Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 90

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 90
USA > Indiana > LaGrange County > Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 90

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).

A. J. DENLAR is a native of Germany. He came with his parents to America in 1851. His father, who was a sailor, was soon after drowned, and his mother emigrated to Fairfield County, Ohio, where she had relatives. She subsequently remarried and came to Whitley County, Ind., where our subject passed his earlier years-since thirteen years of age upon his own resources. He learned the baker's trade at Columbia City, and followed that calling in various localities until 1873, when he came to Albion and became an assistant upon the construction of the B. & O. R. R., subsequently engaging at his trade there. His next move was to Columbia City, where for eighteen months he engaged at working at his trade. Returning to Albion, he soon after, under firm name of Denlar & Frazure, embarked in the restaurant business, which was success- fully prosecuted until fire destroyed his property. He then engaged in busi- ness for himself, which he carried on successfully until the fall of 1881, when he sold out and embarked in his present enterprise. He has now a business room which he erected himself, and is conducting a quiet and first-class busi-

ness. He has served upon the Town Board and is a member of the Masonic order. He married, in 1873, Miss Alice F. Frazure, of Albion. They have three children-Melvin F., Catherine E. and Leona.

JAMES M. DENNY, lawyer, was born October 29, 1827, in Eaton, Preble Co., Ohio. His parents, John and Mary (McConnell) Denny, were na- tives, respectively, of Virginia and Pennsylvania. Walter Denny, grandfather of James, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. James' father was elected Associate Judge of the Circuit Court in Preble County, serving for several years.

369

TOWN OF ALBION.

When James M. was five years of age, the family removed from Ohio to Indiana, locating in Perry Township, Noble County ; when a boy, he assisted his father on the farm, and received a good academic education. He taught school four terms, pursuing his studies at leisure hours. His industry and manifest inter- est in the advancement of his pupils secured for him confidence and esteem. In 1849, he entered, as a student at law, the office of William M. Clapp, of Albion, under whose instruction he read for about two years, when he entered the legal department of a school at Ballston Springs, N. Y., from which he graduated in March, 1853. He returned to Albion and began the practice of his profes- sion, but close application produced failing health, which eventually compelled him to abandon active labor, yet he still transacted the amount of business that well-directed prudence would justify. He has also spent much time in the preparation and delivery of lectures, orations and essays on many subjects of interest. His productions are clear, forcible and convincing. Mr. Denny is a man of extensive reading and thoughtful reflection. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and his pen is ready and fearless in the defense and support of the principles of the order so dear to him. His lecture entitled, " Charles Sumner as an Exam- ple to Young Men," and one on the " Sabbath School," delivered at Kendall- ville, are especially worthy of notice, and many other efforts are full of merit. He is an adherent of the Democratic party, and has held positions of honor and trust. In 1859, he was elected Treasurer of Noble County, and re-elected in 1861. Mr. Denny is orthodox in his views, and an attendant of the Presby- terian Church, of which his wife is a member. He was married, January 1, 1856, to Miss Frances J. Plumstead, of Portage City, Wis., who died September 9, 1866, leaving two sons. The eldest, Watts P., is filling the position as Princi- pal of Rome City School, and James O. also a teacher. Mr. Denny was married again September 10, 1868, to Miss Julia A. Kiblinger, of Albion. He is a courteous and genial gentleman, and commands the respect and esteem of all who know him. While not in the enjoyment of robust health, his correct and temperate habits seem to assure him a long life.

T. M. EELLS, lawyer, is a native of Ohio, born in Columbiana County, in 1843, where he passed his early life upon a farm. At the breaking-out of the rebellion, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio Volun- teer Infantry, and remained in service nearly three years. Upon his return to Ohio, he decided upon the study of law, and soon after entered the Ohio Union Law College, of Cleveland, from which institution he graduated in 1866, when he came to Albion and commenced the practice of his profession, at which he is en- gaged. He has served the county as Superintendent of Schools and as Exam- iner. He was married, in 1871, to Miss Sarah A. Phenicie, also a native of Ohio. They have two children-Mabel and Charles.

FRED GAPPINGER, tanner, has been for over twenty years a promi- nent and successful business man of Albion. He is a native of Germany, and an emigrant to America in 1849, and soon after located in Carroll County, Ohio, where he carried on a tannery for a number of years. He came to Albion in 1861, since which time he has been at the head of the tanning and leather inter- ests there. His business has been successful, and conducted in strict honor and integrity. He was married in Carroll County, Ohio, in 1855, to Miss Margaret Miller. They have eight children-Elizabeth, John, Frank, Amelia, Fred, Edward, Irving and Albert.

D. K. HAMILTON, marble dealer, represents an artistic branch of the business interests of Albion. Although he has been a resident of Noble County

370

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

but a few years, his business has increased until it is worthy of a place among the successful industries of the county. Mr. Hamilton began life in Pennsylvania, and until eighteen years of age was developing his muscle upon a farm. He then entered the army, and for two years was employed as a driver until he became of sufficient age to enlist, when he became a member of Company F, One Hundred and First Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and remained in service until discharged at the close of the war, in 1865. Returning to his native State, he learned his trade at Mechanicstown, Cumberland County, remaining there about four years, when he went to Kansas and remained for three years, subsequently returning to Pennsylvania, where he engaged in busi- ness for four years, going thence to Shelby, Ohio, where he was employed for six months, after which he came to Albion, in 1877, where he located, and is extending the sale of his work each year. Mr. Hamilton is an efficient, skilled workman, and one of the progressive business men of Albion. He was married, in 1873, to Miss Lucinda Palm, of Cumberland County, Penn. They have three children -Rollie P., Carrie E. and Merle.

JAMES A. HAMLIN, of Hamlin & Skinner, drugs, etc., is a native of Crawford County, Ohio, born in October, 1846. His father being a farmer, James was engaged in tilling the soil during his minority. In 1864, he enlisted in the navy, upon U. S. Steamer Choctaw, of the Lower Mississippi Squadron, and was in service two years, taking part in several severe engage- ments, prominent among them the battle of Fort De Russy, La. He returned from the service, receiving his discharge at Cairo, Ill., to Ohio, soon after en- gaging in the grocery trade, at Melmore, Seneca County, where he remained for several years. In December, 1875, he came to Albion, and embarked in the grocery business, continuing until 1878, when he changed his line of busi- ness to the drug trade, and to that branch has devoted his attention since ; now in partnership with M. C. Skinner. Messrs. Hamlin & Skinner are doing the leading business in their line. They are courteous and progressive business men, and worthy of the extensive trade they are accorded. Mr. Hamlin was elected Justice of the Peace in 1879, and is still a worthy incumbent of that position. He was connected with the same office in Ohio ; elected there when only a few days over twenty-one years of age, the youngest ever elected in that State, serving there six years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and A., F. & A. M., of Albion. Mr. Hamlin married, in 1867, Miss Hattie A. Murray, a resident of Oberlin, Ohio. They have two children-Nellie C. and Arvin M.

J. R. HART, liveryman, was born September 7, 1828, in St. Lawrence County, N. Y. He is one of a family of eight children born to John and Lodema (Dorwin) Hart. The father was a shoemaker, and followed his trade until the latter part of his life, when he engaged in mercantile pursuits at Mon- mouth, Adams Co., Ind., where he was also Postmaster. Mr. Hart brought his family to Adams County in 1843, where he resided until his death, at the close of the war of rebellion. John R. Hart assisted his parents until the age of nineteen, when he left home and went to Muskingum County, Ohio, where for two years he was engaged in various pursuits. In 1849, he returned to Indiana, and November 25, 1851, married Hannah L. Gorsline. For a num- ber of years, he was engaged in the hotel and livery business in Monmouth, and for four years was a resident of Cincinnati. In 1878, he purchased 102 acres of land in Green Township, Noble County. and was engaged in farming until the spring of 1881, when he rented his farm, moved to Albion and formed a partnership with Samuel Stoops in the livery business. This enterprise has

371

TOWN OF ALBION.

been successful-constantly growing in favor with the public-which is chiefly due to their fair and honorable dealing with customers. Mr. Hart is a Uni- versalist, and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. This couple have had three children-Mary J. (deceased), Helen A. and Ida M. Helen is the wife of Clark E. Slocum, of Fort Wayne, Ind. Mr. Hart is a first-class business man, and a highly esteemed resident of Albion.

A. D. C. HARVEY, contractor and planing-mill, is a native of Scot- land, and came to America with his parents in 1836. They located in Ash- land County, Ohio, where they remained until 1852, when they removed to Noble County, locating in Jefferson Township, where they were engaged in farming for several years; they are now living in retirement in Albion. The subject of this biography commenced to learn the carpenter's trade when eight- een years of age, and in that calling has devoted the attention of many years, doing extensive contracting, and also owning a complete planing-mill, which, in connection with lumber interests also, divides his attention. For fourteen years he also owned and operated a farm in Jefferson Township, in connection with his other interests. He has contracted for and built all of the county buildings-notably the infirmary and jail-most of the churches in the region around the county seat, and many of the business blocks and private residences of Albion. He conducts a business room in town for the sale of sash, doors and blinds, and other builders' material. He was married, in 1860, to Miss Anna Buchan. They have three children-Mary E., William P. and Alex L. J. W. HAYS, physician and surgeon, is a native of Greene County, Ohio. When ten years of age, his parents removed to Miami County, Ohio, where he was associated, working upon his father's farm and teaching school until 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and in three years' active service, participated in about thirty heavy engagements, among which we mention Winchester, Manassas Gap, Mine Run, Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania Court House, Monocacy Junction, Md., Charlestown, Va., Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, siege and capt- ure of Richmond, Sailor's Run, and at the surrender of Lee. His regiment was a member of the Sixth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. He entered the service as a private, and, upon the assault and capture of Richmond, commanded a company, continuing in that position until he was mustered out, at which time he was recommended for promotion, and had the war con- tinued would have received a commission. His father, Jacob H. Hays, had in the meantime become a resident of Sparta Township, Noble County, and, in 1865, our subject came to this county, but soon after went to Piqua, Ohio, and commenced reading medicine with G. Volney Dorsey, remaining under his tutelage for four years, attending two courses of the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, where he graduated in 1872. He was also a teacher at intervals during this period. In April, 1872, he commenced his practice in Albion, where he has since remained, achieving a lucrative business. He has served the county as Infirmary Physician for four years, and is a member of the County and Northeastern Medical Associations. Dr. Hays was married in June, 1870, to Laura E. Munger, of Dayton, Ohio. They have three children living-Edna, Olive and Woodward.

JAMES T. JOHNSTON, County Surveyor, is a native of Scotland. His parents emigrated to America in 1854, and settled in Richland County, Ohio, where his father died in May, 1881; his mother still survives. James is the eldest of four children, and was reared upon a farm. He received a good edu-

372

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

cation, being a graduate of Washington and Jefferson Colleges, of Pennsylva- nia. He was a teacher for a number of years, for three years in Noble and De Kalb Counties. His connection with Noble County began in 1871 ; he first engaged at railroad contracting, subsequently engaging in the dry goods and hardware trades at Kendallville. Previous to coming to Indiana, he taught in the schools of Wooster, Ohio, and the Academy of Savannah, desisting on ac- count of the failure of his health. He was elected Surveyor of Noble County in 1876, and is now serving his third term. He married, in 1871, Miss Eliza P. Vermilya, a native of Ohio ; four children are born to them-Harry V., Elizabeth Winifred, John H. and James.

A. J. KIMMELL, grocer, is a native of Canton, Ohio, and a son of Adam Kimmell, who was an early settler of Stark County, and a business man there for many years. His wife, Elizabeth Bowers, and mother of A. J., died in Stark County in 1849. Subsequently-in 1852-Adam Kimmel came to No- ble County, where he remained until his death. He was an intelligent and valued citizen, serving for fifteen years as Justice of the Peace in Ohio. A. J. Kimmell is by trade a tailor, which he followed upon first coming to Indiana, subsequently engaging in the grocery, dry goods, hardware and merchant tailor- ing and ready made clothing trade. In 1870, he was appointed Postmaster of Albion and served nine years, during which period he was also engaged in the grocery business. This branch he still continues, in addition to which he operates a valuable farm of seventy acres in Jefferson Township. He has served as Township Trustee two years; is a member of the Masonic order, and an energetic business man ; Mr. Kimmell was married in June, 1853, to Miss Ann Edwards, a daughter of Alexis Edwards, who came from Morrow County, Ohio, in 1848. They have two children, Frank and Emma. The former is connected with his father in the store ; he is married to Miss Ella Ulmer, of Washington Township, her father, George Ulmer, being one of the first white settlers of Allen Township. Emma is now the wife of John W. Smith.

WILLIAM S. KISER, County Auditor, is a son of Jacob and Jane (Smith) Kiser; the former being a native of Wayne County, Ohio, the latter of Chester County, Penn. They were married in Ohio, and came to Indiana, making their location in Sparta Township, where they at present reside. Of a family of twelve children, only three now survive: Moses, ex-Sheriff of No- ble County, now a farmer of Sparta Township; Isabella Hursey, also a resi- dent of Sparta Township, and William S., who was born in Sparta Township in 1849. Until twenty years of age, he remained upon the home farm. He then came to Albion to attend school, during which period he entered the of- fice of the County Auditor, and for nine years was an assistant in the court house in the different offices. In 1878, he was elected Auditor of the County, and is at present serving his first term. Mr. Kiser is eminently fitted for the important duties of his position, and possesses the confidence of all parties. He is a member of Albion Blue Lodge, No. 97, of Kendallville, Chapter, Com- mandery and Council A., F. & A. M., of I. O. O. F., and K. of H., of Ken- dallville. Mr. Kiser was united in marriage in November, 1871, to Miss Ella J. Haney, a native of Pennsylvania, and daughter of Pierce Haney. They have one child living, Georgie ; one deceased, Raymond.

S. K. KONKLE, painter, is a native of the Buckeye State, where, in Wayne County, he was born in 1836. Since 1848, he has been a resident of Albion. Mr. Konkle has followed the occupation of a painter all of his life- in former years a house-painter; since 1879, he has done the painting for the

373

TOWN OF ALBION.

carriage manufactory of H. R. Shirk, of Albion ; also does fine graining and sign painting. In 1860, he was married to Miss Cornelia G. Andrews, a na- tive of Ohio. They have two children-Burton A. and Edwin L.

JAMES J. LASH, County Recorder, is a native of Wayne County, Ohio, and son to William and Mary G. (Carson) Lash, who were natives of Pennsylvania. They removed from Ohio in 1848, and settled near Kendall- ville. His father was a farmer, and continued a resident there until his death in 1855. His mother is still living there. Four children of a family of eight

now survive-Mary E. Lester; Joanna C. Jewell, Chicago; Eliza P., Kendall- ville; and James J. The latter, at nineteen years of age, went to Michigan, where, in 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Thirteenth Michigan Infantry, and was in service during the war. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Cor- inth, Perryville and Savannah, Averysboro and Bentonville, N. C .; was wounded in his left arm, which had to be amputated. He received his dis- charge in New York in June, 1865. Returning to Kendallville, he was soon after appointed Postmaster there, serving for two and a half years. He next engaged in the insurance business for two years, during which period he was elected County Treasurer and removed to Albion. He served two terms, his office expiring in 1875. He then engaged in farming, at which he occupied himself until, having been elected County Recorder in 1880, he began the duties of that office, in August, 1881. He is a member of Kendallville I. O. O. F. Mr. Lash was married, in 1860, to Miss Rosa A. Hyde, a native of Ashtabula County, Ohio. Her father, Cullen Hyde, moved to Allen Town- ship in 1852, where he resided until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Lash have four children-Emma Grace, Lizzie A., Maud L. and Ruby A. M.

WELLINGTON Y. LEONARD, M. D., was born in Miami County, Ohio, October 5, 1834. His parents, Joseph and Julia (Renshaw) Leonard, were natives respectively of Vermont and Pennsylvania. Gilbert Leonard, the father of Joseph, was a soldier in Washington's army, and served with fidelity until the close of the struggle. At one time during this service, his wife, with her infant child, was compelled to seek safety from the enemy by fleeing to the depths of the forest, where she was secreted for three days and nights, without food or drink, suffering intensely. The school days of Wellington were not marked by anything conspicuous. His opportunities were the subscription schools of the times, a greater portion of the year being spent in hardy toil on the home farm. In 1850, his father removed to Wolf Lake, where he bought a farm, on which he located. In 1852, Wellington went to Xenia, Ohio, to become an architect. This he studied and attended night school. Under the double strain his health failed, and he abandoned drafting. In the fall of 1855, we find him entering a select school at Wolf Lake, attending one year, and soon . after commencing the study of medicine with Dr. D. W. C. Denney, with whom he remained two years, excepting an absence to teach one term of school. In 1859, he attended lectures at Jefferson Medical College, Philadel- phia. In 1860, he returned to Wolf Lake, and, in connection with Dr. Will- iam C. Williams, began the practice of medicine. The partnership continued until 1861, when the latter entered the army. In 1863, he again attended lectures, this time at Cincinnati Medical College, from which he graduated in 1864, receiving his diploma March 4. Returning to Wolf Lake, he resumed his practice, continuing until the winter of 1865 and 1866, when he went to Chicago and attended lectures at the Rush Medical College for one term, re- ceiving the ad eundem degree January 26, 1866, after which he returned to

374

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

his old field of labor, and remained until April, 1866, when he removed to Albion and, in company with Dr. Dunshee, resnmed the practice of his pro- fession. After two years, the partnership was dissolved. His practice was steadily increased, until it is now large and lucrative. The following extract concerning Dr. Leonard is taken from Butler's "Medical Register and Direc- tory :" "Wellington Y. Leonard, M. D., Albion; graduated Cincinnati Col- lege Medicine and Surgery March, 1864; ad eundem, Rush Medical College, Chicago, 1866; member of Medical Society, Noble County, Ind .; member of Northeastern Indiana Medical Society; and member of American Medical Association. He was County Physician from 1867 to 1875; is surgeon of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at Albion." In politics, he is a Republican and firm in his convictions. He was a member of the Albion School Board for three years, and was instrumental in perfecting the Albion School Building, which is a pride to the town. The Doctor has also served as a member of the Town Board of Trustees, and is an honored member of the Masonic fraternity. He was married, November 19, 1857, to Miss Amanda Place, of Phoenixville, Penn. They have four children, three sons and one daughter.

S. W. LEMMON, M. D., is the oldest medical practitioner in Albion, having been identified here for over twenty-five years. Dr. Lemmon is a native of the State of New York, and came when a youth with his parents to Seneca County, Ohio, locating near Attica, upon a farm. Having decided upon the profession of medicine, he entered the office of Dr. Freeman, of Attica, and commenced his studies, subsequently attending the Western Reserve College of Cleveland, and graduating in the Medical Department. He commenced his practice in Attica, Ohio, where he remained for five years, removing from there to Toledo, Ohio, and thence to Albion in 1856, where we still find him admin- istering to a well-established practice. Dr. Lemmon is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the County Medical Society, and of the Northeastern Medical Association. In 1853, he married, in Attica, Ohio, Miss Harriet Chandler, who died in 1858. He was united to a second wife, Miss Harriet Wheeler, of Allen Township, in 1859. They have three children-Hattie, Antony and Lillie.

ISAAC MENDENHALL, Postmaster, was born in Miami County, Ohio, in 1837. His father, John Mendenhall, was a native of Virginia ; his mother's maiden name was Fiania Shoaff, a native of Ohio. They were married in Ohio, where they resided until 1842, when they emigrated to Indiana and located in Swan Township, Noble County. His father was a farmer, and conducted a saw-mill, residing there until 1870, when he was drowned. His mother is still living. Isaac is the second of seven children, six of whom are now living. He passed his early days occupied with duties connected with the farm and saw- mill. In 1861, October 8, he enlisted in the Fifth Indiana Battery, one year from which time he was wounded at the battle of Perryville, Ky., and was compelled to return home. In January, 1863, he engaged in the mercantile business in Swan Township. During the period of his residence there, he served as Township Clerk, and was Township Trustee three years. In 1866, he was elected County Treasurer, serving two terms. After his terms expired, he engaged in the drug trade in Albion, at which he continued until 1879, when he was appointed Postmaster of Albion, in which position we find him at pres- ent writing (1881). He was married October 8, 1863, to Miss Farlay Carver, of Allen Township. They have four children living-Fiania, Charlotte, Cecelia and Farlay ; a son, Wade, a bright youth of seven years, died October, 1880.

375

TOWN OF ALBION.

JAMES PEPPLE is a native of Bedford County, Penn., born in 1812. His father was a farmer, and upon the farm he passed his early days until the age of nineteen, when he learned the carpenter's trade, and in 1832 moved to Richland County, Ohio, where he remained for fifteen years, following his trade, and also running a blacksmith-shop four years. In 1847, he came to Albion, embarking in blacksmithing and wagon making, which he carried on for some years. In 1857, he commenced farming in Albion Township, and has given his attention to that calling since. He owns seventy-five acres of improved land adjoining the limits of Albion. He has served as Justice of the Peace and as Township Trustee each one term. In 1831, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Border, who died in 1872. Six children now survive her- John, Riley, Rebecca Coon, of York Township; Mary E. Stoops, a resident of Marshall County, Ind .; Delilia Cockley and Clara A. Ramsey, of Warsaw, Ind. Mr. Pepple was married, September 12, 1878, to Maggie Holland, a na- tive of Pennsylvania, and at the time of her marriage a resident of Fort Wayne, Ind.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 90

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