Family Tree Maker's Genealogy Site: User Home Page Book: Kunkel Ancestors: Ahnentafel Report of Nellie Pearl Kunkel

Prev Page

Prev Item

Contents

Index

Go to Page

Home Page

Next Item

Next Page

Page 4 of 14

Ancestors of Nellie Pearl Kunkel

Generation No. 2

      2. Calvin Kunkel, born February 01, 1846 in Crawford Co., OH; died November 19, 1922 in Wells Co., IN. He was the son of 4. Jr. Michael Kunkel and 5. Julia Mason. He married 3. Sarah A. Plummer March 05, 1868 in Wells Co., IN.

      3. Sarah A. Plummer, born August 19, 1842 in Stark Co., OH; died November 10, 1914 in Wells Co., IN. She was the daughter of 6. John Plummer and 7. Lydia Neidlinger.

Notes for Calvin Kunkel:
Calvin was born in Ohio, moved with his parents to Indiana in 1849
and was reared on their farm in Wells County. "The History of Wells
County, Indiana," relates the following: "Being one of the oldest of
the family, he was obliged, when a mere youth, to assume no
inconsiderable share of the labor necessary to keep the domestic
machinery in motion. Owing to this responsibility, he was not
permitted to attend school as much as he desired, his educational
discipline being limited to a few months of each winter season from
about his eighth year to the early teens. He assisted his father with
the farm work until his marriage to Sarah Plummer. He then moved to
his father-in-law's place and began the pursuit of agriculture upon
his own responsibility. After a short time there he took up his
residence in the town of Ossian and entered the employ of Dr. J. I.
Metts and continued in his employ during the five years following.
When his father, Michael Kunkle, moved to Bluffton (1883), Calvin
rented the Kunkle farm which, with his own 95 acres of cultivated
land, gave him all he could do in the way of agriculture. Subsequently
he sold his farm of 95 acres for $2,500 and purchased of his
step-mother (Mary A. Kleinknight Kunkle) the old homestead which for
various reasons he now desired to own. He then had a beautiful farm of
80 acres, 70 of which were in cultivation. While his place was not as
large as some in the neighborhood, it was doubtful there was a farm of
that area of the township that showed greater evidence of thrift and
prosperity. His comfortable surroundings and everything else in his
possession were earned by the joint efforts of his good wife and
himself. That he made a success of life, seeing that he began the
struggle with no property other than a horse and a single set of
harness, is to state what was cheerfully conceded by those at all
acquainted with his circumstances. It is said that a traveling
salesman convinced Calvin to purchase a large number of saplings,
assuring him of their rapid growth and eventual use as fence posts.
This accounts for the tree-lined land to the present home and the
stand of trees around the property."
The land records in the Wells County court house show his purchase,
in January 1897, of Lots #7, 8, 9, and 10 in the Second Addition of
the town of Tocsin. He sold them in 1901.
"Calvin was recognized as possessing a strong sense of truth and
justice and in every relation with his fellow man he endeavored to
shape his life according to those principles. Industry was the key
with which he unlocked the door to prosperity and his success was
commensurate with the energy and good judgment manifested in all of
his undertakings. He labored diligently to provide the necessary
creature comforts for those dependent upon him. At the same time
obtaining from life much satisfaction, being optimistic in his ideas
and always inclined to look on the sunny side of things. He was a man
of considerable personal force and impressed all with whom he came in
contact as a gentlemen by nature and training, consequently enjoying
in full measure the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens. The
Kunkle family is one of the oldest and most highly respected in the
area of Wells County. It has been identified with the county since
pioneer times and its activities and influence as good citizens was
widespread. Calvin's integrity was never questioned and, whenever
known, the word of Calvin Kunkle was as good as his signature to a
written obligation. Calvin was a member of the Masonic lodge at
Ossian. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and held the
office of trustee. He was a worker in the local Sunday School and
nothing but sickness or unavoidable circumstances were permitted to
prevent his attendance."

More About Calvin Kunkel:
Burial: Abt. November 22, 1922, Bluffton, Wells Co., IN

Notes for Sarah A. Plummer:
Sarah's obituary in the Bluffton newspaper lists five children and a
brother & sister.
Sarah and Calvin were united in marriage by J. A. Williams, minister.
The license was issued by J. R. McCleery, Clerk of the Wells Circuit
Court, on March 3, 1868. Sarah Plummer Kunkle was the daughter of John
Plummer, one of the pioneer settlers of Wells County, and in every way
was fitted to be the companion and helpmate of the husband whose name
she so worthily bore. She was a well-known and highly respected member
of the community. The newspaper containing her obituary contains two
articles reflecting conditions at that time: "Hoof and Mouth Disease
Rampant" and a second entitled "Small Pox Closing All Public Places."

More About Sarah A. Plummer:
Burial: Abt. November 13, 1914, Bluffton, Wells Co., IN

Marriage Notes for Calvin Kunkel and Sarah Plummer:
J. A. Williams, Minister

Children of Calvin Kunkel and Sarah Plummer are:

Frank Kunkel, born Abt. 1870 in Wells Co., IN; died Aft. 1914; married Bessie L. Bender Abt. 1902 in Indiana; born July 06, 1883 in Indiana; died March 13, 1983 in Wells Co., IN.

Notes for Frank Kunkel:
The 1920 census indicates that the Frank Kunkel family was living at
401 East Main Street in North Manchester, Wabash County, Indiana.

More About Bessie L. Bender:
Burial: Abt. March 16, 1983, Watseka, Iroquois Co., IL

ii.

John Edward Kunkel, born August 18, 1872 in Wells Co., IN; died March 20, 1914 in Marion, Grant Co., IN; married (1) Mae Tillman September 28, 1898 in Grant Co., IN; born Abt. 1875; died April 25, 1902 in Marion, Grant Co., IN; married (2) Second Wife Kunkle Abt. 1905; born Abt. 1880.

Notes for John Edward Kunkel:
His obituary indicated he was survived by his second wife and two
children, his first wife and one child having died previously.

More About John Edward Kunkel:
Burial: March 23, 1914, Bluffton, Wells Co., IN

Notes for Mae Tillman:
Died of consumption after childbirth four months previous. Date 1909?

More About Mae Tillman:
Burial: Abt. April 27, 1902, Bluffton, Wells Co., IN

iii.

Charles William Kunkel, born March 26, 1874 in Ossian, Wells Co., IN; died March 05, 1925 in Bluffton, Wells Co., IN; married Cora Alice Wise September 28, 1898 in Wells Co., IN; born May 19, 1872 in Attica, Seneca Co., OH; died September 11, 1953 in Wells Co., IN.

Notes for Charles William Kunkel:
Charles lived in Ossian as a child, moving in 1883 with his parents
to the Kunkel homestead. He graduated from the common schools in 1888.
Charles William served in the Spanish American War. An article in the
1914 Bluffton newspaper notes him farming in Jefferson Township, Wells
County, Indiana.

More About Charles William Kunkel:
Burial: Abt. March 07, 1925, Bluffton, Wells Co., IN

Notes for Cora Alice Wise:
Cora's obituary indicated she was survived by Mrs. Charles Gentis, a
sister, Mrs. John West and a brother, Jesse E. Wise.

More About Cora Alice Wise:
Burial: Abt. September 14, 1953, Bluffton, Wells Co., IN

		iv.		Kunkel, born Abt. 1880 in Wells Co., IN; died Abt. 1880 in infancy.
	1	v.		Nellie Pearl Kunkel, born December 31, 1884 in Wells Co., IN; died September 13, 1929 in Paris, Lamar Co., TX; married John Henry Smith July 16, 1903 in Wells Co., IN.

Page 4 of 14

Prev Page

Prev Item

Contents

Index

Go to Page

Home Page

Next Item

Next Page