USA > Indiana > DeKalb County > History of Dekalb County, Indiana, with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of old families > Part 56
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
HOWARD B. McCORD
569
DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
in his daily life it was exemplified." He was a skillful workman, a sound business man and made a success of whatever he turned his attention to. He was a great lover of nature and in God's out-of-doors he received his greatest inspirations and keenest insight into spiritual life. He died on December 22, 1906, at the age of seventy-one years, approaching death with the calm serenity of a true Christian, "Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams."
Howard B. McCord was reared in Auburn and in Fort Wayne and se- cured his education in the public schools of these cities. When eighteen years old he taught a term of school and then became a clerk in F. E. Davenport's drug store, which at that time stood at the corner of Eighth and Main streets, on the site where the City National Bank is now located. In July, 1887, Mr. McCord bought a half interest in the drug store owned by Robbins & Son, he and E. L. Robbins continuing the business where Mr. McCord is now. In 1897, Mr. Robbins retired and Mr. McCord has con- tinued the business alone ever since. He carries a large and well selected stock of drugs and druggists' sundries, and for many years has enjoyed his full share of local patronage. He has been successful in this enterprise and has become interested in other local business concerns, being a stock- holder and director of the Auburn State Bank. In the civic life of the com- munity, Mr. McCord has long been prominent and was a member of the city council for two terms, beginning March 25, 1900, when the city was incorpora- ted. thus serving four years. During his term of office the paving of streets was begun, one of the most marked improvements in its history. Mr. McCord was a member of the committee on revision of the city ordinances, a change from town to city government, entailing many radical changes in the governing ordinances of the municipality, necessitating the collection of the ordinances from a great mass of other matter in the town records. This work was satisfactorily accomplished to the credit of the committee.
In May, 1885, Mr. McCord was married to Tillie E. Williamson, the daughter of Eli and Susanna Williamson, of Waterloo, who are represented elsewhere in this work. To Mr. and Mrs. McCord have been born two chil- dren, Victor W., who is in the drug store with his father, and Dorothy M., who is at home. Fraternally, Mr. McCord is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, belonging to William Hacker Chapter, Royal Arch Masons. and also belongs to Lodge No. 1291, Knights of Pythias, of which he is a charter member, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Mc- Cord is a pleasant gentleman, honest and upright at all times and he is not
570
DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA,
only held in high esteem for his superior business ability, but for his public spirited nature, wholesome private and personal life and he is one of DeKalh county's noted and influential men.
JOHN GROGG.
In the history of DeKalb county, as applying to the agricultural interests, the name of John Grogg occupies a conspicuous place, for through a number of years he has been one of the representative farmers of Grant township, progressive, enterprising and persevering. Such qualities always win success, sooner or later, and to Mr. Grogg they have brought a satisfactory reward for his well directed effort, and while he has benefited himself and the com- munity in a material way he has also been an influential factor in the educa- tional, political and moral uplift of the community favored by his residence.
John Grogg was born on July 1, 1845, in Plain township, Stark county, Ohio, and is the son of Daniel Grogg, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. . He accompanied his parents to DeKalb county, Indiana, and was reared on the old home farm, which was located east of where the county farm is now, and there he lived until twenty-four years of age. He assisted in the early cultivation of the home farm and during the winter months secured his education in the common schools of the neighborhood. After his marriage, which occurred in 1867, Mr. Grogg came to Grant township, this county, and located on a part of the farm that his father had bought in 1840. Not an inch of the land which he secured had been cleared and he commenced to operate along the same lines which characterized the early pioneers. The timber had to be felled, the stumps cleared and fences erected, as well as other necessary improvements, and at that time there was no road running from Auburn to his place worth mentioning, the only highway being a trail which had been cut around the swamps. Mr. Grogg built a log cabin in which he made his home until he was able to clear his land and raise crops, from which time onward he was able to live in more comfortable circumstances. His present attractive residence was built in 1889. Mr. Grogg is now the owner of eighty-eight acres of good, tillable land, practically all of which is in cultivation and he follows advanced agricultural methods, rotating his crops from year to year in such a way as to maintain the fertility of the soil, while the general appearance of the place indicates him to be a man of good
57.₺
DEKALB, COUNTY, INDIANA,
judgment and sound ideas. During the years in which he has resided in the township Mr. Grogg has taken an active interest in everything pertaining to the advancement of the community and has served as supervisor for twentys six years, this being a remarkable testimonial to his efficiency and the satis, factory manner in which he has discharged his official duties. In the improve- ment of the public roads he has been especially interested and has changed them from the early-day corduroy construction to as fine gravel roads as can be found anywhere in the county, and he has just reason to be proud of his attainments in this line.
In 1867 Mr. Grogg married Catherine Kandel, who was born in New Bavaria, Germany, the daughter of Jacob and Katherine Kandel. In. 1859 she came with her parents to America, who located first at Tiffin, Ohio, but in 1860 came to DeKalb county, locating a half mile south of Faigler's Corners. in Richland township, where they spent the remainder of their days. To Mr. . and Mrs. Grogg were born four children, namely: Daniel J., born in 1868. who assists his father on the home farm; Annie, who is the wife of Charles Zerkle, of Waterloo, has eight children, Ora, Forrest, Ford, John, Dewey; Guy, James and Lulu; Alta is the wife of John Melton, who lives west of Waterloo in Grant township and has two children, Blanche and Edna; Nannie is at home keeping house for her father. Mr. Grogg's life has been character- ized by duty faithfully performed, and in his relations with his fellows he has earned their favorable opinion and is numbered among the popular and pub- lic-spirited citizens of his community .:
THOMAS H. SPROTT.
Earnest labor, unabating perseverance, good management and a laudable ambition to succeed, these are the elements that have brought Thomas H. Sprott prosperity and won for him the good will and respect of all with whom he has come in contact. A native of Auburn, DeKalb county, where he first saw the light of day on September 4, 1850, he has spent his entire life in his native locality and is therefore well known here. His parents were Samuel W. and Sarah J. (Hays) Sprott Samuel W. Sprott was born in Darlington, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and was a son of Thomas and Mary Sprott, who were of Scotch-Irish descent. Samuel W. Sprott came to DeKalb county, Indiana, in March, 1836, walking the entire distance by way of Defiance, Ohio. He was immediately successful in whatever he turned his
572
DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
hand to here and, his abilities and character becoming recognized by his fellow citizens, in 1841 he became county clerk, county auditor and county recorder. He held the office of auditor for one year and the other two offices simultan- eously for ten years. In 1855 he was again elected to the office of county clerk, serving four years. He was a man of high character and strictest in- tegrity and during all the period of his residence here he enjoyed to a notable extent the absolute confidence and esteem of the people with whom he min- gled. Some time after locating in Auburn he married Harriet Miller, who died shortly afterwards, and subsequently, at Savannah, Ohio, he was united in marriage to Sarah J. Hays, daughter of Thomas and Mary Hays. She was born at Haysville, Ohio, of which town her grandfather was the founder. Mr. Sprott continued to reside at Auburn, looking after his property interests and also engaging to some extent in agriculture. From 1872 to 1875 he en- gaged in the shoe business and was postmaster at Auburn in the year 1867. He died on December 14, 1882, his wife having died August 19th of the previous year. They left two children, Mary W., who became the wife of Dr. W. H. Nusbaum, of Indianapolis, and Thomas H., the immediate subject of this sketch.
Thomas H. Sprott was reared to manhood in Auburn, and during his younger days was engaged in surveying to some extent. In 1872 he engaged in the shoe business in partnership with his father and remained so occupied until 1875. when he went into the real estate and insurance business. In this line he has continued ever since, being the oldest now in Auburn who have continuously engaged in that business in this county. Possessing marked business ability and energetic as a hustler after business, it is no wonder that Mr. Sprott has through the years enjoyed the largest patronage in his line in the county, and wherever he has gone he has made friends, which has meant increase in business.
Mr. Sprott married Abagail J. Potter, of Auburn, the daughter of James A. and Catherine (Sponsler) Potter, these parents having come to this county from Ashland, Ohio. The father was a native of the state of New Jersey, but was reared to manhood at Jeromeville, Ohio. The Potters came first to Adrian, Michigan, where they lived a year and then about the close of the Civil war they came to Auburn, where Mr. Potter engaged in the shoe trade. To Mr. and Mrs. Sprott have been born four children: Jarl S., Pearl M .. Donald P. and Kirby L. Jarl S., who was born in 1882, married Carrie Lar- sen and lives in Chicago, where he is city salesman for the General Fire Proofing Company ; he has a daughter, Helen M. Pearl M., who is assist-
573
DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
ant cashier in the Auburn State Bank, lives in Auburn. Donald P., born on November 11, 1886, married Hazel M. Ensley, is agent for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and lives in Auburn ; he has three children, Thomas R., Donald E. and Marie Alice ; Kirby L., born July 7, 1891, is employed as agent with the United States Express Company in Auburn.
Politically, Mr. Sprott is an Independent Democrat. Fraternally, he belongs to DeKalb Lodge No. 214, Free and Accepted Masons, and to Auburn Camp No. 51, Knights of the Maccabees. In May, 1902, Mr. Sprott was elected mayor of Auburn, assuming the duties of this office on September ist of that year, and his administration was of such a character as to win for him the unqualified commendations of his fellow citizens. Mrs. Sprott, who moves in the best social circles of the city, has for a number of years been a prominent member of the Ladies' Literary Society and is otherwise active in many good works. Mr. and Mrs. Sprott both enjoy a well deserved popu- larity in the city of their residence and are numbered among its best citizens.'
JOHN KRAUS.
· The gentleman to whom the reader's attention is now directed was not favored by inherited wealth or the assistance of influential friends, but, in spite of these, by perseverance, industry and a wise economy, he has attained a comfortable station in life and is well and favorably known throughout his community as a result of the industrious life he has lived here for many years, being regarded by all who know him as a man of sound business principles, thoroughly up to date in all phases of agriculture, and as a man who, while advancing his individual interests, does not neglect his general duties as a citizen.
John Kraus, who owns a fine little farm of forty-six acres in Grant town- ship, DeKalb county, Indiana, was born on August 12, 1860, in Holmes county, Ohio, and is a son of Philip and Catherine (Ludwig) Kraus, the former of whom was born in Bavaria, and the latter in Hesse, Germany. Philip Kraus was a stone mason by trade, and when the subject of this sketch was but one year old the family moved to Spencer county, Indiana, where the mother died when John was but nine years old, leaving three sons. At this time the father and his sons came to Auburn, Indiana, where he obtained work at stone masonry, and the subject of this sketch still recalls his boy- hood days when he assisted his father in that work. In 1869 his father
574
DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
married Mary Schaal, who as best she could became a mother to the orphan boys, her efforts being appreciated by them, and during all the subsequent years she enjoyed their confidence and highest regard. She was born in April, 1833, in Germany, and was residing at Toledo just prior to her mar- riage to Mr. Kraus. She was twice married prior to her union with Mr. Kraus, having first married a man named Schearer, by whom she had a daughter, Eva, who is now the wife of M. F. Long, ex-county clerk; of DeKalb county, and now residing at Butler. After Mr. Schearer's death she became the wife of a Mr. Detch. She is now, at the age of eighty years, making her home with the subject of this sketch. In 1870 the Kraus family moved to the Sprott farm and two years later moved to where the subject now lives, in sections seventeen and eighteen, Grant township. where the father died when John was but fourteen years old. From the age of eleven years the latter had been compelled to practically earn his own way, working out at farm labor and other employment, and at the age of twenty-one; he took up his residence on the home farm, to the operation of which he has devoted himself continuously since. Though his farm comprises but forty- six acres, it is so well managed and cultivated that he derives a greater profit from it than many do from much larger acreage. He is thoroughly up to date in his ideas as to the cultivation of the soil and the raising of crops. keeps in touch with twentieth-century theories and practice in agriculture, and the well kept appearance of his place bespeaks him to be a man of good judgment and excellent taste. Though deprived in his boyhood of the oppor- tunities for an education which he should have had, he has by much reading and close observation become a well-informed man and is able to intelligently discuss all the leading questions of the day. He still retains the habit of reading which he formed years ago and in his home are found many of the best books of the day.
On September 1, 1885, Mr. Kraus married Jennie Monger, who was born at Avilla, Noble county, Indiana. the daughter of Sebastian and Mary (Zonker) Monger, the father being a native of Bavaria, and her mother born in Seneca county, Ohio. They were married in the Buckeye state and came to Indiana together. locating in Noble county, where they lived the remainder of their days, the father dying at the age of eighty-three years and the mother when seventy-seven years of age. Sebastian Monger was a carpenter and builder by vocation, living on a farm which was operated by his son. To Mr. and Mrs. Kraus have been born the following children : Gertrude died at the age of two and one-half years; Ralph Watterson, who died at the age of three years and seven months of scarlet fever ; Charles A .. a painter, who
575
DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
was born on June 12, 1886; Edward J., born on September 30, 1887, is at home; Agnes Catherine, born January 12, 1889; Frances A., born January 13. 1894, and Florence, born October 7, 1897.
Politically, Mr. Kraus is an earnest Republican, having long taken a deep interest in public affairs, but he has never aspired to office. Though his daily occupation does not bring him much into public life, he is unusually well acquainted throughout the county and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him. He is a member of the township advisory board, dis- charging the duties of this position to the entire satisfaction of his fellow citizens. One of his vivid recollections is that of the last important trial in the old court house, which was the Miller murder case. He was on the jury and was confined with his colleagues six long weeks under charge of a bailiff day and night. Religiously, he and his family are members of the Catholic church. Because of his success and genuine worth, he enjoys the esteem and confidence of all who know him.
BYRON LEAS.
The best history of a community or state is the one that deals most with the lives and activities of its people, especially of those who, by their own en- deavor and indomitable energy, have forged to the front and placed them- selves where they deserve the title of progressive men. In this brief review will be found the record of one who has achieved a career of marked success in agricultural affairs and a name which all who know him delight to honor owing to his upright life and habits of thrift and industry.
Byron Leas, one of the most progressive and public-spirited citizens of Grant township, DeKalb county, Indiana, was born on October 6, 1873, on the farm where he now resides just west of Waterloo. He is the son of Obediah Leas, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work, and he was reared on the home farm, securing his education in the public schools of the com- munity. Since his marriage, which occurred in 1895, Mr. Leas has been farming on his own account on the farm where he now lives which was owned by his father and where he has resided continuously for forty years. His place comprises one hundred acres, the east line of which is only a fourth of a mile from the corporation line of Waterloo, and a splendid gravel road ex- tends across his farm. The beautiful and attractive home, surrounded by graceful and shapely shade trees, the large and commodious barns and other
576
DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
necessary outbuildings which are all kept in first class condition attest to the sound business judgment and excellent taste of the owner. Mr. Leas has achieved a creditable success as a farmer and among his fellow agriculturists he enjoys a splendid and well deserved reputation.
In 1895 Mr. Leas was united in marriage to Otie Jones, who was born and reared in Grant township, a daughter of John Wesley and Sarah ( Plum) Jones, who are mentioned on another page in this work. Fraternally, Mr. Leas is a member of the Knights of Pythias, in the workings of which order he takes a live interest. Characterized by breadth of wisdom and strong individuality and in all his enterprises actuated by noble motives and high resolves, Mr. Leas' success and achievement represent the results of the proper utilization of innate talent in directing his efforts along those lines where sure judgment has led the way. Although he is too busy a man to devote much time to political matters, yet he can always be depended upon to lend his influence and support to all worthy movements whether political or other- wise that have for their object the betterment and upbuilding of his com- munity.
WALTER W. MOUNTZ.
The office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave upon the record the verdict establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of his neighbors and fellow citizens. The life of the honorable subject of this review has been such as to elicit just praise from those who know him best, owing to the fact that he has always been loyal to trusts imposed upon him and has been upright in his dealings with his fellow men, at the same time lending his support to the advancement of any cause looking to the welfare of the community at large.
Walter W. Mountz, who is the present efficient city clerk and city col- lector of Garrett, Indiana, was born on July 10, 1886, at Overbrook, Kansas. He is the son of Francis Henry and Della (Smith) Mountz, both of whom were natives of Steuben county, Indiana, and whose respective parents came from Pennsylvania, their fathers being Jonas Mountz and Amos Smith, natives of the old Keystone state and of Pennsylvania German stock. Shortly after his marriage Francis H. Mountz moved to Kansas, locating in 1884 on a farm there, where he remained until 1892, when the family moved to Garrett, Indiana, and the following year Mr. Mountz bought the old John
WALTER W. MOUNTZ
577
DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
L. Davis hardware store. He continued the business until 1904, when, in September, he sold out and thereafter lived a retired life until his death from apoplexy, which occurred in December, 1911, at the age of fifty-two years. He is survived by his widow, who now lives in Garrett. Mr. Mountz was well known throughout this community and was prominent in civic affairs, having served as superintendent of street paving and public improvements. He was city councilman for two years, 1901 to 1903, and was president of the DeKalb Building and Loan Association several years. To him and his wife were born three children, Walter W., the immediate subject of this- sketch; Mrs. Dessa Barre, of Washington, Pennsylvania, and Russell, who- lives at home.
Walter W. Mountz received his education in the Garrett public schools- and during the latter years of his school period he worked in his father's hardware store. In 1905, Mr. Mountz went to St. Louis and entered the employ of the Simmons Hardware Company, but a year later he resigned and took a position as storekeeper and time keeper for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company, at Chicago. In 1907, he went to Denver in the employ of the Denver & Rio Grande railroad, but six months later he was employed as material clerk with the Rock Island railroad, being located at Goodland, Kansas. In 1908 Mr. Mountz came to Garrett, Indiana, and accepted a posi- tion as salesman with the Leigh Hunt clothing store, where he remained two years, or until his election as city clerk, which office he assumed on January I,. 1910, being re-elected in 1913 to succeed himself for term of four years beginning January 1, 1914, without any opposition, he being chosen for a: second term. He is eminently qualified for the discharge of the respon- sible duties of this office and has so conducted the affairs of the position as to meet the unqualified endorsement of his follow citizens.
Politically, Mr. Mountz is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and has taken prominent part in political affairs. He served as precinct committeeman of the sixth precinct and also chairman of precinct com- mitteemen of Keyser township in 1912, and in the same year he was. secretary of the Wilson-Marshall Club. Fraternally he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. In the last named body he has served as recording and financial secretary since June, 1909. Mr. Mountz is a very busy man, for in addition to his official position as city clerk, he also serves as city collector and is secretary of the financial board of the city.
(37)
578
DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
Since January, 1912, he has served as treasurer of the Garrett library board, and has rendered valuable assistance in the satisfactory conduct of the library.
On July 10, 1909, Mr. Mountz married Lulu Maurer, who died on July 29, 1910, and on August 4, 1912, he was united in marriage to Myrtle Osborne, of Kendallville. Mr. and Mrs. Mountz move in the best social circles of Garrett, and are very popular among their acquaintances. Mr. Mountz is a man of stanch integrity of character and possesses to an emi- nent degree those qualities which make and retain friendship.
SIMON A. DILGARD.
All credit is due a man who wins success and by persistency and energy gains a competence and a position of honor as a man and citizen. The record of the subject of this sketch is that of such a man, for he came to DeKalb county in the days of her rapid growth and here worked out his way to defi- nite success and independence. He quickly adapted himself to the conditions which he found here and has labored so consecutively and effectively that he is now held in high regard by all who know him, having here maintained his home since 1859.
Simon A. Dilgard was born in Ashland county, Ohio, on August 18, 1854, and is the son of Reuben and Lovina (Shaffer ) Dilgard. Reuben Dil- gard was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, on February 28, 1822, and was the son of Jacob Dilgard, whose father was a native of Paris, France, and who came to America in his youth, being reared by a German family in Pennsylvania, where he became first a mountaineer teanister and later a miller. When fifteen years of age Reuben Dilgard moved with his parents to Ohio, being one of ten children, seven sons and three daughters, and it is a note- worthy fact that of this family the father and all seven boys learned and fol- lowed the trade of milling. In Ohio Reuben Dilgard married Lovina Shaffer on March 10, 1846, the wedding occurring at her parents' home near Lou- denville, Ashland county. Lovina Shaffer was a daughter of Simon and Rebecca (Kinnard) Shaffer, the latter's father having been a native of Lon- don, England, who, in early childhood, was brought by his parents to America. Soon after landing in America, while crossing a frozen river, the ice broke and the parents were thrown into the water and drowned, an Irish woman rescuing and rearing the lad, who grew to maturity and became the father of Rebecca, Mrs. Shaffer. She had an uncle, General George, in the
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.