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 85

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 85
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 85

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OSEPH H. RHOADES, dealer in real estate and insurance agent, is a native of Ohio, born in Licking County, Angust 16, 1834, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Holmes) Rhoades, his father born in West- moreland County, Pennsylvania, and his mother born in Fauquier County, Virginia. They were married in Muskingum County, Ohio, and after their marriage settled down in Licking Connty. In 1837 they removed to Delaware County, Ohio, when the snr- rounding country was in a state of nature, and wild game was in abundance. The father was quite a liunter, and hunted deer and wild hogs in that county, keeping the larder well supplied with meat. Joseph H. was reared in Delaware County, on the Scioto River, fifteen miles north of Columbus. His father had a large farm, and also owned two mills, and his youth was spent in assisting in the work of both farm and mill. He subsequently engaged in bridge building on the Columbus, Chicago & Indianapolis, now Panhandle or Chicago, St. Louis & Pittsburgh Railroad, and after four years became a superintendent of bridge building. After holding that po- sition two years he engaged in the mercantile business at Urbana, Ohio, remaining there about eight years. For a time he was super- intendent of a coal mine near Coshocton, Ohio. He was married in Miami County, Ohio,

November 22, 1864, to Miss Margaret E. Carr, a native of Fayette County, Ohio. In January, 1874, he came to Hartford City, Blackford County, Indiana, and for the first year was engaged in the manufacture of slack barrel staves, his factory being the first and only establishment of the kind in Hartford City. He then carried on the grocery busi- ness until 1880, when he established his present business, being associated with Elisha Pierce about one year, and since then has conducted his business in Hartford City. In his insurance business he represents the Ætua, of Hartford; Royal, of Liverpool; Queen, of London, England; Phoenix, of Brooklyn; Hart- ford, of Hartford, and the Fire Association of Philadelphia. In life insurance he represents the Northwestern, of Milwaukee, and Union Central, of Cincinnati. He also has a set of abstract books for Blackford County, Harrison Wiley being associated with him in the latter business. In politics Mr. Rhoades is a Demo- crat. He is a member of Blackford Lodge, No. 106, A. F. & A. M., in which he holds the office of senior deacon.

ILLIAM F. M. FRAZIER, one of Blackford's early settlers, who is engaged in farming on section 4, in Washington Township, is a native of Hamil- ton County, Ohio, being born September 2, 1828. At the age of five his father, William N., and mother, Julia Ann (Pickens) Frazier, emigrated to Franklin County, Indiana. After residing there two years they removed to Henry County, Indiana, and moved to various other localities during his life, having died at the advanced age of over ninety-eight years. At the early age of sixteen young William left his father's home to make his

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own way in the world, first finding work in a tan-yard in New Castle, Indiana; then learning the potter's trade at the same place. After two years work he went to Preble County, Ohio, where he finished his trade and worked at it until 1850. In a few days after New Years of 1851 he was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Ullom, who was born in Darke County, Ohio, May 29, 1830. Her father, Daniel Ullom, died when she was two years old. At the age of six her mother, Jane (Wilt) Ullom, was married to John McFarland, and to them were born Archibald and Emily. At the age of ten she was left an orphan by the death of her mother. She then went to live with her uncle, Henry Hutton, of Preble County, Ohio, who was appointed her guardian, her brother, Benjamin F., being bound to Henry Coblentz, of Darke County, Ohio. Catharine was reared by her uncle until eighteen years of age, after which time she lived in the fam- ily of Calvin Henderson, now of Blackford County, Indiana, until married. When mar- ried, William settled on a farm near New Madison, Ohio, in which vicinity he resided nearly five years, employing himself in farm- ing and aiding in a few jobs of carpenter work. On October 1, 1855, William started for Blackford with his family, consisting of wife and child, James, arriving at his present home, then in the wilderness, after six days' weary travel, the roads being almost imipassa- ble from logs, stumps and mud. The rain came down in gentle torrents all the time ex- cept the last half day, during which time it snowed for a change. Mr. Frazier still re- sides on the farm which he unraveled from the deep forest, consisting of over sixty acres of well improved and highly cultivated land. A log hint was built before his arrival, but with only the earth for a floor, and the door consisted of a bed-quilt for some time. In

1876 the old log cabin gave way to the sub- stantial frame which he now occupies. Until the past few years the woods were full of wild turkeys and squirrels, and many are the ones that have fallen beneath the aim of his rifle. His principal way of making money has been in raising horses, but his chief de- light was in feeding hogs. Opossum and raccoon hunting was one of his favorite pas- times during his early days in Blackford. Mr. Frazier has always been a very great reader, and there are few current topics ou which he is not well informed, his chief de- light being history, religion and politics. Himself, wife and son, R. A., are members of the Church of God, more commonly known as the "Soul-sleepers." In 1864 Mr. Frazier was drafted, and remained in the United States service until the close of the war, being in Sherman's famous march through the Car- olinas, having joined the army at Charleston, Sonth Carolina. He traveled in all through sixteen States while serving his country, being a member of Company C, Fifty-third Indiana Volunteers, and being one of that numerons multitude that raised up their voice and shouted : "The Union now and for- ever, one and inseparable !" He participated in Sherman's review on the 24th of May, 1865. "Billy" and "Katy," as they are commonly called, have ever lived a happy and honorable life, and around their home has been clustered many of the happiest hours ever passed in Blackford. Their doors have ever been open to all who sought com- fort, and none ever departed hungry or sad. Their house has for years been the center of attraction and enjoyment, for it contains inany of the Inxnries of art, science and literature, not found in every home, to which is added the refinement and superior quali- ties of their sons. If a crown is prepared for the acts of generous and kind humanity, the

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heads of this family will certainly possess many a star of glory. To William and Catlı- arine Frazier have been born six sons, two deceased and four living-Benjamin F., born in November, 1851, died when ten days old; James T., born October 14, 1852, died Janu- ary 18, 1873, after a lingering illness of seventeen weeks and three days, with typhoid fever, his life being closed with black-bone erysipelas and dropsy. James had attended school at Bluffton, Indiana, and six terms in the Ridgeville College, Indiana. He had taught two terms of school, and was elected for a third when he died. F. Marion was born August 20, 1857. His early boyhood days were spent on the farm, as all the others have been, until about the age of twenty, when he commenced teaching school in his home district. He was one of the most thorough and considerate teachers that ever entered a door, and was loved and respected by his pupils to a degree that but few parents ever gain. He attended at various times the Ridgeville College, Fort Wayne Methodist Episcopal College, Purdue University, and the Northern Indiana Normal School. In 1882 he was appointed principal of the Mont- pelier, Indiana, school, but resigned after a short time to accept a position in the Pension Office in Washington, D. C. He filled the position with honor, but the work being in- pleasant lie resigned January 17, 1883, and entered the law school, where he graduated May 29, 1884, with the first honors of his class, receiving the degree of LL. B. He was admitted to both the Circuit and Supreme

courts of Indiana early in June, 1884. While teaching a Normal school in 1886 he was engaged as special collector and bookkeeper for "The Bank of Manson," Manson, Iowa, which place he filled with more than ordinary ability and accuracy. When he had the affairs of the bank all settled, he was immediately

sent by "The Warder, Bushnell & Glessner Company," of Chicago, Illinois, as their special traveling collector to Dakota Terri- tory. He is considered one of the most suc- cessful and gentlemanly collectors ever in the Territory. F. M. has paid much attention to history and literature, and has quite a volume of poems, many of which are considered of a high order. He is a genial, jolly, whole- souled companion, and Marion, as he is called, is ever welcomed by all. Robert A. was born March 4, 1862. After attending the distriet school he went to the Fort Wayne Methodist Episcopal College in the winter of 1879. In 1880 he commenced teaching, and since that time has employed many months in the school-room, being one of the most successful and popular teachers of the county. He has at various times attended the Fort Wayne Methodist Episcopal College, Ridge- ville College, and the Eastern Indiana Nor- inal School. Ile is now engaged in his eiglith school year, teaching about six months each year. R. A. has for two years past taken much interest in raising fine horses, and much of his time during the summer has been devoted to their development. He has a fine specimen of the equine race, and his stable stands in the first rank of the county. Sherman S., born June 1, 1865, like his brothers, has had good educational advantages, having spent four winters under his brother F. M.'s thorough instruction, and having at- tended the Fort Wayne Methodist Episcopal College and the Eastern Indiana Normal School. For the past two years he has en- gaged in teaching, with first-class success. He is making preparations to enter the medi- cal profession. He is a young man of more than ordinary physical and mental ability, and there can be a bright future predicted for him. Levi S., born December 20, 1869, lias had the same advantages of education

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enjoyed by his brother Sherman S., in the district school. He is preparing for the teacher's station, and ere long will wield the educational sword. He is yet young and has never had any chance to display his ability, but gives promise of being equal to the best. Like liis next older brother, he gives evidence of a bright future.

BRAM WILSON, one of the old and honored pioneers of Blackford County, who is now deceased, was born in Fay- ette County, Indiana, in the year 1818. His father, Jolın Wilson, located in Fayette County while Indiana was a Territory, and in that early day he and some of the early set- tlers built a fort midway between Milton and Connersville, to protect themselves against the Indians, which were thien very trouble- some. Abram Wilson, the subject of this sketcli, was married in Fayette County at the age of nineteen years, to Miss Delilah Shower, a native of Miami County, Ohio, and a daughter of David and Elizabeth Shower. They reared a family of six children, as fol- lows-Catherine Elizabeth, Nancy Rebecca, David Shower, James W., Jeremialı A. and John W., who was a member of Company B, Eighty-fourth Infantry, in the late war, and died in field hospital, August 25, 1863. His remains were interred in Monnt Tabor cemetery, Blackford County. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson left Fayette County in 1838, and the following five years lived in Henry County. In October, 1843, they came with their family to Blackford County, locating in the woods, Mr. Wilson having to cut his road before reaching his land. Here they ex- perienced many of the hardships of pioneer life, but by hard work they made a good home ont of the forest, and lived to enjoy the fruits

of their years of toil and hardships. Both died on the old homestead where they settled in 1843, Mr. Wilson dying Jannary 31, 1874, and his wife April 7, 1887. They were active and consisteut members of the Method- ist Episcopal church, he having served many years as trustee and class-leader of tlie same. In politics he was a Republican. He served for a time as county commissioner, and in 1872 he was elected to represent Jay and Blackford Counties in the State Legisla- ture, during the session of 1873-'74, but died before the expiration of his term of office.

SAAC HUGGINS, senior member of the firm of Huggins & Son, proprietors of the Central Meat Market, was born in the State of Virginia in 1835. His parents, Abijah and S. Huggins, came to Blackford County, Indiana, in December, 1854, when they settled in Harrison Township, west of Montpelier. Onr subject accompanied his parents to Blackford County, where he lias since resided. He was married in 1860 to Miss Savannah Slater, a daughter of Thomas Slater, and to them have been born four children-Jason M., Mary Etta and Sarah Effa (twins) and Thomas Willard. Sarah Effa died aged sixteen years and Thomas Willard at the age of ten years. Jason M. is associated with his father in business. The firm of Huggins & Son condnet the leading meat market in Hartford City, which is located on Washington street south of the square, and was established 1885. The enterprise shown by the members of this firni since they engaged in business is worthy of the success they have attained. They keep on hand fresh, salted and smoked meats and poultry of the best quality, and do an annual

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business of from $4,000 to $5,000 a year. In his political views Mr. Huggins affiliates with the Republican party.

NDREW QUACKENBUSII, farmer, section 2, Licking Township, is one of the leading citizens of the county, where he has lived thirty-two years. Hle was born in Chatham County, North Carolina, Novem- ber 26, 1821, a sou of John and Mary (Lewis) Quackenbnsh, natives also of North Carolina. When he was about six months old his parents moved to Marion Connty, In- diana, where the father died the same year. His mother died in Wayne County in 1836. Ile grew to manhood in Wayne County, In- diana, spending his early life on a farm. When he was thirteen years old he began to learn the trade of a wheelwright, at which he worked some years, and then for several years worked at the carpenter's trade, and also mannfactnred plows and chairs. Being a natural mechanic and a good workman in wood, he was able to turn his attention to any of these trades. He lived in Wayne County until the fall of 1855, when he moved to Blackford County, Indiana, his first location being on the farm where he now lives, bnying it of George Strong, who had cleared abont twenty-five acres, and had built a log cabin. He now has his 120 acres all cleared and well improved, and has about 400 rods of tile draining on his farm.' The log cabin has given place to a neat story and a half cottage, and his barn, which is 42 x 48 feet in size, and other buildings, are among the best in the township. Mr. Quackenbush was married November 2, 1843, to Charity E. Potter, who was born in Wayne County, Indiana, a daugh- ter of Thomas and Rebecca (Platt) Potter. To them were born four children-Mary, now : of choice land where he resides. He is making

deceased, was the wife of Charles Haines; Elwood, Washington S. and Ruth Aun. Mrs. . Quackenbush died May 4, 1884. In Septem- ber, 1884, Mr. Quackenbush married Mrs. Cornelia Cox, widow of Zimri Cox, and daughter of Daniel and Amy (Otwell) Jack- son. Mrs. Quackenbush was born in Sonth Carolina, and when a year old her parents moved to Wayne County, Indiana, where she married Zimri Cox, by whom she had five children - Lanrinda M., Margaret Ellen, Daniel Charles, William B. and Atta May. In politics Mr. Quackenbush has been a Re- publican since the organization of that party, prior to that being a Whig. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church forty years, his family all being members of the same church.

AMES W. WILSON, a successful farmer and stock-raiser of Jackson Township, was born on the same farm which he now owns and occupies, the date of his birth being April 20, 1848. Here he was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he has made the principal avocation of his life, his youth being spent in working on the farm, and attending the district schools. December 10, 1868, he was married to Miss Margaret Ellen Thomas, a daughter of Francis and Jemima Thomas, and to this union six children were born, of whom three are deceased-John O., Esley W. and Sylvanus W. The names of those yet living are-Marion C., James Ira and Jennie Almira. Mr. Wilson was bereaved by the death of his wife April 5, 1887. She was an affectionate wife and mother, a consistent Christian, and was beloved by all who knew her. Mr. Wilson is the owner of eighty acres

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a specialty of thorongh-bred sheep of the highest grades. Politically he is a Republi- can. He is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church, and one of Jackson Township's best citizens.

AMES I. McGREW, general merchant, Montpelier, and one of the leading bnsi- ness men of the place, was born in Warren, Huntington County, Indiana, De- cember 26, 1836, a son of Noah and Eliza- beth (Thompson) McGrew. The father of our subject was a native of Old Virginia, and when a child was brought by his parents to Darke County, Ohio, where they were among the pioneers. There he grew to man- hood, and married Elizabeth Thompson, a na- tive of Preble Connty, Ohio. In 1833 they came to Indiana, locating in Salamonie Town- ship, Huntington County, and their daughter, Mary Jane, now the wife of Hiram Brown, of Warren, was the first white child born in that township, her birth taking place in 1834. Game of all kinds was in abundance in Huntington County when they located there, but Noah McGrew was not much of a hunt- er, and did not devote much time to that sport. ITis wife died in 1840. He resided at Warren until his death, which occurred November 3, 1860. Politieally he was a Democrat. J. I. McGrew, whose name heads this sketch, was reared at his birth- place, and his first occupation was as a clerk in a dry goods establishment. He began learning the shoemaker's trade, but after working at it ten months he gave it up, and again entered a dry goods store as clerk. In 1859 he accompanied Daniel Stroup, George Good and Hiram Gill, old pioneers, on a trip across the plains to Pike's Peak, Colorado, and on his return home he again clerked in a dry

goods store. He was united in marriage in Huntington County, June 23, 1860, to Miss Henrietta Lounsberry, a daughter of Smitlı Lounsberry, one of the early settlers of Jack- son Township, Wells County. Of the six children born to them one daughter, Eliza- betli, is deceased. Those living are-Inez, wife of S. B. Twibell; Eva; Elna, wife of William S. Brannum, connty auditor; Luella and Charlie. In 1867 Mr. McGrew came with his family to Blackford County and en- gaged in the general mercantile business with Adam Wolf, of Muncie and Myron Smith, of Warren, which partnership continued until 1879, since which time Mr. MeGrew has been in business alone. His stock consists of dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, groceries, queensware and glassware, and is valued at about $5,000, and by striet atten- tion to his business, and his accommodating manners he has built up a good trade. In politics Mr. McGrew is a Republican. He served one term as commissioner of Black- ford County, being elected to that office in 1872. He is a member of the Christian ehnrch. For about five years prior to 1877, an organized band of thieves existed in Mont- pelier and vicinity, the leader being Kider Krentzer, and in the year just mentioned, a number of prominent men of Blackford County, headed by a Pinkerton detective, un- earthied and arrested the gang. Krentzer swore that Mr. McGrew would never testity against them, and he then tried to kill him. January 4, 1877, they commenced prelimi- nary examination, and when Mr. McGrew was ealled to testify, Krentzer came down to pre- vent him. They met at the southeast corner of the public square, where our subject was attacked by Kreutzer, and each fired three shots. Mr. McGrew's first shot took effect on his assailant, who died thirty minutes later. One ball strnek the lapel of Mr. Mc-

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HISTORY OF BLACKFORD COUNTY.

Grew's coat but did not hurt him. The latter gave himself up to the sheriff, but no bill was found against him, the unanimous senti- inent of the community being on his side, and the reasons for this course were put on the records of the county. The band was then broken up, and several of the members sent to the penitentiary.

R. COOLEY, senior member of the firm of C. R. Cooley & Sons, and founder of the Hartford City Mills, was born in Bennington, Vermont, May 1, 1826, a son of William and Jane (Rainey) Cooley, the former born March 4, 1800, and the latter May 1, 1804. His father was but a boy at the time of 1812, and witnessed the fight at Plattsburgh. When our subject was about seven years old the family removed to Washington Connty, New York, and in August, 1837, settled in Muncie, Indiana, and there established a woolen mannfactory, which had been his business in the East. This was the first establishment of the kind in Muncie, and was carried on by William Cooley a number of years. IIe subsequently engaged in farming south of Muncie, and while a resident there he died, his death taking place September 17, 1876. His widow is still a resident of Delaware County, and is yet hale and active in spite of her eighty- three years. She now enjoys lier second eye- sight, and reads without the aid of glasses. C. R. Cooley, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood in Delaware County, at Muncie and vicinity, and his younger days were spent in assisting his father in his wool- en mill, and in fact he operated the first woolen cards for his father in Muncie. He was thus engaged until coming to Blackford County, in 1851, when he established a woolen

mill in Hartford City, being the pioneer of this industry in Blackford County. He was nnited in marriage December 6, 1855, to Miss Catharine B. Brugh, a native of Blackford County, and a daughter of Jacob and Lydia (Spangler) Brugh, her father being a promi- nent man in his day in this part of Indiana. He served his district in the House of Repre- sentatives and Senate of Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Cooley are the parents of three children -William B., Addie, wife of Judson Jaqua, of Portland, and Edward, the sons being part- ners with their father in the mill. The elder son, William B., is a partner in the grain business and bakery witlı his father, in Hart- ford City, and in the grain line they handle on an average 200,000 bushels yearly, and ship to eastern points, mainly Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York, Pittsburgh and Toledo, owing to the state of the markets in these places. In 1853 Mr. Cooley gave up his woolen manufactory, and established a saw- mill near the site of his present mill, which he operated as a saw-mill until 1858. From that year until 1870 he operated the three departments of grist, saw and planing-mill, this being the first grist-mill run by steam in Hartford City. In 1870 the plant was destroyed by fire, after which Mr. Cooley erected his present mill, which was then a burr-mill. In 1885 his sons became partners, and in the fall of that year the firm put in a full roller process, the work being done by the Richmond City Works. The mill build- ing is now 95 x 40 feet in ground area, three stories in height, and is operated by an engine of 122 horse power of the automatic pattern, manufactured at Cleveland, Ohio. The mill operates in both custom and merchant work, and has a capacity of 100 barrels every twenty - four hours. Six men are employed in the various departments of the mill. March 10, 1887, the firm introduced natural gas as fuel in

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their mill which gives entire satisfaction, being automatically controlled, and requiring no regulation, the steam and gas regulating each other. The mill. in the character of its ma- chinery, will compare favorably with any in this section of the county, and their flour stands at the head wherever handled, and they find a ready market for all they can manufac- ture, principally in Indiana and Ohio. In politics Mr. Cooley is a Republican, and has been a member of the town board. He belongs to both the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders, and has passed all the chairs in the Odd Fel- low's lodge, and has represented his lodge in the grand lodge of the State, and has also represented the encampment in the grand encampment.

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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