USA > Indiana > DeKalb County > History of Dekalb County, Indiana, with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of old families > Part 76
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William C. Diehm was reared by his parents and received a good, prac- tical education in the schools of his home township. He remained with his father until attaining his majority, when he took up the trade of carpentering, which he followed at different places during the following seventeen years. For four vears he lived in Noble county, operating the old Hinkle farm, and then came to Richland township, DeKalb county, where he bought forty acres of land, section 18, known as the Farrington farm, but retained possession of the forty acres already purchased. At the end of a year in Keyser town- ship he returned to his Richland township farm, and has since given his undi- vided attention to its operation. He built the present fine barn at this place in 1908, and has in other ways made many fine permanent improvements, the place ranking among the best in the township. Mr. Diehm is a good farmer in every respect, giving attention to every detail of his work, and is in his relations with his neighbors a man of broad sympathies and kindly interest. holding the warm regard of all who know him.
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DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
Mr. Diehm was married on November 15, 1888, to Rachel Lehner, the daughter of Jacob J. and Suzanna (Treesh) Lehner, the former a native of Germany, who came to the United States in 1844, and the latter born in Ohio. Mr. Lehner, who always followed farming pursuits, came to DeKalb county. settling in Richland township, where his death occurred in 1873. He was sur- vived a number of years by his widow, whose death occurred on January 3, 1910. To Mr. and Mrs. Diehm have been horn three children: Roy, a farmer, Mrs. Rosa Huhlman and Vern, who live at Kendallville.
Politically, Mr. Diehm has given his earnest support to the Democratic party, and has been for many years numbered among the influential men of Richland township. A Lutheran in his religious faith, Mr. Diehm is in hearty sympathy with all moral movements, but is not personally affiliated with any religious society. The record of testimony in his community is ample that he is a good citizen in the full sense of the term, worthy of all confidence, and ever doing worthily and well everything which he gives his attention. A hospitable man and cordially responsive to all social claims, his home is well equipped and attractive to all who are in his list of friends.
MELVIN E. REYNOLDS.
It is a well authenticated fact that success comes as the result of legitimate and well applied energy, unflagging determination and perseverance in a course of action when once decided upon. She is never known to smile upon the idler or dreamer and only the men who have diligently sought her favor are crowned with her blessings. In tracing the history of the influential citizen of Corinna, Indiana, whose name forms the caption of this review, it is plainly seen that the success which he enjoys has been won by commendable qualities and it is also his personal worth that has gained for him the high esteem of those who know him.
Melvin E. Reynolds was born on May 31. 1858, at Fairfield Center. De- Kalb county, Indiana, and is a son of Jerome and Barbara (Eckert) Reynolds, the father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Germany. Jerome Reynolds was brought from his native state to Ohio with his foster parents, and there grew to manhood. His wife, who had been born in Germany, was brought to this country at the age of eight months, her parents first settling in Pennsylvania, but later locating in Ohio, where, in young womanhood, she met and married Jerome Reynolds. In the spring of 1856 Mr. and Mrs. Rey-
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nolds came to Fairfield Center, DeKalb county, where he followed his trade, that of cabinet-making, during the remainder of his life. He was a man of good habits, steady industry and stanch integrity and enjoyed the esteem and confidence of his community. His death occurred on May 24, 1884, and his wife died on March 4th of the same year. Mr. Reynolds served as postmaster at Fairfield Center continuously from 1864 to 1884. To him and his wife were born the following children, Eolian, the wife of Daniel Lower, of South Dakota : Clarence M., of Auburn ; Melvin E., the subject of this sketch : Walter T., of Corunna : Virginia, the wife of Charles Bangs, of Richland township; Franklin G., of Corunna. The father and mother of M. E. Reynolds had both been married prior to their union, and by his first wife Mr. Reynolds was the father of three children, Elizabeth, deceased; Thomas, who was a member of Company A, Eighty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. during the Civil war, who is now deceased, and Amelia, deceased. By her first marriage Mrs. Reynolds was the mother of two children, Eolian and Luella. both of whom are deceased.
Melvin E. Reynolds attended the common schools of Fairfield township and then was a student in normal school for two terms. Upon the completion of his education he took up cabinet-making, but did not follow that vocation long, turning his attention to brick-making, which vocation he followed for seven years. He then again entered the cabinet-making work in Corunna. which he followed for five years, and then took up carpentering and contract- ing, being thus employed until 1894, a period of seven years, during which time he constructed many of the prominent and substantial dwellings and busi- ness houses in this locality. In 1894 Mr. Reynolds engaged in the saw-mill business at Corunna, which has commanded his attention continuously to the present time, and in which he has met with well-deserved success.
On December 25. 1889, Mr. Reynolds was married to Amanda Wagner, the daughter of James and Mary Ann ( Billman) Wagner. These parents, who were from Huren county, Ohio, moved to Michigan, where the father died. The widow returned to Ohio and later came to DeKalb county with her parents, where she remained with her relatives. To Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have been born five children, namely : Harley G., who married Rosa Mason, and they have two children, Gerald and Olen; Walter, who married Bessie Zimmerman, and they have one child, Melvin W .; Oscar married Bessie Workman ; Zola and Bernice are at home. Mrs. Reynolds, who was born on February 14, 1861, died on September 3. 1912, at the age of fifty-one years. She was a woman of many kindly qualities of head and heart, which had en- deared her to all who knew her.
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DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
Politically a Republican, Mr. Reynolds has for many years been active in the civic and public affairs of the locality, having served as trustee of Corunna for two terms, one and four years respectively, and township trustee for five years. At one time he made the race for county auditor as the Republican nominee and lacked only fifty-seven votes of being elected. He assumes gen- erally an independent attitude, especially in local political affairs, voting for the men whom he considers best qualified for public offices. Imbued with the deepest and most healthful public spirit. Mr. Reynolds is well fortified in his opinion as to matters of public policy and gives of his best to the furthering of good government, being neglectful of no civic duty. His personal relations with his fellow men have been ever mutually pleasant and agreeable, and he is highly regarded by all, being obliging and straightforward in all the relations "of life.
JOHN BRECHBILL.
The gentleman to whom the reader's attention is now directed has. by perseverance, industry and a wise economy, attained a comfortable station in life, and is well and favorably known in DeKalb county as a result of the in- dustrious 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 Brechbill was born in Stark county, Ohio, on April 8, 1862, the son of Jacob and Sarah (Ober) Brechbill. Jacob Brechbill was born in Bedford ยท county, Pennsylvania, in 1832, and died near Garrett, Indiana, on February 21, 1902, aged sixty-nine years five months nineteen days. In 1854 he moved with his parents to Stark county, Ohio, and on February 3. 1859. he married Sarah Ober, also a native of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and whose death occurred on November 2, 1908. They came to DeKalb county, Indiana, in 1864, settling in Keyser township, where they passed the remainder of their lives in the pursuit of agriculture. They were members of the Brethren in Christ church and were very active in church work. To them were born eight children : Martin, John, the subject, Nancy, Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary, Cora and Claude. Martin, Cora and Claude are deceased.
After securing a good common school education in the DeKalb county schools, the subject took up agriculture as his life work, and has continued to follow this calling with unusual success. He is the owner of two hundred
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DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
acres of good land, on which he carries on diversified farming. employing scientific methods in the tilling of the soil, which have well repaid him in bountiful harvests.
On September 29. 1886, Mr. Brechbill was united in marriage with Etta E. Davidson, the daughter of Henry and Fannie (Rice) Davidson, who are referred to elsewhere in this work in a sketch treating of the life of Mr. Davidson. To the subject and wife have been born nine children, Frank, Albert, Mabel, Ruth, Elmo, Pearl. John. Pauline and Lucile. Frank was educated at the Bethany Bible School, Chicago, Illinois, pursuing the three- years course and finishing in 1912. He returned home and has been a preacher in Brethren in Christ church, located in Keyser township. He was married on September 28, 1911, to Jessie Hoover, of Mansfield, Ohio. Albert was educated in Goshen College, graduating in June, 1913. and took up teaching. He is now principal of the Liberty Center (Ohio) high school. Mabel and Ruth were educated in high and normal schools and are now teaching.
The Republican party has received the support of Mr. Brechbill, and, religiously. he is a member of the Brethren in Christ church, being active in church work. His life has been as an open book and his standing in the community is such as should be a matter of pride to his family and his friends.
JEFFERSON WILLIAM JACKMAN.
Biographies should not be published unless there is something in the life and character of the individual worthy of emulation or imitation by others under like circumstances-certainly not for self-aggrandizement : but sufficient has been drawn from the life history of the gentleman whose name appears above to show that there is something in the inner life of this man worthy of more than incidental mention. He began life practically at the bottom of the ladder, which he has climbed to the top with no help but a brave heart, industrious hands and an intelligent brain, and is a living example of what may be accomplished in this country by thrift and perseverance, even under discouraging circumstances.
Jefferson W. Jackman was born in section 6, Wilmington township, DeKalb county, Indiana, on January 31, 1852, and is a son of Isaac M. and Jane (Whitla) Jackman, who are mentioned specifically on another page of this work. When the subject was about three years old the family moved to the eastern part of Grant township, where the father bought the farm on
JEFFERSON W. JACKMAN
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DEKALB COUNTY, INDIAN.1.
which the subject of this sketch now lives, and here Mr. Jackman grew to manhood. Their home was a log house, and about eight acres of land had at that time been cleared. To the further clearing of this land and its improve- ment and cultivation the lad gave of his time and strength and was a valuable assistant in this work to his father. His education was received in a typical log school house of that day, in which the advantages were much inferior to. those of the present day, but, being ambitious and a good student, Mr. Jack- man became qualified to teach school when twenty-one years of age and fol- lowed that pursuit for several years. His summers were spent in farming, and in 1876 he made farming his chief employment, renting a farm on the west of his present home. In the fall of 1878 he moved on to his father-in- law's farm, which he occupied fourteen years as a renter, and after Mr. McClure's death he bought the interests of the other heirs and later bought also the widow's interest, thus becoming sole owner of the farm in 1901. This place, which comprises one hundred and thirty-five acres, is one of the choice farms of that locality and is well improved. Mr. Jackman remained there until 1910 with the exception of one year, and then moved onto the old home farm owned by his father. He had seen many discouraging conditions in his farming experience up to that time, but by energetic work and rigid economy he had weathered several panics and had even gotten ahead in his financial affairs, having bought the farm and paid for it by his own efforts . during this period. He now resides on his father's old farm and is numbered among the successful and energetic agriculturists of DeKalb county. In 1883 Mr. Jackman began breeding and shipping thoroughbred Berkshire hogs, in which he was engaged for the following twenty years and was numbered among the leading men in that line in the United States. He carried at all times from one hundred to one hundred and fifty head of fine stock, shipping from the Atlantic coast to Salt Lake City, and from the Gulf to Montreal, Canada. He advertised extensively, at times in as many as two hundred and fifty papers over the country and carried on his correspondence and hook- keeping at night, this extra work entailing so severe a strain on his eyesight that in 1901 he was compelled to give up his hog business and give his atten- tion to the lighter labors of the farm. During all his business experience of twenty years Mr. Jackman never had but one complaint from a customer and that was settled quickly and to the entire satisfaction of the complainant. This is certainly a remarkable record and speaks well for his sound business methods and integrity of character.
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DEKALB COUNTY, INDIAN.A.
On May 28, 1876, Mr. Jackman married Mary McClure, the daughter of Timothy McClure, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work, and to them were born two children. Sadie Olive, born February 18, 1878, is the wife of Walter Cherry, and lives in Franklin township, this county; they have a daughter, Eldora Cherry. The subject's youngest child. Ward, who was born on February 4. 1887, married Edna Goodwin, and lives on his father's farm that was formerly known as the McClure place. He attended high school at Waterloo and a commercial college at Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is now devoting his attention to farming and the raising of fine horses, in which he is attaining a distinctive success. Olive received three years' education in high school, studied pedagogy and received a teacher's review course at Butler College and also attended the Normal College at Angola. She taught school about eight years, from 1895 to 1903, the time of her marriage.
Politically, Mr. Jackman is an earnest Democrat, and in 1900 was elected a member of the state Legislature, serving in the sessions of 1901. In 1903 he was unanimously renominated for the same office, but owing to peculiar local conditions he was defeated by a narrow majority. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, taking a deep interest in the workings of that order. In all the relations of life Mr. Jackman has been found faithful to every trust confided in him and because of his genuine worth, courteous manner and genial disposition he has won and retains the warm regard of all with whom he has associated, the latter including the best people of the county.
LUTHER H. HIGLEY.
The "art preservative of all arts," printing, has done more to promote the progress of civilization, with its attendant blessings of liberty and educa- tion, than any other discovery since the beginning of time. Many who read this work can remember when a newspaper was seldom seen, and on the rare occasions when one, perhaps a month or more old, filtered from "back East" into the frontier of civilization, as Indiana was rightly termed in the pioneer days, it was eagerly and critically perused and passed from one hand to another until it was worn into shreds. Soon, however, the knights of the "fourth estate" joined in the vanguard and took up the task of "molding public opinion." The father of the subject of this sketch was one of the early news- paper men of this region and his son has followed in his footsteps with com-
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mendable fidelity and industry, which have brought to him the respect and admiration of his fellowmen.
Luther H. Higley, owner and editor of the Butler Record, was born in Butler, Indiana, October 30, 1867, he being the son of Emery and Mary (Haverstock) Higley, natives of Ohio. The mother came to Butler at an early date with her parents. Elmer Higley come to Butler abont 1865 and engaged in the business of buying and selling produce and in other mercan- tile lines. He established the first newspaper in Butler, called the Banner of Liberty. After conducting this pioneer publication for a time, he removed the plant to the town of Anburn and began the publication of the Auburn Times. After a short time he went west and his death occurred in LeMars, Iowa. Beside the subject, he had one other child, Leverett G.
Luther H. Higley acquired a splendid basis for the success which he has achieved in his chosen vocation, he having graduated from the scientific course in the Fayette Normal School. After completing his studies in this institu- tion, he accepted the position of assistant principal of the Butler schools. which he occupied with marked ability for a year. He subsequently filled the position of principal in the schools at Rolling Prairie, Indiana. Becoming restless under confining stress of pedagogical routine. he gave up this pro- fession and, coming to Butler, purchased the Butler Record, of which he is now owner and editor.
The subject was married, on February 9. 1889, to Carrie Palmerton, daughter of Wesley and Sarah ( Nelson) Palmerton, who were early settlers in DeKalb county. To this union were born three children : Ethel, who mar- ried Fred E. Voight, of Washington, D. C. : Robert Dale, and Ruth Madonna. While he has not sought public office, Mr. Higley has been selected by his fel- low citizens to serve on the board of education for two terms, and his early training in educational work has stood him in good stead in solving the many problems presented to that body. He has always been a warm supporter of the Republican party. Fraternally, the subject is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, while his church relations are with the Methodist Episcopal church.
In addition to the local paper, Mr. Higley has built up an extensive mail- order business in the printing line, which amounts to several times as much as the local field affords, and in 1903 he established the Epworth League Quarterly, which now has a circulation of over twenty-four thousand copies and circulates in every Northern state from Maine to California. His com- mercial lines are handled by several salesmen on the road and by several job- bing houses in the large cities. The business has had a steady growth and is still growing.
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DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA,
JOSEPH PERRY HEITZ.
One of the conspicuous names on the list of DeKalb county agricul- turists is Joseph Perry Heitz, proprietor of a fine farm in Butler township, a gentleman of high standing to whom has not been denied a full measure of success. Long recognized as a factor of importance in connection with the farming and stock-raising industries here. he has been prominently identified with the material growth and prosperity of this part of the state, his life having been closely interwoven with the history of the county where he has been content to live and follow his chosen vocation for over a quarter of a century.
Joseph P. Heitz was born in DeKalb county, Indiana, on August 29, 1870, and is the son of John H. and Lydia (Groves) Heitz, both of whom were natives of Ohio. John H. Heitz came to DeKalb county many years ago, settling in Butler township, where he spent the balance of his life, hav- ing been successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. He and his wife are now both deceased. To them were born five children, Joseph P., the im- mediate subject of this sketch; Edith, deceased; Cora E., Calvin W .. and Georgia, deceased.
The subject of this sketch received his education in the common schools of his home neighborhood and spent his earlier years under the direction of his father on the home farm. He was wise in deciding to make agriculture his life work, for in this line of endeavor he has achieved a most pronounced sticcess and is today numbered among the representative agriculturists of But- ler township. He owns eighty acres of land and also operates one hundred and sixty acres adjoining. He carries on a general line of farming, raising all the crops common to this locality, and also gives some attention to the breeding and raising of live stock.
On December 12, 1906. Mr. Heitz was married to Oma Dale Strause, the daughter of Joseph and Katherine (Krick) Stranse, the father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Germany. The latter came to the United States when six months old with her parents, who settled at Pittsburgh, later moving to Wayne county, Indiana, where they remained until Mrs. Krick was married, when they came to DeKalb county and located in Keyser town- ship. They became the parents of eleven children. namely : Mary, Boston. Ida, Rolando; Alice, deceased; Cora, deceased; Emma, William, Amanda, Oma, the subject's wife, and Elmer. The father of these children has passed
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away, but his widow is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Heitz. To Mr. and Mrs. Heitz was born one child, Emily J.
Politically, Mr. Heitz is a Democrat, though his private business interests have demanded his sole attention and he has no time for public affairs. Never- theless, he takes a proper interest in local events and gives his support to all those things which tend to advance the welfare of the community in any way. He is a man of clean habits and upright life, and enjoys the fullest measure of popular confidence and esteem.
GEORGE W. BURTZNER.
The biographies of successful men are instructive as guides and in- centives to those whose careers are yet to be achieved. The examples they furnish of patient purpose and consecutive endeavor strongly illustrate what is in the power of each to accomplish. The gentleman whose life history is herewith briefly set forth is a conspicuous example of one who has lived to good purpose and achieved a definite degree of success in the spheres to which his talents and energies have been devoted. The subject, who is the present efficient and capable township trustee of Butler township, is known by his neighbors and friends as a citizen of high rank, a public-spirited man who has ever manifested a willingness to serve his fellow men.
George W. Burtzner was born March 9, 1859, in Butler township. De- Kalb county, Indiana, the son of John and Anna ( Lung ) Burtzner, the father a native of Germany, and the mother of Ohio. John Burtzner was one of the pioneers in DeKalb county and was a man highly respected by the early settlers. To this worthy couple were born three children: Mrs. Ellen E. Rinehold lives in Jackson township ; Susanna, deceased, and the subject. John Burtzner died on November 16, 1860, at the age of thirty-nine years, and his widow afterward married Peter Fair, of Allen county, Indiana, who is de- ceased. Her death occurred on February 16, 1885.
The subject attended the common schools typical of that period, devoting himself to the "three Rs" during the short winter terms and being of great assistance to his mother on the home farm when not thus engaged.
On September 4. 1881, the subject of this review was married to Rachel A. Lyon, daughter of John N. and Sarah A. (Reynolds) Lyon. To John and Sarah Lyon were born seven children, namely: John R., Isaac, Mary J.
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and Ellen are deceased ; William lives in Mentone, Indiana ; James is deceased ; Rachel A.
The subject and wife have been blessed with the birth of two children : Cliff L., who lives on a farm in Ohio, and Mrs. Mary I. Mowry, who is living at the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Burtzner have eight grandchildren, namely : Oscar E., Lyndes S., Alma, John W. and Letha Mary Burtzner and Treva D., Kenneth E. and Iris L. Mowry.
In 1908 the voters of Butler township selected Mr. Burtzner for the posi- tion of township trustee, which office he is still filling in a most capable and satisfactory manner. His administration of the affairs of this responsible post has been a matter of just pride to him and when his present term ends in 1914 he will have the enviable right to point to his record as one of economy, efficiency and businesslike management. Mr. Burtzner gives a loyal and active support to the Democratic party.
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