Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 79

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 79
USA > Indiana > Noble County > Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 79

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).

HENRY J. STICHT, Union Carriage Manufactory, is a son of John M. Sticht, a native of Germany, who came to America about 1841, settling first in New York, soon after removing to Canajoharie, N. Y., and started in the boot and shoe trade, also running a harness shop. He continued there until 1867, when he came to Kendallville and engaged in banking, continuing for two years, at the expiration of which he was forced to take a carriage man- ufactory, and to this business he devoted his attention for several years. He was also engaged in the livery business. His carriage works he enlarged, and at one time employed over thirty men.

His connection with the business in- terests of Kendallville was of a leading character, and continued until his death. He served as a member of the City Council, and was a respected and valued citizen. His wife's maiden name was Caroline Winsman. She was also a native of Germany. They were married in New York State, two chil- dren being the issue-Charles, and Henry J., the subject of this sketch, now one of the young business men of Kendallville. He is a native of New York State, and while there learned the trade of shoemaking of his father. Upon coming to Kendallville, he went to work at tinning, following that for one and one-half years. He then learned the trade of blacksmithing, to which he has devoted his attention since. In 1876, he became associated with his father in the management of the Union Carriage Manufactory, in which business he has continued. He was also at one time interested in the livery business with his brother. Mr. Sticht is now conducting the blacksmithing and trimming de- partments of the Union Carriage Manufactory ; also does general repairing and blacksmithing.

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GEORGE B. TEAL, hardware, son to George and Nancy (Brower) Teal, is a native of Preble County, Ohio. When three years of age, his parents became res- idents of Perry Township, where, upon the farm, he passed his boyhood days, remaining at home until twenty-two years of age. He then went to Ligonier and embarked in the drug trade with Dr. Arnold, continuing for four months, when they divided up the stock, and our subject removed to Albion, starting in that trade, then in association with his brother, Dr. Norman Teal. They con- tinued there until 1861, when Dr. Teal entered the army, and our subject re- turned upon the farm, soon after going to Ligonier, when for ten years he was engaged as clerk in dry goods, hardware, drug and grocery stores, also learn- ing photography. He next went to Geneseo, Ill., where he remained only two months, returning to Ligonier. In 1865, he removed to Brimfield, where for nine years he carried on the drug business, also serving as United States Ex- press Agent for five years. He then accepted the agency for Kendallville for that company, and in 1875 added to his business by buying a stock of hard- ware in association with A. P. Frank, which partnership lasted until 1880, when Mr. Teal became the sole owner. In 1880, he severed his connection with the express company, and is now devoting his attention exclusively to the hardware trade. In 1877, he was appointed Clerk of the Circuit Court, to fill a vacancy occasioned by the death of Joseph Cox, and performed the duties of that position for six months. He is a Knight Templar, and a progressive and liberal-minded citizen. Mr. Teal was united in marriage, in 1861, to Miss Anna A. Mason, a native of La Grange County, and daughter of Peter L. Mason, one of the early settlers, and the first Sheriff of that county. She died in De- cember, 1863, leaving two children, Adda B., now deceased, and William B. In October, 1880, he was united to a second wife, Mrs. Clara Ray, of Cold- water, Mich. Her maiden name was Clara Redfield, formerly of Clifton Springs, N. Y.

J. M. TEAL, dentist, is a son of George and Nancy (Brower) Teal, early settlers of Perry Township. He was born in Perry Township, and is the sev- enth son of a family of eleven children. His early life and associations were upon the home farm until twenty years of age, when with Dr. Gants, of Ligo- nier, he commenced the study of dentistry, remaining associated with him until 1867, when he was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Crone, a resident of Allen Township, and native of Ohio. He then removed upon the farm with his father, soon after resuming his practice with Dr. Gants for one year. In 1871, he became a resident of Kendallville, where he has been in successful practice since. He is a member of the State Dental Association, and is a thor- ough student in his profession, having a valuable medical and dental library, and strives to keep pace with the progress of his calling. He is a member of the Chosen Friends, and, with his wife, of the Methodist Church, of which for many years he has been Trustee. Mr. and Mrs. Teal's family consists of two children-Mattie and Angie. A daughter, Hattie A., died September 11, 1881.

NORMAN TEAL, physician and surgeon, whose portrait appears in this work, is one of the successful practitioners of Northern Indiana. He was born in Preble County, Ohio, in December, 1829, the third of eleven children, to George and Nancy (Brower) Teal, who were pioneers of Perry Township. Nine of the children are now living. Dr. Teal passed his earlier years on his father's farm, in teaching school and as a clerk in a store. He commenced the study of medicine in 1851, at Ligonier, with Dr. C. L. Wellman. In about

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one year, he went to Preble County, Ohio, where, for a short time, he was under the tutorage of Dr. Nesbitt, and subsequently with Dr. Latta, of Goshen. He is a graduate of the Rush Medical College of Chicago. In 1854, the Doctor commenced his practice in Swan Township. Spending one summer there, he went to Springfield, Elkhart Township, where, in association with Dr. W. N. Nimmon, he remained several years. He then removed to Albion, where, with a brother, George B. Teal, he engaged in the drug trade, and also practiced his profession. In 1862, the Doctor entered the service as Assistant Surgeon. During the winter of 1862-63, he was in charge of a hospital at Murfreesboro, Tenn .; at Chattanooga, in hospital service in winter of 1863-64; and during Sherman's campaign, of the summer of 1864, was upon the operating staff in the First Division Hospital of the Fourteenth Army Corps. He rejoined Sherman's army at Goldsboro in April, 1865, and was with the advance when Joe Johnston surrendered at Durham Station, N. C. The valuable ex- perience gained during this service has been of inestimable value to him in his later practice, especially in the field of surgery. With the exception of a few years passed in Michigan, where he was in practice, and also engaged in edit- ing a local newspaper, which he established at Hersey, Dr. Teal has, since the war, resided at Kendallville. Here he has established a successful and lucrative practice, and as a citizen is held in high esteem. His acquaintance with the people and past events is extensive. In current literature as well as in medicine, the Doctor is well informed and keeps apace with the times. He is an influential Republican, and a member of the County Medical Society, of which he has been Secretary since its organization in 1873. He also belongs to the N. E. Medical Association. Dr. Teal was married, in 1855, to Miss Electa Shupe, of Richland County, Ohio. She died in 1860, leaving a son, George A., who graduated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1882. In 1866, he married Miss Angeline Gruey, of Kendallville; they have one child living, Nannie; two dead, viz., Norman Teal, Jr., who died September 17, 1870, aged two years and two days; Alice Dutton, who died November 4, 1881, aged fourteen years one month and twenty days. Alice was a child in years, but of intellect far in advance of them-thoughtful, unselfish, tender, loving and gentle ; a favorite with her teachers and classmates, and was sin- cerely mourned by all who knew her.

L. A. THOMPSON, who is engaged in the grocery and produce trade, is a native of Morris County, N. J., where he was born in 1809. At the early age of ten years, he began work at the tanner's and shoemaker's trades, and for forty years continued in those industries in his native county, building up an extensive business ; finding sale for his boots and shoes principally in the South. In 1863, he disposed of his interests there and came to Kendallville in 1864. Here he commenced in the grocery trade by purchasing the interest of Whit- ford, in the firm of Whitford & Bosworth. Mr. Thompson subsequently started the business in another locality alone, his relations with Bosworth having been dissolved. In the new venture he soon associated with himself, his son William H. This business in about eighteen months was wiped out by fire, the loss to Mr. Thompson being about $3,000. From this they started in the grocery and bakery business, dissolving in about four years. Mr. Thompson has since been engaged, first in the poultry business, then in groceries and prod- uce. He is a Mason and a member of the society of I. O. O. F., and in New Jersey filled several positions of trust. Although now about seventy-four years old, he is vigorous and active, and has more " push " in him than most of the

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younger generation. In 1832, he married Miss Jane C. Mase, who was also a native of New Jersey. Five children have been born to them-Sarah J., now Mrs. Seeley, of New York ; Anna B., now Mrs. Andrews, of Coldwater, Mich. ; Mary C. Holbrook (died in Coldwater); David Headly, who was a volunteer in the Seventh New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, and in active and severe service nearly three years, was captured by the rebels near Petersburg and passed eleven months in captivity, being in five different prisons. From the effects of this confinement, he never recovered, living but fifteen months, when he died in Kendallville September 7, 1866. The youngest son, William H., resides in Kendallville. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the Presbyterian Church. Have a decidedly comfortable home in a large brick residence, where Mrs. Thompson accommodates a few boarders to occupy the extra room in their large dwelling. Those who find a home under her roof can testify as to the gener- osity with which she dispenses her hospitality. Fifty years of wedded life have been the lot of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, and in their almost perfect health they seem to have the promise of many years more.

J. G. WALTMAN, Cashier of the First National Bank, is a son of Emanuel and Barbara (Algire) Waltman, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio. They were married in the latter State, where they lived on a farm until about 1854, when they removed to this county, locating in Allen Town- ship. In 1870, they removed to Kendallville, where the father is now engaged in stock dealing. Himself and wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Three children have been born to them-J. G., Mary C. (now Mrs. Parks) and Ivan J. The subject of this sketch is a native of Richland County, Ohio. When eighteen years old he commenced the mason's trade. This he followed for about five years. He then for a time served in his father's employ in a meat market. Then, after a few months in the railroad freight office, he entered the bank in 1873, assuming the duties of cashier after the the death of Mr. Schulze. In this capacity, he is both popular and efficient, and as a young man has a bright future before him in business life. He is a member of the Chosen Friends, and was married in 1880 to Miss Dora Johnston, of Kendallville.

FRED J. WESTFALL, Union Carriage Manufactory, is a native of Prussia, where he learned his trade of carpenter and wagon-maker, and followed it for five years. In 1863, he came to America and located at De Kalb Coun- ty, Ind., where he remained for seven years employed at his trade. In 1870, he came to Kendallville and was employed by Mr. Sticht one year; subsequent- ly, by Mr. Nellis three years. He then moved to Orange Township, where, for a period of four years, he followed farming and also working at his trade. He then went to Wolcottville, where he remained one and a half years, and then returned to Kendallville where he is now established. In January, 1881, he became proprietor and manager of the woodwork department of the Union Car- riage Works, to which he is now devoting his attention. In 1862, he was mar- ried to Frederica Lamback ; she died in 1868, leaving two children-Lewis and John. In 1869, he was united with a second wife, Miss Margaret Hunter, of De Kalb County. They have one child-Inez. Mr. Westfall is a member of the I. O. O. F., and an industrious, enterprising citizen.

E. J. WHITE, Union Carriage Manufactory, is a native of Miami County, Ind., and, since the age of seven years, has been a resident of Kendallville ; at the age of eighteen, commenced to learn his trade of carriage painting with Mr. Gradon, with whom he remained eighteen months. He subsequently was in

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the employ of J. H. Hastings about fifteen months, and thence to the carriage works of James Nellis, where he remained seven years. In October, 1876, he became connected with Mr. Sticht's carriage works as proprietor of the painting department, which he has operated and controlled up to the present time. Mr. White is conceded to be a superior workman, and has done no small share to- ward the establishing of the extended name for first-class and honorable work which the Union Works bears. He is a Royal Arch Mason (office of Senior Warden), and also a member of the Good Templars. Mr. White was married, in 1874, to Miss Ida Shoyer, a native of Noble County. They have one child -Libbie.

A. C. F. WICHMAN, superintendent of brewery, came to America in 1849, with his parents, from Prussia, his native country. They located in Cin- cinnati, where our subject learned the cabinet-maker's trade. After working at it there two and a half years, he came to Fort Wayne, where he pursued his calling about the same length of time. After a short period in Logansport, Ind., he returned to Fort Wayne and remained until January, 1864, when he came to Kendallville, engaging in the furniture trade until 1867. For several years, subsequent to this period, he worked at different things-principally book-keeping. In 1877, he bought one-half interest in the brewery with William Seifert, which they conducted until the death of Seifert in September, 1879, when Mr. Wichman became the sole owner, and which he has conducted up to the present time, being now, by a subsequent change in proprietorship, manager for the owner, Henry C. Paul, of Fort Wayne. This brewery was built in 1867, by Louis Schwartzkopf and Geo. Aichele, subsequently becom- ing the property of Francis J. Beek, Seifert and Heinike, and the parties men- tioned above. Mr. Wichman has served as City Clerk three years; as Town- ship Assessor one term, and is now the City Civil Engineer. He is a promi- nent member of the German Lutheran Church, having been a member, together with his wife, since 1864. Mr. Wichman was united in marriage, in 1857, with Miss Elizabeth Eberlein ; she came from Bavaria, Germany, in 1848, to Amer- ica. They have nine children-Emma, Herman, Lizzie, Magdelena, Albert, Lydia, Paul, Henry and Clara.

WILLIAM WILLETT is a resident of Kendallville, and engaged exten- sively in contracting for stone masonry and bridge work. He is a native of England, from which country he came to America in 1850, locating in New York, where for a short time he followed painting. He then came to Michi- gan, and soon thereafter located at Lima, La Grange County, this State, where he was occupied at his trade of stone masonry for several years. He then located in Goshen one year, and in 1865 became a resident of Kendallville. Mr. Willett was married in 1851 to Miss Maria Taylor, who was also a native of England. They have four children of their own, living-William E., Frankie, Lena and John, and one grandson, Claudie. Four of their children are deceased-Annie (who became Mrs. Emerson), Harry, Grace and an infant. Mr. Willett is well up in his business, being a practical workman and a suc- cessful manager. As a citizen, he stands high, and is regarded with much favor as a member of the community in which he lives. He belongs to the I. O. O. F. and to the K. of H.

DR. S. T. WILLIAMS is a native of Mount Gilead, Morrow Co., Ohio, and son of Dr. N. and Lydia (Eicher) Williams. He had superior edu- cational advantages, for about four years attending select school at Defiance, Ohio, under the tutelage of a Professor of Languages, who was a ripe scholar

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and an excellent educator. Dr. Williams was a close student, and, having decided upon the medical profession, began his studies with his father, also in association with Drs. Colby and Moss. In his professional course, he was the same careful, earnest student, and after two series of lectures at an Eclectic medical institute, in 1858 he graduated therefrom. He began teaching when four- teen years of age, which he followed at intervals until he began his practice in 1858. He was associated with his father at Defiance, Ohio, until 1863, when he entered the United States service as Surgeon, remaining until 1865, during which period he was in charge of Hospital No. 14, of Nashville. Tenn., and acquired a most valuable experience. Returning to Ohio, he soon came to Kendallville, where he has been in professional association with his father. Dr. Williams is a thorough gentleman, progressive, well-read in his profession, and also in general literature. He is a Knight Templar Mason, and in 1879 held the office of Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery, K. T., of the State of Indiana. He is a member of the Northeastern Indiana Medical Asso- ciation ; was Surgeon for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad until the office was discontinued in 1879 ; is a Surgeon of the Railway Hospital Association of Toledo, and is Pension Examining Surgeon. Dr. Williams was married in 1858 to Miss Mary E. Lehman, of Defiance. They have four chil- dren -- Effie, Warren S., Minnie and Allie.

DR. N. WILLIAMS is a native of Fayette County, Penn. At the age of ten years, he was thrown upon his own resources by the death of his father, and hired out for $2.00 per month at farming; this he followed un- til sixteen years of age, attending school in the meantime at every opportunity. He next engaged at cabinet-making, which he continued about three years; he then began the study of medicine, and also acquired a higher education. At the expiration of four years of study, he graduated from a school of medicine at Connellsville, Penn., in 1828, and for nearly two years practiced in Eastern Ohio. From this time up to 1845, he was engaged in various occupations ; coming then to Columbia City, Ind., where, after nearly two years' residence, he again resumed the study of medicine with the intention of making that pro- fession a life business. In 1847, he removed to Defiance, Ohio, in which vicinity for nearly twenty years he was actively engaged in practice. In July, 1865, he came to Kendallville, where he has since been one of the leading members of the medical profession. He is a genial gentleman, and although passing into the " sere and yellow leaf" his years sit lightly upon him. He was united in marriage in 1831 to Miss Lydia Eicher, of Pennsylvania. They have two children living, Salathiel T. Williams, M. D., in practice with his father, and Tryphenie, wife of Dr. Wilson, of Kendallville. Dr. Williams has been for over fifty years a member of the Methodist Church, and in society ranks as one of its most valued members.

WAYNE TOWNSHIP.

ABRAM R. ACKERMAN is a son of John and Jane (Bennett) Acker- man, who were natives of New York State, and residents there until 1845, when they emigrated to Indiana and located in Wayne Township, where they resided with their son William up to the time of their death. Abram is a na- tive of the Empire State. His life has been passed in farming, at which he is

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still actively engaged-for the past twenty-five years in Wayne Township, where he now owns seventy-five acres of good land, which is well improved and which he has cleared and cultivated himself. He was united in marriage, in 1855, to Miss Mary A. Wade, daughter of Robert Wade, who was an early settler of La Grange County. Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman have one child-Mary J. Trin- dle, living in Wayne Township. Mr. Ackerman is a progressive and practical farmer and a citizen with enterprising ideas. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Kendallville.

ANDREW ALLSHOUSE, son of Henry and Catharine Allshouse, was born in 1828. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married in 1818. In 1825, they went Westward, locating in Stark County, Ohio, where they lived until 1840, when they moved to Crawford County, Ohio, remaining there the remainder of their life. Andrew Allshouse, who was one of eleven children, lived with his parents until twenty-five years of age. January 12, 1853, in Crawford County, Ohio, he married Rosanna Eley, who was born in 1832. After three years, they came to Indiana, this county, and settled near Albion. In 1861, removed to Wayne Township, their present home. Mrs. Allshouse has had six children-two, Henry and Dora, now living. Mr. Allshouse owns 160 acres of farming land and is prospering. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

C. F. BRUNDIGE is a native of Noble County, Ind., where he was born March 1, 1857. His parents, John and Mary Brundige, were natives of New York, and had four children-Charles F., Ruthann (deceased), Albert and Lydia. Charles Brundige has always made this county his home. July 2, 1879, he was married to Estella L. Milks, a native of Indiana, born Sep- tember 20, 1861. Their only child, Getta F., was born April 5, 1881. Mr. Brundige owns ninety acres of land and is identified with the growth and prog- ress of the county.

DANIEL DECKER is one of the old residents of Wayne Township. He is a native of Orange County, N. Y., where he remained until eighteen years of age, upon a farm ; he then went to Onondaga County, where for twenty years he was engaged in farming. He then became a pioneer set- tler of Richland County, Ohio, farming for six years near Plymouth. In 1852, he became identified with the farming interests of Wayne Township, set- tling upon the farm where he now lives. Mr. Decker has followed farming all of his life, and has helped develop his share of Noble County. He owns eighty-three acres of land which he has cleared and improved himself, and is a citizen of worth and enterprise. He married Miss Cornelia Bevier, a native of Broome County, N. Y., December 12, 1835. They have six children- Phedora (wife of James A. Brace, of Kendallville), Gem, Adeline Isbell (of Kendallville), Mate, Justus and Agusta.

HARMON A. DIGGINS, whose parents were natives of Vermont, was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., in 1827, from which locality the family emigrated in 1832, and settled in La Grange County, Ind., near Lima. The father and mother were Luke and Silence (Wheeler) Diggins, and had eight children, only three of whom are now living-Lucia A., Artemas and the subject of this sketch. Those deceased were Fidelia, who died at Wolcottville in 1881 ; William, at the age of forty-five years, in Allen County; George, aged forty- six, at Kendallville; Harriet, when nineteen ; and Mary, at the age of thirty-one. The father moved to Wayne Township with his family in about 1835. He kept the first hotel in Kendallville about five years and was Postmaster on the

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old Fort Wayne road. He died in 1864, and his wife, who was a member of the Methodist Church, in 1872. Harmon A. Diggins has been a resident of this township since his parents moved here in 1835. He was married, in 1859, to Miss Eliza Deuell, daughter of John Deuell, an early resident of the township. Their children are Ada (now Mrs. Berhalter), Flora, Hattie and Jimmie. Mr. Diggins is the owner of a farm of ninety acres of land in the township, which is productive and valuable property.

S. T. EMRICK is one of the leading farmers of Noble County. His father, John Emrick, was a native of Pennsylvania. His mother, whose maiden name was Diane Green, was a native of Virginia. They both went to Ashland County with their parents, who were among the pioneers of that locality and there were married, residing there until 1861, when they came to Wayne Township, where our subject had settled in 1854. Here the mother still remains, now at the home of her son, our subject. The father died in the township in 1879. Seven children of a family of eight are now living-Rachel Eberhart, in Missouri; S. T .; John, also a resident of this township; Diane Tryon, Kendallville; Sarah Bucher, Wayne Township; Eliza Chesroun, in Ohio ; and Martha Roush, a resident of Wayne Township. The subject of this sketch was born in Ashland County, Ohio, where, in 1849, he married Miss Catherine Eberhard, of that county. He remained there, engaged at farming, until 1854, when he came to Noble County, settling in Wayne Town- ship. He has cleared up and improved a large tract of land and is now the owner of 230 acres of as fine land as there is in the county. Mr. Emrick has given his entire attention to farming, and the splendid condition which his property presents attests the value of a practical and industrious manager. He has served the township as Justice of the Peace for two years and is a lead- ing member in all public matters of merit. Mr. and Mrs. Emrick have seven children-Sylvester, Rachel Randall (in Michigan), Noah, Ella, Jane Hantee (a resident of this township), Joshua and John F. They are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Emrick is a member of the F. & A. M. of Kendallville. WILLIAM J. HALL, of this township, stands prominent throughout Noble and La Grange Counties as an extensive and successful farmer and stock dealer. He was born in Clark County, Ohio, in 1809, in the midst of pioneer surround- ings. His father and mother, John and Margaret (Williams) Hall, were natives of Kentucky, in which State they were joined in wedlock. In 1807, they moved to Ohio, settling in Clark County. That country was then new, and the settlements sparse, necessitating the trying experiences of frontier life. After a number of years, the family moved to Logan County, but returned to Clark County at the expiration of about four years, where the mother died in 1824. Seven children had been born to her, three of whom are now living, viz .: John, in California; Emily, now Mrs. Collins in Lima, La Grange County ; and the representative of this sketch. Subsequently the father married Widow Judy, and in 1835 came to La Grange County, where he entered upon his second ex- perience as a pioneer settler, making his location in Springfield Township of that county, where he resided up to his death in 1843. His wife survived him a number of years. She was the mother by Mr. Hall of seven children, only three of whom are living : Charles, Whitley, and Ann, now Mrs. Osborn. William J. was married in Ohio in 1830 to Miss Lucinda Hull, also a native of Clark County, born in 1811. Her parents came there about 1810 from Pennsylvania, their native State, where they remained until their death. Mr. Hall, after his marriage, commenced farming, and in 1835 joined his father's family and emi-

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Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 79

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