USA > Indiana > Noble County > Obituaries and news items of early settlers of Noble County, Indiana : as published in the "The Albion new era" and other sources, 1876-1888 > Part 3
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Copied from Kendallville Standard.
A drove of Gipsies, numbering 60 or 70, and having 14 wagons, 22 horses, 6 mules, 1 colt and 6 dogs, recently camped in the woods near Ligonier. New Era, May 23, 1878
Last Sunday was a day set apart in the Roman Catholic Calendar for the dedication of the new church at this place. Although the day began with a drizzling rain, at an early hour, people began pouring into town. The trains on the B. & O. road unloaded vast multitudes, but when the train on the Grand Rapids came up to the station and unloaded, its human freight was immense.
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Here the Ft. Wayne brass band was met by the Avilla band and took their line of march for the church grounds. It looked like a vast military company. The large church was filled to overflowing, and hundreds remained on the grounds outside.
We would like to comment on the Rev. gentleman's sermon but space forbids.
Among the visitors, we noticed from Ft. Wayne, Dr. D. D. Wisell and lady, G. D. F. Ohneck and lady, Mrs. Amy Seavy, daughter of the late Judge Randall, of this place, Frank Magers and lady and many other old acquaintances. From Albion we noticed John Pepple, W. S. Kiser, Jno. W. Smith, Dr. Clark and others.
Avilla items in Albion New Era, May 23, 1878
In excavating for the cellar of Dick Stone's new buildings on West Main street a piece of the old "Sea Serpent" printing press, which was formerly used in the Goshen Democrat office was unearthed. We did think of expressing it to Beanex present propriator of that paper.
New Era, May 23, 1878
John Cramer, aged 60 years, an old citizen of Washington township, died a short time since. New Era, May 30, 1878.
Jos. D. Whitford, living a few miles from Kendallville, died on Thursday of last week. New Era, June 6, 1878
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Mr. Nathan Frink, father of Mrs. Sheriff Eagles, is very ill at the residence of his son in Elkhart. Mrs. Eagles has been there attending upon him during a portion of the past week. New Era, June 6, 1878
Benjamin Shew died at his residence in York township, Noble County, Indiana, on Sunday, June 2nd, 1878, aged 64 years, 11 months, 10 days. The subject of this sketch was born in Ohio, in Stark County, we believe, June 22nd, 1813, and immigrated to Noble County in the autumn of 1844. He lived during the winter of 1844-45 on Adam Kimmel's land, in Jefferson township, but the following season moved on to his own land in York township where he lived and died, beloved and respected by all who knew him. He lived a quiet, unostentatious life, and although belonging to no church organization, practiced a strict observance of the Golden Rule. He never held a public position, but was a candidate for sheriff of Noble County in 1856, we believe, in which a tie vote was cast, and his competitor received the position.
He leaves a wife and six children to mourn his departure., one of the latter being Joseph M. Shew, now a resident of this place.
The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Christian Weaver, at the Dunkard Church in the Weaver neighborhood, on Monday, and his body was buried in what is known as the Osborn burying ground. New Era, June 6, 1878.
Biographys of Old Settlers given at Old Settlers Meeting, June 1st, 1878 at Albion.
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First biography was that of Jarrett Weeks which was practically the same as obituary copied a few weeks ago. One paragraph we will give concerning his father, Charles Weeks. "Most of the old settlers will remember the old Weeks place, north of Huntertown, where many & weary traveler found a hospitable welcome when the most of Noble County was a wilderness."
Hannah Roberts,
was born in Ohio, July 10, 1800, and died at Ligonier, August 31, 1877, being at the time of her death a little over seventy-seven years of age. In 1817 she was married to John Voris by whom she had nine children, only two of whom survived her. Two of her sons gave their lives for our liberties, having died in the army during the war of the rebellion.
Capt. Wm. N. Voris, her son, who now resides in Washington township, was the first soldier mustered into the serivce of the United States from Noble County, in 1861.
She came with her husband to Noble County in 1835, and in November of the same year the husband died and was the first one buried in the cemetery at Wolf Lake. Thus she was left with a family of nine small children, most of them helpless, without means and almost without shelter (for Mr. Voris died before he had finished his cabin) in the wilderness, without neighbors near. She struggled on with a will that laughsat difficulties, and with an abiding faith in the help of Cod until she saw her family grow up and become useful and exemplary members of society. At a subsequent period of her life she was married to Wm. Roberts who died many years ago and during the last years of her life whe found a home among her children and grand children, and among them all she was ever welcome.
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From early life until her death, she was a member of the Freewill Baptist church, and by her exemplary life and christian deportment, was a living epistle of the religion she professed. Her early trials and privations, her struggles with sickness and poverty will never be written; the record would fill volumes; but her life is closed; her end was peace, and today she enjoys that rest prepared for the faithful.
Lydia Bray
was born in Maryland, May 25, 1805, and was called hence on the same day as Mother Roberts. Thus those two aged mothers who for nearly half a century had lived near each other as neighbors, were on the same day and nearly the same hour, transplanted from this world of suffering to one of eternal rest. Mr. Bray died Deo. 25, 1354. She was the mother of seven children, of whom six are still living. She with her husband, emigrated to Noble county in November, 1835, and settled on the farm where both died. In early times they kept a hotel, and all the old settlers know the place. She attended strictly to her own business, never interfering with the affairs of others.
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Old Settlers' Biographies Continued Mrs. Abigail Seeley
was born in Orange County, New York, April 22, 1799, and died at Brimfield, September 30, 1877, being at the time 78 years, 5 months, and 8 days of age.
Her maiden name was Abigail Reynolds. She was married to Ephraim Seeley in 1821, with whom she lived until his death which occurred at Brimfield, but the date of his death has not been furnished me. In the spring of 1824, they removed from the state of New York to Defiance, Chio, and in 1828, removed to Goshen, Indiana, and in 1830 they settled on English Prairie, Lagrange county, where they lived until 1860, when they then settled at Brimfield, where both died, beloved and respected by all who knew them. I have reason to remember with gratitude this aged mother. When I first visited Indiana, having been taken sick on the road and not possessed of much means, I found myself, when able to travel, reduced very low in the region of the pocketbook, and the day I reached Indiana I had 68 cents left. I was in a strange country, among strangers; had never been much from home, and knew but little of the ways of the world; was trying to reach Lima where I expected to find some persons with whom I left home. I was not yet fully recovered from my sickness of body, and was sick at heart. I regretted that I had left home. About dusk, tired and discouraged, being about 8 miles from Lima, I called at a cabin on the south side of English Prairie, and inquired the distance to Lima. Being told that it was 8 miles, I knew that I could not reach it without rest, for I was almost exhausted, hence I asked the privilege of remaining that night. My request was promptly complied with, and I was asked if I had had supper. I told them I had not, but did not add that I had no dinner that day, which was the fact. But said I, "I have but little money", an in candor told the extent of my means and said that
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I did not want to go beyond my means unless I could work it out. I can still see the good man and woman as both assured me that they were not the kind of people to take the last cent from a poor boy. In short I was made welcome and the unaffected hospitality of these good people made me forget that I was away from home. I was at the home of Abigail Seeley. She furnished the first food I tasted in Indiana, and seasoned it with such motherly solicitude that, although it was plain, no king ever enjoyed his royal banquet as I enjoyed that meal. The next day I left for Lima as rich in purse as when I came. From that time until the day of her death, I have felt for her a feeling akin to veneration. The foregoing sketch shows as clearly as words can convey one leading trait of her character. She was the mother of ten childre, eight of who are living. She was a pattern of propriety and industry, and well would it be for the world if we had more like her. She has left the impress of her character upon those of her family that survive her, and her children are worthy of such a mother.
By Nelson Prentiss
Samuel Barkwell
died at his residence in Allen township, Noble County, during the year, but the exact date I have not been furnished with. He was a native of England, and came to Noble county in 1833, where he lived until his death. He leaves a widow but no children. At the time of his death he was 72 years of age. He was a quiet unassuming man, scarcely known out of his immediate neighborhood, but was known to be an honest conscientious man.
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Hannah Kern
was born in 1813, and died in Sparta township, Noble County, in October, 1877, being at the time of her death, 64 years old. Her father Andrew C. Douglass, emigrated to Noble county in 1833, when the subject of this sketch was 20 years of age, and she lived here the remainder of her life. She was twice married, first to wm. Baker, by whom she had two children, both of whom are living. Baker died many years ago, and she subsequently married Isaac W. Kern, who died several years ago, and at the time of her death she was a widow.
Henry Shobe
was born in Boss County, Chio, June 12, 1812, and came with his parents to Elkhart county in 1830, and Noble County in 1831, where he resided until his death, which occurred September 22, 1877. He was married to Amanda Neeley, December 31, 1840. He leaves a widow and six children. His father was one of the very early settlers of the county, and died many years ago. Henry continued to live upon the old homestead until within a short time before his death, when falling health induced him to sell his farm and remove to Ligonier, where he died. Most of his life was passed in Noble County, and most of you knew him. He never knowlingly wronged any one.
Isaac Bartley
died at his residence in York township Nov. 2, 1877, aged 64 years, 10 months and 10 days. He came to Northern Indiana at an early day. I think that he once
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Informed one that he worked for Col. Jackson, on Elkhart Prairie, in 1834. He came to Noble County in 1837, and has resided here since that time. At the time of his settlement in Noble County he was poor, but his industry and economy enabled him to accumulate a good property, and at the time of his death he was far above want. Energy and perseverance were prominent traits in his character. He knew no such word as fail, and what-ever he undertook he usually accomplished. At the time of his death he was a member of the Dunkard church.
Aaron Kood
was born in Jefferson County, New York, March 14, 1814, and died Feb. 28, 1878, in Swan township. He came to Noble County in 1835. In 1845 he was married to Mary J. Straus, who, as well as six children survive him.
Rachel Hoff
died at her home in Swan township, Nov. 19, 1877, aged 63 years. She was born in Licking Co., Ohio, and came to this county about 1836, with her father, Adam Fulk, who died in Swan township a few years ago at the age of 105 years. Mrs. Hoff experienced her full share of hardships in the early settlement of the county, and in the main, the history of one is the history of all, but occasionally something transpired out of the ordinary routine of pioneer life. This was the case with Mrs. Hoff. One evening she left home for the purpose of finding the cows, and either in consequence of a late start, or that she was compelled to go further than usual, night overtook her in the woods. While trying to find her way she was followed by a pack of large wolves, and followed so closely that she was
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compelled to olimb a tree to save her life, where she remained the greater part of the night, but was finally relieved by her brother who had gone in search of her and when found the wolves had nearly cut the tree down with their teeth.
Mary McMann
was born in Greenbriar county, Virginia, February, 1302, and died during the year 1877. She was married to James McMann in 1820, who died about eight years ago. She was the mother of ten children, of whom five are living, four having died at an early age, and one at his post in the War of the Rebellion. She settled in Koscuisko county where in 1839, and soon after moved to Noble county where she died. She was a member of the universalist church at Ligonier, while that organization was kept up, and she lived and died in the belief of that doctrine.
Dr. W. H. Nimmon
(Practically the same obituary as copied before with only this addition) : "He settled in Noble County in December, 1839. He was twice married; to Mary Coon, in the spring of 1849, by whom he had two children, both of whom died in infancy. Several years after the death of his first wife, he married Mrs. Tumbleson, who survives him. He left two children by his second wife both of whom are nearly grown."
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Rev. George W. Wilson.
died at Cassopolis, Mich., on the 29th or 30st of May, and his remains were yesterday brought to this county for burial beside his father and other friends who have gone before. He was the son of Hon. Thomas H. Wilson, who was long a prominent citizen of the county, and who died a little over two years ago. His aged mother still lives in Washington township. Nearly all his life was passed in this county. Several years ago he entered the ministry in the Lutheran church, but subsequently united with the Presbyterians, of which church he was a minister at the time of his death. A short time ago he took charge of a church at Cassopolis, Mich., and entered upon his work, no doubt anticipating a life of usefulness in the Master's cause.
These obituaries were read by Nelson Prentiss, Esq. at the Old Settler's Meeting, June 1st, 1878.
Mrs. Amanda Crocker wrote a poem to commemorate the event.
Speeches were given by Isaac Tibbett, Steadman Gray, and J. W. Leonard. Later on more speeches were made by Jno. Bowman, Harvey Adair, Jacob Wolf, Jas. Mcqueen, A. Humphreys, Daniel Ahlwine, Harrison Wood, Wm. Crispell, Nelson Prentiss and others.
Joseph Whetzel, an old resident and citizen of Swan township, died on the morning of June 4th, 1878, aged 71 years, 3 months and 7 days. He had been a resident of Noble county for about 21 years. New Era, June 13, 1878
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J. B. Kelley, of the Kelley House, Kendallville, has purchased the brick hotel on the corner of Main Street, recently known as the Jackman House, and it is said will move the house he now occupies near the L. S. railroad to the former location, making a first class hotel building.
New Era, June 13, 1878
In regarding to the burning of the residence of Capt. Hiram Iddings, near Kendallville, last week, the Standard says:
The residence of Capt. Hiram Iddings one mile south of this City, was burned Tuesday night. The fire was discovered about eleven o'clock, in the roof of the one story wing, used for the kitchen, by Mrs. Iddings, who had not retired, and the household aroused, but as there was but one man about the premises-Walter. Schutt-and he turned his attention persistently in endeavoring to put out the fire, there was but a small portion of the furniture and household goods saved. The parlor furniture and that of one bedroom, was mostly saved, through the efforts of the three or four ladies of the household. There was no wind, at the time, and the woodhouse and other outbuildings were not burned, and the trees and shrubbery but slightly damaged. The loss falls heavily upon Mr. And Mrs. Iddings, as most of their books and private papers were burned, and innumerable souvenirs which cannot be replaced with money. Mr. Iddings was absent at the time, in attendance at the State Convention at Indianapolis. The house was one-and-a half stories with numerous additions, built in 1852, but was one of the old fashioned heavy frames, consequently was quite good yet, and about $400 had been expended in repairs during the past year. There was $700 insurance on the house, $700 on the furniture, which covers but about one-half the loss. New Era, June 13, 1878
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In regard to the death of D. W. Pike, at Kendallville, and the subsequent proceedings of the Coroner's inquest, the Standard says :
Divine W. Pike died at his residence in this city Saturday morning, June 8th from the effects of a shot which he received on the 18th of May, 1877, aged 32 years. He had suffered severely from the wound, most of the time during the year, although at one time he hed so far recovered as to resume his business as clerk in the store. An inquest was held before Esq. Wildman, who appointed Doctors Williams, Teal, Gilbert and Vincent, to make a post mortem examination-the jury consisting of Geo. B. Teal, John Smith, Reuben Miller, Louis Leibrentz, H. D. Kime, J. H. Van Arnum, 0. Forker, Freeman Taber, Wm. M. Cushing, L. Kingsley, J. P. Bungen and A. K. Moyer. A careful and thorough examination was made by the physicians, and it was discovered that the ball had worked its way down through the brain and was found in the base of the posterior lobe. An encysted tumor had formed where the ball first lodged-about two and one half inches inside the skull-which was filled with pus, and was the cause of much of the pain and hastened his death. The verdict of the jury was to the effect that he came to his death from the effects of a wound inflicted with a revolver in the hands of J. W. Bixler, May 18th, 1877.
From the New Era, June 13, 1878
Captain Iddings will not re-build on the site of his old dwelling, but will erect a neat residence on a piece of land which he owns just beyond the corporation limits of the city of Kendallville.
New Era, June 27, 1878.
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The people of Albion and vicinity were shocked on Saturday last to hear of the sudden death of Mr. William Bonham, who lived in Jefferson township, about two miles from Albion. His death occurred on Saturday afternoon, after a brief illness of a few days, with lung fever. Mr. B. was a well-to-do farmer, and a highly esteemed and respected citizen. He was perhaps 45 or 50 years of age. 1878
Capt. Iddings will build a block of brick business rooms in Kendallville this season. New Era, July 4, 1878
The grand jury found an indictment against J. W. Bixler, but as to its nature we are not informed. July 4, 1878, New Era
The widow of the late V. D. Pike, of Kendallville has gone to Phoenix, New York, to live with her mother. New Era, July 4, 1878
Died-In Ligonier, June 23rd, 1878, Anna, relict of Charles G. Vail, deceased, aged 72 years, 11 months, and 7 days. Mrs. Vail was a native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and was married to Mr. Vail in the year 1871. Her maiden name was Woodward. New Era, July 4, 1878
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A drive around Bixler Lake is the latest project In consideration at Kendallville.
New Era, July 18, 1873
There were five acres of wheat raised this year within the corporation of the city of Kendallville. New Era, July 18, 1878
Obituary.
Died at his residence near Cold Springs, in Noble township, Noble County, Indiana, July 13, 1878, Mr. Francis R. Davis, aged 57 years, 9 months and 26 days. Mr. Davis was attending his ordinary business on Thursday. During the night following he was attacked with the Cholera Morbus, and died about 10 o'clock Saturday evening. He settled upon the farm where he died, on the 5th day of Octover, 1844. Although not classed as an old settler under the present rule, he has seen much and passed through many of the hardships incident to the settling up of new countries. By & consistent course of Industry, ability and economy, he had accumulated a sufficiency of this world's goods to supply the wants of himself and family. of late years his mind has been almost exclusively engrossed in the culture of bees, and at the time of his death, scores upon scores of stands of bees were standing about his premises. He leaves a wife and one son. A very feeling and appropriate discourse was delivered upon the occasion at the church at Cold Springs, by Elder Peter Winebrenner, after which his body was conveyed to its final resting place at the cemetery near Cold Springs in Washington tomship.
New Era, July 18, 1878
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John Weston, of Kendallville, donated eight building lots in Elkhart to the school trustees of that city for school purposes. New Era, July 25, 1878
Nathan Frink, an old resident of Noble county, but of late years a citizen of Tama county, Iowa, died at the home of his son, Dr. C. S. Frink, at Elkhart, on Sunday. He was the father of Mrs. N. P. Engles, of Albion, and Mr. A. F. Frink, of Kendallville.
New Era, July 25, 1878
Obituary
Nathan Frink died at the residence of his son, Dr. Charles S. Frink, at Elkhart, July 20th, 1878, in the 78th year of his age.
He was born in Oneida County, New York, December 19th, 1800, and came to Noble county in the spring of 1836, and settled near Port Mitchell, where he lived many years. In 1860, having sold his farm, he removed to Iowa, where he had his home until quite recently. He spent most of the past winter here, and in the early spring returned to Iowa, but his failing health seems to have admonished him that the end of his labors was near, and he wrote to his children that he wished to return and die among them. He returned about two months ago as far as Elkhart, where he died. He was twice married; his first wife died in 1837, and was buried at Wolf Lake.
By her he had five children all of whom are now living, three of whom reside in Noble County, one in Illinois and one in Elkhart.
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He subsequently married Miss Achsah Kent who was called to the other shore a little over four years ago. By her he had seven children, four of whom survive him. He was intimately identified with, and took part in all the important events connected with the early settle- ment of Noble county, and was honored with many public positions by his fellow citizens, and discharged his official duties with credit and ability.
He was modest and retiring in his habits; courteous and affable in his deportment; and like all the pioneers of Noble county, was hospitable and kind. He was for many years before his death a member of the M. C. church, and by his daily walk and conversation, a pattern worthy of imitation. New Era, July 25, 1878
Conrad Cramer, of Swan township, one of the old residents of the county, died on the 17th at the advanced age of 79 years and 28 days. New Era, August 1, 1878.
Elkhart County items in Albion New Era, August 8, 1878
The Elkhart Review says that "the school Board yesterday decided to name the building in Northwest Elkhart the Weston school. The selection of the name is appropriate and deserved by the grantor of the site of the building."
Obituary .-
George Ray died at his residence in Brimfield this
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county, July 31, 1878, aged 57 years, 6 months and 10 days. The funeral sermon was preached at the United Brethern church, in Albion, on the ist inst., after which his remains were buried in the Albion cemetery. Mr. Ray was born in Virginia, and moved to Chio at an early day, thence to Indiana in 1861 or 1862. Ils had suffered terribly with inflammatory rheumatism, and for years had been almost helpless. The deceased was a brother of the late William Ray of this county, and was an uncle of our townsman Ed. F. Ray. lie leaves a wife, six sons and one daughter. One of his sons is an engineer on the Eel River railroad, while one or two others are living in the west, we believe. New Era, August 8, 1878
George Mitchell, of Cadillac, Michigan, is dead. He was well known in this county and was a brother of the late Hon. William Mitchell, of Kendallville. New Era, August 22, 1878.
John Stahl, a member of the Ft. Wayne bar, died on Saturday evening at his residence in that city. He was formerly a resident of this county, and was highly respected by all who knew him.
The following biographical sketch is taken from the Ft. Wayne Gazette. It says :
Deceased was the son of John and Annie Stahl, and was born in Juniata county, Pa., in October, 1837. He lived in the western part of that state until about fifteen years of age, when he moved to Avilla, Noble Co., Indiana. Until twenty-three years of age he worked on a farm; he then attended the Ft. Wayne high school; his study there was so thorough that he easily
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