Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 82

Author: F.A. Battey & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : Battey & Co.
Number of Pages: 976

USA > Indiana > Noble County > Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 82
USA > Indiana > LaGrange County > Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 82

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

L. N. REED, a prominent manufacturer, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1834, on a farm, and there remained till 1849, when he went to Euphemia, Preble County, to learn blacksmithing; worked four years there and in Salem ; then, in 1853, came to Indiana and opened a small shop at Wolf Lake. In 1856, he moved to Wolcottville, where he was seriously injured while shoeing a vicious horse. The winter following, he taught school in Wash- ington Township; visited Illinois and Missouri; returned to Ohio in the fall of 1857, and, on the 12th of December married Miss A. M. Cramer, of Piqua, who bore him one child-Erbie B. He tried farming in Montgomery County, and was drowned out in 1858, losing all his summer's work. He settled all his bills, however, and, with only $14 capital, traveled six hundred miles through the West; then reached Rome City; this point he deserted, as he found no credit or security, for Wolcottville, where he met with no better success, and finally located in Kendallville, where he commenced work for Nellis & Hill, blacksmiths. He labored four years as a journeyman, and then started a shop on West Mitchell street for manufacturing lumber wagons. His health failing, in May, 1866, he sold out and went to Elkhart, where he started a hub and spoke factory ; lost $1,000; returned to Kendallville, and started the lumber trade in 1868, and January, 1869, bought one-third interest in the planing-mill of Hill, Brace & Wakman, Mr. Brace retiring. In January, 1870, he bought out Mr. Wakman, and the business prospered under the firm name of Reed & Hill until January, 1877, when Mr. Hill withdrew. During this interval (1872) Reed & Hill, in company with A. J. Brace, erected the La Grange County Jail. Our subject continued the business, and now owns the most complete establishment of its kind in Northeastern Indiana, and is one of the oldest manufacturers in the town, carries a heavy stock of lumber, as well as builders' supplies, and does a heavy building contract business. Mr. Reed is a Mason, and is in the Knight Templar degree.

F. O. ROSSBACHER, manufacturer and dealer in furniture, etc., is a son of Oscar Rossbacher, who emigrated from Germany to the United States, and after a few years' residence at Fort Wayne, came to Kendallville in 1857, and embarked in the manufacture of furniture and cabinet work. He estab- lished a good business, and was connected with this branch of industry until his death, in 1879. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and a re- spected citizen. The subject of this sketch succeeded to the business of his

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father, and is carrying a complete line of furniture. The cabinet department is presided over by Gustav Sprandel, who came to Kendallville in 1863, and learned his trade of the elder Rossbacher, since which he has been nearly all of the time employed by that house.

NORMAN L. SOUTHWORTH is a son of Lorenzo and Miranda (Isabell) Southworth, early settlers of Allen Township. His father was a native of New York, his mother of Ohio. They were married in Allen Township, Noble County, in 1840, by Elihu Wadsworth, and immediately settled in Michigan, where they remained three years. Returning to Noble County, they settled at Lisbon, where his father commenced a mercantile busi- ness, which continued for a number of years. They are now living in Wayne Township. Seven children are descendants from this worthy couple-Norman L., Sarah M. Hill, Bradley C., Mary A. (deceased), Leander, Harriet Gibson and Ida Duerr. Norman L. was born in Michigan in 1841. Until 1861, he was employed principally in a saw-mill, when he enlisted in Company F, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was in service over one year, receiv- ing his discharge on account of disability. In February, 1865, he re-enlisted, and March 4 was commissioned First Lieutenant of Company C, One Hun- dred and Fifty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and upon landing at Charleston, was detailed on Gen. Egan's staff, in which connection he was assigned commander of Provost Guards. His services continued until the close of the war, when he returned to Kendallville. During the past seven years he has been employed as solicitor for Merkling's Marble Works. He is a member of I. O. O. F. In 1863, he was married to Miss M. J. Baughman, of Allen Township. They have six children-William, Minnie, Charlie, Guy, Clyde and Ray.

HENRY J. STICHT, Union Carriage Manufactory, is a son of John M. Sticht, a native of Germany, who came to America about 1841, settling first in New York, soon after removing to Canajoharie, N. Y., and started in the boot and shoe trade, also running a harness shop. He continued there until 1867, when he came to Kendallville and engaged in banking, continuing for two years, at the expiration of which he was forced to take a carriage man- ufactory, and to this business he devoted his attention for several years. He was also engaged in the livery business. His carriage works he enlarged, and at one time employed over thirty men. His connection with the business in- terests of Kendallville was of a leading character, and continued until his death. He served as a member of the City Council, and was a respected and valued citizen. His wife's maiden name was Caroline Winsman. She was also a native of Germany. They were married in New York State, two chil- dren being the issue-Charles, and Henry J., the subject of this sketch, now one of the young business men of Kendallville. He is a native of New York State, and while there learned the trade of shoemaking of his father. Upon coming to Kendallville, he went to work at tinning, following that for one and one-half years. He then learned the trade of blacksmithing, to which he has devoted his attention since. In 1876, he became associated with his father in the management of the Union Carriage Manufactory, in which business he has continued. He was also at one time interested in the livery business with his brother. Mr. Sticht is now conducting the blacksmithing and trimming de- partments of the Union Carriage Manufactory ; also does general repairing and blacksmithing.

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CITY OF KENDALLVILLE.

GEORGE B. TEAL, hardware, son to George and Nancy (Brower) Teal, is a native of Preble County, Ohio. When three years of age, his parents became res- idents of Perry Township, where, upon the farm, he passed his boyhood days, remaining at home until twenty-two years of age. He then went to Ligonier and embarked in the drug trade with Dr. Arnold, continuing for four months, when they divided up the stock, and our subject removed to Albion, starting in that trade, then in association with his brother, Dr. Norman Teal. They con- tinued there until 1861, when Dr. Teal entered the army, and our subject re- turned upon the farm, soon after going to Ligonier, when for ten years he was engaged as clerk in dry goods, hardware, drug and grocery stores, also learn- ing photography. He next went to Geneseo, Ill., where he remained only two months, returning to Ligonier. In 1865, he removed to Brimfield, where for nine years he carried on the drug business, also serving as United States Ex- press Agent for five years. He then accepted the agency for Kendallville for that company, and in 1875 added to his business by buying a stock of hard- ware in association with A. P: Frank, which partnership lasted until 1880, when Mr. Teal became the sole owner. In 1880, he severed his connection with the express company, and is now devoting his attention exclusively to the hardware trade. In 1877, he was appointed Clerk of the Circuit Court, to fill a vacancy occasioned by the death of Joseph Cox, and performed the duties of that position for six months. He is a Knight Templar, and a progressive and liberal-minded citizen. Mr. Teal was united in marriage, in 1861, to Miss Anna A. Mason, a native of La Grange County, and daughter of Peter L. Mason, one of the early settlers, and the first Sheriff of that county. She died in De- cember, 1863, leaving two children, Adda B., now deceased, and William B. In October, 1880, he was united to a second wife, Mrs. Clara Ray, of Cold- water, Mich. Her maiden name was Clara Redfield, formerly of Clifton Springs, N. Y.

J. M. TEAL, dentist, is a son of George and Nancy (Brower) Teal, early settlers of Perry Township. He was born in Perry Township, and is the sev- enth son of a family of eleven children. His early life and associations were upon the home farm until twenty years of age, when with Dr. Gants, of Ligo- nier, he commenced the study of dentistry, remaining associated with him until 1867, when he was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Crone, a resident of Allen Township, and native of Ohio. He then removed upon the farm with his father, soon after resuming his practice with Dr. Gants for one year. In 1871, he became a resident of Kendallville, where he has been in successful practice since. He is a member of the State Dental Association, and is a thor- ough student in his profession, having a valuable medical and dental library, and strives to keep pace with the progress of his calling. He is a member of the Chosen Friends, and, with his wife, of the Methodist Church, of which for many years he has been Trustee. Mr. and Mrs. Teal's family consists of two children-Mattie and Angie. A daughter, Hattie A., died September 11, 1881.

NORMAN TEAL, physician and surgeon, whose portrait appears in this work, is one of the successful practitioners of Northern Indiana. He was born in Preble County, Ohio, in December, 1829, the third of eleven children, to George and Nancy (Brower) Teal, who were pioneers of Perry Township. Nine of the children are now living. Dr. Teal passed his earlier years on his father's farm, in teaching school and as a clerk in a store. He commenced the study of medicine in 1851, at Ligonier, with Dr. C. L. Wellman. In about

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one year, he went to Preble County, Ohio, where, for a short time, he was under the tutorage of Dr. Nesbitt, and subsequently with Dr. Latta, of Goshen. He is a graduate of the Rush Medical College of Chicago. In 1854, the Doctor commenced his practice in Swan Township. Spending one summer there, he went to Springfield, Elkhart Township, where, in association with Dr. W. N. Nimmon, he remained several years. He then removed to Albion, where, with a brother, George B. Teal, he engaged in the drug trade, and also practiced his profession. In 1862, the Doctor entered the service as Assistant Surgeon. During the winter of 1862-63, he was in charge of a hospital at Murfreesboro, Tenn .; at Chattanooga, in hospital service in winter of 1863-64; and during Sherman's campaign, of the summer of 1864, was upon the operating staff in the First Division Hospital of the Fourteenth Army Corps. He rejoined Sherman's army at Goldsboro in April, 1865, and was with the advance when Joe Johnston surrendered at Durham Station, N. C. The valuable ex- perience gained during this service has been of inestimable value to him in his later practice, especially in the field of surgery. With the exception of a few years passed in Michigan, where he was in practice, and also engaged in edit- ing a local newspaper, which he established at Hersey, Dr. Teal has, since the war, resided at Kendallville. Here he has established a successful and lucrative practice, and as a citizen is held in high esteem. His acquaintance with the people and past events is extensive. In current literature as well as in medicine, the Doctor is well informed and keeps apace with the times. He is an influential Republican, and a member of the County Medical Society, of which he has been Secretary since its organization in 1873. He also belongs to the N. E. Medical Association. Dr. Teal was married, in 1855, to Miss Electa Shupe, of Richland County, Ohio. She died in 1860, leaving a son, George A., who graduated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1882. In 1866, he married Miss Angeline Gruey, of Kendallville; they have one child living, Nannie; two dead, viz., Norman Teal, Jr., who died September 17, 1870, aged two years and two days; Alice Dutton, who died November 4, 1881, aged fourteen years one month and twenty days. Alice was a child in years, but of intellect far in advance of them-thoughtful, unselfish, tender, loving and gentle; a favorite with her teachers and classmates, and was sin- cerely mourned by all who knew her.

L. A. THOMPSON, who is engaged in the grocery and produce trade, is a native of Morris County, N. J., where he was born in 1809. At the early age of ten years, he began work at the tanner's and shoemaker's trades, and for forty years continued in those industries in his native county, building up an extensive business ; finding sale for his boots and shoes principally in the South. In 1863, he disposed of his interests there and came to Kendallville in 1864. Here he commenced in the grocery trade by purchasing the interest of Whit- ford, in the firm of Whitford & Bosworth. Mr. Thompson subsequently started the business in another locality alone, his relations with Bosworth having been dissolved. In the new venture he soon associated with himself, his son William H. This business in about eighteen months was wiped out by fire, the loss to Mr. Thompson being about $3,000. From this they started in the grocery and bakery business, dissolving in about four years. Mr. Thompson has since been engaged, first in the poultry business, then in groceries and prod- uce. He is a Mason and a member of the society of I. O. O. F., and in New Jersey filled several positions of trust. Although now about seventy-four years old, he is vigorous and active, and has more "push " in him than most of the

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younger generation. £ In 1832, he married Miss Jane C. Mase, who was also a native of New Jersey. Five children have been born to them-Sarah J., now Mrs. Seeley, of New York ; Anna B., now Mrs. Andrews, of Coldwater, Mich .; Mary C. Holbrook (died in Coldwater) ; David Headly, who was a volunteer in the Seventh New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, and in active and severe service nearly three years, was captured by the rebels near Petersburg and passed eleven months in captivity, being in five different prisons. From the effects of this confinement, he never recovered, living but fifteen months, when he died in Kendallville September 7, 1866. The youngest son, William H., resides in Kendallville. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the Presbyterian Church. Have a decidedly comfortable home in a large brick residence, where Mrs. Thompson accommodates a few boarders to occupy the extra room in their large dwelling. Those who find a home under her roof can testify as to the gener- osity with which she dispenses her hospitality. Fifty years of wedded life have been the lot of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, and in their almost perfect health they seem to have the promise of many years more.

J. G. WALTMAN, Cashier of the First National Bank, is a son of Emanuel and Barbara (Algire) Waltman, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio. They were married in the latter State, where they lived on a farm until about 1854, when they removed to this county, locating in Allen Town- ship. In 1870, they removed to Kendallville, where the father is now engaged in stock dealing. Himself and wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Three children have been born to them-J. G., Mary C. (now Mrs. Parks) and Ivan J. The subject of this sketch is a native of Richland County, Ohio. When eighteen years old he commenced the mason's trade. This he followed for about five years. He then for a time served in his father's employ in a meat market. Then, after a few months in the railroad freight office, he entered the bank in 1873, assuming the duties of cashier after the the death of Mr. Schulze. In this capacity, he is both popular and efficient, and as a young man has a bright future before him in business life. He is a member of the Chosen Friends, and was married in 1880 to Miss Dora Johnston, of Kendallville.

FRED J. WESTFALL, Union Carriage Manufactory, is a native of Prussia, where he learned his trade of carpenter and wagon-maker, and followed it for five years. In 1863, he came to America and located at De Kalb Coun- ty, Ind., where he remained for seven years employed at his trade. In 1870, he came to Kendallville and was employed by Mr. Sticht one year; subsequent- ly, by Mr. Nellis three years. He then moved to Orange Township, where, for a period of four years, he followed farming and also working at his trade. He then went to Wolcottville, where he remained one and a half years, and then returned to Kendallville where he is now established. In January, 1881, he became proprietor and manager of the woodwork department of the Union Car- riage Works, to which he is now devoting his attention. In 1862, he was mar- ried to Frederica Lamback ; she died in 1868, leaving two children-Lewis and John. In 1869, he was united with a second wife, Miss Margaret Hunter, of De Kalb County. They have one child-Inez. Mr. Westfall is a member of the I. O. O. F., and an industrious, enterprising citizen.

E. J. WHITE, Union Carriage Manufactory, is a native of Miami County, Ind., and, since the age of seven years, has been a resident of Kendallville ; at the age of eighteen, commenced to learn his trade of carriage painting with Mr. Gradon, with whom he remained eighteen months. He subsequently was in

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the employ of J. H. Hastings about fifteen months, and thence to the carriage works of James Nellis, where he remained seven years. In October, 1876, he became connected with Mr. Sticht's carriage works as proprietor of the painting department, which he has operated and controlled up to the present time. Mr. White is conceded to be a superior workman, and has done no small share to- ward the establishing of the extended name for first-class and honorable work which the Union Works bears. He is a Royal Arch Mason (office of Senior Warden), and also a member of the Good Templars. Mr. White was married, in 1874, to Miss Ida Shoyer, a native of Noble County. They have one child -Libbie.

A. C. F. WICHMAN, superintendent of brewery, came to America in 1849, with his parents, from Prussia, his native country. They located in Cin- cinnati, where our subject learned the cabinet-maker's trade. After working at it there two and a half years, he came to Fort Wayne, where he pursued his calling about the same length of time. After a short period in Logansport, Ind., he returned to Fort Wayne and remained until January, 1864, when he came to Kendallville, engaging in the furniture trade until 1867. For several years, subsequent to this period, he worked at different things-principally book-keeping. In 1877, he bought one-half interest in the brewery with William Seifert, which they conducted until the death of Seifert in September, 1879, when Mr. Wichman became the sole owner, and which he has conducted up to the present time, being now, by a subsequent change in proprietorship, manager for the owner, Henry C. Paul, of Fort Wayne. This brewery was built in 1867, by Louis Schwartzkopf and Geo. Aichele, subsequently becom- ing the property of Francis J. Beek, Seifert and Heinike, and the parties men- tioned above. Mr. Wichman has served as City Clerk three years; as Town- ship Assessor one term, and is now the City Civil Engineer. He is a promi- nent member of the German Lutheran Church, having been a member, together with his wife, since 1864. Mr. Wichman was united in marriage, in 1857, with Miss Elizabeth Eberlein ; she came from Bavaria, Germany, in 1848, to Amer- ica. They have nine children-Emma, Herman, Lizzie, Magdelena, Albert, Lydia, Paul, Henry and Clara.

WILLIAM WILLETT is a resident of Kendallville, and engaged exten- sively in contracting for stone masonry and bridge work. He is a native of England, from which country he came to America in 1850, locating in New York, where for a short time he followed painting. He then came to Michi- gan, and soon thereafter located at Lima, La Grange County, this State, where he was occupied at his trade of stone masonry for several years. He then located in Goshen one year, and in 1865 became a resident of Kendallville. Mr. Willett was married in 1851 to Miss Maria Taylor, who was also a native of England. They have four children of their own, living-William E., Frankie, Lena and John, and one grandson, Claudie. Four of their children are deceased-Annie (who became Mrs. Emerson), Harry, Grace and an infant. Mr. Willett is well up in his business, being a practical workman and a suc- cessful manager. As a citizen, he stands high, and is regarded with much favor as a member of the community in which he lives. He belongs to the I. O. O. F. and to the K. of H.

DR. S. T. WILLIAMS is a native of Mount Gilead, Morrow Co., Ohio, and son of Dr. N. and Lydia (Eicher) Williams. He had superior edu- cational advantages, for about four years attending select school at Defiance, Ohio, under the tutelage of a Professor of Languages, who was a ripe scholar

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and an excellent educator. Dr. Williams was a close student, and, having decided upon the medical profession, began his studies with his father, also in association with Drs. Colby and Moss. In his professional course, he was the same careful, earnest student, and after two series of lectures at an Eclectic medical institute, in 1858 he graduated therefrom. He began teaching when four- teen years of age, which he followed at intervals until he began his practice in 1858. He was associated with his father at Defiance, Ohio, until 1863, when he entered the United States service as Surgeon, remaining until 1865, during which period he was in charge of Hospital No. 14, of Nashville. Tenn., and acquired a most valuable experience. Returning to Ohio, he soon came to Kendallville, where he has been in professional association with his father. Dr. Williams is a thorough gentleman, progressive, well-read in his profession, and also in general literature. He is a Knight Templar Mason, and in 1879 held the office of Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery, K. T., of the State of Indiana. He is a member of the Northeastern Indiana Medical Asso- ciation ; was Surgeon for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad until the office was discontinued in 1879; is a Surgeon of the Railway Hospital Association of Toledo, and is Pension Examining Surgeon. Dr. Williams was married in 1858 to Miss Mary E. Lehman, of Defiance. They have four chil- dren -- Effie, Warren S., Minnie and Allie.

DR. N. WILLIAMS is a native of Fayette County, Penn. At the age of ten years, he was thrown upon his own resources by the death of his father, and hired out for $2.00 per month at farming; this he followed un- til sixteen years of age, attending school in the meantime at every opportunity. He next engaged at cabinet-making, which he continued about three years; he then began the study of medicine, and also acquired a higher education. At the expiration of four years of study, he graduated from a school of medicine at Connellsville, Penn., in 1828, and for nearly two years practiced in Eastern Ohio. From this time up to 1845, he was engaged in various occupations ; coming then to Columbia City, Ind., where, after nearly two years' residence, he again resumed the study of medicine with the intention of making that pro- fession a life business. In 1847, he removed to Defiance, Ohio, in which vicinity for nearly twenty years he was actively engaged in practice. In July, 1865, he came to Kendallville, where he has since been one of the leading members of the medical profession. He is a genial gentleman, and although passing into the "sere and yellow leaf" his years sit lightly upon him. He was united in marriage in 1831 to Miss Lydia Eicher, of Pennsylvania. They have two children living, Salathiel T. Williams, M. D., in practice with his father, and Tryphenie, wife of Dr. Wilson, of Kendallville. Dr. Williams has been for over fifty years a member of the Methodist Church, and in society ranks as one of its most valued members.

WAYNE TOWNSHIP.

ABRAM R. ACKERMAN is a son of John and Jane (Bennett) Acker- man, who were natives of New York State, and residents there until 1845, when they emigrated to Indiana and located in Wayne Township, where they resided with their son William up to the time of their death. Abram is a na- tive of the Empire State. His life has been passed in farming, at which he is

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still actively engaged-for the past twenty-five years in Wayne Township, where he now owns seventy-five acres of good land, which is well improved and which he has cleared and cultivated himself. He was united in marriage, in 1855, to Miss Mary A. Wade, daughter of Robert Wade, who was an early settler of La Grange County. Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman have one child-Mary J. Trin- dle, living in Wayne Township. Mr. Ackerman is a progressive and practical farmer and a citizen with enterprising ideas. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Kendallville.

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Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 82

Author: F.A. Battey & Co Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago : Battey & Co. Number of Pages: 976

Author: F.A. Battey & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : Battey & Co.
Number of Pages: 976