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 89
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Forest Chapter, No. 44, O. E. S., was organized April 15, 1880, with about thirty members, and is a branch of Masonry in which ladies participate. The present officers are : Mrs. Kittie Johns, W. M .; Mrs. Susan Moore, A. M .; Mrs. Carrie Fanning, Con .; Mrs. Kate Eldridge, Asst. Con .; Mrs. R. A. Faunce, Sec .; Mrs. Jennie Wolf, Treas .; Mrs. Rachel Bennett, Warder ; Mr. John A. Moore, Sent. The chapter is in a flourishing con- dition, has fifty members, and meets the second and fourth Tuesday in each month, at Masonic Hall.
Butler Lodge, No. 282, I. O. O. F., was instituted May 22, 1867. The five charter members were: Leonard P. Waterhouse, Jacob Apple, John T. Champion, William Macartney and War- ren Closson. The only one of these who is now living, is John T. Champion. The present officers are : W. L. Holton, N. G .; J. W. Cannon, V. G .; John Swaysgood, Sec .; Russell Stevens, Fin. Sec .; H. Lilly, Treas. This lodge has a large membership-nearly sixty-five, and meets at their hall every Wednesday evening.
Butler Encampment, No. 160, I. O. O. F., was established March 17, 1884, with seven charter members. It now has thirty-two members, and meets the second and fourth Monday evenings of each month, at Odd Fellows Hall. The officers for 1884 are as follows: Charles Hanes, C. P .; H. C .: Haley, S. W .; C. W. Beechler, J. W .; H. Lilly, H. P .; S. G. Stone, Scribe ; G. Wolf, Treas .; W. C. Ditton, Fin. Scribe.
Unity Lodge, No. 21, Daughters of Rebecca, is a branch of the Odd Fellows fraternity to which ladies are admitted. It was established June 8, 1869, with the following charter members: J. M. Norford, Elizabeth Norford, E. H. Morehouse, Sarah C. Morehouse, L. P. Waterhouse, Margaret A. Waterhouse,
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William P. Carpenter, Catherine Carpenter, James F. Fisher, Saloma M. Fisher and Kittie Carr. The lodge has forty mem- bers, and meets the second and fourth Fridays of every month. Mrs. Carrie Fanning is N. G .; Mrs. Elva Stone, V. G .; Miss Ollie Ocker, Sec .; Mrs. Dora Wyckoff, Treas .; Mrs. Russell Stevens, Fin. Sec .; Mrs. Mary Hanes, P. G.
Meade Post, No. 44, G. A. R., was mustered in February, 1882, with C. S. Stoy as Commander; G. T. Johns as Senior Vice- Commander ; R. H. Weamer as Junior Vice-Commander, and A. G. Jones as Adjutant. The present officers are : G. D. Diehl, Com .; A. G. Jones, S. V. C .; J. S. Roberson, J. V. C .; John S. Ocker, Adj .; I. D. Daily, Q. M .; John M. Young, O. of D .; Gabriel Miller, S. at A .; Henry Crooks, Q. M. S. and I. G .; C. S. Stoy, O. G. The post has forty comrades on its rolls, and meets the second and fourth Fridays of each month, at Otis' Hall.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Eugene C. Ackley, engineer on the Wabash Railroad, Butler, Ind., was born in Manchester, Ontario Co., N. Y., July 19, 1848, a son of Revilo (the reverse of his father's name). He was reared and educated in the State of New York and in 1869 went to Detroit, Mich., and was employed as fireman on the Michigan Central Railroad two years. In 1871 he came to Columbia City, Ind., and was employed on a construction train three months, and in October of the same year was pro- moted to engineer, and since 1881 has run between Detroit and Butler. He moved to Butler in 1881, where he has a pleasant home. He was married May 16, 1869, to Ella Lyon, a daugh- ter of Charles Lyon. She is a native of Ontario County, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Ackley have three children-Charles E., Emma M. and Clark M. Mr. Ackley is a member of the Odd Fellows order, lodge and encampment, and of the Brother- hood of Locomotive Engineers, being First Engineer of the latter society.
William C. Aldrich, of the firm Aldrich & Son, proprietors of Hotel Aldrich, Butler, Ind., was born in Worcester, Mass., April 18, 1822, a son of Amos Aldrich, a native of Rhode Isl- and. When he was quite small his parents moved to Connect- icut, and in 1832 to Lenawee County, Mich., settling in Adrian, there being at that time but two frame houses in the town. When a boy he learned the wool-carding and cloth-dressing
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trade, that being his father's trade, and worked at it several years in Adrian. In 1852 he crossed the plains to California and worked in the mines till 1854, when he returned to Michi- gan and worked for the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad five years. In 1869 he went to Pleasant Hill, Mo., and remained six years; three years of the time was Deputy Sheriff and City Marshal. He then traveled through the Western Territories and Texas, visited Chili, South America, and the Sandwich Islands. In 1873 he came to Indiana and lived in Butler four years; thence to Bryan, Ohio, and engaged in the livery business four years, and in November, 1881, re- turned to Butler and bought the Boots House at the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern depot, and changed the name to Hotel Aldrich. His son, Arthur N., is a partner with him, and is a steady, thoroughgoing business man. They have a good patronage and keep a first-class hotel. Their house contains twenty-five rooms, well furnished. The dining-room, a large rectangle, is furnished with four tables and a handsome side- board. In connection with the hotel they run a lunch-room for the benefit of travelers over the road. Their clerk, C. L. Cramer, has been with them three years, and is admirably adapted to the position he occupies. Mr. Aldrich was mar- ried in the fall of 1844 to Helen Force. They have had two children; but one, Arthur N., is living. Mr. Aldrich is a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity, and has taken the Knight Tem- plar degrees.
Andrew J. Baxter, attorney at law, Butler, Ind., was born in Franklin Township, De Kalb County, Feb. 19, 1846, a son of Andrew Baxter, a native of Armstrong County, Pa., who lo- cated on the farm where he still resides March 5, 1840. Our subject is a self-made man; having few advantages he educated himself, and subsequently taught twenty-three terms, still keep- ing up his studies. In the spring and summer of 1867 he studied medicine with Dr. Hoopingarner, but not liking the profession, abandoned it. He taught in Elkhart County, Ind., and was so well liked that his services were engaged for a second year at an increased salary. He was assisted by his wife, who also taught the following summer at Jefferson Cen- ter, and with her earnings bought the books that her husband might further pursue the study of law, which he had already begun. When his eyes were tired from reading she read to
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him, proving herself to be, in the full acceptation of the term, a " helpmeet." In June, 1872, he opened an office in Hamilton and remained there till 1879, when he removed to Butler, where he has built up a lucrative practice. He is an active member of the De Kalb County Bar Association. In politics a staunch Democrat. Mr. Baxter was married Nov. 26, 1867, to Helen Latson, daughter of James J. Latson, the well-known ex-Coroner of Auburn. To them have been born four chil- dren, but three of whom are living-Naomi, Aurilla and Ot- mar V.
John H. Baxter, contractor and builder, Butler, Ind., was born in Smithfield Township, De Kalb County, a son of John Baxter, and brother of C. K. Baxter, of Waterloo. He was reared and educated in his native township, and when eighteen years of age began working at the carpenter's trade, which he has since followed with the exception of one year, from the spring of 1876 to the spring of 1877, when he was Marshal of Butler. He located in Butler in 1872, and is now engaged in building. He does a paying business by building houses for himself, which he either rents or sells. He sold his farm in December, 1883, and now owns six houses and lots in Butler. He was married April 10, 1872, to Emily J. Whetsel, a daugh- ter of Henry Whetsel, an early settler of Wilmington Town- ship. But one of their three children is living-Worthy Ernest. Clark R. and Howard L. are deceased. Mr. Baxter is a gener- ous, whole-souled man ; his home is the synonym for hospitality. No worthy object is ever rejected when presented to him for assistance, and the needy always find in him a friend. He is an upright, honorable business man, always true to his word, and has never given any man cause to go to law against him.
Curtis W. Beechler, D. D. S., Butler, Ind., was born in Will- iams County, Ohio, Feb. 4, 1851, a son of George Beechler, a native of Lancaster County, Pa., but an early settler of Will- iams County. He was reared a farmer but received a good education, and in 1869 went to Virginia City, Nev., where he worked in a dental office till 1875. He then came to Indiana and with his brother opened an office in Butler. His brother died in 1876, and he has since carried on the business alone. Dr. Beechler is a good dentist, understanding all the improved methods of his profession, and has built up, as he deserves, a good practice in Butler. He was married June 24, 1876, to
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Mary W. Phillis. They have three children-Achasa, Glenn C. and Dale Xenophen. Dr. Beechler is a member of the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows.
Joseph B. Bennett, M. D., was born in Syracuse, N. Y., March 25, 1840. His father, Malcolm Bennett, was a native of Onon- daga County, N. Y., and in 1836 moved to Branch County, Mich., and a year later to Steuben County, Ind., where he lived three years. Then returned to New York and lived in Syracuse till 1844, when he again moved to Steuben County, where he died in 1862. He was a member of Company H, Forty-fourth Indiana Infantry, and participated in the battles of Fort Donelson and Shiloh, but was soon after discharged for disability, and died a short time after reaching home. He married Catherine Beach in New York, and to them were born seven children, but two of whom are living-Joseph B., and Marietta C., widow of Birge Smith. Alexander C. and George H. lost their lives in the defense of the Union. George was shot through the head at Malvern Hill. Alexander was wounded in the same battle, and at Gettysburg was taken prisoner and died at Belle Isle. Birge Smith was Lieutenant of Company A, Forty-fourth Indiana Infantry, and resigned on account of failing health. He was afterward Lieutenant of Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and was promoted to Captain, but died in the hospital at New York. Joseph B. Bennett was educated in the Angola schools and began reading medicine with Dr. C. D. Rice. He attended the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating in the spring of 1869. In March, 1869, he located in Troy Town- ship, De Kalb County, and in January, 1872, located in Butler, where he has built up a good practice. Dr. Bennett was mar- ried in January, 1871, to Rachel Casebeer, a daughter of John Casebeer, a pioneer of Troy Township. To them have been born two children; but one is living-Josephine. Katie died of diphtheria at the age of four years. Dr. Bennett is a mem- ber of the Masonic and Odd Fellows' fraternities. He and his wife are members of the Disciples church.
William L. Blair, farmer, section 1, Wilmington Township, was born in Lorain County, Ohio, Nov. 27, 1832, a son of John and Margaret (Douglas) Blair. His parents moved to De Kalb County in the fall of 1835 and settled in Concord Township. At that time there were but eight families in the present limits
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of De Kalb County, seven of them in Concord Township. The Indians were frequent visitors at the Blair house, and at one time our subject's sister turned an empty barrel over him while she ran to the field to tell the men of their approach. He was reared to the life of a pioneer, and early began assisting to clear the land, having but limited educational privileges. The first school he attended was taught by Benjamin Alton in a log house on land now owned by Chris. Crusa. Mr. Blair was married Oct. 19, 1859, to Amy Aldrich. They have two chil- dren-Corwin, and Lena, wife of George Corcoran, now of Dennison, Tex. Mr. Blair is a member of no religious denom- ination, but is a firm believer in trying to benefit and upbuild humanity. He has several relics of the olden time. One, a cane cut from an apple-tree in the first orchard in De Kalb County. It was set out by his father in the spring of 1836 on the old homestead, on the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 15. Another is a Mexican dollar bearing date 1826, which his father obtained while keeping tavern in Ohio ; and still a third is a red cedar cane cut from Mt. Vernon near the tomb of Washington, in 1876. There are the same number of knots in this cane as there are States in the Union. Mr. Blair has had it mounted with gold.
Achilles Blaker, deceased, was born in Pennsylvania about 1803, a son of Jesse Blaker. In 1834 he moved to Maumee County, Ohio, where he followed blacksmithing several years. He built one mile of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad in 1852, and the same fall took a three-mile contract on the same road three and a half miles east of Butler at the State line. He moved his family to Butler in the spring of 1855, and the following spring bought the Butler House of John Rose. This building had four rooms, two below and two above, separated by board partitions. It was used for hotel, church, dancing-hall and public meetings for some years. Mr. Blaker was a public-spirited, energetic man, and was influential in ad- vancing many of the improvements of the town of Butler. He was married three times; first to Susan Meers, by whom he had one child-Susan, who married J. M. Howard, and died in La Salle County, Ill., in December, 1884, leaving a family. Mrs. Blaker died in Pennsylvania, and he then married Mary Wal- ton, who at her death left three children-George, of Maumee, Ohio ; William, of Lafayette, Ind., and Arabelle, wife of Col. J.
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D. McKain, of Marseilles, Ill. His third marriage was to Mrs. Eliza Scottow, a native of Gloucestershire, England, born in 1817, widow of John Scottow. She came to America in June, 1832. Mr. Blaker died Feb. 6, 1868, aged sixty-two years.
John Blaker, proprietor livery stable, Butler, Ind., was born in Lycoming County, Pa., Jan. 10, 1825, a son of Jesse Blaker, a native of Bucks County, Pa., of German descent, his ances- tors coming to America with William Penn. The father died in February, 1872, in the ninety-fifth year of his age. John Blaker was reared on a farm; his parents being in limited cir- cumstances, he had very limited educational advantages. He earned his own living after fourteen years of age. He came to Indiana in the year 1855, settled in Wilmington Township on what is now known as the Colgrove farm. The following year he moved to Butler where he has since resided. J. A. Moore and Eli Strauss are the only men now living in Butler who were here when he came. For several years Mr. Blaker dealt largely in stock, also carried on a livery stable, bought and shipped prod- uce, wool, etc .; in 1877 he abandoned all other branches of busi- ness, and has since given his entire attention to livery. He has a good business, having constantly horses suitable for ladies or gentlemen to drive, also suitable for horseback riding ; he has buggies and carriages of all descriptions, and is ready at any time to fill an order for single or double harness. Mr. Blaker was married July 20, 1848, to Mercy, daughter of Jonathan and Mary Hall. Eleven of their twelve children are living-Mary E , Sarah A., Lucy J., Achilles, Christiann, Chester, Jesse, John, Ella, Frank and Hattie. Frank is the only boy remaining at home, and assists his father in the livery.
Bond Brothers, proprietors of the Butler bakery and restau- rant .- John W. and Charles O. Bond are natives of Perry County, Ohio, the former born May 23, 1858, and the latter Aug. 10, 1863. 6 They were reared on a farm, receiving a com- mon-school education. In 1881 John went to Grundy County, Iowa, but in 1882 returned to his native county. Charles was for some time a cook on a Baltimore & Ohio dining-car. In January, 1884, they came to Butler and bought the Butler ba- kery which they have enlarged, and have now a constantly in- creasing business. They make the famous cream bread and the finest coffee-rolls in the country, the latter by a new process in- vented by Charles Bond. Their father, David Bond, is also a
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native of Perry County, a son of Peter Bond, of Baltimore, Md. Peter Bond was born in 1800, the youngest of thirteen children, and in 1813 accompanied his parents to Ohio and subsequently made his home in Perry County.
Edwin D. Briggs, of the firm Briggs & Co., grocers, Butler Ind., was born in Jefferson County, N. Y .. Dec. 4, 1854, a son of Clark Briggs, a native of the same county. He was reared and educated in his native county, receiving a good education in the common schools. He worked at cheese-making several years, and in 1878 left his native county and removed to Wood County, Ohio, where he was employed in the general store of C. E. Palmer & Co., of Bairdstown, about four years. He then, in company with his brother, Myron C., bought out his em- ployers and carried on the business successfully three years. He then sold his interest to his brother and William A. Jones, who still carry on the business. He formed a partnership with Morrison Brunstetter, and bought a stock of groceries, confec- tionery, etc., and in April, 1885, removed to Butler, where they are building up a large and constantly increasing trade. They are enterprising young men, and keep a full line of everything found in a grocery and provision store. Genial and courteous in their manner, their fair dealing and attentive treatment of customers has won for them many friends.
Prof. Frank A. Brink, teacher in the grammar school, Butler, Ind., was born in Richland County, Ohio, March 2, 1855, a son of Peter S. Brink, of Lorain County, Ohio. He was reared on a farm, but received a good education, and graduated from the college at Plymouth, Ohio, in 1876, with high honors, being the valedictorian of his class. He began teaching in 1870 in the district schools of Richland County, and with the exception of the year he was in college has devoted his attention to that calling. He commenced the study of law in Ohio, and in 1879 was admitted to the bar. He came to Butler in 1879, and has been employed in the schools of the place. He uses many of the latest and best approved normal methods, and is a very suc- cessful instructor and disciplinarian. In addition to his school duties he has given some attention to his profession, practicing in Whitley and De Kalb counties. He was married Jan. 26, 1882, to Jennie, daughter of Andrew Baxter, of Franklin Township. They have two children-John and George. Mr. Brink is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
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Hiram Brundage, deceased, was born in Ontario County, N. Y., Nov. 15, 1822, and died at his home near Butler, Ind., March 10, 1880. He removed with his parents to Erie County, Ohio, in 1833, and there grew to manhood. In 1845 he came to In- diana and located in Allen County, and in 1848 came to De Kalb County. He learned the carpenter's trade when in Ohio, and made that his principal vocation through life. He was married Jan. 21, 1847, to Louisa A. Roberts, a native of Ontario County, N. Y., daughter of Collins Roberts, who came to Indiana in 1838, and located in Wilmington Township, De Kalb County. At that time the howl of the wolf was heard in the forest, and a few Indians remained here and there who frequently visited the homes of the white settlers. Mrs. Brundage was one of the early school teachers of the county. To Mr. and Mrs. Brundage were born six children; four are living-Mary, Lot- tie, and Calista and Celesta (twins). Mary is teacher of the A, Primary Department, of the Butler schools; Lottie is also a well-known teacher of the county ; Calista is the wife of Hiram McCollough, and Celesta remains at home with her mother. Mr. Brundage. had been a member of some branch of the Chris- tian church for thirty-seven years, the last twenty-five years of his life being a member of the United Brethren church. Mrs. Brundage and her daughters are also members of the United Brethren church. She has been a Christian for many years, and was a teacher in the first Sunday-school organized in New- ville, where she resided for several years.
Morrison Brunstetter, of the firm Briggs & Co., grocers and provision dealers, Butler, Ind., was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, Sept. 9, 1855, a son of Levi Brunstetter, deceased. He was reared and educated in his native county, and when eight- een years of age began to learn the carpenter's trade, at which he worked till the fall of 1884, with the exception of two years, when he was engaged in cabinet-making and undertaking in Bairdstown, Ohio, having moved to that place in 1873. In April. 1885, he came to Butler, Ind., in company with Edwin D. Briggs, they having previously bought a stock of groceries and confectionery. They have paid strict attention to their business since coming to Butler, and have built up a good trade. Mr. Brunstetter was married in March, 1879, to Miss Ollie E. Bailey, daughter of Jacob Bailey, of Wood County, Ohio. They have one child-Jessie Ionia. Mr. Brunstetter is
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HISTORY OF DE KALB COUNTY. 975
a member of the Odd Fellows' order, an organization in which he takes a great interest.
John A. Campbell, insurance and collecting agent, Butler, Ind., was born in Wayne County, Ohio, Dec. 25, 1836, a son of John Campbell, a native of West Virginia. He was reared a farmer, but received a good education, attending the schools of his native county, and later the High School at Fredericksburg, Ohio. In the fall of 1856 he began teaching school in Summit County, Ohio, and taught till 1875, twenty-four terms in all. In the sum- mer of 1870 he was engaged in the insurance business, and since 1875 has given it his entire attention, with the exception of four years, during which he was serving as Justice of the Peace. He represents sixteen companies, including both fire and life insurance, and has built up a good paying business. He was married June 15, 1861, to Mary A. Jadwin, daughter of Andrew Jadwin. To them were born seven children, six of whom are living-Irene M., Mervale F., Orla I., Romaine C., Emlin V., and Charles W. Arvilla B. is deceased. Mrs. Campbell died Aug. 22, 1882, aged forty-one years. July 31, 1883, Mr. Camp- bell married Grace Champion, a native of Lorain County, Ohio. They have one daughter-Stella. Mr. Campbell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and the Odd Fellows' fraternity. He has always taken an active interest in all causes of public benefit. During the past few years he has written the biographies of many of the old settlers, and the county press has been enlivened from time to time with interesting letters when he has been from home.
J. W. Cannon, of the firm of Johnson & Cannon, grocers, But- ler, Ind., was born in Seville, Medina Co., Ohio, June 15, 1849, a son of Isaac and Margaret (Bordner) Cannon. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, but moved to Ohio when a child with his parents, and lived there the greater part of the time till his death. His mother still 'lives in Seville. J. W. was reared on a farm, receiving a common-school education. When he was a child his parents moved to Eaton County, Mich., but five years later returned to Ohio. In 1869 he came to Indiana and followed agricultural pursuits till 1880, when he embarked in the lumber business, and three years later com- menced running a saw-mill. He abandoned this in 1884 and formed a partnership in the grocery business with David John- son, under the firm name of Johnson & Cannon. Mr. Cannon
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was married September, 1870, to Libbie Grube, daughter of Peter Grube, a pioneer of Stafford Township, now in the eight- ieth year of his age. Mr. and Mrs. Cannon have one daugh- ter-Adella. He is a member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity, lodge and encampment.
James E. Cantleberry, railway conductor, was born at Wau- seon, Fulton Co., Ohio, Aug. 12, 1851, son of David Cantle- berry, a retired farmer of Wauseon. James E. was reared to farm-life and received a limited education in the public schools of Wauseon. At the age of sixteen years, in 1867, he began working for the Lake Shore Railway Company as brakeman, and was in the employ of that company twelve years and seven months, and during that time was conductor almost six years. He then dealt in agricultural implements in Wauseon over three years, after which he went to Delphas and ran an engine on the Toledo, Cincinnati & St. Louis Narrow-Gauge Railway for nine months. In the spring of 1882 he came to Butler and en- tered the employ of the Wabash Railway. He acted as brake- man for twenty-one days since which he has held the position of conductor. He was married Nov. 28, 1878, to Alice Ober- lin, daughter of Benjamin Oberlin, of Butler. To them have been born two children-Freddie and Norie.
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