Centennial History of Grant County Indiana, Part 57

Author: Rolland Lewis Whitson
Publication date: 1914
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1034

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Mrs. King is a stanch member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and still retains her membership in the Griffin M. E. Chapel of Center township, where she united with the church many years ago. She is a woman of many virtues and is one whose life has been a shining example in the community all her days.

LEE C. FRANK. When Gas City was beginning its development as a commercial center, Lee C. Frank identified himself with the new com- munity, and set up in a business way there. For twenty years, since January, 1893, he has been a citizen of that community, and in that time a number of distinctions have come to him as a business man and factor in local affairs. The official records of the city will always give him a place as the first treasurer after the incorporation under a city charter. His chief business has been as a funeral director and em- balmer, and he keeps a first-class establishment with perfect facilities for giving service to his patients. His establishment contains two hearses, he has a complete line of caskets, and for eleven years, from 1893, at the beginning of his career here, until 1904, conducted a furniture store in connection with his undertaking business. For five years Mr. Frank was vice president of the First State Bank of Gas City. His election to the office of city treasurer, after the incorporation, occurred in 1894, and he continued to hold the office by successive reelection without any opposition candidates until January, 1912, resigning before the conclu- sion of his last term. He was elected on the Republican ticket, of which he has always been a stanch supporter, though as a matter of fact his choice for this office was one based upon personal fitness rather than on account of party considerations.

Lee C. Frank was born in Troy, Miama county, Ohio, September 30, 1867. He grew up in his native town and county, was reared on a farm, and after getting his schooling was employed in an undertaking establish- ment, an experience which gave him a thorough preparation for his chosen vocation. Mr. Frank is a son of Samuel and Charlotte Frank, who were born in the state of Ohio, and were married in Troy, where the father still lives. Samuel Frank, during his active career, was one of the very prominent men, not only in his home locality, but in the state, especially in Republican politics. As a young man he enlisted during the Civil war and went to the front with the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His regiment was in the Army of the Potomac, and he fought in many of the great battles of the war, mainly in Vir-

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ginia, being out about three years. In a small skirmish in Virginia he was shot, a minie-ball passing through his left elbow, and the wound was of such a nature that he was discharged on account of disability and returned home. The veteran soldier soon became prominent in public affairs. He was elected sheriff of Miami county, then promoted to the office of county treasurer, and for ten years was in the United States Revenue service. In the meantime in a business way he had bought land and taken up farming. He served as postmaster at Troy during McKin- ley's administration, and for a number of years held the office of county commissioner. He was one of the leading and influential Republicans for many years, a personal friend of President Mckinley and of Gen- eral J. P. Warren Keiffer, the latter one of Ohio's notable public men. The elder Frank served as delegate to many state conventions, went through the national convention as a delegate on several occasions, and was twice a presidential elector. He has been long identified with Grand Army affairs and has attended nearly all the national reunions. He and his wife now live in a comfortable home at Troy. In that city he has served as alderman, and in other local offices, and has been township trustee. He and his wife are devout Methodists. Mr. Lee C. Frank was the only son and his three sisters are: Mabelle, wife of J. H. Scott, of Troy, and the mother of four children; Maude, wife of Rev. E. M. Kerr, a minister of the Christian church and they have one son and a daugh- ter; Florence, who lives at home in Troy, is a fine instrumental musi- cian, on the piano and pipe organ, and is a teacher of music and a leader in musical affairs in her home locality.

Lee C. Frank was married in Gas City to Miss Bell West, a daughter of James R. and Lucy T. West. The West family came from Ohio to Gas City during the early history of the latter locality, and her father was a hardware merchant for a number of years. He and his wife now live at Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. West was born in England. Mrs. Frank was born in Elyria, Ohio, and was educated partly there and partly in the high school at Marion, Indiana. To their marriage the following chil- dren have been born: Margaret, who is now a sophomore in the high school; Richard, in the grade schools; Dorothy, also in school; William, in the second grade; and Robert, the youngest of the family. Mrs. Frank is a regular attendant of the Methodist church, and her husband is affiliated with the Masonic Order, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Improved Order of Red Men, and the Loyal Order of Moose.

ISAIAH WALL. Nearly three-fourths of a century ago the parents of this honored citizen established their residence in Grant county, and he is now one of the most venerable of the native sons of the county residing in Marion. He gave virtually his entire active career to agri- cultural pursuits, and is still the owner of a well improved and valu- able landed estate in his native township, besides his attractive resi- dence property in the city of Marion. His life has been replete with earnest and productive endeavor, he is known as a man of high ideals, broad views and impregnable integrity, and none has more secure vantage ground in popular confidence and esteem. He served as a member of the board of county commissioners for three years, retiring therefrom on the 1st of January, 1914, and this fact in itself vouches for his high standing in the county that has ever represented his home, and to the development and progress of which he has contributed with all of loyalty and liberality as an enterprising and appreciative citizen.

On the old family homestead in Monroe township, this county, Mr.

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MRS. ISAIAH WALL

ISAIAH WALL

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Wall was born on the 24th of December, 1844, and thus he became a welcome Christmas arrival in the pioneer home of his parents, David and Sarah (Dwiggins) Wall, both of whom were born and reared in Clinton county, Ohio, where the respective families were founded in the pioneer epoch of the history of the state. The paternal grand- parents of the subject of this review were John and Mary (Mills) Wall, and both were natives of Pennsylvania, where their marriage was sol- emnized and whence they finally removed to Ohio and numbered them- selves among the early settlers of Clinton county, where they passed the remainder of their lives. The maternal grandparents, Robert and Sarah (Starbuck) Dwiggins, were born and reared in North Carolina and were representatives of stanch Colonial stock. They likewise became pioneers of Clinton county, Ohio, which continued to be their home until death.

David Wall came from Ohio to Indiana in the year 1837, making the trip on horseback. His object was to select a location for a home, and he made Grant county his destination. Here he entered claim to a tract of government land in Monroe township, and in 1840 he and his wife came to this pioneer homestead, which he reclaimed from the virgin wilds and developed into a productive farm. Both he and his wife passed practically the entire remaining period of their lives on this fine old homestead, and the names of both find enduring place on the roll of the honored pioneers of Grant county, where they lived and labored to goodly ends and where popular confidence and regard came to them with naught of qualification-a just tribute to their ster- ling worth of character. David Wall was born on the 1st of May, 1815, and thus was eighty-eight years of age at the time of his death, which occurred in 1903. His wife, who was born on the 7th of June, 1817, was summoned to eternal rest on the 7th of May, 1894, exactly one month prior to the seventy-seventh anniversary of her birth. Of their three children, the eldest was Mills Wall, who sacrificed his life while serving as a gallant soldier of the Union in the Civil war. He was a member of Company M, Fifth Indiana Cavalry, was captured by the enemy in connection with the battle of Resaca, was held at Anderson- ville prison for some months, and died while confined as a prisoner of war at Florence, South Carolina. Isaiah Wall, of this review, was the second in order of birth of the three children. The youngest is Dr. Mahlon M. Wall, of Marion, a representative physician and surgeon of Grant county. The father was influential in his home township, and served at one time as its trustee. In politics he was first a Whig and later a Republican. He and his wife were reared in the Quaker faith, but on coming to Indiana they adopted the United Brethren as the church of their choice, and while they did not become members they were regular attendants and took a deep interest in the welfare of the church and the cause of Christianity in general.

Isaiah Wall continued to be actively identified with agricultural pursuits from his boyhood days until he had attained the age of sixty years. He assisted in the reclamation and other work of the farm which his father obtained from the government, and his early educa- tional advantages were those afforded in the common schools of the pioneer days,-a discipline later to be rounded out through the medium of self application and through close association with practical duties and responsibilities of life. He continued to be associated with his father in the work and management of the home farm until he had attained to the age of twenty-two years, when he initiated his inde- pendent career on an adjoining farm. Energy, experience and close application gave results, and the years brought to him definite pros-

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perity, indicated in the development of one of the fine farms of Monroe township. He continued to purchase additional land as circumstances justified, and his home place, on which he resided for more than forty years and which he still owns, comprises three hundred and forty acres. He made the best of improvements on the place and gained reputation as one of the most progressive and broad-minded farmers of his native township. He has at all times given evidence of his liberality, loyalty and public spirit by supporting, enterprises and measures projected for the general good of the community, and his attitude in this respect, combined with his invincible integrity in all of the relations of life, have given him high vantage place in the confidence and esteem of the people of his native county. In the autumn of 1906 Mr. Wall removed from his farm to Marion, and in this city he has an attractive modern home on West Third street, the same being a favored rendez- vous for the wide circle of friends who wish by this means to pay trib- ute to him and his devoted wife. After years of earnest toil and endeavor he is enjoying the well earned repose and comfort that are his due, and he and his gracious wife find themselves compassed by most pleasing associations and environment.

Mr. Wall has by no means abated his energy and his vital interest in affairs. He takes a lively concern in public matters of a local order, and is a stalwart supporter of the cause of the Republican party. In 1910 he was elected to represent the second district of his county on the board of county commissioners and he served in this important office until January 1, 1914, with characteristic loyalty and effectiveness. Within his incumbency of this office there occurred a vigorous contest between the liquor and Prohibition elements in Grant county, and, as may naturally be inferred, his influence has been cast unequivocally in support of the local option policy and in favor of all things which make for morality and civic righteousness. Both he and his wife are devout members of the United Brethren church, and they still retain their active membership in Oak Chapel of this denomination, the same being situated near their old homestead farm. Of this church he served as a trustee for a number of years prior to his removal to Marion.

On the 8th of November, 1866, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Wall to Miss Catherine Strange, who has been a resident of Grant county from the time of her birth and who is a daughter of George and Lydia Strange, both now deceased. Her father was a representa- tive agriculturist of Monroe township, and there her birth occurred. Of the seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Wall two died in infancy. Carrie E. is the wife of Frank F. Seegar, of Greentown, Howard county ; Clinton M. remains at the parental home, as does also Ada L. and Della, the latter of whom is a successful and popular teacher in the high school in the city of Vincennes: Claude D. is engaged in the drug busi- ness in the beautiful city of Spokane, Washington.

PETER SOLMS. One of the well established business men of Gas City is Peter Solms, who at the corner of E and Third streets has for a num- ber of years conducted a grocery store and a butcher shop. His opera- tions have been carried on with a generous measure of success as a result therefrom, and he has come to be a property owner of considerable scope in the place. The entire block from D to E streets on Third street is his property, and in addition to the butcher shop and meat market he oper- ates a grocery and bakery. Eighteen years ago he first opened a little shop in this vicinity, and the progress that he has made has been worthy of the quantity and quality of the interest he has put into his labors. Each year has witnessed the addition of something to his realty accumu-

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lations, and progressive ideas have been the mainspring of his business success. Mr. Solms does his own killing, so that the product of his market is second to none in the land, and the equipment of his shop is undeniably good.

Mr. Solms is a native of Germany, born in Hesse Darmstadt, on No- vember 24, 1842, and he comes of old Hesse stock. He is a son of Adam Solms, who was thrice married. The mother of Mr. Solms was the first wife of Adam Solms, and she died when he was a small boy. The second wife of his father was Christina Howard and they lived and died in their native province, Mr. Solms being sixty-five years of age when he passed away. His wife preceded him, and was at about middle life when her death came. The family was one of the Roman Catholic faith, and Mr. Solms is likewise a member of the church of his fathers.

Peter Solms was the third child born to his parents. He has two sisters. One of them, Mrs. Margaret Straub, is now a resident of New York City, and Gertrude Sieben, the widow of Michael Sieben, is without issue, and is a resident of Gas City. Mr. Solms grew up in his native province and learned his trade there. All his life has been devoted to the butcher business. It was in the year 1863 that he took passage on a steamer and came to America. A short stay in New York sufficed him and he then came on to Grant county, where he had a married sister, Mrs. Gertrude Sieben, living in Monroe township. From that time to the present he has been in business at his present location, with what success has already been set forth.

Mr. Solms was married in 1865 to Miss Lena Bower, in New York City. She was born in Prussia on May 1, 1843, and came to America when she was about six years old, settling in New York City with her parents, where she was reared. Her father was a merchant tailor and followed that line in New York all his days. Both parents died there in advanced age. They were members of the Roman Catholic church, and their daughter was also reared in the same faith.

Mr. Solms has been twice married. His first wife died in New York City before Mr. Solm moved to Gas City, the mother of nine children, but only three are now living. Peter, Jr., is engaged as a bookkeeper. He is married but without issue. Lillie married Ancel Fatter, and they live in New York City. They have two children. George is living in Brooklyn, New York. He is a coal, wood and lumber dealer, and a suc- cessful business man. He is married and has three children.

The second marriage of Mr. Solms took place in New York when Miss Barbara Raimer became his wife. She was born in Wurtemburg, Ger- many, on November 30, 1859, and was there reared and educated, com- ing to the United States in 1889. She continued a resident of New York City until her marriage.

Mr. Solms is one of the live men of the community, and is one of the leading citizens of the place. He is up and doing in all matters that have any bearing upon the advancement of the town. Though he has never been an office seeker, he was named to represent the Fourth ward on the City Council, and though running far ahead of his ticket at the polls, he lost the election by three votes. His influence, however, has been quite as efficient and far reaching as it could be in an official capacity, and his citizenship is a credit to himself and the community.

MICHAEL SIEBEN. At Gas City one of the fine homes, on ample and attractive grounds, is occupied by Mrs. Gertrude Sieben, widow of the late Michael Sieben, who for many years was prominent as a farmer, land owner and business man, and at his death in November, 1897, left the memory of an upright man, a just and kindly gentleman, and one

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whose good deeds in life follow him. Mr. and Mrs. Sieben came to Grant county more than forty years ago, and it was as a result of their united efforts, in constant co-operation that they accumulated a sub- stantial competence. Having no children of their own Mr. and Mrs. Sieben extended the comforts of their home to several children, to whom they stood in the place of father and mother, and their charity is not measured entirely by their kindness to those under their own roof, since they were people who constantly exhibited the spirit of community helpfulness and accepted almost countless opportunities to do good to humanity.

The late Michael Sieben was born near the River Rhine, in the vicin- ity of Berlin, Germany, in 1840, being fifty-seven years of age when he died. He was of good old German stock, land owners and farmers, and the family were faithful German Catholics. Michael Sieben grew up in his native town of Niederolm, came to America when a young man in 1861, and having served a thorough apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, he followed that occupation on locating in the city of Chicago. From his trade he some years later drifted into the business of team- ing, and got together a considerable equipment and employed several men in the business, at which he prospered. He was living in Chicago at the time of the great fire of 1871.

He had by that time established himself securely in a business way, and then sent back to Germany for a girl whom he had chosen to bestow his affections upon, and Gertrude Solms soon afterwards came to Amer- ica, and they were happily married. She was born. in the same locality of Germany as her husband, they grew up and went to school together, plighted their troth while young, and continued faithful to each other during their long separation, one on one side of the Atlantic and the other on the other side. She was born November 8, 1843. Mrs. Sie- ben is a sister of Peter Solms, an account of whose career and family will be found elsewhere in this publication. She was one of her father's twenty-one children by two wives, and was next to the youngest of the seven children born to the second wife. When she was two years old her mother died, and she had to bear her share of the burdens of earn- ing her living from an early age. She, as well as her husband, was reared in the faith of the Catholic religion.

In 1873, Mr. and Mrs. Sieben came to Upland, in Grant county, where he at once took a leading part in business affairs. He owned the grain elevators at Upland, also operated a saw mill, and a stave factory, and his business prospered and it was while there that he laid the founda- tion for the handsome estate which is now owned by his widow. Among business men, Michael Seiben's word was as good as a bond, and no man in Grant county enjoyed a better reputation for probity and substan- tial ability. Some years later he invested a portion of his money in one hundred and eighty acres of land in Monroe township. Later he bought thirty acres, and another tract of fifty-two acres in Jefferson township. Each place he improved and made into attractive and valuable farms. His Monroe township farm was and is one of the best homesteads in that locality, and it was there he lived until his death in 1897. There are sev- eral men now well on the way to fortune, who were the beneficiaries of Michael Sieben's assistance and practical training and counsel during their younger days. He never refused charity, and in every relation was noted for his generosity, as for his excellent business judgment and energy. He was in politics a Republican.

Mrs. Sieben, as already stated, has been a worthy helper to her hus- band, in every issue of life, and continues the same fine ideals of service which they manifested when Mr. Sieben was alive. In 1900 she moved

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to Gas City, and bought a fine nine-room modern home, situated on half a block of land, comprising six lots, and she also owns a good residence on a lot adjoining her home place, using this for rent. Seventy years of age she is still active, and one of the most lovable women of Gas City.

JOHN E. WARD. When business enterprise decided to convert the old country village of Harrisburg into a thriving industrial metropolis and thus gave inception to the present Gas City, many new lines of business were thus attracted to the locality. One of the first of this new set of business men to locate there was John E. Ward, who for more than twenty years has been successfully identified with Gas City as a merchant and as a funeral director. Mr. Ward located in Gas City in January, 1893. For seventeen years he did business at one location, and then moved to his present store on Main Street, where he carries a complete stock of furniture, funeral supplies, and has all the facili- ties for high grade service, including two funeral cars, an ambulance automobile and truck. His merchandise occupies two floors in a build- ing, twenty-two by one hundred and twenty-five feet, and he also has a wareroom for his surplus stock.

Mr. Ward has reason to be proud of his family, since his ancestry is of very old American stock, and includes several members in the direct line who gave service to their country in different wars of this nation. John E. Ward is a native of Jefferson county, Indiana, born near Mad- ison, in 1855. He was reared and educated in that locality, first entered business in the grocery trade at Arcola, Illinois, where he remained six years and then returned to Jefferson county, and became interested in his present vocation. Mr. Ward when he secured his first embalming license on July 1, 1901, was number seventeen in the list, and at the present time there are more than two thousand similar licenses extant in the state. His son Clyde, associated with him in business, was li- censed in 1911 and at that time was the youngest man in the state to get official permission to practice his profession. He was at the time of the license's issue, twenty-one years and one month of age.

Grandfather Jonathan Ward was a son of Daniel and Daniel in turn was a son of Joseph Ward. Joseph Ward came to America with two brothers, Wesley and Benjamin. Their arrival in this country antedated the Revolutionary war. Joseph Ward settled at Morris, New Jersey, where he lived until death. His son Daniel, born in New Jersey, served as a soldier through the war of the Revolution on the American side, and later bore arms with the American troops in the war of 1812. Daniel had two brothers, Luther and Calvin, also in the American army. Daniel Ward's children were as follows: Calvin, Luther, Joseph, Amos and Jonathan. The last, grandfather of the Gas City business man, was born in New Jersey about 1800 and married Mary Hamel. From the east he moved to the state of Ohio, settling at Madisonville, where their son Willis was born about 1830. Some years later the family settled in Jefferson county, Indiana, bought a home in Madison township, and there Jonathan spent his years as a farmer and died when sixty-five years old, followed some five or six years later by his wife, who at her death was a little older than her husband. They were Baptists in religion, and Jonathan Ward was one of the early Republican voters.

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Centennial History of Grant County Indiana, Part 57

Author: Rolland Lewis Whitson Publication date: 1914 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1034

Author: Rolland Lewis Whitson
Publication date: 1914
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1034