USA > Indiana > DeKalb County > History of Dekalb County, Indiana, with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of old families > Part 65
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Mr. Mondhank married Ellen Willock, the daughter of James T. and Betty Willock, natives of the state of Ohio, of which their forbears were early settlers. To Mr. and Mrs. Mondhank have been born two children, Elizabeth and Frederick.
Politically, Mr. Mondhank is an ardent supporter of the Democratic party, and in 1910 he was elected mayor of the city of Butler, which office he is now filling with ability and to the entire satisfaction of his fellow citi- zens, Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Order of the Eastern Star and the Knights of Pythias, while his religious
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faith is embodied in the creed of the German Lutheran church, of which he is a regular attendant and an earnest supporter. Mr. Mondhank is known as a man of energy, intellect and will, throwing his entire force of body and mind upon his work. He is frank, bold, honest, aggressive, acts and thinks quickly, never evading but always meeting a situation squarely. He is a man of broad, humanitarian principles, earnest purpose and upright life and by all is esteemed for his courteous manner, genial disposition and genuine worth.
HENRY HUSSELMAN.
Success in this life comes to the deserving. It is an axiom demonstrated by all human experience that a man gets out of this life what he puts into it, plus a reasonable interest on the investment. The individual who inherits a large estate and adds nothing to his fortune cannot be called a successful man. He that falls heir to a large fortune and increases its value is successful in proportion to the amount he adds to his possession. But the man who starts in the world unaided and by sheer force of will, controlled by correct princi- ples, forges ahead and at length reaches a place of honor among his fellow citizens achieves success such as representaives of the two former classes can neither understand nor appreciate. To a considerable extent the late Henry Husselman, of Grant township, DeKalb county, Indiana, was a creditable representative of the last named class, a member of that sterling type which · has furnished much of the bone and sinew of the country and added to the stability of our government and its institutions. He was a man of many sterling characteristics of head and heart, and among his contemporaries it would be hard to find a record as replete with toilsome duty faithfully and uncomplainingly performed in all the walks of life, while his career in the humble sphere of private citizenship was such as to recommend him to the favorable consideration of the best people of the city and county where he has long maintained his residence.
The history of the Husselman family in America goes back to the Revo- lutionary war, when George Husselman, a native of Hessia and a soklier in the Hessian army, came to America to help the British fight the American colonists. He was taken a prisoner by the Americans at the battle of Trenton and was sent to Lexington, New York, where he learned more completely the reasons why the colonists were fighting the mother country. Becoming
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thoroughly convinced of the justice of their cause, he took the oath of alle- giance to the colonies, joined the American army and fought with General Washington until the end of the war. His name when he came to this coun- try was Yorrick Healshliman, which, however, he changed to George Hussel- man, probably to hide his identity from the British, and that spelling of the name has been retained until the present time. In 1786 George Husselman settled in northern Virginia, where he remained until 1802, when he took his land warrant and located in Bullskin township, Westmoreland county, Penn- sylvania. Ten years later he moved to Baughman township, Wayne county, Ohio, locating at West Lebanon, where he spent his remaining days, dying there about 1814. Physically, he was a man of large frame, dark complexion, with heavy lower jaw and as brave and courageous as a lion. His wife was born on board a German ship along the west coast of Ireland. To them were born three sons, John, George and Samuel. John Husselman was born in northern Virginia in 1783 and accompanied his father upon his removal to West Lebanon, Ohio, where he married Catherine Miser. He began life in very moderate circumstances, but by hard work, good management and rigid economy he was enabled to accumulate one hundred and sixty acres of land there, which he cleared up and created into a fine farm, on which he erected a substantial frame residence and barn. In 1842 he sold that place and, loading his household effects on wagons, he made the long journey of two hundred and forty miles to DeKalb county, Indiana, settling between Auburn and the present town of Waterloo. This was then all wild country, almost untouched by white hands. and where now stands the thriving city of Auburn were only six houses. the most numerous inhabitants of the country being the Pottawa- tomie Indians. Here Mr. Husselman bought more than a thousand acres of land and two years later he built the largest bank harn in the county, a struc- ture that was a landmark in directing travelers along the way from Fort Wayne to Coldwater, Michigan. Here he spent the balance of his life, his death occurring on March 18, 1865, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife survived him but a few months, dying on September 19. 1865. at the age of seventy years. Their children were George, Mrs. Sallie Stroh, John J .. Samuel B., Polly, Henry and Daniel. Of these, Samuel is now the only sur- vivor.
Henry Husselman was born in Wayne county, Ohio, on November 24, 1833, and died in Grant township, DeKalb county, Indiana, on January 8. 1913. 'He was but nine years old when his parents moved to this locality and here he was reared amid the pioneer surroundings. On September 19, 1861,
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he married Margaret Ellen Rickel, who was born about two miles south of Waterloo in 1845, a daughter of Daniel and Margaret (Fulk) Rickel. Daniel Rickel was a native of Pennsylvania, and his father came from Hamburg, Germany. Daniel Rickel was married in Wayne county, Ohio, to Margaret Fulk, the daughter of Joseph and Sarah ( MeKinley) Fulk, and about 1843 he and his wife came to DeKalb county, Indiana, settling two and one-half miles south of Waterloo, where he entered a tract of government land. This land was all covered with the primeval growth of timber and labor of the most strenuous type was required in order to get it in shape for cultivation. his first active effort being the erection of a log cabin. Here they lived until 1863, when they moved to the town of Waterloo, where Mr. Rickel engaged in the boot and shoe business for a time. In 1867 he moved to Brimfield. Indiana, and engaged in the general merchandise business, but five years later he returned to Waterloo and here his death occurred in 1879. his wife having died the year prior. In 1862 Henry Husselman moved to what became his permanent family home in sections 8 and 9 in Grant township, this county, which was at that time a dense forest and to the subduing of the primeval con- ditions he applied himself with vigor and persisteney until at length his efforts were rewarded by the development of an ideal home and splendid farm where his children spent many happy and pleasant days. In 1864 Mr. Husselman was converted and united with the old Husselman Evangelical church. There- after he lived a devoted Christian life and in his home erected a family altar which was never abandoned until sickness came upon him. He was an old- school gentleman and in the simplicity of his faith and integrity of his char- acter he was an example for those who followed him. He was a valuable citizen to the community and it was said that he never wronged any man. His wife was to him a helpmate in the truest sense of the word. being a faithful wife and loving mother and one whose best endeavor was to aid her husband and rear her chlidren to honorable womanhood and manhood. She has lived in only two places since her birth, her father's home and her present home. To her have been born five children, namely: John Adam, who died in 1865. at the age of two years: Wesley Henry, born on March 28. 1865. married Minnie E. Davis on May 7. 1893, who was born in Franklin. Lena- wee county, Michigan, March 2, 1863: Charles Alfred, born March 25. 1867. married Cora Eberly, April 12. 1803, who was born February 6, 1873. in DeKalb county, Indiana. To them was born one son, Earnest .Alfred, No- vember 7, 1898; W. H. and C. A. Husselman are now residing in Butler. They began dealing in pianos and organs in 1889. By their tact and business
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qualities and their energy they have continuously followed this vocation of life as successful dealers; James A., born March 25, 1867; Jennie Alpharette. born January 10, 1870, now the wife of Frank S. Campbell, of Auburn. To them was born one son,. Charles James, November 13, 1895.
James A. Husselman is operating the home farm and caring for his mother. After securing a good public school education he attended the Tri- State Normal School at Angola, and also at Auburn, and for twenty-five years he has been engaged as a teacher in the public schools of DeKalb county, spending his summer vacations in work on the farm.
On December 30, 1911, Mr. Husselman married Laura Clum, who was- born January 25, 1876, near Hicksville, Defiance county, Ohio, a daughter of Haman and Cordelia (Dilworth) Clum. The family came to this county about 1887, and Mrs. Husselman's parents have lived in Auburn since that time. James A. Husselman is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees. A quiet and unassuming man, he is genial in his intercourse with his fellows and has made many warm and loyal friends in this community. He has had a splendid career as an educator and has had the novel experience of teaching the children of those whom he taught a quarter of a century ago. Because- of his strength of character and genuine worth, he is deserving of the splen- did standing which he enjoys in the community where his life has been spent.
ALBERT L. SHULTZ.
It was once remarked by a celebrated moralist and biographer that "there has scarcely passed a life of which a judicious and faithful narrative would not have been useful." Believing in the truth of this opinion; ex- pressed by one of the greatest and best of men, the writer of this review takes pleasure in presenting a few facts in the career of a gentleman who, by industry, perseverance, temperance and integrity, has worked himself from an humble station to a successful place in life and won an honorable posi- tion among the well known and highly esteemed men of the localitty in which he resides.
Albert L. Shultz, who for many years was known as one of the most successful teachers in DeKalb county, Indiana, and who is now the owner of a fine farm in Franklin township, was born in 1870, on the old homestead about a quarter of a mile from where he now resides, and is a son of C. S.
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and Christena (Lybolt) Shultz. The father, who was born in Ashland county, Ohio, in 1845, was a life-long farmer, and on December 25, 1868, was married to Christena Lybolt, who was a native of Germany, having come to this county when but six years old. In the spring of 1869, Mr. and Mrs. Shultz came to DeKalb county and here he was employed at day labor. Though his employment was but humble, he was a man of sterling qualities of character, sober, steady and industrious, and by persistent energy he accumulated thirty acres of good land and two valuable residence properties in Waterloo, one of which he resides in. He is also a stockholder in the First National Bank of Butler. He was never active in politics and is inclined to be reserved in disposition. To him and his wife were born three children : Albert L. and Alice and Alonzo, who are deceased. The subject received his elementary education in the common schools and remained at home help- ing his father up until the time of his marriage. He is entirely self made and upon attaining young manhood's years he determined to follow the pro- fession of teaching and to this end, in the spring of 1889 and 1890, he at- tended the normal school at Angola, Indiana. Having received a license to teach, he then became so engaged in the schools of Franklin township, this county, where he was employed continuously for a period of twenty-two years, having taught in every district in the township save one. All that he has accomplished in life has been done entirely by his own efforts, for when he began attending the normal school, he was compelled to borrow money with which to pay his expenses. However, during the period in which he was engaged as a teacher he carefully conserved his financial resources and eventually purchased forty acres of good land across from where he now lives and in 1903 bought an additional forty acres where he now lives, making altogether eighty acres of splendid land, none of which is worth less than one hundred dollars per acre. To the improvement of this land Mr. Shultz has given strict attention and today few places in this section of the state are better improved or more calculated to attract the attention of the passerby. The splendid and attractive house, the large and commodious barn and well kept fences reflect great credit on the owner, while the other modern and 11p- to-date conveniences around the place indicate Mr. Shultz to be a man of mod- ern ideas and determined to be behind no one as far as his ability will permit. The house is heated by a furnace and lighted by an acetylene gas plant and in other ways he has shown a progressive spirit commendable in him. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Butler, and in many ways has shown a disposition to täke an interest in and' help to advance the best inter-
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ests of the community in which he resides. Mr. Shultz is agent for the DeKalb County Mutual Insurance Company for Franklin township and also storm inspector for the Indiana Mutual Insurance Company.
On June 24, 1903, at the home of the bride's parents near Hamilton, Mr. Shultz was married to Effie Lautzenheiser, the daughter of Ezra E. Lautzen- heiser, her birth having occurred in 1879 in DeKalb county. They are the parents of one child, Ruby, who was born on October 26, 1904. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Shultz are earnest and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to the success of which they contribute of their means. Mr. Shultz's industry and energy have become proverbial and though deeply immersed in his own affairs he finds time to discharge the duties of citizen- ship and may properly be termed the leader in the circles in which he moves.
SAMUEL WOLFE.
It is with a great degree of satisfaction to the biographer when he adverts to the life of one who has made the rough path of life smooth by his untiring perseverance and has attained success in any vocation requiring definiteness of purpose and determined action. Such a life, whether it be one of calm, consecutive endeavor, or of sudden meteoric accomplishments, must abound in both lesson and incentive and prove a guide to the young men whose for- tunes are still matters for the future to determine. For a number of years the subject of this sketch has directed his efforts toward the goal of success in DeKalb county and by patient continuance has won pronounced success.
Samuel Wolfe, who owns a splendid farm in Franklin township, DeKalb county, Indiana, was horn at the old homestead near Franklin Center. this county, on January 1, 1857. His parents were in very moderate circum- stances, his father having a large family, and the subject of this sketch spent the most of his boyhood days away from home working at such employment as he could find. However, after the death of an older brother he returned home and engaged in the cultivation of forty acres belonging to his brother. He kept up the payment of taxes and other expenses on the place, by reason of which the ownership eventually came to him, and he sold it and bought another forty-acre tract. which still later was sold and Mr. Wolfe pur- chased a tract of eighty acres, his present attractive farm in Franklin town- ship. There is probably not another farm of like character in DeKalb county
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to which more painstaking attention is given and which is proving a greater success than this. There is not a foot of waste land on the farm and Mr. Wolfe, being a careful and conservative man in his operations, has succeeded in raising more than the average crop on his place, owing to his proper atten- tion to such details as the fertilization of the soil, the proper rotation of crops, etc. When he secured the place it was in fair shape and he has not only maintained but has improved the fertility of the soil, his eighteen years of residence here having been characterized by strennous labor and persistent energy, which have met with their deserved reward. In addition to the cultivation of his farm, Mr. Wolfe has during the winters worked at his trade of carpenter, at which he is an expert. With his brother, William, he also runs a clover huller, grinder and other farm machinery, such as is needed among the farmers of the community, and they have met with well de- served success in this line.
On May 30, 1881, at Waterloo, Mr. Wolfe married Harriett Crowl. the daughter of John and Margaret (Link) Crowl, the father a native of Ohio and the mother born in Germany. She came to this country with her parents at the age of eight years, settling first in Delaware, later moving to Ohio. There she met and married Mr. Link. They later came to Indiana, settling in DeKalb county where they spent the balance of their lives, both being now deceased. They were farming folk and the parents of six children, all living, namely: Isaac, Eli, Edward, George, Samuel and Harriett. To Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe have been born the following children: Edna, who be- came the wife of Earl King, who resides near Butler, this county ; Mabel G., Alta, Hazel and Charles, who are all at home and .attending the public schools.
Politically, Mr. Wolfe is an earnest supporter of the Democratic party, while, fraternally, he is an enthusiastic member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. belonging to the local lodge at Hamilton, of which he has passed through all the chairs. Religiously, he is a member of the United Brethren church, which he attends regularly.
Mr. Wolfe has given his particular attention to the welfare of his chil- dren, to whom he has given good educations, rearing them to upright man- hood and womanhood. He finds his greatest satisfaction in the quiet life he leads as a prosperous and contented tiller of the soil and in the mutually agreeable domestic ties which make home the happiest and most attractive spot on earth to one of his tastes and ideals. Personally, he is genial and un- assuming, possessing those qualities which win friends and he enjoys a marked popularity among his acquaintances.
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THOMAS W. HARWOOD.
It is a pleasure to investigate the career of a successful self-made man. Peculiar honor attaches to that individual who, beginning the great struggle of life alone and unaided, gradually overcomes unfavorable environment, re- moves one by one the obstacles from the pathway of success and by the master strokes of his own force and vitality succeeds in forging his way to the front and winning for himself a competency and a position of esteem and influence among his fellow men. Such is the record of the popular citizen of Wil- mington township to a brief synopsis of whose life and character the follow- ing pages are devoted.
Thomas W. Harwood, a substantial and influential citizen of Wilming- ton township, a veteran of the great Civil war, and a man who enjoys the confidence and respect of all who know him, was born on February 24, 1841, in Rockridge, Vermont, and is the son of Asa and Cynthia (Stockwell) Har- wood, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Vermont. These parents moved from the New England states to Ohio in 1842 and in 1857 came to DeKalb county, settling in Franklin township, where they spent the remainder of their days. They were the parents of five children, namely: Henry, a farmer in Michigan; Thomas W., the subject of this sketch ; Mrs. Ellen Ball, deceased: Mrs. Clarinda Barnhart, deceased, and Emmett, who lives in Montana.
The subject received his education in the public schools of DeKalb county. having been brought here in his youth by his parents. He was reared to the life of a farmer, which vocation he has consistently and successfully followed throughout his life. He is now the owner of a fine farm of ninety- three acres, on which he has lived for more than a quarter of a century and which he has improved and developed into one of the best agricultural estates in this locality.
During the troublous days of the early sixties, when the integrity of the nationial Union hung in the balance, Mr Harwood volunteered his services in defense of his country, enlisting as a private in Company B,Fifty-third Regi- ment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he served for about ten months, taking part in all campaigns, marches and battles in which the regiment par- ticipated. He proved a valiant and faithful soldier and at the end of his service received an honorable discharge.
In 1866 Mr. Harwood married Julia A. Smurr, the daughter of G. N. and Rebecca (Kinsley) Smurr, natives of Ohio. To this union were born
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six children, namely : Albert, who lives in Garrett, this county ; George, of Auburn, this county; Mrs. Isabel Pifer, of Butler, this county; Clement, de- ceased ; Cecil, who lives on the home farm, and Mrs. Ona Treman, who lives on a farm in this county. Politically, Mr. Harwood is an earnest supporter of the Republican party and takes proper interest in local affairs, especially as affecting the welfare of the community. The record of testimony is ample that Mr. Harwood is a good citizen in the full sense of the term, worthy of public trust, ever doing worthily and well all work to which he has applied himself. In all that constitutes true manhood and good citizenship he is a worthy example and none stands higher than he in the esteem and confidence of the circles in which he moves.
FRED BUNGE.
It is not an easy task to describe adequately a man who has led an eminently active and busy life and who has attained a position of relative distinction in the community with which his interests are allied. But biog- raphy finds its most complete justification, nevertheless, in the tracing and re- cording of such a life history. It is, then, with a full appreciation of all that is demanded and of the painstaking scrutiny that must be accorded each state- ment, and yet with a feeling of satisfaction, that the writer essays the task of touching briefly upon the details of such a record as has been that of the honored subject whose life now comes under review.
Fred Bunge is a son of the fatherland, having been born on May 4. 1832, in Germany, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Frost) Bunge, both of whom also were natives of Germany, where they spent their entire lives and died. They were the parents of five children, the subject of this sketch, a brother, Louis, and three other children who died in their native land. At the age of twenty-two years the subject of this sketch left home, embarking on the 16th day of May. 1854, and landed in New York on the ist day of the following July. The principal capital with which his parents had endowed him was a rugged constitution, a stont heart and a determination to succeed, which, no doubt, has proven a more desirable capital than would have almost any amount of money, unless the latter could have been ac- companied with the same traits of character. Thus born to environment none too auspicious, Mr. Bunge has forced himself to the front and made for
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himself a proud position among the foremost citizens of DeKalb county. Dur- ing his first years in this country he was employed at anything which he could find to do which would earn him an honest dollar, but, carefully husbanding his resources and working every day possible, he was at last enabled to forge ahead and now is numbered among the substantial and influential citizens of Wilmington township, DeKalb county, Indiana. He is the owner of a splen- did farm of eighty acres, on which are substantial and up-to-date buildings, and here he carries on general farming and stock raising in a manner that has stamped him to be a man of more than ordinary discernment and sound judg- ment.
On October 30, 1862, Mr. Bunge was married to Caroline Sharp, and to them have been born eight children, namely: Josiah, deceased; John, who lives on a farm in this county ; Mrs. Nettie Wicker ; Mrs. Ellen Pomeroy, of Auburn; William, a farmer of this county ; Joseph ; Mrs. Dora Ridge, of this county, and Nora, who lives at home with her parents. Religiously, Mr. Bunge and his family are members of the Reformed Lutheran church, to which they contribute liberally and to the various activities of which they give earnest support. Politically, Mr. Runge is a Democrat, and takes an intelli- gent interest in the affairs of his community, giving his earnest support to every movement which promises to prove beneficial to his fellow men, ma- terially, educationally, morally or socially. Because of his earnest life, sturdy habits and his unswerving integrity, he enjoys to a notable degree the con- fidence and regard of the entire community where so many of his active years have been spent.
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