USA > Indiana > Huntington County > History of Huntington County, Indiana : a narrative account of its historical progress, its people, and its principal interests, Volume II > Part 17
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Mr. Thompson was born in Warren county, Indiana, and was but three months old when his parents took him to Texas, where the family remained for about two years. They then returned to Indiana and located in Polk township, where the youth was reared to manhood. He was given excellent educational advantages, attending the common schools of Huntington county and Polk township, the Polk township high school and the Marion Normal school, and then for three terms was a student in the De Pauw University at Greencastle, Indiana. Upon his graduation from that institution, he took up educational work, and for seven years was a teacher in the schools of Polk township. Few educators have gained greater popularity than did Mr. Thompson, but he felt that in other lines he would secure a greater measure of success and accordingly he returned to farming. After a short period he ac- cepted an opportunity to enter the hardware business at Andrews, but commercial lines did not meet with his favor, and after one year he again answered the call of the soil and became a worker in the field of agriculture. At this time he is cultivating 140 acres of good land, which he devotes to general farming, although he also raises some stock. He is thoroughly versed in modern methods, and is an advocate of their use, his own achievements in the line of producing crops being decided arguments in his favor.
On August 16, 1899, Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Rosa Kellam, who was born in Polk township, a member of one of the earliest families of this community, her grandfather, the late Silas B. Fisher, being the first white child born in Polk township. Two bright and interesting chil- dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, namely, Agnes and
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Howard, twelve and six years old respectively, who are attending the public schools of the township.
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson arc consistent members of Pitcher Chapel of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Thompson is a member of Mount Etna Lodge No. 304, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is past grand, and a member of the Encampment. Mrs. Thompson belongs to the Rebekahs, and is a past grand and a member of the grand lodge of the state. Politically a republican, Mr. Thompson has taken an active interest in civic affairs.
ARTHUR E. CHARLES. Some of Huntington county's successful citi- zens, after years spent in other lines of endeavor, have returned to farm- ing, satisfied that in this line they can more surely gain a full measure of success. The call of the soil is strong to all classes, but to the man who has been reared among agricultural surroundings it is particularly so, and when he again returns to the plow he invariably gains himself a position among his community's substantial men. In this class stands Arthur E. Charles, who is now carrying on operations on a tract of eighty acres in Polk township, although for a number of years other pursuits had his attention. He is a native son of Huntington county, having been born on a farm in Polk township, April 2, 1873, and is a son of Jesse P. and Lorinda (Miner) .Charles. His parents were married in Henry county, Indiana, and on coming to Wabash county settled in the vicinity of Lincolnville, where they resided for a short time, sub- sequently going to near New Holland and then to the city of Wabash. In 1895 they came to Polk township and located on a farm of 80 acres four miles south of Andrews, where Mr. Charles continued to be cn- gaged in farming and raising stock until his death, November 17, 1908. The mother still survives and makes her home on the old farm. They were the parents of six children, of whom five are living at this time : Homer W., who is a graduate of the Valparaiso schools, is now married and a resident of Topeka, Kansas, where he holds the responsible posi- tion of superintendent of the Boys' Industrial School of the State of Kansas; Lola M., who is the widow of William R. Ridgeway; Nora B., who is residing at home with her mother; William E., who died in 1907; Nellie C., who is the wife of John S. Jack, of Minneapolis; and Arthur E.
Arthur E. Charles was reared on the home farm in Polk township and in the city of Wabash, and received his early cducation in the district schools and the graded schools of Wabash. He was given fur- ther advantages by attendance at the Indiana State Normal school, and then qualified as a teacher and took up educational work, being for sev- eral ycars a popular teacher in the public schools of Wabash and Hunt- ington counties. He then left the schoolroom to accept a position in the old Howe factory at Peru, where he remained eight years. In 1907 he returned to the farm in Polk township, where he has since continued, and is now in charge of cighty acres of well-cultivated land. His labors in the active affairs have brought him a fair degree of success, and he is
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becoming recognized as one of the men who are maintaining Polk town- ship's high reputation in the agricultural line. His time is given to his farm and home interests, and he has not found leisure to enter the political field, although he takes a keen and intelligent interest in those things which affect the welfare of his adopted community. For a num. ber of years he was a supporter of republican policies and candidates, but in the campaign of 1912 he transferred his allegiance to the new pro- gressive party, which has since had his ardent support. Mr. Charles is well known fraternally belonging to Antioch Lodge No. 410, F. & A. M., Andrews Chapter, No. 110, R. A. M., and Andrews Council, R. & S. M. At present he is senior warden of his lodge and in the chapter king, while in the council he serves as deputy master. He has many friends in this connection, and is generally esteemed in Polk township because of his industrious and honorable career.
WILLIAM W. CAMPBELL. Solid business connections and natural abil- ity, combined with thorough experience, assist a merchant to compete successfully with competitors, and in many instances by developing an originality of handling sales to distance them and add to his patronage by a large number of satisfied customers. One of the successful mer- chants of Huntington county, who has succeeded in the enterprise with which he is now connected because of natural ability and aptitude, is William W. Campbell, propreitor of a general merchandise store at Monument City, where he has been located since 1909.
Mr. Campbell is a native of Huntington county, having been born on a farm in Wayne township, October 20, 1869, and is a son of John F. and Mary A. (Trowbridge) Campbell. Both of his parents are now deceased. Mr. Campbell was brought up to agricultural pursuits, and during his boyhood when not attending the district schools was engaged in helping his father in the cultivation of the homestead property. He early learned habits of industry and thrift, and a careful mother taught him the rewards to be gained by honesty and probity. He continued under the parental roof until he was twenty-one years of age, and then faced the world on his own account, being engaged in farming for several years. Mr. Campbell thien laid aside agricultural operations to become an educator, and for several years taught school in Huntington county. This vocation, however, did not appeal to him, and he next went to Marion, Indiana, where for eight years he was engaged in work in a lumber yard, and here gained his first insight into business methods. Subsequently, he returned to the old home place which he operated for eight years for his mother, his father having died, and at the end of that period purchased a farm of his own in Wabash county. It had always been Mr. Campbell's desire, however, to enter the commercial field, and when the opportunity offered, two years later, he traded his land for the building and stock of goods at Monument City, thus realizing his ambition of becoming a merchant. From the first the business has been a remarkable success, and it now commands a generous share of the trade of this part of the county. Mr. Campbell's business acumen, judgment
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DR. CHARLES O. BECHTOL, CHARLES BECHTOL, CHARLES O. BECHTOL, JR.
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and capacity have enabled him to realize the needs of his customers and to secure for them the most desirable goods. He has steadily built up a substantial business enterprise, and is now accounted one of the lead- ing men of his adopted place. In his political views Mr. Campbell is a republican, but he has been too busy making a place for himself in the business world to enter actively into the strife of political affairs.
On December 24, 1890, Mr. Campbell was married to Miss Minnie Burnworth, who was born in Wayne township, Huntington county, and was well educated in the public schools. To this union there have been born five children, namely: Glenn, who is a graduate of the common schools, married Belle Jennings, and is a carpenter in Monument City ; Ethel, who is also a graduate of the public schools, and now the wife of Roy Prilaman; and Agnes, Austin and Earl, who are all attending the Monument City grammar school.
CHARLES BECHTOL. After many years spent in earnest and indus- trious endeavor, Charles Bechtol is now living in quiet retirement in his pleasant home at Huntington, surrounded by the comforts which form the commensurate reward for an energetie and well-spent life. Mr. Bechtol is one of Huntington's oldest and most highly respected resi- dents, and a review of his career should prove both interesting and instructive to those who are starting out in life in an effort to gain position and prominence, without the aid of capital or influential friends.
Charles Bechtol is a native of Ohio, born September 3, 1840, in Stark county, the third son of David and Mary Bechtol, the latter of whom died when Charles was still a small child. His father, David Bechtol, was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, founded the family in Ohio in early manhood when he settled on a farm in Stark county, but in his latter years eame to Indiana, and died at South Bend, this state, at the remarkable age of ninety-seven years. Charles Bechtol grew up a farmer boy and was rearcd to habits of thrift and industry. His edu- cation was secured during the short winter terms at the district school, and in the school of hard work and experience, for during the greater part of the year he assisted his father and brothers in cultivating the homestead. Mr. Beehtol did not take kindly to agricultural work, how- ever, and when sixteen years of age began to learn the carpenter's trade, an occupation at which he was engaged during three summers. He came to Indiana first in 1860, stopping in Whitley county, where he found employment in a briekyard, and from that place eame to Huntington, here being employed in the shops of the Wabash and Erie Railroads and along the line of the old eanal running from Huntington to Cincinnati, Ohio. Later he learned the trade of machinist and was again employed by the Erie Railroad, making his home in Huntington, although for a time he was employed in Toledo, Ohio. After eighteen months, however, he returned to Huntington and became a carpenter and carbuilder in the Erie shops, and in 1892 was made a machinist here, a capacity in which he continued from that year until 1909, when, feeling that he had earned
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a rest, he retired from active pursuits. Always thrifty and industrious, Mr. Bechtol showed excellent judgment in making investments, with the result that today he is a holder of city realty, having a number of val- uable properties in addition to his comfortable home on East Franklin street. During his long residence in the city he has formed a wide acquaintance, in which he has a number of warm and appreciative friends, who esteem him for his many sterling qualities and for his genial and courteous manner. In politics he takes an independent stand, preferring to use his own judgment in selecting candidates to voting blindly for those chosen by party. He has never held nor desired office. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is a consistent attendant of the First church of that denomination in Hunt- ington. Mr. Bechtol is a popular member of Lafontaine Lodge No. 42, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
In March, 1865, Mr. Bechtol was married to Mrs. Mary E. Anderson, widow of George Anderson. She had three children by her former hus- band. Mrs. Bechtol died in May, 1909, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Bechtol had one son: Charles O., a graduate of the Huntington high school and of the State University medical department, finishing his medical term in Chicago University. He is now one of the leading surgeons of Marion, Indiana. Charles O. Bechtol married Nancy Martin of Monmouth, Illinois, and they have one son, Charles O., Jr.
ROLLIN HOLLOWELL, who has been engaged in farming in Polk town- ship since reaching man's estate, and is now the owner of a fine property of 200 acres located in sections 10 and 15, four miles south and one-half mile west of Andrews, and known as Homewood Farm, is one of the enterprising and energetic agriculturists of this section of Huntington county. He was born in Polk township, November 16, 1871, and is a son of Lindsey N. and Angeline (Bailey ) Hollowell.
Nathan Hollowell, the grandfather of Rollin Hollowell, was an early settler of Huntington county, where he was engaged in agricul- tural pursuits. He married Miss Wright, and they became the parents of four children : Lindsey, Mary E., Anna and Thomas. Lindsey Hollo- well was born in Jefferson township, Huntington county, where he early engaged in agricultural pursuits, and was thus engaged until enlisting in the Union army at the age of eighteen years for service during the Civil war. Becoming a member of the 153rd Regiment, Indiana Volun- teer Infantry, he served fifteen months in the ranks of the Blue and at the close of the struggle received his honorable discharge after a brave and faithful service. His life, no doubt, was shortened by his military experiences, for he died in 1879. He was a member of the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, and was well known in his day and locality. Mrs. Hollowell died March 29, 1914. She was the mother of two children : Dessie L., a graduate of the common schools of Polk town- ship and the Monument City High school, and now the wife of Albert Wecks and a resident of Florida.
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Rollin Hollowell was reared in Polk township, where he attended the district schools until reaching the age of fourteen years. It was necessary that he become self-supporting at an early age, as his father had died when he was but eight years old, and he accordingly began to seek employment of the farmers of his locality. After his marriage he engaged in teaming and also rented land for five years, and then invested his earnings in a tract of eighty acres of land, which was almost entirely a swamp. Through long and tedious hours of labor, he succeeded in draining and ditching this property, which has since been developed into one of the most fertile and productive farms of the township, and to it he has added from time to time until he is now the owner of 200 acres. All of this has been accumulated through the force of his own industry, and he may well take a reasonable degree of pride in what he has accomplished. His life has been one of activity and industry and he has always been noted for his good management.
On December 19, 1891, Mr. Hollowell was married to Miss Laura Rug- gles, who was born, reared and educated in Wayne township, Hunting- ton county, daughter of Moses Ruggles. Nine children have been born to this union: Georgia, a graduate of the township schools, and now a teacher of music, for which she has decided talent; Laverne, attending the Monument City High school; Anna, also in high school; Everett Buhr, who is his father's partner in operating the home farm; and L. Dahır, Dessie, Doris, Thomas B. and Herbert L., who are attending school. In political matters a republican, Mr. Hollowell has taken an active interest in local and county affairs, although he has never sought public office. He has ever shown himself a worthy representative of the family name, which has been known in Huntington township since the arrival of Mr. Hollowell's great-grandfather, Thomas Hollowell, about the year 1833.
ALBERT FULLHART. Among the prominent citizens of Huntington county, Indiana, there are few who have been more closely connected with, or more deeply interested in everything pertaining to its advance- ment and welfare, than has Albert Fullhart, a life long resident of this vicinity. At this time he is he owner of Coldspring Farm, a valuable tract of 100 acres, located in section 16, Polk township, four and one-half miles south and one and one-half miles west of Andrews. His life has been devoted to pursuits of an agricultural nature and his success has been gained through earnest and honest effort, directed by good judg- ment and able management. Mr. Fullhart was born in Jefferson town- ship, Huntington county, Indiana, August 15, 1859, and is a son of Henry/ and Miranda (Carpenter). Fullhart.
Mr. Fullhart began life under anything but favorable circum- stances, for when he was but nine years of age his parents died, and while other lads of his age were enjoying themselves with youthful pas- times or were improving their minds as students in the district schools, he was compelled to work in order to make his own way in the world. However, he made the most of such educational advantages as 'came
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his way, and grew up an ambitious and energetic youth, although by the time he reached his majority he was still without resources. He was married to Miss Louise Wintrode, who died leaving one son : Frank D., who married a Miss Needham and is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Polk township. Mr. Fullhart was married the second time to Fannie McKeever, who was born in Andrews, Indiana, July 17, 1868, daughter of Frank and Sarah (Yantis) Mckeever, both of whom are now deceased. Mrs. Fullhart was educated in the public schools and is a lady of culture and social graces. She and Mr. Fullhart have had two chil- dren : Samuel R., a graduate of. the public schools, married Lefa Poe, and lives in Wabash, Indiana; and Russell, also a graduate of the pub- lic schools, resides with his parents and is his father's assistant in the work of the farm. After his marriage, Mr. Fullhart settled down to agricultural pursuits in Polk township, and here he has developed a handsome and well-cultivated property, which he has named Coldspring Farm. Here he has buildings of modern architecture and substantial construction, fitted with every convenience and comfort. He uses mod- ern methods and machinery in his work and in every way is showing himself a capable and efficient agriculturist. Mr. Fullhart is widely known and highly respected by his acquaintances as a man of sterling character, honest and honorable in all his dealings with his fellow-men. By his energy, perseverance and excellent management he has ad- vanced himself from a penniless orphan boy to a man of substance and influence. Mr. and Mrs. Fullhart are members of the Mount Hope Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they take a helpful in- terest. Politically a republican, Mr. Fullhart has not been active in public matters except as they have affected the welfare of his immediate community.
HERBERT S. SATTERTHWAITE. One of the model properties of Hunt- ington county, which illustrates what may be accomplished on a country place through modern methods and intelligent operations, is the Echo Lodge Farm, a beautiful tract of 225 acres, located in sections 3 and 9, Polk township. This property is owned by Herbert S. Satterthwaite, one of the most progressive of his community's agriculturists, who has com- bined practical cultivation of the soil with a love for attractive sur- roundings. Mr. Satterthwaite has been a lifelong resident of Polk township, having been born on a farm south of the Salamonie river, January 4, 1877, a son of H. W. and Margaret (Weller) Satterthwaite. There were twelve children in the family, of whom seven are living: Laura, who is the wife of David Thomas, of Huntington; Beatrice, the wife of James Thorn, a farmer of Wayne township; Fannie, the widow of Thomas Hart, and now a resident of New Mexico; Hiram U., engaged in farming in Polk township; Frank, who carries on agricultural pur- suits in Dallas township, this county ; Mollie, who lives in Huntington, Indiana; and Herbert S.
Herbert S. Satterthwaite was reared on the old homestead farm in the southern part of Polk township, and as a lad divided his time
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between the district schools, which he attended during the winter terms, and the home farm, where he assisted his father and brothers during the summer months. Later his education was completed in the Monu- ment City High school. He remained under the parental roof until he was eighteen years of age, and when nineteen was married and began operations on his own account. He has been engaged in general farm- ing operations ever since that time, and his progressive, energetic and intelligent labor has resulted in the development of one of the finest farms in the township. In 1913 he erected a two-story bungalow, 321/2x44 feet, modern in construction, with every convenience, including electric lights, furnished by an electric light plant operated by a gasoline engine, and hot and cold water in all parts of the house. The other buildings on the property are proportionately attractive and commodi- ous, and everything about Echo Lodge Farm indicates the presence of thrift and good management. Mr. Satterthwaite has built up a sub- stantial reputation for integrity and honorable dealing in business af- fairs, and as a citizen is always foremost in assisting movements calcu- lated to benefit his community. For years he was affiliated with the republican party, but in 1912 was one of the stanch supporters of the new progressive movement. His fraternal connection is with Hunting- ton Lodge No. 93, Knights of Pythias, at Huntington.
Mr. Satterthwaite was married in 1896 to Miss Ica Duffey, daughter of Amos and Milla Duffy, of Polk township, and a graduate of the Monument City High school. Two children have been born to this union, namely: Thelma L., who is a student in the Andrews High school; and Myrneth V., who is attending the grammar schools. The family is widely known in Polk township, and its members have numer- ous friends.
ALBERT C. HAHN. No richer or more productive land in Indiana can be found than that embraced in the agricultural districts of Hunt- ington county, and a fine farm of ninety acres, in section 2, Polk town- ship, three miles south and one mile east of Andrews, and known as Elmwood Stock Farm, gives illustration of the thrift and energy which has characterized the life of its owner, Albert C. Hahn. Mr. Hahn was born on his father's farm in Dallas township, Huntington county, In- diana, August 18, 1868, and is a son of Christian and Sarka Hahn, the latter of whom died about 1870. Both parents were born in Germany, from which country the father came to the United States at the age of thirteen years, locating in Lucas county, Ohio, where he grew to man- hood and was married. About 1865 the parents came to Dallas town- ship, and here the mother died some years later, the father subsequently being married a second time. He had five children by his first mar- riage, and four by the second, and Albert C. is the youngest of the first union.
Mr. Hahn's boyhood experiences were much the same as those of other farmers' sons of his day and community, four months of cach winter being passed in study in the little district school, while the re-
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mainder of the year was devoted to the tasks of the home farm. He was about twenty years of age when he left the homestead to face the world on his own account, and about two years later, February 7, 1890, was married to Miss Susan C. Lahr, who was born on an adjoining farm to the one on which they now reside, August 16, 1868. Her par- ents, Jacob and Catherine (Sperb) Lahr, were born in Germany, the former coming to the United States at the age of fifteen years and the latter when twenty-one, and both locating in Indiana where they met and were married. Mr. and Mrs. Lahr were widely known in Polk township, where the father died June 5, 1901, and the mother in 1904, and were the parents of nine children. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hahn: George W., born October 17, 1894, a graduate of the common schools and of the class of 1912 at the Andrews High school, and now a student in the state normal school, studying for his Bachelor of Arts degree; and Ernest A., born December 14, 1900, at- tending the public schools of Polk township.
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