WILLIAM A. WARD, Rochester, Ind. -- To have lived in Fulton County, continuously since 1832 and to have been twice honored with the office of sheriff and now, March 11, 1896, to be only one of two living persons who came here in that early year, is sufficient to make a man honored. "Del" Ward, as he is familiarly known, was born in the state of New York Feb. 26, 1829, and is the son of Ebenezer and Rachael (Spencer) Ward, who were natives of the same state and who came to Fulton County, Ind., in 1832, bringing with them their family of seven children, of whom the subject of this review is the only one living. The mother deid in 1841, and the father in 1847. The father was a farmer by occupation. He was a man of goo education and in the early part of his manhood he gave some of his time to the ministry. Upon coming here he taught the first school in Fulton County, and this school was attended by "Del" Ward. His brother, John B. Ward, was the first lawyer to hang out his shingle for the
practice of law in Rochester. The earlier years of Mr. Ward were devoted to farming, but later he turned his attention to the business of veterinary surgeon and livery. For nearly fifty years he has been known as a reliable surgeon in this line. He was engaged continuously in the livery business in this city for more than eighteen years or until 1871. In politics he has always been identified with the democratic party and in 1876 was elected sheriff of Fulton County and re-elected in 1878 by the magnificent majority of 465. He was one of the best sheriffs the county ever had. In 1895 he again engaged in the livery business and now with his son, Dr. Henry Ward, continues the same. Mr. Ward was married in 1853 to Miss Adeline H. Howes, who was born in Johnson County, Ind., and died in Rochester in 1890, at about fifty-seven years of age. Mr. Ward is a member of the Masonic fraternity and is a man of unquestioned character and one of the best known men in Fulton County. Of three children
born to the subject of this sketch only Dr. Henry Ward is living. He was born in Rochester in 1856, was educated at the schools of Rochester and in 1887 graduated from the Ontario veterinary college at Toronto, Canada, and since that time has been engaged in the practice of his profession. He was married in 1878 to Miss Ray Samuels, a native of Ohio. To this union is one child, Idelman. He is a democrat in politics, a Mason, a member of the I.O.O.F. and K. of P.
"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896
E.P. WASHBURN, M.D., one of the prominent physicians of Fulton County, is a native of Cass County, Ind. He was born Jan. 24, 1842. His parents were William W. Washburn and Jane Calvin, both of whom were born and reared in Brown County, Ohio. They were married in Cass County, Ind., but soon afterward moved into Pulaski County, where they reared their family of six children, of which the subject ofthis biography is the eldest. Dr. Washburn gained a fair common school education, and ws nineteen years of age when the civil war broke out. October, 1861, he enlisted as a private in company H, Forty-sith Indiana infantry. In February, 1863, he re-enlisted in the same company. With his company he aided in the work of opening the Mississippi river from Columbus south. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg, and was on the Red river expedition, a difficult and disastrous one, in which his regiment was reduced to about 200 soldiers. The doctor was discharged Sept. 10, 1865, at the close of the
war. Then his return home followed, and for five years thereafter the doctor was engaged in farming, a calling never in keeping with his choice. The practice of medicine he wished to follow, and first preparing for the profession by studying under a practicing physician as preceptor, he then took a course in medicine in the medical college of Indiana at Indianapolis. Locating at Linden, Ind., he took up the practice of the profession. Subsequently he returned to the medical college of Indiana, whence he graduated March 3, 1881. He continued an active and successful practice at Linden till 1890, in which year he removed to Kewanna, Fulton County, where he now resides and has a large and remunerative practice. In the year 1859, Dr. Washburn was united in marriage with Rebecca Reichard, of Pulaski County, Ind. Mrs. Washburn was born in Darke County, Ohio, Nov. 16, 1839. The union has been blessed by the birth of the following children: Isabella J., Newton E., deceased; John M.; Blanche A.;
and Burt H. The doctor is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternal organization, the Grand Army of the Republic and Knights of the Maccabees and a republican in politics. John M. Washburn, M.D., a son of Dr. E.P. Washburn, and associated with his father in the practice of medicine, was born in Marion County, Ind., Dec. 6, 1867. He was given a good common school education. he learned telegraphy and was a railroad operator for five or six years; then studied medicine under the guidance of his father. He then spent three years in the medical college of Indiana, whence he graduated March 29, 1895, since which time he has practiced his profession in association with his father. He was married June 11, 1894, to Miss Matie Sears. He is a member of the Masonic order; of the Sons of Veterans, and Knights of the Maccabees.
"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896
EDWARD WENTZEL, was born in Northumberland County, Pa., Nov. 21, 1830. His parents were Christophal and Leah (Adams) Wentzel. They were natives of Pennsylvania and of German parentage. They had twelve children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. The subject of this sketch remained at home with his parents until 1855, when he was married to Elizabeth Schwartz, a native of Pennsylvania, of German origin. In the spring of 1858 Mr. Wentzel came to Fulton County and settled on his present farm in Union township, where he now owns 340 acres of land. He has been a successful farmer, and has reared a good family. Unto him and his wfie the following children have been born: Nathaniel, who married Ida Bitterling, and is now a farmer; Julia Ann, who is the wife of Rev. A.E. Gift; and Jesse, who married Ruth M. Singer, and is now a farmer. Nov. 29, 1864, Mr. Wentzel became a private in company E, Ninth Indiana infantry. He was discharged by reason of the close of the war, Oct. 18, 1865. He is
a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He and his sons are republicans in politics. The whole family are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church.
"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896
BENJAMIN ODEN WEST -- This gentleman is the representative of the Chicago & Erie railway, and agent for the Wells-Fargo express company, at Rochester, Ind. He is a native of Washington, D.C., born Jan. 9, 1858. He is a son of Benjamin Oden and Helen West, whose maiden name of Williams. The father of Mr. West was born in Maryland and his death occurred in Washington D.C., in 1858. The mother of our subject with her daughter (Helen Oden) now resides with her son in Rochester. Mr. West first attended a private school in the city of his nativity, and later was for four years a student at the Maryland agricultural college, where he succeeded in acquiring a good education. In 1881 he entered the employ of what was then the Mutual Union telegraph company of New York city, but which has since been absorbed by the Western Union company. Here Mr. West continued until June, 1882, when he entered the employ of what was then the Chicago & Atlantic railway company, now the Chicago & Erie line, in the capacity
of civil engineer and this trust he held until the completion of the line to Chicago. Mr. West came to Rochester March 27, 1883 and since that time he has been the Chicago & Erie's agent at this place. He has been the agent for the Wells-Fargo express company here since 1886. He is a man in whom the companies he represents and the people of his adopted city have implicit faith and confidence. In 1879 he was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Helvin, a native of North Carolina. They have two children, viz.: Irene O. and Charles W. In politics Mr. West is a democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Hancock. He is a member of the Fredonia lodge, No. 122, K. of P., and Mrs. West is a member of the Episcopal church. They are among the highly respected citizens of Rochestser.
"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896
DANIEL WHITTENBERGER is one of Fulton County's most honored pioneers, having for more than sixty years been identified with its interests. He was born in Pennsylvania, April 24, 1825, a son of Willian Whittenberger, deceased, the first settler of Akron. Daniel was a lad of eleven years when his parents started for the then far west, in company with nine families, who sought homes on the frontier. They traveled from the 1st of June until the 4th of July, when they pitched their tents on the present site of Akron, about where the town pump now stands. During the last ten miles of their trip they had to cut their way through the forest. The father entered a quarter section of timber land, two miles southwest of the village, and there made his home for forty-two years, when in 1878 his life labors were ended and he was called to the home beyond. Daniel Whittenberger spent his minority with his parents and acquired sufficient education to enable him to teach a district school, so that for several years he was the "master" in a little log school house, located on the farm now belonging to Reuben Whittenberger. Going to Warren County, Ohio, he began learning the carpenter's trade, which he completed in Cincinnati, and on his return he followed that business in Henry township for thirty years, erecting all of the more substantial buildings in Akron in that early day. Success attended his efforts and on his marriage he bought a small tract of land adjoining Akron and began farming. To-day he is the owner of 357 acres of rich land near the town, besides other valuable property, which has been secured entirely through his own labors, guided by sound judgement. Mr. Whittenberger was married Feb. 2, 1850, to Fannie McCloud. Her father, George McCloud, was born in Ontario County, New York, Dec. 18, 1801, and wedded Polly Lowe, by whom he had four children - Mrs. Jacob Whittenberger; George, who died of cholera on the plains; Sarah, deceased, wife of Dr. S.S. Terry; and Mrs. Daniel Whittenberger. Our subject and his
wife have three children - Charles A., born in 1850, married Nancy Gatrel, and has a son, Merrill; Allison S., born in 1853, and now a farmer of Kosciusko County, married Annie Slaybaugh, and their children are Theodosia, John O. and Asy, aged respectively seventeen, twelve and two years; Laura B. is the wife of Charles Vickery, a farmer of Kosciusko County, and has two sons, Walter and Earl. Mr. Whittenberger is a staunch republican in politics and as a citizen seeks to advance the interests of good government and to promote the welfare ofhis resident community. He and his wife are highly esteemed for their genuine worth and their long residence in the county thoroughly entitles them to personal mention in this volume.
"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896
REV. JACOB WHITTENBERGER -- A long and honored identification with the history of Fulton County has connected the name of our subject inseparably with its history. He has been rominent in business life and has been an earnest laborer in those interests calculated to advance the general welfare and over the record of his long residence here there falls no shadow of wrong. Mr. Whittenberger was born in Beaver County, Pa., April 5, 1819. His grandfather, also name Jacob, was of German lineage, and was born in eastern Pennsylvania, in 1859. Having aided the colonies in their struggle for independence, he was married in southeastern Pennsylvania to Catherine Engle, and in 1803 removed to Beaver County. He had eighteen children by two marriages. William Whittenberger, the father of our subject, being the ninth. The latter was born in Bedford County, Pa., March 28, 1795, and was married in Beaver County, Sept. 12, 1816 to Joanna, daughter of Joseph and Lucretia (Johnson) Sippy. Her father was born in France, in 1754, and with Gen. LaFayette's forces aided in the establishment of the American republic. In 1831 William Whittenberger removed with his family to Medina County, Ohio, and five years laer came to Fulton County. His children were William, Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, Stephen and Thomas, in Fulton County; John of LaCrosse, Kan.; Abraham, of Kosciusko County; Isaac, of South Whitley, Ind.; Hiram, of Whitley County; and Mrs. Dr. Harter, of Akron. At the age of seventeen Jacob Whittenberger began an apprenticeship to a cabinet maker in Cleveland, Ohio, and later worked as a mechanic in Muskingum County, Ohio, until 1840, when on June 31 he wedded Mary Suppinger, who was born in Virginia, in 1820. Fifteen days later they started by wagon for Fulton County, reaching Akron on Aug. 6. Mr. Whittenberger bought a small tract of land and erected a cabin, where a few years later he built his present residence, the only Indiana home he has ever known. From 1855 until 1870 he was a prosperous merchant of Akron, and
since has been successfully engaged in farming. Mrs. Whittenberger died Nov. 27, 1855, and her six children are all now deceased. On April 10, 1856, Mr. Whittenberger married Mrs. Mary Shelt,and they have two daughters - Ella A., wife of L.M. Noyer, of Akron, and Ina M., wife of George K. Brundige, county recorder. For twenty-three years the father has been an Odd Fellow, and has several times been a representative in the grand lodge. For many years he served as justice of the peace, was a postmaster of Akron for eight years, and for a number of years was township trustee, discharging all his public duties with marked fidelity and promptness. In politics he is a stalwart republican. He united with the Methodist churchin 1837, was ordained a deacon in 1866, served as secretary of the quarterly conference for twenty-five years, and for thirty-five years has been actively engaged in the work of ministry.
"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896
JAMES S. WILDER, who for the past twenty-five years has been a successful farmer of this county, was born in Monroe County, Mich., Oct. 21, 1846. He was educated sparingly in the country schools of his county, and before reaching the age to begin civil pursuits independent of parental sanction, he allowed his patriotism to draw him into the struggle of the United States to put down the southern rebellion. He enlisted at Toledo, Ohio, in company F, Fourteenth Ohio volunteer infantry, before he was eighteen years old. He was mustered in at Cleveland and was sent to Chattanooga, through Nashville and on to Ringgold, Ga., where he was going guard duty until he was taken down with the measles. He was not able for duty again for some weeks. When he became convalescent he returned to Nashville and was furloughed home. He returned to the field in twenty-eight days and at Nashville was attached to the First Tennesse light artillery for a short time and later to the Forty-fifth New York. He was assigned to a
detachment of the Fourteenth corps at Chattanooga and participated with it in annihilating Hood's army at Nashville. The second day he was ordered to report at Gen. Steadman's headquarters and for the following two weeks acted as an escort to that officer. He left this service at Chattanooga and took boat at Nashville for Parkersburg on the way to Washington, D.C. He was ordered south and went by boat from Alexandria, Va., to North Carolina, and joined his regiment near Goldsboro. When Johnston had surrendered all were joined to Sherman's army and set our for Washington to participate in the grand review. The war being over, Mr. Wilder was mustered out of the service at Louisville, Ky. On his return home he was occupied on the farm one or two seasons, and then secured work in a saw-mill. Two years later he came to Indiana and to Rochester, and learned the baker's trade with an uncle, J.W. Wilder. He followed this two years and then began his career as a farmer in this county. He owns a farm of 100
acres near Rochester, besides two smaller tracts near town. He has just completed a cozy and handsome residence in Rochester. Mr. Wilder was married Feb. 14, 1871, to Hester A. Mackey, a sister of H.C. Mackey, of Rochester. Their children are: Frank, born August, 1872, and Mary, born May 21, 1881. Mr. Wilder is a republican in politics, a successful man in business, and an exemplary citizen.
"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896
JAMES H. WILSON, a representative farmer and businessman, was born in Union township, Fulton County, Ind., Oct. 27, 1848. Mr. Wilson is a son of Thomas and Agnes (Wallace) Wilson. His father was born in Glasgow, Scotland, March 23, 1814, and with his parents emigrated to Canada in 1820, later to Oneida County, N.Y., where Thomas learned the weaver's trade. In Oneida County Thomas met and married (1839) Agnes Wallace, whose parents had settled there in 1833. She was born in Renfrewshire, Scotland, April 14, 1815. Our subject's parents came to Fulton County in 1842, settling in Union township, where they lived many years and reared a family of three sons and two daughters, namely, John F., James H., William F., Mary A. and Margaret. James H. was given a good common school education, and he taught several terms of school. He was married to Catherine Killmer, Feb. 13, 1870. She was born in Pennsylvania, Feb. 21, 1850. She died Jan. 8, 1871. Just after his marriage Mr. Wilson began farming as a renter.
His wife lived but one year after the marriage. After her death he engaged in the stock business, in which he has since been more or less extensively engaged. In 1876, Feb. 24, he married a second wife, wedding Etta Vankirk, daughter of George Vankirk, Esq., of Aubbeenaubbee township, where Mrs. Wilson was born Oct. 27, 1857. She has borne him three children, viz.: Harry, Belle and Frances. After his marriage, Mr. Wilson again took up farming, which he has since continued. He now owns a good farm of 145 acres, on which he resides just east of Kewanna. In 1890 Mr. Wilson became a stockholder in the Citizen's State bank, of which bank he has been president since 1892. Politically he has always been a staunch republican. In 1887 he was elected trustee for Union township, in which office he served one term.
"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896
LOUIS WOHLGEMUTH -- This enterprising and progressive citizen, who has won his own success in social and financial affairs, was born in Prussia sone forty-five years ago. Working his way through college, Mr. Wohlgemuth graduated in 1867 from a German gymnasium and the same year embarked for America. He landed in New York city with plenty of courage and zeal and little money. He soon found employment, and after remaining in that city about one year, decided to go west, locating at Cincinnati, where he was engaged at book-keeping and newspaper work for ten years. He then went to Topeka, Kan., and there engaged in business for himself. Two years later he sold out the business and came to Rochester in 1881, to assume management of the extensice clothing business he still controls. During his stay in Cincinnati Mr. Wohlgemuth was employed for three years by the Block publishing and printing company as a correspondent, writer and translator. He is well informed on many subjects. He has made a special study of the languages and is a linguist of no mean pretensions. On coming to Rochester Mr. Wohlgemuth assumed management of the well know Feder & Silberberg clothing house, and since that time has been the sole manager of this successful business institution, which was established in 1868 by Louis Feder and Max Silberberg. The firm of Feder & Silberberg, through its thrift and industry soon discovered that, instead of purchasing goods from manufacturers, they could make them and supply their retail stores, which they afterward established at original cost and thus save the profits of middle-men. The firm moved to Cincinnati in 1880, where they began to manufacture goods, opened a wholesale clothing house. Success has followed the business course of this firm, which is now known far and wide. Their Rochester store was placed in the hands of Mr. L. Wohlgemuth in 1881. As manager of this store Mr. Wohlgemuth has given evidence of his superior business ability, energy and enterprise. He holds several important business positions, among which is the secretary-ship and general management of the Rochester electric light company, of which he was a promoter. He is treasurer of the Rochester Building and Loan association, and was one of the promoters in the organization of the Rochester Improvement association. He is one of Rochester's most forceful and industrious enterprisers and possesses the happy faculty of giving his surroundings a merry hum whether it be in business or the social circle. In political sentiment he adheres to the democratic party. He has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1871 and also belongs to the K. of P. order. In 1880 Mr. Wohlgemuth and Miss Ida Holzman were united in marriage. They are among the leading families of Rochester and enjoy the esteem and respect of many friends.
"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896
JAMES WRIGHT was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, Feb. 11, 1832. His advent tothe county dates back to the year 1847. He was a youth of fifteen years then and still under parental care. His father, Samuel Wright, was born in the same county. The boy was sent to the primitive subscription school during his childhood, but for only a few months in the year for a few years. Samuel Wright was a poor man, emigrating to a new country to get a cheap home, so that he might rear his family under his own roof, though it be that of a cabin. He settled near Tiosa and at once began the task of clearing for the first crop. His sons were brought into service in this work and James was found doing his share. Samuel Wright died in 1873, aged sicty-nine years. He was descended from the Wrights of Virginia, Jacob Wright, his father, being a son of the Old Dominion state. The mother of our subject was Ruth Lowry. Her children are: Sarah, wife of Christian Carter, of Argos; James, Jacob, Samuel, John and Esther, wife of Samuel Reed, all in Fulton County. James Wright was married in this county in 1855 to Elmyra, daughter of Alexander Harmon, who came to the county early from Columbia County, N.Y., and died the next year. The children of this union are: Carrie, wife of Peter Zerby, of Tiosa, and William, trustee of Richland township. He was born Sept. 11, 1858, has been an active business man of Tiosa for the past dozen years and is now manager of the elevator for Mercer & NEal, of Peru, at Tiosa. He married Amanda Swinehart Sept. 24, 1884, and has five children. Delbert is James Wright's third child. He is engaged in the lumber business at Tiosa. Lydia, wife of A.C. Fuser, Mentone, is the fourth child. Then followed Mollie and Mattie, twins. The latter died in 1894. Mr. Wright owns 130 acres near Tiosa, much of which he has been the means of converting from heavy woodland into productive fields. He and his descendants are republicans, and are mentioned when reference is made to the best citizens of the township.
"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896
HON. VALENTINE ZIMMERMAN, who has, through his private and public exertions, become favorably known to a large number of people, is a German-American of the very highest and best type. Mr. Zimmerman was born at Ibenstadt, near Frankfort, Germany, on Aug. 21, 1844. His parents were Peter and Margaret (Weil) Zimmerman. They had eight children, of which Valentine is the youngest. He was given a good German education, and then served an apprenticeship of three years at the shoemaker's trade. At the age of sixteen years he became a journeyman at his trade and traveled all throughout Europe. In 1865 he came to America and for a short time resided in New York city, thence came to Rochester. For fifteen years thereafter Mr. Zimmerman was engaged in the shoe business, both as a manufacturer and retail merchant. In 1879 he closed out that form of business and engaged in the furniture business, in which he has been very successful. He carries a large stock of furniture and agricultural implements. In
connection with the business he does undertaking. In 1866, soon after coming to Rochester, Mr. Zimmerman married Martha Newhart, who was then residing in Fulton County, but was a native of New York and of German parentage. Unto the marriage hve been born the following children: Martha, the wife of D.D. Ginther, of Rochester; Ida, deceased; Valentine; Minnie and Leo. Some thirty years ago Mr. Zimmerman began his career in America with limited means, but he was a skilled mechanic and worked patiently and intelligently at his trade until, by his industry, wise economy and strict adherence to correct business principles and methods, he has won from reluctant fortune considerable wealth. It may be said of him with perfect truth that he is pre-eminently a self-made man. His business sagacity and ready ability in applying means to ends have made him a prominent figure in the business circles of Rochester. In politics he has alsway been a staunch democrat. He was elected state senator for the district of
Fulton and Marshall counties in the fall of 1884. His public career as state senator during the sessions of 1885 and 1887 is a part of the state's history. His course in the Indiana state senate indicates that his sympathies are with the laboring classes, from which he himself has sprung. He introduces several bills in behalf of the laborers of all classes, but space cannot be afforded in this connection to describe them. Senator Zimmerman has always been a staunch friend of education. In the legislative session of 1887, he introduced a resolution calling public attention to the large and increasing demand for school text books, and that school book trusts so manipulated the supplying of the same to the parents of school children that exhorbitant prices had to be paid for the books. Thereby many poor children were practically debarred from school advantages because of the inability of their parents to supply them books. Then followed the enactment of a bill introduced by Mr. Zimmerman which provided
for the publishing and distributing of text books for the common schools at cost by the state. He has twice been honored by the nomination for congress by his political party. In each candidacy for congress his party met with reverse tidal waves, which submerged the hopes of his thousands of friends. But every public trust confided to him from town councilman to state senator has been faithfully and honorably discharged and whether on the tidal wave of popular preferment or caught in the periodical storm of adversity, Mr. Zimmerman has clung tenaciously to his honest convictions and continues a close student of vital questions of public concern.
"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896