Miami County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (9 of 9 so headed), 1887

DANIEL BOWSER, one of the well-to-do farmers of Pipe Creek Township, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, Novembjr i, 1833, son of John and Susanna (Wyland) Bowser, natives of Ohio and of German extraction. Our subject's youth was passed amid the stirring scenes of farm life, with the rugged duties of which he early became familiar. He enjoyed such rude advantajies for an education as were offered in those days. From the time of his father's death, which occurred in 1851, he was his mother's only support, caring for her until her second marriage, which took place in 1853. The family then moved to Cioslun. Indiana. Mr. Bowser came to Pipe Creek Township in the winter of 1854, and purchased eighty acres of land. He has been twice married, the first time, in 1855, to Miss Mary Shivelv, daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Bowman) Shively. He chose for his second wife Hannah Shively, a sister of his former wife. They were married January 4, 1857, and are the parents of the following children: John E., born February 15, 1858; Susanna, born June i, 1861; Levi, born April 20, 1865, and Marv E., born June 16, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Bowser jre members of the German Baptist Church, with which they have been united for tiiirtv j'ears. Mr. Bowser officiated as minister in the second degree of his church for fifteen years. In politics he acts with the Democratic party.

JACOB W. BRANDT, one of the early pioneers of Miami Count\-, is a native of Penns3-lvania, born October 2, 1820. His pareiits were M:irtin and Elizabeth (Weaver) Brandt, both natives of Pennsvlvania, the former of German and the latter of English descent. Our subject remained with his parents, clerking in a store and securing in the meantime, a fair education, until twenl\-one vears old. He taught school some eight years, two of which he taught in Lewisburg, Cass Count}-. In the spring of 1842, he and his father purchased a tract of land in Tipton Township. In 1845, he moved to Pipe Creek Township, where he traded for 148 acres of heavily timbered land, then considered the poorest part of the county, but now one of the best farms in the locality. October 16, 1845, he was united in marriage with Rachel A. Hiller, and by her is the father of live children, only three, Anamelia A. James E. and Catharine C, yet living. The mother died June 15, 1859. Mrs. Martha A. Britton. his second wife, to whom he was wedded October 6, 1859, was born August 17, 1827, in Guilford County, North Carolina. In 1846, she married Charles Britton, who was called away in 1857. By him she was the mother of four children, these two yet living: John P. and Eliza A. To her union with Mr. Brandt, two children have been born, Flora A. and Elmar W. Mr. and Mrs. Brandt are members of the Christian Church. The pleasant Hill Church is located on their farm.

DANIEL DUCKWALL, farmer and prominent citizen of this township, is a native of Montgomerv County, Ohio. He is a son of Henrv and Rosanah ( Linginfelter) Duck wall, natives of Virginia and Maryland, respectively, and of German extraction. His parents were married in Berkley Count}-, Virginia, in 1800, and soon emigrated to Ohio. Daniel Duckwall was born July ID, 1822. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, and obtained a fair English education. At the age of twent}' he began teaching school, which profession he followed for a number of years. Mr. Duckwall emigrated to Cass County in 1848, and in 185 1 moved his family to his new home in Miami Countv. Here he experienced all the obstacles and privations incident to the settlement of a new country. He takes an active interest in all enterprises for the public good. Was elected Township Trustee at the first election held in Pipe Creek Township, which office he held for three years. He then became president of the board. At the expiration of his term of office he was appointed school examiner of the countv, and filled the office with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people. He now owns 600 acres of good land, and valuable property in Bunker Hill; never contracts a debt without the mone}' to pay for it, and never asks anyone to go his security. In 1847 he married Miss Elizabeth Myers, a union that resulted in the birth of two children - Laura J. and William C. ; both are married. Mrs. Duckwall departed this life in the year 1856. Three years later Mr. Duckwall married Nancy Z. Rider. The children born to them were Eugene L. (deceased), born June 5, i860; Ada Bell, born February i, 1862; Perry N., born November 26, 1864; Ernest D., born October 2, 1870, and Stella May, born December 19, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Duckwall are members of the M. E. Church. For the past twenty years Mr. Duckwall has been a class leader, and has officiated as local minister for ten years. He is a staunch supporter of the Republican party.

JOHN DUCKWALL, founder and builder of a large saw and flouring mill, known as the Champion Mills, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, and is a son of Henry and Rosana (Lingerfelter) Duckwall, both of German descent. Our subject assisted his father on the farm until reaching his majority, when they farmed on the shares. In 1845 he emigrated to Clinton Township, Cass County, where he remained four years, and then moved to Miami Countv, where he still resides. His milling property was destroyed by fire in 1857, creating a loss of $5,000. He had rebuilt this saw- mill by the following spring and afterwards rebuilt the grist-mill. After remodeling four times he has to-day one of the best equipped mills in the county. March 21, 1845, Lydia Myers became his wife, and by hmi tlie mother of six children, viz: an infant unnamed; Amanda J., married in 1873 to Geo. Blue, and in 1878 she received a stroke of lightning which killed her instantly; Emma M. (deceased), Ida B., Dora C. and Carrie O. Mr. Duck wall is a staunch Republican, and he and wife have been members of the Regular Baptist Church for thirty years.

J. W. ELLIS, M. D. - Dr. Ellis was born in Clinton Count}-, Ohio, July 3, 1827, and the fifth of a family of nine children born to Robert and Anna ( Hockett) Ellis. His father is of Welsh descent, and his mother a native of V'irginia. He received a good education in youth, studied medicine with Dr. Smizer, of Waynesville, and was a graduate in 1854 from the Eclectic Medical Institute, of Cincinnati, Ohio. His tirst location was Jonesboro. From there he went to Marion, where he successfulh followed his profession until 1866. For the last twenty years he has had an extensive practice in Peru, at one time having the largest practice in the county. His marriage with Miss Jemima Jones was celebrated June 26, 1851. Her parents, Obediah and Ann Jones, laid out the town of Jonesboro in 1S41. The Doctor lost his wife January 26, 1854. He again married in i860. Miss Louisa McClure, who died May 18, 1863, leaving one child, named Minnie L., who has unusual talent in art. She is now diligently pursuing her studies, and is expected to rank among the leaders of her profession. Caroline Leonard, his third wife, to whom he was wedded October 25, 1866, died April 10, 1884. He is a Republican, a member of the F. & A. M. and I. O. O. F. fraternities, and belongs to the Presb\terian Church.

WILLIAM J. FANSLER, son of Adam and Mary ( Foss) Fansler, was born in Butler Township, Miami Count}', October 21, 1844. His father was a native of Virginia of German descent; his mother a native of Ohio and of English descent. His boyhood was spent upon his father's farm, where he received a good common school education. At twenty-four years of age, January 23, 1864, he wedded Miss Ophelia C. Pence, of Peru. They are the parents of two children, namely: Orla R., born September 24, 1865, and Maudie G., born January 4, 1872. In the spring of 1863 he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Fifty-tirst Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and was placed in the .^rmy of the Cumberland under Buell. He participated in the noted battle of Gettysburg, and was mustered out in the fall of 1865. He began life a poor man, but now owns a fine grocery store in Bunker Hill, where he established himself in

1880. Mr. Fansler is an enterprising and wide-awake young man, a Republican in politics, firmly believing in the principles of his part}', and a member of the I. O. O. F. in good standing.

STEPHEN FINNEY is a native of Miami County ,Ohio, born August 14, 1838, a son of John and Rebecca Finney, natives of Ohio, and of Irish descent. The same year of his birth his parents moved to Randolph County, Indiana, and in 1856, to Deer Creek Township. He married, November .1, 1859, Mary Larton, daughter of Israel and Sarah Larton, residents of Randolph County. By their union there are four children living: Rosa L., Ulysses, Orlando and Minnie. Februar}- 24, 1865, he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Fiftv-First Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, and was placed in the Army of the Cumberland. He served until September 11, 1865. After his discharge he engaged in farming, in Deer Creek Township, until 1S82, and then followed bujdng and shipping stock in Bunker Hill for one year. He is now a member of the only hardware firm in Bunker Hill, that of Finney & Clem. The)' do a thriving business. Mr. Finney is a member of John M. Wilson Post, No. 112, G. A. R., and in every respect a most exemplary citizen.

RUFUS T. JONES, farmer, Pipe Creek Township, is a native of Oneida County, New York, his birth occurring December 2. 181 7. He is of Irish and Welsh descent. His parents, John and Hannah (Thurston) Jones, moved to Oswego County, where he received sufficient education to enable him to teach school for a livelihood. He was married to Lucy S. Dibble June 15, 1841, and to their union one child was born, Ralph H., born May 23, 1842. Mrs. Jones departed this life November 9, 1845. Mr. Jones was again married April 29, 1847, to Mary, daughter of Moses and Betsy Burr. He came to this county in 1S46 and followed the blacksmith's trade. During the war he was, for a time, manager of the blacksmith department under General Rosecrans. In 1852 he went to California and remained there about two years. He now owns a fine improved farm, located in one of the best farming districts in the county. Mrs. Jones was born November 26, 1825, in Fairfield County, Connecticut. She is the mother of four children, as follows: Maurice L., born August I, 1845, who now resides in Fort Wayne, and is engaged in the photography business; Eulalie, born May 25, 1858; Viola E., born May 15, 1863, and Frank B., born August 27, 1863. Mr. Jones began life with comparatively nothing, but, by close attention to business, has succeeded in accumulating a competency for his declining years.

PETER KEEGAN wasborn in Ireland February i, 1833. He emigrated to America in 185 1 and engaged in the shoe business in Natick, Massachusetts. His marriage with Miss Bridget Killen, also of Ireland, was solemnized in 1853. Four children have been born to them, named: Elsie E., William F., Schuyler C. and Cordelia M. From Natick he went to Toledo, Ohio, and remained one year. In 1857 he came to Peru. August 11, 1862, he enlisted in Compan}- C, 87th Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and was placed in the Army of the Cumberland. He took part in the following noted battles: Perryville, Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Resaca and Kenesaw Mountain. At the last battle of Nashville he went with his command to Washington and took part in the Grand Review. He was mustered out in June, 1865. After his return from the war he settled in Bunker Hill. His earW recollections of this vicinity are good. Mr. Keegan is a Republican, and has held the olllce of Justice of the Peace for twelve years. He is now notra\' public and also engaged in the shoe business. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and identitied himself with the M. E. Church in 1852.

DR. JAMES T. LISTON, one of the oldest pioneers of Pipe Creek Township and builder of the first house in Peru, is a native of New Castle Count}^ Delaware, where he was born September 16, 1804. He is one of four children born to William and Margaret (Thomas) Liston, natives of Delaware and of English and Welsh extraction respectively. Dr. Liston received a {rood education in the schools of Delaware and Pennsvlvaia, graduating from the Peru Medical Uni\ersity in 1826. In 1823 his parents moved to Richmond, Indiana. After finishing school our subject began the practice of medicine in Muncie, but soon went from there to Winchester, where he remained five j-ears. During the time, November 19, 1829, he married Rachel Wav, a native of North Carolina. Mrs. Way blessed her husband with ten children, namely: William M. (deceased), Mary J. (deceased), Phebe A. (deceased), the first white child born in Peru, and also the first death in the town. She was born Aug. 21, 1834, '^"<^ ^^^^ ^^S- 31 of the same year. Jonathan A., Margaret L. (deceased), James F., William M., Rebecca E., John Way and Charles L. Mrs. Liston died May 30, 1879. '^^^ Doctor is eighty-two years old and in good health. He is a member of the F. & A. M. and I. O. O. F. fraternities, belongs to the Christian Church, and has been a life-long Democrat, having voted for General Jackson early in life. He now resides with his son, John W. Liston, a citizen of this township, whose birth occurred in Wabash Count\', March 19, 1846. John began teaching at the early age of sixteen years, and taught four years. He is a staunch Democrat, and takes an active part in the interests of his township. He was elected Township Trustee by a handsome majority in 1886, and under his management the schools are prospering. He was also superintendent of the gravel roads in this township for a number of years. Jan- nary 17, 1867, he was married to Elizabeth Shively, daughter of David R. Shively, of Ohio, a union blessed with the birth of three children - William F. (deceased), Anna D. and David T.

DR. HENRY P. McDOWELL was born in Pipe Creek Township, December 20, 1S52. His parents, David and Nancy (Childrees) McDowell, were natives of Pennsj-lvania, the former of Irish and the latter of German descent. The daj-s of Henr3-'s boyhood and youth were passed on his father's farm, and in acquiring a common school education. At the age of seventeen years he began life for himself, devoting his attention to school teaching, which vocation he followed very successfully for ten years. He began the study of medicine under the guidance of Dr. Henry Alford, of Walton. After reading three years with him he entered the Indiana Medical College, graduating in March, 1882. Since his return to Bunker Hill, he has been engaged in practicing his profession, having built up a lucrative business. June I, 1876, he was married to Miss Ellen Brvant, and to them have been born four children, as follows: Marion, Gladvs, Benson and Charles. Dr. McDowell is politically a Democrat, and enjoys the confidence and good will of the public. His portrait appears elsewhere in this volume.

DR. JAMES A. MEEK was born in Scott County. Indiana, August 18, 1828. His parents were Robert and L\dia B. (Ilass) Meek, natives respectively of Ohio and Virginia. From ten years of age our subject relied upon his own resources for a living. At the age of twenty he went to LaPorte and entered the office of his uncle. Dr. T. D. Lemon. He studied medicine with his uncle for two years and attended lectures at the Indiana Medical College, which was then located at LaPorte. In 1850 he began practicing his profession in New Marion, Ripley Count}-, Indiana. The gold e\-citement was then at its height, and the Doctor, with others, left on the first da\' of March, 1S52, overland for California. The entire distance was traveled with ox teams, excepting one hundred miles over the Sierra Nevada Mountains, which he traveled in four daj's on foot. After several unsuccessful efforts in taking claims, he began the practice of medicine in Marvsville. In the fall of 1854 he returned to the States, and December 25, was married to Matilda E. Lewis, daughter of Daniel and Ann M. Lewis. Two children were born to this union: Mary L. and Thomas O. From the time of his marriage until 1858, Dr. Meek was located in Peru, but has since been a resident of Bunker Hill. In 1866 Mrs. Meek died. She was a member of the Methodist Church and esteemed by all who knew her. In 1868 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary B. Gilmore, widow of Dr. A. W. Gilmore, surgeon of the 9th Regiment, Indiana Volunteers. Dr. and Mrs. Meek are the parents

JOSEPH S. MILLS. - Mr. Mills was born in Preble County, Ohio, March 19, 1837, and is the son of Geor<re and Elizabeth (Swerer) Mills. His father came from Ireland and his mother from New Jersey. He passed his \outh and early manhood ofi his father's farm, in Preble County, Ohio, was educated in the county school, and at the age of eighteen began life upon his own responsibility, as a farmer. He came to this county in 1868, and is one of the most industrious and enterprising farmers of Pike Creek Township. He is the owner of 320 acres of well improved land in Section 13, and is now comfortably situated, a result obtained through his own exertions. He is a strong advocate of the principles of the Republican party. Mr. Mills was married May 25, i860, to Miss F. M. Dodge, of Preble County, Ohio, who was born January 29, 1845. The result of this marriage has been six children : George F., born October 28, 1861, died April 6, 1864; William C, born November 4, 1863, died August 29, 1865; Charles L., born July 9, 1865; Ella F., born June 29, 1867; Marion E., born September 22, 1882; and Lizzie, born November 20, 1883. Mrs. Mills is a member of the German Baptist Church.

JOHN W. O'HARA is a native of Connersville, Fayette County, Indiana, born September 22, 1853. He is the son of James and Catharine (Galvin) O'Hara, both natives of Ireland. At an early age the subject of this sketch moved with his parents to Rush County, where the father died in the fall of 1861, thus leaving a large and helpless family dependent on the care of a widowed mother. Soon after the death of the father the family moved to Cass County and settled on an undeveloped farm near Galveston. By unremitting energy the woodland was soon converted into the growing field, and the poverty, which the family had long endured, gave wa}' to prosperity. He received his elementar}- education in the common schools of his adopted count}- and in the graded schools of Galveston, which he attended during the winter of each year. Believing himself competent to assume the responsibility of a pedagogue, he entered that profession in October, 1875, teaching three successive terms in the same district, which fact alone speaks for his success. He afterward tilled the responsible position of principal of the Bunker Hill Graded School. He was elected Justice of the Peace of Pipe Creek Township, which position he held for three years. In 1883 he bought the office and equipments of the Bunker Hill P/css, and became its editor and proprietor. Under the management of Mr. O'Hara the Press has been a financial success, and in matter and make-up commends itself to its patrons. For the party service rendered and his acknowledged qualifications.

Mr. O'Hara was appointed postmaster at Bunker Hill, September, 1885. Mr. O'Hara was married January, 1878, to Miss Ella C. Thornton, of Galveston, Cass County, and this union has been blessed with four children, viz.: May (deceased), Bessie, James and Genevieve. Mrs. O'Hara is a lady of superior intelligence, and, besides being a ready writer in prose, has written much in verse, which is said, those best acquainted with her writings, to possess much merit.

WILLIAM W. ROBBINS, proprietor of the Robbins Hotel in Bunker Hill, is the second in a famih' of six children born to Joseph M. and Elizabeth (Knox) Robbins, the former a native of New York, and of English descent; the latter a native of Ohio and of Irish descent. The parents were united in marriage in Jefferson County in the year 1841, and mo\ed to DeKalb County, Indiana, in 185 1, where they resided until their respective deaths, the mother dving in 1863 and the father in 1876. William grew to manhood in DeKalb Count}-, and was raised to agricultural pursuits. He obtained a good English education, and at the age of- sixteen years tried to enter the army, but was rejected on account of his youth, but was accepted later. He enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and Eeighteenth Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, under Buchanan, and served eight months, when he received an honorable discharge. He enlisted in September, 1864, in Companv G, Twentv-tirst Regiment, First Indiana Heavy Artillery, and served until the close of the war. Returning from the war he embarked in the photography business, which he conducted until 1875. In 1880, he took charge of the Robbins Hotel in Bunker Hill. April 22, 1869, Alice E. Dinius became his wife. They were married b}- Rev. Bishop A. Weaver, of the U. B. Church. She is a native of Huntington County, born July 18, 1851, and one of a family of seven children born to John G. and Marv (Bash) Dinius, natives of Stark Countv, Ohio, and of German descent. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Robbins, namely: Edith, Clara E. and Paul. Mr. Robbins is now captain of the Bunker Hill Light Guards, which company he organized in 1885. While a resident of Huntington County he held a commission as second lieutenant in the Lime City Batter)', a State organization. Mr. Robbins is one of the leaders and able counselors of the Democratic party in Miami County, a member of the I. O. O. F. and John M. Wilson Post, No. 12, G. A. R.

BENSON SULAVAN, son of Joshua and Nancy Sulavan, the former a native of Mar^^land, and the latter a native of Virginia, is the proprietor of the leading general store of merchandise in Bunker Hill. He was born near Athens, Ohio, February I, 1838. His parents emigrated to and settled in Harrison

Township, this county, in 1847. Mere the}- purchased a wild tract of land, built a cabin and opened up roads, there beint;; but two laid out roads south of the Wabash. Benson was reared at home until thirteen years of a<fe, wiien he began battling with life alone. He engaged in farm labor for some time, and then followed the carpenter's trade until twenty-four years old. July 22 he enlisted in Compan\- C, Eighty-seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and was placed in the Department of the Ohio, under Buell. He remained during the war, participating in the following battles: Perryville, Hoover's Gap, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge, Ringgold, Dalton, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek and Marietta, and, strange to say, passed through all those hard foutrht battles without receiving a wound. Prior to entering the war he was married to Rebecca E. Rees, September 3, 1857. To this union was born one child, Charles A., who is now aiding his father in the mercantile business. Mrs. Sulavan was called away in 1867, and December 4, 1S68, he was united in marriage with Lucinda Keyes. a native of Ohio. Mr. Sulavan is a member of the F. & A. M., and a Republican in politics. He is a thorough-going business man, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

ALVIN L. WECKLER, only son of William and Hannah (Walters) Weckler, both natives of Germany, was born Januarjr 30, 1858, in this county. He received an ordinary education. Owing to the father's delicate health, it devolved upon Alvin to take charge of the farm when but sixteen years of age. September 21, 1882, he married Miss Ida Bell Duckwall, daughter of John and Lydia Duckwall, old and respected residents of this county. Mrs. Weckler was born July 24, 1859. After completing the common school course, she attended Franklin College for two years, and then taught school for a number of years. She is the mother of two children, Jennie Olive and John William. Mr. Weckler owns a half interest in the Champion Mills, near Bunker Hill, and a half interest in one of the best farms in this locality. He is a Republican in pollitics, and a young man of energy and ability.

DR. WILLIAM T. WILSON, a prominent physician of Bunker Hill, is a son of Reuben and Miriam (Overman) Wilson, both natives of North 'Carolina and of English descent. He was born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, August 4, 1827. When quite young his parents came to Wayne County, Indiana, and settled on a farm. The Doctor, having prepared himself for college, attended Earlham for one year and a half. He then went South with a drove of horses, and visited his relations in South and North Carolina and Virginia. After his return he taught school for several years. In 185 1 he began reading medicine with Dr. Purviance, of what was then known as " New Port," but now called Fountain City, with whom he remained three and a half years; after which he practiced his profession in West Newton, Marion County. Duringthis time he was married to Marv E. Cooper, daughter of Robert Cooper, a prominent attorney of Henry County. Two children blessed this union : Ida B. and Eva M. The Doctor lost his wife April I, 1866, and was again married, May 8, 1873, to Mar}- A. Barker, relative of the noted Dr. Fordyce Barker, of Bellevue College, New York. In 1866, Dr. Wilson located in Bunker Hill, where he has since been actively engaged in his profession. Previous to his coming he took a two years' course of lectures in the Cleveland Medical College, and also took a course of lectures in the Rush Medical College of Chicago, where he graduated in medicine and surgery, January, 1863. He is a Republican and a strictly temperate man.