting he obtained his first start in life, and bought his first land. He resided in Liberty Township until 1868, when he re- moved to Chester Township, living there un- til his death, April 25, 1883. Ilis wife is also deceased, her death taking place July
...
...
........... ..
.. ....
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHIES.
991
14, 1885. He came to Wells County when the country was new and settlers few, but lived to see it changed into a well settled country, with well cultivated farms and pros- perons towns and villages. Isaac N. Net" was reared in Wells County, and has always made it his home with the exception of two years spent in Delaware County, at Selma, and was edneated in the common schools of his native county. March 27, 1869, Mr. 'Neff' was married to Esther A. Spake, and of the six children born to them four are living -Charlie Denton, Sarah Estella, Bertha May and George Clinton. Mary Wilmnetta and Cora Belle are deceased. In 1872 Mr. Neff engaged in the dry goods business at Mount Zion, which he followed six or seven years, but during part of this time he also studied medicine with his brother-in-law, Dr. John A. Morrison, now of Montpelier. IIe subse- quently began the practice of medieine and at the same time attended lectures at Fort Wayne Medieal College. After practicing his profession several years he withdrew his attention from his praetice somewhat, on ac- count of ill-health. In December, 1886, he commenced the manufacture of proprietary medicines, the American Pain Killer and the King of Consumption, which are sold by agents traveling through the country. The long experience of Mr. Neff has given him a great insight into the virtues of remedies, and his medicines are the result of observa- tions of the effects of the remedies obtained through his studies and while in practice. In his political views he is a Democrat. For three years and three months he held the office of postmaster at Mount Zion, and for one year was assistant postmaster. At one time he owned a dry goods store at Boehmer, Indiana, which was carried on by his eousin, and during that time he was express agent at Boehmer. Mr. Neff is an active and en- 57
terprising citizen, and by his fair and honor- able dealings has gained the confidence and respeet of all who know him.
OSEPII M. GRIFFITII, a representative of one of the old and respected pioneer families of Wells County, was born in Jaekson Township, Wells County, Indiana, October 22, 1844, a son of Samuel and Martha (Burkett) Griffith. His grandfather was a native of England, and on coming to America settled in Virginia, and subsequently removed to l'erry County, Ohio, where his son Samnel, the father of our subject, was born, reared and married to Martha Burkett, who was also a native of Perry County. In the second year after their marriage, during the fall of 1838, they packed their household effects and came by team to Indiana, his parents and two married brothers and a single brother and sister accompanying them, all of whom located in Jackson Township, Wells County. Samuel with his family, then consisting of his wife and one son, George, located on a tract of 160 acres which he had previously entered. This land was heavily covered with timber, and no improvements had been made on the place, when he settled on it, except a log cabin which he and his brother had put up. Game was then very abundant. Mr. Griffith cleared about 130 aeres of his land, and became one of the prosperous citi- zens of his township. In October, 1868, he removed to Springfield, Missouri, but two years later returned to Wells County, and rented land two years. He then bought 160 acres, and five years later added eighty acres to his first purchase. Ile subsequently sold forty acres, leaving him a traet of 200 acres. ITis wife died in July, 1848, and he was again married to Charlotte Wiley, who is
992
HISTORY OF WELLS COUNTY.
still living on the old homestead in Jackson Township. Samuel Griffith was a benevo- lent man, and a church member, and was a man universally respected. In the '50's he held the office of constable of Jackson Town. ship. Joseph M. Griffith, whose name heads this sketch, was reared to manhood in Jaek- son Township, and has always made it his home with the exception of two years spent with his father's family in Missouri. On becoming of age he learned the earpenter's trade, which he has since followed together with farming. He also conducted a livery stable at Bluffton for one year. October 4, 1878, he was married to Miss Eliza Huffinan, who was also born in Jackson Township, Wells County, a daughter of Henry and Catherine (Baker) Huffinan, and to them have been born six children-Charles, Dollie, Ortie, Ida, and two who died in infaney. In 1882 Mr. Griffith bought sixty aeres of land in Jackson Township, where he has sinee made his home. Both he and his wife are members of the New Light Christian church, he being clerk of his church. In his politi- cal views he is a Democrat, but generally votes for the man whom he considers best fitted for office, independent of party ties. Ile has held the office of eonstable of his township, serving with eredit to himself and his constituents.
.ILLIAM PRILLAMAN was born in this county June 31, 1856, oldest son of Lewis Prillaman. He was reared on a farm and attended the common schools of his father's district. He remained with his parents until his marriage, which oceurred November 20, 1873, with Miss Isabel Markley, daughter of Gabriel Mark- ley, and they settled on a part of the old
homestead, which contains eighty-six aeres of improved land, in a good state of cultiva- tion. Mr. and Mrs. Prillaman are the parents of two children-Millie Myrtle and Ethel. Mrs. Prillaman is a member of the Christian church, and Mr. Prillaman is a Republican in politics.
ENRY C. MARKLEY, farmer, Harri- son Township, was born on the farm where he now resides July 18, 1955, a son of Gabriel Markley. Ile was reared on his father's farm, and remained at home until his death, then succeeded to the old home- stead. He was married October 23, 1883, to Miss Alice Williams, danghter of James and Ilarriet (Bullinger) Williams, and they have two children-Alta Bell, born September 15, 1884, and James Thomas, born December 31, 1885. Mr. Markley owns 352 aeres of im- proved land, in a good state of cultivation. Ilimself and wife are members of the Chris- tian church, and politically he is a Prohibi- tionist.
ARCELLUS M. JUSTUS, member of the hardware firm of Clark, Justus & Beil, Bluffton, Indiana, was born in Tamarack, Noble County, Indiana, a son of . Lewis and Elizabeth (Kiser) Justus. When he was about one year old his parents moved to Fort Wayne, and when he was six years old to Murray, Wells County, where his mother died when he was eight years old. After the death of his mother he lived with relatives in Tippecanoe County two years, when his father was again married, and he returned to Mur- ray. In 1861 he enlisted in Company A, Thirtieth Indiana Infantry, but when the
...
---.
.......
....
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
993
......
company was mustered in he was rejected on account of his age. He then worked on his father's farm a year, and in 1862 again enlisted as a private in Company F', Eighty- eighth Indiana Infantry. He was with his regiment until after the battle of Chicka- mauga, when he was detailed at division headquarters as mounted orderly to General Richard W. Johnson, and was with him until after the battle of Nashville, when he was released and accompanied his regiment to Washington, and took part in the grand re- view at the elose of the war. He partici- pated in the battles at Perryville, Ringgold and Tunnel IIill. Ile was discharged June 20, 1865, and returned to his father's farm in Allen County.
LEXANDER W. LUDLUM, farmer, Chester Township, was born in Warren County, Ohio, September 30, 1831, son of Ilamilton and Janetta (Wilson) Ludlum, also natives of Ohio. Ilis grandparents came to Ohio from New Jersey. Ile was reared in his native county until he reached the age of eighteen years, then came to Union County, this State, and served au apprentice- ship of three years at the carpenter's trade. lle returned to Ohio and remained about a year, then came back to Indiana, where he remained until the spring of 1855. He was at that time engaged in building an academy there; but a money panie occurred and the work was suspended. Ile then went back to Ohio, and the following autumn returned to Indiana. In the fall of 1839 he came to Blackford County, and the following spring purchased eighty acres of land, forty acres being cleared, and some ordinary improve- ments had been made. lle afterward added another eighty acres; and after giving land
to his two children, has eighty acres in his home farm, with about fifty acres of clearing. Ile was married October 28, 1855, to Miss Esther Brannon, a native of Fayette County, this State, and daughter of Samuel and Nancy (Ball) Brannon. Her father was born in the South, and the mother in Windsor County, Vermont. They were married in Missouri, and afterward lived in Franklin, Union and Fayette counties, Indiana, and finally, in 1852, removed to Wells County. Her father died January 12, 1877, and the mother still resides in Chester Township. Mr. and Mrs. Ludlum have had four children, of whom two, Nancy Jane and William F., are de- ceased. Those living are-Marietta, wife of Joseph A. Jarrett, residing in Chester Town- ship, and Edward J., who married Adalina C. Stout, also residing in Chester Township. Mr. Ludlum's parents died in Warren Coun- ty, Ohio, the mother, June 5, 1840, and the father, in August, 1858. In politics he is a Republican. Mrs. Endlum is a member of the Methodist church.
OAII BERGMAN, M. D., of Tocsin, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, and with his parents, George and Ma- tilda (Sager) Bergman, came to Jay County, this State, in 1848, loeating on a farm. Our subjeet received his classical education at " College Corner " in that county, and grad- nated at that college in 1867. For seven years he was engaged in teaching in Jay County, and in 1873 began the study of medicine under the tutelage of Drs. Jay and Stevenson, of Bryant Station. Ile matrien- lated at the Eelectie Medical Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1874, and graduated there in 1875. In 1876 he located in Berne, Adams County, where he practiced his pro-
991
-- --
- -............
HISTORY OF WELLS COUNTY.
fession eight years. When the new town of Toesin was surveyed he made a location in the village, and may be accorded the honor of being the first physician to locate inside her limits. Ile is a gentleman of talent and celucation, and has enjoyed three years of successful practice in his new home. Ile was married March 12, 1575, to Miss Euphe- mia MeDonald, of Bryant Station, Indiana. She is a native of Canada, and a daughter of Alexander and Georgiana MeDonald, of Scotch ancestry. They have three children- Mary A., Ora D. and William II.
FORGE WASHINGTON GRIMES, engaged in manufacturing and dealing in boilers, engines, mill machinery and architectural iron-work, at Bluffton, is a na- tive of Wells County, Indiana, born in Har- rison Township, in the vicinity of Bluffton, August 14, 1856. Ilis parents, Charles and Martha (Lanning) Grimes, were natives of Ohio, the father born in Washington County, of English and Scotch ancestry, and the mother boru in Guernsey County, of English parentage. They were married in 1840, and to them were born seven children of whom our subject was the fourth son. He and a sister, Amy, wife of Marcellus Alexander, of Bluffton, are the only surviving members of the family. The children deceased are- Cynthia, who died at the age of seven years; William S., who was a physician of Andrews, Iluntington County, died February 22, 1870, aged twenty-eight years; Sarah died February 2, 1871, aged twenty-one years; John L. died in March, 1575, aged twenty-eight years, and Benjamin F. died at the age of eighteen years, May 12, 1880. The father came to Wells County, Indiana, in 1841, and settled on a farm in Harrison Township, where he
followed farming until his death, September 1, 1874. Ile was a Democrat in politics, and a prominent man in his township, of which he was justice of the peace a number of years. At one time he ran for treasurer of Wells County, but was defeated by only two votes. lle was an active member of the Baptist church, and it was mainly through his efforts that the Baptist church at Bluffton was built. lle was a deacon in his church for many years. The mother was also an active mem- ber of the Bluffton Baptist church. After the death of her husband she continued to reside on the homestead in Harrison Town- ship until her death, which occurred March 28, 1878, at the age of sixty-one years. George W. Grimes, the subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm, receiving his early education in the district schools of Harrison Township. He subsequently took a course at the Bluffton High School, and in 1878 took a commercial course at Nelson's Commercial College at Cincinnati, Ohio. In August, 1879, he opened a bakery at Bluffton, which he carried on till the following Decem- ber, when he engaged in the business which he still follows, and is meeting with good success in this enterprise. June 9, 1881, he was married at Bluffton to Miss Auric B. Mason, a daughter of Leonidas Mason, M. D., of Bluffton. She was reared principally in Wells County, receiving good educational advantages. She graduated from the Bluff- ton High School in the class of 1878, and is also a graduate of the Oxford College, of Ox- ford, Ohio, graduating from there in the class of 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Grimes are the parents of two children-Lena, born at Bluff- ton, November 15, 1883, and John Leo, born at Bluffton, July 10, 1886. In politics Mr. Grimes affiliates with the Democratie party. Ile is a charter member of Bluffton Lodge, No. 92, K. of P., of which he has passed all
-
Offm Burkwood &
i
1
997
.......
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
the chairs, and is a member of the grand lodge of the State. Ile is also a Knight of Ilonor and has passed all the chairs of Bluff- ton Lodge, No. 1838, and is a member of the grand lodge of the State of Indiana.
ONATHAN STAVER, farmer and stock-raiser, Rock Creek Township, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, An- gust 28, 1825, a son of Ilenry and Anna (Swatzell) Staver, who were natives of Penn- sylvania, and of German descent, the former a son of Adam Staver, and the latter a daughter of Henry Swatzell. Adam Staver was one of the first settlers of Preble County, Ohio, and our subject's parents were among the first settlers of Montgomery County. Jonathan Staver was reared on a farm in his native county, and received his education mainly by private study during his leisure hours. He lived with his parents until reaching his majority, when, in 1846, he was married to Miss Sarah Rhoads, who was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, of German aneestry, and was a daughter of John Rhoads. After his marriage Mr. Staver followed farm- ing in Montgomery County for five years. Mrs. Staver died in 1851, and in September, 1854, he married Miss Minerva Hoops, a daughter of Evan and Susannah (Sheets) Hoops, who were natives of Virginia and of English ancestry. They settled in Montgom- ery County, Ohio, in an early day, where Mrs. Staver was born. In August, 1857, Mr. Staver came with his family to Wells County, and purchased 160 acres of heavily timbered land, which he began to clear and improve, and by persevering industry and years of toil he has brought his farm under a high state of cultivation, and has added to his original purchase until he now has 280
aeres, all of which is well improved. Ile began life with limited means, but by his in- domitable energy combined with good man- agement he has succeeded in accumulating his present fine property. In politics he easts his suffrage with the Democratic party. Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church, and respected citizens of Rock Creek Township. By his first marriage Mr. Staver had three children-Lydia, de- ceased, was the wife of Isaac Langle; Mary is the wife of Jacob Wolfgahn, and Sarah is the wife of James Lesh. To his second marriage were born nine children-Eliza, widow of Allen Oldfather; Lizzie, wife of Elemnel Miller; Amanda, wife of Jonathan Bender; Ellen, widow of Philip Eichhorn; Jolin, living on the old homestead, married Ellen Miller, and four who died in infancy.
ILLIAM KIRKWOOD, SR., a prom- inent citizen of Nottingham Town- ship, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Franklin County, January 15, 1820, the youngest son of William and Sophia (Goshard) Kirkwood. The father of our sub- jeet was born in County Dublin, Ireland, a son of William Kirkwood, who immigrated to America with his family when his son William was three years old, settling in the State of Pennsylvania. There the father of our subjeet grew to manhood, and married, his wife being a native of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. They were the parents of eleven children, nine of whom reached maturity, and four still survive. The father was a farmer by occupation, and followed agrienltural pursuits in Pennsylvania until his death in 1823. His widow moved to Ross County, Ohio, with her family in 1834, and five years later settled in Fairfield County, of
.......
.............
998
HISTORY OF WELLS COUNTY.
the same State, where she died at the age of ninety years. The mother being in limited circumstances after the death of her husband, our subject was obliged to earn his own living from an early age, and when six- teen years old went to learn the tanner's trade in Ross County, serving an apprenticeship of three years. lle theu worked as a journey- man in Fairfield County for four years. In 1843 he was united in marriage to Miss Su- annah Gehrett, a daughter of Henry and Susannah (Feon) Gehrett, who left Berks County, Pennsylvania, for Ohio when Mrs. Kirkwood was a child. To this union the following children have been born-Ilenry, George, Samuel, Mary Ann, Sophia, John E., William, Susan and C'erilda. Abont the year 1843 Mr. Kirkwood engaged in busi- ness for himself in Fairfield County, in com- pany with his brother-in-law, with whom he was associated for seven years. In the fall of 1850 he immigrated to Wells County, Indiana, landing in Nottingham Township, where he purchased eighty acres of heavily timbered land on section 14. Ile at once commeneed to elear his land, on which he settled, and in connection with elearing and making improvements on his place he followed his trade for seven years. In 1851 he pur- chased an additional eighty aeres, and ten years later added another eighty-aere tract, all wild land, which he eleared and improved, and by years of toil and close attention to his pursuits he has acquired a competence for his declining years, and surrounded his family with all the necessary comforts of life. In 1852 Mr. Kirkwood was elected to the office of county commissioner, serving in that capacity one term. Later he served two terms as township trustee. In 1874 he was again eleeted county commissioner, which office he filled three years with honor to him- self and to the entire satisfaction of his eon-
stitnents. Mr. Kirkwood is a Democrat, and is an ardent supporter of the principles of that party. Mrs. Kirkwood is a consistent member of the German Baptist church.
EVI HUFFMAN, an enterprising farmer and stoek-raiser of Jackson Township, residing on section 3, was born in Jaek- son Township, Wells County, Indiana, Oeto- ber 20, 1850, a son of Henry and Catherine (Baker) Huffman, who were old and honored pioneers of the county. IIe was reared on the home farm, and has always followed the avocation of a farmer. He was married De- cember 31, 1874, to Miss Martha Aun Cole- man, who was born in Salamonie Township, Huntington County, Indiana, a daughter of William and Mary Ann (McKee) Coleman, and to this union have been born two chil- dren-Ardella May and Josie Alma. Mr. Huffman's first purchase was forty aeres of wild timbered land in Blackford County, In- diana, to which he afterward added forty acres. Ile subsequently sold his Blackford County land and bought 170g aeres of the farm where he now resides, of which about 130 aeres was cleared. Ile lived with his parents about a year after his marriage, when he located on his farm in Jackson Township, but in the spring preceding their death, in 1884, he returned to the old homestead, where he has since resided. He is now the owner of 288 aeres of valuable land, which is located in Jackson and Chester townships, and has about 230 aeres eleared and under im - provement. In connection with his general farming he devotes considerable attention to stoek-raising, in which enterprise he is meeting with sueeess. In politics Mr. Huffman casts his suffrage with the Republican party. He and his wife are members of the German
.
......
ANNAA
----..
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
999
Baptist church. Mrs. Iluffiman's father was born on the ocean while his parents where emigrating from Germany. He was reared in Preble County, Ohio, and was there mar- ried to Miss Mary Ann MeKee, a native of Preble County. They were the parents of seven sons and three daughters -- Daniel, James, Andrew, Jacob, Josiah, David, Will- iam (deceased), Catherine, wife of llarvey Gephart; Margaret, wife of Lemuel Colbert, and Mrs. Huffinan. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman were among the first settlers of this part of the country, coming by team from Ohio to Ilunt- .ington County, Indiana, when they settled in Salamonie Township, across the line from Wells County. Mr. Coleman had previously entered the land and put up a shanty, in which he and his wife lived until their death. Their nearest neighbor in the early days of their settlement lived sixteen miles from them. Mrs. Coleman died February 25, 1869, her husband surviving until February 24, 1873. Both were members of the Presbyterian church, and respected members of society. Politieally Mr. Coleman affiliated with the Republican party until his death.
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.