Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 32

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 32
USA > Indiana > Noble County > Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 32

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).

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deceased. In 1847, Frederick and his brother Hamilton came to this county and purchased some land, paying $3.50 per acre for it. They then went back to Ohio, and in 1850 both came to this county and located on their land. At the time of marriage, Frederick had no property. He has always worked hard and has accumulated considerable wealth. He now owns 120 acres of land and a nice and comfortable home in South Whitley. He has given liberally to his children. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the U. B. Church. Hamilton Pence left home when thirteen years of age, and up to the time of marriage had little or no means ahead. He worked by day, month and job. He and brother Frederick would chop cord wood at 25 cents per cord and make rails at 25 cents per hundred, taking in pay wheat, corn whisky or anything they could convert into money. In 1850, Hamilton came to this county and located on what is now the Goble farm, in Cleveland Town- ship. He was married in Champaign County, Ohio, July 24, 1844, to Miss Sarah Harbour. She was born in Champaign County, Ohio, August 8, 1819. From this union there were six children, two of whom are now living, viz., Allen and Joseph. Those deceased were, Lovina, Tamson, Richard and Jason. Allen served his country in the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the late war. Hamilton Pence, after his marriage, lived with his father-in-law some time, then moved on a small place belonging to him, where he remained until 1845, when he moved to Jefferson County, Iowa, but after living there about a year, and in Illinois, near Springfield, some months, returned to Ohio, where he remained till he came to this county in 1850. After living some years in Cleveland Township and clearing ninety acres of land, he sold it and went to Champaign County, Ohio, and purchased his father-in-law's farm, but after a year sold that, and again came to this county, where he has since resided. He owned 320 acres of land, but has given 160 of it to his sons. He is a Republican, and a member of the U. B. Church. In taking a retrospective view of the life, success and acquirements of the Pence brothers, it can be truly said of them that they were self-made men. They began life as very poor boys, but by hard work and economy, coupled with strict honesty and straight dealings, have made for themselves and families comfortable homes and secured an enviable reputation among the people with whom they have lived, and in the county which they have helped to improve. They were stanch Union men during the late war, contributing over $1,500 for sanitary and other purposes. They are ever ready to help the weak and oppressed, and have liberally contributed to all religious, educational and other worthy enterprises.

SAMUEL PRITCHARD was born in Stark County, Ohio, June 12, 1840, one of a family of seven sons and six daughters born to Noah and Mar- garet (Rhinehart) Pritchard, natives respectively of Virginia and Maryland. They were married in Stark County, and moved from there to this township in 1848. The father died January 7, 1881, and the mother now resides in Rich-

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land Township. Of the seven sons, three served in the Union army during the late war. When about twenty years old, our subject entered a grist-mill at Collamer, and two years later engaged in Arnold Bros.' mill, at South Whit- ley. In 1863, he enlisted in Company E, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served through the war. For two years after his return, he worked in a mill, and then went to Arnold Bros.' again, and remained with them about ten years. Then he started in the grocery trade at South Whitley, and in 1880 he and John Glassley built a two-story brick store, one-half of which he now occupies, and also owns a comfortable home in the village. De- cember 29, 1869, he married Miss Mary Ramsey, born in Bluffton, Ind., Sep- tember 18, 1848, and to them have been born three children, viz .: Orphia L., Myrtle B. and Lodie M. Mr. Pritchard is a member of the M. E. Church ; is a useful and enterprising citizen, and is a Republican.

FRANCIS S. REMINGTON was born in Hartford County, Conn., August 31, 1836, the son of Jonathan and Elethia (Sikes) Remington, natives of said State, who moved to Ohio in 1842, and settled in Akron, Summit County, where they have ever since resided. The father was a farmer, as well as wagon and carriage maker, and was the parent of eight children, three of whom are yet living. Our subject was reared in the city of Akron, where he received a good common-school education, and learned to be a printer in the Beacon office, beginning when about fifteen years old, and following the busi- ness until 1868. He came to Wayne County, Ind., in 1861, and for some time conducted a newspaper there, but has not done much in the newspaper line since 1865, competent and practical though he was. He was engaged in the insurance business for some time, and in the fall of 1871 came to South Whitley and entered into the hardware trade, which he still continues. In November, 1864, he married Miss Clara A. Snow, who was born in Franklin County, Ind., in 1845, and to their union have been born five children-Ella, Mary D., Cora S., Nora S. and James E. Mr. Remington is a member of the M. E. Church, is an Odd Fellow, and in politics a Republican. He is a good scholar and an enterprising business man, and is liberal in his contributions in aid of schools, churches and other laudable undertakings.

RICHARD RITTER was born in Champaign County, Ohio, February 2, 1819, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Harbour) Ritter. The father was born in Kentucky, but moved, when a boy, with his parents to Ross County, Ohio, and was here reared ; but, while still a young man, went to Champaign County, and there enlisted and served in the war of 1812. He married in Cham- paign County, held there numerous official positions, was Captain in the State Militia and a leading and influential citizen, and father of nine children. At an early day, he came to Whitley County and entered 320 acres of land in this township and 160 in Washington Township. In 1840, he gave 160 acres of the Cleveland Township land to our subject, who that year came out to see the property and get the deed recorded, and make some improvements. Our sub-

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ject then returned to Ohio, and, until 1844, alternated between the two States till he was fully prepared to move here permanently. September 15, 1842, he married Sarah Kiser, who was born in Clark County, Ohio, in 1821. In 1844, he came to live on the land alluded to above, which he has since made his home, and has well improved. In 1862, Mrs. Ritter died, the mother of nine chil- dren, four of whom are yet living-James, Elijah, Catherine and Emeline ; those deceased were Perry, Jane, Landora, Eldora and John. Of the sons, James served during the late war in the Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer In- fantry, and Elijah in the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth, and were both good soldiers. Mr. Ritter has always followed farming and stock-raising ; is a Dem- ocrat ; has held several township offices, and is a good and useful citizen.

SAMUEL ROBBINS was born in St. Joseph County, Ind., April 30, 1841, the son of John and Precious (Jenkins) Robbins, natives of Miami County, where they were married, and whence they moved in an early day to St. Joseph County, where the father entered a tract of land, on which he still resides. He was twice married, his second wife being Rachel Jackson, and there were born to him twelve children, six by each wife. He is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and has held several positions of honor and trust. Our subject was reared a farmer and received an academic education. In the spring of 1861, he went to Kankakee County, Ill., and in the following August enlisted in Company D, Forty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was almost immediately sent to the front. He was at Farmington and Stone River. At the latter fight he was captured, and was held prisoner twenty- eight days, fifteen of these being spent in Libby Prison ; he was then paroled; subsequently exchanged, and then he returned to his regiment, at that time at Murfreesboro. He took part in the battles of Chickamauga, in and around Atlanta, and at Mission Ridge, at the last receiving a wound from a minie ball, which struck him just above the heart, shattering several ribs and the left shoulder joint. This disqualified him for further service, and, after thirteen months' treatment in the hospital, he returned to his father's in St. Joseph County, where he remained a year; then served as clerk in a drug store in South Bend a year, then came to South Whitley for awhile, thence he went to Elwood, Will County, Ill., where he remained for two years in the drug trade, and then returned to South Whitley ; acted as station agent for the Eel River Railroad County two years, and then entered the drug business again. In 1879, he erected a two-story brick business building in South Whitley, and a year later sold one-half interest to Dr. E. Merriman, and together they now conduct a drug trade. In 1872, Mr. Robbins was appointed Postmaster at South Whitley, and he still fills the position. April 16, 1874, he married Miss Ellen M. Hower, born in this county August 8, 1855, and to their union have been born two children-Maud E. and Charles W. Mr. Robbins is a reading man, a Republican, and one of the county's useful citizens.

JAMES M. RUNKLE was born in Mad River Township, Champaign

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County, Ohio, January 22, 1837, the son of David and Margaret (Frisinger) Runkle, natives respectively of Virginia and Kentucky, and married in Cham- paign County, Ohio, of which portion of the State Peter Runkle, our subject's grandfather, was one of the earliest settlers. David Runkle, our subject's father, was born in 1800; died January 22, 1878, having served as a Baptist minister over fifty-six years. His mother, Margaret Runkle, was born in 1810, and is still living in Ohio. They were the parents of five children, of whom our subject is the youngest. Reared a farmer, our subject while yet a young man took charge of his father's farm, which he operated till 1861, when he came to this township and purchased the farm he now occupies. January 12, 1860, he married Miss Mahala Pence, who was born in Champaign County, Ohio, September 1, 1842, and to their union have been born six children- Laura C., Charles F., Wiley A., Viletia M., Avilla B. and one that died in in- fancy. About five years after coming to this county, Mr. Runkle engaged in the saw-mill and lumber business, which he successfully carried on, and has been more or less engaged in ever since ; he has also handled real estate and live stock, and has been fortunate in all his transactions, although, being a man of generous impulses, he has lost heavily by going security for others, but still owns a nicely improved farm and other property. He is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity ; is a Democrat, and has held a number of township offices, and is altogether a valuable citizen.

ANDREW SHORB was born in York County, Penn., September 20, 1809, the son of Adam and Mary (Miller) Shorb, both born, reared and mar- ried in the county named, and the parents of twelve children, ten of whom lived to reach their majority. Our subject lived on his father's farm till twenty-two years old, and August 7, 1831, married Miss Mary Phillips, who was also born in York County February 11, 1813. In 1832, they moved to Stark County, Ohio, and engaged in farming some ten years. In .1842, they came to this county ; spent the winter with Henry Myers in this township, and then settled in the southeastern part of Richland. On coming to this county, they brought with them a two-horse team, some household goods, and 150 head of sheep. The last Mr. Shorb disposed of, and two years later (1844), he went to Wayne County, Ind., and purchased 300 head, which he also disposed of in this coun- ty. These were probably the first large flocks of sheep brought to the county. In 1869, being tired of farming, Mr. Shorb moved to Larwill, where he lived in quiet about six years ; he then moved to his present home near Collamer. Beginning life with nothing, he has, by untiring industry and sagacious man- agement, secured a competency. He has given his children over five hundred acres of land, and still owns 215 acres, and has, in addition, had his children well educated. He and wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and are among the most respected citizens of the community. Their children are named as follows : Lavinia, Henry J., Nathaniel G., Matilda, Justus A., Melinda, Andrew J., Jeremiah, Thomas J., Eliza A., Miranda M., Sarah J. and Mary E.

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CHARLES SHUH was born in Clark County, Ohio, March 11, 1841. His father, John Shuh, was born in Bavaria, came to this country in 1838, was married in Ohio to Miss Margaret Shaffner, also a native of Germany, and came to this county in 1856, settling in Troy (now a part of Richland) Township. Our subject was reared on a farm, and soon after reaching his majority visited Illinois, where he was at the breaking-out of the late war. He enlisted in Company C, Seventy-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and with his regiment was in the battles at Perryville, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville, and in all the battles in which the Seventy-fifth, of which he was color-bearer, was engaged, except Stone River. After the war, he came to this county and for some time operated a saw-mill for his father, and subsequently bought it, ran it in Richland Township till 1871, moved it to South Whitley and added planing-mill, and now deals in all kinds of hard and soft lumber. January 1, 1867, he married Miss Martha Huston, who was born in this county, January 30, 1841, and to their union have been born four children, viz .: Charles L., Margaret F., Albert R. and Wallace M. Until 1872, Mr. Shuh was Democratic in his political faith, but since that year has voted with the Republicans. He is a member of the Bap- tist Church and a good citizen.

ANDREW W. SICKAFOOSE was born in Stark County, Ohio, Feb- ruary 13, 1821, the son of George and Margaret (Wagner) Sickafoose, natives of Pennsylvania, and married in that State, whence they emigrated to Stark County in about 1817, and settled in Pike Township. The father, who had served in the war of 1812, died July 7, 1840, and his wife followed in 1850. Our subject was reared on the farm, but on reaching his majority learned the blacksmith's trade, and assisted in caring for the family after his mother's death. January 24, 1847, in Stark County, he married Miss Mary Mc Donald, born in Canton, Ohio, August 13, 1825, and to their union were born four children, viz. : Marion, Ellie, Laura and Electa. In 1851, he brought his family to this county, and a year later began working at his trade in South Whitley, where he has since remained, and now owns a pretty home in the village and 160 acres of good land in the township. In politics, he formerly affiliated with the Whig party, but joined the standard of the Republicans at an early day. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

SAMUEL H. SICKAFOOSE was born in Stark County, Ohio, April 19, 1836, one of twelve children born to John and Margaret (Swartwood) Sickafoose, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and New England, and mar- ried in Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Stark County in 1817, and in 1838 to this township, where the father entered 320 acres of land on Section 35, coming in a three-horse wagon and bringing his wife and ten children, of whom our subject was the youngest. They were among the first to settle in that part of the county, and were compelled to endure all the privations and

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hardships of pioneer life. The father had been Justice of the Peace in Ohio, and also filled the same office in this township a number of years. He and wife were industrious people and members of the church, and reared to sobriety and virtue their large family, many of whom still reside in this county and are recognized as among its best citizens. The father died in 1875, and was followed by the mother two years later. Our subject, who was reared on the farm, married Miss Catharine A. Holm, November 12, 1858. She was born in Stark County, Ohio, June 30, 1837. To this union have been born four children, viz. : Mary M., David H., Harriet H. and an infant son. Subject followed carpentering for ten years, lumbering and saw-milling six years, man- ufactured wagons and carriages at South Whitley for some time, and has also been engaged in mercantile business and hotel keeping in South Whitley, where he now owns a good business house and a nice home, and other valuable property. He served in Company I, One Hundred and Fifty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, from the spring of 1865 till the close of the late war ; he is a stanch Republican, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church.

LEWIS M. STEWARD was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, September 20, 1816, the son of Zadok and Mary (Miller) Steward, natives respectively of Wales and Germany. They were married in Virginia, and moved to Cincin- nati in early times, and there the father conducted a mill and distillery. He was a soldier of the war of 1812, and served under Harrison at Tippecanoe and in other fights, and died at his home about 1824, when our subject was eight years old. The orphaned boy, by working at odd jobs, saving his money, attending school at times and studying hard, acquired a good education, and began teaching school while still young. In 1848, he came to this county, bought eighty acres of land, where he now lives, and moved upon it in 1849. In 1838, he married Miss Hannah Harbour, born in Virginia in 1820, and they became the parents of seven children, viz., Robert J., Theodore, Catharine, Joseph, Oliver P. and two that died in infancy. Mrs. Steward died in 1854, and in 1856 our subject married Mrs. Hannah Parrett, who was born in Lick- ing County, Ohio, in 1822, the daughter of Abraham Grable, one of the pio- neers of Whitley County, and its first Treasurer. To this marriage were born six children, viz., Roseltha M., Franklin D., Ettie, Clara, Claud Maud and Jennie B. During the late war, Robert J. and Theodore were both in the Union army. Our subject now owns over two hundred acres of well-improved land adjoining South Whitley, and has held the office of Justice of the Peace for six- teen years. He is a Democrat, and a member of the M. E. Church.

OLIVER P. STEWART was born in Champaign County, Ohio, October 13, 1848, the son of Lewis M. and Hannah (Harbour) Stewart, natives of Ohio. They came to this county in 1849, and settled on their present farm adjoining the village of South Whitley. Our subject, Oliver P., was reared on a farm, but at the age of seventeen began teaching school. In 1871, he entered the

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" Ohio Wesleyan University of Delaware," Ohio, was sufficiently advanced to enter the Sophomore class, and graduated in 1874. Soon after, he took up the study of law, and in a few years was admitted to the bar, since when he has practiced in all the courts of the county ; is well posted in his profession, and is located at South Whitley. September 29, 1881, he married Miss Bell Bechtol, who was born in this county May 7, 1856. He is a Democrat, and, in the spring of 1882, was nominated for the office of County Treasurer. He is a Notary Public, and is regarded as a young man of ability and progressive ideas.

JEREMIAH STIVER was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, August 8, 1832, the son of William and Harriet (Sterling) Stiver, who were born, reared and married near Harrisburg, Penn., and who, in 1830, moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, and thence, in 1848, to this township, where they located on the farm now owned by Stephen Gleason, and where they ended their days, the parents'of five sons and three daughters. The father was a carpenter, which trade he followed the greater part of his time, although he owned a farm. He built many of the dwellings and barns in this and adjoin- ing townships, which stand to-day monuments of his skill and industry. In 1860, he died, his wife having preceded him ten years. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, receiving his education in the log schoolhouses of that day, and he and his brothers cultivating the land while the father was away working at his trade. March 18, 1856, he married Miss Catharine Obenchain, who was born in this township March 31, 1836, and by this union became the father of seven children-George W., Samantha J., Charles S., Mary, Flora C., Emro J. C. and Joseph R. Mrs. Stiver died January 24, 1869, and Mr. Stiver, July 4, 1869, married Miss Sarah E. Young, who was born in Summit County, Ohio, October 6, 1846. To this union were born nine children- Minerva, Dora E., William H., Chloe M., Jessie B., Sarah A., Franklin I. and Harry I. (twin brothers) and a daughter that died in infancy. Mr. Stiver has always followed farming, and owns 105 acres of well-improved land. He is a member of the Masonic order, and of the A. O. U. W., and, in politics, is a Democrat.

JOHN N. STULTS was born in Stark County, Ohio, November 7, 1838, and is one of five children born to Samuel and Margaret (Failor) Stults, natives of Pennsylvania. They were married in Stark County, where the father followed farming till his death in 1849, and where the mother still resides a widow. Our subject helped care for the family till of age, in the meantime attending school at Canton, Ohio, and also Mount Union College. In 1862, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Seventh Ohio Volun- teer Infantry, and served two years in the late war, being present at Chancel- lorsville, Gettysburg, Fort Wagner and several lesser engagements, and the last year serving as Regimental Quartermaster. In 1865, he came to this town- ship and engaged in lumbering and milling. In 1879, he engaged in mercan- tile business in South Whitley, and now carries $10,000 worth of general

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store goods. He has a large two-story brick business house, and other valuable property. August 24, 1866, he married Miss Nancy J. Pence, who was born in Champaign County, Ohio, February 3, 1849, and to their union have been born four children-Stella, Minnie M., Winifred and Nellie. Mr. Stults is a Republican and a Mason, and is, in the usual sense of the word, a self-made man, an enterprising and public-spirited citizen, and has built up his still increasing trade by fair dealing and strict attention to business.

BENJAMIN W. TODD was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, the son of Samuel and Sarah Todd. His father came from Maryland and his mother from Germany, and they were married in the county of our subject's birth, and died in Van Wert, leaving twelve children. Benjamin W. worked on his father's farm till his majority was reached, and then began life on his own account. In 1843, he married Miss Rachel Goodin, a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1817, and to their union were born nine children-Samuel G., Sarah, Josiah B., Orpedill, Matilda A., Truman B., Stilman C., Mary A. and Frances. He farmed in Ohio till 1845, when he came to this township with his family and located on the farm he now owns, and experienced all the cares, toil and suffer- ings of pioneer life, he and wife at one time being ill two days and nights and receiving only the attention their little ones could give. Fortunately they were discovered by a hunter, who procured a doctor and other assistance. His farm now comprises 120 acres good land, well improved. Mrs. Todd died May 29, 1874, regretted by all who knew her. Our subject is a Democrat, is a member of the M. E. Church, and is one of the county's oldest and most respected citizens.

PETER TRESSLER was born in Bavaria, Germany, February 25, 1824, the son of Michael and Louisa (Foreman) Tressler, who came to the United States in 1827 and located in Sandy Township, Stark County, Ohio, where the father died a year later, leaving his wife and ten children in somewhat des- titute circumstances. The mother, however, succeeded in rearing her large family in a creditable manner, and then departed this life in 1848. Our sub- ject remained with and lent his aid to the support of the family and his mother till her death. November 12, 1848, he married Miss Eliza Reed, who was born in Berks County, Penn., February 27, 1825, and to their union have been born five children-Lavina, Emma, Adaline, Simon and Abraham. Mr. Tressler remained on a farm in Ohio till 1853, when he brought his family to this county, located three miles southwest of South Whitley, farmed there till 1865, and then purchased the present well-improved farm of eighty acres near the village. Mr. and Mrs. Tressler began married life with no means, but through their united industry and economy have secured a comfortable home. Mr. Tressler is a man of broad views, is a liberal subscriber to periodical litera- ture, is a well-informed and useful citizen and a stanch Republican.

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Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 32

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