USA > Indiana > Shelby County > Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana, Vol. 2 > Part 20
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HON. THOMAS HOBAN.
Originating in Ireland, the family of this name has been identified with the United States for more than eighty years. In the early part of the last century John Hoban married Maria Grimes, by whom he had four children- John, Thomas, Maria and Nicholas. The mother dying. her husband mar- ried Mary Mcore and about 1829 emigrated to America, locating in New York. Thomas Hoban, the second child by the first marriage, was born in Ireland in October. 1822, and was seven years of age when the family crossed the ocean. He was bound over to a Mr. McMurray, the conditions being that he was to remain until of age, but was to have three months' schooling each year, and at the expiration of the contract was to have a horse, saddle and bridle. He started in, in November, 1833. but five years later left his employer on the grounds that he was not complying with his contract. Young Hoban went to Connecticut in May, 1837, secured work as a farm laborer and remained in that state until 1840. Returning to his old neighborhood in New York, he found work as a laborer in a tannery, worked for three or four years and learned the trade. He came to Indiana in 1850 with but little capital. but by virtue of hard work, perseverance and economy. he succeeded. and eventually became one of the prosperous farmers of Noble township. At present he owns three hundred acres of good farming land with all modern improvements and a comfortable home. In his young days he was one of the most prominent men in the township and a leader of the local Democracy, to which he had given a life-long allegiance. He served for six years as Trus- tee of Noble township, and in 1884 was elected to the Legislature on the Democratic ticket, as Shelby county's Representative in the House. He served during one session and introduced a number of bills, one of which provided for two cents a mile railroad fare, perhaps the first of its kind in the state. He has retired from active business and is spending the evening of life in repose.
In 1843 Mr. Hoban was married in New York to Druzilla Crosby, a . lady of English descent. by whom he had nine children: Maria, wife of Thomas Durbin, who takes care of her father: John N .. a farmer of Tipton county; Hopkins, a resident of Oklahoma; Anthony, a resident of Noble
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township: Elizabeth, widow of John E. Mason; Theodore, a resident of Noble township: Calvin, deceased: Gusta and Leslie. Thomas N. Durbin, who married Maria Heban, was born in Butler county. Ohio, December 1, 1841. His father was Nicholas Durbin, a native of Ireland, who came to America in an early decade of the last century. Thomas N. enlisted in 1861. in Company F. Third Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years as a private. In 1864 he re-enlisted in Company C. Eleventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was made first sergeant of his company. and served until the close of the war. Mr. Durbin has an unusually honorable war record. He went through all the severe campaigns of the West, includ- ing the march from Chattanooga to Atlanta in 1864, and fought in nineteen battles besides many skirmishes. He was honorably discharged at Camp Denison, Ohio, in June. 1865. and shortly afterwards came to Shelby county. February 20, 1866, he married Maria Hoban, by whom he has had three children : Nettie, born November 10. 1867. is the wife of Simon Dunlap. of Indianapolis : John N., born April 28. 1868, is farming one hundred and sixty acres of land in Noble township; Elcanah, born in October, 1862, is a resident of Tipton county : Mr. Durbin is a member of the Grand Army of the Repub- lic, and has served as post commander. In politics he is a Democrat, and the family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
MRS. ANNA BURKHOLZER.
We have, in the person of this lady, a fine sample of the self-reliant, independent American women, who are amply able to take care of themselves. if the support of their husbands, fathers or brothers should fail them. Mrs. Burkholzer owns and operates a handsome estate in Noble township and no farmer can give her any points on what is necessary to bring about good results in farming. She understands it from the ground up, having spent most of her time on farms, and besides, she has the knowledge of stock. crop rotation, soil values and other information essential to up-to-date agricul- turists in this progressive age. She knows how and when to buy. when to sell to the best advantage. the character and quality of land in her vicinity. and it is not surprising that one so well equipped should take rank among the most enterprising and most skillful of Noble township's large land-owners. Her parents were Jacob and Elizabeth ( Kanonse ) Shuppert. natives of Penn- sylvania, who found their way to Ohio at different times, but met in early life, married and migrated to Indiana. The father was a miller by trade and followed that occupation for some years in Decatur county. He and his wife had a family consisting of eleven children : Moses. Jane, Ellen, Maggie. George, Christina, Anna, Frank. John, Floretta and James.
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Anna Shuppert, seventh of this large family, was born at Germantown, Decatur county. Indiana. September 23. 1849. When fourteen years of age she began working in a woolen mill. weaving blankets, but after three years. she abandoned manufacturing for the dressmaking trade.
October 11. 18/5. she married George Metzler, a farmer of Noble town- ship. who died in February, 1888. In June, 1889. she married Balser Burk- holzer, a native of Alsace-Lorraine. Cermany. He was born February 14. 1841. came to America eighteen years later, settled in Rush county, and worked on a farm there for nineteen years. In 1879 he bought a farm in Noble township, on which he resided until his death, which occurred May 12. 1906. He was a quiet. industrious, unobtrusive man, and a member of the Catholic church and highly respected by his neighbors. Mrs. Burkholzer owns two hundred and eight acres of land in Noble township, on which she resides. Having no children of her own, she reared Stella Bless, who, under Mrs. Burkholzer's motherly care and wise direction. has become quite an accomplished young lady. Born November 27. 1891. she was given an excel- lent education in the schools of Decatur county, from which she was graduated in the spring of 1907. She also has a musical education. Mrs. Burkholzer is a member of the United Brethren church at Union Chapel.
THEODORE HOBAN.
1
The family of this name has been identified with Noble township for sixty years, and during that time its members have done their full share in its developing and upbuilding. The founder of the Shelby county branch of the family. the Hon. Thomas Hoban, is still living on his farm in the township, at the venerable age of eighty-seven years. He is a native of Ireland, came over with his father when seven years of age, and went through the rough experiences of a bound boy, a hard working tanner's apprentice. and later as a western pioneer. After a long life of struggle, with its inevit- able turns of fortune, he finally made good and is now enjoying a well earned repose. He was elected to the Legislature in 1884. served six years as Town- ship Trustee, and was always a man of influence in his neighborhood. In 1813. while a resident of New York, he married Druzilla Crosby, by whom he had the following named children: John. Maria, Hopkins, Anthony, Eliza- Leth, Theodore. Calvin and Augusta, besides one who died in infancy.
Theodore Hoban, sixth of the family. was born in Noble township. Shelby county, Indiana. May 18. 18;2. He was reared on the farm, received the usual district school education, learned all about the details of running a farm, and when manhood was reached, felt equal to the task of managing
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a place for himself. He married Laura Gue, born in 1864. and as a result of this union there were seven children: Augusta, born September 2. 1884. went through the common school branches; was two years in high school, attended the Marion Normal and taught two terms in Noble township. Denny. born September 12, 1889. went through the usual school course and two years in the high school, and graduated from the Marion Normal. Leroy, born October 11. 1889. and Edgar, born February 20, 1892, besides common school, had the advantage of a full term at the Geneva high school, from which Edgar graduated and obtained a degree. Madolin was born June 19, 1895 : Zanie, September 19. 1898, and Morris, November 7. 1901. Those acquainted with the family say the children of Mr. Hoban are unusually bright, quick to learn and give promise of future usefulness in the various walks of life. Mr. Hoban, like his father, has always been a Democrat, though he has left the office seeking to cthers. He owns a neat farm of seventy-one and one-haif acres, which he keeps in good condition and cultivates by modern methods. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, commonly known as the Grange. and interested in all agricultural affairs. For several years he has been the proprietor and manager of a threshing machine, which does a good business in season.
WILLIAM A. MITCHELL.
Shelby county was largely settled by immigrants from the states of Ohio and Kentucky, and these in turn were either natives of the states further east, or were descendants of those who crossed the mountains in the days of the pioneers. A glance at the ancestry of the gentleman whose name heads this review will serve as an illustration of the above statement.
Paul Mitchell, grandfather of William A. Mitchell, was born in Kentucky and came to Shelby county. Indiana, when settlers were still few in number and the dense forest was still the principal landscape feature. His wife, Eliza- beth (Coleman) Mitchell, was also a native of Kentucky. She became the mother of five children, among whom were Martha, William, H. D. and Washington. the father of William. Washington Mitchell was born in April. 1828, and died June 1, 1855, aged twenty-seven years. He married Letta J. Brown, a native of the county, and three children were born of this union. One of these died in infancy. Mary became the wife of James Sexton, of Shel- byville. The third is William, our subject, who was born on May 3. 1852. After her husband's death, his mother's second marriage was to Elza Swanigan.
William has lived in this county all his life with the exception of a short time spent in Tipton and Howard counties. He was married February 18,
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1875. to Elizabeth Margaret Allen, who was born in Tipton county, Indiana, November 25, 1853. This union resulted in the birth of the following chil- dren : Mary J. was born February 20, 1876, and became the wife of Dr. J. E. Keeling, of Waldron, Indiana. George W., born December 19. 1877, who is a carpenter, and lives at Waldron. Dr. E. T. Mitchell was born February 13. 1880, and is a graduate of the Indiana Medical College of Indianapolis. He is practicing medicine at Romney, in Tippecanoe county. Charlie F. was born July 11, 1882, and follows farming. Bertha A. was born May 20, 1885, and is the wife of Elmer Amos.
The mother of these children died January 31. 1890, and Mr. Mitchell, on December 23, 1891. was married to Elizabeth Leffler, who bore him one son. john W., born September 23, 1893. Mr. Mitchell and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and take an active part in pro- moting the advancement of the church interests. Mr. Mitchell has striven to lead an exemplary life and has carried out in his relations to his friends and neighbors those principles of Christian fellowship that have characterized him all through life. He is a member of the board of trustees of the church and has for many years been associated very actively with Sunday school work. having served as superintendent and is now acting as teacher of one of the Bible classes. Mr. Mitchell is not only congenial in church affairs, but in social life also he has become well known. He takes a great deal of interest in the Knights of Pythias lodge, of which he is a member. He affiliates with the Democratic party and served as Trustee of Noble township for five years. He built the new school building at Geneva. and is at present a Justice of the Peace. He owns a fine farm, which, considering the fact that he began with nothing. is a good illustration of what may be accomplished by industry, per- severance and sound integrity.
ALBERT W. WRIGHT.
A man of excellent attributes of character and one of the representative citizens of a community known for the progressive spirit it manifests in the business world, is Albert W. Wright, a native born of Noble township. Shelby county, and the scion of a fine old family, he having seen the light of day first on October 10, 1861. He is the son of George and Mary E. (Avery) Wright. (See sketch of George Wright.) Albert W. Wright was born on the banks of the Flat Rock, where he was reared, working on the farm and attending the neighboring schools during his youth. Desiring a higher edu- cation than could be obtained in his native vicinity, he took a two years' course at Hartsville College, where he made an excellent record for scholarship.
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CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
Mr. Wright decided to follow in the footsteps of his father, and he ac- cordingly became an agriculturist. Ilis domestie life began in 1881, when he married Alta Mobley, the daughter of Prof. Lewis Mobley, of the Hlarts- . ville College. She was born at Hartsville, on September 7. 1862. She is the representative of a well known and influential family, and she is a cul- tured and talented woman, having been a student for some time at Hartsville College. To Mr. and Mrs. Wright one daughter. Dora Mabel, was born, February 1. 1887. She is the wife of Ora Lewis, of Noble township.
Mr. Wright is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land known as the Jonathan Lowe farm. It is well improved and the land has been kept in a high state of productiveness through skillful management. His dwelling and other buildings are adequate for his requirements for comfort and con- venience. He keeps much stock of various grades and kinds on his farm, and no small part of his income is derived from this source. He has suc- ceeded because he has deserved success, having always been a hard worker and a man of economical habits : however, he is always ready to support any local measure looking toward the public good. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Waldron, and he is one of the trustees of the same. In politics he is a Democrat.
JOHN SIMPSON.
Self-made men are not unusual in free America. where the opportunities are many and all who possess the necessary ambition and ability have a chance to succeed. Mr. Simpson is one of those who started in the world under adverse circumstances, but overcame all difficulties and eventually es- tablished himself as a prosperous citizen. His poverty was so great that he was unable to attend school much of the time in youth, but he overcame this difficulty by studying at night. Having no inheritance and no powerful friends, he was compelled to rely upon his own brain and muscle as his only capital. They proved true friends, however, and with their aid he rose, step by step, until he found himself in comfortable circumstances. He was born at Datendale, Durham county, England, September 23, 1850. his parents being John and Eliza ( Baxter) Simpson. The latter were very poor. the father making his living in the humble occupation of hostler in a coal mine. Discouraged with the outlook in his own country, he came to America in 1854. with a view to the betterment of his fortunes. Locating at Michigan City. he secured employment in a roundhouse, through the influence of a brother. who was the master mechanic. He retained this place until his death in 1863. He was the father of ten children, of whom the survivors are as follows:
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CHADWICK'S HISTORY OF SHELBY CO., IND.
Robert, a machinist at Bloomington, Illinois : Ann, wife of Joseph Maltby, of Jackson, Michigan: Mary, wife of Philip Demorest, of Michigan City, and John, who is the subject of this sketch.
John Simpson went to school at Michigan City until he was twelve years old, when he was compelled to work to help the family. Thus his early edu- cation was neglected, but when he became older he attended night schools. and in this way obtained a practical equipment for all ordinary business transactions. He could keep books. cast up accounts and do various other kinds of clerical work, which are found useful in all lines of business. While at Michigan City, which is a great lumber port, he familiarized himself with the intricacies of lumber dealing and became quite an expert concerning the quality of lumber. the different prices, the profits to dealers and opportunities in this line at various parts of the country. April 1, 1905. Mr. Simpson went into business for himself at Avon. Hendricks county. Indiana, and did fairly well at that point. but in 190; he removed to St. Paul, where he engaged in lumber, coal, and all kinds of building material. He has been successful, and is now regarded as one of the prosperous men in Indiana. He is a member of the Maccabee Lodge, Harbor Tent. No. 14. at Michigan City. May 20, 1887, he married Lottie E. Coughlin, of Michigan City, by whom he had three children : Earle, borne May 13. 1888, has been a high school student, and at present is associated with his father in business: Edna. born January 8. 1891. died at the age of eight years, and John Jay, born September 11, 1893. The mother died January 8. 1896, and Mr. Simpson was again married August 7. 1903. to Salome Berkley, who died April 3. 1909. without issue. Mr. Simp- son has a faculty for making acquaintances, and since coming to St. Paul has learned to know most of the people who live at the place, or do their trading there. Of courteous disposition. he makes friends with everybody he meets, and numbers his friends by the hundreds.
JOSHUA S. ALLEY.
One of the progressive citizens of Noble township. Shelby county. is Joshua S. Alley, a native of Decatur county, this state, where he was born April 15. 1853. the son of Samuel B. and Nancy ( Selby ) Alley. Samuel B. Alley was born in Franklin county. Indiana, January 6. 1819. the son of Cyrus Alley, who was born April 17, 1791. in Virginia : his wife. Charity (Osborn) Alley, was born September 14. 1792. Samuel B. Alley and Nancy Selby married December 18. 1840, and to them the following children were born : Daniel. September 14. 1842: Mary E., March 13. 1845: Charity MI .. January 20, 1847: Phoebe. November 9. 1848: Hiram O .. August 20, 1850;
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Cyrus and Joshua S. (twins). April 15. 1853: America and Cora ( twins). August 27, 1857: Elizabeth. October 26, 1860: Ida May. February 9. 1863 : Jonathan L., September 27, 1865. Samuel B. Alley died September 21, 1892. and his wife passed away February 28. 1884. It was in the year 1825 that Samuel B. Alley came from Franklin county. Indiana. to Decatur county. this state, being then six years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Alley, grand- parents of the subject of this sketch, were the parents of the following chil- dren : Joab W .. August 23. 1813: Phoebe. August 10, 1815: Daniel N .. April 3. 1817: Samuel B .. January 6, 1819: Henry L .. January 22, 1821 ; Dodd- ridge. August 22, 1823: Thirsa, December 22, 1824: Lorenzo D., March 18. 1827: Jonathan. April 15. 1829: Ruth. July 25, 1831; Mary. June 22. 1834: Crysy .A., May 28. 1838.
Samuel B. Alley entered land in Decatur county, locating in Clay town- ship, section 6. 10 north, range 8 east-a one hundred sixty acre tract. He cleared and improved this land, and as he prospered he was able to add to it until he had a farm of two hundred twenty-two acres, of which amount Joshua S. Alley now owns one hundred sixty-three acres. Samuel B. Alley de- veloped this farm and spent his remaining years there. Besides a farmer. he was also a stone mason, and was always a hard-working man. He was a member of the Christian church. and belonged to the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Joshua S. Alley was reared in Decatur county, working on his father's farm and attending the district schools during his youth. He also went to Hartsville College a short time and received a fairly good education. He chose as his life work, farming, and his subsequent career would indicate that he has been eminently successful at this, for he is both a hard worker and an excellent manager. He remained at home until he was thirty-four years old and managed the farm for his father.
Mr. Alley was united in marriage with Sophia E. Wright. on Septem- ber 1. 1887. She was the daughter of George and Mary ( Avery) Wright. and to this union one son and one daughter have been born. Ethel F., May 23. 1889. who is a graduate of the common schools, and who also studied music, having a natural talent for this art ; she is still a member of the family circle. The son's name is George W., who was born April 19, 1802. He is a graduate of the common schools, and is a young man of much promise.
Although Mr. Alley is the owner of the land mentione I ab we and also ninety-six acres in Noble township. he lives on the farm belonging to his father-in-law. George Wright. He is fully abreast of the times in all matters pertaining to the farming world and handles some good stock of various kinds. In politics Mr. Alley is a firm believer in the principles of Democracy. but he has never held political office. He is a member of Waldron Lodge. No. 217, Free and Accepted Masons.
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FRED METZLER.
The family of this name originated in Germany and was extensively distributed over the Province of Wurtemberg. George Metzler. who was born in that part of the Empire about 1823, was married in early manhood to Agatha Hoover, who was born in Wurtemberg. January 5. 1825. The union took place in 1848, and in the same year the newly wedded couple emigrated to the United States. At first they located in West Virginia, but soon moved down the river to Cincinnati, where the numerous citizens of foreign birth made the surroundings more congenial to new arrivals. Still another move was made which took them into Shelby county, Indiana, on a farm situated in Noble township. where the father died in 1859. His widow is still a resident of St. Paul. They became the parents of seven children. Labon. Joseph. George. Fred. John, Willie and Margaret. Of these children, John, Fred, Laban and Joseph are the survivors.
Fred Metzler. the fourth of the family, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio. September 18. 1852, and was quite young when his parents came to Shelby county. He grew up on the farm and for four years held the position of superintendent of the Low Thompson stone quarry. He has always been an enthusiastic Democrat and an active worker for his party during the many hard-fought battles in "Old Shelby." He was appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to fill the unexpired term of William Evertson as trustee of Noble township. He has also been prominent in lodge work, being a long-time member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, past noble grand and member of the Grand Lodge. He served as treasurer for fourteen years. In March, 1875. he married Elnora, born April. 1857. daughter of Lewis and Mary A. ( Reed) Hinkle. Lewis was a son of Joseph and Eliza (DeBolt) Hinkle, who obtained considerable local fame as the parents af seventeen children. This list. rather remarkable even for the fruitful old pio- neers. is thus recorded in the family Bible: Mary. born January 3. 1809; Henry, born March 26, 1810: Nancy, born June 9. 1812; Lewis and Lucinda. born March 30. 1814: Lydia. born March 19. 1816: Squire, born January 10. 1818: Joseph, born September 13, 1819: Rachael, born February 16. 1821 : James, born January 7. 1823: Amanda, born November 2. 1824: William. born July 24, 1826: Benjamin. born December 24. 1827: Eliza. born No- vember 13. 1829: John. horn October 24, 1831: George, born October 16. 1833: Hiram, born June 15, 1836.
Lewis Hinkle first married Saloma Reed. in 1833, and in 1838 migrated to Shelby county. and located in Noble township on land he had bought from the government. His wife died in 1846. and his second marriage was to Mary A. Reed, on May 3. 1846. The children by the first marriage were as follows: Sarah. born October 8, 1834: Eliza, born November 26. 1836:
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William, born September 25. 1839: Joseph, born March 25. 1842: John, born January 18, 1845. The children by the second marriage were as follows : Louisa, born August 5. 1847: Harriet, born February 22. 1850: James, born May 29, 1852 : Geneva, born September 12, 1854: Elmora, born April 7. 1857: Lida, born September 13. 1859: George, born November 2. 1861.
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