Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887

FREDERICK J. MAC WHINNEY, a square timber merchant, of Geneva, was born at St. Thomas, Elgin County, Canada, Province of Ontario, September 9, 1856. His parents were natives of Ireland, and immigrated to Canada, where they were married, and remained there until their death. The father was a tanner by trade, and was the owner of a tannery and boot and shoe store. He died in 1866, aged forty-six years. They had eight children, five sons and three daughters. Frederick J. attended the common schools until thirteen years of age, and remained at home until eighteen years old, then went to work for a ship timber firm. He afterward worked at the same business in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana, and still follows it as his principal occupation. He resided in Celina, Ohio, four years previous to coming to Geneva in 1883. He entered into partnership with Mr. J. J. Watson, which partnership still continues. He was married at Ceylon, Wabash Township, November 22, 1884, to Miss Nettie Ellsworth. Mr. and Mrs. Mac Whinney have one child - Bertha E., born January 24, 1886. Mr. Mac Whinney is a member of Decatur Lodge, No. 571, A. F. & A. M., having united with the order at Sarnia, Canada, about 1880, at which time he became a member of Victoria Lodge, No. 56. While a resident of Ceylon he held the office of postmaster, receiving his appointment under President Arthur's administration. He served until he resigned, after the change in the administration.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887

LEANDER DUNBAR, the present county commissioner of Adams County, was born in French Township, Adams County, Indiana, September 6, 1850, a son of Lucian and Philena (French) Dunbar, the father a native of New York and of English ancestry, and the mother of Scotch-Irish ancestry. Her father, Joseph French, was one of the old pioneers of Adams County, and the first settler of French Township, which township was named in honor of him. Leander Dunbar, the subject of this sketch, was reared to agricultural pursuits, remaining on the home farm, in French Township, until eighteen years of age. He then went to Walworth County, Wisconsin, where he remained a year, then returned to Adams County, and engaged in the manufacture of wagons and carriages at Buena Vista, in Hartford Township, which he has since followed with success. He is the patentee of the celebrated Excelsior Road Cart, for which he received a patent in April, 1886. Mr. Danbar was married at Buena Vista in February, 1875, to Miss Mary Meshbarger, who was born in Adams County, of German parents, her father, Jacob Meshbarger, being a pioneer of the county. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar - Minnie, Carrie and Merlin. In politics Mr. Dunbar affiliates with the Democratic party. In 1876 he was elected justice of the peace of Hartford Township, serving as such two years, when he resigned. In 1878 he was appointed county commissioner to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Benjamin Runyan, and has since held that office by re-election, to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. Mrs. Dunbar is a member of the Evangelical church of Linn Grove.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887

WILLIAM H. H. BEARS, mason and member of the village board, Geneva, was born in Jackson County, Ohio, September 19, 1839, son of Lyman Bears, an old settler of Nottingham Township. William came with his parents to Wells County when one year old, where he was reared on his father's farm, and received a common school education. He remained at home until nineteen years of age, then went for himself, working at anything he could find to do. He was married April 8, 1868, to Eliza A. Reiff, who was born in Pickaway County, Ohio, July 17, 1838, daughter of John K. Reiff, deceased. Mr. Bears remained in Wells County until 1881, then removed to Geneva, where he still resides, and where he has followed his trade, with the exception of two years, when he served as village marshal. Mr. and Mrs. Bears are members of the United Brethren church. Their children are - John W., born April 20, 1859; Jennetta P., born September 24, 1860; Mary A., born October 23, 1862, died May 17, 1868; Lyman U. G., born November 28, 1864; Henrietta, born February 18, 1867; Sarah C., born August 31, 1869; Eliza M., born September 8, 1873; Jesse M., born March 3, 1880, and an infant unnamed, deceased.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887

JOHN KING, manufacturer of wagons and carriages, Decatur, Indiana, was born near Shanesville, Ohio, November 22, 1838, a son of Jacob and Catherine (Goff) King, the former of German and the latter of Scotch descent. In 1842 Jacob King moved to Decatur, Indiana, being the first blacksmith to locate permanently in the town. He continued to work at his trade until 1871, when he retired on account of old age. In politics he was a Democrat. He served as marshal of Decatur, constable of Washington Township and sheriff of Adams County. He is still living in Decatur, aged seventy-seven years. The mother died in 1853, aged thirty-eight years. From the age of four years John King was reared in Decatur, and was educated in the public schools. When seventeen years of age he began to learn the blacksmith's trade, and in 1861 became associated with his father and brother David, the firm being known as Jacob King & Sons. In 1862 he and his brother formed a partnership under the firm name of J. & D. King, which continued until August of the same year, when his brother enlisted in the defense of his country; but in 1865, on his return from the army, the partnership was again formed and continued until 1868, when our subject withdrew from the firm and became established in his present business. In September, 1885, he added to his other business that of harness-making, J. J. Glutting becoming associated with him in that branch as King & Glutting. In politics Mr. King is a Democrat. From 1866 till 1868 he served as councilman of the village of Decatur, and in 1880 was elected trustee of Washington Township, holding the latter office by re-election until 1885. He is a member of the Masonic and Knights of Pythias orders. He was married November 21, 1861, to Catherine E. Eganson, a native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, daughter of Joseph L. and Mary E. (Smith) Eganson. They have had three children, but one of whom is living - Charles M; Artie died February 5, 1863, aged one year, and Mary Ellen Decemher 29, 1870, aged eight years. Mrs. King is a member of the Presbyterian church.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887

JOSEPH E. MANN, farmer, section 19, Root Township, owns 152 acres of land on sections 19 and 30. He was born in Preble Township December 13, 1846, where he lived until he was twenty-six years of age, when he came to his present farm. His education was limited to the common schools of his father's district. His father, Joseph Mann, was born in Elyria, Ohio, September 26, 1811, and when a child his parents removed to Lorain County, Ohio, where he lived until eighteen years of age, when the family removed to Preble Township, upon a piece of wild land. They came to this county in 1829 or 1830, and were among the first in the township. The father took up 160 acres of land, and here the grandfather lived for a few years, then moved a few miles south, where he died in 1853. The step-grandmother died in Decatur in May, 1884, at the age of eighty-five years. Mr. Mann's own grandmother was killed in Lorain County by a stub falling upon her while assisting her husband in clearing some land. His mother, Sarah J. (MeWhorter) Mann, was born near Sandusky, Ohio. When she was twelve or fourteen years of age her parents brought her to Root Township, where she was married. There were seven children, six daughters and one son - Clements died when a child in Preble Township, and was buried at the Mann cemetery; Diana, widow of Charles Bly; Joseph E., Rachel, wife of August Streib; Caroline, who died at the age of four years; Susanna, wife of William Nahrwold; Delila, wife of Albert Butler. Joseph E. was reared on a farm, and has always been a farmer. He is now engaged in handling and feeding stock in connection with farming. He was married May 29, 1870, to Miss Louisa C. Kiess, who was born in Liverpool, Medina County, Ohio, July 17, 1851. She came with her parents to Adams County when she was seventeen years of age, the family settling in Preble Township. Her parents, John and Louisa (Betz) Kiess, are still living on that farm. They were born in Wurtemburg, Germany. The father was only six years old when he came to America, but the mother was eighteen. They were married in Liverpool, Ohio. Her grandparents, Frederick and Margaret (Wolf) Kiess, buth died in Liverpool. Her maternal grandparents, Frederick and Catherine (Spieth) Betz, were born in Germany; the former died in Medina County, Ohio, and the latter died in the old country. Mr. and Mrs. Mann have seven children - Izora J., born February 14, 1871; John E., born September 10, 1872; Harlow W., born January 2, 1874; Susanna L., born September 24, 1875; Ethel S., born January 15, 1878; Nettie S., born May 8, 1880, and Robert J., born March 1, 1884. Mr. Mann's grandfather, Robert MeWhorter, died in Root Township in 1849. His grandmother, Diana MeWhorter, died February 26, 1872, at the age of seventy-nine years. Politically Mr. Mann is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887

WILLIAM P. MALLONEE, farmer, section 19, Root Township, was born in Morrow County, Ohio, August 30, 1839, and when he was eleven years of age his father's family came to Indiana, settling on the farm now owned and occupied by William. The father purchased this farm, and after a few years traded it for another farm, and William afterward bought it, and now occupies it. He bought it in 1864 while he was in the army, or rather, gave his father a power of attorney to buy it for him. He enlisted August 8, 1862, in Company H, Eighty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and was in the service three years. His first engagement was at Munfordville, Kentucky, where his regiment was captured, with the rest of the Union army, which amounted to about 4,000 men. They were paroled and went home on thirty days furlough, and were soon exchanged and ordered back. They went to Memphis, serving under General Sherman on his raid to Meridian, Mississippi, then returned to Memphis, going thence to assist Banks in his Red River expedition; thence to Memphis again, and went on an expedition to Tupelo, Mississippi; thence to St. Louis to drive back General Price; thence to Nashville, where the regiment was under General Thomas; thence to Eastport, Tennessee, where they wintered; thence to New Orleans, and to Mobile, Alabama, assisting in the capture of that city. Mr. Mallonee was mustered out at Mobile and paid off at Indianapolis. He was married October 22, 1865, to Miss Rachel Archibald, who was born in Adams County April 6, 1841, and was reared in Root Township. Her parents were Thomas and Melinda (Andrews) Archibald, the former born in 1800, died in November, 1871; the latter born in 1803, died in February, 1873. Her grandmother, Melinda (Cecil) Andrews, died in Root Township, this county, while living with one of her daughters. Her grandfather, Jonathan Andrews, died in Maryland. Mr. Mallonee's father, James Mallonee, was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, October 20, 1814, and when a young man removed to Morrow County, Ohio, where he was married. He came to this county April 17, 1850, where he has since resided. The mother, Margaret (Pittman) Mallonee, was born in Morrow County, Ohio, February 8, 1817, and was reared in her native place. She died June 17, 1886, and is buried in Reynolds' cemetery. His grandfather, James Mallonee, died in Pennsylvania, when his son James was a boy. The grandmother, Delilah (Cullison) Mallonee, died in this county, and is buried in Reynolds' cemetery. His maternal grandfather, Benjamin Pittman, was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in Darke County, Indiana. His grandmother Pittman died when her daughter Margaret was young. The grandfather Pittman was three times married, and was living with his third wife at death. Mr. and Mrs. Mallonee have had seven children - Maggie M., born May 30, 1869; Ida, born March 15, 1872; Ada, September 13, 1877; Ettie, September 27, 1881; Dallas, born October 24, 1866, died August 8, 1868; Luella, born January 9, 1875, died December 8, 1876; Emerson, born December 2, 1879, died September 11, 1880. Politically Mr. Mallonee is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887

JACOB STULTS, farmer, section 31, Union Township, came to this county in 1842, settling on section 25, Washington Township. He was accompanied by his parents, brothers and sisters. An older sister had preceded them and settled in Van Wert. She is now in Longmont, Colorado. James H., a brother, also lives in Longmont, near the sister. The youngest brother, Samuel F., is living in Guthrie County, Iowa, and is president of the Exchange Bank at Menlo. Catherine, wife of Jesse Brandebery, resides in Washington Township. The parents were John and Polly (Sprinkle) Stults. The father was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, in 1801, and when he was one year old his parents removed to Highland County, Ohio, where he was reared and married. In 1836 the family removed to Fayette County, where they lived until their removal to this county. The father died in Washington 'Township in October, 1845, and is buried at Pleasant Mills, St. Mary's Township. The mother was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, in 1789, being twelve years older than the father. She went to Highland County, Ohio, with her mother when a young woman, her father having died in Rockingham County. Her mother died in April, 1865, and is buried beside the father. The latter was a school-teacher by occupation, having taught twenty-one years and nine months. The mother was a Christian woman, doing good to all with whom she associated. Jacob Stults, the grandfather of our subject, was probably born in Pennsylvania, and died about the year 1850 in Highland County, Ohio. The grandmother, Catherine Stults, was also born in Pennsylvania, and died in Highland County, on the old farm. His maternal grandfather died in Virginia aud the maternal grandmother died in Highland County. His great-grandfather Stults was undoubtedly born in Germany. Jacob, the subject of this sketch, was born in Highland County December 24, 1826. When the family came to this county they settled upon a piece of land purchased of John Archer, in Fayette County, Ohio. They came here in September, and camped out until the cabin was built. It was a round-log cabin, and in this little dwelling all the children were reared to maturity, and here the father died. Our subject was married June 1, 1852, to Lucinda Sheneman, who was born in Wayne County, Ohio, and died in April, 1865, leaving four children - Catherine V., John D., Wesley H. and James D., all of whom are living. Mrs. Stults was the daughter of John and Catherine Sheweman, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Germany. Both parents died in Branch County, Michigan. In November, 1865, Mr. Stults was married to Mary Frank, who was born in Adams County, Indiana, in 1845, and died in 1882, leaving one child - Alvah Lee, born July 18, 1868, who is at home with his father. June 23, 1885, Mr. Stults married Mrs. Mary J. Woodward, nee McConnehey, who had three living children by a former marriage. They were Lewis E., Nolan D. and Nellie L. Mrs Stults was born in Adams County in 1856, and has always resided here with the exception of three years spent in Kansas. Her grandfather, John McConnehey, was born in Pennsylvania and died in Root Township. Her grandmother, Catherine McConnehey, was also born in Pennsylvania, and died on the old homestead where the father died. Her mother was formerly Mary Hackett, and was born in Ohio. She came to Adams County, where she was married, and died in April, 1877, at the age of thirty-eight years. She was a school-teacher by profession. Mr. Stults was elected sheriff in 1862, and served four years, and has held several township offices. He is engaged with F.M. Berger in buying and shipping horses. They shipped nineteen carloads, eighteen of them being shipped from Corydon, Wayne County, and one from Van Wert, and have shipped 788 horses up to date.

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Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887

DR. ALEXANDER PORTER, deceased, who was one of the pioneer physicians of Adams County, was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, in the year 1805. He grew to manhood in that county, receiving as good an education as the schools of that early day afforded. When a young man he went to Ohio and engaged in the practice of medicine at Mansfield, and afterward practiced in various parts of the State. He was married in Ohio in 1829, to Miss Sarah Pomeroy, who was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, in 1812, and to this union were born nine children, three sons and six daughters. Dr. Porter came to Adams County, Indiana, October 5, 1847, and opened an office at Decatur and followed his chosen profession until his death, which occurred in October, 1860. He engaged in the drug trade in 1850, which he followed several years, when he sold out on account of failing health. His drug business has since changed hands a number of times, and is now carried on under the firm name of Dorwin & Holthouse. The doctor made his home in Adams Conuty from 1847 until his death, with the exception of two years spent in Ohio, and during his residence built up a large and lucrative practice, and gained the confidence and respect of all who knew him. Dr. and Mrs. Porter were of Irish and English origin respectively. Both were worthy members of the Presbyterian church.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887

ABRAHAM RAILING, a farmer of Washington Township, was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, December 12, 1831, son of Jacob and Elizabeth Railing, also natives of Pennsylvania, who reared seven children, four of whom are living - Joseph, Daniel, Jacob and Abraham. He spent his early life in.his native State, and when in his seventeenth year came to Crawford County, Ohio, with his mother and other members of the family, his father having died when he was nine years of age. He resided in Crawford County about five years, and in 1853 came to Adams County, where he purchased eighty acres of land, in company with his brother, in Root Township. It was mostly woods, and he and his brother Daniel went to work to clear it. After a residence of twenty-two years in Root Township, he removed to Washington Township, settling on section 24, again in the woods. He built a plank house, and after living there seven years, had forty-seven acres cleared. In the spring of 1883 he removed to his present farm on section 25, Washington Township, where he owns 140 acres of land, ninety-two of which are in a good state of cultivation. He was married October 20, 1857, to Miss Martha J. Gesinger, a native of this county, and daughter of Samuel and Rachel Gesinger, early settlers of Adams County; the mother is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Railing have six children - Elizabeth A., Jacob S., Ulysses S., Salome E. and Millie T. Mr. and Mrs. Railing belong to the Evangelical Association and are respected members of society. Mrs Railing's parents had eleven children, several of whom are living - David, Susan, Rache A., Sarah E., Porter, John. Her father entered eighty acres of land in Root Township Mr Railing is a Republican in politics.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887

JOHN HISEY, a prominent famer of Jefferson Township, was born in Shenandoah County, Virginia, August 17, 1820, a son of Jonathan and Sarah (Smoots) Hisey, who were natives of the same State, and of German descent. About the year 1824 the father settled with his family in Licking County, Ohio, where he lived on the same farm till his death. The mother also died in Ohio. They were the parents of eleven children, four sons and seven daughters. John Hisey, the subject of this sketch, was four years old when he was brought by his parents to Licking County, and there he grew to manhood on his father's farm, receiving a common-school education. His father was a millwright, and he worked at that trade for several months. After becoming of age he learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed about seven years. He was married in 1845, to Miss Sarah Parr, who was born in Ireland. To this union one child was born, a daughter, Margaret, who is now deceased. Mrs. Hisey died in 1846, and September 1, 1853, Mr. Hisey was again married to Miss Barbara E. Snyder, a native of Licking County, Ohio, born January 13, 1834. Her parents were natives of Belmont County, Ohio, where they were married, and in 1833 settled in Licking County, where the father still resides. The mother is deceased. They were of German origin. They had born to them nine children, six sons and three daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Hisey are the parents of five children - Sarah, Franklin, Alice, Dora and Mary E. In December, 1853, Mr. Hisey came to Adams County, Indiana, and settled on the farm where he now resides, which he had entered September 17, 1851, at that time consisting of 320 acres of heavily timbered land. His first dwelling was a hewed log house, 18x24 feet in size, in which his family resided till their present commodious and substantial frame residence was built. When he first settled in the county, the surroundmg country was in a state of nature; then wild animals roamed through the forests, and the howling of wolves was frequently heard. Mr. and Mrs. Hisey have experienced many of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, but are now living in comfortable circumstances. They have witnessed the many changes that have taken place during the past thirty years, seeing the country change from a wilderness into well cultivated farms, and prosperous towns and villages. Their home farm now contains 160 acres of choice land, the remainder having been given to their children. Mr. Hisey has always taken an active interest in the affairs of his township. He has served as a member of the town board under the old organization, and also as trustee under the new organization, and for several years held the office of justice of the peace. Politically he is a Democrat, casting his first presidential vote for James K. Polk. In his religious views he is a Deist.

Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Co. Indiana Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL 1887