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 40
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REV. WALTER L. HUFFMAN, one of the pioneer min- isters of the Methodist Church in Northern Indiana, was born in Tioga County, New York, on the 5th day of June 1816. When about three years of age, his parents removed to Livingston County and settled near Genessee, the same State. Here young Walter was sent to the district school in a little deserted cabin that had been vacated by some previous occupant. This prim- itive building was fitted up with rail seats and other furniture in keeping, and here the young student was required to study until both head and back were almost racked with pain. When he had arrived at sufficient age he worked on the farm in summer and attended school at intervals during the winter seasons. Sub- sequently his parents heard of the far west, which was then Ohio, and possessed of an ardent desire to move to a place where cheap lands could be obtained they sold out after the lapse of a few years, and emigrating to Northern Ohio, settled near Florence, in Huron County. Here Walter, being now a young man, took charge of his father's farm and while thus em- ployed, snatched what time he could from his daily toil to study. By a thorough course of reading, the greater part of which was done by the flickering light of the old lard lamp stuck in the jamb of the chimney, he soon became well informed on all the current topics of the day, besides making substantial progress in history and some of the higher branches of learning. As he advanced in his studies, he sought an opportunity to recite to an instructor which was soon gratified in the person of Rev. J. F. Chaplin, a minister of much learning and piety, then stationed at Elyria, Ohio. In 1828, before leaving his
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native state, in a revival meeting near Brook's Grove, conducted by Rev. A. Haywood, he, with a number of others, gave his young heart to Christ and connected himself with the Meth- odist Episcopal church. At the same time and place he felt that he was called to the work of the ministry, to which end he directed his education and all his mental and moral nature that he might become, as he afterwards did, a successful preacher of the gospel. In the winter of 1837 he came to Indiana and set- tled at Crawfordsville where he was licensed to preach, and dur- ing the interim of the session of the Annual Conference in 1839, taught school in various parts of the country. He was subse- quently requested by Major J. C. Elston, at the time postmaster at Crawfordsville, to take charge of the postoffice, which posi- tion he accepted and filled to the entire satisfaction of the peo- ple and his employer. In the fall of 1839, he was recommended as a suitable candidaté to be received into traveling ministry, and at the Annual Conference held that year at Lawrenceburgh, he was duly received and sent to Covington circuit as junior preacher, the Rev. James L. Thompson being preacher in charge. In the fall of 1840 he was sent to the Rensselaer circuit and the fall of 1841 to Williamsport, where he remained for only a short time. As the preacher sent to Logansport had by reason of poor health resigned, the Presiding Elder changed him from Williamsport to Logansport to fill out the unexpired term. The following year he was sent to South Bend, from the latter place to LaPorte, thence to Crawfordsville station, and from the latter place to Centreville, in Wayne County. At the close of his second year at this station he was appointed agent for the Asbury University, now DuPauw, in which capacity he+ continued for a period of two years. Severing his connection with the agency, he was sent to Peru station, and during his two years' pastorate he built the Main Street Church, which still stands an eloquent monument to his untiring energy and indus- try. At the close of his pastoral labors in this city he was appointed Presiding Elder of the Peru District, the duties of which responsible position he discharged for two years. Near the expiration of his term in the district it was but too plainly seen by his many friends that his health was giving way, and that lighter work and less exposure to the rigor of the weather was absolutely necessary. The Bishop sent him the second time to take charge of the Logansport station. It was during his second pastorate in that city that he commenced the erection of that beautiful stone temple of worship on Broadway, one of the most commodious church edifices in Northern Indiana. He closed his labors in Logansport at the end of one year, and, although strongly solicited to return, saw fit on account of rapidly failing health to decline,
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and it was at his request that that year was granted by the confer- ence a certificate of location. Since then he has been an earnest laborer in the local ranks, and, as such, has done as much work for. the Master as he could possibly have done as traveling minis- ter, having had and still has more calls to preach than he can find time to fill. His popularity as a minister is attested by the fact that the people, who have had the privilege of once hear- ing him, always desire to attend his meetings the second time, and scores of persons, noted for their deep piety and active christian experience, were induced to abandon the ways of sin for the better way leading to Life and Holiness, through the effect of his eloquent and powerful appeals. As a pulpit orator he is always clear and logical in his statements, eloquent and impressive in application, and well calculated in his manner to effectually reach the hearts of the people. During the half century of his ministry he has united in marriage over eleven hundred couples, and in the dark hours of bereavement, has officiated at the funerals of more than twelve hun- dred persons. The companion of his youth died in 1871. The children, one son and a daughter are still living. This venerable and highly honored servant of God is now in his seventy-first year, and although the frosts and snows of many winters have been scattered upon his brow-eloquent of the rapidly passing time-yet life's evening is full of hope and the promise of a brighter day to come.
NICHOLAS A. HULL, the subject of this biography, is a native of Sweden, and dates his birth from the 25th day of April, 1848, a son of Magnus and Thoa Hull. During his boy- hood and early youth he attended the schools of his native country and laid the foundation for a good education, which, aided by travel and experience, has developed into a fund of paactical knowledge. Having early manifested decided taste for mechanical pursuits he, at the age of twelve, began to learn the cabinet maker's trade, in which he soon acquired considerable proficiency. Thinking that the New World af- forded better opportunities for a young man than his native land, he left the latter in 1861, and emigrated to the United States; located in New York City, where he found employment as a skilled workman in the manufacture of piano-fortes. In the fall of 1863 he joined the United States navy as a carpenter's mate, and subsequently (1866) went to the City of Chicago, where he worked at his trade until he removed to Peru in the year 1872. Upon reaching the city he engaged with the Indiana manufac- turing company, and at this time holds the responsible position of superintendent of the cabinet department for the manufacture of sewing machine wood work. Mr. Hull is a skillful mechanic,
W. M Locken
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thoroughly conversant with all the details of the trade, and has the confidence of his employers. Politically he is a supporter of the Democratic party, though he has never figured as a partisan or office seeker. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, in the deliberations of which order he takes an active part. He was united in marriage with Miss Cecelia Lawson, of Chicago, on October 16, 1868.
DAVID IRWIN was born January 27, 1847, in Peru, and is the eldest son of Hezekiah and Matilda (Coughenour) Irwin, natives of Huntington County, Pennsylvania, who came to Miami County in 1845, and located in Peru, where our subject was reared. At the age of fifteen he began to learn the butcher's trade with Mr. Henry Mack (deceased), and in 1867 commenced the business for himself. November 13, 1870 he was united in marriage to Miss Nellie H. Pierce, a native of this State. To them has been born one child, Harry, January 27, 1872. He was again married September 28, 1876, to Miss Emma N. Stigle- man, of Peru, daughter of Samuel M. Stigleman. Our subject's father was married in 1845, and became the parent of four chil- dren, viz: David, Caroline, William (deceased), and Samuel. David, the subject of this biographical sketch, is an Odd Fellow, this being the only secret society of which he is a member, and in politics is a Democrat. He received a very fair education, and all in all is a most worthy citizen.
ELI J. JAMISON was born in Frederick County, Maryland, November 24, 1820, and is the fourth son of John and Sarah (Harris) Jamison, both natives of Maryland and of English-Scotch origin. The subject of the biography remained on the Maryland farm until 1837, when he came to Indiana and located in Wayne County, where for three years he served as an apprentice at the cabinet maker's trade. In 1848 he engaged in the general fur- niture and undertaking business in Muncie, in partnership with his brother John Jamison. In 1856 he came to Peru, where he continued the business until 1880, when he sold the furniture department and is now only engaged in the undertaking business. He has been a member of the Town Council for more than ten years. The marriage of Mr. Jamison occurred 1841, to Miss Sarah Dinwiddie, a native of Peru. They have two children, viz .: Henry B. and Elizabeth L. Mrs. Jamison died in 1846. In 1848 Mr. Jamison was married to Miss Mary S. Marshall of Kentucky. He is a member of the Democratic party and of the Masonic frater- nity, and also an Odd Fellow.
JAMES J. KEYES is a native of Pickaway County, near Circleville, Ohio, and was born November 6, 1846. He is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Oman) Keyes, natives of the same county in Ohio. The father came to Butler Township,
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this county, in 1847; was a farmer, died September 18, 1868; was at one time township assessor of Butler Township. The mother's death occurred September 4, 1879. The person whose name appears at the commencement of this sketch was reared on the farm in Butler Township, and at the age of twenty secured employment with a Mr. Whittenberger, grocer, as clerk. and afterwards engaged with Mr. N. C. Brower, boot and shoe dealer, where he remained until 1876, when he formed a co-part- nership with Alexander Keyes and started a general store at Xenia, where they continued until 1882, when he purchased a shoe store in Logansport and moved the stock to Peru, and since 1883 has been transacting business at that place. In June, 1885, Wm. M. Trout became his business partner. Mr. Keyes was married to Miss Ida Jacobs, daughter of Samuel Jacobs of Logansport, June 10, 1880, to whom were born two children; Evelyn, born December 9, 1883, and Clarence L:, born Octo- ber 29, 1885. He is an ardent adherent of the principles and practices of the Republican party, and is a member of the Knights of Honor. Mr. Keyes is an honest, upright citizen and commands the respect of the entire community in which he resides.
RICHARD KILGORE, editor and proprietor of the Even- ing Fournal, was born in Peru, Indiana, December 18, 1866, and is the second child of W. W. and Jane (Kinsley) Kilgore, natives of Kentucky. W. W. Kilgore came to Miami County Indiana, in 1868 and for some years was in partnership with E. H. Shirk in the mercantile business. Richard Kilgore received a rudimentary education in the schools of Peru, supplemented by a course in Wabash College, which institution he attended for some time. He served a four years apprenticeship in the Republican office, under Reed and Lockwood and after acquiring proficiency in the printer's trade, worked at the same in various places, having been one year employed on The Enterprise, published at Michigan City. In June, 1885, he accepted a position in the office of The Chicago Tribune which he held until March, 1886, when he returned to Peru, Indiana and purchased the Evening fournal, of which he has since been editor and proprietor. He has displayed fine ability in Journalism and at this time is perhaps the youngest editor in the State. He He was married September 7, 1886 to Miss Gertrude Canrode, daughter of T. W. and Jenny Canrode, of Kokomo, Indiana.
FRED A. KISSELL, Deputy Clerk Miami Circuit Court, was born in Peru, Indiana, May 17, 1858; the only son of George H. and Sallie T. (Tracy) Kissell. The father was a native of . Pennsylvania, born February 26, 1833. He came to Indiana in 1855, and was for a number of years express messenger on the I. P. & C. railroad, having run on the first train from Indianapolis
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to Peru. He subsequently abandoned the road and located in Peru, and later moved to a farm near the city. He operated a large stone quarry for a period of about ten years, and died June 22, 1886. Mrs. Kissell was the daughter of Carleton Tracy, who was one of the earliest pioneers of Miami County, settling here when Peru was but a niche in the surrounding forest. He was prominently identified with the early history of the county, held many positions of trust, and departed this life about the year 1865. Mrs. Kissell was born in Peru January 7, 1834, and died August 22. 1882. Fred A. Kissell was reared to manhood in Miami County, received a liberal education in the country and city schools, and at the early age of sixteen accepted a position in the Circuit Clerk's office under Jesse S. Zern. At the expiration of that official's term of service he was appointed deputy by the present clerk, Charles A. Parsons, a position he still retains. Mr. Kissell is a careful business man and an accomplished penman, and his records are among the neatest and best kept of those in any of the public offices. He votes the Republican ticket and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. On the 5th of November, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie D. Deniston, a union blessed with two children, Nellie M., born July 26, 1880, and Jessie F., born August 13, 1883. Mrs. Kissell was born July 5, 1860, in the city of New York.
JULIUS KOHLS is a native of Prussia, Germany, was born November 3, 1851, and is the son of Wilhelm and Catharine Kohls. He emigrated to the United States in 1872, and came direct to Peru. In December, 1885, J. M. Garver, his step-father, came to America and located in Peru. He is engaged in business in con- nection with Mr. Albert Moesk. In April, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Conradt, a daughter of Mr. Charles Conradt (deceased), of this county. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kohls, viz: Otto, Hulda, Hedwig and Catharine. Mr. Kohls has been an energetic citizen since his advent to this country, and by his judicious management has acquired a pleasant home and comfortable surroundings. He and his family are mem- bers of the German Luthern Church and he is a Democrat.
JOHN C. KRATZER, a native of Switzerland, born March 23, 1833, son of Christian and Elizabeth Kratzer. The family emigrated to America in 1849, and settled near Wooster, Ohio, and remaining there one year came to Miami County in 1850 and settled on a farm in Clay Township and here the father of Mr. Kratzer died February II, 1883, the mother preceeding him December 19, 188I. The subject of this biography had the advantages of fine schools and received a classical edu- cation. At the age of ten he began serving an apprenticeship at the jeweler's trade at his birthplace, Cheux-de-Fonds, Switzer-
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land. He came to Peru in 1852, since which time he has been engaged in the jewelry business in this city. By industry and energy he has succeeded, and is now one of the best business men in his line in this county. He was married November 10, 1857, to Miss Eliza Rettig, a native of Ohio. By that union two children, were born. Mrs. Kratzer died April 2, 1879, and May 25, 1881 he married Mrs. Sarah Rettig, widow of John Rettig. Mr. Kratzer has been a member of the Peru City Council. He is a K. of P. and an Odd Fellow. He is a good citizen and an honorable man. He erected Odd Fellows Hall in this city. He is a Democrat. Mrs. Kratzer has one daughter by her first husband.
JOSEPH H. LARIMER, Clerk elect of Miami Circuit Court. Conspicuous among the self-made men of Miami County, is the gen- tleman whose name introduces this biographical sketch. Mr. Lari- mer was born in Deer Creek Township, this county, on the 3rd day of February, 1854, and is the fourth son of Joseph D. and Mary A. (Miller) Larimer, natives of Fairfield and Perry Coun- ties, Ohio, respectively. Joseph D. Larimer was born in the year 1826, emigrated to Indiana in 1846, and settled on a farm in Deer Creek Township, where his death occurred August II, 1877. Joseph H. Larimer was reared to agricultural pursuits, re- ceived in the common schools a good English education, and at the age of twenty-one abandoned the farm, and commenced reading law with Messrs. Farrar & Carpenter, of Peru. He was admitted to the bar, October, 1880, but did not at once engage in the active practice of his profession, taking charge of the Bunker- hill Press, a weekly paper published at Bunker Hill, of which he was editor and proprietor, for about one year. Severing his connection with said paper, he returned to Peru and entered upon the active practice of the law, which he has since successfully continued. He early took an active interest in political affairs and developed con- siderable ability as a successful politician and organizer. He is an . unflinching Democrat, and in 1886 was nominated by his party for the office of Circuit Clerk. He made the race against one of the most popular candidates the opposition could put in the field, and after a very close and exciting contest, was elected by a decided majority. As a business man and attorney, Mr. Larimer is straight- forward, upright and honorable, and as a citizen, he enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know him. On the 21st day of November, 1882, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Lillie M. Bliler, of Cass County, Indiana, to which union one child, Edna, has been born.
ABRAHAM LEHMAN. The subject of this sketch is a native of Germany, born in Wurtemburg on the 19th of May, 1845. He enjoyed superior educational advantages in his youth, attending
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first the common and high schools of his native country and subse- quently the Kumzelan College, from which he graduated after a four years course. His literary education being completed Mr. Lehman, at the age of nineteen sailed for the United States and on reaching his destination came direct to Peru, Indiana, where he engaged as clerk with the mercantile firm of the Levi Brothers. He continued in that capacity for only a limited period; engaging in 1867 with David Adler in the dry goods business at Attica, Indi- ana, where he carried on that branch of trade until 1870. He re- turned to Peru, the latter year and opened out in the clothing busi- ness, which he continued with success and financial profit until 1879. He then engaged in the flax bagging and tow manufacturing, in partnership with the Rosenthal Bros., and in 1881 became a mem- ber of a stock company of which in 1882 he was elected President. This company operate the large flax mills just west of the city, one of the leading industries of the county and do an extensive and prosperous business. Mr. Lehman was married October 29, 1884 to Miss Ada Rosenfield, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Leh- man have two children, viz: Bernard and Minnie F.
WILLIAM W. LOCKWOOD, editor of the Peru Republican, was born in Preble County, Ohio, December 24, 1835. His father, George W. Lockwood, was born in Sussex County, Delaware, in 1809, and was accidentally killed in 1837. The mother of Mr. Lockwood was Belinda Lockwood, whose maiden name was Jackson. She died in Preble County, Ohio, in 1840, having been born in that county. in 1813. The paternal grandfather of our subject was William Lockwood, who was born in Delaware in 1776; emigrated to Preble County, Ohio, in 1826, and died there the following year. The grandmother of Mr. Lockwood was Phoebe (Dingle) Lockwood, born in Delaware in 1775, and died in Ohio in 1840. The Lockwood family is of English origin, though the family has been known in America for more than a century. The subject of this sketch is the elder of two sons and because of the early death of his parents, was reared by his kindred, and in the tenth year of his age came to Miami County with his uncle, Daniel D. Lockwood. He first attended the common schools and subsequently was a student at Wabash College. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, Eighty-sixth In- diana Volunteers, and was honorably discharged at the close of the conflict between the States. From 1865 to 1867 he was an employe in the Indianapolis postoffice. In the latter part of 1867 he engaged in teaching school, which occupation he continued without interruption until 1878. As a teacher he was a pro- nounced success, and is yet an uncompromising friend of the pub- lic schools and extended education. In 1878 he came to Peru and purchased a half interest in the Peru Republican, and in this
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connection continues, and is a leading newspaper man of this portion of Indiana. Politically, he is an ardent Republican, and ever on the alert for the best interests of his party. His first right of suffrage was exercised for Lincoln for President. In 1867 he was made a Mason, and is also a charter member of the K. of P. lodge of this city and also G. A. R. post. December 28, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Waite, daugh- ter of the late Sullivan and Margaret (Woods) Waite of this county. Mrs. Lockwood was born in Allen Township, this county, February 24, 1848. To this union are five sons and two daughters, viz .: Charles W., George B., Margaret H., William W., Florence B., Arthur S., and Albert L. He and wife are members of the M. E. church, and are among the best people of this city or county.
EBENEZER P. LOVELAND, late prominent lawyer of Peru, was born at West Rutland, Vermont, November 25, 1817. His parents were Col. Joseph and Beulah (Pratt) Love- land. When he was ten years of age his parents moved to Granville, Ohio, at which place he attended school until his six- teenth year. His father dying at that time obliged him to rely in a great measure upon his own resources, and shortly after- ward he engaged in teaching, which he continued several years, pursuing his literary studies when not thus employed. He. early chose the profession of law for a life work, and began his pre- paratory reading of the same under competent instructors at Richmond, Indiana, where he remained until the year 1840. He removed to Miami County that year and began the practice of his profession in Peru, where his high legal abilities soon won for him a conspicuous place. He continued in the active prac- tice at the Miami bar for a period of fifteen years, during which period he achieved the record of never having lost an important case entrusted to his management. During the time he was practicing he was associated with Mr. Beal, under the firm name of Loveland & Beal, and Judge N. O. Ross, under the title of Loveland & Ross, the latter having been one of the strongest law firms in Miami County. In 1856 Mr. Loveland entered the field of journalism and founded the Peru Republican, which was the first successful effort to run a newspaper in oppo- sition to the Democracy in Miami County. The early success of this enterprise was such as to cause, for a time, the suspen- sion of the opposing paper. From the year 1863 to 1867 he was engaged as assistant paymaster, Indiana Legion, with head- quarters at Indianapolis, and at the time the Democratic mem- bers of the Indiana Legislature resigned their seats in order to prevent the adoption of the Fifteenth Amendment, was the Republican candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated by a
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very small majority. In addition to his extensive professional business Mr. Loveland always took a conspicuous part in the internal improvement of the county and was largely instrumental in inaugurating the present efficient turnpike system of Miami. He also took an active interest in all measures having for their object the welfare of Peru, and while editor of the Republican persistently urged upon the citizens the propriety of improving and beautifying their premises and improving and keeping in repair the streets of the city. He early took a decided stand in favor of temperance reform in Indiana, and was an active mem- ber of the "Sons of Temperance" (having been a total abstainer from the time he signed the Washingtonian pledge when quite a small boy in Vermont), and in 1851 was a delegate to the Grand Division of that organization for this State, which met at Indianapolis. While in attendance at this meeting he was chosen a delegate to the National Division, which convened at Richmond, Virginia, in the summer of 1852. In 1853 he was made vice president of the railroad then in process of construc- tion between the cities of Laporte and Peru. He was active in his endeavors to secure the location of the Howe Sewing Machine works in this city, and it was while trying to save the company's property in the great fire of February 10, 1876, that he met with a violent death by being crushed beneath a burning build- ing. This sad event cast a shade of deepest gloom over the entire city and county, for his death was not only looked upon as a public calamity, but as a personal loss to the many with whom he came in contact in social and business relations. Mr. Loveland was an ardent supporter of the Republican party, honest in his political convictions and opposed to everything seeming like dishonesty and trickery. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church to which nearly all of his family also belonged. On the 12th day of October, 1842, at Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Hood, by whom he had seven children, namely: Henry C. (deceased), Celia, wife of A. Faling; Alice, wife of L. Morrill; Clara, wife of B. R. Graham; Hood P., Robert J. and Irene (deceased).
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