USA > Indiana > DeKalb County > History of Dekalb County, Indiana, with biographical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of old families > Part 99
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direction to this line of effort, having one of the best orchards in DeKalb county, and he has earned a wide reputation through this section of the state as one of the most successful fruit raisers, for he has followed advanced methods and applied up-to-date business ideas to his affairs. That Mr. Wid- ney is a man of more than ordinary ability in his special line is evidenced by the fact that during the last three years he has been a lecturer at Purdue University and on the subject of soils and all matters pertaining to horticul- ture he is generally considered an authority, having given much thoughtful study to that special subject as well as done much practical experimental work on his own account. His orchard contains some of the very best varie- ties of fruit, which he handles with the greatest care, spraying his trees as their special needs require and giving due attention to all phases of his special line so that in the market the products of his orchard command the best prices.
On December 30, 1885, the subject of this sketch was united in mar- riage to Harriette A. Davis, the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Jones) Davis, natives of Ohio and early settlers of DeKalb county. Mr. Widney's grandfather, Joel Davis, was one of the pioneers of this locality and a man highly respected by all who knew him. To Mr. and Mrs. Widney have been born two children, Blanchard V. and Doris D. Blanchard married Flossie Copp, of St. Joe, on August 19, 1913.
Politically, Mr. Widney assumes an independent attitude, preferring to vote for the man whom he considers best fitted for office rather than to be guided by party alliance. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Ac- cepted Masons and the Knights of Pythias. while his religious membership is with the Methodist Protestant church. Mr. Widney has honestly earned the high repute which he enjoys in his community and Spring Brook Fruit Farm is one of the best known pieces of rural property in DeKalb county. The one hundred and thirty-five acres which Mr. Widney owns are all under cultivation or in orchard, and the fruit, melons and berries which he raises find a ready market owing to the well known conditions under which they are raised. In 1913 he bought sixty-six acres known as the David Pope farm. Mr. Widney has found out and proved to others that it pays to raise the very best produce and he has set a valuable example to the community along this line. Personally, he is a genial and companionable gentleman whom it is a pleasure to meet, and he is not only well known throughout the section of the state in which he lives, but is equally well liked by all who know him.
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DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
BYRON E. WIDNEY.
After a long course of years of daily observation on the part of his neighbors, it would be out of the question for them not to know the worth, inoral standing, public sentiment and social conduct as well as something of the private life of Byron E. Widney, one of the substantial agriculturists of Concord township, because, as has been said, "actions speak louder than words." In his community and, in fact, anywhere in DeKalb county, there is heard nothing concerning Mr. Widney but good words and well deserved praise, for he has passed so many years here that his worth is well known, but it will be of interest to run over the busy events of his life in these pages.
Byron E. Widney was born in Concord township, DeKalb county, In- diana, on March 29, 1862, and is the son of Samuel and Mary Ann ( Moore) Widney. Samuel L. Widney, who was the son of John P. and Jane (Lynn) Widney, was born in DKalb county on June 26, 1839. He received his edu- cation in the schools of his native locality and assisted his father on the home farm until attaining mature years. After his marriage, which occurred on January 1, 1860, he lived on his father's farm a year and the following year located on the farm in Concord township, where he spent the remainder of his days, and where he acquired the ownership of three hundred and thirty- three acres of fine land. His wife was a daughter of James and Ellen Moore, early settlers of Pleasant township, this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Widney . were born five children, namely: Marion. Byron E., Viola, Otto L. and Iva May.
Byron E. Widney was reared under the parental roof and was early inducted into the mysteries of successful farming. His education was re- ceived in the common schools of Concord township and he has devoted his entire mature life to agricultural pursuits, in which he has been eminently successful, owing to his untiring efforts and persistency and the sound com- mon sense with which he has characterized his labors. He is the owner of one hundred and three acres of good land, practically all of which is under the plow and the well-kept condition of the fences, the neat and well arranged barns and other outbuildings testifying to the progressive ideas and enter- prising methods of the owner.
On January 27, 1883, Mr. Widney was united in marriage to Martha Rosetta Sechler, the daughter of Levi and Mary Barbara (Kistler) Sechler, the latter family being one of the oldest in DeKalb county. To Mr. and Mrs. Widney was born one child, Edith, who became the wife of Ross Abel,
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of Newville township, this county. Mrs. Widney, who was born on Septem- ber 17, 1862, is a lady of many kindly qualities and because of her earnest life and pleasing relations with those with whom she associates, she enjoys a well deserved popularity.
Politically, Mr. Widney has been a life-long supporter of the Republican party and, though deeply interested in its success and active in its interests during campaigns, he has never sought nor held public office of any nature, his private affairs making heavy demands upon his time. He is deeply inter- ested in everything that pertains to the welfare of his community, supporting all worthy movements, and among those who know him best he is held in the highest measure of esteem.
SHELDON HORATIO HINE.
Specific mention is made in the following paragraphs of one of the worthy citizens of DeKalb county, Indiana-one who has figured in the growth and development of this favored locality and whose interests have been identified with its progress. Additional interest also attaches to his career from the fact that practically his entire life has been passed within the borders of this county.
Sheldon Horatio Hine, one of the best known citizens of Waterloo, Indiana, was born on March 22, 1849, in Erie county, Ohio, the son of Horatio Sheldon and Cynthia (Brooks) Hine, who also were born and reared in Erie county. Horatio Sheldon Hine was a son of Sheldon Horatio Hine, who had come from Connecticut and settled in Erie county. The sub- ject of this sketch has a son, Horatio Sheldon, and the latter has a son, Shel- don Horatio. Thus it will be seen that for five generations the two given names of the eldest son in each family have been reversed. Sheldon H. Hine lived until twelve years of age in Erie and Lake counties, Ohio, having spent much of his time with his grandfather Brooks in the latter county. At the age of twelve years he came with his father to Sedan, DeKalb county, Indiana, where the father had settled about a year before. The date of the subject's arrival here was Christmas day, 1861. At Sedan his father was engaged in the lumber business and farmed, and had also for a few years run a grist mill. Here the subject was reared to manhood and eventually took his father's place in the mill and on the farm, where he worked for ten ยท years. He then bought a farm in the west part of Grant township on the
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township line, where he lived until March, 1902, when he moved to Water- loo, and where he has since resided. Here, on April 1, 1902, when the rural routes were established from Waterloo, he became a mail carrier and is still following this vocation. He sold his farm in the west part of Grant town- ship to his son, Maynard, but still retains the part of his father's estate in Richland township. His life has been characterized by the strictest integrity of motive and action, and he is one of the most popular rural route carriers of DeKalb county, faithful to the duties of his position. Religiously, Mr. Hine is a member of the Presbyterian church. He has for many years taken an active part in public affairs and at the age of twenty-four years was elected justice of the peace of Richland, discharging the duties of that re- sponsible office to the entire satisfaction of those who elected him. When Henry Hines died during his term of office as county treasurer, about two months after assuming the office, the subject of this sketch was appointed to fill the unexpired term, thus serving as county treasurer for nearly two years. He has given a life-long support to the Republican party, in whose ranks he has been an effective and earnest worker, and in many ways he has exhibited a commendable interest in the welfare of the community, with- holding his support from no movement which has for its object the benefit of his fellow men.
On December 25, 1870, Sheldon Horatio Hine married Catherine A. Houser, who was born in Fairfield township, this county, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Gonser) Houser. Her parents were from northeastern Ohio and came to DeKalb county, Indiana, about 1838 or 1840, being among the pioneer settlers of Fairfield township The father farmed there most of his life, but for about two years was also engaged in the mercantile business at Fairfield Center. By this union Mr. Hine became the father of six chil- dren, of whom four are living and two died in infancy. Those living are as follows: Horatio Sheldon Hine, born on August 19, 1872, was reared on the farm and attended school at Waterloo. He farmed a few years, and when about twenty-eight years old he went west and was employed at various places, taking the keenest interest in his observation of the country through which he passed. Returning to DeKalb county, he was married here in 1905 to Maude Warner, daughter of Jesse H. and Almina ( Walters) Warner. who are represented elsewhere in this issue. Mr. Hine is a builder and con- tractor, and also substitutes in winter as rural mail carrier. He has had two children, one son who died in infancy, and one, Sheldon Horatio Hine, now living. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
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Clyde L., the second son, was born March 31, 1874. He attended the Waterloo public school and graduated with the class of 1895. He belonged to Company I, Third Regiment Indiana National Guard .. being sergeant- major to Colonel Kuhlman. He completed a course in dentistry in Indi- anapolis, graduating in June, 1904. On December 28, 1903, he was married to Delia, daughter of Michael and Flora Kiplinger, who was a graduate of the Waterloo schools in the class of 1900. They have three children, Cleo K., Maynard K. and Maude. They live in Tuscola, Illinois, where he is successfully engaged in dentistry.
Maynard Hine, the third son of Sheldon Horatio Hine and wife, was born on January 2, 1876, at Sedan, DeKalb county, Indiana, and lived on the home farm during his boyhood years, attending the high school, where he was graduated in 1897. In that year he went to Auburn and helped his father in the county treasurer's office during a part of the latter's term. He became a corporal of Company I, Third Regiment Indiana National Guards, and during the Spanish-American war he went to the front with his com- pany, which became a part of the One Hundred and Fifty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was with the regiment until the close of that brief war. He returned home and thereafter for several years was em- ployed on the home farm. In 1901 he married Mabel Scattergood, and at that time began farming for himself. In February, 1912, Maynard Hine bought fifty-eight acres of his father's old home place and is engaged in the operation of that land, as well as some other land adjoining. He and his wife are both members of the United Brethren church. Mrs. Mabel ( Scatter- good) Hine was born east of Waterloo, Grant township, DeKalb county, and is a sister of George Scattergood, who is represented elsewhere in this work. When she was four years old her parents moved to the east part of Richland township, this county, where she lived until her marriage.
Lula Hine, the daughter and youngest child, was born May 3, 1880. She graduated from Waterloo public school and attended the Normal school at Valparaiso for one year. After teaching a few years she became the wife of R. C. Smith, of Tuscola, Illinois, who is a real estate agent of that city. Mrs. Catherine Hine died on June 10, 1910, and on June 1, 1913, Mr. Hine married Mrs. Bertha (Closson) Knott, who was born and reared in the southern part of Steuben county, Indiana, and was a teacher in the pub- lic schools for more than twenty years. Her parents were early settlers of Steuben county and were people of respectability and prominence. Mrs. (63)
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Hine is now librarian of Waterloo. Her first husband, John Adams Knott, died about twenty-five years ago, about five years after their marriage, which was without issue,
Personally, the subject of this sketch is a man of clean moral character and marked business ability, which was evidenced in the successful manage- ment of his farming enterprises, and now he is numbered among the earnest and respected citizens of the section of the county in which he lives, his daily life being evidence of the high motives which control his actions.
E. W. SAYLOR.
Among the citizens of Concord township who have built up comfortable homes and surrounded themselves with landed and personal property, few have attained a higher degree of success than the subject of this sketch. With few opportunities except what his own efforts were capable of master- ing and with many discouragements to overcome, he has made a success of life and has the gratification of knowing that the community in which he has resided has been benefited by his presence.
E. W. Saylor, who occupies a fine farm in Concord township, is a native of DeKalb county, Indiana, having been born on August 17, 1858, and is the son of William and Mary J. (Stiltz) Saylor. These parents were natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and came to Concord township, this county, in 1850, locating on two hundred acres of land which he bought here and one hundred and forty of which the subject of this sketch now resides. William Saylor was twice married, first to Rosan Wade, to which union were born the following children: Mrs. Susan Stafford, now deceased; Samuel, deceased; Calvin, of Allen county, this state; Mrs. Catherine Rick- ett, of St. Joe. To William and Mary J. Saylor the following children were born: Mrs. Annie Baker, who lives in Concord township on a farm; E. W .. the immediate subject of this sketch; William H., of Hicksville, Ohio; Joseph H .. of DeKalb county, and Orman F., who lives in Indianapolis.
The subject of this sketch received his early education in the common schools of DeKalb county and was reared to the life of a farmer, a vocation to which he has devoted all his active years and in which he has met with most pronounced success. Careful, methodical and energetic in his opera- tions, he gives his strict attention to his own affairs, with the result that he
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has met with a degree of success commensurate with his efforts. As before stated, he is residing on one hundred and forty acres of the old home place and he takes a justifiable pride in the manner in which he keeps up the ap- pearance of the place. The neat and attractive residence, the substantial and commodious barns, well kept fences and the condition of the fields indicate the owner to be a man of good taste and sound judgment in the handling of his farming operations. He raises all the crops common to this locality and also gives some attention to live stock, which he has found to be a valuable adjunct to successful farming.
On August 28, 1887, Mr. Saylor was married to Fannie Bovlick, the daughter of Anthony and Barbara Bovlick, natives of Germany, and to this union have been born three children, two of whom died in infancy, the sur- vivor being a son, Fred, who is now at home with his parents. Fraternally, Mr. Saylor is an appreciative member of Lodge No. 671, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at St. Joe. As a neighbor and citizen Mr. Saylor stands high in the esteem of all who know him, and the deep interest he takes in promoting the social and moral welfare of the community gives him an en- viable reputation throughout the locality in which he lives.
ALBERT N. THRUSH.
There are individuals in nearly every community who, by reason of pronounced ability and force of character, rise above the heads of the masses and command the unbounded esteem of their fellow men. Characterized by perseverance and a directing spirit, two virtues that never fail, such men al- ways make their presence felt and the vigor of their strong personality serve as a stimulus and incentive to the young and rising generation. To this ener- getic and enterprising class the subject of this review very properly belongs. Having never been seized with the roaming desires that have led many of DeKalb county's young men to other fields of endeavor and other states, where they have sought their fortunes, Mr. Thrush has devoted his life to industries at home and has succeeded remarkably well, as we shall see by a study of his life history.
Albert N. Thrush, than whom no citizen of Butler township enjoys to a greater degree the popular confidence and regard, was born in Noble county, Indiana, on February 22, 1860, the son of William T. and Sarepta (Errick-
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son) Thrush. The subject's mother was a native of Indiana and his father of Pennsylvania, from whence he came to Indiana, settling in Fort Wayne, where he followed the trade of a mason. Subsequently he moved to Noble county, Indiana, where he married and then, in 1868, came to DeKalb county, settling on a farm in Butler township. He retired and lived in Auburn from 1884 until his death, August 31, 1891. His wife passed away in Auburn in April, 1897. They were the parents of seven children, the subject of this sketch being the second born.
Albert N. Thrush received his education in the common schools of Noble and DeKalb counties, and as soon as old enough took up his share of the farm work. He has never relinquished his agricultural activities, and is now the owner of a splendid farm of two hundred and sixty-seven acres in Butler township, where he carries on general farming, raising all the crops generally cultivated in this locality and also giving some attention to live stock. His farm is kept in good condition and is numbered among the val- nable homesteads of Butler township.
In January, 1882, Mr. Thrush married Ellen Pepple, the daughter of Joseph and Adeline Pepple, and to them have been born three children, Walter M., who married Inez Heitz; Marie, a teacher, and Marion, in high school .. In the civic life of the community Mr. Thrush has long taken a live interest and has served as, trustee of his township one term, 1895 to 1900, to the entire satisfaction of his fellow citizens. He has also served as president of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company of DeKalb county for six years and five, years as a director, having been actively identified with this com- pany for eleven years. He has also served as county chairman of the DeKalb County Farmers' Institute work for three years and is still actively connected with this association. It is a well authenticated fact that success comes only as the result of legitimate and well applied energy, unflagging determination and untiring perseverance, and in tracing the history of the subject of this sketch, it is found that the above elements have entered very largely into his makeup, and therefore there is no surprise at the splendid success which has crowned his efforts. His relations with his fellows have been such as to inspire their respect and confidence, and today no citizen of Butler township is held in higher esteem than A. N. Thrush.
Politically, Mr. Thrush is a Republican; fraternally, is a member of Lodge No. 689, Free and Accepted Masons, at Huntertown, Indiana, and, with his wife. belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. The son, Walter M., who has always assisted his father on the home place, is also a Mason.
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DEKALB COUNTY, INDIANA.
PHILIP S. CARPER.
It is generally considered by those in the habit of superficial thinking that the history of so-called great men only is worthy of preservation and that little merit exists among the masses to call forth the praises of the his- torian or the cheers and appreciation of mankind. A greater mistake was never made. No man is great in all things and very few are great in many things. Many by a lucky stroke achieve lasting fame, who before that had no reputation beyond the limits of their neighborhoods. It is not a history of the lucky stroke that benefits mankind most, but the long study and effort which made the lucky stroke possible. It is the preliminary work, the method, that serves as a guide for the success of others. Among those in this county who have achieved success along steady lines of action is the subject of this sketch.
Philip S. Carper, secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Com- pany, was born in DeKalb county, December 7, 1865, the son of John and Sarah (Friedt) Carper. John Carper was a native of Holmes county, Ohio, and came to DeKalb county with his parents, Adam and Elizabeth ( Cobbler ) Carper, in 1842, they settling in Jackson township on land entered from the government. John Carper died in 1895, while his wife is still living. The original tract of land entered is still in possession of the family. To them were born eight children: Eugene, George W., Lillie A., John A., Mary E., Philip, Laura J., and Alda Viola, deceased. Philip Carper received a good common school education in the DeKalb county schools, after which he began the career of an agriculturalist, in which he achieved a splendid success. Mr. Carper remained at home until his marriage and then located on his present farm. four miles southeast of Auburn, on the Auburn and St. Joe road. on the Henry Brown farm. He made all of the improvements just as they stand. He has seventy acres, of which fifty-five acres are in a good state of cultivation. He carries on a general farming business. In 1903 he was elected secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company, which position he still occupies, and his natural aptitude for this line of work has stood him in good stead, as is evidenced in the wonderful progress of the company, it now carrying over seven million dollars in policies with thirty- five hundred policy-holders. In this strong company, associated with Mr. Carper, are the following officers: President, A. N. Thrush ; treasurer, John Hebel; vice-president, William Norris; actuary, C. H. Bangs: board of directors, Charles S. Arford, Henry St. Clair, David Shook. George Rhein-
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hart and Archie Bowman. Mr. Thrush was elected president in 1908, and has been actively engaged with the company for about ten years. Since 1907 Mr. Carper has been a director of the City National Bank of Auburn.
On October 16, 1895, Mr. Carper was married to Lulu Able, daughter of Walter and Anna (Nelson) Able, who came from their native state of Ohio with their parents, he having been born in Trumbull county and she from Tuscarawas county. They had one other child besides the subject's wife, a son named Ross. To Mr. and Mrs. Carper have been born two chil- dred, Hugh B., born January 16, 1897, and Nellie, born May 1, 1900, both of whom are still under the shelter of the parental roof.
Mr. Carper has always given his support to the Republican party, and was honored by being selected as drainage commissioner by his fellow citi- zens in 1908 and 1909. His splendid success in his varied activities should be set down in a work of this character that the future generations may profit by his example.
JESSE H. WARNER.
Among the successful, self-made men of DeKalb county, Indiana, whose . efforts and influence have contributed to the material upbuilding and general activity of their respective communities, the gentleman whose name appears above occupies a conspicuous position. In view of the energetic, consistent and successful record he has achieved, it is eminently appropriate that he be given representation in the present work.
Jesse Warner was born in August, 1850, near Tiffin, Seneca county, Ohio, and was a son of Daniel and Rebecca (Ransburg) Warner. Daniel Warner was from Hagerstown, Maryland, as was his wife. When Jesse H. Warner was but a child, his parents moved to near Mccutcheonville, Seneca county, Ohio, and thence to Jackson township, that county, during the Civil war, and there the father bought a wooden bowl factory. He then moved to Henry county, Ohio, where he and his wife died, the former at the age of ninety-seven years and the latter when about eighty-four years old. Jesse H. Warner was reared on the home farm and lived there until his marriage, in 1877, to Almina Walters, who was born near Weston, Wood county, Ohio, the daughter of Elias and Phoebe Jane ( Bossard) Walters. When she was five years old her father died, and when fifteen years old she suffered the loss of her mother. A few weeks later she went to Henry county, Ohio, and
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