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Author: WellsVolunteer
Surnames: ROE, FONK, GARNAND, PETERMAN, HAMILTON, HERCULES, YOUNG, HAFLICH, LAWVER, SETTLEMEYER, DUFF
Classification: biography
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Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, 1903. pp. 509-510.
JEREMIAH ROE.
One of the most experienced and respected farmers of Union township, Wells county, Indiana, is Jeremiah Roe, who was born in Fayette county, Ohio, April 4, 1828, and is a son of Ezekial and Elizabeth (Fonk) Roe. Jeremiah Roe was a child of but three years when he was brought by his parents from Ohio to Indiana. Ezekial Roe entered land in Randolph county and settled down to farming. On the land thus entered young Jeremiah was reared to manhood, in the meantime attending school during the winter months and assisting in the work on the farm until he was twenty-three years old. At the early age of eighteen, however, he began to trade and made some money. At twenty he borrowed twenty dollars, and entered eighty acres of land, but continued to work for his father until the summer of 1850, when he came to Wells county and began clearing the timber from his property, and in winter returning to Randolph county. This practice he followed several years and kept on adding to his holdin!
gs until he now owns three hundred and twenty acres.
Jeremiah Roe was joined in marriage with Miss Mary Garnand, who was born near Reiffsburg, Indiana, in 1841, and is a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Peterman) Garnand, natives of Virginia, hot who were reared in Ohio, whence they came to Wells county, Indiana, and settled in Nottingham township. Jeremiah Roe and his wife settled on the old farm at marriage, and here have been born ten children, namely: Prof. J. N. Roe, who was graduated from the graded schools of Ossian, afterward from the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, in which he is now in charge of the department of pharmacy; John W. married Sadie Hamilton, who died ten years later, and he is now assisting his father in the operation of the farm; Emma J. is the wife of H. Hercules, a prosperous farmer of Union township; Alice is the wife of George Young, of Markle; Charles C. married Jennie Haflich and is farming in Rock Creek township; George A. married Minnie Lawver and is in Huntington county; Etta M. i!
s the wife of Lawrence Settlemeyer; Dora E. is the wife of Aaron Duff; Vernie L. died in childhood, and Maud, at home.
Mrs. Roe is a member of the Church of God, to the maintenance of which she freely contributes, and in this her husband is in no respect backward. As to his political inclinations, Mr. Roe has always been a Democrat and has never found occasion to change the opinions impressed upon him in early manhood. Although a hard worker in his labors for the success of his party at the polls, he has never pushed himself forward as a candidate for office, leaving it to younger men to do the hustling, reserving the right to cast his vote at the proper time. The social standing of Mr. and Mrs. Roe and family is with the best people of the township, and, notwithstanding their advanced age they are still recognized as useful citizens, their sage advice being often sought by persons of less experience.
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Author: WellsVolunteer
Surnames: BLUE, METTS
Classification: biography
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Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, 1903. pp. 508-509.
C. L. BLUE, M. D.
In the present essentially utilitarian age the life of every successful man is a lesson which, told in contemporary narrative, is productive of great good in shaping the destiny of others. There is, therefore, a sense of satisfaction and importance in presenting, even in brief resume, the life and achievements of such men, and in preparing the following history of the scholarly young physician of whom this sketch is written, it is with the hope that it may not only prove interesting and instructive, but that it may also serve as an incentive to those who contemplate making the profession of medicine their life work.
Dr. C. L. Blue, the rising young physician of Tocsin, Wells county, Indiana, is the son of the Hon. M. C. Blue, of Lancaster township. He was born in Jefferson township, Wells county, December 16, 1868, and received his early training on his father's farm and in the district schools. Later he attended the Ossian graded schools and also took a three-years course in the Ossian high school. Before completing his high school course he entered the Northern Indiana Normal School and Business College at Valparaiso, Indiana, where he took the course assigned to teachers, and also graduated from the business department of that institution February 24, 1891. He then returned to his father's home and after teaching two terms entered the School of Pharmacy at Chicago, graduating with the class of 1895. He then entered the Fort Wayne Medical College and after three years' study in that institution graduated with the degree of M. D. in the spring of 1898, in the same class with Dr. Fred M!
etts, of Ossian, Indiana. Immediately after completing his medical education Dr. Blue located in Tocsin, Indiana, where he succeeeded [sic] in building up a large and lucrative practice. His knowledge of medicine not being satisfactory to himself, he went to Chicago in 1901 and took a postgraduate course in the Chicago Clinical School. The Doctor is a close student of his profession and spares no pains to keep in touch with the latest theories advanced in medical science. His reading is extensive and his knowledge of his profession is thorough. He is a member of the Wells County and Indiana State Medical Societies and the American Medical Association, and Fort Wayne Academy of Medicine. He has been vested with the privileges of notary public and also holds the office of deputy health officer of Wells county. He has always given his support to the Democratic party, but owing to his duties as a physician has never taken a very active part in the political affairs of his commu!
nity.
Dr. Blue is a Mason and a man of many friendships, and stands well in the community in which he has labored since the completion of his education. He is well versed in his profession and makes an excellent citizen of Wells county as well as Jefferson township.
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Author: WellsVolunteer
Surnames: ROE, FUNK, WALKER, PUTERBAUGH, KREWSON, BOWMAN, HUNTER, GORRELL
Classification: biography
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Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, 1903. pp. 477-478.
EZEKIEL ROE.
It is generally considered by those in the habit of superficial thinking that the history of so called great men only is worthy of preservation and that little merit exists among the masses to call forth the praises of the historian or the cheers and appreciation of mankind. A greater mistake was never made. No man is great in all things and very few are great in many things. Many by a lucky stroke achieve lasting fame, who before that had no reputation beyond the limits of their communities. It is not a history of the lucky stroke that is of the most benefit to humanity, but the long study and effort which made the lucky stroke possible. That which serves as a guide for the success of others is the preliminary work, the method, and it is that which should be praised and commended by the historian. Among those in this county whose success was achieved along steady lines of action is the subject of this memoir.
Ezekiel Roe, one of the oldest and most prominent settlers of Jefferson township, was born in Fayette county, Ohio, May 3, 1823, his parents being Ezekiel and Elizabeth (Funk) Roe. The grandfather of the subject was a native of Ireland. The father and mother of the subject were both born in Pennsylvania, and there grew to maturity. Eventually they were married and walked to Indiana, where they lived for several years. Finally becoming tired of frontier life they returned to Fayette county, Ohio, and took up their residence.
It was on this farm in Randolph county, Indiana, that the subject. Ezekiel Roe, was reared. The scenes of rural life became familiar to him and it is small wonder that he followed the life to which he had been born. His education was received in the subscription school, which was held in an old log building, totally devoid of even the semblance of comfort. The seats were benches hewed from logs, unplaned and minus the backs; each student took care of his books, which consisted of a slate, spelling book and arithmetic, by placing them on the bench beside him during the day and at night piling them up on the common desk around the wall. This common desk, or rather shelf, for it was no more than a shelf held to the wall by large pegs, was known to the students by the dignified name of "writer's bench," and, armed with a quill pen and a copy book, each scholar laboriously fashioned the letters as the teacher dictated each day. Despite such disadvantages, young Ezekiel stored his!
brain with much useful knowledge, which served him well in after years. He worked on the farm until he was of age, and then was hired by his father for a year at seven dollars per month. After working for his father for a year, he began to hire himself taut to other farmers, receiving as a compensation for his labors the paltry sum of seven and nine dollars per month. Even with so small a salary, he was able to lay aside some money and in time invested his earnings in an eighty-acre tract of land, which he entered in Union township, Wells county, Indiana, and which is now owned by John A. Walker.
On the 4th of July, 1852, Mr. Roe was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Puterbaugh, a daughter of Jacob and Rebecca Puterbaugh, of Elkhart county, Indiana. Mrs. Roe was born in Elkhart county, her parents having moved from Darke county, Ohio, at an early date. The father died in Elkhart county and the mother and young daughter were left to face the world alone. The mother did not long survive her husband and at the age of six years Catherine was left an orphan. She was then taken by an older brother, who reared her. Her opportunities being limited, she was forced to neglect her education and at a tender age, just when other girls were being anxiously cared for by fond mothers, she went out into the world to make her way. This she did by working by the week, receiving but seventy-five cents per week, and was able even with so meager a compensation to eventually save thirty-two dollars by the time she was married. Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Roe moved to a f!
arm in the woods of Union township, where the young husband set to work to clear enough ground to enable him to make a living. In 1859 after he had succeeded in clearing his land until it was in good condition for cultivation, he sold his farm and bought one hundred and sixty acres of uncleared land one-half mile north of Ossian. This land he improved and here he reared his family until, one by one, the birds left the nest, and now only the parents are left in the old home. Eight children, seven of whom are living, were born to them: Addison died at the age of eighteen years; Andrew is a farmer in Jefferson township; Mary is the wife of J. S. Krewson; Maggie is the wife of Allison Bowman; Arthur F. is a farmer of Jefferson township; Anna is the wife of Joel Hunter; Ama is the wife of D. C. Gorrell, and Hampton is a merchant of Ossian, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Roe are members of the German Baptist church and are active in church work. His entire life has been spent in active wo!
rk and politics has for many years opened an avenue for this activity.
The Democratic party has always profited by the subject's political efforts and he is counted by the party as one of its most faithful followers. Mr. and Mrs. Roe are among the best citizens of Jefferson township, where they have resided most of their lives. They are a worthy couple, and no fitter compliment can be paid them than that given by their neighbors, who join in bestowing upon them their highest praise.
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Author: WellsVolunteer
Surnames: CAMPBELL, KYSER, MADDUX, REDDING, CHRISTMORE, ELLIOTT, LEW, LUCKEY, CREVISTON
Classification: biography
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Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, 1903. pp. 589-591.
SAMUEL CAMPBELL.
One of the most respected residents of Wells county, Indiana, is Samuel Campbell, who was born in Summit county, Ohio, April 24, 1843, and is a son of Samuel and Eleanor (Kyser) Campbell, the former of whom lost his life in the late Civil war. The mother remarried, and settled in Union township, Huntington county. When fourteen years old, Samuel Campbell, the subject, started out in life for himself. He worked in a saw-mill, on a farm, or at whatever he could get to do and when the war began, he gallantly responded to his country's call to arms to aid in suppressing the rebellion. He enlisted in August, 1862, in Company G. One Hundred and First Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Truesdale, and was mustered into the United States service at Indianapolis, whence the regiment was sent to the front, via Cincinnati, in order to head off the contemplated attack by the rebel general Braxton Bragg on that commercial metropolis of the Buckeye state. Crossing the river at Cinci!
nnati, the regiment was ordered to Louisville, Kentucky, and so onward to Milton, Tennessee, where Mr. Campbell engaged in his first battle, following which came those of Missionary Ridge, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Chattanooga and several minor engagements in 1864. Mr. Campbell also followed the fortunes of his regiment through the memorable Atlanta campaign and was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea, took part in the reduction of Savannah in December, marched through the Carolinas and took part in all skirmishes and the battle of Bentonville, North Carolina, in March, 1865, and of Raleigh in April, 1865. As the war here closed, the One Hundred and First Indiana joined in the march to Washington to take part in the grandest military pageant the world had witnessed, or probably ever will again witness -- that of the Grand Review. After having shared in this historical event, in May, 1865, the One Hundred and First Indiana was mustered out of the service in June, 1865,!
and honorably discharged, and Mr. Campbell reached Markle, Indiana, i
n time to witness, if not participate, in the notable Fourth of July celebration that followed his return home. A recapitulation of the engagements in which the One Hundred and First Indiana took part will not here be out of order, although not in chronological precision: Hartsville, Milton, Hoover's Gap, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Graysville, Ringgold, Tunnel Hill, Rocky Face Ridge, Dalton, Resaca, Adairsville, Cassville, Acworth, Pickett's Mills, Culp's Farm, New Hope Church, Big Shanty, Lost Mountain, Smyrna, Peach Tree Creek, Chattahoochie River, Ezra Church, Atoxi Creek, Allatoona, Jonesboro, the last twenty-three being included in the Atlanta campaign. It is left to the reader to decide whether Mr. Campbell is entitled to the honorable name of "soldier" or not. For all this service to his country, Mr. Campbel [sic], besides the usual pay and rations he received while in the service, is now allowed a pension of ten dollars per month. On his r!
eturn from the army, Mr. Campbell was again employed in a saw-mill and in this line of business he has been employed for a number of years. He also learned the carpenter's trade, and has worked more or less at this business ever since.
In 1868 Mr. Campbell was united in marriage, in Murray, Wells county, with Mrs. Catherine (Maddux) Redding, daughter of John Maddux and widow of W. L. Redding, and a highly cultivated lady. This union has been crowned by the birth of one child, Alice, who was born in 1870, was educated in the common schools of Wells county, and is now the wife of Andrew Christmore, farmer and holder of oil well interests.
Fraternally Mr. Campbell is a member of Post No. 560, Grand Army of the Republic, at Markle, in which he has served as officer of the day and as adjutant one term, and it is not necessary to add that no one save an honorably discharged soldier (or seaman) from the military service of the United States can hold this position. The religious connection of the Campbell family is with the Lutheran church of Horeb, in which Mr. Campbell has served as deacon.
As a mere incident, or episode in the life of Mr. Campbell, it may be worthy of mention that about 1897, in company with Capt. D. L. Elliott, of Warren, Harman Allen, Christopher Lew, Nathan Luckey, J. J. Creviston and others, Mr. Campbell visited the scenes of their former military exploits, including Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain. Their sensations on this visit may be more easily imagined than described.
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Author: WellsVolunteer
Surnames: ROE, GARNAND, HAFLICH
Classification: biography
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Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, 1903. p. 591.
CHARLES E. ROE.
Among the enterprising and progressive young men of Wells county, Indiana, is Charles E. Roe, who was born in Union township, May 27, 1872, a son of Jeremiah and Mary (Garnand) Roe, a biographical record of whom will be found on another page of this volume. Charles E. Roe attended the common schools of Union township during the winter months of his minority and secured a good education, but during the summer months his services were utilized on the home farm, where he was thoroughly trained in the pursuit of agriculture, his lifelong calling. After attaining his majority he rented the homestead, which he conducted until he was twenty-four years old. On January 5, 1895, he vitas united in marriage with Miss Jennie C. Haflich, a native of Wells county and born March 1, 1878, the daughter of John H. Haflich, and it may be here mentioned that biographical records of members of this highly respected family will be found in this work. To this union have been born two daughters and!
one son, namely: Cecil Dores, born January 11, 1898; Grace Dexter, February 20, 1900, and Doneil Russell, August 30, 1902.
In politics Mr. Roe is a Democrat, and takes an active interest in the success of his party, though he does not care for political honors in the way of office. His career as a farmer is another example of what a young man can accomplish by industry, frugality and skill. If to these be addded [sic] a steady aim at some particular object the missile will eventually be sure to reach its mark. If to this be added also integrity of purpose and honest endeavor, failure becomes an impossibility. Such indomitable industry has placed the subject among the foremost of his contemporaries, as his farm is acknowledged by his neighbors to be one of the best tilled in the township, taking into consideration its dimensions, the farm being well improved in all respects. Mr. Roe also gives some attention to the breeding of thoroughbred live stock. He is widely known throughout Wells county, owing in a large measure to his nativity, but still more to his many good qualities as a gentleman and !
a citizen, and the high esteem in which he and his amiable wife are held in the community is well deserved.
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Author: WellsVolunteer
Surnames: EHRET, MILLER, BURNS, NIBLICK
Classification: biography
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Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, 1903. pp. 493-494.
WILLIAM EHRET.
To the pioneer let us offer due credit, especially to the pioneer farmer, who cleared the wilderness and suffered the many privations of frontier life. The subject of this sketch is one of these, having come to this country with his parents when a babe, helping to clear his father's land when a young man and assisting in the growth of the community until interrupted by the call of his country, which he faithfully served for three years. Having discharged his duty as a soldier, he again took up the laborious work of developing his community and how well he has fulfilled his charge let this sketch proclaim. William Ehret was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, March 30, 1826. His parents were Simon and Catherine (Miller) Ehret, and sprang from a sturdy race of ancestors whose strength and courage have been transmitted to the present generation. Simon Ehret was born, reared and married in Germany, where he served his apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade. He came to America in 1829!
and joined the German community at Zoar, Tuscarawas county, Ohio. He remained there, working at his trade nine years, going next to Chillicothe, Ohio, where for five years he worked at the anvil. He then returned to Bolivar, but later moved to Canal Fulton, Ohio. In the spring of 1848 he brought his family to Wells county and purchased eighty acres of land in section 23, Jefferson township, where he established a rude home in the woods. As the country was new the Ehrets were obliged, until their own cabin could be erected, to move into the house of a neighbor, Jake Burns, where they remained for five weeks. He had decided to ply his trade even in the wilderness and for that purpose erected a shop, working as a smith while William, his son, did the clearing.
William Ehret was then twenty-two years old and was a man of rugged appearance. He was a rail splitter of no mean repute and held his own at the log railings in the neighborhood. He continued to work on his father's farm until 1857, when he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Niblick, of Adams county, and established a home of his own. His wife was ten years his junior having been born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, in 1836. At the age of nine months she was brought to Adams county by her parents, Robert and Syden Niblick.
While Mr. Ehret was thus getting a start in life our country was tottering between freedom and slavery, and imbued with patriotism, he felt that he was needed in the defense of Old Glory, and, leaving his young wife and four children, he offered his services and enlisted in Company G. One Hundred and First Indiana Regiment, under Captain Trusedale, being mustered into service at Indianapolis, in August, 1862. He served three years and was mustered out in July, 1865. The regiment left for the South soon after its organization and was soon in active service, the first engagement being at the battle of Perryville, Kentucky. He also participated in battles at Hartsville, Milton, Hoover's Gap, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Graysville, Ringgold, Tunnel Hill, Rocky Face Ridge, Dalton, Resaca, Adairsville, Cassville, Aukworth, Picket Mills, New Hope Church, Big Shanty. Culp's Farm, Lost Mountain, Pine Mountain, Marietta, Kenesaw Mountain, Smyrna, Peach Tree !
Creek, Chattahoochee River, Atlanta, Ezra Church, Utoy Creek and Jonesboro. He was in Sherman's march to the sea, at Savannah, Ebenezer Church, Barnwell Court House, through the Carolinas, Fayetteville, Averysboro, Bentonville and Smithfield. During his service Mr. Ehret was confined in the hospital two nights and a day, besides being obliged to spend a short time in the convalescent camp. He had many narrow escapes, and for his services receives a pension of twelve dollars per month. After an absence of three years from his family he returned home and resumed life on the farm, where he has continued to reside. He has become a farmer and stock raiser of some note. He is a lover of fine stock and in his county is an authority on good horses, having bred several fine animals which took premiums at the county fairs held in Wells and adjoining counties. In politics he has always voted with the Democratic party and in his younger days was an active and ardent worker in his party!
. As a member of the Grand Army of the Republic he is popular with his
comrades in the William Swaim Post at Ossian, Indiana.
Mr. and Mrs. Ehret are highly respected in Jefferson township, where they have spent all their married life. They are the parents of fourteen children, eight of whom are living. They are good neighbors, excellent citizens and are held in high esteem by all who know them. They are Presbyterians in faith, being members of the church at Elhanan, and are much respected by their associates. Mr. Ehret is a whole-souled, genial man and is so known far and wide in Wells county, while his wife also has the love and respect of all.
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Author: WellsVolunteer
Surnames: ROE, PUDERBAUGH, KREWSON, STINE, NEWMAN, SOMER, SPENCE
Classification: biography
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Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, 1903. pp. 491-493.
ARTHUR F. ROE.
The world bows to the young and enthusiastic; humanity is swayed by their dictations. It is the young man who moves the world forward and places each succeeding decade of her history on a higher pedestal than she has ever before occupied; it is the young man who causes the older generation to wonder at the present and the present to stand in awe of the more glorious future. His environments make this possible, for as each generation nears the meridian, and then the close of life, the burden of the world's destiny is shifted, almost unconsciously, from their shoulders to those of the succeeding generation, which takes up the march and steadily proceeds to a higher goal. Of the present progressive generation, Jefferson township can boast no better than Arthur F. Roe, who is the son of Ezekiel and Catharine (Puderbaugh) Roe. He was born in Jefferson township, April 9, 1862, and was reared on the old Roe farm, one half mile north of Ossian. His early education was received in th!
e graded schools of Ossian, after leaving which he began to teach. He taught his first term at Lancaster Center, and at the same time studying the Latin course of the Ossian high school, from which he graduated with the class of 1882. In 1884 he entered the Methodist Episcopal College at Fort Wayne, after having taught two more terms at Lancaster Center. He graduated in the literary course from that institution in 1886. After spending one year in the West on account of health he returned to Wells county in 1887 and learned telegraphy at Ossian during the fall and winter of that year. He was given charge of the office of the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, at Hamilton, Indiana, for one year, when he was transferred to Ossian. After retaining this position three years he accepted the office of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad at Decatur, Indiana, and after nearly a year there was transferred to Wayland, Michigan, at which place he was stationed three years. He resigned this !
position in April, 1893, and, in company with John S. Krewson and N. W
. Newman, opened a general stock of merchandise at Ossian. H. O. Stine then became a partner, Krewson and Newman retiring after the first year, and two years later he sold his interest to E. H. Roe, the firm becoming Roe Brothers, whose department store is justly considered the leading mercantile establishment of this thriving little city. Roe Brothers carry a stock valued at about four thousand dollars, in departments devoted to dry goods, notions, boots and shoes and groceries, and do an annual business of fifteen thousand dollars. In the fall of 1897, owing to a delicate state of health, Mr. Roe bought the old William Somer's farm, one-half mile south and one half mile east of Ossian, where he finds congenial employment in the attention demanded by the many details of a successfully conducted farm.
Mr. Roe was married April 28, 1886, to Miss May Stine, the daughter of William and Nancy (Spence) Stine. She was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, April 21, 1863, receiving her education in the Ossian high schools, from which she graduated in 1882. She then taught in the district and high schools for three years. Both husband and wife are members of the Presbyterian church, in which he has been an elder for several years. He is also superintendent of the Sunday school, of which he has had charge for nearly thirteen years, and takes commendable pride in the schools, ranking with any in the county. To this couple five children were born, namely: Opal, a student in the freshman class of the Ossian high school; Harold, Orin, Mary and Helen. In politics, although reared a Democrat, he has given his own support to the Republicans, being one of the most active and enthusiastic workers of the party in Jefferson township, being one of the precinct committeemen of the township. He also !
served one term as councilman of Ossian just after its incorporation, in which position he earnestly advocated such public improvements as would benefit the community. He is a man of intelligence, is an excellent citizen, a good neighbor and enjoys the highest esteem of his acquaintances.
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Author: WellsVolunteer
Surnames: ARCHBOLD, GIBSON, RUBY, MILLS, ORMSBY, SOMMERS, DEAM, BEADSLEY
Classification: biography
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Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, 1903. p. 491.
WILLIAM G. ARCHBOLD.
Among the prominent farmers of Jefferson township, Wells county, Indiana, is William G. Archbold, who was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, July 6, 1839, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Gibson) Archbold, who came respectively from Ohio and Pennsylvania families. They were married in Tuscarawas county, coming subsequently to Indiana and locating in Adams county, where John Archbold purchased two hundred and five acres of wild land, which he partially cleared and to a great extent improved, but later removed to Decatur, Indiana, where they passed the remainder of their days.
William G. Archbold was reared on the farm on which his parents settled and was well trained in the details of agriculture, though his opportunities for a scholastic training were somewhat meager. Nevertheless he acquired a sufficient knowledge of books to qualify him for a good position in society and for the understanding of everything that books could impart touching his calling and the current events of the day as recorded by the press.
Mr. Archbold was first married, in 1863, to Miss Elmira Ruby, a native of Ohio, but who was early brought to Indiana by her parents. To this union were born two children, namely: James W., who married Minnie Mills, and lives in Union township, and Mary E., now the wife of A. E. Ormsby, of Union township, and has four children living, Ralph, Argus, Brice and Dale. The second marriage of Mr. Archbold was with Mary C. Sommers, born in Adams county, May 9, 1843, who has borne him three children, viz: David A., who is married to Grace Deam, daughter of John C. and Amanda (Beadsley) Deam, and has one son, Lawrence, who assists his father in operating the farm; Sylvester, who died in infancy, and Ioda, who is still with her parents. The parents of Mrs. Mary C. (Sommers) Archbold removed from Adams county to Allen county, Indiana, whence they came to Wells county, and here the father died at Ossian in 1898, his death being greatly deplored by all who knew him.
Mr. Archbold in his political affiliations is a Democrat, but he has never been a strong partisan, much less an office seeker. He started in life poor, and has made all he has by indomitable persistence and skill. His farm is one of the best of its size in Jefferson township and everything about it denotes thrift, enterprise and good management. All or nearly all the improvements on the place have been made by himself, and all are of the most modern and substantial character. He is widely and favorably known throughout his township and is recognized as a public-spirited and liberal-hearted gentleman, ready at all times to promote every project designed for the good of the public. He is one of the best of neighbors, his name being synonymous with truth, fidelity and charity.
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Author: WellsVolunteer
Surnames: LEE
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Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan R. Lee are attached. Please refer to the message board post.
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Author: WellsVolunteer
Surnames: LANCASTER
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PortraitS of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Lancaster are attached. Please refer to the message board post.
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Author: WellsVolunteer
Surnames: HUDSON
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Author: WellsVolunteer
Surnames: ALSPACH
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Author: WellsVolunteer
Surnames: ALBERSON
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Author: WellsVolunteer
Surnames: ABBOTT, RHOADS, REED
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Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, 1903. pp. 423-424.
A. S. ABBOTT.
To be successful it is necessary that the person be adapted to the calling in which he engages There are some people possessed of sufficient versatility to be seemingly successful in all they undertake, but the average man must be fitted for his calling. Some people flounder around half their lives, shifting from one vocation to another, before they discover what they are fitted for; others strike, seemingly by accident, the business best suited to them, while still others almost intuitively take up the work in which they are destined to excell [sic]. A successful merchant might be a rank failure as a mechanic, and instances where good mechanics are spoiled to make poor politicians are numerous in nearly every community. When Alfred Sherman Abbott, the subject of this sketch, quit his grandfather's home in Shelby county, Ohio, and came to Craigville, Wells county, Indiana, to engage in the general mercantile business with his father he struck a calling for which he is well f!
itted, as his experience of the past twelve years has disclosed.
Alfred S. Abbott was born in Shelby county, Ohio, February 28, 1865. When he was seven years old his father, Daniel W. Abbott, who was a United Brethren minister, was given a circuit in Jay county, Indiana, and thither the family was moved. In the district schools of Indiana young Abbott laid the foundation for a good, liberal education. Having taken the regular course there, he attended the high school at Ada, Ohio, acquiring a very thorough knowledge of all the branches there taught. On completing his school course he for a time traveled about Ohio. seemingly undecided what would be best for him to engage in. In the summer of 1886 he turned up at the old home in Shelby county, Ohio, where his grandfather still lived, and was prevailed upon by the old gentleman to take up work on the farm. He was industrious and provident, his crops and stock thrived and harvests were abundant.
April 15, 1888, he was united in marriage to Miss Laura C. Rhoads, of Rockford. She was a lady of good education and many accomplishments, a teacher in the public schools of Mercer county. He continued cultivating his grandfather's farm until the fall of 1890, when he was invited by his father to come to Craigville and engage with him in the mercantile business, as clerk and assistant, and, with some misgivings, he accepted the invitation. The move proved to be a wise one. Rev. Abbott was postmaster under the Harrison administration, and most of the labor of the office devolved upon the subject. His experience in the store and in the postoffice he found most beneficial, being a sort of commercial education in itself. Under the administration of President McKinley, in 1898, Alfred S. Abbott was appointed postmaster, and in 1900 he purchased the store of his father and since then has conducted it alone. Under the present administration he has been reappointed postmaster, and h!
is conduct of the office has given very general satisfaction. The business of the store continues steadily to increase, trade being drawn from a large area of territory each successive year. Business is conducted in a prudent, systematic manner that cannot but win the favor of patrons, and prosperity is the inevitable result. Few young men beginning in the mercantile line without experience, as A. S. Abbott did, have been as eminently successful as he has.
In January, 1893, Mr. Abbott experienced his first real misfortune. His young wife bade farewell to earth, entrusting to her young husband the care of their two babes, Minnie M., who had been born August 26, 1890, the other Laura J., an infant of but a few days, born January 20, 1893, but who survived her mother only about six months. These bereavements were most keenly felt by the young business man. He, however, applied himself only the more closely to business, endeavoring to forget his sorrows by smothering them with business cares. After a period of nearly two years he was again united in marriage, this time to Laura C. Reed, daughter of David and Elizabeth Reed, of Lancaster township. His present wife was also a school teacher, having taught a number of terms in the vicinity of their present home. To this latter marriage three children have been born: Bertha May, September 13, 1895; Loyd Allen, April 11, 1899, and Helen Margaret, January 12, 1901.
Twice appointed postmaster, each time under a Republican administration, it seems superfluous to mention that Mr. Abbott is a Republican. Politics, however, is not in his line, business being the first consideration with him. He is a member and a regular attendant at the services of the United Brethren church, has been one of its trustees for a number of years and is now superintendent of the Sunday school. His standing in the community is above reproach and there is scarcely a person in town or country surrounding that is not his personal friend.
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Author: WellsVolunteer
Surnames: FRY, ASHBAUCHER, YOST, STAUFFER
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Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, 1903. pp. 421-423.
JOEL FRY.
In the daily laborious struggle for an honorable competence and a solid career on the part of a business or professional man there is little to attract the casual reader in search of a sensational chapter; but to a mind thoroughly awake to the reality and meaning of human existence there are noble and imperishable lessons in the career of an individual who, without other means than a clear head, strong arm and true heart, directed and controlled by correct principles and unerring judgment, conquers adversity and, toiling on, finally wins, not only pecuniary independence but, what is far greater and higher, the deserved respect and confidence of those with whom his active years have been passed.
Back in the early 'fifties there came to this country a sturdy Frenchman, Albert Fry by name, who was convinced of the possibilities and opportunities awaiting the man of ambition, pluck and energy, in this land of freedom. He located in Wayne county, Ohio, and about 1856 was united in marriage with Susan Ashbaucher, the daughter of Peter Ashbaucher, a prominent farmer of Wayne county and a native of Switzerland. To this union there was born, on the 31st of March, 1858, a son, Joel, the immediate subject of this sketch. While the latter was yet a babe, the war of the Rebellion was precipitated and Albert Fry was among the first of the brave volunteers from his county to offer their services, and lives if need be, that the integrity of the national government might be maintained. In 1864, after several years of active and arduous service, he was granted a furlough and started for home, but, like many others, was stricken with sickness and died before reaching his loved ones.
Shortly after her husband's death Mrs. Fry and her son came to Indiana, locating in Adams county where, in 1869, Mrs. Fry was married to John Yost. Joel Fry remained with his mother until attaining manhood, in the meantime attending the district schools of the neighborhood and acquiring a fair education. Until he was eighteen years of age he worked on his step-father's farm and acquired a thorough knowledge of agriculture. At the age mentioned he started out to earn his own living, possessing no capital other than a determination to succeed and an energy and capability for work which was bound to result in his favor. For a year he struggled, doing any work he could find to do, turning his back upon nothing that promised him an opportunity to earn an honest dollar By strenuous endeavor and rigid economy he was at length enabled to purchase a threshing machine in partnership with his uncle, Albert Yeager, and continued in the operation of this machine until he was twenty-one y!
ears of age, when he sold his interest in the business to his partner. The following year he moved to Wells county and purchased a portable saw-mill and followed the lumber business for two years with a fair degree of profit. He had acquired a good working knowledge of business methods and had won for himself a reputation for honesty and fair dealing which assisted him materially in his future operations. Feeling that the pursuit of agriculture offered the most independent life and the surest returns, if properly managed, he, in the fall of 1882, purchased the farm in section 31, Lancaster township, upon which he now resides. This farm comprises one hundred and five acres and has been developed and improved by the subject until it now ranks with the best farms of the township. Mr. Fry continued to operate the saw-mill in connection with his farm until the spring of 1902, when he ceased the operation of the former and has since devoted his entire attention to his farm. He be!
stows great care upon his fields and by closely studying the adaptabil
ity of the soil to the different crops has brought his place up to its highest producing capacity, never failing to realize abundant returns for the time and labor devoted to his chosen calling.
On the 22d of February, 1880, Mr. Fry was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Stauffer, the daughter of Christian Stauffer, of Adams county. This union has been a most congenial one and Mrs. Fry has in many ways proven herself a helpmate in the truest sense of the word. They are the parents of six children, briefly mentioned as follows: Della Belle, born April 7, 1881; Arley Hiram, born December 26, 1882; Meadie, born April 4, 1887; Ada Pearl, born February 18, 1890; Homer Franklin, born August 4, 1893, and Walter Edward, born March 23, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Fry are endeavoring to give their children good educations and rear them in such a manner as will result in the highest standard of manhood and womanhood.
>From the attainment of his majority Mr. Fry has been actively identified with the Democratic party and has always taken a keen interest in the advancement of his party's interests. In the fall of 1900 he was nominated for the office of township trustee and at the ensuing election was successful at the polls and is now serving in this responsible position. He is giving to the duties of this office the same careful attention to details as characterized his conduct of his own affairs and the wise discrimination and sound judgment evinced by him have already won for him the hearty commendation of all people, regardless of party. Fraternally Mr. Fry is a member of the Knights of Pythias, having joined the order in the fall of 1902, in Bluffton Lodge No. 92. In 1897 the subject united with the First Reformed church of Bluffton and has since been a faithful and devoted member of that congregation. He gives liberally of his means to all worthy objects and all movements having for t!
h!
eir object the betterment of his fellow men receive his earnest support. He is a man of quiet, gentlemanly demeanor, highly esteemed by his neighbors and fellow citizens of the community and no one occupies a more conspicuous place in the minds and hearts of the people by whom he is known. His private character is above criticism and he has always aimed to keep his name and reputation unspotted. His has been an earnest life, fraught with much that tends to benefit his kind and his career in the humble sphere of private citizenship, as well as in public position, has added to the character and stability of the community in which he lives.
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Author: WellsVolunteer
Surnames: SLUSHER, CALE, JONES, MORGAN, GOOD, WILLIAMS, RIGGS, CRUSE
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Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, 1903. pp. 238-240.
JOSIAH SLUSHER.
Although this gentleman was left an orphan when a mere infant, he is today one of the substantial and most respected farmers of Wells county, Indiana. He was born August 27, 1844, on section 17, Jackson township, this county, a son of William and Hettie (Cale) Slusher, the former of whom was the first to pass away, and on the death of the latter the child, Josiah Slusher, was taken to the home of Isaac Jones, by whom he was reared on a farm until he reached his majority, when he was given a horse and saddle by Mr. Jones, with which he made a trip to Iowa, where he passed one year.
When Mr. Slusher returned to Wells county he worked out as a farm hand for about twelve months, then went back to Iowa and worked in the same capacity for another year, then made a trip through Missouri, Kansas and other parts of the west, and finally, in the fall of 1868, returned to Wells county and again worked out by the month until his marriage, October 29, 1869, to Naomi Morgan. This estimable lady was born September 3, 1848, in Wayne county, Indiana, and is a daughter of Charles H. and Mary Morgan, natives of South Carolina, the latter of whom passed away on the farm on which Josiah Slusher now lives, and the former in Warren, Indiana, in 1901.
After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Slusher lived on rented land in Jackson township, Wells county, for a considerable time and then lived on Dr. Good's farm in Huntington county for three years. He then made a sale of his personal effects and went to Arkansas in November, 1876, but, not liking the country, returned to Wells county, Indiana, the following February and purchased forty acres of the farm on which he now lives, but which was then a wilderness and had no improvements except an old log cabin containing but one room, but in 1886 Mr. Slusher erected a comfortable house in which he and his family lived until 1901. In the meanwhile he worked industriously at clearing off the land from its incumbrance of timber and converting it into a fruitful and profitable farm.
By 1901 Mr. Slusher had acquired the means with which to purchase the parental homestead, of which he then took possession. He continued to follow his industrious habits and now owns one hundred and twenty acres of as fine farm land as can be found in Wells county, and has besides seven oil wells which yield him about forty dollars per month. He carries on general farming and at the same time devotes much of his time and attention to the breeding of live stock, giving the preference to Jersey cattle and Poland China hogs.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Slusher has been blessed with nine children, namely: Emma Eliza, born July 23, 1870, is now the wife of Oliver Williams, of Jackson township, and is the mother of four children, Frederick C., Arthur C., Howard D. and an infant; William, the second child of Mr. and Mrs. Slusher, was born August 14, 1872, is a farmer in Jackson township, is married to Miss Daisy Riggs, and is the father of two children, Ruie G. and Randall C.; Samuel was born November 20, 1874, and died February 4, 1877; Leora, born November 25, 1877, died September 2, 1878; Charles H., born September 20, 1879, still lives under the parental roof; Mary L. was born March 23, 1882, is married to Eugene Cruse; James R. was born July 27, 1885, and is still at home; Goldie was born June 28, 1891, and the youngest child died in infancy unnamed.
In politics in his earlier manhood Mr. Slusher did not identify himself with any particular party, but voted for such candidates as were best suited in his opinion to fill the various offices for which they were nominated, but he is now a strict Prohibitionist. With his family, he is a member of the Radical United Brethren church, is an active worker in the congregation and has also been a trustee in the church ever since the erection of the church edifice.
Too much credit cannot be given to Mr. Slusher for the prudence he has exercised throughout life and the care with which he and his estimable wife have reared such of their children as have reached mature years and who are now ornaments to the communities in which they live.
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Author: WellsVolunteer
Surnames: ALLEN, FORCE, HULL, WAUGH, MCDONALD, SWAIM
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Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, 1903. pp. 425-427.
PHILEMON A. ALLEN.
Philemon A. Allen is a native of Whitley county, Indiana, and was born near Coesse on the 29th day of January, 1853, being the eighth in order of birth of nine children of Nathaniel and Eliza (Force) Allen, both of whom revere born in Akron, Ohio, representatives of honored pioneer families of the Buckeye state. They were reared in their native state, and in the year It moved to Whitley county, Indiana, which section at that time was almost entirelv unreclaimed from its primitive wilderness condition. The father at once located on a heavily timbered tract of land, which he began to clear and make ready for cultivation. He erected a saw-mill, which was the first in the county, and was for that reason very much appreciated by the settlers. The family abode was at first a modest log cabin, typical of the place and the period, but the intelligence and progressive character of Nathaniel Allen was such as to secure advancement in temporal affairs, and he contributed his full share!
of effort toward the development of the county. He and his wife were both active members of the Methodist Episcopal church and often in those days, before the erection of church buildings, their home was opened for religious services, conducted by the pioneer circuit riders, and the preacher of that period was sure of a welcome in the home whenever his long journey brought him in their vicinity. Of the nine children born to Nathaniel and Eliza Allen, three died in infancy, while the parents resided in Akron, Ohio. Those who lived to mature years were as follows: William A., Wesley W., H. Wallace, Cynthia J., Philemon A. and Mary E. Cynthia became the wife of Isaac Hull and moved to Kansas, where she died, leaving several children. Mary E. became the wife of John W. Waugh and died in 1893, leaving five daughters and a son. William and Wesley both served in the war of the Rebellion and are still living in Whitley county. Wallace went to Kansas in the '70s and still resides t!
here.
Philemon A. Allen grew to manhood in his native county, and the days of his boyhood and youth were passed as the life of the average boy reared on the farm. He attended the common schools during the short terms they were in session each year and the rest of the time was spent in helping to cultivate the farm. At the age of seventeen years he was qualified to teach and was first licensed by that pioneer educator, I. B. McDonald. He taught two years in what was called the "Log London" school and one year in the Snyder school. He then took a course of study in the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio, after which he went to Mason county, Illinois, where he taught for two years. In the spring of 1875 he took some special studies in the Fort Wayne College and a few months later was called to take charge of the normal department in that institution, which he conducted very successfully for two years. In the fall of 1877 he took charge of the schools at Ossian, Indiana, which position he!
held for four years and brought the school to a high standard of excellence. It was during his administration that the excellent high school at that place was organized, which has each year since then sent out fine classes of graduates. In the summer of 1881 Mr. Allen took an extensive European trip, and among other things, made a study of the school system in the countries he visited. On his return from Europe he took the superintendency of the schools at Bluffton, Indiana, which position he held for ten years. On taking charge of the schools of that city he at once organized the high school, which graduated its first class in June, 1883. Early in his administration the Bluffton high school was commissioned and the entire school system of the city was brought to such a state of efficiency that it was recognized as one of the best in the state. At the close of an entire decade of service as superintendent of the Bluffton schools, Mr. Allen resigned the position, having neg!
otiated for the purchase of a half interest in the Bluffton Banner. Th
e board of education was reluctant to accept his resignation and endeavored to prevail upon him to continue in the position. But having for some time been desirous of engaging in journalism he adhered to his purpose, and in May, 1891, he assumed editorial charge of the Banner and continued in that position until January, 1902, when he sold his interest in the paper to the present editor. Under his management the paper advanced rapidly in circulation and influence, and was noted for the high tone which characterized its editorial and news columns. Having always been identified with the best and highest interests of the community and county in which he has resided for twenty-five years, he has never hesitated to make bold and effective attacks upon whatever was at war with those best interests. During the eleven years of his connection with the Bluffton Banner he maintained a lively interest in educational affairs, all school enterprises receiving ample and most complimentary !
notice in his columns. In politics Mr. Allen has always been an uncompromising Democrat and under his direction the Banner led the party to victory in several very closely contested local fights.
On December 25, 1884, Mr. Allen was united in marriage with Miss Georgiana Swaim, of Ossian, Indiana, a native of Troy, Ohio. To them were born two children, Forrest, now in his eighteenth year, who will graduate from the Bluffton high school this year, and Lucile, who died February 6, 1891, at the age of two years and four months. In fraternal relations Mr. Allen is identified with the Masonic order, being a member of Bluffton Lodge No. 145, F. & A. M., and also of the Royal Arch chapter. He has been from young manhood a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal church, serving for many years on the board of trustees of the Bluffton church. He has been for a long time superintendent of the Sunday school of that church, having recently been elected to that office for the twentieth year. Mrs. Allen and their son Forrest are also members of the same church.
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Author: WellsVolunteer
Surnames: BROWN, DICKERHOOF, WERKING, BRICKER, ALLEN
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Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, 1903. p. 593.
MRS. SARAH E. BROWN.
Prominent among the highly respected families of Wells county, Indiana, is that of Mrs. Sarah E. Brown. She is a daughter of John and Sarah (Dickerhoof) Werking, who early came from Ohio, and settled in Rock Creek township, where they afterwards resided until their deaths. Mrs. Brown was born on the homestead, where she still resides, July 16, 1858, her father having entered and settled on this tract of land in an early day, it then comprising eighty acres, unimproved. They were the parents of five children, of whom three still survive, namely: Mary E., who is the wife of Scott Bricker, of Bluffton; Emanuel, and Mrs. Brown. The latter was united in marriage, December 23, 1877, in Wells county, with David F. Brown. Mr. Brown was born in Pennsylvania, where his father, David Brown, was also born and where he died when David F. was a small child. Immediately after this bereavement the widow moved her family to Indiana and settled in Rock Creek township, Wells county, on a small!
farm, where David F. was reared to manhood. He was well educated and became one of the leading politicians of Wells county, and at one time was a candidate for sheriff on the Democratic ticket.
After marriage David F. Brown and wife went to housekeeping on her father's farm, on which they lived about three years and then rented the Deam farm, one-half mile east of Bluffton, where they lived fifteen years, then moved on the farm on which Mrs. Brown now resides. There Mr. Brown died April 11, 1899. David F. and Sarah E. Brown were the parents of three children, namely: John H., born June 25, 1878, who is an exemplary young man, well educated and is managing the farm for his mother; George F., born August 28, 1880, is married to Bertha Allen, and Jennie C., who was born January 10, 1883, has a good common school education and still makes her home with her mother. Mrs. Sarah E. Brown is a lady of refinement and gentility and stands high in the best circles of Wells county.
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Author: WellsVolunteer
Surnames: ALLEN, MILLER, UBANKS, BRICKLEY, WOLFCALE, LINE, MEADAUGH, BROWN
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Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, 1903. pp. 592-593.
HAMON ALLEN.
Hamon Allen is a native of Stark county, Ohio, and was born November 9, 1845, a son of Robert and Mary (Miller) Allen. He is one of the respected citizens of the county and is a man of honor and integrity. Although by trade he is a blacksmith, he engages also in agriculture. He has also served as a defender of his nation's flag in her hour of direct trouble, and of this episode in his life further mention will be made.
Robert Allen, father of Hamon Allen, was also a blacksmith by trade. While still a young man he migrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio and there became acquainted with the Miller family, who were also natives of Pennsylvania and with whom he later became more closely allied. Mr. Allen remained in Ohio until 1846 when he sold his blacksmith shop and other possessions and came to Wells county, Indiana, and located in the town of Murray, where he erected a shop and carried on his trade in connection with farming until about 1851, when he removed to Huntington county, and settled one mile west of Markle and later moved into the village. He was the first and only blacksmith and mechanic in the place at that time, and there he and his wife passed the remainder of their days. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Allen were born ten children, of whom five are still living, viz: William, Levi, Hamon, Alfred and Etura, the last named being the wife of Leander Ubanks.
Hamon Allen was a mere babe when brought to Indiana by his parents. His father died in 1857 and his brother William succeeded to the charge of the homestead, as Novell as of the blacksmith shop, and Hamon partially learned his trade under his brother, but had not finished a legitimate apprenticeship when the stern tocsin of war vibrated throughout the land and the terrible struggle for the predominance of freedom or slavery began. Young Allen was decidedly in favor of the former and was, moreover, patriotic to the very core of his heart, and at once enlisted in the military service. In 1864, being then not nineteen years of age, he enlisted in Company D, Fifty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he took part in the battles of Nashville and Franklin, Tennessee, and also followed the rebel general Hood in his notorious flight. Although Mr. Allen passed through this campaign without a bodily wound, he was deprived of his hearing, in part compensation for which misfortu!
ne he now receives a pension of twenty dollars per month. From Tennessee Mr. Allen was sent with his regiment to Texas, where he served until honorably discharged in November, 1865, some months after the war had been closed. On his return home he resumed work in the blacksmith shop and cared for his mother with filing tenderness until her death.
In 1868 Mr. Allen was united in marriage with Miss Laura A. Brickley, a daughter of George and Bulinda (Wolfcale) Brickley. The young couple settled down to housekeeping in Markle, Huntington county, where Mr. Allen took charge of the blacksmith shop and conducted it until 1891, when he removed to his farm, one mile east of Markle, where he still follows his trade in conjunction with farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Allen have been born seven children, namely: Nettie M., wife of Charles Line; George F., who married a Miss Meadaugh; Bertha, wife of George Brown, a resident of Rock Creek township; Lewis, Lawrence W., Grace O. and Ralph E., all four still at home. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Markle, and in politics Mr. Allen is a Democrat. No family in Wells county are more highly respected than that of Mr. Allen and he is himself regarded as one of its most honorable citizens.
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Author: WellsVolunteer
Surnames: SHEPHERD, RICHELS, RIPPLE, COLBERT, FOLK, COREY, MCCLERRY, KING, BOLANDER, FETTERS, MARKLEY
Classification: biography
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Biographical Memoirs of Wells County, Indiana, 1903. pp. 524-526.
S. E. SHEPHERD.
S. E. Shepherd was born in Harrison township, Wells county, Indiana, January 29, 1848. His parents, Harrison and Elizabeth Shepherd, were natives of Ohio. His grandfather was a soldier of the war of 1812, and located in Ohio soon after peace between the United States and Great Britain was declared, but he did not long survive, and the bereaved mother, considering that the newer field of eastern Indiana might give to her and her children a better opportunity of making their way in the world, moved to Wells county and entered land, north of the county infirmary in Harrison township, where she afterwards made her home until death. Mrs. Shepherd was a woman of dauntless courage and it required women of that kind to brave the perils and hardships of pioneer life. However, her son Harrison, the oldest of the family, was a youth who could be relied upon. He was a tireless worker, sincere and conscientious in all that he did. He cleared and developed the land into a good farm and ho!
me, became interested in the work of education and religion and devoted much time from his own private affairs for the public good. On this farm he lived and labored and here his brave, good mother, after years of toil and privation for her children, died in the sanctity of her Christian faith. Here he married Miss Elizabeth Richels; here his children were born, reared, educated and given their first lessons in good citizenship, and here, eventually, after a well spent life, he was gathered to his fathers at the age of sixty-six years. At the time of his death he was financially well-to-do and was the owner of two hundred acres of choice land. To Harrison and Elizabeth Shepherd were born nine children, four of whom are dead. They are: Reason, deceased; Daniel, deceased; S. C., the subject of this sketch; Sylvester, deceased; Arminda, wife of Wallace Ripple; Ellen G., wife of Lewis H. Colbert; Rosetta, wife of Hiram A. Folk, a farmer living upon the old homestead; Hannah, de!
ceased; Bertha, wife of E. N. Corey, a merchant at Pennville, Indiana.
Upon the farm, hewn out of the wilderness by the industry of his father, S. E. Shepherd was born and reared and during the fifty-five years of his life he has never had a residence outside of Harrison township. In his youth and early manhood he worked by the side of his father, and under the care and direction of that good man received the advantages of a good common school education and later the benefits of a knowledge of the higher branches of learning in the schools of Bluffton under the tutorship of Colonel McClerry. When old enough, he became a teacher in the public schools of the county and followed that calling for a number of years. His license was always of the highest grade, few in the county equalling and none excelling it. When in his twenty-fourth year, October 26, 1871, he was united in marriage to Minerva C. King, daughter of Adam and Elizabeth (Bolander) King, who were natives of Ohio, but had emigrated to Indiana and located near the present site of Craigvi!
lle, Lancaster township. Mrs. Shepherd is a lady of good education, amiable disposition and many accomplishments. For a year after their marriage they resided upon and cultivated part of the old Shepherd homestead, but then purchased one hundred acres in Harrison township, where he now resides. It then consisted principally of woods, but did not remain long in that condition under its new owner. He immediately erected a substantial and commodious barn, forty by seventy feet, and a well arranged residence. This farm is now well drained, fenced and splendidly improved, and is recognized as one of the most productive farms, for corn, in the county. In favorable seasons Mr. Shepherd has raised as high as eighty-five bushels to the acre. His favorite products are corn, hogs and clover and out of these he has made the greater part of the competence which he now enjoys. To Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd have been born three children, as follows: Leora E. was born February 23, 1873, receive!
d a good education and is now the wife of Walter L. Fetters, of Blufft
on; Alma E. was the wife of Dr. H. W. Markley, but died August 13, 1901; Rosanna E. lives at home.
Politically Mr. Shepherd has always affiliated with the Democratic party, in the success of which he has always taken an active part. For seventeen years he has served his township as justice of the peace and notary public. For some years he has been employed as a general agent for patent rights, and in this capacity has travelled over many states, among them Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Kentucky. During these travels he has acquired a fund of information about each locality and its people. With the qualities mentioned it is needless to say that he has been most successful in every line of business he has undertaken.
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