USA > Indiana > DeKalb County > History of DeKalb County, Indiana : together with sketches of its cities, villages and towns and biographies of representative citizens : Also a condensed history of Indiana > Part 62
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H. M. Bicknell, druggist, Garrett, Ind., was born in Noble County, Ind., June 16, 1848, the youngest son of Dr. T. P. and Lydia (Myers) Bicknell. His youth was spent in assisting his father in the drug store, and in attending school. He com- pleted his education at Notre Dame Academy, South Bend, Ind., in 1866, and after his return home engaged in the drug business at Kendallville, in partnership with Dr. Ericson. In 1875 he moved to Garrett and built what is known as the Pioneer Drug Store, where he has since carried on a success- ful and lucrative trade. He was married Jan. 1, 1869, to Jen- nie Dunn, a native of New York, who came with her parents
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to Noble County when a child, and subsequently moved to St. Joseph County where she lived at the time of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Bicknell have one daughter-Nellie. Mr. Bick- nell is politically a Republican. He is a member of Garrett Lodge, No. 602, I. O. O. F., and Garrett Lodge, No. 537, F. & A. M. He was the first Vice Grand, the second Noble Grand and the first representative to the Grand Lodge from the Gar- rett Lodge, I. O. O. F.
T. P. Bicknell, M. D., deceased .- Although not a resident of De Kalb County, there are few who will be longer remem- bered by the early settlers than Dr. Bicknell. He was a native of Chenango County, N. Y., and received his education in his native State. In 1846, realizing the more favorable op- portunities offered a young man in the West, he moved to Northern Indiana and settled in Lisbon, Noble County, at that time little more than a wilderness. Being a skillful physician, he soon gained a wide reputation in Noble, De Kalb, Steuben and surrounding counties, and he was obliged to ride night and day in all kinds of weather. From constant exposure his health became impaired and for several years he was unable to engage in active practice. Such was the confidence reposed in him and his skill that when he was unable to visit patients they were brought to him from miles away on cots. In 1854 Dr. Bicknell was elected to represent Noble County in the convention to revise the Constitution of the State of Indiana, and was the youngest member of the convention. In 1861 he was the first Examining Surgeon appointed.in his district, and was twice appointed by Governor Morton as Surgeon (first of the Thirtieth and second of the Forty-fourth Regiment), but was obliged to decline on account of his health. Dr. Bicknell died in 1863, leav- ing a large circle of friends to mourn his loss. He was married in New York to Lydia Myers, and to them were born three children-Hattie, Thompson P. and H. M. Mrs. Bicknell re- sides in Fort Wayne.
Jacob Brechbill was born in Bedford County, Pa., Sept. 2, 1832, the second son of Martin and Barbara (Guyer) Brechbill, natives of Pennsylvania, of German origin. In 1834 his parents moved to Indiana County, Pa., where he was reared and edu- cated. In 1854 he moved with his parents to Stark County, Ohio, where he assisted his father till his marriage, and then rented land till 1862, when he moved to De Kalb County, Ind., Died Fel 21-14
9 ud 6 months and 19 de
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and bought the farm in Keyser Township, where he has since lived. His first purchase was eighty acres, and that only par- tially improved. He went bravely to work and cleared his land, and has from time to time made additions to it till he now owns 370 acres. He was married Feb. 3, 1859, to Sarah Ober, a native of Bedford County, Pa., who moved to Stark County, Ohio, with her parents, John and Nancy (Becktel) Ober, when fifteen years of age. They have had eight children ; but six are living-Martin, John, Nancy, Lizzie, Sarah Ann, and Mary J. Cora A. and Francis C. are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Brechbill are members of the United Brethren church. Politically he is a Republican.
Devolzo Bruce, an honored and respected farmer of Keyser Township, was born in Cayuga County, N. Y., May 9, 1824, a son of Ezra and Anna (Glazier) Bruce, his father a native of New York, and his mother of Massachusetts. When he was a child his parents moved to Erie County, Pa., and about 1840 to Noble County, Ind., where his father died in 1854. In his boy- hood Mr. Bruce learned the carpenter's trade, and followed it till within a few years, although at the same time he devoted the summer seasons to agricultural pursuits. In 1855 he moved to De Kalb County and settled on section 8, Keyser Township, where he owns ninety acres of choice land all under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Bruce was married Oct. 3, 1850, to Sarah M. Clark, daughter of Henry Clark, who came from New York to De Kalb County, Ind., in 1841. They have three chil- dren-Charles E., Henry C. and Jennie. Politically, Mr. Bruce affiliates with the Republican party.
Thomas Jefferson Clark was born in Richland County, Ohio, Sept. 9, 1850, the eldest son and second child of George and Delilah (Schaffer) Clark. In 1851 his parents moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and here he was reared and educated. When he was ten years of age he began to assist his father in running a threshing-machine, and since eighteen years of age has had charge of a machine, working for the farmers in harvest. He has been successful in his business transactions and is one of the most prosperous young men in the county. He owns II0 acres of choice land, all well improved, with a pleasant residence and good farm buildings. Mr. Clark was married in 1871 to Harriet Weaver, daughter of David Weaver, of Au- burn, Ind. To them were born two children-Mary M. and
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Aldie May. In 1876 Mrs. Clark was burned while lighting a fire with kerosene, and lived but a few hours. Feb. 27, 1879, Mr. Clark married Dorothea Ann Cochran, daughter of Thomas Cochran, of Keyser Township. They have two children- David E. and Walter S. Politically, Mr. Clark is a Repub- lican.
Thomas Cochran, a son of John and Mary (Cubison) Cochran, was born in Perry County, Ohio, Aug. 24, 1815. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Ireland, com- ing to America in childhood. They were married in Pennsyl- vania, and soon after moved to Perry County, Ohio, being among the earliest settlers. Thomas was reared in his native county, making the old homestead his home for over forty years. After attaining his majority he bought the interests of the other heirs to his father's estate, and took care of his parents till their death. In September, 1858, he moved to Indiana, purchasing land in Richland, now Keyser Township, where he has since resided. He has been an industrious, energetic man, and prosperity has crowned his labors. He was married March 17, 1844, to Amanda Soine, born Jan. 18, 1826, daughter of Henry and Catherine Soine, natives of Maryland. They have had thirteen children-Hannah C., born Dec. 26, 1844; Edward T., born July 9, 1846, died July 17, 1850; Mary A., born Jan. 8, 1848; Emily M., born Aug. 22, 1849; William H., born May 15, 1851 ; Joseph P., born Jan. 8, 1853 ; David S., born Feb. 21, 1855 ; Dorothea A., born March 28, 1857 ; Eli T., born May 13, 1859 ; Benjamin F., born April 19, 1861 ; Ira A., born Dec. 25, 1862, died May 8, 1864; Ralph B., born Aug. 24, 1864 ; Charles K., born Sept. 14, 1867. Mr. and Mrs. Cochran are members of the Baptist church. Politically he casts his suffrage with the Democratic party.
Josiah Cottell was born in Burlington, N. J., Aug. 22, 1814, a son of John and Sarah (Grant) Cottell. When he was fifteen years of age his parents moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, and there he grew to manhood. He was reared a farmer, but after reaching his majority learned the carpenter's trade and worked at it fifteen years. In 1852 he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought a tract of wild land in Keyser Township, which he cleared and improved, and which is now transformed into one of the best farms in the county. He passed through all the hardships and privations of pioneer life, and surmount-
Died Die 15- 18.93
aged 78 years 3 months +21 days
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ing every difficulty, has gained the top of the ladder of pros- perity. His farm contains 160 acres of land, his farm buildings are commodious, and his residence one of the best in the town- ship. He has by his uprightness and success gained the con- fidence of the people, and has been chosen to transact the busi- ness of the township in several of its offices. Mr. Cottell was married in 1837 to Jane Chance, by whom he had one child, Sarah Jane (deceased). His wife died in 1839, and in 1842 he married Mary Teeters, of Stark County, Ohio. To them were born five children-John, James, Elizabeth, Winfield H. and George. The eldest and youngest only are living. Mrs. Cot- tell died in 1853, and in 1855 Mr. Cottell married Mrs. Annie Houser. They have three children-Theodore, Mary and Jon- athan. Mrs. Cottell has two children by her former marriage --- John Henry and David. Politically, Mr. Cottell is a Democrat.
Jacob Cupp, farmer, section 35, Keyser Township, was born in Somerset County, Pa., Jan 19, 1808, a son of Frederick and Mary (Sholtz) Cupp, of English and German descent. He re- mained in his native county with his parents till twenty years of age, when he went to Stark County, Ohio, where he worked by the day and month eight years. He then bought a farm and followed agricultural pursuits till 1842, when he came to Indiana and settled in De Kalb County, where he has a good home, and now in the seventy-eighth year of his age can look back on a life of industry and honesty, and can enjoy the fruits of a well-spent life. Mr. Cupp was married Nov. 26, 1835, to Elizabeth Hoover, a native of Stark County, Ohio, who died in 1843, leaving three children-Mathias, Ethalinda (now Mrs. WV. Teeters), and Hiram. In 1860 Mr. Cupp married Mrs. Bar- bara Smith. They have one child-Levi H. Politically, Mr. Cupp is a Democrat.
Abel Depew, deceased, was born in Marion County, Ohio, Dec. 16, 1817. He was reared a farmer, receiving a practical education in the district schools. In 1836 he left home and took a prospecting tour in the Southern and Western States. In 1846 he settled on a farm in Noble County, Ind., remaining there till 1851 when he moved to De Kalb County, and bought the farm in Keyser Township which has long been known as the Depew homestead. He was married Feb. 27, 1841, to Catherine Gifford, a native of Athens County, Ohio, who moved with her parents; Alexander and Isabel (Cain) Gifford,
Die 9. 19.18 8. 8?
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to Noble County, Ind., when she was nine years old. To them were born twelve children ; ten are living-William Henry, Mary, Hannah, Lucy E., Catherine J., Minerva, Alice A., Mar- garet J., Almon O. and George F. Melissa and Phœbe are de- ceased. Mr. Depew died Oct. 29, 1871.
Elias Fisher, farmer, Keyser Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, in 1829, a son of Jacob and Rebecca (Hoover) Fisher. In 1846 his parents moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and his father entered a tract of land in Wilmington Township. His father died in 1851. He remained with his mother till 1870, superintending the farm. He was married in 1858 to Matilda Freeman, a native of Allen County, Ind. Of their five children, but two are living-Lewis C. and Adelphia J. Will- iam F., Harvey L. and Catherine, are deceased. Mrs. Fisher died in 1871. In 1872 Mr. Fisher married Mrs. Sarah R. But- ler, a native of New York, who died in 1876, leaving one child -Lena R. March 16, 1879, Mr. Fisher married Mrs. Cather- ine De Pew, widow of Abel De Pew, and since this last alli- ance has resided in Keyser Township. Mr. Fisher is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Elihu Fortner, farmer, section 7, Keyser Township, was born in Franklin County, Mass., in 1814, a son of Elihu and Sarah (Burnington) Fortner, of Scotch and English descent. His father died about a month before his birth, and his mother when he was seven years of age. He lived with his grandfather Burnington till fourteen years of age and then came West to Lenawee County, Mich., and worked as a farm hand a number of years. He then worked at the lime kilns four years, and in the lumber business the same length of time. After his mar- riage he moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought 160 acres of unimproved land in Keyser Township. He lived on this land two years and then returned to Michigan and remained four years. He then came again to his farm in De Kalb County where he has since resided. He has brought his farm from the wild state of nature to a high state of cultivation and has one of the pleasantest homes in the township. He was married in 1853 in Michigan, to Urania Hoppema, a native of Wayne County, N. Y. They have three children-Sarah, Ernest and Clyde. Politically, Mr. Fortner is a Republican.
William Fountain was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1811, a son of Simon and Rebecca Fountain. His mother died when
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he was three days old. He followed farming in his native country till 1848, when he moved to the United States. He lived a short time in Ohio, and then settled in De Kalb County, Ind., on wild land, which he cleared and improved. He was married Dec. 12, 1848, to Sarah, daughter of Thomas Truelove, a native of England. Together they commenced life, and with energy and an ambition to make life a success they have been untiring in efforts, and as a result have triumphed over every adverse circumstance and have accumulated a property that enables them in their declining years to live with ease. They have 400 acres of good land, 200 acres of which is under a good state of cultivation. In performing the practical duties of life they have not omitted the higher and more important. From childhood they have been connected with the Episcopal church, and have lived with strict conformity to all her tenets. They have been at all times mindful of the needs of the poor, and are ever ready to assist them. Hospitable, their home is always open to friends and strangers, all feeling that they are welcome. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fountain- Sarah Ann, Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Tarlton, and William Richard. Politically Mr. Fountain casts his suffrage with the Republican party.
Calvin Grub, farmer, section 12, Keyser Township, was born in De Kalb County, Ind., July 23, 1853, the second son of John and Catherine (Ketchum) Grub, prominent citizens of Keyser Township. He was reared on his father's farm, and from him learned the practical and hence successful mode of agriculture, and since attaining manhood has utilized his knowledge for his own benefit. Mr. Grub was married March 5, 1873, to Miss Mary Rhodenbaugh. To them have been born two children-Allie May and John. Politically Mr. Grub affiliates with the Demo- cratic party.
John Grub was born in Stark County, Ohio, Sept. 22, 1822, a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Rex) Grub, natives of Pennsylvania, of German and French descent. When he was five years old his father died leaving his mother with nine children to rear and educate. He remained with his mother on the farm till twenty-five years of age, and from his eighteenth till his twenty- second year taught school in the winter, working on the farm in the summer. In 1844 he began clerking in a store and re- mained there till 1851, when he came to Indiana and bought a
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tract of unimproved land in what was then Butler Township, De Kalb County. When he came to Indiana he had but $150; this he paid for his land, and then commenced to improve and make a home. He has by his indomitable will and persever- ance overcome the obstacles of settling in a new country, and has by his continued additions to his first purchase a landed estate of 424 acres, all under cultivation. Having no one but himself to rely upon, he early in life learned the lesson of in- dependent action, and it has tended to make him through life self-reliant and sagacious. Mr. Grub was married May 7, 1847, to Catherine Kutchner, a native of Stark County, Ohio. They have had five children, but three of whom are living-Jeffer- son, Calvin and Clara. Politically, Mr. Grub is a Democrat. He has served his township as Justice of the Peace eight years, and as Trustee four years, and has proved himself to be an efficient and worthy officer, attending to public affairs with the same fidelity as his own. Mrs. Grub is a member of the Dunkard church.
Albert Hathaway was born in Lake County, Ohio, May 9, 1828, a son of Nathan and Hannah (Hamilton) Hathaway, na- tives of Massachusetts, who moved to Ohio in the early days of that State's existence. He remained with his parents till twenty-two years of age, and with them in 1842 came to Indiana and settled in Richland Township, De Kalb County, where his father died Dec. 16. He was reared a farmer and has always made agricultural pursuits his occupation. He now owns 156 acres of choice land, well improved. He was mar- ried Dec. 25, 1854, to Phobe Haulk, a daughter of John Haulk, who moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio in an early day, thence to Adams County, Ind., where Mrs. Hathaway was born. Mr. and Mrs. Hathaway have had thirteen children, eleven are liv- ing-Eunice Ellen, Hannah, Mary Jane, Nathan, John, Anna, Lydia, Silas, Dollie, Stella and Calvin. Politically, Mr. Hatha- way casts his suffrage with the Democratic party. He and his wife are members of the German Baptist church.
Lucian Hathaway was born in Lake County, Ohio, in 1836, a son of Nathan and Hannah (Hamilton) Hathaway. He was but six years of age when his parents moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and his education was all obtained in the county of his adoption. He remained on his father's farm till manhood. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in Company H, Thirtieth
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Indiana Infantry. While in the service he had the measles, and owing to exposure and lack of attention, took cold and has never regained his former health. He was discharged Aug. 12, 1863. In 1866 he bought the farm where he resides, in Keyser Township, which contains eighty acres of well-improved land. Mr. Hathaway was married Sept. 27, 1866, to Elizabeth Swan- ders, a daughter of Jonathan Swanders, who moved from Penn- sylvania to Carroll County, Ind., in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Hathaway have had eight children; but seven are living -Diana, Miles, Ellen, Pogie, Alton, Cyrus and Milton. Politi- cally Mr. Hathaway is a Democrat. He is a member of Charles Case Post, No. 233, G. A. R.
Amos Jackson was born in Niagara County, N. Y., April 15, 1827, the second son and sixth of eleven children of Jesse and and Edith (Smith) Jackson. In 1834 his parents moved to Mich- igan, and in 1837 to De Kalb County, Ind. His father entered 120 acres of Government land in Butler Township, which he improved and made his home the rest of his life. Amos was but ten years of age when his parents moved to De Kalb County, and hence by far the greater part of his life has been identified with her interests. Reared a farmer, he chose the vocation as his life work, and is now one of the most prosperous and enterprising agriculturists in the township. He owns 160 acres of land, all well improved. Mr. Jackson was married March 24, 1863, to Catherine Simon, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, daughter of George Simon, an early settler of Allen County, Ind. They are the parents of three children- Charles A., Dora O. and Vesta L., the latter deceased. Politi- cally Mr. Jackson is a Democrat. He was reared in the society of Friends, but he and his wife are now members of the Luth- eran church.
Edward Kelham, farmer, section 31, Keyser Township, was born in Lincolnshire, England, Nov. 13, 1826, the tenth of thir- teen children of Thomas and Mary (Boothby) Kelham. He was reared and educated in his native country, and in 1849 came to America and located in Richland County, Ohio. He worked on the railroad and on lake steamers three years, and by being economical saved enough to buy forty acres of land, and began making a home. In 1857 he moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought eighty acres of unimproved land, to which, by good management and industry, he has added till he
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now owns 400 acres of the best land in the township, all well cultivated. He is a public-spirited and liberal man, and is held in high esteem by all who know him. In 1878 he was elected County Commissioner and served three years; was again nomi- nated, but refused to serve on account of the demands of his personal business. Mr. Kelham is a purely self-made man, coming to this country as he did a poor man he has worked his way from poverty to affluence, and now ranks with the best business men of De Kalb County. He was married in Richland County, Ohio, April 22, 1853, to Miss Sarah Downend, a native of England, who came with her parents, James and Mary (Shaw) Downend, to America when she was eight years old. They have had ten children-Thomas, Edward, Jr., Mary, Joseph A., James, Martha, George, Charles T., Matilda and William F. Matilda, William and Martha are deceased. Polit- ically Mr. Kelham is a Democrat.
A. A. Kester, M. D., Garrett, Ind., the second son of Peter S. Kester, a pioneer of De Kalb County, was born in this county, Oct. 5, 1844. His early life was passed on the farm in a man- ner common to pioneer days, and he experienced a mixture of hardship and pleasure incident to that day. In the schools then in vogue he laid the foundation of his education. By close application, the difficulties of an imperfect school system and the greater imperfections in the manner of imparting in- struction, were successfully overcome, and a practical under- standing of the fundamental principles was acquired. He was married in January, 1864, to Miss Sarah Bassett, daughter of Sanford Bassett, formerly of Madison County, Ohio, but later of De Kalb County, Ind. For ten years after his marriage nothing of importance took place in his life. In 1874 he began the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. George Kes- ter, a skillful physician of Richland County, Ohio, and subse- quently matriculated at Hahnneman Medical College, Chicago, Ill. . Afterward he returned to Ohio, and practiced in partner- ship with his preceptor till 1876, when he returned to his native county and located at Cedar Creek, remaining there seven years. During this time he built up a practice extending over a large area of country, and in order to have his residence and office near the geographical center, in 1883 he moved to Gar- rett. His success as a physician has been remarkable for the short time he has devoted to the profession, and being ambi-
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tious and a close student his prospects are bright for a future of usefulness and prosperity. Politically Dr. Kester is a Re- publican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Prot- estant church. They have six children-Cora A., Ida M., Orville, Estina, Roy and Mabel.
James A. McClure is among the prominent citizens of Keyser Township, and no one is more worthy of extended notice in the history of the township than he. He is a native of Indiana. born near Fort Wayne, Allen County, Dec. 18, 1838, the only son of William and Eve (Moody) McClure, of Ohio and Penn- sylvania birth, respectively. His mother died when he was three months old and he was adopted into the family of his Grandfather Moody, of De Kalb County, Ind. He remained with his grandfather during his minority and attended the common schools, subsequently taking a thorough course of study at Fitch's Seminary, in Allen County, Ind. After leav- ing school he worked a year for $80, which he applied as part payment for fifty-five acres of land, for which he was to pay $575. Energetic and of unlimited perseverance, with a bright and hopeful disposition, obstacles were overcome and hardships endured. Adverse circumstances which would have discour- aged many, were endured by him with a cheerfulness and a more determined will to succeed, and from poverty he has reached a life of affluence and a position of usefulness and prominence in the county. His farm, which contains 135 acres, is one of the best in the township. He has served in different official relations, among them Assessor four years. Politically he is an uncompromising Democrat. Mr. McClure was mar- ried Aug. 30, 1865, to Sarah J. Swihart, daughter of Samuel and Harriet Swihart. They have three children-Clara A., William Warren and Samuel E.
Benjamin Franklin Moody was born in Richland, now Morrow County, Ohio, Jan. 26, 1826, the youngest son and tenth of thir- teen children of Daniel and Mary Ann (Davis) Moody. In 1836 his parents moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled in a dense forest, and his youth was spent in assisting to clear and improve the frontier farm. Being the youngest son he remained on the homestead till after the father's death, and then bought the north half, and has now lived on the same farm over forty- eight years. From a wilderness he has seen De Kalb County grow into one of the best in the State, and has assisted materi-
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