USA > Indiana > Jay County > Biographical and historical record of Jay and Blackford Counties, Indiana : containing portraits and biographies of some of the prominent men of the state : engravings of prominent citizens in Jay and Blackford Counties, with personal histories of many of the leading families and a concise history of Jay and Blackford Counties and their cities and villages. > Part 34
USA > Indiana > Blackford County > Biographical and historical record of Jay and Blackford Counties, Indiana : containing portraits and biographies of some of the prominent men of the state : engravings of prominent citizens in Jay and Blackford Counties, with personal histories of many of the leading families and a concise history of Jay and Blackford Counties and their cities and villages. > Part 34
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1886. He is a competent and popular county official, and is a worthy and respected citizen.
ILLIAM O. WILKIN, farmer, sec-
tion 15, Madison Township, was born in Ohio, opposite Wheeling, October 11, 1829, and soon after was taken by his parents to Licking County, where lie lived until he was twenty-nine years of age. He left that county April 5, 1857, and settled in Van Wert County, tlience to Mercer County in March, 1861, thence to Shelby
County in November, 1869, thence to Jay County, March 9, 1875, settling in Madison Township. His parents, George and Re- becca (Finch) Wilkin, were born and reared in Hardin County, West Virginia. The father died in Van Wert County in 1863, aged seventy-two years, and is buried near Buena Vista. The mother is still living in Van Wert County, alone, on the farm where the father died. She was born November 15, 1806. Our subject was married Decem- ber 28, 1851, to Angeline Fry, born in Licking County, Ohio, June 24, 1830, and was there reared and married. Her parents, John and Artimicia Fry, were born in Shen- andoah County, Virginia. The father died in Shelby County, Ohio, January 20, 1870, aged seventy-two years, the mother died in Licking County when thirty years of age, having been born in 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkin have had six children-Sylvester, Rosella, En wa J., Alice M., Rowena and Ida V. The last two are deceased. Both himself and wife are members of the Baptist church, and Mr. Wilkin was a minister in that church eighteen years. His grandfather, George Wilkin, was born in Switzerland and died in Virginia. His grandmother, Lydia (Wise) Wilkin, was probably born in West Vir-
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AAN
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ginia, and she died in Licking County, Ohio. His grandfather Finch died before his recollec- tion, and his grandmother, Sarah Finch, after- ward married Minor Glover. Mrs. Wilkin's grandfather, Peter Fry, and her grandmother, Sarah (Jacobs) Fry, were born in Virginia and died in Licking County, Ohio. Her grandfather, Ambrose Booten, was born in France, and her grandmother, Elizabeth (Grubb) Booten, was born in Virginia. Both died in Shenandoah County. Politically Mr. Wilkin is a Democrat.
OHN SCHMUCK, one of the leading men of Greene Township, was born in Darke County, Ohio, October 4, 1827, a son of Peter and Asenath (Chapman) Schnuck, who were natives of New Jersey and Penn- sylvania, respectively. They were married in the State of Pennsylvania, and immedi- ately after their marriage settled in Darke County, Ohio, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of ten children, eight of whom reached maturity. John Schmuck was the sixth child in his father's family, and remained at home with his parents until sixteen years of age. He then went to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed until he enlisted in the Mexican war, in March, 1847. He served fourteen months as a member of Company D, Sixth Ohio Infantry, passing unscathed through many dangers of war, and after receiving an honorable discharge at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, he returned to Ohio, and resumed work at his trade. He was married August 22, 1849, to Miss Alta Reed, who was born in Ontario County, New York, November 18, 1825, a daughter of Harry and Phœbe (Ev- arts) Reed. They have had born to them the following children-Nancy, born August
10, 1850, married Clinton Wilcox, and died at Worthington, Indiana, January 18, 1885, leaving three danghters-Ettie, now aged twelve years; Myrtle A., aged ten ; and Grace, now in her eighth year; William H., resid- ing in Colorado; Emily, wife of Morris Blazer, of Greene Township; Alice, wife of C. S. Spahr, of Greene Township; Bianca, living at home; Elmer, a student at the Nor- inal school at Portland; Elery Morton, twin brother of Elmer, is with Henry in Colorado; Charles B. youngest child at home. In March, 1851, Mr. Schmuck came with his family to Jay County, and settled in the village of New Corydon, where he worked at his trade two years, when he moved to Jackson Township, where he followed his trade nntil he removed to Liber, and was there employed working on Liber College. In 1864 he settled on his present farın on section 26, Greene Township, which was then partially improved, twelve acres being cleared, and a small cabin built. The farm now contains 105 acres, of which seventy-five acres are cleared and under good cultivation, and his residence and farm build- ings are substantial and commodious. Oc- tober 13, 1864, Mr. Schmuck enlisted as a private in Company F, One Hundred and Fortieth Indiana Infantry, and was unani- monsly elected Captain of the company. His regiment was assigned to the Twenty-third Army Corps under General Schofield, and was in the battle of the Cedars, and Murfreesboro,. Tennessee, and with the Twenty-third Corps joined Sherman at Goldsboro, North Carolina. His regiment was discharged at Greensboro, North Carolina, being mustered ont in the summer of 1865. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812. In early life our subject affili- ated with the Democratic party, but for many years has been identified with the Republican party, and in 1870 he was elected on the Re- publican ticket land appraiser for Jay County,
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which position he filled five years. He also served one term as county commissioner. Mr. Schmuck, although sixty years of age, and having passed through two wars, and a life of toil, is still in the vigor of manhood, and bids fair to live many years to enjoy the fruits of a well spent life.
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AMUEL MASON, M. D., a physician and surgeon of Pennville, is a native of Indiana, born in Jackson Township, Wells County, February 14, 1845, the second son and fourth child of Thomas and Harriet (Dixon) Mason. The father was born in Fair- field Connty, Ohio, a son of Dorsey Mason, a native of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch and Irish ancestry. The mother was a native of Yorkshire, England, a danghter of Thomas Dixon who came to America, leaving Liver- pool the day his danghter was eight years old, settling in New Jersey where he followed weaving a few years. He then removed to Ohio, and settled near Newark in Licking County. The parents of onr subject were married near Newark, and in 1840 came to Indiana, settling in Wells County, where the father entered a tract of 160 acres of Govern- ment land which he cleared and improved, living on the land until his death which oc- curred April 6, 1883. His widow is still living, making her home in Montpelier, Blackford County. Of the thirteen children born to them all but two are deceased. Samll- nel Mason, whose name heads this sketch, was reared on his father's farm in Wells Connty, and in his boyhood attended the log cabin subscription schools of his neighborhood, com- pleting his literary education at Liber College in Jay County. During the late war he en- tered the service of his country at the age of seventeen years, enlisting August 6, 1862, in
Company K, Seventy-fifth Indiana Infantry. He went South with his regiment and joined the Army of the Cumberland, and after serving six months he was discharged on account of disability. He began the study of medicine in 1870 under the preceptorship of Dr. W. C. Ransom, of Jordan, with whom he remained a year. He took his first course of lectures at the Indiana Medical College in the winter of 1871-'72, and graduated in the spring of 1873, and in the winter of 1879-'80 he at- tended the Ohio Medical College. In March, 1873, he began the practice of medicine at Pennville, which he has since followed here with the exception of three years, fromn 1880 until 1883, spent in Hartford City, and during his residence has met with success in his cho- sen profession, gaining a large and lucrative practice. IIe is a member of the Indiana Medical Association, and also belongs to the Jay County Medical Association. Dr. Mason was married June 24, 1884, to Miss Sarah A. Bailey, a daughter of Abraham and Mary (Janney) Bailey. Mrs. Mason was born in Springborough, Warren County, Ohio, where her father died, and when a child she was brought by her mother to Jay County, Indi- ana, where she was reared. Four children have been born to Dr. and Mrs. Mason-John B., Charles R., Mary and Almeda. Politi- cally the doctor affiliates with the Republican party. His wife is a member of the Method- ist Episcopal church.
ATTERSON M. HEARN, one of the citizens of Jay County, was born in Wayne Township, Jay County, Angust 6, 1851, his father, William Hearn, being still a resident of Wayne Township, where he located in an early day. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, and received his
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early education in the public schools of his neighborhood, completing his studies at Liber College, and subsequently taught school for ten terms in Jay County. In 1878 he was elected county recorder, suc- cecding F. M. Mclaughlin, and this office he filled efficiently for eight consecutive years by re-election, serving with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. J. L. C. McAdams filled the office from November 14, 1878. Mr. Hearn's long experience as re- corder has enabled him to become familiar with real estate titles, and by great labor he has prepared a complete set of abstract books, and intends in the future to devote his atten- tion to the furnishing of abstract titles. He is also the owner of a valuable farm located in Greene Township. Mrs. Hearn was form- erly Miss Ida E. Caldwalder, a daughter of Isaac D. Caldwalder, and a granddaughter of Joshua Penoch, who settled in Jay County in 1835 among the early pioneers. Mr. and Mrs. Hearn are the parents of three children -Lacy E., Omar W. and Laurena J.
LERY WHIPPLE, druggist and post- master, Briant, was born in Barnstable, Massachusetts, July 15, 1829, son of Jason and Eliza (Burse) Whipple. The family removed to Delaware County, Ohio, in September, 1829, and in August, 1838, came to this connty and located in Wayne Township. The father entered 160 acres of Goverment land, and herc our subject re- sided until 1848, when he removed to Ran- dolph County and engaged in milling. In 1875 he removed to Ridgeville where he was engaged in milling three years, then took the contract for building an iron bridge at that place. In 1878 he engaged in the drug business at Portland, this county, where he
remained until November 17, 1884. In Jan- mary, 1887, he removed to Briant, where he has since been engaged in the drug business. Jannary 31, 1887, he was appointed post- master, and fills the office creditably. The store is well stocked with drugs and fancy ar- ticles, and everything usually kept in a first class drug store. Mr. Whipple was married June 5, 1856, to Miss Sally E. Steele, of Win- chester, a daughter of James Steele of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Whipple have six chil- dren-Rose Ella, wife of I. G. Simms, of Portland; Cora L., Charles L., Clyde S., Ray C. and Elgie. Charles L. is a member of the firm, and a thorough business man.
ACOB RUPEL, one of the leading agri- culturists of Jay County, engaged in farm- ing and stock-raising in Jackson Town- ship, is a native of Darke County, Ohio, born October 4, 1850. When he was four years old his father came to Jay County and settled in Jackson Township, and there he was reared amid pioneer scenes. His youth was spent in assisting his father on the farm, and in attending the common schools of his neigh- borhood, completing his education at Liber College. He was united in marriage February 12, 1878, to Miss Julia Ann Richelderfer, a native of Indiana, born in Adams County, July 21, 1853, a daughter of Charles and Sophia Richelderfer. They are the parents of two sons-Ezra Elmer and Charles Vernon. After his marriage Mr. Rupel settled on a farm on section 33, Hartford Township, Adams County, where he resided seven years. In October, 1885, he brought his family to the farm in Jackson Township, Jay County, where they have since made their home. He is now the owner of 192 acres of choice land in one body, 114 acres in Jackson Township,
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and seventy-eight acres adjoining in Hartford Township. His farin is divided into different fields for the convenience of his stock, his farm being well adapted to stock-raising, to which enterprise he devotes considerable attention. His residence, a two story brick, is one of the finest in Jackson Township, and his large barn erected in 1887, is not sur- passed in the county. The latter is a two story building, 40 x 70 feet, and is very con- veniently arranged for his stock and grain. In fact all the surroundings of the Rupel farm, shows the owner to be a thoroughi, practical farmer. In his political views Mr. Rupel affiliates with the Republican party.
OBERT HUEY, one of the early pio- neers of Wayne Township, Jay County, is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, born near Dayton March 15, 1810. His parents, Albert R. and Margaret (Reed) Huey, were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively. They removed to Kentucky in early life, and later to Montgomery County, Ohio, where they were married, living in that county until their death, the father dying at the advanced age of eighty-two years, and the mother at the age of sixty-eight years. They reared a family of twelve children, of whom six sons and two daughters still survive. Robert Huey, the subject of this sketch, was the eldest child in his father's family, and was reared to manhood on his father's farm in his native county. He was married April 9, 1835, to Miss Mary Ann Shellabarger, and on the 25th of October, 1836, he started with his wife and one child in a wagon for Jay County, he having shortly before entered the northeast quarter of section 17, Wayne Township. There were at that time but twelve or fourteen families in what is now Wayne Township, and
of the old pioneers who were living there at that early day, all are now passed away but the subject of this sketch. When Mr. Hney came to enter his land he made the trip on horseback, and in going from where Portland is now situated to the land office at Fort Wayne he passed but one liouse before reach- ing the Wabash River, a distance of four- teen miles, the next house, known as Ball's Tavern, being sixteen miles farther. All the surrounding country was new at that time, and game of all kinds was abundant. Mr. IIney was bereaved by the death of his wife about six months after settling in the county, her death taking place March 12, 1837. By his first marriage he had two children-John, born January 6, 1836, and Francis Marion, who was born March 2, 1837, and died at the age of ten days. Mr. Huey married a second time December 19, 1840, Miss Mary Ann Kinnear, a native of Darke County, Ohio, born September 10, 1819, and to this union were born eight children, three of whom are living-James Ellet, born January 10, 1843; Samuel M., born July 10, 1845, and Elizabeth, born August 4, 1851, now the wife of Doug- lass Stevenson. Five, Thomas C., David G., Margaret Ann, Noah and Robert, died in childhood. Mr. Huey has been identified with the growth and advancement of Wayne Township for over fifty years, and has wit- nessed all the changes that have taken place in the county, transforming it from a wilder- ness into its present advanced state of culture and influence. He served two successive terms as county sheriff, being the third sheriff in the county, and was subsequently elected to the State Legislature for three terms, and later served two terms in the State Senate. Ile also held the office of County Commis- sioner for three years, and in all these official positions he served the best interests of his township or county. Politically he has been
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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.
a life long Democrat, casting his first vote in Dayton, Ohio, in 1832, for Andrew Jackson, and in 1836 was one of three who voted for Van Buren in his precinct.
ENRY S. STRATTON, is one of the oldest settlers of Jay County, having been closely connected with its history nearly fifty years. He was born in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, May 11, 1809, the sixth of ten children of Timothy and Hester (Horton) Stratton, his father a native of Con- nectient, and his mother of Delaware. Of this family he and a younger brother, Isaac H., now of Clarke County, Ohio, and a sister, Calista A. Budd, of Montgomery, Indiana, are the only ones living. In 1814 the parents moved from Pennsylvania to Cincinnati, Ohio, and six years later moved to Clarke County, Ohio, where they built a home and lived the remainder of their lives. His mother died in 1838, his father surviving her nearly twenty years. Henry S. Stratton re- mained at home until twenty-two years of age, at that time commencing life for himself. He was married May 8, 1836, to Rebecca Hedrick, a native of Clarke County, Ohio, born near South Charleston, September 24, 1818. Three years after their marriage they moved to Jay County, reaching the home of Samnel W. Sutton, October 26. From there to his future home, one and a half miles dis- tant, Mr. Stratton chopped a road, and hastily built a log cabin. That cabin with its ad- ditions made at different times sheltered the family until 1862, when they moved into their present comfortable honse, which is but a few rods from the old cabin. The home- stead contains 180 acres all fenced and 120 acres being under cultivation. Mr. a nd Mrs. Stratton are enjoying a good degree of
health, and all the comforts that plenty of means can furnish are theirs. Their friends are legion, their long residence in the county giving them a wide acquaintance. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and their house in the pioneer days was the home of the itinerant. May 8, 1886, they celebrated their golden wedding, and the day was gladdened by the presence of several of their children and a few intimate friends. Mr. and Mrs. Stratton have had twelve chil- dren-David H., Timothy L., William H., Eupheinia M. (wife of Henry Atkinson), Solon C., John H., Findlay R., Laura L., (wife of Silas Darby), Milton L., Rebecca Jane (deceased, wife of James Boyd), Florine L. (died aged six years), and Emma F. (died aged ten months). Five of the sons were in the war of the Rebellion-Timothy L., Will- iam H., Solon C., John H. and Findlay R., and two gave their lives for their conntry. William H. died at Memphis, Marchi 1st, 1863, and Solon C. died December 2, 1862, at Holly Springs, Mississippi. In early life Mr. Stratton was a Whig, and naturally when the Republican party was formed transferred his allegiance to its principles and was a strong supporter of Lincoln's administration, and since the war has been a firm upholder of his party and its representatives.
LIAS BOST, one of the prominent and wealthy agriculturists of Jay County, was born in Columbia County, Penn- sylvania, May 20, 1833, a son of William and Eliza Bost, who were born, reared and married in the same State. The mother of our subject died when he was three years old. She was the mother of three children- the eldest child married Thomas McCartney and is now deceased; Elias was the second child,
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Elias Bost 1
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and the third child died in infancy and was buried with his mother. The father was again married before leaving his home in Pennsylvania, taking for his second wife Miss Elizabeth Shugars. They left Pennsylvania with teams, and after a journey of several weeks duration reached Jay County, Indiana, October 9, 1839, and within a week they were sheltered by a rude log cabin erected on land purchased by the father ou section 13, Jefferson Township. There the father with the help of his sons as they became old enongli, toiled to make a good home, and well they suc- ceeded. Commencing with a capital of not more than $1,000, and working against many disadvantages, no market for buying or selling, lie became one of the prosperous citizens of the county, leaving at his death 218 acres of well improved land, and $35,000 in personal prop- erty. He died December 9, 1880, aged seventy-two years. His widow survived until October 4, 1886. She was the mother of two children, both of whom were born in Jay Connty-Sarah Catherine, deceased wife of Fernando H. Lacy, and James who died at the age of four years. Mr. Bost and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. Elias Bost, the subject of this sketch, has lived in Jay County since coming with his father in 1839, and here he was reared amid the scenes incident to pioneer life. Coming here when the county was an almost unbroken wilderness, with no churches, schools or mills, he has witnessed the many important events that have transpired, changing the county into thriving towus and well cultivated farms. Few men living to-day have done more toward the development of Jefferson Township than he. He remained with his father until twenty-six years of age when he was deeded sixty acres of land on section 13, Jefferson Township, near the old homestead. He was united in marriage July 3, 1859, to
Miss Hannah P. Sanders, who was born near New Mount Pleasant. Her father, Jacob H. Sanders, a pioneer of Jefferson Township, having been the original proprie- tor of that village. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bost four are living -- Louvernia J., wife of Samuel J. Bair; Jacob W., Elmer E. and Joseph F., all living in Jay County. Jacob W. has been a cripple from the age of three years. He is a young man of good education, and is now studying law at Portland. James O., the third child of Mr. and Mrs. Bost, died at the age of thirteen years and six montlis. Elias Bost commenced married life in a primi- tive log cabin on tlie land given him by his father, and to this land he subsequently added eighty acres, directly west of his homestead. There he erected a fine residence in 1877, which he occupied until his removal to Port- land June 5, 1884, where he is now living a inore retired life. He now owns 380 acres of choice land in one body, divided into two farms, nearly all on section 13, Jefferson Town- ship all under improvement. This includes all of liis father's homestead. Politically Mr. Bost may be classed as an independent Demo- crat. Ile is a member of the Methodist church.
ALIN & SCHWARTZ, artistic pho- tographers of Portland, are located in the Reed & Mackenbach block, on Meridian street. These gentlemen stand at the head. Photography, whether it is considered as a pursuit or an art, presents features of astonishing importance. It is estimated that not less than $50,000,000 are annually paid by the people of this continent for photographic pictures, and in addition to the numerous people thus employed directly as artists the
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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.
various processes call into existence many trades that give employment to thousands. Among the leading photographers of North- ern Indiana, those who have manifested the most zeal and attained the most honorable distinction, may be mentioned Malin & Schwartz. We would call the attention of all to their studio and work. They have all new styles, and their great feature is work in the highest style of excellence. J. S. Malin, the senior member of the firm, is a native of Jay County, born in Pike Township, October 18, 1855, a son of Eli Malin, an early settler of the township. When he was sixteen years old his father moved to Portland. He at- tended the public schools in his youth and for a time was a clerk in his father's store' and from 1874 till 1878 was assistant post- master under his father. He was teller in the People's Bank, Portland, Indiana, three and a half years, and hield the same position in the Citizens Bank one year and a half. This experience in banks afforded him a good commercial education. In 1885 he bought a half interest in the photographi business of A. E. Forry, and May 7, 1886, Mr. Schwartz bought Mr. Forry's interest.
S. MILES, general merchant and pro- prietor of the city market at Briant, was born near Troy, Miami County, Ohio, November 28, 1853, a son of Wade Miles. When he was ten years old he went to Wayne County, where he resided until 1876. He was reared on a farm and was educated at Earlham College, Richmond, In- diana. In 1876 he engaged in the music trade, which he followed three years. He was then engaged in clerking for some time, and in 1883, settled in Briant, where he was
engaged in the grocery trade under the firmn name of Miles & Sınall. In 1884 he pur- chased his partner's interest, and since that time has conducted the business alone. He was married, February 13, 1879, to Miss Mattie Hubbard, of Fountain City, Indiana, and they have two children-Bessie E. and Blanche A. Mr. Miles is one of the live business men of Briant. In his store may be found a good assortment of fancy and staple groceries and hardware. In his market is kept the best of meats, both salt and fresh. He has a large patronage, which he richly deserves.
ESSE W. MENDENHALL, one of the active and enterprising agriculturists of Jefferson Township, residing on section 22, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, December 27, 1833, a son of Pennell and Maria (West) Mendenhall. IIis parents were born and reared in the State of Pennsylvania, and shortly after their marriage settled in Ohio. With their fonr children, Jesse then being a babe of three monthis, they left Columbiana County for Randolph County, Indiana, in June, 1839, settling in the woods of Franklin Township, where they built a good home, and lived many years to enjoy the fruits of their own industry. The father died September 16, 1871, aged sixty years, his widow surviving until October 11, 1880, dying at the age of sixty-nine years. Of eleven children born to them ten grew to maturity-Jesse W., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Sarah Campbell of Wayne Township; Joseph, was a member of the Fifty-sixth Indiana Infantry, and died during the siege of Vicksburg; James resides in Jefferson Township; Mrs. Lydia Mills, living
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