Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 96

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 96
USA > Indiana > LaGrange County > Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 96

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).

ROBERT D. RHEA. The father of the subject of this sketch, David D. Rhea, was among the earliest settlers of La Grange County. He was a native of Virginia, and the son of Robert Rhea, who came to America from Scotland,

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with a brother, previous to the Revolutionary war, and located in Pocahontas County, Va. David D. Rhea was a farmer, and married Ruth Kennison ; be- tween 1830 and 1835, he emigrated to Indiana, and in about 1839 located in Clearspring Township. Mr. Rhea was a hunter, and has killed many deer. From Clearspring Township he moved to Clinton County, Iowa, in 1852, and he and wife lived there until their deaths. She died in 1856, and Mr. Rhea about ten years later. Robert D. Rhea was born in Benton Township, Elk- hart County, Ind., July 15, 1835. He received but a very limited education, and, with his parents, moved to Iowa in 1852, where he remained five years. He then came back to his native county, and one year afterward moved to La Grange County. The spring of 1861, he moved to his present place; he has since made it his home. September 1, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, For- ty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded in thearm at the battle of Shiloh April 6, 1862. The wound was a severe one, and resulted in his being discharged July 31, 1862. He was united in marriage with Miss Nancy New- house in September, 1860, and this lady bore him the following six children- Ruth A., Walter, John, Jesse, and two that died in infancy. Mr. Rhea is a Republican, and the owner of 160 acres of well-improved land.

JOHN M. SCHERMERHORN. This gentleman's parents, Ernestus and Ann (Johnson) Schermerhorn, were old settlers of La Grange County, Ind., and natives respectively of New York and Massachusetts. The family genealogy is traced back to three brothers who left Germany and came to the United States previous to the Revolution. Becoming naturalized, they made America their home, and fought in the Revolutionary war. Ernestus Schermerhorn was a farmer; he emigrated to La Grange County in the spring of 1836, locating on the prairie near Lima. Living there two years, he re- moved to Clearspring Township, purchased a farm and resided there until his death, which occurred in February, 1876. Subject, July 25, 1862, enlisted in Company G, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was finally dis- charged June 20, 1865. He was an active participant in the battle of Perry- ville, was in the Atlanta campaign and with Sherman on his march to the sea. At the close of the war, Mr. Schermerhorn returned home, and for one year attended the academy at Wolcottville. On the 20th of March, 1868, he was married to Miss Jennie Atwood, and the same year removed to Orange Town- ship, where he has since been farming. He owns 210 acres of land, and is a Republican. Mrs. S. is a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. and Mrs. Schermerhorn have had two children-Blanche, deceased, and Ernest. His mother died in July, 1863. His father took a decided stand in opposition to slavery a short time previous to the war.

JOHN TANNAR was born in Rochester, N. Y .- as were also his parents, William and Olive (Clow) Tannar-June 24, 1830. The family emigrated to Huron County, Ohio, in 1832, and from there to Allen Township, Noble County, Ind., in the fall of 1846. William Tannar, our subject's father, was a mechanic, but worked at farming principally in Noble County. John Tannar is one of fourteen children, one of whom, a daughter, is dead. He assisted his parents on the farm in youth, and received a common school education. In 1858, he married Betsey Richardson, and to them were born two children- Rosetta Ann and Sarah Jane. The former is the wife of Albert Arehart; the' latter is deceased. With the exception of ten years in Steuben County, Mr. Tannar has resided in Noble County, engaged in farming. He at present owns 60 acres of very good land. He started for himself at the age of twenty-one,

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a poor man. Since that time, he has acquired his present property. He is a Republican, and a man of progressive ideas. His father was one of the early settlers of Rochester, and in that city erected many of the public buildings. The first jail of that city was built by him. After his arrival in Ohio, he worked at his trade until coming to Indiana. He purchased 160 acres of land in Allen Township. He was one of the pioneers of Noble County. John Tannar's grandfather, John Clow, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. From a severe wound received at Bunker Hill, he received a pension of $96 per month. Mr. and Mrs. Tannar had each three brothers, who were in the late civil war.

HON V. R. TAYLOR. (See biography of Philo Taylor, deceased, Johnson Township.)

JOHN W. TEAL was born in Shelby County, Ind., December 23, 1831. He is a son of Nathaniel and Ann (Walker) Teal, who were parents of seven children, five of whom are now liying. The father was a native of Ohio. After graduating at one of the principal medical colleges with honor, he came to Shelby County, Ind., where he began practicing his profession. On his arrival, his possessions consisted of a horse, pill bags and 75 cents in money. After practicing a number of years, he quit, and engaged in mercantile pursuits in Shelbyville. In 1847, he sold out and moved to Indianapolis, where he began office practice. He died there in about 1876. The subject of this biog- raphy obtained a common-school education at Shelbyville. At the age of six- teen, he moved with his parents to Indianapolis, where for four years he went to school and clerked in stores of that city. In 1855, he married Christina Geisendorff, and after that event engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods at Indianapolis. In 1863, he came to Rome City, where he has since resided, and has been engaged in different kinds of business, among them being woolen manufacturing, mercantile and farming. He now owns 110 acres of good land near Rome City, a livery stable in that town, besides other town property. Mr. Teal is a Republican; his wife is a member of the M. E. Church, and they are parents of Emma (deceased), William, Frederick, Edmund (deceased), Na- thaniel (deceased) and John.

JAMES L. TRADER, physician and surgeon, was born in Union- town, Penn., June 9, 1846. He is a son of Tegle and Mahala (Hatfield) Trader, and grandson of Staten Trader, a native of England, who came with his parents to America and settled in Maryland, near Snow Hill. Staten Trader here married a Miss Long, who bore him a large family of children, one of them being Tegle, the father of Dr. Trader. Tegle Trader and family went to Western Pennsylvania, and there engaged in agricultural pursuits. He resided on the farm until recently, when he removed to Uniontown, where he and wife are yet living, retired from active life. The subject of this biog- raphy is one of eight children. His early years were passed in going to the common and graded schools of his native town, and later in years attending college, for the purpose of fitting himself to enter the medical college. For two years, he read under Dr. Fuller, an eminent physician of Western Penn- sylvania. He attended the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia the season of 1869-70, and graduated from that institution the season of 1870-71. Soon after his graduation, Dr. Trader located in Uniontown, and for six years successfully carried on the practice of his profession. From there he removed to Perryopolis, practicing at that place one year. While here, and on the 12th of July, 1877, he married Carrie May Porter, and soon after this event he

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removed to Brimfield, Ind., where he has since remained. Dr. Trader has been very successful in his practice at this place, and by his pleasing address and energy he devotes to his business has won many warm and true friends. To his marriage with Miss Porter there has been born one son-John Porter, born January 7, 1879.

WILLIAM H. TROWBRIDGE was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., March 4, 1828. He is a son of Samuel and Bethiah (Winslow) Trowbridge, who were both natives of New York and the parents of eight children, six sons of whom are yet living. Mr. Trowbridge, the father, was a carpenter and joiner by trade, also worked at cabinet making while in York State. In about 1834, he, with his family, moved to Ohio; but after a residence in Cuya- hoga County for a short time, he became dissatified with the country and moved back to his native State, but again returned to Ohio, locating in Geauga County, thence to Indiana. They came overland through the Black Swamp in Ohio to Noble County, locating on Section 35, in Orange Township. After living there about five years, he moved near Kendallville, and from there to Section 36, in Orange Township, in 1853. In 1867, he sold out, moved to Iona County, Mich., where he died a month or so after his arrival. He was one of Orange Township's earliest settlers, and deserves due mention in the history of that township. His wife died the spring of 1872. W. H. Trow- bridge was reared a farmer. At the age of twenty-four, he started overland for California, but instead of going to the expected destination he went to Oregon, where he engaged in lumbering. The spring of 1855 he returned to Indiana, and purchased his present place. He was married, November 22, 1862, to Ann Eliza Wilson, who bore him one son-Herbert H., who has since died. The mother died April 10, 1865, and August 10, 1867, Mr. Trowbridge married his present wife, Berthana Woodruffe. This lady has borne him seven children-George F., Joseph P., Walter, Harry, Emma and two that died in infancy. Mr. Trowbridge is a Republican and owns eighty acres of good land.

JACOB A. WALDRON. Lewis Waldron, father of our subject, was born November 30, 1814, in Rockland County, N. Y., and is one of seven children, three yet living, born to Jacob and Furtama (Phillips) Waldron, who were of English descent. Lewis Waldron has made farming and clearing his chief em- ployment through life. In 1817, he came with his parents to Delaware County, Ohio, and from there to Indiana in June, 1836, locating in Elkhart Township, Noble County, where his parents died. In 1846, Lewis Waldron and family moved to the place now owned by John Schermerhorn in Orange Township ; then to Brimfield during the war. His wife, Sabina Holden, was born in On- tario County, N. Y., January 30, 1807, and they were married April 4, 1832. To them has been born seven children, all of whom are yet living. Jacob A. Waldron, the oldest, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, in 1833, and has always farmed. In 1855, he married Mary L. Lake, who died in 1864, leaving four children-Viola C., Lillie L., Sherman T. and Sheridan. February 15, 1866, Mr. Waldron married his present wife, Miss Achsah Reed. He is a Democrat, and is a Trustee of Orange Township at the present. He owns six- ty-four and one-half acres of good land, and is a member of the Masonic Order of Rome City. Mrs. Waldron is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church.

H. H. WARNER was born in Cortland County, N. Y., April 25, 1822, and is one of eleven children born to Ira and Acenith (Hitchcock) Warner. The parents were natives of Massachusetts and farmers. The subject came West to Indiana in 1849. Having relatives in Orange Township, Noble County,

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he located on his present place, where he has ever since resided. Mr. Warner came in time to see much new country, and to clear his farm principally of all its timber. In 1847, he married Ursula J. Hitchcock, and they have had one child-Maggie W., the wife of G. T. Brothwell. Mr. Warner owns 500 acres of land, which he and Mr. Brothwell farm, and also carry on stock-raising. Mr. Warner is a Republican. His wife was born in Orleans County, N. Y., September 15, 1822, and is a member of the M. E. Church. G. T. Brothwell was born January 25, 1841, in Bridgeport, Conn. Emery Brothwell and Polina Treadwell, his parents, are both dead. G. T. Brothwell came to Noble County in May, 1858, and lived with his uncle, John F., until the breaking-out of the war. August 12, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Twelfth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Fifteenth Army Corps, and was discharged June 20, 1865. Richmond, Ky., was the first battle he engaged in, and was there taken prisoner. He was paroled, came home on a furlough, after which he was exchanged, and then rejoined his regiment. He was an active participant in the battles of Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, Kenesaw and Lookout Mountain, Vicksburg, all through the Atlanta Campaign, with Sherman on his memorable march to the sea, and with Sherman went to Washington. After the war, Mr. Brothwell returned to his native town, and took a thorough course in Bryant & Stratton's Business College. Afterward, he came to South Bend, Ind., where for two years he was engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods. January 21, 1849, he married, and since that event has been chiefly engaged in farming in Orange Township. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church, and Mr. Brothwell is a Republican in politics.

C. C. WATKINS. The father of the subject, Orlin Watkins, was born in Ontario County, N. Y., December 24, 1798. He was a son of Nathan and Sarah (Clark) Watkins, and grandson of Capt. William Watkins (Captain in the Revolution). His great-grandfather Watkins was a native of Wales, and during the religious disturbances there, in 1688, he and a brother fled to America. Orlin Watkins was raised a farmer. He was married March 13, 1822, to Electa S. Ketchum. After his marriage, he engaged in the manufact- ure of woolen goods in Naples, N. Y. The spring of 1836 he sold out, came to Noble County, and entered 400 acres on Sections 21 and 27 in Orange Township; returned to New York. The fall of 1836, he brought his family, but did not locate until the next year. The winter of 1836-37, he was in Michigan, and the fall of 1837 came to Noble County, leaving his family in Wayne Town- ship, until he could erect a cabin. He resided in Orange Township until his death, June 13, 1860. His wife died on the 17th of August, 1854. They were the parents of five children, four living. Mr. Watkins was a Whig, but, beginning with John C. Fremont's candidacy, became a permanent Republican. He was a worker in the Congregational faith. Calvin C. Watkins was born October 26, 1826. He came with his parents to Indiana. He was married September 24, 1858, to . Nancy J. Piatt, a native of Knox County, Ohio. Their union has been blessed with six children-Warren C., Fanny F., Timothy C., Lizzie A., Nathan A. and Willie H. Lizzie is dead. Mr. Watkins has made Orange Township his home since coming to Noble County. He owns 200 acres of good land, is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Protestant Methodist Church. Mr. Watkins is a member of the Masons, the Knights of Honor and the Odd Fellows.

CHRISTIAN WEAVER, farmer, came to Indiana September 30, 1849. He was born in Ohio, and lived there with his parents until twenty-three years

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of age. He spent some time at clearing land, and bought 108 acres of wooded land in Orange Township, then went back to Ohio. He made the journey on foot, a distance of 300 miles, with the exception of sixteen miles that he traveled by rail, from Fort Finley to Cary, on the first cars he had ever seen. He returned in 1850, and September 20, 1851, was married to Susanna Towns, native of Ohio, and daughter of John and Mary Towns, who located on a farm, in 1850, in Steuben County, Ind., where they died. Mr. Weaver's farm now numbers 267 acres of land of the best soil to be found in the county, and in place of the old log cabin stands a commodious frame residence, and the farm is well superintended by the owner, who is a thorough farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver are members of the German Baptist Church, and have had five children -John (deceased), William, who is one of the most active and prosperous farmers of Elkhart Township; Sylvanus and Wesley, living at home, and Cor- nelius (deceased.)

JACOB WEAVER. January 30, 1827, there was born to Christian and Christina (Hetrick) Weaver, the subject of this sketch, in Columbiana County, Ohio. The mother died after bearing Mr. Weaver a family of twelve children, and this gentlemen married Mrs. Sally Hoffman for his second wife, who bore him two children. Mr. Weaver is now dead, but his last wife is yet living. Father of subject was a farmer. He was an honest, straightforward man, a Deacon in the German Baptist Church, and a well-respected citizen. Jacob Weaver was reared on his father's farm, assisting his parents in the duties of farm life that devolved on them. His educational advantages were very limited, and he received but a meager schooling. He emigrated to Indiana the fall of 1849, and for a few months resided in Jefferson Township. Early the next year, he removed to Orange Township, which he has since made his home. The country at that time was quite wild, and small clearings were all that attested that people had been there. Mr. Weaver worked around at different jobs until his marriage to Lydia Towns the fall of 1852, since when he has been living on his present place. He commenced with small means at his command, but by hard labor and economy has made a competence. He owns 102 acres of well-improved land, and is in good financial circumstances. He is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the German Baptist Church. The children born to them are as follows : Rachel, David, Lee, Lou, Jacob and Lona, living, and Ellen, Eli, John and Rosetta, dead.

CHARLES A. WILSON, M. D., proprietor of the Mineral Springs Therapy, Rome City, was born April 20, 1842, in Worcester County, Mass. He is one of five children, of whom Wheaton and Jerusha (Chase) Wilson were the parents. Up to the age of nineteen, he lived at home, and received a good practical education. At the age of twelve, he began working at ornamental painting, but discontinued it for the study of medicine when sixteen. He left his studies and enlisted, September, 1861, in Company I, Twenty-fifth Mass- achusetts Volunteer Infantry. He served in the infantry until after the capture of Newbern as Assistant Hospital Steward, and was then transferred on the United States steamer Delaware, and, after six months, to the ship Onward. This vessel left port with sealed instructions, not to be opened until they had sailed easterly 100 miles. On opening these instructions, it was found that they were out for a two years' cruise in search of the Alabama and Florida, and to protect the rights of American citizens in foreign ports. For a year and nine months they cruised around with ordinary success. Dr. Wilson, on this trip, obtained a good knowledge of surgery, besides a memorable experience in for-

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eign countries. He was discharged in the fall of 1864, and, that winter, took another course of lectures at Harvard. He graduated with honors from that institution in the winter of 1868, and up to 1870 practiced medicine in Mon- tague. He then came to Kendallville, Ind., and from there to Wolcottville two years later. At the latter place he had a good practice. He came to Rome City and established his Mineral Springs Therapy and Water Cure. He has now good facilities for treatment of chronic diseases. The Doctor is the in- ventor of an abdominal supporter. He was married in November, 1868, to Harriet S. Brick, and to them has been born one son-Charles F. He is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church at Wolcott- ville.

ALLEN TOWNSHIP.

JAMES M. AMOS was born in Baltimore County, Md., January 3, 1816, and is a son of Frederick and Naomi (Alderson) Amos, both of whom were born, reared, married and had a family of eleven children born to them in Maryland, the subject of this sketch being the youngest. When about ten years of age, his parents moved to Cumberland County, Penn., and from there to Richland County, Ohio, in 1836, where they resided. The father was a man of good education and of more than an average degree of intelligence. He taught school, was a farmer and surveyor. James M. Amos was reared on a farm, received only a fair education, and remained at home until twenty-eight years old. He was married. December 28, 1843, to Miss Margaret Weaver, who was born in Richland County, Ohio, December 18. 1825. To this union were born six children-John D., Martha and Susan, living ; and Waldo, Naomi and William, deceased. Mr. Amos farmed in Ohio until 1853, when he came to his present place in Noble County, where he has since remained. He started a poor boy, but, by industry and economy, has placed himself in comfortable circumstances. He is a Democrat in politics, and a prominent citizen.

HENRY BAUM is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, born Feb- ruary 28, 1817. His parents died when he was quite young, and he was sent to this country to be reared by an uncle who resided in Ohio. After a few years the uncle died, and young Baum went to Pennsylvania, where for a num- ber of years he was employed upon a canal. He was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Fryer, in 1838. She was born in Snyder County, Penn., June 28, 1816. To them were born two children, viz. : Emanuel F. and Permelia. In 1854, Mr. Baum came to Avilla, and engaged in the mercantile business, in which he continued until 1878. He was Postmaster at Avilla some eight years. His son, Emanuel, was born September 23, 1844, and, to a great extent, has always assisted Mr. Baum with his business. He was married to Miss Frances A. Young, September 15, 1874. This lady was born in De Kalb County, Ind., May 26, 1853. They have one child-Charlton H. Mrs. Baum has for some time been connected with the Avilla School as teacher, a position she fills with much credit.

MONROE BENDER was born in the Swiss Republic March 24, 1814. His parents, Otmer and Osa Bender, emigrated to this country in 1838, and settled at Shelby, Richland Co., Ohio. Six weeks after their arrival, the mother died. In the family were eight sons and four daughters. The father

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made Richland County his home, where he was well and favorably known. Monroe Bender received but a limited education. and, when fourteen years of age, went to Norwalk, Ohio, where, for five years, he worked at whatever he could get to do. He then worked in a mill at Bellevue, Ohio, after which he entered the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, working in the shops and as fireman on the road. He also worked in the shops of the Pennsylvania Railway Company at Fort Wayne, and then went to Ohio, and until 1860 was engaged in the mercantile business. He then came to this county, and has since been engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was married to Miss Fanny Stigmire in 1861. She was born in Switzerland Octo- ber 16, 1836, was baptized by Father Stoker, and from seven to fifteen years of age attended school in her native country. She then learned the dress- maker's trade, at which she worked carefully, saving her money until twenty- three years of age, when she came to this country alone, and until her marriage with Mr. Bender made her home with friends in Seneca County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Bender have had a family of five children, viz .: Samuel F., Amelia V., Emma L., Frank M. and Fanny M. Mr. Bender owns 280 acres of land, which is nicely improved and well stocked. He is a Democrat, and he and family are members of the Catholic Church at Avilla.

DAVIS BLACK was born in Cumberland County, Penn., August 7, 1825. He is the son of Peter and Martha (Amos) Black, full mention of whom is made in another part of this work. Davis Black was brought up on his- father's farm, receiving his education in the log schoolhouses of that day. He married Miss Caroline Sigler May 23, 1850. Mrs. Black was born in Rich- land County, Ohio, in 1825. The fall following their marriage, they moved to this county, and purchased eighty acres of land. This was unimproved at the time. They have since added to it, until they now own 160 acres, which are nicely improved and well stocked. To them have been born four children, viz .: Matilda A., Martha D. and William W., living, and Mary E., deceased. Mr. Black began life as a poor man, and he and wife have made what they have since their marriage. They are public-spirited people, and have the respect of all who are acquainted with them. Mr. Black is a Democrat, but liberal in his views.

FREDERICK A. BLACK was born in Harford County, Md., July 31, 1813. He is the son of Peter and Martha (Amos) Black, who were born, reared and married in Maryland. They removed to Lancaster County, Penn., in 1819, and then in a few years to Cumberland County, the same State. In 1833, they moved to Richland County, Ohio, and to this county in 1852. In their family were eight sons and two daughters, the greater portion of whom now reside in Noble County. The father was a soldier of the war of 1812, and participated in a number of engagements. He was a Jackson Democrat, and held many positions of honor and trust. Both he and wife have been dead some years. Frederick A. Black was brought up on a farm, and received few advantages for obtaining an education. When about twenty-four years of age, he began working in a saw-mill, and for seven years continued in this business. He was maried to Miss Sophia Shafer in 1836. She was born in Bedford County, Penn., in 1817. From this union there were seven children, viz .: Mary A., John D., Margaret E., Elizabeth, Sarah M., Peter O. and Jane S. In 1845, Mr. Black came to this county, and purchased eighty acres of land in Jefferson Township. He has added to his first purchase from time to time, until he now owns 376 acres. He has always followed farming

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Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 96

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