USA > Indiana > Shelby County > History of Shelby County, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, notes, etc., together with a short history of the Northwest, the Indiana Territory, and the State of Indiana > Part 65
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LIBERTY SKETCHES.
JOSEPH BEYER was born in France, November, 1832. He remained with his father until twenty-three years old when he came to America. He landed at New Orleans, in 1855, where he worked one year and then came to Dearborn County, Ind., where he worked in a brick yard for three years. He married Miss Anna Malliser, who was born June 7, 1839. By this marriage there were six children: Mary, Josephine, Joseph, Frank, Max and Aggie. Soon after his marriage he began the manufacture of brick, at which he worked for fifteen years. In 1870, he purchased a tile factory, to which he added new machinery and increased the business. He is is a prosperous business man. He and his wife are members of the Catholic Church and are worthy citizens.
DANIEL CALLAHAN and his brother, in 1860, were among the orphan children sent west to find a home. Daniel found a home with Mr. Conrad Kuhn, and his brother Dennis with William Burnett. His brother died, aged eighteen. Daniel remained with Mr. Kuhn, and had the advantages of a common school education. He knew nothing of work and had everything to learn, but Mr. Kuhn was a kind and indulgent employer. When he was twenty years old his employer gave him wages for two years. He then secured work at a saw mill and worked there two years. He married Miss Mary Posz in 1875, who was born in Union Town- ship, this county, December 25, 1854, a daughter of Valentine and Margaret (Baker) Posz, both natives of Germany. By this mar- riage there were three children: Albert B., born June 2, 1876, Catharine E .. born July 28, ISSo, and Clara G., born April 19, 1884. Mr. Callahan located on the farm where he now lives in ISS2. He was born in the City of New York, December 22, 1851. His father, Dennis Callahan, was a stock trader, and died in early life at the age of thirty-five.
E. H. CRIPPEN, M. D., was a mere boy when he came to Indiana, with his parents. He had a common school education and when eighteen, went to Marietta, Ohio, to school, where he paid his own way by teaching when not in school. Later, he went to school at Galesburg, Ill. He then began the study of medicine, and attended the University of the City of New York, where he graduated in 1857. He located at Cynthiana in the fall of 1885, where he is now doing a good practice. In August, 1858, he married Miss Mary L. Filkins, who was a native of New York. She died two months later. He was again marrried in 1859, to Miss Mis- souri Hillagoss, a native of Indiana. By this marriage three child- ren were born: Mora E., Elias E., and Nannie. Mr. Crippen was married to his present wife, Miss Mary L. Innis, of Rush County, born August 7, 1863, September 21, 1879. He was
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born in New York, July 23, 1833. He was the youngest of five children born to Elijah and Almira (Benton) Crippen, who were natives of Connecticut. They came to Indiana, Jennings County, in 1844, where they resided the rest of their lives. He died in I880, aged eighty-seven, and his wife in 1887, at the age of ninety. They were worthy people and highly esteemed.
GEORGE ECK was born in Bavaria. Germany, April 30, 1817. He had a good common school education. When he was fourteen years old he learned the weaver's trade, and followed this for five years. He then was subject to military service, but hired a sub- stitute and came to America in 1837. He came to Cincinnati and stopped with his brother Jabot, who came to America in 1832. Later, he and his brother came to this county, but returned to Cin- cinnati, where they worked at the blacksmith trade. In Septem- ber, 1845, he married Miss Catharine Weise, who was born in Bavaria, Germany, and came to this country in 1844. By this mar- riage there were eight children, of whom four are still living: John, now Township Trustee, Margaret, wife of Jacob Teitig. Cathar- ine, and Caroline, wife of Charles Miller. Mrs. Eck died Septem- ber 15, 1865. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Eck came to this county, and located where he now lives. He now owns 145 acres of well improved land. He has been an honest, hard working man, and is a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church.
JOHN ECK, Township Trustee, was reared a farmer boy in Lib- erty Township, this county, where he was born February 24, 1856. He is the only son now living. of George Eck of this county. When he was of age he rented his father's farm, which he is now working. He was married January 13, ISSI, to Miss Flora B. Ensminger, who was born in this township, January 7, 1861, the daughter of John and Lousia (Hubbard) Ensminger, natives of Virginia. By this marriage two children were born, Herman, born in 1884, and Maggie P., born February 21, 1887. Mr. Eck is one of the well-to-do young men of his township and highly esteemed for integrity and honesty. He is a staunch Democrat and was elected Township Trustee in ISS6. He is a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church.
PETER GROSS was born in Germany, December 25, IS24. He was reared on a farm, but had a good education. He learned the shoemaker trade with his father. He served in the regular army for a short time, but was discharged because of a disabled hand. One year later he came to America and went to Pittsburg, and from there to Franklin County, Indiana, where he worked at his trade. He came to Shelby County in 1851, but returned to Frank- lin County, where he engaged in farming, and later at his trade at
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Cedar Grove, where he made $1,900. He then located at Waldron in 1869, where he kept a saloon for a short time, then a shoe store, and later a dry goods store. In 1872, he moved to his present home. where he has been engaged in merchandising and farming. He has now a fine home, the result of his own work. He is a well liked and honorable citizen.
DAVID GRUBB was born in Rush County. Indiana, March 22, 1831. His father, Abraham Grubb, came to Rush County when he was twenty-one years of age. He married Miss Eliza Wood, in 1824, who came to Rush County with her parents in 1820. He died in 1868, at the age of sixty-eight, having been a hard working, honest man. His wife survived him and now resides with her son David. David Grubb was brought up on a farm, he was a good student and at the age of nineteen taught the home school. He abandoned teaching and gave exclusive attention to farming, until 1869, when he came to Waldron and engaged in the grain business. He was married October 4, 1861, to Miss Mary E. Daniels, of Shelby County. They are the parents of one son and a daughter, Jessie E., born October 16, 1862, wife of Dr. H. R. Coons, Norval D., born July 24, 1864, now a merchant. Mr. Grubb is a successful, enterprising business man, and one highly honored for his sterling worth as such.
JASPER N. HECK came to this township in 1867, where he pur- chased eighty acres of land on Conn's Creek, where he lived until 1887, when he moved to his present home where he now owns 167 acres of good land. He was reared in this county, but was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, January 16, 1843. His father, John Heck, came to this county when Jasper was but four years old. Mr. Heck engaged in the breeding of Berkshire hogs, and is one of the leading breeders of the State. He is also raising Short Horn cattle. He is a Democrat, and served as Township Trustee for three terms. He was married February 28, 1864, to Miss Lorina E. Mitchell, of Shelby Township, who was born November 29, 1847, a daughter of Fielding and Mary ( Alley) Mitchell. By this marriage four children were born: William S., born May 9, 1865, Charlie E., born April 27, 1868, Anna B., born October 7, 1870, and Ida M., born October 18, 1873. Mr. Heck is one of the rep- resentative farmers of his State.
PLINY HUNGERFORD was born in Rush County, Ind., August 22. 1847, the eldest of seven children born to John and Nancy (Callahan) Hungerford, both natives of Ohio. John Hungerford came to Rush County in early manhood, where he was married January 1, 1846. He purchased a farm and made a good home, where he lived the remainder of his life. He died in February,
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1862, at the age of forty-two. His wife is still living at the age of fifty-seven. Pliny Hungerford was reared on a farm, and had a common school education. On becoming of age he started for himself, farming on rented land, which he continued for seven or eight years. He then purchased a farm of ninety-three acres, where he is now living. In October, 1871, he married Miss Sa- vannah E. Johnson, of Fulton County. Ind. She was born Decem- ber 26, 1851, and is a daughter of Elijah Johnson. By this mar- riage two children were born: Ora, died at the age of eight years; Bertha, born April 3, 1883. Mr. Hungerford is a fine farmer, and has made life a success.
J. W. INLOW, M. D., merchant, was reared a farmer boy. He remained at home until he was of age when he began teaching school. When he was twenty-four he began reading medicine with Dr. J. J. Inlow, a cousin. He remained in this office for three years and then began practice. He was married in May, IS71, to Miss Mary Callahan of Rush County, born December 2, 1838. For some fifteen years Dr. Inlow was the only doctor in his town- ship. He enjoys the confidence of the people, and has a large general practice. He also owns a large general store which does a good business. He was born in Rush County, Ind., November 10, 1839, the third of a family of six children born to Isham and Martha ( Cassaday) Inlow, who were natives of Kentucky. Grand- father Cassaday was a native of Ireland: he came to America previous to the Revolutionary War in which he served. He set- tled in Fleming County, that was first known by his name. He was a companion of Boone and others of the early Kentucky pioneers. Grandfather Inlow entered land in Shelby County, in 1830, to which the father of our subject moved in 1837, where he erected a cabin on the present site of the town of Manilla. His wife died in May, IS51, when he married Miss Mary Nawpson. He is now living at Homer, Rush County, where he enjoys a fair home and the esteem of all.
J. R. JENKINS, M. D., graduated from the Miami Medical College in Cincinnati, Ohio. in 1879. He then located at Waldron, where he has practiced ever since. In 1872, May 22, he married Miss Maria Penn, a descendant of the famous William Penn. She was born in St. Clair County, Michigan. December II, 1855, a daughter of George W. and Martha Penn, who were natives of South Carolina and Virginia, respectively. By this marriage two children were born, Mabel, born February 22, 1876, and John Shelby, born December 30, 1877. Dr. Jenkins is a close student and for many years has enjoyed a lucrative practice. He is a member of the Democratic party, and has twice been nomi-
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nated for County Clerk, but was defeated by a small vote, once in this county and once in St. Clair County, Mich. He is a public spirited man and highly esteemed where known. He was born in Henry County, Ky., February 9, 1842, the eldest of nine children born to William H. and Emily (Powell) Jenkins, both natives of Kentucky.
CONRAD KUHN came to this county with his parents when but twelve years old, where he worked on his father's farm, and remained until he was married April 22, 1858, to Miss Catharine Theobald. They had eleven children: William H., Amelia, Philip, Conrad H., Frederick, Lewis H., Oscar F., Catharine, Frederick E., and Daniel W., three of whom are now dead: William H., Philip and Frederick G. Mr. Kuhn purchased his present farm in 1870. He now owns 280 acres of fine land. He was born in Germany, March 7. 1836. He and his wife are now enjoying the fruits of their industry and are highly honored citizens. Mr. Kuhn's parents came to America in 1848, and located at Marion Town- ship, this county. Here they purchased a good farm and made a fine home of 280 acres. He had a family of nine children, who all grew to manhood and womanhood: Conrad, George M., John H., Barbara, Daniel, Jacob, Catharine, Anna M., and Andrew. They are all living in this county except Andrew and Barbara, who died, aged forty-seven and twenty-two years, respectively. Mr. Kuhn died February 12, 1870; his wife is still living and is seventy- two years old.
JOHN LANDWERLEN was born in France, October 28, 1830. He is the eldest son born to John and Mary Landwerlen, natives of France. He was reared a farmer and received a good educa- tion. He studied for the priesthood for two years but gave it up as he did not have sufficient means to pay his way. He went as a substitute in the rebellion. He spent his early life at home until he was married July 2, 1853, to Miss Mary Rudolph, who was a native of France, born February 9, 1838. He came to America in 1854. He lived in Indiana for a short time and then went to Iowa, but returned here and bought his present home, in Shelby County. He was a stone mason, and has done a great deal of this work. He is one of the scientific farmers and is a successful one. He is the father of ten children, Albert, born April 4, 1854; Lizzie, born February 18, 1856: Catharine, born November 2, 1857: John, born April 25, 1861 ; Joseph, born May 20, 1863; Louis, born October 10, 1864; Magdeleana, deceased, aged seventeen months; Vincent, born September 16, 1869: Benedict, born March 1, 1871, and Mary M., born July 9, 1873. Mr. Landwerlen and family are members of the Catholic Church.
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ROBERT G. McDUFFEE was born in Harrison County, Ky., October 28, 1815. He was the eldest son of Robert and Sarah (Taylor) McDuffee. Robert, the father of our subject, was reared in Kentucky. He married at the age of twenty, Miss Taylor, who came to Kentucky in early childhood. He started at the cooper's trade, and also run a small farm. His wife died in 1823, and he was married to Miss Sarah Scott. He was a minister and began preaching when he was twenty-two years old. Robert Mc- Duffee, our immediate subject, remained at home until he was mar- ried in February, 1838, to Miss Elizabeth Isley, the eldest daughter of John Isley. She was born in Pennsylvania, December 22, 1816. By this marriage four children were born: John W., born August 19, 1840: Lorina. born November 30, 1842; Margaret, born June 26, IS48, and Greenberry, born June 6, 1853. Mr. McDuffee came to this county in October, 1839, where he cleared forty acres for a home. He sold this in 1845, and purchased his present home, where he now owns 130 acres of well improved land. He has been a hard working man, and now enjoys the pleasant home he has succeeded in making.
JOHN H. MELTZER, senior member of the firm of Meltzer Bros., machinists and manufacturers of lumber and building material, was born in this county July 22, 1844, a son of John F. Meltzer. He received a good common school education and at the age of sev- enteen years began the carpenter trade. Having reached his majority he commenced contracting, and employed a large number of men. In 1867, he started for the Pacific coast via New York and Aspinwall, and after spending three years in the west he re- turned home. Here he again turned his attention to his trade and not long after purchased a saw mill of which he has been one of the principal owners ever since. They located at their present site in 1879, and in partnership with his brothers, David and Frank, in the fall of 1886, added to their already large business, a machine and repair shop. They now, perhaps. do the largest business of any firm in Shelby County outside of the county seat, and their establishment is one of the most complete of its kind. In politics he is an active worker in the Democratic party. He was married May 18, 1876, to Maggie, daughter of George and Maggie Cawein. This union has been blessed with two children, one died in infancy, and the other, named George F .. was born January 5, IS79. Mr. and Mrs. Meltzer are members of the German Presby- terian Church.
KIMBLE E. MIDKIFF was born on the farm where he now lives, February 19, 1843. He was the youngest son born to Kimble E. and Ellen (Montgomery) Midkiff. Kimble E. Midkiff, Sr., the
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atner of our subject, was reared in Pennsylvania, and here married Mrs. Henrietta Robertson. They came to Indiana in 1824. Mrs. Midkiff died a few years later, leaving three small boys. He then married Miss Montgomery, May 30, 1829. By this marriage seven children were born. He and his wife were among the hardwork- ing members of the Baptist Church. He died October 7, 1867, and his wife, January 31, 1872. Kimble E., Jr., began farming for himself at the age of twenty. After the death of his father, he lived on the home farm with his mother, and later became owner of ISO acres, his share of the estate. He now owns a fine farm of 284 acres, with fine buildings. In 1865, July 20, he mar- ried Miss Amanda Chatman, who was born in Rush County, Ind., April 20, IS42. They are the parents of five children: Martha M., born June 19, 1869, Luella M., born June 24, 1871, Hattie D., born April 21, 1873, William R., born August 10, 1875, and Orval L., born November 15, 1877. Mr. Midkiff is one of the successful farmers of his county.
WILLIAM MILLER was born in Dearborn County, Ind., Decem- ber 16, 1819. He was but eight years old when his father died. He remained at home until he was fourteen years old when he was apprenticed as a blacksmith. At the age of nineteen he started out for himself. On August 25, 1842, he married Miss Lucy J. Perry, a native of Kentucky, born February 29, 1824. They are the parents of twelve children. Soon after his marriage he located in Decatur County, where he worked at his trade. After moving several times he located on a farm in Todd County, Minn., where he now lives. He rents his farm in this county and visits here often. He is a very successful farmer. His parents, Rudolph and Barbara Miller, came to Dearborn County, Ind., when it was vet a forest. They moved to Decatur County in 1825, where he died, leaving five small children. His wife later married Samuel Sea- wright, and they removed to Middletown where they both died.
THOMAS MILLER, Postmaster, is a native of Decatur County, Ind., born November 19. 1847. He came to Shelby County, early in life, and here grew to manhood. He remained with his parents, William and Lucy (Perry) Miller, until he became of age, he then engaged in farming. He opened his present business, drugs and groceries, in October, 1883. He was appointed Postmaster of the Toga post office at Middletown, in 1887. He married, September S, 1870, Miss Missouri Pulse, of Rush County, Ind., born April 26, 1852. They are the parents of three children: George W., born March 22, 1873: Rosa J., born December 10, 1876; Bertha M., born March 28, 1879. Mr. Miller is a live business man and highly esteemed by all.
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BENNET POWELL was left fatherless when nine years old, and at the age of fourteen took charge of his mother's farm in Boone County, Kentucky, where he was born December 25, 1827. May 9, 1847, he was married to Miss Susan Worland, who was born May 25, 1827. Her parents were John M. and Susan (Palmer) Worland. He moved to the farm where he now lives in I849. He is a successful farmer and gives most of his attention to the breeding of Short Horn cattle. and fine, large mules. He started in life poor, but has now one of the best farms in the town- ship. His father, Abraham Powell, came to Kentucky in early manhood, where he was married to Miss Elizabeth Crisler, a na- tive of Virginia. He came to Shelby County in 1830, and having saved money, bought a farm of three hundred acres. He was a very successful man, and was able later in life to give each of his children a good home, six of whom came to this county in 1830, and settled in this township. He died at the age of fifty-three, a respected and honored citizen. He and his wife were leading members of the Baptist Church.
JACOB QUERY was born in Shelby County, Union Township, November 27, 1843. the son of Daniel and Delilah Query. Daniel Query was a farmer, and early in life located at Moscow, Ind., where he built the first grist mill on Flatrock Creek. He served as a soldier during the War of 1812, and was a generous, kind- hearted man, and a good Christian. He died June 9, 1869, at the age of seventy-six, and his wife died April 13, ISSI, at the age of seventy-eight. At the age of eighteen Jacob Query engaged in the blacksmith's trade with his brother, George W., where he still remains. He is now doing a fine business, and has a fine large shop. He also is the proprietor of a large tile manufactory. In 1868. he married Miss Melissa Jerrell, who was born in Liberty Township, September 10, IS42. They are the parents of two children, Dalton, born July 4, 1872; Harry G., born December 9, 1879. Mr. Query is an influential citizen and highly esteemed.
CHARLES SCHOTT was born in France, November 18, 1843, the eldest of seven children to Philip and Margaret Schott, both natives of France. Philip Schott came to America, and landed at New York, where he worked for ten years, where he saved $2,200. He returned to France in 1842, when he married. He came to America again in 1844, and settled in Indiana, in Dear- born County, where he resided the rest of his life. He died in 1865, aged sixty years. His wife died at the age of fifty. They belonged to the Catholic Church. Charles Schott was but a small child when he came to Indiana. He was eighteen years old when his father died, when he took charge of the farm. June 1, 1866,
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he married Miss Caroline Buchert. They are the parents of seven children: Mary, Carrie, Frank, Katie, Andy, Anna, and Amelia. Mr. and Mrs. Schott are members of the Catholic Church.
LIBERTY J. SEELY was reared on the farm where he now lives. For many years before his father's death, he took charge of the farm thus lightening the burden of his father in his old age. He was married to Miss Margaret E. Newton, in January, 1863, a daughter of William Newton, of New Jersey. By this marriage there were five children, Melvin D., born June 19, 1866; Florence E., born August 5, 1868; Jefferson, deceased, aged two years; Ethel L., born November 26, 1880, and Anna May, born Febru- ary 6, 1885. Mr. Seely was born in Liberty Township, January 24, 1837. He is one of the worthy and representative men of his township. His father, Hiram Seely, came to Favette County, Indiana, in 1817. He started very poor in life, but had a good trade; he remained at home until his marriage, August 8, 1824, to Miss Anna Gunn, when he started for himself. He came to Shelby County in 1835. He was a hard working, honest man, and made a success of life. He died July 28, 1872, and his wife July 26, 1881, aged respectively seventy-one and eighty.
THOMAS E. TRACKWELL was born in Liberty Township, this county, February 5, 1850, a son of John and Frances (Ballard) Trackwell, natives of Virginia. John Trackwell was born July 15, ISO9. In his early life he was a pilot on the Ohio River. In 1834, he married a Miss Ballard, who was born July 20, 1816. In 1838, he left the river and located in this county, where he re- mained until his death January 14, IS73. His wife died March 3, 1865. Thomas Trackwell was reared a farmer and had a good common school education. When twenty years of age he began teaching school and has taught school several winters, twice in this county and Rush County. He followed farming during the summer season. He moved to his present home in March, 1887, where he runs a general store. He is a staunch Democrat and is now Postmaster of Meltzer, this county. He was married Jan- uary 31, 1883, to Miss Josephine Iliggins, of this township. By this marriage two children were born, Jennie, born December 12, 1884, and Jessie, born December 7, 1886. Mrs. Trackwell is a member of the Catholic Church.
WILLIAM J. TREES was born in Clermont County, Ohio, July 1, 1820. He was the fifth born of ten children, to Adam and Mary (Hill) Trees. Adam Trees, when six years old, went to Kentucky, and from there to Ohio, where he grew to manhood. Here he married Miss Hill, and a few months later enlisted in he War of IS12. His company was disbanded, after which he was drafted,
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but sent a substitute. He came to Rush County, Ind., in 1823, where he lived twenty years and then came to Liberty Township, this county. He was a good mechanic and successful farmer. He died December 6, 1863, aged seventy-five, and his wife in July, 1865, at the same age. William Trees is one of the best farmers in his county, and for years was the acknowledged Poland hog breeder of his county. He was married May 8, 1845, to Miss Hannah Hill, a native of Rockbridge County, Virginia, born in 1822. a daughter of Henry Hill, of Virginia. Mr. Trees is the father of fourteen children, of whom eight are now living: Ann, Shelby, Missouri, George and Adam, twins, Aaron, Newton, John and Douglas. By hard work he has made a good home, and is esteemed by all. Mr. and Mrs. Trees are generous, kind hearted people, and good to the poor.
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