Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 94

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 94
USA > Indiana > Noble County > Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical > Part 94

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).

JOHN CRONE was born in Franklin County, Penn., August 26, 1818. He is one of a family of nine children, born to John and Elizabeth (Pence) Crone, both of whom were natives of the Keystone State. They were married at Little York, Penn., and removed from there to Richland County, Ohio, in 1832. The father was a Fife Major in a Pennsylvania regiment during the war of 1812. He was a blacksmith by trade, and had the respect of all who knew him. He and wife both died in Richland County, Ohio. John Crone received but a limited education, and remained at home, working for his father, until he attained his majority. He was married to Miss Catharine Switzer August 27, 1839, who was born in Richland County, Ohio, February 27, 1821. From this union there were twelve children, viz. : Daniel, Elizabeth, Barbara, Joseph W., Mary J., John S., William H., Sarah A., Amy R., Lucy I., and two that died in infancy. Mr. Crone remained in Ohio farming until 1849, when he came with his family to this country and settled on a portion of the

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land he now owns. He has added to his first purchase here until he now owns 222 acres, which is nicely improved and well stocked. He is a Democrat; a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and a hospitable Christian.

REV. DOMINIE DUEHMIG was born in Ebenheid, Baden, November 9, 1842, one of twelve children born to Erasmus and Anna (Beahtold) Dueh- mig, natives of Bavaria and Baden respectively. The father was a man of intelligence and education, and his occupation was farming and weaving. All the sons were college graduates. He died in 1873, and his widow six years later. Our subject attended the Parish schools until fourteen years of age ; during this time he had taken private instruction in Latin. He then attended a high school at Bischofsheim for four years, after which he attended school at Wertheim two years. He attended the University of Freiburg, Baden, eighteen months, and while there took up the study of theology. He graduated from the University of Louvain, Belgium, in 1866, and in March of the same year was ordained a Deacon of the Catholic Church by Cardinal De Ster, Arch- bishop of Malines, Belgium. August 5, 1866, he was ordained a priest (for the American Mission) by the Bishop of Liege, Belgium. In the latter part of 1866, he came to this country, and was placed on the Huntington, Ind., charge, as assistant. After about two months he was appointed to the Avilla charge. Since coming here he has strengthened the congregation, and built one of the finest churches in the county. He has also built churches at Albion, Bremen, Kendallville, Ligonier and one in Swan Township, and increased the congregations at all these points. When he came first to his present charge, it included the Missions in Noble, De Kalb, Steuben, La Grange, Elkhart, Kos- ciusko, Marshall, Whitley and a portion of Allen County, which now require the labor of five resident priests. Father Duehmig is an enthusiastic worker in the important position he occupies and as a pastor has achieved great success.

SAMUEL C. FAIRBANKS was born February 19, 1822, in Jefferson County, N. Y. His parents, James and Margery (Potter) Fairbanks, were also natives of the Empire State, whence they moved, in 1833, to Geauga County, Ohio. Here they passed the remainder of their days, engaged in agricult- ural pursuits. The father served as a soldier in the war of 1812, and to him and wife were born eight children. Samuel C. was brought up on his father's farm, and from boyhood was accustomed to hard work. He was united in mar- riage with Miss Margaret E. Armstrong August 29, 1844. This lady was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., October 3, 1824. From this union there are three children, viz .: George H., Emma E. and Harriet L. Mr. Fair- banks remained in Ohio, engaged in farming, until 1846, when he came to this county and purchased 80 acres of land. He had little or no means, and he and wife saw many hardships, and had to work hard and use strict economy before they found themselves in possession of a comfortable home. They now own 153 acres of nicely improved land. Mr. Fairbanks is a Democrat, and has held positions of honor and trust in the township. He and family are in- telligent reading people, and have the respect and confidence of all who know them.

AARON FIELDS was born in Vermont July 30, 1826. He is one of ten children born to Josiah and Eliza (Halstead) Fields, natives of the Green Mountain State. They moved to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, in 1830, where, May 5, 1843, the father died. The mother died in this county August 15, 1864. Aaron Fields received but a limited education, and soon after the death of his father, he left home, and, after roaming around some time, located in WW

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Kendall County, Ill. Here he remained until 1846, when he enlisted in Com- pany E, Second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served one year in the Mexi- can war. He participated in the battle of Buena Vista, and a number of lesser engagements. After the war, he returned to Ohio, and on the 3d of July, 1851, was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Stray. She was born in Wy- oming County, N. Y., October 8, 1832. To them were born eight children, five of whom are now living-Alice J., Francis M., Forrest E., Minnie U. and Maud. Those deceased are Flora A., Laura T. and Mary M. Mr. Fields was engaged in farming and carpentering in Ohio until 1852, when he came to this county, where he has since resided. He owns 90 acres of well-improved land ; is a Republican.

MONROE L. GAWTHROP was born in La Grange County, Ind., September 28, 1836, and is a son of Samuel and Prutia (Littlefield) Gawthrop, natives of New York State. Edmund Littlefield, grandfather of our subject, emigrated from New York to Adrian, Mich., in about 1825, and shortly after this came to Pretty Prairie, in La Grange County, and was among the first settlers. Our subject's parents were married in Greenfield Township, La Grange County, and to them were born four children. In about 1841, the father died, after which the mother married Daniel Bixler, one of the first set- tlers of Noble County, and in 1842, they moved to Kendallville, where our subject's youth was passed. When twenty-one years old, he went to Illinois, and, after two years in this State, went to Iowa. He remained there one year, then came back to Illinois, where he remained another year, and then returned to Indiana. He was married September 24, 1863, to Miss Lucy Taylor, who was born in Champaign County, Ohio, November 8, 1843. To this union were born three children-Luella M., Charles M. and Ray D. Mr. Gawthorp owns 105 acres of well-improved land, which he has made by his own labors. He followed saw-milling some five years, but the greater part of his life has been passed in farming and stock-raising. He is a Republican, and has taken an active part in the advancement of all laudable and educational enterprises.

HART T. GRAHAM was born in Franklin County, Mass., May 27, 1821. He is one of ten children born to Zerah and Clarissa (Taylor) Graham, both of whom were natives of the Bay State. They were married in their native State, and moved from there to Chautauqua County, N. Y., in 1829. After living here some years, they removed to Geauga County, Ohio, and from there in a short time to Summit County, the same State. Here they resided until 1848, when they came to this county, which they ever afterward made their home. The father was a shoemaker by trade, and he and wife were hard- working, kind-hearted, Christian people. Hart T. Graham received but a limited education, and got his start in life by working by the month on a farm. He was married to Miss Harriet Bond June 12, 1844. This lady was born in Allegany County, N. Y., November 23, 1823. From this union there were four children, viz .: Emma J. and Guy E., living; Mary A. and Ellen I., de- ceased. Soon after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Graham came to this county and purchased forty acres of land. They have since added to it, and now own ninety acres, which is well improved. They are intelligent, kind-hearted, hos- pitable people, and possess social and moral qualities of a high order. Mr. Graham is a Republican.

HENRY H. HAINES, of the firm of Wood & Haines, was born in Allen Township, this county, June 1, 1848, and is the son of Samuel P. and Mary (Smith) Haines. He was reared upon a farm, and received his early education

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in the common schools. He graduated from the Iron City Commercial College in 1870, and was for some years engaged in the drug trade in Avilla. He was married to Miss Mary Craven March 16, 1871. She was born in the Buckeye State September 14, 1847. From this union there are two children, viz., Ada E. and Almerta P. In 1880, he and his brother-in-law, Washington L. Wood, formed a partnership in the manufacture of wooden force pumps, apple jelly, sorghum molasses, cider making, etc. They have a new process for making the juice of the apple into jelly, and have a capacity for manufacturing 100 gallons daily. They also have a process of making sorghum molasses, entirely freeing it from all acidity. They can manufacture about 300 gallons per day, and of their pumps 100 per month. They are both liberal in their political views, are strong advocates of temperance, and are members of the Masonic order.

ROBERT S. HAINES. Samuel P. Haines, father of Robert S., was born in Union County, Penn., November 10, 1810. His parents, George and Margaret (Himebaugh) Haines were early settlers of Union County, Penn., and the parents of nine children. Samuel P. was reared on a farm, and re- ceived but a limited education. When about twenty, began working at the carpenter's trade. He was united in marriage with Miss Mary Smith in 1832. She was born in Union County, Penn., September 17, 1813. From this union there were nine children, five of whom are yet living, viz., Robert S., Joseph W., Henry H., Janette L. and John P. Those deceased were Albert L., Thomas E., Loruma J. and George G. In 1842, Mr. Haines traded a small property he had in Pennsylvania for 160 acres of unimproved land in this township, and the same year moved his family on it. He came over the mount- ains in a one-horse wagon, and was about a month on the way. They saw many hardships, but by economy he and wife have secured a comfortable home. He left his farm in 1878, and came to Avilla, where he and wife expect to pass the remainder of their days. Robert S. Haines was reared upon his father's farm. He was united in marriage with Miss Permelia Baum December 24, 1856, a native of Pennsylvania. She died in Avilla, September 30, 1874. From this union there were six children, viz., Milton B., Emma G. and Irvin D. (living), Ida M., Sarah M. and Roxanna M. (deceased). Mr. Haines mar- ried Miss Rebecca E. Swinehart October 5, 1875. From this union there is one child-Gertie M. Mrs. Haines was born June 24, 1850, in Wyandot County, Ohio. Robert S. Haines remained at home for most part until nine- teen years of age. He then, with a brother, operated a saw-mill four years. He then embarked in the mercantile business with Baum & Walter, at Avilla, retaining his connection with them some twenty years. During this time, he was appointed agent for the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad at Avilla, a position he yet holds. He is a Notary Public, and has held positions of honor and trust in Allen Township. He is a Democrat, and a member of the Masonic order.

EDWARD HALFERTY is a native of Westmoreland County, Penn., his birth occurring October 14, 1816. His father, William Halferty, was also a native of Westmoreland County. He was reared a farmer, which became his occupation through life. He served in the war of 1812, married a West- moreland County lady, Elizabeth Luther, and in 1819 moved to Richland County (now a part of Morrow County), Ohio, where he lived the remainder of his days. His wife, who bore him a family of nine children, is yet living at the advanced age of eighty-five years. Edward Halferty was reared on a

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farm, receiving the greater part of his education in a rude log schoolhouse, a very few of which were seen in early times. He remained at home, in charge of the farm, until thirty years of age, and, November 17, 1844, married Hen- rietta Craven, who was born in Morrow County, Ohio, January 17, 1823. In 1851, this couple removed to this township, where they have since resided. They own 159 acres of good land, which has been acquired by them through hard labor. They are parents of nine children, whose names are Mary J., Byron, Charles M., William, Franklin P., Sarah E., Albert, Aldora and Mil- ton. Mr. Halferty is one of the progressive and intelligent men of Allen Township, and favors the advancement of all laudable and educational enter- prises.

HENRY HARMES is a native of Hanover, Germany, where he was born December 30, 1822. His parents, Frederick and Mary Harmes, were also natives of Hanover and had six children. In 1830, they emigrated to this country, landing at Baltimore, and soon after started for Pittsburgh, Penn., but, on account of sickness, were compelled to stop in Bedford County, Penn. Here the father and one child died. The family continued to reside in this county some ten years, and then moved to Ashland County, Ohio, which was the home of the family until the mother's death. Henry Harmes when quite young began working out, contributing the greater portion of his earnings to the support of the family. He married Miss Maria Young September 19, 1850. She was born in Huron County, Ohio, September 12, 1828. They had seven children, only two now living, viz .: Clara J. and George E. Those " deceased were Alwilda A., Joseph A., Judson H., William H. and Carey. Mrs. Harmes died September 12, 1868. In 1851, Mr. Harmes moved to De Kalb County, Ind., where he remained until 1870, when he purchased his present place, a well improved farm of 165 acres. His present wife was Mrs. Sarah (Calkin) Knapp, to whom he was married January 13, 1870. She was born in Essex County, N. Y., December 20, 1829. Mr. Harmes was origi- nally a Whig, now a Republican. He lends his influence in the elevation of mankind and in the promotion of worthy objects.

GABRIEL S. HENRY. John and Mary (Swinehart) Henry were na- 'tives of Pennsylvania, married in Ohio and parents of a family of nine chil- dren. They were farmers, honest and industrious, and were respected by all who knew them. Gabriel S. Henry, a son of the above, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, November 5, 1831. He received a common-school education, and when sixteen years old removed to Wood County, W. Va., with his parents, where they owned a large amount of real estate. He remained at home until twenty-two years of age, and was married, October 2, 1854, to Miss Sophia Mckenzie, who was born in Ohio August 4, 1831. After this event, Mr. Henry began working at the carpenter's trade, in connection with farming, in West Virginia, until 1865, when he moved to Allen Township, Noble County, Ind., where he purchased a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits. His sons now have charge of the farm. In 1881, Mr. Henry moved to Avilla, and engaged in furniture trade and undertaking, which he carries on with success. He began life a poor boy, but by hard labor and economy has made his own way in the world. He is a member of the M. P. Church, a Repub- lican and an intelligent and enterprising citizen. He and wife are parents of the following family : Martha J., James M., Margaretta C., Elizabeth, John S., Ida B., Robert A. and William F.

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SAMUEL HOKE was born in York County, Penn., May 10, 1821. He is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Wiest) Hoke, who were natives of the Keystone State and the parents of nine children. The father died in 1826, leaving seven children, who were yet at. home, to the care of the mother. She was a woman of great force of character, and soon after her husband's death removed with her family to Richland County, Ohio, where she raised her fam- ily in a creditable manner and where she died in 1871, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. Our subject received a common school education, and when about sixteen began working at the cabinet-maker's trade. After two years, he gave this up, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was married to Miss Annie Moree in 1840. She was born in Switzerland March 26, 1814. From this union there were seven children, viz .: Elizabeth, Jacob, Sarah, Amanda, Amos, Ellen and one that died in infancy. Mrs. Hoke died March 14, 1880. Mr. Hoke resided in Richland County, Ohio, until 1850, when he came to this county and purchased a farm, upon which he resided until about seven years ago, when he moved to Avilla. He began life as a poor boy and is a self-made man. He is a member of the Evangelical Association, a strong advocate of temperance and an upright, charitable Christian.

FERDINAND HUELSENBECK was born in the Province of West- fahlen, Prussia, July 9, 1844. He is the son of Augustus and Margaret (Stemmar) Huelsenbeck, who were the parents of five sons and two daughters, all of whom were natives of Prussia. The father was a farmer and merchant. Our subject attended school and assisted his father until about fifteen years of age. He then began peddling hardware, which he continued until he was drafted into the Prussian army. He served during the last war between Prussia and Austria, and participated in twenty-one engagements. Soon after his discharge (1868), he came to this country, and, after working for some time by the month, purchased the farm he now owns. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Pieper in 1871. She was born in Prussia in 1852, and died October 18, 1872. From this union there was one child-Augustus. In 1876, he was married to Magdalena Steuri, who was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, in 1854. From this marriage three children have been born, viz .: Mary M., Emma E. and August C. In 1877, Mr. Huelsenbeck built a frame business building at Auburn Junction, and in 1880 erected a two-story brick business house in Auburn. He has been engaged in the mercantile business eight years -four years at Fort Wayne, and four years at Auburn. Mr. Huelsenbeck came to this country a poor man, but has accumulated considerable property. He is a useful and progressive citizen.

LEWIS IDDINGS was born in Boston Township, Summit County, Ohio, July 29, 1820. He is one of ten children born to Henry and Sarah (Meltin) Iddings, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They were married in their native State, and resided in Berks County until their removal to Summit County, Ohio, which was in 1811. While living here, the father served as a soldier in the war of 1812. He followed farming in Summit County, and resided there until 1836, when he came to this county and located a short dis- tance south of Kendallville, where he and wife passed the remainder of their days. [Further mention of them is made in another part of this work.] Lewis Iddings was reared upon his father's farm, receiving a common-school education. He began for himself, as a farmer, when about twenty years of age, but soon after went to " jobbing " on the Wabash & Erie Canal, where he remained some three years. He then returned to this county, and for some years was

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engaged in farming and carpentering. He was elected County Treasurer in 1862, and in 1864 was re-elected. He married Miss Rebecca Stilley Septem- ber 10, 1845. This lady was born in Morrow County, Ohio, February 7, 1825. From this union there are six children, five of whom are yet living, viz .: Florence, Virginia, Eugene, Byron and Victoria. Grace was the name of the one deceased. Mr. Iddings owns 280 acres of land, and valuable prop- erty in Kendallville. In politics, he is a stanch Republican.

WARREN IDDINGS was born in Boston Township, Summit County, Ohio, August 2, 1825. He is the son of Henry and Sarah (Meltin) Iddings, who removed from Ohio to this county in 1836, and located on the farm our subject now owns. Here he was reared to manhood, assisting his father upon the farm in the summer, and attending school for a short time during the win- ter. When about twenty years of age, he began working at the shoemaker's trade, which he followed about fifteen years, and then engaged in farming and stock-raising, which he has since followed. He was married to Miss Hester Newman, March 24, 1851. She was born in Middlebury, Summit Co., Ohio, October 29, 1833. To them have been born seven children, three of whom are yet living, viz .: Homer L., and Sadie and Ivie, twin sisters. Those deceased were Estell, Isadore, Lanora and Eva. Mr. Iddings owns 175 acres of land adjoining the town of Kendallville. He began life with but little means, and for most part has made what he now has by his own exertions. He is a stanch Republican, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have a nice home and are respected folks.

JONATHAN JAMES was born in Chester County, Penn., June 21, 1821. He is the youngest of a family of six children born to Josiah and Jane (Knox) James, the former of whom was a native of Chester County, and the latter of New Jersey. The father died when our subject was a child, and the care of the family fell upon the mother. She was a woman of energy and ex- ecutive ability, and brought up her family in a creditable manner. Jonathan at an early age began to do for himself, and when eighteen he began learning the plasterer's trade, which he followed some thirteen years, and then followed farming in his native State until 1860, when he came to this county, where he has since resided. He was married to Miss Amelia A. Smith November 3, 1843, who was born in Juniata County, Penn., April 10, 1825. To them have been born four children, three of whom are yet living, viz .: Theodore B., Jennie and Hie L. The one deceased was David O. For eight years after coming to this county, Mr. James followed farming. He then purchased a hotel in Avilla which he operated some time, when his failing health compelled him to sell out. He remained out of active business until 1878, when he built the present St. James House of Avilla, which he has since successfully conducted. Commercial travelers and all others who have stopped there speak of it as " one hotel in a thousand." Mr. James is a liberal in religion and politics.

ANDREW JOHNSON is a native of the State of New York, born near Buffalo November 4, 1813. Thomas Johnson, his father, was a native of New England, a soldier of the war of 1812, and a farmer. He married Sarah Dan- cer, a native of New England, lived in New York until 1817, when he and family moved to Portage County, Ohio, where he principally made his home until his death. Andrew Johnson is one of eight children. He received but a common-school education, was reared to hard labor on a farm, and at the age of thirteen was left an orphan, and for a few years lived with an uncle. He then began life's battle on his own responsibility, and in 1838 married Miss

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Hannah Warner, who was born in the Empire State January 14, 1818. This couple were parents of ten children, viz .: Sarah, Almina, Thomas, La Fay- ette, Mary, Elsie, Jane, Andrew, Abram and Lucy. They remained in Ohio until 1844, when they emigrated to Allen County, Ind., where they lived some five years, and then came to Allen Township, where they have since resided. Mrs. Johnson died June 2, 1877. One son, Thomas, served his country in the late war, was wounded, and died at Corinth from his wounds. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Protestant Methodist Church, and is an indefatigable worker in the cause of temperance. Heowns ninety acres of good land, is a Republi- can, and an enterprising citizen.

HIRAM L. KING was born in Lake County, Ohio, October 2, 1826. He is the son of Hiram and Catharine (Lowe) King, a sketch of whom appears in the history of Swan Township. On Hiram L., the eldest son, devolved a great many of the hardships of clearing up the farm, and looking after its in- terests. When he had reached his majority, his father gave him 160 acres of unimproved land in Allen Township. This he began to improve, although he made his home with his parents until about thirty years of age. He was mar- ried to Miss Frances A. Mumford, June 7, 1859. She was born in the Key- stone State November 10, 1836. They have had two children, viz .: Herbert H., born June 16, 1860, and Helen F., born January 29, 1862. Mrs. King died October 9, 1864. Mr. King has always followed farming and stock-rais- ing. He owns 280 acres of land, which is nicely improved and well stocked. He has paid considerable attention to the raising of Durham cattle, and has some fine specimens of this breed on his farm. He is a Republican, and a strong advocate of temperance. He has given his children good educations, and contributed liberally to all worthy enterprises.

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Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, Part 94

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