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 63
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94
ich 25
691
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
ally in promoting this growth. He was elected Township Trustee in 1874 and served four years. He was married Jan. I, 1849, to Margaret, daughter of John and Susanna (Culler) Teagle, who came from Montgomery County, Ohio, to De Kalb County. They have four daughters-Rosanna, Mary Ann, Miranda and Alida. Mrs. Moody is a member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Moody is a member of Auburn Lodge, No. 214, F. & A. M. Politically he has been a life-long Democrat.
Harvey Moody, one of the most successful and prominent farm- ers, now retired, of De Kalb County, was born in Pennsyl- vania, Aug. 14, 1818, the fifth of thirteen children of Daniel and Mary Ann (Davis) Moody, and grandson of Peter Moody who came to the United States from Germany in an early day. In 1824 Daniel Moody moved with his family to Richland (now Morrow) County, Ohio, and in 1836 to De Kalb County, Ind., and entered eighty 'acres and bought forty, which he improved and made his home till his death at the age of eighty-four years. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church in early life, but after their removal to De Kalb County united with the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he affiliated with the Democratic party. Harvey Moody remained with his parents till twenty-four years of age. He entered from the Government the land on which the village of Corunna, Rich- land Township, is now located, which he exchanged for eighty acres in the same township, which he improved and subse- quently sold and bought the farm which he now owns in Keyser Township. In 1877 he retired from active farm life and moved to the city of Garrett. Mr. Moody was married Oct. 10, 1843, to Elizabeth De Witt, who died in May, 1848. They had three children, but one of whom is living-Marcus H. Ann and Delilah are deceased. Mr. Moody was married May 31, 1850, to Azuba Axtell, a native of Knox County, Ohio, and to them were born four children-William A., Ann (de- ceased), Maria, and Lenora E. Mrs. Moody died in 1856. Feb. 25, 1858, Mr. Moody married Mary Melvin, of Summit County, Ohio. They have three children-Daniel H., Phœbe A., and Saloma T. Politically, Mr. Moody is a Democrat.
David W. Ocker was born in Wilmington Township, De Kalb Co., Ind., Feb. 25, 1849, a son of Elihu U. and Nancy A. (Ball) Ocker. He received the advantages of the common school, re- maining with his parents till fifteen years of age. In October,
692
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
1864, he enlisted in Company H, Eighty-eighth Indiana Infan- try, and was soon after transferred to Company H, One Hun- dred and Fifty-second Indiana Infantry. He served with the Western Division of the army, and was discharged at Indianap- olis in August, 1865. After his return home he attended school in the winter three years. In 1869 he began working at the plasterer's trade, and served an apprenticeship of two years. He then worked at his trade in the summer and on the railroad in the winter till 1873. From 1873 till 1879 he was employed as brakeman and conductor on the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad. In 1880 he moved to Garrett and took charge of Sargeant's Hotel till August, 1881, when he went to Butler and bought the Commercial House, which he sold in February, 1882, and went West on a prospecting tour. Upon his return he again assumed the charge of Sargeant's Hotel, and in January, 1883, took the De Kalb House. He is genial and accommodating, and well calculated to succeed in the hotel business. He was married April 1, 1872, to Belle M., daughter of W. E. and E. J. Sargeant, of Butler, Ind. They have two children-Jessie D. and Edna M. Mr. Ocker is a member of Garrett Lodge, No. 537, F. & A. M., William Hecker Chapter, No. 65, R. A. M., and Butler Lodge, No. 182, I. O. O. F.
Elihu U. Ocker, deceased, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, May 25, 1825, a son of David and Elizabeth (Underwood) Ocker, his father of German and his mother of English descent. He received a practical education in the common schools, re- siding on the farm with his parents till manhood. In 1837 his parents moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled in Wilming- ton Township. He worked as a farm hand in the summer and taught school in the winter till after his marriage, and then settled on a farm in Wilmington Township, remaining there three years when he was burned out, and then moved to his own farm, where he lived till 1864. In his early life he studied medicine and acquired a thorough knowledge of the profession, although he never put it to practical use. He was a township official nearly eighteen years, serving as Assessor and Land Appraiser. He sold his farm in 1864 and moved to Butler, where he resided till his death. In 1867-'68 he was engaged in the mercantile trade. He was married in 1845 to Nancy A. Ball, of De Kalb County. To them were born seven children ; six lived till ma- turity-John William, David H., Abraham, Stephen L., James
693
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
M., Ollie M. One died in infancy. John W. enlisted in Com- pany H, Eighty-eighth Indiana Infantry, and died while in the service in 1865. Mr. Ocker was a member of the Odd Fellows' order, both subordinate lodge and encampment, and was Deputy Grand Master of the latter. He represented Butler Lodge, No. 282, in the Grand Lodge of Indiana five times, and was well and favorably known by the Odd Fellows of the State. His death was sudden and without warning, falling dead on the street June 24, 1882. His wife died April 30, 1872. They were exemplary members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he was for many years a class-leader and Sunday-school Superin- tendent. In his political views he was an uncompromising Re- publican.
Henry Probst, Commissioner of De Kalb County, was born in this county Aug. 12, 1846, a son of Charles and Lydia (Kemp) Probst, his father a native of Lehigh County, Pa., born Feb. 20, 1819, and his mother a native of New Hampshire. Charles Probst lost his father when he was eighteen years of age. He then went to Newark, N. J., and three years later to Miami County, Ohio, where for a time he taught school, and while there was mar- ried to Lydia Kemp. In February, 1844, they moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled on section 8 of what was then Butler Township. He was a prosperous business man and a prominent citizen of the county. Among the official relations sustained by him was that of County Surveyor four years and Township Trustee several terms. He was an exemplary Chris- tian and a consistent member of the Lutheran church. Politi- cally he was a firm supporter of the principles of the Demo- cratic party. He died May 7, 1880. His wife survives him. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Their family consisted of two sons, Henry being the only one living. George died from the effects of a wound received by the acci- dental discharge of a gun. Henry Probst grew to man's es- tate on his father's farm, receiving a practical education in the district schools. He has given his attention to agriculture and now owns a fine farm of 500 acres. He was married April 21, 1867, to Almira E., daughter of Leonard E. Chase. They had a family of five children-George W., Chloe E., Lydia A., Mar- garet A., Lophena M. Lydia A. died Aug. 7, 1877. Almira E., wife of Henry Probst, died May 11, 1880. Henry Probst was married to Myrtilla A., daughter of John and Elizabeth
44
694 HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
Grim, Aug. 18, 1881. They have two children, twins-Charles B. and Christina B. Henry Probst was elected Trustee of Keyser Township in 1882, and in June, 1884, was appointed to fill out the unexpired term of one of the County Commission- ers, and in the fall of 1884 was elected to the same position for a term of three years. Henry Probst is a member of the German Baptist church. In politics he is a Democrat.
Mahlon Rakestraw, farmer, section 6, Keyser Township, was born in Clark County, Ohio, Dec. 26, 1830, a son of Joseph and Priscilla (Bates) Rakestraw. He was reared on a farm, assist- ing his father, and attending school the earlier part of his life. After reaching manhood he engaged in the mercantile business, which he followed successfully six years. In September, 1865, he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought eighty acres of land in Keyser Township, where he has since resided. He is an enterprising and thrifty agriculturist, and has made a success of this as of other vocations in which he has engaged. Politically Mr. Rakestraw is a Republican, but has no aspiration for official honors. He was married Dec. 26, 1869, to Elizabeth Barber, a native of De Kalb County, a daughter of Akalis and Rebecca Barber, who came from Dayton, Ohio, to De Kalb County in an early day. Mrs. Rakestraw died Dec. 27, 1874, leaving one daughter-Melissa Estella.
C. Reyher, dealer in general merchandise, Garrett, Ind., is one of the most prominent representatives of the retail mercantile trade in De Kalb and adjoining counties. He carries a stock valued at $10,000 or $15,000, comprising the best grades of all goods in his line. Buying in large lots and always for cash, he is able to compete with any of the large dealers and is recog- nized as a rival hard to be excelled. Mr. Reyher was born in Beaver County, Pa., in 1835, the eldest child of John P. and Susanna Reyher. When he was twelve years of age his par- ents moved to Ashland County, Ohio, where from that time till twenty-one years of age he attended school, and assisted his father, who was a blacksmith, in the shop. Upon attaining his majority, he went to Williams County, Ohio, where he engaged in the manufacture of wagons and buggies eleven years, con- ducting a successful business. Disposing of his stock, he em- barked in the general mercantile business, and for two years was a successful merchant of Williams County. In 1872 he moved to Kendallville, Ind., where he remained two years;
G
695
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
then spent the same length of time in Goshen, Ind., and in 1876 located in Garrett, where he has had a constantly increasing trade. Mr. Reyher was married Nov. 27, 1856, to Miss Helen M. Vanminan, of Ashland County, Ohio. They have had five children, but four are living-Blanche, wife of Addison Stew- art; John V. married Lizzie Rowe; Edward C. married Mary Zimmerman ; and Eben E. The sons are associated with their father in business, and are young men of promise and ability. Mr. Reyher is one of the self-made men of the times, having by his own industry worked his way through the many obstacles that beset the life of mankind, and has reached the top of the ladder of success. He is an enterprising, public-spirited man, giving readily of his substance and influence to assist any laud- able undertaking. Politically he is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.
Harris Rogers, farmer, section 4, Keyser Township, was born in New York, Nov. 12, 1821, a son of Elisha and Hannah Rog- ers. When he was a child his parents moved to Pennsylvania, and in 1836 moved to Medina County, Ohio, where he grew to maturity. In 1846 he moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought eighty acres of land in section 4, Butler (now Keyser) Township. His land was unimproved, but he has put it under good cultivation and erected good farm buildings, and has in- creased his farm to 100 acres. In addition to agriculture he has engaged extensively in the manufacture of drain tile, being the first man in the vicinity to engage in the enterprise. Mr. Rogers was married Jan. 2, 1842, to Miss Paulina J. Vaughn, a native of the State of New York. They have one son- Charles F. They reared to young womanhood a daughter-Cor- nelia Ensley, now the wife of William Dove. Mr. Rogers is not identified with any religious or secret organization: Politi- cally he is a Republican. He is a strict temperance man, and that all may know his principles has a cabinet-size photograph of each member of the family, ten in number, with the date of birth inscribed on each, on the wall of the front room, and over the door is the motto, "A Temperance Family." If one should become a drunkard or tippler, his picture will be turned face to the wall, that all may know who has caused the division on this question.
Jonathan Rummel, Superintendent of County Poor Farm, was born in Portage County, Ohio, Jan. 26, 1837. He is the
696
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
second son of John and Sarah (Brown) Rummel, natives of Ohio, of German descent. When he was eight years old his father died. He remained with his mother till fourteen years of age, the greater part of the time being devoted to study. At the age of fourteen he began to work at the harness-maker's trade, which he was obliged to abandon on account of ill health. He then returned to the farm, but the next year (1852) came to Indiana, locating in Wells County. He was variously employed till 1858, when he began to work at the painter's trade, and fol- lowed that vocation till the breaking out of the Rebellion. May 19, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, Thirteenth Indiana Infantry, the first three years' regiment in the State. Among the more prominent battles in which he participated were : Petersburg, Jones' Run, Winchester and Richmond. At Green brier Creek, Oct. 3, 1861, he was wounded in the right leg, and disabled for two months, and at Fort Fisher received four slight flesh wounds. A portion of his term of service he performed the duties of Commissary Sergeant. He was discharged Sept. 5, 1865, after a service of four years and four months. Upon his return to civil life he resumed work at the painter's trade in Fort Wayne. In 1870 he moved to Waterloo, Ind., and in 1876 accepted the management of the De Kalb County Poor Farm. At that time the farm was in a deplorable condition, be- ing a source of expense to the taxpayers, but under Mr. Rum- mel's wise administration, system has been adopted, chaos changed to order, and the farm is now self-supporting. Mr. Rummel was married July 13, 1865, to Mary E., daughter of Simon Acker, of Portage County, Ohio, and later of Wabash County, Ind. To them have been born six children ; but one is living-Cora E. The deceased are-Charles W., Bradford E., Lillie G., Ada and Ida. Mr. and Mrs. Rummel are mem- bers of the Lutheran church. He is a member of Waterloo Lodge, No. 420, K. of H. Politically he casts his suffrage with the Republican party upon issues of national interest.
Daniel Swihart, one of the most prosperous farmers of De Kalb County, was born in Stark County, Ohio, in 1826, a son of John and Rebecca (Palmer) Swihart, his father being a na- tive of Pennsylvania and his mother of Maryland. He was reared in his native county, remaining with his parents till manhood. He received but a limited education, as early in life he was obliged to rely on his own resources. In 1852 he
697
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
came to Indiana and bought some wild land in Richland Town- ship, De Kalb County. Although his early life was a struggle with poverty, he was undaunted, and by perseverance he over- came all difficulties, and success ultimately crowned his labors. He owns one of the best farms in the township, containing 100 acres of finely cultivated land, and his residence and farm build- ings are comfortable and commodious. Mr. Swihart was married in 1854 to Miss Elizabeth Bowman. To them were born seven children-Jennie, Wilson, Monroe, Clara, Sarah Jane, Martha and Sylvester. Jennie and Sylvester are deceased. Mrs. Swihart died in May, 1865. Oct. 11, 1866, Mr. Swihart married Sa- mantha Sherlock, who came with her parents to De Kalb County in 1855. Politically, Mr. Swihart is a Democrat.
Washington Teeters was born in Stark County, Ohio, Oct. 6, 1827, the second son and fourth child of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Roller) Teeters, his father a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of Tennessee. When fifteen years of age he began learn- ing the carpenter's trade of his father. In 1850 he came to Indi- ana and worked at his trade in De Kalb County four years. In 1854 he bought the farm where he now lives. At that time the land was heavily timbered, but he has cleared and improved and now has 120 acres of the choicest land in the county. He has been a prominent man of the township, and has held several offices of trust, among others, Justice of the Peace eight years and Township Trustee six years. Mr. Teeters has been twice married. Lydia Ann Houser, a native of Pennsylvania, to whom he was married Aug. 9, 1855, died July 12, 1856. April 9, 1858, he was married to Ethalinda, daughter of Jacob Cupp, of De Kalb County. To them have been born seven children -Franklin M., Samuel S., Josiah C., Annie E., Isaac S., Lydia B. R. and Mary S. Mrs. Teeters is a member of the Presbyte- rian church. Politically, Mr. Teeters is a Democrat. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
Robert Truelove, deceased, was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1818, a son of Thomas Truelove. When a young man he came to the United States, and lived for a time in Marion County, Ohio. In 1842 he moved to Indiana and bought (on time) 145 acres of heavily timbered land in Keyser Township, De Kalb County. During the summer he worked for the farm- ers and in the winter seasons applied himself to clearing his land. He was married June 1, 1852, to Mary, daughter of
698 HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
William Beverridge, who came with her parents to the United States from England when four years of age, and settled in Richland County, Ohio, where she grew to womanhood. The September following their marriage they settled on the farm in Keyser Township, where just as he was prepared to enjoy the fruits of his early life of toil Mr. Truelove died, March 4, 1864. He was a gentleman of true merit, respected by all who knew him. Their only child, William R., was born on the homestead, March 19, 1853. He was married Feb. 10, 1881, to Katie, daughter of Thomas Malone. William R., like his father, is a strong adherent to the principles of the Republican party. His wife is a member of the Evangelical church.
J. William Wagner was born in Germany Oct. 1, 1835, and was there reared and educated. In 1854 he came with his father's family to the United States and settled in Mansfield, Richland Co., Ohio. In 1872 he was appointed Deputy Clerk of the Probate Court of Richland County, and held the posi- tion three years. Dec. 1, 1875, he moved to Garrett, Ind., and established the saloon and restaurant which he is still conduct- ing. Mr. Wagner has been a reliable citizen, and has been honored with the most of the town offices. At present he is serving as School Trustee. Politically he casts his suffrage with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Odd Fellow's order, Richland Lodge, No. 161, at Mansfield, Ohio. Mr. Wagner was married May 1, 1864, to Catherine Martin, a native of Germany. To them have been born eight children; but six are living-Fannie, Julia, Clara, Walter, Lizzie, and Herman. Fanny and Adolph are deceased.
Allen Weaver, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of De Kalb County, Ind., and was born on the farm where he now lives May 24, 1848, the eldest son of David and Kittie Ann (Swan) Weaver. He was reared a farmer, receiving a good education, attending first the district schools and then the Auburn Acad- emy. In 1870 he went to Kansas and was engaged in dealing in stock in Brown County a year. Then returned home and re- mained two years, and then went again to Brown County and for two years sold sewing-machines, meeting with good suc- cess. In 1875 he returned to De Kalb County, and has since lived on the old homestead, having charge of the farm. He was married Sept. 10, 1878, to Etta Garver, a native of De Kalb County, daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann Garver, pioneers of
699
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
the county. To them have been born two children-Kittie and Daisy May. In politics Mr. Weaver affiliates with the Demo- cratic party.
David Weaver, one of the old settlers of De Kalb County, is a native of Stark County, Ohio, born Aug. 18, 1807. His parents, Valentine and Martha Weaver, were natives of the State of Virginia, and early settlers of Stark County, Ohio. He was reared in his native county on a farm, receiving but limited educational advantages. He remained with his parents till manhood, and in the spring of 1838 came to Indiana and set- tled in De Kalb County, where for several years he ran a saw- mill. He was married in 1847 to Kittie. A. Swan, a native of Stark County, Ohio, but a resident of De Kalb County at the time of her marriage. After his marriage he settled on a tract of heavily timbered land, and began to open and clear a farm. On this farm he lived till 1875 and then removed to Auburn where he has since lived retired from the active labors of life. His farm contains 320 acres of choice land, and is now carried on by his sons Allen and Henry. To Mr. and Mrs. Weaver were born three children-Allen, Henry and Harriet. Their daughter was the wife of Jefferson Clark. She died in 1875, from the effects of burns received by the explosion of a kero- sene lamp, and left two children.
Henry Weaver, farmer and stock-raiser, Keyser Township, was born on the old homestead where he now lives, Aug. 19, 1850, the youngest son of David and Kittie Ann (Swan) Weaver. He was reared on the farm, receiving a common-school education and remained with his parents till twenty-four years of age. He then went to Missouri and engaged in the sewing-machine busi- ness, traveling in different counties of the State three years. Then went to Kansas and engaged in stock dealing two years. In 1879 he returned to De Kalb County and located on a part of the old homestead, and has since followed agricultural pur- suits. He was married Jan. I, 1879, to Delphia J. Secrest, a native of Missouri, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Ann (Sholtz) Secrest. To them have been born two children-Orrea Leona and Lura Leslie. In politics Mr. Weaver is a Democrat.
John Yarde, Sr., was born in Devonshire, England, March 12, 1812. His parents died when he was a child, and he was reared by his mother's sister and given a collegiate education. When seventeen years of age he began teaching school, and, with the
Dild Inauch 25-18 - agril
700
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
exception of a year and a half in the grocery business, followed that vocation thirty-five years. He married Mary Symonds, a native of Devonshire, and to them were born twelve children, eleven daughters and one son; but four are living-Mary J., Emma, Lucy and John, Jr. In August, 1852, Mr. Yarde came with his family to the United States. He lived in Summit County, Ohio, about one month, and then came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought fifty acres of unimproved land, and after paying for his land had $75 left. Having the use of only one hand, the burden of the work of clearing and improving the land fell to his son, then only sixteen years of age. This farm has since been the home of Mr. and Mrs. Yarde, and they are among the most highly esteemed citizens of the township. They are members of the Protestant Episcopal church. Polit- ically Mr. Yarde is a Republican.
John Yarde, Jr., was born in Devonshire, England, Nov. 17, 1836, the son of John and Mary (Symonds) Yarde. His early life was spent in school, and before sixteen years of age he had taught seventeen months. He came with his parents to De- Kalb County, Ind., and assisted in clearing and improving his father's farm. He has been very successful in his business pur- suits, and now owns 280 acres of fine land. His residence and farm buildings are among the best in the county. He was mar- ried Oct. 10, 1858, to Lydia Ann Houser, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, born July 22, 1840, a daughter of David and Rebecca Houser. They have six children-Martha, Frank, David, Nettie, Henry and Bertha.
7- 196
CHAPTER XVIII.
NEWVILLE TOWNSHIP.
SITUATION. - GEOGRAPHY AND TOPOGRAPHY. - PIONEERS .- NEWVILLE .- EARLY TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS .- POPULATION .- PROPERTY AND TAXATION .- AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS .- BIOGRAPHICAL.
Occupying the southeastern corner of De Kalb County, and lying adjacent to the State of Ohio, is the fractional township known as Newville, being six miles long and two and a half wide, and containing twelve whole and six half sections. It is bounded on the north by Stafford Township, on the east by the State of Ohio, on the south by Scipio Township, Allen County, and on the west by Concord Township. It is crossed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad east and west, nearly midway, and is drained by the St. Joseph of the Maumee, which flows through the north western corner, from northeast to southwest. The land is of much the same character as that in Concord, and may be divided into three classes-the rich river bottom lands, the oak-timbered wheat lands, and the beech and sugar maple timbered lands at the south end of the township.
The pioneers of Newville Township were John Platter and Solomon De Long, who, traveling through the woods in the summer of 1834, became bewildered, and encamped at the bor- der of a prickly ash swamp. Here they dug a hole for water, being almost perishing with thirst, and by using their axes and hands succeeded in finding water ; but the fluid was so heavily impregnated with the juices from the roots as to be scarcely drinkable, though impelled by their natural cravings to make the best of it. Their adventures are described at length in the chapter on " early incidents."
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.