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 35

Author:
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 922

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 35
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 35

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

in Saunders County, Nebraska; Mrs. Susan Betts, of Randolph County, Indiana; Daniel, of Cass County, Nebraska; Mrs. Margaret Waltz, also living in Cass County; Mrs. Eliza Betts, living in Randolph County; and Will- iam, of Saunders County, Nebraska. One child, Elizabeth, died in infancy. James, the third son, served three years in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting September 28, 1861, in Company F, Fortieth Ohio Infantry, and was in the campaign agamst rebel General Humphrey under the late President Garfield. While home on a furlough he was married, May 19, 1864, to Miss Delilalı Odle. Jesse W. Mendenhall, whose name heads this sketcli, remained with his parents until his marriage, November 6, 1856, to Miss Phœbe Badgley. She was born in Darke County, Ohio, Decem- ber 12, 1839, and when she was five years of age her parents, William and Elizabeth (Wilson) Badgley, settled in Randolph Conn- ty, they being among the early settlers of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Mendenhall are the parents of twelve children-Mrs. Maria E. Morical, of Jay County; William P., of Olmstead County, Minnesota; Thomas B., at home; James E., of Jay County ; John A., of Ohnstead Connty, Minnesota; Mrs. Sarah E. Philips, of Jay County; Mary J., Rosetta I., Jesse F., Nellie J., Anna L. and Melissa A., the last six living at home with their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Mendenhall commenced married life on their farm in Franklin Township, Randolph County, but in 1865 Mr. Menden- hall sold that property (eighty acres), and in September of that year bought the homestead in Jefferson Township, which he and his family have seen occupied. The home farm contains seventy-three acres of well improved land, having 545 rods of tile drainage. Beside this property he owns a fine farm of 120 acres on section 23 of the same township, one mile east of his residence, which he

bought in 1876. The farm buildings on that property are at present rented out to a tenant. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mendenhall are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at New Mount Pleasant. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party.

OHN A. METZNER, farmer, residing on section 1, Wayne Township, is a na- tive of Ohio, born in Lieking County, in 1840, and is of German descent, his father being born in Germany, and his mother a native of France. His father, John Metzner, came with his family to Jay County, Indiana, in 1850, and settled in Noble Township, where he still lives, and where our subject grew to manhood. He was a gallant soldier during the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in August, 1861, in Company G, Fortieth Ohio Infantry, and serving until the close of the war. He veteranized in 1863, at which time his regiment became consolidated with the Fifty-first Ohio, his command being attached to the Army of the' Cumberland, and Mr. Metzner fought with his regiment in that gallant army on many a bloody battle field, including Stone River, Chickamanga, and the battles of the Atlanta campaign. He was severely wounded in the right arm at Burnt Hickory, just before the close of the Atlanta campaign. He rejoined his regiment at Nashville, Tennessee, under Thomas, from there went to Texas, being innstered out at Victoria, Texas, in November, 1865. For his wife, Mr. Metzner married Miss Clara Moulton, a daughter of Charles Moulton, who went from his home in Licking County, Ohio, to California, during the gold excite- ment, and died in that State. Mr. and Mrs. Metzner have two children-Cora B. and Wesley F. Mr. Metzner has resided on his

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

present farm since returning from the war, having bought the land in 1865 from George Bergman. The land at that time was entirely unimproved, but under the care of Mr. Metzner has been developed into a well im- proved and very productive farm. His farm consists of eighty acres. He is classed among the esteeined citizens of Jay County, and his record both as a soldier and a citizen is an honorable one. Politically he is a Republi- can, and is a strong adherent of the princi- ples of that party. Both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical Association.

ETER S. MEREDITHI, deceased, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Mont- gomery County, November 5, 1808, a son of David and Rachel (Shoemaker) Meredith. His father was also a native of Pennsylvania, a son of Moses Meredith who came from Wales to America with two bro- thers, one of whom settled in North Carolina, and the other in New York, and the grand- father of our subject in Pennsylvania. Ra- chel Shoemaker, the mother of our subject, was a daughter of Peter and Hannah Shoe- inaker. Our subject was reared on the home farm until sixteen years of age when he went to learn the miller's trade, and after serving liis apprenticeship he worked as a journeyman miller until 1835, when he came to Richinond, Indiana, with his father's family. Ilis father purchased land three miles south of Center- ville, where they resided several years, when he sold out and settled in Richmond, where the parents remained the rest of their days. Our subject came to Jay County in an early day, and visited in the family of Samuel Griswell, where he formed the acquaintance of Maria Griswell to whom he was married September 7, 1843. She was born in Columbi-

ana County, Ohio, October 11, 1821, coming to Jay County with her parents when thirteen years old. Mr. and Mrs. Meredithi had born to thein four children-Esther M., born March 26, 1846, married Andrew K. Knuckols, and died November 9, 1865; Hiram G., born at Richmond October 30, 1847, and died April 23, 1848; Samuel G., born in Penn Township, May 29, 1849, married Carrie Smith, and died January 11, 1873, leaving one son, Wil- ber T. Meredith, and Eva Jane, born August 13, 1863, and died June 13, 1864. Peter S. Meredith continued following the miller's trade at Richmond after his marriage until the fall of 1848, when he removed to Jay County, and settled in Penn Township on a farin which had been entered from the Gov- ernment by his father-in-law, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits. He subse- quently removed to Pennville where heresided until his death, which occurred October 4, 1876. He was reared a Friend, and died in the faith of that society. In politics he affili- ated with the Republican party. He was a member of the Odd Fellows order. He joined the lodge at Richmond, but changed his membership to Pennville. His son, Samuel G., was also a member of the Odd Fellows order; his widow is married and lives in West Liberty, Iowa; she is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

HOMAS S. SHEPHERD, M. D., one of the oldest members of the medical fraternity in Jay County, is a native of England, born in the city of Selby, Yorkshire, in 1815. When in his seventh year he was brought by his father to America, the family settling in Wheeling, Virginia, and here our subject was reared, remaining there until after his marriage. He was married April 6,

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

1837, to Miss Abigail Watson, a native of Ohio, who died in December, 1883, leaving five children-George W., a practicing phy- sicion of Redkey, Jay County; William, also a physician, practicing at New Carlisle, Ohio; Mrs. Anna L. Gregg, of Kansas; Mary E. Shepherd and Mrs. Etta Elliott, of Portland. Soon after his marriage our subject came with his wife to Portland, Indiana, and studied medicine with Doctor Milligan, the first phy- sician of Jay County, completing his medical studies with Dr. Latham, and engaged in practice in the county a period of forty years. Between the interval of study of medi- cine with Doctor Milligan and Doctor Latham he studied law at Marion, Grant County, with Colonel Asbury Steele, and thinking that he would prefer the profession of law to that of medicine, he engaged in the former pursuit which he followed at Kokomo for several years. Finding that the practice of law did not suit his tastes he resumed his medical studies as before mentioned with Doctor Latham, and subsequently engaged in the practice of medicine in Jay County, and has since followed his medical practice in Jay County, with the exception of five years spent at Bluffton, Wells County. Many years ago the doctor becanie connected with the Christian church, and later engaged in the ministry, thus it will be seen that he has followed the professions of law, medicine and theology. He is yet engaged in the practice of medicine, and when occasion requires he still speaks in the cause of liis Master. During the fifty years of his residence in Jay, Howard and Wells counties, he has witnessed the many wonderful changes that have taken place, changing the country from its wild, unculti- vated state into well cultivated fields, and prosperous towns and villages. In his politi- cal views the doctor was a Democrat until the breaking out of the war, since which time

he has affiliated with the Republican party. He has taken an active interest in the political affairs of his county, speaking effectively during presidential campaigns of the past. He is an old and honored pioneer of the county, and is held in high esteem by all who know hỉm.

OHN P. HEARN, deceased, was born in Campbell County, Kentucky, April 10, 1830, and died in Noble Township, Jay County, Indiana, February 22, 1879. He lived on section 29, Noble Township, where he owned 201 acres of land. Hc came to this county in the spring of 1839, with his parents, Isaac and Nancy A. (Mason) Hearn, who located in Noble Township. The father was born in Maryland, and died April 18, 1861, aged fifty-four years. The mother was born in Northumberland County, Virginia, April 11, 1808, and is still living on the farm where she and her husband first settled. John P. Hearn was married July 4, 1859, to Miss Mary T. Morehons, who was born in Tompkins, now Schuyler County, New York, February 3, 1834, and came to this county with her parents in 1838, the family locating on the farm now owned by Silas A. More- hous. Her parents, Wilbur and Susan A. (Patterson) Morehous, were natives of Tompkins County, New York, the father born October 9, 1806, and the mother, De- cember 6, 1809. The father died July 8, 1871, and the mother, February 24, 1876. Both were buried on their farm in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Hearn had five children-Har- riet A., born January 8, 1862, wife of Samuel Brinkerhoof; Charles A. A., born October 19, 1865; Marietta L., born February 16, 1867; Isaac W., born April 22, 1872; Perry W. T., born January 24, 1877. Mr. Hearn was

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

a Republican in politics, and a member of the United Brethren church, as is also his wife. Mr. ILearn received an excellent edu- cation for his day, having attended school at Portland, and also attended the Farmer's Academy, near Liber. Mrs. Hearn's grand- parents, Silas and Eunice Morehous, were probably born in Vermont, and both died in Tompkins County, New York. Her great- grandparents came from Scotland.

ESSE J. M. LA FOLLETTE, mayor of Portland, and member of the firm of Headington & La Follette, attorneys at law, is a native of Jay County. A sketch of his parents appears elsewhere in this work. He was born in Pike Township, in September, 1845, and reared on the farm. At the age of seventeen years he began attending Liber Col- lege during the spring and fall terms, and teaching school during the winter, which he continued, with some interruptions, until the , spring of 1871. He taught school in Ward Township, Randolph County, Niles Town- ship, Delaware County, and in different town- ships in this county, a member of terms. During the summer of 1864 he was in the army, doing guard duty along the lines of railroad that supplied the army under Gen- eral Sherman. In the spring of 1870 he tried his hand at selling fruit trees in southwestern Missouri. In the fall of 1871, Mr. La Fol- lette began the study of law in the office of Watson & Monks, at Winchester, and, being apt for his studies and assiduous in his habits, he completed his course in about a year, and was admitted to the bar, in that county. The ensuing winters, 1872-'73, he again taught school. During all these years he partici- pated in teachers' institutes and other educa- tional meetings, becoming indeed a prominent

leader in the pedagogical profession in this and adjoining counties. In the spring of 1873, he came to Portland to commence the practice of law, in partnership with Joshua Bishop, a shrewd attorney. During his first year in Portland he was appointed deputy prosecuting attorney by Hon. Joseph S. Dailey, of Bluffton, and resigned the office in 1875. In November, 1874, his partnership with Mr. Bishop had ceased, and he had formed the professional relation with J. W. Headington, which has continued to the pres- ent. In the spring of 1875 he was elected town clerk, and served one term, and since the incorporation of Portland as a city, he has been councilman one term, and mayor one term, 1885-787. He lias always taken an active interest in the welfare of tlie com- munity, commercially, politically, morally and socially. It is very seldom, indeed, that one can do that for any lengthi of time and retain so great popularity as Mr. La Follette enjoys. He lias ever been a zealous and able advocate of the principles of the Republican party, being often a delegate to nominating conventions, eity, county, district and State. His political speeches are so dispassionate and carefully worded as to elicit the praise of all parties. He is well known as a campaign worker in all this portion of Indiana, and in a considerable portion of Ohio adjoining. Was chairman of the Jay County Central Committee for the campaign of 1876. Is a member of Stephen J. Bailey Post, G. A. R., No. 154, at Portland, in which he has served as Commander and in other official relations. He has "passed all the chairs" in the order of Odd Fellows, becoming a member of the Grand Lodge of the State in 1875. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since January, 1887. September 18, 1875, Mr. La Follette was married to Miss Annie Wells, daughter of Jonathan R. and

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

Sarah (Mendenhall) Wells, and a native of Jefferson Township, this county. In Febru- ary, 1864, she came with her parents to Liber, where she obtained an excellent education. She also attended the State Normal school at Terre Haute. Her mental discipline, based upon native capacity, is superior, and she has accordingly excelled as a teacher for a num- ber of years at Winchester and in this county; has taught in Portland since mar- riage. Her parents died at Liber, her father in Marclı, 1880, aged seventy-five years, and her mother in the spring of 1874, at the age of sixty-six years. More recently she has been an active member of the Chautauqua Literary aud Scientific Circle since its organi- zation at Portland, and of the Methodist Episcopal church since January, 1887. The children of Mr. and Mrs. La Follette are- Mellie Estelline, born July 8, 1878, and By- ron Evarts, boru June 28, 1884. A model family.

DAM BURR, farmer, resides on section 23, Madison Township, where he owns sixty-five acres of good land. He came to this county December 6, 1853, locating on his present farm which he purchased of his father who had preceded him to the county a few months. The father purchased the farm of Jason Humiston. Here our subject com- menced life in the woods. He built a round- log cabin, 18 x 20 feet, with a mud-and-stick chimney, clapboard roof and two windows. He lived in this cabin nineteen years, then built his hewed-log house with frame kitchen. His farm is cleared and well fenced. His father, John H. Burr, was born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, December 30, 1796. Losing his parents at an early age he was bound out, but being badly treated he ran 22

away and enlisted in the war of 1812, enlist- ing in the Virginia militia, under Captain Hoskins. He drew a land warrant of 160 acres, but died September 15, 1860, before the law was passed giving pensions to the survivors of that war. He was married in Preble County, Ohio, in 1830, then went immediately back to Montgomery County, where he had previously located. Ile worked at farming during the summer, and at shoe- making during the winter. The mother, Su- sanna (Stover) Burr, was born in York County, Pennsylvania, August 23, 1808, and removed to Montgomery County, Ohio, with her parents when two years of age, where she was reared and married. She died December 25, 1884, and both are buried in Pleasant Hill ceme- tery, near Salem, Indiana. The father was a Presbyterian, and the mother, in later life, united with the Christian church, although she was formerly a member of the P'resbyte- rian church. Mr. Burr was married Novem- ber 9, 1857, to Saralı E. Moore, who was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, August 23, 1839, and when two years old, came to this county with her parents, who settled in Madi- son Township, on section 20, where they lived several years. Her father was born in Ireland in 1809, and came to America with his parents when a boy, the family settling in Muskingum County, Ohio, and coming to thuis county in 1853. He died in Randolph County, this State, in January, 1873. The inother was also born in Ireland, in 1812, and is living with her eldest son, David, in Fort Recovery. Mr. and Mrs. Burr have had nine children-Benjamin F., born January 9, 1859; Melinda F., born February 27, 1860; Susanna, born July 20, 1861; Rebecca J., born April 20, 1864; William H., born November 24, 1866; Sarah E., born April 3, 1870; Ida C., born May 25, 1872; Elnora E., born March 19, 1877; Charles, born October 22, 1882,

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

died in five days. Mr. Burr enlisted March 23, 1865, in Company E, Fifty-third Indiana Infantry, and was discharged Angust 3, 1865. He joined his regiment at Alexandria while Sherman's army was marching to Washington after the surrender of Johnston, and partici- pated in the grand review. His regiment was sent to Louisville to be mustered out, receiving their discharge at Indianapolis. Mr. Burr then returned home and has since been engaged in farming. His grandfather Burr died before his son John (the father of Adam) was born, and his grandmother died before the father was two weeks old. His maternal grandparents, Adam and Barbara (Berk- heimer) Stover, were born in Germany, and died in German Township, Montgomery Coun- ty, Ohio; neither conld speak a word of English. Mrs. Burr's grandparents, James and Sarah (Thompson) Moore, were born in Ireland, and both died in Eastern Ohio. Her maternal grandparents were also born in Ire- land, and died in Eastern Ohio. They are buried in Muskingum County, as are also Mr. Burr's parents. Mr. Burr served as town- ship trustee two terms, and as assessor one term.

OHN BELL, one of the pioneers of Jay County, who is now deceased, was born in Harrison County, Virginia, Septem- ber 6, 1816, a son of Simeon and Mary (West) Bell. When sixteen years old he accompanied his father to Warren County, Ohio, his mother having died the year pre- vions in Virginia. John Bell remained in Warren County until twenty-one years of age, when his adventurous spirit led him to Jay County, and that year, 1837, he entered 160 acres of Government land in Pike Township. He sold this land early in the year 1839, and

soon after opened a general stock of goods at Mount Pleasant, he being the pioneer mer- chant of that village. December 1, 1839, he was united in marriage to Miss Louvinia Kidder, who was born in Warren County, Ohio, April 10, 1821, a daughter of John and Saralı (Buras) Kidder. Her parents were among the early pioneers of Jay Coun- ty, settling in Pike Township in 1837, where they spent the remainder of their days. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bell- Lonvinia, wife of Dr. G. W. Shepherd, of Redkey; Simeon K., residing on section 10, Jefferson Township; William F., Sarah, Rosanna, Alva and Mary died of Scarlet fever in the year 1854; Emeline, wife of William Current; Jolin, living on section 16, Jefferson Township, and Florence, living with her mother. Mr. Bell continued in business at Mount Pleasant until 1855, when he sold his stock to his brother Lewis. In 1860 he settled on his fine farm a mile southeast of the village, located on section 22, Jefferson Township, where he lived in the enjoyment of a good home about twenty years, his death occurring January 21, 1880. He was a con- sistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and an honored' and respected citizen of Jay County. His life was one of unceas- ing activity, and in all that makes the public spirited man he was in nothing lacking. In his political views he was a Republican. His father, Simeon Bell, was a physician, and while ministering to patients stricken with cholera in Cincinnati, in 1832, he fell a victim to the epidemic himself. Simneon K. Bell, the eldest son of our subject, was born January 9, 1843, in Jay County, Indiana, and is now one of the prominent men of Jefferson Township. His homestead con- tains 200 acres of valuable land, nearly all under improvement, making one of the best farm properties in the township. In 1871

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

he was elected county examiner, and after the change in school supervision he was elected county superintendent, serving ten years to the satisfaction of his constituents. He was married January 25, 1870, to Miss Sophia Williamson, a daughter of Hugh and Mary Williamson. They are the parents of three children-D. Ward, Jolın and Berthia. John Bell, Jr., the youngest son of our subject, is also a native of Jay County, Indiana, the date of his birth being September 25, 1858. He owns a good farm property consisting of 120 acres on section 16, Jefferson Township, where he makes his home. He was united in mar- riage September 28, 1879, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Thomas and Hettie (Bost) McCartney, and to this union have been born two children-Gracie and Basil. John Bell, the subject of this sketch, came to Jay Conn- ty in limited circumstances, but by his per- severing industry and good management he succeeded well in life, having sufficient to start his children in life, and to leave his widow a good home and a competence.

AMUEL BLAZER, one of the old and honored pioneers of Greene Township, has been identified with the interests of Jay County since 1838. He was born in Gal- lia County, Ohio, August 2, 1813, a son of Philip and Elizabeth Blazer, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and of Dutch descent. They were married in their native State, and of the nine children born to them only two are living -Samuel B., who was the fourth son and sixth child, and Henry, who lives on the old honie- stead of his parents. Of the remaining chil- dren, George came to Jay County a year or so before our subject, and settled in Pike Township, where he lived until his death, which occurred the first year of the late war;

John, another son, settled in Madison County, Indiana, and died a few years since; one daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Gilmore, died a few years ago in Madison County, Indiana; Jacob, Adam, Philip and Margaret are the names of the other children who are deceased. Jacob, the eldest child, was never married, and died at the age of seventy-five years. The other children were married and had families. The parents after their marriage settled on wild

land in Ohio, where they made a home, and lived in that State until their death. Samuel Blazer, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood on the home farm in Ohio, remaining with his parents until attaining the age of twenty-one years. Ou coming to Jay County in the fall of 1838 he commenced chopping and clearing his land, a tract of 160 acres that he had entered from the Government prior to hiis coming, and by persevering in- dustry he soon had enough cleared to make a home. He was married April 9, 1840, to Miss Prudence Collins, who was born in War- ren County, Ohio, August 4, 1820, where she lived until coming to Jay County, Indiana, with her parents, John and Elizabeth Collins, about the year 1836. Both of her parents died of fever soon after coming to the county. Mr. and Mrs. Blazer have had born to then twelve children-Elizabeth, widow of John Kerns, is living in Jefferson Township; Mary died aged five years; Henry died aged tlirce years; the next two children died in infancy ; Nancy married John Spahr, of Greene Town- ship; Morris lives in Greene Township; Mrs. Catharine Weston lives in Jefferson Township; Elvira and Elvina (twins), the former married James McFadden and is now deceased, and the latter is living with her parents; Jacob resides in Greene Township, and Enuna is the wife of Ozro Sanders, of Jefferson Township. Mr. Blazer has lived on his farm on section 36, Greene Township, since his marriage, his

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

first residence being a small cabin, located near the site of his present more commodious residence. He has a good home property of eighty-three acres, he having given the rest of his land to his children. He has been prosperous in his farming pursuits, and has owned and improved much over 300 acres of land, and by his honorable and upright deal- ings he lias won the confidence and esteem of all who know him. In politics he was for- merly a Whig, but has voted the Republican ticket since the organization of that party.

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Author: Publication date: 1887 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Company Number of Pages: 922

Author:
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 922