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 31
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Wis., in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern railroad. Ile started as an operator at Brookville, Ind., and rose from that posi- tion to train dispatcher. He then became chief dispatcher of a division on the Chicago & Northwestern railway and later super- intendent of the same (Ashland) division. He resigned this posi- tion about 1907 and, associating himself with a party of capitalists, is now promoting the construction of the new road, known as the Wisconsin & Northern, running from Oshkosh north into the min- ing regions. Colonel Hartley is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in the local organization of which he has served as an officer forty years, and is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. His religious faith is expressed by membership in the Christian church.
Dr. Eli H. Thurston, practicing physician, residing in the vil- lage of Hagerstown, whose professional life has been eminently suc- cessful, is a native of the Buckeye State, born in Clarksville, Clin- ton county, Ohio, Sept. 11, 1848, son of William H. and Delilah ( Miller) Thurston. His father was born near Jamestown, Va., May 2, 1802, and his mother was a native of Ohio, born in Montgomery county, June 28, 1808. They were married Sept. 13, 1831. In 1809 William H. Thurston came to Ohio with his parents, who landed at the month of Deer creek, within the present limits of the city of Cincinnati. The paternal grandfather, William Thurston, was a miller by occupation, and soon after coming to Ohio located on the Little Miami river and engaged in that occupation, continuing there until his death, in 1843. The father, William H. Thurston, also engaged in the milling business there and did a great deal of work for Governor Morrow, of Ohio. After a number of years at that place, where ten of his eleven children were born, he removed to Clarksville, Clinton county, where he engaged in the same occu- pation and was engaged in milling at three different places in that county. In 1856 he removed to Fayette county, Ohio, later to Pickaway county, then returned to Fayette county, and still later removed to Highland county, Ohio, where he died May 21, 1873. He attained the age of seventy-one years and was in full possession of his faculties at the time of his death. Dr. Thurston is the youngest of the eleven children born to his parents. He attended school in Clinton county, Ohio, and later at Washington Court House, in Fayette county, and at the age of fifteen years learned the photographing business there, which occupation he followed two years. He then engaged in house painting until 1868, and in the summer of that year entered the Physio-Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, graduating with the class of 1870, and having practiced his profession during the summer of 1869. After his graduation he located at Sabina, Ohio, but in September, 1870, re- moved to Winchester, Randolph county, Indiana, where he prac- ticed his profession two years. He then removed to Ross county, Ohio, where he engaged in the practice of his profession until 1874, and then came to Jacksonburg, this county, where he remained until the spring of 1879, and then came ot Hagerstown, where he has since resided. In politics Dr. Thurston is a member of the Re-
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publican party and served as trustee of Jefferson township from the spring of 1888 to 1890. Socially, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Masonic order. Starting in life with prac- tically no means, his frugality and industry have earned for him a competence and his last days can be spent in contemplation of a life, busy and fruitful, his sunset time being cheered by the esteem of his fellowmen. On Aug. 18, 1870, was celebrated his marriage to Miss Nancy M. Day, born at Greenfield, Highland county, Ohio, May 2, 1843, and died Oct. 24, 1911. She was a daughter of Thom- as L. Day (see sketch of Harvey J. Day). To Dr. and Mrs. Thurs- ton were born four children : Helena Florence, born at Winchester, Ind., Aug. 27, 1871, died in 1902; Thomas, born July 28, 1874, re- sides at Eldorado, Alaska; Addie May, born Dec. 28, 1879, is the wife' of William Dingworth, a machinist, of near Tampico, Mexico; and Robert, born July 8, 1882, married Miss Lela Wiggins and re- sides in Ilagerstown. The eldest daughter was a prominent and popular teacher in Hagerstown.
Joel H. Stonecipher, one of the successful young business men of Ilagerstown, was born in Jackson township, this county, Oct. 25, 1875, son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Hardman) Stonecipher, born in the same county and township. The father began farming for himself early in life, taking charge of the homestead, where he continued to reside twenty-five years after his marriage. About 1890 his farm was disposed of and he moved to Hagerstown, where he lives retired. His wife died on the old homestead, in Jackson township, in May, 1889. They were the parents of six children : Susan is deceased; Clinton E. is a farmer and resides in Jackson township ; Joel II. is the next in order of birth ; Sadie is a tailoress and at the present time is at Indianapolis, Ind .; Charles is a farmer and resides in Jackson township; and Lydia resides in Hagers- town. Joel H. Stonecipher attended school in Jackson and Jeffer- son townships and afterward the high school at Hagerstown, and resided at the parental home until the death of his mother. He then went to live with an uncle in Jackson township and re- mained there fourteen months. He then came to Hagerstown and secured a position as a drug clerk with the firm of Allen & Com- pany, with whom he remained about four years, afterward working on the farm of his uncle one year. His next employment was about six months in the carriage store of Harvey J. Day, and he then entered the employ of Mr. Hiner, who conducted the drug establishment which Mr. Stonecipher now owns. Six months later he entered a wholesale drug house in Indianapolis, where he re- mained about six months, and then went to Gas City, where he clerked in a drug store about three years. At the end of this period he went to Cambridge City, where about six months he was employed as a drug clerk, and then four months was employed in the same capacity at Kokomo. He then returned to Hagerstown and entered the employ of Ward Brothers, who then conducted the establishment which Mr. Stonecipher now owns, and remained with them three years. He then opened a store of his own, but soon thereafter purchased the store of Ward Brothers, and this oc-
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cupies his time today. He enjoys a large patronage and his busi- ness is profitable. He carries a full line of drugs, stationery, paints, etc., and also a line of jewelry, doing general repair work in that line. In politics, Mr. Stonecipher is an ardent worker in and strong supporter of the Republican party. Socially he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, both of the Subordinate Lodge and the Encampment, and also has member- ship in the Knights of Pythias, being a second lieutenant in the Uniform Rank. He is the owner of some fine residence properties in Hagerstown and is one of the leading men of that thriving vil- lage. On Dec. 4, 1904, he was united in the holy bonds of matri- mony with Miss Shirley Prentice, born at Versailles, Ind., March 4, 1885, and of this union has been born one child, Jean Prentice, Ang. 27, 1999.
William M. Stahr, a prosperous and influential merchant of the village of Hagerstown, is a native of Wayne county, born at Centerville, Sept. 26, 1874. He is a son of Louis P. and Minerva (Roosa) Stahr, the former born in Germany, in December, 1845, and the latter in Hamilton county, Ohio, March 3, 1854. The father came to America when about seventeen years old and first resided in New York City. He went from there to New Orleans and thence to St. Louis. From there he came to Wayne county and located at Cambridge City, but later removed to Centerville, where he was married. He had learned the saddlery business in early life and followed that occupation in Centerville a number of years. He then removed to Richmond, where he followed the same occupation, and three or four years later removed to Pales- tine, Ohio, where he is still actively engaged in the saddlery busi- ness. His worthy and highly regarded wife passed into eternity there, in July, 1910, the mother of five children: Elizabeth is the wife of George W. Jones, in the employ of the Stahr Hardware Company at Hagerstown, Ind .; William M. is the second in order of birth ; Charles W. resides at Liberty ; and Frank and Edward are deceased. William M. Stahr received his education at the old Sevastopool school in Wayne county and in the schools at Pales- tine, Ohio. He continued to assist his father in his business until 1892, when, upon attaining the age of eighteen years, he went to Richmond and worked at the harness business for C. A. Keys, with whom he remained eight years. He then came to Ilagers- town, where he was engaged in the harness business five years, after which he went to Greenville, Ohio, where he engaged in the same line of business about one year. He then returned to Ha- gerstown, where he has since been engaged in the hardware and furniture business, carrying a full line of both light and heavy hardware, furniture, agricultural implements, etc., his store being one of the neatest and best equipped in the county. In politics Mr. Stahr is a staunch adherent of the Democratic party, but has never aspired to a public career, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his own business affairs. In fraternal circles he is prominently identified with the Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias, and the Modern Woodmen, having passed
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through the chairs in each of the local organizations. In Novem- ber, 1893, at Palestine, Ohio, was solemnized his marriage to Miss Alice Browder, born in Montezuma, Ohio, Aug. 4, 1874, a daugh- ter of Hon. John H. and Charlotte (Metzgar) Browder, natives of Darke county, Ohio. Hon. John H. Browder has been a school teacher since early in life and is now serving his second term as a representative from Darke county in the Ohio legislature. He is also county school examiner for Darke county and is interested with Mr. Stahr in the latter's business at Hagerstown. The happy marital union of Mr. Stahr and wife has resulted in the birth of three children : Willard J., born June 16, 1896; Ilellen, born June 20, 1902; and Guy, born April 28, 1904. Mr. Stahr is a member of the Christian church.
Harvey J. Day, a successful newspaper man of Hagerstown, was born at Hillsboro, Ohio, Nov. 14, 1849. His parents-Thomas L. and Mary Jane (Truitt) Day-were natives respectively of New York City and Ross county, Ohio. In early life the father was employed on a line of passenger vessels plying between New York City and Liverpool, and later was employed as a bookkeeper. Still later he removed to Washington Court House, Ohio, where he was engaged in the mercantile business during the Civil war and until he retired, about 1875. Ile then came to Wayne county and re- sided with his daughter, Mrs. Dr. Thurston, at Jacksonburg, a time, and later resided with his son, Harvey J., until his death, in 1889, his wife having passed away in Ohio, about 1875. He was a drummer boy in the war of 1812, and while living in Ohio filled various local offices-school trustee, deputy treasurer, etc. Ilar- vey J. Day is one of five children : Nancy M., deceased wife of Dr. Eli 11. Thurston (see sketch) ; Joseph served as a soldier in an Ohio regiment in the Civil war, receiving injuries from which he died a few years later; Harvey J. is the next in order of birth ; Thomas is the inventor of an improved engraving process, to which he devotes his entire attention, and resides at Windfall, Ind .; and John is a grocer and resides in Indianapolis. Harvey J. Day attended school at Washington Court House, Ohio, having previously attended country school to some extent. He remained with his parents and at the age of eighteen began working as a clerk in his father's mercantile establishment in Ohio. Later he learned the printing trade at Washington Court House and for a time conducted the paper while the editor was serving as a mem- ber of the Ohio legislature. At one time while working in that office he befriended a stranger who was seeking employment and who afterward became editor-in-chief of the Cincinnati "Enquirer." Grateful to his benefactor, this gentleman offered Mr. Day any position on that paper that he might desire. Mr. Day expected to accept the kind offer, but, coming to Indiana to visit his sister, was taken ill, and while convalescing was prevailed upon to take charge of the paper which he is now editing in Hagerstown. He came here in 1875 and later engaged in the grocery business, which he continued about seven years. He then disposed of his interests in that connection and devoted his attention to his newspaper and
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his farm land. Later he engaged in the vehicle business-wagons, buggies, etc.,-which he still continues, in addition to his news- paper business. His paper is known as the "Hagerstown Expon- ent," and he has owned and edited it continuously since 1875. He also owns and operates a farm of 165 acres, located one and one- half miles from the village, the same being well attended to, and the stock and equipment are well kept and in fine condition. So- cially, Mr. Day is a member of the Masonic order and of the Red Men. Politically he is a member of the Republican party. . On Aug. 26, 1877, he was married to Rebecca Castator, a native of Ilagerstown, daughter of Elijah Castator and wife, natives of Pennsylvania. Her father was a cabinet maker and undertaker who came to this county in early life and followed that occupation in Ilagerstown, his death occurring at the advanced age of ninety years.
Thomas B. Allen, a retired farmer of Hagerstown, is a native of Jefferson township, born three miles southeast of Hagerstown, Dec. 27, 1853. His father, Jacob Allen, was a native of Ohio, hav- ing first beheld the light of day near Centerville, that State, June 26, 1817, and the mother, Martha ( Brown) Allen, was born on Walnut Level, near Jacksonburg, this county, Sept. 21, 1819. When but five years of age Jacob Allen came to Indiana with his parents, who located in Jefferson township, three miles southeast of Hagerstown, where his father, Hugh AAllen, entered land The grandfather later purchased another farm about one mile from his first purchase and there died about 1852 or 1853. Jacob Allen con- tinned on the homestead, having purchased this farm from his father, and resided there until about 1892, when he moved to Ila- gerstown and lived in retirement until his death, May 26, 1900. Ilis wife passed away Oct. 15, 1891. They were the parents of four children : John B. was a practicing physician at Cambridge City and died Feb. 19, 1910; Lewis C. died April 30, 1910; Caroline A. became the wife of George W. Fulkerson and died Sept. 4, 1907; and Thomas B. is the youngest of the family and the only one liv- ing. Thomas B. Allen acquired his educational training in the public schools of Jefferson township and the village of lagers- town, and commenced his independent career at the age of twenty- one by renting the old homestead of his father. He purchased land in Blackford county, which tract he sold about ten years later, and then purchased a farm southeast of Hagerstown, where he re- sided about fourteen years. He then removed to Hagerstown, on account of the ill health of his wife, buying a comfortable and im- posing residence, and has since resided here in practical retire- ment. He is still the owner of 140 acres of land, a part of which is the old homestead which was entered by his grandfather. He is recognized as one of the thorough, substantial men of the village of Ilagerstown. In his political affiliations he is a staunch adher- ent of the Democratic party and has served as secretary of the local school board. On Sept. 7, 1887, Mr. Allen was married to Miss Mary Hickman, born near Springport, in Henry county, Sept. 7, 1861, a daughter of William and Susan (Vance) Hickman, na-
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tives of Henry county. The father was always a farmer and be- came a land owner in Henry county, where he continued to reside until his death, Feb. 14, 1893, and his widow resides on the old homestead. Mrs. Allen died June 1, 1907, having become the mother of a daughter, Ruth, born Sept. 7, 1891, a graduate of the Hagerstown High School with the class of 1910. She resides with her father.
John C. Nicholson, now living retired in the village of Hagers- town, having served two terms as superintendent of the county. infirmary, and prominent in fraternal organizations, is one of Wayne's native sons who has attained to pronounced success and prestige entirely through his own thrift and enterprise. He first beheld the light of day on the old Nicholson farm, one and one-half miles west of Green's Fork, March 28, 1843, a son of James T. and Sarah ( Veal) Nicholson, the former a native of the Old North State, born April 14, 1816, and the latter a native of New Jersey, born April 7, 1818. James T. Nicholson was reared and educated in his native State and while yet in his 'teens came to Indiana with his parents, who located near Green's Fork, where they spent the residue of their lives, with the exception of a short time in Iowa. James T. Nicholson continued on the old homestead and followed farming practically all of his life. He was elected justice of the peace and settled estates, etc., for more than thirty years prior to his death. Ile passed to his reward, July 10, 1899, his wife having died May 28, 1886. John C. Nicholson is one of twelve children, among whom he ranks third in point of age, the others being: Rhoda, living retired at Green's Fork; Mary A. is the widow of Abiather Lamb and resides at Green's Fork; Elmire is a farmer and resides near Green's Fork; Martha became the wife of Arthur Frazier, of Indianapolis, and is deceased; George J. is a stock dealer and resides at Green's Fork; Rhodes B. is a farmer and re- sides at Green's Fork ; Louisa J. is the wife of Charles Ileath and resides at Green's Fork ; Oscar A. is a farmer and resides at Green's Fork; Electa is the wife of James Bish, of Green's Fork; and two died in infancy. John C. Nicholson acquired his educational train- ing in the public schools of Clay township, and resided at home until past twenty years of age. Ile then rented land in Jefferson township a few years, after which he purchased a small farm one- half mile north of Hagerstown, where he resided a number of years. He then moved into the village of llagerstown and engaged in the butcher business and the buying and shipping of stock six or eight years, at the end of which period he returned to his farm. A number of years later he sold this place and purchased a farm two and one-half miles north of Hagerstown, where he resided until appointed superintendent of the county infirmary. He served two terms in this position and then again purchased the first mentioned farm, but after residing there a short time sold that place and pur- chased a farm on Martindale creek. He also engaged in other real estate transactions, but continued his residence in Hagerstown until 1956, when he removed to Lafayette, where his grandson was, a student in Purdue University. He resided there three years and
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then returned to Hagerstown, where he has since lived retired, owning a number of residence properties which demand consider- able of his time and attention. In every capacity in which his busy career has placed him he has brought to the discharge of his duties capability and honesty, indispensable attributes in the large affairs of life. In politics he renders allegiance to the Republican party and has officiated as assessor of Jefferson township, though not an office seeker in the ordinary understanding of that term. In his fraternal relations Mr. Nicholson is admirably associated, being a member of Hagerstown Lodge, No. 49, Free and Accepted Ma- sons, and he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Heirosis Delpha Lodge, No. 25, since 1862. On Dec. 24, 1863, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Nicholson to Miss Lu- cinda C. Bell, born in Maryland, Sept. 24, 1843, a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Smith) Bell, natives of Maryland, the for- mer born April 23, 1816, and the latter, July 21, 1821. They were married Feb. 14, 1843, and came to Indiana -in 1853, locating in Ha- gerstown. The father was a farmer and miller by occupation, be- came a land owner, and continued to reside in Hagerstown the residue of his life, although he died in Kansas, where he had gone to visit his children. His death occurred Jan. 15, 1901, his wife having passed away Nov. 8, 1863. Of the happy union of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson were born two children: Wildy Wayne, the eldest son, is a farmer and resides in Filer, Idaho, also owning land in the State of Washington. He was born Feb. 11, 1868, and has been twice married, first to Lissie Rowe, who died leaving one child, Walter Hugh, born April 18, 1887, who was reared by the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson, from the age of three months. He graduated at Purdue University with the class of 1910 and is engaged in electrical engineering in Kansas City. The second wife of Wildy W. Nicholson was Ada Thornburgh, and of this union have been born five children: Jesse W., born Dec. 3, 1891 ; William F., Jan. 14, 1894; Walter, June 21, 1896; Martha C., Feb. 21, 1899; and Robert L., Oct. 10, 1903. Marion F., the sec- ond son of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson, was born Dec. 20, 1883. IIe married Fern Terry, of Centerville, resides in Hagerstown, and they have five children : John N., born July 10, 1903; Lyle, May 13, 1904; Mary K., April 1, 1907; Amy M., Nov. 16, 1908; and Alice L., Sept. 28, 1910.
Frank M. Whitesell, a careful business man and an enterpris- ing citizen of Hagerstown, is a native of Wayne county, born in Cambridge City, June 21, 1874, son of Samuel C. and Elmira J. (Strickler) Whitesell, born in Wayne county, the father near the Ohio State line and the mother near Hagerstown. The elder Whitesell was a school teacher in early life, but later became an attorney-at-law, studying in the office of Judge Henry C. Fox. He practiced his profession at Centerville until the county seat was re- moved to Richmond and then went to Cambridge City, where he remained in the practice until 1886. He then removed to Rich- mond, where he continued to practice law until his death, Ang. IO, 1909, and his widow resides with her son, Frank M. Frank M.
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Whitesell is the youngest of their three children, the others being Olive M., who became the wife of J. C. White, of Indianapolis, and is deceased; and Charles. E., who died in infancy. Frank M. Whitesell's education was obtained at the schools of Cambridge City and Richmond, and he began his independent career as a clerk in the establishment of Deitz & Company at Richmond, with whom he remained until the death of Mr. Deitz, having charge of the store in 1896. He then engaged in the newspaper business in Richmond, publishing the "Morning Independent," with his father. as a partner, two years. Later, he sold the establishment to the "Telegram," and, the two papers being consolidated, was en- ployed with the new company one year. Ile then was connected with the "Item," as local editor, until 1900, when he removed to Hagerstown and engaged in farming. Ile followed this occupa- tion until 1900, when he sold his farm and engaged in the drug and general merchandise business, carrying a full line of drugs, paints, wall paper, jewelry, etc., also being the local agent of the Adams Express Company. His success has been achieved through his unaided efforts, his thrift and economy acquiring for him a competence, and his future prospects are bright. His political faith is with the Republican party, but his life has been too busy to aspire to any public office. On June 4, 1993, he was married to Miss Leota Geisler, daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Slifer) Geisler, of Hagerstown. The father was a cooper during all of his active career and is living retired in Hagerstown. Ile and his wife became the parents of two children-Mrs. Whitesell and a son, Leonard, who was killed while in discharge of his duty as marshal of Hagerstown. Mr. Whitesell is a Past Master in the Masonic lodge at Hagerstown and is also a member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, and the Red Men.
William Wedekind, for many years a prosperous blacksmith at Ilagerstown, is a native of Wayne county, having first beheld the light of day at Hagerstown, Jan. 6, 1866, a son of Theodore and Celia ( Jennings) Wedekind, the former born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1824, and the latter at Cynthiana, Ky., of English parentage. Theodore Wedekind, a wagon-maker by occupation during all of his days, migrated to America, when fourteen years old, and after a short time in New York City went to Philadelphia. From that place he went to Seven Mile, Ohio, and from there removed to Hagerstown, where he was engaged in the wagon-making business until his death, which occurred in 1901. He was an expert in the manufacture of wagons and buggies and built and occupied several shops and buildings in Hagerstown. The marital union of him and his worthy wife was blessed by the birth of five children : Adolph is a fur buyer and resides in Hagerstown; Lucy is de- ceased : Charles is a wood-worker and blacksmith and resides in Hagerstown; William is the next in order of birth; and Frank is deceased. William Wedekind enjoyed the educational advan- tages afforded by the public schools of Hagerstown. He learned, the blacksmith trade, which occupation he has since continued to
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