OLIVER C. POLLEY was born in New London County, Conn., March 17, 1821. His father, Oliver C. Polley, Sr., was born in the same county and state Jan. 8, 1794. He married Abigail Payne, Nov. 30, 1815. She was a native of the same state and was born July 2, 1790, and died June 10, 1826. They were both of English descent. On Feb. 27, 1828, he was married to Lura Abell. She was born in Lisbon County, Conn., Sept. 28, 1808, and died April 15, 1869. Soon after his marriage he emigrated west and settled in Ohio in 1830, where he died Sept. 6, 1842. The subject of this sketch came from his native state and settled with his parents in Huron County, Ohio, when he was about eight years of age. He received a common school educaton, grew to manhood, and was married Nov. 1, 1846, to Eliza M. Mehrling, the daughter of Peter and Mary Mehrling, natives of Pennsylvania. The father was born Dec. 2, 1801, and the mother May 31, 1804. They came to Ohio in 1832, and then to Indiana in 1849, where he died Jan. 14, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Polley have had five children, only one of whom is now living. Their names are: Mary E., Olier P., Andrew, an infant, and George W. The last named is the only living one. George W. has the management of his father's farm, and is a worthy young man. Mr. Polley came to Indiana in 1849 and settled in Fulton County, where he bought land, then in the heavily wooded district along the river. By hard and persistent labor he converted it into a highly cultivated tract of land. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Polley has lived a long and useful life, and much credit is due him. He came to the county in an early day, and he had given much aid to the development of the country. He has always been progressive and has stood as a firm friend of both church and education. In his declining years his blessings are many. Surrounded with a good wife, a faithful son, many friends and a good home, he enjoys the fruits of an exemplary life.

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


PHILIP RADER is a retired farmer and pioneer of Henry township, who has devoted the best energies of his life to the improvement of the lands of Fulton County, transforming the wild tracts into rich fields, whose productiveness adds materially to the properity of the county. He came to Indiana from Ohio, his native state, his birth having occurred in Montgomery County, July 4, 1824. His father, Philip Rader, who was born in Wythe County, Va., move to Ohio in an early day. He was of German descent and married Miss Cress for his first wife and after her death wedded Wlizabeth Siddon, of English lineage. With an ax upon his shoulder, Philip Rader, of this sketch, left home to carve out his own fortune, and by working in this way he started in life. After working for one year for his father for $100, he was married Dec. 28, 1846, to Margaret Stradley, and with his bride and his small capital began housekeeping a mile east of Akron on a forty-acre farm which he had purchased. Five years later he sold this place with the intention of removing to Illinois, but circumstances prevented and he purchased his father's farm, which in 1863 he exchanged for 170 acres of land in henry township, two miles east of the village. There he profitably carried on farming until 1886, when with the handsome competence acquired through his own labors he removed to Akron, where he has since lived retired. Mrs. Rader, who has been his faithful helpmeet for many years, was born in Delaware and her father, Caleb Stradley, was among the pioneers who opened up this locality to civilization. He was the first justice of the peace of Henry township, and for several years did his judicial business in his log cabin, two and one-half miles southwest of where Akron now stands. Mr. and Mrs. Rader are the parents of the following named children: W.N., of Henry township; Sarah E., wife of Joseph Nelson, of Disco; Schuyler, of Henry township; Albert W., of Huntingon, Ind.; and Clara, wife of William Morrett, of Henry township. Deeply interested in America, Mr. Rader has traveled quite extensively over this country, thus gaining a knowledge of his native land that could not be acquired from history. Accompanied by his wife, he visited the Centennial exposition in 1876, returning by way of the Atlantic states and visiting New York, Niagara and other points of interest. Some years later they took a six months' trip through the west, at length reaching San Diego, Cal., and returning by way of the Central Pacific route. They thus visited some twenty-six states and territories, and viewed the grandeur of the Rocky mountains and other magnificent scenery of the west. After a life well spent in fruitful toil they are now enjoying rest from labor in their pleasant home in Akron, and Mrs. Rader is now the oldest living resident of Henry township. Her brother, Luther Stradley, was the first white child born in the township.

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


ALONZO L. RANNELLS, a well know business man of Rochester, and one of the best hotel men that ever opened a register in Fulton County, was born in this city Feb. 10, 1851. He has resided here all his life and was educated at Urbana, Ohio, Swedenborgian college, and at Richmond, Ind., later received his training in business at this point. His training for the hotel business began when thirteen years old, when his father opened the Central house in 1864. In course of time he was taken into the business as a partner, the firm being R.M. Rannells & Son. Some time after his father's death, April 21, 1886, Mr. Rannells retired from this old hostelry, which is yet a part of the family estate, and when the Arlington was completed Mr. Rannells in company with Charles D. Sissen opened it and conducted it two years. Since then Mr. Rannells has devoted himself to his farming and other important interests. His farm lands are situated in Rochester and Henry townships. Mr. Rannells was married in Rochester June 13, 1876, to Emma L., daughter of Daniel Sterner, who came originally from Pennsylvania. Mrs. Rannells was born at Bristol, Ind., in 1855. Our subject's father, R.N. Rannells, was born in Crawford County, Ohio, March 21, 1827. He came to Fulton County with his parents in 1838. Four years later his father engaged in merchandising here, and took his osn in as a partner. This business was conducted for sixteen years successfully, but the in-door confinement was proving disastrous to the health of the son and he retired and undertook farming. When the Eighty-seventh regiment was raised and equipped for service for the Union, Mr. Rannells was appointed a quartermaster by Gov. Morton. He served with his regiment till failing health forced him to resign, leaving behind him a most creditable record as a faithful servant and efficient officer. He returned home in 1864 and engaged in the hotel business, opening the Central house, conducting it to his death. In 1848 he was married to Elizabeth Spencer, born in Ohio in 1830. Their children are: W.S., Alonzo L. and Lycurgus E., deceased. Our subject's grandfather William Rannells, was born in Virginia, and there married Susan Rannells. He was a member of the state legislature from Fulton County two terms and died in Rochester in 1850. A.L. Rannells is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the order of Knights of Pythias, Red Men, and National Union.

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


WILLIAM W. RANNELLS, a native of Adams County, Ohio, was born July 12, 1852, and is a son of James R. Rannells, who was born in Virginia in 1836. He is the only survivor of six brothers and now resides in Rochester. The mother of William W. was Orpha J. Rannells, whose maiden name was Fenton, a descendent of the famous Fenton family of Kentucky. She was born in Adams County, Ohio, and died in Rochester, Ind., in 1864. As early as 1838 the Rannells family became known in northern Indiana by the coming of two brothers, who first settled near Leesburg, where the grandfather of our subjects died. The paternal grandmother of Mr. Rannells kept an early day tavern in Rochester. Mr. Rannels came to Rochester in 1862. He obtained a common school education and at seventeen years of age he began learning the blacksmith trade in the shop of J.W. Rannells, who was for forty years a blacksmith. For quite a number of years he has been engaged in business of himself. He also has a fine little farm, upon which he with his family reside just beyond the corporate limits of Rochester. In 1875 he was united in marriage to Miss Ellen J. Osborn, who was born in Fulton County, Feb. 27, 1858. To this relation is one child, viz.: Clarence J., born in this county Feb. 10, 1876l. For quite a number of years Mr. Rannells has been associated with the instrumental musical interests of Rochester. He is a member of Rochester lodge, No. 47, I.O.O.F. and is known as an honorable man and repsected citizens of Fulton County.

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


FRANK M. REID was born near Logansport, in Cass County, Ind., May 12, 1842, and is a son of William and Amanda Reid. The former was born in Virginia and died in Cass County, Ind., in 1862, and the latter was born in Ohio and died in Fulton County, Ind., in 1858. The mother's maiden name was Elam and her father was one of the first settlers and millers of Fulton County. for some time, in an early day, he operated a mill at the outlet of Manatau lake, where he ground corn for the Indians. The subject of this mention received a country school education, and then began learning the carpenter's trade. He had worked but one year (1860) when the war began and in 1861 he enlisted in company K, Forty-sixth Indiana volunteer infantry and served until June 30, 1865, when he was honorably discharged at Louisville, Ky. He was in many important battles and was a faithful and true soldier. The conflict over he again engaged in the carpenter's business, in which he has continued nearly all the time since 1865. Among the many buildings he has erected in Rochester, many be mentioned the Arlington hotel block, the Deniston building. He also helped to build the South school building and the residence of L.M. Brackett. The marriage of Mr. Reid occurred in 1862 to Miss Clarissa Reed, of Rochester, Ind. To this union are these two children: Leslie and Nellie. In politics he is an earnest supporter of the republican party. For five years Mr. Reid served as marshal of the city of Rochester. He is a member of McClung post, No. 95, G.A.R., and is also a member of the orders K. of H. and I.O.M. Mr. Reid has made his own way in life and is recognized as one of the leading carpenters, contractors and honorable business men of Rochester, of which city he has been a resident for many years.

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


GEORGE RENTSCHLER, of Liberty township, an industriou, ambitious and succesful young farmer, was born in Kings County, N.Y., Oct. 7, 1864. The following year his father brought his family to Peru, Ind., and in that locality young George was reared, educated and learned the moulder's trade. He was not content to remain a tradesman and when he has concluded his first year as a moulder he indicated to his father his desire to engage in farming. The necessary arrangements were made and our subject launched out on his new venture on the F. Reese farm, containing 183 acres, which he has since purchased. He has cleared sixty acres, put in 2,000 rods of ditch and otherwise improved his premises. Mr. Rentschler is a son of G.A. Rentschler, a foundryman of Hamilton, Ohio, but formerly proprietor of the Ohio iron works at Peru, Ind. He was born in Germany, came to the United States single and was married in New Jersey to Catherine Graff, who died in 1879, leaving George and Henry, a machinist at Hamilton, Ohio. Nov. 15, 1884, George Rentschler married Lettie Ludwig, born in Fulton County. She is a daughter of J.J. Ludwig, of German parents, and reared in Miami County, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Rentschler are the parents of Henry, aged ten; Andrew, aged nine; George, aged seven; and Robert, aged one. Mr. Rentschler is a K.O.T.M.

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


WILLIAM R. RIED, one of the native born pioneers of Fulton County, Ind., dates his birth in Rochester township June 11, 1839, and is the son of Daniel and Charity Ried, whose maiden name was Miller. The father of Mr. Ried was born in Preble County, Ohio, April 11, 1816, and died in Fulton County, Ind., Feb. 3, 1849; while the mother was born in Pennsylvania, Nov. 25, 1816, and died in this county Dec. 5, 1887. As early as 1837 the father of William P. entered 150 acres of land three miles southwest of Rochester and since its passing from the government has always been in the hands of the Ried family, and Mr. Ried has the first tax receipt for this land, which is in the following language: "Received of Daniel Ried one dollar and sixty-six cents, it being in full of his state and county tax for the year 1838. Robert Martin, Collector F.C." The subject of this biography grew to manhood upon the home land and was a pupil at the neighborhood school. The early death of the father compelled young Ried to help the mother earn a living for her family and at fourteen years of age with a yoke of oxen he put out and cultivated his first crop of corn. Mr. Ried has given the best years of his busy life to agricultural pursuits and now owns 170 acres of well improved land. In 1893 he rented his farm and wishing to avoid so much hard work bought a pleasant home about one mile from Rochester and here he now resides. He was united in marriage Dec. 29, 1887, to Miss Salina Tilton, who was born in Stark County, Ohio, Jan. 27, 1848. Mrs Ried is a daughter of John and Sarah (McDowell) Tilton. The former was born April 7, 181, and the latter Feb. 23, 1809. They were highly respected citizens and many years ago came to Cass County, Ind., where they died, the mother in 1876 and the father in 1877. In politics Mr. Ried is a democrat. he is one of the cautious, conservative men of this county, and the success he has attained has come through his own efforts. Mrs Ried is a member of the Presbyterian church and they are among the highly respected citizens of this county.

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


CYRUS H. ROBBINS, an ex-commissioner of Fulton County and one of the pioneers, was born in Highland County, Ohio, June 29, 1828, and is a son of Joseph and Mary (Horn) Robbins, both natives of Ohio. The father of Mr. Robbins died in Fulton County, Ind., in 1851 andhis mother also died in this county, in 1850. In a very early day the family settled in Henry County, Ind., and in 1836, after a residence of six years in Henry County, came to Fulton County. The subject of this review first attended the subscription schools and later the public schools. He was raised upon the farm and at twenty-one years of age came to Rochester and for ten years was engaged in general merchandising, and during a portion of that time was postmaster at Rochester. In 1860 he removed to his present place of residence, two and one-half miles southwest of Rochester. He now owns about 300 acres of well improved land in Rochester township. The political convictions of Mr. Robbins have always been in the interests of the democratic party and for four years he was trustee of Rochester township. In 1888 he was elected to the board of commissioners of this county, and served the county faithfully and economically for the term for which he was elected. Mr. Robbins was one of the promoters of the Fulton County Agricultural and Mechanical society, of which he was president for four years. He was one of the organizers and a charter member of the Fulton County horse protective company. He was united in marriage in 1857 to Miss Sarah C. Small, a daughter of David and Leah (Smock) Small, natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Robbins was born in Marion County, Ind., Nov. 28, 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Robbins have nine children, viz.: Alfred D., Clio May, Charles E., Dora, Minnie, William B., June Gertrude, Roy and Della. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and he and wife are members of the M.E. church. He is one of the enterprising farmers and stock-raisers of Fulton County, a man of unquestioned honor, and practical judgement.

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


ALEXANDER RUH -- The gentleman whose name introduces this review, is one of the younger business men of Rochester and the success he has attained has come to him entirely through his own efforts. He was born in Peru, Miami County, Ind., in 1859, and is a son of Frederick and Barbara Ruh, both natives of Germany, who were united in marriage upon their ocean voyage to the United States. The father died at Peru in the sicty-third year of his ae, and the mother at the same place at forty-five years of age. Mr Ruh attended the public schools of his native town until thirteen years old, when he began learning the drug business, continuing in Peru until 1888, when he came to Rochester and engaged in the drug business for himself. It is conceded that Mr. Ruh is one of the most careful druggists in this part of Indiana, and that his store is one of the largest and best in Rochester. He was united in marriage in 1800 to Miss Ida I. Sherling, of Asbury Park, N.J. To this union are these four children: Harold F., Frederick D., Lucy B. and Donald O. In politics Mr. Ruh is a democrat. He is a member of Fredonia lodge, No. 122, K. of P., in which he has always taken an active part to promote the best interests and success of the lodge. He is recognized as one of the leading business men of his adopted city.

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


JOHN P. RUSSELL, trustee of Union township, Fulton County, Ind., was born at Newport, Ills., Aug. 19, 1850. His parents were Capt. W.A.J. and Mary C. (Pegram) Russell. The father was born near St. Louis, Mo., and was a son of John and Laura Ann (Spencer) Russell. John Russell, our subject's paternal grandfather, was a native of Vermont, and was of an old New England family of English descent. He was graduated from Middlebury college as B.A. in 1817, and is know as a man of high culture and learning. For years he was a professor and taught in some of the very best academics and colleges. When a young man he came west, and at White Water, Ind., married the woman of his choice in 1818. After teaching at St. Louis for several years he located at Bluffdale, Ill., where his death occurred. During his latter days he wrote for leading magazines and gained an enviable reputation as a writer. He was the author of "The Venomous Worm", a selection in McGuffy's school reader. The marriage of our subject's parents was consummated in Illinois. His mother was born in Petersburg, Va. She was a daughter of John Pegram, a Virginian of English descent. He was of one of the best families of Virginia. At an early date he settled in Illinois, where his death occurred. The father of our subject enlisted as a captain in company G, Tenth Missouri infantry, and was killed at the battle of Chattanooga. His widow lived many years afterward, dying at Hamilton, Ill., in 1890. John P. Russell is one of a family of six children, two sons and four daughters. He gained a common school education at Hamilton, Ill., where he was reared. He began the battle of life for himself at the age of fifteen years. Besides working on the farm, he also clerked in a store at Hamilton for six years. In 1873 he came to Indiana and located at Rockville. He accepted employment with the Vandalia railroad company, in the bridge and building department. Thus he was employed for twenty years. In 1879 he married and located at Crawfordsville, where he resided till 1884, when he removed to Kewanna, where he now resides. He wedded Miss Lucy J. Norcross, a daughter of Thomas J. and Mary Norcross, of Judson, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Russell have had four children. Their eldest, Mary Vesta, died in infancy. Their living children are Fred, Carl and Elvin. The family are members of the M.E. church. Mr. Russell began life as a poor orphan boy. Hard work has been his lot. By means of industry and frugality he has grown prosperous. He owns his own home and forty acres of land, a part of which lies within the limits of Kewanna. He has always been a republican in politics. In 1894 he was elected trustee for Union township, and is the present incumbent of that office.

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


AUSTIN B. SARGENT, of Liberty township, was born in Washington County, Pa., Feb. 10, 1843. He is a farmer's son and was schooled in the country school manner. His father, John H. Sargent, died in June, 1858, and the next year the widow and children came to Indiana, landing at Logansport in September. They located seven miles west on a farm and Austin was one of the chief props of the home till the war broke out, when he enlisted in company D, Ninth Indiana, three months men, April 17, 1861, being the third man to enlist; was mustered in at Laporte, went to Kentucky and when his time expired re-enlisted at Bridgeport, Ala., as first sergeant, and was soon promoted to first lieutenant. His second command was company E, Twenty-ninth Indiana volunteer infantry; was color bearer of his regiment; was at Pittsburg landing, Corinth, Iuka and Stone river, where he was shot through the left thigh and was in the hospital until after the engagements around Chattanooga. He was with his company again at Dalton, Ga. He resigned his commission Dec. 27, 1864, and came home, but enlisted at once as a private in the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth volunteers and was near Dover, Del., when the war closed. His service covered a period of four years and three months. Mr. Sargent returned to the farm in Cass County and remained till his advent to Fulton County. He owns 120 acres one and one-half miles southwest of Fulton. Dec. 28, 1868 Mr. Sargent married Falley A., daughter of Elliott Baker, who came from near Carbondale, Pa. He was born in Susquehanna County, Pa., was a farmer and a major in the Pennsylvania militia during old training days. Our subject's paternal grandfather was John Sargent, born in Ireland, and his mother was Sarah, daughter of Joseph Baker. Her children are: Leander B., deceased; Austin B., Oliver B. and Sarah, wife of Dr. J.M. Morris, of Fulton. Mr. and Mrs. Sargent are the parents of Asa E., Oliver E., Sarah L., a teacher in Fulton County, and Anna F. Mr. Sargent is a radical protectionist, and pins his faith to the republican party.

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


J.R. SEVERNS, one of the representative farmers of New Castle township, is numbered among those worthy citizens that Ohio has furnished to Fulton County. His birth occurred in Coshocton County, Oct. 3, 1836, and he is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, where his grandfather, Joseph Severns, located at an early day, there spending the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1857, when he was nearly ninety years of age. Samuel Severns, father of our subject, was born near Pittsburg, Pa., in October, 1796, and served in the American army in the war of 1812. He was a successful farmer and became quite wealthy, owning considerable property at his death, which occurred Jan. 17, 1885, when in his eighty-ninth year. He married Jesdenia, daughter of Robert Darling, a native of Virginia. They had thirteen children, the living being Isaac, of Knox County, Ohio; Cordelia, widow of William Fitzgerald, of Coshocton County; Sarah, widow of Isaac Coplen, of Fulton County; Sabina, widow of Isac Hatabaugh, of Greene County, Ind.; Rebecca, widow of Abram Holt, of Daviess County, Ind.; J.R.; Mahala, wife of Isaac Conner, of Sullivan County, Ind. and Ellen, wife of Leander Richards, of Coshocton County. J.R. Severns received only meagre educational privileges, but his training at farm labor was not limited, and he assisted his father until twenty-one years of age, when he assumed the management of the old homestead, retaining it for four years. In 1863, he came to Fulton County, Ind., and invested his capital of $400 in forty acres of his present farm. On this place was a small cabin, and a few acres had been cleared. With characteristic energy he began its development and to-day is the owner of 140 acres of rich land, of which 100 acres are highly cultivated, while the place is well drained and improved with a good residence and other substantial buildings that indicate the enterprise and progressive spirit of the owner. On the 22nd of March, 1860, was consummated the marriage of Mr. Severn and Margaret M. Meredith, daughter of Isaac and Mary (Groves) Meredith. He was a native of Coshocton County, Ohio, came to Fulton County, in 1864, and here died in 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Severns have seven children - Justenia, wife of Frank C. Mickey; Mary E., wife of Alonzo Long; Frank M., of Cass County, Neb.; Oliver; Leora, wife of Herbert Shobe; Mahala and Wellington, at home. Mr. Severns has always given his political support to the democracy, and his religious allegiance to the Baptist church.

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


EDWARD ZOOK, a leading tinner and plumber of Rochester, was born in Wayne County, Ind., June 5, 1848. His father, John Zook, a tinner by trade, was born in Pennsylvania, came to the Hoosier state in the days of Indian trading and trapping. He was engaged in the stove and tinware business in Hagerstown, Wayne County, for a time, but in later life settled on a farm in Wayne township, Fulton County, where he died in 1880. John Zook, our subject's grandfather was born in Europe. His young and vigorous manhood was passed in Pennsylvania. Edward Zook's mother was Mary Mogle, whose father, Solomon Mogle, was a Pennsylvania German and farmer, Edward is the third of four children. The first, Harry Zook, was last known of in Kansas, some eighteen years ago. The other living ones are: William, residing at Fulton, Ind., and Emma, wife of Joseph Studebaker. Edward Zook was given only a meager education, from the country schools. He began the battles of life at the age of fourteen years, as a farm hand. In 1865 he tired of this life that promised nothing but endless toil and secured a situation with Johnson & Bro. at Logansport to learn his trade. With the exception of one year spent in Camden, Ind., he remained in Logansport till 1872, when he came to Rochester. His only capital was his industry and perseverance. For ten years he was employed continuously by one firm of Rochester, and was then elected to the office of town marshal, in which office he served one year. He then opened a small tin-shop in the rear of Weil & Peterson's hardware store. In 1892 he moved into his present storeroom, where he has successfully continued in business. Mr. Zook was married while in Camden, Ind., in January, 1873, to Louisa, a daughter of W.D. Eidson, a miller of Wabash, Ind. The only child of this marriage is Venina, wife of John W. McMahan, of Rochester, whose only child is Edwin L., aged eighteen months. Mr. Zook owns a nice home on Main street; is chief of the fire department; is an Odd Fellow, Mason and K.O.T.M. He is a republican and is now county coroner, elected with no effort on his part and by a large majority.

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


Deb Murray