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

FREDERICK W. BEINEKE, farmer, section 3, Kirkland Township, also owns a saw-mill which is situated at Kirkland station. He was born in Preble Township, this county, December 22, 1843, and was educated in the German and common schools of his father's district. His parents were William E. and Sophia E. (Peck) Beineke. The father was born in Prussia in 1814, and came to America in 1841, settling in Preble Township. Soon after reaching here he entered forty acres of land from the Government, on section 22, and is still the owner of that land. He has added 120 acres, making a total of 160 acres. He was married in 1842, and commenced keeping house upon his new farm, and has lived there ever since, only moving out of the old house into the new. They lived in their log house several years, then built the present frame house, where the father still lives. There were three children in the family, Frederick, William H., who is living with his father, and Lusetta, wife of Peter Reppert, living in Preble Township. Frederick W. was married November 18, 1869, to Miss Sophia Elizabeth Fruchte, who was born September 20, 1845, in Preble Township, daughter of Everhart and Elizabeth (Vorvermark) Fruchte, both of whom were born in Germany. The father died in 1877, and the mother is still living on the old home farm. The mother was born in Prussia, in 1810, and came to America when a girl, with her parents, who settled in Preble Township. Mr. and Mrs. Beineke have two children - Elizabeth S., born March 3, 1871, and William, born March 24, 1878.

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

ANDREW DAUGHERTY, farmer, owns 120 acres of land on section 8 and 16, Root Township. He was born July 29, 1805, in Monongalia County, West Virginia, and when five years of age removed with his parents to Fairfield County, Ohio. When he was thirty-one years old he came to this county and entered forty acres of land from the Government, and has since added eighty acres. He entered this land in September, 1836, then returned to Fairfield County and remained until May, 1839, when he brought his wife and three children to his new home. Three children have also been born in Adams County. He built a one-story log cabin, 18 x 20, covered it with clapboards that he himself prepared, and made a floor that was part puncheon and part boards. The first assessor that visited him after he came here asked how much his cabin cost. Having built it himself, he answered, "$1.50," which was the actual cost. Mr. Daugherty was married in Columbus, August 23, 1832, to Miss Jane Montgomery, who was born in Fairfield County, June 25, 1810. She died in this county, March 18, 1882, leaving six children - Leonard L., born June 28, 1834, lives in Chautaugua County, Kansas; Hester A., born March 29, 1836, wife of William Eagee, living in Madison Township, Allen County; Oliver S., born January 14, 1838, was a soldier in the late war, being a member of the Eleventh Indiana Zouaves. He lost his health while in the service, and died at Indianapolis in March, 1878, leaving a wife and four children. Alvin W., born August 21, 1839, in Root Township, lives in Madison Township, Allen County; he also lost his health in the army, but is still living; Angeline, born in April, 1841, in Root Township, is the wife of John Shookman, and lives at Fort Wayne; Andrew B., born June 28, 1847, lives in Monroe Township, this county. September 6, 1883, Mr. Daugherty was married to Miss Rachel Compton, who was born in St. Mary's, Ohio, January 18, 1832, where she lived until she was eight years of age, when her parents removed to Fort Wayne, and lived ten years. They afterward removed to Tama County, Iowa, where the parents died. Mrs. Daugherty then returned to Fort Wayne, and lived with her sister until her marriage. Her father was born in Charleston, South Carolina, March 22, 1793, and when a child was brought by his parents to Dayton, Ohio, where he was reared and married. He died January 17, 1864, and is buried in Marshalltown, Iowa. The mother was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, July 10, 1794, and was brought when a child to Dayton, Ohio, where she was reared. Mr. Daugherty's father, Andrew Daugherty, was born in Delaware, in 1773, where he was reared to manhood. When twenty-one years of age he removed to Monongalia County, West Virginia, where he was married to Mary Furby. He died in Fairfield County, Ohio, March 17, 1856. The mother, Mary (Furby) Daugherty, was born in Kent County, Delaware, in 1778, and died in October, 1834, at Fairfield, Ohio. Both parents are buried in Fairfield County, Ohio. The father was a remarkable peacemaker, and could settle quarrels and disputes when no one else could. He was always a Methodist, and a good Christian man. Mr. Daugherty's grandfather, George Daugherty, was a native of Ireland. He and three brothers were kidnapped on the coast of Ireland, brought to America and sold to pay for their fare. This was about 1738. George was sold on the seacoast, to a man who lived in Delaware. He died there. Nothing is known of the grandmother Daugherty. His grandfather, Caleb Furby, was an officer in the Revolutionary war, under Washington. He was born in Delaware, and died in Monongalia County, Virginia. His maternal grandmother, Sarah (Davis) Furby, was born in Delaware, and died in Franklin County, Ohio. The year 1843 was one of great scarcity. The season was a very wet one and very little was raised. Every family was engaged in burning and leeching ashes to make black salts to sell to the merchants in order to get their supplies. Indians were plenty, as well as game of many kinds. Mr. Daugherty was originally a Democrat. At the time of the Pierce campaign, in 1852, he voted for John P. Hale, the Free-soil candidate. After that he voted the Republican ticket until four years ago, when he became a Prohibitionist. He is a member of the Baptist church, and Mrs. Daugherty is a member of the Methodist church.

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

JOSEPH HENRY VOGLEWEDE, dealer in boots and shoes, Decatur, Indiana, is a native of Indiana, born in Washington Township, Adams County, August 19, 1847, a son of Gerhard H. and Mary (Holtzhouse) Voglewede, native of Hanover, Germany. He was reared in his native township, remaining at home until twenty years of age, when in 1867 he began to learn the shoemaker's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years with Adolph Hart, of Decatur. In 1872 he went into business for himself, and in addition to manufacturing to order, keeps a full line of ready-made boots and shoes. From 1875 until 1881 he was in partnership with different parties under various firm names, but for the past six years has been alone. He is a good workman, and has a large custom trade. October 22, 1872, Mr. Voglewede was married in St. Mary's Catholic church, Decatur, by Father Von Schwedler, to Miss Mary Meibers. They have six children - Charles, Clara, Clemens, Laurana and Bertha (twins) and Mamie.

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

DANIEL W. HOFFMAN was born in Preble Township, Adams County, this State, April 30, 1854. He was reared on his father's farm, and remained at home until he reached his majority. His father then purchased a farm for him, and he went to farming and threshing. He first went to Michigan, in 1879, with a steamer, and followed it until 1883. During that year his arm got caught in the cog-wheel of the engine, and it resulted in the amputation of the arm below the elbow joint. When eighteen years of age he had his arm broken by falling from a horse. Mr. Hoffman was a son of Jacob and Margaret (Bieberich) Hoffman. The father was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1828, and came to America with his parents when two years of age. The family settled in Wayne County, Ohio, where he was reared. He came to this county when a young man, where he was married, and lived until his death, which occurred in September, 1877. He is buried at the Lutheran church cemetary. The mother was born in this county in 1831, where she was reared and where she is still living, on the farm where she commenced keeping house. In the father's family were seven children, five sons and two daughters. Mr. Hoffman was married October 1, 1874, to Maria Bley, who was born in Preble Township, May 25, 1857, daughter of Adam and Rosina (Seebert) Bley, who are natives of Saxony, Germany, and where all her brothers and sisters were born, she being the only child born in America. There were ten children in her father's family, five sons and five daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman have four children - Rosina M., Otto A. J., Bertha A. and Emman Mary E. Mrs. Hoffman's parents came to America in 1853, and settled upon the farm where they now reside. They celebrated their golden wedding in the fall of 1884, and the children were all present. Three sons were in the late war - Charles, Louis and William. Charles and Louis served three years, and William served one year. Charles died of cancer in Preble Township, May 10, 1886, aged fifty-one years. Louis is living at West Point, Nebraska, where he keeps a furniture store. William is a farmer, living in Missouri.

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

RICHARD TOWNSEND, proprietor of the Burt House at Decatur, is a native of Adams County, Indiana, born at Monmouth, November 6, 1850, a son of Eli and Leocadie (Burt) Townsend. The father was born in Albany County, New York, and was of English and Scotch parentage, and the mother of our subject was a native of Bradford County, Pennsylvania, and of English and German ancestry. They were married in January, 1858, and to them were born two children, named Richard and Maggie. The father came to Adams County, Indiana, in 1857, remaining but a short time, when he returned to his native county, his father dying in Rensselaerville, in that county, in August, 1868. Immediately after his death the mother returned with her children to Decatur, Adams County, where she has since made her home. She is a daughter of Chester and Lucinda (Vanderlip) Burt. She was brought up principally in Elmira, New York, and there received her education. Richard Townsend, the subject of this sketch, was but an infant when his parents removed to Rensselaerville, New York, but grew to manhood in Adams County, Indiana, returning to this county with his mother. He began working at an early age, being employed at various capacities in his grandfather's hotel the Burt House, at Decatur, and has worked himself up from the humble position of bootblack to the proprietorship of the hotel. In January, 1860, his grandfather Chester Burt, died, since which he has been proprietor, and owing to his skillful management, and genial and accommodating manners, it has become a favorite stopping place for the traveling public.

The dates in this biography are exactly as the book was published, although they do not make sense.

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

JOHN WAGONER, an enterprising farmer of Monroe Township, residing on section 4, was born in Monroe Township, Adams County, Indiana, March 15, 1850, a son of Nicholas Wagoner. He grew to manhood on the home farm, receiving his education in the common schools of his neighborhood. He remained at home until his marriage, August 20, 1870, to Miss Sarah J. Hughes. She was born in Darke County, Ohio, June 26, 1849, a daughter of Lorenzo and Selecta (Wentworth) Hughes, who were also natives of Ohio. They came to Adams County, Indiana, in 1863, and settled in Monroe Township, where they lived till their death. They had a family of ten children, four sons and six daughters. The father was formerly a Methodist in his religious views, but afterward joined the United Brethren church. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wagoner, whose names are as follows - William W., Albert C., Lewis Edward, Benjamin F., David W. and Hosea C. After his marriage Mr. Wagoner settled on the farm where he now resides - a tract of forty acres given him by his father. His land when he first settled on it was heavily covered with timber. He has steadily improved his land and added to it until he now owns a fine farm of 120 acres, sixty-five being under good cultivation. In connection with his general farming Mr. Wagoner is extensively engaged in stock-raising. He has served his township as supervisor for eight years, with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Mrs. Wagoner is a member of the United Brethren church.

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

GERHARD H. VOGELWEDE, an early settler of Washington Township, was born in Hanover, Europe, December 6, 1818, sone of Herman and Mary E. Vogelwede. He was reared in his native country and married therein September, 1845, to Mary C. Holtzhouse, born September 8, 1826, in Hanover, and daughter of Barney and Mary C. Holtzhouse. To them have been born ten children, nine of whom are living - Henry, Mary, Gerhard, John, Anthony, Catherine, Elizabeth, Louisa and Lucy. In 1845 he immigrated to America, and came to Adams County by way of Baltimore, settling on his present farm on section 8, Washington Township. He has always been a very hard-working man, and experienced all the vicissitudes of pioneer life. He owns 195 acres of good land, and as a farmer has been successful. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church, and is universally respected.

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

WILL H. FOUGHT, dealer in hardware, cabinet-ware and tin-ware, Geneva, was born in Mansfield, Richland County, Ohio, December 31, 1842. His father, Casper Fought, was a shoemaker by trade, at which he worked, being in limited circumstances. His mother, Susanna (Shull) Fought died when he was six years old. His father then broke up housekeeping, and he and a younger sister lived around among the neighbors. His father married again and lived but a short time afterward. Our subject worked at whatever he could find to do, and wherever he could find an opportunity to work and attend school. He came to Fort Recovery, Ohio, in the fall of 1860, and served an apprenticeship at the tinner's trade. When the war broke out he enlisted October 28, 1861, and went into rendezvous at Camp Chase, where his company was assigned to the Fortieth Regiment, Ohio Infantry. Upon the organization of his company he was made Corporal. He participated in many of the important battles of the war, serving in Eastern Kentucky until the spring of 1863, when they were transferred to the Army of the Cumberland. He was with Sherman in his march to the sea, was in the battles of Mission Ridge and Lookout Mountain. He was discharged at Pulaski, Tennessee, November 18, 1864. He then returned to Ohio and finished his trade, then went to work at Fort Recovery. When in that place he was married to Fannie Wellingsford, December 31, 1867, who died July 14, 1879. He was again married in February, 1882, to Miss Belle Flickinger, of Decatur, Indiana. They have one child - Kittie Marie, born at Geneva, November 18, 1884. Mr. Fought held the office of postmaster at Geneva, being appointed under President Arthur's administration. His commission was dated July 25, 1883, and he held the position until removed for offensive partisanship by President Cleveland, October 1, 1885. He is a member of John P. Porter Post, No. 83, G. A. R., being a charter member, and taking an active part in its organization. He has held the office of senior vice-commander and commander. At present he is on the department staff, holding the position of assistant department inspector, and as adjutant of his post. He has been a member of the township board.

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

JESSE NIBLICK, senior member of the firm of Niblick, Crawford & Sons, of Decatur, is a native of Ohio, born in what is now Carroll County, August 12, 1826, a son of James and Anna (Carter) Niblick. His father was a native of Ireland, born January 19, 1803, and brought to America by his parents, and was reared to New York City and Tuscarawas County, Ohio. He was a cooper by trade, which he followed until coming to Adams County, Indiana, in November, 1836, when he engaged in farming in Washington Township, near Decatur. In 1869 he removed to Warrensburg, Missouri, where he died a few weeks afterward at the age of sixty-nine years. He was a consistent Christian and at his death a member of the Presbyterian church. In politics he affiliated with the Democratic party, and at different times filled minor offices. The mother of our subject was of English ancestry, born in the State of Maryland, and reared in Carroll County, Ohio, where she was married to Mr. Niblick. She died near Decatur, August 12, 1838. She was an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Of the eight children born to the parents, four still survive - Robert, a farmer of Kirkland Township; Jesse, our subject; Adaline, wife of James Daily, of Wells County, Indiana; Mary Jane, wife of Sigmond Openheim, of Bluffton. Jessie Niblick was but ten year of age when brought by his parents to Adams County, and here he has since lived with the exception of one year which he spent in Fremont, Ohio, attending school, and here he received the rudiments of his education. In his youth he learned the shoemaker's trade, and in 1846 engaged in the boot and shoe business for himself. October 16, 1851, he was married at Decatur, to Miss Catherine Closs, who was brought from her native country (Germany) by her parents, John and Catherine (Sougadiffer) Closs, in her girlhood. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Niblick, seven of whom are yet living - William, cashier of the Adams County Bank; John, a member of the firm of Niblick, Crawford & Sons; James K., clerking in a mercantile establishment; Mary; Amelia; Charles, a bookkeeper in the Adams County Bank, and Daniel, attending school at Decatur. Mr. Niblick dealt in boots and shoes until 1866, when he engaged in general merchandising with John Crawford, under the firm name of Niblick & Crawford, which business they have since continued, the firm name being changed to Niblick, Crawford & Sons, a son of each having been admitted as partners. In 1871 Mr. Niblick, in company with J.D. Nutman, engaged in a private banking business in the name of the Adams County Bank, Niblick & Nutman, bankers. David Studabaker and R. B. Allison afterward became associated with them, when the bank was duly organized under the State laws, and Mr. Niblick was elected a director and its first president. He was succeeded by R. B. Allison as president, Mr. Niblick being elected vice-president. Being one of the organizers and a stockholder in the Eagle Manufacturing Company of Decatur, Mr. Niblick was elected one of its directors. Politically Mr. Niblick casts his suffrage with the Democratic party. In 1848 he was elected clerk of Washington Township, and from that year until 1865 he was either clerk of trustee of that township, and sometimes held both offices at the same time. In the fall of 1865 he was elected treasurer of Adams County, and re-elected in 1867, serving in that office four years to the entire satisfaction of his constituents, and since 1870 has held the office of village trustee or councilman. He is one of the prominent and public-spirited citizens of Decatur, and is always ready to aid in any enterprise which he deems of benefit to his town or county. Mrs. Niblick and her children, with the exception of William, are members of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Decatur.

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

ADAM SYPHERS, retired farmer, residing on section 17 of Blue Creek Township, is a native of West Virginia, the date of his birth being January 15, 1822, a son of William and Mary E. (Kibler) Syphers, native of Maryland, and of German descent. They reared a family of six children, of whom only three are now living - Jacob, a resident of Iowa; George W., living in Delaware County, Indiana, and Adam, whose name heads this sketch. He was reared on the home farm until reaching the age of sixteen years, when he came to Ceylon, Adams County, Indiana, and engaged in mercantile pursuits for a time. He was married in Adams County in 1847 to Millie Moore, who was born in Carroll County, Ohio, November 4, 1847, a daughter of Jacob and Abigail Moore. Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Syphers three are living - Lorinda, Joseph and Mattie. A son name Ephraim is deceased. Lorinda married Bernard Harris, of Michigan, and they are the parents of four children - Zulu, Nero, Gertie and Edward. Joseph is a resident of Hartsburgh, in Putnam County, Ohio. Mattie married Samuel Whitman, of Decatur, Indiana and has two children named Tracy and Franklin A. Mr. Syphers had but limited educational advantages in his youth, attending the subscription schools of that early day when his services were not required on the farm. He began life for himself a poor boy, but by persevering industry and economy he has succeeded in life. He is now the owner of 128 acres of choice land, located in Blue Creek Township, thirty-two acres being on section 17 and ninety-six acres on section 18. In politics Mr. Syphers casts his suffrage with the Democratic party. He has held township offices, serving as supervisor and constable. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and his wife, in her religious faith, is a Presbyterian. Their postoffice is Willshire, Ohio.

The marriage date and birth date of Millie Moore Syphers are both 1847 in the book, clearly not possible. Do not know her correct birth year.

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

WILLIAM HARPER, JR., proprietor of the Geneva House, Geneva, Indiana, was born in Warren County, Ohio, March 15, 1834, a son of William Harper, a pioneer of Wells County, Indiana. He was twelve years old when he accompanied his parents to Wells County, and there grew to manhood, receiving but a limited education. He married Lydia C. Watts, who was born September 11, 1833, a daughter of Samuel Watts. After his marriage Mr. Harper engaged in farming until September 16, 1861, when he enlisted in Company A, Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry, and in January re-enlisted as a veteran and served until October, 1865. He participated in the battles of Champion Hill, Vicksburg and Jackson, besides many severe skirmishes. After the war he returned to Wells County and resumed farming in Nottingham Township, which he continued three years. He then went to Camden, Jay County, where he ran a hotel six years, and from there moved to Geneva and engaged in the dry goods business two years. He then engaged in farming in Randolph County until January, 1886, when he again located in Geneva and took charge of the Geneva House. Mr. Harper is a member of Nelson Trusler Post, No. 60, G. A. R., at Winchester, Randolph County. He is a Republican in politics, casting his first vote for John C. Fremont. He is at present marshal of the village of Geneva. He and his wife are members of the Christian church. They have had ten children - Palmer W., Ida V. (deceased), Walter F., Warren L., William M., Mary J., Cora A., Amanda, Grace W. and Arthur (twins, the latter deceased).

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

JOHN P. SCHEER, proprietor of the Geneva saw and planing-mills, was born in Lowden, Seneca County, Ohio, July 7, 1845. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Sellers) Scheer, were natives of Baden Baden, Germany, born on the Rhine. They immigrated to America, with their parents, the mother being an infant and coming in 1809. The father came in 1832. The families settled in Seneca County, where his parents were married in 1837, and afterward removed to Williams County, where they followed farming. The mother died in 1856, aged about forty-seven years. The father died about 1877. They were members of the German Reformed church, and reared a family of five sons and three daughters. When thirteen years of age John P. went to learn the blacksmith's trade, at which he worked until June 15, 1862, when he enlisted in the Eighth Ohio, an independent company of Sharpshooters; re-enlisted January 18, 1863, and was afterward merged into Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Ohio Infantry, serving until May 3, 1865, and was discharged, the war being closed. He was at Mission Ridge, Chickamauga, and in the Atlanta campaign against Hood. Upon receiving his discharge, he returned to his home in Ohio, remaining two years. He then went to Boise City, Idaho, for his health, remaining one year, then returned and hired out as an engineer in a saw-mill at Fish Lake, Elkhart County, this State. Later he went to the Michigan pineries, and worked at his trade in summer, and in a saw-mill during the winter. In 1873 he came to Bluffton, Wells County, this State, and worked for Jay North & Brother in their lumber yard, and in 1878 removed to Geneva, having full charge of their saw and planing mill and lumber yard for six years. He worked for John North one year, and December 1, 1885, he bought the mill, and has since conducted the business himself. Mr. Scheer is a member of John P. Porter Post, No. 83, G. A. R., and is also a member of the Masonic order, having become a member of Bluffton Lodge, No. 145, A. F. & A. M., in 1876; is now a member of Decatur Lodge, No. 571; also took the Scottish rites, Valley of Fort Wayne. He was married April 10, 1873, to Catherine Myers, born in Harrison Township, Wells County, Indiana, October 26, 1838. Her father, John Myers, deceased, was an early settler of that county, having located there in 1875, where the mother still resides. The father died there in 1848. To this union have been born three children - Mary E., born January 10, 1875; Nancy B., born November 6, 1876, and Georgia, born January 24, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Scheer are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Geneva. Politically, Mr. Scheer affiliates with the Republican party, and has held several local offices. He is also a strong believer in prohibition.

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