USA > Indiana > LaPorte County > History of La Porte County, Indiana > Part 76
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Dr. Brook B. Freeman was born in Rockville, Ind., June 7, 1839, and is a son of Blackstone and Sarah J. Freeman. He was reared and educated in Danville, Ill., and early learned the printing business: published the Hendricks County (Ind.) Advertiser for 18 months, during 1856-'7; read medicine under Dr. B. Bartholomew, of Danville, over two years, and graduated from the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, in 1863, with high honors; served in the late war during the three-months' service in Co. A, 7th Ind. Vol., which on expiration of the time was reorganized as Co. H, of the same regiment, in which he served one year, when he was discharged on account of disability. He then, in the fall of 1863, engaged as Assistant Surgeon in the 10th Tennessee Cavalry. He began practice in Westville in 1865, and his superior knowledge of surgery obtained in the army, proved of great value to him afterward in his home practice. After five years he quit the old-school practice and adopted the homeopathic system, which he says is far superior to the other. He was married in 1861 to Miss Jennie Kistler, by whom he has 3 children, Charles, Ray and Abbie.
Jared Gardner was born in Clinton tp., this county, Jan. 21, 1850, and is a son of Edmond and Polly Gardner, natives of New York and Pennsylvania respectively. They were early settlers in this county, and his father is yet living in Clinton tp. Mr.
Samuel & Davis
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Gardner was reared on a farm, and educated in the Westville high school, and Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College at Chicago. He was married Sept. 27, 1871, to Miss Martha Clyburn, daughter of Henry Clyburn, the first settler of this county. They have had 2 children, W. Pearl and Jennie. Mr. G. is engaged in farming and stock-raising, and resides in the pleasant town of Westville.
Rev. Emil Hamann, Pastor of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church at Otis, is a native of Germany. He was educated in Fort Wayne, Concordia Seminary, Concordia College of St. Louis, and the New York University, graduating at the last-named place in 1876; he then spent two years in the College at Leipzig, where he completed his German education. His relatives reside in Cincinnati. He is a member of the Missouri Synod; began his labors in the Otis Church in 1878. He was married in 1878 to Miss Johanna Bra- zher, by whom he has one child, Albertine.
Evan Henton was born in Fountain county, Ind., Nov. 3, 1828, and is a son of Peter and Elizabeth Henton, the former a native of Greenbrier county, Va., and the latter of the vicinity of George- town, Ky. Peter Henton was taken to Ohio by his parents when but three years old, and Mrs. Henton was taken to Ohio when 11 years of age. They came to Fountain county, Ind., in 1821, and were married in 1824. Evan, the subject of this sketch, being a pioneer boy, had but limited advantages for an early education. He attended school in a log house with paper windows, and slab benches for seats. He was married Dec. 20, 1849, to Miss Elizabeth Robertson, by whom he has 2 children, viz .: Benjamin Franklin and Martha G. Mr. Henton has followed the butchering business in Westville for 27 years, and has resided there for 25 years. Previous to this time he resided on a farm. In connection with butchering. he now carries on his farm, which lies adjoining Westville, His mother resides with him at the ripe old age of 79 years, and is still very active, both physically and mentally. Mr. and Mrs. Hen- ton and their mother are all worthy members of the M. E. Church of Westville. Mrs. Henton is a daughter of Daniel and Margaret Robertson, natives of Bourbon county, Ky., and Steuben county, N. Y., respectively, and who were early settlers in this county. Mr. Henton's grandmother, Sarah Henton, was a cousin to Daniel Boone.
Christopher Herrold was born in Athens, now Vinton, county, O., Feb. 17, 1834, and is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Minton) Her- rold. He was reared on a farm, and in 1854 came to this county. He has been engaged in farming and stock-raising for the most part, but furnished wood for the Lake Shore & Michigan Sonthern railroad for about seven years. He was married April 6, 1862, to Miss Isabel Campbell, by whom he has 6 children, viz .: Eliza, Laura. Franklin, Sarah, Mary and an infant girl. He owns 110 acres of valnable land, and resides on sec. 22.
Jacob Herrold, deceased, was born in Athens county, O., June 12, 1804, and was a son of Christopher and Martha Herrold, natives
50
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
of Pa. He was reared on a farm and educated in a subscription school. He made his start in life by working as a farm hand. He was married July 13, 1828, to Miss Sarah Minton, daughter of John Minton, deceased, and a sister of Judge Thos. Minton, of Athens, Ohio. They had 12 children, of whom 9 are living, namely : John, Christopher, Henry, Joseph, Elizabeth, Jacob, Hiram, Frank- lin and Thomas M. All of these are married except Thomas M., who is now (1880) attending the Normal School at Valparaiso, Ind. Mr. Herrold and family came to this county in 1854, and located on section 14, this township. He was a prominent farmer and stock- raiser, a very hard worker, and was eminently successful in business. He was a worthy member of the M. E. Church for several years. He died Feb. 9, 1877, much esteemed and respected.
Daniel W. Hibbard. This jolly old bachelor is a native of this county, and was born May 25, 1837. His parents were Horace B. and Annis Hibbard, natives of Connecticut, who came to this connty in 1835. Mr. Hibbard was reared on a farm, and educated in a common school. There were 4 children in his father's family, and he is the youngest. He resides on section 23, engaged in farm - ing and stock-raising. His mother, now 76 years old, presides over the household affairs.
Hon. Jackson Hosmer was born in Wayne county, Penn., Sept. 30, 1818, and is a son of Robert and Nancy (Atwood) Hosmer, the former a native of Vermont, and the latter of Connecticut. Mr. Hosmer was reared on a farm and educated in a common school. In 1838 he came to this county, where he has ever since made his home. In 1843 he crossed the prairies on horseback to lowa and returned; repeated this trip in 1846. In 1848 he married Miss Sarah A. Griffith, a native of Wood county, Va., and they have had 3 children: Charles W., Warren A. 'and Anna B. Warren is County Superintendent of Public Instruction for La Porte county. In 1878 the subject of this notice was elected to represent La Porte county in the Indiana Legislature, and re-elected in 1879. He owns 150 acres of valuable land, residing on sec. 35, engaged in farming and stock-raising.
Francis M. Howell, a blacksmith in Westville, was born in Estill county, Ky., Aug. 19, 1827, and is a son of Phillison and Henrietta Howell, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of North Carolina. He was reared on a farm and educated in a com- mon-school. He learned the blacksmith's trade when a young man ; came to this county with his widowed mother in 1840. He has followed the farm and blacksmithing for the most part. He was married in 1851 to Miss Mary S. Warden, by whom he has had 11 children; of these, 7 are living, namely: Geo. H., now in Nebraska, Eliza J., Emma G., Mary I., Catharine A., Elmo J. and Samuel F. Mr. and Mrs. Howell are worthy members of the M. E. Church at Westville. Mr. H. is engaged in blacksmithing, and has a good trade. He is a member of each of the lodges, I. O. O. F. and A. F. & A. M.
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
Joseph H. Irwin, a prominent shoemaker of Westville, was born in Canada Sept. 15, 1845, and is a son of William Irwin, a native of Scotland, who was a carpenter by trade. Joseph H. early learned to work with his father, but later learned the shoemaker's trade. He went to Oswego county, N. Y., in 1865, and traveled, working in various towns throughout the United States until 1868, when he returned to Canada. He went to Illinois in 1873, and came to this county in 1876. He has a shoe-shop now in Westville and does a good business. He was married in June, 1867, to Miss Melinda Welch, by whom he has had S children: of these but 3 are living: Mary A., Rosilla and Melinda.
John S. Jessup, deceased, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, Oct. 15, 1814. His parents were Daniel and Ann Jessup. He was reared on a farm, and had no other educational advantages save those of the common school. He came to this county with his parents in 1830; was married in 1840 to Miss Mary Young, daughter of Christian and Catharine Young. The former is now residing with his daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Jessup had 7 children, of whom 6 are living: Daniel, Mary, Tilghman, Gaylord, Kittie and Annie. Mr. Jessup was a farmer and stock-raiser, and was very successful; prior to his death he owned 246 acres of valuable land. He died April 25, 1879. When the Jessups came here there were numer- ous Indians in the vicinity. The young Indians would often come riding up at full speed to Mr. Jessup where he was at work, think- ing thereby to scare him and have some sport. But he was not so easily scared. He stayed in the block house in Door Village for two nights, during the troubles in 1832.
Wesley E. Keith was born in this county July 7, 1833, and is a son of Lewis and Naney A. Keith; was reared on a farm; Feb. 10, 1859, he married Miss Sarah E. Perrine, daughter of Peter W. and Elizabeth Perrine. She is a native of Belmont county, Ohio. They have 2 children: Elizabeth F. and Schuyler C. He is engaged in farming and stock-raising on sec. 14, and owns 147 acres of val- uable land. Lewis Keith, deceased, the father of the above, was born March 22, 1801, in Huntington county, Pa. His grandfather came from Holland to America about 15 years before the Revolu- tion, and settled in New Lancaster, Pa. Here he engaged in the smithing business for many years, until his father and grandfather moved to Huntington county, where his grandfather died. The latter had served as a blacksmith in the Revolutionary war. His father was a blacksmith and farmer, and married Maria Heade, by whom he had a family of 12 children. In 1811 Mr. Keith removed with his father to Ohio, and July 6, 1832, landed in La Porte county, and built a cabin on the same land he owned up to his demise, May 28, 1879. He was married three times, and was the father of 13 children, 9 sons and 4 daughters, all living and mar- ried. When the Keiths first settled in this county the Indians were numerous, and at times they would gather around Mr. Keith's cabin window and watch the family eat, and express great wonder
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at the style in which white people ate. Mr. Keith labored hard in clearing up the underbrush on his land, and in otherwise preparing the way for the prosperity of future generations. He was a con- sistent Christian, and a worthy member of the M. E. Church for 60 years. He was an indulgent husband and an affectionate parent. His storehouse of love was always full, and he endeared himself to all who knew him. He gave freely to the support of the mis- sionary cause and other benevolent enterprises. He first sought the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all other things were added. He was eminently successful in business, and gave his children about $20,000.
Joseph R. Kimball was born in Cass tp., this county, Oct. 27, 1855, and is a son of John and Judith Kimball, early settlers in this county. The former is deceased; the latter, a native of Virginia, resides in this county. Mr. Kimball was educated in the Westville high school; was married June 19, 1875, to Miss Anna McCarthy, by whom he has one child, Charley. Mr. Kimball bought and located a portable saw-mill at Westville, in 1879, and is doing a good business.
James Livingston was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., May 25, 1820, and is a son of Jacob J. and Mary (Bookout) Livingston, also natives of New York. Mr. L. was reared on a farm and edu- cated in a common school. He came to this county in 1838, and in 1844 married Miss Dolly Mckellips, by whom he had 5 children; of these but 2 are living, Mary and George A. Mrs. Livingston died in 1865, and he again married in November, 1871, this time Miss Rosa Belle English, by whom he has 2 children, Viola Belle and Chancellor J. Mr. L. resides on sec. 35, engaged in farming and stock-raising, and bee-culture.
Charles Ludwig was born in Germany Aug. 1, 1838. His par- ents, John and Minnie Ludwig, are also natives of Germany. The former is residing in La Porte, and the latter is dead. His parents came to America in 1839, stopping in Ohio. About 1852 or 1854 they came to this county. Mr. L. served 18 months in the late war in Co. C, 83d Ind. Vol. Inf., and participated in the battles of Nashville, Atlanta and others, and was with Sherman on his renowned march to the sea. In the great railroad accident at Washington he was severely hurt in an attempt to rescue his friend, Owen Lynch. He had a very valuable memorandum destroyed also on that occasion. He was married Jan. 31, 1876, to Miss Rachel Ludwig, who is a native of Berks county, Pa., and came to this county with her parents in 1850. Mr. L. owns 200 acres of land, and is engaged in farming and stock raising on sec. 13.
Sloan D. Martin, deceased, was born in this county July 21, 1835. He was reared on a farm and educated in the Westville high school. He served in the late war in Co. H, 87th Ind. Vol. Inf., over one year, when, at the noted battle of Chickamauga, Sept. 9, 1863, he received the fatal shot that numbered him with the heroic dead, who spilled their life's blood in defense of their country.
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He was First Lieutenant, but was acting Captain on this occasion. He was married in 1859 to Miss Mary J. McKinley, danghter of Win. and Eunice McKinley, and their 2 children were Clara, deceased. and Charley E. Mr. Martin was a miller by trade, and his son Charley is now running an engine in the mill at Westville. Mrs. Martin is a worthy member of the M. E. Church at Westville.
Charles McClure, one of Westville's most enterprising mer- chants, is a native of Clinton tp., this county, and was born July 15, 1843; is a son of Christopher and Sarah McCiure. He was reared on a farm, and educated in a common school. He clerked in a drug store one year in Iola, Kan., and then returned and en- gaged in company with Deshler, of Westville, with whom he re- mained for some time. He was married Dec. 28, 1870, to Miss Mary McLellan, by whom he has 2 children: Phidelia and Flor- ence. He engaged in business in 1870, with his father, in West- ville, and after the death of his father it became, in 1876, the firm of McClure & Cole, but is now McClure alone. He carries a stock of $8,000, consisting of dry goods, clothing, groceries, boots, shoes; hats, caps and notions, and does a large business. Mr. and Mrs. McClure are members of the M. E. Church.
Christopher McClure, deceased, the father of the above, was born in Greenbrier county, Va., Feb. 18, 1797. He came to Shelby county, Ind., in 1829, and to this county in 1832. He was married in 1841 to Miss Sally Ann Robertson. In 1833 he was powerfully converted to God under the preaching of Rev. James Armstrong. He was a class-leader in the M. E. Church for over 25 years. He aided in erecting the Door Village church, which was the first church honse in the county. He also helped erect the Union church, the second in the county. Later he professed " perfect love," and lived a true Christian life, always "powerful in the Church, being full of faith and the Holy Ghost." The love of Christ governed him at all times. He fell asleep in the Savior May 29, 1875. He was missed in the holy convocations of the Church and by all. He filled the office of County Commissioner for six years.
John W. Nelson, proprietor of the Otis House, at Otis, Ind., the subject of this 'sketch, was born in South Bend, Ind., Sept. 15, 1843, and is a son of Andrew and Sarah C. Nelson. The former died in San Francisco, Cal., in 1849; the latter resides with John W. Mr. Nelson served two years and seven months in Co. K, 1st O. V. I., in the late war, and one year in Co. E, 62d O. V. I. While in the army he participated in the battles of Stone River and Chicka- mauga. He was wounded at the latter place by a six-pound ball, which struck him in the large part of his right lower limb. He lay there on that bloody battle-field, suffering the most excruciating pain, for 11 days, without medical aid, and with nothing to eat save an ear of corn. He now deservedly draws a pension. He came to Otis in March, 1879; lived here about six months, and then went to Chicago, where he remained until March, 1880, when he re- turned to Otis and took charge of the Otis House.
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
John P. Noble was born in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., Dec. 7, 1807, and is a son of William and Sarah Noble, deceased. He was reared on a farm and educated in a common school; came to this county in 1833, and in 1834 went to Porter county, Ind., but soon returned. He was married in 1836 to Miss Mary A. Smith, by whom he has had 6 children ; of these, 5 are living, viz .: Ameri- cus V., Julia, Celia, Hattie and Lois. Mr. Noble has been a suc- cessful farmer, and since 1871 has been living a retired life in the pleasant town of Westville.
Algernon S. Orr was born in Greencastle, Ind., March 22, 1832, son of Joseph and Harriet F. Orr, deceased, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Long Island; received his early education at Michigan City; at the age of 19 he left his father, and after living a few years at Valparaiso, went to California, arriv- ing at Placerville July 4, 1852; after delving successfully in the mines for one year, and after traveling over a large portion of the State, he " squatted " on a piece of land in one of the coast valleys, which proved to be part of a Spanish grant. Having become thor- onghly initiated into the mysteries of one of those "abominations of iniquity," a U. S. land commission, he abandoned his land, with pockets sadly depleted, and traveled on foot to Mariposa county, where he engaged in mining for a term of years; quitting this, he applied himself to stock farming in the foot-hills of Mariposa. His next move was to join the M. E. . Church South, when " the old fogies convinced him that he was divinely called to preach;" after studying and preaching for a term of four years, two years of which time he was in the theological school at Vallejo, being terribly afflicted with dyspepsia just at the time they proposed to advance him to deacon's orders, he requested that his license might be with- drawn. This for several years was refused, but he insisted, and it was finally withdrawn. He returned to his farm, where he was living when he received a telegram announcing his father's danger- ous illness. After his father's death he came into possession of a portion of the land near Westville, Ind., where he has since resided, engaged in stock farming. He has a farm of 550 acres of land.
James W. Payne was born in Genesee county, N. Y., July 14, 1823, and is a son of Erastus and Jerusha Payne, deceased, natives of Connecticut. He was reared on a farm and attended a common school. He came with his parents to this county in 1833. Was married in 1848 to Miss Nancy M. Closser, by whom he has 7 children: Chas. W. Emmerson, Willie F., Harvey C., Eda M., Milton C. and Flora E. Mr. Payne resided 14 years in Wisconsin, and was engaged in the mercantile business in Westville for 11 years. He is now engaged in farming and stock-raising on sec. 21. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812.
Aaron Peterson was born in Hardy county, Va., March 3, 1815, and is a son of Jacob and Hannah Peterson, deceased; natives of Virginia. Mr. Peterson was reared on a farm, and educated in a common school, in Clinton county, Ohio, whither his parents had
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
removed in 1818. He was married in 1839 to Miss Jane B. Wiek- ersham, by whom he has had S children; of these, 6 are living, viz .: Virginia A., James A., Hannah M., Elizabeth A., Charles A. and Arthur E. One son, William H., was killed at the battle of Stone River, during the struggle for liberty in 1862. Mr. Peterson came to this county in 1848, where he now resides on a nice 100- acre farm, sec. 23, engaged in farming and stock-raising.
Jumes M. Ray was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, Nov. 10, 1806, and is a son of John and Hannah Ray, deceased. He was reared on a farm and received a limited education in a subscription school. Mr. Ray's father died when he, James M., was quite small, and he was therefore early inured to hard labor, which he kept up through his manhood and later days. He was married first to Miss Lydia Witham, and his second wife was Sarah Rogers. He is the father of 13 children, of whom 7'girls and one boy are living. One son, Oliver H., a distinguished lawyer, died in Kansas City recently. Mr. Ray is a carpenter by trade, and has erected a great many houses in this county. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. at Westville.
Joseph Reed was born in Franklin county, Ind., Aug. 20, 1831, and is a son of Joseph K. and Eleanor Reed, the former a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, and the latter of Harrison county, Ky. The latter resides on the old home place in this tp. Mr. Reed was reared a farmer boy, and received a common-school education. He came to this county with his parents when but five years old, which was in 1836. He was married June 30, 1859, to Miss Har- riet Holmes, daughter of Hiram and Mercy Holmes, who came to this county in 1847. Mr. Reed went by sea to California in 1856, returning in 1857. He has resided ever since in this county, except two years, which time he was in Iowa. He owns a nice little farm of 80 acres on sec. 22, besides a third interest in the old homestead, which contains 240 acres.
William Reed was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, Oct. 18,1808, and is a son of John and Mary Reed, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Kentucky. Mr. John Reed was a blacksmith, and he early learned this trade. His education was obtained in a log house, with slab seats which had no backs, and the fire-place extended across one end of the room. The children were all obliged to study the multiplication table (which was on the mantel piece) while standing before the fire to warm. Mr. Reed came to this county in 1834. He was married in 1833 to Miss Anna Venorsdol, by whom he has had S children; of these, 6 are living, namely: Angeline, Emerrett, Arbella, James V., Sarah and Abraham M. Mr. Reed has resided nearly 30 years in Porter county, but near Westville. He also has engaged in farm- ing.
Thomas C. Reynolds was born in Wayne county, Ind., June 16, 1827, and is a son of Levi and Hannah Reynolds, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Tennessee. Mr. R. was
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HISTORY OF LA PORTE COUNTY.
reared on a farm and educated in a subscription school, which was taught in "a log shanty," with slab benches for seats. Mr. Rey- nolds is a watchmaker and engine repairer. Within the last six years he has manufactured 56 watches. In 1860 he was married to Miss Lucinda Williams, by whom he has 3 children: Emerson, Anderson and Emily. He came with his parents to this county in 1833. At that time there were 500 Indians camped at Petro's Grove, near the present site of the town of Westville. Mrs. R. is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. R. made a self-propeller attachment to a steam engine in 1840.
Benjamin F. Shunk, Westville, was born in Somerset county, Penn., Dec. 21, 1827, and is a son of Peter and Susannah Shunk, deceased, also natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. Shunk was reared on a farm, and received a common-school education. He came to this county in 1852, and March 6, 1856, was married to Miss Eliza Kritchbaum, by whom he has 4 children, namely: Francis M., Chas. W., Wm. Webster and Walter M. Four of Mr. Shunk's brothers, Peter, Francis, Jackson and Daniel, were soldiers in the late war, and all returned. Mr. S. follows farming on sec. 15.
7 E. S. Smith is one of Westville's most enterprising merchants. He was born in Geauga county, O., Aug. 4, 1838. His parents were Asa and Sophronia G. (Spencer) Smith, natives of Berkshire county, Mass. Mr. Smith was reared on a farm and educated at Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio, where he graduated in 1863. He served 18 months in the late war. He served first in the 87th O. V. I., and afterward enlisted in the 2d Ohio Cavalry. He was finally made First Lieutenant of the 24th Regiment of U. S. colored troops. He was married in 1865 to Miss Amelia Snyder, who died soon after. He came to this county in 1867, engaging first in the dry-goods business in Westville. He again married in March, 1869; this time to Miss Julia Noble, by whom he has 2 children: Eva L. and Nina L. Mr. Smith now carries a large stock of drugs and medicines, notions, groceries, wall-paper, glassware, stoneware, etc., and is doing a thriving business.
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