USA > Indiana > DeKalb County > History of Dekalb County, Indiana, with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of old families > Part 75
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Forest A. Hixson was born February 19, 1877, and is the son of Bennett and Sarah E. (Knott ) Hixson, both being natives of Ohio. To these parents were born six children, namely: James O., deceased: Mabel M. was born November 9, 1874, and resides on the farm : the subject : Roy and Ray, twins. are deceased ; Tula V., who was born August 21, 1886, was married December 24. 1913. to Theodore Rhodes. The subject's father, who was one of the earliest settlers of DeKalb county, died on July 7, 1897, and his widow now makes her home with her son, Forest A., on the home farm.
Receiving a good common school education, the subject of this brief review engaged in farming and has made this his life work. He is at present cultivating two hundred and forty acres of choice land in Butler township, which his owned jointly by the subject. his mother and two sisters.
On January 12, 1900, occurred the marriage of the subject to Amanda Houser, daughter of Adam and Catherine ( Bebber) Houser, both natives of Pennsylvania. To this union have been born three children: Ralph, de-
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ceased ; Belva, who was born October 26, 1902. and Mary K., who was born June 29, 1907.
The farm now occupied by Mr. Hixson is the old home place, it being called "the old James Reynolds farm," James Reynolds, the subject's great- grandfather, having purchased it in 1858, and the farm has been continuously since in the possession of some members of the family.
A Democrat in his political faith, Mr. Hixson has given loyal support to that party, although never having been desirous of political honors, preferring to limit his activities along that line to casting his vote for the principles he thought right.
JOSEPH PEPPLE.
One of the sterling citizens of DeKalb county is Joseph Pepple, a name well known, especially in Butler township, where he has a splendid and attractively kept landed estate, and being regarded as one of the leading agri- culturists of his community. As a result of his industry, integrity and genuine worth he is held in high esteem by the people of this vicinity, mainly as a result of his principles of modern farming and progressive and upright citizen- ship.
Joseph Pepple was born on July 4, 1867, in Butler township, DeKalb county, the son of Joseph and Addeline (Hahn) Pepple. His parents, at an early date, came from their native state of Ohio and were among the pioneers who fought and conquered the hardships and perils of those days. To the elder Joseph and Addeline Pepple were born seven children, namely : Mrs. Frances Lung lives in DeKalb county ; George and Jessie are deceased : Mrs. Ellie Thrush lives in DeKalb county; Mary is deceased ; Joseph ; Mrs. Leah Fitch lives in Seattle, Washington.
At such times as he could be spared from the work of farming on the home place, the subject attended the common schools of the county. After reaching his majority he was married, on November 27, 1895, to Celia Griffin, (laughter of Alanson and Henrietta ( Surfus) Griffin, he a native of New York and she of Indiana. To the subject and wife have been born five chil- dren : Mrs. Viola Timberlan lives in Allen county, Indiana : Mrs. Effie Griffin lives in Butler township; Mrs. Annie Rugman is also living in DeKalb county ; John Griffin is a resident of Allen county; Jessie lives in Butler township.
The subject is now actively engaged in tilling the one hundred and ninety-
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seven-acres of his splendid farm. Good buildings have been added by Mr. Pepple and his home is a model among the good homes of this community. Along one side of his possessions runs an interurban line, which not only adds to the value of his holdings, but is a great convenience. The Republican party claims Mr. Pepple's suffrage.
FRANCIS A. HOGUE.
Dependent very largely upon his own resources from his early youth, Francis A. Hogue, of Butler township, has attained no insignificant success, and though he may have, like most men of affairs, encountered obstacles and met with reverses, he has pressed steadily forward, ever willing to work for the end he has in view. His tenacity and fortitude are due, 'no doubt, in a large measure to the worthy traits inherited from his sterling ancestors, whose high ideals and correct principles he has ever sought to perpetuate in all the relations of life.
Francis A. Hogue is a native son of the old Hoosier state, having been born in Washington township, Allen county, Indiana, on February 12, 1849, and is a son of John and Cornelia (Prey) Hogue, both of whom were natives of the state of New York. The subject's father came from his native state to Ohio with his parents in boyhood, and Mrs. Hogue also moved to the Buckeye state in girlhood. They were married in the latter state and eventually, in 1842, established their permanent home in DeKalb county, which at that time was but thinly settled. He located in Butler township, where they remained for many years, or until 1879, when they moved to Nebraska. Eventually they returned to DeKalb county, where their deaths occurred. They were the parents of seven children: Mary A .; Ellen C., deceased; the subject of this sketch; John H., James W., Claudius F., de- ceased, and Merritt.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the common schools of DeKalb county and has always followed agricultural pursuits. He is the owner of one hundred acres of land in Butler township, to which he gives his undivided attention and in the operation of which he has met with splendid success. Early in life he established those habits of industry and frugality which have assured his success in later years and by close applica- tion and perseverance he has risen to a high place in the ranks of the farmers of his county, being regarded today as an enterprising and typical farmer of
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the advanced class. His superior system of tillage, the good order of his fences, the well-cared-for condition of his fields, the commodious and com- fortable buildings all demonstrate his successful management and wise dis- crimination in the care of his property. He carefully rotates his crops so as to maintain the fertility of the soil and is not slow to take advantage of the most advanced ideas relative to agriculture, being up-to-date and thorough in his methods.
On the 3d day of January, 1882, Mr. Hogue was united in marriage to Hannah Kugler, daughter of Anthony and Margaret (Gresh) Kugler. Both of these parents were natives of Germany, coming from the fatherland to the United States in 1853, settling in Noble county, Indiana, where they spent the remainder of their lives, devoting their energies to farming pur- suits. The father died there several years ago and is survived by his widow. To Mr. and Mrs. Hogue have been born three children, namely : Anna, who married William Werning, and they now reside at Lima, Ohio: Dolpha, the wife of James Marsh, of Butler township, this county, and Francis, who lives in Auburn and who married Zella Marsh.
Politically, the subject of this sketch is an earnest advocate of Demo- cratic policies, and ever since attaining his majority has given that party his stanch allegiance. He has no aspirations for public office, but maintains an intelligent interest in the public affairs of his community, giving his support at all times to every movement for the public advancement. A man of keen discernment and sound business judgment. his advice is often sought in mat- ters of business and he is considered a man of more than ordinary attain- ments. A wide reader of current affairs and a thoughtful observer of men and events, he keeps in close touch with the issues of the times and is con- sidered one of the most substantial and influential citizens of the locality which is honored by his residence.
OLIVER P. GROGG.
It is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man who has won a definite goal in life, whose career has been such as to com- mand the honor and respect of his fellow citizens. Such, in brief, is the record of the well known agriculturist whose name heads this sketch. than whom a more whole-souled or popular man it would be difficult to find within the limits of DeKalb county, where he has long maintained his home and
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where he has labored not only for his own individual advancement and that of his immediate family, but also for the improvement of the entire community, whose interests he has ever had at heart.
Oliver P. Grogg, one of the enterprising and public-spirited citizens, of Keyser township, DeKalb county, Indiana, was born on July 1, 1865, in the northeast part of the township, and is a son of Adam and Emily L. (King) Grogg, who are mentioned specifically elsewhere in this work in the sketch of the subject's brother, Isaac Grogg. The subject's father died when he was about six months old, after which his mother moved to Auburn, and when Oliver P. was about seven and one-half years old his mother became the wife of Daniel Lower and moved to Noble county. this state. Mr. Lower died there and his widow came back to DeKalb county, where she eventually be- came the wife of Daniel Thomas, of Corinna, who is represented elsewhere in this work.
The subject of this sketch spent his early years with his mother, looking after her interests carefully during her widow years, and then after his mar- riage, which occurred in 1890, he engaged in farming in Noble county, carry- ing on that pursuit there for eight years. On October 18, 1898, he returned to DeKalb county, settling near the old home farm, where he now lives and to the cultivation and development of which he has devoted himself assidu- ously with very gratifying results. In 1900 he built a new residence, re- modelled the barn, and has in other ways brought the place up to a high standard of development and improvement. Of the old barn that stood on this farm, it is noteworthy that the subject's father painted this barn when it was originally built by his father, the paint being made from red clay found near the barn, and which was ground and burned and finally mixed with oil. Though crude in method of manufacture, the result was highly satisfactory and this paint lasted until the barn was remodelled in 1910. Mr. Grogg is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of good land, and, owing to his twentieth-century methods and his wise discrimination in the rotation of crops and other advanced features of agriculture, he has been enabled to realize very gratifying returns for his labors. He raises all the crops com- mon to this section of the country and gives some attention to the breeding of live stock, in both departments being considered a man of good judgment and sound discrimination.
In 1890 Mr. Grogg married Mary Frantz, the daughter of Christian and Marguerite (Amstutz) Frantz, and a sister of John Frantz, who is repre- sented elsewhere in this work. To them has been born a daughter, Maude A ..
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who is the wife of Matthew Sleasman, of Auburn, this county. Mr. Grogg is a man of a high degree of intelligence, being well read on a wide range of subjects, and is an interesting conversationalist and a forcible speaker. He is thoroughly alive to the current questions of the day. on which he holds decided opinions, and is not afraid to stand staunchly by his honest convic- tions. He is a man of fine qualities of character and is deserving of the high standing which he enjoys.
MARION S. DELONG.
All callings, whether humble or exalted, may be productive of some mea- sure of success, if enterprise and industry, coupled with a well directed pur- pose, form the motive power and force of the person directing the same, and in no case is this fact more apparent than in agricultural pursuits. It is a well authenticated fact that success comes as the result of legitimate and well ap- plied energy, unflagging determination and perseverance as well as the above enumerated qualities. When a course of action is once decided on these attributes are essential. Success is never known to smile upon the idler or dreamer and she never courts the loafer, only those who have diligently sought her favor being crowned with her blessings. In tracing the history of the prosperous and influential agriculturist whose name forms the caption of this biographical review, we find that the above named elements have entered largely into his make-up and therefore we are not surprised at the large and ever-growing success which he has attained.
Marion S. DeLong was born in Richland township, DeKalb county, Indi- ana, on August 28, 1868, the son of Henry F. and Jane ( McCrum) DeLong, she being a native of Canada and he of Ohio. The father came to this county with his parents when he was quite a small boy and they settled in Butler township. They later moved to Fairfield township where he was married. after their marriage they lived in Richland township and died in 1889. The wife is still living on the old home place in Richland township. Her father built the first school house in the town of Auburn. He never lived in Auburn, but settled and died in Richland township. To Henry and Jane DeLong were born four children: Marion S., the immediate subject: Alice. Zoe and Clarence.
The subject of this sketch was educated in the DeKalb county common schools. After completing his studies he taught school one year, then took
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up farming and has been continuously since actively engaged in that pursuit. in which he has achieved marked success, he owning at this time one hundred and twelve acres of valuable land in Fairfield township. In 1900 the subject was united in the bonds of matrimony with Matilda E. Wittig, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Rheinhart) Wittig, both natives of Germany, who came to Erie county, Ohio, and later to DeKalb county, in 1864 and settled in Fairfield township, where they lived all their days. To Mr. and Mrs. De- Long have been born three children, Mildred, Helen and Audrey.
Fraternally. Mr. DeLong is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Corunna, and of the Masonic lodge at Waterloo and the chapter at Auburn. while politically, he is quite active in his support of the principles of the Re- publican party, he having been for some time precinct committeeman for Fair- field township and a member of the county organization. His religious affilia- tions are with the Lutheran church. Mrs. DeLong is a member of the Pythian Sisters and the Order of the Eastern Star.
RAY C. DILGARD.
The gentleman whose name heads this paragraph is widely known as one of the honored citizens of Auburn, Indiana. He has lived in DeKalb county all his life and for a number of years has been prominently identified with the commercial interests of this community. His well-directed efforts in the practical affairs of life, his capable management of his business interests and his sound judgment have brought to him prosperity and his life demon- strates what may be accomplished by any man of energy and ambition who is not afraid to work and has the perseverance to continue his labors in the face of any discouragements which may seem to arise. In all the relations of life he has commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he has been brought in contact and a biographical history of DeKalb county would not be complete without a record of his career.
Ray C. Dilgard, a successful furniture dealer and undertaker at Auburn, is a native of DeKalb county, having been born about two and one-half miles west of Waterloo in Grant township, on May 23, 1881, and is a son of Simon and Eliza (Goodwin) Dilgard. The subject's paternal grandparents, Reuben and Lovina (Shaffer) Dilgard, were residents of Mehackinville, Wayne county, Ohio, where he followed the trade of a miller. He came to DeKalb county in 1847 and entered a homestead in Grant township, after which he
RAY C. DILGARD
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returned to his Ohio home, where he remained until 1857, when he came to his Indiana farm and established his permanent home. The subject's mother, Eliza Goodwin, was born in Smithfield township, this county, and was a daughter of David and Susanna ( Keefer) Goodwin, who came in an early day to this county from Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. Simon Dil- gard, who has followed the pursuit of agriculture all his life, is still living in Grant township, one of the honored and respected citizens of his community.
Ray C. Dilgard was reared on his father's farm until the age of sixteen years, assisting in the farm work during the summer months and attending the common schools in winter. He later entered the high school at Waterloo, where he graduated in 1899, and afterwards was a student at the Tri-State Normal School at Angola. He then became associated with the International Harvester Company as traveling salesman, with headquarters at Sioux City, Iowa. A year later he joined T. G. Northwall & Company, dealers in a dif- ferent line of farming implements. with headquarters at Omaha, Nebraska, with whom he remained as a traveling salesman. Tiring of the road, Mr. Dilgard then entered a school of embalming at Chicago, taking a full course, after which, in January, 1905, he came to Auburn and formed a business part- nership with Ben K. Adams, undertaker and dealer in furniture. In April of the following year Mr. Dilgard bought his partner's interest, and since then has continued the business alone. The business now controlled by Mr. Dilgard was established in Auburn about fifty years ago by a relative, C. C. Shaffer, and is probably the oldest established business house in the city. Thoroughly qualified for his duties as undertaker, Mr. Dilgard has handled his full share of the business in this line throughout a large radius of sur- rounding country, while as a furniture dealer he is the leader in this section. His agreeable disposition, pleasing address and splendid business qualities have commended him to the good will of all who have had dealings with him and he enjoys a large and loyal circle of friends.
Fraternally, Mr. Dilgard belongs to the Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of the Maccabees, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Knights of the Golden Eagle, Modern Woodmen of America, and the Commercial Club, in all of which he has taken an active interest and is an appreciative member. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which they give an earnest support and contribute liberally.
On June 14, 1905, Ray Dilgard was married to Katherine Smith, of Albion, Indiana, daughter of Charles L. and Melissa (Beck) Smith. Mr.
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and Mrs. Dilgard move in the best social circles of the city and are deservedly popular. Charles L. Smith was a native of Ohio and his wife of Albion, Noble county, Indiana. He came to Indiana and here followed farming throughout his active life, being now retired. To him and his wife were born three children, namely : Leone, the wife of Edward Hicks, of Auburn; May, the wife of Walter Bonhan, of Albion: Katherine, Mrs. Dilgard. The latter is a licensed embalmer and works with Mr. Dilgard on all his calls.
ALVA F. GROGG.
One of the best known and most enterprising of the younger agricul- turists of DeKalb county, Indiana, is Alva F. Grogg, now in the very prime of life and usefulness, and his influence as an honorable, upright citizen is pro- ductive of much good upon all with whom he comes in contact. His past success gives assurance of something yet to come, and he is evidently destined to continue a potent factor for substantial good for many years to come.
Alva F. Grogg is a native son of the old Hoosier state and of the county in which he now resides, his birth having occurred on his father's old home- stead, on July 3, 1882. His parents were Peter H. and Mary J. (Baker) Grogg, the former a native of DeKalb county, Indiana, and the latter of Stark county, Ohio. The Grogg family is numbered among the earliest settlers in DeKalb county and bore their part in the great task which presented itself in the settlement, clearing and opening up of the new country to civilization. To Peter H. and Mary J. Grogg were born ten children, namely: Oscar, of Keyser township, this county ; Wilson, of Keyser township: Marion and Lettie are deceased; Alva F., the subject of this sketch, is next in order of birth; Mrs. Dora Draper, of Richland township, this county ; Elmer, who operates a farm in Union township, this county; Mrs. Lottie Close, of Grant township ; Gladys and Mabel remain at home with their parents.
Alva F. Grogg was reared under the parental roof and secured a good. practical education in the common schools. Reared to the life of a farmer, he early showed his wisdom in maintaining his connection with that basic in- dustry and has been for many years numbered among the substantial and suc- cessful farmers of the county. His ability and high character were recog- nized when, in June, 1912, Mr. Grogg was appointed superintendent of the county farm, assuming the duties of his office on the Ist of September follow- ing. He has under his direction three hundred and twenty acres of land. in
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the handling of which he has shown good judgment and wise discrimination, managing the property to the entire satisfaction of the county officials. to whom he is responsible.
On April 29, 1905, Alva F. Grogg was united in marriage with Ada R. Smurr, the daughter of William and Sarah (Morr) Smurr, both of whom were natives of DeKalb county. To Mr. and Mrs. Grogg were born two children, Edward W. and Edgar P., twins, whose birth occurred on March 14, 1909, Politically, Mr. Grogg gives his support to the Republican party, though he has been too busy a man to have entertained any aspirations for office holding, his present position having come to him practically unsought at the earnest solicitation of those who felt that he was the right man for the place. He is not only a progressive farmer, but is considered as ranking among the most enterprising of his contemporaries, interested in all that bene- fits the community and alive to the welfare of his fellowmen. He has lived an honorable, upright life and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church.
WILLIAM CHRISTOPHER DIEHM.
Any person who will investigate the facts in the case will be surprised to learn the great number of people of Germanic descent now living in the . United States. Unquestionably the greatest number of emigrants reaching the shores of the new world come from that nation, and statistics show that there is more Germanic blood in the United States than any other. This being a fact, it is easy to account for the prosperity and morality of this country. Not only that, but it will afford an explanation for the love of learning shown by the people of our vast nation. Germany is famous the world over for its remarkable universities, for its educated men, for its poets and philosophers, and for the industry, patience, intelligence, morality and sturdiness of its citizens. These qualities have been brought to this country by the immigrants. and are now part and parcel of our wonderful nation-its progress in domestic economy, its advancement in every branch of material improvement and its love of country and home.
William C. Diehm was born on February 16, 1864. about one and one- half miles south of his present farm in Richland township. DeKalb county, Indiana, and is the son of Peter and Margerite (Riess) Diehm. Peter Diehm, who was born in Germany, came to the United States with his parents
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when about seven years of age, the family settling first on a farm in Wayne township, Noble county, Indiana. where the subject's father acquired a fine forty-acre farm. Subsequently he sold that tract and moved to Richland township, buying his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres in 1854. The land was well improved, and Mr. Diehm continued his active operation of the place, which is well fenced and drained and in all respects improved in an up-to-date and practical manner. The subject's father died on December II, 1913, at the age of eighty-seven years five months. Margerite ( Riess) Diehm, who also was born in the fatherland, came to America when about twenty-two years of age, and settled in Wayne township, Noble county, this state. Her death occurred in 1902, at the age of seventy-six years, on the old home farm. She was, in the true sense of the term, a help-mate to her hus- band in the accumulation of his material possessions, working hard as his assistant, being a considerate neighbor, a dutiful wife, a kind and affectionate mother and dearly beloved by all who knew her. To this worthy couple were born nine children, namely: John, deceased; Mrs. Christiana Lash, who lives at Garrett, Indiana, and is the mother of six children : Sarah, deceased : Mrs. Anna Wells, of Noble county, who is the mother of five children; Mrs. Katherine Craven, of Michigan; Mrs. Mary Kresse, of near Kendallville, this state, and the mother of five children : William C., the subject of this sketch, is the next in order of birth ; Fred, who is a retail clerk living at Kendallville, married Lillie Squires ; Henry, a farmer in Lagrange county, this state, mar- ried Rose Gregg.
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