Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 93

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 93
USA > Indiana > Noble County > Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 93

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).

JAMES L. TRADER, physician and surgeon, was born in Union- town, Penn., June 9, 1846. He is a son of Tegle and Mahala (Hatfield). Trader, and grandson of Staten Trader, a native of England, who came with his parents to America and settled in Maryland, near Snow Hill. Staten Trader here married a Miss Long, who bore him a large family of children, one of them being Tegle, the father of Dr. Trader. Tegle Trader and family went to Western Pennsylvania, and there engaged in agricultural pursuits. He resided on the farm until recently, when he removed to Uniontown, where he and wife are yet living, retired from active life. The subject of this biog- raphy is one of eight children. His early years were passed in going to the common and graded schools of his native town, and later in years attending college, for the purpose of fitting himself to enter the medical college. For two years, he read under Dr. Fuller, an eminent physician of Western Penn- sylvania. He attended the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia the season of 1869-70, and graduated from that institution the season of 1870-71. Soon after his graduation, Dr. Trader located in Uniontown, and for six years successfully carried on the practice of his profession. From there he removed to Perryopolis, practicing at that place one year. While here, and on the 12th of July, 1877, he married Carrie May Porter, and soon after this event he

412

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

removed to Brimfield, Ind., where he has since remained. Dr. Trader has been very successful in his practice at this place, and by his pleasing address and energy he devotes to his business has won many warm and true friends. To his marriage with Miss Porter there has been born one son-John Porter, born January 7, 1879.

WILLIAM H. TROWBRIDGE was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., March 4, 1828. He is a son of Samuel and Bethiah (Winslow) Trowbridge, who were both natives of New York and the parents of eight children, six sons of whom are yet living. Mr. Trowbridge, the father, was a carpenter and joiner by trade, also worked at cabinet making while in York State. In about 1834, he, with his family, moved to Ohio; but after a residence in Cuya- hoga County for a short time, he became dissatified with the country and moved back to his native State, but again returned to Ohio, locating in Geauga County, thence to Indiana. They came overland through the Black Swamp in Ohio to Noble County, locating on Section 35, in Orange Township. After living there about five years, he moved near Kendallville, and from there to Section 36, in Orange Township, in 1853. In 1867, he sold out, moved to Iona County, Mich., where he died a month or so after his arrival. He was one of Orange Township's earliest settlers, and deserves due mention in the history of that township. His wife died the spring of 1872. W. H. Trow- bridge was reared a farmer. At the age of twenty-four, he started overland for California, but instead of going to the expected destination he went to Oregon, where he engaged in lumbering. The spring of 1855 he returned to Indiana, and purchased his present place. He was married, November 22, 1862, to Ann Eliza Wilson, who bore him one son-Herbert H., who has since died. The mother died April 10, 1865, and August 10, 1867, Mr. Trowbridge married his present wife, Berthana Woodruffe. This lady has borne him seven children-George F., Joseph P., Walter, Harry, Emma and two that died in infancy. Mr. Trowbridge is a Republican and owns eighty acres of good land.

JACOB A. WALDRON. Lewis Waldron, father of our subject, was born November 30, 1814, in Rockland County, N. Y., and is one of seven children, three yet living, born to Jacob and Furtama (Phillips) Waldron, who were of English descent. Lewis Waldron has made farming and clearing his chief em- ployment through life. In 1817, he came with his parents to Delaware County, Ohio, and from there to Indiana in June, 1836, locating in Elkhart Township, Noble County, where his parents died. In 1846, Lewis Waldron and family moved to the place now owned by John Schermerhorn in Orange Township ; then to Brimfield during the war. His wife, Sabina Holden, was born in On- tario County, N. Y., January 30, 1807, and they were married April 4, 1832. To them has been born seven children, all of whom are yet living. Jacob A. Waldron, the oldest, was born in Delaware County, Ohio, in 1833, and has always farmed. In 1855, he married Mary L. Lake, who died in 1864, leaving four children-Viola C., Lillie L., Sherman T. and Sheridan. February 15, 1866, Mr. Waldron married his present wife, Miss Achsah Reed. He is a Democrat, and is a Trustee of Orange Township at the present. He owns six- ty-four and one-half acres of good land, and is a member of the Masonic Order of Rome City. Mrs. Waldron is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church.

H. H. WARNER was born in Cortland County, N. Y., April 25, 1822, and is one of eleven children born to Ira and Acenith (Hitchcock) Warner. The parents were natives of Massachusetts and farmers. The subject came West to Indiana in 1849. Having relatives in Orange Township, Noble County,

413

ORANGE TOWNSHIP.

he located on his present place, where he has ever since resided. Mr. Warner came in time to see much new country, and to clear his farm principally of all its timber. In 1847, he married Ursula J. Hitchcock, and they have had one child-Maggie W., the wife of G. T. Brothwell. Mr. Warner owns 500 acres of land, which he and Mr. Brothwell farm, and also carry on stock-raising. Mr. Warner is a Republican. His wife was born in Orleans County, N. Y., September 15, 1822, and is a member of the M. E. Church. G. T. Brothwell was born January 25, 1841, in Bridgeport, Conn. Emery Brothwell and Polina Treadwell, his parents, are both dead. G. T. Brothwell came to Noble County in May, 1858, and lived with his uncle, John F., until the breaking-out of the war. August 12, 1862, he enlisted in Company B, Twelfth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Fifteenth Army Corps, and was discharged June 20, 1865. Richmond, Ky., was the first battle he engaged in, and was there taken prisoner. He was paroled, came home on a furlough, after which he was exchanged, and then rejoined his regiment. He was an active participant in the battles of Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, Kenesaw and Lookout Mountain, Vicksburg, all through the Atlanta Campaign, with Sherman on his memorable march to the sea, and with Sherman went to Washington. After the war, Mr. Brothwell returned to his native town, and took a thorough course in Bryant & Stratton's Business College. Afterward, he came to South Bend, Ind., where for two years he was engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods. January 21, 1849, he married, and since that event has been chiefly engaged in farming in Orange Township. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church, and Mr. Brothwell is a Republican in politics.

C. C. WATKINS. The father of the subject, Orlin Watkins, was born in Ontario County, N. Y., December 24, 1798. He was a son of Nathan and Sarah (Clark) Watkins, and grandson of Capt. William Watkins (Captain in the Revolution). His great-grandfather Watkins was a native of Wales, and during the religious disturbances there, in 1688, he and a brother fled to America. Orlin Watkins was raised a farmer. He was married March 13, 1822, to Electa S. Ketchum. After his marriage, he engaged in the manufact- ure of woolen goods in Naples, N. Y. The spring of 1836 he sold out, came to Noble County, and entered 400 acres on Sections 21 and 27 in Orange Township; returned to New York. The fall of 1836, he brought his family, but did not locate until the next year. The winter of 1836-37, he was in Michigan, and the fall of 1837 came to Noble County, leaving his family in Wayne Town- ship, until he could erect a cabin.

He resided in Orange Township until his death. June 13, 1860. His wife died on the 17th of August, 1854. They were the parents of five children, four living. Mr. Watkins was a Whig, but, beginning with John C. Fremont's candidacy, became a permanent Republican. He was a worker in the Congregational faith. Calvin C. Watkins was born October 26, 1826. He came with his parents to Indiana. He was married September 24, 1858, to Nancy J. Piatt, a native of Knox County, Ohio. Their union has been blessed with six children-Warren C., Fanny F., Timothy C., Lizzie A., Nathan A. and Willie H. Lizzie is dead. Mr. Watkins has made Orange Township his home since coming to Noble County. He owns 200 acres of good land, is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Protestant Methodist Church. Mr. Watkins is a member of the Masons, the Knights of Honor and the Odd Fellows.

CHRISTIAN WEAVER, farmer, came to Indiana September 30, 1849. He was born in Ohio, and lived there with his parents until twenty-three years

414

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

of age. He spent some time at clearing land, and bought 108 acres of wooded land in Orange Township, then went back to Ohio. He made the journey on foot, a distance of 300 miles, with the exception of sixteen miles that he traveled by rail, from Fort Finley to Cary, on the first cars he had ever seen. He returned in 1850, and September 20, 1851, was married to Susanna Towns, native of Ohio, and daughter of John and Mary Towns, who located on a farm, in 1850, in Steuben County, Ind., where they died. Mr. Weaver's farm now numbers 267 acres of land of the best soil to be found in the county, and in place of the old log cabin stands a commodious frame residence, and the farm is well superintended by the owner, who is a thorough farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver are members of the German Baptist Church, and have had five children -John (deceased), William, who is one of the most active and prosperous farmers of Elkhart Township; Sylvanus and Wesley, living at home, and Cor- nelius (deceased.)

JACOB WEAVER. January 30, 1827, there was born to Christian and Christina (Hetrick) Weaver, the subject of this sketch, in Columbiana County, Ohio. The mother died after bearing Mr. Weaver a family of twelve children, and this gentlemen married Mrs. Sally Hoffman for his second wife, who bore him two children. Mr. Weaver is now dead, but his last wife is yet living. Father of subject was a farmer. He was an honest, straightforward man, a Deacon in the German Baptist Church, and a well-respected citizen. Jacob Weaver was reared on his father's farm, assisting his parents in the duties of farm life that devolved on them. His educational advantages were very limited, and he received but a meager schooling. He emigrated to Indiana the fall of 1849, and for a few months resided in Jefferson Township. Early the next year, he removed to Orange Township, which he has since made his home. The country at that time was quite wild, and small clearings were all that attested that people had been there. Mr. Weaver worked around at different jobs until his marriage to Lydia Towns the fall of 1852, since when he has been living on his present place. He commenced with small means at his command, but by hard labor and economy has made a competence. He owns 102 acres of well-improved land, and is in good financial circumstances. He is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the German Baptist Church. The children born to them are as follows : Rachel, David, Lee, Lou, Jacob and Lona, living, and Ellen, Eli, John and Rosetta, dead.

CHARLES A. WILSON, M. D., proprietor of the Mineral Springs Therapy, Rome City, was born April 20, 1842, in Worcester County, Mass. He is one of five children, of whom Wheaton and Jerusha (Chase) Wilson were the parents. Up to the age of nineteen, he lived at home, and received a good practical education. At the age of twelve, he began working at ornamental painting, but discontinued it for the study of medicine when sixteen. He left his studies and enlisted, September, 1861, in Company I, Twenty-fifth Mass- achusetts Volunteer Infantry. He served in the infantry until after the capture of Newbern as Assistant Hospital Steward, and was then transferred on the United States steamer Delaware, and, after six months, to the ship Onward. This vessel left port with sealed instructions, not to be opened until they had sailed easterly 100 miles. On opening these instructions, it was found that they were out for a two years' cruise in search of the Alabama and Florida, and to protect the rights of American citizens in foreign ports. For a year and nine months they cruised around with ordinary success. Dr. Wilson, on this trip, obtained a good knowledge of surgery, besides a memorable experience in for-

415

ORANGE TOWNSHIP.

eign countries. He was discharged in the fall of 1864, and, that winter, took another course of lectures at Harvard. He graduated with honors from that institution in the winter of 1868, and up to 1870 practiced medicine in Mon- tague. He then came to Kendallville, Ind., and from there to Wolcottville two years later. At the latter place he had a good practice. He came to Rome City and established his Mineral Springs Therapy and Water Cure. He has now good facilities for treatment of chronic diseases. The Doctor is the in- ventor of an abdominal supporter. He was married in November, 1868, to Harriet S. Brick, and to them has been born one son-Charles F. He is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church at Wolcott- ville.

ALLEN TOWNSHIP.

JAMES M. AMOS was born in Baltimore County, Md., January 3, 1816, and is a son of Frederick and Naomi (Alderson) Amos, both of whom were born, reared, married and had a family of eleven children born to them in Maryland, the subject of this sketch being the youngest. When about ten years of age, his parents moved to Cumberland County, Penn., and from there to Richland County, Ohio, in 1836, where they resided. The father was a man of good education and of more than an average degree of intelligence. He taught school, was a farmer and surveyor. James M. Amos was reared on a farm, received only a fair education, and remained at home until twenty-eight years old. He was married December 28, 1843, to Miss Margaret Weaver, who was born in Richland County, Ohio, December 18, 1825. To this union were born six children-John D., Martha and Susan, living ; and Waldo, Naomi and William, deceased. Mr. Amos farmed in Ohio until 1853, when he came to his present place in Noble County, where he has since remained. He started a poor boy, but, by industry and economy, has placed himself in comfortable circumstances. He is a Democrat in politics, and a prominent citizen.

HENRY BAUM is a native of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, born Feb- ruary 28, 1817. His parents died when he was quite young, and he was sent to this country to be reared by an uncle who resided in Ohio. After a few years the uncle died, and young Baum went to Pennsylvania, where for a num- ber of years he was employed upon a canal. He was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Fryer, in 1838. She was born in Snyder County, Penn., June 28, 1816. To them were born two children, viz. : Emanuel F. and Permelia. In 1854, Mr. Baum came to Avilla, and engaged in the mercantile business, in which he continued until 1878. He was Postmaster at Avilla some eight years. His son, Emanuel, was born September 23, 1844, and, to a great extent, has always assisted Mr. Baum with his business. He was married to Miss Frances A. Young, September 15, 1874. This lady was born in De Kalb County, Ind., May 26, 1853. They have one child-Charlton H. Mrs. Baum has for some time been connected with the Avilla School as teacher, a position she fills with much credit.

MONROE BENDER was born in the Swiss Republic March 24, 1814. His parents, Otmer and Osa Bender, emigrated to this country in 1838, and settled at Shelby, Richland Co., Ohio. Six weeks after their arrival, the mother died. In the family were eight sons and four daughters. The father

416

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

made Richland County his home, where he was well and favorably known. Monroe Bender received but a limited education. and, when fourteen years of age, went to Norwalk, Ohio, where, for five years, he worked at whatever he could get to do. He then worked in a mill at Bellevue, Ohio, after which he entered the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad, working in the shops and as fireman on the road. He also worked in the shops of the Pennsylvania Railway Company at Fort Wayne, and then went to Ohio, and until 1860 was engaged in the mercantile business. He then came to this county, and has since been engaged in farming and stock-raising. He was married to Miss Fanny Stigmire in 1861. She was born in Switzerland Octo- ber 16, 1836, was baptized by Father Stoker, and from seven to fifteen years of age attended school in her native country. She then learned the dress- maker's trade, at which she worked carefully, saving her money until twenty- three years of age, when she came to this country alone, and until her marriage with Mr. Bender made her home with friends in Seneca County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Bender have had a family of five children, viz .: Samuel F., Amelia V., Emma L., Frank M. and Fanny M. Mr. Bender owns 280 acres of land, which is nicely improved and well stocked. He is a Democrat, and he and family are members of the Catholic Church at Avilla.

DAVIS BLACK was born in Cumberland County, Penn., August 7, 1825. He is the son of Peter and Martha (Amos) Black, full mention of whom is made in another part of this work. Davis Black was brought up on his father's farm, receiving his education in the log schoolhouses of that day. He married Miss Caroline Sigler May 23, 1850. Mrs. Black was born in Rich- land County, Ohio, in 1825. The fall following their marriage, they moved to this county, and purchased eighty acres of land. This was unimproved at. the time. They have since added to it, until they now own 160 acres, which are nicely improved and well stocked. To them have been born four children, viz .: Matilda A., Martha D. and William W., living, and Mary E., deceased. Mr. Black began life as a poor man, and he and wife have made what they have since their marriage. They are public-spirited people, and have the respect of all who are acquainted with them. Mr. Black is a Democrat, but liberal in his views.

FREDERICK A. BLACK was born in Harford County, Md., July 31, 1813. He is the son of Peter and Martha (Amos) Black, who were born, reared and married in Maryland. They removed to Lancaster County, Penn., in 1819, and then in a few years to Cumberland County, the same State. In 1833, they moved to Richland County, Ohio, and to this county in 1852. In their family were eight sons and two daughters, the greater portion of whom now reside in Noble County. The father was a soldier of the war of 1812, and participated in a number of engagements. He was a Jackson Democrat, and held many positions of honor and trust. Both he and wife have been dead some years. Frederick A. Black was brought up on a farm, and received few advantages for obtaining an education. When about twenty-four years of age, he began working in a saw-mill, and for seven years continued in this business. He was maried to Miss Sophia Shafer in 1836. She was born in Bedford County, Penn., in 1817. From this union there were seven children, viz .: Mary A., John D., Margaret E., Elizabeth, Sarah M., Peter O. and Jane S. In 1845, Mr. Black came to this county, and purchased eighty acres of land in Jefferson Township. He has added to his first purchase from time to time, until he now owns 376 acres. He has always followed farming

417

ALLEN TOWNSHIP.

and stock-raising, and has done much toward improving the stock of Noble County. He is a self-made man in the fullest sense of the term. He has held the office of County Commissioner three terms, during which time he suggested and carried out many needed reforms in the management of the county's affairs. He has also held the office of School Trustee. Justice of the Peace and other offices, and proved valuable and efficient. Mrs. Black died in 1850, since which Mr. Black has remained single, caring for his family and keeping them together until their respective marriages. He is a Democrat in politics, and a useful and honored citizen.

M. BLUST was born in Seneca County, Ohio, September 13, 1844. He is the son of George and Elizabeth (Myer) Blust, who were natives of Ger- many, where for seven years the father served as a soldier. In 1837, he came with his family to this country, and located in Seneca County, Ohio, where he engaged in farming. He was twice married. To the first marriage there were nine children and by the second six. He was an industrious man, a good citizen and a member of the Catholic Church. Our subject was reared on a farm and received but a limited education. When about nineteen, he left home and came to Avilla, Ind., and for some time worked at carpentering. He then began manufacturing brick and erecting buildings, and has thus continued. He makes about 500,000 brick per annum, and has been in the business some nineteen years. In 1875, he began to manufacture drain tile, which he is now engaged in quite extensively. Both the tile and brick he manufactures are of a superior quality, and he finds ready sale for them. He was united in marriage with Miss Bernedena Soele January 7, 1869, born in Pittsburgh, Penn., December 25, 1844. From this union there were five children, viz .: Mary E., Frances A., Emma and two that died in infancy. Mr. Blust is an industrious man and a prominent member of the Catholic Church.

MRS. FRANCES R. BROUGHTON is a native of Juniata County, Penn., born November 12, 1831. She is the daughter of Joseph and Susan (Garehart) Smith, mention of whom is made in the biography of Samuel E. Smith, Swan Township. Mrs. Broughton remained with her parents until 1848, when she came with Henry Fryer and family to Allen Township. On the 3d of July, 1852, she was united in marriage with Mr. Nathan Broughton. He was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., March 18, 1828. Mr. Broughton came with his widowed mother and family to Swan Township in 1839. He began life as a poor boy, having received but a limited education ; but possess- ing a strong will and a desire to succeed, he, with the assistance of his good wife, made for his family a comfortable home. He was a man of decided po- litical and religious views, ever favoring the right and promptly rejecting and opposing everything known to be wrong. This early settler departed this life August 6, 1877. In his family were five children, viz .: Clara P., Cornelia A., William A., Everette W. and Florence A. Mrs. Broughton has resided on the old homestead and cared for the family since her husband's death. She is quiet and unassuming in her manners, is a lady of culture and refinement and has the respect of all who know her.

WILLIAM BROUGHTON was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., June 29, 1822, the son of Amos and Nancy (Timmerman) Broughton, a sketch of whom appears in the history of Swan Township, this work. William came with the family to Swan Township in 1839, and the winter following returned to Champaign County, Ohio, where he attended school. On his return, he and his brother Samuel began making brick at Swan. He was married to Miss

418

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES:

Rebecca Cosper March 24, 1844. She was born in Wayne County, Ohio, December 12, 1825. There were seven children born to them, viz .: Charles W., Cordelia, Mortimer, Forbes H., Lafayette, Frank and Nora. Charles W., Mortimer and Forbes H. each served their country three years in the war of the rebellion, and Charles W. was severely wounded at the battle of Shiloh. Mrs. Broughton died October 16, 1880. She was a loving wife, a kind mother and a Christian lady. Mr. Broughton married Mrs. Hannah (Cosper) Srayer April 23, 1881. She was born in Wayne County, Ohio, May 24, 1833. Mr. Broughton built the Albion and Kendallville Schoolhouses, two churches at Albion and a number of other buildings in the county. He super- intended the making of brick for two years for the Northern Indiana State Prison. He is a stanch Republican, and did much to encourage a strong loyal sentiment at the North during the late war. He appraised the real estate of Noble County in 1862, and has held the office of County Commissioner and various other positions in his township. He owns a nicely improved farm and is one of the practical men of Noble County.

CURTIS BROUSE, JR., was born in Medina County, Ohio, October 20, 1840, son of Curtis and Rebecca (Wall) Brouse, the father being a native of Medina County and the mother of Pennsylvania, and married in Ohio. They moved to Lorain County, Ohio, and from there to Noble County, Ind., in 1854, locating on the place now owned by our subject. The father is now living in Kendallville, but the mother is deceased. Curtis Brouse, Jr., received a com- mon education, and assisted his parents on the farm until September, 1861, when he enlisted in Company F. Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was a participant in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Perryville ; at Stone River he was shot through the left lung near the heart, the ball passing entirely through his body. He lay two days and nights where he fell before his wounds were dressed ; but, on the enemy's evacuation of the battle-field, he returned to the hands of our troops and was moved to Nashville, and from there to Louis- ville, then sent to Quincy, Ill., where he was discharged May 11, 1863. Six years he resided in Michigan, and with the exception of this time, he has con- tinued to farm in Noble County. July 1, 1864, he married Miss Alvina Mat- thew, a native of Grant County, Wis., born May 7, 1846. June 1, 1865, there was born to this union one son, Ulysses C. Mr. Brouse owns ninety acres of land, but farms 200, 110 of which belongs to his father. He has made what he now owns by hard work and economy. He is a Republican, a member of the Protestant Methodist Church, and an intelligent citizen.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 93

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