USA > Indiana > Wayne County > Richmond > Memoirs of Wayne County and the city of Richmond, Indiana; from the earliest historical times down to the present, including a genealogical and biographical record of representative families in Wayne County, Volume II Pt II > Part 29
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Daniel Webster Harris, an enterprising and progressive farmer of Clay township, was born on a farm near Parker, in Randolph county, Indiana, Dec. 18, 1849. He is a son of Milton R. and Ma- tilda ( Bradbury) Harris, born in Wayne county, the father in Green and the mother in Clay township. In early life the father was a farmer and merchant, engaging in the latter occupation at Parker, where he also operated a farm. About 1855 he removed to Clay township, in Wayne county, locating on the farm where his son, Daniel W., resides, and soon thereafter engaged in the mercantile business at Green's Fork. Ile retained his interest in the store in Randolph county until some years later, and then disposed of his mercantile interests and confined his efforts to farming. About
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1873 he disposed of his real estate, Daniel W. purchasing the home farm, and removed to Delaware county, locating near Cowan, where he re-engaged in farming and also the mercantile business, resid- ing there until the time of his demise, about 1892, his wife having died about 1870. During the latter part of his life the father was also a minister of the Gospel, belonging to the United Brethren de- nomination. lle and his good wife were the parents of nine chil- dren : Corwin died in childhood, as did also Sarilda Jane; Damel W. is the third in order of birth ; Laura is the wife of Aaron Swear- ingen, engaged in fruit growing in the State of Washington; Clara is the wife of Samuel Wright, a farmer in Delaware county, In- diana; Mary is the wife of Benjamin F. Herrald, of Muncie, Ind .; James W. is a farmer and resides near Cowan, Delaware county, Indiana ; Moses E. is a farmer and resides near Houston, Tex. ; and Leota A. is the wife of Ilerman Carmichael, a farmer near Muncie, in Delaware county, Indiana. Daniel W. Harris first attended school at Parker (at that time called Morristown) and later at Sugar Grove, in Clay township, the schoolhouse being located on the farm which he now owns. He lived with his parents until his majority and then went to Illinois, where he worked one season for others. Ile returned home in the winter of 1871-72, and resided with his parents until about one year after he was married. Ile then rented the farm from his father about five years, at the end of which time he purchased the homestead where he has since resided. It is one of the best equipped and most modernly improved farms in the vicinity and has been worked to a high degree of efficiency. Mr. Harris has added to his real estate holdings and owns 1,350 acres, 350 acres of which is in Henry county. He is president of the First National Bank at Green's Fork, operates a general elevator and grain business, and is also engaged in the poultry and produce busi- ness, doing live stock shipping, etc., and is prepared to buy prac- tically anything the farm can produce. He intends to make this place a permanent home and has made all his improvements with that end in view. Mr. Harris' success has been the result of his own personal effort, for by the practice of thrift and economy, by ceaseless labor and unlimited courage, he has risen to a position of affluence. Although he has been stanch in his allegiance to the men and measures of the Republican party he has never sought public preferment for himself. On April 24, 1872, was solemnized the mar- riage of Mr. Harris and Miss Lusetta J. Hall, born near Terre Haute, Ind., in February, 1851, daughter of William and Mary (Smith ) Hall. Mr. Hall was born in England. Ile was twice mar- ried, his first wife having died in England, and he brought the chil- dren of that union with him when he came to America. He became a resident of Vigo county, Indiana, and there was married to Miss Mary Smith, a native of the State of Ohio. She died about 1885 and her husband followed her to eternal rest, about 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Harris have eight children : Walter M. is a farmer and resides in Webster township; Mary is the wife of P. P. Morrey, a farmer residing west of Williamsburg; William C. is a farmer and resides northwest of Green's Fork; Frank A. is a farmer and stock-dealer
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and resides at New Castle; Oletha is the wife of Albert Atkinson, a farmer residing two and a half miles north of Economy ; Benjamin is in the United States service; and Lulu M. is the wife of Omer Oler, a farmer residing two miles south of Economy. Mr. Ilarris is a member of the United Brethren church.
William Herman Hartman is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Wayne township, living a life devoted to deeds of use- fulness. He was born in Osnaburg, Germany, March 11, 1882, a son of Fred John and Anna ( Bullerdick) Hartman, natives of the Fa- therland. The father was born July 3, 1825, and the mother on April 25 of the same year. They migrated to America in 1888, coming direct to Richmond, and resided on a farm in Wayne town- ship about one year, after which they removed to the city of Rich- mond, where the father died in 1893 and the mother on Dec. 21, 1890. They were the parents of seven children: Henry was the first born ; Louis resides on the Liberty pike, south of Richmond ; Louisa is the wife of Henry F. Kehlenbrink, of Richmond; William HI. is the next in order of birth ; August resides in Richmond ; Fred- erick resides southeast of Richmond, on the Fairmount pike; and Mary is deceased. William II. Hartman attended the schools in his native land as opportunity afforded, but quite early in life it was necessary for him to engage in remunerative employment. When fourteen years old he secured employment as a waiter and was so engaged about three. years, after which he worked as a teamster about one year. Ile then was employed by a gardener about one year, and when twenty years old was compelled to enter the Ger- man army and served as a soldier from 1882 to 1885. After leaving the army he remained with his parents about three years, and then the family came to America, landing in Richmond, Sept. 1, 1888. Here the son first worked for a cousin about six weeks, after which he secured employment in the tannery of Stephen R. Wiggins, where he worked about two years. He was then employed in the Hoosier Drill Works until 1892, when he engaged with his brother Ilenry in the dairy business three years. He then rented Henry Bullerdick's farm three years, at the end of which time he pur- chased the farm of 138 acres where he resides and began the im- provement of the same. Ilis farm is fairly improved and equipped, and it must be a source of gratification to Mr. Hartman to be thus surrounded by the comforts of life and to fully realize that they are the fruits of his own honest efforts. His time is devoted almost ex- clusively to the dairy business, and he keeps about thirty head of dairy cattle, besides raising hogs and operating his farm in a general way. On April 16, 1801, Mr. Hartman was married to Miss Mary Ilelmich, born in Germany May 29, 1866, daughter of John and Katharine (Hesse) Helmich. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hartman was blessed by the birth of eight children: Fred J., Feb. 11, 1892; Carl II., Jan. 27, 1894; Ilarry J., Oct. 30, 1896; Edwin A., Sept. 16, 1898; Albert I., July 3, 1900; Elsie L., Jan. 7, 1903; Theodore A., Sept. 7, 1904; and August A., Aug. 9, 1910. The parents of Mrs. William H. Hartman-John and Katharine (Hesse) Helmich-were natives of Germany. The father was a farmer and followed that
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occupation during all the years of his active life. There were seven children in their family and Mrs. Hartman is the youngest. She came to America the same year as did her husband, coming direct to Richmond, and worked for others until married. Mr. Hartman and wife are members of St. Paul's German Lutheran Church in Richmond, and in politics he is independent.
Daniel C. Moore, a prosperous citizen of Green's Fork, was born in what is now Andrews, Huntington county, Indiana, Sept. 30, 1875. He is a son of George A. and Melissa J. (Small) Moore, natives of Indiana. The father is of Scotch and German descent and was born on a farm about five miles south of Farmland, in Ran- dolph county, and the mother is of French and English descent and was born one and one-half miles south of Andrews. The father learned the carpenter's trade at eighteen years of age, in St. Louis, working four years with his brother, a skilled mechanic. Ile then returned to Indiana and has since resided in Randolph county, with the exception of about four years, which he spent in Kansas. Ite be- came a contractor and during the last five years of his active career had the management of a lumber yard at Modoc, Ind., where he and his wife live retired. They are the parents of four children : Daniel C. is the eldest ; Bonnie and Grace are twins, the former being the wife of Silas Miller, a farmer near Carlos. Ind., and the latter is the wife of Arlie Wood, a farmer residing about five miles west of Ridgeville ; and II. Lloyd resides with his parents. Daniel C. Moore received his education in various country schools, attend- ing until twelve years old the Genesco ( Kan.) Grammar School, and later the Modoc (Ind.) High School and the Angola College, and still later took a course in a business college in Indianapolis. At the age of thirteen years he worked as a hired man on a farm and thus continued until he was about twenty-one. At this time he suf- fered a sunstroke while working in a harvest field and for about eighteen months was unable to do anything. fle attended school in the following winter and later obtained a license and began teach- ing. Ile continued teaching in winter and attending school in sum- mer about five years, and then organized the Citizens' Bank at Modoc, Ind., becoming its cashier. He remained in this position until May 28, 1904, when he disposed of his interests in that place and removed to Green's Fork, where he is the cashier of the First National Bank, of which Daniel W. Harris is president. Mr. Moore is also an officer in the bank at Economy, which institution is known as the Northern Wayne Bank, and he served as a vice-president of the Indiana Bankers' Association in 1908. On Sept. 20, 1905, Mr. Moore was married to Miss Ethal Mills, born one-half mile south of Huntsville, Ind., Nov. 29, 1878, daughter of John A. and Ida B. (Gordon) Mills. John A. Mills, father of Mrs. Moore, is of English-Irish descent and is a farmer by occupation, residing near Huntsville, Ind. Hle and his good wife are the parents of six daughters: Ada is the wife of I. J. Farquhar, a farmer and stock- raiser residing nine miles southwest of Winchester; Mrs. Moore is the second in order of birth; Garnet is the wife of John Shores, of Muncie, Ind .; Marie is the wife of Glen Batchelor, of Winchester,
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and Eunice and Elizabeth reside at the parental home. Mrs. Moore was a teacher for twelve years, beginning at her home town when seventeen years old, and taught there two consecutive years. She is now teaching in the Green's Fork High School, not being content to give up the profession. She is a member of two local ladies' lit- erary societies. Mr. Moore is a member of the Elks lodge at Rich- mond, the Knights of Pythias at Modoc, the Masonic lodge at llagerstown, No. 49, and the Knights of the Khorassan at Muncie. Fred W. Kienzle, a successful practicing physician at Green's Fork, was born at Madison, Ind., Aug. 15, 1873. His parents- Charles and Elizabeth ( Muth) Kienzle-are natives of the Father- land, born, respectively, March 29, 1839, and June 29, 1838. The father learned the shoemaker's trade in his native land and in 1858 came to America. He settled first at Columbus, Ohio, where in company with his brother he followed his trade for five or six years. At the end of that time he removed to Madison, Ind., where he fol- lowed his trade until 1877, when he removed to Warfield, Switzer- land county, Indiana, where he resided until 1902. Ile then came to Green's Fork, where he has since resided practically retired. The mother of Dr. Kienzle came to America the same year as did her husband and was a resident of Madison, Ind., at the time of her mar- riage. Four children were born to these parents: Albert L. is a merchant in Oklahoma City, Okla, ; Fred W. is the second in order of birth; Charles is a merchant at Green's Fork; and Isabelle is a teacher in the Green's Fork school. The father served a ninety-day enlistment in an Ohio infantry regiment in the Civil war. Fred W. Kienzle first attended school at Warfield, Ind .; later was a student in a college at Hanover, Ind .; was a student two years in the Uni- versity of Chicago, and then, after two years devoted to teaching, spent three years in a medical college at Louisville, Ky., and one year at the Indiana Medical College. After completing the high school course at Warfield he spent two years in college, the money being furnished him by Robert Scott, a friend with whom he had lived the most of the time from six years of age. After completing his school work he spent the winter seasons teaching and the sum- mer seasons working on Mr. Scott's farm at Warfield. Ile also read medicine with Dr. Culbertson at Moorefield, Ind. In 1902 he came to Green's Fork and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession at that place. In the matter of politics he esponses the cause of the Republican party, but the only office which he has ever held is that of trustee of Clay township, a position he is now filling to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. He is a mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Green's Fork, and professionally has membership in the Wayne county, the Union District and the State Medical societies.
William Ellis, a resident of the village of Green's Fork, en- gaged in the grocery and meat business, pursuing a life of intense activity, was born in that village, Feb. 14, 1884. His parents are natives of the same place. The father, John F. Ellis, in early life worked for others as a farm hand and also was for a time an em- ploye on the railroad. He then engaged at the blacksmith trade,
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becoming a property owner, but throughout the greater part of his active life was engaged in railroad work. He is now living retired in the village of Green's Fork. He was born Nov. 18, 1849, and his wife, Ella ( Welsh) Ellis, was born about 1853. William Ellis is one of a family of six children, all living. Their names are here set forth in order of their birth: William is the eldest ; Mary resides at the parental home; Julia is the wife of Raymond Swallow, cashier of the bank at Economy ; and John, Susan, and Charles Frances reside at the parental home. William Ellis received his preliminary edu- cation at the village schools of Green's Fork. After leaving school he worked on the railroad at construction work, at intervals, and also was employed in the poultry house at Green's Fork for a time. About 1905 he began work as a grocery clerk and on Jan. 1, 1907, engaged in the grocery and meat business for himself. In June, 1908, he rented his present location and is operating a first-class grocery and meat market, neatly equipped and carrying a full line. In politics he is independent. On Oct. 1, 1908, was celebrated the nuptials of Mr. Ellis and Miss Mary P. Quigley, born in Illinois. She is a daughter of Patrick and Anna ( Flatley ) Quigley, natives of Ireland. They came to America when quite young and the father began life's labors as a farm hand, but later engaged in farming for himself and became a land-owner in Green township, Wayne county, removing to this county about 1887. He had previously been in this county before removing to Illinois. He is a resident of Green township, where he devotes his entire attention to his farm. Ten children were born to him and wife: Edward resides on the homestead; Thomas is deceased; Mrs. Ellis is the next in order of birth; Frank is in the United States mail service at Rich- mond ; William resides at the parental home; James is employed in Richmond; Joseph, John and Margaret reside at the parental home ; and one child died in infancy. To Mr. Ellis and wife have been born three children : Mary Elizabeth, born July 4, 1910, and Joseph and James, twins, born Oct. 1, 1911. Mr. Ellis attends St. Mary's Ro- man Catholic Church at Richmond.
Albert R. Jones .- History and biography for the most part re- cord the lives of only those who have attained military, political. or literary distinction, or who in any other career have passed through extraordinary vicissitudes of fortune. The unostentations routine of private life, although in the aggregate more important to the welfare of the community, cannot, from its very nature, figure in the public annals. But the names of men who have distinguished themselves in their day and generation for the possession, in an eminent degree, of those qualities of character which mainly contrib- ute to the success of private life and to public stability,-of men who have been exemplary in all their personal and social relations, and enjoyed the esteem, respect and confidence of those around them,- ought not to be allowed to perish. Few can draw rules for their own guidance from the pages of Plutarch, but all are benefited by the delineation of those traits of character which find scope and ex- ercise in the common walks of life. Among the individuals of this class is Albert R. Jones. His record is the account of a life which
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is uneventful, indeed, as far as stirring incident or startling adven- ture is concerned, yet is distinguished by the most substantial quali- ties of character. His life history exhibits a long and virtnous career of private industry, performed with moderation and crowned with success. It is the record of a well balanced mental and moral constitution, strongly marked by those traits of character which are of especial value in such a state of society as exists in this country. Prominent in the business and financial circles of Wayne county stands Albert R. Jones. Ile was born in Centerville, this county, Dec. 10, 1852, son of John and Harriet (Jones) Jones. Both parents were natives of Maryland, their birthplace having been near Taney- town, and they located in this county in 1849 (see sketch of Alfred J. Lashley). Albert R. Jones received his education in the schools of Centerville. Putting aside his text-books when sixteen years of age, he began his independent career by working on a brick yard and later was engaged in the cigar business at Centerville two or three years. He then learned telegraphy, which occupation he fol- lowed a few years in the employ of the Pennsylvania railroad, and was then made agent at New Madison, Ohio. Later, he served as agent at Centerville three years, at the end of which time he re- signed the position and became a bookkeeper in an organ factory at the same place. A short time afterward he returned to railroad work, as an operator, and was located at the Belt Railroad Crossing in Indianapolis two years. He was then employed in the office of Superintendent Gale, of the Big Four, two years, at the end of which time his health failed and he resigned his position. Returning to Centerville, he engaged in the grain business about eight years, after which he accepted the position of deputy county auditor, in which capacity he served four years. He then had charge of the office of the American Steel Company, at Indianapolis, ten months, and this was followed by employment in the office of the American Tin- plate Company at Indianapolis. He accompanied that office upon its removal to Chicago, but after a short time there was sent to Montpelier. Ind., to take charge of the office of one of the company's plants. He remained in Montpelier until the plant was disman- tled, three years later, and then went to Elwood and occupied a position in the company's office from 1900 to 1907. In the last named year he was chosen cashier of the First National Bank at Hagers- town and has since occupied that position, being also a stockholder in the Union National Bank at Richmond, the Citizens' State Bank at Elwood, and other financial institutions. The stockholders of the bank at Hagerstown are numbered among the representative men of the locality and the business is conducted carefully and on a conservative basis, so that the institution well merits the popular support accorded it. Mr. Jones is a man of rare business judgment and is abreast of the times in all matters, and the growth of the bank with which he is connected is a tribute to his popularity and his high standing in the community. In politics Mr. Jones accords a stalwart allegiance to the Democratic party. He was twice elected trustee of Center township, besides having served as deputy county auditor, his tenure of which has already been noted. and in each
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office his record was one of able administration. Fraternally he was associated with the Knights of Pythias at Centerville, of which local organization he was a charter member, but at the present time is not actively affiliated with any organization. On Jan. 1, 1885, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Emma Celeste Bond, whose death occurred Nov. 4, 1889. Two children were the issue of that union : Forrest B., engaged in the horse business in the West ; and Mary Lucile, who resides with her grandfather, Abner D. Bond (see sketch). On Sept. 17, 1896, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Eva M. Stuart, born at Urbana, Ohio, daughter of Samuel B. and Rebecca Stuart. Although Mr. Jones has led a busy life he has yet found time to devote to those interests which develop the intellect- ual and moral nature of man, living not to himself alone, but labor- ing to aid his fellow man. He is charitable and benevolent and the poor and needy seek not his aid in vain. It is no very rare thing for a poor boy in our country to become a prosperous man and oc- cupy a commanding position in the business world, but many who have fought their way from poverty to wealth, from obscurity to prominence, retain some marks and scars of the conflict. They are apt to be narrow and grasping, even if not sordid and unscrupulous Mr. Jones, however, is an instance of a man who has achieved suc- cess without paying the price at which it is so often bought, for his prosperity has not removed him farther from his fellow men, but has brought him into nearer and more intimate relations with them. The more means he has had, the more he has done for those around him, and he is numbered among Wayne county's most prominent citizens.
Matthew Henry Dill, deceased, for many years one of the prominent figures in the industrial life of the city of Richmond, was born in Centerville, Ind., Jan. 5, 1840, a son of Alexander C. and Jane Dill. The father was born in the State of Pennsylvania and the mother in Hamilton county, Ohio. They were married in Centerville, Oct. 30, 1838, and moved to Richmond in 1854. Mat- thew Henry Dill was educated at an academy in Centerville and in the public schools of Richmond. He was fourteen years old when his parents removed to the last named place, and there became an apprentice to his father, who was engaged in the undertaking busi- ness. For a time after attaining his majority he continued in busi- ness as an undertaker, but later became associated with Jesse M. Hutton and William P. Hutton, forming the manufacturing firm of J. M. Hutton & Company, one of the oldest concerns in Richmond. Mr. Dill was secretary of that firm from 1871 to 1895, and then, upon the death of William P. Hutton, was elected to the presi- dency, in which position he served until his death, Jan. 20, 1906. Ile was a man of great inherent ability, thrifty and industrious, and his efforts brought well merited results. Ile was long identi- fied with other business activities in Richmond and in the com- mercial world was regarded as a keen man of affairs, honorable and true to his friends. Among the concerns in which he was finan- cially interested was the Richmond City Water Works, organized in 1884, and of this he was a director from 1886 to 1906, treasurer
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from 1895 to 1899, and president from 1899 until his death. IIe was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Earlham Ceme- tery Association from 1881, a trustee of St. Stephen's Hospital and of Reid Memorial Hospital from January, 1899, to January, 1906, and a member of the Board of Directors and vice-president of the Art Association from 1899 until his death. Ile was also a director of the Richmond Natural Gas Company. His religious belief found expression by membership in the First Presbyterian Church of Richmond, of which he was trustee from 1888 to 1897 and an elder from 1897 to 1906. Hle was a man of great kindness of heart, a loving and indulgent husband and father, upright, honorable and honest in all his dealings with his fellow men. His death occurred in Pasadena, Cal., where he had gone abont two weeks prior to his demise. Ile had been a sufferer from what is known as hardening of the arteries for some time and his condition became so serious that his attending physician, Dr. H. H. Weist, advised him to go to California. Accordingly, accompanied by his wife and Dr. Weist, he went to Pasadena. After remaining with his patient in that place four days Dr. Weist returned home, and the following day Mr. Dill was stricken with pneumonia. His son, Howard A. Dill, received a telegram from Pasadena, stating that his father was in a very precarious condition and left at once for his bedside. The trip across the continent was a veritable race with death, but the son arrived two days before his father's demise, which occurred as be- fore stated, Jan. 20, 1906. Ilis remains are interred in Earlham Cemetery at Richmond. On Sept. 23. 1862, was solemnized Mr. Dill's marriage to Miss Emily L. Hutton, daughter of Jesse M. and Rebecca L. Hutton, and of this union were born three chil- dren-William R., president of the J. M. Hutton Company, casket manufacturers in Richmond; Howard A., treasurer and superin- tendent of the Richmond City Water Works; and Frank E., who died Oct. 1, 1892. Mr. Dill is survived by his two sons, his widow, who resides at 314 North Tenth street, and a sister, Mrs. Clara E. Malsby, also of Richmond.
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