USA > Indiana > Carroll County > History of Carroll County, Indiana : With illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 50
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ELIAS HIESTAND. RECORDER.
Mr. Hiestand is the son of David and Catherine. (Shaffer) Hiestand. both of German ancestry, and was born on the 10th day of July. 1841, in Fairfield County. Ohio. Subsequently. by overland route, his parents came to Carroll County. Ind .. arriv- ing and locating in Madison Township on the Ist day of Novem- ber, 1852. David Hiestand, by occupation, was a farmer. and. in the course of an industrious yet uneventful farmer's, life, served awhile as Captain of an Ohio militia company. and. at a later period. as a Justice of the Peace. The subject of our sketch attended in his youth the neighboring district schools, and was favored by the additional. though somewhat limited. advantage
of a year's instruction at the Battle Ground Institute, and, sub- sequently, a course at commercial college in Indianapolis. Ro- turning home. he continued in the pleasant vocation in which a beginning had been made at the youthful age of seventeen years -namely. that of teaching school. In all. he has taught nine- teen terms. sis of these in succession in the town of Prince Will- iau
Having served in minor township offices. in 1873 he was elected as a candidate of the Democratic party to the office of Surveyor of Carroll County, serving one term. In 1879, he was again a candidate for office, this time for the Recordership of Carroll Conuty. To this position he was successfully elected, and is at present serving out the four-years' term. His election to the latter office brought about a change in his place of resi- dence from Monroe Township-where he had gone in 1874 from his father's farm - to Delphi in the spring of 1879.
On the 4th of June. 1874. he was married to Miss Libbie A. Richardson, daughter of David Richardson, a Scotchinan. who emigrated to America while yet a young man.
Mr. Hiestand and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist Church.
Mr. Hiestand is a member of the Masonic Lodge, and has occupied the position of Senior Warden.
In our limited business relations with Mr. Hiestand, we have always found him pleasant and unassuming in manner, and care- ful even to solicitude to honestly execute a trust or preserve his business integrity. He is a popular official, and, in the course of his Recordership, has gained a host of friends, whose friend- ship. it is safe to say. he will never betray nor lose.
WILLIAM W. HOLMES.
The subject of this sketch was born in Wood County. W. Va., December 15. 1816. His father was a native of Ireland, and his mother of Ohio. His father pursued the avocation of a farmer, and. in the year 1818. left. Virginia and moved with his family to Montgomery County, Ohio. In 1832. the family moved to Carroll County and settled on the farm now owned by Isaac Buckley. The mother of Mr. Holmes died in 1828. and the fa- ther in 1858. William Holmes continued the business of farm- ing with great success and good financial results. In 1874. he moved to Delphi. and since that year he has devoted his time to the supervision of his farms and to general speculative business. Mr. Holmes has been, during life. an active man, and has made but few mistakes, if any. in his business ventures. : In his polit- ical affiliations, he is a Republican, and very positive in his con- victions, relative to political principles and issues. He has never been an aspirant for official honors, and one term as Justice of the Peace is the extent of his service in respect to public trusts. A reasonable success in the condnet of his private pursuits has been his sole aim in life. and in this regard his hopes and ainis have been fairly realized.
He was married. January 4. 1842. to Mary A. Martin. Nine children. the fruits of this union, are now living. viz .: Louisa, Albert H .. Susan R. (Mrs. Elisha Odell). Matilda L., John .W., Jennie D. (Mrs. Edward H. Gresham). Elizabeth F., Sarah L. and Florence M.
Mrs. Holmes is a member of the German Baptist Church. ..
Mr. Holmes is a worthy and valued citizen. in the city and county. .
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DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP ...
CORBLY M. KNIGHT.
The ancestry of Mr. Knight. remotely. were of Irish and Scotch extraction. His parents, however, were of that stalwart Pennsylvania stock which furnished so many of the early settlers of Indiana when strong men were required to change her ancient woodlands to productive farms and happy homes. The subject of this biography was born in Miami County. Ohio. December 14. 1823. While yet a lad. his parents. John and Abigail Knight, moved to Carroll County and purchased the farm yet owned by Mr. Knight, east of the fair grounds, reaching their fnture home November 17. 1828. There was an abundance of hard work to be done in developing the farm, and to this end he bent his youthful energy. ' His father died in December. 1837. at the age of fifty-eight, and the responsibilities of managing the farm rested theu npon his shoulders. He was equal to all emer- gencies, however, and rapidly the forest gave way to fields of ripening grain. Mr. Knight continued to farm until in the year 1866. when he purchased the hotel property in Delphi, and has continued the hotel business to the present time. He has in all these years been one of the foremost men of the city and connty in affairs of public moment. He was for six years a member of the City Conneil. and. while occupying this official relation to the city. he did a great work in behalf of the improvement of the streets and the enlargement of the city limits. He was the Chairman of the Special Committee on Annexation of Territory
to the City, and. while in this most delicate and highly respon- sible position. he pursned the line of duty without fear. favor or partiality. He was a stanch friend to the great enterprise of building the Chicago & Indianapolis Air Line Railway. and. in the dark days'of the enterprise. he. in common with a few other of our citizens, gave it a material aid. which added new life and vigor, and rescned it from impending defeat and rin. Mr .. Knight is a man of strong impulses. and very positive in his- likes and dislikes. In 1855. he conceived a favorable, opinion of Odd Fellowship. and.'on July 15 of that year. he united with Delphi Lodge. No. 28. He rapidly passed the gradations of the order. and, June 27, 1859, he was elected Noble Grand. In No- vember of the year following, he was admitted as a member of the Grand Lodge of Indiana. Soon after his initiation in the subordinate lodge, he was admitted to membership in Carroll Encampment, No. 22. He pursued the work in this branch with a zeal equal to that manifested in the subordinate lodge, and in rapid succession he filled the various official stations requisite, and was admitted to the Grand Encampment. He has since ro. peatedly represented his lodge and Encampment in the State grand bodies. He is an enthusiastic member of Adina Lodge, No. 79, D. of R. When Delphi Lodge, No. 28, determined to build the new hall which adorns another page of this work. he was appointed to a position on the Building Committee. In this work he engaged with much enthusiasm. and his watchfnl inter. est saved the order no small snin of money.
Mr. Knight. has been twice married --- first, to Miss Isabelle Robinson. April 16, 1846, who died April 22. 1850; second, to Miss Sarah J. Griffith. October 16, 1851, who is yet living. His mother died November 12, 1868, aged eighty-two years. The sub- ject of this sketch is hale and hearty, and has yet promise of years of active service in life's toil and turmoil.
JAMES W. KILGORE.
James W. Kilgore is a descendant. remotely, of Scotch and. Irish parentage. His immediate ancestors, however, were native
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Pennsylvanians. His father, Joseph Kilgore, who died in this city in 1879, reached the ripe okl age of ninety years. The sub- ject of this sketch was born in Franklin County, Penn. October 23, 1522. Having an inherent tact for m. mical pursuits, and possessing an inventive cast of mind, he was in early life placed under snch care as would develop his latent genins. Located, as he was, in the heart of the great manufacturing districts of Pennsylvania, he enjoyed manual opportunities and facilities for acquiring a thorough practical, as well as theoretical. knowledge of leading departments of mechanical art. His special expe- rienee, however, was acquired as millwright, mokler and machin ist. Among forges, furnaces and whirring wheels he laid the foundation of his future life. In 1516. he concluded to come West. and. on the 16th of November 'of that year, he reached Delphi. He at once accepted service under the firm of Dunkle & Witherow. wagon makers. He expected to remain over winter only, but continned during the following spring and summer in the employ of the firm, and. in October, formed a partnership with William Dunkle. under the firm name of Dunkle & Kilgore, the partnership still existing. This new firm built the first. wagon, complete, ever constructed in Carroll County. In 1858, the firm opened the agricultural depot and machinery supply store, yet maintained ou Main street .. About the year 1862, Mr. Kilgore introduced, labor-saving machinery in the shops on Franklin street, and also such machinery as would enable him to bnild or repair portable engines. In 1872. the present comino dions brick shop, on the corner of Franklin and Wilson streets. was erected, and other iron-working machinery added. He then rapidly increased his facilities for work, and began the construc- tion of portable engines, buikling the first engine constructed in this county. In this enterprise he has been quite successful, by reason of the superiority of his engines, both in design and con- struction.
In municipal affairs, as well as the affairs of the county, ho has always manifested inch interest, and has from time to time been called to important trusts. About the year 1852. he served one terin as Township Trustee. He was, also three times elected member of the City Council, his first term of service being in 1853. He was again chosen Councilman in 1863. and again in 1880. He was also a member of the Board of School Trustees when it was determined to build a larger and better school build. ing, about the year 1863. At the October election, 1850, he was elected County Commissioner from this district. which position he is now filling.
Ho was married, in Delphi, April 7, 1852, to Mrs. Mary A. Witherow. Three sons have been born to them -- Charles H., William R. and Frank E .- all engaged with their father in the mannfacturing business. Mr. Kilgore has always been regarded as one of the public spirited mon of the city and county, and has never been found lagging in any enterprise which promised the betterment of the publie weal. He is a substantial and valned citizen.
HIRAM KERLIN.
Hiram Kerlin is the present Sheriff of Carroll County. having been elected to that official position in ISSO, as the candidate of the Democratic party, and after one of the most spirited political contests over occurring in " Old Carroll.""
He is a native of the great " Keystone" State, and was born in Juniata Connty on the 25th day 'of 'November, 1843. whence, at the age of five years. in 1848, his father's family emigrated to ; Carroll County, Ind., making the 'trip in a three-horse wagon.
256
HISTORY OF CARROLL COUNTY.
His father, Mahlon Kerlin, is a successful representative of the " tillers of the soil," and one of the foremost citizens of Car- roll County, having creditably served one term as County Com- inissioner.
The earlier years of the subject of this review do not essen- tially differ from those experienced by a majority of the sturdy farmers', sons of this "banner " agricultural State-having been passed, for the most part, in the summer, in the ordinary routine work of the farm, aud in the winter in attendance at the district schools, until, arriving at the age of twenty-two years, he qnit the farm of his father, and, independently assuming control of amother, began of engage in a line of business toward which. while yet a boy, he was ambitionsly inclined, viz. : The purchase and sale of all kinds of domestic cattle. For six years, he con- tinned in the double business of farming and dealing in stock, when, in 1868, he left the farm and gave his entire attention to the purchase and shipment, under his own person il supervision. of stock to Eastern markets. In this exclusive hranch of the great cattle traffie he engaged for the succeeding ten years from 1868 to 1878.
In 1878, he was elected to the office of Treasurer of the city of Delphi a position which he ocenpied two years. In ISSO. he was the Democratic candidate for Sheriff of Carroll County, | to which office, as we have said earlier in this review. he was successfully elected.
In 1865, on the 29th day of November, Mr. Kerlin was mar- ried to Miss S rah Martin, the result of the marriage being three children -Lillie E., Cloyd and Florence. Mrs. Kerlin is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, and a lady who, socially speak- ing, has many kind and warm-hearted friends.
Mr. Kerlin, though somewhat reserved in manner, is a pleas- ant and accommodating gentleman. In matters of business, he tion. Nature, however, was generons in giving him a splendid is straightforward and energetic, and, being now in the very ! vigor of manhood, may reasonably expect a fair share of the honors and emoluments of this world.
ISAAC R. KENNARD.
Isaac R. Kennard was born on the 8th day of November. 1842, in Clay Township, Carroll County, Ind. Eighteen years of his life were passed in Clinton County, Ind., where his par- , complished musicians, and in this emergency music not only pos. ents. Tobias A. and Eliza (Roll) Kennard, had permanently lo- cated in 1848. and where, in 1862, his father died. Four years later. in 1866, his widowed mother. with her family. returned again to Clay Township, Carroll County.
His grandfather, Thomas Kennard, was commissioned a Colonel of State militia in Butler County. Ohio, and subse- quently removing to Indiana, was sent to the State Legislature as a Representative from Clinton County, and, at a still later date. represented Clinton and Carroll Counties in that body as a joint Senator.
The subject of this sketch. in addition to the somewhat lim- ited advantages of country schooling. has attended several select schools, and holds a diploma from the Star City Commercial College in La Fayette. Ind. He has recompensed the world, however. for these educational advantages by laboring as a suc. cessful teacher for almost ten consecutive years -- from 1867 to 1878. In the intervals, and up to the date of his election as a county official, his time has been employed in farming --- consid- ered by him to be his real occupation.
In 1874, he was chosen to the office of Trustee of Clay Town-
ship. serving with sneh fidelity and satisfaction, as to bring about his re-election to the same official trust two years later. In 1880, as the candidate of the Democratic party, he was elected to the position of Treasurer of Carroll County.
Mr. Kennard enlisted as a privato soklier in the late war, on the Ist of September. 1864. He was a member of Company G, Thirtieth Indiana Volunteers, and participated in at least two important battles Franklin, Ton., November 30, 1864: and Nashville. December 15 and 16, 1864, at Hood's siege.
On the 29th day of December, 1874, he was joined in mar. riage to Lillie Alexander, daughter of Capt. Alexander, of Butler County, Ohio, the result of the union being one chikl -- Alice.
He recently joined the Delphi Lodge of Odd Fellows. As we have intimated before, Mr. Kennard is in politics a Democrat, yet he is not a politician. Possessing a quiet dignity, he at the same time attracts all who have relations with him by a gentle- manly deportment. Those who know him best bespeak in highest erms his character as a man in private and public, and, being in the prime of life, his years of usefulness may be said to have only fairly begun.
JOHN LATHROPE, JR.
The subject of this biographical sketch is of pure English lineage. He was born in the seaboard town of Penzance, Corn- wall County, England, October 27, 1841. His parents were poor but honorable and industrions citizens, and always on the alert : to turn an honest shilling as opportunity offered. In his boy- hood, he did not enjoy the advantages which surround the youth of this Republic, nor was he the recipient of the inestimable blessings conferred by our magnificent system of public instruc-
physical organization, ample will power, and an interminable store of energy, which largely compensated for the lack of the advantages named. The family immigrated to this country in 1851, and settled in Vallet Vale, a small manufacturing village near Boston, Mass. After remaining there a short time, the fan ily started West in pursuit of better opportunities: but, when they reached Toledo. they found their means exhansted and their pros- pects unpromising. Mr. Lathrope and his father were both ac- sessed its ancient charms, but proved a very present help in time of need. Mr. Lathrope and his father secured passage for the family on a canal-boat from Toledo to La Fayette by agreeing to enliven the weary hours of travel by an abundance of music. Ar- riving at La Fayette, the father and son engaged as laborers on the Wabash Railway, then under construction, the father as shoveler, the subject of our sketch as cart-boy. After a short time of service, enough was saved to enable to family to return to Ameriens, a thriving village at that time, on the canal, soven miles west of Delphi, where they entered the employ of John Dehner, who at that time did a herative business in buying and packing pork. Two years were passed in his service, after which they rented a farm of the late Dr. Anthony Garrett, and, during the first year, they gave an exhibition of their strength and in- dustry by clearing twenty acres of ground. Thence the family came to Delphi, rented a farm of Vine Holt, Esq., and cleared another twenty acres of the ancient woodland. Thence they : moved to the old Dehner farm on Wild Cat, where they contin- ued to farm until 1859, when they moved to this city, perma- nently located and became engaged in business.
257
DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP.
From this time, the sketch of Mr. Lathrope in respect to the family is separable and individual. At the breaking-out of the war, he promptly entered the service, and was mustered in at La Porte. Ind., Angust 27. 1861, as leader of the regimental band of the Ninth Indiana Volunteers. Soon thereafter, the regiment was ordered into service in Western Virginia, reporting for duty at Camp Elk Water: thence to Cheat Monntain. The command participated in the engagements at Greenbrier and at Buffalo Mountain. At the latter engagement, Mr. Lathropo was serving in the capacity of Bugler, and had received orders from Col. Moody, of his regiment, to go back along the line and give the " retreat call." In passing back. he was confronted by Maj J. B. Milroy, who demanded to know where he was going. Mr. Lathrope informed him of the orders received, whereupon the Major assured him that if he sounded the call he would shoot him on the spot. Mr. Lathrope solemnly assured his biographer that the "retreat call" was not sounded. From Virginia the regiment was sent to the Department of the Cinberland. par- ticipating in the battle of Pittsburg Landing. April 7. 1862. and was present at the evacuation of Corinth. In pursuance of the order of the War Department, the band was mustered out of serv- ice at Nashville. Tenn., in August, 1862. Mr. Lathrope then returned to Delphi and resumed business. He has condneted a prosperous business, and has at all times manifested a liberal spirit in his business relations and with reference to public affairs. He served during four consecutive terms in the City Council, and rendered valuable service to the city while acting in that capacity. In ISSO, he was honored with the nomination for Treasurer of the connty by the Republican party, but failed of an election by reason of the decisive minority of his party. It is proper to say, however, that he developed great strength, and made a race highly creditable to himself and friends, even though ending in defeat.
Being a man of naturally generous impulses. he was irresist. ibly carried into and became a moving spirit in the benevolent institutions of the day. The following is a record of his connec tiou with the benevolent orders:
Masonic ---- Admitted March 27. 1873, to Mount Olive Lodge, No. 48; January 14, 1876, to Delphi Chapter, No. 21, Royal Arch Masons: April 4, 1876, to La Fayette Commandery. Knights Templar: March 26, 1878, to the Indiana Consistory of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, in which he has advanced to and in- cluding the thirty-second degree. He is also a member of the Rose Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, No. 36.
I. O. O. F .-- Admitted June 9, 1873. to Delphi Lodge, No. , sixth was in the storming cohunn. Ho was severely. though not 28: September 5, 1873, to Carroll Encampment, No. 22. He is also an active member of Adina Lodge, No. 79, D. of R.
He was a charter member of Delphi Lodge, No. SO, Knights of Pythias, instituted April 3, 1879: hold membership in the Im proved Order of Red Men in the lodge of La Fayette, and was n charter member of Boothroyd Post, No. 31. G. A. R., instituted in this city July 6, 1881. In all these orders, he has been hon- ored with high official rank, and has represented the two former orders in the State Grand Lodges, with credit to himself and those he represented.
March 19, 1868, he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline C. Assion, only daughter of the late Joseph Assion. Mr. Latlı- rope's career has been a somewhat eventful one, but he has always made the most of his opportunities. He has been suc- cessful, and enjoys the high esteem of his fellow-citizens.
It would hardly be just to close this sketch withont especial
reference to the high attainment of Mr. Lathrope as a musician. His favorite instrument is the cornet. Although he has pursued music simply as a recreation from the more ardnous duties of business, he has achieved almost a national reputation as a cor- net-player. He has been almost continnonsly a leader of a band for thirty years, and has at different times been honored with invitations from abroad to play at highly artistic entertainments, and to act in the capacity of judge in musical contests where the best talent of the West was employed. The name of Mr. La thrope is a familiar and honored one in musical circles, and will so contime for many years to come.
WILLIAM F. LYTLE.
William F. bytle was born in Carrollton Township, Carroll County, Ind., August 26, 1844. His parents were natives of But. ler County. Ohio, and moved to Carroll County in 1543, where they engaged in farming. In 1855, they moved near Dayton, in Tippecanoe County: thence. in 1857. to Prairie Township. White County. During these years. William assisted his father on the farm, and received such instruction during the winter months as was imparted by the country schools. In IS57. he entered the academy at Battle Ground. where he remained two years. When the war broke out. he enlisted. August 22. 1962. in Company K. Eighty-sixth Indiana Infantry. The regiment was mustered into the service September 4. 1862. and at once hurried to Cincinnati to protect the city against a threatened invasion by the rebel Gen. Kirby Smith. From Cincinnati. . the command went by boat to Louisville, whence it started in pursuit of Bragg. In the marching and countermarching and random movements of the regiment. Mr. Lytle gained much geographical information, but no very valuable knowledge of the art of war. Finally, however, the command reached Nashville, and was assigned for duty to the Second Brigade. Third Division of the Twenty-first Army Corps. Now the information to be gained was less of the geographical and more of the military cast. The weary marches were soon forgotten in the leaden storm of the terrible battle at Stone River, and. in the first day's fearful struggle. Mr. Lytle received a severe riffe shot wound in the left side and breast. He was transferred to Hospital No. 13. at Nashville, and. later, was carried by boat to Hospital No. 6. at Lonisville. It was nearly a year before he was able for service again. Rejoining his regiment at Chattanooga. he again saw active service in the fight at Mission Ridge, where the Eighty- serionsly. hurt in this ongagement. by being struck on the shoulder by a piece of an exploded shell. In 1864. he was with his regiment in the long and arduons campaign against Atlanta, and participated in the fighting at Rocky Face Ridge. Resaca. Adairsville. Kingston. Picket's Mills. Konesaw Mountain. Chat tahoochie River. Peach Tree Creek. Atlanta, Jonesboro and Lovejoy's. The regiment then foll back. participated in the flood campaign, and was engaged in the battles at Franklin and Nashville. After these decisive battles, which served to utterly shatter the Confederate forces in the West. the regiment joined in pursuit of the demoralized enemy until driven across the Ten- nesser River. The command then went into camp at Huntsville. Fighting was now over, and the regiment was ordered to Nash- ville: where it arrived April 27. 1865. On the 6th of June fol. lowing. it was mustered out of the service. Mc. Lytle, except during the period of his confinement to the hospital and of his
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