D. A. WALMER, one of the leading business men in Montpelier, is a native of Wells County, Indiana, born at Bluffton, June 29, 1860, a son of Henry S. Walmer, one of Wells County's pioneers, who has been identified with the interests of that county for over forty years. Our subject was reared near Bluffton, and received his education in the schools of that place. At the age of fifteen years he became engaged with G. F. McFarren in the grocery business in Bluffton, with whom he remained one year. He then attended school one year, and at the age of seventeen years became associated with his father, remaining in business with him two years. In 1870 he clerked for B. F. Wiley in the general merchandise business for one year, then accepted a position with John Dougherty, lumber dealer, with whom he remained six months, after which he was engaged with H. C. Arnold until 1884, when he began dealing in general merchandise under the firm name of D. A. Walmer & Co. This business was established
in 1870 by J. T. Arnold & CO., and was conducted until 1884, when the present firm took charge of the business. The building occupied by the firm is one of the best in Montpelier, and consists of two large double rooms, 20 x 50 feet in size, one room being used for dry goods and groceries, and the other containing clothing and boots and shoes. They carry a stock of goods valued at $15,000, their annual sales amounting to about $55,000, and this is one of the leading business firms in Blackford County. This firm also deals extensively in wool, buying annually some 30,000 pounds. Mr. Walmer is a member of the Masonic order, belonging to the Bluffton Lodge, No. 141, A.F. & A.M., and is also a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 341, of Montpelier.
BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL RECORD OF JAY AND BLACKFORD COUNTIES, INDIANA; THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY, 118 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO, 1887. (PGs. 812-813)
Submitted by Peggy Karol
John G. Wood, -farmer and stock-dealer, section 56, Harrison Township, is one of the leading citizens of Blackford County. He is a native of Morrow County, Ohio, born April 1, 1842, a son of Rezin Wood. He accompanied his parents to Blackford County when ten years of age, and here he was reared, and was educated in the district schools. During the war of the Rebellion he was among those who enlisted in defense of his country's honor, serving six months in Company H, One Hundred and Eighteenth Infantry. He was married October 13, 1864, to Jane Bugh, a native of Perry County, Ohio, daughter of Bernhard Bugh. To them have been born nine children, six of whom are living - Nora, Emma, Norman, Nellie, Ollie, and Lillie. Austin, Arthur and a babe unnamed are deceased. Austin died July 27, 1887, aged nineteen years, ten months and eighteen days. After his marriage Mr. Wood located on the farm where he now lives, but in 1867 removed to Washington Township, where he lived ten years, when
he returned to his present farm. His homestead contains 160 acres of well improved land, and he also owns 240 acres in Washington Township. His residence and farm buildings are commodious and comfortable. Mr. Wood is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry.
BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL RECORD OF JAY AND BLACKFORD COUNTIES, INDIANA; THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY, 118 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO, 1887. (PGs. 813)
Submitted by Peggy Karol
ZADOK T. WILLIAMS, one of the prominent men of Blackford County, is a native of Indiana, born in Delaware County, December 22, 1836, a son of William Y. and Sarah (Tomlinson) Williams. Her father was born in Preble County, Ohio, May 17, 1812, where he was reared and was there married to Miss Sarah Tomlinson, who was also a native of Preble County, her parents coming from North Carolina in an early day. In February, 1834 he came with his wife and one child by team to Indiana, and located on a tract of eighty acres of wild land in Delaware County, Center Township, which he had previously entered, they being among the early settlers of that county. At that time, Muncie, the county seat, was a mere trading post, consisting of one grocery and a log jail, no court house. Game of all kinds was abundant, but Mr. Williams was no hunter He has resided on the land which he first located for over a half a century, and has witnessed the entire transformation of the county from a wilderness to its present
position among the most prosperous communities of Indiana. He has advanced with the county, and has accumulated large property interests, becoming one of the wealthy men of Delaware county. His wife died June 29, 1856, and in April, 1857, he was married to Miss Esther Maroney, who was born in Preble County, Ohio, about the year 1817. Zadok Williams, whose name heads this sketch grew to manhood in Delaware County, where he was reared to the avocation of a farmer on the home farm. He was married August 21, 1858, to Miss Lydia D. Dougherty, who was born in Mount Pleasant Township, Delaware County, a daughter of William and Deborah (Combs) Dougherty, her father born in Clinton County, Ohio, and her mother a native of Virginia. They were among the early pioneers of Delaware County, and on coming to the county settled on the river some six miles below Muncie. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of five children - William A., a farmer of Licking Township, Blackford County; Sarah, wife
of Eaton C. Atkinson; Alonzo M., also engaged in farming in Licking Township; Amanda J. and Emma. Mr. Williams remained at his father's homestead until October 26, 1858, when he moved to Blackford County, and settled on his present farm on section 19, Licking Township, which had been bought into the family some years before. When Mr. Williams came to the township he found his land right in the woods, with no improvements save the erection of a small log cabin, and here he and his wife commenced keeping house. He has had all the improvements made on the farm as well as other property, and now has 230 acres of land, of which 180 acres at least is cleared and under cultivation. He at one time owned considerable real estate, but with the exception of the 230 acres mentioned above, he has divided among his children, giving them a good farm apiece to start in life. In politics Mr. Williams is a Republican. October 9, 1886, he received the Republican nomination at Hartford City for county
commissioner, and although the county is strongly Democratic, he gained the election by a majority of fifty-six votes, which clearly indicates his popularity in the county, and in securing the election he did not lose a half day from his regular work. Mr. Williams has never been an office seeker, this being the first time he has made the race for office, although he has been supervisor of his township more than once. He is one of the substantial and most respected men of Licking Township. His land is among the best in the county, well improved, and under-drained throughout. His residence is beautifully situated, and commands an excellent view of the surrounding country.
BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL RECORD OF JAY AND BLACKFORD COUNTIES, INDIANA; THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY, 118 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO, 1887. (PGs. 820-821)
Submitted by Peggy Karol
WILLIAM A. WILLIAMS, who was born in Licking Township, Blackford County, Indiana, the date of his birth being May 21, 1859, a son of Zadock T. Williams, one of the substantial men of Blackford County. He was reared to manhood at the home of his parents, receiving his education in district schools. On arriving at manhood he was united in marriage to Miss Nina Parrill, a daughter of Charles W. Parrill, of Grant County, Indiana. To this union three children have been born, named as follows - Florence E., Blanche Delight and Edith May. Mr. Williams has always followed the avocation of a farmer, and although one of the youngest he is one he is the most enterprising agriculturists of Blackford County. He removed with his family to their present beautiful farm in 1880, and since that time he has expended $4,000 on the place in buildings and other improvements. His house which, which is 28 x 64 feet in size, is one of the most attractive and tasteful farm residences to be found in Licking
Township, and his fine substantial barn covers a ground area of 30 x 54 feet, and in fact the entire surrounding show the owner to be a thorough, practical farmer. Politically Mr. Williams affiliates with the Republican party. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a trustee, and is classed among the most respected citizens.
BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL RECORD OF JAY AND BLACKFORD COUNTIES, INDIANA; THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY, 118 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO, 1887. (PGs. 812)
Submitted by Peggy Karol
ALONZO M. WILLIAMS, an active and progressive young farmer of Licking Township, is a native of Blackford County, Indiana, dating his birth in Licking Township, January 28, 1874. His parents Zadock T. and Lydia D. (Dougherty) Williams were among the pioneer settlers of the county and the subject of this notice is a worthy representative of this old pioneer family. He was reared to farm life, and like the other members of his father's family, received the best education that the schools of his neighborhood afforded. He remained with his parents until after his marriage, which occurred February 1, 1883, to Miss Emma V. Gettys, a daughter of John R. Gettys, one of the honored pioneers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of three sons-John Z., William Y. and Charles E. In politics, Mr. Williams casts his suffrage with the Republican party. During the comparatively short time Mr. Williams has resided on his present property the place has shown wonderful improvements, and he bids fair to
rank among the prosperous farmers of this county. PK Comment: See Obit board for further information: Mrs. Charles Williams, daughter of Rebecca Miles and Andrew Townsend listed in obit of Rebecca. Mr. Alonzo Williams - obit.
BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL RECORD OF JAY AND BLACKFORD COUNTIES, INDIANA; THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY, 118 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO, 1887. (PGs. 816-817)
Submitted by Peggy Karol
WILLIAM HART is one of the early settlers of Harrison Township. He was born in Stark County, Ohio, June 23, 1837, a son of John W. and Margaret (Blythe) Hart, natives of Pennsylvania, who in their youth went to Ohio, where they were married. They lived in Stark County until 1850, when with a family of ten children they moved to Blackford County, Indiana, making the trip with wagons. They first settled on section 5, Harrison Township, where the father lived until 1885, when he went to Wells County, where he now lives at the age of eighty-five years. The mother died about 1863. William was a boy thirteen years old when his parents moved to Blackford County, and here he was reared, remaining at home until twenty-two years old. He was married November 22, 1860, to Jane Kirk, who died in 1865, leaving three children -Melville, Orland and Cora I. December 24, 1868, he married Rose Ann Mussetter, a native of Green County, Ohio, daughter of Christopher and Mary (Smith) Mussetter. To them have been born
six children, four of whom are living -Mary Amy, Arthur Marion, Rufus Preston and Sarah Elizabeth. Ambrose C. and an infant unnamed are deceased. Mr Hart located on the farm where he now lives in 1870. It contains 280 acres of land, 180 acres of which are cleared and improved. In politics Mr. Hart is a firm adherent to the principles of the Republican party. During the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-third Indiana Infantry, and served seven months. He is a member of the grand Army of the Republican, Montpelier Post. He is a public spirited, enterprising man, taking an active interest in all matters pertaining to religion and education.
BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL RECORD OF JAY AND BLACKFORD COUNTIES, INDIANA; THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY, 118 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO, 1887. (PGs. 886)
Submitted by Peggy Karol
L.C. WARING, agent for the Fort Wayne, Cincinnati & Louisville Railroad, at Hartford City, is one of the best and most trustworthy agents in the employ of this company, and although a young man, has proved capable and practical manager of the interests entrusted to him. He holds prominent positions in both railroad and business circles, and is one of the popular young men in the social circles of Hartford City. He was born in Darke County, Ohio, January 25, 1862, a son of J.L. and Patience (Clary) Waring, who were of English ancestry. When he was five years of age his parents moved to Columbus, Mississippi, where he was reared. He was educated at home by a governess. When but a youth he entered the employ of the railroad company as a checkman, and from this position was promoted to a clerkship in the general freight offices of the company, and from here was advanced to the control of the Hartford City office.
BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL RECORD OF JAY AND BLACKFORD COUNTIES, INDIANA; THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY, 118 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO, 1887. (PGs. 884)
Submitted by Peggy Karol
J.E. McFARLAND, a physician and surgeon of Millgrove, is a native of Ohio, born in Darke County, November 5, 1847, a son of Lewis and Charity (Marquis) McFarland. When nine years of age he was taken by his parents to Randolph County, Indiana, the family settling on a farm on which the father is still living. His education was received at the common schools of his neighborhood, and completed at a graded school in Wayne Township. He subsequently engaged in teaching, and taught one school in Randolph County, Indiana, and two schools in Jefferson County, Kansas. He began reading medicine in August 1869, at Union City, Indiana, and September 30, 1869, went to Lawrence, Kansas. He took one course of lectures at the American Medical College at St. Louis, Missouri. When, May12, 1875, he settled at Millgrove, Blackford County, his intention was to return to Kansas to practice, but owing to Kansas being devastated by grasshoppers he changed his mind, and
as before stated, came to Millgrove, where he has met with success in his chosen profession, and built up a good practice. Dr. McFarland was married December 25, 1875, to Miss Anna McFarland, who was born in Randolph County, Indiana, September 20, 1848, a daughter of Joseph and Susannah (Schlecthy) McFarland. They are the parents of the following children -Josie M., born January 21, 1877; Mary N., born July 9, 1882. Both the doctor and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and among the most respected citizens of Millgrove. In politics he casts his suffrage with the Republican party. Lewis McFarland, the father of our subject, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, March 12, 1819,and when a boy his parents moved to Maryland, living there some two years, when they returned to Darke County. The mother of our subject was born in Darke County, March 11, 1821, where she was reared and married. She died in February, 1885. They were the
parents of eight children - Mary J. married M.W. Byram, and died in March, 1872; Norman, a physician living in New Pittsburg, Randolph County; Emily E., wife of William Zumbrum, living in Kansas; William died aged about eighteen months; J.E., the subject of this sketch; James F., living in the West; George W. died aged two years, and Isaac K., who died at the age of nineteen years. John McFarland, the grandfather of our subject was born at sea, while his parents were coming from the Highlands of Scotland to America, they settled in Maryland near Baltimore. He died in Darke County, Ohio, in his sixty-ninth year. His wife was American born, and also died in Darke County. They reared three children -William, Henry, and Lewis, the father of our subject. The maternal grandparents of our subject, William Kidd and Polly (Stingla)Marquis, were natives of Maryland and Virginia, respectively, the former dying in Darke County, Ohio, at the advanced age of
sixty-eight years. The latter is living in Randolph County, Indiana, in her ninety-first year. The father was born in Darke County, April 23, 1817, where he grew to manhood, and was there married November 29, 1838, to Susannah Schlecthy, a daughter of John and Mary (Noggle) Schleethy, who were born in Pennsylvania, and died in Darke County, Ohio. To the parents of Mrs. McFarland were born six children - John, Archibald, Mary, Eliza J., Anna and David, all of whom are living and married. Soon after their marriage they moved to Jay County, and lived in Pike Township some fifteen years, when they moved across the line to Randolph County, where both died, the father November 18, 1879, and the mother April 26, 1872. Archibald McFarland, the grandfather of Mrs. McFarland, on coming to America settled in Ohio. He and his wife, Mary(Phillips) McFarland, died in County, Randolph Indiana.
BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL RECORD OF JAY AND BLACKFORD COUNTIES, INDIANA; THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY, 118 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO, 1887. (PGs. 815 - 816)
Submitted by Peggy Karol
JOHN A. NEWBAUER, proprietor of the city meat market and a prominent business man of Hartford City, was born in Greenville, Darke County, Ohio, October 17, 1847, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Newbauer. He was reared on a farm until he was twenty-one years of age, and then learned his present trade, which he worked at for two years. In 1870 he engaged in contracting at Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio, where he was very successful, remaining there two years. In 1870 he engaged in contracting at Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio, where he was very successful, remaining there two years. In 1873 he came to Hartford City and established his present business, being the pioneer meat market of the place. He keeps on hand both fresh and salted meats of the best quality, which he serves to his customers in good style, and everything about the place is clean and neat. By his strict attention to the wants of his customers, accommodating manners and reasonable prices he
has established a good business, his annual sales amounting to about $12,000. He also deals largely in lime and stucco, making a specialty of Huntington lime and all kinds of building material. He is the leading ice dealer in Hartford City, selling 300 tons per annum, the ice being procured from a pond of pure spring water. Besides his business Mr. Newbauer owns three houses and lots in Hartford City and a tract of very valuable land adjoining the town. He was married December 23,1875, to Miss Elizabeth Bolner, of Blackford County, and they are the parents of three children, whose names are -Altha, George and Robert. Politically Mr. Newbauer is a Democrat. He has served as a member of the city council. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order, belonging to Hartford City Lodge No. 262, of Hartford City.
BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL RECORD OF JAY AND BLACKFORD COUNTIES, INDIANA; THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY, 118 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO, 1887. (PGs. 785 - 786)
Submitted by Peggy Karol
SETH S. SIMONTON, section 15, Harrison Township, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, February 23, 1829, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth(Oswalt) Simonton, natives of Pennsylvania, his father of Irish and his mother of German descent. His parents were married in Ohio, where the mother died in 1841. They had a family of ten children. In 1842 his father moved to what was then Jay County, and located on section 14, Harrison Township, on a tract of heavily timbered land, which he cleared and improved, making it his home until his death, July 4, 1863. He was married again after the death of his wife, in 1842, to Nancy Shull, and to his second marriage were born five children. Seth S. Simonton remained with his father until manhood, and assisted him in clearing and improving a frontier home. In 1862 he located on the farm where he now lives, which contains 121 acres of good land, well improved, and his residence and farm buildings are among the best in the township. Mr.
Simonton enlisted February 8, 1865, in Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-third Indiana Infantry, and served until the close of the war. He was married in 1853 to Margaret Blount, who died in May, 1856. In 1859 Mr. Simonton married Eliza Shannon, who died in February, 1868. In June, 1868, he married Catherine Ann Downhour. They have one son -Albert S., born in May, 1869. In politics Mr. Simonton is a Republican, but of late has affiliated with the National Greenback party. He is a member of the Christian church, is a licensed preacher, and is an active worker in the cause of Christianity.
BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL RECORD OF JAY AND BLACKFORD COUNTIES, INDIANA; THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY, 118 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO, 1887. (PGs. 826)
Submitted by Peggy Karol
Thomas S. BRISCOE was born in Kent County, Maryland, October 10, 1828, his parents being Samuel E. and Margaret Elizabeth (FRISBY) BRISCOE. Both his grandfathers were ministers, his paternal grandfather an Episcopalian, and his mother's father a Methodist. His father was a farmer, and died September 9, 1871, at the age of sixty-three years, at Galena, Kent County, Maryland, and his mother died at Centerville, Queen Anne County, Maryland, in August, 1851, at the age of about forty-five or forty-six years. Mr. BRISCOE was brought up to the hard work of the farm; but in the prime of young manhood he betook himself to the study of law, and was admitted to the bar November 4, 1852, at Centerville, Maryland. The next year he emigrated West, locating in Lyons, Clinton County, Iowa, and practiced law there and at Clinton for ten years; in 1862 was mayor of Clinton. In 1863 he moved with his family to Linneus, Linn County, Missouri, and lived there until August 24, when his wife died. He next returned East, and in
1865-'66 was employed in the claim agency office of the noted S. S. COX. During the latter year he came to Indiana and settled in Fort Wayne, where he practiced law four years. Next, in the employ of J.C. BOWSER, he laid the ties on the railroad from Bluffton to Hartford City, completing the job in September, 1870. Locating in this city, he practiced law until he took editorial charge of the "Telegram" in July, 1886. He was the president of the board of trustees of Hartford City in 1873, and State Senator from 1878 to 1882. Although brought up an Episcopalian, he is not a member of any church. Was made an Odd Fellow in 1854. Mr. BRISCOE was first married April 14, 1854, to Margaret Anna MACLAY, of Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, and daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth MACLAY. (It is a coincidence worth noticing that both her and her husband's parents were named respectively Samuel and Elizabeth.) Mrs. BRISCOE's grandfather, William MACLAY, was at one time a United States Senator. The children by Mr. BRISCOE's
first marriage were -- E. F. J. B., born in 1855, and Fannie Mary, both of whom are teaching school at Wilmington, Delaware; and Samuel MACLAY, at present the publisher of the Hartford City "Telegram." Mrs. BRISCOE died, as already mentioned, and August 24, 1871, Mr. BRISCOE was again married, this time to Miss Rachel A. HENLEY, of this county, and daughter of John M. HENLEY, of Wheeling, Delaware County, Indiana.
BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL RECORD OF JAY AND BLACKFORD COUNTIES, INDIANA; THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY, 118 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO, 1887. (PGs. 305)
Submitted by Peggy Karol