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 60

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 60
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 60

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

to Company I, One Hundred and Fortieth Indiana Infantry, in which he served until the close of the war. After his discharge he returned to Blackford County, and in 1871 bought the land on which Mr. Barrnow lives, where he lived until his death, which oc- cnrred March 23, 1878, the result of disease contracted in the army. To Mr. and Mrs. Whetsel were born three children-Zenobia E., Tena W. (deceased), and James A. Mr. and Mrs. Barr have one son-John R.

R. JAMES A. HUTCHINSON, a physi- cian at Salamonia, was born at Freder- icksburg, Wayne County, Ohio, June 20, 1840, and lived there until 1863, when he emigrated to New Corydon, this county. September 28, 1863, he enlisted in Company B, Eleventh Indiana Cavalry, his first Captain being E. Shewalter, who was afterward pro- moted to Major. Ilis last Captain was John F. Bowden. The regiment rendezvonsed at Indianapolis, and was organized at Camp Car- rington. It was assigned to the Cavalry De- partment of the Army of the Cumberland and the Army of the Tennessee. They did general sconting and reconnoitering duties. This Cavalry Division returned from Atlanta with General Thomas, who was looking after General Hood. The regiment was under fire fifty-two days on the retrograde movement to Nashville, and also followed General Hood's forces to the crossing of the Tennessee River at Muscle Shoals. They then went to Gree- ley Springs, Mississippi, where they went into winter quarters. In the spring the regi- ment was sent to St. Lonis and remounted, having turned over their horses and arms to the State of Mississippi. Here they were reorganized and sent to Rolla, Missouri, where they were given a severe drill by a

regular army drill-master for six weeks, then went to Fort Riley, Kansas, thence to the seat of the Indian troubles, where the regiment remained three months watching the savages and hunting buffaloes. They were then sent to Fort Leavenworth and mnstered out, but were discharged and paid off' at Indianapolis, October 4, 1865, and Mr. Hutchinson returned at once to New Cory- don. He engaged in clerking in the general store of George Stickel, and at the same time began the study of medicine under Drs. Vance and Brewington. He obtained his literary education at the People's Seminary, Wayne County, Ohio. He took his first course of lectures at Ann Arbor, Michigan, and then took a regular medical course at the Cincinnati Medical College, gradnating there in 1877. He had a large hospital practice at Cincinnati. He commenced practice in New Corydon, April 1, 1871, and came to Sala- monia about three months later, where he has since practiced his profession. His mother, Isabella Hutchinson, was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, in 1794, and lived in her native county until twenty years of age, then removed to Wayne County, Ohio, where she was married. His father, James Hutchinson, was born in New Jersey in 1782, and when in his twenty-fifth year went with his brother William to Wayne County, Ohio, the latter having charge of an engineering corps to survey the land into sections. The father was a member of that corps. He died November 28, 1864, while on a visit to his daughter, who was living in Jefferson Township, Adams County. The mother remained with her daughter, and died in February, 1868. Both are buried north of New Corydon. The doctor was married in 1861, to Sarah Abnett, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, September 12, 1843, and when four years of age her parents re-

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moved to Jefferson Township, Adamns County, where slie grew to womanhood. She is a daughter of John and Catherine (Mckinney) Abnett. Her father was born in Virginia, and lier mothier in Pickaway County, Ohio. Both are still living in Adams County, the father at the age of seventy-one years, and the mother at sixty-one years of age. Dr. and Mrs. Hutchinson have had six children- Julia Ann, died when in her fifteenth year; Truman D., Ora C., Nellie, died at the age of three years; Allie, died at the age of six months, and Martin Vinton. The doctor lias served as assessor in Wabash Township, and ran for county auditor in 1882 on the Repub- lican ticket.

HOMAS M. C. LUTES, an active and enterprising business man of Mount Pleasant, is a native of Olrio, born in Coshocton County, May 2, 1833, a son of John and Mary (Parker) Lutes, the father a Prussian by birth, and the mother a native of New Jersey. After his mother's death, which occurred when he was in liis seven- teenth year, he started out in life on his own account, and during the seasons following, be- fore he came to Jay County, he found em- ployment on Lake Erie and on the Wabash and Erie canal. He came to Jay County, Indiana, in 1851, and during his residence here has followed many vocations. In early manhood he learned the wagon maker's trade, and soon after his marriage lie engaged in carpentering. He was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in the fall of 1864 in Company F, One Hundred and Fortieth Indiana Infantry, and participated in the battle of Nashville, Tennessee. He was dis- charged on account of disability in June, 1865, and now receives a pension. Mr. Lutes

was first married September 13, 1855, to Miss Sarah J. Nixon, who was born in Col- umbiana County, Ohio, October 11, 1835, a daughter of Jolin Nixon, one of the early settlers of Jefferson Township, Jay County. They commenced housekeeping on a farm of eighty acres on section 3, Jefferson Township, where Mrs. Lutes died April 21, 1858, leav- ing one child, Angeline, now the wife of George Hatzell. Mrs. Lutes was an estimable woman and a member of the Christian church. Mr. Lntes was married a second time July 4, 1858, to Miss Ann Manning, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, born April 23, 1833, a daughter of Panl and Barbara Ann Manning, hier parents dying when she was a child. To this union six children were born-Jolin, now a lumber manufacturer in Michigan; Hannibal H., died in his fourth year; Elijah M., died aged two years; Esther Ann, wife of Isaac Wilson, of Redkey; Thomas Sherman, at present attending the Normal school at Portland. Mr. Lutes was again bereaved by the death of his wife July 22, 1881, dying at the age of forty-eight years. He was again married June 17, 1882, to Mrs. Matilda J. (Newland) Wayne, widow of George Wayne. By his last marriage Mr. Lutes has one son named Edward B. Mr. Lutes owned and oc- cupied his farm on section 3 until 1883, when he removed to the village of Mount Pleasant, where he carries on a grocery and restaurant. Of an active turu of mind he has made at least one valuable invention, the Hoosier Drain Tile, which he patented in 1869. He is one of the public spirited citi- zens of his township, and no work tending toward the advancement of his township or county has failed to receive his encourage- ment. In politics he is an ardent Republican, and rauks among thie leading Republicans of his township. He has served as township trustee. He is a member of Ridgeville Lodge, No.

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

362, F. & A. M., and is a comrade of Stephen J. Bailey Post, G. A. R., at Portland. His brother, Elijah Intes, served as a soldier through the Mexican war, and was four years in the war of the Rebellion. His maternal grandfather was one of the heroes of the Revolution.

ILLIAM J. ROOK, postmaster of Pennville, and an active and enter- prising citizen, is a native of Jay County, Indiana, born in Richland Township November 21, 1842, a son of Jacob and Jane (Schrick) Rook. Our subject was reared on the home farm, receiving his education in the schools of his district. He remained on the home farm with his parents until attaining his majority, wlien he engaged in farming on his own account. In October, 1864, he en- listed in the war of the Rebellion in Company F, One Hundred and Fortieth Indiana Infan- try, serving under Sherman in Tennessee, North and South Carolina and Kentucky. He remained in the service of his country until the close of the war, when he received an honorable discharge at Indianapolis, Indiana, in July, 1865. IIe then returned to Jay County, and August 31, 1865, he was mar- ried to Miss Mary Hayes, a native of Syra- cuse, New York, a daughter of Lawrence and Bridget (Bodkin) Hayes, who were natives of Ireland, coming to Jay County in 1859. Seven children have been born to this union, of whom six are still living-Theresa Ann, Elizabeth Jane, Lawrence W., Mary Cather- ine, Rosa Bridget and Esther Jane. One son, John Sylvester, died aged six months. Mr. and Mrs. Rook began housekeeping on a tract of eighty acres, which was entirely unim- proved. Mr. Rook immediately began the task of clearing and improving his land, to

which he subsequently added eighty acres of heavily timbered land, and of his 160 acre farm he has cleared and improved 110 acres, and brought it under a high state of cultivation. He followed farming until Jnly, 1880, when he took the contract for carrying the mail from Camden to Portland, in con- nection with which he ran a passenger and express hack for nine months. He then re- snmed farming, to which he devoted his time until he received the appointment of post- inaster of Pennville, October 26, 1885, under President Cleveland's administration. Beside his duties of postmaster lie carries a stock of groceries, and by his cordial manners and strict attention to the wants of his customers he is building up a good trade. In politics Mr. Rook affiliates with the Democratic party. Both he and his wife are members of the Catholic church.

EORGE STOLZ, farmer, Wabash Town- ship, was born December 8, 1825, in Alsace, Germany, then France. He came to this county with his parents in 1846, where he stayed a few days, then returned to Dayton, Ohio. Two years later he came to Portland, Indiana, where he worked at the tailor's trade eighteen months, then came to New Corydon, Jay County. The second year of his settlement here he was appointed post- master under General Taylor's administration, and held the office twelve years. As soon as he received his commission he purchased a few books and stationary and kept adding to his stock until he had a well filled store of general merchandise. In 1875 he sold his store for $7,000 to George Martin and Son. At the time he sold out he had a small farm, to which he has since added until he owns ninety acres. He has built a fine brick house

Mers. Mary. Stolz

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and a frame barn at a cost of $3,000. His father, Nicholas Stolz. was born at Alsace, Germany in 1802, where he was reared and educated, and was married to Saloma Helm- stetter. Upon coming to America, in 1846, with wife and eight children, he settled in Noble Township, this county, where he died January 11, 1884, upon the old farm. The mother was also born in Alsace, in 1800, and died at the house of her son George, March 15, 1862, while on a visit. Both parents are buried in a cemetery situated on the old homestead, called the Premer Cemetery. Of the eight children that came to America with their parents, three are deceased. George is our subject; Louisa, born April 11, 1828, died in November, 1846; Charles, born December 24, 1829, died November 21, 1874; Caroline, born June 22, 1832, married George Martin; Adam, born February 18, 1835; Phillip, born November 18, 1837; Margaret, born March 26, 1840, married Henry Miller; Catherine, born June 9, 1843, died November 15, 1851. Mr. Stolz was married November 26, 1850, to Miss Margaret Tullis who was born in Franklin County, Ohio, June 13, 1831, and when eight years of age came to this county with her parents, who settled in Noble Township. The family were among the early settlers of Jay County. Her father, Isaac Tullis, was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, April 25, 1803, and died May 11, 1862, upon the old homestead where he first settled. The mother, Mary Ann (McNutt) Tullis, was born August 27, 1812, and died February 16, 1869, in Noble Township, both buried in Premer Cemetery. The Stolz family left Havre, France, June 26, 1846, arriving at New York Angust 11, in the sailing ship, Elizabeth Bruce, being forty-seven days on the water; they reached Jay County, Septem- ber 3, traveling by rail, canal, by flatboat, steamboat, and by wagon. The family are all

Lutherans. As a race, the Stolz family are stone cutters. George learned the trade, but becoming lame when about eighteen years of age, he learned the tailor's trade, which he followed until he engaged in the mercantile business. He kept a tailor's shop in Port- land eighteen monthis, in a log cabin corner of Main and Meridian streets in 1848-'49.

A. SHOOK, farmer and stock-raiser, Penn Township, was born in Wyo- ming County, Pennsylvania, March 26, 1838, a son of Jolin and Lydia (Albert) Shook, natives of Pennsylvania, the former a son of Jacob Shook, and the latter a daughter of Jacob Albert, both being of German de- scent. Our subject was reared in his native county, where he received good educational advantages, completing his school days at Wyoming Seminary. He remained at home until twenty-one years old, when he went to learn the miller's trade, serving an appren- ticeship of three years. He followed his trade until after the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion. February 22, 1864, he enlisted in Company G, First New Jersey Cavalry, and served in the Army of the Poto- mac, under General Sheridan, participating in the battles of the Wilderness, the raid on Richmond, which lasted twelve days, when they were dismounted, and the siege of Peters- burg, which began June 17, 1864, and con- tined until Lee's surrender in 1865. IIe served until the close of the war, when he was discharged and returned to his home. He remained in Pennsylvania until 1878, when he removed to Jay County, Indiana, and bought the farm of 260 acres on sections 8 and 17, Penn Township, where he now lives, and has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Shook was married December

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

25, 1866, to Alice H. Tingley, a native of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, danghter of Warren M. and Cornelia (Avery) Tingley. Mr. and Mrs. Shook have six children- Lydia C., Ida A., Jennie L., Katie P., Maggie D. and John A. Mr. Shook is a member of James Cartwright Post, No. 315, G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

OHN BRYAN, one of the leading citizens of Bear Creek Township, where he snc- cessfully follows farming pursuits, is a native of Coshocton County, Ohio, born August 15, 1824. His parents, Peter and Mary (HIney) Bryan, were formerly residents of the State of Pennsylvania. They had a family of eight children, of whom onr subject was the second child. When he was quite small he was taken by his parents to Licking Connty, Ohio, and later to Fairfield County, and from there the family subsequently removed to Allen County, in the same State. Jolını Bryan grew to manhood in his native State, being reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and by study at home. In 1847 he came to Jay County, Indiana, where he has since made his home, and is now the owner of eighty acres of as good land as the county affords. He has a good residence, surrounded by shade and ornamental trees, a large, commodions barn and other improve- ments, and his land is very productive and under fine cultivation. Mr. Bryan was united in marriage April 1, 1848, to Miss Hannah Hney, a daughter of Isaac Huey, and to them have been born eight children, seven still living-Mary, Peter, Hallet, Byantha, William R., Emily and Alta Jane. Jackson is deceased. Politically Mr. Bryan is a Dem-

ocrat. He is a worthy and consistent mem- ber of the Free-Will Baptist church, and is a zealous worker in the Sabbath-school.

EORGE W. SHEPHERD, M. D., cn- gaged in the practice of medicine at Redkey, is a native of Jay County, Indiana, born near Portland, February 20, 1840, a son of Thomas S. and Abigail (Wat- son) Shepherd. Between his ninth and twelfth years he lived at Kokomo, Howard County, Indiana, but with the exception of these years he was reared in Jay County, receiving his education in the schools of lis neigliborhood and at Liber College. IIe began the study of medicine with the firm of Latham & Shepherd, the members of this firm being William D. Latham and Thomas S. Shepherd, the father of our subject. In the winter of 1859-'60 he attended the Ohio Medical College, returning to Jay County in 1860, when he commenced the practice of medicine with the firm of Latham & Shep- herd, and later was associated with his father alone until the latter removed to Bluffton. He was united in marriage October 20, 1860, to Miss Lonvernia Bell, a native of Jay Conn- ty, and a daughter of John and Levina (Kid- der) Bell. In October, 1864, he enlisted as a private in the war of the Rebellion, and on being mnstered in was sent to Camp Carring- ton, where he remained one or two nights. He was examined for surgeon by the examin- ing board of physicians, and obtained a first class certificate, which entitled him to the rank of Major, and after passing his examina- tion he was directed by Dr. Bobbs to present himself to Governor Morton, and October 13, 1864, was commissioned by him, First Lieu- tenant of Company F, One Hundred and Fortieth Indiana Infantry. His regiment

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

571

was actively engaged in all the operations about Nashville during Hood's raid, and December 28, 1864, joined the Third Brigade, Third Division, Twenty-third Army Corps, at Columbia, Tennessee. The doctor embarked for Fort Fisher by way of Washington and Fortress Monroe, arriving there February 7, 1865. He participated in the campaign against Wilmington, and was at the taking of Fort Anderson, and was in the skirmish line two days at Town Creek, North Carolina. He arrived at Wilmington February 22, 1865, remaining there until March following. He was in the campaign against Kingston, Golds- boro and Raleigh, and at the final surrender of Johnston's army. He was inustered out at Greensboro, North Carolina, July 11, 1865, when he returned to Jay County and resumed his medical practice. He practiced at Bluffton two years, and May 5, 1872, came to Redkey, where he has since followed the medical profession, and lias built up a large and lucra- tive practice, and by his honorable dealings has gained the confidence and respect of all who come in contact with him. IIe takes an active interest in his profession, and is a inember of several medical societies, including the Jay County Medical Association, the Delaware District Medical Association, and the American Medical Association. He is a Master Mason, belonging to Halfway Lodge, No. 298, at Redkey, of which he is Worship. ful Master, and is a member of the chapter at Dunkirk. He is also a member of Grant Lodge, No. 355, I. O. O. F., and of Fairview Encampment at Dunkirk. He was a charter member of Alexander Trimble Post, No. 213, G. A. R., being the first surgeon of the post, a position he holds at the present writing. Politically he is a Republican. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Epis- copal church. To Doctor and Mrs. Shepherd have been born eight children, of whom seven

are living-Harrison Alvah, Charles E., Laura Bell, Rosella May, Thomas Theodore, John Lewis and Beatrice Blanche. One son, McClellan Ellsworth, is deceased. The mother of our subject died January 13, 1884. She was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, January 9, 1823, and was married April 6, 1837, coming to Jay County in 1838, where she passed through the trials and hardships incident to pioneer life. She lived and died universally respected and beloved by all who knew her. John Bell, the father of Mrs. Shepherd, was born in Harrison County, Virginia, where he was reared to his sixteenth year. He then went to Warren County, Ohio, and in 1838 came to Jay County and opened a store at New Mount Pleasant, being the pioneer merchant of the place. He was there married to Levina Kidder, December 8, 1839, whose parents were among the early settlers of the county. They were the parents of ten children, six of whom survive. Mr. Bell was one of the first Methodists in the county, being a member of that denomination about forty years, and lived his religion in his daily life. He died January 21, 1880, aged sixty-three years and four months, after an illness of fifteen months. Ile was univers- ally respected throughout the community where he had lived so many years, and at his death left many friends. Ile is buried at New Mount Pleasant, his widow still living in that village.

OUNCE BYRD, manufacturer of tile and brick, Madison Township, was born in Greene County, Ohio, July 4, 1849, and when five years of age he went to Xenia, Ohio, where he lived until he was twenty. He was married in Greene County, June 20, 1872, to Miss Mary Kelly, who was

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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.

born in Xenia in 1852, daughter of George and Ann Kelly. Mr. Byrd's father, Amnos Byrd, was born in Greene County, Ohio, Oc- tober 3, 1816, and died in Randolph County, Indiana, while visiting his son Francis. His mother, Susan (McClellan) Byrd, was born in Ohio, and died in May, 1865, at the age of forty-two years. They were the parents of nine children-William A., Francis M., Sarah C., Mounce, Wilbur F., Martha E., James A. and George W. Mr. and Mrs. Byrd have had five children-Catherine, Ella, Mary E., Richard and James. Mr. Byrd learned the brick-maker's trade in early life, and has followed it ever since. His sales amount to about $1,800 per amnm. His grandfather, Andrew Byrd, was born in Virginia, as was also his grandmother, Sarah (Baker) Byrd, and both died in Greene County, Ohio. ITis maternal grandfather, Thomas McClellan, died in Xenia, Ohio. His grandmother McClel- lan died before Mr. Byrd was born.

EORGE W. LUCAS, a prominent far- iner of Jackson Township, is a native of Fayette County, Indiana, born March 7, 1841, a son of William and Mary (Patter- son) Lucas. His parents were married in Kentucky, and a few years later moved to Fayette County, Indiana, and in 1843 to Jay County, locating in Bear Creek Township, where the father died in 1872, and the mother still lives. Five children are living, four daughters and one son, who is the subject of this sketch. George W. Lucas was reared a farmer, receiving his education in the district schools of Bear Creek Township. He re- mained on the home farm with his parents until his marriage, when he settled on the farm where he now lives, which contains 130 acres of valuable land. He has been success-

ful in his farming operations, and now has one of the pleasantest homes in Jackson Township, his residence and farm buildings denoting the thrift of an enterprising owner. Mr. Lucas was married July 10, 1870, to Saralı Ann Miller, a daughter of Jacob Mil- ler, a prominent farmer of Jackson Town- ship. To them have been born two children -Mary Jane and Jessie Ethel. In politics Mr. Lucas is a Democrat and a staunch sup- porter of the principles of his party,

ANIEL G. IIEISTER is a native of In- diana, born October 9, 1852, on the pioneer homestead of his parents, Daniel and Sarah Heister. They were the pioneer family of Boundary, Jay County, settling there in the year 1841, and there Daniel G. was reared. In early life he attended the common schools of his native county, com- pleting his education at Liber College. He was reared on his father's farm, and became a thorough, practical farmer. He was also, when a youth, employed as clerk in his father's store, and in 1874 became his busi- ness partner, the firm name being D. Heister & Son. His brother Henry afterward became a member of the firmn, and January 1, 1884, Daniel G. sold out his interest in the busi- ness to his father and brother, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Heister was married November 19, 1873, to Miss Martha Abel, a native of Salamonia, Jay County, and a daughter of George W. and Esther Abel. She is an estimable lady, and by her sunny disposition makes her home bright, and has many warm friends. Her father is deceased, and her mother is now the wife of Daniel Heister, the father of our subject. Daniel G. Heister, the subject of this sketch, has his homestead on the southwest quarter of sec-

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tion 26, Pike Township. His farm contains 160 acres of choice land, 120 acres of which are cleared, and is rapidly becoming one of the best productive farms in the neighbor- hood. During the spring of 1887 Mr. Heis- ter added one mile to its tile drainage. Mr. and Mrs. Heister have three children living-Mabel, Orlan L. and Arthur M. Esther, their youngest child, died at the age of four years. Mr. Ileister has served Pike Township efficiently as trustee. Politically he is a Democrat, and is prominent in the local councils of his party.

AMES F. KIDDER, M. D., a prominent physician of New Mount Pleasant, is a native of Jay County, Indiana, born in Pike Township, June 9, 1839, a son of John and Sarah (Buras) Kidder. His father was born and reared in the State of Maine, and while there was married to Miss Sarah Buras, who lived just across the line from Maine, in New Hampshire. At the age of twenty- seven years he came West, and for a while lived at Cincinnati, Ohio. He then lived at Morristown, Warren County, Ohio, and from there the family came by team to Jay County, having to cut their way through the timber toward the last half of the way. Mr. Kidder had previously entered 120 acres of Govern- ment land in Pike Township, on which not a stick had been cut, except on a small space which had been cleared for the erection of a cabin. Mr. Kidder had hired a man to build his cabin before coming to the county, which was all ready for occupancy when the family arrived. Game was abundant in those days, but Mr. Kidder was not much of a hunter. He was a very strict Methodist, but one Sab- bath, seeing a deer near his honse, he grabbed an old army musket which he had used in the

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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