In the ranks of White County citizens who are now enjoying a fair meed of prosperity, probably none was in early life more completely dependent upon his own exertions and few have solved more successfully the problems of existence than Nicholas Wagner, whose splendid country estate of 480 acres is located in section 15 of Princeton Township. The people of White County have a great deal of respect for Mr. Wagner's judgment and ability and this respect has been translated into a degree of community esteem which must make his material prosperity all the sweeter and more enjoyable.
Like many other sterling citizens of White County he is of German birth and ancestry. He was born in Prussia in one of the Rhine provinces on October 20, 1852, a son of Mathias and Mary (Krich) Wagner. The parents spent all their lives in the old country, and were simple, hard working and honest people and did all they could to bring up their children to useful careers. While in Germany Nicholas Wagner gained the usual education supplied to German boys and had reached the years of man's estate when he broke the ties of home and early associations and set out for the United States in 1873. He brought with him practically no capital, and had to make his way through the difficulties involved in learning a new language, customs, and in providing himself with an adequate future. After spending about three months in the City of Chicago, he went on to Kendall County, Illinois, and was soon engaged in farming in that state. In 1877 he came to White County and viewing his present accomplishments White County can be congratulated on this important addition to its citizenship. At that time he invested in a tract of largely unimproved land comprising 160 acres, a portion of his present farm. By thrift and industry he has added to the original farm from time to time, and now has three times its original extent. All of it is excellently improved, nearly all of it productive in the staple crops of White County, and a handsome set of buildings represent some of the other improvements that he has made in the course of his ownership. Mr. Wagner has never claimed to be a specialist in any branch of farming and has relied for his prosperity upon the general crops and the raising of first class live stock.
On April 19, 1877, the year he came to White County, Mr. Wagner married Miss
Annie Zerdeen, daughter of Mathias Zerdeen. To her capable cooperation and
encouragement he attributes no small degree of his success. Their household has
been blessed with the arrival of ten children, all of whom are now living and
are gaining for themselves reputations of honorable usefulness. These children
are: Mary, Jacob, Henry, Annie, John, Frank, Theresa, Rosie, Anthony and Martin.
Mr. Wagner and his family are members of the Sacred Heart Catholic
Church at Remington. He himself has been somewhat independent in the matter of
politics, has voted for the man rather than the party, and has been content to
go without office, giving his best service to a diligent attention to his
business as a farmer, to the responsibilities imposed upon him as father of a
large family and by performing the kindly and simple offices that go with
membership in a social community.
Of the men who have participated actively in the agricultural, financial and civic development of White County, none are better or more favorably known than William T. Wagner. By the ownership of 400 acres of fine land in sections 8, 9 and 17 in Prairie Township, nearly all of which he made through his own efforts, he bears a peculiarly close relation with the agricultural welfare of that community. By his official position in two banks, one at Reynolds and one at Brookston, he is one of the men who direct and conserve the financial resources of the county. In other ways also his career has not been without substantial benefit to the county in which he has spent most of his life.
For the beginning of his career we must look to that old German Province of Mecklinburg, Germany, where he was born April 14, 1857, a son of Fred and Dora (Cruse) Wagner. A little more than ten years later, after he had gained considerable knowledge through the medium of Germsn books and schools, the family emigrated to the United States in 1868. For six months they lived at Medaryville, Indiana, and then moved to the Brookston community, where the parents spent the rest of their days.
After coming to White County William T. Wagner acquired a knowledge of the English language and further instruction in the fundamentals at the Fairview schoolhouse. When eighteen he started for himself, and was soon engaged in active farming on the place where he now lives and which has been his home ever since. He had little to start with but out of his thrifty management, and long continued industry, has evolved a substantial competence. As a farmer he has paid attention to the general crops of Indiana and the raising of graded stock.
On February 18, 1887, Mr. Wagner married Miss Bertha A. Selmer, daughter of John Selmer. Into their home have been born six children: Lena, who died when one year old; Edward, who died at the age of eighteen; Fred J., who lives at home; Elmer; one that died unnamed; and John C.
At this writing all the 400 acres owned by Mr. Wagner are under cultivation,
raising abundant crops of corn, oats and hay and with a large
number of cattle and hogs on his premises. In the course of his ownership he
has laid many rods of tile, and practically every foot of his land is now
susceptible of cultivation. As a banker Mr. Wagner was one of the organizers of
the bank at Reynolds, is vice president of that institution, and is also a
stockholder and vice president of the State Bank of Brookston. The only office
which he has held in the county was that of township supervisor. He is a
democrat, he and his family are communicants of the German Lutheran Church at
Reynolds, and Mrs. Wagner is very active in church affairs. Since coming to
this country as a boy of eleven Mr. Wagner has never returned to the fatherland,
and is more than satisfied to be known as a loyal American citizen.
Granville B. Ward, who for more than half a century has been intimately connected with the history of White County, was born in Monroe County, Indiana, May 7, 1834. His father, Austin Ward, was a native of Virginia, moved to White County in 1850, entered 200 acres of land in Round Grove Township and on this land he lived until 1873, when he moved to Brookston. After having received a common school education, Granville B. Ward in the autumn of 1860 entered the State University, but in the following spring responded to the call of his country and enlisted as a noncommissioned officer in Company K, Fourteenth Indiana Volunteer infantry, and in the spring of 1862 was made captain. He was wounded at Antietam and Fredericksburg, was with his regiment in all its battles until the battle of Chancellorsville, where his left leg was shot off above the knee, when he was compelled to leave the service. He returned to White County and in 1864 was elected county treasurer and was re-elected in 1866. He was also postmaster at Monticello from 1889 to 1895. In May, 1864, he married Miss Catharine C. Rawlins of Monroe County, Indiana, and to them have been born seven children, five of whom are still living. Captain Ward's regiment was the first regiment from Indiana mustered into the three years' or during-the-war service. His military service is one of which he feels a just pride. He now has passed his eighty-first milestone and with his family lives in Monticello.
For fully half a century Mr. Ward has lived in White County, has met and accepted hazard of chance and circumstance, has steadily strengthened a reputation for integrity and unimpeachable conduct, and along with a fair degree of well won prosperity he has acquired those inestimable riches of character and honor.
Though nearly all his life has been spent in this county, he was born in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, May 7, 1864, a son of William and Elizabeth (Blickenstaff) Ward. His parents were also natives of this state, and were married here. Their three children were Jewell, Joseph and Ella May. It was in 1865 that the family removed from Tippecanoe to White County and located in Big Creek Township. There the wife and mother died in 1869. Later William Ward married Martha Wilson and both are now living at Reynolds. The active career of William Ward was spent as a farmer and stock raiser.
Jewell F. Ward grew up in White County, attended the local schools and when still a young man started out to make his own way in the world, relying upon his own industry and integrity to advance him to a creditable position. Some years ago he located in Liberty Township, and now has one of the fine farms in that locality, comprising 240 acres in section 26. He has carried forward a large amount of improvement, has built house and barn, and has a great deal to show for his earlier years of industry and self denial.
At the age of twenty-four, on Christmas Day of 1888, Mr. Ward married Bertha Krintz, a daughter of Michael Krintz. Mr. and Mrs. Ward in addition to accumulating a substantial degree of material prosperity also deserve a great deal of credit for having hrought into the world and trained to the principles of truth and honesty a large family of children. Many of these children are now in the world for themselves, while the others are still around the hearth and threshold. Their names are: Lewis William, Joseph Raymond, Viola Ethel, Lila Gladys, Nina Ruth, Gertrude, Francis Dale, Clark, Haven, Ellen, Nellie, Morris, Doris, and Byron. The families are members of the Baptist Church at Sitka. Their home is on Rural Route No. 4 out of Monticello. Liberty Township people have come to know and esteem Mr. Ward and recognize in him a citizen whose influence and activities mean much to the community. The pretty estate of Mr. and Mrs. Ward is known as the Catalpa Grain and Stock Farm.
Philip J. Ward was born in Kent County, Maryland, May 28, 1833. His father, Henry Ward, was a farmer and in the spring of 1837 came to Tippecanoe County, Indiana, and purchased a small tract of land on what is now a part of the City of Lafayette; later he traded this for 255 acres in Big Creek Township, on which he lived until 1865 when he moved to Reynolds where he died in 1867. Philip J. Ward lived on the home farm for several years and then worked for several years in Tippecanoe County but in 1862 came back to White County and on the death of his father purchased the interests of the other heirs and soon found himself the owner of 255 acres of as good land as is to be found in White County. On September 10, 1860, he was married to Catharine G. Brady and to this union has [sic] been born three children—one died in infancy and two still live. His son, Paul Ward, is now serving his second term as surveyor of White County and his sister, Mrs. Emma Ward Ryder, lives in Ohio. His wife died in 1896 and two years later he married Mrs. Florence J. Pierce, who with one daughter, Katharine, now lives on the old farm. At his death Mr. Ward owned 320 acres of splendid farm land. He died April 20, 1913, and was buried in the Lane Cemetery.
Eighty years ago practically all the northwestern counties of Indiana were little more than an unbroken wilderness. It was the stream of pioneers who arrived about that time who bore the heaviest burdens in the clearing of the forests, the draining of the swamps and the converting of the primeval wilderness into a fair, smiling landscape of homes and fertile farms. The Ward family was connected with this early pioneer movement and one of the men whose lives were lived coincidentally with this historic epoch was the late Samuel M. Ward, who came to Indiana when a young boy and who, after many years of industry and fruitful labor, died at his home in Monon, June 10, 1896.
By birth he was a Pennsylvanian, in which state he first saw the light of day in 1824. He was about ten years of age when brought to Indiana and lived at different times in Pulaski, Jasper and White counties. Reared on the farm, he made that his regular vocation, but also became extensively known as a stock buyer, and in that work his operations covered several counties in the northwestern part of the state. One of his most prominent characteristics was his energy, and he was hardly ever known to be disengaged from some occupation that called for either the resources of his mind or his body. He was shrewd but honest in his dealings, and had the faculty not only of making money but also of spending it, and was liberal in his contributions to all worthy objects and frequently went out of his way to assist deserving individuals. A republican, he never sought office and in social matters was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
His first wife was Miss Mary E. Wilson, who died leaving three children, named: James; Mary E., widow of James K. Wilson of Monon; Melissa, the wife of David Oglesby of Indianapolis. For his second wife the late Mr. Ward married Sarah Jacks. She became the mother of seven children and the three now living are: John M. of Thayer, Indiana; Emma May, wife of William Van Aradel of Monon; and Charles G.
Charles G. Ward, who is the only member of the family bearing his father's name and still living in White County, was born in Monon Township, March 22, 1874. Such has been his career of activity that he is marked as one of the successful men of White County. His education came from the common schools and with brief exceptions he has lived in the vicinity of Monon all his life. He grew up on a farm and adopted that as his vocation for a number of years, but of late his attention has been principally given to stock buying, in which occupation he follows in the footsteps of his father. Mr. Ward also owns the 160-acre farm where he resides in Monon Township.
On July 21, 1895, he was united in marriage with Flora A. McBee of Monon. To their marriage have been born five sons: Charles Richard, John Russell, William Ragsdale, Roger McBee and Donald R. These make a group of intelligent youths who, by attending school and accepting the opportunities of home training, are getting ready for lives of usefulness and honor. Politically Mr. Ward is a republican and fraternally is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. He and his wife have membership in the Baptist Church at Monon.
Samuel Miller Ward came into this world at Middletown, Ohio, on April 26, 1825, and the last forty years of his life was spent at and near Monon, dying at the latter place August 10, 1895. His wife died in 1894 but he was survived by six children. He was a farmer on an extensive scale and was a large buyer and shipper of all kinds of live stock, especially of cattle, and at his death had amassed quite a fortune. He was a prominent Odd Fellow and his funeral was held under the auspices of that order at the Bedford Church.
Bucklin Warden died at his home in Monticello, July 19, 1915, at the advanced age of almost eighty-eight years. He was born in Illinois in 1827 and came with his parents to White County, locating at Norway, in 1836. His father, Elisha Warden, Sr., was one of the early sheriffs of the county, serving from 1844 to 1848. Bucklin was a carpenter and cabinet maker by trade, working with "Squire" Harbolt in his younger days and serving as boss builder and repairman for the Monticello Pulp and Paper Mills in the days of their prosperity. All his life he was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. It might also be mentioned that in the days when harvesting wheat and oats with a cradle was in vogue he was reckoned one of the best cradlers in the county. He was twice married, his first wife being Elizabeth Wickham and his last wife, Mrs. Sarah H. Wilson, formerly Welch, who with two children survives.
The son of a pioneer of White County, and one of the very few survivors of its early settlers, Elisha Warden is a worthy representative of those energetic, courageous men, who bravely faced all the dangers, hardships and trials incident to frontier life, in order to pave the way for these who followed, and that their descendants might enjoy the comforts of life without the labor and toil which they, themselves, had so patiently endured. Having been a resident of this part of Indiana for nearly four score years, he has witnessed wonderful changes in the face of the country, and in this grand transformation has taken an active part, spending many of the best years of his long and useful life in reclaiming a portion of this rich and fertile land from its original wildness. He was born October 12, 1836, in Delphi, Carroll County, Indiana, on the paternal side being of thrifty New England ancestry, and on the maternal side he is a grandson of the French trader Dubois, for whom Dubois County, Indiana, was named.
His father, Elisha Warden, Sr., was born in Vermont, and as a young man migrated to Illinois, which was then under territorial government, and there married Agnes Dubois, who was of pure French descent. Coming to White County in 1836, just after the death of his wife, which occurred in Carroll County, Indiana, he located at Norway, where he was for many years engaged in the manufacture of half-bushel measures. A man of much intelligence and ability, he was prominent in public affairs, twice serving as sheriff of the county. Of the eight children born to him and his wife, but one survives, Elisha, of this sketch.
As a boy Elisha Warden attended the pioneer schools of Monticello and of Liberty Township, acquiring a good education for his times. At the age of twenty-six years, desirous of having a home of his own, he bought land in White County, and set to work with characteristic energy and industry to improve a homestead. Successful from the start, he continued farming throughout his active career, although for many years he was profitably employed as a house mover. Since disposing of his estate, Mr. Warden has lived retired from active pursuits.
In November, 1860, Mr. Warden married for his first wife Christiana Grant, who died thirty-one years later, leaving no children. Mr. Warden married, January 11, 1894, Catherine Reprogle, a daughter of Wert and Susan (Smith) Reprogle, who came from Ohio to White County many years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Warden have no children of their own, but they have partly reared two boys. In his political affiliations Mr. Warden is a democrat, and fraternally he is a member of Libanus Lodge No. 154, Ancient Free and Accepted Order of Masons; and of Monticello Chapter No. 103, Royal Arch Masons.
Abram Warfel was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, February 9, 1816. In 1834 he married Nancy Henry, after whose death he married Mary Patton on June 9, 1836. He was an active member of the Church of God for fifty years. By his second wife he was the father of six children, two of whom, Mrs. William H. Daugherty and Miss Nancy Warfel, both of Monticello. survive. For many years he was a leading citizen of White County and many of his descendants are yet with us. He died July 14, 1894, aged seventy-eight years.
George D. Washburn, born in Brown County, Ohio, about 1809, died at the home of his daughter in Royal Center, September 27, 1902, at the advanced age of ninety-three. For many years he was a resident of Monticello and later resided near Guernsey. He was a minister in the Baptist Church and was held in high esteem. He left five children surviving. These were: Lewis Washburn and Mrs. Melissa Lyle, of Royal Center; Mrs. Eliza Bernetha, of Rochester; Mrs. Tirzah Scott Alexander, also of Royal Center, and Dr. George W. Washburn, now of the village of Buffalo.
One of the very first settlers of White County was Jesse L. Watson, who was born in Virginia in 1805 and came to what is now White County in 1830, which was his home until his death, which occurred at Monon December 24, 1884. Most of his business life was spent in mercantile pursuits, in which by his integrity and attention to detail he had amassed a competence.
Jesse L. Watson was born in Bedford County, Virginia, April 23, 1806, and was a son of Thomas and Robetta (Moheman) Watson. At the age of five years his father moved to Greene County, Ohio, where he engaged in the mercantile business and to Jamestown, where he conducted the same line. Here Jesse remained, assisting his father, until he married Mary McCart, February 7, 1828.
On October 30, 1829, he caine to this county and the following spring moved his
family, consisting of his wife and one child, locating on land he had entered
in this county between Brookston and Chalmers, known as the John P. Carr
homestead. In 1833 his father moved to Tippecanoe County, buying what was known
as the Davis Ferry, four miles northeast of Lafayette. Here Jesse assisted his
father with the ferry four years and then went into partnership with his brother,
Charles M., in the mercantile business at Battle Ground. In 1845 Jesse returned
to this county and bought lots in New Bradford (now Monon). His wife died in
April, 1842, and in June, 1844, he married Sarah Peck of Dearborn County, Ohio,
who died in 1846, leaving one child, William W. In 1848 he married Mary Langdon
of Dearborn County, Ohio, by whom he had five children, one of whom, James S.,
survives. This wife died in 1855, and in 1857 he married Delinda Dewace of Ohio.
The same year he purchased the only hotel in New Bradford, but later engaged in
the mercantile business, which he continued until 1870, when he traded it for a
farm. Later he was engaged in the lumber business, and prior to his death, which
occurred December 22, 1884, he had held the offices of justice of the peace and
postmaster, also acting as notary. When Mr. Watson first came to the county,
there were but five men in it and at the time of his death he was the oldest
settler in the county. There were no railroads or even highways in those days,
and trails afforded the dim outline to direct the travelers. Indians were
numerous and at times threatening and disagreeable, especially when inflamed
with liquor. They would fight desperately among themselves when intoxicated, not
infrequently resulting in tragedy. Mr. Watson at one time while riding horseback
from Lafayette after dark, came across the dead body of an Indian, which lay
across the trail and was first discovered when the horse refused to go forward
without being led. Though a pioneer, Mr. Watson was progressive and always kept
abreast of the times. He was an ardent republican and for many years was a
conspicuous figure in county conventions as chairman of the delegations from his
township. Two sons survive, William W., of Barea, Florida, and James S., of
Monon. The latter has been identified with the mail service many years, part of
the time as deputy postmaster under his father, and as rural carrier since the
establishment of the service at Monon fourteen years ago. One of Jesse's sisters,
Mrs. Eliza Holmes, died December 31, 1914. Another, Mrs. Mary E. Burnau, died
February 9, 1909.
Not only is consistency conserved but there is special satisfaction involved in being able to present in this publication individual record concerning so appreciable a quota of the representative agriculturists of White County, and to such recognition Mr. Watson is specially entitled, as he is known and honored as one of the sterling citizens and progressive farmers of Monon Township, where his well improved homestead of 140 acres is situated in section 20, the entire area of the farm being available for effective cultivation.
Mr. Watson takes pride in claiming Indiana as the place of his nativity and was born in Clinton County, on the 22d of March, 1864, a son of William A. and Susanna (Manus) Watson. The lineage of the Watson family traces back to staunch German origin and representatives of the name came to the United States several generations ago. William R. Watson, grandfather of him whose name initiates this article, was a resident of the historic old State of Virginia until his removal to Indiana, where he became a pioneer settler in Clinton County, where he and his wife passed the remainder of their lives. In Clinton County William A. Watson was reared to manhood under the strenuous discipline of the pioneer farm, and his educational advantages were those afforded in the somewhat primitive schools of the locality and period. In that county was solemnized his marriage to Miss Susanna Manus and they became the parents of five children, all of whom are living, Oscar, of this sketch, being the eldest of the number and the names of the others being here entered in respective order of birth: Harriet Olive, Mary Agnes, Minnie Ivy, and Sina. The devoted wife and mother was sum moned to the life eternal in July, 1907, and her remains were laid to rest in a cemetery in Tipton County. William A. Watson is still a resident of that county, has devoted virtually his entire active life to the basic industry of agriculture and is a man whose sterling qualities have ever given him secure place in popular esteem. He achieved prosperity through his operations as a farmer and stock-grower and, now venerable in years, he is living virtually retired. He is a stalwart advocate of the cause of the republican party and as a loyal and broad-minded citizen has ever taken a proper interest in public affairs, especially those of a local order. It was his to accord valiant service as a soldier of the Union in the Civil war, in which he was a member of the Tenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and his continued interest in his old comrades is shown by his affiliation with the Grand Army of the Republic.
Oscar Watson has made advancement and gained definite prosperity through his own ability and well ordered efforts, and such are the men who are not alone worthy but appreciative of success with a due conception of the stewardship that success involves, so that he is naturally imbued with a spirit of liberality and is essentially loyal and progressive in his civic relations. He was reared to adult age on the old homestead farm of his father in Clinton County, and in the meanwhile availed himself of the advantages of the public schools. At the age of twenty-two years he initiated his independent career as a farmer in that county, and during the long intervening period he has maintained his appreciative allegiance to the fundamental industries of agriculture and stock-growing, through the medium of which he has won success worthy of the name and proved himself one of the world's productive workers, the while he has not permitted himself to become self-centered but has given his co-operation in the furtherance of movements and measures projected for the general good of the community. Though farming has been his definite vocation, Mr. Watson has shown much energy and resourcefulness in other lines of enterprise, as he was engaged in the hardware business in the Village of Monon and for a period of about fifteen years was actively concerned with real estate operations, in which line he developed a substantial and important business.
Mr. Watson continued his residence in Tipton County until 1894, in which year he came to White County and established his residence in the thriving little City of Monon, where he was engaged in the hardware business about five years, as previously stated, and then turned his attention to the real estate business, in connection with which he has handled a large amount of farm and town realty in this section of the state. He purchased his present homestead farm in 1905, and the best voucher for the effectiveness of the work he has accomplished in the improving of the property is that offered by the statement that while he purchased the land at the rate of $37.50 an acre it is now valued at fully $150 an acre. At one time he was the owner of 400 acres and his entire landed estate at the present time aggregates 300 acres, all in White County.
A stalwart in the camp of the republican party, Mr. Watson has taken a lively interest and active part in public affairs of a local order, and he served six years as a member of the Advisory Board of Monon Township. He is not formally identified with any religious organization but gives liberal support to the Baptist Church, of which his wife is a zealous member.
On the 2d of May, 1886, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Watson to Miss Martha Cline, daughter of George and Mary (Ellis) Cline, of Tipton County, and the four children of this union are: Minnie Maude, Claude D., Carl W. and Roscoe. The only daughter is now the wife of Albert G. Hornbeck. The Village of Monon continues to be the post office address of Mr. Watson, with the best of rural delivery service.
There are many ties that connect the Watsons with White County. They settled here nearly half a century ago, and in the years which have elapsed the different members have borne an important share in development and progress, particularly in West Point Township and in the Wolcott community. One of the well-known citizens of Wolcott is William H. Watson, of this family, who for mnny years has been identified with stock shipping and other affairs at that village, and is well known to the public life of the entire county. A splendid type of fine old pioneer citizen was the late John Watson, his father. Hundreds of people in White County mourned the loss of this old gentleman, who died in the fullness of years and accomnplishment at his home in Wolcott, November 20, 1914, aged eighty-seven years, seven months and three days. John Watson was born in Yorkshire, England, April 17, 1827, a son of John and Mary (Atkinson) Watson. In 1847, with his parents, four brothers and three sisters, he came to America and the family located in Licking County, Ohio. In that county he came to his majority and was married there August 31, 1850, to Margaret Downing. For a number of years they were among the oldest married couples of White County. Their companionship remained unbroken for more than fifty-seven years, when Mrs. Watson was called away by death on December 4, 1907. She was born February 23, 1835, in Sheffield, England, and was brought to the United States by her parents in 1843, when she was eight years of age. Both she and her husband were laid to rest in the Meadow Lake Cemetery. In 1866, after a number of children had been born into their home, John Watson and wife moved from Licking County, Ohio to White County, Indiana, locating near what is known as Meadow Lake, in West Point Township. Though he came to the county a poor man, by years of patient industry and intelligent management he not only provided for the rearing of thirteen children until they were all married, but acquired the ownership of a section of land. In the fall of 1896, after his children had all gone into homes of their own, he and his faithful wife removed to Wolcott, and in that village they spent their declining years surrounded with comforts and with the esteem of their own children and their hosts of friends. In the early days the Watson home was noted for its hospitality, while John Watson and wife were always instant and untiring in responding to those calls for charity which were so common when this country was new. John Watson had no political ambition to serve, was quiet and undemonstrative in demeanor, and always lived at peace with his neighbors. In politics he was a republican, and about fifteen years before his death united with the Presbyterian Church at Meadow Lake. He was an honest, upright citizen, and one whose integrity was never questioned. Mr. and Mrs. John Watson became the parents of fourteen children, seven of whom were born in Ohio and seven in White County, and twelve survived their father, in addition to twenty-nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. A brief record of the children is as follows: William H.; John F., who lives at Corsicana, Texas; Margaret A., who died in November, 1899, as Mrs. William Mantle; Thomas B., who died in infancy; Harvey T., who lives in Wolcott and married Eliza Magruder; Mary E., now Mrs. Joseph Blake of Lafayette; Sarah A., Mrs. James Sheetz, of Lafayette; Martha J., wife of James Magruder of West Point Township; Charles E., who lives at West Point Township and married Emma Cowgill; Charlotte Belle, wife of Thomas Dickinson of Rushville; Joseph B., of Delphi; Eliza, Mrs. A. A. Hauk of Bluffton; James, who lives in West Point Township and married Lillie Sullivan; and George, also a resident of West Point, who married Lydia Wood.
William H. Watson of Wolcott was horn in Licking County, Ohio, September 18, 1851, and was about fifteen years of age when he accompanied his parents to White County. His early schooling was acquired in Ohio, and he also attended school in White County while growing to manhood on the old farm in West Point Township. He adopted the career of farmer and made that his chief business up to 1894, in which year he moved to Wolcott, and has since divided his time between farm management and the shipping of live stock. He is one of the prosperous citizens in that section of White County; owns a fine place of 160 acres in addition to his interest in his father's estate, which has not yet been settled, and owns some town property in Wolcott. On December 16, 1874, Mr. Watson married Sarah Blake, a daughter of James Blake of White County. To this marriage were born four children; one that died in infancy; Ella, wife of Walter Baker, living in the State of Oregon; Mabel, wife of Verdent Lux, of Wolcott; and Martha, now deceased. On May 19, 1900, Mr. Watson married Lucy (Compton) Currie, a daughter of A. J. and Rachel M. Compton of Brookston.
Mr. Watson has always actively supported all local improvements, and as a citizen has won deserved respect in White County. In politics he is a republican, has served two years as a member and president of the town board of Wolcott, and for four years was president of the city school board. He was twice an unsuccessful candidate for county commissioner, and in 1914 was defeated in his candidacy for county treasurer. Though he has consented, at the urging of his friends, to become a candidate for different offices, he is not a politician, and should be classed as a hard-working, public-spirited and intelligent citizen who is willing to sacrifice his own interests occasionally in order to serve the public.
Prominent among the men who figured in the pioneer history of White County and who still survive as active participants in the life of their communities, is found Milton W. Weaver, who for sixty-two years has resided in the vicinity of Brookston. Mr. Weaver has been a farmer and stock raiser and is a veteran of the Civil war, in which he participated as a Union soldier, and while for the past twelve years he has been living in quiet retirement, he still takes an interest in all matters affecting the welfare of the community, and his views and opinions are given due respect as coming from one who has watched with the eye of a proprietor the growth and upbuilding of White County.
Mr. Weaver was born in Wayne Township, Tippecanoe County, Indiana, November 18, 1829, and is a son of Patrick Henry and Alice (Dimmitt) Weaver. The family is of German, English, Welsh and Scotch extraction, and the father was born in Culpeper County, Virginia, and the mother in Wayne County, Indiana. They were married in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, in February, 1827, and there the father was engaged in general farming and as a stock raiser. He was successful in his ventures, being a man of integrity, energy and industry, and became the owner of 160 acres in White County and 162 acres in Tippecanoe County. Prior to the Black Hawk war, in which he participated, he was an old line Jackson whig, but after the close of that struggle became a republican and so continued to the time of his death. He took an active interest in the civic affairs of his locality, and was the incumbent of a number of local offices. His religious faith was that of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he was a home-lover, belonging to no fraternal or social orders. In his community he was esteemed and respected as a man in whom the utmost faith could be placed and who discharged every obligation faithfully and every responsibility ably. He and his wife were the parents of eleven children, as follows: Milton W., of this notice; Susanna, deceased, who was the wife of Nimrod Lester; Martha, deceased, who was the wife of William Chalk; Harriet, who married Daniel Jackson; Thursa, deceased, who was the wife of James Whicker; Peter, who is deceased; Elizabeth, deceased, who was the wife of Frank Spitzer; William, deceased; Amanda, deceased, who was the wife of David Reese; Alice, who died young; and Jane, who is the wife of Charles Toliver.
The education of Milton W. Weaver was secured in the primitive district schools of Tippecanoe and he grew up amid an agricultural atmosphere, early learning the meaning and value of hard work and the virtue of industry, honesty and fidelity. He remained on the home farm until reaching the age of twenty-two years, and September 16, 1852, was married to Miss Sarah Baltimore, daughter of Philip and Sarah (Perkins) Baltimore. Their married life covered a period of fifty-two years and was a happy and contented union, Mr. Weaver proving an affectionate husband, able provider and indulgent father, while Mrs. Weaver was a capable and willing helpmate and a loving mother who taught her children to become good Christian people, and whose memory is still revered by them. Mrs. Weaver died April 23, 1904, and was laid to rest at the cemetery at Brookston. She was the mother of elever children, as follows: Patrick Henry, a resident of White Pigeon, Michigan; Martha E., who is the wife of John W. Holladay; Alice and Philip, who died young; John and James, twins, also deceased; Americus Isabel, who is the wife of Henry Headley; Emma, who died at the age of seven years; Levi, who resides in Rush County, Indiana; Charley, who is assessor of Round Grove Township, White County; and Della May, who was the wife of the late Ellsworth Balser, both now being deceased.
For several months after his marriage, Milton W. Weaver continued to make his home in Tippecanoe County, and January 26, 1853, entered upon his own career when he came to White County and took charge of 160 acres of land in section 10, which belonged to his father. He continued to be engaged in farming until the Civil war came on, when, in 1863, he enlisted in Company I, Eleventh Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, being mustered into the Union service at Lafayette. He served until the close of the war, participating in numerous engagements and at all times acquitting himself as a valiant and courageous soldier, and when peace was declared was at Nashville, from whence he was sent to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and there honorably discharged. He immediately returned to White County and resumed farming where he left off, subsequently proving himself as good a citizen as he had been a soldier. He added from time to time to his acreage, securing laud also in section 17, Round Grove Township, made numerous improvements and erected substantial buildings, and continued to be engaged in farming and stockraising until his retirement, in 1903. Since that time he has lived quietly at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ellen Holladay, in Round Grove Township.
Mr. Weaver is a Lincoln republican in his political views, and at various times has been honored by election to public office, having served as road supervisor, road superintendent and assessor of the township. He has never lost his interest in his old army comrades, and still retains his membership in the Grand Army of the Republic at Brookston, Indiana.
William Weise was born in Germany, October 7, 1846, and died at Reynolds, Indiana, November 21, 1915, in his seventieth year. Mr. Weise came to this country with his parents when eight years old and came directly to a farm a short distance southwest of Reynolds. He lived there until a little over a year ago when he retired and moved to town. In 1870 he was united in marriage with Miss Pauline Bratz. To this union were born these children, Will, Andrew, Henry, Robert, Benjamin, Pauline of Reynolds, Fred of Brooklyn, N. Y., Albert of Logansport, Emma of Chicago, Mary of Logansport, and Lizzie of Burroughs. These, his wife and one brother, Gustav Weise, survive him.
He was a respected and well known citizen and was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church. He could probably have boasted of a family of the largest sons in the county, they all being above six feet tall and are of a muscular build.
Mr. Weise was well known and highly respected. He lived to see the county transformed from a wilderness to its present enviable position of wealth and development and left a family that is an honor to his name. He was buried in the Lutheran Cemetery, southwest of Reynolds.
John Welch, for many years a well known citizen of Burnettsviile and vicinity, removing thence to Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1881. He was born in Ohio, January 22, 1836, coming to White County with his parents when a boy. He was a member of Capt. William Spencer's Company E, Forty-sixth Indiana, serving a little over four years. Was captured at Sabine Cross Roads and spent nine months in the rebel prison at Tyler, Texas. He was a brother of Mrs. George H. Simons, who for many years lived south of Monticello, and of Mrs. Bucklen Warden, who still resides here. His father, Wisby Welch, was one of the early settlers of White County and died at his home south of Monticello about 1873 or 1874.
One of the foremost agriculturists of Big Creek Township, Rudolph Werner, is numbered among the sturdy, energetic and successful farmers of White County, who fully understand the vocation which they follow, and are enabled to carry it on with profit and pleasure. A son of the late Julius Werner, he was born June 25, 1859, in Posen, Prussia, Germany, where his childhood days were spent.
A native of Germany, where his birth occurred in 1832, Julius Werner was there bred and educated. Learning the trade of a locksmith when young, he followed it in the fatherland for several years after his marriage. In 1872, leaving his wife and children in the fatherland, he immigrated to the United States, and for five years was engaged in railroading, living first in Reynolds, and later at Goodland. Subsequently, his family having joined him, he bought land in Honey Creek Township, and was there actively engaged in farming and stock raising until his death, July 3, 1885. He was a man of sterling integrity, industrious and enterprising. In his political affiliations he was a democrat, and in religion both he and his wife were valued members of the German Lutheran Church at Reynolds. The maiden name of his wife was Rose Tum, to whom he was wedded in 1856. She survied [sic] him many years, passing away in February, 1906. Of the eight children born of their marriage, six are living, as follows: Gustave; Rudolph, the special subject of this brief sketch; Charley; Eustina, wife of John Kilgoss; Caroline, wife of Frank Ruck; and Minnie, wife of Henry Denhardt.
Having acquired his rudimentary education in his native land, Rudolph Werner completed his studies in the public schools of White County. At the age of twenty-two years he began life on his own account as a tiller of the soil, and in the pursuit of his chosen occupation has displayed vigorous ability and much skill. He has made wise investments in land, now owning 220 acres in White County, his home farm on Section 3, Big Creek Township, containing 100 acres of rich and fertile land, on which he has made improvements of value, including the erection of the house occupied by himself and family, the barns having been on the place when he purchased the property. He carries on general farming, and to some extent is interested in stock raising, breeding short horn cattle for his own use.
Mr. Werner married, May 18, 1886, Pauline Heimlich, a daughter of Gottlieb and Christina (Long) Heimlich, and into their home four children have been born, namely: John; William; Ruth, wife of Clarence Trech; and Martha. Mr. Werner takes no special interest in political affairs, voting without regard to party restrictions. True to the religious faith in which he was reared, he is a member of the church to which his parents belonged.
A few years ago, after many years spent in productive farm enterprise in Prairie Township, William F. Westfall laid aside some of the heavier cares and responsibilities of farm management, and being able to take life somewhat more easily moved to the Village of Brookston, but did not divorce himself entirely from the attractiveness and interests of his former occupation, and while enjoying all the conveniences of life in the town his home is just on the edge of the village, and is surrounded by a beautiful little estate of fifteen acres, which furnishes him ample employment and also most of the means required for the wholesome comforts of his home. His large farm of 175 acres in Prairie Township is now operated through a renter.
For many years the Westfall family and their connections have been well known in the rural and village communities of White County. The name Westfall is of German origin and was originally spelled Westphal. They are people of sturdy German ancestors, have been hard workers, liberal providers, and more than once have furnished effective service to their communities and country. Mr. Westfall's father was a soldier in the Civil war.
Charles N. Westfall, father of William F., was born in Germany, March 21, 1837, and had a long and profitable career in this section of Indiana, and before his death had accumulated 375 acres, all of which represented the thrift and industry of a self-made man. He was the youngest of four children born to John and Christina (Kruger) Westfall. John Westfall was a soldier in the German army during the coalition against Napoleon early in the nineteenth century. He followed farming as an occupation, was a member of the Lutheran Church, and died in the old country in 1873. Charles N. Westfall, after his education in German schools set out for America in 1853, when only sixteen years old. For a year or so he was employed at different occupations in New York State, and in 1855 located at Michigan City, Indiana, where he worked one year, and then went to the city of Chicago, and from there to Racine, Wisconsin, in both places finding employment in lumber yards. Returning to Michigan City in 1858, he spent the following two years as a fisherman, and then moved to Round Grove Township in White County. He was at that time still in the flush of young manhood and had not yet acquired sufficient capital to engage independently in farming. For two years he was employed on farms by the month, then spent a year in Jasper County farming on the shares, and next came an interruption to his vocations of peace when he responded in the fall of 1861 to the call of patriotic duty and enlisted in Company K of the Forty-eighth Indiana Infantry. He was in the service until June, 1862, and was then honorably discharged for disability. After his return from the army he spent six more months as a farmer in Jasper County, then lived for three years in Tippecanoe County, and two years in Benton County. Charles N. Westfall permanently located in White County in the spring of 1866, purchasing eighty acres of land that had scarcely any improvements upon it in Round Grove Township. From that time forward his prosperity visibly increased until he was the owner of 240 acres, and eventually had landed possessions still greater. In the spring of 1883 he engaged in the grocery business, and followed that for a time.
Not long after his army experience Charles N. Westfall married in 1863 Alice S. Hickok, a native of Ohio. She was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and died in that faith in 1873. The names of her six children were: William F.; George W.; Edward M.; Annie May, deceased; Emma A., wife of Henry E. Harmon; and Mary Olive, deceased. In 1874 Charles N. Westfall married Adelia Vineyard, who was born in White County. By this marriage there were five children: John, Elizabeth, Henry LeRoy, Lewis T. and Charles, all now deceased excepting Lewis T. and Henry L. Lewis T. Westfall was born in Round Grove Township, November 25, 1887. He is now one of the thrifty young agriculturists of his native township, where he owns eighty acres of fine land, and he also owns a touring car. He married Miss Edith Regina Schrader on May 7, 1907, and they have a son, Paul Charles, born December 25, 1911. Mrs. Lewis Westfall was born in White County, January 18, 1889, a daughter of William and Alice (Christopher) Schrader, who were the parents of two children, Mrs. Westfall and her brother, Harry Schrader. The last named was born in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, February 20, 1891, and is now a resident of Round Grove Township, owning twenty acres in Prairie Township. Mrs. Westfall has a farm of twenty acres in Prairie Township, adjoining that of her brother. Mr. Lewis Westfall is a Jacksonian democrat. Henry LeRoy Westfall was born in Round Grove Township, April 10, 1889, and now resides in Cadillac, Michigan, where he has forty acres of land, and also owns eighty acres in Round Grove Township. He wedded Miss Rosa Warwick. He is also a democrat. The living children of the first marriage of Charles N. Westfall are: William F.; Emma, the wife of Henry Harmon, of Brookston, Indiana, and they have three children, Wilbur, Elmer and Bessie; George W., a farmer of Kingfisher, Oklahoma, married Miss Effie Goble, and their four children are Irene, Alta, Clifford and Harold; and Edward M., a retired farmer living at Oklahoma City. He married Miss Jennie Alkire, and they have two children, Goldie and Ord. The senior Westfall was a democrat in polities and was a member of the Methodist Church.
After this brief record of the family it remains to note briefly the career of William F. Westfall. He was born in Tippecanoe County, during the time his father was a farmer there, on December 22, 1863, but was reared and has spent practically every day of his life since early infancy in White County. His education came from the public schools, and a short time before his twenty-first birthday, on October 17, 1884, he married Miss Eliza M. Hagen, a daughter of John and Sophia Hagen and Mrs. Hagen died October, 1906. The Hagens were among the early settlers in the vicinity of Monon. John Hagen was born in Germany, January 1, 1830, the youngest of three children of John and Margaret (Holtz) Hagen. John, Sr., followed the occupation of sawyer in the old country, but in 1859 followed his son to the United States and lived with the latter until his death on April 16, 1860. John Hagen, Jr., grew up and was trained to the life of a farmer in the old country. He lived there until July, 1854, when at the age of twenty-four he brought his wife to the United States. Soon afterward they became identified with the little community known as New Bradford, now the City of Monon in White County, but subsequently moved to Reynolds. John Hagen had nothing but his industry to commend himself to the attention of the world and as a basis for prosperity. The first two years of his residence in White County he was a laborer on the New Albany Railroad, and his effective work then secured him promotion to foreman, and in that capacity he remained for fifteen years. In 1870, leaving railroad work, he bought eighty acres of wild land in Honey Creek Township, and subsequently added to it forty acres more, and lived the life of a prosperous and substantial farmer until his death on November 11, 1900, when nearly seventy years of age. On June 7, 1854, he married Sophia Schrader, and they made the journey to the United States practically as a wedding tour. She became the mother of nine children, and the two now living are Mrs. Eliza M. Westfall and Emma L. The last named is the wife of Chas. Buss, living near Reynolds, Indiana. Mr. Hagen was a democrat in politics and he and his wife were members of the Lutheran Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Westfall had only one son, Edward F., who was born January 17, 1888, and is now living at Michigan City, Indiana, and he is one of the progressive merchants of that city. He married Florence Westphal of that city.
When Mr. Westfall embarked in farming as an independent enterprise at the time of his marriage his land had few improvements. Since then practically every acre has been brought under cultivation and after many years of successful cropping he found himself in a condition which justified a relaxation of the severe toil and responsibilities which he had previously borne, and about four years ago he moved into Brookston and secured the little place of fifteen acres at the edge of the village. Mr. Westfall is democratic in politics, but has never held any official position. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Brookston and he is one of the most esteemed members of that community.
Of the men who have participated actively in the great growth and development of White County within the last score of years, none are better or more favorably known in West Point Township than August W. Westphal, now the owner of a fine tract of 160 acres in section 22. It has been Mr. Westphal's good fortune to have realized many of his worthy ambitions and to secure a standing in the community that makes him one of its representative men, not alone as a farmer who has always pursued progressive methods and high standards, but as a citizen who has the welfare of his township and county at heart.
His birth occurred one mile north of the old Fair View Schoolhouse in Prairie Township, December 18, 1873, a son of Ferdinand and Minnie (Hannamann) Westphal. His parents were both natives of Mecklinberg, Germany, where they were married in 1864, and in the fall of 1871 arrived in America, landing at New York City from a sailing vessel. From there they came on west to Indiana, lived for a time in Michigan City, and during the next few months Ferdinand supported his family by work on a section gang on the railroad. From there he came into White County and to Prairie Township and began his substantial career as a farmer. The first four years were spent on rented land, and he then invested in eighty acres in Round Grove Township, lived there some twelve or fourteen years, and then bought 120 acres of the farm now owned by his son August in West Point Township. Ferdinand Westphal was a hard working, thrifty German and between the time he landed in America early in the '70s and his death on April 12, 1902, had accomplished a great deal for himself, his family and his community. His widow died September 13, 1909, and both are buried in the West Point cemetery. Their five children were: Minnie, who died in Germany; Fred, who married Mary Eichert and their four children are Rosetta, Hattie, Samuel and Elmer; Lena, deceased; August W.; and Marie, who is the wife of George Enz of Paulding, Ohio, and their three children are named Alta, Lena and George, Jr. The late Ferdinand Westphal was a democrat, took considerable interest in local affairs, was a member of the German Lutheran Church at Reynolds, and the accomplishment of which be was most proud was in making a home and happy circumstances for his family. He was a man who commanded and deserved universal respect. Outside of farming and stock raising he had no other business interests.
August William Westphal came to manhood with a common school education, having attended the Belle Center and Springdale district schools. At the same time his muscles were disciplined and he learned a great deal about the practical departments of farm life. Since his father's death he has continued operating the old place and in September, 1908, added another forty to the homestead, making a full quarter section. All of this land is tiled and under cultivation, and in fertility and productiveness there are few farms in the township its equal.
On June 22, 1904, Mr. Westphal married Miss Lillian A. Rockhill, who was born in Randolph County, Indiana, January 31, 1885, a daughter of Edward and Miranda (White) Rockhill, and the first born of their three children. The second daughter, Bessie, is the wife of George Noll, a resident of Brookston, Indiana, and an agriculturist. They have three children. The third child, Cecil, is a resident of Chicago, where he is employed as a chef in a large cafe. Mr. Rockhill, the father, was born in Ohio and became an agriculturist. He is now a resident of White County, and he has fraternal affiliations with the Modern Woodmen of America. Mrs. Rockhill was a native daughter of Indiana, and her death occurred in 1895. Mrs. Westphal was but six years of age when brought by her parents to White County, Indiana, and here she was reared and educated. Mr. and Mrs. Westphal have but one child, a daughter, Doris, born January 6, 1908, and now being carefully educated in the local school. While Mr. Westphal is a member of the Baptist Church at Springdale his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal at Pine Grove. He is a democrat, served two years or the township advisory board by appointment, and in the fall of 1914 was regularly elected for a full term.
Mr. Wheeler's important position in business affairs is indicated by his office as general manager and director in the prominent Indiana corporation of Crabbs, Reynolds, Taylor Company, dealers in grain, feed and seed. Mr. Wheeler has the active direction of the business at Reynolds and Smithson, and the company has branch offices in a dozen or more towns in this section of Indiana. Mr. Wheeler is a man whose earnestness and ability are chiefly responsible for his rise in the business world, and he has steadily devoted his time and energy to this branch of business since young manhood.
Clyde C. Wheeler was born in Des Moines, Iowa, April 18, 1872, a son of Hiram M. and Nettie (McComber) Wheeler. In 1874, when he was two years of age, the family came to White County and located two miles south of Reynolds. His father was a farmer and stock raiser, and such importance was attached to his home in White County that it acquired the name Wheeler, and has since been known as Wheeler Station. Hiram M. Wheeler, in 1889, moved his residence to Lafayette, where he died in December, 1912. He was a democrat in politics, and took a general interest in public affairs. His wife died in Lafayette in August, 1907, and both are buried in that city. Their five children were: Fred, deceased; May, wife of A. E. Bradbury of Lafayette; Maud, deceased; Clyde C.; and Blanche, wife of C. D. Bushnell of Lafayette.
Clyde C. Wheeler spent most of his early youth in White County, and is indebted to the public schools of this locality for his education. After some experience in working for others he started out for himself at the age of twenty-four, and soon became identified with the grain trade. In 1900 he established a grain business at Wheeler Station, and a year later moved to Reynolds, where he became a full partner with the firm of Crabbs, Reynolds & Wheeler. In June, 1904, this business was incorporated with a capitalization of $160,000.00. The officers are: A. E. Reynolds, president; B. F. Crabbs, first vice president; Bennett Taylor second vice president: T. C. Crabbs, secretary and treasurer; and C. C. Wheeler, general manager and director. The main offices are at Crawfordsville and Lafayette, while branch offices are maintained at fifteen different towns, namely: Reynolds, Francisville [sic], Medaryville, Smithson, Ash Grove, Battle Ground, Riverside, West Point, Wingate, Lapland, Taylor Station, Cherry Grove, South Raub, Linden and Newmarket.
On October 16, 1901, Mr. Wheeler married Miss Minta Donaldson, daughter of W. S. and Sarah (Hardy) Donaldson. Her family were early settlers in White County. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have one daughter: Verna, who was born December 8, 1902, and is in the eighth grade of the public schools. Mrs. Wheeler is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Wheeler affiliates with the democratic party, but gives his best service to the public through the business over which he has management. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Reynolds Castle Hall, No. 454.
There has been a noticeable movement in recent years of farmers from the high-priced land districts of Illinois not only to the new states of the West, but also to the less developed agricultural area of Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. One of the prosperous men who have been introduced to the citizenship of White County as a result of this movement is Mr. F. J. White, of Union Township, the owner of a splendid farm in that district, and a man who brought the experience and judgment of an Illinois farmer and also a considerable amount of capital, representing the proceeds of an Illinois farm, to his new home in White County.
F. J. White was born at Henry, Livingston County, Illinois, January 13, 1867. He has no recollection of his father, John White, since the latter met death at the hands of the Indians in the West in 1870, when the son was only three years old. John White had been in the gold fields of the West, and with four other men was engaged in driving cattle back to Illinois. Four of these men were driving a wagon and the other was on horseback. When in Colorado, not many miles away from Pike's Peak, the party was attacked in the rear by a band of Indians, and all four men in the wagon were killed, including John White. The horseback rider managed to make his escape and carried the details of this tragedy to the friends and families of the victims. Mrs. John White subsequently married William McClure, and by that union there was one child, who died at the age of twelve years.
Frank J. White lived in Illinois with his mother and step-father until his marriage. He married Eva Harrison, daughter of Doc and Martha (Porch) Harrison. Mrs. White was reared near Pattonsburg, Illinois, her people being farmers. She had four brothers and sisters and is the oldest of her immediate family. Her mother is still living.
After his marriage Mr. White located on a farm in Livingston County, Illinois. He had practically no capital to begin with, although he had shown ability in farm management, and with the aid of his capable wife started out to make a home and gain a competence. He eventually made a purchape of 120 acres of land, forty acres of it unbroken. The contract price was $35 an acre, and he lived there, worked hard early and late, paid for the land, improved it, and final]y sold out at a price averaging $112 an acre. That was some years ago when land values in Illinois had not yet reached the maximum, and the same land is now said to be worth $275 per acre. In the meantime Mr. White had invested his surplus capital in some land in White County, and now has 465 acres in Union Township. There are two sets of farm buildings, and by his own labor and by the judicious use of his surplus capital he has effected numerous improvements in the way of buildings, fences, tiling and fertilization, and now has a country place equal to, if not superior to, almost any that could be found in White County.
Mr. and Mrs. White are the parents of seven children: Pearl Phebe; Myrtle Martha; Lelah Belle; Florine E., wife of Clifford Martin; Elva; Delbert E., and William. During his residence in Illinois Mr. White served as trustee of his township in that state, and was also a director on the school board. He is a man who enjoys a well won success, has proved trustworthy in all his relations as a business man or citizen and is a valuable factor in White County citizenship.
Eliza Wickersham, born in Logan County, Ohio, April 11, 1821, died at the home of her daughter, at Lima, Ohio, March 19, 1902. Most of her life was spent in White County, where her husband, Job Wickersham, died March 29, 1874. She was the mother of ten children, five of these surviving her. Perhaps the best known of these were Job, for many years a well known resident in and near Monticello, and Chester, a resident of Cass Township.
One of the most creditable careers of performance in White County has been that of Emil G. Wiese, who though a native of Germany was reared from early childhood in the United States, and has spent most of his life in White County. Like many other thrifty German families, this one came and made a hard struggle to gain a foothold in the New World, and bring up children to lives of usefulness. Emil G. Wiese therefore started out to make his own way with nothing but willing hands and heart, and now, hardly more than in the prime of his life, can look around on substantial possessions in a fine farm of many acres in Honey Creek Township, lands in other states, and various interests and holdings which classify him as among the most progressive men of his community.
His father was Gottlieb Wiese, who was born in Germany, received only a common school educations and in 1872 emigrated with his family and first settled in Newton County, Indiana, and from there, in 1879, removed to White County. He was an active farmer all his career. He married Carolina Rosentreter, and their seven children were: Emil G.; Hermann A., deceased; Pauline, wife of Henry Reumler, who lives in North Dakota and has seven children; Wilhelmina, who married Frank Geier of Honey Creek Township, and has four children, one deceased; Matilda, deceased; Lewis G., who is unmarried and lives with his mother; and Anna, wife of William Robinson, on the old home place in Honey Creek Township. Gottlieb Wiese was a democrat, but with only a passive interest in political affairs. He was a German Lutheran, and always active as a member and contributor to the church. Though he came to the United States a poor man, he owned 115 acres at the time of his death. He had no affiliations with secret orders and was a quiet, unassuming man, who nevertheless performed a useful function in the world. His widow is still living at the old home in White County.
Emil G. Wiese was born near Bromberg, Posen, Germany, April 16, 1868, and was four years old when brought to America and to Newton County. His life since he was eleven years of age has been spent almost entirely in White County.
Mr. Wiese was fortunate in securing a capable helpmate for his life career. On April 16, 1896, he married Miss Mary Bardonner, a daughter of John and Charlotte Bardonner of Honey Creek Township, where they were among the substantial farmers and had lived there since 1876. To Mr. and Mrs. Wiese have been born eight children: Herbert L., who is attending Concordia College at Fort Wayne; Otto J. and Charlotte C., both in school at Reynolds; Walter A., who died October 30, 1906; Lawrence H.; Paul R.; Arthur E., who died October 18, 1913; Marie L.
Emil G. Wiese has spent his life as a farmer, is a democrat, and in local
affairs votes for the best man. He has served a couple of terms as supervisor
of the township, but never seeks any official honors, though not unwilling to
do his part as a public-spirited citizen. For three years he was a trustee of
the German Lutheran Church in his community. Mr. Wiese's fine farm home is
situated three miles southwest of Reynolds. It comprises 200 acres of land,
well cultivated, and in a condition of far greater value than when he first took
possession. His ownership
also extends to 160 acres in South Dakota, near Roscoe, on the main line of
the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. He is also owner of some
stock in the Reynolds creamery, and this is only an indication of his attitude
towards all local improvements, being ever ready to respond to co-operative
effort for local betterment in the way of ditches, roads, schools, churches
and a general moral and civic uplift.
James Stuart Wigmore, son of Arthur Wigmore and Rebecca Oliffe Wigmore, was born at Wesley Place, Youghal, Ireland, October 3, 1833. He was one of the Fielding family who trace their lineage to Pharamond, king of West Franks in Germany, 430 A. D. His father and mother came to Toronto, Canada, in 1847, where they conducted a musical and art studio. In this city Mr. Wigmore learned the watchmaker's trade. After the death of his mother in 1850 he, with his father, went to Louisville, Kentucky, to make his home. His father died in 1860, and Mr. Wigmore came to Lafayette, Indiana, where he formed a partnership with C. C. Tuttle in the jewelry business. On August 1, 1862, he enlisted in the army at Salem Crossing and served until wounded at the battle of Perrysville, Kentucky. When wounded he was captured by a rebel living near the battlefield. This man, upon recognizing him as a brother Mason, showed him every courtesy and was the means of restoring him to his own army. Mr. Wigmore was a charter member of Libanus Lodge No. 154, of Monticello, Indiana, bringing his demit from Capital City Lodge of Indianapolis. He was reared an Episcopalian, but after his marriage he united with the Presbyterian church. He was a jeweler until the time of his death, March 5, 1912. August 3, 1864, he was married to Martha Jane Rothrock, daughter of Joseph and Eliza Rothrock, pioneers of Monticello. She was born August 1, 1845. Their home was an inn where the present Methodist Episcopal Church stands. Here she grew to young womanhood, receiving her education under the guidance of Prof. George Bowman. Mrs. Wigmore was a member of the Presbyterian Church from early childhood. She died March 5, 1913. To Mr. and Mrs. Wigmore were born five children: Emma, wife of M. J. Holtzman, of Brookston, Indiana; Charles F., deceased; George A. and Lida, of Monticello, and Estelle H. of Indianapolis.
A prominent young physician of Honey Creek Township, with offices and home at Reynolds, Dr. A. C. Williams is a native son of White County, and his professional experience has already well justified his choice of a vocation.
Doctor Williams was born at Monticello, in White County, January 19, 1889, a son of Joseph C. and Etta B. (Carson) Williams. Doctor Williams acquired his education in the public schools, and having early determined upon the medical profession as his choice of pursuits, he entered the school of medicine of the University of Indiana, where he was graduated M. D. in 1912. During his junior and senior years he was an externe in the City Hospital. After graduating he located in Reynolds, and has since come into favor as a skillful and able practitioner. He is a member of the White County and the Indiana State medical societies and the American Medical Association.
Doctor Williams affiliates with the Knights of Pythias and with the Masonic lodge at Monon. In September, 1913, he married Wrighta Henkel, daughter of W. J. and Emma (Horner) Henkel. Doctor Williams is a republican in politics.
Thornton Williams, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, September 11, 1815, located in Honey Creek Township, White County, Indiana, in 1848 and in 1849 was married to Mary E. Rinker, who died in 1872, after which he continued to keep house with his children until all reached adult age. One son, William H. Williams, is still a resident of Reynolds. Two daughters, Mrs. Jessie Dern and Mrs. Ida Isley, reside at Kingman, Kansas. He died at the home of William H. Williams, in Reynolds, August 19, 1901.
An old and highly esteemed citizen of Monon, James K. Wilson was accidentally killed by a train at Monon, February 18, 1907. Mr. Wilson had been a resident of Monon and vicinity all his life and was sixty-two years old at the time of his death. He was administrator of the Hugh Lowe estate, one of the largest estates ever administered on in White County up to that time, and on the day of the accident had been in Monticello making final settlement of his trust. After returning home he started about seven o'clock to go up town, and in crossing the Monon track, a short distance west of the station was run down and horribly mangled by a southbound train, known as the "milk train." He left a widow and two daughters, Mrs. John Kent and Mrs. William Hancock.
The Wilson family still has in its possession the patent to a tract of land on section 22 in what is now Monon Township, the instrument bearing the signature of Andrew Jackson, who was President of the United States when the Wilsons first came to White County. Few families have lived here for a longer time, and none with a better reputation for usefulness and honor as citizens and individuals. An immense amount of work and improvement has been accomplished in White County during the last eighty years, and it is only giving honor where honor is due to mention so far as possible the names of those early comers who shared most of the dangers and privations connected with life in a new country.
The founder of the family out on the frontier of Northwest Indiana was William Wilson, who came from Perry County, Ohio, to White County, Indiana, during the early '30s. It is said that he preceded the rest of his family on horseback as a prospector, and finally settled upon a location in what is now Monon Township. There he entered in October, 1834, a tract of land on section 22 which ultimately became the original Wilson home in White County. That land, now a handsome farm, is only a short distance east of the present site of Monon Village. William Wilson brought his wife to this new home. Her maiden name was Mary Yost. They built a log cabin, and that was one of the early homes that stood in Monon Township, while all the surrounding land was in the same condition it had been for centuries. William Wilson and wife were the parents of six sons and one daughter. Only one of them is still living, John Y. of Frankfort, Indiana. William Wilson died more than half a century ago.
A representative of this old and well known family of White County was the late James K. Wilson, a highly honored citizen, whose death on February 18, 1907, was the result of a railroad accident at Monon. He was the fourth of the children of his parents and was born September 18, 1844. As a boy his time was passed to some extent in attending the neighboring school and in helping to grub, clear, plant and harvest after the manner and customs of that time. On his youthful mind were early impressed two cardinal principles—industry and honesty. These were the cornerstones of his character, and they won him the esteem of all who came to know him. He also possessed a superior order of practical intelligence, and became one of the foremost men of his day in Monon Township. In politics he was a democrat, but never showed any desire to hold public office. While called upon to serve in minor official positions he was naturally modest and accepted such posts only from a sense of duty. Charitable in his views and acts he demanded universal respect by reason of his many sterling qualities of mind and heart. He invariably aided all benevolent and worthy objects when called upon. Probably he was the best known as a superior farmer. He took great pride in the management of his land and other interests, and at the time of his death had accumulated 347 acres, comprising some of the best land in Monon Township.
On January 20, 1870, Mr. Wilson married Mary E. Ward, daughter of Samuel M. Ward, a prominent old timer of White County whose history is recorded on other pages. Since the death of her honored husband Mrs. Wilson has lived in Monon. She is the mother of two children: Cora, wife of William H. Hancock of Monon; and Nona, who is the wife of Dr. J. A. Kent of Mulberry, Indiana, and they have two children named Lily E. and J. W. Kent, these being the grandchildren of Mrs. Wilson. In the death of James J. [sic] Wilson Monon Township was bereaved of one of its finest citizens, and everywhere the event was deplored and looked upon as the untimely passing of one whose life had been extremely useful to many not only in his own family but in the community in general.
An unusually successful career was that of the late Samuel Wilson, who though a resident of White County only about twenty years, made that a time of great accomplishment, and as a farmer and stock raiser stood second to none in his generation.
Born near Darbyville, Ohio, in 1849, the late Samuel Wilson had in his veins a mixture of Scotch, Irish, English, Dutch, Welsh and German blood. He was reared and educated in Ohio, and arrived within the limits of White County on March 4, 1888. For thirteen years he showed his capabilities as a farmer and stock raiser in the management of a thousand acres of land, which he rented. As a stock man he paid particular attention to the Shorthorn and Polled-Angus breed. In 1899 Mr. Wilson bought eighty acres of land and a year later secured the two hundred forty acres adjoining in West Point Township, thus giving him the large farm of three hundred twenty acres.
While living in Ohio in 1873, Samuel Wilson married Mathilda Hill. Their six children were: Fred Thomas; Randall A.; Julia E., wife of Elton Burget; Robert, now deceased; Samuel E.; and Agnes L. The late Mr. Wilson was a democrat in politics and held several minor offices, though they came to him without his asking. He was a member of the Baptist Church and died in that faith April 11, 1909, and is now at rest in West Point Cemetery. His widow is living in Chalmers.
On July 19, 1894, the Town of Chalmers and Big Creek Township was shocked by the news that William D. Wilson had been killed by a stroke of lightning while at work in the meadow of Thomas J. Hoshour. He was found to have been instantly killed by the electric current. He was born July 1, 1834, and on February 24, 1856, be married Rebecca E. Burk. To this union was born nine children, five of whom survive him. On March 25, 1883, he was married to Rachel Gallaher, who with one child, were living at his death. For many years Mr. Wilson was a justice of the peace and in 1890 was the candidate for sheriff of White County on the prohibition ticket, in which party he was an active member.
No history of White County would be complete without a notice of John W. Wimer. Born in New York, February 7, 1829. When young John was twelve years old the family came to Carroll County, Indiana, where he attended school and having attained his majority he clerked in a store in Georgetown for eight years, when he was appointed post-master at Lockport, which position he held for three years, when he moved to Delphi; he later came to Burnettsville and engaged in general merchandising until 1882 when he quit business and removed to Logansport, but later returned to Burnettsville where he died November 13, 1901. Mr. Wimer was an active republican. From 1864 to 1870 he served as postmaster at Burnettsville. In 1870 he was elected representative from the counties of Benton and White, in 1876 he was a republican presidential elector and in 1880 was a delegate to the National Republican Convention held in Chicago in which he voted for James A. Garfield. He was a militant member of the Methodist Church.
For many years during and after the war, Dr. A. H. Wirt was the leading dentist in Monticello and for a time he was the only one engaged in that profession. He was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, March 27, 1828. He came to Monticello about 1858, and in 1859 was married to Mary Grace Tilton, daughter of Daniel M. Tilton, then a prominent citizen of Monticello. Doctor Wirt died suddenly while sitting on the porch at the home of his son, William D. Wirt, July 2, 1898.
Will D. Wirt, son of Doctor Wirt, Monticello's pioneer dentist, was a native of White County, having been born north of Monticello, July 20, 1860. At the time of his death, October 28, 1906, he was surveyor of White County and a candidate on his party ticket for re-election. December 24, 1890, he was married to Miss Nellie Ginn, at Sorento, Illinois. She, and one son, Carl, are still living, being residents of West Lafayette. A monument to his public-spiritedness can be seen by people of Monticello and of White County every day. This is the large box-alder tree near the southwest corner of the courthouse. This was planted there by him in the spring of 1906, some six months before his death.
One of the substantial citizens of Monticello, Martin Witz was for many years here engaged in the ice and meat business. He was born in Hilson Heim, France, December 13, 1831; came to America with his parents in 1838, locating in Allen County. In 1858 he was married to Melissa Shuey in Fort Wayne and moved to Lafayette in 1859. In 1861 he enlisted in the Fifth Kentucky Regiment, from which he was discharged because of a wound received at Shiloh. He re-enlisted in the Eleventh Indiana Cavalry and served to the end of the war. Soon thereafter he located in Monticello, where he resided until his death, August 29, 1901. His widow and two children, Alvin Witz and Mrs. Daisy Willems, reside in Monticello. Another son, William Witz, lives in Cass Township. He was a Mason and a member of Tippecanoe Post No. 51, G. A. R.
Of former White County residents, and still identified with this county by many associations and interests, perhaps none is more widely and favorably known over the State of Indiana than Eben H. Wolcott, present state tax commissioner, and a resident of Marion, where his extensive business interests are centered.
On other pages much has been said about the Wolcott family, and the Village of Wolcott, which was named from this family of early White County settlers, and where Eben Harry Wolcott was born. His parents were Anson Wolcott and his wife Georgiana (Sayen) Wolcott. The record of Anson Wolcott appears on other pages.
Mr. Wolcott was educated in Wabash College at Crawfordsville, and in 1886 received his degree Bachelor of Science from that institution, and somewhat later the college bestowed upon him the honorary degree Master of Arts. On leaving college he engaged in the grain business in White County, and in 1887 was made a partner in the firm of A. & E. H. Wolcott, dealers in hay, grain, seeds, coal, etc. The senior member of the firm was his father, Anson Wolcott.
For something over a dozen years Mr. Wolcott's business interests were chiefly connected with White County. Since then they have been of much wider scope. About 1901 he sold his grain interests, and in 1907 he took an active part both financially and as a manager in the manufacturing of automobile motors. He became a member of the Western Motor Company, the factory being then located at Logansport. In 1909 a new factory was built in Marion, Indiana, and in May of that year Mr. Wolcott removed to Marion and has since had his home in that beautiful and flourishing city.
Mr. Wolcott is director and treasurer of the Aetna Trust & Savings Company; director of the Continental National Bank; director of the American Playground Device Company; director of the Standard Live Stock Insurance Company; director of the Logansport Oxygen Company; aud vice president of the American Mortgage Guarantee Company.
He has been one of Indiana's public men for many years. No doubt the work for which he deserves greatest praise and credit has been his endeavors to secure tax reform in the state. He is a republican and it was as a member of that party that he was appointed by Governor Thomas Marshall in February, 1912, to fill an unexpired term, amid in December, 1912, reappointed for the regular term of four years as republican nmenmber of the board of State Tax Commissioners. In 1900 Mr. Walcott [sic] was elected state senator, and this honor came to him while he was still living in White County. He served with a creditable record during the Legislatures of 1901 and 1903. He was lieutenant colonel under Governor W. T. Durbin and also under Governor Frank Hanly as a member of the governor's staff.
Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic Order, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of the Maccabees and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is president of the Economic Club in Indianapolis, is a member of the Marion Club, and of the Columbia Club of Indianapolis. His church is the Christian.
Mr. Wolcott represents the very old and oftentime distinguished Wolcott family of America, and his own relations to that family are now of a peculiarly intimate and conspicuous character, since he is president of The Society of Descendants of Henry Wolcott for the year 1916-17. This society is made up of the direct descendants of Henry Wolcott of Windsor, Connecticut, who came to America in 1630.
On April 22, 1889, at Indianapolis Mr. Wolcott married Lida Lister Brown, daughter of Dr. Walter Scott Brown of Indianapolis. Mrs. Wolcott is a granddaughter of Dr. Ryland T. Brown, who was noted in the field of science and also as a minister of the Christian Church. Dr. Brown was an uncle of Admiral George Brown, one of the distinguished characters in the American navy. Mr. and Mrs. Wolcott are the parents of two children: Ryland Anson Wolcott and Roger Gould Wolcott.
Samuel Wolfe, one of the best known citizens of White County, died at his home in Liberty Township, April 13, 1913. He was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, May 29, 1824, and fourteen years later moved to Greene County, Pennsylvania, where on September 5, 1848, be married Eliza Winget and they at once left for Athens County, Ohio, where he lived for six years. In 1854, with his wife and four children, he came to White County where he lived until his death. On February 22, 1882, his wife died and on April 26, 1886, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Gruell, who survived him but one week and died on April 20, 1913. In November, 1864, Mr. Wolfe enlisted in the Forty-second Indiana Volunteer infantry and was mustered out in July, 1865. He was an honored member of the Missionary Baptist Church in which he served as deacon for several years. He was a loyal soldier and a member of the G. A. R. Mr. Wolfe was noted for his benevolence and his kindly regard and care for the unfortunate.
In its improvements and the extent of lands one of the finest rural homes in White County is that owned and occupied by George Wolverton in Big Creek Township. The Wolverton family were among the pioneers, and no name has more important associations with the early life of Big Creek Township than theirs.
George Wolverton was born in Big Creek Township August 22, 1849, a son of Phillip and Margaret (Barnhardt) Wolverton. Phillip Wolverton was born in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, November 29, 1805, of German and English descent. He began life as a worker at the blacksmith trade. For several years he lived in Pickaway County, Ohio, and while there married Miss Mary Prigett. After her death he married Mrs. Barnhardt, who was the widow of Benjamin Barnhardt and the mother of three children by her first husband. Phillip and Margaret Wolverton had two children, one of whom is George, while the other was Phillip, Jr., who was born January 30, 1852, and died at Lafayette, Indiana, May 7, 1905, at the age of fifty-three years three months twenty-three days. Phillip Wolverton, Jr., married Emma Price, daughter of Joseph and Ellen Price. They were married December 1, 1880, and she died May 13, 1882. Her only daughter, Margaret Ellen, was born October 27, 1881, and now makes her home with her uncle, George Wolverton. Phillip Wolverton was a prosperous farmer and horse raiser, a democrat in politics, and a charter member of Chalmers Lodge of the Knights of Pythias. After the death of his first wife he married Carrie Cutler on June 18, 1885. She was born March 18, 1862, and died March 6, 1890. The three children of the second marriage of Phillip Wolverton were: Clara Cutler, born May 16, 1886; Pearl, born August 19, 1887, and the wife of Charles Carroll; and Ethel T., born January 25, 1890.
Phillip Wolverton, Sr., came into White County before the Indians had been dispossessed of this their happy hunting ground. He secured by entry from the Government 300 acres of land in Big Creek Township, and hired a man to build a cabin, and then returned to Ohio. In 1834 he brought out his family, making the journey by the usual pioneer means, and his was one of the first homes established in the county. Phillip Wolverton, Sr., had one master passion, and that was the acquisition of land. Starting life a poor boy, whenever he secured a few extra dollars he invested in land, and eventually acquired nearly all the land between the present home of George Wolverton and the Town of Chalmers. His first entry in White County was 160 acres, and to this he added from time to time until his estate comprised 2,500 acres, part of which he deeded to his children. He was a member of the Masonic Order. He died August 4, 1869, at the age of sixty-three years eight months five days. His second wife, who was born August 4, 1817, died October 5, 1876, aged fifty-nine years two months and one day.
Mr. George Wolverton married on December 22, 1874, Nancy Jane Reynolds, daughter of Benjamin and Lydia (Gardner) Reynolds. She claims that her brother, Isaac Reynolds, was the first white child born in White County. Benjamin Reynolds was a prominent early settler and the Town of Reynolds was laid out by him and bears his name. He became an early hotel keeper, and acquired a large amount of land in the township. Benjamin Reynolds died June 6, 1869, aged seventy years. His wife was born in North Carolina February 21, 1820. Mr. and Mrs. Wolverton have two living children, while two are deceased. Lillian, who was born November 2, 1875, and died May 9, 1877; Ella, born July 10, 1877, married Burdell B. Baker, son of Charles Baker, and they have a son, Burdell W. Baker, born March 17, 1901; Guy Reynolds Wolverton was born May 15, 1882, and lives at home with his father; while the youngest child, born March 20, 1884, died the thirty-first day of the same month.
Mr. George Wolverton has lived on his present fine estate since 1874. He put up
the farm house and all the other buildings, and together they comprise perhaps
as attractive and valuable a group of farm improvements as can be found in the
county. His farm consists of 477 acres, and besides this he has deeded a part of
his land holdings to his children. Mr. Wolverton has always been a hard working
citizen, and is still active in affairs. Stock raising is his main forte as a
farmer, and he pays particular attention to thoroughbred shorthorn cattle. He
and his wife and children are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he is
affiliated with the Knights of Pythias order, and in politics follows the lead of his
father and gives his support to the democratic party.
An old settler of White County, James R. Wood was born in North Carolina, July 3, 1829. His father located in West Point Township in 1846. In 1856 Mr. Wood purchased and located on a farm just south of Wolcott, where he lived the remainder of his life. He was married on April 14, 1857, to Esther Thomas. To them were born three children, only one of whom, Erasmus M., is now living. His widow and one grandson, Garey, are also still living, all residents of Wolcott. Mr. Wood was a member of Company K, Twelfth Indiana Cavalry. He was next to the youngest of ten children. His youngest sister and the only surviving member of the family is Mrs. Emily J. Johnson, whose husband, Jeremiah J. Johnson, was killed at Jackson, Mississippi, and she is now in the hospital at the State Soldiers' home at Lafayette. He died November 14, 1902.
While the Indians were still roaming through the woods and pitching their camps along the banks of the Tippecanoe and Wabash, and while the white population north and west of those rivers was still limited to a few cabins that marked the extreme outposts of the western frontier, the Woods family was introduced into the southeastern part of what is now White County. It is one of the oldest families that have remained in continuous possession of one locality and the name has always been identified with those solid virtues which are the best elements of American citizenship.
The pioneer was William Woods, who was born in the State of Vermont in 1784, and after living in Logan County, Ohio, moved out to Northwestern Indiana in 1830. He and his son, James K., entered 200 acres of what is now section 24, range 4, Prairie Township, White County. Of that 200 acres 120 acres are still in the family name, being owned by Mr. William Woods, grandson of the original pioneer. Grandfather Woods married Patsy Kelley, who was a native of Ohio and of Irish descent. William Woods died in 1839 at the age of fifty-five and was buried in the Barr Cemetery. He was a whig in politics.
Alfred Woods, who was the third among the children of William and Patsy Woods, was born in Ohio, September 18, 1818, and was still a young boy when the family came to White County. He died in February, 1868, and was buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery at Brookston, having for many years been identified with that fraternity. His active career was spent in farming pursuits, and he was known as a leader in community affairs. He was one of the trustees who built the old Brookston Academy. As a republican he was elected and served one term as state senator in the '60s. In church matters he was a Universalist, and one of the leading representatives of that faith in Southeastern White County. His material success is indicated by the fact that at the time of his death he owned 600 acres of valuable land. In all his relations he was straightforward, stood in unequivocal esteem, and well merited every honor and mark of respect paid him. Alfred Woods married Jane Maria McClain, a daughter of Alexander McClain, who was a pioneer in Tippecanoe County. The names of their seven children were: Alice, William, Albert A., Aitheus, James K., Jr., Jennie and Archibald. The only ones still living are William and Albert, the latter a resident of Cowley County, Kansas.
William Woods, who represents the third generation in White County, was born May 13, 1850, on section 34, range 4 in Prairie Township, and that one locality has always been his home. He has desired no other calling than that of a farmer, and has made that vocation the basis of a considerable success. His estate comprises 290 acres, situated three miles east of Brookston, and in the course of his active career he has not only provided a good home and advantages for his growing family of children but now has ample provision for his own declining years. At the same time he has been public spirited in his attitude toward community affairs, but has never interested himself in party politics, though he is a republican voter. He is a member of the Universalist Church.
On November 13, 1889, he married Miss Isola May Hendrickson, a daughter of Erick and Mary J. Hendrickson of White County. Of the eight children born to their union one died in infancy and all the others, with one exception are living at home. Their names are: Alfred H.; Walter A., who lives at Monroe, Michigan, and by his marriage to Adriah M. Hague has one child named Albert; James K.; Mary Jane; Lloyd D.; Earl D.; and Blanche R.
John Worthington was a son of Richard Worthington, who came to Pennsylvania from England in 1822. He was born in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, May 19, 1822, and when but eleven years old came with his parents to White County, the family living for many years on a farm about a mile west of Monticello. Of the family of eleven children he was the last survivor except his sister, Mrs. Victoria Bishir, of Marion, who was able to be present at his funeral. He was married April 10, 1853, to Lydia Vanscoy and to them were born eight children; his wife and three daughters survived him. In early life Mr. Worthington became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in which communion he lived his entire life. He died at his home in East Monticello, September 7, 1914.
On account of his size and weight, Mr. Worthington was for many years a conspicuous figure about Monticello. He was born in Monon Township, June 9, 1855, but most of his life was spent on his father's farm just west of Monticello. About ten years before his death his extreme weight compelled him to leave the farm and seek other employment. Three times he was elected justice of the peace for Union Township. He died December 14, 1896, before entering upon his third term.
There is an old proverb to the effect that a cradle is not a safe place for reliable prophecy concerning the future career and destiny of its occupant. This is paramount to saying that the place and circumstances of origin are of less importance than the factors which an individual brings into his own life at a later time than birth. The president of the Bank of Idaville, and one of the leading farmers and most influential citizens of that section of White County, was born August 6, 1847, in a hewed log cabin that stood two miles north and half a mile east of Idaville. He came into the world with circumstances no better and no worse than those surrounding the birth of many men of his time, but in his own life has accomplished that which gives him a deserved position of leadership.
His father was Stephen P. Wright, one of the most noteworthy of the early settlers of White County. Born in Kentucky, at the age of three years he lost his mother, and his father then settled in Putnam County, Indiana, later removed to the Wabash River in Carroll County, and while there the father died. Stephen P. Wright, who came to manhood in Carroll County, as an orphan boy had many privations and hardships. At the age of eighteen, without ever having had the advantages of schools, he learned the trade of wheelwright, and also worked at cabinet making. Many black walnut coffins, at $1 per foot, many chairs and spinning wheels and other wooden utensils of that day were made by him. He grew up in Carroll County and in that vicinity married Elizabeth Wood, by whom he became the father of three children. The wife and all these children died, and he subsequently married Elizabeth Billingsley. She was the mother of five children, of whom four are still living. In the latter part of 1845 Stephen P. Wright brought his family to what is now Jackson Township in White County, and buying forty acres, started to make a home, earning the means of support largely through work at his trade. His death occurred April 14, 1880, and his wife passed away in October, 1875. Though his early life had been one of many privations, he possessed the substantial virtues of the pioneer, was an excellent neighbor, and bore a reputation of square, upright conduct.
John B. Wright grew up on the old home place and after the age of nine lived on the farm which he still occupies. His youthful days were passed in farm work, with attendance at the neighboring district schools. He also for a time attended the Burnettsville Academy, and made such use of his opportunities that he was qualified as a teacher and spent thirteen terms in teaching winter schools. Since 1880 Mr. Wright has devoted the greater part of his time to farming. At first he owned only a small tract of land, and carried on his operations both on that and on rented land, and gradually invested his surplus capital until he is now the owner of about 242 acres. In 1909 Mr. Wright became president of the Bank of Idaville, and has given his business judgment and individual resources to that institution for the past six years.
Mr. Wright is a republican, and has done much for the benefit of his community. From August, 1890, to August, 1895, he was township trustee, and in 1908 completed another term of four years in the same office. Both he and his wife are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
While struggling to effect a position for himself as a teacher, Mr. Wright was married October 26, 1871, to Isabel Bailey, daughter of Thomas and Agnes (Morrison) Bailey. Thomas Bailey was born near Belfast, Ireland, and came with his people to Canada at the age of fifteen. In Canada he grew to manhood and married Agnes Morrison who was born in Scotland. In 1850 he brought his family to the United States and located on a farm in Carroll County, Indiana. There were three Bailey children, and of these Isabel, the wife of Mr. Wright, was born in Canada, July 16, 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are the parents of seven children: Stephen Calvin, who for a time was financial agent of the Reformed Church Presbyterian School of Cedarville, Ohio, and is now an instructor in that institution; Agnes Luella; Glensen Gale; Mary Elsie, wife of Elliott Crowell; Oda May, deceased, who married Harvey Downs; Laura Belle, who was educated in the Monticello High School and the State Normal at Terre Haute, Indiana, and graduated from the Reformed Presbyterian College at Cedarville, Ohio, was the principal of the Idaville Public Schools and on June 16, 1915, wedded Prof. Frederick D. Francis, who was the superintendent of the Idaville schools. One daughter, Fanny Edna, died when about fourteen years of age.
Nearly sixty years have passed since the Wynekoop family first established its home in White County and through these years the name has been associated with successful enterprise in the handling of land and livestock, with progressive activity in community affairs, and with those substantial virtues which give character to any community.
When William Wynekoop, the pioneer, passed away December 31, 1913, the community of West Point Township lost one of its finest old settlers. He belonged to German stock that had been introduced to America many years before the great bulk of emigration came from that country. William Wynekoop was born in Clinton County, Indiana, May 21, 1835, a date which indicates how early the family was established in Western Indiana. His father was also named William. William Wynekoop, the younger, moved to White County about 1856, and his labors put a tract of land in cultivation and in time he erected several substantial buildings. During the rest of his life he farmed and raised stock, and was an active republican and a regular attendant of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Wolcott.
William Wynekoop wedded for his first wife Sarah Ellen Mathews, and Lewis H. was the only child born to this marriage and he was a small child when his mother passed away. The father's second marriage was with Helen Haynes and to this marriage were born eleven children and those living are Frank Eldridge, Harvey E., Charles Ira, Gilbert E. and the three daughters, Lora, Clyde and Flo. Through his long continued exertions William Wynekoop accumulated 320 acres of land, and was always interested in local affairs of importance. For a couple of years he had an interest in a hardware store at Wolcott. His latter years were spent in retirement and he lived in Chicago until his death, and is buried at Crown Hill. He was reared and received his education in Clinton County.
Now a prosperous farmer in West Point Township, getting his mail from Wolcott over Rural Route No. 7, Lewis H. Wynekoop has made White County his home throughout his career. He was born in West Point Township, June 28, 1864, and from the age of four years was reared in the home of his maternal grandfather Mathews, who taught him industry, good habits, and he benefited more from this training than from his advantages in the country schools. Mr. Wynekoop is now the possessor of a fine farm of 280 acres, all of it under cultivation, well tiled, and productive of all the crops that can be grown in Indiana. As a stock raiser he has chief distinction among White County farmers. Some very fine stock can be found on his farm, consisting of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle, full blooded Poland-China hogs, and high grade Norman horses. Among other improvements he has remodeled his fine dwelling, has built barns, has put up a large silo, and in general has adapted his methods and facilities to the demands and standards of modern agriculture.
While a democrat, Mr. Wynekoop has never sought official honors, and fraternally is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, No. 409, at Wolcott. On March 13, 1887, he married Miss Chloe Isabel Spencer, daughter of John M. and Eliza A. (Wright) Spencer. The Spencer family came into White County when it was a new country, and Mrs. Wynekoop's parents are now living at Wolcott. Their home has been blessed with the birth of nine children, and those living have had not only the advantages of this home and the careful rearing from their parents, but also all the facilities supplied by the public schools. The names of the children are: Charles F.; Eben E.; Ina Nora, deceased; Lewis Spencer; Shafter M.; James Russell, deceased; Velma; Vera M.; and Ethel M. The children have all attended the common schools of West Point Township and the high school at Wolcott.
William Wynekoop was born at Kirklin, Indiana, May 21, 1835, the sixth child of a family of twelve children, of which he was the last survivor. In 1857 he located on a farm two miles south of Wolcott, where he lived until 1904, when he left to end his days with his son Dr. Charles I. Wynekoop, of Chicago, where he died December 31, 1913. He was twice married, the first time to Ellen Matthews, to whom was born one child, Lewis Matthews, who survived him. His second wife was Helen Haynes, to whom he was married in 1865, and to them was [sic] born ten children, three of whom had preceded him to the grave. His remains were interred in Rose Hill Cemetery, Chicago.