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 48

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 48
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 48

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County with one of her children. Her grand- parents were all born in Germany, and all died there except her grandfather Shaffer, who came to America with his children-John, Elizabeth, Margaret and Barbara. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong have five children-Samuel A., born December 27, 1863, was married

October 8, 1885, to Serena A. Woten, and they have one child-Oliver Wendell; Alice E., born Jannary 14, 1866; Maggie, born April 16, 1868; Emma, born Angust 23, 1871; Charles G., born March 3, 1873. The brothers cast their votes for the Democratic party.

M. VAIL, physician and surgeon, West Chester, has been identified with the interests of Jay Connty forty-nine years. He was born in Darke County, Ohio, Septem- ber 6, 1831, son of William and Lydia Ann (Voriss) Vail, the former a native of Butler County, Ohio, and the latter of Maysville, Kentucky. They were married in Darke County, and reared ten children-Caroline, Rebecca, Isaac M., Esther A., William C., Amy I., Martha M., Susan A., Polly M. and Fanny M. In 1836 the family removed to this county, coming with teams of both horses and cattle, and locating in the woods of Bear Creek Township. Our subject passed liis youth amid the scenes of pioneer life, assist- ing at farm work and attending the common schools. Healso attended Portland Academy. At the age of twenty-four years he com- menced the study of medicine under Dr. D. W. McNeal, of Portland, and later, under Dr. James Gillum, of the same place. He after- ward attended the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, where he received his diploma in May, 1872. The doctor has always been a deep student, and keeps himself informed in

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all the modern literature pertaining to the practice of his profession. In 1871 he formed a partnership with Dr. Roos, which still exists. Dr. Vail is in poor health and does not do so much active work except in difficult cases or in consultation. He was married February 10, 1856, to Miss Amy J. Ross, of Portland, and formerly of Darke County, Ohio, daughter of Aley and Sarah (Miller) Ross, and they have three children-Mary Etheland Miller, Lettie M. and J. William Isaac. Susan H., the first born, is deceased. The doctor has farms of 220 acres. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Jay Lodge, No. 87, and of the Society of Friends.

RITZ BIMEL, junior member of the firm of L. Bimel & Son, proprietors of the spoke and handle factory in South Portland, was born in St. Mary's, Ohio, Janu- ary 8, 1859, a son of Lorenz and Elizabeth Bimel. Just before attaining his majority he came to Portland, and has. since had charge of the above mentioned factory, where he is engaged in the manufacture of spokes, hub blocks, felloe strips, farming tools, and broom handles. During the year 1882 he inet with an accident by slipping over, and in falling threw his left hand in front of a circu- lar saw which took off all the fingers to the palm, leaving only the thumb. September 14, 1880, Mr. Bimel was married to Miss Maggie T. Kelsey, who was also born in St. Mary's, Ohio. They are the parents of three children-Leslie, born in the spring of 1882; Lela, born in the fall of 1883, and Hazel, born in 1885. Lorenz Bimel, the senior member of the firm, was born in Germany in 1827, and was only three years of age when his parents immigrated to America, they settling at Wapakoneta, Ohio. He has passed his life

principally at Wapakoneta and St. Mary's, being still a resident of the latter place. He was engaged in the manufacture of wagons and buggies. He is a prominent citizen of the county where he resides.

AMES RUPEL, a prominent early settler of Jay County, who is now deceased, was born in Preble County, Ohio, in the year 1811, a son of Martin and Nancy (Lyston) Rupel. James Rupel was twice married, taking for his first wife Permelia Vail, and to this union were born five children. The eldest child, Francis T., was born May 6, 1834, and was Quartermaster of the First Ohio Light Infantry; 1051 marks his grave at Nashville, Tennessee. The second son, Martin L., was born November 5, 1837, and now resides in Jay County ; Sarah C. (Fields), was born November 15, 1843, and is living in Wells County, Indiana; Jacob, born October 4, 1850, resides in Adams County, Indiana, and Isaac, a twin brother of Jacob lives in Jay Connty. Mr. Rupel was married a second time in Darke Connty, Ohio, in 1853, to Miss Mary Potter, who was born in Darke County in 1827, a daughter of David and Rachel (Lambert) Potter, of whom her father is deceased. To this union three children were born-Minerva, who is now deceased, was born June 12, 1854; Rachel Williams, born August 16, 1855, living in Jay County, and James, born September 30, 1857. Mr. Rupel settled with his family in Jay Connty, Indiana, in 1854, where he made his home until his death, which occurred December 13, 1886. He followed farming in Jackson Township, and by his industrious habits, and qniet and unassuming manners he gained the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He served one term as swamp commissioner. He

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was always interested in any enterprise which had for its object the advancement of his township or county, where he was numbered among the active and public spirited citizens.

P. COLE was born in Forest County, Pennsylvania, May 29, 1856, his par- ents, Daniel and Lucinda (Greene) Cole, being natives of the same State, the father of Scotch and Irish and the mother of Scotch and German descent. When he was nine years old his parents removed to Erie County, Pennsylvania, where they lived until their death, the mother dying in 1868, and the father in 1880. The father was a lumber- man, and followed that avocation in Forest County in connection with farming. C. P. Cole, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Erie County, receiving his education in the common schools of Waterford, and at the State Normal at Edinboro. After complet- ing his education he followed farming in Erie County for one year, having just been married, but at the end of the year his house and con- tents were destroyed by fire, he and his wife barely escaping with their lives. His mar- riage was consummated April 9, 1876, with Miss Hattie Otis, who was born near Buffalo, in Erie County, New York, a daughter of Rev. Job and Rosetta (Logan) Otis, her father having been a minister in the Second Adventist church. Both of her parents died in Erie County, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Cole have had born to them three children- Claudie Willard, Rollie Fay and Clyde Clin- ton. After being burned out, Mr. Cole settled at Bradford, Pennsylvania, and for about a year was engaged in drilling in the oil coun- try. He then returned to Erie County and found employment in the D Handle factory at Wattsburg, beginning on a salary of 90

cents a day. He received promotion after promotion until he had mastered the entire business before leaving that place. In 1879 he left Wattsburg for Piqua, Miami County, Ohio, where he again found employment in a D Handle factory. The following year he and Mr. McCandless engaged in the mann- facture of handles, but one year later Mr. Cole disposed of his interest in the business and accepted the position of superintendent of the D Handle works at Lima, Ohio, serving in that capacity until February, 1882, when he purchased from the creditors of O. D. Gray the D Handle works at Dunkirk, which under his skillful management, has become one of the most flourishing handle factories in the country, and which is second to none in the world, everything about the works be- ing of the latest and most improved charac- ter. Mr. Cole is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the Masonic lodge, chapter and council at Dun- kirk, and of the Knights Templar, Muncie Commandery, No. 18. He is also an Odd Fellow, belonging to Dunkirk Lodge, No. 306, and is a member of the Miami Encamp- ment, No. 4, of Piqua, Ohio. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party.

OSEPH KIDDER, a worthy representa- tive of one of the early pioneer families of Jay County, is a native of Ohio, born in Warren County, July 11, 1823, a son of John Kidder, who settled in Pike Township as early as 1837. John Kidder was a native of New Hampshire, the date of his birth being June 9, 1789, and was of New England ancestry. At the age of sixteen years he re- moved with his parents to the State of Maine, where he remained until twenty-seven years of age. He was married in October, 1815

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to Miss Saralı Burress, who was also a native of the old Granite State. The year following their marriage they went to New York, and the following year they left that State with their eldest child, going to the Ohio River, where they constructed a flat boat, and, accom- panied. by another family, floated down the river to Cincinnati. After remaining at Cin- cinnati abont four months, they removed to Warren County, where they made their home for twenty years, coming thence to Pike Township, Jay County, Indiana, where they were among the earliest settlers. The father then entered 200 acres of land in Jay County, 120 acres being in Pike Township. Here he made a good home for his family out of the forest, and here he passed the remainder of his days, dying May 14, 1858, in his sixty- ninth year, his widow surviving until October 4, 1875. Both were highly respected by all who knew them, for their many excellencies of character, and they have left behind them a record of which their descendants may well be proud. At the age of thirty-four years the father became a Christian, and continued so the rest of his life. He and his wife were the parents of eleven children, three of whom died in infancy, and two after reaching ma- turity. Susan married John T. Hudson, and died when about forty-two years of age. Mary L. married John T. Hudson after the death of her sister, and died aged forty years. The children yet living are-Lucetta, born in the State of New York, February 12, 1817, widow of John Waldo; Rachel, born Febru- ary 17, 1820, is now the widow of John Odle, late of Randolph County; Lavinia, widow of John Bell, living iu Jefferson Township; Joseph, the subject of this sketch; William, living in Pike Township, and Dr. James F., living at Mount Pleasant. Joseph Kidder, whose name heads this sketch, was fourteen years old when his parents settled in Jay

County, and here he grew to manhood amid scenes of pioneer life. He received but lim- ited educational advantages, his youth being spent in assisting his father clear their fron- tier farm. He was married at the age of twenty-two years to Miss Elizabeth Collins, who was born in Warren County, Ohio, July 25, 1829, a daughter of John Collins, who was one of the pioneers of Jay County. They have never had children of their own, but have reared two children, who have found a good home with them. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Kidder settled in Jefferson Township on land which his father had entered. After partially improving this farm he sold it subsequently, and improved three other farms, so that he has done his share toward clearing away the forest and improving the country. Mr. and Mrs. Kidder are now living a retired life in their pleasant home in Portland, where they removed in October, 1883, and are enjoying that rest which they have so well earned by years of persevering industry.

LIJAH HOPPES, one of the leading agriculturists of Jay County, residing on section 18, Jefferson Township, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, July 8, 1840, a son of John and Sarah Hoppes. When he was three years of age his parents settled in Richland Township, near his present resi- dence, and there he grew to manhood, his youth being spent in assisting his father on the farm where he learned lessons of perse- vering industry, which have been of benefit to him in later life. He was united in mar- riage in his nineteenth year to Miss Elizabetlı E. Phillips, the date of their marriage being January 6, 1859. Mrs. Hoppes was born in Highland County, Ohio, a daughter of Asa

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

F. and Mary Phillips, with whom she came to Jay County, Indiana, when about twelve years of age. Her mother is deceased, and her father is now a resident of Redkey, Jay County. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hoppes-Sarah Jane, wife of Elias Steed, of Jefferson Township; Mary S. died in infancy; Cyrus E., a school teacher, living with his parents; Tellitha G., wife of Edmund Bergdoll, of Knox Township; Osta V., Rosa A., Wilber C., Bertha J. and Hattie L .. the last five living at home. In 1863 Mr. Hoppes volunteered in defense of the Union, but his wife's health at that time caused himn to send as a substitute James Collett, of Pike Township. Before the war was over Mr. Hoppes was drafted, but his business and family again made it necessary to furnish a substitute, which he did in the person of Henry C. Decker, of Henry County, Indiana. Mr. Hoppes commenced life for himself on sixty-five acres of land, the part of the home- stead on which he now resides, which liad been given him by his father. About eight acres of this tract had been cleared, and a small log cabin built, the former home of Jacob Smith, one of Jefferson Township's old pioneers. From this small beginning he has become one of the wealthiest men in his town- ship, considering his age, and the fact that his property, with the exception of the original sixty-five acres, has been acquired by his own efforts, his progress has no parallel in the county. His real estate covers 450 acres, which may be said to be divided into four farms, although all join each other, and all are located on section 18, Jefferson Township. Of his land 250 acres is cleared of the tim- ber and very productive, the balance cleared of the underbrush and seeded, it being used for pasturage. His large substantial brick residence is one of the best farm houses in the county, his other farm buildings being

correspondingly good. In politics he has always affiliated with the Democratic, being reared in the principles of that party. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

AVID JORDAN, engaged in farming in Greene Township, where he resides on section 15, is a native of Morgan County, Ohio, the date of his birth being September 8, 1831. When he was five years old, his parents, Garrett and Elizabeth Jor- and. settled in Meigs County, Ohio, where . they made their home until 1851. In that year they came to Jay County, Indiana, ac- companied by their son David, and resided in Wayne Township until their death, the father dying in 1870, and the mother some two years earlier. They were the parents of twelve children. Four of the sons, Jacob, Elijah, Elza and David, were soldiers in the war of the Rebellion. Jacob died soon after the war, and Elza died in 1884. Elijah now lives in West Virginia. Of the remaining children-James, William and Abraham re- side in Wayne Township, Jay County; Isaac lives in Kansas; and the daughters, Mrs. Jane Saxton, lives in Ohio; Mrs. Lovina Millett lives in Wayne Township; Mrs. Elizabeth Bartley also lives in Wayne Town- ship, and Mrs. Emily Saxton lives in West Virginia. David Jordan, the subject of this sketch, was married in Jay County, in 1854, to Miss Sophia Tullis, who died April 7, 1861, aged twenty-six years, leaving two children-Margaret, now Mrs. Boughman, living in Portland, and Jonathan, a resident of Jay County. Mr. Jordan had lived in Darke County, Ohio, a number of years be- fore the death of his wife. In the autumn of 1861 he enlisted in defense of his country,

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and was assigned to Company G, Fortieth Ohio Infantry, Garfield's brigade. He par- ticipated in the battles of Prestonburg, and Chickamauga. He fought under General Hooker at Lookout Mountain, and for four months was almost continuously in skirmishes and battles, and from Chattanooga to Atlanta lie was nearly all the time under fire. In the last, though not least battles of the West, Franklin and Nashville, he was also in line. After a service covering two enlistments, one as a veteran, he was honorably discharged in November, 1865, his last months being spent in Texas. While in the war no hardship nor danger ever broke his spirit, or in the least checked his cheerfulness. Always ready for duty, his example was worth much to his comrades. In May, 1866, he was married a second time to Miss Saralı A. Brewington, a daugliter of John C. Brewington. They are the parents of three children-Florence, wife of J. M. Pensinger; Addie, wife of Horace Pensinger, and Ella. Mr. Jordan lived in Wayne Township until 1869 when he removed to the farm which he now owns and occupies. In politics he is an ardent Republican. He is a comrade of Stephen J. Bailey Post, No. 154, G. A. R.

B. ST. JOHN, farmer and stock- raiser, Richland Township, is a native of Ohio, born in Lebanon, Warren County, August 20, 1827, a son of Daniel W. and Eliza (Bone) St. John. The father of our subject was also a native of Warren County, and of French and English descent. He was reared and married in his native county, his wife being a native of the same county, and of Irish ancestry. In 1828 they removed to Greene County, Ohio, where they passed the remainder of their days, the father

dying January 30, 1873, his widow surviv- ing until April 14, 1874. Both were earnest Christians, and in their religious faith were Methodists. The father was a successful farmer, and also dealt extensively in stock. C. B. St. John, the subject of this sketch, was but a year old when his parents settled in Greene County, and there he grew to man- hood, and received the benefits of the com- mon schools, receiving a fair education. He was married February 10, 1848, to Miss Dorothy Hickman, a daughter of Laban and Catherine (Price) Hickman. Ten children have been born to this union-David Milton married Annie C. Fudge, and lives across the line in Delaware County; Josepli Wesley married Mary Virginia Manor, and lives in Randolph County; Eliza Catherine is the wife of William Campbell, and lives near Muncie, in Delaware County; Lewis R., en- gaged in the furniture business in Albany, Indiana; Samantha Josephine, wife of Jolm Hook, of Richland Township; Cyrus R. mnar- ried Elnora M. Ziegler, and lives in Richi- mond, Indiana; Roscoe Morton married Amy E. Babb, and lives in Richland Township; Lilly F. and J. Franklin. Mr. St. John re- inained under the parental roof until his marriage, when he started in life for himself, and for eight years farmed on rented land. In March, 1855, he bought 160 acres of land in Richland Township, Jay Connty, and in September, 1856, having sent part of his household goods by train, he packed the re- mainder in two wagons, and removed his family by team to their new home in Indi- ana. Of his 160 acres only about fifteen acres had been cleared, and some fifty acres more had been deadened. There was a small log cabin on the land into which the family moved, and he at once set to work to clear and improve his land. At the end of six years he liad cleared abont fifty acres, and

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

had deadened more timber when he erected his present comfortable and commodious resi- dence. By industry and persevering energy he accumulated 220 acres, 160 acres of which is cleared and well improved, having on this land 1,400 rods of tile drainage. He has started his sons in life, and yet has sufficient to supply him with all the necessary comforts of life in his declining years. Settling in this vicinity when everything was in a state of nature. Mr. and Mrs. St. John have aided materially in the work of improvement, mak- ing their locality one of the garden spots of Jay County. The well on their place was built after three attempts, a two-inch pipe being driven into the bed rock at a depth of sixty-four feet, when a never failing supply of water was found, sufficient for the stock and all household purposes, and plenty to spare. They have on their land an apple and peach orchard in good condition, and their residence is surrounded by shade and ornamental trees. In politics Mr. St. John is a pronounced Republican. During the war of the Rebellion he raised the local military company at Fairview of which lie was Captain. Both Mr. and Mrs. St. John are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Fairview, and are numbered among the most respected citizens of Richland Town- ship.

AMES R. DARBY, deceased, was born in the State of Maryland, April 10, 1807, a son of William and Amelia Darby. When he was sixteen years of age he began to learn the tanner's trade, which he followed until he came to Jay County. In 1823 he accom- panied his father to Clinton County, Ohio, but returned East and learned his trade in Delaware. In 1830 he again came West, and

located in Clinton County, Ohio, where he was married March 27, 1833, to Miss Sarah Garner, who was born in Clinton County, Ohio, August 2, 1813, a daughter of James and Mary Garner, natives also of Tennessee. To Mr. and Mrs. Darby were born ten chil- dren-John M. died at the age of two years and six months; Silas H., now living on the old homestead; William, who died in Pike Township, leaving a family; James H., who enlisted in the late war in Company H, Thirty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and died in the service; Mary, wife of Rev. Philip C. Bech- dolt, of Pike Township; Bartley died at the age of nine months; Leander, who died while serving his country in the war of the Rebell- ion; Allen, died aged seven years; John, aged two and a half years, and Riley, aged seven years, all victims of diphtheria. Mr. Darby died January 2, 1875. From the age of eighteen years he had been a Christian, both in precept and practice. Mrs. Darby is still living in the enjoyment of good health, making her home with her son Silas.

LBERT H. HOPKINS is a native of Jay County, Indiana, born in Penn Township, May 2, 1850, the second child of Hezekiah H. and Elizabeth (Dawson) Hopkins, the former born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, December 14, 1816. Hezekiah H. was a son of Hezekiah and Martha (Griffith) Hopkins, the former born October 3, 1770, who were married in 1789. Hezekiah Hop- kins was a son of Haddin Hopkins, who was born in London, England, April 3, 1743, a son of Ebenezer Hopkins, who was a son of Benjamin and Sarah (Lord) Hopkins, the latter born August 30, 1717, a daughter of James and Elizabeth Lord, who were also natives of London, England. Elizabeth (Dawson) Hop-

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kins, the mother of our subject, was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, December 13, 1820, and was a daughter of John and Jane Dawson. Her father was born April 27, 1793, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. His father was a native of Ireland, where he was educated for a priest, but eanie to Ameri- ca when a young man and gave up that call- ing. The Hopkins and Dawson families settled in Ohio in an early day. They subsequently moved to Jay County, where they were among thie early settlers. The Dawson family were among the first settlers of Nottingham Township, Wells Connty. The father of our subject was a tailor, and followed his trade until 1856, when he engaged in mercantile pursuits at Pennville, which he followed until his death. He was married in Jay County to Elizabeth Dawson, and to them were born two children-Harriet, born June 27, 1845, and died June 10, 1872, was the wife of Dr. J. W. Bosworth, and Albert H., the subject of this sketch. The father was born and reared in the Society of Friends, but was disowned on account of his marriage out of the church. He afterward united with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife was a member. He was a man of strict integrity, and by his honorable dealings he gained the confidence and respect of all who knew him. He died December 9, 1869. His widow survived until January 30, 1884. Albert H. Hopkins, our subject, was reared in Pennville, his yonth being spent in attending school and in assisting his father in the store. He was married May 26, 1870, to Miss Elizabeth Grisell, a daugh- ter of Joseph W. and Alice (Richy) Grisell. Her father was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, October 21, 1825, and was a son of Joseph and Letitia Grisell. He was reared to manhood in his native county, where he followed farming and carpentering. He was

married April 15, 1847, to Miss Alice Richy, who was also born in Columbiana County, and was a daughter of William and Hannah (Smith) Richy, the former being a native of Pennsylvania, of Scotch descent, and the latter born in Loudoun County, Virginia, of English ancestry. The father of Mrs. Hop- kins died in Ohio, November 1, 1856. He held the office of magistrate for many years, and for two years served as township trustee. Mrs. Grisell came to Jay County, Indiana, with her father-in-law in 1867, where she still lives. They had a family of four children- Milo Alvin, died November 2, 1853, aged five years; Hannah Elizabeth, wife of our subject; Josephine, died June 23, 1854, aged five months and twenty days; and Josephine the second died March 9, 1858, aged about fourteen months. Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins are the parents of three children-Etta, Harry HI. and Elmer E. After his marriage Mr. Hopkins settled on a farm on section 23, Penn Township, where he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. In his political views he is a Republican.

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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