Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 86

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 86
USA > Indiana > Noble County > Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 86

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E. M. ALSBAUGH, tinware, stoves, etc., is one of the young and en- terprising business men of Albion. He is a native of Michigan, and at the age of seventeen a student of his trade at Kendallville, Ind., where he re- mained for over three years. He next was employed at Wolcottville for one and one-half years, going from thence to Albion, and entering the employ of Markey & Walter, with whom he remained for two and one-half years. In April, 1880, encouraged by the leading business men, he began his business career at Albion, and is at present establishing a fine, lucrative and honorable trade. He manufactures all kinds of tinware, making a specialty of tin roofing and spouting, and carries a large line of stoves.

ALEX AUMOND, Deputy County Auditor, is a native of Canada. In 1866 he came to the United States, where he has since been identified. He came to Noble County in 1875, and in 1878 became an assistant of the County offices, first entering the Recorder's office, subsequently the office of Ceunty Clerk, and since 1879 has been connected with the Auditor's office. He is a valuable officer, being thoroughly posted in the routine and execution of County affairs.

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SAMUEL E. ALVORD is a native of Bradford County, Penn, where he was born in 1824. His father, Nathan Alvord, was an eminent physician, having a large and varied practice, and resided in Pennsylvania until his death. Samuel E. received an academic education, and remained in his native county until the age of twenty-two years. In 1847, he began reading law at Troy, Penn., continuing until 1849, when he came to Noble County, and employed the first winter after his arrival in teaching school at Rome City. In the spring of 1850, he came to Albion and commenced the publication of a Democratic newspaper called the Albion Observer, continuing the same with varying suc- cess until 1853, at which time it was discontinued, and Mr. Alvord was admitted to the bar. He studied and practiced this profession until 1855, when he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, serving in that capacity four years, during which period he was connected for two years with the Noble County Democrat. At the expiration of his clerkship he resumed the practice of law, continuing thus until 1872, when he began publishing the New Era, conducting the same until January, 1876, when he again returned to the law. During the autumn of 1876, he was again elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, and is still the incumbent of that office. Mr. Alvord has acquired a broad scholarship in all the avenues of literature, and has trained himself to the severest logic and dis- cipline. His genius is decidedly literary, and is eminently recognized through- out Northern Indiana. Prior to the war, though a Democrat, he was a " Free- Soiler ;" and later, was an earnest War Democrat, warmly espousing the enlistment of men, and the vigorous prosecution of the war. His literary pro- ductions are characterized by great beauty of expression, broad and thoughtful analysis of human motives, and a sternly realistic view of life that penetrates all shams and pours the focal light of hard, common sense upon all problems involved in darkness. His marriage with Miss Julia Sweet was solemnized in November, 1851. Four children have blessed this union -- Lillie Engle, Edsall, Nathan and Edith.

ABEL BARNUM, a wealthy farmer of Albion, was born June 30, 1821, in Fairfield County, Conn., and was the fourth of seven children of Platt and Alethea (Barnum) Barnum, who were natives of the same State, and farmers by occupation. Abel was removed in infancy, with his parents, from Connecticut to New York, locating in Sullivan County. His educational ad- vantages were limited. His father died when Abel was but ten years of age. In 1844, he emigrated to and located in this county, where he purchased 160 acres of timber land, which he worked at clearing in summer and taught school in winter. His school-teaching experience closed in 1848, after which he devoted his time to farming exclusively, subsequently adding to his land, increasing it to 240 acres. Mr. Barnum is a thorough and systematic farmer ; was an adherent of the Whig party till 1854, when he allied himself to the Republicans. In 1852, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and served satis- factorily for five years, and is respected by all. On April 30, 1848, he was married to Miss Jane Sweet, of Jefferson Township, Noble County, a daughter of Hon. Jerome Sweet, one of the early settlers, who came to Jefferson Township in 1842, where he resided until his death, in 1869. Mrs. Barnum is a lady of culture and many amiable traits of character. They have two children-one son, Orlo P., born January 22, 1851, and one daughter, Alethea, born December 5, 1852.

JOHN H. BAUGHMAN, abstract office, is a son of Samuel and Chris- tina (Young) Baughman, who were residents of Ashland County, Ohio, over

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thirty years prior to coming to Noble County. In 1852, they located in Allen Township, where the father followed blacksmithing and farming. Of a family of ten children, eight are living-Henry, Cornelia Garver, Francis, Hannah Cribbs, Newton, John H., Mary J. Southworth and Amy I. Ihrie. The father and mother are now living in retirement at Lisbon. John H., at the age of seventeen, left the farm home of his father, and entered his brother's store at Lisbon, as clerk, where he remained until the winter of 1864, when he en. listed in Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-second Indiana Volunteer In- fantry, remaining in the service nine months, when he was injured and was compelled to return home, resigning a Second Lieutenant's commission. Soon after his return, he was appointed Postmaster at Lisbon, and for one year ran a grocery store in connection. For a period of several years Mr. Baughman was engaged in various occupations, and for two years was unable to attend to business on account of ill-health. He finally went to Monticello, Ind., and learned telegraphy, and in September, 1871, entered upon the duties of opera- tor on the G. R. & I. R. R., at Kendallville. In 1872, he was elected Re- corder of the county by a majority of ninety votes, and re-elected for a second term by a majority of nearly 500, serving the two terms with popular favor. Mr. Baughman was married in March, 1871, to Miss Hannah Tyler. They have one child-Trever Day. The abstract office of Mr. Baughman is in Stone's new block. The experience gained in the Recorder's office eminently fits him for his present business. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.

OWEN BLACK, retired, is a native of Lancaster County, Penn., where he was born in 1815. His parents were Peter and Martha (Amos) Black, natives of Maryland, and settlers in Ohio in 1833, where they resided for twenty years, removing to Indiana in 1853, locating in Noble County, where they re- mained the remainder of their lives, his father's death occurring October 23, 1862. his mother's June 28, 1872. Owen was the second of ten children ; his early duties were connected with farm life, until he attained his majority, when he learned the carpenter's trade ; following that in connection with farming, until he came to Indiana. For two years, he was engaged in farming, at the expira- tion of which period he came to Albion, and began a successful business career. He was connected with the dry goods trade for fifteen years ; built the first grist-mill in Albion ; also erected two saw-mills and numerous dwelling houses and business blocks. He has 380 acres of fine farming land in Noble County, and 800 acres in Kansas. After an active business life, he has retired to the enjoyment of well-earned prosperity. He devoted considerable of his time to traveling in 1878, taking a trip across the ocean and visiting several countries upon the continent. Mr. Black was married, in 1838, to Miss Elizabeth Goss, a native of Richland County, Ohio, where her people settled in 1815. Two sons are descendants of this marriage-Jackson D. and Owen J., both young and promising business men of Albion.

JACKSON D. BLACK, merchant, is the senior partner of Black & Bros., an enterprising firm of Albion. Mr. Black is a native of Richland County, Ohio, and son of Owen Black, one of the old settlers and prominent merchants of Noble County. Jackson became associated with his father as an assistant about 1860, continuing until 1867, when he became a partner, under firm name of Owen Black & Son, which connection remained until 1870, when his father's interest was taken by D. S. Love, and the business continued until 1872, when Mr. Love retired, and he continued in business alone until 1880, when his brother, Owen J. Black, became a partner. Mr. Black suffered the

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entire loss of his stock, valued at $11,000, by fire, in 1879, but nothing daunted, however, he resumed business immediately, and is at present doing an im- mense trade, which he richly deserves. He was married, in 1870, to Miss Minerva Young, a native of Pennsylvania, and resident of Noble County. They have three children-Albert, Bessie and an infant.

CHARLES BOETCHER, miller. Among the industries of Noble County, there is none more complete in mechanical structure than the new and extensive flouring-mills of Hyter & Boetcher. Mr. Boetcher, the resident manager and miller, is a native of Wheeling, W. Va. His parents subsequently became residents of Cambridge, Guernsey County, Ohio, where our subject has resided the greater portion of his life, transacting business connected with mill- ing interests the most of his time. About 1872, he removed to Illinos, where he remained for eight years, being connected with a saw-mill while there. In August, 1880, he came to Albion. and purchased the milling interest of Mr. Ludlow, who, with Mr. Hyter, had started the " Paragon " Mills of Albion, in January, 1880. Since that time, Mr. Boetcher has had the exclusive manage- ment of the mills. The "Paragon " Mills are furnished with new and improved machinery from the Bass Foundry Machine Works of Fort Wayne, Ind., and presents a model appearance. They have four runs of stone driven by steam power, and operated and managed by an intelligent and enterprising gentleman: is an institution of which the people of Albion are justly proud. Mr. Boetcher was married, in 1879, to Miss Elmina Moore, of Ohio, she is a native of Wash- ington County, Penn. They have three children-Laura P., George M. and Charles W. Mr. Boetchler is a member of the I. O. O. F., of Albion.

PHILIP BOWMAN, retired farmer, is one of the representative pioneers of Noble County. He is a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, and was a resident of the "Buckeye " State until twenty-eight years of age, when, in 1844, he emigrated to Indiana, and settled in the woods of York Township, Noble County. Here he commenced the task of clearing and developing his land, remaining a resident of that township and identified with the growth, improvements and advancements until 1878, when he retired from active life, yielding the management of his farm to his son Jay, and became a resident of Albion. Mr. Bowman served York Township as Justice of the Peace for eight years, and was one of its most respected citizens. He formed a matrimonial alliance, in 1842, with Miss Lydia Harlan, also a native of Columbiana County, Ohio. She departed this life in 1857, leaving three children-Mary C. Mc- Ewen, of Brimfield, Noble County ; Jay, married to Miss Lucinda Mack, and residing on the homestead farm ; and Serenes, a business man of Albion. In 1866, Mr. Bowman was united to a second wife, Widow Mary M. Bowman. They have one child-Elmer.

SARAH A. BRADLEY, hotel, has been associated in the hotel and boarding-house business since 1860, when she bought the house now known as the Bradley Hotel, which she conducted until 1879, when she leased it for a term of years, and engaged in keeping a first-class boarding-house. It is her intention to refit and improve the Bradley House, and conduct it as a first-class hotel. The traveling public generally who place themselves under the care of Mrs. Bradley, will find a plentiful table and a homelike house.

JUDGE WILLIAM M. CLAPP, deceased, whose portrait appears in this work, was for many years a prominent citizen of Noble County. He was born December 18, 1817, in Tolland County, Conn., and was the eighth child of Stephen and Mary (Loomis) Clapp, who were farmers, and natives of the

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same State: The Clapp family is of Danish descent, and their lineage is recorded back to 1025. Descendants of this family emigrated to America in 1630. William M. Clapp is a descendant of Thomas, one of three brothers who settled in Massachusetts in 1633, and is of the seventh generation in the United States. In his youth, he assisted upon the farm for nine months of each year, and attended school irregularly the remaining three months. At the age of six, his parents removed to Ashtabula County, Ohio. Here he pursued his studies upon every occasion offered, committing to memory the coarse print of Murray's Grammar while employed in his father's sugar bush. At the age of seventeen, he thought himself fitted to teach, and accordingly secured a school. He soon found that he could not manage the large and disorderly scholars to his satisfaction and resigned. He then, in the following spring, went to Burton, Ohio, where for eighteen months he clerked in a dry goods store, subsequently in the same capacity at Mantua, Franklin and Chester, Ohio. He was next in association with a man named Johnson, in the commercial trade. Johnson, however, proved insolvent, and this enterprise terminated in disaster. After vainly seeking employment, he finally fell in with a gentleman and his wife who were on their way to Kentucky as school teachers, and who persuaded him to join them. He landed at Marysville, Ky., with a $1 bill on an Ohio bank, which proved to be of no value, as the bank failed. After a time he secured a school, and followed teaching successfully for over two years, saving about $400 ; he then returned to Ohio. His early ambition having been for the profession of law, he determined to direct his attention to that profession. He purchased a horse, and, with some provisions and clothing in a pair of sad- dle bags, started for Indiana. Upon reaching Peru, he entered the law office of E. P. Loveland, and remained for one and one-half years in diligent study. He was then granted a license to practice in the State, his parchment bearing date of March, 1843. The following April, he located at Augusta, then the county seat of Noble County. Here he entered upon his practice, following the migration of the county seat to Port Mitchell in 1844, and finally to Albion in 1847. To Mr. Clapp is due, probably more than any other one man, that Albion became the county seat. In 1848, he formed a co-partnership with H. H. Hitchcock in the mercantile trade. In 1849, Mr. Hitchcock retired, and Mr. Clapp conducted this businees alone until 1868, when he associated with him C. B. Phillips, and in 1873, W. W. White became a member of the firm. In 1875, Mr. Clapp disposed of his interest, but it again fell into his hands in 1876. He was also interested in a woolen-mill at Rome City for several years. His banking business began as a company affair, but in 1875 he secured the entire interest, which he conducted, in connection with his sons, until his death. His professional and business ventures were, upon the whole, successful, and secured for him a large fortune. He was reared a Whig, and upon the forma- tion of the Republican party, became and remained a strict adherent to its men and measures. In 1845, he was elected Auditor of the county, and served five years. In 1856, he was chosen to represent his district in the State Legislature for two years. He was elected Judge of the Nineteenth Common Pleas Court in 1860, and held the office by re-elections until it was abolished in 1873. From this period until his death January 5, 1881. he employed his time in looking to his various interests in and around Albion. Judge Clapp was a Royal Arch Mason, and a citizen whose virtues were so well known that they do not need to be eulogized. He was united in marriage in 1847 to Miss Mary A. Skinner. She died November, 1875, leaving three children-William Frank

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and Charles M., of Albion ; and Adella Starr, of Ohio. Judge . Clapp was united to a second wife, Miss Angie Skinner, December 25, 1877. She was a cousin of his former wife, and is an estimable lady and valued member of society.

WILLIAM FRANK CLAPP, capitalist and merchant, a son of William M. and Mary A. (Skinner) Clapp. He was born in Albion in 1853, and had good educational advantages, finishing at Ann Arbor, Mich. At the time of his father's deatlı, and for awhile previous, he was associated as cashier in his father's bank. He is now established in merchandising and is building up a large trade. He also represents several first-class fire and life insurance com- panies, and, in connection with his brother, Charles M., he is the owner of valuable real estate in Albion. To the material growth of the town, he is doing his share by the erection of substantial business blocks. In all of this, Frank shows an enterprising business spirit. He is genial and liberal and takes an active interest in the public advancement. Although young in years, he makes his presence felt, and strikes out like one with an older head. He is a member of the Masonic order-Chapter and Commandery; was married, in July, 1881, to Miss A. Smith, of Columbia City.

CHARLES M. CLAPP, banker and capitalist, son of William M. and Mary A. (Skinner) Clapp, was born in Albion, December, 1855, where he has since lived and been identified. He was engaged in the hardware trade one year, and then in association with his father until his death. He was appointed to administer his father's estate, and in the fall of 1881 resumed the banking business, starting the Bank of Albion upon his own responsibility. Mr. Clapp, although yet young in years, is a careful and able financier, and has embarked upon a successful business career. He is largely interested in real estate and is assisting in building up Albion. He was married, in November, 1878, to Miss Flora B. Woodruff. They have one child-Fred R.

A. J. DENLAR is a native of Germany. He came with his parents to America in 1851. His father, who was a sailor, was soon after drowned, and his mother emigrated to Fairfield County, Ohio, where she had relatives. She subsequently remarried and came to Whitley County, Ind., where our subject passed his earlier years-since thirteen years of age upon his own resources. He learned the baker's trade at Columbia City, and followed that calling in various localities until 1873, when he came to Albion and became an assistant upon the construction of the B. & O. R. R., subsequently engaging at his trade there. His next move was to Columbia City, where for eighteen months he engaged at working at his trade. Returning to Albion, he soon after, under firm name of Denlar & Frazure, embarked in the restaurant business, which was success- fully prosecuted until fire destroyed his property. He then engaged in busi- ness for himself, which he carried on successfully until the fall of 1881, when he sold out and embarked in his present enterprise. He has now a business room which he erected himself, and is conducting a quiet and first-class busi-

ness. He has served upon the Town Board and is a member of the Masonic order. He married, in 1873, Miss Alice F. Frazure, of Albion. They have three children-Melvin F., Catherine E. and Leona.

JAMES M. DENNY, lawyer, was born October 29, 1827, in Eaton, Preble Co., Ohio. His parents, John and Mary (McConnell) Denny, were na- tives, respectively, of Virginia and Pennsylvania. Walter Denny, grandfather of James, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. James' father was elected Associate Judge of the Circuit Court in Preble County, serving for several years.

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When James M. was five years of age, the family removed from Ohio to Indiana, locating in Perry Township, Noble County ; when a boy, he assisted his father on the farm, and received a good academic education. He taught school four terms, pursuing his studies at leisure hours. His industry and manifest inter- est in the advancement of his pupils secured for him confidence and esteem. In 1849, he entered, as a student at law, the office of William M. Clapp, of Albion, under whose instruction he read for about two years, when he entered the legal department of a school at Ballston Springs, N. Y., from which he graduated in March, 1853. He returned to Albion and began the practice of his profes- sion, but close application produced failing health, which eventually compelled him to abandon active labor, yet he still transacted the amount of business that well-directed prudence would justify. He has also spent much time in the preparation and delivery of lectures, orations and essays on many subjects of interest. His productions are clear, forcible and convincing. Mr. Denny is a man of extensive reading and thoughtful reflection. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and his pen is ready and fearless in the defense and support of the principles of the order so dear to him. His lecture entitled, " Charles Sumner as an Exam- ple to Young Men," and one on the " Sabbath School," delivered at Kendall- ville, are especially worthy of notice, and many other efforts are full of merit. He is an adherent of the Democratic party, and has held positions of honor and trust. In 1859, he was elected Treasurer of Noble County, and re-elected in 1861. Mr. Denny is orthodox in his views, and an attendant of the Presby- terian Church, of which his wife is a member. He was married, January 1, 1856, to Miss Frances J. Plumstead, of Portage City, Wis., who died September 9, 1866, leaving two sons. The eldest, Watts P., is filling the position as Princi- pal of Rome City School, and James O. also a teacher. Mr. Denny was married again September 10, 1868, to Miss Julia A. Kiblinger, of Albion. He is a courteous and genial gentleman, and commands the respect and esteem of all who know him. While not in the enjoyment of robust health, his correct and temperate habits seem to assure him a long life.

T. M. EELLS, lawyer, is a native of Ohio, born in Columbiana County, in 1843, where he passed his early life upon a farm. At the breaking-out of the rebellion, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Fifteenth Ohio Volun- teer Infantry, and remained in service nearly three years. Upon his return to Ohio, he decided upon the study of law, and soon after entered the Ohio Union Law College, of Cleveland, from which institution he graduated in 1866, when he came to Albion and commenced the practice of his profession, at which he is en- gaged. He has served the county as Superintendent of Schools and as Exam- iner. He was married, in 1871, to Miss Sarah A. Phenicie, also a native of Ohio. They have two children-Mabel and Charles.

FRED GAPPINGER, tanner, has been for over twenty years a promi- nent and successful business man of Albion. He is a native of Germany, and an emigrant to America in 1849, and soon after located in Carroll County, Ohio, where he carried on a tannery for a number of years. He came to Albion in 1861, since which time he has been at the head of the tanning and leather inter- ests there. His business has been successful, and conducted in strict honor and integrity. He was married in Carroll County, Ohio, in 1855, to Miss Margaret Miller. They have eight children-Elizabeth, John, Frank, Amelia, Fred, Edward, Irving and Albert.

D. K. HAMILTON, marble dealer, represents an artistic branch of the business interests of Albion. Although he has been a resident of Noble County

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but a few years, his business has increased until it is worthy of a place among the successful industries of the county. Mr. Hamilton began life in Pennsylvania, and until eighteen years of age was developing his muscle upon a farm. He then entered the army, and for two years was employed as a driver until he became of sufficient age to enlist, when he became a member of Company F, One Hundred and First Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and remained in service until discharged at the close of the war, in 1865. Returning to his native State, he learned his trade at Mechanicstown, Cumberland County, remaining there about four years, when he went to Kansas and remained for three years, subsequently returning to Pennsylvania, where he engaged in busi- ness for four years, going thence to Shelby, Ohio, where he was employed for six months, after which he came to Albion, in 1877, where he located, and is extending the sale of his work each year. Mr. Hamilton is an efficient, skilled workman, and one of the progressive business men of Albion. He was married, in 1873, to Miss Lucinda Palm, of Cumberland County, Penn. They have three children -Rollie P., Carrie E. and Merle.

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Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 86

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