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 52

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 52
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 52

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

months), Marion W. (a school teacher in West Virginia), Effie Jane, Rebecca C., Abraham R., Hester E., Cora Bell, Charles (died aged two years), Samuel O. and Rosa C. In politics Mr. Landes is a Republican. He has served his township two terms as assessor. He is a member of the Odd Fel- lows order, both lodge and encampment.

AVID A. ANTLES, one of the leading citizens of Bear Creek Township, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, July 22, 1830, son of Joseph and Mary (Hongli) Ant- les. His father was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, August 1, 1810, son of David and Elizabeth (Mccullough) Antles. His family removed to Wayne County when Jo- seph was eight years of age. Joseph was married October 12, 1829, to Miss Mary Hongh, who was born in Union County, Pennsylvania, January 20, 1812, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Byron) Hongh. In June, 1841, Joseph Antles and family came to Jay County. His family then consisted of wife and five children. He bronght two yoke of oxen, a wagon, and two cows. He bought eighty acres of land on section 23, Bear Creek Township, of Isaac Votaw, and built a log cabin 18 x20 feet, with clapboard roof and puncheon floor. With the assistance of his sons he cleared and improved a good farm. The parents had ten children -- David, Elizabeth, Nancy, Sarah Jane, and Isaac, were born in Wayne County, Ohio; Fidelia, Dennis, Joseph, H. and C., twins, were born in this county. The father died March 17, 1852, and the mother about twelve years afterward. The subject of this sketch was eleven years old when his parents came to this county. His yonth was spent at farm work and in at- tending the common schools. He was mar-

ried April 7, 1850, to Rebecca Ann Stanley, daughter of Thomas C. Stanley, a pioneer of this connty. Mr. Antles located on section 22, where he lived until he bought eighty acres of land on the same section. Ten years later he removed to section 27, and in 1871, came to his present farm. He first bought 200 acres, which he improved and dividep among his sons. He now owns 100 acres, in a good state of cultivation. Their children are-Alfred A., Frank, Mary Ellen and Fred- eric Morton. Six died in infancy, and Rose Emily, wife of Samuel Staley, died at the age of twenty-five years. Mr. Antles is a Repub- lican in politics, and served creditably as jus- tice of the peace. He is a member of the Baptist church.

ARON L. SOMERS, deceased, was born in Gloucester County, New Jersey, De- cember 9, 1826, a son of Elwood and Eliza (Richards) Somers. When a child he was taken by his parents to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, thence to Warren County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. In early manhood he came to Jay County, Indiana, where he was married October 25, 1857, to Margaret L. Field, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, and a daughter of Jonathan Field, one of the early settlers of Jay County, where he still makes his home. They lived on rented land for two years after their mar- riage, then removed to a farm of 120 acres of unimproved land on section 20, Penn Town- ship, which he had previously purchased. He began clearing his land making improve- ments on it, and there followed farming until he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in December, 1863. He was a member of Com- pany B, Eleventh Indiana Cavalry, and served principally in Alabama. While going to

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

Louisville, Kentucky, he was taken sick, and died at Munfordville, Kentucky, November 5, 1864, leaving a widow and three children --- Mary E., wife of Arthur A. Grisell; Lydia E. and Jane A., wife of Nathan A. Gri- sell. His widow still survives, and is living on the old homestead of her father in Penn Township. She is the owner of 200 acres of choice land. Mr. Somers was a member of both the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders at the time of his death.

OHN T. HANLIN, of Portland, is a na- tive of Ohio, born in Jackson County, June 25, 1842, a son of Alexander Han- lin, who was born in Pennsylvania, but reared and married in the State of Ohio. When our subject was fourteen years old the father im- migrated with his family to Jay County, In- diana, and settled in Noble Township, on a comparatively new farm, where the parents spent the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1870, and the mother in 1874. They were the parents of eight children, three sons and five daughters, all yet living with the ex- tion of two daughters, who died after reach- ing maturity. John T. was the second son and third child in his father's family. IIe grew to manhood on liis father's farın in No- ble Township, and has followed agricultural pursuits the greater part of his life. In All- gust, 1862, he enlisted in the Eighty-ninth Indiana Regiment, his regiment forming a part of the Sixteenth Army Corps. He was in active service during the whole term of his enlistment, serving his country faithfully un- til the close of the war. He participated with his regiment in the battle of Munford- ville, Kentucky, where he was captured with his regiment, but was soon after paroled and exchanged. Later he took part with his regi-

ment in the battle of Pleasant Hill, Louisi- ana, and many other important events of the war, including the movement abont Nashville, Tennessee, under the gallant General Thomas. Since the war he has devoted his time to farming and stock-raising, being one of the leading dealers in live stock in Jay County. Mr. Hanlin has been a resident of Jay County since November 25, 1856, at which date his father settled in the county. His father be- came a prominent citizen of the county, and at one time held the office of sheriff. John T. Hanlin was elected to the office of treas- urer of Jay County in 1882, as successor to John W. Mason, and proved a successful and efficient county official during his term of office, serving in that capacity for four years. For his wife he married Miss Elizabeth Davis, who was born in Jay County, Indiana, Sep- tember 4, 1842, a daughter of James Davis, a native of Maryland. Three children have been born to this union, of whom only one is living -- William T. S., born October 10, 1870. Their eldest child, Hattie Eldora, was born March 22, 1867, and died January 15, 1868, and their second child, born June 28, 1868, died in early infancy, unnamed. Mrs. Han- lin's father was reared in his native State, Maryland, where he was married to Miss Elizabeth Zimmerman. They removed to Darke County, Ohio, in the year 1833, and in 1837 came to Jay County, Indiana, where they made their home until death.

ILLIAM B. MILLIGAN, a well known and worthy citizen of Bear Creek Township, is a son of Wilson Milligan, a prominent pioneer of Jay County. He was born March 14, 1834, in Highland County, Ohio, and was three years of age when his parents removed to this county. They located in Bear Creek Township where

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

lie passed his youth in assisting at farm work. Ile was educated in the common schools of the county and also attended the Portland Academy. He was married October 30, 1856, to Miss Harriet Morehouse, of Noble Towu- ship, who was born in Steuben County, New York. Her parents were pioneers of Jay County. Mr. Milligan removed to his pres- ent farm in 1856. It is well improved and one of the best farms in the township. He has 120 acres of land, a good residence and other farın buildings. Everything about the place indicates the thrift and enterprise of its owner. Mr. and Mrs. Milligau have five children-Wilber W. resides in Bear Creek Township; Arthur A. is a practicing physi- cian at Portland; Charles A. is a successful teacher of Jay County; Darwin R. and Irwin P. reside at home. In politics Mr. Milligan is a Republican.

ACOB HUTZLER, farmer and stock- raiser, Penn Township, is a native of Ohio, born in Greene Conuty, March 6, 1828, a son of Jacob and Ellen (Davis) Hutz- ler, the former a native of Virginia, and of German parentage, and the latter of New Jersey, and of Welsh ancestry. They were married in Virginia, and were the parents of thirteen children, eleven of whomn grew to maturity, and seven are still living. They were among the early settlers of Ohio, in which State the father followed farming and worked at the cooper's trade until September, 1839, when he immigrated with his family to Indiana, and entered 200 acres of land from the Government in Greene Township, Jay County. He cleared and improved his land, and experienced all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, going to Newport, Richmond and Muncie to mill, and

many other inconveniences. He followed farming the rest of his life, and died at tlie advanced age of eighty-five years. His widow survived him several years, aud died at the age of ninety-one years. They were formerly members of the Methodist Episcopal church, but at the time of their death were members of the United Bretliren church. In politics he was formerly an old-line Whig, but later affiliated with the Republican party. Jacob Hutzler, the subject of this sketch, was the fourth son and eighth child of his parents, and was a lad of eleven years when brought by thiem to Jay County. Here he was reared amid pioneer scenes, his youth being spent in assisting his father clear their frontier farm. He was married June 12, 1851, to Miss Mary Thomas, who was born near Piqua, Ohio, a daughter of Elias and Amanda (Milner) Thomas, and of German and Welsh ancestry. Of the seven children born to this union, three are deceased -- Ainanda, who inarried Stephen Brown, of Montpelier, In- diana, and after her marriage moved to Lohr- ville, Iowa, where she died January 28, 1886; Margaret, who accompanied her sister to Iowa, and died there November 8, 1881, and one who died in infancy, unnamed. Those living are-Isaac Newton, of Penn Town- ship, married Laura Thompson, of Greene Township; William Elseworth, of Jefferson County, Nebraska; Patience Louisa, wife of Mark Armitage, of Knox Township; and James Harvey. June 8, 1866, Mrs. Hutzler died, and June 30, 1867, Mr. Hutzler married Elizabeth Thomas, a sister of his first wife, and two children were born to this union- Mary A. and Alonzo G. After his marriage Mr. Hutzler settled on an unimproved tract of forty acres, which his father had previously entered from the Government, and here he began making a home out of the dense wil- derness. He resided on that farm until 1867,

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when he sold out and removed to Penn Town- ship, and settled on his present farm on sec- tion 21, where he had twenty acres of par- tially cleared land, and again began making a home ont of the forest. He has now seventy acres of choice land cleared and nnder fine cultivation, and well improved, being under- laid with 800 rods of tile. During the late war he served in Company B, Eleventh Indi- ana Infantry, under General Thomas, enlist- ing in November, 1863. He participated in the battles of Columbia and Nashville, and many others, and received an honorable dis- charge at the close of the war, September 20, 1865. In politics lie affiliates with the Re- publican party.

EWIS T. RAY, a prominent citizen of Jefferson Township, residing on section 9, is a native of Indiana, born in Frank- lin County, November 18, 1831. IIis father, Rev. Lewis S. Ray, was born May 25, 1794, in the State of New Jersey, and after reaclı- ing manhood, he settled in Miami County, Ohio, and was there married to Miss Jane Lee, a native of Virginia. Not long after his marriage he came to Indiana, locating in Union County, and soon after removed to Fayette County, and a few years later to Franklin County. He settled in the woods of Franklin County, where he inade a good home, which he afterward sold. He then went to Delaware County, where he again built a good home from the forest, living there until his death, which occurred Novem- ber 9, 1872. His wife had preceded him to her eternal home several years earlier. They were the parents of eleven children, Lewis T. being the ninthi child. The sons are-Zacha- rins, of Jefferson Township; John, of Dela- ware County; Patrick, deceased; Lewis T., the subject of this sketch; William, living

in Kansas, and Charles in Iowa. The daughters are-Mrs. Elizabeth Lake, a twin sister of Zacharins; Mrs. Catherine Young, deceased; Mrs. Polly Green; Nancy, who died young, and Mrs. Margaret Bosman. The father was a minister of the Christian church. He was also a practical mechanic, able to handle almost all kinds of tools. Lewis T. Ray was fourteen years old when his parents left Franklin County for Delaware County, and there he was reared to manhood. He was married in Delaware County, in May, 1852, to Miss Elizabethi Lewis, who was born and reared in that county, her father, Jolin Lewis, being one of the pioneers of Delaware County. Mr. and Mrs. Ray commenced housekeeping on the farm of his father, and after the death of Mrs. Ray's father they re- moved to that homestead, where they lived until 1863. Mr. Ray then came with his family to Jefferson Township, settling on land on section 9, where he has since made his home, and there commenced clearing his 160 acre tract from the woods. There his wife died February 14, 1865, in her thirty- fifth year. She was a consistent member of the Christian church, a faithful wife, and a devoted inother. She was the mother of three sons, all of whom are deceased; Lewis S., the eldest, married Catherine Morrical, and made his home on land deeded to him by his father. He died March 7, 1887, in his thirty-fourth year, leaving his widow with three children-Berthia, Willie and Jesse. He was a young man of excellent habits, and an active member of the Christian church, and his death caused universal regret. The second son married Anna Pyle, who died leav- ing with him two children-John and Lewis M. He was again married, to Miss Sarah Lozada, and to them were born two children -Edith May and Maggie. IIe died at the age of twenty-eight years, May 16, 1883.

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

He was also a member of the Christian church. Samuel M., the youngest son, lived near his father's homestead, and was the hns- band of Nancy Ann Parker. He died April 16, 1885, aged twenty-eight years and four months. Mr. Ray was married a second time, June 7, 1866, to Miss Angeline Fenton, a native of Darke County, Ohio, born Novem- ber 15, 1845, being eleven years old when her parents, Luther and Hannah Fenton, came to Indiana. They lived at New Win- chester six years, and from there came to Jefferson Township. The father of Mrs. Ray was a minister in the Disciple church, and was also a practicing physician, and a practical mechanic. He died August 15, 1874, aged sixty-three years. His widow still survives, and is making her home with her sons, George and Lnther, in Como, Jay County. By his second marriage Mr. Ray has nine children-William HI., Mary E., Martha J., Nancy E., Margaret C., Oliver A., Letitia, Legole and Jesse S. Mr. Ray las added forty acres to his original purchase, making a homestead of 200 acres. His resi- dence and farm buildings are comfortable and commodious, and with his fine orchard, and pleasant surroundings, makes it one of the most desirable homes in the township. Politically Mr. Ray is classed as Independent, voting for the man whom he deems best fitted for office, irrespective of party ties. Mr. and Mrs. Ray, and their three eldest children are members of the Christian church.

OSEPH ROACH, deceased, was one of the pioneers of Richland Township, Jay County, where he settled in 1837. He was born in the State of West Virginia, where he grew to manhood. He left his na-

tive State for Jackson County, Ohio, where he was married. After his marriage he re- moved to Clarke County, in the same State, and in October, 1837, came to Jay County, Indiana. He first settled in Richland Town- ship, where he made his home for a few years, when he removed to Wayne Township and entered land on the Indian Reservation, which he improved. His wife died a few years after coming to Indiana, and he was again united in marriage, taking for his sec- ond wife Miss Mary Mitchell, who died about the year 1880. He had six children by his first wife, and to his second marriage were born seven children. In 1856 Mr. Roach re- moved to the State of Missouri, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1866. In politics he affiliated with the Democratic party. He was liberal in his religious views. He was a prominent man in the early days of Jay County, and at the time of his removal from Richland to Wayne Township was a member of the board of county commis- sioners.

AMUEL GRISELL, deceased, was one of the prominent pioneers of Jay County, and there were none who did more toward laying the foundation for its future prosperity, or who will be longer re- membered in Penn Township than he. He was a native of Virginia, born August 22, 1790, a son of Thomas and Martha (Dingy) Grisell, the former a native of Virginia, born March, 1763, and the latter of Wilmington, Delaware, born March 8, 1764. The parents moved to Pennsylvania in 1793, and in 1806 to Columbiana County, Ohio, being among the first settlers of that county. They were members of the society of Friends, and in 1816 the father was made a traveling

Samuel Grisell

Aun Igresell,

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHIES.

501

preacher. In 1815 he built a stone house on his farm near New Garden, Ohio, which is still in a good state of preservation. The father died June 9, 1827, aged sixty-four years, and the inother May 11, 1884, aged seventy-nine years. Samuel Grisell re- mained with his parents until manhood, his youth being spent in assisting his father in the mill and in clearing and improving a frontier farm. In October, 1834, he moved to Jay County, Indiana, which at that time was a dense wilderness inhabited by Indians and wild animals. He entered 160 acres of Government land on section 34, Penn Town- ship, and began the work of clearing and im- proving it, preparatory to making a home for himself and family. To this he added until he held a landed estate of 960 acres. Being one of the first settlers, and a inan of keen perception, he soon became familiar with every part of Jay County, and was of great assistance to the newcomers who desired to locate land. Many after selecting their land would leave their money with Mr. Grisell, and he would go to the land-office at Fort Wayne and make their entries. His faith- fulness in the discharge of these trusts gained for him a reputation for honesty and integ- rity that became firinly established through- out the connty. There being no roads at that time these trips were often very tedious over an Indian trail forty-two miles, but his en- deavors were rewarded by seeing an intelli- gent class of people locate in Penn Township, and it is now in the front rank in the county, its farms and villages showing thrift and en- terprise. He passed through all the hard- ships and privations of frontier life. His mnilling and trading points were Newport and Winchester, and sometimes he was obliged to go to Richmond. At one time he was four- teen days in making the trip to and from Winchester, on account of the high water in

the creeks and rivers. Mr. Grisell was mar- ried in Ohio to Ann, daughter of Joseph and Jane (Wilson) Whitacre, natives of Loudoun County, Virginia, and early settlers of Colum- biana County. They had a family of twelve children, eleven born in Ohio, and one in Jay County-Sabina, born March 26, 1814, mar- ried Joseph Wilson, and died December 26, 1856; Martha, born September 8, 1815, died March 7, 1851, was the wife of Martin Hiatt; Amos, born December 18, 1817, died in June, 1876; Iliram, born December 9, 1819, died July 17, 1855; Maria, widow of Peter S. Meredith, was born October 11, 1821; Sarah, widow of Lukens Griffithı, was born September 29, 1823; Ann, wife of James Le Fever, was born June 25, 1825, and died April 1, 1860; Lydia, widow of Henry V. Walling, was born February 2, 1827; Na- than, born March 20, 1829, died December 23, 1849; Albert, born July 10, 1831; Mary J., born August 6, 1833, died December 4, 1859, was the wife of W. W. Hartley, and Lewis, born May 27, 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Grisell were members of the society of Friends, and were quiet, law abiding citizens. The Friends held their meetings at the cabins of Joshua Bond and William Coffin, nntil a log house, 20 x 24 feet in size, now owned by Arthur Grisell, was built for that purpose. This house was located east of Camden on Samuel Grisell's land, and served both as church and school-house for some years. Friends located in the neighborhood, and in a short time the house was crowded. Pre- parative and monthly meetings were soon or- ganized, and Friends from Richmond, Milton and many other points, visited the little meeting-honse, coming over roads that were almost impassable. At one time a commit- tee of four persons from the Richmond yearly meeting were detained at Father Grisell's house for two weeks by the high waters. Mr.

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

Grisell died August 8, 1864, and his wife, October 12, 1869. In their death the town- ship and county lost some of their most worthy citizens, whose aim had always been to elevate society and advance all moral and religions interests.

SAAC ROACH, the eldest son and second child of Joseph Roach, is a native of Clarke County, Ohio, the date of his birth being November 10, 1830. When he was about seven years old he was brought with his father's family to Jay County, and at present he is the only member of the family living in the county. He has been a resident of Portland since 1850, and during his long residence here he has by his industrious habits and fair and honorable dealing gained the respect and confidence of all who know him. He is a mechanic by trade, and for many years worked at carpentering, but of late years has followed cabinet-making. From 1858 until about 1867 he conducted a cabinet shop at Portland, liaving the greater part of the trade in his line during that time. His wife was formerly Miss Elizabeth Barick, a daughter of William Barick, who settled in Bear Creek Township, Jay County, in an early day. Her parents are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Roach are the parents of two children-Emma J., wife of A. A. Cecil, of Kansas, and William E.

AMES NEWTON MILLIGAN, a well known citizen of Bear Creek Township, was born in Highland County, Ohio, May 26, 1836, son of Wilson Milligan, whose sketch appears in another part of this work. He was one year old when his parents came

to this county and . located in Bear Creek Township, and here, amid the scenes of pioneer life, lie was reared to manhood. At the age of nineteen years he commenced to work at the carpenter's trade and followed that trade seven years. He then worked at blacksmithing several years, and in 1872 he engaged in a saw-mill in company with his brothers William B. and S. H. Two years later the two brothers sold to Sutphen Straly, and this partnership existed three years, when Mr. Milligan sold his interest to Sam- nel Straly and went to farming. He owns seventy-nine acres of land, in an excellent state of cultivation. He has a good modern residence, erected in 1882, and other farm buildings. He was married October 20, 1861, to Miss Susan Straly, daughter of George Straly, an early pioneer of Jay Coun- ty. Mr. and Mrs. Milligan are the parents of seven children-George Wilson, Jennie D., Samuel, Martin Alba Berton, James Marcel- lus, Josie Evalena and Mary Blaine. In poli- tics Mr. Milligan is a zealous Republican, but in 1886 he supported the Prohibition ticket. His upright dealings have secured him many friends in the community where he lias resided for half a century.

OHN CRING, furniture dealer "and un- dertaker, Portland, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, February 7, 1828, a son of Tobias and Catherine Cring. The father was born in Schuykill County, Pennsylvania, June 20, 1812, and when ten years old was taken by his parents to Ohio, in which State he grew to manhood, and was married to Catherine Hedrick, who died in 1870. In September, 1840, he came with his family to Jay County, Indiana, settling in Wabash Township. Tobias Cring and wife had a

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family of twelve children, ten reaching ma- turity, of whom two sons and six daughters are still living. Jolin Cring, the subject of this sketch, is the eldest son and third child in his father's family. He was in his third year when brought by his parents to Jay County, and here he was reared to manhood. The remaining members of the family are Theophilis W., a resident of Fort Recovery, Ohio; Mrs. Jane Asbauglı, Mrs. Hannalı Winters, Mrs. Amanda Clark, Mrs. Ellen Hitz, Mrs. Margaret Adams and Lovina, un- married. The father being a farmer, John Cring was reared to the same avocation. He was for some time a student at Liber Col- lege, and tanght a few terms of school. In Angust, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, Fifth Indiana Cavalry, and served his country until the close of the war. His regiment first operated in Kentucky, then under Gen- eral Burnside in East Tennessee. Mr. Cring was captured on a skirmish line by Long- street's forces with about forty of his com- mand. He was held at Blountville, East Tennessee, about a week, then taken to Bris- tol, Virginia, and a few days later to Rich- inond. He was imprisoned on Belle Island from January 1, 1864, until March 8 follow- ing, when he was sent to Andersonville, re- maining there until the 8th of September. He was then taken to Savannah, Georgia, thence to Charleston, and from there to Florence, where he remained nntil Decem- ber 8, 1864. He was returned to Charles- ton and released on parole, going thence to Annapolis, Maryland, receiving a thirty days' furlough, but was not exchanged until May, 1865. After being exchanged lie remained at Camp Chase for a while, when he was dis- charged by reason of the war being over. After the war he went to Illinois, where lie was engaged in teaching school about a year. He also followed teaching in Indiana. In 30

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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