Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 88

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 88
USA > Indiana > Noble County > Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 88

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).

377

TOWN OF ALBION.

HENRY R. SHIRK, carriage manufactory, represents one of the lead- ing industries of Albion. He was born in Pennsylvania, and early in life learned his trade of carriage-maker, commencing at the age of sixteen, in Lancaster County, Penn., where he served two years, and subsequently two years in Philadelphia. He then for four years was a traveling mechanic, and in 1865 came to Ohio and located in Osborn, Greene County, where he carried on a shop until 1872, when he removed to Clark County and was engaged in carriage-making until 1876, when he became a resident and business man of Albion, first running a saw-mill for one year, and subsequently upon a farm for a year. In 1878, he commenced his present business enterprise of carriage- making, establishing already a successful and honorable trade. He manufact- ures all kinds of wagons, carriages, buggies, and does general repairing. His goods, of the finer kind are well finished, and are meeting with an extensive sale. Mr. Shirk was married in 1867 to Anna C. Schaffer, of Ohio. She died in 1879. One child, now living-Annie E. Mr. Shirk married a second wife, January 1, 1881, Miss Fannie Zimmerman, of Fulton County, Ohio.

M. C. SKINNER, of Hamlin & Skinner, drugs, is a native of Huron County, Ohio. His father, Alfred Skinner, was a native of New York ; his mother's maiden name was Mary Ross ; she was a native of Connecticut. They were married in Ohio, and removed from thence to Jefferson Township, Noble County, in 1838, where they resided for two years, when they returned to Ohio. His father was killed by the Indians in 1850, while on his way to California ; his mother died in Huron County in 1854. Three children of a family of ten now survive. Susan Elliott, resident of Michigan ; Angelina Clapp, widow of Judge William M. Clapp, residing in Albion, and our subject. Mr. Skinner was associated with agricultural life during his boyhood. In 1861, he enlisted in Noble County, whither he had come with a brother in 1854. At the break- ing-out of the war, he was attending college in Michigan. He became a mem- ber of.Company A, Twenty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was in service for four and a half years, entering as private and commissioned as First Lieu- tenant when mustered out. The principal engagements in which he participat- ed are Baton Rogue, all of the Red River campaign, Franklin, Sabine Cross Roads, Pleasant Hill, Cane River and the seige of Port Hudson, with numer- ous others, being slightly wounded in the hand at Baton Rouge. Upon his return to Noble County, he engaged in teaching in the public schools of Albion until 1869, when he engaged in the drug business, continuing until 1877, when he sold out. In 1879, he became a partner of James A. Hamlin, in the same business, to which he now devotes his attention. Mr. Skinner served as County Superintendant of Schools one term, and for a number of years was Town Clerk. Is a member of I. O. O. F. He was married, in 1866, to Miss Mary Palmer, of Michigan, who died in 1876, leaving three children-Edith, Zoe and Ross. In 1878, he was united to Susanna Parker, of Albion ; they have one child- Orr.

JOHN W. SMITH, JR., Deputy County Treasurer, is a native of Marion, Grant County, Ind., and son of John W. and Cassandra (McKahan) Smith. His father is a member of the Methodist ministry. He came to Albion in 1868, and for three years was pastor of the Methodist Church there, and in 1880 returned where he now labors. Jolin W. is the sixth child of a family of eight children. At the age of fourteen, the time of removal of his parents to Albion, he became an assistant in the post office under William W. Snyder, P. M., with whom he remained one year. He then entered the County Clerk's

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES :

office, where he was engaged one year, subsequently entering the Auditor's office, under Stewart, where he was associated five years. In 1878, he was a prominent candidate for the auditorship. He next became Deputy Treasurer until 1879, when he entered the grocery store of his father-in-law, A. J. Kim- mell, Esq., and was associated in that business until August, 1881, when he became the Deputy of Treasurer Lang. Mr. Smith was married in March, 1876, to Miss Emma E. Kimmell ; they have one child, William Frank.

JUDGE HIRAM S. TOUSLEY, an eminent jurist of Northern Indiana, whose portrait appears in this work, was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., No- vember 20, 1821. His parents, David and Nancy (Noyes) Tousley, were natives, respectively, of Vermont and New York. They were united in mar- riage in Jefferson County, N. Y., where, for many years they remained resi- dents, his father following his trade of blacksmith, together with farming inter- ests. In 1836, they emigrated to Shelby County, Ohio, where they remained until 1843, when they became residents of Whitley County, Ind. Here the father was engaged in agricultural life until 1855, when he started upon an expedition to Missouri, and upon his journey became a victim of the dread scourge of cholera and died. The mother survived until 1873, when she died, being at that time a resident of Noble County. The subject of this sketch was, during his earlier years, an assistant of his father in farming, and is familiar with the sturdy duties of pioneer life. He received a common school education, and, in subsequent years, was an attendant of the State University at Bloom- ington, Ind. In 1845, he became a student of the law, entering the office of Jacoby and Conger, of Fort Wayne, Ind., with whom he remained three years, at the expiration of which period he was admitted to the bar, and immediately thereafter located in Albion, and commenced the practice of his chosen profes- sion, where he has been actively associated up to the present writing. In 1863, he was elected Clerk of the Circuit Court, and served until February, 1867, when he was appointed by Gov. Baker Judge of the Fourteenth Judicial Cir- cuit, and at the subsequent election was elected by the people, and administered the duties of that office for six years. In 1875, Judge Tousley was re-elected, the district having, in the meantime, been divided and become the Thirty-fifth Judicial Circuit, and is still the incumbent of that office. In 1862, he assisted in recruiting Company B, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was appointed by Gov. Morton Lieutenant Colonel of that regiment. Col. Tousley was in service only four months, when he was prostrated by severe sickness, and, consequently, resigned. Judge Tousley is a profound student of the law, is admirably read in every department of literature, has a remarkably retentive memory, and as a scholar of history has few equals. In 1880, Judge Tousley was attached by paralysis, which still renders his health feeble and prevents assiduous attention to his legal duties. He was united in marriage, January, 1851, to Miss Harriet Lisle, a native of Sandusky, Ohio. They have two children-Ella (wife of Rev. B. A. Woods, of New London, Conn.), and Frances (wife of Thomas E. Matson, Chief Engineer and Superintendent of the E. T. & W. N. C. R. R.)

WILLIAM TRUMP, Deputy Sheriff, is a native of Richland County, Ohio and was raised upon a farm, casting his first vote in that county in 1860. In 1861, he came to Noble County, locating at Albion. Here he remained until 1864, employed in different vocations during summer seasons, and in the winter engaged in teaching. He then became a member of Battery A, First Indiana Heavy Artillery, remaining in the service until August, 1865. Return-

379

TOWN OF ALBION.

ing to Albion, he embarked in the dry goods trade, at which he continued, asso- ciated with different partners, until May, 1877. In January, 1881, he became Deputy Sheriff under W. W. Riddle, and is at present associated with the duties of that office. He has served as Assessor for three terms, as Clerk of Board of Town Trustees and as Marshal. He was married, in March, 1866, to Miss Eliza A., daughter of John McMeans, one of the early settlers of Noble County.

L. W. WELKER, lawyer, is a son of Joseph and Lucinda (Huffer) Welker. His father is a native of Ohio, his mother of New York. They were married in Stark County, Ohio, and emigrated to Indiana, settling about 1838 in Noble County in that portion which has since been transferred to Etna Township, Whitley County, and where they have since resided. His father is a prominent farmer and citizen, having served the township for twelve years as Justice of the Peace, and also as Township Trustee. He owns a farm of 160 acres, and considerable property in Columbia City. The subject of this sketch received a good education, attending schools at Columbia City, Racine, Wis., and also Cincinnati, Ohio. He commenced the study of law in 1873 with A. W. Hooper, of Columbia City, with whom he remained until he was admitted to the bar, in 1877, and immediately commenced the practice in Albion, where he is still engaged at his chosen profession, and at present serving as Attorney for that town.

COL. WILLIAM C. WILLIAMS was born September 9, 1830, near the city of Philadelphia, Penn. He comes of Quaker stock on his mother's side, her ancestors having come over with William Penn. Thomas J. Williams, Col. Williams' grandfather, was born in London in 1754. While he was still a boy his father purchased for him a midshipman's commission in the Royal Navy, and in 1774 he was stationed in American waters. The young midship man sympathized with the colonies, and resolved not to take any part against them. He tendered his resignation, which was refused, and the young officer put under arrest. He escaped, and reached Philadelphia soon after the battle of Bunker Hill. The father became enraged at his son's flight, and at his death disinher- ited him. Thomas J. Williams participated in the battles of Brandywine and Germantown, and spent the winter of 1777 and 1778 with Washington's army, at Valley Forge. After the close of the war, he settled near Philadelphia, and in order to marry a young Quakeress, he joined the Society of Friends. Here he lived until his death, which occurred in 1841. Enos Rogers Williams, son of Thomas J. and father of Col. Williams, was a talented clergyman of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in Philadelphia in 1856. Col. Will- iams is the third son. He entered the Academical Institute of Dover, Del., and remained three years. He then taught school until 1849, when he began the study of medicine with Dr. James Munholland, of Waynesburgh, Penn. In 1851, he placed himself under the instruction of an eminent physician and sur- geon in Philadelphia, and in 1853 graduated with honors. In 1854, Dr. Williams was elected School Director, and one of the City Physicians for the poor. These positions he held until November, 1856, when he sailed for Lon- don. Most of the winter he spent in the hospitals of that city. In the mean- time he visited Paris, and returned to Philadelphia in June, 1857 ; remained but a short time, then went to New York, accepting the position as Surgeon on an ocean steamer, plying between New York and Liverpool, visiting Ireland, Wales, Scotland, France and other countries. In 1859, he settled at Wolf Lake, where he practiced his profession with Dr. D. W. C. Denny until

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

1861. At the breaking-out of the war of the rebellion, Dr. Williams, although a Democrat, closed up his business, and in the summer of 1861, recruited a company of which he was elected Captain, and joined the Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, then at Fort Wayne. In the fall they took the field, and subsequently participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, siege of Corinth, and during the summer of 1862, they were on long and tedious marches through Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. During the move- ment of the Army of the Cumberland in Murfreesboro, Col. Reed, of the Forty- fourth, resigned, and by request of the officers of the regiment, Capt. Williams was commissioned as its Colonel, dating November 27, 1862. In the battle of Murfreesboro, Col. Williams and his regiment took a conspicuous part ; two days before its termination, the brigade commander having been disabled, Col. Williams succeeded to its command, and while conducting his men to the rear, after a charge by the enemy on his lines, January 2, 1863, he was wounded in the leg and made prisoner, and taken to Atlanta, Ga. Here he was kept in close confinement until March, when he was transferred to Libby Prison, Richmond, where he was subjected to great indignities and cruelties. The Colonel was exchanged the following May, and was ordered to report for duty with his command. On his way to the front, he was placed in command of the Union forces, at Jeffersonville, Ind., to defend against Gen. John Mor- gan, who had just crossed the Ohio River on his famous raid. As soon as the danger was over, Col. Williams rejoined his regiment and brigade; but soon tendered his resignation and returned to his home, carrying with him a flatter- ing testimonial from the officers and men of his command. He then resumed the practice of medicine in Noble County. In 1867, he was elected to the Clerkship of the Circuit Court of this county, and re-elected for a second term, which position he held for eight years. In 1878, he was nominated for Member of Congress by the National Greenback party, and made a thorough canvass of the district. In 1864, he married Miss Nellie Bliss, daughter of John H. Bliss, Esq., of Albion. Col. Williams, since his retirement from office, has given most of his attention to literary pursuits. He possesses a carefully selected library, covering the ground of his favorite studies ; as a public speaker, he is polished, animated and eloquent ; his lectures are models of research and logical power, and his acquaintance with history is especially broad and accurate. He is one of the prominent citizens of Northern Indiana. One feature of his character stands out in bold relief, and is an invariable indication of the true American, namely, the early determination to push out into the world and fight the battle of life on his own resources, a determination that rarely fails of success.

RICHARD WILLIAMS was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1829. His father being a farmer, he passed his youth upon the farm, subsequently learning the blacksmith trade, which he followed in Ohio, and for a short period in New York State until 1852, when he came to Allen County, Ind., where he followed his trade, for nearly five years, and from there coming to Noble County for two years. Returning to Allen County, he remained two years, enlisting there in the Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteers, Company E, in July, 1862, but, after six months' service, was compelled to resign on account of ill health. He held in the service a First Lieutenant's commission. He returned from the army and located in Green Township, where he resided upon a small piece of land until the decease of his wife, when, for two years, he worked around in different localities. Returning to Green Township, he resumed his trade and

381

TOWN OF JEFFERSON.

farming, finally embarking in the latter calling entirely and continuing there for twelve years. In 1878, he was elected Sheriff of the county and served one term. He is now residing in Albion, where he has erected a commodious brick hotel, and intends to supply a long-felt want of Albion in this enterprise. He is a member of Albion Lodge, F. & A. M. Mr. Williams' first wife died in October, 1863; her maiden name was Martha Dolan. She bore him four chil- dren-B. Franklin, John, James E. and Jennie. In 1865, he was married to Mary Ann Shambaugh, a widow. By this marriage there is one child-Olive.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.

GEORGE BAKER, JR., deceased, was a native of the Keystone State, born March 13, 1829. His parents were George and Mary (Stevenson) Baker, and, being in very ordinary circumstances, could give our subject but little or no advantages. He was one of the eldest of six children, and was kept at home to assist in farm duties. He married Mary Dreibelbis October 11, 1849, who, after bearing him the three following-named children, died : Hiram P., Luman L. and Marion (dead). His second wife and widow was Sarah Dreibelbis, a sister of his former wife. They had five children-Geo. B. Mc., Nelson B., Wm. H., Laura E., and Becca L., deceased. Of Mr. Baker's first wife's children, Luman married, Emma A. Stair. Of his second wife's, Laura E. is the wife of Samuel H. Dreibelbis. Mr. Baker came to Jefferson Township at an early day almost destitute, but became one of the wealthiest men in the township. He at one time had upward of 600 acres of land, owned two saw- mills and one grist-mill. He died an honored and esteemed citizen March 18, 1872. He was a strong Democrat, and at one time a candidate for Sheriff, but was defeated by a small majority. The family still reside on the old place, in Section 34, which consists of 230 acres of as fine farming and grazing land as there is in Jefferson Township. They are well known and respected.

CHRISTIAN BARHAN was born in Baltimore County, Md., August 5, 1816. When but three months old, his father, John Barhan, died, and when nine months old his mother and the family moved to Richland County, Ohio, where they resided a number of years. Christian Barhan received but a lim- ited education. In the fall of 1837, he came to Noble County, locating in Jefferson Township, there only being three or four families in the township at that time. The first two years succeeding his arrival, he worked for Jehu Foster, and with his accumulated earnings, he purchased 240 acres-his present farm, investing all his means as part payment. Mr. Barhan commenced clear- ing and improving his farm, and erected a cabin thereon for a home. He married Miss Mary Curry April 2, 1850, and soon after moved on the place which has since been their home. Mr. and Mrs. Barhan are hard-working and industrious, and now have one of the finest farms in Jefferson Township. They have had five children, as follows: Frances, wife of L. McFarland; Eleanor, wife of Frank Pepple; Jane, wife of John Koons; William and Alvin, the last two being single. Mrs. Barhan is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Barhan is a Democrat, and a quiet, unassuming citizen.

THOMAS BEYMER was born in Huron County, Ohio, August 9, 1823. He is a son of George and Belinda (Ford) Beymer, the former being a native of Wheeling, Va., and the latter of Holland Dutch descent. The subject of this

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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

memoir is the eldest in a family of sixteen children, ten at the present writing being alive. His early years were passed on his father's farm, and he received but an ordinary education, while the younger members of the family have received college and academical education. When twenty-two years of age, Thomas left home and began working on a farm at $10 per month. He was married, April 17, 1851, to Jane Harvey, daughter of George and Mary (Bremner) Harvey, and six months afterward moved to Noble County, where he had eighty acres of land in the southern part of Jefferson Township. They began in life with very little, but now own 100 acres of nicely improved land where they reside and forty acres in another farm. Mrs. Beymer was born in the Lowlands of Scotland March 10, 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Beymer had five children-Mary B., Margaret A. E., George (deceased), Janette V. and Lillian J. Margaret married Frank P. Hill and moved to Ashland County, Ohio, where she now resides. Mary is the wife of Samuel Bricker; Janette is the wife of John T. Graves; and both reside in Jefferson Township. Mr. and Mrs. Beymer are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Mr. Beymer is a Republican and a progressive citizen.

BLACK FAMILY .- Peter Black, deceased, was born December 11, 1789, in Maryland. His early life was spent in his native State, where he learned the manufacture of brick and the trade of masonry. He was married in Baltimore, Md., August 16, 1812, to Martha Amos, who was born in Mary- land July 30, 1793. A few years succeeding his marriage, Mr. Black and family removed to Lancaster County, Penn., where in connection with his trade he carried on teaming quite extensively. In 1833, he discontinued his trade, and with his family removed to Richland County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming. In 1853, he moved to Jefferson Township, where his oldest son had preceded him, and began, with the help of his sons, to clear and improve a farm. He was an industrious and honest man, a Democrat and a soldier of the war of 1812. His death occurred in Noble County, October 23, 1863. His wife was a member of the Old School Baptist Church, and her death occurred in Noble County January 28, 1872. 'Mr. and Mrs. Black were parents of the following family: F. A., born July 31, 1813; Owen, September 24, 1815; Elizabeth, September 7, 1817, died December 1, 1862 ; Oliver P., born October 17, 1819; Cyrus, May 28, 1822; Davis, August 7, 1825; Benjamin, March 4, 1828; Naomi, January 28, 1831, wife of. J. J. Knox, of Elkhart Township; Peter M., born June 1, 1836, died January 13, 1863; and James M., January 16, 1840.

OLIVER P. BLACK, a native of Lancaster County, Penn., came with his parents to Richland County, Ohio, in 1833, and from there to Noble County in 1853, where he has since resided. He received a good common school education, and was married in Richland County, Ohio, in 1855, to Mary Ann Streby. They had three children-Martha, wife of Ed. P. Ray, of Albion ; George C., who married Mary O. Hines; and Naomi E. Oliver P. Black is a Democrat, as was also his father and all of his brothers. He first came to the county in 1845, remained a few months with his brother, and then returned to Ohio. By trade he is a carpenter and joiner, but at present confines his attention to farming. He first owned but 80 acres of land, but has increased it to 100 acres, which has been improved principally by his own labor.

CYRUS BLACK received the advantages of the common schools where he resided in his earlier years. He came to Noble County in 1853. Mr. Black has never married, but resides with his brother, James M. He owns 80 acres of land in Jefferson Township and 40 acres in Allen Township.

383

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.

BENJAMIN BLACK is a native of Pennsylvania. When four years old, he came to Ohio with his parents. He was married September 15, 1859, to Miss Ruth Foster, daughter of Christian Foster, and soon after moved to his present place in Jefferson Township. They had two daughters-Naomi J. and Eva E. Mr. Black owns 160 acres of fine land, which is well improved.

JAMES M. BLACK was reared a farmer. He came with his parents to Indiana, where he was married, February 21, 1872, to Mary J. Halferty, who was born February 7, 1847. They have two children-John O. and Lula N. Mr. Black owns 120 acres of good land, and is a prosperous farmer. The Black family are widely known in Noble County. They are prosperous and leading citizens of their respective neighborhoods, and are honest and enter- prising citizens.

WILLIAM BONHAM (deceased husband of Elizabeth J. Bonham), was born in Buckinghamshire, England, October 11, 1825. There were nine children in his father's family, only four now living. His parents, John and Elizabeth Bonham, are now dead. Having received an ordinary education, he left his native country when a young man and came to Richland County, Ohio, and began going to school and working by the month to defray expenses. September 2, 1852, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth J. Hadley, and shortly after removed to Sauk County, Wis., purchasing 120 acres, where they resided until their removal to Noble County the spring of 1863. Here they located on the farm now owned by the family. Mr. Bonham began im- proving the farm till it is now considered among the best in the township. Mr. Bonham died suddenly of lung trouble, June 22, 1878. He was reared in the independent religious faith, but became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church after coming to America. In his political views, he was a firm adhe- rent to the Republican party, and an honest, conscientious God-fearing man. Mr. and Mrs. Bonham had six children-Sarah M., John M., Justina L., Homer H., Arabell and Mary M. The three oldest are married. Sarah is the wife of James Trumbo ; John married Alice Stanley ; Justina is the wife of Milton Stanley; and all are residents of Noble County. Mrs. Bonham was born in Richland County, Ohio, April 10, 1831. The home farm, upon which the widow and a portion of the family reside, consists of 120 acres of excellent farming and grazing land. This family is among the first in Jefferson Town- ship.

J. M. BRACKNEY is a native of Butler County, Penn., his birth occurring June 3, 1817. His parents, John and Margaret (Edwards) Brackney, had twelve children, three only of whom are living. The father was a farmer, a native of Pennsylvania, and of Dutch ancestry. His mother is a descendant of the Ed- wards family of Wales. The parents of J. M. Brackney were old-fashioned steady-going people, and devout members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He received a common-school education, and our subject, at the age of seven- teen, commenced serving an apprenticeship at the carpenter and joiner's trade, which he thoroughly completed. He was married, in July, 1844, to Miss Martha McCormic, and to them were born Margaret A., Elizabeth, Mahala, Adda, Jane, Lytle, Mosheim, Lillian, Curtis and one that died in infancy. Margaret A., Lillian, Elizabeth and Curtis are dead. In 1856, Mr. Brackney came to Noble County, and purchased his present farm, where he has since resided, farming and working at his trade. He is now the happy possessor of a fine farm and a comfortable home. He is a Democrat; he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and intelligent, deserving citizens.

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Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 88

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