Memorial record of northeastern Indiana, Part 30

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 932

USA > Indiana > Memorial record of northeastern Indiana > Part 30

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Tillia 6. Muricy.

Mary. Am. Mouroy

281

NORTHEASTERN INDIANA.

explosion), John, a well-known Democratic politician of Toledo, Michael, Mary and Patrick (2d).

Our subject was born in Toledo, Ohio, December 18, 1854. When a baby sixteen months old, while playing, he fell asleep on the Michigan Southern & Northern Indiana Railroad tracks and a passing train cut off his left arm. His education was obtained in the public and parochial schools with a finishing course at the Toledo Business Col- lege, at which he graduated when sixteen years of age. In September, 1871, he en- tered the office of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad at Archibald, Ohio, to learn telegraphy, and in 1872 he was given charge of the office at Corunna, Indiana. Previous to taking charge of the Corunna office he filled similar positions at other places. In the fall of 1876 he was elected on the Democratic ticket Recorder of De Kalb county, and by re-election filled the position eight years. In the fall of 1883 he became a stockholder in the First Na- tional Bank of Auburn, and in January, 1884, was elected and is at present one of its directors. In 1885 he was appointed Post- master of Auburn by President Cleveland, which he retained four years. He then be- came connected with the Zimmerman Manu- facturing Company of Auburn, in which he was a stockholder and director. In Janu- ary, 1891, he severed his connection with the said company, and in September of the same year connected himself with the firm of Brown & Culbertson, adding a stock of general hardware to their already large stock of agricultural implements. The firm of Brown, Culbertson & Boland are the largest and best known hardware and farm machinery dealers in De Kalb county, with branch stores at Butler and Spencerville,

Indiana. Mr. Boland is also president of the School Board, and a member of the I. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W. He has been eminently successful thus far in his business career. He began life a poor boy and one-handed. By dint of perseverance and industry he has won for himself both fortune and good name. He is a genial gentleman to meet, courteous and com- panionable, and he has a legion of friends throughout northeastern Indiana.

His marriage to Miss Lettie McMillien was consummated October 31, 1875. Sheª is a daughter of George and Jane W. Mc- Millien, old settlers of De Kalb county. Mr. and Mrs. Boland have two children: Jessie B., and George C., both graduates of the high school.

ILLIAM C. MOWREY .- In the history of Whitley county this gentleman well deserves repre- sentation. He is one of its lead- ing founders and an honored pioneer, who for forty-two years has been prominently connected with its interests. He has wit- nessed its entire development from the days when the greater part of the land was still in its primitive condition, and when the for- ests were the haunt of all kinds of wild game. He has seen the region transformed into beautiful homes and farms, has watched the growth of hamlets into thriving towns, and cities and in all the work of progress and advancement has borne his part as a loyal citizen.

The Mowrey family is of German lineage. The grandfather, Michael Mowrey, was born in Germany, and emigrating to America be- came one of the early settlers of Pennsyl- vania. He served as a soldier in the Revo-

2×2

MEMORIAL RECORD OF

lutionary war and died at the advanced age of 100 years. The father of our subject, Michael Mowrey, Jr., was a native of Lan- caster county, Pennsylvania, and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Nancy Rouch, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, and is a daughter of William and Mary Rouch. Her father also served in the war for independence, and fought under General Harrison and General Wayne in the war of 1812. Both the paternal and ma- ternal grandparents became residents of Wayne county, Ohio, spending their last days within its borders.

In that county Michael Mowrey and Nancy Rouch were married, locating upon a farm in the midst of the forest, to the im- provement of which the father devoted his time and energies throughout his remaining days. He started out in life for himself empty-handed, but steadily worked his way upward and accumulated considerable wealth. Both he and his wife were mem- bers of the Baptist Church, and in their family were eleven children who reached adult age, while nine of the number still sur- vive, namely: William C .; Jane, wife of George W. Lawrence; John, of Jefferson township, Whitley county; David, Michael and Stephen, who are living in Ohio; Nancy Jane, wife of David Barnhart; Sabina, wife of Andrew Barnhart; Lydia, wife of Eli Blackstone.

The gentleman whose name heads this record is the eldest of the family, and was born in Chester township, Wayne county, Ohio, on the 10th of October, 1828. His boyhood days were passed there and his ed- ncation was largely obtained at home, his school privileges being quite meager. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and aided in clear-

ing the land and in the other work of the farm. He was married November 15, 1849, to Mary Ann Lawrence, a daughter of John A. and Sarah (Rouch) Lawrence and a sister of George W. and Henry H. Law- rence. Her father was born in Middletown, Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, January 18, 1808, and became a resident of Wayne county, Ohio, May 24, 1823. His wife was born in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, June 1, 1807, and became a resident of Wayne county October 25, 1819, removing thither with her parents, Philip and Elizabeth (Harshburger) Rouch, the former born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1783, while his wife is a native of Wash- ington county, Maryland. Her death oc- curred January 13, 1864, at the age of seventy-five years, ten months and eleven days. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Mowrey were Christian and Magdalene (Et- tele) Lawrence. His death occurred Octo- ber 3, 1866, at the age of eighty-eight years, eight months and eight days, and his wife died July 27, 1858, at the age of seventy- seven years, five months and five days. In the family of Mrs. Mowrey's parents were ten children, as follows: George W., Melinda, deceased, Mrs. Sarah Wagner, Mrs. Margaret Kelly, Mrs. Priscilla Mc- Manus, John F., Henry H., Dr. Isaiah, Mrs. Leana McManus and Levi. The mother of this family died February 5, 1888, and the father survives, at the age of eighty- eight years.

When Mr. Mowrey was married he had to borrow money with which to meet the wedding expenses. He rented forty acres of land of his father, making his home thereon until the fall of 1853, when he came to Whitley county, settling on 160 acres of wild land, on section 16, Union township.

283

NORTHEASTERN INDIANA.

His first home here was a log cabin, and they had to use benches for a bed until he could make one. The journey was made in a wagon, and they reached their destination after traveling for nine days and a half. Mr. Mowrey at once began clearing his land, and grubbed out the roots while his wife piled them ready for burning. The first season he put in a crop of corn and pota- toes, and continued the work of develop- ment and improvement upon that place until 1867, when he removed to his present location. He remodeled and added to the house, and has made all of the improve- ments upon the farm, which to-day is ac- counted one of the finest in this locality. He here owns 400 acres all in one body, has given to his sons 371 acres of land, and in addition owns 1,022 acres of timber and coal lands in Tennessee. When he gave to his sons their farms he gave to his daughters $5,000 in money. All has been accomplish- ed through the untiring efforts of Mr. Mow- rey and the able assistance of his wife, who has indeed been to him a great help. His life has been one of labor, and his success is the result of his industry and perseverance. He follows farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of the breeding of Oxford Down sheep, and he now has 169 lambs. He has set out many fruit trees and small berries upon his place, and has everything that will adminster to the comfort and happiness of his family.

To Mr. and Mrs Mowrey were born four children, three of whom are now living, namely: Sylvanus H., who married Ellen Jones, by whom he had two children, and resides on section 20, Union township, Whit- ley county; Emma Jane, wife of John Deem, of Smith township, by whom he has four children; and John Michael, who mar-

ried Lulu Aker. He is living on section 27, Union township, and has one child.

Mr. and Mrs. Mowrey hold membership in the Lutheran Church, with which they have been connected for many years. He takes quite a prominent part in its work, aiding in erecting the house of worship, has served as Elder for many years, has also been Trustee and Deacon, and is active in Sunday-school work. In politics he has been a life-long Democrat, and is a stalwart sup- porter of the principles of his party. For two terms he served as Assessor. His career is an honorable one and shows what can be accom- plished by determined effort and good man- agement, supplemented by sound judgment and fair dealing.

PILLIAM PRESTON JONES .- The prosperity and welfare of the city are due to its business enter- prises; and the progressive, en- terprising business men are those who really make the history of a community. Mr. Jones is to-day at the head of a leading fur- niture and undertaking establishment at Wabash, and a partner in the Jones & Whitcraft furniture factory. He possesses the true Western spirit of thrift and ad- vancement, and is one of those active, en- ergetic business men to whose efforts the wonderful development of the West may be attributed.

Mr. Jones was born on his father's farm about two and a half miles southwest of Wabash, November 25, 1849. His paternal grandfather, Stephen Jones, was a native of North Carolina, spent his young manhood in Darke county, Ohio, and in 1847 came to Indiana with his family, numbering sev- eral sons. He engaged in the manufacture

281

MMEMORIAL RECORD OF

of brick in his Ohio home, but after his re- moval to the Hoosier State laid aside the cares and duties of business life. He died when about seventy-five years of age, and was buried in the Friends' cemetery south- west of Wabash, where five generations of the family now lie. He was a man of medium size, of quiet disposition and earnest Chris- tian character and one of the leading mem- bers of the Friends' Church.

Mark Jones, the father of our subject, was born in Darke county, Ohio, and in 1847 took up his residence in Wabash coun- ty, Indiana, upon a tract of land three miles south of the city of Wabash. He aided in clearing and developing the land where South Wabash now is and afterward en- gaged in the sawmill business, manufactur- ing spokes and bent-wood articles. The latter years of his life were devoted to the furniture business, and he was recognized as a prominent factor in commercial circles of this section of the State. He died in South Wabash, February 5, 1877, a few days before his fifty-second birthday. He was a consist- ent member of the Friends' Church, to which his wife, who still survives him, also belongs. Mrs. Jones bore the maiden name of Esther Jenkins, and was also a native of Darke county, Ohio. Her father, Benjamin Jenkins, was born in North Carolina and reared a large family of children. He made farining his life work, and in religious belief was a Friend. His wife lived to be eighty- two years of age, and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Jones, in South Wabash. In the family of Mark and Esther Jones were eight children, three sons and five daughters : Sanford W .; Anna M., wife of Thomas H. Whitcraft; Emma L., wife of Elijah Brower; Byron; Elizabeth, wife of Daniel Lutz; Lora, wife of Luther Coate;

William P .; and Josephine, who died when about two years of age.

William Preston Jones was reared in South Wabash, and obtained his education in its public schools. When about twenty years of age he began learning the cabinet- maker's trade, which he followed for three years. He then engaged in clerking in his father's furniture store, and in the spring of 1880 bought out the old firm of Jones, Hutchins & Company, then doing business on West Canal street in Wabash. He re- moved the stock to Wabash street, where he was located for four years, after which his store was located on West Canal street for a similar period, and then removed to the present location on East Canal street. He has a large double store, completely filled with an excellent stock of furniture. It is a perfectly equipped establishment; and the fine goods which he carries, his uniform- ly courteous treatment and his straightfor- ward dealing have brought him a large trade. The furniture factory in which he is interested is also a paying investment, the specialty being bedsteads, while employment is given about thirty men in this line. To indefatigable industry and application, and to paying the strictest attention to matters of smallest detail, his success may be attrib- uted.

Mr. Jones still belongs to the Society of Friends and his wife is a Presbyterian. Socially, he is connected with Wabash Commandery, No. 37, K. T., and also be- longs to the St. Anastasia Menell Lodge of Odd Fellows. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and is now serving as Alderman of the First ward, proving an efficient and capable member of the City Council.

On the Ist of April, 1875, Mr. Jones married Miss Louisa S. Coble, a daughter

285

NORTHEASTERN INDIANA.

of David and Susan (Swain) Coble. They have had four children: Howard C., Homer M., Porter G., and Paula.

RANK P. WILT is the senior mem- ber of the firm of F. P. Wilt & Company, wholesale dealers in tea, tobacco and cigars, of Fort Wayne, and is an important factor in the world of trade. He was born on the 21st of September, 1860, in the city which is still his home, and still resides in the house which was his birthplace. His father, John M. Wilt, was born November 30, 1800, at Mount Rock, Cumberland county, Pennsyl- vania, and was numbered among the hon- ored pioneers of Allen county. The family is of German lineage. His grandfather, John Wilt, emigrated from that country to America about the middle of the eighteenth century, and died in 1823; his wife survived him one year. His son, Peter Wilt, father of John M., was born January 8, 1775, and died about 1842. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving with distinction. He participated in the battle at the time Fort Henry was bombarded, which occasioned the writing of our national hymn, the Star Spangled Banner, by Francis Scott Key. Peter Wilt's wife was of Irish descent and passed away in 1831. The family lived for many years at the old homestead in Cum- berland county, Pennsylvania, and John M. Wilt was reared there on a farm until twenty-one years of age. There being no public schools he obtained his education in a private school, and afterward engaged in teaching for five or six years. At the age of thirty-two he went on a prospecting tour to the then far West, and being pleased with

the country and this locality purchased some property in Bull Rapids, Allen county, from which he began cutting the timber; but in the autumn of 1833 he returned to his native State. It was in the spring of 1835 that he made a permanent location and resumed his work at clearing. In the fall of that year he entered the office of Colonel John Spencer, receiver of the land office of Fort Wayne, with whom he con- tinued in a clerical capacity for three years. The succeeding year was passed in the em- ploy of Samuel Lewis, one of the canal commissioners, after which he was appoint- ed to take charge of a land office at Peru for the sale of canal lands. When the greater part of the canal and Government land was sold, he returned to Fort Wayne, and from that time engaged in surveying.

His services were constantly in demand by the old settlers, and he did an extensive business. He was elected and served two terms as County Surveyor, during which period his time was constantly occupied, as the county was rapidly filling with settlers. He was married in 1841 to Sarah Ellen Brady, who with an infant child died in 1842. The following year he married Ruby Smith, a most estimable lady, whose death in 1872 was deeply mourned by all who knew her. She was a native of New York, and became the mother of eight children, five of whom are living, namely: Mrs. Catherine Esmond, wife of George Esmond, formerly of Fort Wayne, but now of Omaha; Mrs. E. H. McDonald, whose husband is one of the leading wholesale merchants of Fort Wayne; Charles B., a resident of Michigan; and Frank P., who is the youngest of the family; three children died in infancy, and Anna Mary died in 1875. She was the wife of Oscar Simmons, president of the First

256

MMEMORIAL RECORD OF

National Bank of Fort Wayne. The father of these children was reared in the faith of the Presbyterian Church, to which he always adhered and is one of its active and con- sistent members. From the organization of the Republican party, he was one of its ear- nest supporters, and was a man of firm con- victions, fearless in the defense of what he believed to be right. He was numbered among the honored pioneers of Allen county, who was deeply interested in its welfare and progress, and took an active part in promot- ing its civilization and advancement. A well- spent life made him an honored and respected citizen, and he passed away in 1883, at the age of eighty-three years, mourned by all who knew him.

The history of Frank P. Wilt cannot fail to be of interest to the readers of this volume, for his entire life has been passed in this county, and his circle of friends is limited only by his circle of acquaint- ances. He attended the public schools of Fort Wayne until fifteen years of age and then entered the flouring mill of George Esmond, his brother-in-law, in or- der to learn the business. He was for twelve years connected with that concern, during which time he became familiar with every detail of the business and for a time was one of the partners in the ownership. Subse- quently the business was incorporated with a paid up stock of $50,000, and he was mad esecretary of the company, which con- tinued operations until 1887, when it was dissolved.

The next business venture to which Mr. Wilt turned his attention was the wholesale grocery, entering into partnership with W. B. Skelton and William H. Watt, under the firm name of Skelton, Watt & Wilt. The connection was continued for a year, when

E. H. McDonald, a brother-in-law of our subject, bought out Mr. Skelton's interest, and the business was continued under the style of McDonald, Watt & Wilt for four years. Operations were greatly increased during that time and they built up an exten- sive trade. Mr. Wilt then withdrew from the firm and entered into a partnership with R. D. Hudgel, who had been a salesman in the employ of the wholesale grocery firm. They began a wholesale business as dealers in tea, tobacco and cigars, the only wholesale house in Fort Wayne, con- fining its operations to these special lines. They began business August 1, 1894, and occupy a four story and basement building, 20 x 110 feet and a three story warehouse in the rear. The stock carried embraces a large variety of fine teas, received direct from importers, all kinds of manufactured tobacco, and the most complete and varied stock of fine and medium domestic and Key West cigars ever offered in this market, and a trade has been established that extends throughout Indiana and the adjoining States. The management of the business is based on fair and liberal dealing, and that its policy is appreciated is experienced by the rapid growth and present magnitude of its opera- tions. The members of the firm are pro- gressive and broad-gange business men, and their house gives abundant promise of long continued success.

Mr. Wilt was united in marriage with Miss Willimina Brokaw, daughter of J. H. Brokaw, of Fort Wayne, and by this mar- riage have been born four children, three sons and a daughter, but the latter is now deceased. In his political views Mr. Wilt is a Republican, an inflexible adherent of the prin- ciples of the party. He is quite prominent in Masonic circles, being a thirty-second-degree

289

NORTHEASTERN INDIANA.

Mason, and is a popular, genial gentleman, who ranks high both in business and social circles.

a LISHA LYMAN McLALLEN, de- ceased, was for many years con- nected with the business interests of Columbia City, and his name is inseparably connected with its history. He was a man whom all honored and esteemed, and to his many friends we dedicate this re- view of his life, knowing that it will prove of deep interest to many. He was promi- nent in mercantile, political and fraternal circles, and was ever unselfishly devoted to the best interests of the community in which he made his home.

A native of New York, Mr. McLallen was born in Tompkins county, on the 2d of February, 1836. His father was of Scotch descent, and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Frances Lyman, came of English ancestors who traced their genealogy back to Richard Lyman, who was born at High Ongar, in 1580. Early in the seven- teenth century he emigrated to America, and died in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1640. When our subject was eight years of age, he was brought by his parents to Whitley county, Indiana, the family locating in Rich- land township upon a farm, which now ad- joins the village of Larwill. This region was then an almost unbroken wilderness, and the children of the family were reared amid the wild scenes of the frontier. There are now only two survivors, -Henry Mc- Lallen and Mrs. D. B. Clugston.

Thus in the very heart of nature, Elisha McLallen spent his boyhood days, keeping pace with the wonderful development of a rich and fertile country, and glorying

unto the day of his death in the greatness of the commonwealth he helped to build. His educational privileges here were very limited, but his devoted mother fostered in him a taste for study and supplied him with a well selected library, from which he gained much valuable and interest- ing information, becoming thus a well in- formed man. It was also largely through her efforts that the son was permitted to attend the academy at Northfield, Massa- chusetts, where he was a classmate of the evangelist, Moody.

On the completion of his school life, Mr. McLallen returned to Larwill, and his first independent effort made him a member of the corps of civil engineers in charge of the construction of the Chicago & Fort Wayne Railroad. In 1857, shortly after he attained his majority, he formed a partnership with D. B. Clugston and purchased the store in Larwill, which was established by his father in 1852. Subsequently he formed a busi- ness connection with A. R. Clugston and this relationship existed until 1873. During this time they met with a fair degree of suc- cess, and Mr. McLallen steadily added to the competence which he was acquiring. In that year he erected room No. 2 in Central Building, of Columbia City, and the following year formed a partnership with his brother, Henry McLallen, in the bank- ing business. They began operations under the firm name of E. L. McLallen & Com- pany, and the Farmers' Bank, which they organized, was successfully conducted and became one of the leading financial concerns in this part of the State. Our subject al- ways transacted business on strict business principles, and his far-sightedness, execu- tive ability and keen discrimination were important factors in bringing to him the

200

MEMORIAL RECORD OF

high degree of success which attended his efforts. He was scrupulously honest and his integrity was so well known that his word was as good as his bond. He was at the head of the banking house for twenty years, and his business career covered four decades of honorable and active effort that enhanced the public prosperity, while at the same time it promoted his individual wealth.

Mr. MeLallen did much for his city, his country, his State and for humanity. In the public affairs of northeastern Indiana, he was ever prominent, and no man took a deeper or more sincere interest in the wel- fare of his community. He was progres- sive, enterprising and public-spirited, and his aid was never sought in vain for any en- terprise which he believed would truly benefit the community. When it was seen that he gave his support to any measure, public confidence was aroused and other help was thereby secured. For eight years he was on the School Board, and did most effective service in the cause of education. Soon after he became a member of the board the East Ward building was erected, and not long after work was begun on the main building. During its construction his entire time was given to supervision of the work, and when it was completed the building was one of which the city may well be proud. He believed in good schools and good teach- ers, regarding education as one of the bul- warks of the nation, -an important factor in producing good citizens. He established a large library for the public schools of Columbia City,-first with 2, 300 volumes; and it now has between 3,000 and 4,000 volumes. He also presented to the schools many scientific apparatuses.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Memorial record of northeastern Indiana, Part 30

Author: Publication date: 1896 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Company Number of Pages: 932

Author:
Publication date: 1896
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 932