From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Peru Township

ELI J. JAMISON was born in Frederick County, Maryland, November 24, 1820, and is the fourth son of John and Sarah (Harris) Jamison, both natives of Maryland and of English-Scotch origin. The subject of the biography remained on the Maryland farm until 1837, when he came to Indiana and located in Wayne County, where for three years he served as an apprentice at the cabinet maker’s trade. In 1848 he engaged in the general furniture and undertaking business in Muncie, in partnership with his brother John Jamison. In 1856 he came to Peru, where he continued the business until 1880, when he sold the furniture department and is now only engaged in the undertaking business. He has been a member of the Town Council for more than ten years. The marriage of Mr. Jamison occurred 1841, to Miss Sarah Dinwiddie, a native of Peru. They have two children, viz.: Henry B. and Elizabeth L. Mrs. Jamison died in 1846. In 1848 Mr. Jamison was married to Miss Mary S. Marshall of Kentucky. He is a member of the Democratic party and of the Masonic fraternity, and also an Odd Fellow.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Peru Township

JAMES J. KEYES is a native of Pickaway County, near Circleville, Ohio, and was born November 6, 1846. He is a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Oman) Keyes, natives of the same county in Ohio. The father came to Butler Township, this county, in 1847; was a farmer, died September 18, 1868; was at one time township assessor of Butler Township. The mother’s death occurred September 4, 1879. The person whose name appears at the commencement of this sketch was reared on the farm in Butler Township, and at the age of twenty secured employment with a Mr. Whittenberger, grocer, as clerk, and afterwards engaged with Mr. N.C. Brower, boot and shoe dealer, where he remained until 1876, when he formed a co-partnership with Alexander Keyes and started a general store at Xenia, where they continued until 1882, when he purchased a shoe store in Logansport and moved the stock to Peru, and since 1883 has been transacting business at that place. In June, 1885, Wm. M. Trout became his business partner. Mr. Keyes was married to Miss Ida Jacobs, daughter of Samuel Jacobs of Logansport, June 10, 1880, to whom were born two children; Evelyn, born December 9, 1883, and Clarence L.; born October 29, 1885. He is an ardent adherent of the principles and practices of the Republican party, and is a member of the Knights of Honor. Mr. Keyes is an honest, upright citizen and commands the respect of the entire community in which he resides.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Peru Township

RICHARD KILGORE, editor and proprietor of the Evening Journal, was born in Peru, Indiana, December 18, 1866, and is the second child of W.W. and Jane (Kinsley) Kilgore, natives of Kentucky. W.W. Kilgore came to Miami County, Indiana, in 1868 and for some years was in partnership with E.H. Shirk in the mercantile business. Richard Kilgore received a rudimentary education in the schools of Peru, supplemented by a course in Wabash College, which institution he attended for some time. He served a four years apprenticeship in the Republican office, under Reed and Lockwood and after acquiring proficiency in the printer’s trade, worked at the same in various places, having been one year employed on The Enterprise, published at Michigan City. In June, 1885, he accepted a position in the office of The Chicago Tribune which he held until March, 1886, when he returned to Peru, Indiana and purchased the Evening Journal, of which he has since been editor and proprietor. He has displayed fine ability in Journalism and at this time is perhaps the youngest editor in the State. He was married September 7, 1886 to Miss Gertrude Canrode, daughter of T.W. and Jenny Canrode, of Kokomo, Indiana.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Peru Township

FRED A. KISSELL, Deputy Clerk Miami Circuit Court, was born in Peru, Indiana, May 17, 1858; the only son of George H. and Sallie T. (Tracy) Kissell. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, born February 26, 1833. He came to Indiana in 1855, and was for a number of years express messenger on the I.P. & C. railroad, having run on the first train from Indianapolis to Peru. He subsequently abandoned the road and located in Peru, and later moved to a farm near the city. He operated a large stone quarry for a period of about ten years, and died June 22, 1886. Mrs. Kissell was the daughter of Carleton Tracy, who was one of the earliest pioneers of Miami County, settling here when Peru was but a niche in the surrounding forest. He was prominently identified with the early history of the county, held many positions of trust, and departed this life about the year 1865. Mrs. Kissell was born in Peru January 7, 1834, and died August 22, 1882. Fred A. Kissell was reared to manhood in Miami County, received a liberal education in the country and city schools, and at the early age of sixteen accepted a position in the Circuit Clerk’s office under Jesse S. Zern. At the expiration of that official’s term of service he was appointed deputy by the present clerk, Charles A. Parsons, a position he still retains. Mr. Kissell is a careful business man and an accomplished penman, and his records are among the neatest and best kept of those in any of the public offices. He votes the Republican ticket and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. On the 5th of November, 1879, he was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie D. Deniston, a union blessed with two children, Nellie M., born July 26, 1880, and Jessie F., born August 13, 1883. Mrs. Kissell was born July 5, 1860, in the city of New York.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Peru Township

JULIUS KOHLS is a native of Prussia, Germany, was born November 3, 1851, and is the son of Wilhelm and Catharine Kohls. He emigrated to the United States in 1872, and came direct to Peru. In December, 1885, J.M. Garver, his step-father, came to America and located in Peru. He is engaged in business in connection with Mr. Albert Moesk. In April, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Conradt, a daughter of Mr. Charles Conradt (deceased), of this county. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kohls, viz.: Otto, Hulda, Hedwig and Catharine. Mr. Kohls has been an energetic citizen since his advent to this country, and by his judicious management has acquired a pleasant home and comfortable surroundings. He and his family are members of the German Lutheran Church, and he is a Democrat.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Peru Township

WILLIAM W. LOCKWOOD, editor of the Peru Republican, was born in Preble County, Ohio, December 24, 1835. His father, George W. Lockwood, was born in Sussex County, Delaware, in 1809, and was accidentally killed in 1837. The mother of Mr. Lockwood was Belinda Lockwood , whose maiden name was Jackson. She died in Preble County, Ohio, in 1840, having been born in that county in 1813. The paternal grandfather of our subject was William Lockwood, who was born in Delaware in 1776; emigrated to Preble County, Ohio, in 1826, and died there the following year. The grandmother of Mr. Lockwood was Phoebe (Dingle) Lockwood, born in Delaware in 1775, and died in Ohio in 1840. The Lockwood family is of English origin, though the family has been known in America for more than a century. The subject of this sketch is the elder of two sons and because of the early death of his parents, was reared by his kindred, and in the tenth year of his age came to Miami County with his uncle, Daniel D. Lockwood. He first attended the common schools and subsequently was a student at Wabash College. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E. Eighty-sixth Indiana Volunteers, and was honorably discharged at the close of the conflict between the States. From 1865 to 1867 he was an employee in the Indianapolis postoffice. In the latter part of 1867 he engaged in teaching school, which occupation he continued without interrpution until 1878. As a teacher he was a pronounced success, and is yet an uncompromising friend of the public schools and extended education. In 1878 he came to Peru and purchased a half interest in the Peru Republican, and in this connection continues, and is a leading newspaper man of this portion of Indiana. Politically, he is an ardent Republican, and ever on the alert for the best interests of his party. His first right of suffrage was exercised for Lincoln for President. In 1867, he was made a Mason, and is also a charter member of the K. of P. lodge of this city and also G.A.R. post. December 28, 1869, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Waite, daughter of the late Sullivan and Margaret (Woods) Waite of this county. Mrs. Lockwood was born in Allen Township, this county, February 24 1848. To this union are five sons and two daughters, viz.: Charles W., George B., Margaret H., William W., Florence B., Arthur S., and Albert L. He and wife are members of the M.E. church, and are among the best people of this city or county.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Peru Township

EBENEZER P. LOVELAND, late prominent lawyer of Peru, was born at West Rutland, Vermont, November 25, 1817. His parents were Col. Joseph and Beulah (Pratt) Loveland. When he was ten years of age his parents moved to Granville, Ohio, at which place he attended school until his sixteenth year. His father dying at that time obliged him to rely in a great measure upon his own resources, and shortly afterward he engaged in teaching, which he continued several years, pursuing his literary studies when not thus employed. He early chose the profession of law for a life work, and began his preparatory reading of the same under competent instructors at Richmond, Indiana, where he remained until the year 1840. He removed to Miami County that year and began the practice of his profession in Peru, where his high legal abilities soon won for him a conspicuous place. He continued in the active practice at the Miami bar for a period of fifteen years, during which period he achieved the record of never having lost an important case entrusted to his management. During the time he was practicing he was associated with Mr. Beal, under the firm name of Loveland & Beal, and Judge N.O. Ross, under the title of Loveland & Ross, the latter having been one of the strongest law firms in Miami County. In 1856 Mr. Loveland entered the field of journalism and founded the Peru Republican, which was the first successful effort to run a newspaper in opposition to the Democracy in Miami County. The early success of this enterprise was such as to cause, for a time, the suspension of the opposing paper. From the year 1863 to 1867 he was engaged as assistant paymaster, Indiana Legion, with headquarters at Indianapolis, and at the time the Democratic members of the Indiana Legislature resigned their seats in order to prevent the adoption of the Fifteenth Amendment, was the Republican candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated by a very small majority. In addition to his extensive professional business Mr. Loveland always took a conspicuous part in the internal improvement of the county and was largely instrumental in inaugurating the present efficient turnpike system of Miami. He also took an active interest in all measures having for their object the welfare of Peru, and while editor of the Republican persistently urged upon the citizens the propriety of improving and beautifying their premises and improving and keeping in repair the streets of the city. He early took a decide stand in favor of temperance reform in Indiana, and was an active member of the “Sons of Temperance” (having been a total abstainer from the time he signed the Washingtonian pledge when quite a small boy in Vermont), and in 1851 was a delegate to the Grand Division of that organization for this State, which met at Indianapolis. While in attendance at this meeting he was chosen a delegate to the National Division, which convened at Richmond, Virginia, in the summer of 1852. In 1853 he was made vice president of the railroad then in process of construction between the cities of Laporte and Peru. He was active in his endeavors to secure the location of the Howe Sewing Machine works in this city, and it was while trying to save the company’s property in the great fire of February 10, 1876, that he met with a violent death by being crushed beneath a burning building. This sad event cast a shade of deepest gloom over the entire city and county, for his death was not only looked upon as a public calamity, but as a personal loss to the many with whom he came in contact in social and business relations. Mr. Loveland was an ardent supporter of the Republican party, honest in his political convictions and opposed to everything seeming like dishonesty and trickery. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church to which nearly all of his family also belonged. On the 12th day of October, 1842, at Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was united in marriage to Miss Jane Hood, by whom he had seven children, namely: Henry C. (deceased), Celia, wife of A. Faling; Alice, wife of L. Morrill; Clara, wife of B.R. Graham; Hood P., Robert J. and Irene (deceased).

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Peru Township

ROBERT J. LOVELAND, attorney at law, and youngest son of Ebenezer P. and Jane Loveland, is a native of Miami County, Indiana, born in the city of Peru, January 17, 1858. He attended the city schools until his thirteenth year and subsequently, 1873, entered Central College, Franklin County, Ohio, where he pursued his studies for a period of four years completing the prescribed course in that time. He then became a student of Wabash College, Indiana, and attended the same from 1877 till 1879, returning to Peru the latter year, and taking up the study of law in the office of Shirk & Mitchell. He pursued his legal studies under the above able instructors, until the spring of 1880, but prior to that time during his vocations was engaged in teaching in Ohio, and Miami County, Indiana. He was admitted to the bar in 1880, but did not engage in the active practice of his profession until the spring of the following year, at which time he effected a co-partnership with E.T. Reasoner under the firm name of Reasoner and Loveland which lasted until 1884. Since June, 1884 he has been associated in the practice with R.P. Effinger one of the leading lawyers of Peru, and the firm thus constituted has a large and lucrative practice in the courts of Miami and other counties. From his boyhood Mr. Loveland has been a dilligent student, and that he has succeeded in his chosen profession is evinced by the reputation he enjoys among his brethern of the Miami County bar. He mastered the principles of the law in a short time, soon became familiar with its practice, and is now one of the best young lawyers in the city of Peru. He is an active member of the I.O.O.F. fraternity. Votes in confirmity with the Republican party and since his thirteenth year has belonged to the Presbyterian Church.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Peru Township

JOHN C. KRATZER, a native of Switzerland, born March 23, 1833, son of Christian and Elizabeth Kratzer. The family emigrated to America in 1849, and settled near Wooster, Ohio, and remaining there one year came to Miami County in 1850 and settled on a farm in Clay Township and here the father of Mr. Kratzer died February 11, 1883, the mother preceding him December 19, 1881. The subject of this biography had the advantages of fine schools and received a classical education. At the age of ten he began serving an apprenticeship at the jeweler’s trade at his birthplace, Cheux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. He came to Peru in 1852, since which time he has been engaged in the jewelry business in this city. By industry and energy he has succeeded, and is now one of the best business men in his line in this county. He was married November 10, 1857, to Miss Eliza Rettig, a native of Ohio. By that union two children, were born. Mrs. Kratzer died April 2, 1879, and May 25, 1881 he married Mrs. Sarah Rettig, widow of John Rettig. Mr. Kratzer has been a member of the Peru City Council. He is a K. of P. and an Odd Fellow. He is a good citizen and an honorable man. He erected Odd Fellows Hall in this city. He is a Democrat. Mrs. Kratzer has one daughter by her first husband.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Peru Township

JOSEPH H. LARIMER, Clerk elect of Miami County Court. Conspicuous among the self-made men of Miami County, is the gentleman whose name introduces this biographical sketch. Mr. Larimer was born in Deer Creek Township, this county, on the 3rd day of February, 1854, and is the fourth son of Joseph D. and Mary A. (Miller) Larimer, natives of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio, respectively. Joseph D. Larimer was born in the year 1826, emigrated to Indiana in 1846, and settled on a farm in Deer Creek Township, where his death occurred August 11, 1877. Joseph H. Larimer was reared to agricultural pursuits, received in the common schools a good English education, and at the age of twenty-one abandoned the farm, and commenced reading law with Messrs. Farrar & Carpenter, of Peru. He was admitted to the bar, October, 1880, but did not at once engage in the active practice of his profession, taking charge of the Bunkerhill Press, a weekly paper published at Bunker Hill, of which he was editor and proprietor, for about one year. Severing his connection with said paper, he returned to Peru and entered upon the active practice of the law, which he has since successfully continued. He early took an active interest in political affairs and developed considerable ability as a successful politician and organizer. He is an unflinching Democrat, and in 1886 was nominated by his party for the office of Circuit Clerk. He made the race against one of the most popular candidates the opposition could put in the field, and after a very close and exciting contest, was elected by a decided majority. As a business man and attorney, Mr. Larimer is straightforward, upright and honorable, and as a citizen, he enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know him. On the 21st day of November, 1882, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Lillie M. Bliler, of Cass County, Indiana, to which union one child, Edna, has been born.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Peru Township

ABRAHAM LEHMAN. The subject of this sketch is a native of Germany; born in Wurtemburg on the 19th of May, 1895. He enjoyed superior educational advantages in his youth, attending first the common and high schools of his native country and subsequently the Kumzelan College, from which he graduated after a four years course. His literary education being completed Mr. Lehman, at the age of nineteen sailed for the United States and on reaching his destination came direct to Peru, Indiana, where he engaged as clerk with the mercantile firm of the Lei Brothers. He continued in that capacity for only a limited period; engaging in 1867 with David Alder in the dry goods business at Attic, Indiana, where he carried on that branch of trade until 1870. He returned to Peru, the latter year and opened out in the clothing business, which he continued with success and financial profit until 1879. He then engaged in the flax bagging and tow manufacturing, in partnership with the Rosenthal Bros., and in 1881 became a member of a stock company of which in 1882 he was elected President. This company operate the large flax mills just west of the city, one of the leading industries of the county and do an extensive and prosperous business. Mr. Lehman was married October 29, 1884 to Miss Ada Rosenfield, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Lehman have two children, viz: Bernard and Minnie F.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Peru Township

HENRY MEINHARDT, merchant, is a native of Breslau, Germany, and only son of Henry and Elizabeth (Franke) Meinhardt. He was born March 14, 1852, and at the age of three years was brought to the United States, and for ten years thereafter resided in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1865, he removed with his parents to Columbus and three years later came to Peru, Indiana, and engaged as salesman with the mercantile firm of Kilgore & Shirk, in which capacity he continued until 1884. In March, 1885, he engaged in the dry goods business on his own responsibility, and in October of the same year, effected a copartnership with Oscar L. Minor, which still continues. Mr. Meinhardt is a notable example of what energy and determination can accomplish in the face of adverse circumstances. Commencing life with little capital, save a desire to succeed, he has by diligent attention to business and strict probity of character, won for himself a place in the confidence of the people, and the house which he so recently established has already become one of the well known business places of the city. Mr. Meinhardt is Independent, so far as politics are concerned, and in religion belongs to the Methodist church. His marriage was solemnized on the 11th day of February, 1880, with Miss Missouri Hazzard, daughter of John Hazzard, of Kokomo, a union blessed with the birth of one child. Mrs. Meinhardt is also a member of the Methodist church.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Peru Township

REV. HENRY MEISSNER is a native of Munster, in the province of Westphalia, and the capital of that province. He was born on the 3d of December, 1842. His parents, August and Catharine (Brohmeyer) Meissner, both died when he was quite young, casting him upon his own resources and compelling him to fight the battles of early life, without the assistance of paternal care, in which he succeeded admirably, as the following brief review will indicate: After the death of his parents his nearer relatives desired that he should learn the carpenter trade, but his strong desire for knowledge prompted him otherwise, and, at the age of sixteen, he entered the gymnasium or college in his native town, where he remained until twenty-one years of age, when he graduated in Latin, Greek, mathematics, sciences and classics. He procured money sufficient to pay his tuition and purchase books, etc., by giving private instructions to his associates, and by his superiority in examinations accomplished that which he had most desired. However, not satisfied with the amount of knowledge he already possessed, after he had attained his majority he entered the university and embraced the studies of theology, law, philosophy, etc., and continued there for three years, or until 1866, when he graduated with degree in most branches as “excellent.” In 1866 he embarked for America. About this time the Austrian-Prussian war broke out, lasting only about six months, and his country was about to be involved with France. He landed at New York, going direct to Baltimore, where he finished his studies in St. Mary’s Seminary. Our subject was ordained priest June 30, 1868, and then went to the Diocese of Fort Wayne, which comprises the Northern portion of Indiana. Here he had charge of the parish at Goshen, Elkhart County, for two and one-half years, and, in the beginning of 1871, took control of the Crown Point charge, in which place he was continued for a period of nearly five years, and in September, 1875, came to Peru, where he has since had charge of the parish at this place. While at Crown Point, by his indomitable will and energy, he built a school house and church, which are both creditable reminders of his preseverance. At Peru he found the congregation encumbered with indebtedness to the amount of $16,000, which obligations have all been discharged. In 1884 he returned on a visit to the land of his birth, and while on his trip visited many of the cities of France and Italy, making a stay of about four months. In 1880 he completed a volume of poems in the Low German entitled, “Knaffeln,” or in English, “Biscuits,” which was a youthful production, and also a volume in High German, the title of which is “Orgeltoene,” the English of which is “Organ Strains.” He was advanced in 1880 by the Bishop to the position of Examiner and Visitor of the Fort Wayne Diocese. His territory as Examiner only extends over one district, viz.: Peru. He is also one of three of the Board of Theolgians for the Diocese of Fort Wayne.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Peru Township

MOSES MERCER, a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, was born September 5, 1827, and is the eldest son of Aaron and Mahala (Oliver) Mercer, natives of Rockingham and Tiger’s Valley, Va., and who are of English origin. The father moved from Virginia in 1815 to Muskingum County, Ohio, and moved to Peru in 1845, and is now a resident of Newton County, Indiana. He was born in 1802, and is still living and enjoying a reasonable share of nature’s blessing. The subject was reared in Muskingum and Putnam Counties, Ohio, on a farm, until at the age of twelve he commenced to learn the trade of mill-wrighting, which he completed at eighteen and soon after abandoning it, adopted the occupation of carpentering, at which he worked until 1866. In 1845 he was located in the town of Peru. He was engaged by the Indianapolis, Peru & Chicago Railway Company in 1865, to work in their shops, and then went with the Wabash Company, where he worked in the wood department. He married Miss Ann J. Long on March 9, 1886. Miss Long was an accomplished daughter of Mr. John Long, a Cass County pioneer, who resided in the city of Logansport. Mr. and Mrs. Mercer are the parents of five children, Ada J., May, William S., Georgie (girl), and Robert E., deceased. Her death occurred in March, 1886. Our subject is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and politically clings to the faith of the Republican party. The family are members of the Baptist church, and are regular attendants at public worship.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Peru Township