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 8
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William Frederick Deitemeyer has for several years been one of the successful citizens of the township of New Garden, where he conducted a farm of modern facilities and appointments, the same being favorably located and one of the finest in the county. Mr. Deitemeyer is a native son of Germany, but in Wayne county has worked his way up to a position of priority as a reliable and progressive farmer and loyal citizen. William Frederick Deite- meyer was born in Schledehassen, Hanover, Germany, Nov. 12, 1864, a son of Henry and Christina (Jonse) Deitemeyer, natives of Germany. The paternal grandfather was Adam Deitemeyer, born in Schledehassen, Hanover, Germany, in 1790, and died in 1857. He was a farmer by occupation, owned the farm on which he lived,
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and for years was a member of the school board and served a long term as Forester and trustee of his district. The grandmother was born in 1796 and died in 1876. Henry Deitemeyer was born Jan. 22, 1835, and was reared to maturity in his native country, where he received a very good education. At the age of twenty- one years he married Christina Jonse and spent his entire career on the old homestead as a farmer, succeeding to his father's public offices. Of their children, John Henry, born Jan. 4, 1857, came to America in 1884 and died in 1908, at Lincoln, Neb .; John Frederick, born in 1859, lives in Germany, having succeeded to the home place and to the offices held by his father and grandfather; Minnie was born in April, 1861 ; the subject of this review is the next in order of birth; Elizabeth was born April 20, 1866; August was born in March, 1868; and Liseta was born in 1874. William F. Deitemeyer was reared on the old home farm in Germany and his early edu- cational advantages were those afforded in the schools of his native country. He early became identified with the work of the farm and remained on the old homestead until he had attained to the age of twenty years, when he came to America with his older brother, John Henry. He went direct to St. Louis, Mo., where he worked for a short time in a bakery, and in 1885 came to Richmond, this county, and worked on a farm eighteen months. Ile then worked five years for William Parry, on a farm, after which he worked in Horner's bakery, in Richmond, two years. In 1893 he leased the Buhl farm, southwest of Richmond, and operated it two years, after which he rented the Samuel Parry farm, in New Garden township. In 1905 he purchased the farm of 100 acres where he resided until the fall of 1911, when he removed to Richmond. Mr. Deitemeyer's progress has been the result of his own well directed efforts, and he is well deserving of the success and prestige which he has gained. He takes a loyal interest in public affairs, especially those of a local order, and is arrayed as a stalwart supporter of the cause of the Republican party. On Sept. 7, 1892, Mr. Deitemeyer was united in marriage to Miss Rose Lawler, daughter of James and Mary Ann Lawler (deceased), of New Garden township (father now residing in Richmond, retired), and of this union there were born two children-Lawler, Nov. 2, 1893, and Blanche, June 6, 1903. The wife and mother died on Dec. 17, 1905, and on May 15, 1909, Mr. Deitemeyer married Ida Cornelia Strasser, born Oct. 3, 1873, daughter of Louis and Theresa Strasser, of Columbus, Ohio, but natives of Alsace, France. Mr. Deitemeyer has been a member of Lodge No. 115, Knights of Pythias, at Richmond, for the past twenty-two years.
Charles O. Williams, a prominent young educator of Rich- mond, at the present time occupying the responsible position of County Superintendent of Schools of Wayne county, was born on a farm near Fountain City, Ind., Sept. 19, 1874, a son of John D. and Malissa (Thomas) Williams, the former being of Virginia de- scent and his mother's parents were Pennsylvanians. His parents were hard-working people, with a large family, and without the means to give their children more than a common school education.
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But this did not suppress Charles' zeal in the pursuit of knowl- edge, and with him it has been a lifelong quest. Few men have spent as many years in actual teaching and at the same time carry- ing college courses as he. From the time he was six years old he has been continually in school as a student or teacher. By teaching school in winter and going to school in summer, he graduated at the age of thirty at Valparaiso College, receiving the Bachelor of Science degree. At the age of thirty-three he also graduated at the Indi- anapolis Law School and was admitted to the bar in both Indiana and Kentucky ; and at the age of fifty-five completed the course at the Indiana Business College. lle began teaching school in Franklin township in 1892, and has since been continuously en- gaged in educational work. He served as assistant principal of the Webster High School two years, as principal of the Economy schools two years, principal and superintendent of the Williams- burg schools seven years, and from 1905 to 1909 was superintendent of the city schools at Wickliffe, Ky. While residing in Kentucky he served as a member of the Kentucky Board of School Examiners three years. He returned to the Williamsburg schools in 1909 and was engaged in teaching there until elected County Superintendent of Schools of Wayne county, to fill a vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Charles W. Jordan, and in June, 1911, he was elected to a full term in that position. Fraternally he is prominently iden- tified with the Royal Arch Masons, the Knights of Pythias, and the Modern Woodmen of America. On Sept. 1, .1897, occurred his marriage to Miss Florence E. Clinehens, of Webster township, and of this union are four children: Harold, born in 1899; Otis, born in 1904; Leland, deceased, born in 1906; and Dale, born in 1911.
Oliver Spencer, for many years a prosperous and highly es- teemed agriculturist of Franklin township, is a native of Darke county, Ohio, born Jan. 16, 1861, on the old Spencer homestead. The paternal great-grandfather was Francis Spencer, born in Eng- land in 1778 and emigrated to America when young. He came to Ohio in an early day and died in Darke county in 1870. His wife was Sarah Spencer, a distant relative of his family, and they be- came the parents of ten children-Anderson, Ludlow, William, Clark, Jackson, Mark, Elizabeth, Delilah, Eliza Ann, and Sarah. Anderson Spencer, the eldest of these children, was born in Green county, Ohio, Jan. 29, 1806. He was reared to man's estate in his native county and became prominent in business affairs. His life was one of industry and he was a man possessed of more than ordinary ability and mechanical ingenuity. In 1830 he was mar- ried to Emily Hill, of Darke county, Ohio, and to them were born seven children-John F., Hugh, Saul, Sarah K., Lemuel, Anderson, and George W. John F. Spencer, the eldest, and the father ot Oliver Spencer, was born in Ohio, Feb. 6, 1831. He was educated in the common schools of his native State and was a man of affairs in his county, following agricultural pursuits throughout his active career. On Feb. 26, 1857, he was married to Miss Mary Auker- man, a daughter of Lewis and Mary (Brower) Aukerman, the for- mer a native of Preble county, Ohio, and the latter born in Pales-
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tine, Va. Of this union there were eight children: Lewis resides in Darke county, Ohio; Laura A. married Calvin Young, of Darke county, Ohio; Oliver is third in order of birth ; Minerva J. married William Pattee ; Settie A. married Newton Clapp; Charles resides in Richmond, Ind .; and Minnie and Phenie are deceased. John F. Spencer, the father of these children, was a soldier in the Civil war. Ile was a Universalist in his religions belief and in politics was a Republican. Oliver Spencer acquired his educational training in the district schools of his native county and worked upon his father's and neighboring farms until twenty-six years old, when he rented a farm about two miles east of New Paris, Ohio, and lived there eight years. He then purchased the farm where he resides, consisting of 143 acres, upon which he built a fine residence in 1902. Ile is affiliated with the Republican party and his reli- gious faith is expressed by membership in the Christian Church at Hollandsburg, Ohio. On Feb. 5, 1887, he was united in marriage to Miss Elma Hill, daughter of Whitmel and Mary Ann (Harrison) Hill, of Franklin township. Mrs. Spencer died Jan. 28, 1910, hiav- ing become the mother of two children : Mary Edna, born Dec. 19, 1887, resides at home with her father ; and Harry W., born June 29, 1889, married Edna Blose, daughter of James M. and Rachel Alice (Wood) Blose, of Franklin township. Mr. Spencer is a member of Victory .Lodge, No. 476, Knights of Pythias, at Hollandsburg, Ohio.
Rolla L. Overman, for many years a prominent and influential agriculturist of the township of Franklin, and ex-road supervisor, is a native of the Hoosier State, born on the farm where he resides, Jan. 17, 1865, son of Nathan S. and Anna Parker (Fulghum) Over- man. The father first beheld the light of day near Elkton, in Preble county, Ohio, July 14, 1822. He remained at home until married, Nov. 20, 1844, and then entered land in Miami county, Indiana, where he resided one year, at the end of which period, on account of his wife's health, he returned to Wayne county and, in 1850, purchased the farm upon which his son, Rolla L., resides. Here he continued to reside many years and was ever an exceed- ingly industrious, thrifty and enterprising man. He lived on his farm until 1803, when he built a fine residence in Fountain City, and there resided until 1898, when he returned to the farm and lived the residue of his life with his son, passing away Aug. 29, 1906. His wife, mother of Rolla L. Overman, was born in Ran- dolph county, July 25, 1824, daughter of Frederick and Piety ( Par- ker) Fulghum, who came from North Carolina to Indiana, and she passed to the Great Unknown, April 19, 1898. The paternal grand- parents were Jesse and Keziah Overman, who migrated from Vir- ginia to Preble county, Ohio, and later to Wayne county, Indiana, where the father purchased government land and lived the remain- der of his life. The subject of this sketch received his educational training at the old Garner school on the Arba pike, which he at- tended until twenty years old. Having been reared on a farm, he learned at a tender age the rigorous lessons of hard work and self- dependence and at the same time acquired an intimate knowledge
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of agricultural pursuits. Farming has continued to be his chief occupation to this day and he has always resided upon and worked the old home place. In politics he has been a loyal member of the Republican party from the time of becoming a voter, and as before stated has served as road supervisor. On Oct. 22, 1892, he was united in marriage to Miss Olive Owens, daughter of William and Amanda (Horn) Owens, prominent residents of Darke county, Ohio. Mrs. Overman was born in Darke county, Oct. 20, 1869, where she continued to reside up to the time of her marriage, the ceremony being performed at Greenville. One child, Thelma A., was born to Mr. and Mrs. Overman, Nov. 4, 1898, and she is at- tending school at Fountain City. Mr. Overman is a birthright member of the Society of Friends, of which his wife and daugh- ter are also members. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Over- man-James and Anna Owens-were natives of North Carolina and her maternal ancestors-Balsar and Nancy Horn-came from Germany.
Lot Skinner, a prosperous farmer of Franklin township, is a native of that township, born on a farm southwest of Bethel, July 22, 1836, son of Joseph and Didamia (Elliott) Skinner, natives of North Carolina. The maternal grandfather was Benjamin Elliott, who removed from Guilford county, North Carolina, to Preble county, Ohio, and died soon afterward. Joseph Skinner, the father, was born Feb. 10, 1797, always followed farming as an occupa- tion, and died July 19, 1882. The mother was born Oct. 21, 1802, and died April 30, 1879. They were the parents of ten children- seven sons and three daughters. Lot received his educational training in the schools of his native township and, Feb. 28, 1863, was united in matrimony to Miss Nancy llill, daughter of Whit- mel and Mariam ( Halowell) Hill, many years residents of Franklin township, Ile operated his father's farm about fifteen years after marriage and then purchased the farm he owns. He has always gained his livelihood by tilling the soil and is an enthusiastic fol- lower of his calling. In politics he is an ardent champion of the Democratic party, though never a seeker after public office, believ- ing that the office should seek the man rather than the man the office. Mr. Skinner is a liberal as regards his religious views and is affiliated with no particular church society. Five children graced the fireside of this worthy couple-Andrew J., Freeman, Evaline (died Nov. 26, 1893), Elmore, and Maude Estella. Andrew J. mar- ried Clara Hill and is a farmer in Franklin township. Freeman married Irene Boyd, resides at Maumee, Ohio, and they have five children-Lois M., Joseph, Pauline, Frederick and Lenora. El- more married Nellie Cheneworth, resides at Bethel, and they have one child, Murrell. Maude Estella is the wife of Leroy Corrall, of Franklin township, and they have four children-Edith J., Grace, Harold, and Dorothy. On July 25, 1892, the fireside of the Skinner home was darkened by the shadow of the death angel and Mrs. Skinner was summoned to her reward, leaving her devoted hus- band and children to mourn her loss. She was ever a kind and considerate wife and mother and the entire community in which
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she resided lamented her untimely taking away. Sinse the death of his wife Mr. Skinner has lived retired, making his home with his daughter, Mrs. Corrall.
Nathan Grave, a popular agriculturist of the township of Franklin, is a native of Wayne county, born on a farm one and three-fourths miles southeast of Middleborough, in Wayne town- ship, Nov. 4, 1848, a son of Joseph Chandler and Elizabeth Thomas (Moore) Grave, the former a native of Wayne county. The father was born on the old Grave homestead, in Wayne township, Jan. 26, 1824. In 185t he purchased a farm west of White Water, and this continued to operate and reside upon up to the time of his de- mise, Feb. 15, 1898. Ilis devoted wife passed away March 2, 1885, the mother of six children. Her parents were natives of the State of Delaware. The Grave family came originally from Eng- land and the first American ancestors came to these shores in 1645. Jacob Grave, the paternal grandfather, came from the State of Delaware to Wayne county, in 1816, and settled where the city of Richmond now stands. He had been a tailor by trade in Wil- mington, Del., but after coming to Indiana purchased land and followed farming the residue of his life, dying in April, 1862. His wife, Anna (Stroude) Grave, was also a native of Delaware and they were married in that State. Nathan Grave received his schooling in the district schools of White Water and at the White Water Academy, which he attended three winters, dividing his
early days between the school room and his father's farm, and at a tender age learned the lesson of self-dependence. As he has resided upon a farm during the greater portion of his days he has practically been reared in the agricultural industry. He knows the "ins and outs" of the business "from A to Z," and has been very successful as a follower of this, his chosen calling. After his mar- riage he remained on the home farm one year and then purchased a small farm north of White Water, where he resided three years and then traded that tract for a part of the old home place. Three or four years later, in February, 1879, he engaged in the general mercantile business at White Water and was so employed twelve years, at the end of which period he purchased the place where he resides and has since been engaged in farming. He is liberal in his religious views and has never allied himself with any denomina- tion. In politics he is a loyal member of the Republican party and in 1908 was elected trustee of Franklin township. On Aug. 27, 1870, Mr. Grave was married to Miss Sarah Ann Blose, daughter of Henry and Anna Blose, of Franklin township. The Blose fam- ily came from Germany to Pennsylvania and thence to Warren county, Ohio, and Mrs. Grave's father came to Wayne county in 1822. Ile was a farmer by occupation, was liberal and generous, and won a fine reputation for his business ability, settling many estates and serving as guardian of many children. He died Feb. 21, 1885. Mr. Grave has served as treasurer and superintendent of the Cemetery Association at White Water, and has been a Master Mason for over forty years. To him and his devoted wife have been born six children: Barbara Emilo, born July 23, 1871,
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died in infancy ; Early C., born Sept. 3, 1872, resides at the parental home; Dessie Cleora, born Nov. 1, 1874, is the wife of Edgar E. Jordan, of Richmond; Effie Afton, born Sept. 18, 1876, is the wife of Samuel Glunt, of Webster; Zora May, born Oct. 29, 1878, has been a school teacher at White Water the past twelve years; and Anna Elizabeth, born Feb. 18, 1884, is the wife of Jesse Glunt.
John Elwood Gibbs, a prominent and influential farmer of Franklin, is a native of Kansas, born in Osage county, that State. Jan. 31, 1875. His father, Jacob Marcellus Gibbs, is a native of Ohio, born in 1847. Soon after the close of the Civil war he re- moved to Kansas, where he resided about twenty-two years and then came to Wayne county, locating in Franklin township, at White Water. The mother of John E., of this review, and whose maiden name was Emily Jane Radford, was born in Randolph county, Indiana, her parents having come from North Carolina. She and her husband became the parents of four children-Ida, Minnie, John E. and Emma-the last one named being deceased. Ida married Dr. A. H. Jones, of White Water, and they have two children-Deskin and Gaylord; and Minnie resides at the parental home. The paternal grandfather was David Gibbs, who came from North Carolina to Ohio in an early day. John E. Gibbs acquired his educational training in the district schools of his native county in Kansas and those of Franklin township, this county, and has always followed agricultural pursuits, in which he has been very successful. In politics he has been affiliated with the Democratic party since becoming a voter, and he was reared in the faith of the Campbellite church. For a number of years he has been a meni- ber of the Masonic lodge at White Water. At the age of sixteen years he began his independent career by working on farms by the month, and this he continued until married. Ile then rented a farm in Darke county, Ohio, where he resided three years, at the end of which time he rented a farm in Randolph county, Indiana, and resided there two years. In 1910 he purchased the farm of seventy- seven acres where he resides, in Franklin township. On Nov. 20, 1903, he was married to Mary Virginia Nossett, daughter of Cal- vin and Sarah Elizabeth (Gummer) Nossett, natives of Shenandoah county, Virginia. They removed to Ohio in 1875, and from there came to Wayne county in 1896. The father has followed farming all of his life and also has engaged to some extent at the shoe- maker's trade, and resides in Franklin township. The mother died Dec. 12, 1910. Mrs. Gibbs was born Nov. 30, 1877. She and her husband are the parents of three children: Velma Chrystal, born Oct. 23, 1904; Bryant Calvin, born Feb. 12, 1908; and Arthur Mar- cellus, born June 22, 1910.
William Branson Barton, a prominent and influential farmer of Franklin and Wayne townships, is a native of Wayne township, born on the old Barton homestead, June 11, 1865. Ilis father, Daniel Boone Barton, was born in Franklin township, Sept. 22, 1837, and worked on his father's farm until married, with the ex- ception of one year, which he spent in lowa. He was married in 1860 to Catherine Elena Cox, daughter of Jeremiah, Jr., and Keturah
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D. Cox, of near Middleborough. After his marriage he commenced farming near Bartonia, in Randolph county, and resided there until the spring of 1865, when he moved back to the old home farm in Wayne township, the farm on which the subject of this review now resides, a part of it being in Franklin and part in Wayne township. There he continued to make his domicile until he retired, in 1903, and his death occurred Feb. 9, 1908. After his death his wife, born Nov. 30, 1844, removed to the city of Richmond, where she resides, at a ripe old age, hale and hearty. Five children were born to her and her husband: E. Leona, deceased wife of Thomas C. Voorhees, of Webster township; William B. is the second in order of birth ; Keturah Evelena is the wife of George Reid, of Richmond; Elmina C. is the wife of K. D. Cofield, of Franklin township; and Florence J. L. died in infancy. The paternal grandfather was William Bar- ton, a native of Maryland who came to Franklin township in the early part of the last century. The subject of this review was reared on the old Barton farm and acquired his education in the district schools of Wayne township, after which he took a course in a business college, under John K. Beck, graduating Feb. 23, 1885. Farming has always been his chief occupation, though he was offered and refused a position as bookkeeper after completing his business course. Politically he has always been an active and en- thusiastic member of the Republican party, but has not acquired the habit of seeking public office. Ilowever, he has served as road supervisor, member of the township advisory board, and as county pike superintendent. Concerning religious matters he and his wife are members of the Christian church at White Water. On March 12, 1887, he was united in matrimony to Emma White, daughter of William G. and Annie (Anderson) White, of Franklin township, and of this union have been born eight children: Iva Pearl, born Jan. 4, 1888, died July 27, 1905; Kenneth Merle, born Aug. 11, 1890, is a student in the State University, taking the medical course, with the class of 1915; William Ray, born Jan. 22, 1893, graduated in the common schools, received a scholarship for the short course at Purdue University, and resides at the parental home; Anna Catherine, born July 16, 1895, is a student in the Richmond High School with the class of 1913, and makes her home with her grand - mother, Elena (Cox) Barton, at 223 North Sixteenth street ; Emma Marie, born April 22, 1898; Grace Margrette, born Aug. 21, 1901 ; Wayne Hanly, born Oct. 12, 1904; and Helen Louise, born Dec. 4, 1910. After his marriage Mr. Barton removed to Middleborough, where he farmed and teamed six months, and then removed to Pleasant Hill, Preble county, Ohio. Nine months later he removed to his father's farm, which he operated until 1891, and then moved to a farm northwest of White Water, which tract consisted of 148 acres. He resided there until 1902, when he removed to White Water, to enjoy its superior school advantages, purchasing the Addleman farm, opposite the school grounds. He resided there until April, 1908, when, his father having died, he returned to the old home place, where he has since resided. Mrs. Barton was born in Franklin township, June 13, 1867. Mr. Barton has been a inen-
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ber of the Knights of Pythias lodge, No. 322, at Fountain City, for the past fifteen years. To the parents of Mrs. Barton were born ten children, of whom Eva, Cora L., and Elmer are deceased ; Emma is the wife of Mr. Barton ; Tessa May is the wife of Charles Blose, of Franklin township; Manford Lee married Estella Jaqua and resides in Franklin township; Mabel is the wife of Clarence R. Ilough, of Franklin township; Frederick G. graduated at the Indi- ana University and the Harvard Law School and is associated with the firm of Gardner & Jessup, attorneys, of Richmond; Elbert Eldon resides in Richmond, and Mary in Franklin township.
Erastus Mortimer Stetler, for upwards of five years an enter- prising and influential farmer of the township of Franklin, and for some time incumbent of the office of member of the township advisory board, is a native of Indiana. He first beheld the light of day on a farm near Lynn, in Randolph county, July 1, 1865, a son of Joseph and Sarah ( Elliott) Stetler, natives of Indiana. The father was born in Wayne county, in 1829. All of his days were passed in his native State, and his widow resides in Richmond. The paternal grandfather was Jesse Stetler, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Richmond as a young man and followed the trade of shoemaking. The maternal grandfather was Miles Elliott, a na- tive of North Carolina. Joseph Stetler, the father, died in 1888, and he and his devoted wife were the parents of six children : Fannie M. died at the age of seven years; Erastus M. ; William D. is the freight agent on the Cotton Belt Line at Dallas, Tex .; Inda 1. is the wife of Albertus G. Parker, of Richmond; Charles E. is an operator for the Western Union Telegraph Company at Houston, Tex. ; and Omer K. is a druggist at Waco, Tex. The subject of this review was educated in the district schools of his native county and at the village of Lynn, attending until he was about twenty years old, working on his father's farm in the meantime. He remained at the parental home until 1891, when he rented his father's farm and operated it until 1906, when he purchased the farm in Franklin township where he has since continued to reside. Ile has continued to make the best of permanent improvements upon his place and on every side are evidences of enterprise, thrift and prosperity. He is held in unqualified esteem in the community, and while he has never sought nor held public office, other than that of member of the township advisory board, lie takes a great interest in public affairs and is a staunch supporter of the cause of the Republican party. The religious views of himself and wife are expressed by membership in the Christian church. He is an active member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, No. 119, at Lynn. Mr. Stetler was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Throckmorton, Jan. 3, 1891, daughter of John (deceased) and Abigail Throckmorton, many years residents of Randolph county, the latter now residing at Lynn. Of this happy marital union of Erastus M. Stetler and wife have been born three children: Byron, born Sept. 12, 1893; Yvonna A., born April 7, 1898; and Willodene, born July 22, 1904. Mrs. Stetler is the eighth in a family of nine children, four of whom are living.
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