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 49

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 49
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 49

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LIAS SHEWALTER, senior member of the firm of Shewalter & Adams, manu- facturers of slack barrel staves and heading, at Portland, is one of the prominent and influential citizens of Jay County. He was born in Frederick County, Virginia, the date of his birthi being April 17, 1817. His father, John Shewalter, was a native of the same county, where he was reared and married to Miss Elizabeth Myers, who was also born in Frederick County, Virginia, near Win- chester. The father removed with his family to Ohio in 1832, and lived at several points in that State, spending most of his life in Clinton County. He was a wagon-maker by

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

trade. Elias Shewalter grew to manhood in his native county, where he was engaged in the manufacture of wagons, carriages, plows and farming implements nutil 1852. He was married February 22, 1837, to Eliza J. Hale, who was born in Wilmington, Ohio, in 1818, a dangliter of William and Maria (Sabin) Hale, natives of New York and North Caro- lina, respectively. Mrs. Hale died in Deceni- ber, 1884. Mr. Hale died at the age of ninety- seven years in June, 1887. Thirteen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Shewalter- Mrs. Maria Elizabetlı Barnes, living at Sabina, Ohio, a village named in honor of lier grand- father Sabin; John William HI., living on the homestead farm in Jay Connty ; James Alon- zo, engaged in the grocery trade in Portland; Samnel H., in a furniture and undertaking establishment at Enreka, Greenwood County, Kansas; Josephine, wife of Joseph Doane of Clinton County, Ohio; Charles Milton, de- ceased, was married and had two children, his wife and children being also deceased; Mary Alice; Edward Hamilton, living in Portland; Jacob Spellman, died in 1875; Eva Irene; Howard Milo, in partnership with his brother James A. at Portland, and Ulysses Grant. Mr. Shewalter came to Jay County, Indiana, in 1852, and settled ou section 22, Jackson Township, where lie purchased the southwest quarter,and several years later he bought the northwest quarter of the same section. He fol- lowed farming and stock raising until 1881, when he moved to Portland, and in 1882 com- pleted his fine two story brick residence on Me- ridian street in South Portland. He still owns his valuable farm in Jackson, which is now un- der the skillful management of his son John William, and besides this property he also owns four lots in Portland. In February, 1887, S. H. Adams became associated with him in the manufacture of slack barrel staves and leading on North Meridian street, where

they are doing a fine business. Mr. Shewal- ter was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in September, 1863, in Company B, Eleventli Indiana Cavalry as a private. Three months after his enlistment he was promoted to Captain, and in November, 1864, just be- fore the battle of Nashville, he was made Major. November 28 and 29, 1864, he par- ticipated in the battle of Franklin, Tennessee, and December 15, following, at the battle near Nashville, he aided in driving Hood ont of Tennessee, and permanently destroying his army. After this he was engaged with his regiment in guarding railroad and telegraph lines in the Indian countries of the west until his discharge.

OHN L. WEST, one of the prominent pioneers of Jackson Township who is now

5 deceased, was born in the State of Penn- sylvania, but lived in childhood in Maryland, his parents having settled at Sandy Springs, Montgomery County, that State, in an early day. After he grew to manhood he removed to Warren County, Ohio, where he was mar- ried to Miss A. Farr, who was also born in Pennsylvania. To this union were born seven children-William, deceased; Henry F., a prominent citizen of Jay County; Edward was a member of Company F, Seventy-fiftlı Indi- ana Infantry during the late war, and died in the service of his country at Murfreesborough, Tennessee; Charles, deceased; Sarah Marquis of Missouri, and Richard a missionary in Africa. Mrs. West died in 1856, and Mr. West was married a second time to Miss Phœbe Vore, and to them was born one daughter, named Anna L. Mr. West was among the first settlers of Jackson Township, Jay County, Indiana, where he made his home until lıis deatlı in April, 1880. He was

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

reared a Friend, and adhered to their doctrines through life. He always took an active inter- est in the cause of religion and education, and was a liberal supporter toward the same. He served as a member of the school board, and for several years held the office of justice of the peace.

B. STOLTZ, one of the enterprising citizens of Bear Creek Township, was born in this county September 5, 1844. His father, Adaın Stoltz, was born December 11, 1808, in Alsace, Germany. When twenty- one years of age he came to America and located in Columbiana County, Ohio, where he worked seven years at stone-cutting. He was also engaged as lock contractor for sev- eral years. He married Miss Sarah Brown, born December 19, 1816, daughter of Aaron Brown. The family came to this county in 1839, locating on the farm where our subject now lives. He first built a log house, 24x26, which was one of the best honses in the town- ship. Adam Stoltz and wife had five chil- dren, three of whom are living-Martha Anı, Mary Margaret and Philip B .; two died when young. Mrs. Adam Stoltz died December 10, 1878, and her husband March 22, 1886. Our subject was reared on the old homestead, and passed his yonth in working on the farm and in attending the common schools of Jay County. During the Rebellion he enlisted, February 9, 1864, in Company K, Eighth Indiana Cavalry. He joined Sherman's army near Chattanooga, Tennessee, and partici- pated in the Atlanta campaign, and was on Sherman's grand march to the sea and through the Carolinas. January 23, 1868, he was married to Miss Sarah Jane Hanlin, of this county, born in Jackson County, Ohio, Janu- ary 28, 1844, daughter of Alexander and

Jane Hanlin, who came to this county in 1856. In 1873 Mr. Stoltz removed to Kan- sas, locating in Anderson County, where he improved a farm and lived there until 1880, when he returned to Jay County and settled upon the old homestead. He owns 320 acres of as good land as can be found in the county. He also has a good residence and other farm buildings. Their children are-Loretta E., Gertrude J., Charles, Grant, George A. and Mary F. In politics Mr. Stoltz is a Repub- lican.

AVID G. SMITH, a prominent and influential citizen of Knox Township, and a son of Abraham C. Sinith, one of the old and respected pioneers of Jay County, is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Adams County, July 10, 1828. He was a lad of ten years when his father came to Jay County, and located with his family in Knox Town- ship, and here he was reared amid the wild surroundings of frontier life. He obtained his education in the district schools of Clarke Connty, Ohio, and Jay County, and when not attending school his time was spent in assist- ing his father with the work of the farm. He was married June 10, 1856, to Miss Susan Shirey, a lady of education and refinement, who was born in Colombiana County, Ohio, a daughter of John and Margaret (Steltz) Shirey. This union has been blessed with two sons-Palmer Frank, born July 14, 1861, and Ernest Sells, born March 29, 1873. Mr. Smith located on his present farm the year of his marriage, the land then being covered with heavy timber, with not a stick cnt. Like his father before him, he commenced to clear his land and make a home in the dense wilderness, and by persevering industry he has converted his land into one of the best

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

farms in his township. He has now ninety acres cleared and well improved, being under- laid with some 1,500 rods of tile drainage. He has now a good fraine residence, substan- tial farm buildings, a fine orchard and small fruits, the entire surroundings of the place showing the owner to be a thorough, practi- cal farmer. In politics Mr. Smith is a staunch Democrat. He is an active and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is class leader, and is one of its most liberal supporters. He takes an active interest in the canse of education. He is a strong temperance advocate, and is one of the most respected citizens of his township.

OSEPH F. MATCHETT, farmer, section 23, Madison Township, was born on the farm where he now resides, May 7, 1857, son of Richard and Almira (Wickersham) Matchett. His early education was obtained in the common schools, and completed at Val- paraiso, Indiana, at the State Normal School. He then embarked in the mercantile trade in New Pittsburg for one year, then sold out and came to Salem, purchasing the interests of J. E. Baker in 1880. One year later he sold to Demas Lindley, and went to Farmer City, De Witt County, Illinois, and engaged as a clerk for F. A. Ross in a general store. After this he and his brother, Luther Matchett, went into partnership in a store at Farmer City, remaining there two years. He then sold his interest to his brother, since which time he has followed farming. He was mar- ried September 4, 1882, to Miss Lucy M. Walters, who was born in Madison Township, this county, February 10, 1862, daughter of Abraham and Mary (Evans) Walters. Mr. and Mrs. Matchett have two children-Rus- sell I., born September 21, 1883, and Ada,

born October 6,1885. Mrs. Matchett's grand- father, Thomas Evans, and her grandmother, Sidney (Heiser) Evans, were born in Penn- sylvania, and died in Warren County, Ohio, the former aged eighty-six years.

ENRY AYERS, one of the enterprising and successful agricnlturists of Pike Township, residing on section 7, was born in Richland County, Ohio, the date of his birth being November 13, 1834. His father, George Ayers, was a native of Penn- sylvania, and a soldier in the war of 1812. He became a resident of Richland County, Ohio, in the year 1810. For his wife he mar- ried Esther McCart, who was born near Troy, Ohio. They reared a family of three children, the subject of this sketch being the eldest child. Henry Ayers was reared to the avoca- tion of a farmer, receiving his education in the common schools of his native State. He was four years old when his parents settled in Auglaize County, Ohio, in which county lie grew to manhood. He was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in October, 1861, in Company G, Seventy-first Ohio In- fantry, and with his regiment participated in the battle of Shiloh. He served until Au- gust 31, 1862, when he was discharged on account of disability, and returned to his home in Auglaize County, Ohio. He was married October 5, 1862, to Miss Julia Ann Shafer, who was born in Auglaize County, a daughter of Peter and Catherine Shafer. They are the parents of nine children-Alice, Edward, Laura, Frank, Elizabeth, Henry, Margaret, Juliette and Clifford. Mr. Ayers resided in Anglaize County until the fall of 1881, when he sold his property in Ohio and purchased the farm in Pike Township, where he now resides. His farın contains 129 acres

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

of choice land, and by industry and good management he has brought his land under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Ayers was a charter member of Kyle Post, No. 41, G. A. R., Wapakoneta, Ohio. Politically he affil- iates with the Republican party.

R. IRA T. SAGE, a practicing physi- cian of Redkey, Jay County, was born in Oakland County, Michigan, a son of Ebenezer and Sarah (Montgomery) Sage. His father was a descendant of an old New Eng- land family, and of Welsh origin. In 1820 he became engaged on the lakes, which he followed until the year 1828. He was mar- ried in Western New York in 1830, to Miss Sarah Montgomery, a native of Steuben County, New York, and immediately after their marriage settled in Oakland County, Michigan. Of their seven children, five were born in Oakland County, and two in Jay County. In 1839 they came with their fam- ily to Westchester, Jay County, Indiana, where the mother died in 1844, the father dying in Jay County in the year 1865. Ira T. Sage, the subject of this sketch, was but five years old when brought by his parents to Jay County, and here he was reared, receiv- ing his early education in the common schools of his neighborhood, supplemented by attend- ance at Liber College. He remained under the home roof until 1856, and for a few years following he was at Dayton, Ohio, thence to Richmond, Indiana. He was married in Richmond to Miss Sarah Votaw, a native of Ohio, born October 7, 1832, a daughter of James and Judith Votaw. James Votaw came with his parents from North Carolina to Columbiana County, Ohio, where he was married. In 1844 he brought his family to Jay County, settling near Westchester, where

lie and his wife died. Doctor and Mrs. Sage commenced housekeeping at Richmond, In- diana. They are the parents of seven chil- dren-Edwin C., engaged at the Union Stock Yards at St. Louis; Jennie T., wife of B. F. Jones, of Indianapolis; Luella M., twin of Jennie T., is the wife of O. J. Chapman, of Eaton, Indiana; John Morton, Minnie A. and Lillie M., twins, and Cora E. Not being blessed with very robust health after reaching manhood, Dr. Sage engaged in clerical work, and was also em- ployed in railroad offices at various points in Indiana for many years. He had, how- ever, commenced the study of medicine soon after reaching his majority, and several years' experience in a drug store aided him in mas- tering the science of medicine. Since 1871 he has followed the medical profession, and since 1881 has been a resident of Redkey, where he owns a good home, and has estab- lished a good practice at this place. In his political views the doctor is an ardent Repub- lican. He takes an active interest in the welfare of the public schools, and in the ad- vancement of the canse of education. In 1886 he was elected justice of the peace, a position for which he is well qualified. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He belongs to Grant Lodge, No. 335, I. O. O. F., in which he has passed all the chairs, and for twenty years has been a member of the Grand Lodge of the State.

A. GRIFFITH, of the firm of Griffith & Montgomery, dealers in general mer- chandise, at Westchester, is one of the most enterprising business men of Jay County. He was born in Washington County, Penn- sylvania, May 8, 1836, where he lived until he was twenty-four years old. At the age of

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

fourteen years he commenced clerking in a mercantile establishment at Beallsville in his native county, and at the age of twenty-one commenced teaching school, which profession he followed successfully for thirteen years. In 1860 he came to this county and located in Noble Township, where he was engaged in farming for some time. In 1870 he embarked in the mercantile trade at West- chester, under the firm name of Headington & Griffith. Eight months later the firm became Griffith & Gilpin. This continned sixteen months, and then Mr. Griffith con- ducted the store alone for five years. In 1877 the firm became Griffith & Montgomery, and this partnership has continued ever since. They carry everything usually kept in a first- class store. By their fair and honorable dealing they have secured the confidence of the public. Their annual sales are from $6,000 to $10,000. Mr. Griffith was married to Miss Helen Hawkins, of Portland, June 30' 1864, and their children are-N. R., J. J., and Florence E.

DAM ZIEGLER, an active and public- spirited citizen of Jay County, is the oldest pioneer living in Knox Town- ship, and perhaps none are better known than the subject of this sketch. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in York County, October 22, 1809, a son of Jolin and Matilda (Tharp) Ziegler, who were also natives of York County, Pennsylvania. They were the parents of seven children, of whom three are yet living-Adam and two daughters. The father was a son of Sharp Ziegler, a native of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. John Ziegler owned a hotel, which he carried on a number of years. He died when our subject was ten years old, and his widow subsequently removed with

hier children to Adams County, Pennsylvania. Adam Ziegler was reared to manhood in Adams County. At the age of twelve years he began working by the month, which he followed for two years, receiving for his ser- vices the sum of $1 a month and his board and clothes. When fifteen years old he was apprenticed to learn the hatter's trade, at which he worked six years, becoming an ex- pert in that trade. He was married at the age of twenty-three years to Miss Mariah Foss, who was born at Hampton, Adams County, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Jacob Foss, a prominent and wealthy citizen of that place. To this nnion twelve children were born, of whom four are deceased-Abigail, wife of Miner Eversizer; Abner, and two who died in infancy. The names of those yet living are-Templeton, Elizabetlı, Roland, Ellen, Le Follet, John, William, Rudolph and Adam. In 1836 Mr. Ziegler came with his family to Ohio, making the trip in a one- horse wagon. He stopped at Carlisle, Clark County, and on arriving at his destination lie had but $1. He remained in Clark County two years, in the employ of a wealthy mnan of that place, and in 1838 came with his family to Jay County, Indiana, with a two-horse team. On coming to the county lie entered 160 acres of dense timber land on section 24, Knox Township, and here he built his pioneer cabin, which for a time had neither window nor door. He was the only white man living in the township at that time, except Jolin Brooks, and many were the hardships and privations endured by him and his family. Indians were munerous, and wild game of all kinds was abundant. At one time Mr. Zieg- ler wounded a deer near his cabin. The deer made his escape, but was followed by Mr. Ziegler until it became dark, and he could not then tell where he was, but by following his dogs he arrived at his cabin in safety.

Adam Ziegler

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BIOGRAPHIICAL SKETCHES.

Wolves would often drive their dogs into the cabin, and were a great annoyance to the early settlers. Mr. Ziegler was prosperous in his agricultural pursuits, and at one time owned five hundred acres of land. He was one of the first stock dealers in his part of the county, and often drove stock to the Cin- cinnati markets. He has assisted in building roads, bridges, school houses and churches, and every enterprise calculated to improve his township or county has had his encour- agement and assistance.

ENRY W. SEES, of the firm of Moffitt & Sees, proprietors of the foundry and machine shop on North street, Port- land, is a native of Indiana, born in Hunt- ington County in the year 1846. His father, William P. Sees, was born near Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and died in the year 1861. Our subject, in his youth learned the mould- er's trade in the foundry of Patrick W. Moffitt, his present partner, at Huntington. He left his native town, Huntington, at the age of eighteen years, going to Wabash, where he worked for a short time. He then spent three years at Richmond, in the employ of Peterson & King, and for a year worked for Holliday & Barnett, at La Fayette. He then returned to Huntington, and in 1870 formed a partnership with his brother, John S., with whom he was associated in a foundry and machine shop about two years, when sell- ing his interest in the business he went to Kokomo, where he was employed in the saw- mill of George I. Gordon for five years. He came to Portland July 14, 1878, and for a year and a half worked in a fonndry by the day for A. L. Jaqua. February 6, 1880, the present firm of Moffitt & Sees was formed, they purchasing the foundry and machine

shop of A. L. Jagna, and the business is now in a prosperous condition. Mr. Sees is a skillful and reliable workman, and has a thorough knowledge of all the details of his trade. But by far the greatest act of his life was his energetic and successful effort to dis- cover natural gas in Portland in 1886, which in a few short weeks doubled in value all the real estate in and about the city. In spite of many discouragements, and even ridicule he persevered in his undertaking until he had accomplished what he had undertaken, bring- ing a greater material blessing to the people of his community than any other man had done. Mr. Sees was united in marriage at Kokomo, in 1878, to Miss Sarah Hubler, a native of Pennsylvania. Both are members of the Roman Catholic church.

ENRY F. WEST, son of John L. West, is the present efficient postmaster of Kit postoffice, and one of the leading busi- ness men of the place. He is a native of Jay County, Indiana, born in Jackson Township, December 1, 1838, and here he was reared on his father's homestead, receiving his edu- cation in the schools of his district, and at Liber College. He was a brave and gallant soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in July, 1862, in Company F, Seventy-fifth Indiana Infantry. He took an active part in the battle of Chickamauga, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. He was honorably discharged in June, 1865, when he returned to Jay County. He was united in marriage November 28, 1867, to Miss Har- riet Ann Wickard, a daughter of John and Elsie Wickard. Mrs. West died July 4, 1878, and January 31, 1880, Mr. West was again married to Sarah F. Snell, of Lebeck, Mis- souri, her father, Thomas Eslinger, being

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

still a resident of that place. By his last marriage Mr. West has one son named Rich- ard B. E. Mr. West established his present mercantile business at Kit, January 15, 1884, his stock consisting of dry goods, notions, boots and shoes, hardware and groceries, of which he keeps a good assortment. His strict attention to his customers, reasonable prices and genial manners, have made liis store a popular trading place, and it is considered one of the best inland stores in the county. He was appointed to his position as post- master March 12, 1884, and is giving good satisfaction. . In politics he is a Republican. He is a comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to J. B. Cartwright Post, No. 358. He is a member of the Society of Friends.

OHN H. HOPPES, residing on section 19, Jefferson Township, is a native of Jay County, Indiana, born in Richland Township, October 5, 1847, a son of John and Saralı (Caylor) Hoppes. His youthi was spent in farm labor on the old homestead in Richland Township, he remaining with his parents until attaining the age of twenty-two years. He was then inarried November 14, 1869, to Miss Mary M. Hollowell, who was born in Randolph County, Indiana, June 28, 1847, a daughter of Luke and Elizabeth Hollowell, both now deceased. Five children have been born to this union, four of whom are living-Melissa Ann, wife of Elmer Dai- ley, of Jefferson Township; Adam O., William A. and Thirsy P. Abner, a twin brother of Adam O., died at the age of fourteen months. Charles L. and Flora B. Mann, orphan chil- dren of Benjamin and Nancy Ann (Hollowell) Mann, Mrs. Mann, being a sister of Mrs. Hoppes, became members of their family,

the girl at the age of about fourteen years, and the boy when about twelve years of age. Flora is now the wife of I. N. Steed, of Powers, and her brother is living in Randolph County. Mr. and Mrs. Hoppes commenced housekeeping on his land in Richiland Town- ship the week of his marriage, and of their eighty acres, twenty acres had been cleared, and a log house erected. The year following he rented that property to a tenant, and spent the following winter with his father-in-law in Randolph County. In 1871 he removed to a farın on section 3, Jefferson Township, known as the old George Bell farm, though owned by Samuel Caylor, and there he spent three years, and in the meantime he had sold liis property in Richland Township, and bought of George Bell the homestead which he yet owns and occupies. The farm then was in a very bad condition; but little liad been cleared, and no drainage liad been made; a rude log cabin constituted the residence, and the other buildings corresponded. Mr. Hoppes commenced the work of improvement which he pushed forward with energy. Dur- ing the first year he was prostrated with sickness. Now, in 1887, the farm is con- sidered one of the best in Jefferson Township, consisting of 106 acres, of which 101 acres are cleared and under the best of cultivation. Among other improvements he has laid about 1,500 rods of under drainage. His elegant residence, which was erected in 1879 at a cost of $2,500, is among the best in his township, and was built with a view to comfort and convenience. He has a commodions barn, 38 x 46 feet and fifty feet in height. Both house and barn are supplied with water under the roof. Politically Mr. Hoppes is a Dem- ocrat. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hoppes are mem- bers of the Christian church at Powers. No family in Jay County lias done more to develop its resourses than the family of Mr.

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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