USA > Indiana > Noble County > Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 99
USA > Indiana > LaGrange County > Counties of LaGrange and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 99
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ISAAC SHAMBAUGH is a native of Snyder County, Penn., his birth occurring June 17, 1825. He is one of thirteen children, eleven yet living, born to Christian and Mary (Walter) Shambaugh, also natives of the "Key- stone State." Christian Shambaugh was a wagon-maker and farmer. After the death of our subject's mother, his father remarried and was the parent of eighteen children ; he is yet living, hale and hearty, at the advanced age of
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eighty-seven. At the age of nineteen, Isaac Shambaugh began working at the carpenter's trade. In 1845, he went to Richland County, Ohio, where, on the 12th of September, 1847, he was united in marriage with Julia A. Hos- singer, who was born in Richland County December 1, 1827. To this union there have been born nine children whose names are Almanda C., Aaron C., Alexander H., Ursuly M., Anna C., Samuel A., Isaac H., Franklin A. and Edward E. Mr. Shambaugh has worked at his trade to a greater or less extent all through life. For many years past, he has been farming as well as carpen- tering. In 1858, he came to Allen Township, Noble County, Ind., where he has since made his home. He owns 165 acres of fine farming and grazing land; is a Republican, and an earnest worker in the cause of temperance and the advancement of education.
JOHN D. SHEOFFER was born in Loudonville, Ohio, July 28, 1833. He is the son of Dewalt and Barbara (Baughman) Sheoffer, both of whom were natives of Westmoreland County, Penn., where they were married and resided until 1832, when they moved to the Buckeye State. In 1850, they moved to Kosciusko County, Ind., where, September 7, 1858, the father died; his widow survives him at an advanced age. John D. was reared upon a farm. He was married to Miss Mary A. Shadow July 6, 1856; she was born in Snyder County, Penn., December 13, 1836. From this union there are three children-Emma E., Horace J. and Samuel C. Mr. Sheoffer followed farm- ing in Kosciusko County until 1868, when he came to Avilla and erected the present grist-mill at that place at a cost of $17,000, which he operated some time and then rented it and went to Steuben County. After about five years, he returned and took charge of the mill, which he has since successfully oper- ated. He has put in much new machinery since his return, and has every facility for doing custom and merchant milling. He is liberal in his religious and political belief.
ESQUIRE H. SHERMAN was born in Palmyra, N. Y., April 27, 1837, and is the eldest of three sons born to Gilbert and Hannah M. (Rowley) Sher- man. The father was born in Wayne County, N. Y., in 1814, and his wife in the same county in 1812. The father engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods until 1850, when he came to Allen Township and purchased a tract of land, and for a number of years followed farming and stock-raising. He held numerous positions of honor and trust in this township. He has resided in Michigan for some years. Esquire H. Sherman was brought up on his father's farm, receiving but a limited education. He began when quite young to assist in his father's saw-mill, as well as to help upon the farm. When about twenty-three years of age, he took charge of the mill, which for some time he successfully operated. His marriage with Miss Ellen B. Haines took place April 26, 1860. This lady was born in Juniata County, Penn., May 6, 1844. To them have been born five children, viz., Victoria R., Mary C., Helen L., Esquire H. and Maurice E. Mr. Sherman for some years was actively engaged in farming and stock-raising, but owing to ill-health sold the greater portion of his real estate, retaining only eighty acres that he now occupies as a home- stead. He is the present Trustee of Allen Township, and through his exertions and sound judgment the grade of its teachers and schools has been very per- ceptibly increased. He is liberal in his political views, and is an intelligent, progressive, public-spirited gentlemen.
EDWARD B. SPENCER was born in Greenfield Township, Huron County, Ohio, May 10, 1823. His father, Samuel C. Spencer, was a native
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of New Haven, Conn., and came and settled with his parents in what is now Hartford Township, Trumbull County, and here he was raised to manhood, receiving but a limited education. In 1811, he went to Huron County, Ohio, and pre-empted a piece of land, which he began to improve, but after some months was driven from his possessions by the Indians, and returned to his home in Trumbull County. He was married in Ashtabula County, Ohio, to Miss Nancy Woodworth, a native of the Bay State. After the war of 1812, he returned to his possessions in Huron County, taking his young wife with him. Here they remained, following agricultural pursuits until 1837, when they removed to this- county and settled on Section 9, in Jefferson Township. They came with ox teams, bringing with them cattle, sheep, hogs, some farming implements, and a set of carpenter tools. They had to cut a road through heavy timber for seven miles before they reached their destination. The father and mother had twice before lived in new and sparsely settled communities. They were energetic and industrious. They had a family of ten children, eight of whom (six sons and two daughters) came with them to this county. Six of these children are yet living; five reside in Noble County. Both parents are now dead. They were intelligent, and respected by all who knew them. Edward B. Spencer was brought up on his father's farm, receiving his education in log schoolhouses. When about eighteen years of age, he took charge of the home farm, and after a few years erected a saw-mill in Jefferson Township, which for some years he successfully operated. He was married to Miss Emily Wheeler February 5, 1850, who was born in Wayne County, Penn., March 26, 1826, and is the daughter of Trueman Wheeler, who came to this county with his family in 1844. Mr. Spencer remained in Jefferson Township two years after his mar- riage, and then came to his present home. He owns 440 acres of land, which is nicely improved and well stocked. He has been engaged in farming and feeding stock, also been engaged in stock shipping since 1853, and has been very successful. He has done much to improve the stock and agricultural resources of the county. Mrs. Spencer is a lady of more than ordinary mental ability. Previous to her marriage she taught a number of terms of school. She taught the first school in the neighborhood where she now lives, having but six pupils (all there were in the surrounding country). She also taught the first school in Kendallville, where she had enrolled about fifteen pupils. Mr. and Mrs. Spencer are reading people. Mr. Spencer is a stanch Republican.
JOHN SPOONER was born in Salem, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, May 30, 1816, one of four sons, two yet living, born to Pardon and Polly (Chapman) Spooner, who were natives respectively of Vermont and Rhode Island, but married in Ohio. The father was twice married, his first wife, Susan D. Maran- ville, bearing him seven children. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, and when sixteen years old became a sailor. For three years he sailed on Lake Erie, both as cook and common sailor. He then sailed the ocean for four years, traveling in foreign countries. He then returned to Lake Erie, where he served a number of years as mate. In 1843, he came to Noble County, locating in Washington Township, but for several years during the summer seasons still served on the lake. He was married, June 4, 1843, to Miss Martha Rawson, who was born in Pierpont, Ashtabula County, Ohio, July 18, 1817, and to them were born three children-Laflava, Jared and Mary. Jared served in the war of rebellion. Since 1852, Mr. Spooner has been engaged in farming. He owns eighty acres of good land, and is a Republican in politics. Mrs. Spooner was among the first school-teachers of Washington Township. Dur-
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ing his life as sailor, Mr. Spooner had some thrilling experiences. While first mate on board the brig " Osceola," he, with Capt. Snow and seven ship hands, left Buffalo with a partial cargo of stoves, on the evening of the 18th of Novem- ber, 1846, and when forty miles out, were run ashore in a gale eight miles west of Dunkirk, N. Y. They passed a terrible night ; and when relief was sent them from shore, ten hours after, Mr. Spooner and a seaman were the only survivers. Mr. and Mrs. Spooner are now in the enjoyment of peace and pros- perity after an eventful life of usefulness.
SAMUEL P. STEWART was born in Allegheny County, Penn., July 15, 1840. He is one of nine children born to Uriah and Margaret (Harbison) Stewart, both of whom were natives of the Keystone State. The Stewarts are of Scotch, and the Harbisons of Irish descent. Uriah Stewart, with his family, removed to Swan Township, this county, in 1857, where they have since re- sided. Samuel P. Stewart was reared upon a farm and received a common- school education. He remained at home until about twenty-three years old, when he began for himself as a farmer. He was united in marriage with Miss Susan Hooper, December 19, 1863, who was born in Allegheny County, Penn., January 19, 1841. They have had four children, three of whom are yet liv- ing, viz. : Ida M., Eva J. and John S. Mr. Stewart followed farming until 1872, when he and a brother engaged in the mercantile business at Avilla, which he still follows. He has built up a large and lucrative business. He is a stanch Republican, and a member of the Masonic Order. He has been Post- master at Avilla since 1875, and has held other positions of honor and trust.
THOMAS STOREY was born in Yorkshire, Eng., February 29, 1816, and is a son of George and Elizabeth (Sidgwick) Storey, who were natives of the County Durham and the parents of eight children. The father was a farmer and veterinary surgeon. He lived and died in his native country. Thomas Storey was reared on a farm, receiving a common-school education. When fourteen years old, hired out to the neighboring farmers for from £5 to £16 per annum. He disposed of his interests in England, and in 1839 came to Lockport, N. Y., where he remained until 1842; then came to Noble County, Ind., and the spring of 1843, entered eighty acres of land in Allen Township. In 1844, he settled here permanently. Mr. Storey was married, September 6, 1844, to Miss Mary Southworth, who was born in Lancashire, England, Octo- ber 25, 1818. Mr. and Mrs. Storey were among the early pioneers of Allen Township. Their first log cabin was 12x14 feet. Mr. Storey and wife have been hard-working and industrious people. They are faithful adherents of the Catholic Church, and are among the respected citizens of Allen Township.
MOSES and DANIEL TRYON are natives of Wayne County, Ohio, and are the sons of John and Lydia (Sadler) Tryon, the former a native of the Em- pire State and the latter of Canada. The father, in 1816, went to Wayne County, Ohio, where he was married, and ever afterward resided, following his trade, that of a wheelwright. He was a hard-working man, and reared a family of twelve children. Moses Tryon was born June 3, 1818. His education con- sisted of such as could be obtained in the log schoolhouses of that early day, and from boyhood was accustomed to hard work. He was united in marriage with Miss Catharine J. Dunfee December 29, 1836. She was born in Fred- erick County, Md., April 13, 1818. To them have been born the following children-William, Cornelius, Henry, John, James, Milton and Newton (twins), Sophia and George (twins), and Lucy J. Henry, John and James, served with distinction during the late war. In 1841, Mr. Tryon came in a two-horse wagon
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with his family to this county, locating on the land he now owns. On his arrival, he found he had left just 8 cents cash. This to a man of less nerve and energy would have been disheartening. He and wife went to work with a will, and it was not long ere they were as comfortably situated as their neigh- bors ; however, they endured many hardships and privations. Mr. Tryon and wife live upon the old homestead, where the most of their lives has been passed. They are kind-hearted, hospitable people, and have the respect of all who know them. Daniel Tryon was born February 11, 1824, and, like his brother, was raised upon a farm, receiving but a limited education. He was united in mar- riage with Miss Catharine Richey, June 4, 1848. This lady was born in Wooster, Ohio, January 15, 1830. From this union there are eight children, viz. : Delia, Emma, Mina, William, Lucina, Adda, Morton and Burton. Two years after his marriage, Mr. Tryon moved to this county, which he has ever since made his home. He owns eighty acres of well-improved land, which he has obtained by his own hard work. Both he and his brother are stanch Republicans, and are among the county's best citizens.
W. B. VAN GORDER is a native of this township. He is the son of Aaron A. and Rebecca J. (Campbell) Van Gorder, the former a native of Liv- ingston County, N. Y., and the latter of Fayette County, Penn. They came to this county in 1853, where they have since resided. They have four chil- dren, viz .: W. B., Henry J., Sarah E. and Joel C. They own a nicely im- proved farm of 280 acres. W. B. Van Gorder was reared on his father's farm, attending the home and Avilla schools during the winter months. When about twenty years of age he taught a term of school, after which he entered the Fort Wayne College, from which institution he graduated at the head of his class in the spring of 1881, excelling especially in civil engineering. He taught several terms of school while attending college, thus acquiring a thoroughly practical as well as a theoretical education. He is the Principal of the Avilla school, which under his efficient management has become one of the best in the county. He is a Republican.
HENRY VOGEDING, one of the leading merchants, is a native of Prus- sia ; born October 22, 1824. Son of Francis A. and Mary A. (Rutenfratz) Vogeding, who came to the United States in 1836, and located in Putnam County, Ohio. His father was a cooper, but during his residence in Ohio was engaged in farming ; he died ten years after settling in Putnam County. Sub- ject was the eldest of a family of seven children ; at the time of his father's death the greater portion of the care of the family rested upon him. At the age of 19 he went to Dayton, Ohio, where he remained for nearly sixteen years, following coopering most of the time, and sending home the greater portion of his earnings. He then went to Putnam County, where, for about three years he was engaged at his trade. In 1859, he came to Allen Township, where he has since resided. He engaged at coopering and farming until 1872 ; has since been actively engaged in mercantile pursuits. He carries a complete stock of dry goods, groceries, hats and caps, boots and shoes, tin and hardware, valued at $10,000; his trade is large and is steadily increasing. Mr. Voge- ding owns 87 acres of land in the township, and is a progressive and enter- prising citizen. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Siefker, November 1, 1847, at Dayton, Ohio. She is a native of Hanover, Germany, born in 1822. From this union there are five children, four now living-August, Rosena, Agnes and John; Joseph, deceased. They are members of the Catholic Church.
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ELIHU WADSWORTH was born in the city of Hartford, Conn., June 29, 1802. He is the son of David and Irene (Olcott) Wadsworth, who were born, reared and married in the city of Hartford. They removed from there to Old Portage, Summit Co., Ohio, in 1814, and here, in 1825, the mother died. To them were born a large family of children, but only six reached their majority. The father died in 1838. Elihu Wadsworth was brought up on a farm, and from early boyhood was accustomed to hard work. His education was obtained in the subscription schools of that day. He was married to Miss Phebe Ulmer December 31, 1829, born in Maine May 11, 1810. From this union there were five children, viz .: Joseph T., William F., Edwin N., Chloe E. and Henry E. Joseph T. resides in Allen Township, and is a farmer. The daughter is married, and resides in Kendallville. Henry E. resides in La Porte, Indiana, and is the editor and proprietor of the La Porte Argus. Mr. Wadsworth moved from Summit County, Ohio, to this county in 1836, arriving in Allen Township, and locating on the farm he now owns, October 20 of the same year. He has since resided here, and for the most part has been engaged in farming and stock-raising. His wife died May 28, 1874. Mr. Wadsworth has always voted with the Democratic party. He has held the offices of County Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, Township Trustee and other positions of honor and trust. He owns 120 acres of nicely-improved land.
GEORGE WEAVER was born in Richland County, Ohio, December 6, 1824, and is a son of Willian and Catharine (Stout) Weaver, who were mar- ried in Richland County, Ohio, and to them were born a family of ten children, all of whom are living. The father was a native of Virginia, and the mother of Pennsylvania. They lived a long life of usefulness, and died honored and respected citizens. George Weaver received but a common-school education ; was reared on a farm at home until he reached his majority, when he came to Noble County, driving cattle for Amos Black. This was in 1845; and, after remaining here six months, Mr. Weaver returned to Ohio, and, April 8, 1846, married Miss Elizabeth Musgrove, who was born in the same county as himself, December 13, 1830. Four children were born to this union-Allen, James, Albert and Jane. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver remained in Ohio until 1853, when they came to Noble County, where they have ever since resided. Mr. Wea- ver's early life here was one of hardship. For three years, he was afflicted with sore eyes, but by hard labor and determination has acquired 120 acres of good land, well improved. He is a Democrat, and an intelligent and enter- prising citizen.
HEMAN H. WHEELER was born July 22, 1823, in Wayne County, Penn. He is the only son of a family of twelve children born to Trueman and Hannah (Carr) Wheeler. The father was a native of Massachusetts, and the mother of Rhode Island. They both went with their parents to Wayne County, Penn., when children, where they were reared, married and resided a number of years. In 1841, Mr. Wheeler entered 175 acres where his son Heman H. now resides, and the same year came with part of his family (only four of the twelve children came with the parents), to locate upon it. Finding it wholly unimproved, he took the family to Steuben County to reside while he improved the place to 'some extent. In 1844, he came with his family to his place in Allen Township, which they have since made their home. Mr. Wheeler was a well-read man, and held, in his lifetime, many positions of honor and trust. He held the office of Justice of the Peace for twenty-five years in Pennsylvania, and it is said that during that time he had not one of his decisions reversed by any of the superior courts. He was well posted and possessed a superior mem- XX
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ory. He died April 18, 1867, aged eighty-four years, and his wife November 21, 1880, who was ninety-seven at the time of her death. Heman H. Wheeler received a common-school education, and, when a young man, taught several terms of school. He helped to clear up the place in Allen Township, while the family resided in Steuben County. He always made his home with his parents, and, during their old age, cared for them. He was married to Miss Loretta M. Mather January 4, 1848. She was born at Akron, Ohio, September 3, 1827. Five children have been born to them, three of whom are yet living, viz .: Henry W., Frank D. and Mina L. Those deceased were named Trueman S. and Frank C. Mr. Wheeler owns 460 acres of land at present, although he has owned much more at different times. He has dealt largely in cattle and hogs, shipping to Chicago and Eastern cities ; has devoted his entire time to his business. He is a thorough and practical business man ; a Republican and a prominent citizen.
ALONZO D. WHITFORD (deceased) descended from an old and re- spected New England family, his birth occurring May 3, 1810, in Otsego County, N. Y. His parents moved to Wayne County, Ohio, soon after the war of 1812, and it was here that he was reared upon his father's farm, receiving but a limited education. He was married to Miss Louisa M. Webster Decem- ber 29, 1831; she was born in the town of Putney, Vt., July 9, 1812. Her parents, Asahel and Janette Webster, moved to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1817. Mr. Whitford remained in Wayne County some three years after his marriage, and then moved to Hancock County, Ohio. In 1837, he came with his family to this county and entered 320 acres of land in Allen Township. Mr. Whit- ford was a man of more than ordinary ability and natural powers of mind. He took advanced ground on nearly all the leading issues of his day, and was a strong anti-slavery man. He died March 12, 1879. In his family were six children, viz., Mahala L., Webster, Nancy R., Almira, William H. and Alonzo M. Of these, William H. was born in Allen Township January 18, 1842. He received a good common-school education, and was united in marriage with Miss Sarah H. Hill January 27, 1869. She was born in Niagara County, N. Y., December 7, 1848. From this union there are two children, viz., Fred E. and Ethel M. Alonzo M. resides upon the old homestead with the mother. He and brother own nicely improved farms which they have well stocked. They are Republicans, and among the enterprising and progressive men of Noble County.
JOHN YEISER was born in York, Penn., November 23, 1822. He is the youngest of a family of seven children born to John and Elizabeth (Whit- mire) Yeiser, both natives of the Keystone State. They were married and re- sided in their native State until 1833, when they moved with their family to Richland County, Ohio. Here they reared their family and resided till the mother died in 1848. The father, in his old age, came to live with his son John in this county, where he died in 1867. Our subject was brought up on his father's farm, receiving a common-school education. Soon after attaining his majority, he began working at the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he followed in Ohio until 1855, when he moved to this county and purchased the farm he now owns in Allen Township. He was married to Miss Margaret Shambaugh June 3, 1848. She was born in Richland County, Ohio, February 20, 1827. They have five children, viz., George, Elizabeth C., James E., Mary E. and Frank C. Mr. Yeiser owns 180 acres of land, which he paid for with money earned working at his trade. His farm is well stocked and nicely im- proved. He is a Republican, and one of Allen Township's prominent citizens.
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ELKHART TOWNSHIP.
JOHN P. BAKER, born in Germany, is a son of John and Margaret Baker, both natives of that country, where the father died. The subject was educated in Germany, and in 1853 came to America with his mother, who died in Orange Township. Here the subject worked by the day for one year, and purchased a farm of forty acres, that he partially cleared, and upon which he built a barn, house, etc., and afterward located. He married, in 1860, Mary Stoekle, who came with her parents to Wayne Township from their native home in Wurtemberg, Germany. They lived in Orange Township until 1869, when Mr. Baker purchased one hundred acres of land in Elkhart Township, where he now lives and which he has greatly improved. It now contains a good frame residence, and all the other buildings required by the model farmer. In 1870, his wife died. Their children were John, William, Frederick and Joseph, all at home. Mr. Baker's second and present wife, Sarah J. Baker, is a native of Ohio, and daughter of Cornelius and Elizabeth Bloomfield, natives, respectively, of Ohio and Pennsylvania, who came to Orange Township in 1853, where the father died, and the mother is at present living on the old farm. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are members of the Dunker Church, and have five children-Henry, Lilly, Hattie, Winnie and Elmer.
RENWICK W. BARTLEY, M. D., spent his early life in New York City, the place of his nativity, and from 1863 to 1866 he lived in Pennsylvania ; then a year was passed in Illinois, returning to Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1869, when he went to Northern Wisconsin, and entered a drug store as clerk. After studying medicine for three and a half years, under Dr. Lacey, he took a course of lectures at the Bennett Medical College, Chicago, Ill .; then entered upon the practice of medicine in Merrimac, Wis. After a stay there of one year, he came to Wawaka in November, 1874, where he followed his profession until 1875. Then practiced one year in Brimfield, at conclusion of which the Doctor resumed his profession in Wawaka, in 1879 connecting with his practice the drug business. In June, 1878, he was married to Elizabeth M. Nimmon, whose parents were natives of Ohio Her father was an eminent physician and surgeon. One child, Karl N., has been born to the Doctor and wife. The parents of Dr. Bartley, Isaiah and Mary Bartley, were natives, respectively, of Orange County, N. Y., and of Baltimore, Md. The latter died in Washington City ; the former in Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Bartley is a mem- ber of the Brimfield Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 587. His wife of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
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