USA > Indiana > Wells County > Biographical memoirs of Wells County, Indiana : embracing a comprehensive compendium of local biography, memoirs of representative men and women of the county whose works of merit have made their names imperishable, and special articles by Hugh Dougherty [et al.] > Part 60
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Wild turkeys were also numerous, while smaller game, such as ducks, rabbits, squir- rels, pheasants, quail, etc., were hardly worth the ammunition. Mr. and Mrs. Rex worked early and late, in the woods, felling trees, burning logs, and doing the hundred and one other things to fit the land for tillage. In due time he had sixty acres in cultivation and later added to his original purchase until he owned a quarter section, one-half of which lay across the line in the county of Adams. By industry and good management he made other additions from time to time, finally becoming the owner of three hundred and twenty acres, all of which is admirably sit- uated and adapted for successful farming. Of this land Mr. Rex cleared and developed something like one hundred and forty acres himself, a task of sufficient magnitude to test the strength and endurance of the most vig- orous physique. In addition to cultivating the soil, he early turned his attention to the raising of live stock, and in this way realized more liberal returns than the income from his crops. Later he bought and shipped cat- tle for a time by the car load, which business also proved remunerative. As a farmer Mr. Rex always ranked with the first and as a business man he has few equals and no super- iors among the agriculturists and stock deal- ers of Wells county. His judgment has seldom been at fault, and his fore-thought often enabled him to take advantage of cir- cumstances which proved greatly to his financial advantage, without in the least com- promising his honor or interfering in any way with the good of those with whom he dealt. In all of his transactions his course has been open and straightforward, and no shade of suspicion has ever attached to his good name.
In the year 1889 Mr. Rex left his farm and moved to the town of Ossian, where for one year he was associated with A. Mood- ward in the manufacture of flour. Shortly after remodeling the mill and installing the modern roller process, he purchased his part- ner's interest and continued the business as sole proprietor until Mellin Harsh became his associate in 1896. In January, 1903, he pur- chased his partner's interest, thus again be- coming sole owner of the Rex Roller Mill, which has a capacity of sixty-five barrels of excellent flour. The mill is operated by an expert miller, a Mr. Kimbrook. Mr. Rex was also engaged in the hardware trade at Ossian for three years, with success and profit, selling his stock at the end of that time for the purpose of looking after his large ag- ricultural and live stock interests. For the last year and a half he has been living in retirement, though still managing his busi- ness affairs, which, in addition to his farm of ninety acres, includes a large tile factory . in west Ossian, operated by a skillful fore- man, the demand exceeding the capacity.
Mr. Rex comes from an old Democratic family, but ever since old enough to cast a ballot he has been a pronounced Republican in his own political views. He has been ac- tive in the support of his principles and keeps himself informed upon the leading questions and issues of the day. He is never absent from an election when able to get to the polls and his influence has done much to strengthen the cause of the party in the town- ship of his residence. In religion he sub- scribes to the United Brethren creed, of which body he has been an earnest and de- voted member since early manhood. At this time he is steward and class leader of the Zion church, and for many years has been
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one of the substantial and liberal supporters of the congregation.
Mr. and Mrs. Rex are the parents of four children, namely : Wilson, deceased at twenty-three years; Israel, a farmer of Jef- ferson township; John W., dealer in live stock at Decatur, and Susie, who was the wife of Ed. Numbers, of Texas, and died at the age of thirty-eight years. There are also twelve grandchildren and three great-grand- children. Few men in Jefferson township are as well known as "Uncle Johnny Rex," the name by which he is familiarly called. As a neighbor he is the soul of liberality and good fellowship, and as a citizen no man in the county stands higher in the esteem of the public. All who know him honor him for his many estimable traits of character and his friendship is most prized by those who meet him in the social circle around his own hospitable fireside.' He has lived to a noble purpose, has made the world better by his presence and his example has been the means of influencing many young men to choose a proper course of life and conduct.
DR. A. H. METTS.
The practice of medicine in northeastern Indiana immediately succeeding the war of the Rebellion was by no means the lucrative and pleasant profession it has since grown to be. In the country districts especially the lot of the practicing physician and surgeon was particularly trying. Bad roads, a sparsely settled country, inclement weather and a class of patients whose financial condi- tion precluded the possibility of their being liberal, or even just, to their conscientious
medical attendant, rendered the practice of medicine and surgery by no means the desir- able calling it now is. Dr. A. H. Metts, of Ossian, Indiana, is the fifth son of James W. and Miranda (Sutton) Metts, and was born in Lancaster township, Wells county, De- cember 18, 1837. The family consisted of nine children, one of whom is dead. Those living are: William, John I., Rev. M. S., A.H., Norvel, E. B., Mary E., wife of T. A. Doan, Druzilla, wife of Archibald Serepta. Dr. Metts spent the years of his boyhood and those of his early manhood on his father's farm. From early youth his devotion to duty and assiduity to every work undertaken gave promise of the useful and honorable life he has unselfishly devoted to amelior- ating the condition of his fellow creatures. He attended the district schools to so good purpose that while still a youth he was granted a license to teach and for some time followed that calling in Allen and Adams counties. When he was twenty-three years of age he began the study of medicine with his brother, Dr. John I. Metts. He, how- ever, had not progressed far in his medical studies, when they were interrupted by the excitement incident to the breaking out of the Rebellion. He enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and First Indiana Volunteers, and was given little time for military train- ing before the practical part of a soldier's life was thrust upon him. With his regi- ment, he took part in many of the hottest and most decisive battles of the war. Besides numerous skirmishes and several less import- ant battles, he was at Perryville, Kentucky. at the mill on Stone river, at Chattanooga and at Mission Ridge, where he was severely wounded and rendered incapable of further active service. Greatly to his regret, he was
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obliged to accept of his discharge in the lat- ter part of 1864. He returned to Ossian, but his physical condition did not admit of im- mediate resumption of his medical studies. When he did, however, it was with character- istic zeal and energy. He took a course at that leading technical institution, Rush Med- ical College, Chicago, and, returning to Os- sian, began the practice of his profession in 1866, and has followed it uninterruptedly un- til a short time since, when he retired from active practice. He has a wide and merited reputation for his thorough and practical knowledge of medicine. His professional brethren are ever ready to avail themselves of his ability, and many an anxious parent, son, daughter, brother or sister has been greatly relieved when his advice is sought in consultation by their regular attendants.
In June, 1866, Dr. Metts was united in marriage to Miss Harriet Burne. One daugh- ter, who died in infancy, was born to this marriage, and was not survived long by the mother, who died in 1868. The Doctor was subsequently married to Miss Jennie L. Swaim, daughter of Col. William Swaim, of the Thirty-fourth Regiment Indiana Vol- unteers, who had gone to the war as captain of Company A, which he organized, was made major and lieutenant-colonel, and in leading the regiment at Champion Hills was wounded, dying on the way home, near Memphis, on board a transport. The widow of Col. Swaim was, in her maidenhood, Miss Hannah Tog, a native of New Jersey, and she survived her husband until Febru- ary, 1895. The family were three sons and a daughter, viz: James, a farmer of near Ossian; David H., editor of the Chronicle at Bluffton, and Thomas T., who was also as- sociated with his brother in the publication
of the Chronicle at his death at the age of thirty-six years. The daughter, Mrs. Metts, was reared in Ossian, and for several years was engaged in the millinery trade.
Early in life Dr. Metts became a member of the Masonic fraternity, and he and Mrs. Metts are members of the chapter of the Eastern Star. He is also a member of Wil- liam Swann Post, G. A. R., of which he is past commander. Mrs. Metts is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and she is highly respected for her work in charitable fields, and for her liberality and Christian zeal. Dr. Metts is a zealous Republican and has served as trustee of his township. His devotion to his profession has prevented his accepting or undertaking more responsible or exacting public position, and he has pre- ferred to let less busy people devote them- selves to political work. Despite his sixty- five years of active, strenuous life and his injury in the cause of the Union, he is still a well-preserved man, with unimpaired mental faculties. Had he engaged in a less trying and exacting profession he might have re- mained in the harness many years to come. May his declining years be all that the labors of his youth and middle age have richly earned for him.
JACOB FATSCHER.
The story of the life of Jacob Fatscher is an illustration of what may be accom- plished in America by a man of German birth and parentage. After all, the great majority of us are creatures of our sur- roundings and environment. Had Jacob Fatscher been taught early in life that money
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was made only to be spent, that industry was something to be practiced only when forced upon him by necessity, and that economy was something intended solely for the mean, par- simonious and miserly, the story of his life would be far different. Fortunate in the possession of parents conversant with the value of money, the necessity of close appli- cation in all business undertakings, and the essential truth that without industry suc- cess is doubtful, the lessons taught him were in themselves a most valuable capital with which to start out in life.
Jacob Fatscher was born July 8, 1850. When he was two years old his parents emigrated to America, landing in New York city and taking up their abode in Brooklyn. His father was a skilled mer- chant tailor, and so was not long in procuring employment at remunerative wages. Fully cognizant of the value of an education, he took particular care to see that his children attended school reg- ularly. He was also energetic in fortify- ing himself with a knowledge of the lan- guage, habits, ways, customs and tastes of the people in the midst of whom he was destined to spend the remainder of his life. In 1865 he had accumulated sufficient capi- tal, educational as well financial, to justify him in branching out in business for him- self. His business steadily grew and before many years he was gratified to number among his patrons some of the very best peo- ple. Meanwhile the youthful Jacob had ac- quired a knowledge of the business. He en- tered his father's establishment, first as an ap- prentice, next as a workman and, disclosing such keen business foresight and thorough knowledge of the requirements of the calling, his father soon offered him a partnership,
which was readily accepted. In this way the business was conducted successfully until the parents died. Both parents were members and workers in the German Reform church and died in the faith of its teachings. The father was a man of many sterling qualities, provident and thrifty, who husbanded his means, was prudent in his investments and at his death left an estate valued at fifteen thou- sand dollars. They were the parents of three children, one of whom, Minnie, is dead. The others are Jacob and Maggie, who is the wife of George Schoener, of Brooklyn.
Remaining in Brooklyn after the death of his father in 1887 only long enough to wind up the affairs, Mr. Fatscher in 1889 emi- grated westward with his family, taking up his residence at Ossian. He is the pioneer tailor, being the first to locate and conduct that business there. His business is most satisfactory and constantly growing. He has invested in property in the town and identi- fied himself with all its various interests. In 1873 he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Bauman, and they are the parents of four children: Henry, who is associated with his father in business; Mamie, who is the wife of Adam Turner ; George, a black- smith in Bluffton, and Augusta M., at home.
Mr. Fatscher is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the endowment rank of the same order; he is past chancellor and has been a representative to the grand lodge. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the encampment at Bluffton, and represented the subordinate lodge in the grand lodge. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. In politics he is a straight Republi- can and at the present time holds the office of clerk of the town of Ossian. While fixed
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in his political convictions, he does not as- pire to official distinction. Personally he is a genial, affable, whole-souled man, a faith- ful husband, an indulgent father, kind friend, good neighbor and a liberal, patriotic citizen.
JOHN S. KREWSON.
The gentleman whose name heads these paragraphs is widely known as one of the honored citizens of Ossian, Indiana, where he has lived nearly all his life and for a num- ber of years has been actively identified with the varied interests of the community. His efforts in the practical affairs of life, his capable management of his business interests and his sound judgment have brought to him prosperity, and his life demonstrates what may be accomplished by any man of energy and ambition who is not afraid to work and has the perseverance to continue his labors in the face of any discouragements which may seem to arise. In all the relations of life he has commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he has been brought in con- tact, and a biographical history of Wells county would not be complete without a record of his career.
John S. Krewson, who for almost twenty years has occupied the position of notary public, is well known in the community, not only by reason of his professional services and the part he has taken in social and in- dustrial affairs. but also because of his many excellent personal qualities. He was born in Sarahsville, Noble county, Ohio, on the 4th of March, 1846. In his veins there flows both German and Irish blood, one of his grandparents having been a German who
settled in New Jersey during the Revolu- tionary period, while the other was a native of Ireland. His parents, Simon and Marga- ret Krewson, with their three small children, Clarissa J., Thomas G. and John S., emi- grated to Wells county, Indiana, in Novem- ber, 1846, and settled in the woods on what was then called the Indian Reserve. A portion of this land still remains in the pos-
session of the family and is known as the Krewson homestead. The mother with her small children spent the first two winters alone in their little cabin home, in the midst of the almost trackless forest, wild animals being their only visitors, while the father was employed at Fort Wayne, then a mere village. In the hope of bettering his condition he made two trips ( 1850 and 1853) to Califor- nia, going each time by the way of New York, as the overland route was considered too dangerous because of Indians and the lack of means of conveyance. At the out- break of the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and First Indi- ana Volunteer Regiment, and sacrificed his life on the altar of his country, as he died at Gallatin, Tennessee, in March, 1863, and was buried in the Southland. Shortly af- terwards, however, his body was brought north and interred in Prospect cemetery, near his old home, where, on January 23, 1896, the wife and mother was laid to rest beside him. Upon his death she had nobly taken up the extra responsibility imposed upon her and bravely devoted her life and energies to the care and training of her children.
The subject of this sketch was in early youth surrounded by almost insurmountable difficulties, conditions that would have utterly discouraged one less determined than he. At the age of fifteen he was afflicted with white
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swelling, which left its effects upon him throughout life. At the age of twenty he had so far recovered as to be able to obtain a partial education. His preliminary educa- tion was obtained at the Ossian public schools after which he attended the Methodist Epis- copal College at Fort Wayne and at Oberlin, Ohio. He was of a studious disposition and made such progress that he was granted a license to teach, which profession he fol- lowed for eleven terms in one district, thus demonstrating his peculiar fitness for this most exacting of callings. Subsequently go- ing to Kansas he served in the capacity of deputy county recorder, after which he clerked for a time in a store. He then be- came the proprietor of a general store in Ossian, but in 1894 disposed of this business and purchased a stock of furniture. He later disposed of this, also, and retired to a small farm adjoining Ossian on the north, where he resides, enjoying the rest and quiet which is the reward of his former activity. Though comparatively retired from active commer- cial pursuits, Mr. Krewson's disposition will not allow of his remaining entirely impas- sive. He is engaged in notarial work, in- cluding special work in preparing and ad- justing evidence in pension claims, acting in conjunction with Todd & Todd, of Bluff- ton. He is at the head of a collection agency, is a dealer in real estate, a speculator in com- mercial paper, executor and administrator of many estates, and newspaper correspond- ent. He raises poultry, fine stock, fruits, berries and vegetables, finding pleasure and profit in thus getting in close touch with dame nature.
Mr. Krewson was united in marriage, in November, 1883, to Miss Mary E. Roe, the daughter of Ezekiel Roe, of near Ossian.
This union has been a congenial one and has been blessed by the birth of three children, Fern, a graduate of the Ossian high school and still remaining under the parental roof, and twin boys, dying in infancy. Mr. Krew- son is an adherent of the Methodist Episcopal church and was secretary of the building committee when the new church and parson- age were erected. In politics he has always been a stanch Republican, but at the same time possesses strong and well-grounded con- victions in favor of prohibition. He is ready at all times to lend his aid to the support of any measure designed to advance the moral or material prosperity of his town or county, as well as to promote the welfare of mankind in general. As a business man he has been successful, the result of his prudence, fore- sight, industry, natural business sagacity and his unswerving integrity.
JOHN I. METTS, M. D.
The searcher for data to be used in pre- paring a history of the Indiana school system and its educational institutions must go back to the original log cabin and trace the evolu- tion through various stages to the imposing, commodious, well lighted, well ventilated structures that are now the pride of cities, towns, villages and rural districts. Such a history can never be properly written until full justice is done to a band of men who are seldom mentioned in connection with edu- cational work, and yet who have done more to shape the public school system of Indiana than any other element. Reference is made to those humble officials, mercilessly criti- cized, scandalously abused, vilely vilified, the township trustees of the early days of this
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commonwealth. An account of the griev- ances, difficulties and obstacles they had to encounter, surmount and overcome in the development of the schools would alone form a volume. A few of these old time trustees are still living, but they are content to let their work alone speak of the good that they have done. One of them is Dr. John I. Metts, of Ossian, Wells county. Few of these humble officials were under fire longer or acquitted themselves more creditably than did he. For twenty-one years he held the office of trustee in the township of Jefferson, at a time, nearly fifty years ago, when much was to be done and there was little to do with.
Dr. John I. Metts was born in Licking county, Ohio, June 16, 1832. His grand- parents on both sides, became residents of Wells county and made it their home until their deaths. His grandfather was John C. Metts, who came to near Murray September 10, 1837, and there settled. The Doctor's maternal grandfather was Rev. Elijah Sut- ton, an old-school Baptist minister, and was one of the pioneer preachers through this section of the state. The Doctor's parents were James W. and Miranda (Sutton) Metts, who, September 10, 1837, moved the family from Licking county, Ohio, to Wells county, locating on government land just east of Murray. The only person then living in that section, and who still maintains his residence in the locality, was Jacob Haug. Such schools as were available in those early days were attended by the subject, and he improved his opportunities so well that at the age of seventeen he was enabled to begin teaching. His experience as a teacher cov- ered a period of four winter terms. With the means thus secured he attended school in the Methodist College at Fort Wayne, and
then entered the office of Dr. Davis, at Mur- ray, as a medical student, later taking a course of lectures at the Miami Medical Col- lege, Cincinnati. In the spring of 1855 he located at Ossian. At that time the greater part of Wells county was sparsely inhabited and the towns were only straggling hamlets, Ossian containing but a few cabins, which it were base flattery to call houses. The out- look was by no means promising for a young physician, but Dr. Metts felt himself equal to the emergency and determined to hang out his shingle. The entire Wabash valley, from the headwaters of the stream to where it empties into the Ohio, was notorious as the seat of billiousness, the home of fever and ague, and the later was the genuine old shaking kind at that. It is said that they had no use for the dentists in those times, for if teeth were to be extracted a well de- veloped case of ague and two or three sum- mary shakes of those times were sufficient to rattle out the finest and most deep rooted set of teeth that ever grew in the human jaw. Old settlers still residing along the Wabash assert, in all seriousness, that even the dogs have been known to shake with the disease. The treatment of malaria and malarial fevers was by no means as well understood then as it is now. The young physician, knowing the prevailing malady he would have to en- counter, made the treatment a special study, with the result that he was soon able to break the most obstinate case, and eradicate the disease from the system. Before he had been in practice many months his services were in demand over a wide range of country. By frugality, economy and industry, he has ac- cumulated a handsome competency, two hundred and eighty fertile acres of Wells county soil being owned by him, besides
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which he is the possessor of much other de- sirable property and is interested in a number of promising investments. He has now partially retired from the more active prac- tice of his profession, devoting more detailed attention to the conduct of his farm, upon which he has resided the greater part of the time.
June 18, 1859, Dr. Metts was united in marriage to Miss Nancy C. Cartright, the daughter of John and Margaret Cartright, who located in Wells county in 1852. She received a good education and for years had been a teacher in the Wells county schools. To them were born five children, three of whom are living. Josephine is the wife of D. A. Walmer, of Bluffton. She was a graduate of Fort Wayne College, and has taught in the country schools of Wells county and in the city schools of Ossian and Bluff- ton, Indiana, and Winfield, Kansas; J. W. is a graduate of the same college, taught school also, but relinquished the calling for the more remunerative, though more labor- ious, one of farming ; Fred chose the profes- sion of his father, graduated from the Fort Wayne Medical College and is now actively engaged in the practice at Ossian.
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