NATHANIEL DUDGEON, present chairman of the board of commissioners for Fulton County, a native of Washington County, Pa., was born Sept. 22, 1831, and is a son of William and Mary Ann (Jones) Dudgeon. The father was born in Maryland in 1803 and died in Holmes County, Ohio, in 1872. The mother was born in Washington County, Pa., in 1811, and died in Holmes County, Ohio, in 1873. In 1832 the family settled in Ohio, having removed from Pennsylvania. The early boyhood of Nathaniel Dudgeon was spent upon his father's farm. He obtained a common school education at the Ohio public schools. At sixteen years of age he began learning the carpenter trade, at which he continued in Ohio until 1852, when he came to Fulton County. Here he remained one year and then removed to Cass County, where he lived until 1857, when he came again to this county and settled on his present farm, five miles north of Rochester. He continued the carpenter business until 1857, since which time he has been engaged in farming. He now owns 371 acres of highly cultivated and is considered one of the best and most successful farmers in Fulton County. Politically Mr. Dudgeon has been a life-long democrat, and for many years he has taken an active part in the affairs of that party. In 1890 he was elected to the office of commissioner from the third district. This position he has ably filled for more than five years. During his second term the magnificent new court house of Fulton County has been erected, and during his term of almost six years many substantial improvements have been made in the county. In 1856 he was united in marriage to Miss Harriet E. March, a native of Berks County, Pa., born Feb. 12, 1831. Mrs. Dudgeon is a daughter of Jacob and Rachel March, natives of Pennsylvania. Her father was born in 1803 and died in Fulton County, Ind., in 1879, and her mother was born in 1803 and died in this county in 1874. To Mr. and Mrs. Dudgeon were born these children, viz.: Orton W. and Alburtus H. Orton W. was born in Fulton County in 1857 and died in this county in 1893. In 1883 he was united in marriage to Miss Carrie E. Miner. To this union are these children, viz.: Fred Ort, Nina Odessa, Georgia, Ethel and Nathaniel. Mr. and Mrs. Dudgeon are among the leading and most highly respected citizens of Fulton County.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896


LEWIS ELY, proprietor of the lumber mill at Bloomingsburg, is one of the best known citizens of New Castle township. In his business career he has met with many difficulties, but his industry and energy triumphed over these. He was born in Knox County, Ohio, Dec. 17, 1837, a son of Benjamin Ely, who was born in Washington County, Pa., Dec. 15, 1810. His mother was Maria, daughter of Jospeh and Katherine (Hull) Staats, the former born in Virginia, in 1790, of German parentage, while the latter was born of Irish parentage in 1795. Throughout his life Benjamin Ely followed farming, and died Nov. 11, 1882, leaving the following children: Lewis, Homer, George W., Joseph S., Katherine, Maria, Rebecca J., Benjamin B., Sarah O. and Zipporah. The grandfather of our subject, Peter Ely, was born in Pennsylvania, April 22, 1785, and was married Nov. 9, 1809 to Mary Horn. In 1813 he removed to Knox County, Ohio, where he died, leaving eight children, Benjamin being the oldest. Our subject received but meagre educational discipline, but was reared to habits of industry. He was married Spet. 30, 1860, to Susan A. Bell, and the following year, accompanied by his brother Homer, came to Fulton County, where, in connection with S. Ely, he engaged in the manufacture of lumber. In 1863 he bought out his partner, but soon after sold the entire plant, and in company with Israel Stuckey contracted for a new mill from the factory. This was located a mile and a half from Bourbon, Marshall County, and was to be put on trail for thirty days. Just before the expiration of the month the boiler exploded, killing one man and seriously injuring Mr. Stuckey, who at once retired from the business. The accident lost Mr. Ely $1,000 but within thirty days a new boiler had been put in and work was resumed. The succeeding fall he was drafted for service in the army, but sent a substitute and continued the business, being joined by French Fisher, who invested $1,200 and became a partner in the enterprise. In January, 1865, the mill was moved four miles west of Plymouth, and by fall Mr. Ely had paid off all indebtedness with the exception of $200. The mill was then moved north of Plymouth and he purchased his partner's interest, and soon accumulated a surplus of $1,000. He sawed logs for his late partner but the money was not forthcoming, and he soon found he was a creditor to the amount of $1,700. In 1868 he removed the mill to an eighty-acre tract of timber near Bloomingsburg, owned by Mr. Ely and Mr. Fisher, and as the lumber was manufactured it was stored in a yard. In 1869 Mr. Ely lost his home and its contents by fire. In 1871 the firm bought forty acres of timber which they manufactured into lumber. The same year they made an agreement to remove their mill to Roann, and when this was partially accopmlished word was received that the material still on the old site was all destroyed by fire. About the same time Mr. Ely's partner died, adding greater indebtedness to him. He continued his work in Roann, by forming a partnership with M.W. Downey and J.V. Bailey, manufacturing barrel stayes at Walnut station. After si months he bought out his partners and removing his mill from Roann, located both plants three miles northwest of Bloomingsburg, where he contracted to cut 300 acres of timber for Mr. Downey, remaining there four years. Within that time Mr. Downey died and Mr. Ely thereby suffered a loss of $6,000. In 1876 he located in Bloomingsburg, and soon built up an extensive and profitable business in the manufacture of lumber, shingles and firkin staves. On Dec. 31, 1880, his mill was destroyed by fire, but soon rebuilt and by December, 1882, had paid off every dollar of indebtedness. He is still successfully engaged in the lumber trade, and in addition he owns considerable valuable farming and other property. Eight years ago he successfully anchored a suspension bridge over the Tippecanoe river, with a span of 265 feet between piers, after the task had been pronounced impossible. Mrs. Ely is the daughter of Rev. Benjamin and Mary Bell. The former ws born in Green County, Pa., in 1812, and died in Licking County, Ohio, in 1884. The mother of Mrs. Ely was Mary Moore, born in Ohio about 1813, and died in Knox County, Ohio, in 1859. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Ely was William Moore, a soldier in the war of 1812, who died in Iowa in 1881, aged 101 years. To Mr. and Mrs. Ely have been born the following children: Mary M., who became the wife of Reuben Kesler, Oct. 4, 1879, and died July 26, 1887, leaving two children - Linnie D. and Earl; Flora D., who became the wife of Levi Bybee, March 6, 1884, and has two children - Noma D. and Devane L.; Elmer E., who married Allie Miller, July 15, 1886, and has five children - Cleo, Millie D., Claude, Dean E. and Merl; George E., who was born Nov. 10, 1869, married Providence Brown, and has two sons, Russell E. and Byron E.; Lewis O., who was married March 15, 1890. to Irene Barrett; and Charles Morga, who was born April 29, 1885. Mr. Ely is a prominent Odd Fellow om politics is a democrat, and has served his township as justice of the peace.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896


JOHN H. ELLIS, the son of Johnand Letitia (King), was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, Oct. 20, 1851. The father, John Ellis, was the son of Robert and Nancy Ellis, and was born in the above named county Sept. 18, 1819. His father, Robert, was born and married in Wales, then migrated to America and settled in Ohio. Robert died when John was but four years of age. John Ellis went to live with one Jonathan Renick, and resided with this gentleman until he was twenty-eight years of age. In the meantime he had hired to various persons by the month driving cattle over the mountains to New York and Buffalo markets. He followed this until his marriage, which occurred in 1847. He had saved enough money in the meantime to buy 160 acres of land. He lived on this farm some six years and then sold it and came to Indiana and purchased 330 acres in Aubbeenaubbee township, Fulton County, where he remained until his death. The land is still owned by his heirs. He died March 18, 1875. He was the father of the follwing children: Martha, John H., Nancy, deceased; Margaret, Bessie, Robert, James, deceased; Andrew, deceased; Emmet, deceased, and Clara L. The father was a very ambitious and hard-working man, and his death came earlier than it would have had he not labored so hard in his time. He was a soldier in the Mexican war. John H. remained with his parents until he was thirty years of age, at which age he was married to Elva Swihart, June 5, 1883. To this marriage have been born two children, an infant and Ray, both deceased. John H. was heir to thirty-one and one-half acres and he bought the respective shares of two sisters, and now owns 103 acres. He and his wife are members of the M.E. church. He has always been a staunch democrat in politics.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896


F.M. ERNSPERGER -- The gentleman whose name introduces this biography was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, Dec. 6, 1836. His father, Christopher Ernsperger, was born in Maryland Dec. 12, 1812, and died in Rochester, Ind., in 1877. By occupation he was a farmer. The mother of F.M. Ernsperger is Julia Ann (Ensminger) Ernsperger, who was born in Pennsylvania, and now (1896), at eighty-six years of age, resides in Rochester. The Ernsperger family came to Fulton County in 1858. Mr. Ernsperger is the third eldest in a family of ten children, of whom nine are living. He obtained a good common school education and at twenty-one years of age began teaching school in his native Ohio county, and upon coming to Fulton County, he continued teaching during the winter season until he had closed his thirteenth school term, counting the time taught in Ohio. In 1864 he enlisted in Companu G, One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Indiana volunteer infantry, and served until the close of the war. He was mustered out of the sevice at Camden, Del., and is now a member of McClung post, No. 95, of Rochester. Since the war he had been engaged in farming and now owns a fine farm of 120 acres two miles northwest of Rochester. Politically Mr. Ernsperger has always supported the policy and principles of the democratic party. His views upon finance are for bimetallism, and upon the tariff he believes in a revenue sufficient to meet the present and increasing legitimate expenses of the government. Mr. Ernsperger served five years as assessor of Rochester township, and in 1891 was elected trustee of this township and served for five years. Although the township is about one hundred republican, he was elected by a majority of twelve, thus attesting to his popularity. In 1859 he was united in marriage to Miss Ida A. Wiley, a native of Fulton County. To this union are the following living children: Della, Bell and Fred. Mr. Ernsperger is a successful farmer and man of affairs.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896


HON. MICHAEL L. ESSICK, a lawyer and citizen of excellent reputation, was born in Ohio, Feb. 20, 1834. His parents were Samuel and Grizella (Todd) Essick. They were natives of Pennsylvania. He was of German and Scotch descent; while she was of Scotch and Irish lineage. The name Essick is of German origin. Mr. Essick's parents were married in their native state about the year 1830. Immediately after their marriage they moved into Ohio, where they lived until 1839, in which year they moved into Indiana, and settled in Miami County, where they continued to reside till death ended their long and useful careers. The father died in the year 1878, and thirteen years later the mother's death occurred. They had eight children, of which only three are now (1896) living. The father was a tanner by trade. Beside following his trade he was also a farmer and merchant. he was of strong force of character, a man of strong brain power, and was universally respected. Such distinguished men as Colfax, Fitch, Jernegan and others were his friends and admirers, and they were frequently his guests. He was the first abolitionist in Miami County, and his house was a station for the historic "underground railway" system, and conveyed many fugitive slaves on horseback. Many were the nights that the subject of this sketch, though then a small boy, led the fugitives on the path that conducted the slave further in his flight for freedom. Samuel Essick and his good wife are still remembered in Miami County, where they were hardy pioneers, leading most exemplary lives. They were members of the Lutheran church for many years and contributed much to the upbuilding of the church of their choice. Their son, whose name introduces this review, was brought up on the farm. The labors of his youth consisted in farm work and assisting his father in his tannery. After attending the country schools, he spent four years in Wabash college at Crawfordsville. He then studied law. In the year 1857 he went west, and on March 4 of that year landed at Manhattan, Kan. There he purchased a yoke of oxen and began hauling rock for the building of a school house. Later he was engaged in surveying. Then he opened a law office in Manhattan, and soon afterward was elected state senator. He was a member of the senate of the session of 1861-62, and gained an eviable reputation as a legislator. He was the prime mover of the legislation that located the present state industrial school at Manhattan. In August 1862, Mr. Esskick enlisted as a private in Company G of the Eleventh Kansas volunteers. In 1863 he was discharged for promotion. He was made first lieutenant in the Sixth Kansas cavalry, and later was commissioned to raise the "Leavenworth Post battery," of which he was commissioned first lieutenant. He refused the commission, and with this act his war record ended. While in the service he participated in the following engagements among others: Battles of Prairie Grove, Cave Hill, Maysville and Van Buren. At the close of the civil war Mr. Essick found himself a poor man and the prospects for money making in Kansas were not encouraging, consequently he determined to return to Indiana. In 1865 he located in Rochester, and became the owner and editor of the Chronicle, remaining as such for about three years. In 1867 he became circuit prosecutor for a judicial circuit then consisting of eight counties. He held this position for two years, performing the duties of the office with fitting ability. Since then he has been actively engaged in practice of law at Rochester. While living in Manhatten, Kas., he married (Oct. 31, 1858) Miss Ellen E. Rowley (a lineal descendent of Hannah Dusten), then teaching school near Manhatten. She was born in Ohio, but losing her parents when she was a small girl, she was brought up by a brother at Angola, Ind. She had poor education advantages, but her love of books was strong and she educated herself by close association to her books, and became a teacher early in life. She has always been a student, and to-day she is well educated. She is of literary tastes, and has the reputation of being a good writer, though she has never made special literary efforts. She is a zealous member of the Presbyterian church, and a leader in social circles. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Essick there are two living children. The elder, Vivian, is married and is farming in Fulton County. The younger, Samuel, is a young man of good education, and a successful career is aniticipated for him by his friends. In April, 1896, Mr. Essick was nominated by the republicans for judge of the Forty-first judicial district, which is composed of the counties of Marshall and Fulton. Mr. Essick's carrerr has been a varied experience, embracing almost every phase of man, and yet, one of extended research and thirst for knowledge.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896


GEORGE RINALDO FISH, the present supervisor of schools of Fulton County, was born in Marshall County, Ind., Sept. 20, 1866. He is a son of Dr. Samuel R. and Susanna (Meyers) Fish. The subject of this review first attended the common schools and later was a student at the Northern Indiana Normal school at Valparaiso, where, in 1891, he graduated from the classic and scientific departments. Mr. Fish began teaching in this county in 1885, and since that time he has been interested in school work. In June, 1895, he was elected county superintendent of schools for this county. The cause of education has always found in him an earnest and pronounced advocate and worker. On June 9, 1895, he was united in marriage to Miss Emily M. Treadwell, of Ann Arbor, Mich. Mrs. Fish is a graduate of the Ann Arbor high school and, before coming to Rochester, taught school one year at Milan, Mich., and upon coming here taught for one year in the Rochester schools. Mr. Fish is a Mason, member of Bloomingsburg lodge, No. 482, and a member of Fredonia lodge, No. 122, K. of P. As an educator and practical man of school affairs, it is safe to say that Mr. Fish has no superior in Fulton County.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896


JOHN C. FRY, of Liberty township, was born in Paulding County, Ohio, Jan. 24, 1848. He is descended from the Frys of Pennsylvania, his father, S.C. Fry, being born in the old quaker state about 1813. He emigrated to Ohio after his marriage and followed farming, his life-time vacation, till about 1859, when he came to Indiana and settled for a time near Wabash. In 1863 he came to Fulton County and lived about the town of Fulton till 1892, when he died. He was twice married. His children are: Catharine, widow of August Diehl; Josiah Fry, a merchant in Cincinnati, Ohio, and John C. Fry, all by his first wife. John C. Fry got but little schooling. His father was not full-handed enough to help his children to begin life as independents. So our subject was driven to the necessity of earning his start by working for wages. When he had saved $600 he paid it out on the contract of eighty acres of his present farm, going $1,400 in debt. All the years since he has given to clearing and general improvement of his premises. He owns now 110 acres and is one of the substantial and reliable men of his community. Mr. Fry was married Jan. 11, 1875 to Mary Jane Van Blarigen, who died in 1888, leaving six children - Alvin W., Arthur J., Marietta and Sarahnetta, twins; Cloe C. and Dora A. S.C. Fry's children by his second marriage are: Mary, wife of Charles Shrader, of Logansport; Sarah, married to Joe House, of Fulton County; Lillie, wife of John White, of Liberty township; Hattie, wife of Adam Britberner, of Denver, Ind., and Samuel L. Fry, in Arkansas.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896


JUDSON M. FULLER, a prominent farmer and resident of Union township, was born in Lucerne County, Pa., June 14, 1836. His parents were Minor and Mary (Majors) Fuller. The father was born in Lucerne County, Pa., Aug. 25, 1808. He died in Kosciusko County, Ind., Aug. 22, 1862. He was a son of William Fuller, also a native of Pennsylvania, whose father in turn was of English origin and a soldier in the revolution. Mary Majors was born in England, Feb. 1, 1807, and her death occurred in Kosciusko County, Ind., Sept. 21, 1857. She was a daughter of Thomas Majors, a native of England. Minor and Mary Fuller were married in Pennsylvania Aug. 23, 1832. They had the following children: Rebecca Ann, Judson M., Joseph, deceased; Ellen, deceased; Major, Mary, deceased; and Margaret, deceased. The parents settled in Koscuisko County in 1853. The father was a farmer and miller by occupation. The subject of this mention was reared on the farm, and the labors of his youth were divided between working on the farm and in the saw and grist-mill of his father. He began the battle of life for himself at the age of twenty-six years. He has always followed farming and has been very successful. He has resided in Fulton County since 1866. He owns a splendid farm of 140 acres and has added t it many improvements. He has always been a staunch republican in politics. Both he and his wife are members of the Baptist church. Their family consists of six children, viz.: Charles, Mary, Ella, Norma, Malissa and Leonard. Their first born, Wilbur by name, is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller wre married Sept. 21, 1862. Mrs. Fuller is a daughter of Richard and Ruth Herd, both of whom were born in England. Mrs. Fuller was born Aug. 26, 1837.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896


MAJOR FULLER, a farmer of Union township, was born in Lucerne County, Pa., Dec. 3, 1843. His parents were Minor and Mary (Majors) Fuller. His father was also a native of Lucerne County, Pa. He died in Kosciusko County, Ind., in the year 1862, at the age of fifty-one years. Our subject's mother was born in England, and when young came to this country with her parents. The paternal grandmother of Mr. Fuller was a sister of Col. Ethan Allen, of revolutionary fame. Mr. Fuller's parents settled in Kosciusko County in 1853, and four years later his mother passed away in death, at the age of fifty years. She bore her husband the following children: Rebecca, Judson M., Joseph, deceased; Major; Ellen, deceased; Mary, deceased, and Margaret, deceased. The parents wre members of the Baptist Church and were highly respected. Major Fuller was reared on the farm and to the independent pursuit of farming his entire life has been devoted. He has been very successful, achieving success by means of inducry, preseverance and frugality. Mr. Fuller has resided in Fulton County since 1866. He owns a fine farm of 243 acres and raises considerable stock. He has given to public enterprise vey matrial aid and to education and church he has always given his full share of support. He and his wife are member of the Christian church; and in politics he is a supporter of the principles of the republican party. Mr. Fuller has been twice married. He wedded Caroline Kersey i 1872. She was a native of Fairfield County, Ohio. In 1882, she died at the age of nearly twenty-nine years, leaving him the following children: Wilbirt A., Arthur C. and Franklin M., deceased. In 1887 Mr. Fuller married Elsie V. Rounds, a native of New York state.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896


GEORGE E. GEIER, ex-trustee of Wayne township, was born at Logansport, Ind., March 4, 1849. He is a son of George and Mary (Rouff) Geier. The father was born in Wickersham, Alsace, Germany, July 26, 1815, and died in Fulton County Nov. 27, 1892. He was a son of Andrew Geier. who lived and died in Germany. George Geier came to America in 1839. He married in 1848, in New York state, and in the same year settled at Logansport, Ind. His wife is Mary Rouff, who was bornin Germany July 5, 1822. The subject of this biographia sketch was reared to farming. He left the parental home at the age of eighteen years. For four years he followed teaming in Logansport. Dec. 28, 1871, he married and settled down in life in Carroll County, where he farmed for three years. He then moved to Wayne township, Fulton County, where he has since resided. Mr. Geier wedded Rebecca J., a daughter of John and Mary J. (Halstead) Hendrickson. Her father was a son of Jacob Hendrickson, whose personal sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Geier was born in Wayne township Dec. 24, 1855. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Geier has been blessed by the birth of ten children. In politics Mr. Geier has always been a staunch democrat. In 1890 he was elected trustee for Wayne township and for five years thereafter he held the office.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896


J.E. GIBSON & CO.. Logansport, Ind. -- The members of this firm are J.E. Redmond and J.E. Gibson, leading contractors of the west, who are now, March, 1896, finishing their contract upon the new courthouse for Fulton County. Mr. Redmond was born in the city of Baltimore, Md., Dec. 28, 1840, and came to Indiana in 1853. With but a brief intermission he has beenin the building business since 1868. Mr. Redmond is one of the prominent Masons of Indiana. In Thomas H. Lynch commandery, No. 14, at Columbus, he was, in 1871, created a Knight Templar in Anderson commandery, No. 32, and is now a member of St. John commandery, No. 24, at Logansport.
Among the many building erected by these gentlemen, either jointly or individually, may be mentioned the following: The school house and jail at Franklin, Ind., the court house at Columbus, the court house at Nashville, the court house at Crawfordsville, the court house at Washington, the court house at Clarksville, Tenn., the addition to the Southern Indiana prison at Jeffersonville; the jail at Kokomo; the bridge over White river at Anderson; the Northern hospital for the insane at Logansport; the library building for the State university at Bloomington; the Southern hospital for the insane at Evansville; Senator Maxey's office building in Texas, and J.J. Dooley's Arcade building at Salt Lake City. Upon the completion of the Pulaski county court house, the following unsolicited letter was given this firm:

Winimac, Ind., Sept. 7, 1895
To whom it may concern;
The new court house here was accepted and settled for by the commissioners to-day. Mr. Gibson, of the firm of J.E. Gibson & Co., has honestly and faithfully fulfilled the contract and the people here are more than pleased with the manner in which the work has been done and the building as completed. I an cheerfully and honestly recommend this firm as competent and honest contractors to persons or counties having work to be erected.
Respectfully,
GEORGE BURSON
Judge Forty-fourth Circuit
These gentlemen are practical builders and experts in all of its branches and sanitary engineering and are sucessful managers of employees, a commendable characteristic being their sturdy opposition to insobriety upon the part of any man who works for them.

"Pictorial History of America, The Fulton County Edition" by Elia Peattie - published in 1896


Deb Murray