Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 104

Author: Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: 428, 502 p. : ill., ports. ;
Number of Pages: 962

USA > Indiana > Whitley County > Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 104
USA > Indiana > Noble County > Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 104

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).

C. J. WEEKS was born in Shelby County, Ohio, in 1826. Thomas Weeks, his father, is yet living on the Weeks family homestead, in Green Township. His mother, Eliza (Henderson) Weeks, died November 18, 1878, beloved by a large circle of friends. Thomas Weeks, in 1829, left the Buckeye State and emigrated to Allen County, Ind., on the Maumee River, near Fort Wayne. The State of Indiana, at that time, was but a partially settled country. Mr. Weeks and family resided in Wayne County until their removal to Noble County, in 1844, since when they have been identified with that county's his- tory. C. J. Weeks was reared in Indiana principally, his education chiefly consisting of hard labor. During his earlier manhood, he worked at the carpen- ter's trade, but has since confined his attention to farming. He was married, January 15, 1854, to Miss Alma White, and to them were born five children, viz. : Josephine (deceased), Eunice, Thomas, Dillie and Perry. He now owns the old farm, which consists of eighty acres of good land. He is a Democrat, and an honest, upright citizen. His grandfather was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was taken prisoner at Detroit, the time of Hull's surrender. The Weeks family is descended from Irish and English ancestors.

HENRY WINEBRENNER is the only child of Jacob and Catharine (Alabaugh) Winebrenner; he was born in Blair County, Penn., July 4, 1817. When but eight days old his mother died, and he went to live with his grand- parents. His father was a shoemaker, and 'shortly after his wife's death moved to Liberty, Montgomery Co., Ohio. He here married Elizabeth Shively in 1827, who bore him five children. Mr. Winebrenner also kept

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tavern, and being a veteran of the war of 1812 and of a military turn of mind, raised a company of militia and was chosen First Lieutenant. Soon after his father's second marriage, Henry Winebrenner went to live with them; and at age of fourteen was apprenticed to the tailor's trade. After serving four years, he commenced business for himself. In May, 1837, he married Lucy Edsall of Darke County, Ohio, and in 1850 came to Noble County and located on his present farm of 80 acres, which was devoid of clearing, and its present improved condition was accomplished by hard manual labor. They are the parents of nine children-Lewis, James, John, William, Norris, Howard, Oscar, Juliann and Elizabeth. Of these John and Elizabeth are dead. John enlisted in the Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served his coun- try faithfully. At the battle of Petersburg he was wounded, taken prisoner and never heard of afterward. James served in Company C, Eighty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. While out foraging, he was taken prisoner by the rebel Gen. Morgan. Being pressed by pursuers, Gen. Mor- gan paroled his prisoners, and they were sent back until exchanged. Mr. Winebrenner is an industrious, enterprising man, and a Republican. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, and are esteemed citizens.

SWAN TOWNSHIP.

THOMAS A. ANDERSON was born in Beaver County, Penn., April 15, 1813 ; the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Patton) Anderson, and grandson of William Anderson, who came from Ireland previous to the Revolutionary war, and settled in Beaver County, Penn. While living here, they were attacked by the Indians. Mr. Anderson was severely wounded, some of the family killed and others taken captive. Our subject's parents were married in the Keystone State, and always made their home in Beaver County, where they raised three sons and eight daughters. Thomas A. Anderson was raised upon his father's farm, and married Miss Jane Cooley, June 1, 1839. From this union there were eight children, viz. : Thomas, Jane, Mary J., Sarah A., Rob- ert, Elizabeth, William, and one that died in infancy. William and Robert were soldiers in the late war ; William died while in the service. Mr. Ander- son, in 1854, came to this county and purchased his present farm. His wife died in 1859. He was married to Miss Annie McCoy in 1868. She was born in Beaver County, Penn., October 25, 1828. Mr. Anderson began life as a poor boy ; he now owns 295 acres of land well improved. He is a Republican, and a member of the Presbyterian Church.

CONRAD BRICKER, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born December 12, 1807, is the son of Henry and Eve (Worman) Bricker, both natives of Maryland. Soon after their marriage, the parents moved to Little Beaver, Penn., where, the fall and winter of 1804, Mr. Bricker worked at his trade of blacksmithing. In the spring of 1805, he removed to Columbiana County, Ohio, where he raised a family of eight children, and where he and wife passed the remainder of their days. Conrad Bricker was brought up on a farm, receiving a limited education. He married Miss Susanna Hawn March 22, 1829. She was born in Frederick County, Md., November 23, 1808. They had twelve children-Jeremiah, Jehu, Conrad, Rebecca, Catharine, Cor- delia, David, Samuel and Henry B., living ; Jonathan, Elizabeth and Lydia,

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deceased. Mr. Bricker remained in his native county engaged in farming until 1843, when he came to this county, where he has since resided. He owns 161 acres of land nicely improved. He is a stanch Republican, and himself and wife are members of the M. E. Church, and are progressive, intelligent people.

SAMUEL BROUGHTON, son of Amos and Nancy (Zimmerman) Broughton, natives of Massachusetts and New York respectively, was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., August 4, 1819. His parents, in 1834, moved to Clark County, Ohio, thence to Champaign County, where the father died in 1838, at which time three of his ten children were married. Under the lead of Samuel, the oldest son at home, the family departed for this township, arriving in the fall of 1838. They had but little money and no food, but all went to work, receiving provisions of any kind as pay, and weathered through the win- ter. In 1839, Samuel returned to Ohio, and November 7 married Miss Almira Cummings, born in Logan County, Ohio, February 28, 1820. Returning with his wife, he engaged for some years in brick-making, and assisted, also, in the construction of the Lima Plank Road, and the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chi- cago Railroad through Western Ohio, and the Grand Rapids & Indiana Rail- road through Noble County. He afterward engaged in mercantile pursuits at Swan, but has latterly devoted himself to farming, stock-raising, and saw-mill- ing. His farm consists of 120 acres of good land adjoining the village. He and two sons served during the late war, and the latter were in several fierce engagements. Mr. B. is a Republican, and has held several offices. His Chris- tian mother died February 27, 1876. His children numbered seven-Delmer, Bela, Lucy A., Lois O., Samuel and Oliver P. M., living, and William, de- ceased.

MATTHEW CLARK is a native of Orleans County, N. Y., born April 3, 1827. His father, Jonathan Clark, was a native of the Bay State, and his mother, whose maiden name was Eliza Stevens, was a native of Vermont. They were married in New York State, and located on a farm in Orleans Coun- ty, where they spent their entire lives, and reared a family of eight children. The father died October 2, 1866, and was followed by his wife June 24, 1875. In early life, Mr. Clark was a common seaman, visited a number of foreign countries, and became a man of extended information. During the war of 1812, his vessel was for a long time blockaded at the port of Valparaiso, South America. Matthew Clark was reared on a farm, and was married in his native State, March 29, 1846, to Miss Mary A. Shaw, who was born July 5, 1824, in Windsor County, Vt. In 1848, Mr. Clark and wife moved upon 100 acres of land in Swan Township. They were industrious, and in a few years found themselves surrounded with life's comforts. Five children have been born to them, viz .: Harvey E., Charley A. and Nellie E., living ; Ellen A. and an in- fant son, deceased. Mr. Clark owns 188 acres of nicely-improved land, is a Republican, and a self-made man.

ROBERT S. COOLEY is a native of Beaver County, Penn., born De- cember 12, 1822, one of ten children born to Robert and Jane (Smith) Cooley, who were natives of the Keystone State. The father was a farmer and black- smith ; both were industrious, and passed almost their entire married life in Beaver County. Our subject was raised upon a farm, receiving the usual edu- cation of that early day. He married Miss Martha J. Moore February 10, 1848. She was born in Washington County, Penn., August 10, 1824. Of the children from this union three are living, viz., Elizabeth E., Frank and Calvin. Those deceased are Russell M., William P., James L. and Martha J.

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Mr. Cooley remained in his native county until 1852, when he moved to Jef- ferson County, Ohio, and in 1864 came to his present location and engaged in farming and stock-raising. He owns 220 acres of good land, upon which he has comfortable buildings. All this he has accumulated by hard work and strict economy. He liberally contributes to all worthy enterprises. From an Old-Line Whig and anti-slavery man he became a Republican. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church, and have the respect of all who know them.

EPHRAIM CRAMER is a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., born March 18, 1822, one of five children born to Conrad and Elizabeth (Rickard) Cramer ; both natives of the Empire State, where they were married, and resided until 1834, when they came to Swan Township. Here the mother died in 1835 and the father in 1878. Ephraim Cramer was brought up to hard work, receiving but a limited education. Soon after reaching his majority, he began for himself as a farmer and shoemaker, which he followed until about 1851. He then for three years engaged in saw-milling, after which he embarked in mercantile business at Swan, where for most part he has since resided. In 1846, he married Miss Cordelia A. Broughton, who was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., in 1824. Their children were Miles E., Mary A., Arthur and Edwin, living : Eugene, Merritt, William and Ida, deceased. Mr. Cramer is a Republican, and has been village Postmaster for over twenty-five years, besides filling other positions. He has carved his own fortune and bears an honored reputation.

NATHAN B. CROTHERS was born in Ontario County, N. Y., De- cember 15, 1821, the son of William B. and Melinda (Barton) Crothers, the former being a New Yorker and the latter a native of the Bay State. They were married in New York, and removed from there to Geauga County, Ohio, in 1830, where they raised a family of seven children, and where the father died in 1846 and the mother in 1851. Nathan B. was brought up on a farm and to hard work. When about twenty years of age he began working by the month as a farm-hand in the neighborhood. In 1845, he came to this county, . and purchased eighty acres of land in Green Township, upon which he lived six years, and then bought his present place in Swan Township, where he has since resided. He was married January 7, 1847, to Miss Rebecca Strous, born in Allegheny County, Penn., October 27, 1825. Six children have been born to them, viz .: Melinda A., Mary E., Edwin E., Rebecca A. and Frank, living ; Charles A., deceased. Mr. Crothers began life as a poor boy, and is a self-made man. He owns 174 acres of land, which is well improved. He is a Republican, and a member of the Lutheran Church.

JOHN DRAKE was born in Northumberland County, Penn., December 17, 1815. At the age of eight years, he was left an orphan. When about seventeen years of age, he began working at the carpenter trade in his native county. Soon after reaching his majority, he went to Erie County, Penn., where he worked at his trade until he came to this county in 1844. He built one of the first saw-mills in Swan Township, and worked at milling and his trade until the close of the late war, since which time he has been engaged in farming, stock-raising and lumbering. He was united in marriage to Miss Maryetta Bauce in 1839, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1813. Five chil- dren have been born to them, viz .: Rollin W., Susan A., Mary A., Newton O. and Frank. Rollin W. served his country during the late war. He was taken prisoner, and was in Andersonville some five months. Mr. Drake owns 220

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acres of land, well improved. He is a self-made and self-educated man ; was a Whig, and is now a Republican, and has been an active antagonist of the great social evil-intemperance.

REV. F. X. EGE is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, born January 6, 1849, and son of Francis X. and Mary A. (Steinhouser) Ege, who were the parents of six children, and natives of Wurtemberg. The father was in the service of the Government as forester. His son, the subject of this sketch, was sent to school at the age of six years, continuing in the parish until fourteen, when for three years he attended a higher school, and then went to Austria, where he took a three years' course at the Gymnasium at Feldkirch. In 1869, he came to the United States, proceeding to Milwaukee, Wis., where for seven years he attended the Seminary of St. Francis. June 10, 1876, he was or- dained a minister of the Catholic Church, by Bishop Dwenger, at Fort Wayne, and was given charge of St. Anthony's Church at Earl Park, Benton County, Ind. In 1878, he came to Swan Township, and took charge of the Immac- ulate Conception Church, B. M. V., and also assumed the ministration of the Sacred Heart Church (Catholic) at Albion. Mr. Ege is a man of fine mental and moral attainments, and under his ministration the church has increased in numbers and wealth. His admirable qualities of mind and heart render him of incalculable usefulness to the Catholic Church and an ornament to society.

GEORGE FULK was born in Licking County, Ohio, in 1815, the son of Adam and Mary M. (Dispeny) Fulk, both of whom were natives of the Shenan- doah Valley, Virginia. In 1806, they moved to Licking County, Ohio, and, in 1836, came to this county and settled in Swan Township, entering 2,320 acres of land. In the family were five sons and six daughters, and to each of them he gave a quarter-section. Mr. Fulk brought considerable money to the coun- try with him, and his poorer neighbors found in him a never-failing friend. He was a man of great physical power, correct habits, and lived to be nearly one hundred and five years of age, and was buried on the home farm. George Fulk was reared on a farm, receiving a limited education. He always remained at home, and has cared for his aged parents ; and he is spoken of as an industrious and honest gentleman. He lives with his sister upon the old homestead, which consists of 295 acres of well-improved land. He has always been a Democrat, though not active in political matters.

JOHN C. GAUS was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, December 20, 1815, the son of John G. and Annie M. (Staudenmier) Gaus, both natives of Wurtem- berg. The father was a weaver and died when John C. was about twenty years' of age. The latter, in 1839, came with the family to the United States ; some found employment in New York City, the others came to Massillon, Ohio. In 1843, John C. came West and purchased land in Swan Township, where he lo- cated permanently in 1845. He was married in Massillon, Ohio, August 22, 1843, to Miss Anna M. Barth, born in Germany December 16, 1816. They had ten children, five of whom are living, viz., John G., John C., Anna M., Catharine and Phillip M .; five sons died in infancy. In 1849, Mr. Gaus took a contract to build two and a quarter miles of the Lima Plank road. He also had a contract on the Eel River Railroad, but the company broke up and Mr. Gaus lost about $1,500. He helped to build the P., Ft. W. & C. R. R. through " a portion of Ohio, and, in 1856, took a contract to build twenty-five miles of fence on the Lake Shore road. He is a thorough business man, and has been reasonably successful. He owns 220 acres of land which is nicely improved and well stocked, and is a Democrat.

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JOHN S. HOOPER was born in Allegheny County, Penn:, November 30, 1835, the son of William and Susan (Springer) Hooper, who were natives of the Keystone State. They raised five sons and one daughter, and removed to their present location in 1857, where they have since lived. Mr. Hooper is a quiet, unassuming man, never aspiring to any political prominence, but devoting his entire time to the improvement of his farm and the development of his neighbor- hood morally, intellectually, and otherwise. John S. Hooper was raised upon a farm, receiving a common-school education. He was married to Miss Jane King April 19, 1866. This lady is the daughter of Hiram King, Esq., one of the first settlers of Swan Township, and was born in Portage County, Ohio, October 17, 1833. Mr. Hooper owns 275 acres of good land in Swan Town- ship. He is a successful farmer and stock-grower, and has some of the best cattle, sheep and hogs in the township. He is a stanch Republican, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and an intelligent, reading man.

IRA M. KING was born September 18, 1828, in Portage County, Ohio, one of six children born to Hiram and Catherine (Low) King, natives of the Empire State, where they were married, and from where, in 1820, they moved to Painesville, Ohio, and from there in about six years to Portage County, and thence to Carroll County. In 1836, Mr. King came to Swan Township, en- tered about a section of land, erected a log cabin, made a small clearing, and the next year brought out his family in a buggy, and household goods in wag- ons. This is said to have been the first buggy in the township. He also brought considerable money and a stock of goods, selling the latter on his home place. He was a strong anti-slavery man, and a member of the Old School Presbyterian Church. He died April 16, 1866. His wife survives him at an advanced age. Ira M. King was educated in the schools of the early day. January 2, 1854, he married Miss Jane Perry, daughter of Oliver L. Perry, and was born in the Empire State May 8, 1834. Their children are Imogene, Oliver P. and John E. Mrs. King died July 24, 1860. On the 14th of Feb- ruary, 1861, Mr. King was married to Miss Catharine Haynes, born October 2, 1834, in Pennsylvania. They had seven children-Arthur L., Milton E., Frank E., Lily C., Elton J., Alfred H. and Lloyd E. Mr. King owns a farm of 225 acres, raises good stock and is successful in his calling. He is a Repub- lican.

JAMES H. KNISS was born August 13, 1839, in Shelby Coun- ty, Ohio, and was the only child of Samuel and Nancy (Hathaway) Kniss. When James H. was about one year of age, his mother died, and he lived for some time with her people. In about 1850, Samuel Kniss, with his son, came to Allen County, Ind. Here the latter was raised upon a farm. receiving a common-school education. In April of 1861, he enlisted for one year in Com- pany F, Twelfth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and after serving his time was discharged. In the fall of 1862, he again enlisted in Company E, Eighty- eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He saw much active service, and well and faithfully served his country for about five years. He married Miss Sophia Snyder February 21, 1867. She was born in Allen County, Ind., September 13, 1851. Six children were born to them-Alnora, Alberta, Samuel O., Dessa M., and two that died in infancy. Mr. Kniss engaged in agricultural pursuits in Allen County, where he remained until 1876, when he came to La Otto, which has since been his home. He was elected Justice of the Peace soon after coming to La Otto, and has made an efficient and popular official. He is a Democrat, and a member of the Lu-

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theran Church ; owns 100 acres of land in Swan Township and nicely-im- proved home property in La Otto, and is one of the leading men of the town- ship.

ARCHIBALD MILLER, born July 24, 1824, in County Derry, Ire- land, is a son of John and Elizabeth (Scott) Miller, natives of the Emerald Isle, where they were married, and where were born to them four sons and five daughters. They were members of the Presbyterian Church. The father died in 1836, and eight years later the widow, with seven of the children, came to this country, and after living about a year in Allegheny County, Penn., moved to Beaver County. Here the mother died in 1866, and here a number of her descendants yet live. Archibald assisted in the care of the family until he was about twenty-two years of age, when he went to Pittsburgh, and was employed in a commission house. He was then overseer of Lock No. 1 on the Mononga- hela River two years, and then ran a saw-mill until 1856, when he went by way of the Isthmus to California, and was engaged in mining until 1862, returning to Pittsburgh, where for two years he ran a saw-mill. In 1864, he came to this county and purchased his present farm ; he owns 145 acres. Mr. Miller mar- ried his first wife, Miss Margaret Hains, in 1851; she died in 1855, leaving two children-Mary and John. In 1862, he married Miss Matilda Mateere. She was born in Beaver County, Penn., March 20, 1842 ; they had seven chil- dren, viz .: Stephen T., John M., James S., Robert C., Joseph, Sarah E. and Anna M. Mr. Miller is a Democrat, and a member of the Presbyterian Church.

JOHN MILLER was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 14, 1827, the only child of John and Gertrude Miller. When about four years of age his father died, and his mother married George Gutermuth. In 1837, they emigrated to the United States, and located at Canal Fulton, Ohio, where they remained about nine years, then moved to Adams County, Ind., young Miller accompa- nying them. In 1847, he came to Noble County, and for one year worked at any honest employment he could find ; subsequently worked at the carpenter's trade. In 1851, he went to Columbiana County, Ohio, and from there to Ma- honing County, where he worked at cabinet making. In 1852, he returned to Indiana, and for two years worked at his trade in De Kalb County. He then purchased ten acres of land in Swan Township, where he followed cabinet- making until 1872, when he came to La Otto, and erected a bedstead factory, saw and planing-mill, which he has since successfully operated. Mr. Miller married Miss Mary, daughter of Jonathan Simon, Esq., October 5, 1854. She was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, October 10, 1837. They have had nine children, viz. : Rebecca J., Rachel G., Mary E., John W. and Arvilla I., living : Josiah, George, David and Louisa, deceased. Mr. Miller is a self- made man, a Republican, and an earnest advocate of the temperance cause.

REV. JOSEPH P. MOORE, born August 5, 1820, in Washington County, Penn., is the son of Russell and Elizabeth (Scott) Moore, both natives of the Keystone State. The father was a farmer, and was born upon the place he afterward owned, and where he resided during his entire lifetime. He died in 1880, at an advanced age. His wife died in 1837. Joseph P. assisted upon the farm until seventeen years of age, when he entered Jefferson College, · of Cannonsburgh, Penn., and graduated in 1843. He taught in various places until 1850, when he accepted the principalship of the Collegiate Institute of Pittsburgh, remaining at the head of this institution until his health failed. He moved to this county in 1865, and purchased ninety-five acres of land in

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Swan Township, upon which he has since resided. He married Miss Mary Bigger March 28, 1844. She was born in Beaver County, Penn., May 14, 1823. They had six children, viz. : Mary E., Martha J., Melissa E., Joseph H., William C. and Annie L. Mrs. Moore died November 28, 1872. She was a faithful wife, a kind mother, and a consistant Christian. Mr. Moore was ordained a minister of the Presbyterian Church in 1860, and since coming to Indiana, has had charge of congregations at Albion, Avilla and other points. Probably the leading characteristic of Mr. Moore as an educator, was his skill in directing young minds, and he was particularly successful in influencing the wayward.

OLIVER L. PERRY, deceased, was born in the " Empire State," where he married Miss Mary Frances, a native of Litchfield County, Conn. In 1836, they came with ox-teams through Canada to Steuben County, Ind., where, finding the tract of land he wanted already taken, he left his family, went to Fort Wayne, and entered 160 acres in Section 36, this township, to which he moved his family in 1836. Mr. Perry helped to organize Swan Township, and was one of its first officers, and also served as County Commis- sioner, and during his entire official career acquitted himself with credit. They had the following children-Isabel J., Jane, George, Irene, Caroline, Mary P., Annis L. and Jay F. Mr. Perry died in 1860, and his wife December 17, 1876. Mrs. Perry was a zealous Christian. George Perry was born in Swan Township, March 21, 1839, and raised on the farm with a common education. He married Miss Rose Nickey May 2, 1869. She was born in Ross County, Ohio, October 20, 1836. He and wife are earnest advocates of the temper- ance cause and other reforms. Jay F. Perry was born in Swan Township March 23, 1852, and has always remained on the old homestead. He was married to Miss Ella R. Rundles June 29, 1875. She was born in Allen County, Ind., October 30, 1848. They have had three children-Thadeus R. and Oliver Z., living; Jay F., deceased. Mr. Perry owns 215 acres of land. Is a Republican and an enterprising gentleman.

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Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 104

Author: Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900 Publication date: 1882 Publisher: 428, 502 p. : ill., ports. ; Number of Pages: 962

Author: Goodspeed, Weston Arthur, 1852-1926; Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: 428, 502 p. : ill., ports. ;
Number of Pages: 962