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 51
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William M. Shroeder, one of the substantial and prosperous farmers of New Garden, is a native of Auglaize county, Ohio, born Oct. 30, 1863, a son of Henry and Mary (Busker) Shroeder, natives of Germany. The parents came to this country when the father was twenty-six and the mother twenty-one years old. They were married in Richmond, Ind., and began housekeeping on a farm in Auglaize county, Ohio, but afterward returned to Richmond and later removed to the farm in New Garden township, where their
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son, William M., resides. The closing years of their lives were spent in Fountain City, where both of them died, leaving a wide circle of friends and acquaintances to mourn their taking away. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm and acquired the thrifty habits of that valued class of German-Americans who have been so helpful in developing the resources of the country. He acquired his education in the local schools, upon the completion of which he commenced his long and successful career as a farmer. He has won a position of independence and definite prosperity through his own efforts and has owned and conducted his present productive and well cultivated farmstead many years, devoting his attention to general farming and stock growing and being known as a reliable and enterprising business man, entirely worthy of the confidence and esteem so freely accorded him. His political sup- port is given to the cause of the Democratic party, in the ranks of which he has always been active, though, like his estimable sire, he has never cherished ambition for public office, and he has al- ways been broad-minded and liberal in his religions views, having been graciously reared in the German Lutheran faith by his hon- ored parents. Mrs. Shroeder is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal church. On Sept. 5, 1893, Mr. Shroeder was united in holy matrimony to Miss Nettie Miller, daughter of David and Rachel (Willcoxen ) Miller, residents many years of Wayne township, where the daughter was born July 5, 1875, and was reared and educated. This happy marital union has been blessed by the birth of five children : Paul M., born July 22, 1895; Ralph W., born Oct. 23, 1897; Walter D., born Nov. 8, 1899; Grace, born July 3. 1903; and Mary, born March 8, 1908. The four older children are at- tending the Fountain City schools. To the parents of Mrs. Shroeder were born six children : Elizabeth died at the age of eight years ; Emma married Harrison Eubank, of New Garden township ; McClellan is deceased : Esther A. married Jonathan Evans, of Rich- mond : Alice died at the age of eighteen years ; and Clarence mar- ried Emma Myers and resides in New Garden township.
Joseph Morris Shank .- A publication of this nature exercises its supreme function when it enters tribute to the memory of worthy citizens who have been called from the scene of life's en- deavors and have left records on which rest no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. Such a one was Mr. Shank, who was one of the representative contracting carpenters of Centerville for a third of a century and who ever commanded unequivocal esteem as a man and as a loyal and public-spirited citizen. He was born on the old Shank homestead. in Center township, April 22, 1856, and his death occurred at Centerville, June 3, 1907. He was a son of Daniel and Rebecca (Jones) Shank and was reared to maturity in his native township, where he carly became familiar with all depart- ments of labor on the farm and where he was afforded the advan- tages of the common schools of the period, attending the sessions held in a school-house located on the old King place. He con- tinued to be associated in the work and management of the old homestead until sixteen years old, when he began working as a
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carpenter and was employed by the Hosier Organ Company. Later he went to Indianapolis, where he was employed several years, and then returned to Centerville and engaged in contracting in partnership with his brother, Stephen. He continued this associa- tion until a few years before his death. In 1881 he purchased the farm of forty-two and one-third acres, where his widow resides, and made this place his home during the remaining years of his life, the fields being rented out. Ilis life was characterized by inviolable integrity and righteousness and offers both lesson and incentive to those who observe its perspective, now that he has passed to "that undiscovered country from whose bourne no trav- eler returns." In politics Mr. Shank was aligned as a stalwart supporter of the principles and policies for which the Republican party stands sponsor. On Sept. 22, 1878, was solemnized the mar- riage of Mr. Shank to Miss Elizabeth M. Bryant, born near Wabash, Ind., Dec. 25, 1854, daughter of James Ervin and Rosetta (Thomas) Bryant. Her parents were born respectively in the State of Kentucky and Baltimore, Md., and the father was a farmer by occupation. He came to Indiana in early life and located in Fayette county, where he worked for others several years. Later he came to Wayne county and settled in Center township, where he developed a valuable farm and became an influential and hon- ored citizen. He was killed in a runaway accident. Ang. 18, 1870, and his widow passed away June 12, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Shank became the parents of four children: Rosa B., born Jan. 25. 1880, graduated at the State Normal at Terre Haute, was a prominent teacher of the county, and is the wife of Charles Ladd ; Edith May, born June 11, 1882, is the wife of Adam Huth, and they have four children-Marcella Elizabeth, Joseph M., Clifford, and Richard ; Lillie Pearl, born March 1, 1885, is the wife of William Webb, a farmer in Hamilton county, and they have one child, Clarence Engene; and Stephen Morris, born Dec. 27, 1886, is a carpenter and resides in Richmond, is married and the father of three boys- Joseph M., Stephen B., and Robert A. Mrs. Shank still resides on the old homestead, endeared to her by the memories and associa- tions of the past. She is one of six children born to her parents: Edward B. is a carpenter and resides in Wayne township; Mary E. is deceased ; Mrs. Shank is the next in order of birth ; Sarah Jane and Abraham Lincoln are deceased ; and Joseph Arthur is in the cigar and tobacco business in Colorado City, Colo. The father was previously married and there were eight children by that union, only two of whom are living, James E., who resides in Rich- mond, and Losadie, wife of Joseph Lacy, of Hamilton county.
William B. Sleeth, an esteemed and highly respected resident of Wayne township, was born in Franklin county, Indiana, Sept. 24, 1851. Ilis parents were John and Caroline (Fetta) Sleeth, na- tives of Germany, the father born in Manheim and the mother in Alsace. John Sleeth grew to manhood amid the scenes of his na- tive country and followed the occupation of a farmer until he mi- grated to the United States, when he located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and worked at the baker's trade. Later he moved to Franklin
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county, Ind., where he owned a farm, and still later removed to Wayne county and located in Wayne township, and he continued to reside there until his death, in June, 1890, his wife passing away Aug. 1, 1892. Mr. Sleeth believed in the doctrine of the German Lutheran church. To him and his good wife were born ten chil- dren: Caroline, George, Margaret, John, Henry, and Catherine are deceased; William B. is the seventh in order of birth ; Fred resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Louisa and Michael are deceased. William B. Sleeth was educated in Franklin and Ripley counties, Indiana, and worked on the farm for a time, after which he was an employe in a brick and tile factory at Sunman, Ind., five years. He then came to Wayne county and began gardening in Wayne township, and in 1895 removed to his present place, where he erected the buildings and is engaged in gardening. Ile raises all kinds of vegetables, melons, etc .. and wholesales his products to the Richmond merchants. On Nov. 11, 1886, he was married to Miss Emma Muller, daughter of August and Catherine ( Lauck) Muller, of Wiesbaden, Germany. Seven children have been born of this union: Augusta, deceased ; Ida, who resides at home with her parents ; George and William, deceased; and Emma, Nellie C., and Eva, at home.
George W. Shults, for many years a prominent merchant of Cambridge City, was a son of George W. and Elizabeth ( Kugler) Shults. Ile was born at Camp. Dennison, near Cincinnati, Ohio, May 31, 1846, and came with his parents to Cambridge City when seventeen years of age. He was engaged in business with his father and James Lafever & Company in the manufacture of spokes and hubs, in the pork packing house of Hunter & Rice. It was known for many years as the "Spoke and Hub Factory" (it is owned and occupied now by Charles Bertsch & Company as a machine shop and foundry). Mr. Shults was not with this firm long. He then took employment as clerk in the drugstore of Nathan Ray- mond & Son. After being associated with them twelve years he purchased the store which he conducted a number of years, being a competent druggist. Mr. Shults was always particularly kind to farmers and his store was a sort of resting place for them when in town. It was through conversations with them he first became in- terested in the grain trade and saw the necessity of making the town a market its facilities afforded. A number of persons had en- gaged in the trade, but gave it up for other occupations, so it was Mr. Shults' pride for Cambridge City that carried him into the grain business. After too close application to business a decline in health came and he sold the drugstore to J. C. Dean and took up the grain trade alone, and made Cambridge City one of the best markets in the State for grain and seeds, and paid to the farmers of this and adjoining counties millions of dollars. After a lapse of a few years he again entered the drug business by buying his old store back, in partnership with John Beard, whom he also asso- ciated in the grain trade. They transacted a large business for two years, which was only broken by Mr. Shults' death, which occurred after a lingering illness from sunstroke, Sept. 12, 1893.
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George W. Shults was a public-spirited man, always prominent in the affairs of the town, and was closely identified with every move- ment for the promotion of its interests. He filled many offices and positions of trust. He served as councilman many years, and was made president of the Board of Trustees for eight years. He was also elected trustee of Jackson township two terms and was untir- ing in his efforts to discharge the duties of the office to the satis- faction of all. Some of the worst roads became pikes under his supervision. . He was long secretary of the Agricultural Society of Cambridge City, and officiated in the same capacity at numerous race meetings. In politics he was a Democrat, and was a leader in every sense of the word. Ile was conservative, however. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and for several years served as one of the elders of the local organization. Ile was an enthusiastic and honored member of Cambridge Lodge, No. 5, Free and Accepted Masons, and also of the Royal Arch Masons and the Commandery. We could not close this sketch of a noble life, drawn to a close too soon, without alluding to his generosity and his loyalty to his friends. He would give his last dollar to as- sist those in need or to benefit a good cause, and never thought of self when he could be of service to a friend. On March 3. 1887. George W. Shults was happily married to M. Ophelia Gough, daughter of Charles T. and Mary C. Gough, of Jackson township. Mrs. Shults still resides at their home in Cambridge City.
John K. Smith is the president of the Wayne National Bank, at Cambridge City, with which financial institution he has been connected since its organization, five years ago-a fact which bears its own significance as indicating that his standing is high in the community in which he resides. Ilis name has ever stood for the highest type of citizenship and is one highly honored in the county. John K. Smith was born about four miles from the city of Lan- caster, in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and the date of his na- tivity was Jan. 25, 1836. He is a son of John and Susan ( Kanff- man) Smith, both natives of the same county. John Smith emi- grated from the old Keystone State to the State of Ohio in 1838, and, making Clark county his destination, followed carpentering and farming there, ever holding the unequivocal confidence and esteem of the community with which he thus identified himself. His political allegiance was given to the Whig party, in whose cause he manifested a lively interest. He was summoned to the life eternal in 1846, and his widow removed to Indiana in 1855 and located in Harrison township, Wayne county, where she pur- chased a farm. In 1861 she removed to Greene county, Ohio, where she continued to reside until her death, Dec. 25, 1900, at the age of ninety-six years. Of the four children the subject of this review was the third in order of birth; Isaac N. died in August, 1905: Anna is the widow of Emanuel Albert and resides in Greene county, Ohio; and Benjamin F. is deceased. After duly availing himself of the privileges of the common schools of Ohio, John K. Smith learned the cigar maker's trade, with which he continued to be associated until 1855, when he accompanied his mother to Wayne
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county and engaged in farming in Harrison township, superintend- ing the home place. In 1861 he rented a farm of his father-in-law and continued to give his attention to farming and stock growing until 1876, when he came to Cambridge City and entered the First National Bank as assistant cashier. Ile continued in that position for six years, and in 1882, in company with Abiram Boyd, Lewis T. Bond, and J. A. Boyd, organized the Western Wayne Bank in Cambridge City, with Abiram Boyd as president and Mr. Smith as cashier. He continued to serve in the last named position until 1907, a period of twenty-five years, when he became the president of the institution, in which position he is now serving. In March, 1910, the stockholders of this bank organized the Wayne Trust Company, of which Mr. Smith was elected president, and he also has stock in the American and the Cambridge City casket com- panies. In politics he is a Republican and served as treasurer of Cambridge City one year. On March 7, 1861, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Martha C. Boyd, daughter of Abiram and Nancy ( Hoover) Boyd, of Harrison township, and of this union was born a daughter, Edna M., wife of Walter F. Swiggett, of Cambridge City.
Frederick Stoltz, a popular retired cooper of the village of Hagerstown, is a native of Beckebauh, Germany, born Jan. 11, 1833, a son of Frederick and Margaret (Hunsinger) Stoltz. The father and mother were born in the State of Bavaria, the father was a cooper by trade, served in the German cavalry six years, and he and his wife spent their entire lives in Bavaria, he dying at the age of fifty-five and she at the age of thirty-two. Frederick Stoltz received his schooling in his native land, dividing his early days between the school room and his father's cooper shop, and at a tender age learned the lesson of self-dependence. He was prac- tically reared in the cooperage industry, knows the "ins and outs" of the business "from A to Z," and was very successful as a fol- lower of this, his chosen calling. He is a Presbyterian in his re- ligious belief and independent in his political views. Ile came 10 America in 1856, landing at New York City on Aug. 29, and there remained three years, engaged at the cooper trade. Ile came to Richmond, Ind., in 1859. His marriage occurred March 6, 1859, to Miss Rosina Markley, daughter of John and Christina ( Brown ) Markley. The father was a farmer and mechanic and had formerly lived near Pond Eddy, N. Y., but about 1858 removed with his family to Richmond, the daughter remaining in New York City. In Richmond the father entered the employ of the Burson & Evans Oil Mill Company and was accidentally killed by a soldier at the time of the Civil war. His wife died a number of years later. In 1859. Mr. Stoltz removed to Cambridge City, where he worked three years as a cooper, and in 1862 removed to Jacksonburg. On Sept. 2, 1864, he enlisted- as a private in Company F of the Thir- teenth Indiana infantry for service in the Civil war. With this command he was in the battles of Strawberry Plains, at Chaffin's Bluff and Fort Gilmer, and in the attack on Richmond in October. The regiment was sent to New York during the election in No-
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vember and joined the first expedition to Fort Fisher in December, returning to Chaffin's Bluff on the 31st. It participated in the assault on Fort Fisher in January, 1865; in the capture of Fort Anderson, and the occupation of Wilmington ; and was stationed at Raleigh until July 20, when it was assigned to duty at Goldsboro, where it remained until mustered out, Sept. 5, 1865. Mr. Stoltz then returned to Jacksonburg and, on March 18, 1866, removed to Hagerstown, where he continued to follow the cooperage business until 1900, when he retired from active work. He is a member of Bowman Post, No. 250, Grand Army of the Republic, at lagers- town, and has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1860. In that year he became a member of Wayne Lodge, No. 17, at Cambridge City, but in 1866 transferred his mem- bership to Heneosis Adelphon Lodge, No. 25, at Hagerstown, and he is also a member of Hagerstown Encampment, No. 67. Mrs. Stoltz died Dec. 12, 1871, having become the mother of five chil- dren : Julia Elizabeth, born Jan. 28, 1860, became the wife of Charles Kauffman and has one daughter, Blanche, born Jan. 16, 1880, a teacher in the Ilagerstown public schools; Anna Estella, born Nov. 1. 1862, is deceased ; Charles M., born Oct. 2, 1863, is the chief deputy in the recorder's office in the city of San Francisco, married Helen L. Calender and has two children-Helen and Ar- lene; Frederick, born July 3, 1867, died at the age of thirty ; and Harry L., born Jan. 22, 1871, is a printer and resides at home with his father.
William N. Stout, one of the prosperous farmers of Jefferson township, whose postoffice is Hagerstown, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, near Cincinnati, July 5, 1863. Ile is a son of Oliver B. and Jennie ( Geulic) Stout, the former born in Hamilton county, Ohio, Nov. 4. 1822, and the latter a native of Springdale, Hamilton county, born April 30, 1824. The paternal grandfather was An- drew Stout. Oliver B. Stout purchased what is known as the Frank Burk farm, west of Hagerstown, in the spring of 1864, and re- moved upon it with his family. In Hamilton county, Ohio, he had followed the vocation of farming and continued the same after removing to Wayne county, being actively interested in that or- ganization during his entire active career. The father died Aug. 10, 1901, and the mother passed away, July 27, 1906. The father was a Democrat in his political views and his religious faith was that of the United Brethren until 1884. when he joined the Church of the Brethren. Oliver B. and Jennie (Geulic) Stout were mar- ried in March, 1845, and of their union were born seven children: Edwin M., the eldest, is a retired farmer and resides in lagers- town; John Milton is a farmer in Clark county, Ohio; Charles Ellsworth is a telegraph operator in Abernathy. Tex .; Catherine resides in Indianapolis; Maud resides in Hagerstown ; William N. is the next in order of birth ; and Minnie resides near Hagerstown. William N. Stout received his primary education in the schools of District No. 4. in Jefferson township, and since completing his scholastic training has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, in which he has made distinct and exceptional success. He worked
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on his father's farm until twenty-one years old, and in March, 1884, removed to his present place of residence. He rented the old home place until his mother died and then purchased 154 acres. He does not devote himself to any one especial branch of the science of agri- culture, but devotes his land to the cultivation of general products. He has been unswerving in his allegiance to the men and principles of the Democratic party, and his religious affiliations are with the Church of the Brethren. On Sept. 11, 1884, Mr. Stout was married to Catherine Holder, daughter of David and Christina (Ulrich) Holder, the former of whom died July 28, 1909, at the age of seventy-seven years, and the mother passed away Jan. 18, 1908, at the age of eighty-two. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Stout there is a son, Clarence B., born Jan. 4, 1900. Of the brothers and sisters of Oliver B. Stout, father of William N., Accy married David Bevis, of Hamilton county, Ohio, and is deceased; Jennie married Abram Stout and is deceased; Nellie married Martin Bevis and is deceased ; Charlotte is the widow of Obediah Hill and resides near Hamilton, Ohio; and Joseph is deceased. The maternal grand- father of William N. Stout was HIenry Genlic, born near Prince- ton, N. J., and a farmer by occupation, and the maiden name of the maternal grandmother was Mary Ann Venary, born in Philadel- phia, Pa. David Holder, father of Mrs. Stout, was born in Bed- ford county, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1832, the son of Henry Holder. Ile married for his first wife Elizabeth Hoover, daughter of Joshua and Catherine Hoover, in 1854, and of this union was born a son, Levi Anderson. The first wife died in 1856, and the second mar- riage, to Miss Christina Ulrich, occurred Nov. 27, 1857. Christina Ulrich was born on the Tidewater farm, west of llagerstown, Oct. 2, 1825, daughter of John and Catherine (Teeter) Ulrich.
Thomas C. Taylor, proprietor of a livery and sale stable at Richmond, was born in Wayne township, Wayne county, Dec. 2, 1859. He is a son of David Railsback and Elizabeth Ann (Barnes) Taylor, who were born, reared and married in Wayne county, the father's birth having occurred on Dec. 16, 1822, and the mother's on Aug. 17, 1832. The father was a large land owner in Wayne township and followed farming until 1892, when he removed to Richmond, where he lived until his demise, Nov. 16, 1906. He was first married, in 1847, to Sarah A. Bond, who died Nov. 23, 1853, having became the mother of two children-Virginia Ann, born June 28, 1848, and William Henry, born Feb. 28, 1850. On Sept. 21, 1855, the father married Elizabeth Ann Barnes, born in Center township, daughter of Shapley F. and Eleanor Barnes, who came to Wayne county from Virginia. Of this union there were born two children-James S., born June 3, 1857, now engaged in the lumber business at Charter Oak, Mo., and Thomas C. Our subject received his educational discipline in the public schools of Wayne township. When his studies were finished he worked on the home farm until 1888, when he came to Richmond and en- gaged in the livery business, in which he has prospered, although he suffered severely from a disastrous fire a few years ago. Mr. Taylor was married in Wayne township, Nov. 18, 1886, to Miss
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Esther Ryan, daughter of William (deceased) and Mary ( Reese) Ryan, of Richmond, and three children came to bless this union : Edith and Ethel (twins), born May 12, 1888, the former of whom is the wife of Wheaton Tallant, of Richmond, and the latter is the wife of Clement Kehlenbrink, and Robert, born Nov. 24, 1894 .. Of the grandchildren, Esther Tallant was born Sept. 4, 1907; James Tallant was born March 23, 1909; Martha Tallant was born in November, 1910; and June Kehlenbrink was born Dec. 29, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have a fine home on South Eleventh street, Richmond. Elizabeth Ann Taylor, mother of Thomas C. Taylor, resides in Richmond. Mr. Taylor is a member of Iola Lodge, No. 53. Knights of Pythias, at Richmond, and his family are members of the Baptist church.
John Kirk Thomas, who is living retired in the village of White Water and whose life has been spent in and about this county, en- gaged in agricultural pursuits, was born on a farm in Franklin township. His father was Henry W. Thomas, a native of Wayne county, and his mother was Mary Addleman, a daughter of Caleb W. and Elizabeth Addleman. The paternal great-grandparents were John and Elida C. ( Horned) Thomas, and the great-grand- father was a physician. Ile came from the State of Delaware to Wayne county, in 1816, and entered a tract of land three miles southwest of White Water, where he developed a farm and also practiced his profession. He died in the early 'sos, but the old building which he used as an office is still standing. The paternal grandparents were James P. and Ann ( Wilkins) Thomas, the lat- ter of whom died about 1890. The grandfather came from the State of Delaware with his parents and operated the old Thomas home- stead in Franklin township all of his life. Henry W. Thomas was one of six children and lived his apportioned days in Wayne county. Hle studied medicine and practiced that profession, but also oper- ated the old Thomas homestead until his death. He was a careful man. quiet and unassuming, but thorough and painstaking in all his ventures, and a good citizen. Ile and his devoted wife became the parents of six children-Joseph H., Caleb P., John K., Elmina, ITarley, and Elizabeth. Joseph II. was killed at the battle of Stone's River, Caleb P. died in 1872. of a disease contracted while serving as a soldier in the Civil war, and Harley and Elizabeth died in infancy. John K. Thomas was educated at the Pleasant Run school and from the time he was about seventeen years old worked on his father's farm, excepting one season, when he worked as a farm hand by the month. When he entered upon his inde- pendent career he assumed the management of the home farm and continued to operate it until he retired, in 1901. He then removed to the city of Richmond, where he resided two years, and then moved to his present home in the village of White Water. Po- litically he has adhered to the tenets of the Republican party and his religious views are expressed by membership in the Christian church. On Feb. 29, 1872, he was united in marriage to Miss Marian Little, daughter of David and Nancy Little, of Wayne township, and of this union there were born two children: Emily
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