USA > Indiana > DeKalb County > History of Dekalb County, Indiana, with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of old families > Part 50
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 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100
Politically, John C. Feagler is a Republican and a man who fully ap- preciates his franchise privileges, but he is too busy a man to take a very active part in public affairs. However, in everything affecting the welfare of the community he is interested and supports all movements for the material, edu- cational, social or moral advancement of his fellows. Personally, he is genial and unassuming and has many warm friends in the community where he has resided for so many years.
512
DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
ADAM STROH.
Under a popular government like that of the United States, where the democratic idea of equality is as fully developed as the present imperfect con- dition of mankind will permit, we expect as its legitimate result the triumph of individual worth and energy over all the competition that wealth and class may array against them. Here the avenues of wealth and distinction are fully opened to all, which fact enhances rather than detracts from the merits of those whose energy and integrity have triumphed over all obstacles in- tervening between an humble position and the attainment of these laudable ends. Obscurity and labor, at no time dishonorable, never assume more at- tractive features than when the former appears as the nurse of those virtues which the latter, by years of honest and persevering effort, transplants to a higher and richer soil; hence, the biography of those men of sterling worth whose active enterprise has won for them distinction, pre-eminence and com- manding influence in the society in which they move must be replete with facts which should encourage and instruct the young. Such was the subject of this sketch, who held marked prestige among the successful self-made men of his county and who by the exercise of those talents and qualities which were cultivated from his youth, reached an honorable position and earned the respect and high esteen of his fellow citizens.
The Stroh family, of which the subject of this sketch was an honorable representative, originated in France near the border line between that coun- try and Germany. Tradition has it that there were three brothers whose family name was spelled Strow. Of these, Adam came to America with the French army during the war of the Revolution. Henry went to Germany and later, after the close of the war of the Revolution, came to America and settled in Pennsylvania. Henry, owing to his German associations, changed the spelling of the family name to its present form, Stroh. He married Catherine Ulrich, and the third son born to this union was William, who was born at Millersburg, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, on January 22, 1815, and died on June 28, 1890. When he was but a child his parents moved to Wayne county, Ohio, of which they were among the early settlers, and there he was reared and educated. In 1843 he came to DeKalb county. Indiana, and bought one hundred and sixty acres of timber land, but little of which had been cleared. In 1844 he brought his wife and two children, lo- cating on the land which he had bought and where he resided during the re- mainder of his life. At that time the entire country was new and practically
ADAM STROH
513
DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
undeveloped, there being no towns or urban facilities and the only transpor- tation being ox teams which wended their way over crooked and almost im- passable Indian trails. His father died in 1846 and his mother in January, 1874, aged eighty-six years. Their family consisted of eight children. Will- iam Stroh came to DeKalb county a poor man, but by perseverance and in- dustry he became very well-to-do. At one time he had but three cents in money, but soon afterwards collected one hundred dollars from a man in Ohio who owed him, and that was the beginning of his prosperity. He was a successful farmer and stock raiser and became a man of prominence in his community, holding positions of trust and responsibility such as supervisor and school trustee. In Ohio William Stroh married Sarah Husselman, to which union were born nine children. Mrs. Stroh died in 1860, and in 1868 Mr. Stroh married Mary A. Raber, widow of Daniel Raber, and to this union were born four children. William Stroh was a member of the Evan- gelical Lutheran church for over fifty-two years, and for many years was su- perintendent of the Sunday school and an officer in the church. He was a good neighbor and honest man and an honor to his community.
Adam Stroh, the immediate subject of this sketch, who was born to his father's first union, with Sarah Husselman, first saw the light of day in Sugar Creek township, Wayne county, Ohio, on February 1, 1842, and his death occurred at his home in Waterloo, Indiana, on April 12, 1913. at the age of seventy-one years. He was reared amid pioneer surroundings and was early inured to hard work and privation and from his youth was an indus- trious, hard-working man. His education was such as could be obtained in the schools of that early period, and was liberally supplemented during his later years by much reading and close observation. In young manhood he bought a tract of land in Michigan, which he afterwards sold and bought eighty acres of land in Jackson township, DeKalb county. On this he erected a log house and then rented the land. After his marriage he went to house- keeping on his father's farm of one hundred and sixty acres in the southern part of Grant township, this county, but about ten years later he bought eighty acres from his father. lle and his father worked together. the sub- ject taking the largest share of work off his father's hands during later years. and they under-drained the land and made of it an excellent farm in every respect. After his father's death Mr. Stroh bought the interests of the other heirs and thus became sole owner of the homestead. There he followed farming until about 1900, when, feeling the weight of advancing years and having accumulated a competency, he moved to Waterloo, leaving his son. Marvin Stroh, in charge of the farm. After moving to Waterloo. Mr. Stroh
(33)
514
DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
became quite active in local affairs and was elected councilman from the third ward, in which capacity he served four years, during which time he showed a progressive spirit in everything pertaining to the advancement of Waterloo, being found on the right side of every question involving business, social, educational or moral advancement. Politically, he was a Republican, while in his religious belief he was affiliated with the Evangelical church, standing stanchly for the Christian verities. He was liberal in his support of the church, being a class leader and Sunday school superintendent for a num- ber of years, and in every phase of life in which he appeared he stood fore- most among his fellows. He enjoyed a large acquaintance throughout this part of the county, and among those who knew him best he was considered a man of unusual character, one who impressed his personality upon the lo- cality which he had honored with his citizenship.
On November 25, 1874, Adam Stroh was united in marriage with El- len M. Hempstreet, who was born in Smithfield township, DeKalb county, Indiana, the daughter of Jeremiah and Marion ( Smith ) Hempstreet, who are referred to specifically elsewhere in this work. To Mr. and Mrs. Stroh was born a son, Marvin, whose birth occurred on November 13, 1875. The latter married Leona Albright on December 23, 1900, and since his marriage he has operated his father's farm except two years when he rented the Barth farm in Smithfield township. He has one son, Russell J. Stroh. Thus in this brief outline it may be seen that the Stroh family record in DeKalb county has been an honorable one and one that has not only been creditable to the family, but of direct advantage to the community, for they have l een instrumental in the development and improvement of the county and in the upbuilding of the best interests of the people in every respect. Mrs. Stroh is a woman of many fine qualities of head and heart, and in the circle of friends in which she moves she enjoys unlimited confidence and universal respect.
JAMES E. ROSE.
The career of the well remembered gentleman whose name forms the caption of this biographical memoir was a strenuous and varied one, entitling him to honorable mention among the representative citizens of his day and generation in the county with which his life was so closely identified. Al- though his life record has been brought to a close by the inevitable fate that awaits all mankind, his influence still pervades the lives of a wide circle of
515
DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
friends and acquaintances who revere his memory. As a lawyer, jurist or private citizen, he was always true to himself and his fellow men, and the tongue of calumny never touched him.
Judge James E. Rose, now deceased, who was not only a pioneer in DeKalb county, Indiana, but who became one of the well known jurists of the state, was born on December 22, 1832, in Mecca, Trumbull county, Ohio, and died at his home on South Main street, Auburn, Indiana, on April 20, 1909, at the age of seventy-six years. He was a son of John and Sarah (Coats) Rose, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of New York. The subject was descended from sterling old English ancestry on his mother's side and Scotch on his father's side. On September 2, 1836, the fimaly left their comfortable home in Ohio and braving the hardships and priva- tions incident to frontier life, they embarked on their weary journey to the new home in the west, arriving at what is now Stafford township, DeKalb county, Indiana, on October 3d, having spent thirty-one days on a journey that now requires only six hours by railroad. That they were here in the actual pioneer period of the county is evidenced by the fact that at that time there were not twenty acres of improved land in the county. Amid such conditions James E. Rose spent his boyhood days, his playgrounds being a labyrinth of stately trees and tangled vines. His first educational training was received before the fireplace in his father's cabin, his devoted mother being his teacher. It was several years before the country was sufficiently settled to establish a school, but by the age of sixteen years Mr. Rose had acquired sufficient knowledge to enable him to teach a common school. He was thus engaged during the winter months, spending the summer vacations in working on his father's farm until he reached his twentieth year, when de- siring a better education he entered the preparatory department of the Mich- igan Wesleyan University at Leoni, Michigan, where by great diligence he prepared himself within a year for the regular university course. He took the scientific course and, excepting a few terms spent in teaching in order to raise funds for his collegiate expenses, he continued in the university until May, 1858, the close of his junior year. Upon leaving that institution he married Mary J. Moss, of Leoni, Michigan, then returning to the old home in DeKalb county, he resumed work on the home farm until October, 1862, when he moved to Auburn and became principal of the city schools. At the close of the first winter term he entered the law office of James B. Morrison as a student and remained there until December, 1863. He had a natural aptitude for law and made rapid progress in his studies, so that abont fourteen
516
DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
months after entering the office Mr. Rose formed a partnership with Hon. E. W. Fosdick, and they opened an office at Butler for the practice of law. During the first year or two Mr. Rose was not overburdened with business, but this time was well occupied in assiduous study, thereby developing his legal knowledge and better preparing himself for the business that was to come to him later on. It was not many years before Mr. Rose became a busy man in his profession, his partnership with Mr. Fosdick continuing until after they had established a good practice, when by mutual agreement their associa- tion was dissolved. Mr. Rose continued in the active practice at Butler until October, 1872, when he moved to Auburn and remained alone in the practice until July, 1873, when he formed a partnership with Hon. E. D. Hartman. This firm, under the name of Rose & Hartman, continued until July, 1881, when the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Rose continued in the practice alone until 1882 when his son, James H., became his partner. This firm grew in strength and business until they enjoyed the largest legal patronage of any firm in northeastern Indiana. In addition to their ordinary local practice they were attorneys for the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, the Wabash railroad and the Toledo & Chicago interurban railroad. It was characteristic of Judge Rose that, busy as he was, he never relinquished his close and zealous study of law and he thus became well informed on the principles as well as the precedents to such an extent that he was frequently called upon hy other members of the bar for advice and counsel. For nearly half a century Judge Rose was identified with practically all of the important litigation tried in the local court and was employed in many cases in adjoining counties, while during this period the firm of J. E. and J. H. Rose was regarded as the lead- ing law firm of DeKalb county. As a trial lawyer Judge Rose was vigorous, aggressive and thorough, while as a counsellor he was conservative and safe. For a score of years the other members of the DeKalb county bar regarded Judge Rose as the dean of the bar and it was the custom to commemorate his- birthday with social gatherings, at which he would regale his younger brethren with reminiscences of the early lawyers and judges. For nearly half a century Judge Rose was an active member of the Masonic order, in which he took great pride. In polities he was always a Republican and was active in the ranks, not for personal reward but from a sense of public duty. He was present at the historie gathering under the oaks at Jackson, Michigan, when the Republican party was horn, and was thereafter one of its most earnest advocates. In 1876 he was nominated for judge of the circuit court of DeKalb, Noble and Steuben counties. About three years prior to his
517
DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
death Judge Rose was chosen by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company as a representative from Indiana on their board of directors, filling this posi- tion until his death. Of an intensely optimistic disposition, Judge Rose resolutely looked on the bright side of life, casting gloom aside and because of his genial and happy disposition he was a welcome visitor in any gathering, and was honored and respected for his noble traits of character, his upright- ness, his courage and his sterling qualities. He was temperate in all affairs of life, a lover of home and lived an active and energetic life of usefulness.
Judge Rose was married three times, his first wife dying on February 5, 1872, leaving two sons, Frank E. and James H., and a daughter, Ella J. Frank E. is now a railway superintendent at Trinidad, Colorado, while James H. is engaged in a lucrative law practice at Fort Wayne. Ella J. died on November 13. 1910. In the fall of 1872 Judge Rose married Ellen D. Aldrich, of Butler, who at her death left one child. who died soon after the mother. On September 7, 1873, Judge Rose married Mary F. Nimmons, of Butler, the daughter of P. B. and Mary A. ( Brink ) Nimmons. Three children were born to this union: Mary E., Ines P. and Laura A. Mary E. is the wife of E. W. Atkinson, a well known lawyer at Auburn, and they have two children, Virginia Rose and Joseph Edward: Ines is the wife of George E. Bengnot, who is a member of the firm of Schaab Brothers Dry Goods Company at Auburn, and they have two children, Charles and Mary; Laura makes her home in Auburn with her mother. Mrs. Rose has long been prominent in the social life of Auburn and was one of the charter mem- bers of the Ladies Literary Society of this city. She was born and reared at Butler, her parents having originally come to this county from New York. Her father was born at Chenango Forks, New York, and was of Scotch- Irish ancestry, while her mother, who was born at .lesopus. New York, was of Holland ancestry, descended from the family of Anneka Jans, who owned sixty-five acres where Trinity Episcopal church now stands in New York city. Mrs. Rose's parents were married in Richland county, Ohio, in 1843. and came to DeKalb county, locating three and one-half miles southwest of Butler, where the father bought land that his brother James had entered from the government. This became the family home and there they lived for many years. When they established themselves there only a small part of the land had been cleared and pioneer conditions prevailed. The father was accustomed to go to Defiance, Fort Wayne or even to Goshen to get grain ground and get flour, it requiring from two to three days to go to Defiance, through the trip could be made in less time on horseback when the matter was
518
DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
urgent. He was a life-long farmer but some time prior to his death relin- quished his agricultural labors and moved to Butler. Mrs. Rose's mother died in 1860, leaving five children: Laura, Sarah Catherine, Mary Frances, Emblem Bevier and Alice E. Mr. Nimmons afterwards married Mary F. (Westfall) Nimmons, the widow of his deceased brother, Robert Nimmons. One son was born to them, who now lives near Butler. Mrs. Nimmons had one son, George R., by her first marriage, he living now in Minneapolis, Min- nesota. Philip Bevier Nimmons was the trustee of Wilmington township for many years, and he and his family were prominent members of the Pres- byterian church. . Politically, he was a Republican and was actively interested in the success of that party. His death occurred on April 14, 1898. His widow now lives in Butler.
SOLOMON FISHER. .
Though several years have passed since the subject of this sketch was transferred from the life militant to the life triumphant, he is still favorably remembered by many of the older residents of DeKalb county, where for many years he was regarded as one of the leading business men of the county. Because of his many excellent personal qualities and the splendid and definite influence which his life shed over the entire locality in which he lived so long and which he labored so earnestly to upbuild in any way within his power, it is particularly consonant that specific mention should be made of him in a work containing mention of the representative citizens of the community in a past generation. A man of high moral character, unimpeachable integrity. persistent industry and excellent business judgment, he stood "four square to every wind that blew," and throughout the locality where he lived he occupied an enviable position among his fellowmen, among whom he was universally esteemed.
Solomon Fisher was born February 18, 1832, in Stark county, Ohio, and was a son of Jacob and Sophia ( Ishler ) Fisher. Jacob Fisher, who was a native of Pennsylvania, was of German descent, and at the age of ten years he was bound out and went to Harrisburg, where he learned the tailor's trade.' Sophia Ishley, who also was a native of the Keystone state, was of sterling old "Pennsylvania Dutch" stock, and she and Jacob Fisher were mar- ried in their native state. Eventually they moved to Stark county, becoming one of the early settlers of that locality. There Solomon, their son, the sub- ject of this sketch, was reared to the age of about twenty years, having
519
DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
secured his education in the common schools, and when old enough he learned to be a tailor's cutter, at which he worked about two years, and then engaged in the clothing business at Canton, Ohio. In 1861 Mr. Fisher moved to DeKalb county, Indiana, locating in Waterloo, where he engaged in the clothing business, and there for many years he and his brother, Peter Fisher, were in successful partnership. They were prospered in their business affairs. and the subject became the owner of two farms in Steuben county. About 1885, Mr. Fisher retired from the clothing business and spent a year on the farm, at the end of which time he moved back to Waterloo, where he made his home to the time of his death, which occurred in October. 1905. His widow now lives in Waterloo. Mr. Fisher was a member of the Knights of Honor, and was highly respected in the community where he had lived.
In 1855, at Canton, Ohio, Solomon Fisher was united in marriage with Harriett Rodabangh, who was born in Summit county, Ohio, about six miles from Akron, where she spent her early childhood. Then her parents moved to Lewisville, Ohio, and about 1855 to Canton, that state. Her parents were Adam and Mary ( Heath) Rodabaugh. Mary Heath, who was born in New York, was the daughter of Yankee and Scotch-Irish parents, her mother hay- ing been a native of Connecticut and her father having the sturdy qualities of the combined Scotch and Irish blood, which has been such a prominent element in our national life. Adam Rodabaugh was descended from a family of noble blood and was one of a company of young men who fled from Europe at a time when Holland and France were in rebellion against their government. At that time he was but eighteen years old. To Solomon Fisher and wife eleven children were born, namely : William H., of Seattle, Washington ; John D .. of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Solomon, of Waterloo; Cora, the wife of Colonel S. A. Bowman, of Waterloo; Jennie, the wife of Frank Gonser, of Ashley ; Emma B., wife of John McFerron, of Lonisville, Kentucky; Elizabeth, the wife of George Ulph, of Detroit, Michigan: Blanche, the wife of William Wilkins, of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Ella, the widow of Dr. Fairfield Snyder, who was a pioneer physician in Cornuna, this county. The other two chil- dren, Frank R. and Harry, are deceased. Frank, who lived in Fort Wayne, died in the fall of 1912, and Harry, who was married and living in Waterloo, died about 1886.
Solomon Fisher was a man of fine personality, possessing to a marked degree those characteristics which won friends and commanded the respect of all who knew him, and his death was generally considered a distinct loss to the community which he had honored by his citizenship.
520
DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
RUSSELL L. HULL.
Holding prestige among the successful business men of today, the sub- ject of this review has had much to do in advancing the material interests of Waterloo, DeKalb county, and making it one of the important commercial centers of this section of the state. The study of such a life cannot fail of interest and incentive, as he is distinctively representative of his sphere of activity and has contributed in no small measure to the prosperity of the city which is his home and field of operation, at the same time establishing a last- ing reputation for honor and integrity.
Russell L. Hull was born on September 2, 1872, at Sechlerville. Wis- consin, and is a son of George M. and Hannah B. Hull. George M. Hull was a soldier in the Civil war, performing valiant service in the defense of his country in her hour of need, and now lives in Washington, D. C., where for sixteen years he has been in the government civil service. One of his daughters. Effie, is also in the government service, being employed in the postal department at Washington. A son, Merlin, is prominent in the public and political life of Wisconsin, and during the sessions of 1912-13 he was speaker of the lower house in the state Legislature. When Russell L. Hull was but a child the family moved to Black River Falls, Wisconsin, where he received his education, graduating from the high school: then for a year he faithfully studied law with the intention of making that his life work, and at the age of twenty years started east, his intention being to enter Judge Skillett's office at Bryan, Ohio, and there perfect his legal studies. How- ever, he was persuaded by a relative to stop at Waterloo and take charge temporarily of the butter, egg and poultry business owned here by Beyer Brothers Company. At that time it was a small affair, having just been started and employing but two wagons in the buying up of produce in and about Waterloo. Beyer Brothers had other well established houses through Indiana, but the plant at Waterloo was their baby in age and its growth from the time Mr. Hull took hold of it was phenomenal. He showed a remarkable aptitude for the business, being quick and decisive and energetic, and so emi- nently satisfactory have his services been to the Beyer Brothers Company that he has been retained at the head of the Waterloo business ever since. The business has grown to such an extent that it required the erection of a large brick building, and both teams and automobiles are used in the gather- ing of produce, eggs and poultry for the market. The stuff is shipped to New York, Providence, Albany and other eastern points, the annual shipments
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.