USA > Indiana > Memorial record of northeastern Indiana > Part 10
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J OHN K. RINEHART has been a member of the legal profession of Wells county, Indiana, for a quarter of a century, and is recognized as one of the leading members of the bar in that section of the State where he has so long resided. He commenced the reading of law in the office of Hon. Henry B. Sayler, of Huntington, Indiana, and was admitted to the bar at that place in 1870. During the same year he entered the law department of the University of Indiana, at Bloomington, at which he graduated in April, 1871. In July, following, he commenced the practice of his profession at Bluffton, with Jacob J. Todd, under the firm name of Todd & Rinehart. They practiced in all the courts of Wells and adjoining counties. In 1877 the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Rine- hart continued alone nntil 1879, when he formed a partnership with Homer L. Martin, the firm of Rinehart & Martin continuing until 1881, when Mr. Martin went to Texas. On the dissolution of the copartnership, Mr. Rinehart became associated with Edwin C. Vaughn, with whom he continued until 1883, when he accepted the position of Deputy Clerk of the Wells County Circuit Court. For two years he was in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, resigning that place in the fall of 1889. He then re- sumed the practice of his profession, and in 1890 formed a partnership with Martin W. Walbert, under the firm name of Rine-
hart & Walbert. This partnership still con- tinues to exist.
Mr. Rinehart is a native of Ragersville, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, born December 15, 1841, and is a son of David and Mary A. ( Kain) Rinehart, the former a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, of Ger- man ancestry, and the latter of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, of Irish ancestry. By occupation the father was a farmer and con- tinued in that calling until his death, Decem- ber 22, 1885, at the age of nearly seventy years. The mother in childhood removed with her parents to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where she grew to womanhood, re- ceiving her education principally at Beatty's Academy, Steubenville, Ohio. They were married in Ohio, and remained there until 1850, when they removed with their family to Wells county, Indiana, and located in Union township. Of their six children, four are yet living: James Allen, who is now engaged in farming near Oskaloosa, Iowa; was a member of Company H, Seventy-fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and served for a time as Orderly for General Joseph Reynolds, remaining in the service until the close of the war; John K. is our subject; Daniel K., a manufacturer at Bluffton; and Josephus C., who owns the old homestead in Union township, but has retired from the farm. The mother died in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 27, 1882, at the age of sixty-five years. Both parents were earnest and devoted members of the Christian Church, and their memory is revered by all who knew them.
The subject of this sketch was reared to farm life, and until the age of eighteen years was engaged in farm work during the sum- mer season and during the winter attended the district school. He subsequently at- tended the high school at Fort Wayne and
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the academy at Roanoke, Indiana. On leaving school he engaged as a clerk in a general store at Roancke and subsequently occupied a like position at Zanesville and Delphi, Indiana. He then, for a time, was engaged in teaching school in the counties of Wells and Huntington. While engaged in teaching, he resolved to put in practice the long felt desire for the study of law, and as already stated entered the office of Hon. Henry B. Sayler for that purpose.
On the 30th day of October, 1873, Mr. Rinehart was united in marriage with Miss Martha J. Gregg, of Rock Creek township, Wells county, who died April 4, 1.880, leav- ing one son, Fred Maynard Rinehart, born October 27, 1874. They had two children who died in infancy. Mrs. Rinehart was a devout and consistent member of the Pres- byterian Church. Their son, Fred M. is still living and is a graduate of the Bluffton high school. Mr. Rinehart's second mar- riage was to Miss Serelda A. Anthony, of Union township, who died November 13, 1885, a little less than one year from the time of their marriage. Their only child died in infancy. She wasa member of the Method- ist Episcopal Church, and died in a full as- surance of faith. On the 11th day of Sep- tember, 1888, Mr. Rinehart was again mar- ried, taking for his life companion Miss J. McAfee. The have one son, born January 16, 1895.
In politics Mr. Rinehart is a Democrat, and has an abiding faith in the principles of that party. In 1872 he was elected a Trus- tee of the Public Schools of Bluffton, and served a term of three years. He was again elected to the same position in 1880 and served two years, resigning before the completion of his term. Fraternally he is a member of Bluffton Lodge, No. 145, 5
A. F. & A. M., of which he has long been a member. As a lawyer he is well read and has the confidence not only of the members of his profession, but of the public as well. He is a wise counselor, one whose advice if faithfully followed would save much of the trials and vexations of the law. For twenty- five years he has been a citizen of Bluffton, and in that time has made many warm friends and but few enemies. In all mat- ters pertaining to the welfare of his adopted city and county he has ever shown a willing- ness to do his part. A kind husband, an indulgent father, he lives not alone for him- self but for the well being of family and friends.
R EV. DAVID W. MOFFAT, D. D., has devoted the greater part of his life to his fellowmen and is now continuing his labors in the fields of Christianity as pastor of the First Pres- byterian Church of Fort Wayne. The sal- vation of his fellowmen has long been to him a most absorbing theme, and earnestly and unostentatiously has he worked for the bet- ternient of humanity. His power as a min- ister has been heightened by his fine scholar- ship, his oratorical ability and his persua- sive arguments, and to-day he is recognized as one of the leading representatives of the Presbyterian ministry in Indiana.
On the 9th of January, 1835, the Rev. D. W. Moffat was born, in Morris county, New Jersey, descended from Scottish an- cestors. His father, David Douglas Moffat, a New Jersey farmer, emigrated westward in 1836 and with his family settled on a tract of land boardering the Ohio river near Madison, Indiana. Among the beautiful hills and vales of that region David passed
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his childhood days, developing a love of na- ture that is often manifest in his discourses, and that adorns his speech as do the flowers the brookside. He began his literary edu- cation in the Madison schools and in 1858 was graduated at Hanover College, meeting the greater part of his collegiate expenses with money that he had earned by teaching. He also received limited assistance from his father. The period of his young manhood was an era of political agitation. Slavery was the all absorbing theme and he took a deep interest and active part in the great anti-slavery debate and movement to prevent the extension of slavery into the new Territories. He was a lover of freedom and the pernicious influ- ences of human bondage met his stren- uous opposition. His powers as a public speaker undoubtedly led to his selection of the legal profession as a life work, and after graduating at college, he began the private study of law in Vernon, where his parents had previously removed.
There comes a time in the life of perhaps every one when momentous questions come up for decision, -questions upon which the future weal or woe of the individual de- pends. Dr. Moffat had now reached this period of life. He had been reared in a Christian home, but doubt and skepticism had entered into his mind and what he had accepted as truth because it came to him as the teaching of his honored parents he now wholly or in part disbelieved; yet he was fair-minded and realized that every profes- sional man ought to have a settled and in- telligent knowledge of the teachings of the Bible. He therefore entered upon a sys- tematic study of the work and he continued his investigation, new light dawned upon him, he became intensely interested in the
evidence and truth of Christianity, and as truth after truth was unfolded to his aston- ished gaze he acknowledged its divine origin and gladly took his place in the ranks of the Christian brotherhood. He acknowledged the power of the Creator, the divinity of the Savior, and in July, 1859, entered into membership with the Presbyterian Church, with which his family had for many genera- tions been allied. His desire to reveal to others the truths of the Gospel overcame his intention of devoting his energies to the legal fraternity and political life. He began preparation for the work of the ministry in January, 1860, as a student in the theolog- ical seminary of Princeton, New Jersey, in which his brother, Rev. James C. Moffat, D. D., became professor of church history in 1861. In May, 1862, he was gradu- ated, in June was licensed to preach, and in April, 1863, was ordained for the ministry.
Dr. Moffat's first pastorate was in Clin- ton county, Indiana, where he remained for a year. He also spent two years in charge of the church in Vernon, and in 1866 en- tered upon the work of pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Madison. For four years he continued his labors there, winning the love, confidence and support of the peo- ple, and then received a call from the church in Georgetown, District of Columbia. This he accepted, locating there in February, 1870. Two years later he returned to In- diana to accept the pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne, where he has now remained for twenty-three years. It is the oldest church of this city, and un- der his leadership has become a power for good that is widely and strongly felt.
The Rev. Dr. Moffat is a man of broad sympathies and kindliness, the counselor and friend of the needy and distressed. He
Covid Studabake.
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is revered and honored by people of all de- nominations and the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Wayne has found in him its strength and stay.
On the 20th of January, 1870, Dr. Moffat was united in the holy bonds of mat- rimony with Miss Mary J. Cochran, the eldest daughter of Samuel Cochran, of Mad- ison. She was his faithful companion and helpmeet until departing this life, in Fort Wayne, October 29, 1882, leaving one son and two daughters. March 30, 1892, he was married to Susann W., only daughter of the late S. S. Moffett, of Madison. She is a Christian lady of very superior attrac- tions and mental endowments, and one son blesses this union.
ON. DAVID STUDABAKER. The name of Studabaker is one that has long been conspicuously iden- tified with the history of the State of Indiana, and is one in which each suc- cessive generation has produced men of honor and sterling worth, -men who have honored and been honored by the nation which has given them birth and which has figured as the field of their respective en- deavors in connection with the material ac- tivities which have ever conserved the pro- gress and prosperity of the Union. The story of the life of him whose name initiates this paragraph is not one into which enter thrilling episodes and narratives of adventure, but is one which tells of sturdy and honest character, strong native ability and a con- stant adherence to the line of duty and to the ideals which opportunity and subjective ability rendered accessible. As one of these men whose memory runs back to the pioneer
epoch in this section of the Union, and as one of the influential and distinctively rep- resentative men of Decatur, Adams county, we may well have cognizance of the peculiar congruity that renders a review of his life conforniable to the specified province of this work.
The place of Mr. Studabaker's nativity was Fort Recovery, Ohio, where he was born, on the 12th of August, 1827, and when he had attained the age of seven years his parents removed to Adams county, Indiana, settling on a farm in Wabash town- ship, where our subject was reared under that sturdy discipline which ever engenders self-reliance and an appreciation of the realities of life. He was deprived by death of his father when he was but thirteen years of age, and, as he was the eldest child, upon him fell the burden of aiding in the maintenance of his mother and the other members of the family, -a burden which he assumed with that devotion and willingness which have been characteristic of him in his discharge of every duty throughout his entire life. He received his rudimentary education in the district schools, which he was enabled to attend through the winter months, having been a pupil in the first school ever taught in Wells county, Indiana. This was one of the subscription schools which was maintained in the early pioneers days with the rudest of accessories and the most meager equipments. The building utilized was a primitive log cabin, whose floor was of puncheon, seats of hewed logs and heating apparatus a huge fire-place, and an aperture through the thick walls, which being covered with oiled paper afforded light. The teacher of this little school was an Irishman of no little ability, but of some- what erratic character. In a section whose
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pride lies in an effective school system, it seems almost impossible to conceive that such a phenomenal advancement can have been made within the memory of one man. Later on Mr. Studabaker supplemented his preliminary education by attending the high school near Greenville, Ohio, for one term, and subsequently he became a student in the Jay County Seminary, at Portland, In- diana, where he continued his studies for a year and a half, in the meanwhile having put his acquirements to practical use and having aided in defraying the expenses of his own schooling by devoting himself to teaching in the public schools of Adams and Wells counties.
He continued his pedagogic labors until the spring of 1851, when he saw his way clear to enter upon that technical study which should fit him for that profession which he had determined to make his voca- tion in life, the practice of law. He began his legal studies in the office and under the preceptorage of Hon. James M. Haynes, of Portland, Indiana.
In June of the succeeding year Mr. Studabaker had so far advanced in his knowl- edge of the law that he secured admission to the bar, at the same place, Hon. Jere- miah Smith presiding at his examination. Within the same month Mr. Studabaker took up his abode in Decatur, displayed his professional "shingle " and began the prac- tice of his chosen profession. His energy and ability soon gained him recognition and in due time he retained a clientage of wide extent and representative character. At an early day he had the discernment to see the advantages to be gained in dealing in real estate in this section of the Union, and his operations in that line have yielded him large returns and have had no little influence
in furthering the material development of the county. His active association with this phase of business enterprise continued until within very recent years.
That the high professional attainments and the unsullied honor of Mr. Studabaker have not failed of popular recognition is manifest in the distinguished official pre- ferments which he has held. He has ever been a stalwart advocate of the principles and policies of the Democratic party, and has been an effective worker in the cause. In the year 1852 he was the successful can- didate for Prosecuting Attorney of the dis- trict comprising Adams and Allen counties, retaining this office and discharging its duties with marked capability. In 1854 he was elected as Adams county's Representative in the lower house of the State Legislature, and re-elected in 1856. But still higher honors were in store for him, for in 1858 he was elected to the State Senate from the district comprising Adams, Jay and Wells counties, and in this incumbency wielded a marked influence in the insuring of wise leg- islation, by bringing to bear his practical views and his deep fund of valuable knowl- edge in regard to the proper methods by which the public affairs should be ministered. His intuitive wisdom and judicial acumen found a consistent vantage ground when, in 1868, he was elected as Judge of the court of common pleas for the district comprising Adams, Allen, Huntington and Wells coun- ties, and here he exercised his perogatives in such a way as to even strengthen his hold upon the confidence of the people and the respect of the bar in the district of his juris- diction.
Mr. Studabaker has ever stood forward as one of the progressive and public-spirited citizens of Decatur, and his efforts and in-
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fluence have ever been granted to the fos- tering of all projects whose object was the furthering of the advancement and ma- terial prosperity of the city and county. In 1869 he was prominently identified with the building of the Cincinnati, Richmond & Fort Wayne Railroad, becoming a member of its directorate at that time, and having ever since held this preferment. In 1871 he became a stockholder in the Adams County Bank, which was continued as a private enterprise until 1874, when it was incorporated under the State law, and Mr. Studabaker then became one of the direct- ors of the new institution, and was also chosen vice-president of the same, which latter position he held until 1883, when he was advanced to the chief executive office, and continued as president of the bank until its reincorporation in August, 1894, when he retired. He was, however, made vice- president of the new organization, and still serves in that capacity.
There is ever a certain satisfaction in touching upon the more purely private or domestic phases in the career of a man, who has been conspicuous in public life, for here most often are found the deeper associations which offer a release from carping care, and which furnish the most grateful solace which can enter into any life. The marriage of Judge Studabaker was solemnized in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on the 26th of October, 1854, when he was united with Miss Harriet Evans, a daughter of Hon. John K. Evans, well known in the history of the State. Mrs. Studabaker was born at Shane's Crossing, Ohio, and accompanied her parents thence, in 1835, to Adams county, Indiana, receiv- ing her education in the public schools, and the Methodist Female College at Fort Wayne. In her thirteenth year she united
with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and from that on gave her life to the Master's service and to the cause of humanity. She was always at her place in the house of wor- ship, and her Christianity took a practical form that gives charity to the poor and needy, sympathy to the distressed, and love and kindness to those with whom she was surrounded. She passed away June 7, 1891, and one more name was added to the list of those whose memory will remain as a blessed benediction to all who knew them. Her life was beautiful in its purity, goodness and Christian virtues. As the delicate fragrance of a flower her influence was to those who had the pleasure of her friendship. Her sympathies were broad and quiet, yet strong- ly she called forth the best in one, ennobling all by her own Christian example. The eloquent and touching funeral sermon, de- livered by Rev. G. B. Work, was closed with the words: "To you who mourn, words cannot express your loss. Out of your home has gone its light and life, but no ties are severed, not even a thread is lost. Love lives on with the soul immortal, and its bonds are not broken. With you each there is and will ever be a sacred love for wife and mother. Lingering memories will hold her here, and she will speak to you in com- ing days and years."
Five children were left to mourn the loss of the mother, -Mary J., now the wife of John Noblick, a merchant of Decatur; Lizzie E., wife of A. B. Morrison, cashier of the First National Bank of Marion, In- diana; Hattie, at home; Maggie, wife of William J. Vesey, an attorney at Fort Wayne, Indiana; and David E., Jr., who is engaged in the insurance business in De- catur, Indiana. One son, John E., died at Decatur in May, 1869, aged eleven years.
MEMORIAL RECORD OF
In June. 1865, Mr. Studabaker was again married, his second union being with Mrs. J. Phelps, of Decatur.
In conclusion we may revert to the fact that the Judge continued in the active prac- tice of his profession in Decatur for the period of thirty-one years, retiring in 1883, with the fullness of honors and goodly works. Within this time he was for a num- ber of years associated with James R. Bobo, and John P. Quinn, both of whom had for- merly been students in his office. He is now hale, hearty and active at the age of sixty-eight years, and gives his time to as- -isting and managing five banks as follows: the old Adams County Bank of Decatur, the Bank of Geneva, of Adams county, the Bank of Berne of Adams county; the First National Bank of Marion, Indiana, and the Bankers' National Bank of Chicago. He is a stockholder and director in all these banks, and he also manages and superin- tends his extensive farm in Adams county.
ON. L. S. NULL, M. D .- There are few men in Allen county, Indi- ana, who occupy a more prominent position in professional, political and social circles than does the gentleman whose name introduces this review. He has been a resident of New Haven since 1863, and has all these years been closely Hentified with its varied interests, and as me of its leading citizens is a fit subject for biographical honors.
Dr. Null is descended through both his paternal and maternal ancestors from Hol- iand stock. His father, Jesse Null, was born and reated at a place between Gettys- burg and the Maryland State line. When young man he removed to Ohio and set-
tled in Columbiana county, where he worked at his trade, that of brickmason, and where he also taught school. He was there mar- ried to Miss Lydia Sampsell, a native of that county, and there they both passed their lives and died, his death occurring when he was in the prime of life, and hers December 28, 1888. By him she had three children, and by a subsequent marriage four, all of whom are now living. Her children by Mr. Null are as follows: L. S., whose name graces this article; Catherine Brinker, Cleveland, Ohio; and Abram C., Sumner, Chariton county, Missouri. Both parents were members of the German Reformed Church. The two sons, L. S. and A. C., were Union soldiers during the late war. The latter served three months as a member of the Nineteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and the rest of his service, which covered nearly the whole of the war, was as a mem- ber of the One Hundred and Fourth Ohio Volunteers, Twenty-third Army Corps. Dr. Null enlisted October 10, 1864, in Company F, One Hundred and Forty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as a private, and three months later was elected Orderly Sergeant of his company. Twenty-one days later he was promoted to the rank of Second Lieu- tenant, in which capacity he served until he was mustered out in August, 1865, at Nash- ville, Tennessee. He was in the Army of the Cumberland and was under General George H. Thomas.
Dr. Null was born August 24, 1839, in Columbiana county, Ohio; was four years old when his father died, and was reared by his uncle, James T. Hutson, now deceased. When he was sixteen he started out in life on his own responsibility. He did farm work in summer and attended school in winter, his advantages being limited to the
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district schools and to one year at Heidel- berg College, Tiffin, Ohio. In this way he acquired sufficient knowledge to enable him to teach, and two winters he presided in the schoolroom as teacher. But he did not enter this profession with the idea of follow- ing it long, but only as a stepping-stone to something else. At Johnsville, Ohio, he began the study of medicine in the office of his uncle, Dr. Sampsell, and subsequently he attended the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he graduated February 14, 1866. Still later he was a student in the Miami Medical College, from which he received a diploma in 1876. In September, 1863, Dr. Null located in Swan, Noble county, Indiana, and in February of the following year he removed to New Haven, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession, now being the oldest practicing physician at this place. Previous to his location in Indiana he had practiced one year with his uncle in Morrow county, Ohio. Dr. Null is a member of the Eclectic school.
He was married April 11, 1876, to Miss Susan Hartzell, a native of Allen county, Indiana, and a daughter of Levi and Mary (Sowders) Hartzell, both natives of Miami county, Ohio, whence they removed over into Indiana and located in Allen county. Her father was for many years one of the promi- nent men here. The members of the Hart- zell family, seven in number, are as follows: Joshua, Elias, Susan, John, Jane, A. M., and Warren. Joshua and Elias were Union sol- diers in the Civil war. Dr. Null and wife have four children living, viz .: Maud, We- nona, Ralph W. and Mary Edna. Miss Maud is a graduate of the New Haven schools, and is now a student in the Fort Wayne Con- servatory of Music.
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