USA > Indiana > Clinton County > History of Clinton County, Indiana : With historical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families, Volume II > Part 52
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fore Clinton county has gained while the good old state "back East has been the loser.
One of the best examples of the above named class is Phaon Kuhn, prosperous farmer of Washington township, a man whom his neighbors will tell you lives by the Golden Rule. He was born in Lehigh county, Pen., October 18, 1840. He is a son of Joseph Kuhns, a farmer, who was also noted for his thrift and honesty. The mother of our subject was known mi her maidenhood as Julia Lichtenwalter, also a native of the above named county and state, and also of an old German family. These parents gren up, married and spent their lives on a farm in Lehigh county. To them twelve children were born.
Phaon Kuhns grew to manhood on the home farm where he was taught to work, effectively and systematically, and received his education in the old school house in his neighborhood. During the Civil war, when twenty-three years old he came to Clinton county. Liking the country and having the fore- sight to know that it would eventually develop into a great agricultural sec- tion, he decided to cast his lot permanently in Clinton county. He was mar- ried here on September 28, 1868 to Mary Rothenberger, who proved to be a most suitable and helpful companion. They worked hard, economized, planned well and soon had a comfortable home and a good farm. He thinks one-half of his property has been obtained through hier assistance. She was born in Tippecanoe county, Ind., and is a daughter of George Rothenberger, who died at the age of seventy years. The mother died at the age of eighty- four years. Eight children were born to them, three sons and five daughters. The father was a trustee in the German Reformed church.
After his marriage Mr. Kuhns purchased eighty acres of land which he cleared and improved ; then bought fifty acres more which he also cleared and improved, and after that purchased eighty-seven more. Ilis present finely improved farm of two hundred and eighteen aeres is one of the most prodluc- tive and desirable in Washington township and here he carries on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale, always keeping a good grade of live stock. He has a substantial eight-roomed house, surrounded by an abundance of shade trees. He has a large barn and other good outbuildings and everything in good shape about the place, which lies four miles from Frankfort.
Mr. Kuhns has one child, a daughter, Sunia C .. now the wife of W. 11. Good who lives in Ross township. They have three children, Marvin, Ada
old.
He and his wife are no aber of the Presbyterian church
WILLIAM IL. MILLER.
The proprietor of Sugar Mound Stick Farmy William Of Aller i
of the words spirits s he has contributed largely to the material share of his township and Clinton county. He is one of our most extern general farmers and stock raisers, and as a citizen is not only public-spirited and progressive in all that these terms imply, but is also an advocate of proper living in the home and in all relations of life. For many years he has been very actively identified with the agricultural interests of this locality and has forged to the front, often against obstacles, and with little outside help. The careers of such men might be studied by the younger generation with profit.
Mr. Miller was born October 2, 1857, in Ross township. Clinton county, on the old homestead. He is a son of Frederick Miller, who was born in Germany, where he grew to manhood and was educated. When a young man he emigrated to the United States and settled in Butler county, O., where he remained some time, then came on to Clinton county, Ind., in 1854, locat- ing on eighty acres of wild land. He began life here in a log cabin and worked hard developing a farm, but by thrift, industry and close application he forged ahead and in due course of time had one of the best farms and homes in Ross township. He married Catherine Reef, in Butler county, O .. who proved to be of much assistance to him in his efforts to build a good home in the New World. She was born in Holland. The father died at the advanced age of eighty-six years, having spent his active life on the farm. He belonged to the Lutheran church. The mother is still living, having reached the ripe old age of ninety-two years. Three children are also sur viving, namely: William IE, of this sketch ; Mary J., wife of George Erdel, and Eliza, wife of Hiram J. Bell, of Washington township, this county.
William H. Miller was reared on the home farm and there taught the methods of soil tillage and of industry in general, and the exercise of good
CLINTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
judgment, by his father. He received a good practical education in the pub- lic schools. He remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age. when he married Alive ( Grouse, who came also from a good old i mily. being a daughter of 11. B. Cronse.
Sugar Mound Steck Farm, which consists of three hundred and fifty acres is one of the show places of Clinton county. It live partly in Ross and partly in Madison to in hips. It has been brought up to a high state of im- provement and cultivation, scientific methods being employed by Mr. Miller, who has proven himself to be in the front rank of twentieth century tillers of the soil. He is also one of the best known and most successful stock men in the county. He has been a persistent and careful surle . using sound ji's- ment and dealing honoraldy with his fellow men. His place is well tiled, well fenced and well improved in every respect. The Miller home is one of the most attractive and vahtable in the county. It contains ten rooms, elegantly furnished and equipped with a modern heating plant, hot and cold water, and an up-to-date lighting system. Surrounding the house is a well- kept lawn and inviting shade trees. He has also a large, substantial barn and many convenient outbuildings, and there is another splendid residence on the place which is occupied by his son. Nearby is a model stock barn, sixty by one hundred and eight fect. These gentlemen have been dealing extensive in live stock for some time, and they keep an excellent grade of all kinds. Their Polled Durham cattle are not surpassed by any in the state. Much time and money have been spent in securing the very best grade of cat- tle for the farm, and fancy prices are always obtained when they offer any cattle for sale ; and when they exhibit at fairs they always carry away the premiums.
To William H. Miller and wife five children have been born : Daisy. wife of Rev. H. C. Johnson, of Rankin, Ill., a well known and popular minister of the Presbyterian church, has two sons and two daughters; Mar- vin F., farmer and stockman, married and has one son and three daughters; Lawrence D. and Dallas L., in partnership with their father in farming and stock raising : and Fern, living on the home place.
William II. Miller and wife belong to the Reformed church, in which he is an elder and active in the work and support of the church. Politically, he is a Democrat, has frequently been a delegate to conventions and is in- fluential in local public matters. Personally he is genial. obliging and a man whose word is regarded as good as his bond.
CLINTON COUNTY, INDIAN.A.
GEORGE T. SIMPSON.
In studying the interesting life histories of many of the better class of men, and the ones of unquestioned merit and honor, it will be found that they have been compelled, very largely, to map out their own careers and furnish their own motive force in scaling the heights of success, and it is such a one that the biographer is pleased to write of in the following paragraphs.
George T. Simpson, whose fine farm, known as Maple Lodge, lies where the three roads meet in Washington township, Clinton county, was born in this township and county on August 4. 1859. He is a son of George Simp- son, also born in the same vicinity, whose father, M. Simpson, came from the East among the first pioneers of Clinton county. From that carly day to the present the Simpsons have played well their parts as citizens here and have borne unblemished reputations. The elder Simpson located here in the days of the far-stretching wilderness, inhabited still by Indians and wild beasts. Ile worked hard to establish a home for his family and was known as a man of courage and thrift. His son. George Simpson, grew up amid pioneer conditions and found plenty of hard work to do assisting his father develop the home farm from the virgin soil. Ile devoted his life to general farming and was highly successful. His death occurred at the age of seventy years. To George Simpson and wife ten children were born, six of whom are still living: Henry, William, Jacob, Benjamin, George T. and Sarah. The mother of these children was a member of the Christian church.
George T. Simpson grew to manhood on the home farm and received a common school education. On October 11, 1885, he married Rosa C. Sharp, a daughter of Andrew J. Sharp. now deceased, but for many years a well known citizen of Clinton county. He was born in Tennessee, and came of a Scotch family who had lived for some time in the South. He was born December 24. 1828. Ile married Margaret Patchett, a native of Ohio. She died in 1870, leaving two children. Charles and Rosa C., who married Mr. Simpson. The father was first a Methodist, later a Universalist. Ilis wife was a Methodist.
George T. Simpson has been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser and is now owner of one of the choice farms of the township. consisting of twenty-seven acres, which he has kept highly improved and well cultivated. It lies three miles northwest of Frankfort. Here stands an at- tractive and well furnished eight-roomed dwelling, equipped with all modern
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CLINTON COUNTY, INDIAN.A.
conveniences, such as bath, steam heat and acteylene lights. A wide lawn surrounds the house and nearby is a beautiful maple grove of two hundred trees, from which large quantities of fine syrup is made each year. \ con- venient and substantial set of outbuildings is also found on the place, and there is always to be seen here a good grade of live stock of all kinds.
Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Simpson, E. R., September 27, 1888. in Michigan township: and Margaret, December 9, 1903.
Politically, Mr. Simpson is a Republican, and fraternally, a member of the Masonic Order, Hillisburg Lodge No. 550. ITis wife is a member of the Order of Eastern Star, No. 6, of which she is past matron, and has been one of the most active workers in the local W. C. T. U. She takes a leading part in social life here and is held in the highest esteem by all. She is well informed and a woman of strong mind.
A. R. KILLIAN, D. D. S.
The profession of dentistry has an able representative in Clinton county in the person of Dr. A. R. Killian, of Mulberry. He has, it seems, fully appreciated the value of thoroughness from the outset and has left no stone unturned whereby he might advance in this one important profession. The result has been that he has forged rapidly forward and ranks deservedly high among his professional brethren in this section of the state. Judging from his past success, his studious habits and inquiring mind, the future promises much greater things for him.
Dr. Killian was born in Greene county, Ind .. December 17, 1887. He is a son of W. D. and Susan ( Musselman) Killian. The father is a prom- in.nt lumber man of Arkadelphia, Ark., where he operates a large saw mill and deals extensively in lumber. Both parents were born in Indiana where they grew to maturity, received common school educations and were married. To them two children were born: E. K., of Newberry, Green county, Ind., and Dr. A. R. ,of this sketch.
Dr. Killian was reared in his native county and there received a good common and high school education. Deciding early in life to devote his at- tention to dentistry he bent every effort in that direction and attended the Indiana Denal College at Indianapolis, where he made an excellent record. and from which institution he was graduated in the year 1909. lle has,
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however remained a student and is keeping well abreast of the time in the science of dentistry.
While a student the Doctor took a great deal of interest in athletics, becoming a good football and baseball player, making an enviable record in these sports. He has remained an enthusiastic fan. He is an ardent advo cate of healthy outdoor sports for the young.
Ile has a neat and well equipped office of three rooms in the Koons- Yundt building. High-grade and prompt service is his aim. Taste and y's tem is to be quickly noted by the visitor in his reception, operating and work room. Ile located here on November 10, 1909, and has built up a large and constantly growing practice. .
Dr. Killian was manied in foto to Clara Cook, a daughter of Jacob D. Cook, a well known citizen of Mulberry, who was born near this town fifty- four years ago. Te is a son of Philip Cook, who was born in Germany, as was also his wife. Their three sons were Jacob, Henry and John D., and their two daughters, Flizabeth, who is single, and Christina, deceased wife of Dr. Koons. Two children were born to Dr. Koons and wife, Mrs. P. V. Ruch and Carl.
To Doctor Killian and wife one daughter has been born, Mary Eliza -- "beth, now three years old.
He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. No. 240, of Mulberry.
PERCY RUCII.
The name of Percy Ruch is too well known to the readers of this volume to need any special introduction by the biographer, for he has, during a period of years been one of our progressive and public spirited citizens .. As a lawyer he ranks among the best in the locality, and as postm: ster at the town of Mulberry he is giving eminent satisfaction to the people and the department.
Mr. Ruch was born at Petit. Indiana, February 14, 1881. He is a son of Daniel L. Ruch, an honored veteran of the Union army, with an enviable war record. He was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, a son of Capt. Thomas Ruch, who was a native of the same county. He was a son of Peter Ruch, a general in the war of 1812, who made a fine record in the American army. The general's father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The father, Daniel Ruch, was a soldier in the Fourth Indiana Volunteer Cavalry,
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for a period of three years, and was in a number of the leading battles of the war. He was a young man when he came to ludiana, having spent his boy - hood in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. Hle married Cherilla E. Koons, who died at the age of forty-three years, leaving five sons and two daughters : Mrs. Mary J. Bieger, living in Montana ; Harvey T., of South Dakota; Je- rome J., of Grandfickl, Oklahoma; Mittie M. and Earl, of South Dakota; Percy, of this review; and Raymond, of South Dakota. The father of these children is a Republican in politics, and he cast his first vote for Lincoln in 1860. Ile is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Dayton Post. He belongs to the Reformed church.
Percy V. Ruch was reared on the farm, and was educated in the com- mon schools and the State University at Bloomington, where he made an excellent record, and was graduated from the law department with the class of 1906.
Mr. Ruch enlisted in Company G. Third Artillery of the United States army, May 17, 1899. He was sent to San Francisco, later went to Manila, Philippine Islands, on the transport City of Pekin, the voyage requiring thirty days. IIe served two years in the Philippines. He was on guard at headquarters when Gen. Frederick Funston brought in the famous Aguinaldo. leader of the rebel army. Our subject was honorably discharged May 16. 1902, as sergeant, and rated as a first class gunner, after an examination which lasted three days.
Mr. Ruch was married to Josie Koons, daughter of Dr. Koons, a well known physician of Mulberry, this county, where Mrs. Ruch grew to wo- manhood and was educated, later attending the State Universtiy, from which she was graduated in 1906.
Our subject and wife have one child, Monroe K., whose birth occurred on June 28, 1910.
Our subject is a member of the Phi Delta Phi fraternity. He belongs to the Masonic Order, Lodge 618, Knights of Pythias, Lodge No. 240, the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 359. He is a deacon in the Lutheran church and an active member of the same. He was at one time a candidate for prosecuting attorney of Clinton county on the Republican ticket, and although defeated carried his township by a majority of 85 votes, although it was normally Democratic by 35 votes. He finds time to deal some in real estate and has a good business.
(56)
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CLINTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
OWEN Mc DOLE.
Like most other branches of science, veterinary surgery has made great strides during the past decade, and has proven itself a great blessing to the world. With the advance of the science more capable men are turning their attention to this field of endeavor. The saving in dollars and cents to a com- munity annually through the efforts of a good veterinary cannot be adequate- ly estimated, to say nothing of the alleviation of suffering in the brute world. and these men have come to be as indispensable as the dentist and almost as the medical practitioner.
One of the best known and most capable veterinary surgeons in Clinton county is Owen MeDok, of the town of Mulberry, Madison township. For many years he was a successful tiller of the soil, but is now retired from active farming. He has lived in this county since 1869 and his long resi- denee has only served to increase the confidence and esteem of the people here in him, his life having been singularly industrious and free from blame. He was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, on June 25, in the year 1846. He is a son of S. MeDole, a native of Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish ancestry. The mother of our subject was known in her maidenhood as Elizabeth Whitberry, a native of Ohio, from which state she came to Tippecanoe county. Indiana, when young and there she spent most of her life, drinking water from the same well for a period of sixty years. To S. MeDole and wife ten children were born, six sons and four daughters: John, Morgan, Owen, Clinton. Pierce, Vitales. Alba, Berton, and three daughters who died when young. The death of the father occurred at the age of eighty-six years. The mother lived to be eighty years old.
Owen MeDole was reared on the home farm and received a common school education. He took his axe to school and ent part of the wood which was used to keep fire in the school room. When twenty-two years old he engaged in the saw mill business, which he followed for three years, thereby getting a good start in life, operating in both Clinton and Carroll counties. Hle was known as a good sawyer. Aways interested in horses, by nature a good judge of them, and reading everything he could get bearing on horses. their care, anatomy, diseases, etc .. he finally began the practice of veterinary surgery, and met with success from the first. He has long enjoyed a large and lucrative practice, which extends over a wide territory, including Tippe- canoe county. He maintains a well equipped office and prompt and high-
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class service is his am at all times. He keeps some good horses len elt, and has one of the most desirable trusts of land in this beenship. He has an attractive residence and is one i da substantial cities of his community
When twenty-four years and Ma MeDon martin Agnes Gunghe. a native of Clinton county. Indiana. Of this union two children were born : Almond F., a successful physician in Wausau, Wisconsin; and Bertha, wife of R. Harshman, of Buck Creek The death of Mr. MeDole occurr of in November. 1910. at the age of sixty - four years. On December 18. 1912. M. McDole was married to Mrs. Amelia Moore, a native of Lchigh comuty. Pennsylvania, a daughter of John and Anna (Koller) Moore, of Mulberry. this county.
DAVID SNELBERGER.
One of the citizens most eligible for specific mention in a history of Clinton county is David Snelberger, well known resident of Washington township; partly because he is one of the old soldiers who went forth in that great crisis in the sixties to assist in saving the union of states, and partly becane he has been one of our honorable and public-spirited citizens for many years, a plain unassuming gentleman who has sought to do his duty in all the relations of life.
Mr. Snelberger was born in Holmes county, Ohio, August 25. 1838. He is a son of George and Elizabeth Snelberger, both Pennsylvania Dutch. coming from that state to Holmes county, Ohio, in an early day and settling on a farm. The father died there and the mother came to Clay county. Indiana, where her death occurred. Nine children were born to them, seven sons and two daughters: one son, Fred, was captured and died in Ander- sonville prison, having been a meniber of the Fifteenth Ohio Volunteer In- fantry.
David Snelberger grew up on the home farm and was educated in the public schools. He married Sarah Welder, also a native of Holmes county. Ohio, and to them five children were born: David. Jr., Joseph, Rosa. Louie, and one that died in infancy.
Mr Snelberger has devoted his life to farming, and he has succeeded by close application, being by nature, thrifty like his father before him. He is owner of a small but well-kept place in Washington township, and he has a comfortable home. He carries on general farming and stock raising and is
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well fortined against the wolf that sometimes visits the doors of the aged. He is not so active now as in former years, merely making an easy living.
Mr. Snelberger enlisted on June 2. 3861, in Company A, Four with In- diana Volunteer Infantry, at Jeffersonville, Indiana, and served faihtfully for three years, seeing hand service on many Southern battlefields, including Winchester. Antietam and Gettysburg. He also fought in the sanguinary conflicts of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House, Cold Harbor, and many of lesser note, including Blue Grass and Robinson's Tavern, being in all in thirty battles and skirmishes. He received an honorable discharge on June 16, 1864. He was one of the surviving host that visited the battlefield at Gettysburg on the fiftieth anniversary of that titanic struggle, which was held the first three days of July. 1913. Ile, like the rest of his comrades. enjoyed meeting with the men in gray who had opposed them there. Ile is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Frankfort.
I. C. LAMBERT, M. D.
Few residents of Colfax, Clinton county, Indiana, have occupied dur- ing the past decade as large a place in the public eye as Dr. I. C. Lambert. and no one has more worthily discharged his manifold duties or shown hin- self more worthy of the high esteem in which he is universally held. Ilis life has been filled with activity and usefulness while his untiring energy and eminent ability have gained for him a conspicuous and honorable plaec among the distinguished medical men of his day and generation. In every sphere of endeavor in which he has taken a part socially, politically or professionally. his unpretentious bearing and strict integrity have elevated him in the con- fidence of his fellow citizens, and his influence, always powerful and salutary, is destined to continue a potential factor for substantial good long after he retires from his labors and ceases from the busy life in the arena in which he has so long been a prominent and effective actor.
Dr. Lambert was horn in Fayette county, Indiana, February 12, 1857. on a farm. Ile is a son of James II. Lambert, who was born in the state of Ohio. Ilis father, William C., was born in Virginia. The Lamberts were among the sterling carly Colonial families of the Old Dominion. Finally they removed from there to Ohio, and later came on to Indiana. The family is of English origin. James II. Lambert. the Doctor's father, married
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Keziali Lee, a native of Virginia, and daughter of William Lee, who was a grandson of the famous Light Horse Harry Lec, that served as a general under Washington during the Revolutionary war. Mrs. Lambert was a niece of Gen. Robert E. Lee, commander-in-chief of the Confederne arm . William Lee and General Lee were brothers. The Doctor's father died in middle life. The death of the mother occurred in 1905 at the age of seventy- four years. The father was a Baptist and the mother a Methodist. They were known for their scrupulous honesty, old-time Virginia hospit dity and industry. Their family consisted of only two sons, Dr. I. C., of this review. and W. C., who reside in Alberta, Canada, where he is well established and regarded as an influential citizen.
Dr. Lambert worked hard on the home farm when a boy, and when onk: fourteen years of age he chopped, many a day, two cords of wood, and made a regular hand cradling wheat and cutting hay. He received his early edu- cation in the public schools of his home community, later attended college Deciding to enter the medical profession he studied under Dr. Amos Petti- john, of Arcadia, Indiana. He next entered the Physio-Medical School at Marion, Indiana, where he made a good record, graduating with the class of 1889, with honor to himself and the college. He then entered the Ken- tucky School of Medicine at Louisville, graduating with the class of 1899. He soon thereafter began practicing his profession in Colfax, Indiana, where he has continued to the present time with ever increasing success, now enjoy- ing a large and lucrative practice. He has a modern and well equipped office and a good medical library, and has kept up with medical research work in every way.
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