USA > Indiana > Allen County > History of Allen County, Indiana, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 66
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Politically, Mr. Notestine's preferences have always heen with the Demo- cratie party. His first vote for President was cast for Hon. James K. Polk. He has never heen muhitious for politic il emoluments, yet has always taken an active interest in puhlie enterprises having a tendeney to hetter the condition and ele- vate the standard of society. Mr. Notestine has ever clung with ardent tenacity to honie and family ; hut, at the same time, an occasional journey afforded him special interest and pleasure. His tours of observation have extended through several of the States where the star of empire spreads its prowess.
Socially, Mr. Notestine is endowed with many admirable qualities. As a business man, he is prudent and successful. His attachments are strong, and his motives honorable. He has heen a citizen of Allen County almost half a cen- tury, so that he is truly a pioneer. He has experienced and witnessed the extremes of privation and hardship incident to such a life. Hunting was a favor- ite pastime; many are the deer that have fallen victims to the almost unerring aim of his rifle. Nor has hlack Bruin escaped death at his hands ; Mr. Notes- tine received credit for having tomahawked two in the wild forests of early days, heside killing three with his deadly rifle.
Closing this brief sketch, we pay a tribute to the grand old giant willow, stand- ing heside the hospitable home of our worthy subject. It was planted hy the hand of its owner a third of a century gone. It is a huge tree, its trunk measuring ten feet and ten inches in circumference; its hranches extending hroad and high. It is a tower of strength and heauty, and an object of much interest and wonder to the passer-hy. Still in his streugth and vigor, may this early settler yet live many years, continue to enjoy the comforts of a pleasant home, and the esteem of a large circle of acquaintances.
DAVID E. O. HERIN,
of Cedar Creek Township, the subject of whose life and family we are about to describe in outline, is a native of the old Keystone State; his parents were also natives of the same State.
David E. O. was horn in Columbia County, December 10, 1814, and moved to Ohio with his parents, James and Mary Herin, in the year 1828. They settled in Seneca County, Ohio, long before the red man of the forest had vacated to make room for the triumphs of those who were following the star of empire westward. Mr. Herin's parents never came any farther West ; they both died in Seneca County, and they sleep peacefully on the soil of the State of their adoption.
David, of whom we now write, was the youngest of a family of ten children. One of his sisters preceded, and another followed, him to this State ; he came to this county and settled on his present farm in this township in the year 1847.
As faets and dates show that Mr. Herin came to Ohio in a very early day, his school opportunities were, of necessity, limited; the demands of frontier life, and the surroundings, forbade the advantages of anything hut light school train- ing. The homes of the settlers were at that time rude eahins, and schoolhouses were scarce and ruder yet. Mr. Herin has heen a keen ohserver of passing events, and, in addition, hy mueh reading at home, he is ahle to acquit himself creditably among the well informed. He is what is styled a self-educated, practical business inan. Early in life, he settled in his mind that he would adopt farming as a live- lihood, hence he has had no aspirations for any other business. Has never troubled himself with the hazards and uncertainties of speculation, hut has kept within the legitimate hounds of his chosen avocation. He makes no attempt at vain show, but helieves what is worth doing should he done well.
The event of his marriage with Miss Elizabeth Umsted took place on the 10th day of January, 1839. Time, that speaks with unerring certainty, testifies that his choice was a fortunate one. Forty years of trials and experience have proved this union to he a perfectly agreeable and happy one. Mrs. Herin is a native of Maryland ; was the fourth child of Aaron and Elizabeth Umsted ; they died at Tiffin, Ohio, and rest in the silent city at that place. Mr. and Mrs. Herin are the parents of twelve children-six sons and six daughters; four were horn in Ohio : this old home of the parents in Allen County is the nativity of the remainder.
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DANIEL NOTESTINE .
MRS. DANIEL NOTESTINE.
RES. OF DANIEL NOTESTINE CEDAR CREEK TP. ALLEN CO. IND.
RES. OF C.J. SCHLATTER. CEDAR CREEK TP ALLEN CO.IND.
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CEDAR CREEK TOWNSHIP.
The names of the children are Mary E., married to Michael Douglas; Ann E., now dead ; Hersehel, died in the defense of the Stars and Stripes in the late rebellion; Malinda J., is the wife of A. L. Hollopeter ; Frances A., is the wife of Theron A. Clark ; Ervin W., John R., James A .; Delilalı, married Mar- eellus Goddard (she is now deeeased ) ; Elbert U. (deceased), Rolla E. and Jennic E. This family of children have the eredit of maintaining the highest respecta- bility, and living lives that are truly honorable.
The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have walked faithfully in that relation sinee uniting; niue of the children have followed the parents in the path of the higher Christian life.
In politics, Mr. Herio has been a lifelong Democrat. In temperance, lic is thoroughly and openly radical ; and, for the good of society, is anxious to see a general reform. The citizens of this township have honored Mr. Herin hy eleet- ing him Justice of the Peace, and then hy giving him the office of Township Trustee three terms. He has been a true brother in the frateroity of Free- masonry for more than twenty years.
Socially, Mr. Herin and family enjoy the highest respect and general eoufi- denee of the community where he has resided for more than three deeades, and . pursued thoroughly id a straightforward and undeviating way, an uneompromising manly life.
WILLIAM DEPEW.
The historian grasps his pen with the foodest delight, to chronicle events connected with pioocer life, yet the task is no easy one, for language fails in its power to fully set forth the hardships and privations iocident to that life. We have in the subject before us, the life of one who aided in paving the way to eiv- ilization in its dawning days iu this county. He came here at the early date of November 1, 1836, and settled with his three brothers in the dense forests of this township. Here he hegan life in earnest, with a determinatioo to sueeeed ; lie knew that the obstacles were tuany, and the task almost hereulean ; but his purposes were firm and his eourage undaunted, and he nerved himself up to all the conditions and the severe struggles that stared him so boldly in the face. He was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, on the 7th of December, 1814. He left his native county with his parents, Isaac and Margaret Depew, in the year 1827, and moved to Marion County, of the same State. Here they resided till they started for this couoty, the present home of William, of whom we now write. William is one of a family of thirteen children, of whom six are now living. His mother died in this county, and his father in De Kalb County, of this State; both lie huried io the cemetery at Leo. Mr. Depew received the most of his school-hook education in the common sehools of his native State; his advantages being decidedly limited while there. He has an unusual taste for reading, as a well-selected library in his now cozy home appears in evidence ; he is a farmer from choiee-by industry, hy prudent roanagement, by an untiring perseverance, he has made his chosen vocation a real suecess ; he has transformed a small wilderness into a beautiful, fertile farm. Mr. Depew has been twice married ; the first marriage was with Miss Eunice B. Moore, of De Kalb County, this State, August 9, 1838; sbe was a native of Wayne County, Ohio, and came to this State two years previous; was hoin Janu- ary 15, 1818. This uoiou was blessed with three sons, only one of whom is now living. Their names are Isaac N., born Juoe 18, 1839; Elijah J., horn June 10. 1841; William M., horo May 19, 1843. Isaac N. died January 17, 1870; Elijah J. died in the service of his country, at Paducah, Ky., March 6, 1862-a fine seliolar, hut bis patriotism and loyalty urged him to serve his country io the capacity of a soldier. Mrs. Depew passed from earth to eternity, March 3, 1878, leaving a vacancy in the home circle that she had always made so pleas- ant, and io which she had proved herself a blessing for over forty years. She was kind, amiable and affectionate, and filled the place of oeighhor, wife and mother with true honor. Mr. Depew, feeling it hetter to have a companion to share with him his joys, his prosperity, aod all the trials and triumphs of life, chose for this partner the estiwahle Mrs. Rhotchannel, of Fort Wayue, who was a native of Miami County, Ohio. Her maiden name was Elizabeth J. Cruea. Both parties were made one March 27, 1879, and she is now the devoted wife and cheerful companion of Mr. Depew's home. Mr. Depew was raised in the Quaker faith, and adheres strongly to the simplicity of the Friends, although he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church many years. Politieally, he has been a Republican ; hut recently he has assumed an independent eourse, and sup- ports men rather than platforms. He heloogs to the Aneient Order of Masons. Socially, he is a kind and obligiog neighbor, a trustworthy friend, and those who know him hest repose in him an unshaken eonfidence.
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ADAM HAMM
was horn on the 3d day of March, 1834, in Alsace, France, near the city of Strasbourg. He was the namesake of his father, . his mother's namic being Margaret. Was the oldest of four children, all yet living.
To escape heing drafted into the army of France, then ahout to take part, as an allied force, in the Crimean war, he fled, seeking refuge and a liome ou free American soil. Like Joshua of old, he was sent to spy a country which should become tho futuro ahode of the Hamm family. This was in 1854, young Adam then heing twenty years of age. The following year, the family also emigrated to this country, settling iu Allen Couoty, Ind., where, ever since, they have resided, all heing engaged in agriculture.
Mr. Hamm was educated in the French and German sehools, and made good proficiency in the branches taught at that time in those schools. He now reads the English readily. having learned to do so by patient, persevering prac- tiee at his own fireside. Is a friend to education, and, to the extent his township
affords, is giving his own children full advantages. Was married August 28, 1859, to Rebecca Depew, their children having heen seven in numher. six still living. Names as follows: George Washington, boro July 17, 1860; Marga- rette Delilah, born Septeother 2, 1861 ; Joseph Edmund, born Novewher 12. 1862; Mary Eliza, born April 29, 1864; Caroline, born in August, 1866; Martha Ellen, born April 24, 1869 ; Samantha B., horn March 23, 1875.
The six children form a happy tilial family, all still remaining at their father's home.
In religion, Mr. aod Mrs. Hanımı hold to the faith of the Apostolie Christian belief. In politics, Mr. Hamm is Independent. He has never sought publie office, but is a farmer of a high order. Ilis substantial improvements and well- tilled fields bear unmistakable evidence of bis industry and good taste, and of his possessing a true pride in the vocation hc follows. His farm comprises 160 acres, being second to none in his township.
A view of Mr. Hamum's pleasant residence, accompanied by portraits of himself and worthy wife, may be found on another page of this history.
Mrs. Haiom was the daughter of Joseph and Delilah Depew. She was the third ehild in a family of four-two brothers and two sisters. Her father was an early settler of De Kalb County, this State, and is yet living. Her mother died in this county in the year of 1842.
In closing, we wish to Mr. and Mrs. Hamm that a long life may still he spread out before thew, allowing them from the fruits of their toil yet many enjoyments ; allowing them to continue to receive from the community by which they are encircled that respeet which only true lives merit.
CAPT. WILLIAM C. HOLLOPETER
is a sou of Rev. Andrew Ilollopeter, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and a minister of the Gospel in the Methodist Episcopal Church for nearly fifty years. His mother's maiden name was Catherine Edmonds, Ohio being her native State.
William C. was the oldest of seven children, three yet living in Allen County, and one-a sister-living in De Kalh County of this State. A hrother, still living in this eounty, was a veturau soldier in the Eleventh Indiana Voluo- teer Infantry during the late war. The subject of our sketch was born in Wayne County, Ohio, August 24, 1833. In youth he had moderate opportunities, only, for acquiring an education. He improved well such opportunities, however, thus preparing himself to aet a practical part in life's dealings. His lather, with family, removed from Ohio to this county in March, 1847, making a choice of settling in Cedar Creek Township. Farming was their pursuit, aud William C. continued with his parents, aiding. at this voeation, until the summer of 1854, when he heeame of age.
For a period forward from that time, in the struggle for self- maintenance, he directed his energies alternately at teaching a district school during the winters and at farming during the summers. He was joined in marriage, May 18, 1858, with Miss Cynthia A. Moore, of Allen County. She was a native of Delaware Co., Ind .; boro April 22, 1839. Seven children have been the fruits of this marriage, -six of them still living-viz .: Miltoo R. (deceased), Charles MePherson, Ophelia May, Walter M. M., Ellen Gertrude, Rosa Belle and Herbert Solon.
A patriot to his country, ou August 28, 1862, to help maintain the Stars aud Stripes, he enlisted as a private soldier in Company C, Eighty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. At the organization of the company, he was appointed Corporal ; on February 18, 1863, he was advanced to First Lieutenant of his company, and on October 24 following, was commissioned its Captain. He was with his company and regimeot during their entire serviee-the same heing attached to the Army of the Cumberland. Ile was in seventeen distinct engage- ments and received two severe wounds; fought under Gens. Rosceranz and Thomas, and participated in Sherman's march to the sea. Remaining iu the service till after the surrender, until the old flag was again unfurled to every State and to every people of our broad Union (without dispute), Capt. Hollopeter received his discharge at Washington, D. C., June 7. 1865. Following his dis- charge, he immediately returned to the hosom of his family and to the quiet avo- cativus of civil life in Cedar Creek Township. Religiously. he has heeo an exem- plary member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since the age of' sixteen, and his estimable wife since a young girl of nine years. Has ever heen a stanch friend of temperance. In politics, a firm Republican, yet out an aspiraot for political honors. For the past fifteen years has belonged to :be Order of A .. F. & A. M. Ile is an industrious, good citizen ; one whose influence for the right is ever felt. Is an ever willing advocate and supporter of that which elevates while he is just as ready and anxious to repudiate and defeat that which dchases. Within the large circle of his acquaintance he is universally esteemed.
CHRISTIAN J. SCHLATTER.
The subject of this biography is of forcigu birth-he is of stanch old Ger- man stoek ; he came to this country with his parents io the year 1852-a ehild hut two years of age. The family settled, at that time, iu Cedar Creek Town- ship, Allen Co., Ind., where they have sinee continued to live, and have borne an honorable namc. The father of the above-named genth man was Christiao ; he died during the great centennial year, at the age of fifty-ooc; was a man of thrift and respectability. His widow, the mother of Christian, Jr., is still living on the old homestead. Her name is Barbara. She has a fine farm, and is in excellent eireurustances. Mr. Schlatter is one of five childreo-four brothers and one sister- the brothers aod sister all reside at the old pateroal home. Mr. Schlatter received his, education in the common schools of this township. He excelled iu the branches he studied, and, although his time in school was quite limited, because his labor was needed by his father on the farm. yet he has what is regarded as a
150
HISTORY OF ALLEN COUNTY, INDIANA.
good business education. and is a man of practical business ideas. He was mar- ried, February 2, 1873, to Miss Bena D. Nofziger, an muiable lady of Fulton County, Ohio ; she was a native of that county-four years her husband's junior, and had always resided there up to the tique she came as a bride to Indiana. As the result of this marriage they have had two children-Gertrude Jerusha, born December 20, 1875, died August 6, 1870: Jessie Pearl, born April 3, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Schlatter were both reared in the German Baptist faith, but are not mem- bers of any church They take a highly moral course in-life, and are exemplary in that direction, in the connunuity where they live. They support the church for its beneficial effects on society, and stand up squarely to all that will advance its highest and best interests Mr. St-hlatter's integrity is known and established. In politics, he allies himself' to the Democratic interests, but. is quite liberal in his partisau views. He has resided on his preseut farm but five years. He has made those years tell, in making improvements of all kinds, that have added to its pro- duetiveness and appearance. He is a man of order ; a judicious manager ; genial as a companion and associate; has many of the elements of popularity ; is full of the snap and vinu that mean-progress and success. Our patrons will be pleased to find a view of his home on another page of this history.
CONRAD H. VIBERG.
The subject of this narrative was born in Germany, near the city of Han- over, March 6, 1800. Hle was the son of Contad and Caroline Viberg, both parents being native Germans, and both spending the full measure of their lives in their uative land. Mr. Viberg game to this country in 1834, intending to return to the land of his nativity after a sojourn of four or five years. But, admiring the institutions here, and enjoying his associations so agreeahly. he had formed endearing attachments-had become settled and coutented. Besides. he bad noted the superior advantages the poor man of industry here enjoyed, by way of acquiring a competence. These combined inducements determined his perma- nent continuance on this side of the Atlantic.
He first settled in Fairfield County, Ohio, and was there united in marriage with Miss Angeline Abright, March 6, 1835, she having emigrated from Ger- many The previous year.
Mr. Viburg-was the second in a family of seven children, and the only one of the family who has ever come across the sea. Remaining five years in Fairfield
County, he then removed to Williams County, of the same State. There he bought eighty acres of' wild land. commeneing at once to elear and improve. At the end of one year, however, he withdrew from this new farin, in sceking employ- ment in the construction of the Wabash & Erie Canal. Finally, selling his farmi, he engaged as foreman with a canal contractor ( Col. Lemuel Jones). This position he held three successive years. Then, resuming his former pursuit (farming). for one season, he again accepted a situation as foreman with Col. Jones, until the completion of the eanal.
Moving then to Huntington County, this State, he first leased, and later purchased of his former employer ( Col Jones), the property known as the " Ron- noke farm." Remaining there a number of years, be again changed location>. this time settling on his present. farm in Cedar Creek Township, this counts. where he has since continued to reside with entire coutentment.
Twenty-four years here of diligent toil bave resulted in many substantial improvements. In fact, his farm abounds in evidences of a high order vi husbandry.
Mrs. Viberg was the daughter of Christ and Dorthea Abright. Both parents died in Germany, the land of their birth. Mrs. Viberg was one of three sisters. One of the other sisters accompanied her to America. Mr. and Mrs. Viberg have reared a family of mine children, fout of them now living. Naming in order of birth we have-Lucinda, who married John Yahuey ; Harmon B .. who married Augusta Nettlcherst; Sophia, who is the wife of Rev. Floreneu Douglas, now Pastor of the Lutheran Church at La Otto. this county ; Mary. Russellus L., Eliza, Lemuel A .; George H., wbo married Miss Mary Shambaugh. and lives near his parents, and Sarah J., who married Samnel MeCrory. Thi- venerable couple are the grandparents of twenty-two children; also have tw» great-grandchildren. one living and one dead.
Mr. Viberg and wife are both consistent members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. The sacred editiee wherein they worship is situated on one corner of Mr. Viberg's farm. The lot it ocenpies, and cemetery grounds adja- cent. he donated the sneicty ; also contributed very largely toward the building of their house of worship. He has always given liberally in support of the organization, and has continuously served as one of its officers.
Mr. Viberg's political affinities have ever been with the Democratie party. In all public enterprises having a beneficial tendency, he has ever stood ready to give an ardent support. Honesty and integrity make up life's platform with bim, his word being held in the highest estimation.
EEL RIVER TOWNSHIP.
LOCATION AND BOUNDARY.
Eel River is the northwestern township of Allen County, and comprises Con- gressional Township 32 north, of Range Il east. It is bounded on the north by Noble County, cast by Perry Townsbip. south by Washington and Lake Town- ships, west by Whitley Conuty, and has an area of 35.16 square miles.
NATURAL FRATURES.
The soil is clay, intermixed with sand, black loam and peat. It is watered by Eel Kiver. which flows through the southern part of the township; Blue Grass Creek, which has its source iu the northwestern part, and flows south, joining Eel River near Heller's Corners ; and Willow Creek, which flows through the northeast corner, joining Cedar Creek in Perry Township.
The township was originally covered with a heavy growth of timber, embracing iu its variety, white oak, burr oak, walnut. ash, heech, elm, poplar, bickory, etc.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
In 1828, Joseph C'row, Win. Kellison and - Kellison. from Darke County, Ohio, settled on Section 32-the present site of the Geeseking farm. Here they erceted cabins and cleared small portions of land. They remained but a few years, finally removing farther west.
Adamı llull, Sr., from Shelby County, Ohio, came to the township in Deeem- ber. 1830. and purchased the land of William Kellison, upon which there was a log cabin. The tract containel forty acres, and it was thought the eabin was within the boundary line of that farm; but when an accurate survey was made. Mr Hull found that he was living " beyond the lines," and accordingly purchased the forty-acre tract adjoining his own.
In 1834, Joseph Johnston and John R. Johnstou, natives of Ohio, settled on Sections 21 and 28, respectively.
In June, 1835, John Valentine came from Ohio, and settled on Section 33. where his son, Jackson, now resides. The father resided in the township until his death : his wife survives him, and now lives on the old homestead with her son.
On the 6th of February, 1836, John P. Shoaff came from Miami County, Ohio, . and settled on Section 13. where he still resides. A few weeks subsequent to his arrival. F. (' Ficeman, Samuel Hillegass, Samuel Shryock, Benjamiu Mason, Joseph Jours, William F. Mooney, Henry Bosler and Samuel Kniss, settled in the castern part of the townsbip. In September of the same year, Abram Taylor, from ('uyahoga County, Ohio. settled on Section 29, where he resided until death.
The farm is now owned by his son, John M. Taylor, the present Treasurer of Allen County. Later in the same year (1836), George Greenwell and William Anderson settled in the eastern part of the township.
Between 1837 and 1840, came R. D. Baird, Solomon Bennett, John Ben- nett, William Bennett, Caleb Bennett, John McKee, Stephen Hathaway, - Shilling, John R. Mayo and William Madden.
EARLY EVENTS.
The First Road .- In 1834, Adam Hull, assisted by some neighbors, cut a road from Heller's Corners to the east line of the township. It was never " viewed," and was located at random, and later surveys have caused its course to be so often changed that few traces of it now remain.
The First Death .- Late in the fall of 1832, a stranger, traveling on foot, sought the house of Adam Hull, and asked for lodging and food. He was taken in, and, during the night, he arose from his bed and walked toward the door, where he was seized with convulsions and died the next morning.
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