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 54

Author:
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 948

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 54
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 54

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ness. When but seventeen years of age, while still at home, he began to teach in the schools of French Township, and taught tive winter and two summer terms. In 1880 he . was elected constable of his township by the Democratie party, and served two years. Mr. Ashbancher was married August 10, 1882, to Miss Lonisa Saurer, daughter of Gotleib and Elizabeth (Moser) Saurer, of French Township, Adams County. Mr. and Mrs. Ashbaneher have one child-Edward, born February 7, 1884. They are members of the English Reformed church at Bluffton. Mr. Ashbaucher is a member of Bluffton Lodge, No. 1838, K. of H.

PHRAIM PERRY, farmer, Chester Township, was born in Washington County, Ohio, October 24, 1834, son of Thomas and Matilda Perry, natives of Ohio. The father was born in Columbiana County, and the mother in Washington County. They were married in that county and lived there until 1848, when they moved, by team, to Indiana. The first year they lived in Black- ford County, and in the summer of 1849 removed to this county, where the father pur- chased 240 acres of land in Chester Town- ship, where he now resides. He afterward bought 260 aeres more, making a total of 500 acres. The farm was one unbroken forest, and no improvements had been made. They moved into a pole shanty and worked what is now known as the McCaffrey farm for one year. In the meantime they cleared a place on their own land to build a cabin, and after the buildings were completed the family proceeded to occupy it. They made a permanent home there. Mrs. Perry, the inother, died in 1878. Ephraim was fifteen years old when his parents settled in Wells

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County, and he has resided here ever since. Ile owns 160 acres of land with about eighty- five aeres of clearing. When he first made his purchase the land was covered with a heavy growth of timber. He has made all the improvements himself and ereeted the substantial buildings on the place. He was married, February 3, 1861, to Miss Margaret Elizabeth McConkey, a native of Fayette County, and a daughter of James and Sarah MeConkey, early settlers of Wells County, and now residents of Chester Township. Mr. and Mrs. Perry have had four children, of whom one, Charles Clarence, is deceased. The living are-William Marion, who mar- ried Miss Lanra McIntyre; Mary Ellen, wife of Joseph Ballenger, residing in Grant County, and Engene. Politically Mr. Perry is a Greenbacker.

RAFTON ECKIIART, farmer and stoek-raiser, was born near Logan, Hocking County, Ohio, April 22, 1826, son of Anthony and Catherine (Sheetenhelin) Eekhart, who were natives of Maryland, and of German ancestry. They were among the early settlers of Iloeking County, having entered land there. The father held many loeal offices of trust and responsibility, and served as county assessor under the old con- stitution. Ile also served as magistrate many years. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Anthony and Catherine Eckhart were the parents of eleven children, of whom six are living. The father died March 18, 1859, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years, and the mother died April 18, 1860. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native county, and at the breaking out of the Mexi- ean war he enlisted in Company D, Second Ohio Infantry. Ile was in the battles of

Matamoras and Buena Vista. After the expiration of his term of enlistment he re- turned to his native county, and was married September 21, 1848, to Priscilla Mathias, daughter of Abraham and Christina (Zellers) Mathias, who were natives of Pennsylvania. Abraham Mathias was a son of Jacob Mathias, who was born in New York, four weeks after his parents landed in New York. Christina Mathias was a daughter of Jacob Zellers, a native of Pennsylvania and of German de- scent. After his marriage Mr. Eckhart settled upon a farm three miles west of Logan, where he followed farming until the spring of 1882, then removed to this eounty and purchased his present farm. Of their eight children, five are living-William O., of this county; Margaret Anu, wife of Patrick Kern, of this county; Martha Ellen, at home; Laverna Elizabeth, a teacher in the publie schools of Liberty Township; James Jacob. Mr. Eekart has a fine farin of 115 acres adjoining the village of Liberty Center, in a good state of enltivation. Ilimself and wife are members of the United Brethren church.

OSEPII LUDWICK, one of the old and honored pioneers of Wells County, was born in Shenandoah County, Virginia, the date of his birth being October 4, 1809. His parents, George and Mary (Miller) Lud- wiek, were born, reared and married in the State of Virginia. They subsequently re- mnoved with their family to Ohio and located in Highland County, where the father died, at the age of ninety-two years, in 1877. The mother yet survives, and is still making her home in Highland County, at the advanced age of ninety-four years. The father of our subject was a soldier in the war of 1812. Joseph Ludwiek was reared in his native

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State, being twenty-two years of age when he went with his father's family to Highland County, Ohio. After remaining in Highland County two years he came to Indiana and entered eighty acres of timber land in Grant Township, which he immediately began to improve, elearing a space and ereeting a log cabin. While there he was married, in April, 1837, to Miss Rachel Malcolm, who was born in Highland County, Ohio, and to this union were born twelve children, of whom two are deceased - Margaret and Franklin Pierce. Those living are-Mary, wife of Andrew Rit- tenhouse; Sarah, wife of William Richard- son; Phoebe, wife of Benjamin Marks; Rachel Ann, wife of George Rosenberger; Almeda, wife of Hardin Frederick; Hannah Isabel, wife of David Pennington; Franklin Pieree, George Samuel, William and Henry. Mr. Ludwick remained in Grant County un- til 1854, when he came with his family to Jackson Township, Wells County, and bought 1663 acres of land where he now resides. This land was right in the woods and en- tirely unimproved, except a small log cabin built, but by persevering industry and toil he has cleared 120 aeres and converted it into a fine farm. When he first loeated here this part of Indiana was nothing but a wilderness, his nearest neighbor lived seven miles away, and at that early day the only roads were In- dian trails. He well remembers when he had to work over twenty-eight days to pay for a barrel of salt. He has perhaps cleared more land than any man living in this part of In- diana. He has lived to see the many wonderful changes which have taken place, transforming the wilderness into well eulti- vated fields and prosperous towns, the country studded over with churches and school-houses and excellent roads. In politics Mr. Lndwiek has been a life-long Democrat, casting his first presidential vote for Andrew Jackson,

and has held several local offices, serving in all to the entire satisfaction of his constit- uents.

AMUEL GOOD, one of the old and re- speeted pioneers of Jackson Township, who is now deceased, was born in Perry County, Ohio, March 23, 1812, a son of Joseph and Rachel Good, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. They left their native State for Perry County, Ohio, where they passed the remainder of their days. They were the parents of ten children, of whom our subject was the second son and fourth child. He grew to manhood in his native county, where he was reared to the avocation of a farmer on the home farmn. Ile came to Jackson Township, Wells County, Indiana, in 1838, and entered his claim, after which he returned to Perry County, where he was married in 1839 to Miss Luey Ann Jonas, who was also a native of Perry County, born January 1, 1816, and to them were born seven children, of whom four sons and two daughters grew to maturity. After his mar- riage he settled on his land in Jackson Town- ship, where he followed farming until 1852, when he erossed the plains to California. He remained in California until 1856, when he returned to his home in Jackson Township, where his wife had died in August, 1855, during his absence. Mr. Good was again married to Esther Colbert, and of the three children born to this union two are living. Mrs. Good is now the wife of Berket M. Elkins, of Jackson Township. Mr. Good was one of the prosperous agriculturists of Jackson Township, and at one time owned 320 acres of valuable land. He settled on his land on section 20, Jackson Township, when it was entirely unimproved, living in a

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rude log eabin, and here he experienced many of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. Game of all kinds was in abun- danee, and Mr. Good has killed as many as five or six deer in one day. In polities he was a staunch Democrat. lle was a promi- nent man in his township, which he served as justice of the peace several terms, and for several years held the office of assessor. Mr. Good lived on his homestead in Jackson Township until his death, September 30, 1874. lle was a member of the Grange, and was buried under the auspiees of that organi- zation. In his religious faith he was a Uni- versalist.

ILLIAM WILSON WEISELL, a member of the Bluffton Manufactur- ing Company, is a native of Tomp- kins County, New York, born January 26, 1828, a son of Michael G. and Catherine (Melntyre) Weisell, both of whom were born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the father of German descent, and the mother of Scotch and Irish origin. They removed to the State of New York about 1826, and in 1833 re- moved to Trumbull County, Ohio, where they spent the rest of their lives. They were the parents of ten children, only four now living-Eli K., of Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio; Reading, of Lordstown, Trumbull County; William W., the subject of this sketeh, and David D., of Fort Wayne, Indi- ana. The father was a farmer, and also a mechanic, and was engaged in the mannfact- ure of wagons and plows. He was also a practical surveyor. William W. Weisell was reared to agricultural and mechanical pur- suits, remaining at home with his parents till reaching the age of twenty-one years. Ile then went to Warren, Ohio, where he was 58

engaged in ironing and trimming carriages, and was also employed as a salesman by the same firm for several years. lle remained at Warren until about the year 1855, when he returned to the homestead farm, where he worked until 1861. In that year he began buying horses and mules for the Government for the United States Army, continuing in this business during the war. Ile was drafted into the Union service in 1862, but provided a substitute in the person of Floren- tine MeKay, who served for him three years. Mr. Weisell was united in marriage in Sep- tember, 1855, in Columbiana County, Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth Woodward, daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Shively) Woodward. They have three children living-Bertha Gertrude, Chloe Luella and William W., Jr., all students at the Bluffton High School. In 1865 he came with his family to Wells County, Indiana, arriving at his destination April 10. Ile settled on a farm in Jefferson Township, where in connection with farming he was engaged in buying all kinds of live stoek, which he drove to the markets of Pitts- burgh, Philadelphia, and occasionally to Buffalo and New York City. In 1872 he was elected sheriff of Wells County, and re- elected in 1874, holding that office two terins of two years each. In 1873 he became a resident of Bluffton, where he has since made his home. After the expiration of his term of office as sheriff, he, in 1876, began mann- facturing tow from flax for the Southern mar- kets, and was so engaged until 1881, when his factory was destroyed by fire, this being his second loss from fire. While purchasing horses for the army he lost eighteen horses by being burned to death in a barn in Alle- gheny City, Pennsylvania. In 1881 he became associated with T. Horton and W. I. Fitch in manufacturing corn-planters and washing-machines, the name of the firm being

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T. Ilorton & Co. In 1884 this company was changed to the Bluffton Manufacturing Com- pany, the members of the company being W. W. Weisell, W. I. Fitch and Lee S. Kapp, all energetic business men. Mr. Weisell is a Master Mason, and a member of the Bluffton Lodge, No. 145. Mrs. Weisell is a member of the Bluffton Methodist Episcopal church.

FJOSEPHUS C. RINEHART, of Zanesville, is the youngest living son of David and Mary A. (Kain) Rinehart, natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in Washing- ton County, and the latter in Fayette County. The father of David was accidentally killed in Pennsylvania, and his wife with her chil- dren removed to Tuscarawas County, Ohio. In that county David married Mary Kain, and they remained in that State for several years. David was a blacksmith by trade, and he owned and operated a smithy at Rogers- ville. Four children were born in Ohio- James A., John K., Nancy J. and Daniel K. After they settled in Wells County, in 1850, two other children were born -Josephus C.and George F. A small improvement had been made npon the land which David purchased. It was inelnded in the Indian Reserve, and the lands were only open for settlement a short time previous to Mr. Rinehart's arri- val. Jacob Miller, the second owner, built a eabin that stood within a few feet of the present mansion. James Hixon had entered the land, but had made no improvements. In October, 1850, David with his family landed in Zanesville, and a short time after- ward came to the farm where they resided until 1881, when the parents removed to BInffton. Two years later the mother died, followed in December, 1885, by the death of the father. The children all received a good

education, and the three older brothers were teachers. John holds the office of deputy circuit elerk of Wells County. Ile studied law with Judge Saylor, and was admitted to the bar. Only four of the children are living, and all are married -- James A. is the husband of Nancy J. Newhouse, and resides in Mahaska County, Iowa; John K. resides at Bluffton; Daniel is the husband of Mattie Wilkerson, and also resides at Bluffton; Josephus mar- ried Jennie Robertson, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Boodley) Robertson, Rev. Isaac Markley performing the ceremony September 28, 1879. They settled on the home farm, since which time Mr. Rinehart has pur- chased a three-fourths interest in the land. They have one daughter, Mollie O., born August 13, 1883. Mrs. Rinehart was born in Allen County, this State. Her parents came from Warren County, Ohio, in 1854. They had five children-Franklin P., William II., Ellen B., Edward B. and Phebe J. Allen Rinehart was a soldier during the late war, serving as Orderly Sergeant in the Seventy- fifth Indiana Infantry, and remaining until the close of the war. John K. was drafted, but proenred a substitute and returned home. The handsome farm is a monument to the memory of David Rinehart and his noble wife, for the great fields were cleared and the handsome buildings erected during their life- time. They lived to see the country well de- veloped and their children well settled in life.

OIIN J. GOOD, son of Samuel and Lucy Ann Good, was born on his father's homestead in Jackson Township, Wells County, Indiana, February 4, 1842. Ile grew to manhood on the home farmn, and re- ceived his edneation in the common schools

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of his neighborhood, and by study at home. lle commeneed teaching school at the age of nineteen years, following that avocation eight school terms. He remained at home until twenty-four years of age, when he entered the employ of F. A. Pulse, as elerk in his general store at Warren, where he remained twelve years, and during this time lost only twenty- seven days. He is still a resident of War- ren, Huntington County, and is at present devoting his time to agrienltural pursuits, being now the owner of a good farm of 171 acres of well-cultivated land. Mr. Good was married in October, 1874, to Miss Mira A. Coles, who was born in Sidney, Ohio, in No- vember, 1848. They are the parents of six children-Robert E., Ralph H., Ethie, Lola, Otto B. and Nellie. Mr. Good is a member of King Lodge, No. 246, A. F. & A. M., at Warren.

EORGE L. WARNER, one of the prom- inent farmers of Nottingham Township, is a native of Ohio, born in Pickaway County, October 27, 1837, the eldest son of Jacob and Rebecca (Gilbert) Warner. The father was a native of the same county, born November 17, 1812, the eldest son of Leon- ard and Susan (Gephart) Warner, who were uatives of Berks County, Pennsylvania, and among the first settlers of Pickaway County. The mother of our subject was a native of Pennsylvania, born March 16, 1816. ller parents died when she was a child, and she accompanied a married sister to Ohio, where she grew to womanhood. In the fall of 1838 the parents of our subjeet moved to Wells County, Indiana, and entered 160 aeres of Government land on section 1, Nottingham Township, which they improved, making it their home until after the death of the mother,

which occurred March 25, 1848. They were the parents of six children -George L., Jon- athan, Daniel (deceased), David, Thomas B. (deceased), and one who died in infancy. The fathersubsequently married Mrs. Sarah (Gehr- ett) Stont, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, and to them were born ten children- Rebecca, Samuel, Jacob, Henry, Eva, An- drew (deceased), George W. and Andrew J. (twins), Susan and Sarah (twins). After his second marriage the father sold his farm and purchased 320 acres of heavily timbered land which he eleared and improved and made his home until his death, which oeeurred March 17, 1887. He was a member of the German Baptist church. In polities he was a Dem- ocrat, and served as trustee of his township several years. George L. Warner was an in- fant when his parents came to Wells County, where he grew to manhood, remaining with his parents until his marriage. He then located on section 14, Nottingham Township, where he has improved a fine farm of 160 acres, and in connection with his farming pursuits has been engaged in the manufacture of tile. Ilis residence is a large briek structure, the finest in the township, which he erected in 1883. Mr. Warner, like his father, affiliates with the Demoeratie party. Ile has been a prominent man in his township, and has been honored by his fellow townsmen with various positions of trust and responsibility. From 1872 until 1877 he served as trustee of Not- tingham Township, and from 1882 until 1885 as county commissioner. Mr. Warner was married October 29, 1859, to Susannah Shoe- maker, who was born January 29, 1838, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Gehrett) Shoemaker, who came from Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1853 and settled in Nottingham Township, Wells County, where they have sinee lived. Jacob Shoemaker was born August 17, 1813, and his wife, Elizabeth

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(Gehrett) Shoemaker, was born March 11, 1814. Mr. and Mrs. Warner are the parents of four children-Rebecca, born August 30, 1860, died September 23, 1860; Malinda E., born July 17, 1561; dlacob A., born Au- gust 23, 1563; Lneinda Alice, born June 27, 1865. Mr. Warner is one of the respected citizens of Nottingham Township.

DDISON C. RANDALL, residing on section 24, Lancaster Township, where he owns one of the best improved farnis in his part of the county, is a native of Loek- port, New York, the date of his birth being July 4, 1823. He is the fourth in a family of five children of Joseph and Maria Randall, his parents being natives of the State of New York, where they spent their lives. Our subject was reared on a farm. At the age of nine years he was bound out to service until reaching the age of nineteen years, and during this time was given good educational advantages. On attaining the age of nine- teen years he became his own master, and began working as a farm laborer. He re- mained in his native State until 1843, when he came to Wells County, Indiana, where he was first employed by the month at farm Jabor. As soon as he was able he purchased a team, and engaged in teaming between Fort Wayne, Cincinnati and Bluffton. In 1847 he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Starr, who was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1827, a daughter of Ingall Starr. They lived most of the time in Bluff- ton, where Mr. Randall owned a house and lot, until removing to Lancaster Township in 1861, when they settled on the farm which is still owned and occupied by Mr. Randall. He purchased the land for $10 per aere, twenty acres of which had been cleared and

a log cabin erected. lIere his wife died December 10, 1866. Six children were born to them-George, of Harrison Township; Addison died aged two years; William, living at Bluffton; Mrs. Maria Clowson, of Craig- ville; Frank at home, and David, a resident of Battle Creek, Michigan. Frank Randall was born June 23,1859, and married May 16, 1885, to Miss Loretta Bowman, who was born in French Township, Adams County, October 9, 1863, her father, Gideon Bowman, being still a resident of that township. They are the parents of one child, Elva, born April 30, 1886. For his second wife Mr. Randall married Mrs. Ilarriet Clark in 1869, a daugh- ter of Aaron Wisner, a native of Ohio, and a pioneer of Wells County. She was the widow of John Clark. By her marriage with Mr. Randall she had one child, Sarah E., who died aged two months. Mrs. Ran- dall died September 13, 1875. Mr. Randall has met with excellent sneeess in his farming operations, and is the owner of 170 acres, 130 acres of his land being under a high state of cultivation. In connection with his farming he devotes some attention to stock raising, in which he has been quite successful. In politics Mr. Randall affiliates with the Democratic party.

IDNEY M. DILLMAN, general black- smith and dealer in hardware at Dill- man, Jackson Township, Wells County, was born in Brown County, Ohio, March 23, 1854, a son of Andrew and Sarah Dillman. When but six weeks old he was brought by his parents to Wells County, Indiana, they locating on a farm in Jackson Township, and here he grew to manhood, his youth being spent in assisting his father on the farm, and attending the district school, where he re-

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ceived but a limited education. March 11, 1876, he was married to Miss Alice Lemon, a native of Ohio, born in Hamilton County, April 7, 1857, a daughter of Lewis and Eva (Herring) Lemon, who were also born in the State of Ohio. In March, 1860, Mr. Lemon eame with his family to Indiana, and settled in Van Buren Township, Grant County, where he still makes his home. He was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, serving in the Union ariny three years. Mr. and Mrs. Dillman are the parents of seven ehil- dren, four sous and three daughters. Mr. Dillman remained on the home farm until 1580, when he located in Dillman, where he has sinec resided. After his marriage he engaged in painting, which he followed until 1880, sinee which time he has followed blacksmithing at Dillman. In 1887 he began dealing in hardware, in which he is still engaged in connection with his black- smithing. Mr. Dillnan has met with suecess in his various enterprises, and is now the owner of his shop, and the neat, substantial residenee occupied by his family, which was built in the summer of 1881 at a cost of 8500. Mrs. Dillman is a member of the Christian church.

ILLIAM CARNES, County Commis- sioner of Wells County, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, the date of his birth being June 29, 1828. His parents, John and Ann (Bell) Carnes, were natives of Ireland, where they were reared and married. On coming to America they lived for a time in New York, and from there moved to Pitts- burgh, Pennsylvania. A few years later they removed to Guernsey County, Ohio, where they lived till their death, the mother dying in 1838, and the father in 1857. William

was reared in his native county, and was early in life inured to hard work. Ilis youth was spent in assisting his father elear his farın, and after that had been cleared he as- sisted in elearing several other farms. Sep- tember 28, 1854, he married Miss Hannah Booth who was born and reared in Guernsey County, Ohio, a daughter of Thomas and Susannah (Latherow) Booth. Of the eleven children born to this union ten yet survive --- Susan, wife of John O. Houser, of Poneto, WellsCounty; Robert F. married Eliza Eleanor Specee; Sarah Elizabeth, wife of Jasper Mer- riman, of Wells County; John married Eliza E. Ilarris; Thomas married Hannah Miller; William Henry, George W., Oscar, Mary Etta and Myrtle Alice. La Fayette is de- ceased. In the month following his marriage Mr. Carnes came to Wells County, Indiana, and located on a tract of eighty-four aeres in Chester Township, which he had previously purchased, and at once began clearing a space, and with the timber thus ent down he built his cabin. The country was in a state of nature, not even a road leading to his place, he being obliged to cut one before getting to it. Ilis wife with her parents followed soon after, and by the time they arrived he had his new home ready for occupancy. IIe has by hard toil and persevering energy made from his pioneer home in the wilderness, a well-improved farm, having now a comfort- able and commodious dwelling and good farm buildings, and the surroundings of the place show the owner to be a thorough practical farmer. ITis farm consists of 120 acres, of which abont ninety acres is eleared and brought under cultivation. Politieally Mr. Carnes is a Democrat. In 1857 he was elected road supervisor, and since then has served in that capacity eight or ten times. He is the only man in Chester Township who has held the office of road superintendent. At the

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Author: Publication date: 1887 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 948

Author:
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 948