SAMUEL W. JULIAN, the present trustee of Wayne township, Fulton County, was born in Rush county, Ind., Oct. 11, 1829. His parents were George and Sarah (Fullen) Julian. His father was born in North Carolina. He was a son of George Julian, who was also a native of North Carolina. The Julians trace their origin to France. The first representatives ofthe family settled in North Carolina before the revolution. In an early day the paternal grandfather of the subject of this biography moved with his family from North Carolina to Tennessee, and still later to Indiana, before the Indiana territory became a state. He lived and died in Rush County, this state. With him the father of our subject came to Indiana. He was married in Montgomery County, Ind., to Sarah Fullen, who was born in Indiana. She was a daughter of Samuel Fullen, whose father was born in Ireland. Samuel Fullen was a pioneer of Shelby County, Ind. The parents of our subject settled in Shelby County first, then moved to Rush County, then to Cass County, in which county the mother died in August, 1841, at the age of forty-one years. She bore her husband thirteen children, of which two brothers and two sisters are now living. The father married a second time, wedding Margaret Methon, a Scotch lady. She bore him no children. In the year 1857 he moved to Wayne Township, Fulton County, where he lived till his death, which occurred in May, 1866, when he was seventy- five years of age. He was a farmer by occupation. The subject was reared on a farm and gained a common school education. He was ten years of age when his mother died. He was with his father up to the age of eighteen, when he began the battle of life for himself. He learned carpentering and followed the trade to some extent early in life. He also taught in the county schools for some five years. In the year 1855 he married Mary A. Hughes, who was born in Schuylkill County, Pa., in the year 1831, Aug. 3. She came to Indiana with her parents when about three years old. Her father was John Hughes, a pioneer of Clinton County, Ind. The first year of Mr. Julian's married life was spent in Cass County. In 1856 he settled in Fulton County, near where he now lives. He located there to teach a term of school, but he has since lived in the county. He became a farmer and has since followed that pursuit. He had limited capital to begin life on, but he has bee a hard working man and by means of toiling hard and practicing ecomony he has grown prosperous, now owning one-quarter of a sction of land in Wayne township. He has always been a democrat in politics. In the years 1867-68 he served as trustee of Wayne township. In the fall of 1894 he was elected to the same office and took charge of the same in August, 1895. His term of office will expire in August, 1899. He makes an acceptable officer, and is held in high esteem by his fellow-citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Julian have six children, viz.: Sarah Ellen, Susan M., James H., a Baptist minister; Lilie J., Frances A., and Santford W. Mr. Julian is a Master Mason. Mrs. Julian is a zealous member of the Baptist church. Mr. Julian, though not a member of the church, has always been friendly to the cause.

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


ISAIAH KATHERMAN, one of the highly esteemed agriculturists of New Castle township, was born in Union County, Pa., May 12, 1844, and comds of that turdy German stock, which forms such asn important and valued element in our American nationality. His father, Philip Katherman, was born in Union County, Pa., in 1804, and there died in 1857. He was of German lineage, as was his wife, Patience Heisy; who died in 1871, at the age of sixty-three years, leaving six children, four of whom survive, namely: Andrew, of Mifflinburg, Pa.; Emanuel, of Louisberg, Pa.; Mary, wife of Thomas Hare, of Union County, Pa., and our subject. Isaiah Katherman, when twenty-four years of age, became a resident of Kosciusko County, Ind., and there followed farming until 1836, when he came to Fulton County and purchased his present farm, which has undergone important changes in appearance. He has materially enlarged the residence and beautified the grounds, also erected a large barn, cleared many additional acres of land, and has put in one thousand rods of ditch, so that he now owns one of the best improved and most desirable farms of the township. Mr. Katherman;s labors as an agriculturist have been interrupted only by his service in the army. He made for himself an honorable military record, although little more than a school boy when he enlisted at Harrisburg in Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-first Pennsylvania infantry for nine months. The regiment was first engaged in opposing Lee's attempted invasion of the north and participated in the battle of Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. Mr. Katherman then returned to Pennsylvania, for his time had expired, but soon re-enlisted, joining Company K, of the Twenty-sixth Pennsylvania infantry. On leaving this command he entered the Third heavy artillery, for service at Fortress Monroe, but found that the quota there was filled, and was transferred to Company B, One Hundred and Eighty-eighth Pennsylvania infantry, with which he went to Yorktown, participating in all the arduous service in Virginia with Gen. Grant in 1864. This service included the battles of Cold Harbor, Seven Pines, Burmuda Hundred and Deep Bottom, which led to the imprisonment of the Confederates in Richmond. He also participated in the capture of Fort Harris, the battles of Dutch Gap and Petersburg, and entered the rebel capital as Lee was evacuating it. After the surrender, his regiment went to Danville, Va., doing guard duty there for some months. Mr. Katherman was mustered out at City Point, Va., receiving his discharge at Philadelphia, with the rank of sergeant. In August, 1886, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Katherman and Susan Smith, daughter of Leonard Smith, a native of Pennsylvania, who removed to Indiana. They have one son, Boyd, born in May, 1890. Mr. Katherman is a stalwart republican, deeply interested in the success of his party, but has no desire for public office. Socially he is connected with James Rober post, G.A.R., of Mentone.

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


SAMUEL KEELY, ex-clerk of Fulton County, was born in Shelby County, Ind., March 23, 1836. At seven years of age his father took him to Indianapolis, and resided till he was seventeen, when he located on a farm in this county. At twenty-six years of age when he moved to Rochester and engaged in the dry goods business with F.B. Ernsperger. He withdrew from this firm in eighteen months and worked at his trade, laying brick. We find him next with A.J. Holmes & Co. in the implement business. In this line he was an employee two years, and the following three years was the proprietor of the business. In 1870 he was nominated by the democratis party for county clerk and was elected by a majority of 161. The efficiency of his service can best be judged by the size of his majority for a second term, in 1874, when he defeated his opponent by 418 votes. He bought a grist-mill in Cambria, Wis., in 1880, equipped it completely and ran it only four weeks, when it burned to the ground. He came back to Rochester and together with Charles Caffyn and Daniel Agnew built the Rochester gravel road, of which he was superintendent from 1883 to December, 1895, when Fulton County bought the property. Mr. Keely owns a fine 160-acres farm two mile from Argos, Marshall County. Oct. 4, 1860, Mr. Keely married in this county Miss E.M., a daughter of Christopher Ernsperger,who was born in Maryland, moved west to Ohio and thence to Indiana. He died in this county June 16, 1877, aged seventy-two years. His wife was Julia A. Ensminger, now living in Rochester at nearly eighty-four years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Keely's children are: Helen V., wife of H.A. Reiter, of Hammond, Ind.; Annetta, educated in Rochester and Terre Haute; Margaret L., and Harry S. Mr. Keely is of German descent. Samuel Keely, grandfather of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, was a farmer and mechanic. He settled first in Butler County, Ohio, on leaving his old home, and in 1818 became a pioneer in Shelby County, ind. He died in Indianapolis in 1848, aged fifty-six. He was a successful business man and by his marriage with Catherine McGee was the father of ten children, six of whom are living: Oliver, William H. and Samuel, who are in Indianapolis, and Eliza J., Mrs. John McFall and Mrs. Caroline Varney, who are in Decatur County, Ind. James Keely, father of our subject, was born in Butler County, Ohio, Aug. 18, 1812. He was a mason by trade, a man of robust constitution and of indutrious habits. He died in Rochester in 1892. He was once county commissioner of this county. In early manhood was a democrat, but in 1857 became a republican. He married in Shelby County, Ind., Mary A., daughter of Anthony W. McKee, who was born in Butler County, Ohio, was a farmer and served as a soldier in the western department of the United States army during the war of 1812. He married Nancy Agnew, who bore him ten children, all of whom are deceased. James Keely's children were: Samuel, Nancy, widow of Thomas J. McAnally; Caherine, deceased, married to John Collins; Mary J., deceased, wife of Adam Ault; Phoebe, deceased, married to Thomas Gilchrist; Sarah A., wife of John Ault, living in Oklahoma; Frances, widow of William Brough, a resident of Rochester; Julia A., widow of Joseph Carr, of Indianapolis; Anthony W., of Hartford City, Ind., and Caroline, wife of William Stubbs, of Marion, Ind. his life has been an active one and his success in business has enabled him to accumulate an ample fortune.

See additional biography on Samuel Keely.

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


PATRICK KELLY was born in Allegheny County, Pa., Feb. 27, 1833, and is a son of John and Mary Magdaline (Wyble) Kelly. His father was a native of County Kilkenny, Ireland, while his mother was a native of Germany. They were married in Pennsylvania, and unto their marriage were born the following children: Patrick, Mary, John, deceased; Bridget, deceased; Elizabeth, James, Margare, Ann and Jane, deceased. Soon after the birth of Patrick his parents removed to Ohio, thence to Indiana, settled first in Carroll County, and subsequently the father entered eighty acres of land in Union township, Fulton County, and mvoed onto the same in November, 1839, becoming a very early settler of the county. These early pioneers reared their family in Union township, where the mother died, preceding the father many years in death. He died in 1889, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. Both he and she were buried at Winamac. Patrick Kelly was reared mainly in Fulton County. In 1857 he married Lavina, a daughter of Henry Bruce, a pioneer settler in Aubbeenaubbee township. She bore hime two children and was then called away by death in 1859. The elder child died in infancy. The younger was named Edward Michael Kelly. He was born in Pulaski County, Ind., Dec. 1, 1859, and was married in 1882, Nov. 15, to Miss Catherine Carroll, daughter of Owen and Bridget Carroll. She was born in Pulaski County, Ind., March 7, 1862. Unto Edward M. Kelly and wife there have been born the following children: Dessie L., Elmer Edward, Patrick F. and Clara B. In 1862 Patrick Kelly married a second wife, Mary M., daughter of Jacob Ruff, a pioneer settler of Pulaski County, where Mrs. Kelly was born Nov. 5, 1844. For about five years after his marriage Mr. Kelly farmed, and then up to about 1867 he was in business, first at Star City, then at Winamac. About 1868 he began saw-milling and has since followed the business. In 1875 he located at Blue Grass, Wayne township, where he has continued to reside. He has been a successful business man and is a respresentative citizen. He is a democrat and has served as justice of the peace since 1892. He and his wife are members of the Roman Catholic church, to which church his son and son's family also belong. His son resides in Blue Grass and is associated with his father in business.

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


JOHN KESLER, the present auditor of Fulton County, first saw the light of day in Richland County, Ohio. He was born April 1, 1836. His parents were Peter and Eliza (Windbigler) Kesler. They were born near Shaferstown, Lancaster County, Pa. The father was born in 1809 and the mother in 1816. Peter Kesler was a son of Abraham Kesler, a native of Pennsylvania, of German ancestors. Mr. Kesler's mother, who is now (1896) living with him, is a daughter of John and Mary (Buchter) Windbigler. They were natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. The marriage of Peter Kesler and Elizabeth Windbigler was consummated in Ohio, and they settled down in life in Richland County, of that state. In the year 1852 they came to Fulton County and settled on a farm in New Castle township, where Mr. Kesler died in his sixty-sixth year. Their son, whom this mention concerns, was eighteen years of age when his parents came to Fulton County. His education was limited to the country schools. Though brought up on the farm he learned the gunsmith's trade, which he followed together with farming for twelve years. In 1856 Mr. Kesler married Mary Jane Kessler, who was born in Preble County, Ohio. Her father was John M. Kessler, who was born in Miami County, Ohio, Jan. 30, 1818, and was united in marriage with Malinda Harriman, of his native state, born Nov. 99, 1809. John M. Kessler was a son of Ulrich Kessler, a native of Virginia, of German descent. The family name of our subject, and that of his wife, though pronounced the same, are spelled differently, and so far as known the two families are not related. Mr. Kesler has been twice married. His first wife bore him twelve children, of which five are deceased. She died in March of 1890, and in February, 1892, Mr. Kesler married the second time, wedding Mrs. Martha Hamlet, nee Bybee, who is his present wife. Mr. Kesler began the battle of life with no capital other than willing hands and fixed purpose to succeed. As a farmer he long since became prosperous. He owns a well-improved farm in New Castle township, where he lived till be became the auditor of the county, to which office he was elected as the republican candidate, in the fall of 1894, by 128 majority. Mr. Kesler enlisted in Company F, Eighty-seventh Indiana volunteer infantry, August, 1862, but after a short time of service was discharged on account of physical disability.

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


ISAAC A. KESSLER, ex-trustee of New Castle township, was born in Henry County, Ind., June 23, 1848. His father, John Kessler, was born in North Carolina, and with his parents removed to the vicinity of Dayton, Ohio, and was there reared and educated. He came to Indiana at an early date, and settled in Henry County. He married Mary Anderson and reared a family of eight children. Mrs. Kessler had been married previously to a Mr. Cates, whose son John Cates, now residing in Wisconsin, served as treasurer of Fulton County. Her children by her second marriage are: Simeon, Rachel, wife of James Paxton; Mary J., wife of Jacob Walburn; Isaac A. and Albert B. Isaac picked up a few of the rudiments of an English education while enrolled as a pupil in the district school. He began life as a farm hand, employed, as is usual, by the month, and remained as such for nine years. Although he received good wages as were paid for such work, when he had finished his last month as a hired man he had very little surplus funds. He seemd to be fond of travel and when he had a snug bundle ahead he spent it sight seeing. One of these trips was made through Kansas and Missouri. Dec. 12, 1875, Mr. Kessler married Mary E. Barkman, whose father, John Barkman, was a well known farmer of this county. The only issue of this union was Sadie M., born March 2, 1878. Mr. Kessler has followed farming for an occupation. His farm consists of seventy-three acres, and has many improvements and isunder a good state of cultivation. In politics Mr. Kessler has been active as a democrat and in 1890 was honored by his party with an election to the office of trustee, in which position he served five years. Mr. Kessler has also served his township as constable many years. Recurring to Mr. Kessler's antecedents, his paternal grandfather was John Kessler, born in Virginia. His early life was spent in Nort Carolina, where he resided till 1808, when he came north to Dayton, Ohio. He came to Indiana with his son John and died in Kosciusko County, perhaps fifty years ago. He was a teacher all his life. His father was German born. Our subject's father died in Labette County, Kan., 1874, at seventy-four years of age. His wife died in this county 1889, at seventy-nine years of age.

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


CHARLES A. KILMER -- This enterprising citizen and business man is a native of Fulton County, born Nov. 28, 1869, in a log cabin that for years stood upon the bank of the Tippecanoe river. The parents, L.G. and Eliza J. (Spencer) Kilmer, were natives of Indiana. After the death of the mother in 1871 Mr. Kilmer, until fourteen years of age, was raised by his maternal grandparents. At this age he began making his own way in the world. He obtained some education at the public schools, but the major portion of his knowledge has been acquired in the more severe, yet more effective school of practical experience. Beginning his business career he entered the employ of the well know house of Feder & Silberberg, of this city, where he remained for four years, and then for one year was in the lumber business and later was for some four years in the wholesale grocery business in the employ of J.P. Michael & Co., of Rochester. Dec. 28, 1895, he began the retail grocery business on the south side of the public square in the city. Here he is carrying about $3,000 worth of choice, fresh goods in his line. He has one of the best arranged stores for his business in Rochester. Success is bound to be the result of this business venture when it is fully understood that this is absolutely the only cash retail grocery house in this city. Mr. Kilmer was united in marriage May 30, 1894, to Miss Indiana Virginia Baker, daughter of athe wealthy lumber man, Ananias Baker. To Mr. and Mrs. Kilmer one child has been born, Helen Marie, who died May 23, 1895. In politics Mr. Kilmer is a democrat. He is a member of the I.O.O.F. He and Mrs. Kilmer are leading members of the Christian church. For three years he had been superintendent of the Christian Sunday school and is now president of the Christian Endeavor society and clerk of the church. He is a man of practical businss attainment, and he and wife are numbered among the best people of the city.

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


JOHN KING, ex-sheriff of Fulton County and a familiar figure in democratic politics, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Oct. 16, 1840. He grew up in the village of Lockville and secured a meager education. He selected mechanics as a livelihood and when twenty years old began learning the carpenter's trade under an older brother, Henry King. Soom after completing his term of service he came to Fulton County and became a resident of New Castle township. He spent the succeeding twenty-five years in that township, doing largely the building and general improving on uperstructure done during that period. His best residences were those of John Kesler, Sol. Wagner, Henry Heimbaugh, George Perschbaugher, Lawrence McArter, John Heimbaugh, Charles King and others to a grand total of 168 residences. He has built upward of sixty barns, five elevators and the shoe factory in Rochester. Mr. King became a citizen of Rochester late in the fall of 1892. He came as the sheriff elect and was inducted in to office Nov. 24 of tht year. His majority was over 200. He demonstrated his capacity as a peace officer, and his efficiency as a public servant, but all this counted for naught so far as it affected the result at the next election. Democracy seemed to be doomed in 1894 and whoever happened to be its standard bearer went down with it. The landslide came along and Mr. King being his party's candidate for re-election went ou of office just two years after he went in. The past two years Mr. King has had no business beyond supervising work on his farm and doing an occasional turn with saw and plane. Sept. 12, 1863, Mr. King was married in Fairfield County, Ohio, to Susan A., daugher of Washington Flood, born in Virginia; came to Ohio early and engaged in the confectionery business. He died about the year 1850. Mr. and Mrs. King's children are: Frances, twenty-nine, wife of George N. Clymer, of Rochester; Milo O., M.D., twenty-seven, graduated from Rush medical college, Chicago, May 28, 1896; Leander, twenty-four, a professional bookkeeper, graduated from Grand Rapids commercial college 1893; Annetta, twenty-one; Stella, eighteen; Albert, fifteen, and Emma, thirteen. Mr. King's first child, Sarah Jane, died at two years. John King is a son of Michael King, who married Susan, daughter of Mr. Slagle, of German birth. Michael King was born in Berks County, Pa., 1808. He moved to Ohio about 1836. He was a farmer. His death occurred in this county 1868. His wife died four years later, aged sixty-three. Their family consisted of: Anna, Mary, wife of David Boyer, of Franlin County, Ind.; Sarah, wife of Conrad Heimbaugh, of New Castle township, Fulton County; Michael, Fairfield County, Ohio; John George, New Castle township, and Susan, now Mrs. Amos Selby, Rochester. John King is a Mason and a K. of P. His reputation is that of an honest, square upright citizen. He is a useful member of society, useful to his family and useful to the public.

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


FRANCIS M. KLINE, a prosperous and representative farmer, was born in Union township, Marshall County, Ind., Dec. 16 1855. HIs parents were Diebold and Elizabeth (Wingart) Kline, natives of Germany. His father was born June 14, 1814, and his mother Nov. 19, 1822. From the age of eight years Diebold Kline made his own way in the world. At the age of eighteen years he came to America and settled in Pennsylvania, where he was employed six years as a farm hand. He then went to Canada, where he was likewise employed for two years. He then went to Buffalo. N.Y., and there became a hostler for a lake captain. While thus engaged he visited Marshall County, Ind., and entered fifty-two acres of land on the east bank of Lake Maxinkuckee. Returning to Buffalo He married Elizabeth Wingart, in July, 1849, and immediately came to Indianan and settled on the above name fifty-two acres of land. Here he lived six years then selling the land, purchased another tract in the same vicinity and this latter tract of land his wife now occupies. Unto Diebold Kline and wife were born the following children: Theodore, George W., Francis M., Mary, deceased; Diebold, Henry W., deceased; John, William and Sarah. The father's death occurred May 14, 1887. Francis M. was married at the age of twenty-two to Sarah, daugher of Gideon and Justina Mahler. The above marriage has give issue to the following children: Bertha C., Mary E., Cleveland C. and Carrie D. Mr. Kline and his estimable wife are members of the Trinity Reform church. Politically he is a stuanch democrat.

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


JOHN J. KUMLER, the present treasurer of Fulton County, is an esteemed citizen and prosperous farmer. He was a soldier in the civil war. He enlisted as a private in Company K, Seventeenth Ohio regiment, Sept. 4, 1861. He was promoted in May, 1864, to corporal, and as such was discharged July 21, 1865. He participated in all of the battles of the army of the Cumberland, was in the Atlanta campaign, and was wounded at Missionary Ridge Nov. 25, 1863. He went into the army a democrat in politics, but came out a republican. He served one term as trustee of Wayne township, Fulton County, making an acceptable officer. In 1894 the republican party nominated him as its candidate for county treasurer, to which office he was elected in November of that year, and of which office he is the present acceptable incumbent. Mr. Kumler was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Jan. 14, 1840. His parents were Hnery and Leah (Meinhart) Kumler. They were of German ancestry. Henry Kumler was a son of Henry Kumler, who was born in Germany. Mr. Kumler's parents were married in Ohio. They settled in Fairfield County, that state, where the mother died in 1844, when Mr. Kumler was but three and a half years old. She left one other child, a son, Noah Kumler, of Fairfield County, Ohio. The father subsequently married a second time and became the fther of several children. He followed farming, and lived many years in Fairfield County, where he died in 1884, at the age of seventy-seven years. His son, whose name introduces this brief mention, was brought up to farming and has followed the same throughout his career. He gained a limited education, having attended school just fifty-two and a half days. When the civil war came on he was a farm hand, working for eleven and one-half dollars per month. He came to Indiana in 1865, and settled in Fulton County, where he has since continued to reside. In the same year he married Almedia Urbin, a native to his own county. Mr. and Mrs. Kumler have had fourteen children, of which five are dead. hey are members of the U.B. church. Mr. Kumler is a member of Bennett post, No. 183, G.A.R. He has been very successful as a farmer, and is widely and favorably known. His farm residence is in Wayne township.

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


F.M. LEAVELL, a well known farmer near Fulton, Liberty township, was born in Miami County, Feb. 25, 1834. His boyhood, youth and manhood have been passed on the farm. He was brought to Miami County, Ind., 1836, by his father, Richard Leavell, who died in 1849, aged forty. He married Nancy Dye, who still survives at eighty-seven. Her children are: Madison, Miami County; Eleanor, deceased, married E. Lowman; J.W., Miami County; F.M., J.P., Sarah, wife of George Marley, this county; Henry H., S.C., Osage County, Kan. Our subject was partially reared by his grandfather, Robert Leavell, who was born in South Carolina, went to Ohio as a pioneer and died there. F.M. Leavell got his starty by working for wages. March 25, 1858, he was married in Miami County to Ruth Ann, a daughter of Eli Chalk, born in England. Mrs. Leavell was born in Cass County fifty-five years ago. Her children are: R.J., Rochester; J.F., George C., Nancy E., wife of Edwin Morris; Eva, wife of E.J. Dowd; Edwin E., and Ruth Gertrude. Mr. Leavell enlisted at Logansport, Ind., in company G, Seventy-third regiment, I.V.I., and went at once into Kentucky; was in the fight at Stone river; was on the raid with Col. Straight around Tuscumbia, Ala., and was captured near Rome, Ga., and taken to Bell Island, near Richmond, but was exchanged at City Point soon after and rejoined the army around Nashville after a rest from June to November 1863. Was detailed on the siege guns at Nashville for a time; served next on Tennessee river in Northern Alabama, and went back to Nashville at the close of the war and was mustered out about July 1, 1865. He returned to Perrysburg, Ind., at once and engaged in wagon making there the following seven years. He commence farming in 1873 and has continued it since. He is a republican and has served as supervisor and is highly respected by the community. He owns a good farm one mile southwest of Fulton.

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


Deb Murray