History of Hamilton County Indiana, her people, industries and institutions, Part 92

Author: John F. Haines
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1051

USA > Indiana > Hamilton County > History of Hamilton County Indiana, her people, industries and institutions > Part 92

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Zadok Passwater grew to manhood in this county and became a prom- inent factor in the life of his community. He was a lifelong farmer, a public- spirited citizen and was frequently called upon to settle estates. He took a leading part in the construction of the Clarksville pike and was the president of the company which constructed the highway. He also was heavily inter- ested financially in this pike and for this reason was particularly anxious to see the road successful. Zadok Passwater was very hospitable to strangers and often recalled that he himself had difficulty in finding places to stop over night when away from home. He made the trip to Indianapolis on the first

Digitized by Google

909

HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.

train that was run from Noblesville to the capital city. He was active in Republican politics from the beginning of that party. Zadok Passwater was accustomed to read aloud to his family when the weekly paper came, and the children still recall how they ranged themselves about the huge fireplace to hear their father read the war news. The neighbors frequently came in to hear the news, for newspapers at that time were scarce, and even people who could read were not to be found everywhere.

Zadok Passwater was married October 30, 1853, to Martha J. Brattain, who was a native of Wayne county, Indiana, born September 8, 1828, the daughter of William and Catherine Brattain. William Brattain was born August 25, 1795, and his wife was born April 1, 1799. William Brattain and wife came from North Carolina to Wayne county, Indiana, in pioneer days, and shortly afterwards, located in Hamilton county. When William Brat- tain came to this county he located on Mud Creek, in the eastern part of Wayne township, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land and lived the remainder of his life.

The children of Zadok Passwater and wife are as follows: William C., Enoch M., John F., Corydon W., Mary C., Zadok F., Martha F. and twin daughters who died in infancy. Zadok Passwater died February 13, 1871. and his widow passed away September 7, 1907. They were active members of the Methodist Episcopal church and were deeply concerned in everything that pertained to the welfare of that denomination.

Enoch M. Passwater was educated in the schools of his home neighbor- hood, and lived on his father's farm until his marriage. At the age of twenty-one he bought a farm of his own north of Clarksville, where he now resides. Since then he has added to this farm until he is now the owner of one hundred and twenty-four acres of well improved land, his farm being known as "Woodside Farm."

Mr. Passwater was married December 20, 1885, to Susan J. Ballard. who was born in 1862. at Wabash. Indiana, and was the daughter of Thomas and Rebecca (Hyatt ) Ballard. Her parents came from Guilford county, North Carolina, after their marriage and located in Indiana about 1856. They first stopped in Rush county, but shortly afterwards moved to Hamil- ton county. and still later to Wabash county. Mr. Ballard was a soldier in the Civil War, and after the close of that war, engaged in farming for several years. Upon locating in Wabash, he engaged in the lumber business, and after settling in Hamilton county, again resumed farming. Mr. Ballard brought his family to this county when Mrs. Passwater was about seven years old and located at Westfield. where he lived the remainder of his life.

Digitized by

Google

910

HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.

For several years he carried the mail between Noblesville and Westfield, and his death occurred in March, 1902, his wife having passed away in 1875.

Mr. Passwater and wife have four children living and one deceased : Howard F., Thomas J., Charles B. and Robert T. The only daughter, Jessie F., who was the wife of Clayton R. Johnson, died July 3. 1913, leaving one son, Noland, who now lives with Mr. Passwater.

Mr. Passwater is a stanch Republican in politics, and has taken an active interest in the councils of his party. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons. In everything he does, Mr. Passwater adheres strictly to correct principles, and such has been his every-day conduct that he merits the high esteem in which he is universally held.

EDWARD PARKER ZEIS.

' A worthy citizen of Wayne township, Hamilton county, Indiana, is Edward Parker Zeis. He divides his attention between public school teach- ing and farming. As a teacher he is recognized as one of the best in his county, while as a farmer -he has been no less successful. His father has been for many years one of the most prominent men of his county and the son has shed additional luster on the family name.

Edward Parker Zeis, the son of Charles and Molly ( Hipsher) Zeis, was born July 31, 1879, in Seneca county, Ohio. A sketch of the interesting career of his father, Charles Zeis, is presented elsewhere in this volume and the reader is referred to it for additional information concerning the Zeis family.

Edward Parker Zeis is one of the three children born to his parents. the other two being Stella Odessa and Leander Ernest. Edward P. Zeis at- tended the common schools and then entered the high school at Noblesville, graduating from this high school in the spring of 1900. In the fall of the same year he began teaching in Wayne township, and has been in continuous service in the school room since that time with the exception of two years. As a school teacher he applied himself zealously to his duties and is recog- nized as a careful and conscientious instructor of the youth. From 1908 to 1910 he managed his father's farm in Wayne township and when his father bought a farm in another part of Wayne township in 1910, he moved on to it. and has since resided there. He teaches during the winter season and spends the rest of the year working on the farm. This farm consists of one

Digitized by Google

911

HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.

hundred and two acres of excellent land and under his skillful management is producing excellent crops.

Mr. Zeis was married May 26, 1900, to Jessie Alpharetta Carey. She was born in Hamilton county, Indiana, and is the daughter of Calvin and Eliza (Reagan) Carey. Her parents were born in Hendricks county, Indi- ana, and later located near Westfield, in Hamilton county. Her mother died March 3, 1913, and her father is now living in Los Angeles, California. He was a life-long farmer and served with distinction in the Civil War as a member of the Nineteenth Indiana Battery of Heavy Artillery. Mr. Zeis and his wife have four children, Charles Calvin, Donald Maxwell, Richard Carey and Robert Ernest.

Mr. Zeis is a Democrat and while he takes a deep interest in the political problems before the nation today has never been active in political affairs in his township and county. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, while his wife holds membership in the Friends church, the same to which her parents belonged. Mr. Zeis is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Modern Woodmen , of America.

CHARLES J. WHEELER.

There are men in every community who take the lead in various activities and there are certain characteristics which are always possessed by such men. The spirit of never giving up, of staying by a thing until it is completed, no · matter what obstacles may present themselves, is the keynote to the success- ful man's career. He who allows his application to falter or deserts his work on frivolous pretexts is on the sure road to ultimate failure. Let any task be undertaken as a thing not possible to be evaded and it will soon come to be performed with alacrity and cheerfulness. How many young men falter, faint and dally with their purpose because they have no capital to start with and wait for some good luck to give them a lift! Success is a child of drudgery and perseverance. It cannot be coaxed or 'bribed. Pay the price and it is yours. Our greatest strength is developed and our best work is done while we are struggling desperately for that which we do not possess. So many young men fail because they are not willing to devote themselves to that toilsome culture which is the price of great success. If a man wishes to wear spurs in the tournament of life he must buckle them to his own heels before he enters the lists. A man of this county who has forged to the front

Digitized by Google

912

HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.

as a leader of his fellow citizens is Charles J. Wheeler, the present Republican chairman of the ninth congressional district. For many years he has been one of the most successful and prosperous farmers of Hamilton county, and those same attributes which have made him a success in the agricultural world have brought him success in the political world. Various offices have come to him because of his well recognized ability and in every official capacity he has performed faithful and efficient service.

Charles J. Wheeler, the son of George W. and Hulda (George) Wheeler, was born December 2, 1871. in Noblesville township, this county. His par- ents were both natives of this county, and his father was. for many years one of the most successful farmers and business men of the county. George . M. Wheeler, with his brother. James, owned the first tile factory in this county and made a pronounced success of their undertaking. In addition to farming and the manufacture of tile, George W. Wheeler engaged ex- tensively in the buying and selling of live stock. He drove live stock from this county to Indianapolis before there was a stockyard in that city and personally superintended the loading of the cars himself. At the time of his death, April 17, 1912, at the age of seventy-five, he was the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and sixty-five acres in this county. To George M. Wheeler and wife were born six children, William T., of Indianapolis: Mrs. Laura Keiser, who lives in Marshall, Illinois: Mrs. Anna Russell, of Rankin, Illinois : Orph H., of Marshall, Illinois : Mrs. Ella Campbell, whose husband is the assistant secretary of the Hamilton County Trust Company of Nobles- ville and Charles J., whose life history is here recorded.

Charles J. Wheeler received an excellent education, being a graduate of the common schools and also of the high school at Noblesville. After leaving school he returned to the farm, where he lived until his election as clerk of Hamilton county. in 1903. He lived in Noblesville during his incumbency of that office, from 1905 to 1909, and at the expiration of his term, was ap- pointed custodian of the state house at Indianapolis, filling that office for the next eighteen months. He then received an appointment as a clerk in the revenue department, serving in that capacity for eight months. Since that time he has been engaged in farming in this county, where he carries on a general system of agriculture and makes a specialty of the breeding of Percheron horses.

Mr. Wheeler was married March 8. 1893, to Etta M. Wheatley, the daughter of William A. and Angeline ( Neidigh) Wheatley, of this county, and to this union have been born four children, Ruth A., born December 15, 1893. who is the wife of Ralph R. Heiny, a farmer of this county ; Thomas

Digitized by Google

913

HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.

W., born December 1, 1895, was graduated from the Noblesville high school in 1913; Mabel R., born April 5, 1898, is a junior in the Noblesville high school ; George W., born February 3, 1904, is still in the grades.

Mr. Wheeler always has taken an active part in Republican politics, and was county chairman of his party from 1906 to 1910. In the latter year he was the secretary of the county organization and remaining in that position until 1912, when he was elected district chairman of the ninth congressional district, comprising Hamilton, Clinton, Tipton, Fountain, Howard, Mont- gomery, Boone and Carroll counties, Indiana. As district chairman he per- formed efficient service for his party and made the very best fight possible under the circumstances. Mr. Wheeler is a member of the Free and Ac- cepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He and his family are members of the United Brethren church and are liberal contributors to its various activities. Mr. Wheeler is now living on his mother's farm of one hundred and eighty-five acres, which is located in Noblesville township, and is classed among the most progressive farmers of the county. His mother is still living in good health at the age of seventy- four, and is now residing with her daughter, Mrs. Ella Campbell, in Nobles- ville. Mr. Wheeler is a man of high reputation and strict integrity and is . esteemed and respected by everyone with whom he is associated. He is widely known throughout his county and congressional district, and is uni- versally looked upon as a man who is living the life of the good American citizen in every sense of the word.

JOHN H. SYLVESTER.

The Sylvester family was one of the first families to locate in Hamilton county, and Joseph Sylvester. the grandfather of John H., entered eighty acres of land in the northeastern part of Fall Creek township, shortly after the county was organized. John H. Sylvester has been a life-long farmer in Wayne township where he was born, although he has not farmed all of his life in the same township. He is a man who keeps well informed on the latest methods of agriculture, and has so managed his affairs as to secure the maximum results from his efforts. He has been living on his present farm for the past fifteen years and has improved it in such a way as to make it one of the attractive farms of his township.

(58)

Digitized by Google

914

HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.

John H. Sylvester, the son of William and Mary Jane (Ferguson) Syl- vester, was born in Wayne township, Hamilton county, Indiana, in 1856. His father was a native of this state and was the son of Joseph Sylvester, who was a native of Virginia. Joseph Sylvester came to Madison, Indiana, after his marriage and was a steamboatman on the Ohio for several years. Subsequently he engaged in farming in Jefferson county, Indiana, near Madi- son, and married in that county. After his marriage Joseph Sylvester located in Fall Creek township, Hamilton county, Indiana, and lived the remainder of his life on what is now known as the Canaday farm one mile west of the farm now owned by his grandson, John H. Sylvester.

On this farm in Fall Creek township William Sylvester grew to man- hood. He followed agricultural pursuits almost all of his life. although he spent about five years in a grocery and dry goods store. first at Fishers in Hamilton county, and later at Hardscrabble, Madison county. William Sylvester married Mary Ferguson, who was born in Franklin county, Vir- ginia, the daughter of Jacob A. and Jane Ferguson. She came to Hamilton county in childhood with her parents, who lived most of their lives in Madi- son county.

John H. Sylvester was educated in the public schools of Fall Creek town- ship, and lived at home until his marriage at the age of twenty-two. He then · engaged in farming for himself in Madison county, and rented land for several years in that county. He finally bought eighty acres on the Madison county side of the road across from the farm where he is now living. In 1899 he moved on to his present farm in Wayne township near the Fall Creek township line, where he has one hundred and fifteen acres of well improved land. He has given his attention to general farming and stock raising, and has met with that success which comes to every farmer who diligently ap- plies himself to his labors.

Mr. Sylvester was married March, 1878. to Cornelia Jane Whetsel, a sister of Leander Franklin Whetsel, a sketch of whose history is given else- where in this volume. To this union two children have been born who are now living, and two who are deceased. Pearl Gertrude is the widow of James Partain, and now lives in Noblesville. Vasti is the wife of Rollin Keeling. and lives in Noblesville. Edward Asa died at the age of twelve. and one other child died in infancy.

Mr. Sylvester is a Democrat and while interested in everything per- taining to the civic welfare of his community, has never been a candidate for public office nor taken an active part in political affairs in his township and county. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and takes much interest in the work of that fraternal organization. ,

Digitized by Google

915

HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.

CHARLES ZEIS.

One of the most prominent farmers and business men of Hamilton county, Indiana, is Charles Zeis, who for many years was a leader in the affairs of Wayne township. He is descended from sterling German ancestry and has inherited all those qualities of thrift and industry which has made the people of German descent such valuable acquisitions to our cosmopolitan population. Probably the most interesting chapter in the life history of Mr. Zeis is comprehended within the period when he was serving as trustee of Wayne township. Although the story of his election in 1894 and his subsequent effort to secure possession of the office to which he was duly elected is a familiar story to the older citizens of the county, it will bear repetition and should be a part of the history of his county.

Charles Zeis, the son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Lower) Zeis, was born August 20, 1851, at Tiffin, Ohio. His father was born in Bavaria, Germany, and at the age of six came with his parents from his native land to America, settling first in Maryland. His parents, John Martin and Christina Zeis, lived in the latter state for about twelve years, and then went westward and located on a farm near Tiffin, Ohio. In that county, Jacob Zeis grew to man- hood and there married Elizabeth Lower, who also was a native of Germany. She was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, and came to America with her parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Lower, at the age of sixteen. The Lower family also located in Ohio near Tiffin. Jacob Zeis and his wife lived the remainder of their days in Ohio.

Charles Zeis was given a good common school education and remained on the home farm until he was married in 1876. He then began farming for himself near Tiffin and operated the old homestead which his grandfather had entered in the time of Andrew Jackson. His grandfather had the old sheepskin document, the patent which he secured from the government, and which is signed by Andrew Jackson. On this farm Charles Zeis lived until 1888, when he moved to Hamilton county, Indiana, and located in Wayne township.

Upon coming to this county Charles Zeis bought a farm of one hundred and seventy-two acres on the Noblesville and Clarksville road, and lived on this farm until 1906, when he moved to Noblesville and left the farm in charge of his son, Parker. In 1910 he sold this farm and bought two other farms of eighty-five acres and one hundred and two acres respectively. A few years ago Mr. Zeis moved to Noblesville, where he is now residing although he still gives his personal supervision to his farms.

Digitized by Google

916

HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.

Mr. Zeis is a stanch Democrat in politics, and for years has been one of the leaders of his party in township and county matters. In 1894 he was elected trustee of Wayne township, but his election was contested and for one year he was kept out of the office. The Legislature, however, extended the tenure of township trustees to four years and consequently he held the office for five years. His election was contested by the Republicans who had a majority in the county, and before he finally secured possession of the office his case had been carried through the lower courts to the supreme court of Indiana, which court decided unanimously in his favor. It is safe to say that no township trustee in Hamilton county ever performed more efficient service for his fellow citizens than did Mr. Zeis in the five years that he held this office in Wayne township. He not only built five brick school houses and repaired two others, but he left the township at the expiration of his term of office absolutely unencumbered with indebtedness and with money in the treasury. He accomplished this by using good judgment in every- thing that he did, and let contracts only to the lowest bidders who could do the work in an efficient manner. The school houses which he built are still standing and will stand for many years to come, a tribute to his excellent supervision. One of these school houses has two rooms, and all are covered with slate. His conduct of the affairs of the township during his term of office won the hearty approval of his fellow citizens, irrespective of their politics.

Mr. Zeis takes a keen interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the farmers of his county, and has three times been elected chairman of the County Farmers Institute. He is well known throughout the county as a man of public spirit. and lends his hearty support to every measure which promises to be of any benefit for the general advancement of his county.

Mr. Zeis was married February 3. 1876, to Mary L. Hipsher. who was born in Lancaster, Ohio, and was left an orphan at an early age. being reared by relatives. To this union have been born three children, Odessa, Edward Parker and Lee. Odessa attended the Central Normal College at Danville. Indiana. and later entered DePauw University, from which institution she was graduated in 1898. She is now teaching in the high school at Madison, Wisconsin. She had previously taught in the high schools of Wabash and Noblesville. Indiana. spending three years in each. Parker, the eldest son. married Jessie Carey, and now lives on his father's farm in the southern part of Wayne township. He has four sons. Charles Calvin, Donald Max- well, Richard C. and Robert Parker taught school for a number of years and still teaches during the winter time, although he is gradually giving more of

Digitized by Google

917

HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.

his attention to his agricultural interests. . Lee, the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. Zeis, married Ethel Burke, and lives on his father's farm near Clarks- ville. He has two sons, George and Keith.

Mr. Zeis and his family are consistent members of the Methodist Epis- copal church of Bethel. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Red Men. Thus briefly is given the history of a man who has been wisely connected with the material, moral and educational history of his township and county for many years, and whose every act will bear the close scrutiny of his fellow citizens. Such men are invaluable assets to their respective communities, and lend stability to our commonwealth.

LARKIN M. STULTZ.

A life of more than half a century has given Larkin M. Stultz the opportunity of being well known by the people of the county. He is a mem- ber of an old and highly esteemed family and for many years has so stamped the impress of his individuality upon the community in which he lives as to add luster to the honorable name which he bears. He always has been scrupulously honest in all his relations with his fellow men and has left no stone unturned whereby he might benefit his own condition as well as that of his neighbors and friends. Not in the least seeking for fame, he has, however, many qualities and accomplishments to his credit which are worthy of emulation and he commands the respect of all his fellow citizens.

Larkin M. Stultz, a prosperous farmer of Washington township, was born April 30, 1858, in Clay township, this county. His parents, Joseph and Gilla (Gentry) Stultz, were natives of North Carolina and Kentucky, re- spectively. Joseph Stultz came to Hamilton county in 1837, and entered a farm in Washington township, but later disposed of it and secured a farm in Clayton township. He cleared ten acres of land the first year, and planted it in corn, doing all of his work with one horse. He and his young wife, to whom he was married in 1837, endured all of the hardships incident to pioneer life, but as the years rolled by had the satisfaction of seeing their hard work yield satisfactory returns. Joseph Stultz and wife were the par- ents of thirteen children, Mrs. Mary E. Petree, born April 10, 1839, de- ceased; Mrs. Sarah C. Lee, born January 5, 1841, deceased : Mrs. Nancy J. Cruse, born November 29, 1842, deceased : James M., born October 24, 1844, now living at Jolietville, this county; W. W., born September 18, 1846, now

Digitized by Google

918

HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.

a resident of Spiceland, Indiana; Martha A., born November 18, 1848, de- ceased; Mrs. Perinth E. Weaver, born January 19, 1851, a resident of this county ; Joseph M., born February 25, 1853, a farmer of Boone county, this state ; John W., born December 1, 1855, deceased; Larkin M., with whom this narrative deals; Amanda L., born July 30, 1860, now living in Zionsville; Mrs. Melissa E. Cotton, born January 18, 1863, and Mrs. Ludema Dean, born May 29, 1865, now living in Indianapolis. The father of these children was born December 10, 1814, and died May 1, 1900, while their mother was born August 11. 1821, and died in September, 1907.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Hamilton County Indiana, her people, industries and institutions, Part 92

Author: John F. Haines Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Number of Pages: 1051

Author: John F. Haines
Publication date: 1915
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 1051