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 66
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 66
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UNDMP AMES J. SCOTT is a native of Jay County, Indiana, born in Jefferson Town- ship, March 26, 1854, a son of Walter and Isabel (Coons) Scott. His father was born and reared in New York, and from there went to Chillicothe, Ohio, where lie drove a stage for a time. He was married in Chilli- cothe, to Isabel Coons, and in the fall of 1844 came to Jay County, Indiana. He lived in Jefferson Township until his deatlı in October, 1855. His widow subsequently removed to Richland Township, where she resided a number of years. She then settled in Redkey, where she passed the rest of hier days, dying in June, 1877. James J. Scott, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Jefferson and Richland townships, and has always lived in Jay County with the excep- tion of three years spent in Grant County. He made his home with his mother until her deatlı, after which he lived with his brother-
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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.
in-law, A. J. Rannels, for three years. Decem- ber 18, 1878, he was married to Miss Mar- garet R. Corder, a native of Taylor County, West Virginia, and a daughter of John A. and Mary J. Corder, her parents being at present residents of Richiland Township, Jay County, Indiana. Mr. Scott has lived on his present homestead since his marriage, which is located in Richland Township. Beside his home farm of eighty acres he owns a tract of forty acres located in another part of Jay County, which he has acquired by industry and good management. In his political views he affiliates with the Republican party.
AVID C. MERANDA, an active and enterprising agriculturist, is a native of Jay County, Indiana, born on section 21, Jefferson Township, on the homestead which he now owns and occupies, September 7, 1844. His father, John Meranda, was reared in Ohio, and was married in Chan- paigu County, that State, April 6, 1841, to Mrs. Sidney (Fields) Wilson, and to this union were born three children-Van Buren died September 19, 1851; David C., the sub- ject of this sketch, and James, who died about 1876, aged twenty-eight years. By her first husband, William Wilson, Mrs. Meranda had five children-Mrs. Mary Ann Dill and Mrs. Rebecca Dick, living in Ohio; Mrs. Jane Holbert, living in Oregon; Frederick G., living in Redkey, Indiana, and William deceased. In the fall of 1841 Mr. Meranda came with his family to Jay County, settling in the then dense forest of section 21, Jef- ferson Township, on a tract of eighty acres, where he made his home till his death. Mrs. Meranda was again married in 1853, to Jacob Ullom, who died in Jefferson Township, his widow surviving until January 9, 1883, dying
at the residence of our subject. David C. Meranda was reared on the home farm. He was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, en- listing October 20, 1864, in Company F, One Hundred and Fortieth Indiana Infantry. He was in the service in Tennessee, and in the Twenty-third Corps under General Schofield, he joined Sherman's army at Goldsboro, North Carolina. He was in the campaign against Wilmington, and was present at the surrender of the rebel General Johnston. He was honorably discharged at Greensboro, North Carolina, July 11, 1865, when he re- turned to his home in Jefferson Township. He was married December 27, 1868, to Miss Elizabeth Flesher, who was born in Jefferson Township, Jay County, January 23, 1846, a daughter of Adam Flesher, an early settler of Jefferson Township. Five children have been born to this union, of whoin the last born died in infancy. Those living are-Charles C., born October 4, 1869; Lillie Ann, born March 28, 1873; Laura B., born May 28, 1876; Delly O. S., born March 3, 1880. Mr. Meranda is a member of Redkey Lodge, No. 398, A. F. & A. M. Politically he is a Democrat.
HRISTOPHER S. ARTHUR, M. D., of Portland, was born in Highland County, Ohio, September 16, 1833. His grandfather was a Captain in the war of the Revolution. His father, Pleasant Arthur, was a native of Virginia, born near Lynch- burg in 1780. In 1802 he removed to what is now Hillsboro, Highland County, Ohio, where he married Agnes Timberlake, whose parents had also immigrated from Virginia. To them were born eleven children, five sons and six daughters, Christopher S. being the tenth child. After residing a number of
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years in Ohio, the family removed to Iowa City, Iowa, where the mother died in 1843, her death being followed by that of her hus- band two years later. Pleasant Arthur was a farmer and carpenter, and also did consider- able trading. He was a strong anti-slavery man, and a great admirer of Henry Clay, although differing from that great statesman in some of his compromise measures. He was a prominent citizen of his own county, and filled many offices, including that of county commissioner, which he filled for thirteen years. The subject of this sketch, after the death of his parents, returned to Highland County, Ohio, making his home with his brothers and sisters, and in 1848 he lived with his eldest brother, who was a Quartermaster during the Mexican war. In early life he received a good education, ob- taining some knowledge of classics, and in 1849 he began the study of medicine under the preceptorship of John H. Quinn, support- ing himself by the manufacture of hay and stock scales. Removing to Springfield, Ohio, he continued his studies under Dr. B. B. Gilbert, and after completing a course of lectures in the Starling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio, he settled at Camden, Indi- ana, where against strong opposition he secured a lucrative practice. One or two skillful operations which he performed gave him such prominence, that one year after his arrival, but four doctors remained instead of the nine of a year previous. In the science of surgery Doctor Arthur is considered an expert, having had much experience and suc- cess in this field of labor, and has attained to distinction in his chosen profession. He was married in 1856 to Miss Salena Bennett, daughter of David Bennett, an old resident of Wells County. To this union liave been born six children, all but one of whom are yet living. Like his father, the doctor was a
strong anti-slavery inan, and when the insti- tution of slavery threatened to overthrow the Government he resolved to enter the field of strife in defense of his country, and early in 1862 he raised a company for the Seventy- fifth Indiana Infantry, of which he was made Captain, but a few days later he was appointed Surgeon of the regiment, which was assigned to the Fourteenth Army Corps, and with his command Dr. Arthur served through the entire Atlanta campaign. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga, and sent first to Atlanta, and thence to Libby Prison, where he was confined three months, and during this time he was reduced in weight from 175 to ninety-eight pounds. He was taken prisoner a second time at Crawfishı Springs. He was at this time overworked, having been on duty for twelve successive days and nights. He was at first treated very kindly by a Confederate surgeon, who not only showed him every kindness himself, but also required his colored servant to do the same. He subsequently left the service on account of poor health, and resumed his practice at Camden, which he continued until elected to the office of county auditor in 1870, when he removed to Portland, being re- elected to the same position in 1874, thus proving his popularity and efficiency as a public official. Bereft of parents in his childhood, and deprived of his inheritance by the speculations of his administrator, Dr. Arthur lias by his own unaided ef- forts raised himself to prominence in his profession, and enjoys the results of a well spent life. He was identified with the schools of Camden for a number of years, and is always interested in the advancement of the cause of education. IIe is at present presi- dent and a stockholder of the Citizens bank of Portland. He has a large and valuable collection of arcliæological specimens, con-
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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.
taining an almost complete list of Indian relics, such as arrow heads, spears and other implements of war and the chase, together with amulets, rings, breastpins, pipes, chisels and adzes, all in excellent preservation.
ESSE WRIGHT, deceased, was born in Wayne County, Indiana, November 8, 1815, a son of David and Hepsibah (Coffin) Wright, his father a native of North Carolina, and his mother of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. They were among the early settlers of Wayne County, where our subject was reared, making it his home until 1839, when he moved to Jay County and settled on land his father had previously entered from the Government. This land consisted of eighty acres, heavily timbered, and was lo- cated in section 25, Penn Township. He cleared and improved it, making one of the best farms in the township, and made it his home until his death, which occurred January 9, 1863. He was married March 3, 1837, to Diana Gardner, who was born in Guilford County, North Carolina, August 9, 1816, and died June 6, 1882. They had a family of four children-Elvira, wife of Francis S. Burke; Jesse G. died aged two years; Eliza Jane, wife of T. I. Gray, and Lydia A. (deceased), wife of Edwin Haynes. Mr. and Mrs. Wright were members of the Society of Friends.
RANK H. SNYDER, attorney at law, a member of the firm of Bosworth, Mark- land & Snyder, Portland, Indiana, is one of the youngest members of the bar of Jay County. He is a native of Germantown, Ohio, born March 29, 1861. He was reared in his native city, and when eighteen years
old, in 1879, began reading law in Dayton, Ohio. He graduated from the University of Ann Arbor, in the class of 1882, receiving his diploma and degree from the university the day he was twenty-one years old. Soon after his graduation he commenced the prac- tice of his profession at Columbia City, In- diana, remaining there, however, but a short time. He then went to Marshalltown, Iowa, where he became associated in his practice with J. W. Parker. They had a good prac- tice and were also the attorneys for the Mis- souri, Iowa & Northern Railroad Company. It was not the intention of Mr. Snyder to locate permanently in the West, and after valuable professional experience in Marshall- town he returned to Ohio, and from there came to Portland, where he is fast gaining a strong foothold in professional circles. He is a young man of pleasing address, a close student, and already has gained an enviable reputation as a lawyer, and has won for him- self many friends both in and out of the pro- fession. Although but a young man he has had experience that falls to the lot of but few, and this added to his native ability has made him one of the most reliable and skill- ful attorneys of the Jay County bar.
T. LYNCH, dealer in dry goods, gro- ceries, staple and fancy goods, Briant, was born in Fayette County, Ohio, June 23, 1852, son of James A. and Hannah (Johnson) Lynch. His early life was passed on the farm, and he was educated in the com- mon schools. He came to this county in 1871, and this has since been his home. He was married June 23, 1872, to Miss Martha C. Martin, of this county, daughter of J. G. Martin, of Briant. He engaged in the mer- cantile trade in 1884, and is also engaged in
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the lumber trade and in making railroad ties. He carries a stock of goods to the amount of $3,000, and his annual sales amount to $18,- 000. It is the leading dry goods store of Briant. He . belongs to Omega Lodge, No. 281, I. O. O. F., and in politics is a Demo- crat. He was the candidate of his party for sheriff in 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Lynch have one child, Bert G. Though but a young man, Mr. Lynch has attained an enviable reputa- tion as a business man.
AMUEL NINDE, proprietor of Ninde's saw-mill, located on section 18, Jackson Township, is one of the prominent busi- ness men of Jay County. His mill, whichi was built in 1883, is the only one in the township. The engine is of forty horse- power, with a boiler forty-eight inchies by eighteen feet. The mill has a capacity for turning out 12,000 feet of himber per day, and gives employment to from three to seven inen. It is well located, being in the center of some of the best timbered land in the county, and Mr. Ninde has had a good trade from the beginning. He is a good business man, strictly honorable in all his dealings, and has made many friends among the farm- ers and business men of the county. He was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, March 19, 1825, a son of John and Elizabeth (France) Ninde. When he was fifteen years old his parents moved to Preble County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. During the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in the defense of his country, and served three months a mem- ber of the Sixty-third Ohio Infantry. He lived in Preble Connty nntil 1866, when he moved to Jay County, Indiana, and has since been a resident of Jackson Township. Mr. Ninde was married in 1845 to Margaret
Burkett, and to them have been born four children-Samnel Alfred, George B. McClel- lan, William Sherman and Serepta Jane. In politics Mr. Ninde is a Democrat, and a staunch supporter of the principles of that party.
ILLIAM O. VIA, one of Greene Township's leading agriculturists, established his residence on section 5, March 3, 1861. His first land purchase in the connty was 107 acres, of which about thirty-five acres had been cleared, and about twenty acres more partially opened. A hewed-log honse, one and a half stories in height, stood on this property, to which Mr. Via bronght his family, then consisting of his wife and three children, and there made his home for fifteen years. In October, 1875, the family removed to their present residence, which is one of the largest and best constructed residences in their neighborhood. Mr. Via was born in Albemarle County, Virginia, De- cember 16, 1826, a son of Henry O. and Mary Via, and when in his third year his parents immigrated to Preble County, Ohio, where they lived until their death. All their children yet living, with the exception of our subject, are still residents of that county. William O. Via was reared to manhood in Preble County, and was there married April 22, 1855, to Miss Delilah 'Studabaker, a native of that county, born October 28, 1833. They have had born to them seven children, the three eldest being natives of Preble County, and the four youngest born in Jay County. They are as follows-Lysander M., living near his parents; Nora A., wife of John Gambell, living in the same neighbor- lood; Teresa B., wife of John W. Taylor, living near the old homestead; William S.,
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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.
also living in Greene Township; Jasper N., Sylvester N. and Elmer Arthur, the three yonngest living at home with their parents. When Mr. Via came to Jay County, he owned, besides his 107 acres, 896 in cash, two horses, one cow, one wagon, a plow and a dray. By persevering industry and good management he added to his real estate, purchasing forty- acre tracts from time to time, and before deeding any land to his children he owned 420 acres of valuable land, a large part of which was improved and under cultivation. During the war he built a good, substantial barn, 40 x 60 feet, and made other improve- ments. The homestead now contains 200 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Via were reared in the Lutheran faith, but since coming to Jay County they have been members of the Metliodist Episcopal church. In early life Mr. Via was a Whig, but now affiliates with the Republican party.
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J. BICKEL, one of the representative citizens of Wayne Township, is the oldest person living at the present time who was born in Jay County, the date of his birth being November 8, 1833. His father, George Bickel, was born in Centre Connty, Pennsylvania, and subsequently re- moved to Preble County, Ohio, where he was married to Miss Nancy Glassford. To them were born ten children, nine danghters and one son-Christina, Elizabeth, Andrew J., Maria, Catherine, Jane, Henrietta, Rachel, Nancy A. and Matilda. A few years after his marriage the father with his family, then consisting of his wife and two danghters, came to Jay County, making the journey by team. They first located in the woods of Pike Township when but six or eight families were living in the township. The father
cleared and improved his land in Pike Town- ship, where he made a good home for his family, living there until his death, which oc- enrred in April, 1877. Mrs. Bickel had died many years before, her death occurring in All- gust, 1859. Andrew Jackson Bickel, the subject of this sketcli, was reared on the old homestead where he was born, his youth be- ing spent in assisting his father clear and improve their farm and in attending the sub- scription schools of that early day, where he received but a limited education. He was married in November, 1857, to Miss Elizabeth Tharp, a native of Perry County, Ohio, a daughter of Asa and Margaret (Imel) Tharp. Her father died in Perry County, Ohio, and in 1855 her mother came with her children to Indiana, and made her home in Pike County. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bickel - George, William, Sarah M., Rebecca Ann, Simeon, Christina and Adella Alice. Mr. Bickel continued to live on his father's homestead for a time after his mar- riage, then bought land adjoining, where he resided until 1881. In that year he removed to the farm on section 25, Wayne Township, where he still resides. His farm contains eighty acres of valuable land, which he lias improved in a good manner. He has about sixty acres cleared and divided into different fields for stock-raising, to which he devotes some attention. He has a comfortable resi- dence, pleasantly sitnated, and good farm buildings, and his land is underlaid with tile drainage, the entire farm showing the thrift and care of its owner. In politics he is a strong adherent to the principles of the Dem- ocratic party. Mr. Bicknel has witnessed the many wonderful changes that have . taken place in the county, seeing it transform from a wilderness into its present prosperous con- dition. The population of Jay County at the time of his birth was about fifty persons
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and now the inhabitants are 20,000. Mr. Bickel has always manifested a deep interest in the welfare of his township or county, and in every movement calculated to aid in build- ing up the place has his encouragement and assistance.
MBROSE W. HOPKINS, one of the old and honored pioneers of Jay County, and a self-made man, engaged in farın- ing and stock-raising on section 24, Penn Township, is a native of Maryland, born July 15, 1815, a son of Josiah and Mary (Bnr- bage) Hopkins, natives of Maryland and of English descent, the mother being a daughter of Thomas Burbage. The parents left their native State May 17, 1830, for Preble County, Ohio, arriving at their destination June 12 following. In 1837 they removed to Wayne County, Indiana, and subsequently went to Springfield, Illinois, but not liking that part of the country, they returned to New Parish, Ohio, where the father died in 1840. His widow survived him twenty years, dying in Michigan in 1860. Ambrose W. Hopkins, the subject of this sketch, was united in mar- riage, March 29, 1838, to Miss Eliza Gardi- ner, a daughter of Jesse Gardiner, a native of Guilford County, North Carolina. To this union were born five children-Adeline, de- ceased wife of William Letz; Jerome, Mary J., deceased wife of Joseph Lewis; John R. and Theodore M. Mr. Hopkins followed farming in Wayne County, Indiana, until February, 1844, when he came to Jay County, and bought eighty acres of partially improved land on section 24, Penn Township, where he followed farming for a period of forty years, and by persevering industry and close atten- tion to his pursuits he acquired a landed estate of 260 acres, which he brought under
a fine state of cultivation. Mrs. Hopkins died April 8, 1880, and after her death Mr. Hopkins retired from active business life, and spent three years in traveling, then returned to his home, and divided his property among his children, giving to each a good home. He was again married October 19, 1882, to Mrs. Elmira Phillips, widow of Lee Phillips, and a daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Gerry) Morgan. Her father was a native of Vir- ginia, coming to Ohio in an early day, where he was married, his wife being a native of Ohio, Mrs. Hopkins being born in Fairfield County, that State. Her parents were among the early settlers of Wells County, Indiana. By hier former marriage Mrs. Hopkins had two children-William O., and Capitola May, wife of Smith Hunt. After his second mar- riage Mr. Hopkins settled in his present home in Penn Township, where he is enjoy- ing that rest which he has so well earned by his years of toil, and by his honorable and upright dealings he has gained the confidence and esteem of the entire community. In all his life he never sued a man, and he has never been sued. He has been a member of the United Brethren church for over thirty years. In politics he was formerly a Whig, but has voted the Republican ticket since the organization of that party.
NDREW W. ALLEN, a representative of one of Jay County's prominent pioneer families, is a native of Jay County, born on the Allen homestead in Wayne Township, April 14, 1843. His parents, Ebenezer and Margaret (Fruit) Allen, were natives of the State of Olio, the father born in Butler County, August 10, 1810, and the mother in Franklin County, August 25, 1811. They were married in
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HISTORY OF JAY COUNTY.
Preble County, Ohio, September 23, 1830, living in that county until January, 1840. They then removed to section 34, Wayne Township, Jay County, Indiana, and com- menced to build their home in the thien dense forests. The first few years were spent in a struggle for a living, and here they endured all the trials and privations incident to pioneer life, but finally the tide turned, and the old privations were only remembered as incidents of the past. The father still resides on his old homestead, but the mother is deceased, her deatlı taking place March 15, 1880. Niue children were born to them-Andrew W., our subject, being the fifth child, and eldest son, and the first of the family born in Jay County. Eleanor, the eldest child, died young; Mrs. Nancy Metz resides in Wayne Township; Mrs. Eleanor Clark, another danghter, is deceased; Mrs. Eliza Y. Finch lives in Pike Township; Mrs. Mary Sturgeon died in Kansas; Jacob is a resident of Wayne Township; Mrs. Margaret Finch lives in Pike Township, and Mrs. Xavia C. Miller resides in Wayne Township. Andrew W. Allen has always lived in Jay County with the excep- tion of the time spent in the war of the Rebellion, his earliest recollections being connected with pioneer life. He has wit- nessed the county change from a state of nature to its present proud position, one of the finest in the State. His early education was received in the district schools, and later he spent a few terms at Liber College. December 8, 1864, he was nnited in marriage to Miss Elizabeth R. Alexander, who was born September 10, 1842, a daughter of James and Sarah Alexander. When she was two years old her mother died in Allen County, Ohio, and her father died in Pick- away County, Ohio, shortly after, leaving her an orphan at a very early age. She was then reared in the family of David Hays, living in
Fairfield County, Ohio, until seven years old. The family then lived in Mercer County, Ohio, until she was sixteen years of age. She then accompanied the family to Jay County, Indiana, they locating in the old village of Liber, where she lived until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are the parents of two children-Charles F., born June 3, 1867, and Edith H., born July 21, 1870. After his marriage Mr. Allen settled on section 2, Pike Township, where he owned eighty acres of land, and to this tract he added from time to time until he owned a farm of 136 acres. Selling that property he removed to his present home on section 3, Pike Township, April 10, 1883, where he owns 151 acres of choice land, 100 acres being under fine cultivation. He has on his farm one of the largest peach orchards in the county, containing over 500 thrifty young trees. In politics Mr. Allen is an ardent Republican. For six years he held the position of assessor of his township. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church.
OSEPH WAGNER, farmer, Wabash Township, resides on section 17, where he owns 120 acres of good land. He was born in Big Spring Township, Seneca County, Ohio, August 25, 1855, and when seventeen years old, came with his parents to Wabash Township, where he has since resided. His education was limited to the schools of his father's district. He was married May 16, 1876, to Miss Sophronia Beetle, born in Wabash Township, March 28, 1858, where she was reared and married. Her parents, Adam and Elizabeth (Reiman) Beetle, were born in Bavaria, Germany, her father in 1819. He came to America when about thirty years
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