USA > Indiana > Newton County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 4
USA > Indiana > Benton County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 4
USA > Indiana > Pulaski County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 4
USA > Indiana > Warren County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 4
USA > Indiana > Tippecanoe County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 4
USA > Indiana > Jasper County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 4
USA > Indiana > White County > Biographical history of Tippecanoe, White, Jasper, Newton, Benton, Warren and Pulaski counties, Indiana, Volume I > Part 4
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60
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the war he has had special affection for the Grand Army of the Republic, and has been commander of Elliott Post No. 160, of Dayton, and was one of its charter members.
When he returned from the south the Doctor commenced the study of medicine under his father's guidance, and in 1867 graduated in Rush Medical College in Chicago. The same year he embarked in practice in this, his native town, and in 1868 took a special course in Jefferson College, Phila- delphia. For three decades he had been constantly occupied in his profes- sional duties, enjoying a large and lucrative practice. He is the possessor of an extensive library, embracing not only the finest works on everything connected with medical science but also on general subjects, standard litera- ture, etc. He is a past master of Dayton Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, is now serving as secretary of the same and also has attained the Scottish Rite degree in the order. Since the death of his honored father he has been an elder in the Presbyterian church, and takes an earnest interest in the spread of Christianity.
On the 6th of Oc ober, 1868, Dr. J. H. Crouse wedded Sophia C. Bart- mess, a daughter of Oliver C. and Sarah (Clark) Bartmess, of Dayton. Mrs. Crouse was born in this town, December 14, 1847, and died in March, 1869. Her father, who is still living, was born in Butler county, Ohio, and entered the land where he settled and has since lived, in this county. Dr. Crouse was married in March, 1894, to Lena, daughter of Shannon and Mary (Taylor) Nicely, who came to Dayton from Pennsylvania. The Doc- tor and his estimable wife are the parents of one son, David H. Mrs. Crouse is, like her esteemed husband, a member of the Presbyterian church.
REV. JAMES HARVEY McBROOM.
A worthy representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of north- western Indiana is the Rev. J. H. McBroom, of West Lebanon, Warren county. At the age of seventeen years he united with the Christian church and since 1860 has been an earnest and faithful minister of the gospel. In the temperance cause, and in every movement calculated to benefit and up- lift the people, he has been aggressive and interested, heart and soul, con- tributing his quota of influence wherever it has been useful. Nor is his influence small in the community which has been his abiding place for so many years, no one having more thoroughly the esteem and high regard of the citizens.
The birth of Rev. J. H. McBroom occurred in Fountain county, Indiana, October 13. 1824, his parents being John and Martha (Snodgrass) McBroom. Both parents were natives of Virginia, their birthplaces having been not far
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from the famous " natural bridge." John McBroom was a son of Henry McBroom, who, though a native of Ireland, was of Scotch parentage. The family traditions state that during the war of the Revolution in America three brothers by the name of McBroom emigrated from the Emerald Isle to the United States, and, casting in their fortunes with the struggling colonies, helped to wrest the power from the mother country. It is related, moreover, that one of the brothers was wounded at the battle of Camden, where the brave Baron DeKalb was killed. ' It is believed that all who bear the name of McBroom on this continent are descended from one of the three brothers mentioned. On his mother's side, also, our subject comes from good old Revolutionary stock, as his grandfather Snodgrass, an Irish emigrant, was a volunteer in the war for independence, and strove to place the land of his adoption on a safe and reputable foundation in the eyes of the world. John McBroom spent some time in his early manhood in North Carolina and Ten- nessee, and was married in Preble county, Ohio. He and his family later became residents of Wayne county, Indiana, and in March, 1824, they settled in Fountain county, this state. There the father entered land, and on this tract, which he had in the meantime converted into a finely improved farm, he died, in September, 1857. The wife and mother departed this life in March, 1846. They were consistent members of the Christian church, and were beloved by all who knew them. Mr. McBroom was a stanch Whig and was a great admirer of General W. H. Harrison. Twice he volunteered to serve under that sturdy officer, but was rejected, owing to a temporary dis- ability. Of the four sons and one daughter born to Mr. McBroom and wife only two now survive, James H. and his brother, Ithamar W. The others, who have entered into the silent land, are Mrs. Harriet Cade, Elam S. and John Milton.
Rev. J. H. McBroom grew to man's estate upon his father's farm in Fountain county, and he managed to acquire what was considered an excel- lent education for those days. He was especially gifted as a mathematician, and was very successful, and he embarked in teaching. One of the most important steps which he took in life was when he married Miss Elizabeth Dyer, in September, 1849. Mrs. McBroom is a native of New Jersey, and her parents, William and Sarah (Conover) Dyer, were born in Virginia and New Jersey, respectively. In 1832, when she was two years old, Mrs. McBroom was brought to Fountain county by her parents, who continued to reside there until claimed by death.
In 1865 Rev. Mr. McBroom removed to Pike township, Warren county, and still owns a fine farm here. In March, 1884, he located in the village of West Lebanon, where he has been active in the advocacy of all kinds of local improvements. For seven years he was a trustee of Pike township,
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and in 1884 he was honored by being nominated and elected to the state legislature. He received a flattering majority and his career in the house was such as to justify the confidence which had been reposed in his judgment and ability. Formerly a Whig, he allied himself with the Republican party upon its organization. His first vote was cast for Zachary Taylor. The children of our subject and wife are Mary C., Francis and Mrs. Sarah M. Murray.
OBED BARNARD.
The subject of this review is one whose history touches the pioneer epoch in the annals of the state of Indiana and whose days have been an integral part of that indissoluble chain which links the early, formative period with that that of latter-day progress and prosperity. Not alone is there particular interest attaching to his career as one of the pioneers of the state and as one of the most prominent business men and leading citizens of Benton county, but in reviewing his genealogical record we find his lineage tracing back to the colonial history of the nation and to that period which marked the inception of the grandest republic the world has ever known. In the eighteenth century, while the Atlantic coast formed part of the colonial possessions of Great Britain, members of the Barnard family came to America, and as early as 1818 the family was founded in Indiana among the pioneer settlers in the southern section of the state.
The parents of our subject were John and Sophrona (Sottle) Barnard, natives of the Empire state. The father was born in 1800, the mother in 1804, and their marriage was celebrated in Washington county, Indiana, about 1820. The father was a man of liberal education who devoted thirty years of his life to teaching in Tippecanoe county, Indiana. He was also a thrifty farmer and acquired considerable property. After a residence of forty years in Tippecanoe county, he was called to his final rest in 1873. His wife passed away iu the same county in 1866. They were the parents of eight children, but only two are now living, although with one exception all reached the meridian of life. Stephen D., the eldest, died near Battle Ground, at the age of fifty-six years; William died in the same neighborhood, at the age of thirty-eight years; Obed is the third in order of birth; George W. died in infancy; Riley G. died in the vicinity of his birthplace, at the age of forty-seven years; Almira, twin sister of Riley, became Mrs. Jennings and died in Cedar county, Iowa, at the age of fifty-eight years; Mary A., who became Mrs. Bryan, died near Marion, Indiana, at the age of forty years; and Mrs. Eliza Ann Robinson, the living sister, makes her home in California. In her early womanhood she married a Mr. Bryan, a brother of
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her sister Mary's husband. She was early left a widow, and her health becoming impaired she went to the Pacific coast, hoping to be benefited thereby. While there she met and married Mr. Robinson and has since resided in California.
Obed Barnard was born in Washington county, Indiana, on the 5th of December, 1826, and when seven years of age accompanied his parents on their removal to Tippecanoe county, then a backwoods district of northwestern Indiana. This was in 1833, when the little log cabin occupied the site of many of the commodious and beautiful homes of the present. The Blackhawk war had recently occurred and the horrors of Indian fighting formed the theme of many a tale told by the fireside during the long winter evenings. In the vicinity of Lafayette occurred an engagement, and the place is now known as " Battle Ground." There were many hardships and trials to be borne by the early settlers in those days when "near neighbors" lived five miles apart, when the land was largely in its primitive condition, when forests were uncut and prairies uncultivated. Obed Barnard aided his father in the arduous task of developing a new farm and early became familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He attended the district school until he had attained the age of twenty years, and acquired a good practical English education, which has been supplemented by the careful reading of a life-time and the mental training of an active business career. Though reared on a farm, he entered upon an independent business career as a grain dealer in Lafayette, and throughout his entire life has carried on operations along that line in connection with farming and stock-raising. In 1865 he removed from Lafayette to Brookston, White county, where he continued in the grain business until 1874, when he came to Fowler, since which time he has been prominently indentified with the business interests of this prosperous and thriving little city. His connection with the place was rather accidental, however.
The elevator which he and his son now own and operate was erected by a man who frankly acknowledged that he had lost money in the venture, but Moses Fowler, for, whom the town was named, did not wish the place to be deprived of the industry and accordingly took steps to continue. Mr. Barnard had recently sold out at Brookston, and was temporarily out of business. Mr. Fowler then proposed that they form a partnership and carry on the business, which was done, and the new firm of O. Barnard & Company operated the elevator for fifteen years, or until the death of Mr. Fowler, when his interest in the property was purchased by Mr. Barnard and the present firm of O. Barnard & Son was formed. For forty-one years Mr. Barnard has engaged in the grain trade, and his ripe experience made his venture in Fowler by no means uncertain. In fact success attended the enterprise from
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the beginning of his connection therewith and the business constantly increased in volume and importance until it has long been recognized as one of the leading commercial interests of the city. His present partner is his son, John F., who adds to the experience and mature judgment of the father the enterprise and progressive spirit of younger men, making a combination that cannot fail to win prosperity. Their elevators and cribs have a capacity of two hundred thousand bushels, and are operated by all modern appliances and machinery known to the business. During the business season the firm employs a number of men, thus materially aiding in the support of those dependent upon their own labor for a livelihood.
For some years Mr. Barnard was extensively engaged in stock-raising, giving special attention to the breeding of graded Hereford cattle. He owns a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres near Fowler, and one hun- dred and fifty acres near Lochiel, and takes special pride in the improve- ment and adornment of these places. Since dividing the responsibilities of the grain business with his son, he is enabled to spend more time in the supervision of his farms and other business interests, and his wise counsel has proved an important factor in the successful management of many busi- ness concerns. He owns an interest in forty acres of land in the gas belt, near Parker, Indiana. The property has already produced gas, and is known to be rich in oil. Mr. Barnard also has some fine residence property in Fowler and derives therefrom an excellent income.
Mr. Barnard has been twice married. On the 30th of January, 1849, he wedded Miss Elizabeth Jennings, of Tippecanoe county, who died in 1874, leaving two children: John F. and Floyd Guy, both of whom are prominent business men of Benton county. On the 23d of May, 1876, Mr. Barnard married Miss Elizabeth M. Barnes, a resident of Battle Ground. Their only child, Elizabeth, died in infancy. The elder son is associated with his father in the grain and produce business in Fowler, and is very en- terprising and energetic. He married Miss Mary Helen Merrick, who repre- sents an old and prominent family of Illinois, and they have four children: Mary E., George Obed, Ruth M. and Fred Merrick. F. Guy Barnard, the younger son, is engaged in the grain and stock business at Lochiel. He re- sides upon and operates his father's farm near that village, and is extensively interested in the breeding and sale of Poland China swine. He has also engaged in raising horses to some extent, and has charge of the elevator be- longing to his father at Lochiel. He married Ivy Hixson, a popular young lady of Fowler.
In early life Mr. Barnard gave his political support to the Whig party, and on the organization of the new Republican party joined its ranks and has since been one of the stalwart advocates of its principles and policy. His
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counsel and advice are often sought on matters political, and his influence, prompted by unselfish motives, is fully recognized. He was one of the first trustees of the town of Fowler, elected soon after the incorporation, in 1875, and from that time to the present has taken an active interest in the affairs. of the city. He has given a liberal support to all measures which he believed to be for the public good, and is untiring in his advocacy of all that will promote the educational, social, material or moral progress of Fowler. For many years he has been identified with the Methodist Episcopal church, and is a consistent Christian gentleman whose belief is manifest in his charity, his kindliness and his honorable dealing. His life has been a very busy and useful one, broken by few periods of rest. Of late years, however, he goes on a visit to his sister about once in two years, usually spending the winter in the milder climate of California. He has also invested in property there, and now has a bearing orange grove of one thousand trees, while a handsome residence and other improvements also adorn the property.
In his business dealings, Mr. Barnard has met with almost phenomenal success, yet his prosperity has been gained along the line of industry, enter- prise, careful management and supervision, sound judgment and, above all, straightforward dealing. Though he started out in life empty-handed, he has conquered obstacles and difficulties by strong determination and has steadily worked his way upward to a position of affluence. So worthily has his wealth been won, and so well is it used, that the most envious cannot grudge him his success, for many have profited by it, and the town of Fowler has been not a little benefited by his generosity. Few men are better known in northwestern Indiana. Seventy-two years cover the period of his residence in the state, a record probably equaled by no one in this section of the com- monwealth. He has witnessed, therefore, much of its growth and develop- ment, has seen the introduction of the railroad, the telegraph and telephone, the establishment of industrial and commercial interests, and the transforma- tion of its wild lands into beautiful homes and farms. By his upright life he- has at all times commanded the respect and confidence of his fellow men, and no one is more worthy of representation in this volume than the honored pio- neer whose name introduces this review.
ORLANDO FIDLER.
This gentleman is one of the substantial pioneer farmers of Tippecanoe county. His people first came to Indiana in 1827, locating in Clinton county, where they remained until 1832, when they came to Tippecanoe county and settled on the farm which is now the home of our subject. He springs from sturdy Pennsylvania-Dutch stock. His grandfather, Jacob Fidler, Sr., was
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BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY.
a well known farmer of the Keystone state and was the father of three sons, -Felt, John and Jacob, and three daughters, all of whom were ultimately married.
Jacob Fidler, Jr., the father of Orlando Fidler, was a native of Penn- sylvania and when a young man removed to Ross county, Ohio, where he married Elizabeth Storm, whose birth also occurred in the Keystone state. Her father, John Storm, was of Pennsylvania stock and in that state followed agricultural pursuits for some years. He afterward became one of the pio- neers of Ross county, Ohio, where he cleared up a large farm and became a wealthy man. In the Methodist church he held membership. His children were John, Joseph, Samuel, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Susan and one other, a daughter, whose name is not remembered.
His son John, when a youth of sixteen years, enlisted in the army for service in the war of 1812 and participated in several battles. He afterward resided on the old Storm homestead and became a very wealthy man. He owned about two thousand acres of land in Ross county, Ohio, together with extensive landed interests in Benton county, Indiana, Iroquois county, Illi- nois and in Iowa. He also had money out at interest and was estimated to be worth two hundred thousand dollars. A man of excellent business sagac- ity, he managed his affairs with great ability and discretion, and his prosperity therefore gradually increased. He held a membership in the Methodist church, and lived to the advanced age of ninety-eight years, his death occur- ring in Ross county, Ohio.
After his marriage, Jacob Fidler, Jr., located in Ross county, Ohio, where he made his home for ten years, and then removed to Clinton county, Indiana, locating in Ross township, near the line of Tippecanoe county. There he entered one hundred and sixty acres of timber land, made a clear- ing, and industriously carried on the work of developing a farm for five years, when he sold the property, taking his pay in silver. This coin, together with what he already possessed, more than filled a half-bushel measure. In the fall of 1832 he removed to the farm upon which Orlando Fidler now resides, purchasing the eighty-acre tract of John Hoover. It had been first entered and settled by John Holliday, one of the pioneers of the county. As the result of his energy and well directed efforts, Mr. Fidler's financial resources were increased and he was thereby enabled to extend the boundaries of his farm until it comprised three hundred and forty acres of fine farming land. This he cleared and improved, making a good pioneer home. Both he and his wife were members of the United Brethren church, but in the latter years of her life Mrs. Fidler was identified with the Christian church. In politics the father of our subject was independent. He was a well known pioneer, and highly respected citizen, and his death, which occurred in February
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1850, when he had reached the age of sixty years, was mourned by many friends. His children were Alvin, George, Joseph, Barbara, Sarah, Orlando, William, Susan, Rebecca and Andy. The last named was a loyal soldier of the Union army, and was wounded in battle.
Orlando Fidler, whose name introduces this review, was born November 6, 1831, in Clinton county, Indiana, and when only about two years of age was brought by his parents to the old family homestead in Tippecanoe county, whereon he now resides. He was thus reared amid the wild scenes of pioneer life. Much of the land throughout the county was still in its prim- itive condition, and deer, wolves and bears were still found in the forest, and often fell before the trusted rifle of Mr. Fidler, who in his young days was an excellent marksman. He was reared on the farm and early became familiar with the labors of field and meadow. On attaining his majority he was mar- ried to Rachel Routh, the wedding ceremony taking place in Lauramie town- ship, Tippecanoe county, September 9, 1853. She was born in that township, a daughter of John and Mary V. (Koontz) Routh. She had one son, John, but died soon after his birth, and on the 29th of December, 1859, in Laur- amie township, Mr. Fidler was again married, his second union being with Samantha Monohon, who was born in that township, July 22, 1844. Her parents were Martin and Sarah (Routh) Monohon. Her father was born October 26, 1821, was of Irish and German descent, and by occupation was a farmer. He, too, was married in Lauramie township, to Sarah Routh, a daughter of Isaac Routh, a native of North Carolina, and a representative of an old family of German origin. He was one of the pioneers of Tippecanoe county, locating in the midst of the forest in Lauramie township, as early as 1829. While coming to the west, the family were stricken with measles and soon after reaching their destination Mrs. Routh and several of the children died. The kind-hearted neighbors assisted the husband and father in build- ing his log cabin, and he managed to keep his remaining children together until they were able to care for themselves, although he never married again. He entered his land, developed a good farm in the midst of the forest, and, in addition. to the one hundred and sixty acres of rich land in his homestead, also became the owner of some good town property in Lafayette. He pros- pered in his undertakings and became one of the substantial citizens of the community. He was a member of the "Hardshell" Baptist church, and died at an advanced age. The children who survived the death of their mother were Joshua, John, Linda, Joyce, Susan, Isaac and Sarah. After his marriage, Martin Monohon settled on the farm owned by Isaac Routh, that his wife might keep house for her father. Mr. and Mrs. Monohon had but one child, Mrs. Samantha Fidler. The mother died when the daughter was only six weeks old. She was a consistent member of the Baptist church and
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and a lady of the highest virtue, whereby she won the love of all who knew her. Mr. Monohon afterward went to Iowa and was again married, by which union he had five children, -Asenath, Emma, Leander, Cassius and Augustus. He is still living, his home being near Seattle, Washington, where he owns a large estate. He has two sons who are interested in mining in the Klondike.
After their marriage Mr. Fidler and his bride located on the old family homestead, where almost his entire life has been passed. He now has a very valuable farm, comprising over three hundred acres of arable land, which returns to him a golden tribute for the care and cultivation he bestows upon it. The home has been blessed with six children, namely, Melissa, Mettie, Frank, George, Lulie and Joseph. Mr. and Mrs. Fidler are prominent members of the Christian church, and he has always been a liberal contributor to its support. It was largely through his efforts that the house of worship was erected. He not only aided financially in the work but also assisted in hauling the building material and boarded the men who were engaged on its construction. In politics his views are in harmony with the free-silver Democratic party, yet he does not consider himself bound by party ties. He is a man of intelligence who reads and thinks for himself, is faithful to all trusts, is proverbially honest, and is numbered among the public-spirited and highly respected citizens of his community.
JASPER H. STIDHAM.
One of the most practical, progressive and enterprising agriculturists of Tippecanoe county is Jasper H. Stidham, who has spent his entire life on the farm in Union township, Tippecanoe county, where he yet makes his home. He is a representative of an old colonial family of the state of Dela- ware. His ancestors, natives of Sweden, were among the founders of the Swedish colony that was planted along the banks of the Delaware river before the founding of Philadelphia by William Penn. This was the first Swedish settlement in America, the year of their arrival, 1642, being marked by the building of a fort on Tinicum island, in the Delaware river. There they continued to hold dominion over the surrounding country, governing themselves according to their own ideas until.1655, when their power was disputed by Governor Stuyvesant of the New Netherlands, who captured the Swedish forts and ended Swedish rule in the new world. The little king- dom, however, has continued to send to America many of her best citizens, people whose sterling qualities have made them important factors in the com- munities in which their lots have been cast. To-day many of the prominent men of the nation proudly trace their descent from Swedish ancestors.
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