USA > Indiana > Wabash County > History of Wabash County, Indiana, Volume 2 > Part 53
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His marriage to Miss Maria Jane Thompson in 1844 resulted in the birth of seven children, named as follows: Amos L., who is the immediate subject of this review. William Hartwell; Ella; one other who died in infancy, unnamed; Joseph T .; Frank M. and Rome C.
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Stephenson. The mother lived until November 6, 1913, and both are buried at Rochester.
Dr. Amos L. Stephenson, for years engaged in the practice of den- tistry in Wabash, was born in Lagro, Indiana, on February 16, 1845, . and this county has been his home from then till now. Here he received his early schooling, and he was only a boy when on March 11, 1862, he was mustered into the Fourteenth Indiana Battery at Indianapolis for service in the Union Army. He served from then to the close of the long and sanguinary struggle, participating in many minor engage- ments and campaigns, as well as being a participant in the Battle of Nashville and the Siege of Spanish Fort. In September, 1865, with the rank of first lieutenant, Dr. Stephenson was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, and at once returned to his Wabash county home. It was very soon thereafter that the young soldier resolved to take up the study of dentistry, and for two years he studied under the tutelage of Drs. Bechtol and Spaw. Dr. Stephenson embarked in practice on his own account, and he continued successfully in the work until 1902, in which year he felt himself able to retire from the profession and take his ease.
Socially Dr. Stephenson has membership in the Masonic fraternity and in the Elks, and he is also a member of James H. Emmett Post of the G. A. R. A Republican in his political views, he has given stanch support to the party, but he has never held office, preferring to confine his energies to private interests.
On November 24, 1870, Dr. Stephenson married Miss Alice Eagle, a daughter of Francis M. Eagle. She died on January 20, 1902, and the doctor later married, on January 23, 1912, Miss Blanche Thurston, daughter of William K. Thurston. The doctor and his wife are living quietly in the city where he was long active and prominent, and enjoy the friendship of a large circle of friends.
MAHLON POWELL. An active citizen of Wabash county for thirty years, Mahlon Powell was engaged in the loan business for a number of years and is now enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life at his home in Noble township.
Mahlon Powell was born in Putnam county, Ohio, November 28, 1842, one of the nine children of Nuter and Hetty (Owens) Powell. He and his brother Joshua are the only survivors of this family. Both parents spent their lives in Putnam county, Ohio, and were substantial farming people, a vocation also followed in the main by their children. The children, all of whom were natives of Ohio, were named as fol- lows: Clorisa ; Margarite; Emmeline and Mahlon, twins; Abi; Amanda ; Perry; Joshua and Amos.
Mahlon Powell after a number of years spent in business affairs elsewhere, moved to Wabash county in 1884, and settled in Noble town- ship. His work has been chiefly along the lines of loaning money on farm property and some years ago he retired from aggressive participa- tion in business. He has been a factor in public affairs, and is a
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republican who has good reason for pride in the fact that he cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Powell has never married.
GEORGE M. SEWELL. A farmer and contractor who has made no small success during his active career, George M. Sewell has been iden- tified by residence chiefly with Pleasant township, though he was born in Paw Paw township in this county. The Sewells came to Wabash county during the pioneer times, and were among the settlers whose work helped to extend the area of cultivation and clear the way for the thousands of substantial and prosperous homesteads that are now to be found in this section of the state.
George M. Sewell was born in Paw Paw township of Wabash county July 28, 1869, a son of William and Letitia (Brown) Sewell. His father was born in Virginia, but married after coming to Wabash county, and had seven children. Letitia Brown was born in Indiana. William Sewell was brought to Wabash county in 1844, the head of the family at that time being grandfather William Sewell, and they made their journey by rail as far as Ohio, and their goods and persons were transported over the road to Wabash by team and wagon. Grandfather Sewell settled first in Pleasant township, entering land direct from the government, and as there were no buildings he erected a log cabin as the first shelter and habitation of the family in this county. William Sewell, the father, spent his career as a farmer, but the grandfather was by trade a mill wright, and did much serviceable work in his early years in Wabash county, helping to construct the first mill at Laketon. The father lived at different places, buying land and selling, and finally returned to the old homestead first entered by his father, and there lived until his death. He was then eighty-two years of age, and had preserved his health remarkably well until the last. He was an active member of the Christian church, and in politics a republican. The mother passed away at the age of fifty-two.
George M. Sewell grew up in Wabash county, was educated in the local schools, and on reaching his majority took his place in the ranks of hard and thrifty workers and has done a great deal of business in contracting. While he owns a good farm, he hires all the help to operate it. Mr. Sewell married Della White, daughter of Gilman and Mary Jane (Stewart) White. They were married in 1889, and they now have a fine family of children, several of whom have already taken their places among the useful workers in the younger generation. These children are: Bernice, born February 12, 1890, on April 19, 1911, married Marion Ireland, and has one child, Geraldine; Howard, born July 28, 1893, was married to Miss Fern Hutzner, of Disko, July 29, 1914; Wayne, born September 9, 1895; Wanda, born August 17, 1898; Mary Jane, born October 17, 1900; Carmen, born December 23, 1904; and Anna Bell, born July 19, 1910. All were born in this county. Mrs. Sewell is likewise a native of Wabash county, and her father and mother are both deceased. Mr. Sewell has had his home at his present place since 1897, owns a hundred and twenty acres of land largely
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improved under his direct management, and also employs a good deal of capital in his contracting business. Mr. Sewell has membership in no church, and in politics is a Republican.
C. E. RADER. Although he has been a resident of Wabash county only since 1911, C. E. Rader is already accounted one of the practical and intelligent representatives of this section's agricultural interests, his well-cultivated farm in Pleasant township evidencing his ability in his chosen field of activity and his versatility in combining modern ways with the methods proven reliable by the years of successful ex- perience of the farmers of the older generation. Modern methods are essentially different from those of the past, but the successful operation of land still requires, as formerly, hard and well-directed labor, and it is this, perhaps, which has been the chief element in advancing Mr. Rader to his present independent position.
C. E. Rader is a native of the Hoosier state, born in Fulton county, January 22, 1883, and is a son of Schuyler C. and Mary Alice (Teeter) Rader. Philip Rader, his paternal grandfather, founded the family in Fulton county, making his way on foot overland from his home in the East, long before the advent of the railroads. Ile settled on an unim- proved farm, two miles out of Akron, Indiana, and there passed the remainder of his life, being known as an industrious and hard-working citizen. Schuyler C. Rader was born on the farm near Akron, received his education in the public schools of that locality, and grew up amid agricultural surroundings, adopting the vocation of farming when he entered upon his own career. He was married just over the Miami county line to Miss Mary Alice Teeter, who lived in that vicinity, and for three years they made their home on a small farm owned by Mr. Rader in Kosciusko county. At the end of that period, however, they returned to Fulton county, locating on a farm upon which build- ings had been erected and the greater part of the land cleared, and this continued to be the family home until April, 1902, when the father removed to a farm within one mile of Akron, this still being the place of his residence. Mr. Rader is a republican in his political views, has taken some interest in public affairs, and has served several years as road supervisor of Fulton county. He has long been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the faith of which Mrs. Rader passed away in August, 1913. There were three children in the family: C. E., and two who died in infancy.
The boyhood and youth of C. E. Rader were passed in Fulton county, where he secured his education in the public schools. He early showed a predilection for farming, and was thoroughly trained by his father in the work to which he had decided to devote his life, so that when he was ready to embark upon his own career he was well fitted to take his place among the farmers of his community. He moved to his father's farm in the spring of 1903, and from there on November 16, 1911, came to Pleasant township, Wabash county, locating on the farm known as the old Solomon Wertenberger farm, and here has continued to devote
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his energies to the cultivation of his valuable land. Although still a young man, Mr. Rader's life has been one of great activity, and he continues to work with the vigor and enthusiasm of the youth who has his own way to make in the world. He is a student of his vocation, keeping himself thoroughly abreast of its advancements, discoveries and inventions, and is always ready to experiment with innovations. In his community he has demonstrated his willingness to assist in movements calculated to be beneficial to his township, and, although not a poli- tician, is an active supporter of republican principles. He was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Rader is also a member.
On Nov. 4, 1902, Mr. Rader was married in Wabash county to Miss Tressie M. Rager, the only child of George and Mary ( Anderson) Rager, farming people of this county, and to this union there have come two children : Rex, born November 13, 1906; and Ralph, born December 23, 1907, both in Fulton county.
WILLIAM II. EBBINGHOUS. A prosperous resident of Pleasant town- ship, William H. Ebbinghous has lived in Wabash county practically all his life, belongs to one of the early families, and through his own industry and activities has added to the influence and honor generally associated with that name.
Born in Chester township, Wabash county, March 5, 1870, William H. Ebbinghous is a son of Frederick and Mary (Strickler) Ebbinghous. The founder of the family name and fortunes in this part of Indiana was grandfather Henry Ebbinghous, who was born in Germany, where Frederick Ebbinghous was also born, and came to Wabash county in 1854. His was one of the very early settlements made by a representa- tive of the German fatherland in this county. Frederick Ebbinghous died on a farm adjoining that where his son William now lives in 1905. The homestead on which he lived for many years was developed almost . entirely by his industry, and its buildings are largely the result of his work. Mary Strickler, the mother, is believed to have been one of the first white children born in this section of Wabash county, and she is still living at a good old age. There were four children: Matilda H., whose first husband was L. Brown and her second William Ivans; William H .; Nora, who married Bert Ogden; and Albert, who died in infancy.
William H. Ebbinghous grew up in this county, received his pre- liminary training in the common schools, and in preparation for work as a teacher attended the Normal School at Terre Haute for some time. His career as an educator embraces about three years, in Paw Paw township, and some ten years in Pleasant township. He is cordially remembered by many of his old pupils as a capable and efficient in- structor, and did an excellent service to the coming generation through his labors in the schoolroom. After some years as a teacher Mr. Ebbing- hous married Roxana Flora, daughter of Leonard and Josephine (Brown) Flora. To this marriage have been born five children now
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living, besides two that died in infancy. The living children are: Hubert, Beatrice, Leonard, Harold and Mabel.
After his marriage Mr. Ebbinghous lived in Paw Paw township on the farm of his wife's father, then moved to his own father's farm, and after about ten years came to his present place. He has 76.78 acres, and has done a great deal of work to make the land more valuable in every way and has remodeled both the house and barns since he occupied the farm.
Mr. Ebbinghous is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, though his father was a German Lutheran. His fraternal affiliation is with the Masonic Lodge of North Manchester and the Maccabees at Laketon. As a business man whose good judgment has often com- mended him to his community, Mr. Ebbinghous held the office of justice of the peace in Pleasant township for 8 years prior to 1908. In politics he is a democrat and his father was of the same political faith.
JAMES AND WILLIAM ARNETT. Though James and William Arnett are not partners in a business sense, they are always spoken of in their neighborhood as the Arnett brothers, and their lives have been so closely identified that both careers are proper subjects of one sketch. On Section 20 of Noble township are the two home farms of these brothers, and such has been their enterprise and success that it is with a peculiar degree of respect and admiration that their names are spoken in that community.
Both James and William Arnett were born and educated in Wabash county, and their birthplace was the old homestead in Noble township, where their parents, Philip and Catherine (Bruner) Arnett, lived for many years. Wabash county has long esteemed the Arnett and Bruner families, and particularly well known are William Lemuel, James and Charles Bruner, maternal uncles of James and William Arnett.
Philip Arnett was orphaned at the age of three years, and the youngest of the family was an infant of six months. The children were reared in the homes of comparative strangers, and as soon as able to be of any service they were put to work. Philip Arnett was reared in the home of a carpenter, and his boyhood strength and skill were applied to learning the trade. Until twenty years he was employed by his guardian or taskmaster, as one prefers to call him, receiving for his labors his board and lodging. About that time a call came from a Grant county man, George Bruner, who required some building to be done. Young Arnett was sent to do the work, and there met the fate which largely decided his future fortunes, since the daughter of his employer subsequently became his wife. Another fact of note is that the house built by Mr. Arnett on George Bruner's place was the first frame dwelling erected between Marion and Wabash. Philip Arnett later took up his residence in Noble township, where his sons were born. Both were reared on a farm, and their educational advantages were somewhat above the average.
William Arnett today owns and occupies the farm that was a part of the old Bruner estate. The pioneer Bruner family located there at
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a very carly time, and they were among the very first settlers in Noble township. William Arnett, while a general farmer, has become best known throughout this section of Indiana as a successful breeder of draft and high-class trotting horses. Some splendid horses have been bred and trained on his farm. To name one out of many was Myrtle Granett, which sold for fifty thousand dollars, and others of high value have been produced in his stables. His barn is one of the finest in the county, and in order to train his trotting stock he maintains a half mile track on his farm. It can be confidently asserted that no breeder in this section of the state excels Mr. Arnett, and it is with a pardon- able pride that he refers to his achievements along this line.
Directly opposite from the farm of William Arnett is the home of his brother James. A road separates the two properties, and the place of James Arnett is no less a credit to the owner and to the community than that of his brother. A few years ago he erected a handsome cement block house at one corner of his estate, and that is one of the best residences in Noble township.
James Arnett was married on June 21, 1903, to Mary R. Hummer, a daughter of Luther Calvin and Marie E. (Tweedy) Hummer, both natives of New Jersey, who moved from that place to Ohio and then to Wabash county, Indiana, being farming people and well known in this county. The two children of James Arnett and wife are: Ruth Odell, born January 8, 1906; and Lucile Elizabeth, born in February, 1914.
William Arnett was married in Sun City, Kansas, September 30, 1888, to Myrtle Pickering, daughter of James and Minnie (Nelson) Pickering. To their marriage was born a son on June 30, 1889, Harry Arnett, and later a daughter, Myrtle Marie, who died in infancy. Harry Arnett married Eva Allison, and has one child, LeMoyne Arnett, born December 30, 1912.
The family of James Arnett are members of the United Brethren church, while that of William are identified with that of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. William Arnett is a member of the Royal Order of Moose and of the Horse Thief Detective Association, and both brothers are progressive in politics. These families have a high stand- ing in the community, have hosts of good friends in and about the county, and their position as substantial and progressive people is securely established.
GEORGE E. RUDICEL. The name introducing this review is that of one of the representative farmers and highly esteemed citizens of Liberty township, and Mr. Rudicel is known not only for his energy and pro- gressiveness in connection with his chosen vocation but also for his civic loyalty and earnest co-operation in those undertakings that tend to conserve the general welfare of the community. In his native town- ship he has found excellent opportunities for achievement along the line of the great elemental industry under the influence of which he
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was reared, and thus there are well reinforced reasons for his apprecia- tion of and affection for the county that has ever represented his home.
Mr. Rudicel was born on a farm in Liberty township, this county, on the 4th of September, 1858, and is a representative of one of the honored pioneer families of this favored section of the Hoosier Com- monwealth. IIe is a son of David and Elizabeth (Hevenridge) Rudicel, the former of whom was born in Franklin county, this state, and the latter in Henry county, Indiana,-this statement giving assurance that the respective families were founded in Indiana in the early pioneer era. Within a comparatively short period after his first marriage, David Rudicel came to Wabash county and established his residence on a pioneer farm in Liberty township, and there his first wife died. They became the parents of six children, all of whom are living except Mary Jane. The sons of this union are John, Edgar and Theodore, and the surviving daughters are Lavina, who is the wife of Jonathan Copeland, and Miss Catherine. For his second wife David Rudicel married Miss Elizabeth Hevenridge, and both continued their residence in Liberty township until the close of their lives, George E., of this review, being the elder of the two children, and Andrew J. being a resident of the city of Indianapolis.
George E. Rudicel was reared to adult age on the old homestead farm in Liberty township, and the district schools of the locality and period afforded him advantages that enabled him to acquire a good basic education, his services having been enlisted in the work of the home farm during the summer months, and the winter terms of school having found him a diligent and appreciative student.
Upon attaining to his legal majority Mr. Rudicel rented his father's farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits in an independent way. He denied himself neither time nor labor in his initial enterprise as a farmer, and with the passing years substantial and positive success rewarded him. He finally purchased his present farm, which com- prises seventy acres, is improved with excellent buildings and main- tained under effective cultivation, the appearance of the place showing fully the progressive policies and indomitable energy which have com- passed its development and improvement.
In politics Mr. Rudicel is arrayed under the banner of the demo- cratie party, and he takes a loyal and broad-minded interest in public affairs, especially those of local order, though he has never manifested any predilection for the honors or emoluments of public office. In con- nection with his general farming he gives special attention to the raising of standard-bred horses, and he has produced some fine types, including several now in his possession. In a fraternal way he is affiliated with the lodge of Free and Accepted Masons at La Fontaine.
Christmas day of the year 1880 recorded the marriage of Mr. Rudicel to Miss Laura Straughn, who was born in Henry county, this state, but who was an infant at the time of her parents' removal to Wabash county, where she was reared and educated. Mr. and Mrs. Rudicel have one daughter, Lola, who was graduated in one of the leading
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conservatories of music in the city of Chicago and who is a successful teacher of music in her home community, where also she is a popular factor in social affairs, the while she aids greatly in making the parental home a center of gracious hospitality.
JAMES B. BOYS. Among those who have availed themselves of the admirable natural resources of Wabash county and have gained pres- tige as successful and representative farmers and stock-growers is this well known citizen of Liberty township, where he is proprietor of the fine demesne known as Locust Grove Stock Farm. This farm com- prises 160 acres, with substantial improvements of a permanent order, and it is situated on Sections 11 and 14, three and one-half miles north- east of the progressive little city of La Fontaine.
Mr. Boys is one of the popular citizens given to Wabash county by the historic old Bluegrass State, and in his personality he exemplified the best traditions and customs of that commonwealth. He was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, on the 7th of May, 1862, and is a son of William and Eliza (Jackson) Boys, both of whom were reared in that same county, where their marriage was solemnized, where they con- tinued to reside until the close of their lives, the father having passed away in 1899 and his cherished wife having been summoned to eternal rest in 1888. They are survived by five children-John, who is a pros- perous farmer in Fleming county, Kentucky; James B., whose name initiates this sketch; Mary C., who is the wife of James W. Dalrymple, of Upland, Grant county, Indiana; Martha, who is the wife of Rufus Rhenly, of Kentucky ; and Americus C., who is the wife of Joseph Robey, of that State.
The conditions and influences of the old homestead farm in Ken- tucky compassed the childhood and youth of James B. Boys, and in the meanwhile he made good use of the advantages afforded in the local schools, so that he waxed strong in both mental and physical powers. On the 1st of January, 1883, about four months prior to attaining to his legal majority, Mr. Boys came to Wabash county, Indiana, where he has since maintained his home and where he has won success worthy of the name. This is shown forth conclusively in his ownership of one of the fine farms of the county, and he gives his attention to diversified agriculture and to the raising of fine grades of live stock, in which latter department of enterprise he has achieved marked precedence and reputation that transcends mere local limitations.
During the years of his residence in Indiana Mr. Boys has been aligned as an advocate and supporter of the cause of the Republican party until the national election of 1912, when he designated his earnest convictions by transferring his allegiance to the newly organized pro- gressive party. Both he and his wife are zealous members of the Metho- dist Episcopal church at La Fontaine.
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