John P. Baker, upon receiving a common school education, entered actively upon the duties of farm life, to which, he has applied himself during the subsequent years. His father, William C, owns three hundred and ninety-two acres of splendid land lying mostly in Jefferson township, this county. This large tract of land is handled in such a manner as to bring the best results and Mr. Baker has just reason to be proud of the success which comes to him in his chosen calling. He raises numbers of sheep and hogs and is considered one of Adams county's leading citizens. He is a staunch Democrat in politics and takes a healthy interest in local public affairs, his influence always being given to the upbuilding of his community. Religiously John P. is identified with the United Brethren church.
On January 23, 1907, Mr. Baker was married to Miss Edna Landfair, daughter of Frank and Emma (Kuhn) Landfair, natives of Black Creek township, Mercer county, Ohio.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 397 (image 813).
William C. Campbell, a leading and progressive citizen of Blue Creek township, Adams county, Indiana, is a native of the locality in which he now resides, having been born April 30, 1851. He is a son of George and Rebecca (Gilpin) Campbell, the father a native of Maryland and the mother of Pennsylvania. They accompanied their respective parents to Ohio in an early day and located in Tuscarawas county, where they were subsequently married. In 1840 these parents came to Adams county, locating in Blue Creek township, making' a settlement in the dense woods which then covered that region. Here their best labors were given to the clearing of a space sufficiently large to farm and the erection of a rude log cabin, which is characteristic of the early settlements of that day. In due time a comfortable home was created and in the course of years a considerable tract of land was cleared of timber and a splendid farm evolved. In addition to farming the senior Mr. Campbell followed carpentering and shoemaking, having learned the latter trade when a young man. George Campbell died in 1878 and his widow is still living, making her home with the subject of this sketch. These parents had eight children: Atha; Sarah, deceased; William C.; George; Henry C, deceased; Elijah; Rosa, deceased; Cynthia.
William C. Campbell received such an education as was obtainable in the schools of his day and gave early attention to the practical work of the farm. He is now the owner of sixty acres of land, all of which has been cleared and is now under the plow, the place being splendidly improved, with a full set of commodious and substantial buildings. A general line of farming is conducted and in connection some attention is given to the raising of shorthorn cattle and dairying, in which he is successful. Shropshire sheep and Chester White hogs also claim some attention, and in all of these varied lines Mr. Campbell has been successful to a marked degree. He takes a deep interest in all of the public affairs of the community and in his religious affiliation is identified with the Methodist Episcopal church.
In 1874 he was married to Miss Clara Blossom, the daughter of Benjamin and Mrs. (Ball) Blossom. The father was a native of Maryland and upon his emigrating west in an early day he settled in Van Wert county, Ohio, subsequently coming to Washington township, Adams county, Indiana, where he lived a number of years, and then removed to Decatur, until his death. To Mr. and Mrs. Campbell have been born eight children: Iva, deceased; Grace, who is married and living in Linden, Illinois; Sylvester, who resides on a farm in this township; Milo, who is a resident of Gas City, Indiana; Lloyd, who is attending the State Normal school; Ermine, who resides with her sister at Linden, Illinois; Effie, deceased; and True, at home.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 396 (image 811).
Among the men of the present generation who have won success and achieved note as tillers of the soil and who have meanwhile kept before them the fact that they owed something to the welfare of their fellow men must be mentioned the name of W. V. Buckmaster. He was born in Adams county, Indiana, November 22, 1865. He was the sturdy son of sturdy parents, who braved the western wilds and created a home for themselves under most unpromising conditions through their own efforts. David Buckmaster, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Holmes county, Ohio, and married Sarah Hutchinson, who was born in Wayne county of the same state. David migrated to Indiana and brought his young wife with him. He made the long trip to Adams county in 1852 and settled on a tract of land which he cultivated with some degree of success. His son, with whom this sketch is concerned, was one of a family of five children, four of whom still survive. Mr. Buckmaster was married in 1889 to Miss Elizabeth Thatcher, daughter of Hilman Thatcher. Mrs. Buckmaster's parents came originally from New Jersey. Her father was a stone mason and he followed his trade until his advancing years compelled his retirement from active business. Mr. and Mrs. Buckmaster are the parents of four children - Mabel, Lelland, Marie and W. V., Jr. - all of whom live with their parents.
The tract of land on which this family make their home is a fine tract eighty acres in extent. Almost all of the farm is under cultivation and about half of the cultivated area was cleared by the labor of Mr. Buckmaster. There are eight hundred rods of tiling on the farm, and it is by this means thoroughly drained. In addition the farm is well ditched and fenced and as it is furnished with ample and adequate buildings, including a model and comfortable home, it is one of the most productive and valuable properties of its kind in the county. A portion of his land is under lease to an oil producing company, but thus far no wells have been drilled.
But Mr. Buckmaster has found time to interest himself in matters affecting directly the public good. He has been a consistent and a persistent worker in the cause of good roads, a supporter of the movement to install rural telephone lines that would bring farmers in close touch with the outside world and with each other, and in many other ways demonstrated his public spirit and his earnest desire to do all that he might to contribute to the general good of his fellows and associates. He appreciates the advantages offered by culture and for six years taught school in his home township of Jefferson. He works in harmony with the members of the Democratic party of his county and has served as a township trustee, which office of trust arid responsibility he charged to his own and neighbors entire satisfaction. He belongs to the Order of Ben-Hur and affiliates with the lodges at Geneva and Decatur.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 395 (image 809).
One day in the early decades of the last century a wagon laden with the household effects of a pioneer family made its dusty way across the northeastern boundary of what is now the state of Indiana and toiled onward in the new state, finally coming to the end of its tiresome and hazardous journey in Wabash township, Jay county. The wagon was driven by Bartly Burk, who with his wife and several children had left their former home in Ohio to seek a new one in Indiana. The father was a native of Ohio and was born in that state in the year 1818; the mother, also a native of Ohio, was born two years later than her husband. Reaching this state, the elder Burk purchased one hundred acres of land and began to reduce it to cultivation. There followed days of the hardest kind of labor, but the spirit of the men who made the new west was in him and he conquered all difficulties. Before he had finished clearing his entire purchase he disposed of twenty acres. The remaining eighty acres he soon had improved and all under cultivation. He lived on his Indiana farm until his death. He was a strong personality. He took much interest in state and national politics and was a staunch Whig until the organization of the Republican party, after which event he voted the Republican ticket whenever called upon to exercise his right of franchise.
Bartly Burk, the son of this rugged pioneer, was born on the old farm in Wabash township, October 11, 1858. He was a member of a family of nine children, eight of whom are still living. His early life was spent on his father's farm, where he worked and learned to develop the qualities that make for strong manhood. His education would be considered meager when measured with the educational standards of today, but for the time and environment was the best to be had. He profited by it and got out of his "schooling" all that it was possible for him to do. In 1881 Mr. Burk was married to Miss Christiana Kelly, the daughter of Jonathan and Esther (Champer) Kelly. Her parents were originally from Carroll county, Ohio, where her father was born, February 14, 1823. Her mother was born January 23, 1823. In 1850 her parents moved to Jefferson township, Adams county, Indiana, where her father settled eighty acres of timber land. This he cleared and finally brought to a high stage of cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Burk are the parents of four children, all of whom are living. These children are: Otis, a teacher; Lola May, Minnie Pearl and Vilas.
Mr. Burk is the owner of a fine farm and one that is producing a steady income for its owner. His land is rich and his crops are owner. His land is rich and his crops are large and remunerative. The buildings on his farm are ample and modern. He is in every way a respected citizen and a man of whose judgment is deferred to in events of more than ordinary importance. He is a Republican in politics and is one of the strong men of his party in the section of the state in which he lives.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 393 (image 805).
Among the practical and successful farmers of Jefferson township, Adams county, Indiana, none command a higher degree of popular esteem and respect than he whose name heads this sketch. He is a native of the township in which he now resides, having been born on the 1st day of October, 1867. He is the son of James and Christina (Byers) Johnson. The father was born in Pennsylvania on January 20, 1820, and died in June, 1893. The mother was born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1832, dying in January, 1892. They came to Adams county in 1843, entering government land, which now comprises the subject's farm, on which they lived until their deaths. The father was a hard worker and exercised great judgment in the improvement of his farm, so that at the time of his death it was a valuable piece of real estate.
Willis Frank Johnson attended the town ship schools in his youth and secured a good practical education. Upon attaining mature years he took up the labors of the farm, which he has since successfully conducted, and has proved himself one of the really progressive farmers of the locality. All but fifteen acres of this ninety-acre farm are under the plow and are devoted to the production of a general line of crops, such as are common to this locality. In addition to a general line of farming, he gives some attention to the breeding and raising of stock. In politics he is a Republican, while his religious affiliation is with the United Brethren church.
In 1892 Mr. Johnson married Miss Lena Myers, daughter of Henry and Barbara (Shank) Myers, the former an early settler of this county and one of the well-known early millers. To the subject's marriage have been born eight children: Ivan; Oro, deceased; Dora; Hobert, deceased; Lula; Lola, deceased; Herbert and Minnie.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 392 (image 803).
There is in all probability no better known educator in Adams county than J. A. Buckmaster, the subject of this sketch. He has been identified prominently with the educational movements and developments of this county for the past twelve years and has made a place for himself among the leaders of thought in his district. He was born in Jefferson township, Adams county, April 4, 1874. He is a son of David and Sarah (Hutchinson) Buckmaster. His father was born in Holmes county, Ohio, and was married in that state. He migrated to Indiana and brought his young wife with him. He made the long trip in 1852 and settled on a farm which he cultivated. J. A. Buckmaster, his son, was one of a family of five children, four of whom are still living. He was reared on his father's farm in Jefferson township and received his preliminary education in the common schools of the neighborhood. After completing his course in the common schools he taught in Jefferson township for two years. He aspired to a better education and following the completion of his second year as a teacher he entered the Tri-State Normal College at Angola , Indiana . After completing his course in this institution, where he did good work and secured high standards, he returned to his home in Jefferson township. He at once resumed his work as a teacher and has since continued in it. He began teaching when but nineteen years of age and served as an educator for more than twelve years.
He was placed on the Republican county ticket in 1898 for clerk against his consent, which resulted in defeat, but led all Republican candidates in the number of votes he received In 1904 he was the Republican candidate for trustee of Jefferson township and was again defeated and without dismissing school during the campaign reduced a Democratic majority of eighty-three votes to a Democratic majority of seven. He owns and lives on a farm of forty acres in Jefferson township, also owns one-third interest in a string of oil tools with Mr. J. L. Yancy and D. H. Rumple.
When the Jefferson Township Telephone Company was organized a few years ago it was the second mutual company in this part of the county. Mr. Buckmaster was elected its president for the first year and at the end of that term was re-elected for the next year. He has since held the office of secretary for the company two years. This company is now one of the largest, if not the largest, in the county. It has many miles of lines and about one hundred phones.
During this time he has proved himself an able and efficient educator and to his patience and efforts many youths of Jefferson township owe their introduction to the world of culture and intellectual attainments. He is a teacher who takes a keen interest in the progress of his profession and keeps abreast of its progression. He is interested in various associations and attends sessions of the state meeting and of county institutes. He has also frequently taught vocal music.
He was married in 189S to Miss Harriet A. Brewster, a daughter of Daniel and Loverda (Bebout) Brewster. His wife's father is a native of Pennsylvania and came to Indiana in an early day. Four children have town been born to Mr. and Mrs. Buckmaster: Angelo T, Claudie B., Lois L. and Verlyn G. Mr. Buckmaster is a Republican and has always voted the ticket of this party. He is in no sense a public man and has not aspired to public office. However, he keeps in touch with public changes and events and is well informed upon most political subjects. He and the members of his family attend the Evangelical church. Fraternally Mr. Buckmaster is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is the present teacher of the school of District No. 2, of Wabash township, and the school at the last session numbered seventy-three pupils.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 391 (image 801).
E. D. McCollum is a native of the state of Indiana and has lived in this state all his life except the time he spent fighting his country's battles in the struggle to preserve the Union. He is a farmer of the progressive type, and has followed agricultural pursuits to the exclusion of other kinds of business. He was born in Jay county, Indiana, in 1843. He is the son of Daniel and Eliza Ann Davis, natives of Ohio, who came to Indiana with the earlier bands of immigrants who sought new homes in the new state. In 1841 his parents arrived in Jay county and commenced to clear and improve the land they secured. They lived in this county and developed their land to a satisfactory stage of productivity for the succeeding fourteen years, when they removed to Minnesota. However, they were not pleased with the prospects in the northwestern territory and in 1861 returned to Indiana. They purchased a farm in Jay county and remained on it for one year, when they again went west, this time to Iowa. Two years of Iowa life sufficed them. They longed for the fields and scenes of Indiana, and in 1863 they moved back to this state, buying land in Wells county. Later the elder McCollum operated a sawmill and finally removed to the village of Geneva, where he and his wife lived until their deaths. Both parents lived exemplary lives and both were among those who had the very highest respect and esteem of all who knew them or came in contact with them in the ordinary course of business and social life.
E. D. McCollum was born of these worthy parents in Jay county in a time when life meant a strenuous existence to the makers of a new state. His early life was spent on his father's farm, where he learned the lessons that meant much in his later life. He attended the schools of his immediate district and secured such educational advantages as the meager conditions of his time and section afforded. When large enough he assisted his father in the operation of the farm and when his parents went to Minnesota he accompanied them. He continued to live with his parents until the beginning of the Civil war, when he enlisted in Company K, of the Eighty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He served throughout the war and was a good and faithful soldier. He saw much active campaigning and with the armies of the southwest fought in a number of important engagements. He fought in the battle at Mumfordville and Tupelo, Mississippi; at Meridian in the same state, and at Nashville . He was in the Red River expedition and saw almost continual fighting and skirmishing. Although he saw much actual battle, he escaped without injuries of any kind. At times his clothing was pierced with bullets, but he escaped unharmed. When the war closed Mr. McCollum returned to Indiana and purchased a farm. He cleared portions of this and reduced it to cultivation. He was industrious and painstaking and in a short time found that his farm was proving profitable.
In 1867 Mr. McCollum was married to Miss Catherine Fritz, a daughter of George W. and Virginia Fritz, who were natives of Fairfield county, Ohio. This couple became the parents of eight children, seven of whom are still living. Those living are: Warren F., Lola A., Oakley, Otis, Kemp Counselor, Lizzie, Ora Marie and Leland. Charles Wilson, another child, is dead.
Today Mr. McCollum is pointed out as one of the successful farmers of his neighborhood. His farm consists of one hundred and seventy acres, all of which, with the exception of fifty acres which is timbered, has been improved and is extremely productive. He does general farming and his crops each year are excellent and satisfactory. He has erected a fine and comfortable home on his place, and his barn and outbuildings are modern and well adapted to meet the demands of the farm. He is a Republican in politics and served a term of four years as a justice of the peace. One of his daughters is one of the two women mail carriers of the county. He is a broad-minded man and tolerant of the opinions of others. He is public spirited and takes a lively and intelligent interest in the affairs of his county and state. He is respected and esteemed.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 390 (image 799).
Coming of a sturdy stock, for whom the wilderness of a new country had no terrors, and endowed with the qualities that make for ultimate success, Frank Hisey came into this world well equipped with the resources of heredity that mean much in future life. He is the son of John and Barbara E. (Snyder) Hisey. His father was a native of Virginia, from which state he came to Ohio with his parents, locating in Licking county. At this time he was about six years of age. His mother was born in Licking county, Ohio, January 13, 1834. The father of the subject of this sketch lived in Licking county until 1850. When he grew to manhood he learned and followed the trade of a blacksmith. In 1850 he made the overland journey on horseback to Indiana and traveled to Fort Wayne. The government land office was at that time located at Fort Wayne and John Hisey entered two hundred and forty acres of land in Jefferson township, Adams county. He sought out his new property and spent some time in improving it. Then he returned to Ohio and brought his family to Indiana. He settled on his new farm, but the heavily timbered acres presented a serious proposition to the young farmer. He was confronted with a mammoth task, that of clearing the large tract. However, he addressed himself to the work with a will and after a time had some of it cleared and improved and under cultivation. It was slow work, to be sure, but his energy was not abated and he worked with a determination to carve a homestead from the wilderness. In the end he had it nearly all under the plow and well fenced. Children came in time to bless his days, and he and his wife became the parents of five, all of whom are still living. These children are: Sarah, Frank, Alice, Dora and Ella. He lived on his farm until his death, which occurred March 2, 1898. His children lived with him at the old home during their early lives and assisted in the work of clearing the homestead. They were dutiful and they appreciated the blessing they had received in having a father possessing such sterling characteristics. He was an active and aggressive man and took an active and leading part in all matters that were aimed to promote the public good and general welfare. He was a Democrat in politics.
Frank Hisey, his son, was married in 1882 to Mary J. Lowery, the daughter of Joseph P. and Margaret (McCord) Lowery, who came to Indiana from Montgomery county, Ohio. Mr. Hisey has been a farmer all his life and has proved a successful one. He attended the schools of his district, as did his brothers and sisters, and obtained as good an education as these schools afforded. He was taught the lessons of industry and thrift that were a part of the daily life of farm boys of the period, and these lessons he has applied to his advantage. He and his wife have become the parents of eleven children, all of whom are living and with one exception residents of their father's farm. A daughter, Cora, is married. The other children are: Stella, Mary, Alma, John, Ann a, Elmer, Frederick, Velma, Opal and Thurman. Mr. Hisey lives on forty acres of the original homestead. He has come into possession of this tract and conducts a general farming business. His farm is at a high stage of cultivation and most admirably improved. The home and other buildings that are situated on it are modern and convenient, and the fencing and similar improvements are satisfactory.
Mr. Hisey is one of the strong men of his community. He takes an active and personal interest in the affairs of his county. He has been honored by his fellows by being elected to political office, and, like his father, has served as township assessor and trustee. His father was also for a time justice of the peace. Mr. Hisey is esteemed by all who know him and his wisdom is appealed to frequently in matters of vital importance to his associates.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 388 (image 795).
Among the enterprising and successful agriculturists of French township, Adams county, Indiana, none stands higher in public esteem than he whose name heads this sketch. He is a native of the township in which he now resides, having been born on the 15th of January, i860. He is the son of Christian and Barbara (Gerber) Neuenschwander. These parents were both natives of Canton Berne, Switzerland, where the father was born on December 10, 1812. They emigrated to the United States in 1840 and settled in Wayne county, Ohio, where they farmed for two years, and then located in Wells county, Indiana, where they engaged in agricultural pursuits. Two years later they came to the present homestead in French township, which was at that time located in a dense wilderness. They at once proceeded to clear and cultivate a small tract of land, which was increased in extent year by year until finally it was considered one of the best farms of the locality. They were the parents of fifteen children, namely: John, Jacob, Benjamin, Cleophas, Elizabeth, Jonas, Rachel, Fannie (deceased), Annie, Daniel, Jeff, Aldin, Emma, Mary and Lydia, the last two of whom are deceased. In 1898 Christian Neuenschwander sold his farm and moved to Bluffton, Ohio , where he made his home with his son-in-law, John Burkholder. He died November 30, 1905, at the home of his son Cleophas. He was a public-spirited man and commanded the universal confidence and esteem of all good people.
The subject of this sketch received a good common school education and was reared to the life of a farmer, which pursuit he has followed throughout his life. His work has been methodical and he has exhibited marked judgment in matters pertaining to successful agriculture and is considered one of the leading farmers of his locality. His present farm embraces one hundred and twenty acres of land, nearly all of which is under the plow and in a productive condition. He has resided on his present place five years and among the substantial improvements thereon may be noted a large and splendid residence and a commodious barn. Combined with a general line of farming Mr. Neuenschwander also gives some attention to live stock raising, principally hogs and shorthorn cattle. He takes a deep interest in public affairs and is an adherent of the Democratic party. His ability has been recognized by his fellow citizens, who elected him trustee of French township, in which office he served for seven years, and also served as county treasurer for four years.
In 1888 the subject married Miss Maggie Bischoff, daughter of John and Elizabeth Bischoff, both natives of Canton Berne, Switzerland, the father having been killed while acting as a guide to a party of English lords among the mountains of Switzerland, his death being caused by an avalanche of snow and ice. They were the parents of four children: Grover W., Fanny, Homer and Martin. Christian Neuenschwander was married twice. His first wife was Barbara Roth, and two children, John and Jacob, were born to this union. His second wife was Barbara Garber.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 388 (image 795).
John P. Steiner, a very highly respected and influential citizen of this county, was born in Hartford township, Adams county, Indiana, on December 31, 1860. He is the son of Peter C. and Fanny (Stauffer) Steiner, both natives of Wayne county, Ohio. Peter Steiner came to Adams county in an early day and located in Monroe township, subsequently removing to Hartford township, where he lived during the remainder of his life. At the time of his death he was the owner of one hundred acres of valuable land, which yielded abundant returns for the labor bestowed upon it. Unto these parents were born eight children, namely: Christian, David, John P., Rosana, Sarah, Amos, Anna and Mary, the last named being deceased. The paternal grandfather was Christian Steiner, who was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, and came to Ohio in an early day, where he spent his last years, his death occurring in 18__.
John P. Steiner was enabled to attend the common schools during his youthful years and proved an earnest and faithful student. His estate comprises one hundred and thirty-four acres, of which ninety-five are under the plow, giving rich returns for the labors expended. Mr. Steiner also gives some attention to the raising of live stock and has some fine specimens of Red Polled cattle and Duroc hogs. He has made many improvements upon his place and the well tilled fields and good buildings indicate a careful and painstaking husbandman.
The subject has been twice married, his first companion being Miss Sarah A. French, daughter of Lot and Mary (Darst) French, natives of Miami county, Ohio. Unto this first union were born three children: Fanny, Fred and one who died in infancy unnamed. Mr. Steiner's second marriage was to Miss Lydia French, sister to his first wife, and they are the parents of three children: Mary (deceased), June and Clinton. Mr. Steiner's political association is with the Democratic party and he has been honored by election to township trustee, which office he has held for nine months. Religiously his belief is in harmony with the creed of the Christian church.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 387 (image 793).
Daniel Brewster, an energetic and persevering man whose industry and thrift have placed him among the substantial citizens of Adams county, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, September 13, 1845, and is the son of Jackson and Mary (Martin) Brewster, the former a native of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, also. They were the parents of thirteen children, seven of whom reached maturity. Jackson Brewster came to Adams county in 1860 and located on a piece of land which was densely covered with timber. He at once erected a rude cabin and then settled himself to the task of clearing and rendering the ground fit for cultivation, which he successfully accomplished. In connection with agricultural pursuits he was also employed on a boat on the Ohio river prior to his coming to Indiana. When he came here wild game of all kinds was plentiful and he often saw this game in close proximity to his log cabin, while some of the meat supplied for the family was secured by means of his trusty rifle or shotgun. He died about 1894 and his wife about 1896.
The subject of this sketch passed his youthful years in much the same manner as did the average farmer boy of the locality and period, having been reared to manhood on the old homestead. When he and his father came to Jefferson township only seventy-five families lived there, of which number only one man is still living, Jacob Ryan, aged eighty-four years. Mr. Brewster is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land in Jefferson township and his improvements in the way of buildings, fences, etc., rank with the best in the neighborhood. In connection with his farming interests he ran a threshing machine for thirty-three years, in which business he exerted every effort to please the public. In 1864 he enlisted in the Eightieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war, participating in the Hood and Johnston campaign.
The subject has been twice married, his first wife being Sarah A. Fetters. They were the parents of six children: Philip, Charles, Caroline, Emma, died in 1898, and Lucinda, died June 10, 1907, and Frank. Hattie, Fred, Edna and Gusta are of the second marriage. Mr. Brewster's second marriage was with Miss Loverda Bebout, daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth (Fisher) Bebout, both natives of Pennsylvania. They are the parents of four living children, as seen above. Mr. Brewster is a staunch Republican, and has been honored by election to offices of trust and responsibility, having served as justice of the peace four years, supervisor nine years and constable four years. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Grand Army of the Republic at Geneva, Indiana , and also the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Berne . His religious faith is that of the Evangelist church. The subject has attained success by hard work and is well entitled to the prosperity which is now his. At present he is residing on the old farm, where by honest toil and endeavor he worked his way to independence.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 386 (image 791).
John Rohrer, who has aided materially in the developing of the resources of this section and ever represented the best order of citizenship, was born in Canton Berne, Switzerland, June 6, 1870. He is a son of John C. and Rosana (Dantz) Rohrer. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood days on the family homestead, receiving a good education in the schools of Switzerland, and at the age of thirteen entered high school. After coming to Adams county he devoted some time to the carpenter trade and spent eight months in Chicago. In 1893 he was employed as an apprentice with the Berne Milling- Company and in compensation for his faithful services and steadfastness has been promoted to head miller, in which capacity he has served for the last seven years. He has traveled considerably, visiting other large milling institutions, and with the aid of various points of knowledge gained has built up a flourishing local trade in addition to his shipping interests. The concern is owned by stockholders, the subject having been a member for seven years. He is the possessor of several pieces of splendid property on Water street, Berne , on which have been erected tasty and substantial buildings. He is president of the Cement Block Artificial Stone Company, which under his efficient management has continued to grow until it is now considered one of the leading concerns of the kind.
In 1896 Mr. Rohrer was married to Miss Emily A. Welty, daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Zurcher) Welty, natives of Wayne county, Ohio, and Switzerland. Mr. and Mrs. Rohrer are the parents of four children: Sylvian B., Freida E., Florence M. and Karl H. Mr. Rohrer is independent in attitude toward politics, and religiously he belongs to the Mennonite church. Mr. Rohrer is a faithful performer of his duties and few men in his locality retain a higher degree of public confidence and esteem.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 385 (image 789).
Albert N. Sprunger, who leads an eminently active and useful life and who has attained a position of relative distinction in the community in which his interests are allied, was born in Monroe township, Adams county, Indiana, May 22, 1875. The subject of this sketch was reared under the parental roof and was early taught the science of agriculture. He was also given advantage of attendance at the public schools, so that upon attaining mature years he was well qualified to take up life's labors for himself. At the age of twenty-one he was employed in his brother's store, where he remained for two and a half years, when he purchased a one-fifth interest in the Berne Milling Company, and was made manager of the concern. This is an up-to-date mill and elevator combined, its equipment in the way of machinery being first-class in every respect. Mr. Sprunger is manager of this business. He has been reasonably successful in all of his undertakings and is now the owner of a splendid lot in the city of Berne. Politically he votes independent, while in religion he is identified with the Mennonite church. Mr. Sprunger is a public-spirited citizen and is highly esteemed in both business and social circles
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 385 (image 789).
Edward D. Engeler, who owns and conducts the largest general department store in Berne, Adams county, Indiana, is a native of the old Hoosier state, having been born in Wells county on the 18th of November, 1876. He is the son of Frederick and Rosana (Beeverstein) Engeler, natives respectively of Berne, Switzerland, and Wayne county, Ohio. The father, after coming to the United States in 1846, first located in Wells county, Indiana, but two years later, allured by the promises of certain wealth in the golden west, went to California, where his promises were to some extent realized, as he acquired a controlling interest in one of the splendid mines of that Country. He died in 1899 and his widow now makes her home in Bluffton, Wells county.
In 1891 the subject of this sketch having secured a good common school education came to Berne and established himself in his present business. He was successful from the outstart and is now, as has been stated before, the owner of the largest department store in that town. So extensive did his business become that he found it necessary to erect a building suited to his requirements and he is now the owner of a splendid two-story building forty-four by ninety feet in dimensions. He carries a large and comprehensive line of the various articles usually found in an up-to-date department store and keeps a large force of clerks to fill the wants of the public. Prior to entering upon this business he filled a clerkship at Bluffton for four years and was thus well equipped to manage his present business. Mr. Engeler was also identified with other local concerns, being assistant cashier and director of the People's State Bank at Berne and also vice president and director of the Berne Manufacturing Company, one of the progressive and successful concerns of this city. Mr. Engeler is a staunch Democrat in politics, though he never takes an active interest in public affairs. His religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian church at Bluffton.
In 1903 Mr. Engeler married Miss Hazel Karns, daughter of Samuel and Georgia Karns, and to them has been born one child, Gordon F.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 384 (image 787).
Henry A. Morrow, one of French township's leading citizens and enterprising farmers, is a native of Adams county, having been born on the 26th of February, 1844. His parents were Daniel and Clarissa (Haughton) Morrow, the former of whom was a native of New York state. He came to Adams county in an early day and settled in a woods in Hartford township, where he erected a rude leg cabin and commenced the task of creating a farm in the midst of the wilderness. He was a skilled workman and assisted in the construction of John Studebaker's log cabin, the first house in Bluffton, Wells county, and which was in the early days kept as a general store, one of the first commercial enterprises in Bluffton. His death occurred in 1893 and his wife died two years later. They were the parents of eight children: Elosia, Adelia, Eugene, Auzretta, Henry A., Ellen, Courtney and Melvina, who died in infancy. Daniel Morrow was a staunch Democrat in politics and served as assessor of Hartford township for many years. He was a member of the Universalist church.
Henry A. Morrow received his education in the common schools of Adams county and was early inured to the strenuous labors incident to farm life, which occupation he has followed throughout his life. He is the owner of forty acres of splendid land, all under a high state of cultivation and well improved with commodious and substantial farm buildings. He also gives some attention to the raising of live stock, specializing on shorthorn cattle and Duroc hogs. He has been successful in every line of his profession and stands deservedly high among his fellow citizens. Religiously he affiliates with the Christian church.
In 1873 he married Miss Emaline Hoffman, daughter of Lineal and Polly Ann (Kindle) Hoffman, natives of Virginia, who emigrated to Indiana in an early day and settled in Hartford township, Adams county. To the subject and his wife have been born five children: Ernest, a carpenter living in Indianapolis; Bertha, the wife of Neal Kyle, of Chicago , Illinois ; Frank, who is living in Muncie ; Eugene and Charles.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 384 (image 787).
Christian P. Hirschy, who deserves honorable mention in this volume because of the straightforward and progressive life he has led in the county in which he now resides, was born in Adams county, Indiana, on September 15, 1864. He is the son of Philip and Mary (Richer) Hirschy. The father was bom in Switzerland in 1824 and the mother in France. In 1835 they came to America, locating in Stark county, Ohio, where he followed the trade of carpentering. In 1847 he came to Adams county, Indiana, driving overland with a team of oxen, his course lying by the canal to Fort Wayne and thence south to Wabash township, this county. He located south of Berne, where he followed farming successfully until his death, in 1899.
Christian Hirschy received his education in the schools of Adams county and under his father's instructions early learned the secrets of husbandry. With his brother Joel he operates two hundred and seventeen acres of splendid land, all of which is under the plow excepting forty acres of pasture and woodland. Here general farming is carried on, embracing also the raising of live stock, principally Duroc hogs and shorthorn cattle. The farm is well equipped and in a highly productive condition. Mr. Hirschy giving special attention to the proper rotation of crops and other features which go to the successful prosecution of his calling. On the farm are two dwelling houses and other improvements which add to the general appearance of the place. In politics Mr. Hirschy is a staunch supporter of the Democratic party, and in religion is a member of the Mission church at Berne.
On June 10, 1894, he married Miss Louise Felber, daughter of Jacob and Magdalena (Moser) Felber, natives of Germany , though early settlers in Adams county. They were the parents of seven children: Melvin, Clarence, Tillman, Arminda, Erne and Marion and Magdalena, twins. Mr. Hirschy is public-spirited in the broadest sense of the word, giving his earnest support to every measure calculated to advance the interests of the community, and is enjoying the regard and esteem of all with whom he comes in contact.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 383 (image 785).
Albert S. Kindel, who successfully operates a splendid farm of one hundred and twenty acres in French township, Adams county, Indiana, is a native of the Old Dominion state, having been born December 6, 1850. His parents were Isaac and Delilah (Tappy) Kindel, both also natives of Virginia. The paternal grandfather, Reuben Kindel, was a native of Germany. Isaac Kindel came to Indiana in an early day, locating in Hartford township, Adams county, where he made a small clearing in the midst of the woods and erected a rude log cabin, which still stands and in which he resided until his death in 1890. His wife died the month following. He was the owner of eighty acres of land and traded forty acres of this for property in Lynn Grove, Hartford township, where his death occurred. He was the father of twelve children, six of whom are still living.
The subject of this sketch after completing a good, practical common school education entered upon the active duties of life as an agriculturist, which sturdy occupation he has since followed. He owns one hundred and twenty acres of land in French township and forty in Hartford township, comprising the old home place, nearly all of which is under the plow and improved. Mr. Kindel carries on a miscellaneous line of farming, giving attention to all the crops common to this locality, and also gives some attention to Poland China and Duroc hogs. He has lived on his present place since 1890 and has made many substantial improvements, including a fine brick house, which is fitted with hot and cold water, furnace heat, and is modern in every respect. In politics the subject is a staunch Democrat, and though deeply interested in the success of his party he has never cared for the honors of public office. Religiously he is a member of the Christian church.
In 1885 Mr. Kindel married Miss Sarah Miller, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Miller, and to this union have been born three children, namely: Bessie, Guy and Claud J.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 381 (image 781).
Isaac Brown can trace his ancestry back to a lieutenant who fought in the war for American independence. This ancestor was Adam Brown, his great grandfather. Since the days of the great grandfather the family has lived in the middle west. Isaac was born in Wayne county, Ohio, August 16, 1847. He is a son of John and Mariah (Sager) Brown and his grandfather was John Brown. His parents were both natives of Ohio. They were married in this latter state and lived on a farm in their native county until 1852, when they came across the state line into Indiana. After reaching Adams county John Brown purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. He cleared this land and made it productive before his death, which occurred December 24, 1902, when he was eighty-five years of age. His wife died June 3, 1899, at the age of seventy-eight years. He was a Democrat in politics and both John and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church. They were the parents of sixteen children: Martha, Joseph, Abraham, Benjamin, Isaac, Sarah Jane, William, Christian, Mary Ann, Drusilla, Amanda, Adam, John, Reuben, Clarissa and Victoria.
Isaac Brown was about five years of age when his parents left Ohio and came to Indiana . He spent his youth until his eighteenth year on his father's farm. He was educated in the common schools of his immediate neighborhood, and from the time he was old enough he assisted in the improvement and cultivation of the home farm. In addition to learning the lessons of agriculture, he learned the trade of a carpenter. After leaving his home he worked at this trade in various localities until the year 1871. In this year he returned to the home farm and engaged in its management and cultivation. He operated the home farm for a few years and then purchased a farm in Root township, Adams county. He lived on this farm in Root township for eleven years and then removed to his present place in the same township in 1893. He has lived on his present farm for fourteen years.
Mr. Brown has been married twice. His first wife was Miss Cassandra Hawn, a native of Union county, Ohio. Her marriage to Mr. Brown occurred in 1869 and she died in 1891. She bore her husband one child, a son, Samuel Elton Brown. This son married Edna Peoples, and he and his wife have become the parents of five children. The second marriage of Isaac Brown occurred in 1893. This time he was united to Mrs. Mary Ellen (Aber) Hauk, the widow of William Hauk. She is the daughter of Samuel and Mary Aber, who are numbered among the older settlers of Adams county. They are both dead. One child, a son, Carl Aber Brown, has been born of this second marriage.
The parents of the present Mrs. Brown, Samuel and Mary (Rice) Aber, as stated above, are among the old settlers of northeastern Indiana. He was a native of Ohio and his wife was born in Culpeper county, Virginia. They came to Adams county in 1842 and died in that county. They were the parents of five children: Sarah Jane, David James, William G., John Ferguson and Mary Ellen. The father was a Democrat and served as a justice of the peace for a number of years and as a township trustee.
Mr. Brown is the owner of a fine farm of fifty-nine acres in Root township. The land is well improved and is profitable and the buildings and other equipments are substantial. In addition to his farm he is the proprietor of the Decatur Creamery at Decatur and has made this a profitable business and one largely patronized. He is a man who takes an active part in the affairs of his community, and is a leader in all movements for the betterment of the condition of his township. He has served as a trustee of Root township, being elected in 1887 and serving seven years, and in other ways demonstrated his public spirit. With his wife he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and gives this denomination his hearty and generous support.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 380 (image 779).
Charles E. Bultemeier, a successful farmer of Root township, was born in Root township, Adams county, Indiana, January 22, 1853. He is the son of Conrad and Louisa (Miland) Bultemeier. His parents were born in Prussia, Germany , and after their marriage came to the United States and settled in Preble township, Adams county. After a few years' residence in this latter township they removed to Root township. They purchased land and cultivated their farm until the husband's death. Before settling in Root township Conrad Bultemeier worked on the Wabash & Erie canal. He was a careful and frugal man and saved his money. In time he accumulated enough to invest in farm land and purchased his Root township tract. He added from time to time to his original purchase and at his death was the owner of seven hundred acres of fine land. This land became divided among his children and every acre of it is still in the family. Both Conrad Bultemeier and his wife were highly respected residents of Root township and members of the Lutheran church. They became the parents of the following children: Louis, Charles E., Ferdinand, Fred, Wilhelmina, Louise and Lizzetta.
Of this large family Charles E. Bultemeier was the second in order of birth. He was reared on his father's farm in Root township and was educated in the common schools of the neighborhood. He was an industrious youth and made the most of all of the opportunities that presented themselves. In the months when he was not engaged in the schools he assisted his father in the improving and cultivation of his farm. He learned the wholesome lessons to be learned on a farm and he applied these lessons to excellent advantage in the years of his after life. When his father died the farm was divided among the children and Charles secured his share. He was married in 1877 to Miss Dora Horstmeyer, who was born in Adams county and was the daughter of Frederick and Louise Horstmeyer. She bore her husband twelve children, of whom six grew up and are living: August F., Clara L., Eliza L., Charles H., William L. and Lena S. Her death occurred on the family farm in 1906. She was a consistent and honored member of the St. John's Lutheran church.
Mr. Bultemeier is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres. The land is excellently located and is very fertile. All of the iand is cleared and the improvements that have been made on it from time to time rank with the best in the entire township. The farm is well drained and fenced and the buildings are substantial and comfortable. Altogether the place is one of the most attractive and valuable in the section of Adams county where it is situated. Mr. Bultemeier is a public-spirited man and takes a live and active part in all movements that are designed to advance the social and commercial prosperity of his community. He is highly respected and is a member of the St. John's Lutheran church.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 379(image 777).
Samuel D. Kunkle, a pioneer fanner of Root township, Adams county, Indiana, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, August 25, 1820, and is the son of Michael and Catherine (Sentz) Kunkle, both also natives of Pennsylvania, but of German extraction. They came to Richland county, Ohio, in about 1825, where Mr. Kunkle purchased a tract of unimproved land and through his efforts and well directed energies the same was soon transformed into a splendid piece of real estate. Here his death occurred about 1850. They were the parents of nine children, namely: Eliza, Mary, Matilda, Dianna, Lydia , Rebecca, Nancy, Michael (deceased), and Samuel D. Michael and Catherine Kunkle were members of the Lutheran church and their lives were ever in harmony with the faith which they thus professed.
The subject of this sketch received his education in the old subscription schools of that day, and eagerly improved all the opportunities in that line that came to him. He lived on his father's farm until twenty-six years of age, when he came to Indiana by way of wagon and bought eighty acres of land in Root township, Adams county, which was in the state of primitive wildness. He built a rude log cabin, where he lived for about sixteen years, subsequently trading his farm for another consisting of one hundred and sixty-two acres in Root township, and on which he now resides. He has erected many substantial farm buildings and the land is under a splendid state of cultivation, yielding rich returns to the owner.
On June 9, 1846, Mr. Kunkle married Miss Martha Dorwin, the daughter of Calvin T. and Fanny (Bell) Dorwin, natives of New York state, but who came to Indiana in 1845 and are now deceased. To the subject and his wife have been born six children: Willie, who died in infancy; Fanny, the wife of Robert S. Peterson; Dora, the wife of Alexander R. Bell; Eftie, who died in infancy; Florence L., the wife of Alton De Vilbiss, and Calvin, who married Sarah Pillars. Mrs. Kunkle died February 6, 1902, aged seventy-seven years.
Mr. Kunkle is a member of the English Lutheran church and takes a deep interest in its welfare. Politically he is a Republican and served as assessor of Root township for eight years. Mr. Kunkle started upon his career as an independent factor at the bottom of the ladder and by his earnest labor and unabating perseverance is now able to spend the remainder of his life in retirement, having sold his farm to his son Calvin.
Calvin D. Kunkle was bom March 19, 1863. He was reared a farmer and April 17, 1883, married Sarah A. Pillars, daughter of Sampson and Mary J. Pillars. She was born in Root township. They have one son, Sherman P., and one daughter, Florence L. Calvin D. Kunkle has resided all his years on the homestead and in 1900 became its owner.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 378 (image 775).
Lewis L. Lewton, one of the most successful farmers and best known men of Adams county, was born in Adams county, Indiana, November 12, 1841. He is the son of Perry and Mary (Leamaster) Lewton. Both of his parents were natives of Carroll county, Ohio. They were married in Ohio and shortly after this event came to Indiana. Perry Lewton was one of the pioneer school and singing teachers of northeastern Indiana. After coming to Adams county he settled in Decatur and taught school in that place until his death, September 22, 1843. Mary Leamaster was the daughter of John and Nancy (Baxter) Leamaster. They were among the earliest settlers in Adams county. Both were born and reared in Ohio and were married in that state in 1811. They settled in Root township after coming to Adams county, and remained in that township until their deaths. Mr. and Mrs. Perry Lewton became the parents of three children: Nancy Ellen, Lewis and Perry A. Of these children Lewis alone survives. After the death of Perry Lewton his widow returned to her parents' home and lived there for a short time. She was married for the second time to Zedekiah Brown, by whom she had one child, a son, James B. Brown, who is now dead. Both of the parents of Lewis Lewton were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Perry Lewton was a staunch Democrat all of his life.
Following the death of his father and the second marriage of his mother, Lewis Lewton made his home with his stepfather. He attended the common schools of his immediate neighborhood and secured as good an education as was possible under the circumstances. He lived with his stepfather until he was old enough to make his own living independently, and during the next years worked out as a farm hand at various places in the township. He continued in this employment until the outbreak of the Civil war. He was among the first in Root township to catch the war infection, and enlisted in Company K of the Eighty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. His regiment was hurried to the front and he saw much real service with it. He was present at the engagements fought at Tupelo, Mississippi, during the Red River expedition; at Pleasant Hill, Tennessee; Yellow Bayou, Louisiana the siege of Nashville, Fort Blackley and many lesser engagements and skirmishes. He was taken prisoner by the Confederates but was paroled soon after his capture. He served with gallantry until the close of the war and was finally mustered out of the Federal service with an honorable discharge.
After the close of the war he returned to Indiana and was married to Miss Sarah J. Robison, a native of Adams county and a daughter of James and Elizabeth Robison. Two children were born of this union: Mary E., the wife of William Frank, of Decatur, Indiana, and Lewis Chester, who is dead. Mrs. Lewton died August 15, 1870, and Mr. Lewton contracted a second marriage a few years after her death. This time he married Mary C. Robison, a sister of his first wife, and six children have been born to the couple: Cary D., the present auditor of Adams county; Amos, a farmer of Root township; Ada, the wife of Philip Schieferstine; Hattie, deceased; Edgar, living in Fort Wayne, and Daisy, who is living at home with her father. The second wife of Mr. Lewton died September 8, 1900.
Mr. Lewton is the owner of an excellent farm of ninety acres in Root township, and all of his land is excellently situated. He has lived on this place since 1870 and has improved it until it is one of the most valuable and productive tracts in the township. His buildings are comfortable, and altogether his place is one of the attractive ones in its neighborhood. He has always been a man who has taken an active part in the affairs of his community and he has played a prominent part in Adams county politics. He is a member of the Democratic party and an earnest worker for the success of this party. His brother, Perry, was the sheriff of Adams county at the time of his death, and the county commissioners appointed Mr. Lewton to serve the remaining nine months of his brother's term. This he did to the satisfaction of the members of both political parties. He is an enthusiastic member of the Grand Army of the Republic and a member of Sam Henry post at Decatur .
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 377 (image 773).
Jonas Cline, who successfully operates a splendid farm in Root township, Adams county, Indiana, was born in the township in which he now resides on September 6, 1845, and was the son of Jacob and Barbara (Robinson) Cline, natives of Pennsylvania. In 1836 they came to Adams county, Indiana, and settled in Root township, where they entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land in section 14, this being their home until their respective deaths. Jacob Cline died August 22, 1889, and his wife died June 30, 1873. They were good Christian people and were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They were the parents of seven children: Robert and John R., who are deceased ; William and George B., residents .of Union township, this county; Jonas, our subject, and Catherine. Jacob Cline was a Republican in politics.
The subject of this sketch was given a common school education and during his youth learned thoroughly the methods of agriculture, so that upon attaining mature years he was well equipped to take up the work on his own account. In 1873 he bought forty acres of excellent land in Root township, on which he resided for a period of eighteen years, when he sold this and bought his present farm of eighty acres in section 16, Root township. Here he carries on general farming, meeting with a success commensurate with the labor bestowed.
In 1873 Mr. Cline was married to Miss Nancy Rice, who was born in Root township, this county, the daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Pillars) Rice, the former of Culpeper county, Virginia, and the latter of Carroll county, Ohio. They were early settlers of this county, coming here in 1836 and taking up government land. They are both now deceased. Benjamin Rice was twice married and was the father of ten children: William, Mary, Elizabeth, Rachel, Benjamin, John B., James M., Millard F., Nancy A. and David M.
The subject and his wife have one child, Mary, who is the wife of Charles Magley, and they operate the home farm. In November, 1863, Mr. Cline enlisted in Company H, Eighty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the following battles: Pleasant Hill, Louisiana; Tupelo, Mississippi; Yellow Bayou, Louisiana; battle of Fort Deruss, and a number of skirmishes. The subject and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and their lives are in harmony with the Christian profession. Politically Mr. Cline is an earnest Republican.
Mr. Magley has had charge of the farm since 1900 and under his management many improvements have been made. He erected a barn and remodeled the house and laid considerable tile.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 376 (image 771).
Adamson Ross Wolfe was born in Ashland county, Ohio, December 19, 1847. He is a son of Sylvester and Hannah G. (Gladden) Wolfe. Sylvester Wolfe was born September 24, 1817, and when one and one-half years of age was brought by his parents to Richland county, Ohio. He lived on his father's farm in this county until he grew to manhood and married. His wife was Hannah Gladden, who was born in Jefferson county, Ohio, and when an infant was taken by her parents to Ashland county. She grew to maturity in this county. The marriage of Sylvester Wolfe and Hannah Gladden was solemnized in Ashland county, September 8, 1842. They lived for ten years after their marriage in Ohio and then removed to Indiana, settling in Root township. They purchased a piece of unimproved land and the father erected a log cabin in the woods as a home for his family. However, as the years passed the farm was cleared and the log cabin home replaced with a much finer and more comfortable residence. His place consisted of one hundred and sixty acres, and in time became a very valuable property. This couple continued to live on their farm after coming to Indiana, and both died on it. Mrs. Wolfe died June I, 1896, and her husband survived until March 1, 1904. Both were members of the Baptist church and Mr. Wolfe was a staunch Democrat all through his life. They became the parents of the following children: Margaret, Sarah, Adamson Ross, Isaac (deceased), Oliver C, Martha E., Laura A. (deceased), Ida I. and Mary E. The five eldest of these children were born in Ashland county, Ohio, and the remaining children were born on the family home in Root township.
The subject of this sketch was but five years of age when his parents removed from Ashland county, Ohio , to Adams county, Indiana. He spent his youth on his father's farm and attended the sessions of the schools of his neighborhood. In these schools he secured as good a common school education as the times and circumstances made possible. He assisted his father in the work of cultivating the home farm as soon as he was old enough to do farm work, and he remained on the home farm until his twenty-fourth year, when he was married. The marriage of Adamson Ross Wolfe and Miss Sarah Catherine Cline was solemnized in Root township in 1870. Mrs. Wolfe is a daughter of George and Elizabeth (McConnehey) Cline and was born in Adams county. Her parents, who were early settlers in this section of Indiana, are both dead. For the first year after his marriage Mr. Wolfe lived on a place that he rented. However, after a year he purchased the place he now occupies. This is a tract of eighty acres, and when it came into the possession of Mr. Wolfe was unimproved. However, its rough condition presented no terrors for him and he set to work to clear and make it productive. As the years succeeded one another he found himself in possession of more and more cleared land, and eventually he cleared, drained and otherwise improved the entire estate. He fenced the land and erected a comfortable home and other necessary farm buildings. During the years since their marriage one child, a son, Albert Marion Wolfe, came to bless the union. This son is married to Miss Jenny Murphy and lives on his father's farm. He and his wife are the parents of two children, twins, one of whom, Marie Jennie, is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe are consistent church members. He united with the Baptist church and his wife is a member of the United Brethren denomination.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 375 (image 769).
Coat Cook, a substantial farmer of Root township, was born in Medina county, Ohio, on February 12, 1841, and is the son of Frederick and Margaret (Shafer) Cook, natives of Germany , who came to America early in life. They were farming folk of Medina county, Ohio, until about 1857, when drove by ox teams to Adams county, Indiana, and settled on a wild tract of land, now known as the Henry Creek farm. Here they lived until their deaths. They were the parents of eight children: Frederick, Christopher, William, Christina, Caroline, Catherine, Anna and Coat.
The subject of this sketch was a lad of ten years when he came with his parents to Adams county, Indiana. He was educated in the common schools of his locality and assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until twenty-eight years of age, when he started out in life on his own account, purchasing his present farm of one hundred and twenty-one acres. This land was only partially improved at the time, but by dint of hard toil and perseverance he has established himself a beautiful home, consisting of a ten-room brick house, which is up-to-date and modern in every respect.
In 1868 Mr. Cook chose as his life companion Miss Mary Bartling, who was born in Clermont county, Ohio, in 1846, the daughter of William and Christina Bartling, the former dying in 1870 and the latter some years later. William Bartling followed the miller's trade in Decatur for a number of years, and was the father of eleven children: John, Christina, Louisa, Maria, Mary, Charles, Caroline, George Henry, Emma, James Albert and William. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are the parents of six children: William, who is living with his parents; Ida, the wife of Lemuel Fisher; Charles, who is living at home; Aurora, the wife of Harlow Mann; David and Edith, who also live at home. The entire Cook family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are held in high regard in the community which has been their home for so many years. Mr. Cook for many years supported the Democratic party, but of late has been more independent and has endorsed the Prohibition party. He served as administrator of his father's estate.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 374 (image 767).
James C. Patterson, who occupies the responsible position of manager of the express business at Decatur, is a native of this city, where he was born on September 19, 1855. Mr. Patterson received a good education in the common schools and for eight years was an employe of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad as ticket agent at Winchester. He afterward became assistant cashier of the Old Adams County Bank, which position he retained for two years, and later was secretary of the Eagle Manufacturing Company, subsequently becoming manager of the Western Union Telegraph Company. He is a man of many fine parts and enjoys the absolute confidence and esteem of all who know him. In politics Mr. Patterson is an adherent of the Democratic party, and though not a seeker for public office, he was elected city clerk, which responsible position he held satisfactorily for two years, and also served as deputy postmaster of Decatur under President Cleveland. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 65, and religiously he is a member of the Presbyterian church.
In 1880 he married Miss Lydia Irvin, the daughter of Sylvester O. and Sarah Irvin. Mr. Irvin has been for a number of years proprietor of the Irvin House at Winchester, where he has lived during the past seventy-five years. To the subject and his wife have been born three children: Fred I., a graduate of the Indianapolis Dental College, now located at Terre Haute, Indiana; Marie, now deputy auditor of Adams county, Indiana, and J. Bruce, a student.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 373 (image 765).
Samuel Fuhrman, a successful and popular representative of the agricultural industry in Adams county, was born in Root township, this county, on February 12, 1862. He is the son of Charles H. and Caroline (Hellswarth) Fuhrman, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Mercer county, Ohio. The paternal grandparents were Christ and Barbara (Young) Fuhrman, who came to America in 1831 and settled in Starke county, Ohio, where they bought a farm, on which they lived until 1837, when they came to Indiana by ox team and entered three hundred and twenty acres of government land in Preble township, Adams county. Here they erected a small log cabin, in which they lived the remainder of their lives. They were financially successful through life and at the time of Mr. Fuhrman's death he was the owner of considerable real estate. He was a member of the Evangelical Association, as was also his wife, and they were well liked and esteemed by all those who knew them. Christian died in 1880 and his wife died some years previous. They were the parents of eight children: Philip, Jacob, Christ, Charles, Henry C, Mary and Sophia, all deceased except Henry C.
Charles Fuhrman was a mere child when he accompanied his parents to America . He was given the advantages of a good education and upon attaining manhood chose agricultural pursuits as his vocation. He met with abundant success in his calling, possessing at his death nearly three hundred acres of splendid land. He was the father of nine children: Margaret, the wife of Henry Reppert, a resident of Oklahoma; Joseph, deceased; Sophia, now Mrs. Hudnett; Samuel and John, who are twins; Mary, the wife of Noah Lock; Sarah, the wife of Frank Jackson; Clara, the wife of George Bailey; Louisa, the wife of Web Foreman, a resident of Logansport. The parents were members of the Evangelical church.
The subject of this sketch received the advantages of a fair common school education, and as he was of studious and regular habits he acquired a fair mental equipment for his future efforts. He is now the owner of one hundred and seventy-eight acres of excellent land, which is devoted to the raising of the various products best adapted to the soil and climate, while good buildings, fences, tiling, etc. indicate the energy and thrift of the owner. In connection with general farming he devotes some of his time and attention to the raising: of live stock, dealing to some extent in Hereford cattle.
In 1888 Mr. Fuhrman was united in marriage to Miss Drusilla Dutcher, who was born in Root township, Adams county, Indiana, the daughter of Almon and Brady (Wise) Dutcher. To them were born six children: Milton, Joseph, Beulah, Esther, Morris and Lois. Religiously the Fuhrman family are members of the Evangelical church. In politics Mr. Fuhrman votes the Republican ticket, while fraternally he is a member of the Order of Red Men, Tribe 203, at Decatur, Indiana.
Almon Dutcher was born in Benton county, Ohio . He died in 1903 and was the son of Samuel and Catherine Dutcher. He was a soldier of the Fifty-first Indiana Regiment and experienced many of the privations and hardships of army life. His faith religiously was that of the Lutheran church and he merited the respect and admiration of his fellow citizens.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 372 (image 763).
To the parents of John Simison - Robert and Rebecca (David) Simison - belong the distinction of being the first white couple to be married in Wells county, Indiana. This marriage was solemnized in 1836. In fact, the union of this hardy pioneer couple antedated the organization of the county, so the marriage took place in what subsequently became Wells county. There being no constituted authorities in the immediate neighborhood of their home when the time came for the marriage, the young people were forced to send all the way to the village of Fort Wayne for a "squire" to perform the ceremony. For a short time following their marriage the young people went to the home of Peter Studebaker, in Adams county, but soon moved to the land in Adams county which he had secured from the government before his marriage. Robert Simison was born in Recovery, Mercer county, Ohio, and his wife was a native of Tennessee. They settled on their new tract of land and devoted themselves to the work of clearing it and making it productive. The farm consisted of one hundred and twenty acres and the work of clearing it was a huge task. However, the elder Simison was a man of industry and progressive spirit and he stayed at his labor until he had completed the clearing of the farm. The times were hard and the country was thinly settled. An idea of the primitive conditions that existed may be gathered when it is stated that the nearest mill at which grain could be ground was that located at Richmond. To this place the elder Simison was compelled to haul his grain, the roads lying through the forests, and he was forced to hew a path for his yoke of oxen to follow. The journey to Richmond was a tiresome and hazardous one, and at certain seasons of the year required more than a week to make the round trip. The father of Robert Simison was a soldier in the war of 1812 and served with distinction throughout that second struggle with the mother country.
John Simison lived with his father and assisted him in his labors on the parental farm until he was twenty-five years of age. As a youth he attended the rude schools of his neighborhood and secured a meager education. His training was of a substantial nature and eminently fitted him to meet the rough conditions of his early days.
In 1872 he was married to Miss Sarah Chrisman, the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Moore) Chrisman. His wife's parents came to Indiana from Ohio and were originally natives of Pickaway county, Ohio. They came by wagon to Adams county, Indiana, in 1868 and settled on a farm in Hartford township, Adams county. For three years after his marriage John Simison was employed in a store. At the end of this period of employment he moved with his wife to a farm northwest of the present village of Linn Grove. He cleared his farm and brought it to a stage of excellent cultivation. He was a capable fanner and knew the advantages of modern methods. His farm was equipped with a substantial home and necessary outbuildings and was well fenced and drained. He continued to live on and operate his farm until about two years ago, when he rented it and moved to Linn Grove, where he erected a comfortable house and is living a retired and restful life. But one child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Simison and this child died when very young. He is a respected member of the community in which he resides and has taken an active part in the progressive movements of his county. He is a Democrat in politics and both he and his wife are esteemed and active members of the Baptist church.
Submitted by: Margie Pearce
Snow's History of Adams County, Indiana,
John Fletcher Snow,
B. F. Bowen, Indianapolis, IN, 1907,
p. 371(image 761).