USA > Indiana > LaPorte County > History of La Porte County, Indiana > Part 59
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The parents of Dexter A. came to La Porte in 1838, with three children, the subject of this sketch being the youngest, and they settled two and a half miles northwest of La Porte, where they followed farming 16 years, and then removed to their present home, " Clay Hill," three and a half miles northwest of La Porte, where they followed dairying for a number of years. The cheese which Mr. Buck made at this place for a long time bore the highest price in the market. In 1871 their dwelling was burned, with nearly all the contents. On the old foundation a new and commodions brick residence now stands, where the aged couple are enjoying their declining years.
Dexter A. Buck at the age of 18 taught school and bought his time, starting out in life for himself; followed civil engineering in Iowa until the war began, when he bought a horse and rode 150 miles to enlist, and he became a member of Co. B, 1st Iowa Cavalry ; in the fall, at St. Louis, he was appointed Commissary by Col. Fitz Henry Warren; after the death of Gen. Lyon, at Spring- field, Mo., the 1st Iowa Cavalry was placed under the command of Gen. Fremont, with 72 other regiments, to meet the rebel General Price, said to be not more than ten miles distant; but before an opportunity was allowed for this anxiously looked-for engagement, Fremont was removed and the 1st Iowa was ordered back to spend its time fighting bushwhackers in Missouri. Near Sedalia they gained a signal victory, capturing 1,300 rebels, with wagons, horses, ete. Mr. B. was prominent in this engagement. After two years' service in the saddle, his injuries compelled him to seek retirement, and he tried reading law for a time; but his ambition would not let him rest in this way while enemies were destroying the country; he therefore went South and was engaged in dealing ont rations to the troops from his bakery at Union City, Tenn. The whole com- mand at that place, however, was soon captured by Gen. Forrest, Mr. Buck losing everything except his life. He then walked to Columbus, Ky., meeting with rebels and adventures on the way. He kept a general store awhile at Alexandria, Middle Tennessee, where he met a Southern lady whom he afterward married. His method of acquiring her acquaintance was difficult, peculiar and romantic. He subsequently sold out at Alexandria and removed to the old farm, which he had purchased. After remaining one year on the farm, he found such a life too dull and inactive; then selling the farm to his father, he removed to Sedalia, Mo., where he engaged in business, meeting with success; and desiring a larger field for operations, removed to St. Louis, Mo., and secured the
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control of the States of Missouri, Kansas and Texas for the sale of a noted sewing-machine, which he bought and sold on his own account for a number of years, building up an immense business. By effort and judicious management he secured a respectable for- tune. He then sold out his business to the mannfacturing company and became business manager for them for a term of years. At his earnest solicitations the company accepts his resig- nation, and he returns to his father's farm to care for his parents now grown old. His children are 5 in number: Inez, Marion, Dexter Alvin, Edith and Cartwright James.
Mr. Buck's portrait appears on page 631.
W. C. Burlingame, farmer, sec. 29, P. O., La Porte, was born in Wyoming county, N. Y., in 1818. His parents, Abel and Polly Burlingame, were natives of New York State, who came to La Porte county in 1833, and settled in Centre tp., on sec. 30. He entered 700 acres of land, opened a farmi, and resided here 16 or 18 years. He moved to Green, Lake county, Wis., where he died in 1855. The subject of this sketch returned to this county in 1877 and settled on his present farm, consisting of 90 acres, valued at $70 per acre. He was married in 1838 to Miss Abigail Watkins,a native of Ham- ilton county, Ohio, deceased. His present wife, Jane Vandusen, is a native of this county. Mr. B. is one of the oldest settlers of the county. His father was Justice of the Peace for many years, and was widely known. Mr. B. is a Republican, and one of the enter- prising farmers of La Porte county.
Edward J. Church, is a native of Ypsilanti, Mich., where he was born in 1835. He was educated for the profession of dentistry, and studied in the office of S. S. Blodget, of Ogdensburgh, N. Y., and was a graduate from the Indiana State Dental College in 1879. He followed the practice of his profession 14 or 15 years, at Michi- gan City, Ind., and was elected City Clerk at that place in 1869. This position he filled with great credit for five years, when in Octo- ber, 1874, he was elected to his present position as County Auditor; was re-elected in 1878, and he has performed the duties of that im- portant office, with a high degree of ability and success. Dr. C. was married in 1863 to Miss Elizabeth R. Johnson, a native of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, of English parentage, and an adopted daughter of George Ames, of Michigan City. Two children are the living issue of this marriage. Dr. C., in a political point of view, adheres to the principles of Democracy. He is an advocate and supporter of the Knight Templars, and has a host of friends throughout the county.
Nicholas W. Closser was born January 12, 1812, in Washing- ton county, Pa. His first recollection is of moving to Warren county, Ohio, when he was about three years of age. He subse- quently moved with his parents to Butler county, where he lived until he was 11 years of age, and thence to Indianapolis, Ind., where they arrived January 8, 1823, and engaged in farming. During his minority he aided his father in clearing four large farms. He was a pupil in the first Sabbath-schoul organized in Marion county,
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and has ever since identified himself with the Sabbath-school inter- est. In 1828 he was converted and united with the M. E. Church, near Indianapolis. Subsequently, upon a more careful examination of the Scriptures, he became dissatisfied with his Church relation- ship, and in 1840 he united with the Baptist Church at Door Village, in which he still retains his membership. He was elected Deacon in 1842. On March 14, 1833, he was married to Miss Rebecca Parker, daughter of William Parker, a millwright, and formerly of Pennsylvania. Her father died in Illinois. They have 6 children : Daniel P., Elizabeth H., Jerome B., Sylvanus M., Joseph A., and Emily R. April 13, 1834, he came to this county, and July following he left Indianapolis with his family, moving with ox teams, and was 21 days in making the journey to Door Prairie. Here he engaged in farming and in the lumber business, having erected two sawmills, one propelled by water and the other by steam. He made the first table and bedstead in the township. He also engaged extensively in the purchase of real estate, but has now retired from farming, and resides in the city of La Porte. There were but few neighbors here when Mr. Closser came to La Porte, and they were scattered all over the county. He and his brother were the first teachers of music in this part of the country. He was the second Constable in the county, before Porter and Lake counties were set off; was elected Trustee of Scipio tp., and served four years; has been Superintendent of schools, and was out in the Black Hawk war in 1832.
Mr. Closser has always taken an active part in public affairs, and has been identified with the Whig and Republican parties.
O. L. Closser, farmer, sec. 29; P. O., La Porte; was born in this county in 1844, a son of Franklin and Rebecca (Swett) Closser, both natives of Indiana, who came to this county in 1834 and set- tled on the farm now occupied by the subject of this notice. They were among the early pioneers, and passed their days on the homestead. She died in 1847. His death occurred in 1868. O. L. was married in 1869 to Miss Alice Wing, a native of Schoharie county, N. Y. They are the parents of 2 children. He now has a farm of 1513 acres, valued at $100 per acre. He is one of the oldest pioneer settlers, and is well known throughout the county. He is a Republican.
George HI. Churchill, express agent, was born in Columbia county, N. Y., in 1840. His parents, Wm. H. and Fannie (Gregory) Churchill, were natives of the same State, and settled in Hillsdale county, Mich., in 1845; subsequently they removed to Branch county, where they both died. The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1869. He was engaged during the war as military store-keeper, and stationed at Springfield, Tenn., serving through the last two years of the war. He was engaged by the U. S. Express Company as messenger, and after a long and faithful service was appointed to his present position in 1870. He was married at Elkhart, Ind., to Miss Amelia Cook, a native of New York State.
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Three children have been born to this union, 2 of whom are living. He has long been a devoted member of the Masonic order, and a man of thorough, active and enterprising habits.
Alonzo Clough, farmer, sec. 19; P. O., La Porte; was born in Concord county, N. H., in 1814. His parents, Moses and Elizabeth (Moody) Clough, were both natives of that State. He early settled in Michigan, from which place he came to this county and lived with his son until his death in 1867, aged 85 years. The subject of this sketchi came to La Porte county in the spring of 1840, and located in Centre tp. In 1848 he settled on his present estate, consisting of 100 acres, valned at $50 per acre. He was married in 1835 to Miss Elmina Miller, a native of Ontario county, N. Y., and daughter of Dudley and Annette( Wood) Miller, pioneers of 1837. Both died in this county in 1844. Mr. C. has raised a family of 12 children, 8 of whom are living. Family are members of the Methodist Church. Politically, Mr. Clough is Republican.
L. A. Cole, lawyer, was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., in 1834. His parents, Avery A. and Irena (Palmer) Cole, were na- tives of Vermont and New York, who made their settlement in this county in 1835, and are among the living pioneers of the connty. The subject of this sketch began the study of law in the office of Judge Turpie, of this State; was admitted to the Bar in 1856, and began the practice of his profession in Jasper county, where he was successfully engaged. In July, 1861, he enlisted as private in the 9th I. V. I., was promoted Captain and served until December 20, 1865. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamanga, Lookont Mountain, Mission Ridge, siege of Chattanooga,and was on the staff of Gen. Thomas during his memor- able campaign. He served as Town Clerk and Justice of the Peace in the early days of the county, and was married in 1858 to Miss Lucetta Henkle, a native of Tippecanoe county, Ind. Mr. C. is a member of the Masonic order, and of the Presbyterian Church. He has for several years taken an active interest in the Sunday-school of this people, and is one of La Porte's oldest and esteemed citizens.
W. T. Crane, farmer, sec. 28; P. O., La Porte: was born in Campbell county, Va., in February, 1815. He came to La Porte county in 1835, and located in Scipio township, and was among the first settlers in that section. He moved to his present farm in 1840, consisting of 141 acres, valued at $60 per acre. He was married in 1837 to Miss Phoebe Keith, a native of Ohio. To them have been born 9 children, 2 of whom are living. When the war broke out Mr. O. sent 4 of his sons in the Union army; 2 of them were lost, La Fayette and James O. William H. remains at home, attending the farm and assisting his father in his declining years. Mr. C. was from boyhood learned to work with his hands, and until 21 years of age he gave one-half of his earnings to his father. He came to La Porte without money, and has succeeded by energy and perseverance in securing a fine farm. He is yet in vigorons health, but has lost his sight in the years since he began the pioneer life in La Porte county.
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George M. Dakin, M. D., was born in Clinton county, O., May 13, 1827. He was brought up on a farm and secured his education by his own energy and industry. He began the practice of his profession at Princeton, Ill., in 1853, and entered the Eclectic Medical College at Cincinnati, O., where he was graduated in 1862. The same year he came to La Porte at the solicitation of Dr. A. Teegarden, to accept the practice from which that Doctor had retired, where he has since been in a very successful and active practice. He assisted in the organization of the State Medical Association in 1865, and has been an active and honored member of the Masonic order since 1836. In 1852 he was united in marriage to Miss Martha Allen, a native of Clinton county, O. To this union 4 children have been born, 2 of whom are living. The Doctor established himself in the drug business with - Buggie, in the summer of 1879, and the firm enjoy a large and lucrative trade.
George C. Dorland, insurance and real estate agent, was born in Lycoming county, Pa., in 1844. He came to this county in 1853. and in 1861 enlisted in Co. C, 29th I. V. I., as a private, and received promotion to the position of Quartermaster Sergeant, serving in that capacity till September, 1865. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Pittsburgh Landing, Lavergne, Chicka- mauga, Stone River, Liberty Gap, and in all the battles in which that regiment was engaged. On his return he served as Deputy Recorder eight years, and was in the mercantile trade until he estab- lished his present business. He was elected City Clerk in 1875, and re-elected in 1879. Mr. D. was married May 16, 1867, to Miss Emily Rosette, who was born in this county June 20, 1846, daughter of N. W. Closser, a native of Washington county, Pa., a pioneer of 1834 to this county, and a resident of this city. To this union 5 children have been born, 3 of whom are living. Mr. D. is Clerk of the Water Board and a member of the Masonic order and I. O. O. F .; also is connected with the Baptist Church. He repre- sents the following Fire 'and Life Insurance Companies: Royal, of Liverpool; Fire Association, of Philadelphia; Phoenix, of Brook- lyn, N. Y .; Niagara, of New York; Mutual Life, of New York; London of Lancashire, Liverpool; Connecticut, of Hartford.
Seth Eason, Township Trustee, was born in Lycoming county Pa., in 1824. His parents, Samuel and Cynthia (McCormick) Eason, were natives of the same State, where he died at an early day. The mother, with all the children except Seth, removed to this county in 1847. Some years later she moved to Cedar county, with a daughter, where she died in 1880, in the 80th year of her age. Seth Eason was married in 1848 in this city, to Miss Sarah G. Heylmun, a native of Lycoming county, Pa. He followed his mother to this county in 1848, and during his residence here has principally been engaged in farming. His wife died in 1858, and he was again married to Miss Paulina R. Denison, a native of Mich. Mr. E. was elected to his present office in April, 1880, and
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has always taken an active interest in the welfare and growth of the county. The early years of his settlement will record him as a pioneer, and esteemed citizen. Of the several children born to him 2 are living.
C. S. Fahnestock, M. D., is a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, where he was born in 1847. He was educated for his profession in the colleges of New York city and Chicago, and after five years of study graduated with full honors in 1872. He spent one year of practice in Bellevue Hospital, New York city, with the celebrated Dr. Bond, having charge of the children's department in that institution. He became a resident of La Porte in 1872, and during the first year of practice he became prominent as a surgeon, in the successful treatment of several cases of ovarian tumor. He has the most complete surgical office in the State, and in the practice of general surgery, has attained a reputation which places him in the first rank of his profession. In all his cases he has never lost a case as a result of the operation. He was a thorough student, and in a word is wedded to his profession. His extensive library, the collection of his life-time,is undoubtedly the finest collection of med- ical works in the State. His practice covers a large extent of ter- ritory, and his success has given him an extended reputation. He is Vice-President of the State Medical Society, and is widely known. Dr. Fahnestock was married at Cohoes, N. Y., in 1872, to Miss Susan Vanderwerkin, a native of Waterford, N. Y. Two children, the issue of this marriage, are both living.
John Fildes, Jr., of the firm of Fildes & King, Clear Lake Woolen Mill. This mill was formerly known as the "Furnace property," and was used as a machine shop, until purchased by John Fildes, Sr., and opened as a woolen mill. In 1865 the building received extensive repairs and additions at the hands of the firm of John Fildes, Sr., & King, who established a large manufacturing trade. This firm continued until 1871, when the interest of Fildes, Sr., was purchased by his son, and the business run under the same name. The establishment furnishes employment for 50 persons, and has a large and lucrative trade. The subject of this sketch was born in Delaware county, Pa., in 1837. He is of English origin, his father having emigrated from England about 1820. His first location in La Porte was in 1864. He was united in marriage in 1858 to Miss Jane H. Booth, a native of Philadelphia, Pa. To this union 8 children have been born, 3 of whom are now living. Mr. F. and his father have for many years represented the manufactur- ing interest of La Porte, and are among the enterprising, substan- tial men of the community. The family are associated with the Presbyterian Church of this city.
L. S. Fitch, farmer, sec. 8; P. O., La Porte; is a son of Lemuel and Sallie (Hatch) Fitch, both natives of Madison county, N. Y., where he was born April 2, 1805. She was born in February, 1804. They were married in the same county December 10, 1834, and in the following year moved to the West, and settled on the
41
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
present homestead. He served as Assessor two terms in Springfield tp., was Trustee of the schools, etc. His death occurred in Decem- ber, 1856. The wife and widow survives. The subject of this sketch was the only child, and was born in La Porte county, December 24, 1839. He was married December 11, 1866, to Miss Mary Edson, a native of Berrien county, Mich., and daughter of James D. Edson, who settled in Michigan in 1833. He subsequently removed to Missouri, where he died. The homestead farm now consists of 120 acres, valned at $60 per acre. Mr. F. is a member of the Executive Committee of the Agricultural Society.
John S. Fosdick, dentist, was born in Campbell county, Va., in 1811; is a son of George and Mary (Strong) Fosdick, natives of Massachusetts and Virginia, who emigrated to the West in 1830 and settled in Niles, Mich. In 1836 they removed to this county, located in Cool Spring tp., and engaged in farming. He was a hard-working and honest man, and attained some prominence. He was for many years Justice of the Peace, and resided in the county until his death. The subject of this sketch began early in life the study of dentistry, in which he has made himself eminently success- ful. For nearly 40 years he has been in the practice of his profession in the city of La Porte. He also attended college in the study of medicine, which he abandoned for dentistry, and is the oldest in his profession in the city, and is known to the dental profession throughout the United States. His son, who is one of the finest dentists in the country, will soon relieve his father from the cares of business in his declining years. Dr. Fosdick was married in 1834 to Miss Rosetta S. Bailey, a native of Litchfield county, Conn., who died in 1841. Three children were born to this union, all of whom are living. His present wife was Miss Emily S. Smith, a native of New York State. They are the par- ents of 5 children, all living. The Doctor was a thorough Union- loving man, and in 1861 went into the field and served 10 months as Captain of Co. G, 29th I. S. V. I. He is a member of the Quaker Church, and is widely known and esteemed. Politically he is a thorough Republican.
Thomas J. Foster is a son of Thomas and Lusetta (Sutherland) Foster, natives of Onondaga county, N. Y., who came to this county in 1840, where he died in 1842. The esteemed widow survives. The subject of this sketch was born in La Porte county in 1842; was raised on a farm and learned to work with his hands. In 1860 he drove oxen across the plains to Colorado, and in the following year opened a small stock of groceries in this city and in his present location, where he has since been actively and successfully engaged. He was elected on the Democratic ticket in 1876, to fill the office of County Treasurer; was re-elected in 1878, the nomina- tion each time being unanimous. He served as Secretary of the Board of Education three years, and President of the Board at the time of the election to his present position. The success attending the career of Mr. F. is worthy of more than a passing notice.
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Bereft of the guidance and help of a father's hand, he emerged from his boyhood without the means to improve opportunities or secure education. His capital was his energy, industry and economy, and with this alone has he made life a success. His grocery business is one of the largest, and controls a large trade. Mr. F. was united in matrimony in 1863 to Miss Annie Drummond, a native of this county.
Gen. Newell Gleason was born in Wardsboro, Windham Co., Vt., Aug. 11, 1824; was raised on a farm until 18 years of age; his early education was obtained in the common schools of his native county, and the academy at Swanzey N. H., completing his studies at the Norwich University Vermont, where he graduated in the scientific department, and began teaching select school soon after, in Jamaica, Vt. In 1850 he went to Bath Co., Ky., and engaged in teaching in the mathematical department of the high school, and in the following year came to Jeffersonville, Ind., as a civil engineer, making a preliminary survey of the Jeffersonville railroad, which survey was afterward completed. In the spring of 1852 he was employed as assistant engineer of the Columbus, Pickaway & Indiana R. R., moved to Pickaway and had charge of the construc- tion of that road. The line is now known as the Chicago & Indiana Central. He was appointed chief engineer of the Cincin- nati, Pern & Chicago in the summer of 1853. This line was after- ward consolidated with the Peru & Union railroad and his term of service expired in the fall of 1856. The following year he was engaged npon the Dubuque & Western railroad, with headquarters at Dubuque, where he remained until the spring of 1858, when he went to Chicago to complete a contract with the Pittsbug & Fort Wayne road. This completed, he turned his attention to real- estate transactions, which became somewhat extended. He was commissioned Lient .- Colonel of the 87th Ind. Vol., Sept. 7, 1862; after seven months' service in the field he was promoted Colonel of the regiment. He was in command of the regiment in the campaign against Tullahoma, under Rosecrans, at Chattanooga, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and Atlanta; and June 27, 1864, assumed command of the brigade, being Lieut. - Colonel, and held that position until the end of the war, closing his military record on the march to the sea with Sherman through the Carolinas to Columbus and Washington. On his return home he was selected to serve an especial term in the Legislature of 1865-'6, and at the close of this service, as chief engineer he surveyed and located the Iowa & Lansing railroad. He also surveyed and re-located what is now a part of the Peru & Indianapolis railroad. In 1868-'9 he was chief surveyor of the Grand River Valley railroad, and the following year filled the same duty in the construction of the Grand Rapids & Lake Shore railroad. Completing this work he was made chief engineer of the Ohio & Michigan railroad, which was consolidated with the Coldwater & Lake Michigan railroad. In
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1873 he filled the same capacity for the Danville & Vincennes rail- road, having charge of the Ind. division. Since 1851 Gen. Gleason has been extensively and successfully engaged in the survey and construction of roads, in which he has gained an extended reputa- tion. His health failing him in 1873, he retired from the active duties of his profession, but unaccustomed to a quiet life he will again enter the field as chief engineer of the Goshen & Wabash rail- road in Michigan. Gen. Gleason was married January 25, 1855, to Miss Nancy E., daughter of Judge M. G. Mitchell, of Ohio, a rep- resentative man and early settler of that State. One daughter is the only issue of this marriage. Politically the General is a strong supporter of Republican principles, and a member of that party since its organization. He is a member of the Civil Engineer Club of the Northwest, and of the I. O. O. F. He also ranks among the early settlers and respected citizens of the county.
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