Biography of Charles W. Webster, pages 698/699.  History of 
DeKalb County, Indiana; B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc., 
Indianapolis, 1914.



The gentleman to whom the reader's attention is now 
directed was not favored by inherited wealth or the 
assistance of influential friends,  but in spite of this by 
perseverance, industry and a wise economy, he has attained 
a comfortable station in life and is well and favorably 
known throughout DeKalb county as a result of the 
industrious life he has lived here for many years, being 
regarded by all who know him as a man of sound business 
principles, thoroughly up-to-date in all phases of 
agriculture and stock raising and as a man who, while 
advancing all individual interest, does not neglect his 
general duties as a citizen. Charles W. Webster, an 
enterprising farmer and present trustee of Stafford 
township, was born on October 14, 1872, in this county, and 
is the son of George and Elsie (Wanamaker) Webster, both 
natives also of Stafford township, this county. The father 
was born July 13, 1846, and died February 10, 1911, and the 
mother was born November 24, 1852. George Webster served 
efficiently as assessor and trustee of Stafford township. 
To the parents were born the following children: Charles 
W., the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Vertie L. Emanuel, of 
Edgerton, Ohio, and Mrs. Helen Nihart, also of Edgerton.  
Charles W. Webster attended the common schools of DeKalb 
county, and then spent two years in the normal school at 
Wauseon, Ohio. He was reared to the life of a farmer and 
followed this vocation for a number of years, though he was 
for some time a traveling salesman, chiefly of stock foods 
of various kind, in which field of effort he was eminently 
successful. He is residing on the old home place, and is 
realizing a handsome profit from its operation. At the 
present time he is devoting himself to the breeding and 
raising of thoroughbred livestock, especially of Duroc-
Jersey hogs, though for the past fifteen years he has been 
interested in the breeding of sows. In 1904 he was elected 
the assessor of his township, and in 1908 was elected 
trustee, serving with such satisfaction that he was elected 
to succeed himself, and is the present incumbent of the 
office. On November 1, 1899, Mr. Webster was married to Ona 
Fusselman, the daughter of Nelson and Kate (Cotril) 
Fusselman, both of whom were natives of the state of Ohio, 
the father born in Trumbull county and the mother in 
Hancock, county. To the subject and wife has been born one 
son, Gerry L., whose birth occurred on August 10, 1901.  
Politically, Mr. Webster has been a life-long supporter of 
the Republican party and has taken a deep interest in the 
success of that organization especially in local affairs. 
Fraternally, he is a member of the Lodge No. 282, 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Butler. His life-long 
residence in DeKalb county, his upright life and mature 
judgment and the many services which he has rendered have 
made his name a synonym for character and worth. He is 
imbued with the deepest and most helpful spirit, and is 
well fortified in his opinion as to matters of public 
policy, and has given his best to the furthering of good 
government, being neglectful of no civic duty. Because 
personal friends throughout the community, who esteem him 
for his genuine worth.

Submitted by:

Arlene Goodwin

Auburn, Indiana


Agoodwin@ctlnet.com