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 27
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"Seldom has there assembled in Huntington county a larger or more sincere congregation than gathered at St. Peter and Paul's Church yester- day to pay a last tribute to John Neuer. It was an assemblage that included people of all stations in life, and few, if any, who had not pleasant recollections of the deceased. They were gathered because they had no better way to demonstrate that at some time in their lives the pleasant smile and happy manner of John Neuer had left its impress on their memory. .
"Reverend Father Miller, whose personal relations to the deceased as pastor of the church to which he belonged and for which he had labored, made his eulogy all the more touching, speaking of the life of Mr. Neuer from his early struggles to his later successes. He dwelt upon the social, fraternal and religious sides of the character of his subject in a manner that was felt and appreciated by all who knew Mr. Neuer.
"In the vast crowd at the church were two hundred members of Vol. II-14
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the Knights of Columbus, of which Mr. Neuer was a charter member. There were business men, employes of big industries, retired citizens of Huntington, and even children who remembered the kindly smile of 'Johnny' Neuer. Business practically came to a standstill in Hunting- ton during the funeral. Lawrence Schmidt and W. Leo Haworka of Fort Wayne's Cathedral choir rendered special music and there were a num- ber of others in attendance from Fort Wayne, as well as members of the St. Joseph's Society.
"Pall bearers selected from the Knights of Columbus were: Briney O'Connor, Pat Gorman, Thomas Fallon, George Kindler, Peter Martin, Jacob Arnold and John Pfeister. In charge of the numerous floral offerings were Mrs. Charles Wolter, Mrs. Theo. Torborg and Misses Blanche O'Connor, Anna. O'Connor, Josephine Engle and Hilda Becker."
ALBERT KEM. It is difficult for those who know Albert Kem and recognize in him one of the substantial and prosperous farmers of Wayne township to realize that when he arrived in Huntington county, in 1890, he was possessed of but little capital save a generous share of ambition and determination, and that he was obliged to go heavily into debt to secure the piece of property that formed the nucleus for his present handsome farm. A life of consecutive industry has been crowned with well-merited success and his career is an illustration of the fact that honest labor is the best foundation upon which to build a structure of prosperity.
Mr. Kem was born in Wayne county, Indiana, November 26, 1858, and is a son of George and Celia Ann (Wright) Kem, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Maryland. Each came to Wayne county, Indiana, when young and were there married, in 1870 making removal to Grant county, where both passed away. They were the par- ents of four children, of whom two are living: Daniel W., who is en- gaged in farming in Sims township; and Albert. Albert Kem was twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents to Grant county, and about that time he became self-supporting. He attended the schools of Wayne and Grant counties for a short period, but his educational ad- vantages were decidedly limited and the knowledge that he has upon a wide range of subjects today has been gained through his own efforts. He arrived at man's estate without capital with which to embark upon a business career, but applied himself earnestly and industriously to whatever employment presented itself and carefully saved his earnings, so that when he came to Huntington county, in 1890, he was able to make a payment upon 100 acres of land in Wayne township, although he was forced to go into debt for a large part of the purchase price. This indebtedness was liquidated in time through steadfast effort and good management, and Mr. Kem began to add to his original purchase, as well as to the improvements upon his property. At this time he has 240 acres of fine land, clear of all indebtedness, well ditched and under cultivation, and with three sets of modern, substantial buildings, in the immediate vicinity of Banquo. He engages in general farming upon an
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extensive scale and also engages in stock breeding, and in both lines has met with well-deserved success. He is a public-spirited citizen and his abilities have been recognized by his fellow-citizens who have elected him to the offices of supervisor and school director. Politically a democrat, he has taken a leading part in township and county affairs, but is not bigoted in his views and as a result has numerous friends throughout this section in the ranks of all political parties.
Mr. Kem was married to Miss Anna Belle Rude, who was born in Adams county, Indiana, and they have become the parents of six chil- dren: Nellie L., a graduate of the common schools and now the wife of Clay Shaw of Henry county, Indiana; George W., who graduated from the common schools and took a short course at Purdue Univer- sity, married Ada Haines and is a farmer in Wayne township; Ray, a graduate of the high school, who was a student in the State Normal school, subsequently became a teacher and married Jessie Stephens; Fred, a graduate of the common and high schools, was for a time a teacher, and is now a student at Purdue University ; Elsie, a graduate of the Banquo High school, class of 1914; and Daisy, a student of the public schools. Mrs. Kem and three of the children are members of the Baptist church.
GEORGE W. SEARLES. The utilization of the splendid agricultural resources of Huntington county constitutes the most important industry of this section and among its successful men the greater number are those engaged in farming. To this class belongs George W. Searles, a busi- ness man of marked enterprise and keen discernment, who in the care- ful control of his interests has gained a place among the substantial residents of Wayne township. He comes of an agricultural family, was reared to the pursuits of the farm, and has been a lifelong occupant of the property which he now occupies, so that by practical experience and observation he has gained a thorough knowledge of conditions here, and to this has added a natural ability and an enthusiasm which makes him take pride in his accomplishments.
Mr. Searles was born July 22, 1861, on the farm which he now oc- cupies, and is a son of Alpheus T. and Mary (Rarich) Searles. His father was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and came to Hunting- ton county, Indiana, in 1848, as a young man. Settling in Wayne town- ship, he engaged in agricultural pursuits, and continued to follow the same line of work during the remainder of his active career. On the farm on which George W. Searles is now residing, he settled down to housekeeping with his young bride, who had been born in Warren county, Ohio, and came to Huntington county, Indiana, during the early forties, and she, like her husband, continued to reside here until her death. They were people of sterling traits of character, earnest and conscientious, and had the respect and esteem of all who knew them. They had two children : George W., of this review ; and Luella, who mar- ried Alex Herrell, lived in Huntington and Grant counties for some years, and passed away at Van Buren, Indiana.
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George W. Searles was reared to manhood in Wayne township, where he received a thorough training in agricultural work and at the same time was educated. During the short winter terms he attended dis- trict school No. 4, and a great deal of the rest of the year was passed in assisting his father in the numerous duties and hard work of the homestead. His training was an excellent one, fitting him as it did for the position he was to be called upon to fill in life. At the time he was twenty-one years of age Mr. Searles began receiving wages from his father, and from that time forward until he was twenty-seven years old he worked by the day and the month. He was married June 11, 1887, to Miss Mary A. Beekman, who was born in Wayne township, October 20, 1866, a daughter of Eli H. and Elizabeth (Carter) Beekman. She attended Price schoolhouse No. 6, in Wayne township, and has resided here all of her life. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Searles settled down to farming in their present home, Mr. Searles being the owner of 122 acres of fine land in section 24, Wayne township, nine miles north and four miles east of Marion, fourteen miles southwest of Huntington, and eight miles west of Warren. Mr. Searles is one of the practical and progressive farmers of this part of the county, intelligently direct- ing his operations along modern lines and securing good results from his labors. He keeps fully abreast of the discoveries and inventions of his vocation, and has earned the right to be named as one of his community's helpful men. He has had no desire for a public career and interests himself in public matters only as they affect his immediate community, but at all times has shown that he is ready to assist worthy movements. His political support is given to the democratic party. During a life- time of residence in Wayne township, he has formed a wide acquaint- ance, and in it he has a large number of warm and appreciative friends.
Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Searles, of whom one is now living: Dessie E., who is the wife of Ben F. Robbins, an agricul- turist of Wayne township, and the mother of one child: Arthur Ray, born December 15, 1912.
FRANK M. STEPHENS. One of the native sons of Wayne township who here holds an assured place in popular confidence and esteem and who is one of the progressive merchants and public-spirited citizens of Huntington county is Frank M. Stephens, who is now serving as assessor of Wayne township. He was born on the parental homestead farm, in this township, on the 28th of November, 1879, and is a son of Andrew J. and Martha A. (Charles) Stephens, who still maintain their home in Wayne township and who are numbered among the well known and highly honored citizens of this part of the county. Of their three chil- dren the eldest is he whose name introduces this paragraph; Verne L. is a prosperous farmer of Wayne township; and Iva is the wife of Homer Idle, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Frank M. Stephens was reared to the sturdy discipline of the home farm and after completing the curriculum of the district school he con- tinued his studies in the village schools until his graduation therein.
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He has been closely and effectually identified with agricultural pursuits and he continued as an able exponent of this basic line of industrial en- terprise until 1912, in October of which year he purchased a stock of general merchandise in the village of Banquo, where he now controls a substantial and constantly expanding business, his distinctive personal popularity having contributed materially to his success as a merchant. He owns the ground and building utilized in his mercantile business, and he is one of the liberal and progressive citizens of his native town- ship, where his circle of friends is limited only by that of his acquaint- ances. In politics Mr. Stephens is a stanch supporter of the cause of the democratic party, and as a candidate on its ticket he was elected township assessor in 1908, his effective service having led to his con- tinuous retention in this office since that year. He and his wife are zealous members of the Christian church in their home village.
On the 24th of December, 1905, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Stephens to Miss Minnie Bodkin, who was born and reared in Pleasant township, this county, the date of her nativity having been November 17, 1888, and the one child of this union is Charline, a winsome little daugh- ter who was born November 24, 1912.
JACOB L. CHARLES. The Sunnyside Stock Farm, one of the fine landed estates in Wayne township, comprises one hundred and fifty acres and its pervading atmosphere of thrift and prosperity stands to the enduring credit of its popular owner, Jacob L. Charles, who is a native of Huntington county and a representative of an honored pioneer family of this favored section of the old Hoosier commonwealth. The eligible location of his farm, immediately north of the village of Banquo, adds to its general attractiveness and it shows throughout that he has brought to bear progressive policies and scientific methods in his vari- ous operations.
Mr. Charles was born in the township that is now his place of resi- dence and the date of his nativity was April 18, 1859. He is a son of David and Sidney (Coon) Charles, the former of whom was born in Henry county, this state, and the latter in Rush county, though their marriage was solemnized in Wayne township, Huntington county, where they continued to reside thereafter until the close of their long and useful lives. They contributed their quota to the social and industrial de- velopment and upbuilding of this part of the county and ever held secure place in the confidence and esteem of all who knew them. Of their eight children seven are still living, and of the number Jacob L., of this review, was the fourth in order of birth; Martha is the wife of Andrew J. Stephens; Joseph E. is a prosperous farmer of Wayne town- ship; Frank M. resides at Marion, this state; Nancy A. is the wife of Job Jennings, of Allen county ; Emma is the wife of George Miller, of Huntington county ; and John J. is another able representative of the agricultural interests of Wayne township.
Jacob L. Charles was reared to the invigorating life of the farm and after availing himself of the advantages of the local schools of Wayne
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township he pursued higher studies in Fort Wayne College, at Fort Wayne this state, a Methodist Episcopal institution that was founded in 1846. During his entire active career Mr. Charles has continued his close association with agriculture and stock-growing, and his success has been on a parity with his acknowledged enterprise and progressiveness, which have made him one of the substantial farmers of his native county, where his course has been so ordered as to retain to him the unqualified esteem of all who know him. From his young manhood until the campaign of 1912 Mr. Charles was found aligned as a supporter of the republican party, but his convictions concerning matters of public import then led him to give his allegiance to the Progressive party, the principles of which meet with his earnest approval. The family home is known for its gracious hospitality.
In September, 1889, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Charles to Miss Eva J. Sparks, daughter of John J. and Emma E. (Hale) Sparks, the former of whom died in 1912 and the latter of whom still resides in Huntington county. Mr. and Mrs. Charles have but one child, and he is a young man whose talents and character have made him do high honor to the name which he bears. This son, John S. Charles, was born December 11, 1892, and after his graduation in the high school at Banquo he completed a course in the Huntington Business University, in which he was likewise graduated with honors. He also studied in the Marion Conservatory of Music, at Marion, this state, is a talented violinist and formerly gave considerable attention to the teaching of music as ap- plied to this instrument. Before he had attained to his legal majority he was made cashier of the Farmers' State Bank of Mexico, Miami county, Indiana, and of this position he still continues the efficient and popular incumbent, besides being a member of the board of directors of the in- stitution.
JOHN W. MAHONEY. The agricultural interests of Wayne township are ably represented by John W. Mahoney, who is carrying on exten- sive operations on the "Nowely Blue Grass Farm," a 200-acre tract in section 26, lying immediately east of Banquo. Born in this township March 6, 1851, he is a son of Hugh and Ruth E. (Johnson) Mahoney.
The Mahoney family was founded in the United States by James Mahoney, the grandfather of John, who was born in Ireland and emi- grated to the United States in young manhood. He first settled in Ten- nessee, but several years after his marriage removed to Rush county, In- diana, and during the thirties took up his residence in Huntington county in the vicinity of Mount Etna, there entering land from the Gov- ernment and in time becoming one of his locality's sterling and sub- stantial citizens. Through a life of industry and persistent effort he accumulated a goodly tract of land, and his many admirable traits of character won him the esteem and respect of the people in his adopted community. Hugh Mahoney was born in Tennessee, and was a lad when he accompanied his parents to Rush county, Indiana, where he was reared and educated. He came with his father to Huntington
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county when still a youth and was here married, settling on a farm and continuing to follow the pursuits of the soil until his death in 1861. Like his father, he was a man of strong character and an industrious workman, and his earnest efforts brought him a competency and the confidence of those among whom he spent his life. He married Ruth E. Johnson, who was a native of Huntington county, and they became the parents of six children, of whom four are now living: Mary A., who is the wife of Frank Ceneweth, a prosperous farmer of Wayne township ; John W., of this review; James F., of Wayne township; and Harriet A., the wife of Henry Cecil, a resident of Huntington, Indiana.
The boyhood and youth of John W. Mahoney were passed on the home farm and the greater part of his education was secured in the school of experience, as his assistance was constantly needed on the homestead and he was given little opportunity to attend the district school. He has been a close observer all of his life, however, and has gained a thorough knowledge of a wide range of subjects. At the age of eighteen years he started out to make his own way in the world, his father having died when he was but ten years old, and since then he has been self-supporting. He was married April 30, 1881, to Miss Lena Smethers, and at that time they settled on a tract of sixty acres of land, in which he owned a half interest. From time to time he has added to his land, to his buildings and to his improvements, and he now has one of the handsome farms of the township, equipped with the most modern appliances and machinery and stocked with fine cattle. As a business man he has shown his ability and strict integrity, and his stand- ing as a citizen is high.
Mr. and Mrs. Mahoney have two children : James Fremont, a grad- uate of the public schools, who is assisting his father in operating the homestead; and Florence, who is the wife of Clinton Smelser, who lives on a part of Mr. Mahoney's farm and has one child. Although Mr. Mahoney's is now past sixty years of age he is still active and alert, takes an interest in the matters pertaining to his farm and to his community, and apparently has many years of usefulness before him. He is a mem- ber of Mount Etna Lodge No. 304, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is past grand thereof, a member of the Grand Lodge, and popular with his fellow Odd Fellows. In political matters he gives his support to the republican party, but has never had the desire to hold public office.
CHARLES H. SMELSER. The birthplace of Charles H. Smelser was the farm on which he now resides in Wayne township and throughout his entire life he has been connected with the work of tilling the soil and with other agricultural interests. He is a man of business ability, of genuine personal worth, and is well deserving of mention in this work as one of the substantial citizens of Huntington county. Mr. Smelser was born in the residence in which he now makes his home, December 5, 1863, and is a son of Smith and Mary (Sparks) Smelser.
Smith Smelser was born in Union county, Indiana, and was a young man when he came to Huntington county, in 1853. He established
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his family on the farm in Wayne township where his son now lives, and here passed the remaining years of his life, passing away at an advanced age, January 29, 1911. A man of energy and force of character, he succeeded in his farming operations, developing a handsome property from the woods of Wayne township, at all times proved himself a good citizen, and although of a quiet and unassuming manner was an influence for good in his community. He was a lifelong Democrat, although not an office seeker, and a devout member of the Baptist church. He and his wife were the parents of five sons and one daughter, and of these five children are still living: John, who is a resident of Banquo, Indiana; Frank, engaged in operations in Wayne township; Albert, a resident of Michigan, where he has extensive interests; Charles H .; and Dr. J. S. H., a practicing physician of Oklahoma.
Charles H. Smelser has been a resident of Wayne township all of his life, with the exception of four years which he spent on a farm which he owned in Wabash county. His education was secured in the district schools and as a young man he decided to devote his career to farming, a decision which he has never had cause to regret for in this field of endeavor he has met with a full measure of success. At this time he is the owner of 128 acres of good land, located in section 21, a farm which has been brought to a high and productive state of cultivation. In his work Mr. Smelser has displayed a thorough knowledge of modern meth- ods, and his equipment is of the latest manufacture. Mr. Smelser has always affiliated with the democratic party and has been active in local and county politics. His aid has been an essential factor in the conduct of various interests which have been beneficial to his community, and at all times he has displayed a willingness to co-operate in movements cal- culated to advance the county's best interests.
On December 26, 1885, Mr. Smelser was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Moore, of Grant county, Indiana, who died July 12, 1889, the mother of two children: Goldie, the wife of James Groff, living with Frank Smelser, her uncle, in Wayne township; and Roger M., born May 29, 1889, a graduate of the public schools, who married Edna M. Charles, daughter of John and Phronia (Everson) Charles.
E. M. Bocock has long been connected with the development of the resources which nature has provided in Huntington county, being well known as a representative of the agricultural interests of Wayne town- ship. A native son of this locality, he has grown up amid its rural sur- roundings, and his career has been devoted to the tilling of the soil, in which vocation he has been successful because of his persistent and consecutive efforts. In his life the elements of chance have played lit- tle part, for he has been the architect of his own fortunes and has won recognition and position through his own ability to grasp and make the most of opportunities.
Mr. Boeock was born on a farm in section 35, Wayne township. Hun- tington county, Indiana, June 10, 1868, and is a son of Granville and Mary (Culbertson) Bocock. His father was born in Washington town-
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ship, Grant county, Indiana, in 1842, and in young manhood came to Huntington county, where he engaged in farming and became one of his community 's influential agriculturists. He had the esteem and respect of the people of his section who repeatedly honored him by election to offices of public trust, and on one occasion he was elected coroner of Hun- tington county but never qualified for the position. He died May 3, 1905, when passed away one of his community's leading men. Mrs. Bocock still survives and is a resident of Wayne township, the mother of three children, namely : E. M .; Maude I., who is the wife of William Martin, of La Fontaine, Indiana; and Silas H., who is successfully engaged in farming in Wayne township.
E. M. Bocock was reared to manhood on the old home place and his education was secured in the district schools in the vicinity thereof, his boyhood and youth being divided between the two. He continued his studies until reaching the age of twenty-two years, and at that time began to concentrate his energies upon his farm work, and this has con- tinued to be his vocation throughout life. On April 9, 1895, he was married to Miss Lena Carl, who was born in Wayne township and was one of Mr. Bocock's classmates at the district school. They have had three children, namely: Granville, who was born June 11, 1903; Carl, born September 20, 1905; and Martha, born August 25, 1910. The oc- cupation to which he was reared Mr. Bocock has made his life work. He has continued the work and developing and improving his present farm since his marriage, until it now yields golden harvests and the property has become a paying one. In addition to tilling the fields he raises con- siderable stock and his business interests are carefully managed. He has a well equipped place, and neatness and thrift characterize all de- partments of the farm work. Mr. Bocock is known as a man who car- ries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes, forming a definite plan of action and accomplishing results while many others would stop to theorize.
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