Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 82

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 82
USA > Indiana > Noble County > Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 82

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children living-Ettie B. and Addie. Albert L. died in 1870, aged eighteen months.

W. G. GARDNER, merchant tailor, was born in Germany, March 10, 1833, is the youngest of five children, and the only one of the family that came to this country. His parents, Alexander and Regene Gardner lived and died in Germany. The subject emigrated to New York City in 1854, and after four months went to Newton, N. J., remained six months, then returned to New York City. He then went to Burlington, Va., and after returning, spent some time in New York, and after an extended trip throughout the Western States and Canada, returned again to New York, subsequently going to Connecticut, where he stayed until 1862. In that year he enlisted in Company F, Nine- teenth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, and served until July 17, 1865, then returned to Connecticut ; he received two wounds while in the army. He came to Ligonier in 1877, and was employed for some time by Jacob Straus & Co., as cutter and fitter in their clothing establishment. In 1879, he established a business of his own and has been very prosperous; he employs from five to seven workmen. Mr. Gardner was first married in Connecticut, July 3, 1860, to Louisa Kohlor, who was born in Germany in 1842. She died in 1861, May 18, and he married January 1, 1862, Mary A. Commings, a native of Connec- ticut, born February 25, 1838. By his first wife Mr. Gardner had one child, W. F., and the remaining children are Phebie A., Sophia J., Nellie M., and an infant as yet unnamed. Mr. Gardner is a Mason, and owns town property in Ligonier ; he is a popular citizen as well as an honorable business man.

E. B. GERBER, hardware, etc., a genial gentleman and an energetic, thrifty business man, was born in Stark County, Ohio, one of eleven children, whose parents were David and Susanna (Buchtel) Gerber, early settlers of E. B.'s native county. The father was a persevering farmer, who, with his family, removed to La Grange County, Ind., in 1855, settling in Eden Township, where he died in 1872. In 1876, the mother moved into Ligonier, where she still resides, in the conciousness of a well spent life and with the respect of her many acquaintances. Eight of the children are now living-Eliza Shrock and Abraham, in La Grange County ; Lydia Yoder and Daniel, in Perry Township : and E. B., Sarah Bruner, Tena King and Christopher W., of Ligonier. In 1861, Jacob J. entered the army for the suppression of the rebellion, as a member of Company C, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until he was taken prisoner at the battle of Chickamauga. He was then taken to the rebel prison at Andersonville, where he died September 2, 1864. Benjamin F., the youngest of the family, was a tinner by trade, and had charge of that department in E. B.'s hardware store until the 5th of June, 1881, when he and his wife were drowned in the Reservoir at Rome City. They were married in 1878. Her maiden name was Maxwell. E. B. Gerber, in his early manhood, learned the carpenter trade, also civil engineering, in addition t.) which he commenced teaching school whilst yet in Stark County, Ohio. In 1855 he came to La Grange County with his parents, but went to Nebraska the same year. Here bringing into requisition his knowledge of engineering, assisted in laying out Omaha City. After about eight months, having visited other parts, he returned home and resumed school-teaching and carpentering. In 1857, Mr. Gerber was appointed Deputy County Surveyor of Noble County under William Dowling, and in 1858 was elected County Surveyor, serving until 1865, with his residence in Ligonier. Was engaged in publishing town and county maps, from 1864 until 1867. The real estate business then en-

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grossed his attention for one year. In January, 1869, he purchased the interest of Mr. Wadsworth, of Wadsworth & Parker, hardware, and one year later bought Mr. Parker's interest, thus succeeding to the proprietorship of the whole establishment. He carries a full line of hardware, stoves, tinware and agricultural implements. This business is conducted in a progressive manner characteristic of the man. In 1871, Mr. Gerber, in connection with Mr. Treash and Kirchbaum, established a foundry in Ligonier, which business, in 1880, was changed to a carriage manufactory. In 1874, he, with Carlton Jones, started a handle manufactory, but is not now connected with that busi- ness. In political positions, in addition to that of Surveyor, Mr. Gerber has served in nearly the whole line in his town and township. In 1856, he was elected as Trustee of Eden Township, La Grange County, and served as first Assessor of Ligonier after its incorporation. Has been City Councilman for several terms ; has also filled the office of City Clerk, and is now President of the City Council, and has served several years as School Trustee. He is a Knight Templar, and now Master of the Ligonier Lodge, No. 185, F. & A. M. In October, 1857, Mr. Gerber was married to Miss Mary Moses, of Perry Township. They have four children-Owen F., Delta, Minnie and Dwight. The honorable and active career of Mr. Gerber, as summed up in his record, is a higher commendation of his usefulness as a citizen than can be bestowed upon him by any words of praise.

D. W. GREEN, of Green & Bothwell, attorneys at law, was born in Stark County, Ohio, son of John F. and Christina (Bowers) Green, natives of Germany, and early settlers of Stark County, where they resided up to 1860, the father engag- ing in blacksmithing, being a mechanic by trade, learned edge tool-making in the old country. They moved to Wayne County, Ohio, where they lived one year ; then, in 1861, came to Ligonier. While in Noble County, he followed farming ; then, in 1875, removing to Jasper County, he engaged in the hardware trade, in connection with his son, which still occupies his attention. They had six children, the subject being the fourth. He had a good education, and after com- ing to Noble County, with parents, attended Wittenburg College, at Spring- field. In 1862, he enlisted Company B, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and soon after was appointed Steward of No. 1 Hospital, at Louisville, Ky. When this was closed, he was transferred to Crittenden Hospital, where he was connected until 1865. He returned to Ligonier, and attended com- mercial college at Fort Wayne one term. He then spent a short time at Kendallville, in the grocery business, with Albert Banta, subsequently farming two years in Perry Township, where he was elected Justice of the Peace. Moved to Ligonier in 1870, and served eight years. Previous to this, he had been studying law, which he has been practicing since 1876, when he was admitted to the bar. In 1878, he formed his present association with Frank P. Bothwell. He is now serving as City Attorney, and is an eminent lawyer, and progressive citizen. He was married, in 1867, to Miss Ellen Banta, daughter of Albert Banta. In 1872, she died, leaving a child, Lulu M. Mr. Green married again, in 1874, Ladora D. Dodge, of Elkhart Township ; she died in 1875. His present and third wife was Mrs. Electa W. Fleming, whom he married in 1877. They have one child, Charles F. Mr. Green belongs to the Methodist Church.

A. C. HARDENBROOK, grocery and saloon, is a native of Elkhart Town- ship, this county. His father, Ralph Hardenbrook, was a native of Virginia, and his mother, Eunice (Carr), was a native of Ohio. They left Richland County,

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Ohio, in 1835, and came to Noble County, locating in Elkhart Township. Here they passed their remaining days on a farm ; the mother died in 1849, and her husband in 1862. Of nine children, there are now living-Freman, Harriet Hardenburgh and Emily Gibson, of Iowa; Solomon, of Albion, Ind. ; Francis, of Michigan, and the subject. The latter's early life was passed on a farm, until he reached his majority, when he went West, and passed nine years among the mountains in Idaho, Montana and Nevada, engaged in packing and min- ing. He returned to Ligonier in 1866, and engaged in the livery business ; subsequently starting a grocery and saloon, which he has since continued. Mr. Hardenbrook has crossed the plains seven times, and has been once by water to California. He has served on the City Council, and is one of the oldest citizens born in the county. He possesses a fine library, is a well-read man and a progressive citizen. He was married, in December, 1866, to Miss Melinda Hathaway, native of Ohio. They have five children-Harry, Lora, Vernon, Allie and James.

J. W. HIGGINBOTHAM, jeweler, passed his early life in Ohio, Stark County, where he was born. He came to Ligonier with his parents. His father, Mark B. Higginbotham, was a native of Ireland, and was married in Stark County, Ohio, to Jane Scott, who was a native of Scotland. He was a jeweler by trade, and followed it throughout life, working at the bench for over half a century. They remained in Ohio until 1857, when they came to Ligo- nier, and he commenced his trade with a small stock of goods, that he afterward enlarged, his son, J. W., being the manager. He died in 1876, and his wife in 1881. They were both Episcopalians, and had two children, the subject, and Elizabeth Miller, of Bloomington, Ill. The former learned the jeweler's trade of his father, and was in partnership with him, making the firm of Higgin- botham & Son. Since his father's death, he has conducted the business alone ; through constant practice, has become a superior workman ; makes repairing a specialty ; and carries an extensive stock of watches, clocks, silverware and jewelry. He has been a member of the City Council one term ; has served as Town Clerk one term; and is a member of I. O. O. F. In 1864, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Fisher, of Stark County, Ohio, daughter of Henry C. Fisher, an early settler of Noble County, and now a resident of Kan- sas. They have four children-Harry M., Maud, Pearl and John J.

J. H. HOFFMAN, books, stationery, news, wall paper, etc., an ener- getic business man. He is a native of De Kalb County, Ind. His par- ents, George R. and Sarah (Cramer) Hoffman, came from Pennsylvania to De Kalb County about 1837, being pioneer settlers and residents there until their death. They located in Butler Township. His father was a prominent citi- zen and served that county as Recorder several years. Our subject was asso- ciated with his father on the farm until 1861, when he enlisted in Company K, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was in active service about one year, being wounded at the battle of Pittsburg Landing. Returning to his home, he engaged at school teaching, using the money earned in attaining a higher education. In 1867, he came to Ligonier and embarked in his present business, also teaching in the public schools for three years. His stock is varied and extensive, and embraces everything in the line of a first-class book and stationery store. He is the agent for various makes of cabinet organs and the Weber piano. Mr. Hoffman has served in the City Council one year, and as Town Clerk three years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. In 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary C. Eldred, daughter of C. Eldred, druggist, of Ligonier.

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TOWN OF LIGONIER.

HON. HENRY HOSTETTER is the present Representative to the State Legislature from Noble and La Grange Counties, to which position he was elected in 1880. He is a native of Chillicothe, Ohio, where he was born July 14, 1813. His parents, Henry and Catherine (Maughmer) Hostetter, were natives of Virginia and Maryland, and of German and Scotch descent. Ulrich Hostetter, the grandfather of our subject, emigrated to this country from Ger- many at the close of the Revolutionary war, and located in Greenbrier County, Va., afterward removing to Rockingham County, same State. Henry Hostetter, at the age of fifteen, was apprenticed to the tanner and currier's trade, but was compelled to abandon that occupation on account of failing health. In the spring of 1831, he came with his father's family to what is now Perry Township. Here they began clearing a large tract of land. His father was a representative man, serving as one of the first County Commis- sioners, and as Township Trustee several terms. They had a family of twelve children, five of whom are now living-John, Benjamin, Henry, Joel and Mrs. Mary A. Walker, a widow living in Goshen. The parents remained here until their death, the father, in 1847, and the mother in 1855. After coming here, Henry served for a time on the home farm and then entered the employ of Spenser & Dawson, of Fort Wayne, as a salesman. After two years in that capacity, he attended school for four months at Goshen, after which he taught school four months in the year and worked at common labor the rest. July 5, 1839, he married Miss Margaret Ann Harsh, whose parents, with their family, came to Ligonier, in 1837, from Hocking County, Ohio, she, then only fifteen years old, walking the whole distance, over three hundred miles. Mr. Hostetter and wife settled on the Haw Patch and cleared a farm. In 1853, they moved into Ligonier, where he entered upon the practice of the law. Mr. Hostetter is a Republican in politics ; he filled the office of Justice of the Peace for fourteen consecutive years, and Township Assessor for twelve years ; in 1840, he was elected County Sheriff, and, in 1842, was defeated for re-elec- tion by only three votes, the Democratic majority for other candidates being about 350. In 1840, he was also appointed County Appraiser by the Legisla- ture. His long continuance in official position by the people is a fitting tribute to his efficiency and moral worth. In religious views, Mr. Hostetter is liberal, though he and wife both were reared under strict orthodox teachings. He is an active Mason, having joined that fraternity in 1853. His business enter- prises have been so successful as to place at his command an ample fortune which he and wife are enjoying in their home in Ligonier. They have four children-Dewitt Clinton (agent of the B. & O. R. R. at Milford Junction, Ind.), Mary W., Alma E., Barney (of Elkhart), and Alice E. Sandrock, of Ligonier.

DAVID HOUGH, farmer, was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., and was brought up on his father's farm. He remained in Pennsylvania, farming in Westmoreland and Allegheny Counties for himself until 1864. In this year, he came to Indiana, locating in this township, where he still resides. In 1852, he was married to Miss Amanda Guffey, of Westmoreland County, Penn. They have four children-Mary Wade (who resides in Ligonier), Ben- jamin, Margaret and Andrew. Mr. Hough owns eighty acres of well-improved farming land situated on Section 19, and is one of the prominent and practical farmers of Perry Township. From 1871 to 1875, he filled the office of Coun- ty Sheriff and creditably discharged the duties assigned him.

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J. E. HUFFMAN is a contractor and builder, resident of the city of Ligonier, which has been his home since the close of the war, and where he has prosecuted his business with success. Mr. Huffman was born in Stark Coun- ty, Ohio, September 20, 1840. He remained with his parents until he was eighteen years old ; then learned the carpenter's trade. In 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which regiment he served with bravery. Returning home, he subsequently entered the Thirteenth Indiana Infantry, and served until the close of the war, sharing in the cam- paigns and battles of his command. Mr. Huffman, at the termination of his service, settled in Ligonier, and commenced work at his trade. November 28, 1869, he was married to Miss M. B. Smith, native of York State, born Jan- uary 18, 1840. The parents of Mr. Huffman were Frederick and Elizabeth Huffman, he a native of Switzerland, and she of Pennsylvania, both born in 1808. He came to this country in 1816, remaining in Pennsylvania until

1834. In the meantime, learned the shoemaker's trade. He then came to Stark County, Ohio, and was married in 1835 to Elizabeth Simmons. In 1848, he moved with his family to De Kalb County, this State, where the old people still reside. The father and mother have been members of the Christian Church upward of fifty years. Their family of children consisted of Adam L. (who was killed in the army), Ann, J. E., A. C., Elizabeth, Almira (de- ceased) and Frederick. J. E. Huffman owns some property in the city ; be- longs to the Masonic Order, having passed through the Grand Lodge, and is a member of the Christian Church.

C. V. INKS, importer and dealer in granite and marble, is an active busi- ness man of Ligonier. His parents, Joseph and Louisa (Vinson) Inks, were early settlers of Elkhart County. In 1846, they removed to Noble Township, where they resided until 1868, when they became residents of Ligonier. Here the mother died in 1869; the father is still living. Two children are descend- ants, John F., connected with the marble works, and the subject of this sketch, who was born in Goshen, Elkhart Co., Ind., in 1836. When seventeen years of age, he commenced to learn his trade with his uncle, Beecher Inks, of Elkhart, with whom he remained one year, subsequently going to Goshen, where he finished. In 1855, he embarked in the marble business at Wolf Lake, prosecuting the same for two years. He then removed to Goshen, where he remained in business until 1860, returning at that period to Wolf Lake, and resuming his business connections there. In 1868, he removed to Ligo- nier, establishing his present works. He executes artistic and substantial de- signs, and besides supplying an extensive local trade, has extended his sales to the adjoining States of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois. For several years he has been importing granite from Scotland, also dealing in the best American grades. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and at one time was a candidate for Representative on the Democratic ticket. Mr. Inks, in 1860, married Miss Caroline Myers, of Medina County, Ohio. They have four chil- dren, Harry, William B., Albert and Rosa.

ANDREW JACKSON, Justice of the Peace, is a native of Cumberland County, Penn., and came in early youth with his parents to Ohio, finally locat- ing in Fayette County. Here his boyhood days were passed on a farm, and he subsequently was engaged in farming for himself until he came to Ligonier in 1859, where he has since been located. For several years he was employed in draying at the depot and as grain inspector. Although he has been elected Justice of the Peace heretofore, he never served until 1878, when he was elected

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to, and has since administered the duties of, that office ; he also has served as Corporation Assessor one year. He was married, February 3, 1848, to Julia A. Shobe, of Fayette County, Ohio. They have seven children living-Sarah E. Wolf (of Ligonier), Samuel T., Ira M., William L., Charles E., Edward and Addie. Mr. Jackson has been a member of the I. O. O. F. since 1852, hav- ing joined in Ohio. He passed all chairs in subordinate lodges, and has been a inember of Grand Lodge for the past eleven years. He is also an Encampment member of the lodge, and has been an officer in that department since its organ- ization in about 1869. Since the Encampment was organized, he has held the office of High Priest, and in the lodge has been Recording Secretary for four years, and for one year was Grand Guardian in the Grand Lodge of the State.

JACOBS & GOLDSMITH, merchants, one of the leading mercantile houses of Noble County, was organized in December, 1873, by the association of M. Jacobs and A. Goldsmith, who purchased the stock of Straus & Meagher, and, in 1878, E. Jacobs was admitted as a partner. The firm now consists of the three enterprising young men ; they carry a large line of dry goods, boots and shoes, carpets, notions and groceries ; they also deal in clothing and gents' furnishing goods, having purchased, in 1878, the entire stock of J. Straus, Jr. This department is presided over by M. Jacobs, and under the firm name of M. Jacobs & Co., they make a specialty of merchant tailoring.

M. JACOBS has been connected with the business interests of Ligonier since 1866, when he entered the employ of Straus Bros., and subsequently as clerk for Straus & Meagher, until he entered his present partnership. Mr. Jacobs is an Encampment member of the I. O. O. F., and also member of the I. O. B. B., No. 298, of Ligonier.

A. GOLDSMITH began his business career in Ligonier as book-keeper for Straus Bros., in 1867, retaining the position under Straus & Meagher. He spent one year in New York, employed in his previous capacity for a wholesale firm there ; then returned to Ligonier, and began his present business. He is a member of the Blue Lodge, A., F. & A. M., and of the I. O. B. B., No. 298, of Ligonier.

E. JACOBS came to Ligonier in 1869, and engaged as clerk for Straus & Meagher with whom he remained until 1873 ; then was employed by Jacobs & Goldsmith until 1878, when he became a partner. He is a member of the Council, A., F. & A. M., and also of the I. O. B. B., No. 298, of Ligonier.

E. W. KNEPPER, M. D., was reared on his father's farm in Portage County, Ohio, the place of his nativity. Having received a good education, he commenced the study of medicine in 1853, with Dr. J. M. Viers, of Bryan, Ohio, under whose tutelage he remained two years, finishing his studies with Dr. Cooney of the same place, and subsequently graduated at a Cincinnati medical college, commencing the practice of his profession at Eden, Williams Co., Ohio, where he remained until the spring of 1866, when he came to Ligonier, where he has built up a lucrative practice besides performing for eight years the serv- ices of his profession for the L. S. & M. S. R. R. The Doctor keeps the advance in his profession, and takes advantage of opportunities for information. He be- longs to the American Medical Association ; is President of the N. E. Indiana Medical Association, and was President two years of the Noble County Medical Society ; also served as President and Secretary of the Ligonier Medical Asso- ciation, now defunct. As Secretary of the Ligonier Board of Health he has served the public since its creation six years ago. He is a Past Chief Patriarch and Past Noble Grand of the I. O. O. F., No. 267, Excelsior Lodge, and No.

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89, Washington Encampment. In 1855, Dr. Knepper was united in marriage with Miss Margaret J. McQuilkin, of Carroll County, Ohio. They have two children living-Edwin W. and Mabel J.

J. M. KNEPPER. lumber dealer and express agent, is a native of Co- lumbiana County, Ohio. His early life was passed on a farm with his father in his native county and in Portage County. At the age of seventeen, he started out for himself and learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed about ten years in Columbiana and Williams Counties, Ohio. He lived at Bryan, Ohio, from 1852 to 1860, when he came to Ligonier and filled the position of telegraph operator for ten years, when he became express and freight agent, and conducted all three for some time. In 1877, he engaged in the lumber trade, dealing in laths, shingles and all other building materials. This, in connection with the express agency, has occupied his attention since. In 1854, Mr. Knepper married Miss Delia M. Patterson, a native of Colum- biana County, Ohio. They have four children-Evah Sisterhen (of Ligonier), Albro, Rosa M. and Oliver Morton. Mr. and Mrs. Knepper are both mem- bers of the Disciples' Church, and he is a member of the I. O. O. F. and a prominent citizen of Ligonier.

SAMUEL KRICHBAUM, of Krichbaum & Gilbert, merchants, was reared on a farm in Stark County, Ohio, the place of his nativity. He learned the carpenter's trade, which he was engaged in there until he came to Perry Township in 1863, where he followed the same calling until he became identi- fied with the firm of Gerber, Treash & Krichbaum, of the Ligonier Foundry. In 1876, he discontinued this and embarked in his present business, in asso- ciation with Huffman & Teal, Huffman soon retiring and the business con- tinued by Teal and Krichbaum until 1879, when our subject became the sole proprietor. In the fall of the same year, he associated with him a partner, Mr. M. E. Gilbert, and since then the firm have been actively engaged in their present business operations, viz .: the manufacture of handles, snow-shovels, and dealing in and manufacturing hard-wood lumber. Mr. Krichbaum is an enterprising, pushing business man, has served on the City Council and is a valued citizen of Ligonier. He was, in 1862, married to Miss Susan Buchtel, of Stark County, Ohio.

MATTHIAS MARKER is the eldest of a family of ten children. He was born in Westmoreland County, Penn., November 6, 1811, and remained with his parents until he was twenty-two years old, then came to Indiana in 1834, and after a stay of about one year returned to Pennsylvania. Spending another year there, he retraced his steps to St. Joseph's County, Ind .; again returning to his native State in about one and one half years, where, on May 29, 1839, he was married to Miss Charlotte Felgar, born in Pennsylvania March 17, 1817. In 1844, they came to this county and settled on land pur- chased by him in 1835. Mrs. Marker died February 24, 1848. He married for his second wife Sarah Wright January 27, 1859, who died March 27. 1866. Mr. Marker was married again November 25, 1870, to Nancy Shidler. He is the father of six children, viz .: Henry, John, Lewis, Albert, George and Philo J. Himself and wife belong to the Christian Church. He has retired from active life; owns 219 acres of land and town property by his last wife. The parents of Mr. Marker were George and Mary Marker, both natives of Pennsylvania. He was born November 15, 1785 and she April 20, 1790. They were married February 5, 1811, emigrated to this county in 1845, where he died September 24 of that year and she in 1866.

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Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 82

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