USA > Indiana > Marshall County > History of Indiana : containing a history of Indiana and biographical sketches of governors and other leading men. Also a statement of the growth and prosperity of Marshall County, together with a personal and family histry of many of its citizens, Vol. II > Part 45
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49
Joseph A. Yackey was born in Delphos, Ohio, March 9, 1854, and is the son of Samuel and Mary A. (Yates) Yackey, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and New York. The Yackey family were among the pioneers of Greene county, Ohio, where the father of the subject, in addition to farming, operated a saw-mill for some years. He was a man of local prominence, a member of the whig party, and died in Green county, Ohio, about the year 1859. His widow and children subsequently moved to Ful- ton county, Ind., where they remained one year, moving thence in 1867 to Plymouth, Marshall county, where the mother still resides. The following are the names of the children born to Samuel and Mary Yackey, viz .: Anna (deceased), Mary, wife
4II
MARSHALL COUNTY.
of P. M. Scholsser; J. E. (deceased), member of Company E, Seventy-fourth Ohio volunteer infantry, and died while in the service; John, a resident of Denver, Col .; Lina died in infancy, Joseph A., and Emma (deceased), wife of H. J. Nash. The sub- ject of this sketch was reard on a farm in Greene county, Ohio, and his educational training embraced the branches usually taught in the country school, supplemented by three years' attend- ance at the Plymouth high school, in which he obtained a knowl- edge of the more advanced branches of learning. He served as deputy postmaster of Plymouth under Major Kendall, and in 1878 moved to his present farm in Polk township where he has since followed agricultural pursuits. He was married in 1878 to Miss Julia A. Morgan, the accomplished daughter of F. P. Mor- gan, of Plymouth, who has borne him five children, viz .: Edna A., Emma F., Linnie E., Julia A., and Tully G. Mrs. Yackey re- ceived a thorough musical education, and was for several years superintendent of music in the public schools of Plymouth. She excels in both vocal and instrumental music, and has the reputa- tion of being one of the most successful musical instructors in the county. Mr. Yackey, in addition to farming, pays consider- able attention to the breeding of fine horses and cattle, in which he has met with encouraging success. He is a republican in poli- tics, a member of the German Reformed church of Plymouth, and the present assessor of Polk township.
TIPPECANOE TOWNSHIP.
Martin A. Dilley, a successful mechanic of Ilion, was born in Fulton county, Ind., March 17, 1852. His father, John C. Dilley, and mother, Dorcas (Baty) Dilley, were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Maryland, and were married about the year 1847-8, in Fulton county, this state. The father was a mechanic, and for a number of years carried on the wagon maker's trade in Newcastle township, Fulton county, where he was widely and favorably known as a citizen, having been an influential democrat and a prominent member of the Baptist church. Thirteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dilley, nine sons and four daughters, of whom the following are living: W. H., a resident of Fulton county, and carpenter by occupation; Martha E., wife of David Bishop, of Wisconsin; Andrew J., a farmer of Pulaski county; John E., a farmer of the same county; Mrs. Amanda Copy, of Kosciusko county; Thomas A., Hugh N. and Frank E., all three of whom reside in Wisconsin. The immediate subject of this biography was reared upon the farm in Fulton county, and after his father's death was raised in the family of John Heimbaugh. On attaining his majority he began working at the carpenter's trade, which he has since carried on, having acquired
412
HISTORY OF INDIANA.
great proficiency in his calling. He has built a number of resi- dences and other buildings, in Fulton and Marshall counties, and has been a valuable addition to the population of Ilion, in which he has made some substantial improvements. He moved from Fulton county to Tippecanoe township, in 1888, and is the lead- ing carpenter and builder in Ilion. In 1876 he was married to Miss Minerva A. King, who died in 1881, leaving two children, Walter P. and Nellie E. His second marriage which was solemnized in 1885, with Miss Caroline Eherenman, has been blessed with the birth of three children: Homer A., John P., and Chloe G. Mr. Dilley is a democrat in politics, and as such was nominated in 1890 for the office of trustee, to which he was tri- umphantly elected, overcoming a large party majority, a fact which attests his popularity with the people.
L. D. Eley, M. D., a successful physician and surgeon was born in Fulton county, Ind., June 28, 1855, son of Sampson and Hannah (Kenner) Eley, who were both natives of Coshocton county, Ohio. The doctor's paternal ancestors were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania, and his mother's family were also from that state. Sampson Eley was a man of prominence in the community where he resided, was an elder and deacon of the Christian church, and died in Fulton county, this state, on the 19th day of October, 1889. His widow still survives, living upon the homestead farm which Mr. Eley purchased from the govern- ment in 1842. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Eley, viz .: Frances, wife of Patrick Shoemaker; Jefferson; Olivia, wife of John Fluke; L. D., the subject of this sketch; Anna Belle, wife of Edward Mullenhour; Ninco C., and Lovina Jane, wife of G. W. Roberts. Dr. Eley grew to manhood in Fulton county, and received his literary education in the high schools of Roches- ter and Bourbon, and began his professional reading under the instruction of Dr. C. J. Loring of the former place. He subse- quently entered the college of physicians and surgeons at Keo- kuk, Iowa, in which he completed the prescribed course, gradu- ating in 1887. He began the practice of his profession at Ilion, Marshall county, and is already recognized as one of the rising physicians and surgeons of this part of the state. He is a care- ful and painstaking practitioner, and has before him a career of great usefulness.
David Albert Gibbens, one of the successful farmers of Tip- pecanoe township, is a native of Kentucky, born in Barren county, that state, August 28, 1818. His parents were Francis and Sus- annah (Cox) Gibbens, also natives of Kentucky, in which state the father followed the occupation of blacksmithing, dying in 1821. The death of the father and husband was a sad blow to the family, and in order to better their condition, the mother moved to Hendricks county, Ind., in 1826, and settled upon a piece
413
MARSHALL COUNTY.
of land which she and her children cleared and brought under cultivation. Mrs. Gibbens was a woman of many excellent traits of character, very industrious, and both by precept and example, taught her children those lessons of industry and economy by which their subsequent lives have been characterized. She died in Hendricks county on the home place. Of her eight children, but two are now living, the subject of this mention, and Elizabeth, wife of James J. Jones, ot Iowa. David A. Gibbens was reared principally in Hendricks county. Deprived of his father at a very early age, he was forced to take upon himself the responsi- bility of contributing toward the support of the family, conse- quently his education so far as schools are concerned, was sadly neglected; but by intelligent observation and contact with his fel- low men, he has since become the possessor of valuable practical knowledge. His life work has been principally farming, in ad- dition to which he followed the carpenter's trade for about fifteen years in Plymouth. He settled in Tippecanoe township in 1862, purchasing a part of his present farm which he cleared, and to which he has since added and made valuable improvements. He was first married to Christina Ann Abrahams, daughter of Lot Abrahams, of Plymouth, who died leaving no children. His second wife whose maiden name was Sarah A. St. John, daugh- ter of Asa St. John, of Walnut township, this county, has borne him eight children, six of whom are living, viz .: Prudy J., Alice E., Dovery A., Ida M., Etta F. and Myrtie B. Politically, Mr. Gib- bens is a supporter of the democratic party, and fraternally be- longs to the Masonic order.
Jacob and Mary (Overlander) Grass came from Germany a number of years ago, and settled in Stark county, Ohio, moving thence, in 1858, to Marshall county, Ind., settling upon the farm now owned by one of his descendants in Tippeca- noe township, where their deaths occurred in the year 1889. They were members of the Lutheran church, and during the period of their residence in this county, earned the reputa- tion of first-class citizens. They raised a family of seven chil- dren, whose names are as follows: Christian; Lydia, wife of William Vonters; Louisa, wife of William Horney; Joseph; Catherine, wife of John Fuller; Frances, wife of Alexander Boy- land; Christina, wife of Abraham Eagalbarger. Joseph Grass, the principal of this biography, was born in Stark county, Ohio, November 22, 1852, and at the age of six years was brought by his parents to Marshall county, Ind., where he has since lived as an active farmer. In connection with agricultural pursuits he operates a threshing machine in different seasons of the year, a business which returns him a handsome income. He has been a life-long democrat, but enjoys the esteem of his fellow citizens, irrespective of party affiliation. January 5, 1873, he was united
414
HISTORY OF INDIANA.
in marriage to Miss Charlotte Squibb, a native of Ohio, who has borne him four children, viz .: Mary Lucinda, William Frank- lin, Jacob Henry, Louisa Ann.
William Horn was born in Knox county, Ohio, July 25, 1823, the son of Hartman and Margaret (Welshammer) Horn, both parents natives of Pennsylvania. The mother died in Ohio, and subsequently, in 1853, the father moved to Fulton county, Ind., where he cleared a farm and became a prominent and enterpris- ing citizen. By his first marriage he had ten children, and by his second marriage with Sarah Hall, of Ohio, he reared a family of five children. He died in Fulton county, June 24, 1878, at the age of seventy-nine years. The following are the names of his children who are living at this time: William, Mrs. Mary Hurl, Christian, Delilah, Mrs. Ella Barkman, Columbus, Noah, and Mrs. Jane Boosenburg. The subject of this mention was reared and educated in Knox county, Ohio, and accompanied his parents to Fulton county, Ind., where, in 1854, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Jewell, of Licking county, Ohio. He became a resident of Marshall county, in 1854, settling upon his present place in Tippecanoe township, where he has since followed farming with encouraging success. His first wife died in 1857, and the following year he was married to Miss Ann Rockhill, a union blessed with the birth of the following children: Amanda, wife of Jeremiah Fields; Washington; Ellen, wife of Morgan Ward; Emanuel, Granville, Rosa, Cora E., Pearl D. and Samantha J. Mr. Horn was a democrat up to 1878, since which time he has been in sympathy with the greenback party.
Among the enterprising business men of Marshall county is Joel W. Nifong, the present energetic merchant at Ilion, where he conducts a well-stocked drug and grocery house, which was established October 9, 1889. He is a native of Marshall county, born in Center township, June 1, 1852, and is the son of John and Lorenda (Watson) Nifong. He received a liberal educa- tion in the public schools of the county, and the Plymouth high school, and subsequently attended a normal school, at Plymouth, in which he prepared himself for the profession of teaching. He followed teaching for nearly twenty years, during which time he earned the reputation of an able and painstaking instructor. In 1874-75, he conducted a grocery business at Bourbon, and in 1882 took charge of a business house at Barron, Wis., for the Telke Bros., with which he was connected for a period of about three years. His business at Ilion is in a prosperous condition, and his patronage, which is already quite extensive, is constantly increas- ing. He was married in 1872, to Miss Catherine Elizabeth Ab- derfer, of Center township, the result of which union is six children, whose names are as follows: Lourenda, Dollie, Israel A., Martha, Pearl and Mearl. The last named two are twins.
415
MARSHALL COUNTY.
Joseph Spencer, M. D., physician and surgeon at Tippecanoe, is a native of Perry county, Ohio, and dates his birth from the Ist day of June, 1827. His parents were Jesse and Mary (Tate) Spencer, natives respectively of Virginia and Ireland, who reared a family of seven children, viz .: Steward, B. F., Joseph, Robert L., Mrs. Jane Bonham, Mrs. Dianna Withom, and Mrs. Nancy Arnold. By a subsequent marriage Mr. Spencer had a family, two members of which are still living, one in Jasper county, and the other near Bourbon in this county. Mr. Spencer was a farmer by occupation, and for some years carried on the mercantile business. His first wife died in Fairfield county, Ohio, and he subsequently moved to Indiana, locating in Porter county, where his death afterward occurred. Dr. Spencer spent his youthful years in Ohio, came to Indiana when eleven years of age, and received a practical English education in the country schools, which he attended during the winter seasons. His first business venture was in the dry goods and drug trade in Porter county, where he continued until 1865, at which time he came to Marshall county, and became a partner in the dry goods and grocery house at Bourbon, under the firm name of Monsel & Wolf, with which he was connected for a short time. In the above year he located at Tippecanoe, where he has since resided and where he has been actively engaged in the practice of medi- cine for some years. He received his professional education un- der the instruction of his brother, B. F. Spencer, and by diligent application has become one of the well-informed physicans of Marshall county. His first marriage was solemnized in 1850 with Miss Alice Stoddard, a native of Canada, who died in 1868 leaving the following children: Charles O., of Jasper county, W. F., of Wyoming; Jay, of Illinois; Lewis, of Black Hill; Hat- tie, wife of Joseph Clark, of Kankakee, Ill., and Bell, who re- sides at home. The doctor was again married in 1869, to Bar- bara Smith, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Smith, of Ger- many, to which union one child, William B., has been born. The doctor was originally a republican in politics, but of recent years has been in sympathy with the greenback party.
Frank Vernett was born in France, June 23, 1843, and is a son of Louis and Eve Vernett. The parents emigrated to America in 1845, and settled in Stark county, Ohio, where they resided until their removal to Marshall county, Ind., in 1872. Louis Vernett was a farmer by occupation, and followed his chosen calling in Ohio, and Tippecanoe township, this county, until his death in January, 1886. His wife followed him to the grave three years later, dying in 1889. They were highly respected citizens, and devoted members of the Catholic church. The fol- lowing are the names of their five children: Frank, Augustus, Louis, Louisa and John. The subject of this sketch received
416
HISTORY OF INDIANA.
his educational training in the public schools of Stark county, Ohio; was raised on a farm, and in 1861 became a resident of Marshall county, locating on his present farm in Tippecanoe township, where he owns 326 acres of valuable land, the greater part of which is under a successful state of tillage. He is a pro- gressive citizen, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of a large circle of acquaintances in Tippecanoe and other townships. Hannah Rice, daughter of William Rice, of Kosciusco county, became his wife in 1867. They have six children, viz .: Mrs. Sarah Emeline Bybee, William L., Lettie, Eve, Viola and Bertha. William Yaiser, who is engaged in the mercantile business at Tippecanoe, is a native of Germany, born November, 1836, son of John and Rebecca (Erhart) Yaiser, both of whom died in the old country. The father was a soldier in the German army, served in the wars of Napoleon, and until his death, in 1873, held a position under the German government. He was born in 1790. His wife was born in 1779, and died in 1870. They raised a family of twelve children, eleven now living, but only one of whom, the subject of this sketch, ever left the old coun- try. William Yaiser was reared and educated in Germany, and while young, learned the weaver's trade, at which he worked both in his native country and the United States. He came to America in 1853, and located in Somerset county, Penn., where he followed his trade nine years, and later, in 1865, he moved to Marshall county, Ind., settling in Tippecanoe, where he erected and operated a woolen mill. He continued this business with fair success until 1876, when he engaged in the mercantile trade with a partner, under the firm name of William Yaiser & Co. By strict attention to demands of the trade, Mr. Yaiser has built up a very successful business, and is one of the enterprising merchants of the county. He has served as postmaster at Tip- pecanoe, for thirteen years, and was trustee of the township for four years. Politically he is a republican, and in religion is identified with the Lutheran church. His wife, Cinderella. whom he married in 1859, and who died in 1885, bore him the following children: John, the present treasurer of Sargent county, Dak .; Mary, wife of J. L. Reed; Adelbert, of Dakota, and Maggie, who is still at home.
UNION TOWNSHIP.
J. J. Cromley, merchant, was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, September 17, 1850. His parents, John and Amelia (Sampsell) Cromley, were both natives of Pennsylvania, but early moved to Sandusky county, Ohio, thence in 1856 to Marshall county, Ind., where Mr. Cromley purchased forty acres of land in Union township, which he cleared, and upon which he still resides. Mrs.
417
MARSHALL COUNTY.
Cromley departed this life in the year 1890. To them were born five children, four now living: the subject of this mention, John F., of Union township; Sarah J., wife of Henry Romig, of Union township; and Merritt J., who lives at the home place. J. J. Cromley grew to manhood on the farm in Union township, and received a fair English education in the common schools. Having a taste for the medical profession he began studying the same under the instruction of Dr. Kelsey, of Pulaski county, and afterward attended one course of lectures at Indianapolis, where he made commendable progress in the profession. He subse- quently abandoned the calling and in 1885 established his pres- ent business at Burr Oak, where he now conducts a well-ordered general store which has a liberal patronage. Politically Mr. Cromley is a democrat, and as such was elected to the respon- sible position of township trustee in 1886, the duties of which office he discharged with commendable fidelity. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity. Mary Loring, of Stark county, Ind., became his wife in 1882, and to their marriage one child, Carl Chester, has been born.
John S. Garver, a representative farmer and stock-raiser of Marshall county, is a native of Washington county, Penn., born April 5, 1813. His father, Frederick Garver, was a native of Germany, but came to the United States when a young man, and married in Washington county, Penn., Sarah S. Speere, daughter of Rev. Henry Speere, by whom he reared a family of twelve children. Those known to be living at this time are: Frederick, who resides in Missouri; David, of Elkhart, Ind .; John S., whose name introduces this sketch, and Joanna, wife of Peter Berkey, of Missouri. Frederick Garver emigrated west sometime in the thirties, and settled in Cass county, Mich., thence in 1834, moved to Elkhart county, Ind., where he entered a tract of government land, having been one of the pioneers of that part of the state. He died in Elkhart county in 1852, and his wife followed him to the grave one year later. When but a child John S. Garver was taken by his parents to Indiana, and passed his youthful years in Wayne and Crawford counties, Ohio, and in Cass county, Mich. He subsequently located in Elkhart county, Ind., which was his home until 1854, when he came to Marshall county and settled upon his present place in Union township, clearing and develop- ing a fine farm from the woods. Being early obliged to assist his father upon the farm, his educational advantages were of ne- cessity quite limited, but a long experience with business men in various relations of life has given him a sound practical knowl- edge such as schools and colleges fail to impart. He is now one of the leading citizens of the community, and is respected by all for his many manly qualities. He was married August, 1837, in Elkhart county, Ind., to Miss Mary Stutzman, daughter of 27-B.
418
HISTORY OF INDIANA.
Stephen and Elizabeth (Feister) Stutzman. Mrs. Garver was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, and is the mother of thirteen children, eleven of whom, the following are living, viz .: Dan- iel W., who resides in Minnesota; Henry Melvin; David M., of Nebraska; Jacob S., of Bremen; William W .; Catherine, wife of Edward Dreese; George W., Thomas J., Benjamin F., Stephen F., and Mary A., wife of Samuel Wise. The deceased members of the family are Elizabeth and John. While Mr. Garver has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the democratic party, being a firm believer in its principles, he is not a partisan in the sense of seeking official honors. While still a young man he participated in the Black Hawk war, enlisting while a resident of Michigan. He and wife are members of the German Baptist church.
Thomas Houghton, son of James and Hannah (Morris) Houghton, is a native of Rush county, Ind., and dates his birth from the 4th day of January, 1829. His father was born in Eng- land, but came to America when a young man and settled in Rush county, Ind., where for some time he followed his trade of coach and wagon making. Mrs. Houghton was a native of Ohio. James and Hannah Houghton came to Marshall county in the year 1836 and located upon a quarter section of land in Union township, where Mr. Houghton cleared and developed a fine farm. They subsequently moved to the village of Marmont, where their respective deaths occurred. Mr. Houghton was a man of high social standing, and was called to fill various official posi- tions in the townshp where he resided. He was a democrat in politics, and with his wife belonged to the church of the Christian Connection, commonly known as New Lights, in which he was a prominent worker. He reared a family of nine children, of whom the folowing are living, namely: Alvira, wife of Robert Brinkley, of Wyoming; Rachel, wife of John S. Bender, of Plymouth; Mrs. Phœbe Clark, of Plymouth; William, Edward, and Thomas, the subject of this biography. Thomas Houghton passed the years of his youth in Marshall county, and grew to manhood on a farm with the rugged duties of which he early be- came familiar. He attended the country schools at intervals in his youth, and later learned the harness-maker's trade in which he acquired considerable proficiency, but which he soon aban- doned for his present occupation, the pursuit of agriculture. On the 27th of March, 1851, Miss Nancy McCormick Mitchell, daugh- ter of James Mitchell, of Union township, became his wife. She died on the 18th of March, 1854, leaving two children: Lorenzo M. and James E., who reside in Union township. On the 6th day of April, 1855, Mr. Houghton's second marriage was solemnized with Miss Mary Ellen Bird, of Marshall county, who departed this life on the 9th day of April, 1875, leaving two living children:
419
MARSHALL COUNTY.
Thomas E. and William N., who now reside in Union township. Mr. Houghton was married the third time in December, 1876, to Miss Julia Meyers, daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth Meyers, who has borne him the following children, namely: Or- lando M., Luther P., Bertha E., Dennis R., Effie L., and Chloe V. Mr. Houghton is a democrat in politics, and for seven years has held the responsibe position of township trustee. He is a mem- ber of the Masonic fraternity, I. O.O. F., and is an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church, having formerly belonged to the Christian church.
Andrew J. Kyser, a successful farmer of Union township, was born in Summit county, Ohio, February 7, 1827. He is a son of John and Rebecca (Warner) Kyser, both natives of Lan- caster county, Penn., and early settlers of Summit county, Ohio, where the father was for a number of years connected with the militia service, and where for twenty-six years he followed the trade of cooper. He was a local politician of the democratic party, well educated in the English and German languages, and with his wife, first belonged to the Lutheran church, but after- ward became identified with the Reformed church, in which he was a leader for fifty years. He died in 1873, and his wife followed him to the grave in 1885, both departing this life in Summit county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Keyser had a family of eleven chil- dren, seven of whom still live, viz .: Andrew J., Mrs. Mary Sorick, Mrs. Sarah Vandersoll, Jeremiah, Elizabeth, Philander and Henry. A deceased brother, John, who came to Marshall county in 1866 and settled in West township, died there in 1886. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in Summit county, Ohio, and in 1851 married Elizabeth Kemery, daughter of Jacob Kemery, a native of Lancaster county, Penn., and an early resi- dent of Summit county, Ohio. Mr. Kyser came to Marshall county, in 1855, and settled in West township, where he cleared a farm of seventy-four acres, which he disposed of in 1865, and moved to his present place in Union township, where he now owns 320 acres, 150 of which he cleared. Mr. and Mrs. Kyser are the parents of six children, three now living, viz .: Franklin M., Carlisle D. and Flora R., of Burr Oak. Mr. Kyser is a success- ful farmer and has given considerable attention to the breeding of fine horses; is an active supporter of the democratic party, and was formerly a Presbyterian in his religious belief, but now attends churches of all denominations.
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.