USA > Indiana > Steuben County > History of Steuben County, Indiana, together withbiographies of representative citizens > Part 52
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Philip Michael, hardware merchant at Fremont, Ind., was born in Dauphin County, Pa., Feb. 17, 1837. His father, Philip Mi- chael, was also a native of Dauphin County, born in 1801, where he grew to manhood and married Susannah Fitting, a native of the same county, born April 6, 1805. Of this union fourteen children
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were born-Enos, Mary, Ann, Katherine, Susan, Joshua, Sarah, Levina, Philip, Jacob, Lydia, David and two died in infancy. Philip Michael, Sr., was a weaver by trade, and in his youth followed that oc- cupation, often working at 50 cents per day and boarding himself. Thus he acquired those habits of economy which helped him to succeed in after years. In 1850 he and his family, in company with Michael E. Banm, Thomas Fisher, George Hicker, Samuel Wade and families, left their native State and started across the Alle- ghany Mountains with teams, for the far West, arriving at Fre- mont, Steuben County, May 28. He laid out the northwestern part of Fremont, known as Michael's First and Second Addition. His wife died Aug. 2, 1864, and he March 20, 1870, leaving their children comfortably settled in life close to the old home. In their youth they were members of the Lutheran church, but shortly after coming to this county joined the German Methodist denomination. in which faith they died. Philip, the ninth of the family, remained with his parents until he was eighteen years of age; then went to Eikhart, Ind., and was apprenticed to the carpenter and joiner's trade with Joshua Stephens, an uncle, remaining with him two years. Soon after Mr. Michael's return to Steuben County, he began farming, which he followed for six years, when he embarked in the mercantile business. In 1877 he commenced his present business. Mr. Michael has been engaged in the hardware business eight years. His salesroom is 60 x 24; tin-room 20 x 24. His stock is carefully selected, and by close attention to business he has worked up a good trade. He carries a stock of about $5,000. He is agent for the Champion reaper and mower, which is meet- ing with good sales through his careful attention. Mr. Michael is an honest, upright business man. A man of keen perceptions, dignified in his bearing, yet polite and courteous toward every one, and has won the confidence and esteem of a large circle of Steu- ben's most worthy citizens. In politics he is a staunch Republican. April 26, 1860, he was married in Fremont, Ind., to Miss Mar- tha Tillitson, a daughter of Jeremiah Tillitson, one of the first settlers of Fremont Towuship, settling in 1835. She was born in Steuben County, Ind., Feb. 27, 1839. By this union there were three children-Clyde U., Leon E. and Ira E.
Daniel Miller was born in Allen Township, Cumberland Co., Pa., Jan. 31, 1825, a son of John and Barbara (May) Miller. In 1854 his parents moved to Steuben County, Ind., where the father died in 1879 and the mother in 1880. But four of their twelve
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children are living. They were members of the Lutheran church. Daniel Miller was reared a farmer and when twenty years of age began to work at the cooper's trade, which he followed several years in connection with farming. May 9, 1853, he left his native county and came with a team to the wilds of Indiana, fording streams and crossing mountains, arriving in Steuben County June 5. He settled on what is now John McMahon's farm. In the fall of 1855 he bought and moved to the farm where he now re- sides, at that time a heavily timbered tract, with not a tree cut. Mr. Miller was married in 1850 to Miss Mary Schaeffer, a native of Dauphin County, Pa., born April 14, 1828, daughter of William and Margaret (Beck) Schaeffer. To them have been born nine ehil- dren, all save one in Steuben County-Margaret N., born Oct. 20, 1852, died April 17, 1855; Barbara, born July 18, 1853, died April 20, 1855; Mary E., born Dec. 17, 1854; Joshua, Feb. 10, 1857; George, Ang. 30, 1860; Oliver S., Nov. 4, 1864; Daniel, Nov. 19, 1866; Lucetta E., Oct. 16, 1868; Harper T., May 1, 1871.
George A. Milnes, deceased, was born in Lockwood, England, Dec. 16, 1813, and died at Fremont, Ind., Jan. 30, 1877. He re- moved with his parents to America the first of September, 1826, and lived with them in Philadelphia till sixteen years of age, and then went to Manayunk and learned the machinist's trade, remain- ing there till he attained his majority. He was employed as fore- man in the shop of Sellar Brothers, machinists of Philadelphia, several years, and ran the first engine on one of the roads running into Baltimore. In April, 1840, he removed to Ohio, and resided in Allen County till 1842 when he came to Steuben County, Ind., and assisted in building the large grist-mill at Jamestown, having supervision of the machinery. He then bought a farm near the village, where he lived till 1862, when he exchanged his farm for village property in Fremont, and for several years was engaged in the dry-goods and hardware business. He was a Justice of the Peace for some time and discharged the duties of his office in an efficient and satisfactory manner. His policy was peace with as little law as possible. Mr. Milnes was purely a self-made man. His education was mainly acquired by persistent and incessant study after his day's work was done. His school days ended with his ninth year. While an apprentice and for two years after his marriage he took lessons from a brother apprentice whose advan- tages had been better than his own. In 1850 he was admitted to the bar but having no taste for the profession never practiced. He
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was in early life a member of the Baptist church, and in 1844 trans- ferred his allegience to the Christian church, and for a time was a preacher for the latter denomination. He subsequently became a believer in the final restitution of mankind and withdrew from the church. Jan. 5, 1836, he joined Friendship Lodge, No. 23, I. O. O. F., of Philadelphia, and for this act was censured by his church. They however gave him a letter of recommendation when he left for the West. Sept. 1, 1837, he was transferred to Manayunk Lodge, No. 31,and after his removal to Indiana, Angola Lodge, No. 180. June 23, 1859, Heaton Encampment, No. 60, at Angola, was instituted, and he was initiated into the order and was elected Chief Patriarch, and in May, 1860, was sent to the grand encamp- ment as its first representative. In November, 1876, he was elected Most Eminent Grand High Priest, by the unanimous vote of that body. Sept. 1, 1863, he instituted and became a charter member of Steuben Lodge, No. 231. He loved the order and it was his de- sire to pass all the chairs of the grand encampment. He was also a member in good standing in Northeastern Lodge, No. 210, F. & A. M. Mr. Milnes was married Nov. 8, 1835, to Miss Eve Ann Blankley. To them were born nine children-Mary A., wife of Thomas Moffett; Joseph, enlisted in the Forty-fourth Indiana In- fantry and died from effects of exposure while in the service; Emma (deceased) was the wife of Abner Beck; Josephine, wife of George Heller; Antoinette, wife of Moses Kimsey; Arwood E., married Estella Dutcher; James B., Dora, Calvin, and two who died in in- fancy.
John Wesley Noyes, one of the early settlers of Steuben County, was born in Grafton County, N. H., June 14, 1802, a son of James and Rebecca (Russell) Noyes, natives of Massachusetts, where they were married and subsequently moved to Newbury, Vt., and later to Grafton County, N. H. In 1811 they moved to New York, and in 1833 to Kalamazoo County, Mich., where Mr. Noyes bought land and engaged in farming until his death, which occurred two years later, in 1835. The mother died at the home of our subject in 1850. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, the father being in his early life a minister in that denom- ination. They were the parents of twelve children, but six of whom are living-John W., Eunice, Mary, wife of Clark Briggs, of Nebraska; Eliza; Philip Rowe, of Mills County, Iowa; and Chauncey, of Dakota. James, Elizabeth, George, Rebecca, Dan and David are deceased. George was the first white man who died
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in Ann Arbor, and his wife was the first white woman who lived there. John W. Noyes received a common-school education, at- tending school in the winter and working on a farm in summer. In 1834 he moved to Michigan and settled near Saline, and the next year went to Kalamazoo County to take charge of his father's estate. In 1846 he came to Fremont and engaged in the mercan- tile business with - Beall. Two years later he bought the American Hotel and for eight years was engaged in the hotel busi- ness, keeping a good honse and doing a lucrative business. He then bought the farm where he now lives, located inside the corpo- ration of Fremont. He owns a large amount of property in Fre- mont and is one of the wealthiest and most influential men of the place. The store of Noyes & Beall was the first in Fremont, at that time known as Willow Prairie. Mr. Noyes was married in 1827 to Dolly Rowe, a native of New York City, born in 1810. To them have been born eleven children, eight of whom are living. In politics Mr. Noyes was originally an old-line Whig, but since its organization has affiliated with the Republican party. He and his wife are members and earnest and liberal supporters of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Noyes is a public-spirited, whole- souled, upright, enterprising citizen. His interests have been with the advancement of the county since his first settlement, and he has always assisted every enterprise of publie benefit liberally, both with time and money. He has been the poor man's friend, none worthy ever being repulsed if they went to him for aid.
Daniel Schaeffer, baker and confectioner, Fremont, Ind., was born in Dauphin County, Pa., July 7, 1825, the seventh of eleven children of William and Margaret (Beck) Schaeffer. His parents were prominent citizens of Dauphin County, where they spent their lives. Daniel remained with them on a farm till thirteen years of age, when he was apprenticed to learn the baker's trade, the agreement being that he was to serve six years and to receive his board and clothes and three months' schooling, and at the ex- piration of his term a suit of clothes valued at $25. After serving his apprenticeship he worked at his trade in Pennsylvania till 1855, when he moved to Steuben County and opened the first bakery in Fremont. He thoroughly understands every detail of his trade and has built up a good business. Mr. Schaeffer was married Feb. 25, 1847, to Sarah Ann Wharen, a native of Dauphin County, born May 14, 1825, daughter of John and Susannah (Young) Wharen. Mr. and Mrs. Schaeffer have had eight children-John T., Will-
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iam H. (deceased), Annie C., Emma J., Frank W., Benjamin C., Mary A. and Sarah A. Mr. and Mrs. Schaeffer are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he has been a zealous worker in the Sabbathi-school cause, having been Superintendent continu- ously for ten years until 1865. In early life Mr. Schaeffer was a Whig, casting his first Presidential vote for Zachary Taylor, but now affiliates with the Republican party. IIe has held some public po. sition in the town and township the most of the time since his residence here.
John Schaeffer, farmer and stockraiser, Fremont Township, was born in Dauphin County, Pa., April 10, 1820, a son of William and Margaret (Beck) Schaeffer. He was reared on a farm, receiv- ing a common-school education. He was married in his native county in 1847 to Eve Walmer, a native of the same county, born in 1823. In the spring of 1845 he came to Steuben County, Ind., and entered land and returned to Pennsylvania. In 1848 he moved his family to this county and settled on the farm where he now lives, which he has brought from a state of heavy timber to that of cultivation. He now owns 172 acres valued at $75 an acre. To Mr. and Mrs. Schaeffer have been born seven children, five of whom are living-David J., John W., Elinor E. (wife of Henry Dewey, of Reading, Mich.), Daniel A. and Margaret M. (wife of Elwood Ginn). They are members of the Germam Methodist church, and are liberal and earnest supporters of Christianity.
Willard L. Scott, merchant, Fremont, Ind., is a native of Livingston County, N. Y., born March 9, 1830. In 1834 his parents, Charles and Amy (Collar) Scott, immigrated to Michigan, and located near Jonesville, making the journey with teams and being three weeks and three days on the way. Mr. Scott cleared a small patch of ground, but afterward moved to Hillsdale, and later to Fremont, where he lived with his son Willard till his death in April, 1858. His wife died at the residence of her son in May, 1860. They were the parents of three children-Isabella, wife of I. W. Bates, of Hillsdale County; Lucy Ann, widow of J. L. Corning, and Willard L., who was their only son. He received but a common-school education, the only school being a mile and a half distant, and his attendance was limited to the winter months. In 1849 he came to Steuben County, and was employed two years as clerk for Corning & Raymond in a branch of their Hillsdale store. In 1851 he returned to Hillsdale, but the following fall came again to Fremont, and clerked two years and a half for
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Archibald Crawford. In the spring of 1855 he bought a stock of goods in company with Hon. Enos A. Noyes, and the firmn of Noyes & Scott continued till 1858. In February, 1863, he, in company with J. W. Noyes, bought the business of Daniel Phenicie, and continued till 1865, when Mr. Noyes sold his interest, and in 1869 E. B. Noyes bought an interest and they re- inained together ten years. Since then Mr. Scott has continued the business alone. Mr. Scott is a genial, liberal-hearted man, and has made a success of his business ventures, readily winning the confidence of all his customers. He was married in 1854 to Hannah B. Noyes, daughter of J. W. Noyes, of Fremont. They have two children-Linnie and Duane. In politics Mr. Scott is a Repub- lican. He tells many interesting anecdotes of his life in a new country. Although but four years of age when his parents left New York he remembers many incidents that transpired on the journey and after their settlement. He has experienced all the privations com- mon to boys reared on a pioneer farm, his educational advan- tages being meager as compared with the children of this day, but he made the best use of the time allowed him and has acquired a good business education. Having an inquiring mind and a reten- tive memory his knowledge of the world and business is surpassed by few men of the county, and his influence is felt and acknowl- edged wherever his presence is known.
Jacob Shenk, one of the prominent citizens of Steuben County, is a native of Lancaster County, Pa., born July 1, 1807, a son of Rudolph and Catherine (Smith) Shenk, natives of Pennsylvania, his father born in 1779, and his mother in 1783. Their family consisted of seven children-Christian, Jacob, Anna, Elizabeth, Rudolph, Catherine and Henry. In 1828 they moved to Erie County, Pa., locating in what is now the city of Erie, on property that became very valuable, where the mother died in 1846, and the father in 1863. Jacob, the second son and the subject of our sketch, removed with his parents to Erie County and remained there till 1855, when he came to Indiana, and lived in Lagrange County twelve years. Then moved to Williams County, Ohio, and three years later to Steuben County and settled one mile north of Fremont, and subsequently bought the farm which he now owns, consisting of 156 acres of choice land, valued at $50 an acre, with a good residence and farm buildings. In 1881 he moved to Fremont, where he is living retired, having given up the active pursuits of farm life. He was married in 1835 to Maria
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Wolf, who died in June, 1850. Their children were-Elizabeth, Catherine A., Charlotte, Henry, Washington I., Rudolph, Mar- garet and Maria. In September, 1851, he married Caroline Fissler, a native of Germany, born June 29, 1829, daughter of Jacob and Margaret Fissler, her father born.in 1800, and her mother in 1801. When she was four years of age her parents moved to America and settled in Erie County, Pa., where her father died in 1847, and her mother in 1862. They had a family of eleven children-Jacob, Angelina, Anna, Carrie, William, Catherine, Samuel, Sarah, Martha, and two who died in infancy. To Mr. and Mrs. Shenk have been born four children-Sarah C., Charles E., Ella M. and Ada V. Mrs. Shenk is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church. Mr. Shenk in politics is a Democrat.
Joshua Stephens, one of the successful business men of Fre- mont, Ind., was born in Susquehannah Township, Dauphin Co., Pa., in an old house used as a barracks at the time of the Indian tronbles, Oct. 6, 1824, a son of Andrew and Mary (Braden) Stephens, his father of English and his mother of Irish descent. He is the third of eight children, and the eldest of the five living. His only sister, Ann, is the widow of Henry E. Oakes. His brothers, John B., Benjamin F. and Andrew, live in Elkhart, Ind. The father died in 1832. In 1852 the mother came to Indiana with her children and died in Elkhart, but her remains were taken to Dauphin County and buried by the side of her husband. Joshua Stephens was thrown on his own resources when fifteen years of age. When nineteen years of age he began to learn the carpenter and joiner's trade with James Harper, for whom he worked five years, afterward worked two years with Isaac Uptegraph and one year with others. In 1851 he came to Steuben County, Ind., and was twenty-eight days on the road, having to ford streams, there being but few bridges or public roads. He located in Fremont Township, and worked at his trade two years. In 1853 he went to Elkhart and remained eight years. In 1861 he moved to Coldwater, Mich., and in 1863 came again to Fremont and worked at his trade two years. He then engaged in farming eleven years, and in 1876 came to Fremont and embarked in the hardware business, which he sold to his brother-in-law, Philip Michael. In 1878 he embarked in the market business in which he has since been engaged. In politics he is a Republican. He and his wife joined the Methodist Episcopal church in 1837, and still remain members. Mr. Stephens was married Jan. 31, 1850,
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to Sarah E. Michael, a native of Dauphin County, Pa., born in August, 1833, a daughter of Philip Michael. They have had six children; five are living-Andrew, Ai, Benjamin F., Edmund A. and Charles W. Their only daughter died at the age of four years.
Elias Straw, farmer, Fremont Township, was born in Dauphin County, Pa., Nov. 9, 1834, a son of Frederick and Catherine B. (Wagner) Straw. He was reared in his native county and there married, in 1855, Catherine Baker, a native of the same county, born in 1839, a daughter of Frederick Baker. In the spring of 1856, full of youthful ambition and with good health and strong wills, they left their native State and moved to Steuben County, Ind., locating first in Fremont, then a hamlet with two general stores. They soon after bought a tract of land on section 28 for which they paid $200. This they improved and lived on till 1864 when they sold it for $950. They then bought the farm where they now reside. They own 120 acres of land, all well improved, valued at $50 an acre. Mr. and Mrs. Straw have had eight chil- dren-William, John (deceased), Albert, Granville, George, Harvey, . Augusta Jane (deceased) and Hermie. In politics Mr. Straw is Republican but in local elections casts his suffrage for the man he considers the most worthy. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Association.
Frederick Straw is a native of Dauphin County, Pa., born June 9, 1811, a son of George and Elizabeth (Gearhart) Straw. But two of a family of ten children are living-Frederick and Susannah, wife of John Hoover, of Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1856 Mr. Straw moved with his wife and children to Steuben County, Ind., and bought land just west of the present site of the depot in Fremont. There were thirty acres cleared and the rest was heavily timbered. He now has 180 acres of the best land in the township, well improved with good comfortable buildings. At that time there was but one store and a blacksmith shop where now is the thriving village of Fremont. In early life Mr. Straw was a Jackson Democrat, but since its organization has affiliated with the Republican party. He was married in August, 1832, to Catherine Wagner, a native of Cumberland County, Pa., born in 1813. To them were born eight children-Elias; Anna, wife of Rev. Benj. Wade, of Cass City, Mich .; Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Isenhour; George W .; Frederick, of Muscatine, Iowa; Amanda; Benjamin, of Osage County, Kas., and Philip A. Mrs. Straw died June 17, 1871. She had been a member of the Evangelical
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Association since 1842 and was one of its most earnest and con- sistent workers. She was a noble Christian, a devoted wife and mother, a kind friend and neighbor, and her death was a sad blow to many friends and acquaintances, with whom she had labored since her settlement in the county. Mr. Straw is now reaping the reward of years of toil and hardship. He has a pleas- ant home, kind children, and scores of friends to cheer his path- way. His youngest son, Philip A., is a lecturer of wide repute, at present traveling in Africa. He has had a fine education, and being a fluent speaker and of natural talent he charms his andi- ences, and his services are in constant demand.
Demary Tillotson, the oldest settler of Fremont Township, was born in Pittsford, Monroe Co., N. Y., April 26, 1810, a son of Nathan and Mary (Kellogg) Tillotson, early settlers of Monroe County. The mother died in 1821 and the father afterward went to St. Clair County, Mich., where he died. They had a family of seven children, three of whom are living-Joseph, of Monroe County, N. Y .; John and Demary. Our subject received a lim- ited education in the common schools of his native county. After the death of his father he was thrown on his own resources. In 1833 he went to Branch County, Mich., and bought 160 acres of land near Coldwater. In August, 1835, he came to Steuben County and settled on section 28, Fremont Township. His family lived for three weeks under a shed made by laying boards on crotched limbs cut from the trees, till their log cabin could be built. Mr. Tillotson was the second settler of the township; the first, John McMahon, preceded him about an hour, and was pre- paring to feed his team when Mr. Tillotson drove by. He opened up a farm where the Noyes place is now located, near the depot at Fremont, then known as Willow Prairie. He lived on this place four years and in 1839 settled where he now lives. He was married April 12, 1835, to Harriet Shepard, a native of New York, and to them were born six children-Jerome, William, Truman T., Merritt, and two who died in infancy. Jerome was drowned in Lake James, Steuben County. William was a mem- ber of the Fifty-fourth Indiana Infantry in the war of the Re- bellion and was killed at Vicksburg. Mrs. Tillotson died March 18, 1850. She was a member of the Baptist church and a most esti- mable woman. In January, 1853, Mr. Tillotson married Mrs. Sarah (Thomas) Phenecie, a native of Franklin County, Pa., born Oct. 5, 1824, widow of James Phenecie. To them were born two
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daughters-Sarah, wife of Homer Withington, and Ida. Mrs. Tillotson died July 21, 1883. She was a member of the Wes- leyan Methodist church, and was loved and respected by all who knew her. Mr. Tillotson left New York with a man named Sim- eon Pierce, but left him at Detroit and proceeded to Branch County on horseback, and when he landed there had $95 and his horse. Although a poor man when he came West he was pos- sessed of a determined will and strong ambition, and made a suc- cess of all his business ventures, leaving no stone unturned that would aid in furthering his interests. He tells many thrilling and amusing reminiscences of his life in a new country. Before he raised any grain he was obliged to go to English Prairie to buy it and then take it to be ground. It was midnight before he was ready to start for home, and the snow was two feet deep. His oxen wanted to go home in the same direction that they made the journey and started toward English Prairie, and it was with diffi- culty that he got to the main road. He then rolled himself up in an old-fashioned cloak and with a bag for a pillow went to sleep. When his oxen reached a small store, Dr. Calton's tamerack store, at which they were accustomed to stop, they came to a stand-still. This wakened him, and he got up and started them on again. By this time the wolves began to liowl around him but paying no at- tention to them, he again slept till they reached Cove's cabin, where the oxen again stopped and he alighted and put up for the rest of the night. Many are the adventures Mr. Tillotson had with wild animals and Indians, and his manner of telling them cannot be portrayed by any but one who has had the experience of like adventures. He is a man of unquestionable integrity, and now, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, is reaping the reward of a well-spent life. He has lived to see the county of his adoption change from a wilderness to finely cultivated farms and prosperous villages, and many of the improvements are due to his energy and enterprise.
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