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 54

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 54
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 54

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SAAC PREMER, of Noble Township, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, August 17, 1835, and when three years of age came with his parents and grandparents to Jay County, where he has since resided. He

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

was married, November 1, 1860, to Miss Su- san Hanlin, who was born in Gallia County, Ohio, and came to Jay County in 1856. She died February 26, 1863, leaving two children -R. A. Premer, born July 24, 1861, died June 8, 1885, and Susan, born February 13, 1863. August 16, 1866, Mr. Premer mar- ried Miss Mary Longacre, and they have two children-Mary A. and Frederick. In Feb- ruary, 1865, Mr. Preiner enlisted in Company E, Eighty-ninth Indiana Infantry, joining his regiment at Fort Blakely, Alabama. He par- ticipated in the capture of that place, and was discharged January 17, 1866. IIe then re- turned home and resumed his farm labors. His great-grandfather, Volantine Premer, was born in Prussia, Germany, and came to America with a brother, both of whom were sold to pay their passage to this country. Volantine was sold to a man in Pennsylvania and his brother to a man in Virginia. They never heard of each other again. His great-grandmother, Margaret Premer, was born in Pennsylvania. Both grandparents died in Wayne County, Ohio. His grand- father, George Harry, was born in Pennsyl- vania. He came to this county with Samuel and ITiram Premer, and died in Noble Town- ship in 1846, aged eighty-seven years. His great-grandmother, Sarah (Rees) Harry, was born near Philadelphia, and died in Jay County in 1860, aged ninety years. Mr. Premer was reared by his grandparents. Politically he is a Republican.

OSEPHUS BISHOP, farmer, section 11, Knox Township, was born in Frederick County, Virginia, near Winchester, May 3, 1833, a son of Solomon and Nancy (Low- rey) Bishop, his father a native of Maryland, and his mother of Virginia. His mother

died in Virginia in 1837, aged about thirty years, and his father in 1862, aged seventy- six years. When our subject was nineteen years old he left his native State and went to Licking County, Ohio, where lie was married April 3, 1857, to Jane Hobert, a native of that county, born January 8, 1833, a daugh- ter of Noalı and Abigail (Hazleton) Hobert, natives of Vermont, and early settlers of Licking County, where they spent the last years of their lives. After his marriage Mr. Bishop engaged in farming in Licking County, and afterward in Wood County, and in the spring of 1866 came to Indiana and settled on the farm where he now lives. His farm contains eiglity acres of good land under cul- tivation, which at the time lie settled on it was covered with a heavy growth of timber. In politics Mr. Bishop is a Republican. He has held several local offices of trust. Mr. and Mrs. Bishop have had six children -- Al- bert, deceased; Harmon, deceased; Lyman, born May 28, 1858; Hammon, born June 18, 1861; Jolin, deceased, and Nancy, born January 8, 1862. Lyman is still at home, engaged in farming, and Hammon is a school teacher by profession, which he follows in the winter, working on the farm and attending school in the summer.

HARLES W. HOLMES, a son of L .L Hohnes, and a member of the firm of L. L. Holmes & Sons, marble cutters, Portland, is a native of Wells Connty, Indiana, born in the year 1858. Ilis boyhood was spent at Bluffton and Fort Wayne, where lie obtained a fair education in the schools of those cities, almost completing the high school course. Soon after beginning to learn his trade he came with his father's family to Portland, Jay County, where he has since

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

lived. Ilis father, himself and brother, L. G. Holmes, establishing their present business in 1873, the year of their arrival. For the last year and a half Charles W. Holmes has traveled as salesinan for the firmn, and has met with good success. In 1880 lie was united in marriage to Miss Ida H. Baker, a daughter of David V. and Jane C. Baker, residents of Portland. One child has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Holmes, named Fred, the date of his birth being November 25, 1881. Mrs. Holmes is a member of the Metliodist Episcopal church.

TEPHEN STRALY, one of the promi- nent and enterprising citizens of Bear Creek Township, is a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, born November 8, 1840, a son of George Straly, who is now deceased. When fourteen years of age he came with his father's family to Jay County, Indiana, they settling in Wayne Township, where he was reared amid scenes incident to pioneer life. His youthi was spent in assisting his father witlı the work of the farm, and his education was obtained in the common schools of Trumbull County, Ohio, and Jay County, Indiana. He enlisted in defense of the Union, September 21, 1861, in Company B, Thirty-fourth Indi- ana Infantry, and participated in the engage- ments at Island No. Ten, Fort Gibson, Champion Hills, where he was wounded in the left thigh by a minie ball, which lead he still carries. He was confined in hospital for some time, returning to his regiment July 9, and was at Palmetto Ranclı, Texas, and the last engagement of the war. He was honorably discharged at Brownsville, Texas, being mus- tered out and paid off at Indianapolis, Febru- ary 20, 1866, when he returned to his home in Jay County. He was united in marriage

September 13, 1866, to Mary E. Green, of Wayne Township, a daughter of Salem and Margaret Green, who were among the early settlers of Jay County. Mrs. Straly died October 19, 1870, leaving one child-Law- rence. Mr. Straly was again married May 22, 1871, to Miss Nancy Freeinyer, her parents, Joseph L. and Mary Freeinyer, being residents of Madison Township. Two children have been born to this union, namned Charles and Walter. Mr. Straly located on his present farın in 1866, when but thirteen acres had been broken and fenced. His farm is now one of the most productive in Jay County, and consists of 132 acres well im- proved and in a high state of cultivation. He lias a substantial two story brick residence built in modern style, well furnished, a good barn and other farm buildings. A large windmill supplies the place with pure water, and also supplies a pond on his grounds which is stocked with fish. Mr. Straly is one of the most respected men of his township, and by his genial disposition and cordial manners he has made many friends through- out the county. He is a consistent member of the Free-Will Baptist church. Politically he is a strong adherent to the principles of the Republican party which he fought so hard to preserve.

ANIEL FERNER, farmer, Noble Town- ship, resides on section 3, where he owns ninety-two acres of land. He came to this county in 1853, locating on his present farm which was at that time nothing but wild woods. He lived in an old log cabin two years, then built a hewed-log house, with a single roof, which is still standing and being occupied by a renter. He also built a log house for a pottery, and a man named

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

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Charles Joseph worked in it eighteen years; he is now living in Bellfontaine. The log shop was afterward replaced by a nice brick one. He moved to his present house in 1879 and commenced making stoneware, shipping clay from Hawkins County, Ohio. Not find- ing this profitable, he opened his tile factory, and has since continued in that business. Mr. Ferner was born near Somerset, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, July 26, 1826, and when twenty-two years of age the family immigrated to Fairfield County, Ohio, locat- ing on a farm, where the father died in 1850. Daniel and his mother lived together four years, he being the only child at home. He was married in April, 1853, and the following October, he and his wife came to Jay County, the mother going to Seneca County to live

with her daughter, Rebecca Zinser. Mr. Ferner's parents, Abraham and Barbara (Smith) Ferner, were natives of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, the father born in 1784, died in 1850, aged sixty-six years; the mother was eight years older than her hus- band and died in 1861. Mrs. Ferner was formerly Sarah Bergman, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, September 9, 1834, danghter of George and Mary Bergman. To this union eleven children have been born- Della A., born January 22, 1854, married

Fred Haley March 15, 1874; George W., born September 6, 1855, lives in Seward County, Kansas; Samuel L., born November 17, 1857; Barbara E., born January 9, 1860, married Jacob J. Haley October 13, 1878; Lavina E., born April 23, 1862, was married May 16, 1880, and died February 23, 1882; Christopher S. Ferner, born July 12, 1864; Daniel A. J., born September 29, 1866, is a teacher; John W., born January 2, 1869; Abraham T., born May 2, 1871, died January 20, 1873; Harvey R., born February 11, 1875; Sarah R., born Angust 26, 1878. Mr.

Ferner's grandfather, Ferner, was born in Germany, and was a soldier in the Revolu- tionary war. He settled in Pennsylvania.

OHN LOGAN, an enterprising and pro- gressive agriculturist of Bear Creek Township, is a native of Highland County, Ohio, boru near Springfield, Febru- ary 2, 1850. His parents, George and Catherine (Reece) Logan, had a family of four children, of whom he was the second child. His father was a native of Pennsyl- vania, and his mother was born in the State of Ohio. When he was five years old his parents came with their family to Jay Coun- ty, Indiana, and for a year lived in Wayne Township. They then moved to Wabash County, Indiana, residing there about six years, when they settled in Bear Creek Town- ship, where the father died September 26, 1879. The mother still makes her home in Bear Creek Township. John Logan, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in Jay County, being reared to the avocation of a farmer, and receiving in his youth the benefits of the common schools. IIe was inarried November 19, 1873, to Miss Lucy Jay, a daughter Dr. J. C. Jay. Mrs. Logan died November 2, 1877, leaving one child, named Ida. Mr. Logan was united in marriage a second time, December 31, 1878, to Miss Aurelia Axe, a daughter of Peter Axe, who was a soldier during the war of the Rebellion. Three children have been born to this union -- Atta Almeda, Frederick Peter and an infant daughter yet unnamed. Mr. Logan settled on the farm where he has since resided in 1879. He has 100 acres of choice land, well improved, a comfortable residence, and good barn and other farın buildings. He has a windmill which sup-

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

plies his farm with good, pure water. Politi- cally he affiliates with the Republican party. He is a member of the Friends society, and is a regular attendent of the Sunday-school. -

OHN BROWN, deceased, was born in the State of Maryland October 1, 1819, a son of Stephen and Axie (Warner) Brown, who were also natives of Maryland. When a boy his parents removed to Monroe County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, be- ing reared to agricultural pursuits. He was united in marriage February 20, 1847, to Miss Mary Ann Lewis, a daughter of Emery and Rachel (Thomas) Lewis, her mother being a daughter of Peter Thomas, and of English descent, her great-grandfather coming from England during the Revolutionary war as a drummer boy. Emery Lewis was also of English descent, born in Pennsylvania, and came with his family to Jay County, Indiana, in 1839, and entered 190 acres of Govern- ment land in Jackson Township, and eighty acres in Nottingham Township, Wells Coun- ty. He engaged in clearing and improving his land, but on account of ill health he re- turned to Ohio in the fall of 1842. In 1854 he again returned to Jay County, and settled on a farm in Penn Township, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying September 8, 1857. His wife survived him until March 23, 1861. Both were earnest members of the society of Spiritnalists at the time of their death, but formerly Friends. They reared a family of six children, of whom two yet sur- vive-Lydia E., wife of Joseph Farrington, of Mills County, Iowa, and Mary Ann, widow of Mr. Brown. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown were born eight children, only two now liv- ing-Viola C., wife of George Swaney, and Orlando J., still at home. Oscar L., Rachel

Ann, Emery L., Agnes J., Lydia R. and Jehu A. are deceased. After his marriage Mr. Brown settled on a farm in Monroe County, Ohio, where he followed farming un- til 1854. In that year he came with his fam- ily to Jay County, Indiana, and purchased 160 acres of unimproved land on section 2, Penn Township, which he cleared and improved, making a good home there, where he lived until his death. August 13, 1872, while out driving, a large tree blew down, striking his wagon and instantly killing his son Emery, a young man about twenty-one years of age, and severely injuring himself and another son. Mr. Brown died from the effects of this accident September 16 following, his death being a source of universal regret. He was an honorable and upright citizen, and an earnest member of the society of Spiritualists at his death. In politics he was formerly an old line Whig, but voted the Republican ticket from the organization of that party. His widow still survives and is yet living on the old homestead in Penn Township. She is a member of the Spiritual society.

OHN R. PRILLAMAN, engaged in farming in Bear Creek Township, is a native of Jay County, born on the farm where he now resides March 24, 1850. He is a son of Jacob and Henrietta (Grimes) Prillaman, his father born in Miami County, Ohio, in 1820, and his mother a native of the State of Maryland. Jacob Prillaman came to Jay County, Indiana, with his father, William Prillaman, in 1838. He was married in 1844 to Miss Henrietta Grimes, a daughter of John Grimes, who settled in Jay County in 1839. Mrs. Prillaman died in August, 1872, Mr. Prillaman surviving her death un- til March, 1870. They reared a family of

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHIES.

four children-John, William, Mary Kirk- patrick and Levi II. John R. Prillaman, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood on the home farm in Bear Creek Township, re- ceiving his education in the schools of Jay County and at Ridgeville College in Randolpli County. He was united in marriage October 4, 1871, to Miss Emina R. Sherman, a na- tive of Licking County, Ohio, but at the time of her marriage living in Wayne Township, Jay County, her parents, Lorenzo and Sophia P. (Monlton) Sherman, having come to the county in 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Prillaman are the parents of three children-Carrie F., born November 7, 1872; Estella, born April 26, 1876, and Fred, born June 29, 1879. Mr. Prillaman is living on a farm of fifty acres of valuable land which is well improved and un- der high cultivation. His residence was built with a view to comfort and convenience and his commodious barn and other farm buildings are in good condition. In connec- tion with his general farming he devotes some attention to stock-raising, and his farm is divided into fields for his stock and grain. He is classed among the active and public- spirited men of Bear Creek Township, and is always interested in any enterprise having for its object the public welfare.

ATHAN BECK, farmer, section 30, Wabash Township, owns 160 acres of land on the southwest quarter of the section and forty acres on section 23, Bear Creek Township. He was born in Columbi- ana County, Ohio, October 30, 1825, where he grew to manhood. April 18, 1849, he came to Jay County and purchased eighty acres of land, and afterward bought another eighty acres. In 1844 he visited an uncle who had entered land in Bear Creek Town-

ship, remaining a few months, then returned in 1849, as before mentioned. He did not commence to clear his land until 1855-six years after he liad inade the purchase. But he at once went to work to earn money to pay for his land. He was a carpenter by trade, and worked at that whenever he could get anything to do; and when he failed in that, he worked at anything he could find. He usually taught school during the winter season. He was married in June, 1855, to Miss Sarah Axe, who was born in Phila- delphia, December 7, 1828, and when eight years old, removed to Wayne County, Ohio, with her parents who remained there one winter, and the following spring, came to this county. They located on the farm now owned and occupied by a brother of Mrs. Beck-Frederick Axe. Mr. Beck com- menced to underbrush in 1855, and in the fall, built a round-log house, one-story liglı, and covered with clapboards. To this cabin he brought his wife and they lived there un- til 1873, when he built liis present frame house. He commenced with nothing but his hands to work with, but by prudence and in- dustry, he has secured a good home for his old age. He was a son of Preston and Mary (Votaw) Beck. The father was born in Lou- doun County, Virginia, in 1796, and died in Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1875. The mother was born in the same place, in 1794, and died in 1837. They were the parents of nine children, seven of whom grew to ma- turity. Nathan was the fifth child; three sisters and one brother are living. Mrs. Beck's parents were George and Hannalı (Leslie) Axe, natives of Germantown, Penn- sylvania, and of German parentage. Her grandfather, William Axe, and her grand- motlier, Lydia Axe, were Germans, and both died at Germantown. Her maternal grand- parents, Jacob and Catherine Leslie, also died

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

at Germantown. Mr. Beck's grandfather, Preston Beck, was probably born in Penn- sylvania, and when a young man he went to Loudoun County, Virginia, and married there. He died in Columbiana County, Ohio. His grandmother, Sarah Beck, also died in Col- nınbiana County. His maternal grandpar- ents, John and Rebecca (Burson) Votaw, died in this county. The Becks are of German origin and the Votaws are of French origin. Mr. and Mrs. Beck have had five children, fonr of whom are living-Charles S., born November 2, 1859; Ruth, born September 28, 1861, wife of William R. Black; Aaron M., born September 27, 1863; Clark G., born September 30, 1866; Edward, born Decem- ber 22, 1856, died November 14, 1864. Mr. Beck was a candidate for county commis- sioner in the fall of 1884 on the Republican ticket, but was defeated by five votes. He was elected justice of the peace in 1861, serving eight years. In 1880 he was elected township trustee and served two years. In politics he is a Republican, and was reared a Quaker.

AMES W. HOPPES, an active and en- terprising agriculturist, engaged in farın- ing in Richland Township, was born on the homestead farm of his father, John Hoppes, in the same township, January 4, 1849. He was the fourth son of a family of six children, five sons and one daughter. He is of German extraction on his father's side. His great-grandfather, George Hoppes, was born in Germany, October 27, 1744, and was there married to Elizabeth Miller. George Hoppes emigrated to this country shortly be- fore the Revolutionary war, settling in North Carolina. He was by occupation a black- smith, and was a soldier in the Revolutionary

war, under General Washington. After the close of the war he moved to Gallia County, Ohio. To him was born eight children- George, John (the grandfather of the subject of this sketcli), Daniel, Isaac, Elizabeth, Henry, Mary and Jacob. George settled in Meigs County, Ohio, and John, in Fayette County, in the same State, while Daniel, Isaac, Henry and Jacob moved to Indiana. John Hoppes, the father of the subject of this sketch, settled in Jay Connty, Indiana, on the 22d day of August, 1842, and settled on the farm on which he now resides. John Hoppes married Sarah Caylor. The subject of this sketch was married in Fayette County, Ohio, on the 18th day of January, 1872, to Miss Emma Rowe, who was born May 12, 1849, a daughter of Nathan and Margaret Rowe, who were natives of Fayette County, Ohio, botlı now deceased. The subject of this sketch, a few years since, bought seven head of thoroughbred short-horn cattle at Cynthi- ana, Kentucky, which he brought to Jay County, this being the first herd-book reg- istered animals of that strain brought to Jay County. His public sale of short-horns at- tracted considerable attention. Politically Mr. Hoppes is a staunch Democrat, and is identified in the connsel of that party. In advocating Democratic principles he is out- spoken and frank, never leaving any one in doubt as to his opinion upon any matter of public interest.

RA DENNEY was born in Gallia County, Ohio, March 8, 1824, a son of Lewis and Felicita (Le Clere) Denney. His father was a native of North Carolina, born in 1797, and removed with his parents to Gallia County, Ohio, where he was married in 1821, to Felicita Le Clere, who was born in Gallia

gamle N, Hoppeo.

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County in 1803, of French parentage, her parents coming to America in 1797. Lewis Denney died in August, 1883, but his wife is still living. Her family are remarkable for their longevity; she having one sister who is ninety years of age, and another died in 1886 aged 100 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Denney were born twelve children, all of whom grew to maturity and eight are still living. Ira Denney was reared on his father's farm in his native county, and succeeded in acquiring sufficient education to enable him to teach, and by that means earned enough money to defray the expenses of attending the academy at Gallipolis. He made teach- ing his profession until 1850, and in August of that year was elected clerk of the courts of Jay County, assuming the duties of his office the 10th of the following October. He was elected for a term of seven years, but the law was subsequently changed, limiting the term to four years, and by virtue of this change his time expired in 1855. He was however again elected and served a second term of four years. Mr. Denney was married November 27, 1851, to Miss Belinda Miller, and as he was at that time county clerk, issued his own marriage license. He has been a resident of Jay County since 1847 and of Portland since 1850, where he has become well known and highly respected. Hc is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fel- lows orders, belonging to both the lodge and chapter of the former. Mr. and Mrs. Den- ncy have had seven children, four sons and three daughters. Their four eldest died in childhood, the three surviving being-Thomas H., Mary F. and Lewis Hoyt. Thomas is a graduate of Union Christian College, and is now a jeweler of Portland. Mary F. and Lewis are now attending Union College. Mr. Denney las always taken a deep interest in the cause of education and is giving his children

the benefit of the best schools. He and liis wife are members of the Christian church, and for two years he was secretary of Union College and for five years one of the trustees‹ and still acting as such in Merom, Sullivan County, Indiana.

ARON W. LETTS, a prominent and successful agriculturist of Jackson Township, was born in Warren County, Ohio, May 19, 1840, a son of James Letts, a pioneer of Jackson Township. Our subject was fourteen years of age when brought by his father to Jay County, the family locating in Jackson Township, where he grew to man- hood. He was reared a farmer, an avocation he has always followed, and his education was obtained in the district schools of his day. He enlisted in defense of his country September 3, 1861, in Company B, Thirty- fourth Indiana Infantry, and was in the bat- tles of Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Black River, Siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, New Madrid, White River, and other engagements of minor importance. He received an honorable discharge September 20, 1864, when he returned to his home in Jay County. He was married April 17, 1869, to Miss Frances Oler, who was born in Jack- son Township, Jay Connty, November 25, 1840, a daughter of John and Matilda (Thorn- burg) Oler, early pioneers of the county. Her mother died April 17, 1873, and her father died in the year 1883. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Letts, six are living-William M., Mary Matilda, Luther, Lilly May, Jacob F. and Burleigh. Amelia Jane and an infant unnamed are deceased. Mr. Letts located on his present farm in 1869 when but ten acres had been cleared. He has cleared and improved his original

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

eighty acres and from time to time has added to it until he now has 320 acres, on which he has 1,000 rods of tile, and is considered one of the best farms in Jackson Township. He has a fine, substantial residence, built in 1882, and beautifully situated. His barns and out- buildings are in good condition, and everything about the place is indicative of the care and thrift of the owner. Politically Mr. Letts is a staunch Republican. He has always taken an active part in the advance- inent of his township or county, and is num- bered among the active and public spirited citizens.

AMES LETTS, one of the prominent pioneers of Jay County, resides in Jack- son Township. He was boru in Mon- mouth County, New Jersey, in 1810, a son of James and Nancy (Slover) Letts, natives also of New Jersey, his father of Moumouth and his mother of Essex County. His father was a son of James Letts and grandson of Peter Letts, who was a soldier under General Washington, and was killed at the battle of Monmouth. The subject of our sketch was reared a farmer in his native State, where he remained until after reaching inanhood, when he moved to Warren County, Ohio, and in 1854 came to Jay County, Indiana, and bought a part of the farm where he now lives. The improvements, which consisted of a log cabin and twenty-five acres of clearing had been inade by William Hillas, a pioneer of Jay County. Mr. Letts has since made his home on this farm and has cleared it from timber and mnade valuable improvements, adding to his original purchase until he owned 400 acres, 240 of which he lias given to his chil- dren, reserving for himself the homestead of 160 acres. Mr. Letts was married in New

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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