USA > Indiana > Fountain County > Past and present of Fountain and Warren Counties, Indiana, Volume 2 > Part 28
USA > Indiana > Warren County > Past and present of Fountain and Warren Counties, Indiana, Volume 2 > Part 28
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66
HOMER G. WATERMAN.
The office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest esti- mate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave upon the record the verdict establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of his neighbors and fellow citizens. The life of Homer G. Waterman, one of the successful farmers of Richland township, Fountain county, has been such as to elicit just praise from those who know him best, having spent his life in his native county engaged in the pursuits for which nature and training have best suited him and is a creditable representative of one of our much respected old families.
Homer G. Waterman was born in Troy township, Fountain county, In- diana, on the 17th of January, 1862, and is a son of Hiram and Lina (Spence) Waterman, the father a native of New York state and the mother of Foun- tain county, Indiana. Hiram Waterman came to Indiana in an early day, settling in Covington and engaged in teaching school, also teaching at Roch- ester, Illinois. He then took up general work and is still living at Covington. The subject's mother is also living. They were the parents of three children, namely : Homer G., the immediate subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, the wife of Peter Ost; Walter, who is a printer at Danville, Illinois.
The subject of this sketch secured a good, practical education in the public schools and has devoted all his active years to agricultural pursuits. He is now operating ninety-five acres of the old Reister farm, the original deed for which, signed by President John Quincy Adams, he has in his pos- session. This is one of the fine old farms of this county and here Mr. Water-
-
MR. AND MRS. H. G. WATERMAN.
601
FOUNTAIN AND WARREN COUNTIES, INDIANA.
man carried on general farming, in which he has met with a large measure of success, owing to his practical methods and persistent industry. He keeps the farm in splendid condition and raises all the crops common to this locality, also giving due attention to the raising of live stock, giving intelligent direc- tion to all of his work and business affairs.
In December, 1891, Mr. Waterman was united in marriage to Barbara Ellen Riester, the daughter of Selestin and Christina Riester. Her parents were natives of Germany, from which country they emigrated to the United States, settling in Cincinnati, where their marriage occurred. They then came to Fountain county, Indiana, settling near Attica. Subsequently they located southwest of Mellott, where they have lived for the long period of fifty-three years. They are still living, at the age of eighty-five years. They became the parents of seven children, namely: Joseph, of Richland township, thi's county ; Julia, deceased; Barbara Ellen, wife of the subject; Alice, who lives in Richland township; Hattie, of Mellott; John, of Indianapolis; Emma, who is employed in the office of the Indianapolis News. Mr. and Mrs. Water- man are the parents of one child, Arthur, who is at home.
Politically, Mr. Waterman gives his support to the Republican party, but his business affairs preclude his seeking public office. Religiously, he is a member of the Christian (New Light) church, to which he gives a liberal support. He is a member of the Horsethief Detective Association. In every phase of life's activities in which he has engaged he has put forth his best efforts and because of the estimable qualities of character which he has shown in his daily life he has won and retains to an eminent degree the sincere re- spect and confidence of his neighbors. He is a man among men and deserves ยท representation in a work of the nature of the one at hand.
GEORGE W. GRISMORE.
It is at all times very interesting to compile and preserve the experiences of the old soldiers who went to fight the country's battles during the slave- holders' rebellion fifty years ago. These gallant old fellows are fast passing away, and we should get all of their experiences first hand, before they pass away and leave no record. It is important that we preserve these personal experiences, for after all those are the events which make history. What would history be worth were it not for the vivid actions of the individuals? That is all there is to the splendid histories of ancient and modern times. The
602
FOUNTAIN AND WARREN COUNTIES, INDIANA.
story as told by one who passed through the bloody experiences of four years of struggle and was in numerous battles, marches, campaigns, and, perhaps, prisons and hospitals, is far more interesting than if narrated long hence by some writer who may distort events out of their true historic significance. One of the honored "boys in blue" who can recall many interesting reminis- cences of the great civil conflict of the sixties is George W. Grismore, who, after a successful life as farmer and stock raiser, is now living retired in the town of Kingman, Fountain county.
Mr. Grismore was born in Washington county, Indiana, August 31, 1845, and is the son of Albert and Lizzie Jane ( Brewer) Grismore. Grand- father Brewer was from Pennsylvania, coming from that state to southern Indiana in an early day, and cleared land where the city of Jeffersonville now stands. Later he sold his farm there in small pieces for town property, finally moving to Jackson county and locating on White river, where he opened up a big farm and a saw-mill. He later sold out there and bought property in Davis county, this state, then retired from active life, inoving to the town of Bloomfield, where his death occurred. His family consisted of eight children, namely: George, who died in California in 1908; John and David both live in Davis county ; Albert M. died several years ago; the other four children died in early life.
Six children were born to Albert Grismore and wife, namely: Frank, who lives in Kentucky; Mary Whiten lives in New York; George W., of this review; John died in 1911; Robert died in 1910 in Missouri; Newton lives in Arcola, Illinois.
George W. Grismore, of this sketch, grew to manhood on the home farm and he received his education in the common schools. In December, 1870, he was united in marriage to Sarah J. Atkinson, daughter of Jonathan and Charlotte (Pethoud) Atkinson; they were both born in Indiana, but their parents originally came to this state from North Carolina, very early.
Mr. Grismore came to Fountain county in 1867 and settled three miles southwest of Kingman and there followed farming very successfully until his retirement some time ago. He now lives in a pleasant home in the town of Kingman, having accumulated a competency through his life of activity as a general agriculturist.
In November, 1864, Mr. Grismore enlisted in Company C, One Hun- dred and Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Atkinson, and he saw considerable hard service in the Army of the Cumberland. He was mustered out on August 17, 1865, after making a very commendable record as a soldier for the Union, and received an honorable discharge, re- ceiving his pay and discharge at Indianapolis.
603
FOUNTAIN AND WARREN COUNTIES, INDIANA.
Nine children have been born to the subject and wife, namely: Eva died when thirty-four years of age, at home; Josephine married a Mr. Gib- son, of Chicago; Bryon lives in Kingman, this county; Maud married Henry Detlef, of Chicago; G. M. lives in Chicago; Park lives in Kingman ; Goldie, who remained at home, died when twenty-one years of age; Myrta and Roy, both deceased.
Mr. Grismore is the owner of fifty-two acres of good land in Parke county and three acres in Kingman, all well improved and valuable. Politi- cally, he is a Republican, but has never cared for office. He belongs to the Friends church.
DAVID H. MOFFITT.
One of the most popular and most efficient officials of Warren county, Indiana, is David H. Moffitt, county auditor. His family is one of the oldest and best known in that part of the country, and he and his father have been untiring in their work for the public in promoting municipal improvements and taking active interest in all movements looking toward the general wel- fare of the community. He has always been interested in the work of the county, having known practically no other occupation, and is well equipped to handle the duties of the office.
Mr. Moffitt was born at Pine Village, Adams township, Warren county, Indiana, August 31, 1862, and his parents were William and Mary E. (War- ner) Moffitt. His father was born at Independence, Warren county, and his mother was a native of Hartford, Connecticut. His father was one of the most prominent men in that part of the country. He was a soldier in the Civil war, serving as second lieutenant of Company H, One Hundred and Sixteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and captain of Company G, One Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment Indiana Volunteers. He taught school be- fore the war in his native county. After the war he served as deputy auditor, from 1865 until his election as auditor in 1868. He was re-elected auditor of Warren county in 1872 and again in 188Q and 1884, serving four terms all together. He died April 2, 1886, while in office. As a mathematician Will- iam Moffitt had few equals. He was universally and deservedly popular, and was highly respected by his friends and neighbors. Mr. Moffitt was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Moffitt died November 1, 1909. They were the parents of five children : Fanny A. is the wife of Frank Dem-
604
FOUNTAIN AND WARREN COUNTIES, INDIANA.
mary, of Williamsport, Indiana; Jennie C. is the widow of Jolin A. Hatton; Annie M. married George Stump, of Independence, Kansas; Georgia A. Moffitt died in infancy in 1867.
David H. Moffitt received a good common school education, and this was supplemented by two years at Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana. Upon leaving school he returned to Warren county and became deputy re- corder of that county, which position he held for over a year, and then be- came deputy auditor under his father. Ile retained this position for six years. At his father's death he was appointed auditor to fill the unexpired term. From this time on he worked in the auditor's office off and on, and later was again chosen deputy auditor. In 1910 Mr. Moffitt was elected auditor, taking office January 1, 1911, and the public is well satisfied with its choice in Warren county, as he is well liked all over the county, being the most popular official the county has ever had.
Mr. Moffitt was married September 12, 1905, to Grace Overman, the daughter of Charles and Mollie (Herold) Overman, of Francesville, Indiana. They have never had any children.
Mr. Moffitt is a Republican, politically speaking, and is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is active in the social and political life of the community in which he lives, and is well acquainted all over the county. Mr. Moffitt knows his work thoroughly, and Warren county is to be congratulated in having a man of such a good education and thorough training in its auditor's office. His name will not soon be forgotten in that part of the country.
OLIVER BLAKELEY.
This well known citizen is another of the gallant boys who, a half cen- tury ago, enlisted to save the Union. He was little more than a boy when he went out to fight his country's battles and during that ever memorable strug- gle he was found ready for action, no matter how dangerous or arduous the duty. He did not enter the service as some did, from motives of sport and frolic, but saw beneath the surface and realized that the South was deter- mined to break up the Union for the purpose of establishing a confederacy of slave-holding states. From his earliest years he had been taught to hate slavery and to do all he could to obliterate it from this country's escutcheon. He regarded it as a foul blot on the old flag, so that when the rebels pre-
605
FOUNTAIN AND WARREN COUNTIES, INDIANA.
cipitated the conflict he was ready to take up arins to preserve the Union. He is one of our descendants of pioneer stock, his progenitors having braved the wilds of the great Wabash valley when settlers were few and wild beasts many.
Oliver Blakeley, of Covington, Fountain county, Indiana, was born in the town where he now resides, on November 30, 1846. He is the son of Sam- uel and Mary (Lacy) . Blakeley, who were among the early settlers of this county. The father was born in Union county, Ohio, and from there he came here in 1840. The mother having taken up her residence here with her parents in 1830, her people being from North Carolina, whither they moved after the war of 1812, the maternal grandfather of the subject having been a drummer boy in the American army, and was with General Hull's troops which surrendered Detroit to the British. Grandfather Blakeley was also a soldier in the war of 1812, but his services were far removed from that of the other grandfather, Mr. Blakeley having fought with General Jackson at the battle of New Orleans.' Grandmother Bennett, on the father's side of the house, was a native of Scotland, from which country she emigrated to American shores when young.
Four children were born to Samuel Blakeley and wife, only one of whom, Oliver D., of this sketch, is living. The elder Blakeley's death occurred on June 21, 1899, at Covington, and the mother passed away on August 9, 1888.
Oliver Blakeley grew to manhood in Covington and here he received his education in the common schools. When only fifteen years of age he en- listed, on December 10, 1861, in Company G, Fortieth Indiana Volunteer In- fantry, and he served four years and twenty-one days, during which time he participated in a number of important campaigns and hotly-contested en- gagements, including the great battle of Shiloh, Stone's River, Perryville, and the assault on Missionary Ridge, after which he marched to the relief of Burnside. On February 23, 1864, he re-enlisted as a veteran volunteer, and joined Sherman's army, with which he marched through Georgia. His regi- ment led the assault on Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864, gallantly leading the charge of the Fourth 'Corps. With this corps the subject was sent with General Thomas to fight Hood in the latter's attempted raid on the North. The subject was wounded in the battle of Missionary Ridge. He was always on duty until he was made a mounted orderly, under Gen. D. S. Stanley. Later he went to Texas with Sheridan's army, and was mustered out of the service at Victoria, that state, January 23, 1866, after a most praiseworthy career in defense of his country.
606
FOUNTAIN AND WARREN COUNTIES, INDIANA.
After returning home from the war Mr. Blakeley attended school, and the following sunimer he learned plastering, also the bricklayer's trade, but later took up farming and is still actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits. In April he rented and moved to Covington, where he now resides. He is the owner of eighty acres of valuable land, also city property, all well improved. He has been very successful in his life work and has a weli im- proved farm.
On May 7, 1877, Mr. Blakeley was united in marriage with Margaret Bodine, daughter of John and Caroline (Brewer) Bodine. Her father was a native of Ohio, from which state he came to Fountain county, Indiana, in an early day, and her grandfather was one of the very first settlers here, having established his log cabin in the woods here in 1820, and entered land from the government. He was the largest land owner in the county when he died.
Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Blakeley, namely : Ora. who married George LaTourette, deceased, is living at Covington; Avis, who. married William C. Crim, a banker, lives at West Frankfort, Illinois; Nellie is bookkeeper at the Leader store in Covington, and lives at home; Elizabeth died when ten years old; Frances married E. Roscoe Lowe, who is living at Mt. Rainier, Maryland, employed by the civil service commissioner. Mr. Blakeley is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and attends different churches.
BENJAMIN F. CRANE.
An excellent example of what a man can accomplish while yet young in years, if he has natural ability and strength of character and is persistent and straightforward in his everyday affairs, is shown by the record of Benjamin F. Crane, one of the most progressive agriculturists of Van Buren township and one of the worthiest native sons of Fountain county, and, judging from his past splendid record as a business man and citizen, the future for him is unquestionably bright.
Mr. Crane represents one of our worthiest pioneer families, members of which have lived and labored here for considerably more than three-quarters of a century, and they have thus been instrumental in the upbuilding of the locality. The subject was born in Fountain county, Indiana, May 14, 1850. He is the son of James and Anna (Schnorf) Crane. The father was born in Warren county, Ohio. These parents both came to this county in 1828. He settled in the wilderness in this county as early as 1827, when there was
607
FOUNTAIN AND WARREN COUNTIES, INDIANA.
little improvement for miles around and wild beasts were the principal deni- zens of the country. They were people of industry and in due course of time owned fine farms and good homes, which they wrested from a resisting nature by their close application and good management. James Crane, the father, made the trip from his old home in Ohio to Fountain county on horseback, or rather, walked, there being four in the party, the women riding. . They settled in Van Buren township near Stone Bluff, and there established their permanent home on a farm, and his death occurred in Covington in July, 1875, his wife following him to the grave a few days later, dying in August of the same year. They became the parents of eleven children, all now de- ceased but the subject of this sketch; they were named as follows: (I) Jonathan, (2) William, (3) Eliza, (4) Mary, (5) Indiana, (6) Jacob, and (7) Benjamin F., the latter being the youngest of the family; four children died in infancy:
Mr. Crane grew to manhood on the home farm and when a boy he as- sisted with the general work there. Attending the common schoois during the winter months, he received a good practical education. He was married on November 14, 1874, to Margaret E. Irvin, daughter of William and Mary (Hawk) Irvin, the father being a native of Indiana.
To the subject and wife eleven children have been born, named as fol- lows : James WV:, who lives on a farm west of Stone Bluff; Frankie died aged two years; Myrtle is employed in Crawfordsville, Indiana, as teacher of domestic science; Zua married John E. Leonard, who is engaged in the in- surance business at Danville; Pearl married William Allen and they live in the town of Attica, this county; Ruth C. married William C. Foster, a farmer of Shawnee township; Julia married S. J. Board, a farmer of Van Buren township; Margaret, who is at home with her parents, is attending school at Veedersburg; Anna M. and Irvin Eldo are both at home.
Mr. Crane has always been a farmer and he has been very successful in his chosen field of endeavor. He at this writing is renting land, but at one time he was the owner of five hundred acres of valuable land. Disposing of half of this to his family, he still owns two hundred and fifty acres, one hun- . dred and thirty acres lying in Van Buren township, the balance being near Bloomington, of which he owns a half interest. For many years he has bought, raised and sold live stock, making a specialty of high grade Polanges cattle and Poland China hogs, and from time to time he had splendid sales on his registered hogs
608
FOUNTAIN AND WARREN COUNTIES, INDIANA.
Politically, Mr. Crane is a Republican. He was a member of the board of commissioners for three years, and was chairman of the board for two years. He belongs to the Anti-Horse Thief Association, and in religious matters is a member of the Christian chruch. He was treasurer of the con- ference for a period of twenty-four years, having been elected twelve times in succession, but he finally resigned. He has long been a leader in this de- nomination and has done much good in his work in this line. He is at pres- ent a trustee of the Union Christian College, at Merom, Sullivan county, In- diana. He is a self-made man, has kept well informed on current topics of the times, is well read and a progressive citizen in every respect and merits the material success and the high esteem of the people which have long been his. .
Mr. Crane assisted in the organization of the Shawnee Telephone Com- pany in 1900; also sold the stock, and is today a director and stockholder. Recently he helped to organize the Farmers State Bank of Veedersburg and is also a stockholder and director of that institution.
PAUL HOST.
The thrift, ability and industry of the inhabitants of Holland is prover- bial. Placed in a country without natural advantages, they have literally carved a nation out of the sea, and have become prosperous where other peo- ples, without their inbred racial efficiency, would have perished. The same temperament which has enabled them to maintain their nation in so high a place enables the sons of this nation to attain prosperity when placed amid the strange conditions of a new country. Paul Host, a young man with no knowledge of the customs and language of the country, came to America and, though struggling at first with difficulties incomprehensible to one who has never been an immigrant to a foreign land, has won a success far greater than many of America's native sons who had greater opportunities.
Paul Host was born in Holland on September 14, 1847, the son of Paul and Bell Host. His parents left him an orphan while still young. Of their family none are alive save Paul and one sister. In 1874 he came to this coun- try and located in Jackson township, Tippecanoe county, Indiana, beginning as a farm hand, and carefully saving his toilsome earning. In 1893 he moved to Davis township, Fountain county, and bought one hundred and sixty-two acres of land, to which he later added twenty-three more. This farm he has
1
PAUL HOST.
609
FOUNTAIN AND WARREN COUNTIES, INDIANA.
brought up to an excellent condition, having spent four thousand dollars upon its improvement. He has all of it well ditched and tile drained, has good fences, substantial barns, and a commodious and comfortable home.
In 1874 Mr. Host was married in his home country of Holland to Emma Vereheye, the daughter of Peter and Sophia Vereheye. The wedding journey was the long trip across the ocean to the land of opportunity. To this mar- riage were born four children: Minnie, the oldest, married James Crow, an elevator man of Shadeland, who also rents land and farms it with the aid of his family of boys, the oldest of whom, fifteen years in age, weighs one hun- dred and seventy-five pounds and is stronger than the average man; Sophia, the second child, married R. H. Kerr, now sheriff of the county, and is living at Covington; Mary married John Paul, and lives at West Point, Indiana, where they farm; Charles S., who is farming on his father's farm, married Mary Monat, and has three children, Mary, Pauline and Wilhelmina. His home, which his father built for him, is but a few rods from his father's, and now he is carrying on the brunt of the actual work of the farm.
Paul Host is independent in politics. He is a member of the Catholic church. When he first came to this country, he did not have a dollar, and he has worked at the hardest labor twelve and fourteen hours many a day for fifty cents. Now, although not a rich man in these days of millionaires, he is the owner of a reliable "E. M. F." motor car, and is able to take life with ease, enjoyment and contentment, his early hard work having provided the means to spend his later days in contentment. He is a man who stands well with his neighbors, all of whom respect his sound judgment.
WILLIAM DICE, JR.
It is indeed a rare and great privilege to be permitted to spend our lives in the old home. There is, as Tennyson says, a charm beneath "the roofs that heard our earliest cry" that is lacking anywhere else we may go, no matter whether the individual be a person of sentiment and highly developed emo- tional nature, or not. But for one reason or another, from some whim of . fate or allurement of the spirit of the wanderlust which is felt early in life by almost all, we become separated from the home on which we first opened our wondering eyes and no matter how much of the pleasing and valuable things of the world we may surround ourselves with in other lands and (39)
610
FOUNTAIN AND WARREN COUNTIES, INDIANA.
climes, the new home we have builded for ourselves will lack that hallowed atmosphere, that inscrutable charm that clusters about the hearthstone of the old home that our childhood knew. So they who are rtunate enough to continue their earthly existence in the abode of their fathers should be fully appreciative of the same. One of these lucky residents of Fountain county is William Dice, Jr., a progressive farmer of Van Buren township, who was born and has always lived in the same home, which is located one and one- half miles from Veedersburg.
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.