USA > Indiana > Noble County > Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 97
USA > Indiana > LaGrange County > Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 97
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and stock-raising, and has done much toward improving the stock of Noble County. He is a self-made man in the fullest sense of the term. He has held the office of County Commissioner three terms, during which time he suggested and carried out many needed reforms in the management of the county's affairs. He has also held the office of School Trustee. Justice of the Peace and other offices, and proved valuable and efficient. Mrs. Black died in 1850, since which Mr. Black has remained single, caring for his family and keeping them together until their respective marriages. He is a Democrat in politics, and a useful and honored citizen.
M. BLUST was born in Seneca County, Ohio, September 13, 1844. He is the son of George and Elizabeth (Myer) Blust, who were natives of Ger- many, where for seven years the father served as a soldier. In 1837, he came with his family to this country, and located in Seneca County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming. He was twice married. To the first marriage there were nine children and by the second six. He was an industrious man, a good citizen and a member of the Catholic Church. Our subject was reared on a farm and received but a limited education. When about nineteen, he left home and came to Avilla, Ind., and for some time worked at carpentering. He then began manufacturing brick and erecting buildings, and has thus continued. He makes about 500,000 brick per annum, and has been in the business some nineteen years. In 1875, he began to manufacture drain tile, which he is now engaged in quite extensively. Both the tile and brick he manufactures are of a superior quality, and he finds ready sale for them. He was united in marriage with Miss Bernedena Soele January 7, 1869, born in Pittsburgh, Penn., December 25, 1844. From this union there were five children, viz .: Mary E., Frances A., Emma and two that died in infancy. Mr. Blust is an industrious man and a prominent member of the Catholic Church.
MRS. FRANCES R. BROUGHTON is a native of Juniata County, Penn., born November 12, 1831. She is the daughter of Joseph and Susan (Garehart) Smith, mention of whom is made in the biography of Samuel E. Smith, Swan Township. Mrs. Broughton remained with her parents until 1848, when she came with Henry Fryer and family to Allen Township. On the 3d of July, 1852, she was united in marriage with Mr. Nathan Broughton. He was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., March 18, 1828. Mr. Broughton came with his widowed mother and family to Swan Township in 1839. He began life as a poor boy, having received but a limited education ; but possess- ing a strong will and a desire to succeed, he, with the assistance of his good wife, made for his family a comfortable home. He was a man of decided po- litical and religious views, ever favoring the right and promptly rejecting and opposing everything known to be wrong. This early settler departed this life August 6, 1877. In his family were five children, viz .: Clara P., Cornelia A., William A., Everette W. and Florence A. Mrs. Broughton has resided on the old homestead and cared for the family since her husband's death. She is quiet and unassuming in her manners, is a lady of culture and refinement and has the respect of all who know her.
WILLIAM BROUGHTON was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., June 29, 1822, the son of Amos and Nancy (Timmerman) Broughton, a sketch of whom appears in the history of Swan Township, this work. William came with the family to Swan Township in 1839, and the winter following returned to Champaign County, Ohio, where he attended school. On his return, he and his brother Samuel began making brick at Swan. He was married to Miss
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Rebecca Cosper March 24, 1844. She was born in Wayne County, Ohio, December 12, 1825. There were seven children born to them, viz .: Charles W., Cordelia, Mortimer, Forbes H., Lafayette, Frank and Nora. Charles W., Mortimer and Forbes H. each served their country three years in the war of the rebellion, and Charles W. was severely wounded at the battle of Shiloh. Mrs. Broughton died October 16, 1880. She was a loving wife, a kind mother and a Christian lady. Mr. Broughton married Mrs. Hannah (Cosper) Srayer April 23, 1881. She was born in Wayne County, Ohio, May 24, 1833. Mr. Broughton built the Albion and Kendallville Schoolhouses, two churches at Albion and a number of other buildings in the county. He super- intended the making of brick for two years for the Northern Indiana State Prison. He is a stanch Republican, and did much to encourage a strong loyal sentiment at the North during the late war. He appraised the real estate of Noble County in 1862, and has held the office of County Commissioner and various other positions in his township. He owns a nicely improved farm and is one of the practical men of Noble County.
CURTIS BROUSE, JR., was born in Medina County, Ohio, October 20, 1840, son of Curtis and Rebecca (Wall) Brouse, the father being a native of Medina County and the mother of Pennsylvania, and married in Ohio. They moved to Lorain County, Ohio, and from there to Noble County, Ind., in 1854, locating on the place now owned by our subject. The father is now living in Kendallville, but the mother is deceased. Curtis Brouse, Jr., received a com- mon education, and assisted his parents on the farm until September, 1861, when he enlisted in Company F, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was a participant in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Perryville ; at Stone River he was shot through the left lung near the heart, the ball passing entirely through his body. He lay two days and nights where he fell before his wounds were dressed ; but, on the enemy's evacuation of the battle-field, he returned to the hands of our troops and was moved to Nashville, and from there to Louis- ville, then sent to Quincy, Ill., where he was discharged May 11, 1863. Six years he resided in Michigan, and with the exception of this time, he has con- tinued to farm in Noble County. July 1, 1864, he married Miss Alvina Mat- thew, a native of Grant County, Wis., born May 7, 1846. June 1, 1865, there was born to this union one son, Ulysses C. Mr. Brouse owns ninety acres of land, but farms 200, 110 of which belongs to his father. He has made what he now owns by hard work and economy. He is a Republican, a member of the Protestant Methodist Church, and an intelligent citizen.
JOHN CRONE was born in Franklin County, Penn., August 26, 1818. He is one of a family of nine children, born to John and Elizabeth (Pence) Crone, both of whom were natives of the Keystone State. They were married at Little York, Penn., and removed from there to Richland County, Ohio, in 1832. The father was a Fife Major in a Pennsylvania regiment during the war of 1812. He was a blacksmith by trade, and had the respect of all who knew him. He and wife both died in Richland County, Ohio. John Crone received but a limited education, and remained at home, working for his father, until he attained his majority. He was married to Miss Catharine Switzer August 27, 1839, who was born in Richland County, Ohio, February 27, 1821. From this union there were twelve children, viz. : Daniel, Elizabeth, Barbara, Joseph W., Mary J., John S., William H., Sarah A., Amy R., Lucy I., and two that died in infancy. Mr. Crone remained in Ohio farming until 1849. when he came with his family to this country and settled on a portion of the
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land he now owns. He has added to his first purchase here until he now owns 222 acres, which is nicely improved and well stocked. He is a Democrat ; a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and a hospitable Christian.
REV. DOMINIE DUEHMIG was born in Ebenheid, Baden, November 9, 1842, one of twelve children born to Erasmus and Anna (Beahtold) Dueh- mig, natives of Bavaria and Baden respectively. The father was a man of intelligence and education, and his occupation was farming and weaving. All the sons were college graduates. He died in 1873, and his widow six years later. Our subject attended the Parish schools until fourteen years of age ; during this time he had taken private instruction in Latin. He then attended a high school at Bischofsheim for four years, after which he attended school at Wertheim two years. He attended the University of Freiburg, Baden, eighteen months, and while there took up the study of theology. He graduated from the University of Louvain, Belgium, in 1866, and in March of the same year was ordained a Deacon of the Catholic Church by Cardinal De Ster, Arch- bishop of Malines, Belgium. August 5, 1866, he was ordained a priest (for the American Mission) by the Bishop of Liege, Belgium. In the latter part of 1866, he came to this country, and was placed on the Huntington, Ind., charge, as assistant. After about two months he was appointed to the Avilla charge. Since coming here he has strengthened the congregation, and built one of the finest churches in the county. He has also built churches at Albion, Bremen, Kendallville, Ligonier and one in Swan Township, and increased the congregations at all these points. When he came first to his present charge, it included the Missions in Noble, De Kalb, Steuben, La Grange, Elkhart, Kos- ciusko, Marshall, Whitley and a portion of Allen County, which now require the labor of five resident priests. Father Duehmig is an enthusiastic worker in the important position he occupies and as a pastor has achieved great success.
SAMUEL C. FAIRBANKS was born February 19, 1822, in Jefferson County, N. Y. His parents, James and Margery (Potter) Fairbanks, were also natives of the Empire State, whence they moved, in 1833, to Geauga County, Ohio. Here they passed the remainder of their days, engaged in agricult- ural pursuits. The father served as a soldier in the war of 1812, and to him and wife were born eight children. Samuel C. was brought up on his father's farm, and from boyhood was accustomed to hard work. He was united in mar- riage with Miss Margaret E. Armstrong August 29, 1844. This lady was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., October 3, 1824. From this union there are three children, viz .: George H., Emma E. and Harriet L. Mr. Fair- banks remained in Ohio, engaged in farming, until 1846, when he came to this county and purchased 80 acres of land. He had little or no means, and he and wife saw many hardships, and had to work hard and use strict economy before they found themselves in possession of a comfortable home. They now own 153 acres of nicely improved land. Mr. Fairbanks is a Democrat, and has held positions of honor and trust in the township. He and family are in- telligent reading people, and have the respect and confidence of all who know them.
AARON FIELDS was born in Vermont July 30, 1826. He is one of ten children born to Josiah and Eliza (Halstead) Fields, natives of the Green Mountain State. They moved to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, in 1830, where, May 5, 1843, the father died. The mother died in this county August 15, 1864. Aaron Fields received but a limited education, and soon after the death of his father, he left home, and, after roaming around some time, located in WW
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Kendall County, Ill. Here he remained until 1846, when he enlisted in Com- pany E, Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served one year in the Mexi- can war. He participated in the battle of Buena Vista, and a number of lesser engagements. After the war, he returned to Ohio, and on the 3d of July, 1851, was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Stray. She was born in Wy- oming County, N. Y., October 8, 1832. To them were born eight children, five of whom are now living-Alice J., Francis M., Forrest E., Minnie U. and Maud. Those deceased are Flora A., Laura T. and Mary M. Mr. Fields was engaged in farming and carpentering in Ohio until 1852, when he came to this county, where he has since resided. He owns 90 acres of well-improved land ; is a Republican.
MONROE L. GAWTHROP was born in La Grange County, Ind., September 28, 1836, and is a son of Samuel and Prutia (Littlefield) Gawthrop, natives of New York State. Edmund Littlefield, grandfather of our subject, emigrated from New York to Adrian, Mich., in about 1825, and shortly after this came to Pretty Prairie, in La Grange County, and was among the first settlers. Our subject's parents were married in Greenfield Township, La Grange County, and to them were born four children. In about 1841, the father died, after which the mother married Daniel Bixler, one of the first set- tlers of Noble County, and in 1842, they moved to Kendallville, where our subject's youth was passed. When twenty-one years old, he went to Illinois, and, after two years in this State, went to Iowa. He remained there one year, then came back to Illinois, where he remained another year, and then returned to Indiana. He was married September 24, 1863, to Miss Lucy Taylor, who was born in Champaign County, Ohio, November 8, 1843. To this union were born three children-Luella M., Charles M. and Ray D. Mr. Gawthorp owns 105 acres of well-improved land, which he has made by his own labors. He followed saw-milling some five years, but the greater part of his life has been passed in farming and stock-raising. He is a Republican, and has taken an active part in the advancement of all laudable and educational enterprises. HART T. GRAHAM was born in Franklin County, Mass., May 27, 1821. He is one of ten children born to Zerah and Clarissa (Taylor) Graham, both of whom were natives of the Bay State. They were married in their native State, and moved from there to Chautauqua County, N. Y., in 1829. After living here some years, they removed to Geauga County, Ohio, and from there in a short time to Summit County, the same State. Here they resided until 1848, when they came to this county, which they ever afterward made their home. The father was a shoemaker by trade, and he and wife were hard- working, kind-hearted, Christian people. Hart T. Graham received but a limited education, and got his start in life by working by the month on a farm. He was married to Miss Harriet Bond June 12, 1844. This lady was born in Allegany County, N. Y., November 23, 1823. From this union there were four children, viz .: Emma J. and Guy E., living; Mary A. and Ellen I., de- ceased. Soon after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Graham came to this county and purchased forty acres of land. They have since added to it, and now own ninety acres, which is well improved. They are intelligent, kind-hearted, hos- pitable people, and possess social and moral qualities of a high order. Mr. Graham is a Republican.
HENRY H. HAINES, of the firm of Wood & Haines, was born in Allen Township, this county, June 1, 1848, and is the son of Samuel P. and Mary (Smith) Haines. He was reared upon a farm, and received his early education
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in the common schools. He graduated from the Iron City Commercial College in 1870, and was for some years engaged in the drug trade in Avilla. He was married to Miss Mary Craven March 16, 1871. She was born in the Buckeye State September 14, 1847. From this union there are two children, viz., Ada E. and Almerta P. In 1880, he and his brother-in-law, Washington L. Wood, formed a partnership in the manufacture of wooden force pumps, apple jelly, sorghum molasses, cider making, etc. They have a new process for making the juice of the apple into jelly, and have a capacity for manufacturing 100 gallons daily. They also have a process of making sorghum molasses, entirely freeing it from all acidity. They can manufacture about 300 gallons per day, and of their pumps 100 per month. They are both liberal in their political views, are strong advocates of temperance, and are members of the Masonic order.
ROBERT S. HAINES. Samuel P. Haines, father of Robert S., was born in Union County, Penn., November 10, 1810. His parents, George and Margaret (Himebaugh) Haines were early settlers of Union County, Penn., and the parents of nine children. Samuel P. was reared on a farm, and re- ceived but a limited education. When about twenty, began working at the carpenter's trade. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary Smith in 1832. She was born in Union County, Penn., September 17, 1813. From this union there were nine children, five of whom are yet living, viz., Robert S., Joseph W., Henry H., Janette L. and John P. Those deceased were Albert L., Thomas E., Loruma J. and George G. In 1842, Mr. Haines traded a small property he had in Pennsylvania for 160 acres of unimproved land in this township, and the same year moved his family on it. He came over the mount- ains in a one-horse wagon, and was about a month on the way. They saw many hardships, but by economy he and wife have secured a comfortable home. He left his farm in 1878, and came to Avilla, where he and wife expect to pass the remainder of their days. Robert S. Haines was reared upon his father's farm. He was united in marriage with Miss Permelia Baum December 24, 1856, a native of Pennsylvania. She died in Avilla, September 30, 1874. From this union there were six children, viz., Milton B., Emma G. and Irvin D. (living), Ida M., Sarah M. and Roxanna M. (deceased). Mr. Haines mar- ried Miss Rebecca E. Swinehart October 5, 1875. From this union there is one child-Gertie M. Mrs. Haines was born June 24, 1850, in Wyandot County, Ohio. Robert S. Haines remained at home for most part until nine- -teen years of age. He then, with a brother, operated a saw-mill four years. He then embarked in the mercantile business with Baum & Walter, at Avilla, retaining his connection with them some twenty years. During this time, he was appointed agent for the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad at Avilla, a position he yet holds. He is a Notary Public, and has held positions of honor and trust in Allen Township. He is a Democrat, and a member of the Masonic order.
EDWARD HALFERTY is a native of Westmoreland County, Penn., his birth occurring October 14, 1816. His father, William Halferty, was also a native of Westmoreland County. He was reared a farmer, which became his occupation through life. He served in the war of 1812, married a West- moreland County lady, Elizabeth Luther, and in 1819 moved to Richland County (now a part of Morrow County), Ohio, where he lived the remainder of his days. His wife, who bore him a family of nine children, is yet living at the advanced age of eighty-five years. Edward Halferty was reared on a
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farm, receiving the greater part of his education in a rude log schoolhouse, a very few of which were seen in early times. He remained at home, in charge of the farm, until thirty years of age, and, November 17, 1844, married Hen- rietta Craven, who was born in Morrow County, Ohio, January 17, 1823. In 1851, this couple removed to this township, where they have since resided. They own 159 acres of good land, which has been acquired by them through hard labor. They are parents of nine children, whose names are Mary J., Byron, Charles M., William, Franklin P., Sarah E., Albert, Aldora and Mil- ton. Mr. Halferty is one of the progressive and intelligent men of Allen Township, and favors the advancement of all laudable and educational enter- prises.
HENRY HARMES is a native of Hanover, Germany, where he was born December 30, 1822. His parents, Frederick and Mary Harmes, were also natives of Hanover and had six children. In 1830, they emigrated to this country, landing at Baltimore, and soon after started for Pittsburgh, Penn., but, on account of sickness, were compelled to stop in Bedford County, Penn. Here the father and one child died. The family continued to reside in this county some ten years, and then moved to Ashland County, Ohio, which was the home of the family until the mother's death. Henry Harmes when quite young began working out, contributing the greater portion of his earnings to the support of the family. He married Miss Maria Young September 19, 1850. She was born in Huron County, Ohio, September 12, 1828. They had seven children, only two now living, viz .: Clara J. and George E. Those deceased were Alwilda A., Joseph A., Judson H., William H. and Carey. Mrs. Harmes died September 12, 1868. In 1851, Mr. Harmes moved to De Kalb County, Ind., where he remained until 1870, when he purchased his present place, a well improved farm of 165 acres. His present wife was Mrs. Sarah (Calkin) Knapp, to whom he was married January 13, 1870. She was born in Essex County, N. Y., December 20, 1829. Mr. Harmes was origi- nally a Whig, now a Republican. He lends his influence in the elevation of mankind and in the promotion of worthy objects.
GABRIEL S. HENRY. John and Mary (Swinehart) Henry were na- tives of Pennsylvania, married in Ohio and parents of a family of nine chil- dren. They were farmers, honest and industrious, and were respected by all who knew them. Gabriel S. Henry, a son of the above, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, November 5, 1831. He received a common-school education, and when sixteen years old removed to Wood County, W. Va., with his parents, where they owned a large amount of real estate. He remained at home until twenty-two years of age, and was married, October 2, 1854, to Miss Sophia Mckenzie, who was born in Ohio August 4, 1831. After this event, Mr. Henry began working at the carpenter's trade, in connection with farming, in West Virginia, until 1865, when he moved to Allen Township, Noble County, Ind., where he purchased a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits. His sons now have charge of the farm. In 1881, Mr. Henry moved to Avilla, and engaged in furniture trade and undertaking, which he carries on with success. He began life a poor boy, but by hard labor and economy has made his own way in the world. He is a member of the M. P. Church, a Repub- lican and an intelligent and enterprising citizen. He and wife are parents of the following family : Martha J., James M., Margaretta C., Elizabeth, John S., Ida B., Robert A. and William F.
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SAMUEL HOKE was born in York County, Penn., May 10, 1821. He is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Wiest) Hoke, who were natives of the Keystone State and the parents of nine children. The father died in 1826, leaving seven children, who were yet at home, to the care of the mother. She was a woman of great force of character, and soon after her husband's death removed with her family to Richland County, Ohio, where she raised her fam- ily in a creditable manner and where she died in 1871, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. Our subject received a common school education, and when about sixteen began working at the cabinet-maker's trade. After two years, he gave this up, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married to Miss Annie Moree in 1840. She was born in Switzerland March 26, 1814. From this union there were seven children, viz .: Elizabeth, Jacob, Sarah, Amanda, Amos, Ellen and one that died in infancy. Mrs. Hoke died March 14, 1880. Mr. Hoke resided in Richland County, Ohio, until 1850, when he came to this county and purchased a farm, upon which he resided until about seven years ago, when he moved to Avilla. He began life as a poor boy and is a self-made man. He is a member of the Evangelical Association, a strong advocate of temperance and an upright, charitable Christian.
FERDINAND HUELSENBECK was born in the Province of West- fahlen, Prussia, July 9, 1844. He is the son of Augustus and Margaret (Stemmar) Huelsenbeck, who were the parents of five sons and two daughters, all of whom were natives of Prussia. The father was a farmer and merchant. Our subject attended school and assisted his father until about fifteen years of age. He then began peddling hardware, which he continued until he was drafted into the Prussian army. He served during the last war between Prussia and Austria, and participated in twenty-one engagements. Soon after his discharge (1868), he came to this country, and, after working for some time by the month, purchased the farm he now owns. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Pieper in 1871. She was born in Prussia in 1852, and died October 18, 1872. From this union there was one child-Augustus. In 1876, he was married to Magdalena Steuri, who was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, in 1854. From this marriage three children have been born, viz .: Mary M., Emma E. and August C. In 1877, Mr. Huelsenbeck built a frame business building at Auburn Junction, and in 1880 erected a two-story brick business house in Auburn. He has been engaged in the mercantile business eight years -four years at Fort Wayne, and four years at Auburn. Mr. Huelsenbeck came to this country a poor man, but has accumulated considerable property. He is a useful and progressive citizen.
LEWIS IDDINGS was born in Boston Township, Summit County, Ohio, July 29, 1820. He is one of ten children born to Henry and Sarah (Meltin) Iddings, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They were married in their native State, and resided in Berks County until their removal to Summit County, Ohio, which was in 1811. While living here, the father served as a soldier in the war of 1812. He followed farming in Summit County, and resided there until 1836, when he came to this county and located a short dis- tance south of Kendallville, where he and wife passed the remainder of their days. [Further mention of them is made in another part of this work. ] Lewis Iddings was reared upon his father's farm, receiving a common-school education. He began for himself, as a farmer, when about twenty years of age, but soon after went to "jobbing " on the Wabash & Erie Canal, where he remained some three years. He then returned to this county, and for some years was
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