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 76
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
Removed from Auburn: Mrs. Theo. Reed,* Mrs. Louis Johnson, Mrs. W. P. Myers,* Miss Laura Clark.
WATERLOO.
The town of Waterloo is four and a half miles from Auburn, six and a half miles from Corunna, and eight miles from Butler,
*Charter members.
830
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
on sections 3 and 4, Union Township. It is at the junction of two railroads, both belonging to the L. S. & M. S. system, and thus, with railroads leading in each of the four points of the compass, the place is destined to be of permanent impor- tance. The first improvement in this vicinity was made near the Cedar Creek, northeast of Waterloo, and was called Union- town. It is now a mere appendage, or " suburb" to the town. Wesley Park, Sheriff of the county, put up a board shanty on the site of Uniontown in 1838 as a shelter for two men em- ployed to build a bridge over the Cedar at this point. At this small cabin, in November, 1838, D. Altenburg, L. Walsworth, their families and the two bridge-builders, passed a night while the settlers were on their journey from Steubenville to their selections of land in Union Township. In a previous chapter a full account of their trip is given. One who stands on the present fine bridge and notices the high banks, cannot but wonder how the stream was crossed by Messrs. Altenburg and Walsworth. They ran poles under the wagon, between the spokes, so as to block all the wheels; then a yoke of oxen was hitched to the tongue to hold back, and another yoke to the rear of the wagon to pull back, and so the crossing was effected.
Being on the line of the State road from Fort Wayne north through Angola, and sufficiently remote from other settlements, this was thought a good site for a town, and a plat was accord- ingly made by Frederick Krum. A store building was put up, and a trading point established by George Trout. The firm of M. & A. Hale was the next to engage in the mercantile busi- ness at Uniontown. James Bowman erected a water-power saw-mill on the site of the Star Mills; and about 1856, after the laying out of Waterloo, changed it to a steam-power mill. School was started at an early day. Richard Burnistin was the village blacksmith, and bodily infirmities were cared for by Dr. Jones. Wareham was a gun-smith, and Smith kept a cabi- net-shop.
The construction of the air line of the L. S. & M. S. R. R. through the county was the signal for laying the foundation of Waterloo City (as it was called for some years, while there was another Waterloo in the State). Miles Waterman, a prominent citizen of the county, and for several terms Representative in the State Legislature, had purchased a tract of land south of Uniontown, lying on both sides of the railroad track. On this
831
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
land the town of Waterloo was laid out by Miles Waterman and John Hornberger, and the acknowledgement taken before George Wolf, Justice of the Peace, March 14, 1856. The first structure erected was a railroad office which stood near the " Hale store," upon what is known as the Gillett lot. Eli Will- iamson, the pioneer carpenter, and yet a resident of the town, built the first dwelling house. This old building was shifted about, and finally owned and occupied by Wetmore, and was destroyed by fire some years ago. Store buildings were raised by James Irving and John Wood ; the former rented to Willard & Keller, and the latter kept a grocery and restaurant. Lots sold rapidly, and building once begun continued briskly. At- tention became directed to this place ; business gathered hither, and leading citizens of other localities became residents.
T. Y. Dickinson removed from Auburn, and in 1858 began the publication of the Waterloo Press, which is still published, the oldest newspaper in the county. For a full history of the same, see the Press Chapter. Dr. J. N. Chamberlain, Sheriff of the county, from 1860 to 1862; Henry Willis, who filled the same office, from 1864 to 1868 ; Jacob Kahn, long a leading mer- chant; Gen. Lewis; J. Blair and others located in the new town and aided to give it that healthy and encouraging growth, which not only made it the mart of Northern De Kalb and and Southern Steuben counties, but enabled it to present a formidable claim to the county seat. John Shull opened the first tavern, which was later known as the Central House. J. P. Beers, from Auburn, was the first lawyer in the town, and later was heard from as a proprietor of a stage line at Stanton, Mich. The first grist-mill was built and run by Josiah and Jonathan Weaver. It stood in Uniontown and was built in 1868. The next mill was built by George Thompson in Water- loo, and is now operated by Crane, Duncan & Co. The third was the Star Mills, a fine brick building erected by Messrs. Best, McClellan & Moody. It was more than a local loss when this interest was destroyed by fire in 1876. The flouring-mill now owned and run by Messrs. Bauer & Weirich, is one of the finest in Northern Indiana.
Waterloo possesses a fire-engine, the only one in De Kalb County, and a citizens' volunteer fire department. The engine- house is centrally located by the railroad tracks. The fair grounds of the Northeastern Indiana Agricultural Association
832
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
(a full account of which is given in the Agricultural Chapter) are located just north of town, and the annual fair draws large crowds to Waterloo. The pioneer school-house stands in the southeast part of the town. It is a little old frame building, a striking relic of the poor educational advantages of the past. Just before the incorporation of the town, the township trustee caused the erection of what afterward became Agricultural hall near the Presbyterian church. In this ill-contrived struct- ure, Spencer Dills, Peter Colgrove and Prof. J. A. Barns, taught as Principals, and the last named conducted several successful normal schools in the upper room. Finally the fine high- school building near the railroad in the western part of town was erected.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
Those now doing business at Waterloo are as follows:
L. Anderson, carriage and blacksmith shop; Bauer & Wei- rich, flouring-mill; Boyer & Beidler, dry goods; Jacob Beck, bakery; Best & McClellan, De Kalb Bank; William Bevier, drug store; Maggie Bateson, millinery; H. E. Brown, meat market; William Bigler, livery; Boozer & Smith, agricultural implements; Bassett & Maxwell, jewelers; Samuel Beck, gro- cery ; J. S. Bowers, furniture; J. H. Clifford, saloon and restau- rant; J. D. Campbell, drug store; Crane, Duncan & Co., plan- ing-mill; F. Deventer, wagon and blacksmith shop; Duncan Bros., grocery; Dickinson & Willis, Waterloo Press ; J. A. Dennison, restaurant and confectionery ; Orris Danks, boots and shoes; Sol. Fisher, clothing; R. J. Fisk, grocery; Her- man Froelich, marble works; Prentice Gill, sewing-machines; Moritz Grueter, grocery; John Heighn, blacksmith; Louis Henke, blacksmith; E. Klatz, wagon shop; Kennedy & Jack- man, Long's Hotel; Koons & Son, livery; Loewenstein & Rothschild, clothing, dry goods, grocery; S. J. Locke, hotel and saloon; R. M. Lockhart, lumber; John Leas, Citizens' Bank; James P. McCague, saw-mill .; Peter Montavon, shoe- maker; Philip Morell, shoemaker ; McBride & Seiler, hardware; H. R. Miller, saloon; H. H. Nutt, planing-mill; Frank Ryan, Butts' Hotel; A. V. Sinclair, grocery; George Shoner, tan- nery ; Speer & Son, grocery; R. Shull, millinery; A. R. Stev- ens, tailor; Sinclair Bros., hardware; Richard Till, saloon; Wareham & Harley, barber shop; J. N. Winslow, drug store;
833
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
Willis & Co., book store; William Wallace, harness shop; Eli Williamson, fanning-mill factory.
PROFESSIONAL.
The first physicians were: Drs. Jones & Hornberger. Of the following who are now practicing, some are old residents : Drs. Solomon Stough, J. N. Chamberlain, A. Byron Darby, A. S. Farrington, Z. W. Shepherd (Homeopathic), A. A. Ward, Henry Lehman, (Homeopathic), C. M. Ewing and S. B. Johns- ton (dentist). The legal profession has always been creditably represented at Waterloo. James I. Best is now a member of the Supreme Court Commission, and is consequently at Indian- apolis, but his home is really here. Other resident members of the bar are: R. Wes. McBride (present Circuit Judge), Somers & Roby, L. J. Blair, C. M. Phillips, William D. Leas and John A. Garwood.
BANKS.
The town supports two banking establishments. The De Kalb Bank was organized June 1, 1873. Its first Directors were: James I. Best, O. T. Clark and C. A. O. McClellan ; first cashier, A. F. Best. It is now owned by Messrs. Best and McClellan, and Giles T. Abbey is cashier. The Citizens' Bank was organized July 21, 1875, with John Leas, Joseph Roger, W. C. Langan, Jacob Kahn and Artemas Corbett as directors, and Mr. Langan as cashier. This position is now filled by H. K. Leas.
RELIGIOUS.
Waterloo is well supplied with churches.
The Presbyterian Church was organized June 5, 1863, by Rev. C. Ford, with the following constituent members: P. B. Nim- mons, Mary Nimmons, James Lockhart, Robert M. Lockhart, Elizabeth Lockhart, Abraham McCoy, Elizabeth McCoy, Mahlon Nimmons, Louisa Nimmons, Edward Craft, J. E. Rutan, Keziah Rutan, Joseph Mills, J. N. Mills, Jane Smith, Jane Madden, J. H. Boon, Mary Hines, Celestia Hutchison, Laura Hutchison, A. A. Howard, Sarah A. Howard and Rachel Moore. The first ruling Elders were : P. B. Nimmons, Robert Lockhart and A. A. Howard. The church building itself, a frame structure on Maple street, was erected in 1867, at a cost of $3,000. The first pastor, Rev. Edward Wright, remained
834 HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
from 1863 to 1866. He died in 1878, in Bloomington, Ind. Rev. C. A. Munn came from Auburn, preached two years, and is now in Michigan. Rev. L. C. Littell succeeded him for two years, and is now in Michigan. Rev. J. B. Fowler then came from Elkhart, whither he returned after a six years' stay at Waterloo. After he left, Rev. Henry Johnson, of Auburn, came here al- ternate Sundays for two years. He is now in Michigan. Then Rev. W. F. Matthews, of Auburn, preached here alternate Sundays, and after him for one year the pulpit was filled in the same manner by Rev. J. D. McCord, likewise of Auburn. The present pastor is Rev. G. W. Barr, who commenced in the spring of 1884. The church has a membership of forty. The Sunday-school is under the superintendency of F. W. Willis.
The Catholic Church was built in 1863 and 1864, at a cost of $1,400, by Father Achtereng. The congregation is small, and only monthly services are held. The priest is Father Max Bensinger, who has recently come from the seminary at Mil- waukee, Wis.
The German Reform Church is a 'frame structure, just outside the corporation. It is on the Angola road, in Smithfield Town- ship, and was built in 1876.
The Methodist Episcopal people bought a seminary building in 1867, which they used until recently. In the fall of 1884 they erected a very fine brick church on the corner of Douglas and Walnut streets, at a cost of $4,000. The society is in a flourishing condition, having a membership of sixty-five. The present pastor, Rev. W. M. Slyke, came in the spring of 1883. The Sunday-school is in charge of Henry E. Coe.
The United Brethren in Christ built a church in 1860, and in 1879, at a cost of $1,200, they rebuilt. Services were held long before the erection of the first mentioned building. The Revs. Fink and Lamon were the first to officiate here. They have been succeeded by Revs. Wm. Moffatt, Morthland, A. Lower, Leon- ard, T. Osmun, J. K. Swihart, C. O. Lawrence, J. G. Bowersox, D. Bender, John Martin, Crawford B. Baldwin, C. H. Kiracofe, Joseph Brown, W. O. Dinius, S. P. Klutz, James Snyder, W. O. Butler, J. S. Jedrow, and J. W. Lilly. The last named, the present incumbent, began his labors here in September, 1884. The society has a membership of 113. Simpson Duck is super- intendent of the Sunday-school.
The Church of Christ, or Disciples, built a brick structure in
835
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
1870, on Maple street, at a cost of $3,500. Rev. N. N. Bartlett, the first pastor, remained two years. He was a resident of this county in early life, and finally died at Painesville, Ohio. Rev. James Hodsell was at Waterloo for the ensuing two years. He was from Kendallville, though formerly a resident of this county, and died at Waterloo after two years' service. Rev. F. H. McCormick then came from Ossian for one year. He is now at Poe, Allen County, but is not preaching. Rev. M. M. Glea- son, of Steuben County, was here for the ensuing year. Rev. M. L. Blaney succeeded him for one year. He came here from Kendallville, and is now at that place, though not preaching. The church has no services at present. Its membership is 25. A Sunday-school organization is maintained under Dr. A. . Byron Darby.
The English Reformed church is a fine brick structure on the corner of Center and Union streets. It was built in 1872, at a cost of $5,500. The first pastor was Rev. Henry Baer. The next was Rev. Mr. Fenniman. He was fol- lowed in 1880 by Rev. F. F. Christine, who now fills the pulpit.
The Evangelical Association built a church in 1877, at a cost of over $4,000, though the society was organized before the war. The church was built during the pastorate of Rev. Geist. The pulpit is now filled by Rev. J. E. Stupps, who came from De- fiance in the spring of 1884. The membership is about 100.
SOCIETIES.
Waterloo City Lodge, No. 307, F. & A. M., was organized in 1861. It has now a membership of forty-two, and meets the Wed- nesday on, or preceding, each full moon. The present officers are : Giles T. Abbey, W. M .; A. J. Sinclair, S. W .; W. H. Leas, J. W .; Charles Bassett, Treasurer ; H. K. Leas, Secretary ; J. C. Brand, S. D .; Ed. Campbell, J. D .; S. Z. Dickinson, Tyler ; A. R. Stevens and R. J. Fisk, Stewards.
Waterloo Lodge, No. 221, I. O. O. F., was organized in 1860. It has now a membership of forty, and meets at Odd Fellows' hall every Tuesday evening. The present officers are : Jacob G. Brown, N. G .; John M. Somers, V. G .; S. B. Johnston, Sec .; Phil. Morell, Treas .; C. K. Baxter, Perm. Sec.
Union Lodge, No. 1,436, K. of H., was organized about 1878; has now thirty-eight members, and meets every Friday evening. Dr. S. B. Johnston is P. D .; J. M. Waterman, Dic .; G. J. Beck,
836
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
V. D .; J. R. Duncan, A. D .; F. E. Adam, Rep .; J. A. Shull, Fin. Rep .; George Shoner, Treas. The lodge has paid one death benefit of $2,000 to Jay B. Boyer's widow in 1882.
Waterloo Post, No. 52, G. A. R., was mustered in March, 1882. Its membership is now sixty-one, and the time of meeting is the first Wednesday of each month. Dr. S. B. Johnston is Com .; J. P. McCague, S. V. C .; F. D. Waterman, J. V. C .; Prentice Gill, Adj .; S. J. Locke, Q. M .; A. R. Stevens, O. of the D .; J. N. Mc- Bride, O. of the G .; B. F. Kennedy, S. M .: C. K. Baxter, Q. M. S.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
G. T. Abbey, cashier of the De Kalb Bank, is a native of Clyde, Sandusky Co., Ohio, born Nov. 24, 1827, a son of Alanson and Lucy (Daggett) Abbey, natives of New York, who moved to Ohio in 1819. Alanson Abbey was a soldier in the war of 1812 and received a pension for his services. His wife died in 1840, and he afterward married again. To him and his first wife were born ten children, six of whom lived till maturity. They were members of the Christian church. Mr. Abbey died in 1879, at the age of eighty-four years. Our subject, G. T. Abbey, remained with his father till manhood. In 1838 his parents removed to Steuben County, Ind., and there he grew to manhood. He received a very limited education, but by perseverance became fitted to enter the business world and compete successfully for positions of honor and trust. In 1864 he moved to Waterloo, which has since been his home. He was married in 1850 to Martha Long, a native of Ohio, daughter of James and Martha Long. To them were born three children, but two of whom are living-Ella J., wife of W. H. Hollister, of Butler, Ind., and Carrie J. Mrs. Abbey died in Steuben County in 1862. Mr. Abbey is a member of Waterloo City Lodge, No. 307, F. & A. M., and has been Master of his lodge three years ; Past High Priest and also Principal Conductor of the work of his council. For many years he has been iden- tified with the educational and political interests of the town. Politically he is a Republican.
Joseph Abright, watchmaker and jeweler, Auburn, Ind., is a native of Ohio, born in West Rushville, Oct. 6, 1838, a son of David and Jane (Thompson) Abright. When fourteen years of age he went to Chillicothe and served four years as an appren- tice at the watchmaker's trade; then worked in the same
837
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
establishment as foreman four years, and in 1860 went to Green- castle, Ind., and in the spring of 1861 to Lancaster, Ohio, where April 5, 1861, he enlisted in the Seventeenth Ohio Infantry for three months. After his term of service expired, Aug. 18, he again enlisted in the Forty-sixth Ohio Infantry for three years, and when the call was made by the President to re-enlist veterans, responded Oct. 29, 1863. He was mustered in as Orderly Sergeant. Jan. I, 1862, he was promoted to First Lieutenant and soon after to Adjutant of the regiment. He served four years, three months and fourteen days, and was never away from his regiment for any cause. He participated in some of the most important battles of the war, among them Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Vicksburg, Jackson, Miss., Atlanta campaign, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea, being in twenty-eight engagements. He was wounded twice, but not severely. He was present at Johnston's surrender to General Sherman in April, 1865. He was mustered out at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 21, 1865. He soon after went to St. Paul, Minn., and remained till 1867. Then returned to Ohio and worked a year in Circleville, and in September, 1868, came to Auburn and established his present place of busi- ness, where he has built up a good trade. Mr. Abright was married Oct. 1, 1867, to Louisa McFee, of West Rushville, Ohio. They have one daughter-Maud. He is a member of De Kalb Lodge, No. 214, F. & A. M. He has served three years as Treasurer of Auburn, and has given perfect satisfaction to his constituents.
John W. Ashleman, the second son of John W. and Mary Ashleman, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, March 27, 1844. His parents were natives of Germany, and were married in Switzerland about 1834 and came to the United States and lo- cated in Wayne County, Ohio. They subsequently moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled on a farm just east of Au- burn, entering 160 acres. After getting ready to start for America, Mr. Ashleman's trunk was robbed of its contents, in- cluding all his money. His friends assisted him, but he arrived in a strange country with no means. He was possessed of a large amount of energy, and went bravely to work and was eminently successful, accumulating a large landed estate, own- ing at his death over 900 acres. His family consisted of nine children-Elizabeth, wife of A. J. Carmer ; Moses; Barbara,
53
J
838
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
wife of Charles Eckart; Mary, wife of Fred Raut; Regina, wife of Enos Weaver; Anna, wife of George Walker ; John W .; Christian, and Rosa, wife of A. J. Saxton. John W. was reared on a farm, receiving a common-school education. After his marriage he settled on his present farm, where he owns eighty acres of land, with good buildings. He is a neat and thrifty farmer, and also pays considerable attention to stock-raising. He was married in 1868 to Aurelia Chidsey, daughter of Ly- man Chidsey. To them have been born three sons-Lyman, William and Frank.
Isaac O. Bachtel, proprietor of the Eagle Mills, Auburn, was born in Canton, Stark Co., Ohio, April 7, 1844, a son of David and Elizabeth Bachtel. When twelve years of age he began to take care of himself, working in the mills of R. Elston at Magnolia, Ohio. He educated himself by working for his board during the winter and attending the public schools. His first work being in a mill, he early acquired a taste for that industry, and chose it for his life-work. When nearly eigh- teen years of age he enlisted in Company E, Sixty-first Ohio Infantry, and participated in the battle of Bull Run and subsequent skirmishes during Pope's retreat. His health be- coming impaired from exposure, he was sent to the hospitals at Washington, D. C., and Alexandria, but after three months was discharged for disability, in November, 1862. In 1864 he again enlisted, in the One Hundred and Sixty-second Ohio Infantry, 100-day men, and served four months, doing guard duty at Covington, Ky. After his return to civil life he was employed in Magnolia Mills, where he learned his trade, a few months, and in October, 1864, went to Canton, Ohio, and was employed in the Union Mills till April, 1865, when he came to Indiana and worked in the Grove Mills at Kendallville till November, 1868. He then moved to De Kalb County, and worked in the mills at Sedan and Auburn till April, 1872, when he purchased the mills at Corunna which he ran till May, 1880, when he ex- changed them for the Eagle Mills at Auburn. Mr. Bachtel thoroughly understands every detail of his business, which he superintends, and makes a first grade flour. He was married Oct. 16, 1870, to Amelia, daughter of Francis Baird, of Union Township, De Kalb County. They have three children-El- mer, Flora and Orris. Mr. Bachtel is a member of Mentor Lodge, No. 591, I. O. O. F.
J.O. Bachtel!
839
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
Frank Baird, a successful farmer of Union Township, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., Sept. 17, 1817, the youngest of four children of John and Agnes (Andrews) Baird. His par- ents moved to Wayne County, Ohio, in an early day, and in the spring of 1846 to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled one mile east of Auburn where the father died in 1851, and the mother in 1869. Frank Baird was reared a farmer, remaining with his parents till their death, and then inheriting the home- stead. His father bought 160 acres of wild land when he came to De Kalb County, and to this he has added twenty acres. He now owns one of the finest farms in Union Township, all well improved. In 1876 he built a large two-story brick residence, with all modern improvements. He has two large barns, and his farm buildings are in good repair. Mr. Baird was married in Ohio, to Hester Stoner, who died in 1869, leaving six chil- dren-Amelia, wife of Isaac Beachlar; John H., Calvin L., Thomas F., Zora M. and William L. In 1871 he married Sophia Leas, daughter of John Leas, of De Kalb County. He is one of the successful and representative farmers of De Kalb County.
Charles Bassett, of the firm Bassett & Maxson, jewelers, Wa- terloo, Ind., was born in Brownhelm, Lorain Co., Ohio, Jan. 8, 1838, a son of Thomas and Nancy Bassett. While yet a child his parents died, and he was thus left to battle with the world for himself. When eight years of age he went to Erie County, Ohio, and remained four years; then went to Union City, Mich., and from there to Coldwater, where he began to learn the jeweler's trade, serving an apprenticeship with C. H. Thompson, remaining four years. In 1859 he came to Water- loo, and in company with J. F. Maxson, established their pres- ent business. They have had a steadily increasing trade, and rank among the most prominent and substantial business men of Waterloo. Mr. Bassett was married in Jackson, Mich., Jan. 1, 1859, to Caroline Maxson, a sister of his partner. They have four children-Carrie, wife of Amos B. Walworth ; Charles Lewis, Bessie and William. In politics Mr. Bassett adheres to the Republican party. He has held several local offices of trust in the township. He is a member of the Masonic frater- nity, lodge, chapter and council, and has been Treasurer of Waterloo City Lodge, No. 307, twenty years. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.
840
HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY.
Isaiah Baughman was born in Carroll County, Ohio, Jan. 5, 1843, a son of John and Nancy (Slentz) Baughman, natives of Ohio. His grandparents were natives of Pennsylvania, and early settlers of Ohio. In 1844 his parents moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and entered a tract of 120 acres from the Govern- ment on section 23, Union Township, which he cleared, and to which he subsequently added forty acres. He was one of the sturdy pioneers, and endured many hardships and privations. After paying for his land he had a little money left with which he bought some salt and leather and a scanty supply of provi- sions. He was twice married. To him and his first wife were born eight children-Addison, George W., Isaiah, Eliza (wife of David Mizer), Nancy M. (wife of Charles W. Oider), Sa- mantha (wife of Sheldon Crooks), Ermina (wife of Henry Smith), and Matilda (wife of James Seibert). His second wife was Elizabeth Weeks, and to them were born four children-John F., Idola, Ida and Carrie. Isaiah Baughman was reared and educated in De Kalb County, attending the log cabin district school. When seventeen years of age he enlisted in the defense of the Union in Company H, Thirtieth Indiana Infantry, and served from September, 1861, .till February, 1862, when he was discharged on account of ill health. The following August he again enlisted, and was assigned to Company A, Eighty-eighth Indiana Infantry. At the battle of Stone River, Jan. 2, 1863, he was wounded in the right leg, and lay in the hospital till April 20, when he was discharged. After his recovery he again enlisted March 25, 1864, and served in Company A, First Indi- ana Heavy Artillery till the close of the war; was discharged in January, 1866. He then worked on the farm for his father till his marriage, when he settled on section 24, buying forty acres of land. Three years later he sold this land and bought eighty acres on section 14, where he now lives, located on what was known as the " Island." This land he has improved, and has erected a fine two-story dwelling and a good barn and other farm buildings. Mr. Baughman was married in 1868 to Sophia Weeks, daughter of John and Mary A. Weeks, early settlers of De Kalb County. To them have been born six children- Willis, Laura, Anna, Cora, Dora and Ward. Mr. and Mrs. Baughman are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
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.