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 92

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 92
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 92

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ON. WILLIAM TWIBELL, a promi- nent citizen of Blackford County, was born near New Martinsville, West Vir- ginia, October 29, 1831, a son of Josialı Twibell, a native of Olio. The latter was a son of John Twibell, a native of Ireland, who was a soldier in the British army during the Revolutionary war. Just at the close of the war he deserted the king and joined the American army. IIe settled in Maryland, where he was married, and reared a family of eight children. Josiah Twibell was reared in the State of Maryland. He was married in Virginia to Miss Mary Sharpneck, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of William and Elizabeth Sharpneck, who were of English and Scotch ancestry. To them were born six children-John, William (our subject), Thomas, Saralı, Daniel and Elizabeth. In 1834 Josialı Twibell came with his wife and three children to Indiana, and after living two years in Henry County, removed to Blackford County, and settled on section 3, Harrison Township. They made the journey to Indiana with ox team and two horses, cut- ting a road a great part of the way. Tlie

father on coming to Blackford County, entered eighty acres of land from the Government, covered withi heavy timber, not a tree having been cut on the place. After clearing a space he built a rude log cabin 18 x 24 feet in size, with puncheon floor and clapboard roof, and here amid the wild surroundings of the wil- derness, assisted by his sons, lie made a home for his family. The first year they paid for salt $16 a barrel, and all things were propor- tionately high. Wild animals were numerous, and Indians were the principal inhabitants at that early date. The mother of our subject died in their pioneer home in 1843, and in 1844 Josiah Twibell was again married to Miss Margaret Chick, a native of Virginia, and to this union six children were born as follows-David, Mary, Ann, Bathsheba, Jane and Josiah. Josiah Twibell died on the old homestead where he made his home for so many years, in 1873. In politics he was first a Democrat, later a Free Soiler, and in 1856 he became a Republican in his political views. During the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company I, Thirty-fourth Indiana Infan- try, of which he became Captain. IIe was in the engagement at Island No. 10. He served one year and was honorably discharged on account of disability. IIis son Thomas served three years in the same regiment. He died in Kansas in 1881. Another son, David, was a member of Company II, Seventy-fiftlı Indiana Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Champion Hills. Josiah Twibell served two terms as county commissioner. IIe was for years a member of the Methodist church, but later in life was a believer in the Univers- alist doctrines. IIe was a charter member of Hartford Lodge, No. 106, A. F. & A. M., and later was a member of Montpelier Lodge, No. 288. William Twibell, whose name heads this sketch, was two years old when brought by his parents to Indiana, and four

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HISTORY OF' BLACKFORD COUNTY.

years of age when the family settled in Black- ford County. He was reared to manhood on the old homestead in Harrison Township, and received his education in the pioneer schools of his district and by study at home. He was married October 13, 1856, to Miss Mary Brannum, who was born in Union County, Indiana, a daughter of Samnel and Nancy (Hall) Brannnm. They have six children living-Samnel, Retta, Emma, Joseph, Zada and Carrie U. Two of their children are deceased-a daughter Nancy, and one who died in infancy unnamed. After his marriage Mr. Twibell located in Montpelier, where he was engaged in mercantile business nntil 1870, his sales amounting to abont $75,000 per annum. In 1870 he began dealing in grain, which he followed until 1886, when his buildings were destroyed by fire. Mr. Twibell was elected a member of the Legisla- ture in the fall of 1875, taking his seat the following Jannary. He is classed among the prosperous men of the county, and is the owner of five farms, containing about 600 acres of choice land. He is a member of Blackford Lodge, No. 106, A. F. & A. M., and was a charter member of the Montpelier Masonic lodge. He is also a member of the Order of Redmen, belonging to Lodge No. 71, of Montpelier.

ILLIAM NOONAN, one of the in- telligent and enterprising citizens of Blackford County, was born in Dearborn County, Indiana, Jannary 20, 1854, a son of Dennis and Ellen Noonan. His father was engaged in railroading for several years, and consequently was not permanently located until 1860, when they moved to Blackford County, and lived on a farm in Jackson Township four years. They

then moved to Licking Township, where our subject grew to manhood, his youth being spent, when not in school, in assisting in the work on the farm. IIe was given good edu- cational advantages, and for several terms attended Purdue University at La Fayette, and subsequently taught school for some time, a profession in which he was very successful. In 1886 he turned his attention to agriculture, having previously bought his farm, which contains eighty acres of choice land. The same year he built a neat and substantial residence, and his other farm buildings are in good repair. He is a thrifty, energetic young man, and one of the leading citizens of his township. In politics he affiliates with the Labor party. He is a member of the Catholic church and one of its liberal supporters. He is a firm advocate of temperance and a mem- ber of the Good Templars order.

OHN J. HELLYER, one of the early settlers of Blackford County, is a native of the State of Virginia, born October 5, 1827, a son of George and Mary Hellyer. When he was a lad of ten years his parents removed with their family to Guernsey County, Ohio, and there he was reared on a farm, receiving such education as the pioneer subscription schools of that early day afforded. The school was held in a rnde log cabin with puncheon floor and slab seats, a huge fire- place, and greased paper was used in the win- dows instead of glass panes. In 1846 he came to Indiana, remaining in this State some eighteen months, when he removed to Illi- nois. Later he went to Iowa, and was at Burlington when that now prosperous city contained but 200 inhabitants. He then re- turned to Indiana, and from there to Ohio, and iu 1852 he came to Blackford County,

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES ..

settling in Licking Township. He was united in marriage in 1852, to Miss Mary Jane Harmon, a native of Athens County, Ohio, and a daughter of Henry and Delilah Har- mon. Eleven children were born to this union, of whom six are living-George H., Mary D., Minerva J., David D., Elmer and Margaret E. Mrs. Hellyer died August 16, 1871, and June 29, 1881, Mr. Ilellyer mar- ried Mrs. Paulina Ann (Laird) Ellis. Mr. IIellyer has resided on his present farm in Jackson Township for a period of thirty years, the date of his settlement being in 1857. IIe has improved his farm until it is considered one of the finest in the township. HIe has 130 acres of choice land, a comfort- able barn, conveniently arranged for hisstock and grain, and by his industrious habits and good management he has become one of the well-to-do farmers of his township. In poli- tics Mr. Hellyer affiliates with the Demo- cratic party.

C. ALEXANDER, one of the active and most enterprising citizens of Black- ford County, is the senior member of the firni of C. C. Alexander & Son, manu- facturers aud sole owners of the Alexander Fence Machine, which was patented March 1, 1887. Their factory is located on the north- east corner of the square in Hartford City, and is fast becoming one of the leading in- dustries of the place. In four month, 1,800 of the fence machines were manufactured and sold in this factory, and yet it can not keep up with the great demand for the machines, which are considered the best made in Amer- ica. During the year 1887 the firm of C. C. Alexander & Son expect to mannfacture 15,- 000 machines. C. C. Alexander is a native of Miami County, Ohio, born October 1, 1838,

a son of William and Elizabeth Alexander. His father being a farmer he was reared to the same avocation, and his education was obtained in the schools of his district. On reaching manhood he began working at the carpenter's trade, which he has followed the greater part of his life. When twenty-four years of age he was married to Miss C. P. Campbell, and to this union have been born four children, as follows-William J., who is associated with his father in business; C. Olive, C. M. and E. Frank. Mr. Alexander is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he casts his suffrage with the Prohibition party.

EORGE W. YOUNTS, the present effi- cient marshal of Hartford City, was born in Miami County, Ohio, January 24, 1859, his parents, Abraham and Catherine (Wagner) Younts, being natives of the same State. Our subject was three or four years of age when his parents came to Indiana, they locating in Delaware County, and ten years later removed with their family to Blackford County, and settled in Licking Township. George W. Younts, the subject, passed his youth on a farm, being reared to agricultural pursuits, and received his educa- tion in the district schools. In 1879 he went to Colorado, and after spending some time at Leadville, he went to the Black Hills, and engaged in mining, acting as foreman for the firm of Harris & Harrison. In 1881 he re- turned to Blackford County, and since 1882 he has been a resident of Hartford City. He was united in marriage in 1882 to Miss Harriet Swift, of Blackford County, and to this union two children have been born, named Richard and Bessie. Mr. Younts was elected city marshal in 1883, and his popu-

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HISTORY OF BLACKFORD COUNTY.

larity is well attested by the fact that he is now serving his fourth term in that office. IIe is a strong, active man, knowing no fear, and always follows where duty calls, and the town is noted for law and order. His genial disposition and cordial manners have gained for him many friends, and by his fair and honorable dealings, he is held in high esteem by all who know him. He is the owner of a good farm in Licking Township, which is well improved and under cultivation. Politi- cally he is a Republican. IIe is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 262, of Hart- ford City, and also belongs to the Inde- pendent Order of Good Templars.

G. MILLER, one of the leading business men of Montpelier, and a member of the firm of Spaulding Brothers & Miller, proprietors of the Daisy Mills, is a native of Germany, born November 11, 1836, a son of Christopher and Margaret Miller. Hle was reared in his native country until sixteen years of age, when in company with an older sister he came to America. He first located in Wells County, Indiana, where he engaged in working for an older brother, who was a miller by occupation. Later he bought an interest in his brother's mill, and was associated with him until 1884, when their mill was destroyed by fire. He had, however, in 1875, bought a third interest in the mill of Spaulding Brothers, and the mill has since been under his management, with the excep- tion of some twenty months, when he was engaged in working at his trade at New Castle, Indiana. The Daisy Mills were erected in 1875, and are among the leading roller mills in the State. The building is three stories in height, 35 x 50 feet, with an engine of sixty horse power. Their mill is supplied with

seven double sets of rollers, and one donble set for meal, and the capacity of the mill is seventy-five barrels per day. The Daisy brand of flour ranks second to none through- out the State of Indiana. The mill is under the skillful management of Mr. Miller, who as a practical miller has no superior in the State, having had an experience in the trade of over thirty years. Mr. Miller was united in marriage in 1856 to Charlotta Lonry, a native of Geanga Connty, Ohio, and they are the parents of seven children, as follows- Andrew, engaged in milling at Matamora, Franklin County, Indiana; Hannah, wife of William Bonham; D. R., Lillie May, Lotta, Mollie and Kitty. Mr. Miller has been a resident of Montpelier since 1866, and by his upright and honorable dealings, and industrious habits he has gained the confi- dence and respect of all who know him. Beside his interest in the mill he owns a valuable farm of 110 acres adjoining the town, his farin being well improved, and under a high state of cultivation. He is a member of Lodge No. 410, I. O. O. F., and also belongs to the order of Red Men, being a member of Lodge No. 71. In his political views he affiliates with the Democratic party.

W. MOON, proprietor of Moon's blacksmith and repair shops, is one of the active and enterprising business men of Hartford City. He is a native of Indiana, born in Fayette County, November 9, 1843, a son of Harrison and Ellen (Swift) Moon, old and honored citizens of Blackford County. The Moon family came to Black- ford County in 1845, when they settled in Licking Township. Here the subject of this sketch grew to manhood, being reared amid the wild surroundings of pioneer life, and his

847

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

education was obtained in the district schools of the county. His father being a farmer he was reared to the same avocation, but on at- taining the age of twenty-one years he be- gan working at the blacksmith's trade at Wabash, Indiana, where he remained about nine months. He then canie to Hartford City and resumed work at his trade, which he has since followed with success. In 1867 he went to Trenton, Blackford County, where he worked at his trade three years. His bus- iness is now located on Walnnt street near Washington, and is one of the leading estab- lishments of the kind in Hartford City. He thoroughly understands all the details of his trade, and is a skillful and reliable workman, the work done in his shops always giving satisfaction. Mr. Moon was united in mar- riage in October, 1867, to Miss Elizabeth Fuller, of Blackford County, who died in 1877. Mr. Moon was married a second time in November, 1885, to Miss Margaret Blair, who was also a resident of Blackford Coun- ty. lle is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 262, of Hartford City, and also belongs to the Ilartford City Fire Company. Politically he is a Democrat.

EORGE B. ROLLF, blacksmith, Mont- pelier, is a native of Ohio, born in IIamilton, Butler County, September 14, 1842, a son of Crawford W. and Mary A. (Johnson) Rollf, who were natives of Brooks- ville, Indiana. When he was seven years old his parents settled in Dayton, Ohio, and some time later returned to Hamilton, and again left that place for Lebanon, Ohio. Our sub- jeet commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade at a place called Seven Mile, near HIam- ilton. When President Lincoln issued his eall for 75,000 volunteers for three months

Mr. Rollf went to Hamilton and enlisted in Captain Smith's Company, but just as they were ready to organize word came from the Secretary of War that Ohio's quota was full, and they had to disband. In September, 1861, he again went to Hamilton and enlisted in Company C, Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantry, the regiment being organized at Hamilton with II. V. M. B. Boynton, the noted war cor- respondent of the Cineinnati Commercial Gazette, as Major, he afterward becoming Lieutenant-Colonel. From Hamilton the regiment proceeded to Cynthiana, Kentucky, remaining there from October until Decem- ber, then went to Somerset, Kentucky. They took part in the battle of Mill Spring, and from there went by boat to Nashville, thence to Pittsburg Landing, coming up with Buell's reinforcements on the morning of the second day in time to turn the tide of battle in favor of the Union forces. After the victory of Shiloh they went on the campaign to Corinthi, getting there in time to finish driving the rebels from the works there. They then re- turned to Nashville, and on the evacnation of Tennessee proceeded to Louisville. Their next engagement was Perryville, Kentucky, and from there the regiment went to Lebanon Junction. Mr. Rollf also participated in the great battle of Chickamauga, serving in the celebrated Fourteenth Corps under General Thomas. His next engagement was at Mission- ary Ridge, where his regiment was first in line and was one of the first to reach the rebel works on the ridge, which was taken without orders from the Commander-in-chief. Ile then started on the Atlanta campaign and participated in all the first operations which led to the taking of Atlanta, and was there when McPherson was killed. Mr. Rollf's time expired while in front of Atlanta, and he was discharged September 9, 1864, reaching home September 14. Ile then resmined black-

848

HISTORY OF BLACKFORD COUNTY.

sinithing at Seven Mile, where he remained until 1868. He was married March 31, 1868, to Miss Mary C. Hall, who was born at Fairfield, Franklin County, Indiana, and to this union were born two children, of whom only one, William Cliffie, is living. Their eldest child, Lena C., is deceased. In 1868 Mr. Rollf located at Clarksburg, Decatur County, Indiana, living at that place six years, and from there removed to Union County. One year later he removed to Rush County, where he remained until coming to Mont- pelier, Blackford County, in February, 1882. Mr. Rollf has been associated with Oscar F. IIall in blacksmithing since 1868, with the exception of five years, when the latter was in Harrisburg. Mr. Rollf is a charter mem- ber of Johnson Post, No. 368, G. A. R., and has been commander of the post since its organization. He is noble grand of Mont- pelier Lodge, I. O. O. F., and is also one of the charter members of Lulloosa Tribe, No. 71, Improved Order of Red Men, of which he is chief of records. He has passed through all the chairs in the latter order, and repre- sented the tribe in the great council at An- derson in the fall of 1885. In politics he is a Republican.

F. WHEATLEY, one of the leading citizens of Jackson Township, is a native of Indiana, born in Bartholomew County, September 20, 1856, a son of Ezekiel and Mary (Cone) Wheatley, formerly resi- dents of Butler County, Ohio. His father being a farmer, he was reared to the same avocation, his youth being passed in working on the home farm in Bartholomew County. He is now living on one of the best farms in Jackson Township, and is the owner of forty acres in his own name, and an undivided half

of a tract of 200 acres, known as the old Fagg farm, having been entered from the Govern- ment at an early date by John Fagg. Mr. Wheatley has been twice married. He was first. united in marriage March 15, 1877, to Miss Ella Drybread, who was a daughter of Henry C. and Margaret (Deming) Drybread. She died in September, 1881, leaving at her death two children named Daisy and Minnie May. For his second wife Mr. Wheatley married Miss Tillie E. Armstrong, a daughter of A. E. Armstrong, a prominent citizen of Jackson Township. To this union two chil- dren have been born, named Mabel and Eze- kiel. Mr. Wheatley's residence is a one and a half story building, built in modern style, and is both comfortable and convenient. In connection with his general farming he de- votes some attention to stock-raising, in which he is meeting with good success. Po- litically he affiliates with the Republican party.

H. THOMPSON, one of the active and enterprising men of Jackson Township, is a native of Blackford . County, Indiana, born April 28, 1849, his father, M. M. Thompson, being one of Black- ford County's old and honored pioneers. The father being a farmer, our subject was reared to the same occupation, his youth being passed in assisting with the work of the farm, and attending the district schools. On at- taining the age of twenty-five years he was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Barydall, a native of Delaware County, who died in 1874. Mr. Thompson was a second time married September 19, 1878, to Miss Mary Ellingham, of Wells County, whose parents, Charles and Hannah (Scotton) Ellingham, were among the first settlers of that county.

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are the parents of one daughter, Olive, who was born February 15, 1884. Mr. Thompson's farm contains 160 acres of Blackford County's best soil, ninety acres being cleared and divided into different fields for the raising of stock and grain. Ile has a good frame residence, and valuable farm buildings, and a modern wind- mill furnishes water for both honse purposes and stock, and in fact everything about the place indicates that the owner is a man of thrift and enterprise. Mr. Thompson is a worthy and active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has served his church as trnstec. He takes an active interest in the causes of religion and education, aiding them liberally with his means as well as his influence. Strictly honorable in all his deal- ings and genial in disposition, he has gained many friends, and enjoys the confidence of all who know him. In politics he casts his suffrage with the Republican party.

ACOB S. and HENRY J. FULLER, tile manufacturers, are located on section 34, Washington Township. This business was established in the spring of 1882, by two brothers, Ellet and Henry J. Fuller, but since that date several changes have occurred in the firm. Charles Fuller, another brother, subsequently became a member of the firm, with which he was connected until his deatlı, dying of hing fever June 8, 1887. Henry J. Fuller had formerly sold his interests to John Miller, but after the death of his brother he took his interests, becoming a member of the firm June 15, 1887. The Fuller Brothers are sons of Jonas and Saralı (Hutchinson) Fuller. The father was born in Pennsylvania in 1808, removing to New Jersey with his parents, thence to Guernsey

County, Ohio, where he was married, his wife being a native of Ohio, coming to Guernsey County, that State, when twelve years of age. To the parents were born eiglit children-Jacob S., born December 31, 1846; Ellet, George D. (deceased), Henry J., born May 15, 1855; Martha A. (deceased), Charles (deceased), Lovina and Marvel. A few years after their marriage the parents came to Blackford Connty, Indiana, where the father entered 160 acres of Government land in Washington Township, on which he made his home until his death. The mother is still living on the old homestead in Black- ford County. Jacob S. Fuller was united in marriage, September 15, 1882, to Miss Maria Knox, a daughter of William and Susan (Clesinger) Knox, who are living in Wash- ington Township. To them have been born three children, two of whom are living --- Ruth and Orion. Sandford, the eldest child, died in infancy. Jacob S. Fuller is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, and his wife of the United Brethren church. There were seven children in the family of Mr. Knox-Maria, Wesley, James, Mary, Daniel, Ida A., and Cyrus (deccased).

ESSE DILDINE, who has been a resident of Blackford County for more than a half century, was born in Hancock County, Ohio, the date of his birth being April 7, 1830. When he was a lad of seven ycars his parents, Sampson and Saralı (Hi- lands) Dildine, came to Blackford Connty, and settled in Licking Township on a heavily timbered tract of land, on which not a stick had been cut, their land adjoining the present site of Hartford City. Here the subject of this sketch was reared amid the wild sur- roundings of pioneer life, his youth being

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İLİSTORY OF BLACKFORD COUNTY.

spent in hard work, assisting his father clear and cultivate their farm. His education was received in the first schools taught in Black- ford County, which were held in rude log

cabins of the most primitive description. At the age of eiglitcen years lic began learning the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for

a period of twenty years. He was married August 5, 1852, to Miss Amty Bolinger, wlio was born in Licking County, Ohio, March 29, 1836, a daughter of William and Eliza-

beth (Sunderland) Bolinger. They are the parents of seven children, named as follows -- Mrs. Sarah E. Bugh, Mrs. Amanda Maria Ket- chum James, Allen, Elnora, Eva May and Effie W. Mr. Dildine located on his present farm in Jackson Township, in 1879, where he lias forty acres of valuable land, thirty acres being cleared and under a high state of cul- tivation. In politics hic affiliates with the Democratic party. While a resident of Lick- ing Township he served some time as con- stable. Mr. Dildine has witnessed the many wonderful changes which have transformed the surrounding country from a wilderness into its present prosperons condition, and in cvery enterprise for the advancement of his township or county he takes an active interest.

AMES WAUGH, an active and enter- prising citizen of Blackford County, was born at Royalton, Windsor County, Ver- mont, April 15, 1821, a son of Jolin D. and Elizabeth (Patterson) Waugh, the Wangh family being an old New England family. The grandfather of our subject was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, serving in that memorable struggle until his death, at the bat- tle of Bunker Hill. He left a widow who lived to the advanced age of ninety-three years, and three sons. His widow died at

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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