USA > Indiana > Memorial and genealogical record of Representative Citizens of Indiana > Part 49
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men ranked among the leading attorneys of the state, enjoying a most lucrative clientage.
After practicing law for a few years in Indiana, Mr. Hanna followed the advice of Horace Greeley and went west with the idea of locating permanently. He settled in Kansas and was liv- ing in that state during the troublous border warfare days pre- ceding the Civil war. winte nvig in the Sunflower state the young attorney was honored by being elected to the first territorial legis- lature in Kansas, serving with much satisfaction to all concerned for a period of three years, during which time he became strongly attached to Governor Bates, who was later a candidate for the nomination on the Republican ticket, at the time Abraham Lin- coln was nominated for President of the United States.
Returning to Indianapolis, Mr. Hanna again took up his pro- fession with Robert Smith, and in 1860 he was a delegate from the seventh district to the Republican national convention, held at Chicago, which nominated Mr. Lincoln. Mr. Hanna, however, per- sistently cant his vote for his old friend, Governor Bates of Kan- sas, until the tide was turned to Lincoln. After Mr. Lincoln's election, as a compliment to Governor Bates, the President asked the Governor if he had any friends whom he would like to recom- mend for office. And Gove nor Bates replied: "Do you remem- ber that black haired fellow who supported me so strongly at the convention from the seventh district, Indiana ? That man is John Hanna. What can you do for him?" Whereupon Mr. Lincoln made Mr. Hanna United States district attorney during the four years of the Civil war. He made a most satisfactory and brilliant record, and was re-appointed to the office by Andrew Johnson. Mr. Hanna later took an active part in the impeachment proceed- ings against President Johnson and resigned his office. He then established a law firm at Indianapolis with Gen. Frederick Knefler, and later took in John S. Berryhill, a son-in-law of Mr. Hanna. For a period of a quarter of a century this law firm was one of the most successful and best known in Indiana, and the practice is still conducted by Mr. Berryhill.
During this period Mr. Hanna made the race for the Legis- lature, but was defeated by Mr. Neff, a Democrat of Putnam county. In 1876 he was elected congressman from his district, and although he made a splendid record he was deirated for re-clee- tion by a Mr. Delimeter, in 1880 when the Greenbackers and Democrats united.
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The name of John Ilanna was being mentioned all over the state as the Republican candidate for governor in 1884, but his untimely death, which occurred on October 24, 1882, two years prior to the forthcoming election, ended his illustrious and honor- able public career. And he was sincerely mourned by thousands of Republicans and Democrats alike throughout the state. Mr. Hamna enont the last four weeks of his life at his farm, widely known at that time as "Crescent Hill," one mile west of Plainfield, on the Vandalia railroad, which he had purchased five years pre- vious to his death and which was considered one of the most desirable landed estates in this part of the country. This place he had improved and beautified with the intention of finding rest and quiet after a hard day's work. The funeral of Mr. Hanna was conducted by the Masonic order, he having become a Mason at Greencastle many years previously, and a great concourse of people gathered to pay a last tribute to the memory of their dis- tinguished citizen, whose useful and commendable career had ended when he was in the zenith of his power and popularity.
In 1850 John IIanna was united in marriage with Mahala Sherfey, whose death occurred in 1870. This union resulted in the birth of the following children: Mary Lydia, who married John S. Berryhill, an attorney, mentioned in a preceding para- graph, and they became the parents of these children, John Hanna Berryhill, and Irene, who married Earl Young. Wilbur Hanna married Flora Parsons and they had six children, three of whom are living, Sherfey, Frank and Helen. Walter Parks Hanna married Nellie Vestal, and five children were born of this union, John, Howard, Josephine, Clinton and Catherine. Isabella S. Hanna was next in order of birth. John Hanna, the youngest of the subject's children, married Cora Hadley and one child was born to them, Walter H. Hadley.
On May 17, 1871, Hon. John Hanna was united in marriage with Mrs. Emaline (Hobbs) Pottorff, the widow of George H. Pottorff, and a daughter of John Russell Hobbs and Duranda (Williams) Hobbs. This union was blessed by the following is- sue: Eleanore, who married Dr. Ernest Cooper, has two children, Portia Emaline Cooper and Lucia Virginia Cooper. Hon. Horace L. Hanna, who has served four terms in the Legislature and four terins in the state Senate, married Hortense Moore. Homer Hanna, a twin brother of Horace, died in infancy. Lucia Hanna married J. W. Hadley and they became the parents of two chil-
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dren, Paul Hanna Hadley and Jesse Wallace Hadley, Jr. Flor- ence Hanna, the youngest child of the subject's second marriage, married Alva T. Edmonson, and they have one child, Cornelia Edmonson; they live in Chicago.
Mrs. Emaline Hanna remained on the farm after her hus- band's death until 1907, since which time she has made her home as Plainfeld, Indiana. She is a lady of many estimable charac- teristies and numbers her friends by the scores wherever she is known. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has long been active in the work of the same, standing high in its congregation. Among her most valued possessions is a copy of the Republican ticket, sceured by her late husband, who attended the convention which elected Abraham Lincoln, the ticket being as follows:
REPUBLICAN TICKET.
For President, Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois.
For Vice-President, Hannibal Hamlin, of Maine.
Electors State at Large, William Comback, of Decatur County, Indiana. John L. Mansfield,
of Jefferson County, Indiana. District Electors. 1st District, Cyrus M. Allen, of Knox County. 2d District, John W. Run, of Clark County, 3d District, Martin C. Hunter, of Monroe County. 4th District, John Farquhar, of Franklin County, 5th District, Nelson Trusler, of Fayette County. 6th District, Reuben A. Riley, of Hancock County. 7th District, John Hanna, of Putnam County. 8th District, Samuel A. Huff, of Tippecanoe County. 9th District, James N. Tyner, of Miami County. 10th District, Isaac Jenkinson, of Allen County. 11th District, David O'Stailey, of Huntington County.
HERMAN J. REMMERT.
The city of Fort Wayne, Indiana, received a very desirable acquisition to her citizenship when the lata Hormon I Damment cast his lot in this community. It has been said that wealthy Germans seldom emigrate aud that it is only the poor of that race who take up their abode in foreign countries. Wealth, how- ever, does not consist entirely of money, and the United States has been greatly enriched by the brawn and musele, sharp wits and plodding industry that have come to her from the famous empire beyond the eastern ocean. Mr. Remmert, only one of many, but a fine type of the industrions and persistent man of af- fairs, became identified with Fort Wayne in the early days of its development and he aided in the subsequent growth of the same in a most commendable manner, both in a material and civic way, and is thus eminently deserving of a place in her history and that of other noble-minded and progressive men of Indiana of a past generation. Ile was a man who looked on tl; sunny side of life, ever hopeful that the good would rule instead of the bad, and as a result of such a fortunate disposition he made it pleasant for those with whom he came in contact either in a business or social way and who visited his family in their pleasant home. He was a man of sociable and kindly nature, which made him popular with all who associated with him, and he was also a man of high moral character, so that he had the confidence and good will of all.
Mr. Remmert was born in Prussia, Germany, August 5, 1841, and there h spent his early boyhood and received a limited edn- cation in the common schools. Being ambitious to make his mark in the business world and having heard that better opportunities obtained in the great Republic of the West than in continental Europe, he set sail for our shores when but fifteen years of age, in 1857, landing at the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, in September of that year, after a long voyage on an old sailing vessel, reaching the new world with a total capital of sixty-five cents. Soon he ascended the Mississippi river to St. Louis, where he spent sev- eral months, then came on to Fort Wayne, Indiana, in February, 1859. Hle had made the voyage from the fatherland and the jour-
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neys in this country alone, but, being a lad of keen perception and courageous heart, he had no difficulty ; resourceful, he worked at whatever honest job he could get and never came to want. After reaching Fort Wayne he learned the carpenter's trade and that of pattern maker, becoming very proficient in both. so that his services were in great demand, following these pursuits a year and a half
Having accumulated rapidly, he made a visit to the old coun- try in the fall of 1861, and was absent in his native land six months. Upon his return to Fort Wayne he became engaged with the Bass foundry and machine works, with which he re- mained until the fall of 1863, when he entered the employ of Mur- ray & Bennigan in their machine shops. In the fall of 1864 he en- gaged in the retail grocery business, and though not out of the shops more than three months he continued that business for three years. Ile was connected with the same works up to the time of his death, which occurred on January 2, 1911, or a period of forty-five years, being superintendent of the Kerr Murray plant at the time of his death. Prior to the organization of the last named manufacturing concern he acted as general foreman for four o five years, and ever after its organization he was su- perintendent and a stockholder, much of its large success being due to his able and wise management and counsel. Ile was one of the most prominent and best known men in shop circles in this section of the state and he understood every detail of the busi- ness. He also knew how to handle men so as to render their service most efficient and retain heir good will.
Mr. Remmert was a charter member of St. Karl Borreamous Benevolent Society of St. Mary's Catholic church, and he was one of the twelve who participated in the golden jubilee celebra- tion of same in the spring of 1910. He formerly affiliated with St. Mary's Catholic church, but became a charter member of St. Paul's, and, with his family, enjoyed its services up to the time of his death. Politically, he was a Democrat, but was never active in party affairs or sought political office, giving very little of his time to publie questions and political work. He was a great busi- ness man and loved his family and was associated very closely with home ties, therefore had little inclination to be a public man.
Mr. Remmert was married to Mary Caroline Koester. She is a daughter of John and Mary Angeline (Batenhouse) Koester,
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who were born in Germany, and who came to this country in 1840, first locating in Piqua and Bremen, Ohio, and who were married in Cincinnati, Ohio. They came to Fort Wayne in 1846, and here their danghter, Mary Caroline, who married Mr. Remmert, was born on January 28, 1817. The Koester homestead was located at that time on Calhoun street, opposite the Cathedral of Immacu- I Canfind Mes. Hemmet is one of eight enhuren m the Koester family.
Besides the substantial Reinert home at No. 525 West Washington street, Fort Wayne, which has been the family resi- dence for the past forty-two years, Mrs. Mary C. Remmert owns considerable valiable property about the city.
Eleven children were born to Ilerman J. Remmert and wife, named as follows: Catherine M. (now Mrs. Albert P. Waibel), of San Diego, California, has two children, Julia and Albert, Jr .; Marie M. and John M. live with their mother in Fort Wayne; Charles F., who lives in Fort Wayne; George F. is still a member of the home circle; Albert J. is a resident of St. Paul, Minnesota; five children died in infancy. The sons have all followed the foot- steps of their father in a business way, being connected with the gas machinery business.
JAMES WILDING.
One of the best known men of a past generation in Fort Wayne, Indiana, une wisse second in mell dressing of a cumplir ous place in his community's history, was the late James Wilding. Perhaps his dominant and most notable characteristic was his fidelity to truth and honor. He invariably sought the things that were "honest and of good repute." In the training of his chil- dren no precepts were so constantly or so urgently insisted on as those which concern sound and worthy character. He taught that honor and truthfulness were of such commanding worth that self-interest should never under any circumstances set them aside. A falsehood or a dishonorable deed with him was not only a sin; it was a disgrace. These principles were a standard by which he constantly estimated men, and to which he religiously held himself. Whatever else he might do or fail to do, he meant to be, in all his actions, right before his Creator and man. Ilis life was an in- spiration to all who knew him and his memory remains to his friends and children as a blessed benediction of a noble and up- right character. While advancing his individual interests he never lost sight of his obligations to the community in general and he did nich for the upbuilding of Fort Wayne, where for many years he held a very high place in business and social circles, his long life being worthy of imitation in many respects by the youth hesitating at the parting of the ways.
James Wilding was an American by adoption only, but never- theless he was loyal to our flag and institutions and never permit- ted sectional lines to cause him to forget that he was first of all an Anglo-Saxon. He was born in Leck, Staffordshire, England, on September 9, 1826, and he was the son of Isaac and Elizabeth Wilding, natives of England, in which country they grew up, were married, and spent their lives, never coming to America.
James Wilding grew to manhood in his native land and as- sisted his father with the general work about the place when a boy. He received his education in his home community and, when but a boy, began planning a trip to America, believing that in the great, comparatively new Republic of the West greater
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opportunities were to be found than elsewhere. However, before leaving his native land he was united in marriage, when twenty- one years of age, to Anna Yates, the ceremony occurring in the city of Manchester on December 25, 1847. She, too, was of an ex- cellent old English family. A few months after their wedding Mr. Wilding, when twenty-two years of age, brought his bride to the United States, first looking at Albany, New York, den moved to Utica, later to Cleveland, Ohio, thence to Detroit, Michigan, and in 1860 they came on to Fort Wayne, Indiana, and here the subjeet spent the rest of his life, being an honored resident of the city for a period of forty-five years, during which time he saw the rapid growth of the same from a country village to one of the important commercial centers of this section of the middle West, and in the upbuilding of the same he took no inconspienons part.
Mr. Wilding learned the ornamental plastering business in his native land and this he followed in New York state, but when he came to Fort Wayne he first embarked in business as a cou- tractor and later as a coal dealer, the firm being known as Wild- ing & Son. The same firm also condneted an extensive paper and paint store, and in due course of time the elder Wilding became one of the leading business men of the city, both concerns in which he was the motive force gradually growing to a lucrative business, and he prospered from year to year, by reason of his close appli- cation and able management of his affairs, becoming one of the substantial men of this section of the state. Having accumulated a competeney, he retired from active business in 1898, after which he spent his declining years quietly in his beautiful home, from which he was summoned to his rest on June 2, 1906, at the age of eighty years, after a long, successful and useful career, fraught with much good to himself and to humanity.
Mr. Wilding was very actively identified with the Wayne Street Methodist Episcopal church, of his chosen city, and was a liberal supporter of the same and a pillar in the congregation. He served in almost every office in the church and was regular in his attendance, taking a great delight in all its affairs and his counsel was sought in its management for many years. He did much to make this one of the leading churches of the city. Politi- cally, he was a Republican, but was not especially active. He was a member of the Masonie order, but being a great home man he permitted nothing to come between him and his fire. ide.
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Mr. Wilding and wife were married in the old church of Eng- land, in the famous Manchester Cathedral built when wages were one penny a day. Anna Yates was born on June 27, 1829, and is the daughter of William and Mary (Brooks) Yates, being the second of a family of eight children She has one sister living. Mrs. Elizabeth Potter, widow of JJoseph Potter, who resides in T. H ....... lis Mo Williams. . Jade of beautiful Conviction phar. acter and many praiseworthy characteristics and has a host of friends. She is a worthy member of the Wayne Street Methodist Episcopal church and has long manifested an abiding interset in its affairs. She is exceptionally well preserved and looks fifteen years younger than she is. She is cultured and widely read and her presence is as sunshine to her many friends.
On December 25, 1897, James Wilding and wife celebrated their golden wedding, and of this notable event in this happy household we quote the followi from one of the Fort Wayne papers:
"A Christmas wedding occurred in merrie old England fifty years ago when Mr. and Mrs. Wilding plighted their troths and they have lived happily ever since. It was on Christmas day fifty years ago that Mr. and Mrs. James Wilding were married in Eng- land, and the anniversary was so fitting a time for a family re- union that one was arranged and carried out in a most enjoyable manner at the residence of the estimable couple, No. 1012 West Wayne street. It was the anniversary that is known as the golden wedding, and although not celebrated on so elaborate a scale as are many others at this period of married life, their anniversary was golden in its memories of a happy and contented wedded life. and it brought as much joy to the hearts of the honored couple as those observed in a more ostentatious manner.
"The children of Mr. and Mrs. Wilding, with their families, gathered at the Christmas board, bringing with them presents in keeping with a golden wedding day. The dinner was a superb success. The children are James W. and Charles A. Wilding, Mrs. H. F. Porter and Mrs. C. H. Newton. They were present with their wives and husbands and children, making altogether a large and happy family circle. Another guest present was Mrs. Joseph Potter, a sister of Mrs. Wilding, who was also present at the marriage ceremony fifty years ago.
"Mr. and Mrs. James Wilding came to America the following
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year after their marriage. They have resided in Fort Wayne for forty years. Mr. Wilding is seventy-one years of age and his wife sixty-eight years."
The following children were born to James Wilding and wife: Elizabeth married Dr. Miles Porter, of Fort Wayne, and they have six children, Charles D. Porter, Lucille Weaver, Clara Yarnell, Miles F. Porter, Jr., James Porter and Elizabeth Parton. Charles Albert Wilding, the second of the subject's children, who married Pearl Woodward, is president of the Tri-State Business & Loan Association; they have one daughter, Margaret. The other two children of the subject's family, James W. Wilding and Mrs. Mary Jane Newton, are both deceased.
Of the death of Mrs. C. H. Newton, we quote the following from a Fort Wayne paper:
"Mrs. Mary Newton, wife of C. H. Newton, and during the greater portion of her life a resident of Fort Wayne, died Friday night, November 25, 1904, at her home in Toledo, of typhoid fever. News of her demise will come as a most distressing shock to a very wide circle of friends in Fort Wayne aside from the relatives, for Mrs. Newton was well known and universally esteemed. She possessed to an admirable degree the true worth, gracious kind- ness and other attributes that characterize exalted womanhood. Mrs. Newton's illness had extended over a period of four weeks, and her daughter. Miss Anna Newton, is now but convalescent from an attack of the same malady, which terminated in the mother's death.
"Mrs. Newton was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Wild- ing, of West Wayne street, and a sister of Charles A. Wilding and of Mrs. Miles A. Porter. She was born at Utica, New York, June 18, 1856, and came with her parents to Fort Wayne while vet a mere girl. Her marriage to Mr. Newton occurred in this city June 19, 1878, and at the same time the marriage of her sister to Dr. M. F. Porter was solemnized. Mr. Newton was for many years freight agent of the Wabash railroad in Fort Wayne, and the family moved to Toledo four years ago when the husband was promoted to the freight agency for his company in that city. Of the immediate family there survive the husband and three chil- dren, Charles, Anna and Mabel Newton.
"Mrs. Newton's remains will be brought to Fort Wayne for interment, arriving this evening, and will be taken to the residence
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of the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wilding, 1012 West Wayne street. Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon from the resi- dence, and Rev. Asher S. Preston, of the Wayne Street Methodist Episcopal church, will officiate. Mrs. Newton was a member of the church during her residence in Fort Wayne. The remains will be placed for the present in the receiving vault at Linden- wood."
A well known business man of Fort Wayne for many years was the late James W. Wilding, son of the immediate subject of this memoir and associated with him in business. He was a man whom to know was to admire and esteem, for his industry, pub- lie spirit and exemplary character, and we could do no better than to quote the following paragraphis from one of the Fort Wayne papers, which appeared the day after his death, April 7, 1899:
"Early last evening occurred the death of James W. Wilding at his home, corner of Woodland avenue and Webster street. Mr. Wilding had been ailing for a long time with Bright's disease and two weeks ago it was believed the end was near. He rallied, how- ever, and it was believed he might get well. But a few days ago he again commenced to fail and grew slowly weaker until yesterday, when friends knew the end was near at hand. He lingered until shortly after six o'clock last evening when his soul took its leave of the tired and weakened body.
"Mr. Wilding was born in Albany, New York, April 17, 1850, and when a child moved with his parents to Cleveland, Ohio, where his carly boyhood was spent. While still a young man he came with his parents to Fort Wayne where he has since resided. He was the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. James Wilding, pioneer residents of the city.
"When a young man the deceased engaged in the wood and coal business in this city with an office at No. 193 Calhoun street. He continued in this business until a few years ago, when he abandoned it to enter the field as a general contractor. His busi- ness in that industry grew until he was operating in many states. In his business enterprises Mr. Wilding was eminently successful.
"James W. Wilding was married in June, 1874, to Ella Embry, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Embry of this city. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilding seven daughters have been born. They are Misses Cornelia, Lillian, Gertrude, Myrtle, Grace, Phoebe and Dorothy. All of them, with the wife, survive the father and hus-
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band. The family has the sincere sympathy of a host of friends. One brother and two sisters also survive the deceased. They are Charles Wilding, of the Tri-State Building and Loan Association; Mrs. Miles F. Porter and Mrs. Charles H. Newton, all of this city.
"Mr. Wilding was a Mason of the thirty-second degree. He was a member of Home Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, and a member of the Fort Wayne Laden of Parfeation.
"The funeral will occur Saturday afternoon at the home, Park Place, on Woodland avenne, and will be private. Rev. L. L. Henson will conduct the services."
In many respects James W. Wilding resembled his honored father, both as a business man and as a citizen, and he will long be remembered in Fort Wayne.
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