USA > Indiana > Miami County > History of Miami County, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, notes, etc., together with an extended history of the Northwest, the Indiana Territory, and the state of Indiana > Part 35
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 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77
9
390
HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY.
two others which together are 300 by 44. This was a four set mill, now enlarged to a six set. In January, 1874, L. Mergentheim became associated in the business. Feb. 1877, Henry Sterne went out and a new firm was organized, Harry W. Strouse taking his place. The mill was enlarged to five sets cards and 1,900 spindles and looms with a capacity of 70 pieces at a time, IIO hands were employed and the trade was extended east and west. Of that firm H. E. Sterne died February, 1878, in Cincinnati, C. F. Sterne died August, 1879 in the same city, and M. Oppenheimer August, 1885 in Philadelphia, where he had gone for his health. The present firm was organized June, 1886 and consists of L. Mergen- theim, H. W. Strouse and the estates of H. E. and C. F. Sterne. During the past fall the mills have been enlarged to six sets of ma- chinery and 2,400 spindles. The firm has always been financially in excellent standing and never missed a pay day.
The Indiana Manufacturing Company, one of the most important industries of Peru, dates from 1870, when the Howe Machine Company, looking for a location for a factory for wood work, was induced to locate here. The name under which it began and continued for five years, was the Howe Factory. The first buildings had been completed but a short time when a fire occurred, destroying them almost entirely and occasioning the loss of two lives, E. P. Loveland and John Cummings, who were caught by the falling roof while assisting to save the property. The shops were rebuilt in six months and, as before, some 500 or 550 men were employed. In 1875 a new company was organ- ized under the name of The Indiana Manufacturing Company. In 1881 it passed into the hands of a receiver, Mr. A. N. Dukes, who has successfully conducted it since. Not connected especially with any machine company, sewing machine woodwork is made for 16 different companies. A large amount is shipped direct to foreign countries. The number of men employed is about 300 at present, and the value of the yearly product $200,000.
The Basket Factory was built in 1872 by Gardiner, Blish & Co., who removed from Antioch in consideration of a donation by our citizens. This place was considered especially well sit- uated on account of the great plenty of elm timber found in this locality. In 1878, for some reason, the firm failed, J. M. Brown was appointed receiver, and it then passed into the hands of the Citizen's Bank. After standing idle for two years Lewis Benedict rented the building. April 1882, Henton & Talbot purchased the interest of Benedict, and after eighteen months Henton with- drew and Frank M. Talbot continues to the present time. At the opening sixty men were employed, the highest number at any time. was 150, the present number ninety. The present
39I
VARIOUS INDUSTRIES.
product is exclusively baskets which are shipped to all parts of the country. The daily capacity is 600 dozen.
The Dow Factory, which promised to be so important an addition to the city, was established by B. F. Dow & Co., who had been manufacturing farm implements in Fowlerville, N. Y. The citizens donated ten thousand dollars to secure it. The buildings were erected in 1880, and in May 1881, work was begun. The product was principally portable engines and thresh- ing machines and all kinds of repairs for farm implements. They were sold over a large territory, but collections being slow under the general depression of business at that time, the firm became deeper involved, and November 27, 1883, J. G. Blythe was appointed receiver. He completed his last report the first day of 1887. The buildings are well situated for manufacturing purposes and no doubt will be used in some way before long.
The Mineral Water Factory of A. Reed & Co., was established the Fall of 1880, by A. Reed. The product con- sists of the cooling drinks of Ginger Ale, Champagne Cider, Birch Beer, Cream Soda, and all kinds of pop. The territory supplied extends well over the State, the amount made being 1,200 boxes (about 25 thousand bottles) a year. Five men are employed for this and the beer agency run in connection with it.
Shearer's Ware House was established 1866, and is a building with the liberal capacity of 40,000 bushels of grain. It was built on the canal by which most of the shipping was at that time done.
Wilkinson's Planing Mill was started by Dan. Wilkinson, who in 1860, moved to Peru with a saw mill. This was located in the southwest part of the town; in 1865 was burned, mmedi- ately rebuilt, and sold in the Fall of 1867. The only planing mill then in Peru was that of Wampler & Kranzman, who suc- ceeded Coucher & Jamison, and which was located east, near the canal. Wilkinson erected a frame building on the lots at present occupied; in 1867 and 1872 it was burned, being a total loss, no insurance. The present brick building was immediately erected. The work done is mostly local, embrac- ing, however, the surrounding counties and some city work. In the spring of 1883, Walter Wilkinson became associated, and the firm name is Wilkinson & Co. In building season ten men are employed.
Brownell's Planing Mill was started by John Mulhfield in connection with the lumber business and in partnership with New York parties, during the fall of 1879. In May, 1885, C. H. Brownell became owner, on the failure of the former man- agement. Charles Cox was made manager, and the mill is now doing an excellent business. From 12 to 15 men are employed.
392
HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY.
The First Foundry was built by F. S. and George Hack- . ley about 1843. Just before the war the present building was erected by the former, who continued the business until his death. It was then continued by his son Levant, then by Thomas Lovett. The firm of Lovett & Rettig, formed later, branched out extensively into the manufacture of agricultural implements. Last year the foundry was bought by A. J. Ross and now conducted by him.
M. F. Smith's Machine Shop, Brass and Iron Foundry was established 1873. It is located corner Canal and Clay streets, and employs about nine men.
Isaac Miller's Roller Mill, on the railroad, is a descendant of the first mill in Peru, built on the feeder dam at the time the canal was made. The water power was excellent, and for years the old stone burrs ground out the support of a good part of the county. Having passed through various hands, Mr. Miller obtained it 1870. In 1876, the dam washed out and the mill was removed to the present location, more convenient for shipping, and is run by steam. In 1882-3 the improved roller machinery was put in. The capacity is 100 barrels per day, shipped mostly in Indiana and Illinois, some however going as. far as New York City.
The Canal Roller Mill has been under the present man- agement of Jackson A. Neal only since February, 1886. He succeeded Collintine & Jackson. The mill is not a new insti- tution, but lately has put in the latest roller machinery and has a capacity for 75 barrels per day.
The Peru Flax, Tow and Bagging Mill was started by John Coyle, spring of 1871. Mr. Torrey, of New Jersey, joined him in 1872, and the bagging mill was built. A stock company purchased the mill some years ago, and, with some changes, still run it. The product is mainly sold in the South, being used for the cotton crop. The mill affords employment to a number of men, women and children.
In addition to these factories described are Ulrick's Wagon Fac- tory, Sullivan & Eagle, and Ellis Stiles & Co.'s Carriage Factories, the Cigar Factories of the Keeners, Webb and Arnold, and various shops, which together represent in the aggregate as great a por- tion of manufacturing interests as any city in the State.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
HON. LEWIS D. ADKISON, a prominent citizen and pioneer of Peru, is a native of Fayette County, Indiana, born about eight miles west of Connersville, May 26th, 1816. His. parents, Robert and Rebecca (Henderson) Adkison, were born
-
393
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
in North and South Carolina respectively, of Irish lineage. The father in 1829 moved to Fountain County, where his death occurred one year later. The mother was born in the year 1776, and departed this life on the 27th of August, 1846. Lewis D. Adkison, when thirteen years of age, accompanied his parents to Fountain County, where for two years he worked on his father's farm. His early educational advantages were limited, being only those derived from attendance at the indifferent county schools of that period for about three months each year, until he arrived at the age of eighteen. He left home in the spring of 1835, and went to Logansport, were he worked at brick making until the following Fall, at which time he came to Peru and secured employment on the Wabash and Erie Canal, then in progress of construction. After one year spent as workman on the canal Mr. Adkison accepted a clerkship in the mercantile house of D. R. Bearss, and later was engaged in the same capacity by Mr. Bearss' successor, Jacob Lindsey, acting as clerk in .all about three years. In 1838, he was appointed by Governor Wallace Sheriff of Miami County to fill the unexpired term of Asa Leonard, who died in office, and at the ensuing election in 1840 was chosen Sheriff, the duties of which position he discharged for about four years. On leaving the office he engaged in the plasters' and brick laying trades and after continuing the same for some four years, opened a general store in Peru, which he conducted with good success for sometime. He subse- quently abandoned that line of trade and for some years was engaged in the lumber business, which he carried on quite extensively in connection with a general hardware trade. In 1855 he dis- posed of his mercantile interests in Peru and emigrating to California opened a general store at Oak Valley, in the mines. He was subsequently elected Supervisor of Yuba County, that State, an office similar to that of County Commissioner in Indiana, and after serving one and a half years was chosen Sheriff, the duties of which office he discharged for about four years. In 1868 he returned to Indiana and settled in Fulton County, where, until 1874, he was engaged in agricultural pur- suits, disposing of his farm at the end of that time and return- ing to Peru. In 1874-5 he was Assistant Doorkeeper of the Indiana State Senate, and in 1882 was elected State Senator from the counties of Miami and Howard. He took an active part in the deliberations of that body and served on some of the most important committees, among which were these: Banks and Banking, Public Printing, Public Buildings, Swamp Lands, Fees and Salaries, etc. Since the expiration of his term as legislator, Mr. Adkison has been engaged in the insurance business and loaning money at Peru. ยท On December
394
HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY.
16th, 1840, he married Mrs. Lucy Davis, daughter of the late Judge Albert Cole, of Peru, 'by whom he had four children, only one of whom, Lucy A., wife of James H. Fetter, is living. Mrs. Adkison was born in the year 1820, and died March 11th, 1885. Mr. Adkison was originally a Whig, but since the organization of the Republican party, he has been an ardent supporter of its prin- ciples. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and belongs to the Odd Fellows fraternity.
NOTT N. ANTRIM, a prominent member of the Miami County bar and fourth son of Benjamin and Frances (Grey) Antrim, was born in Cass County, Indiana, on the 25th day of March, 1847. Left motherless at the age of four years and fath- erless at ten, he was early in life obliged to. rely almost wholly upon his own resources, and until attaining his majority worked on the farm, obtaining a common school education in the meantime. Possessing a desire to make law his life work, Mr. Antrim, in 1872, began his legal studies with Messrs. Mitchell & Shirk, of Peru, under whose instructions he continued until his admission to the bar in 1873. He began the active practice of his profession, April, 1874, and within a short time thereafter won for himself a con- spicuous place among the lawyers of Miami and adjoining counties, having been elected the same year to the office of State's Attorney for the circuit composed of Miami and Wabash counties. He was re-elected to the same position in 1876, and in 1882 was chosen to represent Miami County in the General Assembly of Indiana. In 188I he effected a copartnership in the practice with James M. Brown, Esq., and the firm thus formed still continues. As a law- yer, Mr. Antrim is painstaking and methodical, and has already an extensive and lucrative practice in the courts of Miami and other counties of Northern Indiana. His official, as well as private life is. above reproach, and he enjoys in a marked degree the esteem and confidence of the community around him. In politics, he is a Repub- lican, and, as such, has rendered valuable service to his party in this county. Mr. Antrim on the IIth day of February, 1875, was united in marriage with Miss S. Marilda Adkisson, of Crawford County, Illinois.
DANIEL R. BEARSS (deceased) was born August 23, 1809, in Geneseo, Livingston County, New York. His parents were Truman and Sabrina (Roberts) Bearss. His grandfather was a major in the Revolutionary Army, under General Wash- ington, and his father served in the war of 1812. About the year ISII, the family removed to Painesville, Ohio, and in 1815 to Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Bearss' boyhood was spent on a farm and his education was acquired in a log school house. In 1828 he went to Ft. Wayne where he became a clerk for W. G. and G. W. Ewing. His employers soon opened a branch
395
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
store in Logansport in which Mr. Bearss was engaged until 1832. He then spent two years in mercantile business on his own account in Goshen. In August 1834 with his young wife he settled in Peru where he resided the rest of his life. During his first.year's residence here he carried on a general mercan- tile business in partnership with his father-in-law, Judge Albert Cole, whose biography appears elsewhere. This connection being disolved Mr. Bearss continued the business until 1844, when he formed a co-partnership with Charles Spencer under the firm name of Bearss and Spencer. Mr. Bearss being occu- pied with outside matters, Mr. Spencer took charge of the business. In 1849, Mr. Bearss sold his interest in the store and finally retired from mercantile life, after a prosperous business career of about twenty-one years. With perhaps one exception Mr. Bearss was the largest tax payer in Peru. He owned con- siderable city property among which were the Broadway Hotel and a number of business blocks. He also owned several val- uable farms one of which just north of Peru he made his home. Mr. Bearss was one of the leading politicians of his county but was never known to resort to political trickery in order that his party might triumph. No one in his locality labored more earn- estly for the promotion of Henry Clay to the Presidency. From the organization of the Republican party he was one of its warmest friends and through his great popularity succeeded in carrying many elections when said party was in the minority. Through his influence Hon. Schuyler Colfax was first placed before the people as a candidate for Congress. Mr. Bearss served his county in various minor public offices. He was in the state Legislature twenty years, eight years as Representative and twelve as Senator. During the memorable and exciting pericd of the late civil war when many legislators seemingly in sympathy with the south sought to tie the hands of Governor Morton and prevent the state from furnishing support to the Union, no member of the Senate was more faithful to his country than Mr. Bearss. His age prevented him from entering the army but he did his duty in the halls of Legislation. He took an active part in the railroad enterprises of the county and for a while served as director of the I. P. & C. and Wabash roads. With his family he attended the Congregational church and gave liberally towards its support. Mr. Bearss was a man of com- manding stature and in his prime possessed great physical strength and endurance. Few men were more favorably or better known not only in the county but throughout the state. He died April 18, 1884 at Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he had gone for the benefit of his health. January 14, 1834, at Goshen, Indiana, he married Emma A. Cole, daughter of the late Judge
396
HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY.
Albert Cole. The following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bearss: George R., William, Albert, Oliver, Homer, Frank, Emma and Ella.
ALBERT C. BEARSS, a native of Peru, was born April I, 1838, and is the third son of Daniel R. and Emma A. (Cole) Bearss, the sketches of whom appear elsewhere. Receiving his primary education in the city schools of Peru, at the age of 14 he entered the preparatory department of Kenyon College at Gamfier, Ohio, where he pursued the studies of that institution for a period of four years, and then returned to Peru. In 1859 he traveled westward and located in California, where he secured the position of salesman for a firm in the northern part of that State, and in 1862 he returned east as far as Nevada, where he engaged principally in silver mining and politics. In the year 1867 he came back to his native State and established himself in the mercantile business in the town of Rochester, Fulton County, where he continued until 1875, and then again made Peru his home con- tinually since that time, devoting his attention to farming and also to public affairs. During his stay in Nevada he was three times elected to the lower house of the Legislature, and when he re- turned to Indiana, received the nomination on the Republican ticket for the same position and was elected in 1878, and in 1879, was by his very intimate friend, James N. Tyner, postmaster general, appointed postoffice inspector, which he filled in a cred- itable manner until his resignation took place-March, 1885- and since that time has been looking after his farm of 550 acres, situated in Peru township. Mr. Bearss was married to Miss Madeline V. Lamb, of Coshocton, Ohio, March 20, 1867. This union has been blessed with two children, Fannie Emma and Nellie Cole. Our subject is a staunch Republican, and believes in the Jacksonian motto: "To the victors belong the spoils." He was made Chairman of the Republican central committee of Miami county, and at present occupies that position.
JOHN H BECK, City Treasurer, was born in Miami county, Indiana, October 23, 1845, and is the eldest son of Adam and Teresa Beck, parents natives of Germany. Adam Beck was born in 1816; was united in marriage with Miss Teresa Trefferd. in 1844, and the year following emigrated to the United States, coming direct to the city of Peru. John H. Beck was raised in Peru, obtained a practical education in the city schools and at the age of 16 commenced the tinner's trade, at which he served a three year's apprenticeship. In 1879, in partnership with Edward E. Riley, he opened out in the business for himself. He still carries on the business in connection with the retail hardware trade, and is one of the successful merchants of the city. In 1883 he was elected City Treasurer, re-elected in 1885 and is the present
397
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
incumbent of the office. He was married April, 1866, to Miss Catherine Silberman of Peru, a daughter of F. B. Silberman.
NER. BLACK was born in Peru township May 3, 1837, and is the eldest son of Samuel and Mary ( Haines) Black, natives of Virginia and Connecticut, who were of English descent. His father came to Peru township in 1834, and followed farming the whole of his life. Born in 1800 and died in 1880. The subject was raised on the farm and has always pursued the occupation of farming. His wife was Margaret Honan, daughter of Solomon and Mary Honan, who came to this country in 1832 or 1833, and remained until death, which occurred in 1852. The subject was the father of four children, whose names are Nellie A., Charles E., Milton W., and Fred G. He adheres to the prin- ciples of the Republican party.
EDMUND BLOOMFIELD, M. D., prominent physician and surgeon of Peru, is a native of Ohio, born near the city of Eaton on the 29th day of December, 1841. His father, Reuben Bloomfield, was born in Preble County, Ohio, in the year 1809, and his mother, Ann (Hopkins) Bloomfield, was a native of the same state also, and died there about the year 1856. Dr. Bloom- field's early educational training was received in the schools of his native city, supplemented by a course in the Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, in which institution he pursued his literary studies for nearly two years, making substantial progress during that period. His early tastes leading him to a choice of the medical profession, the Doctor, in 1866, commenced preparing for the same by a course of reading with A. L. Dunham, M. D., of Eaton, under whose instruction he continued until the fall of the following year. He then entered the medical department of the University of Michi- gan, at Ann Arbor, completing the prescribed course in 1869, and graduating the summer of the same year in Pharmaceutical chemis- try. Having thus thoroughly familiarized himself with the profes- sion, he began the active practice in 1870 at Peru, Indiana, where his superior professional ability soon won for him a conspicuous place among the successful medical men of the county. Dr. Bloom- field, as a skillful physician and surgeon takes high rank, possess- ing many of the elements of popularity, and, since locating in Peru, his practice has been eminently successful, both professionally and financially. His extensive acquaintance in this and adjoining coun- ties, together with his well known integrity and ability, has brought him a large and lucrative business, while his standing as a citizen is such as to make him popular with a large circle of friends and acquaintances. In politics he is a Democrat, but in no sense of the word a partisan; although firm in his convictions and intellectually qualified to fill official position he avoids the strife of political con- tests, preferring to give his entire time to his profession. Dr.
-
398
HISTORY OF MIAMI COUNTY.
Bloomfield's marriage with Miss Helen Davenport, of Peru, was sol- emnized April 26, 1871. They have three children, viz: Mary G., Guy D., and Nellie B. Bloomfield. Mrs. Bloomfield is a member of the Episcopal Church of the city. Dr. Bloomfield is a member of State Medical Society, American Medical Association and County Medi- cal Society.
JOHN P. BOWMAN, a native of Montgomery County, Vir- ginia, was born September 2, 1826, to John and Mary (Cromer) Bowman, natives of Virginia, but of German descent. His father emigrated from Virginia to Tippecanoe County when the subject was only about twelve years old, and they then came to Peru Township. John C. was reared on the farm and received a medium education. His occupation has always been that of a farmer. He was married in 1848 to Miss Catharine Meyers, a daughter of Nicholas Meyers. To them were born ten children, viz: Sarah J., Emeline, William R., Julia A., Noah, Amanda, Daniel, Phoebe, Charles and George W. (deceased). Mr. Bowman is the proprietor of 277 acres of fine land in Peru Township, and also 291 acres in Cass County, all of which is under good cultivation. His politics are Democratic.
PHILIP H. BOYNTON, the immediate subject of this sketch is a native of Miami and son of Joseph D. and Hannah Boynton. Captain Joseph Boynton, the paternal grandfather, was a son of Joseph and Sallie (Goss) Boynton, who were early resi- dents of New Hampshire, the former born in Stratham and the latter in the town of Greenland, that State. Captain Joseph Boynton was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, was at the capture of Burgoyne and Cornwallis, and also took part in the celebrated eampaign against Quebec under General Arnold. He was two years adjutant of the New Hampshire Division-died June 25, 1831, aged 76 years. Joseph D. Boynton was born in Cor- nish, Maine, June 4, 1793; was raised a farmer and while young familiarized himself with several trades, among which were those of shoemaking, carpentering, tanning, plastering, etc., in all of which he became a skillful workman. He married November 30, 1815, Hannah Chick, daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Lord) Chick, who were members of one of the oldest and most respectable families of Maine. Mrs. Boynton was born at the town of Parsonsfield, Maine, January 24, 1794, and died at Freeport, the same State, February 12, 1882. Mr. Boyn- ton departed this life early in the eighties, exact date unknown. The following are the names of the children born to Joseph D. and Hannah Boynton, to-wit: Mary P. (deceased), Hannah, Frances A., Ammi L. (deceased), Alvira P., Harriet O., Lucy A., Joseph W., Elizabeth B., Caroline N., Philip H. and Martha E. S. Boynton. Philip H. Boynton was raised to agricultural pursuits,
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.